ROAD RACING • DRAG RACING • STUNT RIDING • CUSTOM BIKES • LIFESTYLE
APRIL 2018 VOL 8 ISSUE 7
SPORTBIKESINCMAG.COM TM
YAMAHA'S 2018
R
WORLD
ARAI'S DEFIANT-X HELMET | THE SUM OF ALL PARTS: VOODOO CUSTOM MOTORCYCLE COMPONENTS | IMPROVE YOUR SKILLS: THE LAST LAP | RIDING THE COASTS | MOTOGP: SHINE ON YOU CRAZY DIAMONDS SPORTBIKESINCMAG.COM | 1
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UNTIL NOW, WE HAVE BEEN ASKED TO TA K E S I D E S. T O C H O O S E B E T W E E N W I C K E D O R V I R T U O U S , B R U TA L O R S O P H I S T I C AT E D , R E F I N E D O R W I L D , G E N T L E M A N O R B A S TA R D . Y O U D E S E R V E B O T H.
© Ducati North America 2016
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CONTENTS
APRIL 2018 - VOLUME 8, ISSUE 7 http://issuu.com/action/page?page=14
14 THE PRESS ROOM http://issuu.com/action/page?page=46 46 THE GRID NEWS http://issuu.com/action/page?page=50 50 MOTOGP WITH B.T. - By B.T. http://issuu.com/action/page?page=60 60 THE NUMBERS - By Cory West http://issuu.com/action/page?page=76 76 THE INSIDE LINE - By Devonne Duerbaum http://issuu.com/action/page?page=88 88 FEATURED RIDERS http://issuu.com/action/page?page=94 94 THE SUM OF ALL PARTS http://issuu.com/action/page?page=100 100 IMPROVE YOUR SKILLS - By Eric Wood http://issuu.com/action/page?page=108 108 THE NEW ISH REVIEW http://issuu.com/action/page?page=116 116 THE NEW ISH
FEATURED RIDER: JEFF ROSE http://issuu.com/action/page?page=90 PAGE 90 4 | SPORTBIKESINCMAG.COM
ICON MOTOSPORTS
®
RIDEICON.COM
SPRING 18
KYLE SLIGER AIRFRAME PRO WARBIRD HELMET OVERLORD SB2 JACKET OVERLORD GLOVE
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FEATURES
APRIL 2018 - VOLUME 8, ISSUE 7
THE FIRST RIDE: YAMAHA'S 2018 R WORLD
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RIDING THE COASTS
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http://issuu.com/action/page?page=108
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IMPROVE YOUR SKILLS: THE LAST LAP
http://issuu.com/action/page?page=100
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MOTOGP WITH B.T.: CRAZY DIAMONDS
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THE SUM OF ALL PARTS: VOODOO CUSTOM COMPONENTS
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STAFF
Publisher//Editor in Chief: Allan Lane allan@sportbikesincmag.com
EDITORIAL
ART & DESIGN
Drag Racing Editor: Rickey Gadson rickey@sportbikesincmag.com
Creative Director//Layout//Design: Allan Lane allan@sportbikesincmag.com
Fashion Editor: Kiana Gadson kiana@sportbikesincmag.com
Creative Supervisor: Leon Brittain leon@sportbikesincmag.com
Moto Tech Editor: Thomas Campion tommy@sportbikesincmag.com
Graphic Designer: Baz baz@sportbikesincmag.com
Riding Editor: Eric Wood eric@sportbikesincmag.com Staff Writers: Leon Brittain leon@sportbikesincmag.com Lion James lion@sportbikesincmag.com B.T. bt@sportbikesincmag.com Devonne Duerbaum devonne@sportbikesincmag.com Jasmin St. Claire jasmin@sportbikesincmag.com
Cover Photography: Brian J. Nelson Contributing Photographers: Brian J. Nelson MotoGP.com 572 Creations Apex Pro Hot Shots by Lisa
Copy Editor: Angela Lane angela@sportbikesincmag.com Contributors: Cory West
SportBikes Inc Magazine - April 2018 Volume 8, Issue 7 To receive SportBikes Inc Magazine’s 2018 Media Kit and Advertising Rates, please email: info@sportbikesincmag.com.
In no way can any part of this magazine be reproduced in print, digital, broadcast or any other manner without the expressed written permission of the publisher.
SportBikes Inc Magazine (ISSN 2158-009X) is published monthly by Hard Knocks Motorcycle Entertainment.
SportBikes Inc Magazine is not responsible for any advertising claims made by its advertisers or partners.
Any and all items submitted to SportBikes Inc Magazine will become the sole property of SportBikes Inc Magazine and are subject to, but not limited to edits, comments and titles.
Sportbikes Inc Magazine, staff and partners are not responsible for injuries, loss or damage to their being, vehicle or property, including death that may result from contest submissions.
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DEFIANT-X, 2018
ARAIAMERICAS.COM
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FEATURE STORY
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YAMAHA'S 2018
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WORLD PAGE 20
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FROM THE EDITOR
O
ne of the joys of my job as a motojournalist is the fact that I get to travel the world, ride motorcycles and write about them. While that seems like a sweet deal in itself‌ there is a hidden gem that is often hard to put into words, even for me. Typically, at press events, you tend to see the same familiar faces of other journalists from different publications. It might as well have been yesterday because you pretty much pick up right where you left off. Press events can emit the same sentiments of mini family reunions. For however long the event is, usually 3-4 days, these other journalists are your brothers and sisters of the bike, your support system, friends and drinking buddies... Now multiply that by several times a year on a global scale and you’ve got yourself a nice little 12 | SPORTBIKESINCMAG.COM
crew. Even though we all work for competing media outlets, our common core is that we are riders first and foremost. We are there to work but we make a point to enjoy our lives as much as possible. If journalism has brought us together, then motorcycles have made us family. So while my vocation is pretty damn sweet, the hidden gem that is the camaraderie of my brothers and sisters of the bike and the proverbial pen, makes it that much sweeter. And to my colleagues/family... Ride on. Write on. Right on. Ya dig? Best, Allan allan@sportbikesincmag.com
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THE PRESS ROOM
INDUSTRY NEWS HONDA ANNOUNCES THEIR NEW 2019 CB300R: SIMPLE AND CLEAN, THIS 300 WILL AVAILABLE IN THE U.S. LATER THIS YEAR The Honda CB300R made its international debut at the 2018 EICMA show but do not simply call it a scaled down CB1000R. Honda has announced that the new CB300R will be made available to the US market this Summer. The CB300R sheds the unnecessary and gets down to the essentials, capturing the essence of the current trend of Cafe Racer inspired machines. With a seat height of 31.5 inches, the CB300R only weighs 313 pounds wet. Add another 5 pounds if you opt for the ABS option. This is in part, due to the new tubular and pressed steel frame and the cafe styled aluminum wheels. There are a newly designed exhaust, new intake, and a full function LCD display as well as LED lighting features. The brake setup is composed of radially mounted Nissin 4 piston front brake calipers with 296mm floating brake disc. The 2019 CB300R will be released 2 colorways: Chromosphere Red and Matte Gray Metallic. Look for the CB300R to begin hitting showroom floors in July of 2018 with a price tag of $4,649 and $4,949 (ABS) 14 | SPORTBIKESINCMAG.COM
THE DIABLO ROSSO CORSA II: PIRELLI’S FIRST FRONT TIRE WITH MULTI COMPOUND CONSTRUCTION
PIrelli’s new offering includes, for the first time, a front tire with a multiple compound construction. The front tire is composed of two compounds in three zones. The rear Rosso Corsa II features three compounds in five zones. The goal is to achieve maximum grip at all lean angles, in all weather conditions. The Corsa II’s front tire profile is broader and wider and offers a substantial increase in the contact patch, compared to the previous Rosso. The rear tire follows suit for unity and overall harmony. The Diablo Rosso Corsa II has two significant wear indicators. The first is a Racing Wear Indicator located on the slick of the shoulder… It also documents the elimination of the infamous chicken strips. The second is located on the rear. The product name and the flash symbol are found on the tread shoulder while the “D” is located on the central tread band. The “D” disappears after circa 300 kilometers. The Diablo Rosso Corsa II comes in one size for the front and six sizes for the rear. SPORTBIKESINCMAG.COM | 15
THE PRESS ROOM: INDUSTRY NEWS WOOLIE’S WORKSHOP AND ALPINESTARS COLLAB ON THE OSCAR Celebrating 55 years as a foothold in the bike industry, Alpinestars reached out to custom bike builder, Michael Woolaway to produce a custom build that would resonate that sentiment of achievement, heritage and passion for the their brand. The result was the Oscar, a bike that possesses references to Alpinestars’ tremendous race history and members of their race family. The thumb brake is a nod to Mick Doohan and the the seat is a salute to Nicky Hayden. Akrapovic created the MotoGP inspired exhaust while Michelin provided the tire tech. “Alpinestars has covered my body and protected me for all
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the years I have raced. I have watched it go from its start in boot manufacturing in motocross, to leather race suits, to the mind-boggling innovation baked into the Tech-Air suit they recently brought to the US market. So, after talking with Gabriele at Laguna Seca two years ago, I found a new 1974 Ducati 750 Sport build race engine still in a crate. This motor was built to period race spec and would be the perfect Italian heart of the bike, but the bike also had to have current race spec components to tell the whole “new and old” story of this brand with styling from 1960’s Italian GP and a bit of more modern Ducati GP. Legendary frame builder Jeff Cole and I collaborated on the frame, and Jeff agreed to build the central section for this project”.
