SportBikes Inc Magazine August 2011 (Volume 1, Issue 11)

ROAD RACING . DRAG RACING . STUNT RIDING

CUSTOM BIKES . Moto tECH

AUGUST 2011 Vol 1 Issue 11

SPORTBIKESINCMAG.COM TM

THE MUSIC I S S U E BIG TIGGER | BILLY MORRISON | DAN JACKSON | WHAT THE INDUSTRY IS LISTENING TO | MOTOGP: LAGUNA SECA 2011

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WHAT’S INSIDE

AUGUST 2011 - VOLUME 1, ISSUE 11

THE FEATURES THE SHOW: TWO OF BROOKLYN’S FINEST

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BIG TIGGER

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DAN JACKSON

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LAGUNA SECA 2011

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WHAT THE INDUSTRY IS LISTENING TO...

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BILLY MORRISON

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THE USUALS http://issuu.com/action/page?page=8 8 THE PRESS ROOM

INTERACTIVE

http://issuu.com/action/page?page=14 14 DEALER SPOTLIGHT - EUROSPORTS CLICK ON NUMBERS TO JUMP TO A PAGE http://issuu.com/action/page?page=16 16 THE SHOW - TWO OF BROOKLYN’S FINEST http://issuu.com/action/page?page=24 24 THE GRID NEWS http://issuu.com/action/page?page=28 28 THE INSIDE TRACK - By Corey Alexander http://issuu.com/action/page?page=40 40 MY 2UP RIDE WITH RANDY MAMOLA - By Billy Morrison http://issuu.com/action/page?page=49 49 THE YOUNGEST IN CHARGE - By Dystany Spurlock 50http://issuu.com/action/page?page=50 CAPO’S CUT - By Ashon CAPO Dickerson http://issuu.com/action/page?page=64 64 FEATURED CLUB - SASSY LADY RIDERS, M.C. http://issuu.com/action/page?page=66 66 FEATURED RIDERS http://issuu.com/action/page?page=72 72 MOTO TECH - THE PRO WRENCH http://issuu.com/action/page?page=74 74 MOTO TECH - MEET YOUR THROTTLE SYSTEM http://issuu.com/action/page?page=78 78 IMPROVE YOUR SKILLS - FASTER CORNERING http://issuu.com/action/page?page=104 104 SPORTBIKES INK!!! http://issuu.com/action/page?page=106 106 RANDOM http://issuu.com/action/page?page=110 110 THIS LIFE - By Tyson Beckford http://issuu.com/action/page?page=112 112 THE NEW ISH http://issuu.com/action/page?page=116 116 STAFF STUFF http://issuu.com/action/ page?page=22

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AUGUST 2011

http://issuu.com/action/page?page=6 6 EDITOR’S LETTER

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EDITOR’S LETTER EDITORIAL

THETEAM

This issue, we welcome to staff, Drag Racer Ashon “Capo” Dickerson. We are also fortunate enough to not only welcome long time supporter of SBI and life time rocker Billy Morrison as a contributor, but we also had the opportunity to pick his brain on his love of motorcycles. Hip Hop Ambassador, Radio and Television personality Darian “Big Tigger” Morgan took the time to likewise share his passion of all things two wheels.

“What the Industry is Listening to...” is a great feature, shedding light on what some industry insiders and personalities are listening to.

We also get down with Dan Jackson, Pro Stunt Rider extraordinaire, and discuss his journey through the world of freestyle stunt riding.

We’ve been promising more and more...

Well know you’re gonna get it. Enjoy the issue!

Allan allan@sportbikesincmag.com http://twitter.com/sportbikesinc 6 | SPORTBIKESINCMAG.COM

ART & DESIGN

The music and bike industry are so intertwined that it made sense to bring them together for a music issue.

Editor in Chief: Allan Lane Lifestyle Editor: Tyson Beckford Moto-Tech Editor: Mark Rozema Technical Advisor: Thomas Campion Contributing Editor: Simona Mihiela Contributing Riding Editor: Eric Wood Senior Staff Writer: Lisa Macknik Contributing Writers: Brittany Murrow Dystany Spurlock Corey Alexander Ashon “Capo” Dickerson Billy Morrison Copy Editor: Amy “Diesel” Lane Art Director: Leon Brittain Graphic Designer: Baz Staff Photographers: Meekail Shaheed Brian Nitto Cover: Leon Brittain

SportBikes Inc Magazine — August 2011 Volume 1, Issue 11 To receive SportBikes Inc Magazine’s 2011 Media Kit and Advertising Rates, please email: info@sportbikesincmag.com.

SportBikes Inc Magazine (ISSN 2158-009X) is published monthly by Hard Knocks Motorcycle Entertainment.

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.

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 is not responsible for any advertising claims made by its advertisers or partners.

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.

the press room GET YOUR SPORTBIKES INC MAGAZINE “POWER” T-SHIRT TODAY Now you can rep the SBI brand and lifestyle with the official SportBikes Inc Magazine “POWER” T-Shirt. Shirts are 100% cotton with the SBI logo and website address emblazoned on the front in true red and white colors and are available in sizes small through xxlarge. Click the image to purchase your “POWER” shirt.

This is the first item from the SBI Lifestyle Apparel Line. Look out for the online store on the SBI site where the full line will eventually be available.

SONS OF ANARCHY RETURNS TO THE FX NETWORK 9.16.2011

The FX Network is giving you a chance to be flown to Los Angeles to the watch the live chat with SAMCRO at the clubhouse!

5 lucky winners will receive a trip for two to LA to sit in on the live chat at the SAMCRO clubhouse with the gang and $500 in spending cash. No purchase is necessary to enter.

Just visit http://fxnetworks.com/soa for official rules and details. Tell them SportBikes Inc Magazine sent ya!

KAWASAKI RECALLS NINJAS

Kawasaki recalled over 2500 2011 ZX10R’s because of wiring harness placement issues. The concern is that a section of the harness can get pinched between the rear subframe and rear fender or between the rear subframe and the bolt that holds the seat cover resulting in a possible short that causes the engine to stop.

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GALFER USA GIRL OF THE MONTH CONTEST

Galfer USA is looking for passionate ladies who prefer the life of two wheels and an engine to experience the Galfer braking difference!