REAX MOTO APPAREL Revzilla and COMOTO have launch a new riding apparel company that focused on the less is more approach, aesthetically. REAX is aimed to offer a refined and subtle look to the market. You’ll notice straight away that the line’s branding is minimal. The line includes jackets, pants, and gloves and is now available at Revzilla and all Cycle Gear store locations across the U.S. and online.
NEW RUBBER: BRIDGESTONE RELEASE THE R11 BATTLAX The new Battlax Race R11 introduces new tire technology from the house of Bridgestone. Taking huge steps of progress from its predecessor, the R10, the R11 possesses new compounds and a new variable mono spiral belt construction. The r11 actually tested 1.5 seconds than the R10. The R11 features a newly developed tread pattern that follows the direction of stress at a number of lean angles. That means tread rigidity and proper contact patch consistency that results in greater feedback and feel for the rider, improved grip and overall enhanced performance. The R11 Battlax is available in the full size range, from 11/70R17M/C to 200/55R17M/C with prices from $125.24 to $231.84. SPORTBIKESINCMAG.COM | 17
Fi nd yo ur favori te loca l d ea ler on w w w. t a w p e r f o r m a n c e . c o m / d e a l e r s 18 | SPORTBIKESINCMAG.COM
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YAMAHA'S 2018
R
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WORLD
YAMAHA’S "R WORLD" IS DETERMINED TO RIDE IN, TAKE NAMES AND KICK SOME, IF NOT ALL, ASS.
WORDS: ALLAN LANE IMAGES: BRIAN J. NELSON SPORTBIKESINCMAG.COM | 21
THE FIRST RIDE: YAMAHA'S 2018 R WORLD
2018 YAMAHA YZF-R3
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WHEN
you look at Yamaha’s 2018 R World line up, it becomes very clear that the
manufacturer has set their sights on domination. Their offerings in each class is a testament to their efforts of satisfying the needs of every sportbike rider, ranging from entry level to full blown super biker. Yamaha’s R World represents a supergroup of machines that is inspired by the spirit and passion for the global community of Yamaha owners. Composed of the 2018 YZF-R3, YZF-R6, YZF-R1 and the YZF-R1M, all equipped the new Bridgestone R11 Battlax tires, Yamaha’s R World is determined to ride in, take names and kick some, if not all, ass.
THE 2018 YAMAHA YZF-R3 To call the R3 an entry level bike is a slight disservice. While the engine capacity makes it more user-friendly to a new rider, the bike is loaded with features that make it a treasure for the seasoned rider in the track environment. The 321cc, inline twin cylinder engine is home to lightweight forged pistons that do their work inside of offset cylinders that minimize friction and focus on producing more power. The lines of the 2018 model continue to be refined into a sporty aggression that takes notes from it’s older siblings, the R6 and R1. When you add in the new Yoshimura Y series slip on muffler, it does more than add to the bikes profile. A boost in performance and sound is always a welcomed attribute. The brake setup includes a single 298mm front disc and a 220mm disc in the rear and is available with the option of ABS. The 2018 R3 performs impressively well with proper engine output and encouraging ergonomics. Being a larger guy, I was SPORTBIKESINCMAG.COM | 23
THE FIRST RIDE: YAMAHA'S 2018 R WORLD
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WHILE THE ENGINE CAPACITY MAKES IT MORE USER-FRIENDLY TO A NEW RIDER, THE R3 IS LOADED WITH FEATURES THAT MAKE IT A TREASURE FOR THE SEASONED RIDER IN THE TRACK ENVIRONMENT.
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THE FIRST RIDE: YAMAHA'S 2018 R WORLD comfortable in the saddle without feeling cramped or encumbered. The R3 is quick and nimble… I mean really nimble. It is one of the easiest bikes I’ve ever ridden. Simple, clean, quick and nimble, the 2018 YZF-R3 brings plenty to the table with a price tag under $5,300.
THE 2018 YAMAHA YZF-R6 The YZF-R6 is a proven track weapon and race winner. Since the introduction of the second generation of body style, the R6 has resembled a fighter jet and contained the muscle to back up that description. There is a thin line between quick and fast and the qualities that identify the two elements differ slightly. Quick is what something can be, Fast is what something is. The 2018 YZF-R6 is both, quick and fast. The new R6 continues to manhandle the supersport class with a new package that is comprised of proper electronics and engine components. Yamaha’s Chip Controlled Throttle (YCC-T) offers smooth input translations from the most subtle twist of the throttle to full wrist breaking wide open pins. The YCC-T can be controlled via the selectable drive modes: standard, A mode and B mode. Another component that offers rider precision is the 2018 R6’s advanced adjustable traction control that allows you maintain control of the machine when exiting corners and getting on the gas. The 2018 model continues with that aggressive race styling that offers both curb appeal and sexiness at speed, that the R6 has become known for. Yamaha has released new accessories to further compliment the distinct styling of the R6. The GYTR quick 26 | SPORTBIKESINCMAG.COM
2018 YAMAHA YZF-R6
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THE FIRST RIDE: YAMAHA'S 2018 R WORLD
shift system gives you the option of performing full throttle, clutchless upshifts so you can stay on the throttle. Sleek flush frame sliders add a level of protection to the bike’s frame in the event that there is a tip over or slide. These sliders are low profile and blend into the frame and linework of the bike. If you didn’t know that they were there, you’d most likely overlook them. If you are heading to a track day and need to remove the stock mirrors, Yamaha has you covered with their mirror block off kit. While you’re at, install the rear stand hook kit. Need few more horses and a richer sound? Enhance the R6 with the new Yoshimura slip-on exhaust. It’s great to see Yamaha taking the lead in offering accessories and upgrades for their machines that are ultimately designed to enrich your riding experience. Pardon the metaphor but when I was in high school, I dated a girl that ran track and field. She was pretty, in fantastic shape and 28 | SPORTBIKESINCMAG.COM
shorter than me. She had curves yet still had a gymnast’s body. She was a solid package. You could appreciate her beauty and appeal just by standing near her… But when she was running, it was a whole other level of excitement. The explosive power that she produced made you just stop and say, “Damn!” This is the same sentiment that I associate with the 2018 Yamaha YZF-R6. A tight package with explosive power and a performance output that makes you just say, “Damn!” The R6’s suspension is impressive, aiding your gel into the connection with the bike. After the first few laps, I noticed that I was sitting on top of the front bike when braking and upon corner entry. I pitted and made an adjustment to the rear KYB shock for it to give, just a little and share the work with KYB front 43mm forks, which are the same forks that are on the YZF-R1, but dialed in for the R6. The changes were felt immediately and the rest of my laps on the R6 were bliss. The KYB shock features a piggyback shock design with a four-way preload and damping adjustability. With my size and stature, the adjustments made the difference and allowed to gel with the bike and appreciate the bike’s feedback. It put in a better position to listen to her, so to speak. The engine setup on the 2018 YZF-R6 is far from average. Titanium valves! Sixteen titanium valves, to be exact and lightweight forged pistons produce an impressive 13.1:1 compression ratio inside of a 599cc liquid cooled inline four-cylinder engine. The result is smooth, effortless delivery of power, even at higher revs. Not to overlook the output at the low and midrange of the powerband. Consistent delivery of power is courtesy of the YCC-i or Yamaha’s SPORTBIKESINCMAG.COM | 29
THE FIRST RIDE: YAMAHA'S 2018 R WORLD
A TIGHT PACKAGE WITH EXPLOSIVE POWER AND A PERFORMANCE OUTPUT THAT MAKES YOU JUST SAY, “DAMN!”
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THE FIRST RIDE: YAMAHA'S 2018 R WORLD
2018 YAMAHA YZF-R1
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Chip Controlled Intake that offers the engine the benefit of both short and tall intake stacks. Add in the twin overhead shower injectors for proper fuel use and you have a recipe for reliable and dependable power, all for $12,199.
THE 2018 YZF-R1 VS THE YZF-R1M Coffee drinkers have two modes: before the first cup and after the first cup. Before the first cup of Joe, one might be a little rough around the edges… fully functional but you don’t wont to be on their bad side. But then after the caffeine hits their bloodstream, you find them more refined. In fact, their functionality, ability, and capability exceed the top of the charts. I’ll say it another way. If you thought that the R1 was as good as it gets, think again. The 2018 YZF-R1 is a beast, full of power and excitement, barely contained in a 998cc, 16 valve, inline 4 cylinder, cross-plane crankshaft engine housed in an aluminum Deltabox chassis. It is every bit a superbike. The electronics package that it offers provides comprehensive customization and extensive feedback and is highlighted by its Inertial Measurement Unit (IMU). The IMU considers and measures pitch, roll, yaw as well as acceleration thanks to a gyro sensor and an accelerometer, then transfers that data to the ECU. Not be overshadowed by the IMU is the wheelie control feature that Yamaha refers to as the Wheel Lift Control system. This system operates similar to launch control and allows for power to applied in demanding drives without the front wheel leaving the earth. These two major features work in harmony with a host of other items that SPORTBIKESINCMAG.COM | 33
THE FIRST RIDE: YAMAHA'S 2018 R WORLD
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AT SPEED, THE MACHINE DOES ITS BEST TO LET YOU KNOW WHAT THE DEAL IS AND THAT IT IS CAPABLE OF DELIVERING MORE. IT WANTS TO SHOW OFF...
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THE FIRST RIDE: YAMAHA'S 2018 R WORLD include traction control, unified ABS and slide control and launch control. For 2018, Yamaha upgraded their Quick Shift system to include both seamless up and downshifting. The updated system matches engine speed on the way down and offers clutchless shifts, both ways. The 2018 YZF-R1 is packed with power and you feel it. At speed, the machine does its best to let you know what the deal is and that it is capable of delivering more. It wants to show off. The power is felt throughout the band, as it is expected and the quick shift system’s performance is smooth as butter. On the gas, you hold on because it is a rocket and it knows it. I thought to myself, what an incredible example of engineering achievement. The 2018 YZF-R1, priced at $16,699 is just that and then some. I thought to myself that the R1M would perhaps only offer a slight upgrade in experience with its electronic and performance package. And then I rode it. My mind was blown… The R1M is an R1, but it’s not. The difference is that drastic, hence the before coffee and after coffee reference. The R1M takes all of that power and performance, enhances it and then refines it in a package that quite simply, is beautiful. The 2018 R1M is the embodiment of smooth domination. The power is there. The performance is there. The bike knows it and unlike the YZF-R1, it doesn’t need to show off. Its presence is a present. Like the 2018 YZF-R1, the 2018 YZF-R1M contains a selection of the same features, such as the Inertial Measurement Unit, ABS, traction control, an updated quick shift system, wheel lift 36 | SPORTBIKESINCMAG.COM
2018 YAMAHA YZF-R1M SPORTBIKESINCMAG.COM | 37
THE FIRST RIDE: YAMAHA'S 2018 R WORLD
THE ONLY ISSUE THAT I HAD WITH THIS BIKE WAS THAT I HAD TO RETURN THE KEYS AT THE END OF THE DAY...
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THE FIRST RIDE: YAMAHA'S 2018 R WORLD
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control, Deltabox chassis, etc… But the R1M is set apart from its sibling thanks to key elements such as its Ohlins Electronic Racing Suspension (ERS), a wifi and GPS enhanced Communication Control Unit (CCU), Power Delivery Mode (PDM), Slide Control System (SCS), Chip Controlled Throttle (CCT), and Launch Control System (LCS). You control all adjustments and customizations via the R1M’s full-color dashboard data center. This cluster tells you all that you need to know and then some… It gives G-Force data! The 2018 YZF R1M is best described as a properly executed, well-defined instrument of speed, refined. The descriptive “exciting” doesn’t do this motorcycle justice. The only issue that I had with this bike was that I had to return the keys at the end of the day. For the price of $22,999, I wouldn’t have to. The 2018 Yamaha R model line up includes a bike for every stage of rider. Each model contains specific components that not only enhance the individual riding experience, they assist the rider in becoming better, if not faster. Yamaha’s R World is a unifying collection of motorcycles that celebrate and are celebrated by Yamaha owners and enthusiasts. Their 2018 line up sets the stage for domination in the sportbike class. Pound for pound and bike for bike, they are on point to accomplish their main point. SPORTBIKESINCMAG.COM | 41
THE FIRST RIDE: YAMAHA'S 2018 R WORLD
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YAMAHA’S "R WORLD" REPRESENTS A SUPERGROUP OF MACHINES THAT IS INSPIRED BY THE SPIRIT AND PASSION FOR THE GLOBAL COMMUNITY OF YAMAHA OWNERS.
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CORNERING LEARN THE SKILLS DISCOVER THE ART
Would you like to improve your riding skills? The California Superbike School trains riders at tracks worldwide in 14 countries. Its 38 year history has produced 140,000 graduates. Most riders have no clear idea of how good they really can be. Sign up for the California Superbike School and find out. www.superbikeschool.com 44 | SPORTBIKESINCMAG.COM
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THE PRESS ROOM
GRID NEWS ZARCO MOVES TO KTM IN 2019
T h e Fr e n c h m a n a n d two time Moto2 World Champion, Johann Zarco has signed with the Red Bull KTM Factory MotoGP team, a deal that has him in the orange for 2019 a nd 2 02 0 . Za rc o i s currently with the Yamaha Monster Tech 3 MotoGP team. Zarco’s Tech 3 team announced that they are ending their 20 plus years partnership with Yamaha at the end of the 2018 season and will be running spec KTM machiner y, beginning in 2019.
WORLDSBK AND THE IMOLA CIRCUIT TOGETHER UNTIL 2020 The iconic Italian race circuit Autodromo Internazionale Enzo e Dino Ferrari di Imola, located in Northern Italy, and Dorna’s WSBK Organization have signed a new contract that will see the WSBK paddock at the circuit until 2020. WSBK action has happened at the 4.9km circuit since 2001, minus two years in 2007 and 2008. “Autodromo Internazionale Enzo e Dino Ferrari di Imola is a circuit which is embedded in WorldSBK history, and is one of the most popular events on the calendar. To be returning to the iconic circuit until 2020 is fantastic news for the series, as we visit a circuit that is continuously improving their facilities to host our paddock.” - Daniel Carrera, WorldSBK Executive Director. 46 | SPORTBIKESINCMAG.COM
MOTOGP LEGEND: RANDY MAMOLA Randy Mamola was inducted into the World Championship Hall of Fame in a ceremony held at the Circuit of the Americas in Austin Texas. Mamola is one of the most successful American riders in the history of the Grand Prix Championship. Since emerging on the global racing stage in 1979, Mamola has earned a total of 13 race wins and 57 podium finishes, riding for manufacturers Suzuki, Honda and finishing his race career with Yamaha.
ARGENTINA IS ALL SET FOR WORLD SUPERBIKE T h e E l Vi l l i cu m Circuit in San Juan, Argentina has been confirmed as a round in the 2018 World SBK season. The Argentinian round is now scheduled for October 12 - 14, 2018 and cements the 13 round 2018 season of the Championship, authenticating the previously released provisional calendar. SPORTBIKESINCMAG.COM | 47
THE PRESS ROOM: GRID NEWS RED BULL KTM IS GOING FLAT TRACK RACING KTM has announced t h a t t h ey wi l l b e competing for the American Flat Track Championship, beginning in 2019. The race efforts will be overseen by former KTM Factory superbike racer and KTM Brand Ambassador, Chris Fillmore. In 2019, K T M ’ s ef fo r t s wi l l compete in the AFT Singles Class on the KTM 450 SX-F Factory Edition. In the AFT Twins class, KTM will field the soon to be released 2019 KTM 790 DUKE.