Each month we will select one lady rider and provide her with Galfer product, absolutely free, to install on her motorcycle. The selected lady rider must post her experiences on the Galfer Facebook page, www.facebook.com/galferUSA once a week. From installation to performance we want to hear what the ladies have to say about Galfer!

Galfer’s Facebook fans and staff will be voting on each of the Galfer ladies. At the end of November, we will announce the Galfer Lady Rider of the Year.

The Galfer Lady Rider with the most votes will receive an all expenses paid trip to the International Motorcycle Show in Long Beach, California! Along with spending time signing autographs in the Galfer booth, she will get to experience Southern California’s premier motorcycle show first hand! So if selected as a Galfer Girl of the Month, get all of your friends to vote for you on the Galfer Facebook page.

DUCATI REPORTS SALES INCREASE OF 63% In comparison to the first half of 2010, Ducati North America announced a year-to-date sales increase of 63 percent.

Strong markets in the US, Canada and Mexico are leading factors in the increase with over 5200 bikes registered in the first two quarters.

“We are very satisfied with our half-year results, which are an exceptional growth over 2010. We are extremely excited about our potential for the rest of 2011 with the Monster 1100EVO joining our formidable product lineup as summer hits full swing. In light of this continued success, we will be strengthening our organization for the 2012 model year.” Cristiano Silei, CEO of Ducati North America

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the press room WALGREENS OFFERS CHARGING STATIONS FOR ELECTRIC BIKES

Plans are in the works at Walgreens to offer charging stations for electric motorcycles (autos as well) at over 750 of their locations across the US before the end of 2011.

The list of cities where the charging stations will be installed includes: Boston, Denver, Los Angeles, New York City, San Francisco and Washington, D.C.

SHOEI DONATES HELMETS TO NMSF

The National Motorcycle Safety Fund (NMSF) received a generous donation from Shoei Helmets in the form of X-Twelve helmets to be used by Rider Coaches and Motorcycle Safety Foundation training sites for a small fee that will be recycled back into safety programs.

“Shoei does this by developing the best head protection available. The MSF does this by developing the best rider training curriculum available. Our donation of these helmets to the NMSF, which supports the MSF, is another example of our commitment to safety and our support of riders being trained to the highest level.” - Kazushige Yamada, Shoei Safety Co., Ltd.’s senior general manager

XTREME MACHINE MOTORCYCLE WHEELS ACQUIRED BY PERFORMANCE MACHINES Performance Machines announced the acquisition of Xtreme Machine Motorcycle Wheels as well as hiring Rod Brogdon as the brand manager. Brogdon has been with Xtreme for 11 years.

“Xtreme Machine has always been a well-respected brand, and Performance Machine will continue to manufacture motorcycle products under the Xtreme Machine brand name. We feel that the Xtreme Machine line of wheels is a natural addition to Performance Machine’s diverse brands.” - Mark Finnie, Performance Machine president.

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Text AMAPRO to 90210

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Dealer Spotlight

Words: Allan Lane Images: Dawn Vasquez

Dealership name: Eurosports | Address: 303 S. 3rd Street Coopersburg, PA 18036 Hours:Tuesday thru Friday 9am - 7pm, Saturday 9am - 4pm Year established: 2005 | Brands sold: Ducati, Triumph, Aprilia, Moto Guzzi, Vespa, Piaggio

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t is the combination of knowledge, experience and passion as well as a no-nonsense approach to serving the motorcycle culture and community that has Eurosports standing out as a dealership. Specializing in sales and service of European brands, Eurosports is owned and operated by a team of enthusiasts lead

by Bill Mondok.

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The team at Eurosports have a reputation for going above and beyond to fulfill customer needs.

The 4000 square foot showroom’s atmosphere is friendly, welcoming and unpretentious.

They currently host the local Rider’s Association of Triumph Club and are forming a new chapter of Ducati’s Desmo Rider’s Group.

It’s a full, one-stop shop for your

euro bike desires.

Eurosports is currently raffling off ten pink Vespa scooters for the Get in Touch Foundation. If you’re in the neighborhood, stop in and try your luck while supporting a great cause.

Contact Info: www.eurosports.net www.facebook.com/eurosports

W W W. P E R F O R M A N C E M A C H I N E . C O M MOTORCYCLE WHEELS, BRAKES & ACCESSORIES

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THE SHOW

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TWO

OF

BROOKLYN ’S FINEST

W o r d s : I M A G E S ;

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THE SHOW: TWO of brooklyn’s finest

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hen Shwan Page wanted to pay homage to two of his musical heroes that happened to be from the same borough of Brooklyn, he combined his love of hip hop and motorcycles.

This Jay-Z and Notorious B.I.G. Busa is more than a tribute bike to Shwan, “This bike has been an inspiration to a lot of people. It shows people that you can do anything if you just pray and believe all things are possible.”

Quality airbrushing really makes this bike step out into light. Its subtle intensity is rendered in a black and white noir motif. The placement of the appropriate amount of chrome was given serious thought as to not be ostentatious. It’s a beautiful representation of artistic talent and creative know how.

2007 SUZUKI HAYBUSA JAY-Z/NOTORIOUS B.I.G. Spec Sheet Front Brakes: Twin Wave Rotors - Galfer USA Rear Brakes: Wave Rotor - Galfer USA Exhaust: Two Brothers Racing Muffler, Brock’s Performance Header System Swingarm: Single sided 300 - All Things Chrome Front and Rear Wheels: Hellian - All Things Chrome Tires: Front - 120/70/ZR17 Pirelli Diablo, Rear - 300/35/ VR18 Avon Cobra Custom/One-Off Accessories: 4 Speaker and Sub Woofer System - Kicker Audio Built By: Custom Concepts/Coleman Powersports Paint By: Custom Concepts, Shwan Page Owner: Shwan Page SPORTBIKESINCMAG.COM | 19

THE SHOW: TWO of brooklyn’s finest

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THE GRID: NEWS GREEN LIGHT FOR JAPAN’S MOTOGP ROUND

Dorna and FIM have ok’d the Japanese round of MotoGP at the Motegi Circuit, provided there are no further serious incidents.

A report indicated that as a result of the earthquake in March of this year and the following accident of the Fukushima Da-ichi Nuclear Power Plant, the current level of radioactivity in the region poses no threat to participants and spectators of the Grand Prix, scheduled for October 2.

CARLOS CHECA CLOCKS DUCATI’S 300TH WSBK RACE VICTORY Carlos Checa’s victory at Silverstone’s round 9 of the 2011 World Superbike series marked an incredible 300 race win milestone for Ducati.

In addition to those 300 victories, Ducati has generated 155 Ducati pole positions, 753 podiums, 13 Rider’s and 16 Manufacturers’ World Championship titles from 1998 to 2011.

YAMAHA IS OUT OF WSBK, WILL FINISH THE 2011 SEASON

In a press release, Yamaha announced that they have decided to disband their factory World Superbike Team at the end of the current season and withdraw from the FIM Superbike World Championship.

This announcement came shortly behind a review of Yamaha’s marketing operations in Europe and the reality regarding “the continuing severe and rapidly changing Powered Two Wheeler market conditions throughout the region.”

They will continue to support private teams on all racing levels with YEC Racing kits, Yamaha’s line of racing parts.

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WE SAY GOODBYE TO AMA HALL OF FAMER GARY NIXON American Motorcycle Association Hall of Famer, Gary Nixon suffered a heart attack on July 29, 2011 and passed away a few days later from complications.

Not only was Nixon a member of the AMA Hall of Fame (1988), he was also inducted to the Motorsports Hall of Fame of America in 2003.

SBI, HKME & NJMP PARK JOIN FORCES TO PROMOTE THE AMA SEASON FINALE Hard Knocks Motorcycle Entertainment and SportBikes Inc Magazine have teamed up with New Jersey Motorsports Park once again to set the Mid- Atlantic Region on fire over the 2011 Labor Day Weekend.

The AMA Pro Racing Championship has become a Labor Day tradition and now that HKME and SBI have rejoined forces with NJMP, the impact on the region’s motorcycle rider, racer and enthusiast community won’t know what hit them!

He will be missed. The staff of SBI expresses their sincere condolences.

GA RY 1941

N I XO N – 2011

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THE GRID

The INSIDE TRACK

Words: Corey AleXANDER IMAGES: MEEKAIL SHAHEED/Brian J. Nelson

H

ey everyone! In my previous article I was just getting ready to head out to Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course for the next round of the AMA Pro Roadracing series. One of the most frustrating parts about being 17 and traveling all over the country for races is that I can’t drive a rental car. This means that every race I go to, some sort of adult figure has to come along, typically being a family member or friend. At this round my aunt came along with me, which usually ends up being a pretty comical time. She actually comes to quite a few rounds since she’s a teacher and has the whole summer off, plus she gets to hangout with her favorite nephew (me) and my uncle who is usually busy working with his team.

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Mid-Ohio wasn’t the best weekend for me but it definitely wasn’t the worst.

I qualified 5th with only a .001 difference from 4th.

Unfortunately, it’s become pretty obvious that my starts have been my biggest disadvantage and always keep me from being able to stay in contact with the leaders in the beginning of the race. In race 1, I had a terrible start and went all the way back to 12th or so. Eventually, I made my way through traffic back up to 5th place before getting into a pretty good battle with Elena Myers until the last lap. In race 2, I got a better start but still not as good as I wanted. Fortunately, I was able to make my way up to 2nd place, which started a threerider battle that eventually caught up to first place. Though I had made my way up to 2nd, I eventually made a mistake or two and fell back to 4th within a lap. As my tires started to get worn out, it became harder and harder to stay in contact with the 2nd and 3rd place guys. Up until the last lap, 3rd place had a little gap that I closed. Sadly there were some lappers that got caught up in the mix and I got the short end of the stick. Ultimately, I was content with my 4th place finish but I really wanted that podium.

After Ohio I flew straight to New Jersey to help teach at Jason Pridmore’s Star School. I was very fortunate that the school made a stop at New Jersey Motorsports Park because it gave me some track time prior to the race, which can often be critical to get good results. Jason also sponsors Supersport racer, James Rispoli, so he came out to the school as well.

It makes for a really good time as I’ve become really close with him over the past season and it allows for us to grow off each other’s talents. After two and a half days of riding at the school, I drove back to New York for a day or two before flying out to California to hangout with Ben Bostrom, as I previously talked about. Unfortunately, another aspect of not being able to drive a rental car is that although I get to travel the whole country I very rarely get to go see anything or do much aside from the track, hotel, or airport. This meant that going out to Ben’s was the first time I was actually able to go and hangout in California and see things I never got to on the handful of previous times I was there. Hanging out with him was an amazing experience and it was cool to see how someone such as himself lives, especially with his crazy diet that everyone wonders about. After spending a week with him and eating mostly

everything he eats, I have to say it’s not that bad. Though, being a kid with a fast metabolism I have to say that I never really felt full. Nonetheless, I experienced many cool things for the first time.

I went surfing for the first time, ate fish for pretty much the first time, had almond milk which was a first (it’s not bad!), and ultimately just got to hangout in California for a week.

After flying in Steve Rapps’ private plane from Ben’s house to Monterey, I was definitely ready for the weekend to start at the Laguna Seca round. It had been

a while since I rode at that track and it was on a 125 two stroke.

This meant that the first two sessions were basically to learn the track again. In qualifying, I was able to pull out a fast lap and get up into 2nd place to earn my best qualifying yet. This was only a one-race weekend for the AMA guys so I only had one shot to get the job done. Again, I didn’t get a great start but I made sure to push my way to the front on the first lap, which is what I did. Unfortunately, as I made my way up to the front, the leader had already checked out so I was left to battle for 2nd place

again. At the end of the day, I had the best, most hard fought race of my rookie career. The gap between 2nd, 3rd and 4th was only .037 seconds. I thought I was 4th but I eventually found out that we essentially tied down to the hundredths of thousandths of a second. I was happy to be on the podium again and I hope to do it again in New Jersey but on the top step. For now, I will just be hanging out at home for a little while since VIR has sadly been cancelled. If you can make your way to New Jersey Motorsports Park for the season finale, I suggest it!