POL ESPARGARO RE-UPS WITH KTM
Pol Espargaro, the 2013 Moto2 Champion, has renewed his contract with the Red Bull KTM Factory MotoGP team, extending their partnership through to the 2020 MotoGP season. Espargaro has been with KTM since they began competing in the premier class in 2017. 48 | SPORTBIKESINCMAG.COM
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THE GRID
MOTOGP WITH B.T. WORDS: B.T. IMAGES: COURTESY OF MOTOGP.COM 50 | SPORTBIKESINCMAG.COM
SHINE ON, YOU CRAZY DIAMONDS THE 2018 MOTOGP SEASON OPENER
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THE GRID: MOTOGP WITH B.T.
T
hey say that pressure makes diamonds. But do you
In Moto3, Jorge Martin had already been anointed
know what else pressure makes? Great attacks,
as the preseason favorite to win the championship
anxiety, the bubble guts, loss of hair... You name it!
and he did not disappoint as he easily outdueled
When you are anointed “Champion” or “The Next his Spanish rival Aron “The Bulldog” Canet in a 20 Big Thing” that can have many adverse effects. You
lap finale and never looked in doubt. Martin will be
could accept the moniker and try and live up to those
tested this year but for now, he is the man and shows
accolades or you could slowly shrink like a pair of
no sign of giving that up soon.
cheap jeans washed in hot water. Luckily for MotoGP fans, the riders stepped up to the challenge.
In Moto2, Francesco Bagnaia has already been labeled the Wunderkid! He’s already signed to
JORGE MARTIN 52 | SPORTBIKESINCMAG.COM
FRANCESCO BAGNAIA
ride for the Alma Pramac Racing Team next season, including reigning World Champ Marc Marquez so what does he do to prove he’s worthy of riding actually had Zarco as being in the title hunt! A bold with the big boys? Oh, just goes out and leads the statement and almost unheard of for a satellite rider, opening race of the season from almost start to finish. but that’s the kind of rivalry that some riders had for Yeah. That’s all. Bagnaia oozes talent like a small
Zarco.
child oozes mischief. Bagnaia is a special talent but I still say Alex Marquez takes the title in a stacked
But, as is said, pressure makes for strange bedfellows
Moto2 field.
and truth be told, Zarco looked to be folding under the weight of such lofty praise. He looked stiff during
It was a year ago and the first ten laps into the Qatar the first practices, even crashing. But Zarco isn’t the GP where Johann Zarco had his coming out party.
first two time Moto2 Champion for nothing.
Practically everyone watching said at the exact same moment, “Look at Zarco!”
He quickly dispersed those pressures and set a track pole record that has stood since 2008 held by Jorge
A year later he would not surprise the field or fans Lorenzo. But that was qualifying. It was the race that like a revealed pregnancy test on the Maury Povich
counted the most. It was here last year where he
Show! Everyone was well aware of Zarco and some, showed his inexperience by crashing while leading SPORTBIKESINCMAG.COM | 53
THE GRID: MOTOGP WITH B.T.
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JOHANN ZARCO
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THE GRID: MOTOGP WITH B.T. the race. This year would be different. Zarco quickly took the lead of this 22 lap slugfest and looked unrelenting on his quest to capture his first GP win... That is until lap 18 when his tyres looked to fail him like my math teacher did to me in 1986.
This is when the opening race of the season became all-out war. Along with Zarco being reaped praises and a hot property, so was Andrea Dovizioso. After last year’s runner-up finish in the championship, “Desmo Dovi” exuded a quiet confidence the entire weekend. He knew he was the favorite and he knew he could win. Everyone else? Not so much.
Dovi passed Zarco with five laps left but his problems were only starting because Marquez was behind him and closing! And although no one expected Marquez to be in contention for the win at his least favorite track, here he was, in contention for the win. Kinda like when your girlfriend tells you don’t worry about this guy and every time you see her she’s talking to that guy! That’s what Marquez was. He was like a dog not letting go of his chew toy and Dovi was Marc’s chew toy. Although Dovi had “The Bike” all
race, Marquez did not disappoint, going up inside
weekend, Marquez never gives up and you know
Dovi. Just as the case with the two previous duals,
he will try something on the last lap.
Dovi let Marc thru and quickly rode inside him and drag raced him down the mile-long straight beating
A surge, running into you, a wet Willie, you name it, Marquez will try it and on the last corner of the 56 | SPORTBIKESINCMAG.COM
him and Valentino Rossi by just 0.27 seconds.
The race was thrilling to say the least. The top 7 Championship and if this is the case, as is such, if separated by a mere 4.6 seconds. That’s close
we are lucky to witness this, with all the money on
racing and we GP Geeks are relishing it. This could
the table, we’ll see who manages to make diamonds
be the best season that MotoGP has ever had and with the pressure and become victorious! that is saying something considering the treats we’ve had recently. I’m predicting a four rider battle for the
Stick around GP fans we’re only getting started. SPORTBIKESINCMAG.COM | 57
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SPORTBIKESINCMAG.COM | 59
THE GRID
THE NUMBERS EVERY MONTH, WE ASK PROS AND AMATEURS WHY THEY CHOSE THE NUMBERS THAT IDENTIFY THEM ON THE GRID...
IMAGES: COURTESY OF CORY WEST 60 | SPORTBIKESINCMAG.COM
CORY WEST
#13
"#13 was given to me by the AMA but it’s the position I finished in my first superbike season where I finished Rookie of the Year. Then the number 13 started following me in my day to day life (phone number 1133, apartment number 103, etc) so I knew it was a keeper!" SPORTBIKESINCMAG.COM | 61
62 | SPORTBIKESINCMAG.COM
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SPORTBIKESINCMAG.COM | 63 N2 Track Days, LLC. P.O. Box 27326 Philadelphia, PA 19118 | e: info@n2td.org | p: +1 (855) 263-0200
THE GRID: ON THE COME UP
KRISTEN BRAND
64 | SPORTBIKESINCMAG.COM
BROUGHT TO YOU BY:
NAME: Kristen Brand HOMETOWN: Mahopac, NY AGE: 24 years old. SPONSORS: MotoGirlGT, Moto D Racing, Charlie's Chop Shop, Big Boyz Toys, EvolveGT COMPETITION SERIES: CCS Racing, MotoGladiator, NY Mini GP ACCOMPLISHMENTS: NY Mini GP 4 hour Endurance Race: First Place F2. First CCS race 3rd in class; 300 SuperBike. Two top 10 overalls. GOALS: My goal is to continue racing and improving my skills with the help of all my sponsors and coaches at EvolveGT! I would like to obtain a CCS National Championship, while expanding my skills with mini racing, big bike racing, ice racing, and flat track. DEFINE YOUR PASSION IN ONE SENTENCE: My passion is to become a better and faster rider while trying to bring more girls into this sport.
IMAGES COURTESY OF: KRISTEN BRAND SPORTBIKESINCMAG.COM | 65
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ATCO DRAGWAY
MAY 18-20, 2018
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SPORTBIKESINCMAG.COM | 67
THE STRAIGHT LINE: ON THE COME UP
ANTHONY DE LA TORRE ADRIAN HACKETT
68 | SPORTBIKESINCMAG.COM
BROUGHT TO YOU BY:
NAME: Anthony De La Torre HOMETOWN: Visalia, CA AGE: 50 years old. COMPETITION SERIES: Summit ET Series ACCOMPLISHMENTS: I won the 2010 West Coast Dragbike Championship in the Super Comp 8.90 class. I’ve also won Famoso Raceway’s Summit ET Championship in ET Motorcycle 2013, 2014 and 2017. GOALS: To make my way to the NHRA World Finals in the Sportsman Motorcycle class. I want to push myself to go quicker and faster in the 1/4 mile on my 07 ZX-14. DEFINE YOUR PASSION IN ONE SENTENCE: My passion is all about speed. I love to go fast on 2 wheels. The quicker and faster the better. So far, I’ve been 8.03 and 177mph in the 1/4 mile. I plan on building a larger engine soon and shoot for that elusive (to me) 7 second pass.
IMAGES COURTESY OF: ANTHONY DE LA TORRE
SPORTBIKESINCMAG.COM | 69
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RKExcelAmerica.com 70 | SPORTBIKESINCMAG.COM
SPORTBIKESINCMAG.COM | 71
THE REV LIMITER: ON THE COME UP
MR. NICE
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72 | SPORTBIKESINCMAG.COM
BROUGHT TO YOU BY:
NAME: Mr. Nice HOMETOWN: Newark, NJ AGE: 40 years old. AFFILIATIONS: Founder of Ruthless Tactics. ACCOMPLISHMENTS: Stunt performances and appearances in film, television and music videos. GOALS: My first goal is to make Ruthless Tactics a respected brand that represents stunt street riding. It's a genre that's very often overlooked because it began as an urban thing and but it's really a culture thing. There's so much talent out here and I just want to shine a spotlight on it. My second goal is to be an example of how to capitalize on your riding skills and passion to make a unique career for yourself. It can be done and those who will come after me, need to see it happen and be taught how to do it. DEFINE YOUR PASSION IN ONE SENTENCE: My passion is riding because the adrenaline it produces always drives me, motivates me and pushes me to be better.
IMAGES COURTESY OF: MR. NICE
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SR2 Speed in every detail. The SR2 gives it all just like its rider. An innovation for ambitious amateur riders and professional racers. WWW.SCHUBERTH.COM
SPORTBIKESINCMAG.COM | 75
THE LIFE
THE INSIDE LINE WORDS: DEVONNE DUERBAUM IMAGES: VICKI SMITH 76 | SPORTBIKESINCMAG.COM
THE BEST MOTORCYCLES FOR WOMEN
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THE LIFE : THE INSIDE LINE
“I want to ride
DUCATI SCRAMBLER 800 Its wet weight is 410 pounds with a seat height of
but all the motorcycles are too big for me.” That is what
31.1 inches with an option of a lower seat height of
I hear almost every time I talk to a woman. Women
30.3 inches for the ladies who want extra stability. With
always seem to be worried about the weight of the
75hp and 50 pounds of torque, this baby will get you
bike and how tall it is, which leads them to believe they
to your destination with a giant smile you can’t wipe off.
can’t ride one.
The Scrambler is definitely one of my favorite bikes I’ve ridden, along with many others I’ve talked to, both men
My best friend is one of those women. She wants to get
and women. I’ve been lucky enough to ride Scramblers
a motorcycle but thinks she will drop the bike if it’s too
all over the world. From California, Texas, Miami, New
tall and heavy. I’m here to tell you which motorcycles
York, Italy and Italy’s very own island, Sardinia. It can
are best for women. Well... at least in my opinion. I’m
get you through mountains, the countryside and cities
here to tell you a few of the best motorcycles I believe
with no problem. Normally if you want to ride in the
are best for women.
countryside, you want a touring bike, or through tight city streets, a scooter, but with the Scrambler, it can take
DUCATI MONSTER 696
you absolutely anywhere, with any terrain.
Its wet weight is 407 pounds, which honestly is what only matters considering you can’t ride without gas.
KAWASAKI NINJA 250
Its seat height is 30.3 inches, which is perfect for the
Its seat height is 30.9 inches with a wet weight of 368
stability women want and need in a motorcycle. Now,
pounds and a ton of fun! This was my first real track bike.
depending if you’re a speed demon or not, the top
Although its maximum speed is only around 105mph,
speed is about 130mph. It’s no superbike, but it gets
it’s still fun to rip around corners. I wouldn’t necessarily
you places. My first bike was a 696, which I currently
recommend this bike for riding around every day unless
still have and I absolutely love it. I tweaked some things,
you live in the mountains, but I definitely recommend it for
but having that as a starter bike was perfect for me and
the track, especially for a newbie. You may be passed
I’m sure for many other women who don’t want anything
on the straight, but you’ll pass in the turn, considering
too fast and want to be able to feel comfortable handling
how light and nimble the Ninja is.
the motorcycle.
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THE LIFE : THE INSIDE LINE HARLEY SPORTSTER SUPERLOW
being “female friendly.”
The name says it all and definitely attracts the ladies.
I am not saying women can’t handle heavier, bigger,
With a wet weight of about 569 pounds, which is a little
faster motorcycles, because I know plenty who can and
heavier than the other bikes described above, it does,
do, but if you’re someone who doesn’t feel comfortable
however, have a seat height of 27.8 inches. Can’t get
on bigger bikes, definitely do your research, converse
any better than that! The Sportster has an 883cc engine
with other people and find out what is best for you. It
with 54.6 pounds of torque. I can’t say I’ve ridden one
doesn’t matter what you ride ladies, just get out there
yet, but I have heard good things about this bike and it
and ride!
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www.adeyemi.co
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THE LIFE
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RIDING THE COASTS WORDS: JASMIN ST. CLAIRE IMAGES: COURTESY OF JASMIN ST. CLAIRE
I GREW
up in the busy island of Manhattan blasting heavy metal. When I started listening to Judas Priest’s hit “Desert Plains” I romanced the idea of riding a motorcycle through the desert on those smooth brown paved roads and spiraling canyons. I snapped out of that daydream real fast as I emerged out of the subway into the bustling intersection of West 72nd Street and Broadway with my walkman headset still on. Yes, I am dating this to the 80’s. Reality had struck me, I was in the middle of cracked sidewalks, loud horns and the scent of hot dogs and grime. My visions of an open road with twists and turns were more like middle-aged frat boys “broing” each other loudly in the street and a crowd of everyone in a rush to get nowhere interesting. I thought I would never live my dream of those curvaceous roads and crisp air.
The best I could do being a city girl was to start riding in the streets of Manhattan. As most of you know, NYC is busy and it has always been unsafe no matter if it’s 4 wheels, 2 wheels or a pedestrian. I would hear loud bikes and love that roar. That was more of a catcall to me than some guy yelling or hissing like a snake from the car to me. No, guys... It doesn’t work. I eventually approached some guys near one of my hangouts about the safest places to ride in the city. I hopped on a red Nighthawk 250 and life was never quite the same. I started learning on the smaller deadend streets here and there before venturing to the outer boroughs where there were more treelike roads and less traffic. To this day, I can tell you exactly what my experiences are riding on the East coast versus the West coast. The East coast I represent in this article is in New York City and surrounding areas. For this part SPORTBIKESINCMAG.COM | 83
THE LIFE : RIDING THE COASTS of the East coast, the defining feature is snowy winters. I know there are parts of Canada where people put chains on their motorcycles and ride on the ice, that’s just for me. My riding season on the East coast is far from year round. The second impact of winter through the freezing and thawing of asphalt and concrete is that the roads are cracked and potholed in the spring. So, where I grew up riding, the season is shorter and where you can ride there is a lot of construction and every 2 feet there are potholes. Where do the tax dollars go? Aside from a cabbie cutting you off and honking, it’s just nerve wrecking. Everyone is in a rush and it is definitely not that fun to ride. You always keep stopping and going and have to be way more alert as pedestrians jump out of nowhere. Drivers, especially more towards NYC area not that courteous towards bikes and unaware. They never move out of the way for a bike, especially if you want to lane split. NJ and outer tristate areas,
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I feel like it can go either way. Speaking of nasty attitudes, let’s get down to the weekend warriors in Manhattan . When I say weekend warriors, I am referring to the entitled trust fund men and some of the fortune 500 company guys that usually sport a white collared shirt, expensive suit and can usually be found doing cocaine off a stripper’s ass in the champagne room of a high-end strip club. These creatures are usually going around town on a Harley, BMW or the more imaginative ones on Ducatis. My personal encounter was at a bar in NYC and the “warriors” were there huddled up in a corner giving everyone dirty looks and trying to look tough by mad dogging everyone. The real “bad asses” were the ones that I had gone to the bar with. In fact, these weekend bikers were trying to look so macho and tough while the real bad asses were there having shots with their friends and having a good time laughing with everyone else at the bar.
and felt like the sky was on fire. It’s one of those out of body experiences you only get on 2 wheels. And it’s one that’s generally not quite available on the West Coast due to the lack of dramatic seasonal change. My experiences of riding the East coast are mostly confined to the tri-state area, and I know I won’t begin to do this region justice until I explore the upper regions of New England, You’re on a motorcycle in the open wind and the Florida panhandle and places in between. covering your head in a 3-pound piece of plastic and yet, I wear a helmet because it saved my life When I moved to Southern California, I had in a crash. The roads were more picturesque sort arrived in motorcycle heaven. Very little rain and of like something you would see in a storybook winters that at their most severe can be tolerated or a nature painting. Even the freeways there are with hand warming gloves. The big attraction of pretty mellow. The roads are extremely flat and California is canyon carving. The state is more than 700 miles from top to bottom and mountains easy to handle. run from end to end. Even from downtown L.A., One of the huge advantages of the East coast I you are never more than half an hour from some discovered on a foray in Connecticut is Autumn. of the most intense twists and canyon sweepers on At times when winding down a road while the the planet. I have to admit when I first ventured into leaves have turned red and orange, I looked up the hills, these scared the hell out of me. Although Riding in Connecticut and Pennsylvania was more my style as it is laid back. The tempting “no helmet” law allowed me to shed my brain bucket and live out my fantasy of being in a David Mann painting with my hair flowing in the wind when I was in New Hope, PA. Riding with a helmet is like going to a steakhouse and ordering vegan food.