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THE GRID

LAGUNA SECA 2011

words and Images: AllAn lane

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T

he electricity in the air was palpable. The energy was like no other. On a perfect weathered weekend in July, the world’s finest motorcycle racers ascended upon Monterey, CA to participate in the Laguna Seca Round of the MotoGP circuit.

With plenty to see and do, there is no question why this is the highest attended motorcycle event in the US. Now add in the AMA round that shares the same weekend and you have a double billed event that makes NASCAR look like a block party.

The paddock was filled with every superstar of the motorcycle racing world and the race fans adored every second of it. At every turn, it just seemed like FAN APPRECIATION DAY. And the energy spilled from the track onto the streets of Monterey where the entire city rolls out the welcome mat for those that travel near and far to taste a bit of the moto fuel in their lungs.

It was definitely a well-run, entertaining and highly organized weekend of events‌ all thanks to Dorna Motorsports and AMA Pro Racing.

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THE GRID: laguna seca 2011

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THE GRID: laguna seca 2011

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THE GRID: laguna seca 2011

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THE GRID

My 2-UP ride with R andy M amola

words : B illy M O rrision I mages : A llan L ane

I

t was the Thursday night before the U.S. MotoGP Race Weekend at Laguna Seca and I was finally to grips with the fact that my busy schedule and my lack of organizational skills were to blame for me NOT being able to attend the race. I was settling in to watch some Lockdown Raw and to make sure I Tivo’d the race on Sunday, when the phone rang. It

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was the nice people from Alpinestars. They wanted to know if I would like to attend the MotoGP race as their guest. They also wanted to know if I would like to do a lap around the track on Sunday, just before the race, on the back of a GP machine, ridden by the one and only Randy Mamola. Er...

YES!!! I was packing while I was still shouting

into the phone that I would love to, and before I knew it, I was being picked up at the airport near the track and being taken to my hotel. Unbelievable!

The morning of the race day was really cool.I chatted with Ben Spies and we hit it off, sharing a passion for bikes and loud rock music. His mom and his people are

all awesome and I soaked up the pre-race atmosphere before I was called to suit up and go say hello to Randy. Now back in the early 80’s, my uncle, Barry Ditchburn, was a works Kawasaki rider in GP as Mick Grant’s team mate. I have spent many weekends in the UK watching my uncle and Randy dice it up at Brands Hatch, Donnington, Mallory Park... and now I’m shaking his hand and listening to his pre-lap briefing! Life is strange indeed.

Before I know it, I’m standing in front of the grand stand on the start/finish straight of one of the world’s most famous tracks, while Randy revs the shit outta the Ducati GP machine that I’m about to climb onto - and anyone of you that rides KNOWS that riding on the back is not really what riders like to do! But you only get this opportunity once, so I hoist myself up onto the tiny add-on seat and find the specially adapted handles that are on either side of the tank.

No time to think or blink. Randy opens it up and pulls a wheelie as we head off in first, second, third... Jesus, this thing is like a rocket. Now, before we did this, people had been warning me about the sheer power of the GP brakes - warning me of the g-forces and how simply unprepared we are for such a violent stopping power. I, like everyone else, thought I knew better. I was totally unprepared for the force of this bike braking with such a skilled rider at the controls.

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THE GRID: My 2-up ride with randy mamola

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something? By the time we had gone through the first turn, I was settling down and started to look ahead. My inner voice kept saying, “Lean with him.....just lean with him... he’ll go faster if you just go with it...” and so I did.

The next turn, Randy drops the machine into it so low I think we’re going down, but I just lean with him and watch the track surface come up to greet me. It seems like it’s inches away and suddenly I’m grinning inside my lid from ear to ear. If I’m gonna go, then THIS is the way to go. I surrender completely to Randy’s talents and experience and just go with it. I can tell that Randy knows I’m doing ok on the back because he pulls two more wheelies on the way round... one of them as we’re still leant over! The track rushing towards us looks exactly like it does on Xbox, so I know when the corkscrew is approaching and my mind does a quick flip.

Hard on the anchors, he tips the bike left, and I go with it. Now Randy has explained that the easier we lean on that left hander, and the tighter we hold on, the faster the drive he can get out of the right hander that exits the corkscrew. I get it right and the feeling of dropping down a few stories while banked over to the left, and then hurling ourselves across to the right and Randy hammering the throttle open and getting a good hit out of that famous turn... I will never forget it.

As we come back down the start/finish straight, Randy pulls a stoppie, brings the bike to rest, and I climb off the back, grinning and shaking with adrenaline. I have to tell you - no matter how good anyone thinks they are... no matter how many Sundays anyone has spent in their one-piece race replica leathers getting their knee down on their favorite stretch of canyon road... until you actually feel what it’s like to ride with this level of athlete, on bikes that are over a million dollars... well, let’s just say it’s a whole other level of control and ability. I came away from the experience with a new level of respect for the riders... humbled at such mastery over that much power. I got back to LA after an amazing two day trip, got on my tricked-out Speed Triple... and rode nice and safely down to the store for a pint of milk. NOT!!! HAHAHA!!

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www.shoraipower.com SPORTBIKESINCMAG.COM | 45

THE GRID: ON THE COME UP

Images: Courtesy of Sandra Stammova

NAME: Sandra Stammova AGE: 28 Association/Affiliations/Series: British SuperBike Series (BSB).

Goals: I would love to get the experience to race WSB. Accomplishments: Raced NZ SuperBike series and BSB Championship Superstock 1000.

Define your passion in one sentence: I fell in love with motorbike racing.

This passion gives me the biggest excitement,drive, adrenaline insane feeling of satisfaction and spark which means to me unstoppable energy to chase my dreams, golds in every dimension of my life...

CONTACT INFO: http://twitter.com/sandrastammova

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THE STRAIGHT LINE: The Youngest in Charge

Words: Dystany Spurlock Photos: Meekail Shaheed

In 2010, Dystany Spurlock set a new record on a stock BMW S1000RR at the Valdosta Manufacturers Cup Finals in Valdosta, GA. She was only 18 years of age.

And that’s why she’s the youngest in charge.

Email her at Dystany@Sportbikesincmag.com.