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THE LIFE : RIDING THE COASTS
LOS ANGELES IS ONE OF THE MOST CONGESTED CITIES IN NORTH AMERICA. BUT IN A COUPLE HOURS OF RIDING, I CAN BE ON A NARROW BLACKTOP IN DEATH VALLEY AND NOT PASS A CAR FOR 50 MILES. I have been riding for years in the tri-state area, adventure machines, easily identified by the large I really didn’t understand how to lean, use my cubic brushed aluminum industrial looking storage weight and my brakes to go through a corner. cases. I’ve noticed many of their machines are unscratched and mud free. Apparently, a lot of There’s a definite allure to riding West Coast these guys don’t actually take their adventure bikes twisties. Once someone can handle the curves off the pavement. It used to be that middle aged and steep ascents, they can handle anything. As guys having a midlife crisis would work it out by much as I despise stereotypes, bikers do seem to buying a Harley and a closet full of bandanas. I’ve have more of a community on the West Coast. come to think that the fully geared up adventure There are countless times, I have gotten into bike is the mid-life crisis ride of our times. Riding conversations with other people who ride as I was in L.A. does have its challenges. Prius drivers who leaving on my bike and we would end up riding think everyone else is environmentally irresponsible together. It feels like people look out for each seem to feel an obligation to cut us off. In parts other more on the road here and there are fewer of West L.A., there are also packs of militantly divisions between people who ride American iron righteous bicyclists who like to fly out of nowhere, vs the imported goodies. cut ahead of motorcyclists and shake their fists and scream in soy rage if they don’t get their way. Maybe people stick together here a little more cause the distances are greater. What blows But the great salvation of city riding in California my mind every time I get on my motorcycle in is lane splitting. Tucked between cars at traffic California, are the possibilities. The landscapes lights, I always feel safer from a rear end collision. and geography change radically in a very short Since lane splitting was officially made legal this distance. In one ride, I can go from the coastline year in California there is no such thing as a traffic to the mountains to a desert with a seemingly jam when you’re on a motorcycle in L.A. There’s infinite sky. no greater feeling than coming into a mile-long LA traffic jam and rolling through it, between the Los Angeles is one of the most congested cities in cars, in a couple of minutes. It’s going to be very North America. But in a couple hours of riding, difficult to go back to cities where it’s not legal. I can be on a narrow blacktop in Death Valley and not pass a car for 50 miles. Because the Writing about motorcycling on the two sides of vast landscape of the west lends itself to off- America only confirms one of the top choices on road adventure riding, there are huge numbers my bucket list: What I’d really like to do is ride of guys you see in L.A. riding Teutonic or Italian from coast to coast. 86 | SPORTBIKESINCMAG.COM
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THE LIFE: FEATURED RIDERS BROUGHT TO YOU BY:
Aaron Jones LOCATION: Philadelphia, PA OCCUPATION: Jack of all trades. YEARS RIDING: 10 plus years riding. RIDING STYLE: I ride street and stunt. Hopefully to venture to the track some day. BIKE/S OWNED: 2008 Suzuki GSXR 600, 2014 Suzuki GSXR 1000. FAVORITE BIKE MODIFICATION/ACCESSORY: The Two Brothers exhaust and the Jordan theme on the 600. The stator and the engine cover sliders on both the 600 and the 1000. FAVORITE PIECE OF RIDING GEAR: My ICON helmets. MOST MEMORABLE RIDE: Every Shut The City Down ride I attended! 88 | SPORTBIKESINCMAG.COM
Root Khan LOCATION: Philadelphia, PA OCCUPATION:Â Supervisor at UPS. YEARS RIDING: 5 years. RIDING STYLE: Street. BIKE/S OWNED: 2007 Suzuki GSXR 600, 2001 Kawasaki ZX9R, 2014 Kawasaki Ninja 300. FAVORITE BIKE MODIFICATION/ACCESSORY: Custom Illumiglo Gauge Cluster. FAVORITE PIECE OF RIDING GEAR: Heated gloves. MOST MEMORABLE RIDE: My most memorable ride has to be the Shut The City Down ride in 2016. My second year going, but the first year I got my older brother to ride with us.
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THE LIFE: FEATURED RIDERS
Jeff Rose LOCATION: Swansea, MA OCCUPATION: National Sales Manager and Customer Service Manager at TwistedThrottle.com. YEARS RIDING: 17 years. RIDING STYLE: Street and track. Â BIKE/S OWNED: 2016 Aprilia Tuono V4 1100 RR. FAVORITE BIKE MODIFICATION/ACCESSORY: Right now it's the bar end mirrors and tail tidy that helped clean things up a bit, but I can't wait to unleash the fury with a new exhaust. FAVORITE PIECE OF RIDING GEAR: My Arai Corsair X in Statement White. MOST MEMORABLE RIDE: Riding a Triumph Tiger 800XC from Boston, MA to Austin, TX and back including a rip through the Tail of the Dragon, or my first race aboard my Triumph Daytona 675.
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Reggie Dudley LOCATION:Â Hartsville, SC OCCUPATION: Senior Manager Walmart Logistics. YEARS RIDING: 20 plus years riding. RIDING STYLE: Street. BIKE/S OWNED: 2010 Kawasaki ZX14R, 2017 Victory Magnum. FAVORITE BIKE MODIFICATION/ACCESSORY: Face and headlights. FAVORITE PIECE OF RIDING GEAR: My helmet. MOST MEMORABLE RIDE: Daytona Beach. Riding at 4am in 28 degree weather.
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THE SUM OF ALL PARTS
THE SUM OF ALL PARTS WORDS: ALLAN LANE IMAGES: COURTESY OF VOODOO CMC 94 | SPORTBIKESINCMAG.COM
EVERY MONTH, WE CHAT WITH THE INDUSTRY'S LEADING AFTERMARKET APPAREL & ACCESSORIES MANUFACTURERS TO GIVE YOU THE OPPORTUNITY TO LEARN A LITTLE MORE ABOUT WHO MAKES THE STUFF THAT YOU BUY AND USE.
VOODOO
CUSTOM MOTORCYCLE COMPONENTS WWW.VOODOOMOTO.COM ROB UECKER, CEO AND FOUNDER SBI: What is your history with Voodoo Custom was time to go into business for myself. My wife Motorcycle Components?
Carol was crazy enough to support it and we
RU: Before getting involved in the motorcycle turned it into what we are today. business I worked for a trade show marketing company installing, building, and maintaining SBI: What is the process for product development? trade show exhibits. From that department I went RU: We are a small company bringing products into management, then sales. I started doing track to market from hands-on experience, very plain days at Nelson Ledges in 1994, moved into club and simple. We don't have C.A.D. or a design road racing and by 1998 did a full season of team with a test track in a secret location, we WERA and won 6 regional championships in 2 use our brain and develop products that make regions. We did a ton of traveling! I was riding sense and work. The Voodoo Shorty Exhaust with Team Adrenalin sponsored by ASH Sportbike was developed in the early 2000's when there a small local shop in a suburb of Cleveland, OH. wasn't a solution for an exhaust with wide tire Shop went up for sale in 2001 and decided it kits. Our Shorty exhaust solution works and has SPORTBIKESINCMAG.COM | 95
THE SUM OF ALL PARTS: VOODOO
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gone mainstream with all types of riders. Just this market? month we released a new style Shorty core, the RU: If you're not growing your dying. Releasing Voodoo Phantom Core, that cuts noise up to 5 new applications and products to support existing decibels. With our Performance Exhaust, we took lines is one way to stay in the mix. Also going the traditional canister style up a notch by working in the direction the market is telling you, listen to on fitment tolerances and making sure the exhaust your customers. The Cafe scene is huge now, is a true bolt on with all the hardware needed. so we offer a complete line with many surface Here is an example of hands-on: I have a race treatment options. Shorty exhaust customers have prepped R6 that we have a 4 into 1 race system asked for more personalization so we brought out for and we will be visible this year at some track the Voodoo Shorty Ring that is a quick bolt-on days. Recently we launched Voodoo Sidewinder accent for our Voodoo Shorty exhaust available drag race exhausts and that was a year of trying in a variety of colors. Sidewinder customers have different designs at the head and ended up with said they want different color muffler badges, so a stepped head pipe 4 into 1 that produces we have many choices on the way. Brock started power, constructed very well and includes all the that one and it's a great idea. hardware needed to install. All of this at the best value for the dollar in the market was our goal SBI: What’s next for Voodoo? and we achieved it. Now our Cafe Exhausts are RU: We are developing the next generation of exploding. We studied what was available and Voodoo Shorty Exhaust that will be more of a 2.0 refined the offerings to a better craftsmanship level version keeping with what customers have asked with surface treatments, materials, and value.
for. We have a lot of gas in the tank and I'm more than comfortable pinning the throttle.