I

n drag racing there is always going to be a person that wins and a person that loses. A lot of people ask me, “How many races have you won?” The answer is, I have won a lot and lost a lot as well.

My answer is then followed by, “Do you get mad at yourself when you lose?” I used to but my mother helped me realize that there is no need. I do not get mad anymore, if and when I lose. Having that in

mind, losing is not a reason to be upset.

There is a saying about being a sore loser. I feel that no one should be sore loser because everyone in my eyes is a winner. By chance you don’t place first the first time, it should make you strive harder to do your best the next time.

In every race you face different challenges such as: the temperature

of the air, a faster bike, or you spin off the line. However obstacles won’t matter as long as you have confidence in yourself and your ability.

When I race I think of it as being a practice run. That way I won’t get anxious and have the pressure.

I relax and go for the win. The best advice given to me was to have fun and do what I love. That’s exactly what I do and it helps me so much when it’s “Go time!”

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THE STRAIGHT LINE: CAPO’S CUT

Words and Images: Ashon “Capo” Dickerson

A

llow me to reintroduce myself for those who don’t know…

My name is Ashon (Capo) Dickerson, a Professional Motorcycle Dragracer who competes in the MIROCK Superbike Series in Real Street, Crazy 8, Street Et, Pro Et, as well as other events along the East Coast. By my peers, fans and stats, I’m considered one of the top riders in the game. Here is a brief list of things I’ve accomplished: National Wally Champion, Winner of Pinks’ Armdrop Bikes’ TV Pilot & 20k Custom Harley, 2011 winner of the biggest Crazy 8 field in the history of the class, featured at the International NYC Motorcycle show with SCHAMPA.com for autograph signing, and self proclaimed the flyest in the GAME!!

This is the music issue and it’s crazy how people say to me that I don’t look, dress or have swagger like the typical dragracer.

They say I look like a rapper or hip hop artist. But it is true; I and my crew bring a breath of fresh air to this game. The hip hop game, I think, is a lot like

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racing. You have different crews that rep the same thing and different hypes. You have trend setters, and you have people with true credibility that have put in work over the years.

You have males and females that have been consistent and put in work. They have remained relevant and just haven’t got that BIG check yet. Just like MC’s battle, we go to war out there on that race track. I am from “BRICK CITY”, aka Newark, New Jersey, where rappers like Redman, Naughty By Nature,and some of the Outlaws from Tupac’s camp originated from, right across the water from NYC, the birth place of HIP HOP culture. As I would say to the dudes down south that I race and compete against, “I’m from up top and you know what it’s hitting for”. I carry my swag and pride and stand out because I’ve been influenced by and grew up in the hip hop generation. So watch out for the kid CAPO! My Squad and I are a movement.

I feel like Tupac before the Death Row Records deal. But when Suge and Dre signed him, you know that’s when he blew up! I’m just patiently waiting to blow. Welcome to the Capo show. The sport along the way has lost some craft just like rappers. You have riders who can’t ride a true hand clutch bike and you have rappers who can’t write their own music or freestyle. Same thing if you ask me. But on a positive note, music is like racing; it brings all walks of like together in peace from different parts of the world, states & cities. It breaks color boundaries and brings people together and when that happens, it is a great feeling. Now that I have your attention, stay tuned! I’m here and like the great, Tupac Shakur, “All Eyes On Me”.

Loyalty is everything!

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MIGHTY DAN

WORDS: BRITTANY MORROW IMAGES: COURTESY OF DAN JACKSON 54 | SPORTBIKESINCMAG.COM

JACKSON

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The Rev LIMITER: MIGHTY DAN JACKSON

D

an Jackson is a household name in the professional stunt industry, but not because he is the best or the most outspoken. He isn’t even the craziest, edge-ofyour-seat rider… by a long shot.

So why is his name synonymous with professional stunt riding?

Dan is one of the few riders, if not the only rider, who has been consistently at the top of the heap for 10 years running. He is not a flash-in-the-pan athlete who burst onto the scene, won a few cham-

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pionships and then fizzled out as quickly as he emerged. He doesn’t stake claim to any unofficial world records, and his goals aren’t to win more gold medals than every other rider. His style is extremely fluid, featuring continuous motion with smooth transitions from one perfectly executed trick to the next. Dan is different, and it’s his commitment to being a little different that makes him stand out. He is simply one of the best and most dedicated riders in the country… he always has

been. Dan also expects that he always will be.

SBI: Just to establish your accomplishments as a professional stunt rider, how many times have you podium-placed in your career?

Dan: Last year in 2010, I made the podium 14 times, so it’s safe to say over the past 10 years, I’ve been on the podium over 150 times! Prior to my sportbike freestyle career I raced motocross professionally. I’m pretty sure

there are over 1000 trophies in my mom’s basement back home!

SBI: Of all the years you have been stunt riding, what is the one trophy, plaque, or accomplishment of which you are most proud?

Dan: Out of all the years I’ve been stunt riding, the biggest accomplishment I can honestly say I’m most proud of is taking the

dream of riding a motorcycle professionallyfor a living, and turning it into a reality.

SBI: So it’s not just about winning?

Dan: The championships, trophies, and plaques on the wall remind me now how truly blessed I am. I owe my success to my family and the man above!

Dan has established some of the most dynamic and unique relationships between the stunt industry and the music industry to date. Partnering with Tech N9ne on several projects, including music rights in several of his DVDs (A Few Loose Screws, II, and III), Dan has built a bridge that no other rider has successfully crossed in the history of the sport.

Being sponsored by a music SPORTBIKESINCMAG.COM | 57

The Rev LIMITER: Mighty dan Jackson mogul has been one of Dan’s signature “moves” for many years.

We asked Dan how he built and maintained a relationship with such a big name artist.

SBI: How did you get hooked up with Tech N9ne?

Dan: 10 years ago before Tech N9ne blew up, he would rap at a local bar called Danny’s Bar & Grill. I was a big fan and went to all of their shows. One night after his show the Tech N9ne crew left in their van so I followed them down the road on my 929 to show off on my sportbike. I pulled up beside them doing a Christ and knocked on the van.

They rolled down the window and went craaazy! They all remembered me from that night and I was referred to as the crazy motorcycle guy. From that night on, I’ve kept in close touch with Tech and Travis (CEO of Strange Music) ever since. They have been very supportive of what I do since 2000.

SBI: Ever thought of doing music videos with him?

Dan: Yeah, it’s been talked about and even planned in the past, but seems that whenever they are doing the shoots I’m out of town.

They run a tight schedule and have a lot going on over there at Strange Music. When Travis plans something out there is no waiting around.

SBI: Any more loose screws left in you?

Dan: Yes, definitely! I’ve kind of been slacking the last couple years working on the 4th DVD. 58 | SPORTBIKESINCMAG.COM

The market was saturated there for a while and sales are down due to the internet and YouTube.

I went from selling 25,000 DVDs to selling 10,000 DVDs. I put a lot of money and hard work into production and always trying to outdo myself. Maybe I have set too high of standards for myself when it comes to producing part 4. I’m definitely motivated right now to produce another “A Few Loose Screws” DVD so be on the lookout for something to come together soon! I know lots of fans out there want another one and I don’t want to let them down!

Dan has taken every setback in his career in stride, like a sprinter leaping over a hurdle. One of the most encouraging things about Dan is that he never gives up or gives in. Even after suffering a major injury in 2004 with a long and agonizing recovery, Dan fought to get well, get fit, get back on the bike, and get back on the podium. After years of riding alongside several factory sponsored competitors, Dan doesn’t let his privateer status discourage him in the least. His goals are clear, and he’s headed straight for them.

SBI: Your broken femur was pretty horrific - does it still give you trouble?

Dan: Yes, that was a crappy deal and a major setback in my life that, yes, gives me trouble every day. Six surgeries later, a stripped out screw, and a broken drill bit stuck in my leg, I’m making it work. I gave up on removing the rod five years ago and decided to just make the best

of it. Let’s just pray I don’t have another big leg injury. The doctors will have their work cut out for them for sure. I just keep my mindset positive and it’s worked out rather well, I just lack the mobility and motion in my knee that I once had. I bring more of a wise, controlled, smooth riding style nowadays to the plate. To me this just proves I have more control on the bike! I like making tricks look effortless!!!

SBI: What’s next on the project list?

Dan: Right now there are lots of irons in the fire. I guess this is why I’ve been so successful. I’m always dreaming of the next big thing, how can I outdo myself.

I’m pushing really hard to bring a factory sponsorship on-board to my program. Even though now I have the best privateer program in the sport, I still want that factory brand support! Kawasaki has been really supportive of what I do. Hopefully this relationship continues to grow and you will see a full fleet of Kawasaki motorcycles unloading out of my rig during demos and comps!

SBI: If you could accomplish one more thing before you die, what would be that one thing?

Dan: My whole life has revolved around family and mostly bikes.

The one accomplishment I’ve yet to achieve is to create my own family! It’s a goal of mine and one day I hope the legacy continues!!!

With a track record like Dan’s, we know and expect that his

legacy shall surely continue for many years to come regardless of his parental status.

We will also be keeping an eye out for his newest DVD, the fourth in the “A Few Loose Screws” series, with serious anticipation.

Until then, you can follow Dan and his continued success at www.teamxmx.com or see him compete at an upcoming XDL US Championship series event.

SPORTBIKESINCMAG.COM | 59

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SPORTBIKESINCMAG.COM | 61

The Rev LIMITER: On the COME UP

Images: Courtesy of Leah Petersen

NAME: Leah Petersen AGE: 26 Association/Affiliations/Series: XDL Championship Series Goals: Ride, inspire and contribute to the growth of the sportbike freestyle.

Accomplishments: Established StuntBums.com, competed in XDL, moved to France as a sportbike freestyle athlete to compete and train.

Define your passion in one sentence: Stunting motivates me to keep chasing my dreams and never settle in life.

CONTACT INFO: http://leahstunts.com http://twitter.com/leahstunts

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THE LIFE Featured Club

Sassy Lady Riders M.C.

Chapter: Philadelphia, PA | Founded: 2009 | Members: 7 and 1 Prospect Elected Officials: President - Carla “Pooh” Geter | Vice President - Carla “Untameable” Jackson | Sergeant at Arms - Nyla “Ill Na Na” Chapman | Road Captain - Syeta “Storm” Manuel | Business Manager - Olympia “Boss Lady O” Belay

Rocker Interpreation: A female riding a Hayabusa inside of a Shoei helmet. Their colors are pink, blue, yellow, black and white.

History/Origin of Club: They are an all-female club organized to serve the community and empower female riders with a common interest in riding and motorcycle safety

Club Milestones/Memorable Moments: Their first successful recognition award for their support in the community by Team Hydro Social Club.

Future of the club: To maintain the goals of female empowerment and safety while riding and providing a service to the community.

Want to see your club featured here? Drop us an email at info@sportbikesincmag.com for info.

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Š2011 FX Networks LLC. All rights reserved.

THE LIFE: FEatured riderS J Pigg

STATS

Chico, CA

Hip Hop Artist

Years Riding: 4 years.

RIDING STYLE: Street man!!!

bike(s) Owned:

J PIGG

2009 Suzuki Hayabusa, 2008 Suzuki GSXR 750

FAVORITE BIKE MOD/ACCESSORY: My paint job! Sick!

Favorite piece of riding gear: My ICON helmet or jacket... It’s a tie. LOL!

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most memorable ride: From Chico to Monterey for the 2011 MotoGP events this year.

Outstanding ride.

Eric Torres

Elizabeth, NJ

Technology/Dad

ERIC TORRES

STATS Years Riding: 3 Years

RIDING STYLE: Street (Track... one day) bike(s) Owned: 1980 Kawasaki KZ1000, 2008 Kawasaki Versys FAVORITE BIKE MOD/ACCESSORY: My Two Brothers Racing Exhaust on my Versys.

The Vance and Hines full system on my KZ. Favorite piece of riding gear: My Dainese jacket.

most memorable ride: I recently took a ride to Bear Mountain, NY. That, by far, was the most memorable ride. I leaned over farther than I ever thought I could. So many twists, slow and fast elevation changes. Not to mention the scenery was beautiful.