SBI: How does Voodoo remain relevant in today’s
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IMPROVE YOUR SKILLS
IMPROVE YOUR SKILLS WORDS: ERIC WOOD IMAGES: BRIAN J. NELSON 100 | SPORTBIKESINCMAG.COM
THE LAST LAP... AT THE END OF A SESSION, MANY RIDERS BEGIN TO GET TIRED AND SLOPPY. THIS IS NOT ANY DIFFERENT FROM WHAT HAPPENS TO MANY RACERS, BUT SINCE TRACK DAY RIDERS ARE NOT FIGHTING FOR TROPHIES THEY TEND TO ALTER LINES IN A DIFFERENT WAY...
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IMPROVE YOUR SKILLS: THE LAST LAP
AT
a recent event, one of the young riders their best, these riders will often try to move out of I have been coaching asked me about the way to leave room for a faster rider to get by.
how he should have handled the last lap of his This not only takes you as a rider out of the zone, race. He had just won but made several mistakes but it also adds extra loads to your tires as you towards the end. In fact, his last lap was by far give inputs in places that you normally do not. It his slowest of the race and his comfortable lead also often makes it more difficult and less safe for was cut nearly in half. He expressed that he a faster rider who wants to pass you because they was concerned about getting passed because will not do not expect that you will move offline to he thought that there was a rider close behind let them by. The best way to make yourself safe him (there actually was not). He changed his to pass is to be 100% predictable. strategy and started turning in early and running “defensive� lines to protect from an inside pass on Back to my racer, I know that it is sometimes the entrance. The result was that his less-than-ideal difficult to focus on during the last lap of a race lines simply made him slower, put undue stress on particularly when there is someone close behind his tires and were killing his drives. There was you. As humans, we tend to focus on all the surely a better way.
things that could go wrong. The natural tendency is to think about the mistakes we have made,
Track day riders often find themselves in a similar our riding weaknesses and all the places that situation, but with a different twist. At the end we might lose a spot to a pursuant rider. While of a session, many riders begin to get tired and there certainly is a time and place for defensive sloppy. This is not any different from what happens riding, often it is much more productive to simply to many racers, but since track day riders are not focus on those things that got you where you are fighting for trophies they tend to alter lines in a (ahead of that person behind you). Unless the different way. Knowing that they are not riding rider you are leading has already shown you a 102 | SPORTBIKESINCMAG.COM
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IMPROVE YOUR SKILLS: THE LAST LAP
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place that you are susceptible to a pass, riding if you’re tired we can all muster up the focus for a defensively will only slow you down. Instead, short time frame to be as precise as we are able. put all of your energy into being as absolutely It's not only a great way to finish off a session or precise as possible. On the last lap, refocus all of perhaps even a day, but it will also make your your energy on hitting exact brake markers, exact closing lap as safe as possible. The bonus is that turning points, making sure that you have perfect will carry you into the next weekend with a sense direction at the apex and using your controls with of accomplishment and leave you hungry for more perfect accuracy and precision. The average lap track time. around a track in the United States is about 90 seconds. If you simply focus for 90 seconds (you In the end, this boils down to a common lesson can do it!) and ride your best possible lap at the that applies to many things in life. When you're end of the race, the likelihood of getting passed trying to do your best, it pays you the best is pretty small.
dividends to focus on what you can do and not worry about the other people around you.
Likewise, a track day rider who's looking for a There’s no time like the end of the day (or race sense of accomplishment at the end of a session weekend) to put together all those “practice” laps can get a great deal of satisfaction by making into a piece of perfectly orchestrated precision. sure that he or she is perfectly precise at the end A focused and concentrated effort on being of the session. Even a newer rider who does your absolute best will leave you with a sense of not know exactly what a perfect lap looks like accomplishment and be a solid building block for can recognize a poor entrance or a poor exit. your next steps as a rider. All that’s left when you Eliminate all those mistakes at the end. Focus on get back to your pit area to do is to write down finding perfect direction at every apex. After an your thoughts, markers, and lessons learned in a entire day of riding, you have the most information notebook. The value in recording your thoughts and the most familiarity with the course. What becomes immediately apparent when you read better time to put it all together? It's extremely that notebook right before the next weekend you satisfying for someone at the end of their session ride so you can pick right back up where you left to do that one last lap and hit all of your points off. Here’s to a great 2018 and until next time perfectly. Again, it’s only 90 seconds and even ride fast, ride safe! SPORTBIKESINCMAG.COM | 105
NEW! Michelin ® Road 5 Tire
Maximum confidence in wet and dry conditions mile after mile The MICHELIN® Road 5 tire is the new benchmark in wet grip for sport touring tires. It offers superior wet grip versus all leading competitors due to patented MICHELIN XST Evo water drop sipes, which widen as the tire wears, and our latest 2CT and 2CT+ tread compounds.1 Even after 3,500 miles, MICHELIN Road 5 tires stop as short as new MICHELIN Pilot® Road 4 tires 2 for added confidence on wet roads over a longer period of the tire’s tread life.
MichelinMotorcycle.com
#MichelinOnMyMoto
1. Based on internal wet lap times, comparing MICHELIN Road 5 tires with METZELER® Roadtec 01 tires, DUNLOP® RoadSmart III tires, CONTINENTAL® ContiRoadAttack 3 tires, PIRELLI® Angel GT tires, BRIDGESTONE® T30 EVO tires, and MICHELIN® Pilot® Road 4 tires in dimensions 120/70 ZR17 (front) and 180/55/ZR17 (rear) on a 2013 Suzuki® Bandit 1250, conducted in Ladoux, France. Actual results may vary. | 2. Based on internal wet braking testing conducted in 2016 in Ladoux, France on wet surfaces using a 2013 SUZUKI 1250 Bandit S fitted with 120/70 ZR 17 front and 180/55 ZR17 rear tires comparing a new MICHELIN® Pilot® Road 4 tire and a worn (3,500 miles) MICHELIN Road 5 tire. Actual results may vary. | Copyright © 2018 Michelin North America, Inc. All rights reserved. The MIchelin Man is a registered trademark owned by Michelin North America, Inc.
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History. Family. Dedication. It doesn’t matter what you ride or where you ride it, protection is our priority in every helmet we create. That is Arai’s unshakeable foundation which you can rely on. Even if you never use an Arai helmet for its intended purpose, the handcrafted comfort which only Arai can deliver will let you enjoy every ride even more. And look darn good while doing it too!
N O H E L M E T C A N P R O T E C T T H E W E A R E R A G A I N S T A L L F O R E S E E A B L E I M PA C T S.
N O T H ISPORTBIKESINCMAG.COM N G I S A S U B S T I T U T E F O R S A F E R I D I N G| P107 RACTICES.
THE NEW ISH REVIEW
ARAI'S DEFIANT-X HELMET
THE NEW ISH REVIEW WORDS: ALLAN LANE IMAGES: BRIAN J. NELSON 108 | SPORTBIKESINCMAG.COM
ARAI VENTURES INTO THE CRUISER AND CAFE MARKETS WITH CLASSIC STYLING AND PROGRESSIVE FEATURES.