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FEatured THE LIFE: LIFE rider FEatured FEaturedriderS riderS Mista Forty

Washington, DC

Music and Guns

Mista Forty

STATS

Years Riding: Started on a three wheeler with a thumb throttle at age ten. No turning back after that!

RIDING STYLE: So street! Looking at getting a GSXR 750 to start doing some track days and getting more technical with it. bike(s) Owned: 2002 Suzuki Hayabusa (totalled), 2008‘Busa on the way!

FAVORITE BIKE MOD/ACCESSORY: On my ’02, it was the HMF carbon fiber exhaust.

Favorite piece of riding gear: I guess my AGV Helmet. Out of all of them, I’ve never seen anyone with it. It’s older though and I hate trying to switch the visor out at night. It doesn’t have the new quick switch visor but it’s still comfortable and has a crucial design on it for a stock helmet.

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most memorable ride:

When I picked up the ‘Busa, I was coming from riding a Honda 900RR and I had to ride down a long stretch of highway so I cracked the throttle and it kept pulling every gear.I got to sixth and couldn’t find the stop. Been chasing that high ever since.

FEatured rider of the month

Lisa Burgy

Philadelphia, PA

Receiving/Reverse Logistics Manager

LISA BURGY

STATS Years Riding: One month!

RIDING STYLE: Street bike(s) Owned: 2008 Suzuki GSXR 750 Favorite BIKE MOD/ACCESSORY: LED underglows and HID light kits.

Favorite piece of gear: Gotta have a bandana on every time I ride!

most memorable ride: To be determined... I’m anticipating my trip with JustWannaRide to the Tail of the Dragon to be the most memorable!

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MOTO TECH: The PRO Wrench

Words and Images: Thomas Campion

W H AT ’ S i n T H E T O O L B O X . . .

T

Modifying tools for specific jobs also helps whether it’s shaving the side of a wrench, turning a socket down on a lathe, At the beginning of every or putting a bend in an season, pro mechanics Allen wrench. Every mebuild their roll carts into chanic has done it. Durportable race shops. We ing the last race weekneed to have every tool end I cut down a 2.5mm required to completely Allen wrench so I could maintain and rebuild turn the idle screw on a the race bikes. Keep- 848 EVO without taking ing these tools orga - the throttle bodies off. nized is crucial to being an efficient mechanic. Now the hard part (at During qualifying, time least with the teams I’ve is against you. You can’t worked for) is keeping b e f u m b l i n g a ro u n d this cart clean of debris. your cart trying to find Between the rider, team a tool. Many mechan- owner, and visitors, it ics keep separate trays, always seems to colhaving only the tools lect half empty water for a specific task in bottles, old knee slidthem (front wheel tray, ers, and the random suspension tray, etc.). pair of sunglasses.

-Handles, Sockets, and Torque WrenchesThese are just a few tools I keep in my race box.

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Markbilt Racing was founded in 1998 by Racer and motorcycle enthusiast Mark Rozema.

From its humble beginnings the Markbilt mission has always remained steadfast, to build and tune race winning motorcycles. Markbilt is proud to have been the driving force behind the success of such factory-backed teams as: Team Pepsi Suzuki, Celtic Racing Yamaha, Attack Kawasaki and Markbilt GYTR Yamaha. Markbilt has had the honor of working with many talented riders and winning over 23 regional and national championships including the prestigious Daytona 200. Markbilt proudly offers CNC manufacturing capabilities, welding, fabrication, engine & chassis shop and a fully featured Superflow chassis dynamometer and tuning center. At Markbilt, racing is a passion not a job.

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Phone: 201-406-1921

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MOTO TECH Words: Mark Rozema

MEET YOUR THROTTLE SYSTEM

O

ne of the most significant improvements in motorcycle technology is arguably the advances in throttle systems.

On modern sportbikes, rough

running, hard to tune and pollution producing carburetors are a thing of the past. Throughout the years manufacturers have gone to great lengths to produce

not only smoother running but cleaner burning and more powerful engines. Let’s take a look at the progression from carburetors to electronic fuel management.

The carburetor Very simple in design, a twist of the throttle pulls open a slide allowing the negative atmospheric pressure in the engine to pull in fresh air. The air as it passes through is mixed with fuel that is being pulled through a series of jets, needles and orifices. The amount of fuel can be adjusted by changing the various jets, needles and fuel screws. Later in their evolution, in an effort to make the engines accelerate more smoothly, carburetors were fitted with a vacuum operated slide. The slide would open as vacuum increased to match the air flow to the demand of the engine.

BASIC FUEL INJECTION The first forms of fuel injection were very similar to the vacuum slide carburetor. This very simple design retained the vacuum operated slide but replaced the jets and needle with a pressurized fuel injector run by a simple electronic control unit. The big advantages in this design were a noticeable improvement in horsepower, tune ability and lower emissions.

ADVANCED FUEL INJECTION As technology progressed the engineers decided to remove the vacuum slides and replace them with a computer controlled butterfly. Using the computer to control the airflow, they could more closely monitor air fuel ratios and optimize not only fuel flow but power delivery. This again was a large step forward in performance and emission control.

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DRIVE BY WIRE The majority of modern sportbikes are now equipped with drive by wire systems. No longer are you opening a slide or butterfly when you turn the throttle. The throttle is attached to a potentiometer that tells the ECU the rider’s input. When the throttle is turned, the ECU determines when and how fast to open the butterfly and how long to pulse the injectors for precisely the perfect amount of air and fuel.

These systems are so advanced that the manufacturers can control acceleration levels in each gear, how much engine braking the engine produces on deacceleration and even on some models, the velocity stacks in the air box move to help broaden the power band. They have many safety systems built in as well. The Engine Control Unit (ECU) monitors everything from air and coolant temperature to lean angle and air box pressure and constantly adjusts for peak performance. Many manufacturers have even made traction control standard and monitor wheel speed as part of the ECU calculations.

All of this technology has opened up a huge aftermarket industry of add-on tuning and traction control modules. Now the consumer has the ability to thoroughly tailor the motorcycle to their needs by a simple computer connection. It is an exciting time for motorcyclists as this technology is rapidly growing and more and more complex systems are available every day.