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THE NEW ISH REVIEW: ARAI'S DEFIANT-X HELMET
ARAI
has released their latest offering in the form of the Defiant-X
helmet. The Defiant-X is a slight departure into an unexplored territory for Arai, that being the cruiser and cafe scene, yet applies all of the qualities and factors that comprise the Arai pedigree. The Defiant-X is super lightweight, feeling more like an exoskeleton for your head. When properly fitted, the Defiant-X is an extension of you, moving with you, unencumbered and that means comfort. That comfort does not mean that you are sacrificing any points in the safety department. With its intermediate oval interior fit shape, the Defiant-X has a peripheral belt shell construction that is created via layers and layers of multiple materials bonded by adhesives and a super fiber
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THE NEW ISH REVIEW: ARAI'S DEFIANT-X HELMET
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belt. This process provides strength while keeping security latch on the chin bar at the face shield things light. Inside, you’ll find a one piece, multi- takes some practice to become fluid at opening density EPS liner that aids the new ventilation and securely closing the shield. It’s a nice feature, system to keep the air flowing. Ports located at nonetheless. the mouth and eye regions increase airflow and minimize fogging, working in harmony with the The Defiant-X draws upon Arai’s Defiant Pro-Cruise dual function front air ducts and the ducts located helmet as a foundation but expounds upon its at the rear.
features to offer a new and stylish lid for their target market. However, after getting some seat time in
The Defiant-X is also equipped with a water on the mean streets of Daytona during Bike Week repellant fixed chin curtain that blocks wind and and an afternoon session of Flat Tracking… Arai keeps the interior on the quiet side. The liner is might be selling themselves short. While they are made from an anti-microbial material with a low focusing in on the Cafe and Cruiser riders, the acidic fabric that helps maintain your skin’s pH Defiant-X has plenty of appeal for the urban street balance. A MAX-V Cavity shield and Pinlock lens riding market. With a price range from $659.95 come standard for improved visibility in changing to $809.95, the Defiant-X is a tough looking, weather conditions. The shield also accepts the premium helmet with a classic profile that simply Arai Pro Shade system for further functionality. The proclaims, “bad ass.” SPORTBIKESINCMAG.COM | 113
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Track proven products with industry leading durability, repairability and customer service!
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THE NEW ISH ICON MOTOSPORTS • OVERLORD SB2 JACKET The Overlord SB2 features a durable textile chassis tailored with an aggressive attack fit. Pre-curved arms house included D3O® impact protectors, which also include a full D3O® back impact protector. Additional rider-centric details include dual zipper vent cuffs, engineered perforations for enhanced airflow, and a removable quilted liner should the temperature dictate. Sizes: S - XXXXL Colors: Red, Hi Viz, Blue, Orange Price: $195.00 - $200.00 Contact: http://rideicon.com
FULL SPECTRUM POWER • PULSE IPT BATTERY P.9
WOODCRAFT CFM • ADJUSTABLE REARSETS FOR THE 2018 NINJA EX400
These rearsets are made from tough, aircraft grade 6061 T6 Aluminum and are much stronger than the OEM brackets. This kit is designed for the new EX400 to give you the optimum foot position and ground clearance for racing. This kit offers 12 positions adjustability from 25 to 50mm up and 35 to 54mm back and come with an integrated shift heel guard. Price: $449.99 Contact: http://woodcraft-cfm.com 116 | SPORTBIKESINCMAG.COM
The Pulse IPT is a lightweight lithium battery that features the IPT Battery Management System (BMS) that controls the function and behavior of the battery. The IPT or Intelligent Pulse Technology reset function prevents the battery from being drained or damaged beyond repair. Further, if you ever happen to leave your key in the “on” position by error, the IPS reset button will provide enough juice to get your bike started. The Pulse IPT works with most commercial battery chargers and has an advanced case and cell design that is highlighted by a V Direct Terminal and V Sleeve Silicon Terminal Covers. Price: $169.00 Contact: http://fulspectrumpower.com
MOTION PRO • MASTER LINK PRESS TOOL
This tool makes it easy to press on and remove master link plates for clip style chains without damaging the master link. It works on all 50 series chains. It’s constructed from lightweight billet aluminum and anodized in a durable blue finish with hardened steel pins for reliable use. Price: $28.99 Contact: http://motionpro.com
WHEEL JOCKEY • SPORT WHEEL JOCKEY Wheel Jockey is a very simple, patented tool that lets you rotate motorcycle wheels for drive-chain maintenance, tire inspection, and wheel cleaning. Just roll your motorcycle onto the Wheel Jockey; giving easy access to the entire wheel, tire, and chain. And, it’s small enough to stow under a seat or in any motorcycle luggage! Price: $59.00 Contact: http://wheeljockey.com VOODOO INDUSTRIES • SIDEWINDER EXHAUST FOR THE SUZUKI GSXR 1000 Breathe new life into your 2001 - 2006 GSXR 1000 with Voodoo’s Sidewinder exhaust. This exhaust is a 4-inch diameter megaphone with removable 2.5-inch baffle built with light-weight stainless steel construction. Includes stepped headpipes, O2 sensor bung, removable billet end cap mounting hardware. Exhaust clears stock oil pan and oil filter. Billet block-offs are included for the removal of the oil cooler, which is required. Fairing modifications are included. However, everything needed for installation is included in the box. Prices: $899.95 Contact: http://voodoomoto.com
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THE NEW ISH JOE ROCKET • BALLISTIC ULTRA GLOVES These gloves from Joe Rocket provide warmth and comfort when riding in moderate to cold weather temperatures. Abrasion resistance comes by way of a RockTexTM 330 backhand that is reinforced with injection molded knuckle armor. Additional protection is provided by a double stitched padded palm while the elements are kept at bay thanks to a waterproof mid-liner. Adding comfort and control, the preformed palm is slip-resistant while the index and forefingers also feature an added grip print. Other features include conductive index fingers for instant touchscreen access a large adjustable cuff closure and a combination of reflective logos and Innolite ultra-reflective panels for an added degree of nighttime reflectivity. Sizes: XS - XXXL Price: $49.99 Contact: http://joerocket.com
BONAMICI RACING • KEYLESS GAS CAP FOR THE DUCATI PANIGALE
This quick action, keyless gas cap is up to 50% lighter than OEM Ducati gas caps. Made from CNC Aluminum T-6061 it includes a rubber seal O-ring and stainless steel screws. Colors: Black, Silver, Red
Price: $149.95 Contact: http://lockstraps.com
HOTBODIES RACING • YZF-R3 2015-18 FRAME SLIDERS
Enhance your R3 and protect it from a tip over with these easy to install frame sliders from Hotbodies Racing. Made from a shatterproof UV protected material, these sliders install without the need to modify your bike’s fairings. The hardware consists of high tensile strength components and military aircraft grade aluminum bushings. Price: $57.95 Contact: http://hotbodiesracing.com 118 | SPORTBIKESINCMAG.COM
DRIVEN RACING • TRACKDAY LEVER GUARD Driven Racing’s Trackday lever guards are machined from 6061 billet aluminum and designed with a curved body for safe dismounting from your bike. The levers come with two adapters to fit hollow handlebars and are available in a selection of color tips, in both brake and clutch side options. Colors: Black, Blue, Gold, Red, Silver Price: $109.99 Contact: http://drivenracing.com
ALPINESTARS • GP PLUS VENOM LEATHER SUIT The CE certified GP Plus Venom Leather Suit is an aggressively designed, fully featured racing leather suit with classleading protection. Ideal for track days and racing the suit incorporates a range of innovative features such as stretch paneling, aerodynamic hump, and calf expansion gussets, which have been meticulously designed and developed to improve anatomical performance and comfort. Sizes: 46 - 64 Colors: Black/Red/White, Black/Yellow/Gray Price: $1,199.95 Contact: http://alpinestars.com
VORTEX RACING • V3 TIRE WARMERS
The carbon insulation and evenly spaced heating elements of the V3 tire warmers offer better heat retention than some other warmers on the market. Functional with dual temperature settings and a dual stage neon light, the warmers let you know when they are heating up and when they are ready. Price: $399.99 Contact: http://vortexracing.com
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THE NEW ISH: FEATURED ITEM SCHUBERTH • R2 ENFORCER HELMET The R2 Helmet is a blend of modern design and state of the art technology. The helmet is equipped with an integrated antenna, preinstalled speakers and microphone Ideally designed for the new Schuberth SC1 communication system. The ShinyTex inner lining is designed to ensure a secure and comfortable fit. The fabrics are fastdrying, washable and antibacterial. The seamless
head pad guarantees outstanding wearing comfort. The R2’s air circulation is courtesy of a multi-channel ventilation system that includes inlets in the forehead and chin areas as well as an intricate channel system The quick-release cheek pads can be removed in one swift movement if necessary, which will make it easy to take the helmet off in the event of an emergency.
Sizes: XS - XXL Colors: Red, Grey, Green, Yellow Price: $569.00 Contact: http://www.schuberth.com 120 | SPORTBIKESINCMAG.COM
520 Steel Q/A Kit OEM Replacement Kit Driven Steel Sprockets 520/525/530 RK Chain
Driven Steel Sprockets 520 RK Premium Chain
520 Aluminum Race
Driven Aluminum Rear Sprocket 520 RK Premium Chain
Live chat with us at RKExcelAmerica.com Tel: 760.732.3161 SPORTBIKESINCMAG.COM | 121