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E M A N A T ’ N S I Z Y O T ING

ROARS A PASSION. IT’

st? e? Or didn’t la re if stuff brok ca ’d ’s ho at W th ? d an them wanted cheap, t. Who’d need wouldn’t exis e because we d am re bl ca to ho e w on men d no tors and crafts no excuses an g to ts and innova k? We’d have tis or ar w e to th it ple: if it’s goin e, ic ed rules are sim built for pr n you need e he st th p. , w ju ea re st om as ch ju he st w d t ith cu nd ile w e uc fa go . Arou defin If every prod as cheap? Or en costs that rs, craftsmen products that p because it w tists, innovato out all the hidd , many of the ar ct e fa th In re . e’ es W ik Or looked chea , too late, we found out ab ortb ative.

Then re your altern g of custom sp w our CNC what we got. od stuff. We’ e the beginnin go nc e Si th . s de te ca if you ever sa ea e de cr us a d ca er an Be ov s . r el fo gn fe it at orth. e and YZ desi st. We’ve been ur money’s w ybody can se ROARING TO stands for: yo tter be our be difference an e be a m it u na e, yo s m yz ve na To r gi g in use it get ou . what that Roar it has to. Beca e created here u’d really know ore. Because yo m sportbikes wer g, tle in lit ch a at u w were will cost yo their mothers n with quality of a part like ils Our obsessio ta de st ie eat the tin it. craftsmen sw we’re not on t is long. And lis e th p, ea ch If you want

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improve your skills

Words: Eric Wood Images: Eric Wood/Brian Nitto

FASTER CORNE

O

ne of the key suggestions that riders hear at most riding schools is to “be smooth�.

This is certainly good advice, as smoothness is a trait exhibited by a majority of the fastest riders in the world. It seems like such a simple concept, yet many riders have difficulty putting it into practice. Racing also rewards aggression, which on the surface seems to be the opposing force to smoothness.

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There is a balance that must be struck between aggression and control. Riders looking to lower their lap times always strive to brake, turn and accelerate as quickly as possible. If you can slow down, roll on the gas or change direction faster than your competitor, then you should be faster around the racetrack as well. For this article, we will first focus on the advantages of turning quickly and then discuss a couple of the things that we can

do as riders to help make this happen.

The less time a rider can use up to get a motorcycle to change direction on the racetrack, the deeper that rider will be able to brake into the corners. In addition, that rider will also be able to get on the throttle sooner. As with most techniques relating to cutting fast last times, this concept all comes down to the use of available traction. On the way

ERING into a corner, every percentage point of the available grip used to either turn the bars or carve an arc represents a percentage point that cannot be used for braking. If a rider is using 50% of the front grip to turn and corner, there is only 50% left to brake with.

The same basic concept applies to the rear tire and acceleration.

When a bike is going 60 MPH, it is traveling about 88 feet per second. If two riders are entering a corner at 60 MPH and one takes half a second to get from upright to full lean, while the another takes a full second, the first rider will have about 44 additional feet on the entrance where the front tire can be used 100% for braking. This is a significant advantage. The next time you are walking around a racetrack, have a friend pace off 44 feet and see how much you think that extra braking zone would help you.

As an alternative to comparing brake zones, we can also look at what happens if both riders initiate the turn at the same point. The first rider will arrive at the apex pointed well up the

of the throttle. The advantages of turning quickly become quickly obvious.

However, riders cannot simply turn the bars as hard as they would like. The chassis and tires all have a good amount of flex tuned into them, and the action of twisting the bars violently effectively winds up these components like rubber bands.

One of the key things to remember with handlebar effort is that the largest handlebar inputs need to be done over center (see figure 2). The turning forces should be strongest at the top and diminish down to nearly FIGURE 1 zero at maximum lean. This practice places the racetrack and ready to accelerate largest load on the tire while and the second will have only the motorcycle is straight up and completed about half of his arc down, leaving the rider with the and is still pointed towards the greatest margin of safety posoutside of the track (see Figure 1). sible. The turn is initiated with the This leaves the second rider to handlebars, and finished with the finish turning past the apex and help of lower body inputs. It is results in a delayed application critically important to reduce bars SPORTBIKESINCMAG.COM | 79

improve your skills: Faster Cornering good place to start when evaluating how much bar input your bike can handle.

inputs to “thumb and forefinger” magnitude at full lean.

The ideal amount of initial handlebar input will get the motorcycle to its maximum lean angle in the minimum amount of time without requiring additional inputs or corrections when it arrives there. Many corners will allow riders to begin an immediate reversal of the lean angle by cracking the throttle open the moment the motorcycle reaches full lean. If the rider ever has to wait for the motorcycle to “settle” before beginning the next input, then the turning action was too abrupt. This simple check is a

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Every corner is taken at a different speed, and the centrifugal stability of the motorcycle changes in proportion to road speed.

The faster the wheels are spinning, the FIGURE 2 more force it takes to make them lean.

All experienced riders know this instinctively, as one would never use the same amount of handlebar force to turn the bike in the pits as on the track at 100 MPH. The bike is more stable at speed, requiring higher initial bar inputs for fast turning. Since the motorcycle will generally take longer to roll sideto-side at high speed, there also is more time to allow the bike to settle from these larger inputs.

The crankshaft of the motorcycle has the same effect as the wheels when it comes to affecting transition speed. A motorcycle will lean from side-to-side much more

easily at 7,000 RPM than at 13,000 RPM due to the reduced centrifugal load at this engine speed. Many riders, especially in high speed corners, will elect a higher gear during transitions to help the motorcycle change direction more quickly. As long as the motorcycle is not lacking for acceleration on the exit, this strategy will pay dividends in the form of both quicker transitions and less reaction of the chassis (as a result of reduced bar input).

The bike will also have a lower tendency to wheelie in the middle of the transition since there is less power being delivered at the reduced RPM. Next month, we will revisit body position during transitions and talk about another technique that riders can use to safely speed up this process. As with many of the concepts we teach at the Penguin School, learning to transition the motorcycle quickly will not only make you a faster rider but it will make you a safer rider as well. Your biggest inputs happen when you are the most upright and you will spend less time on the edge of the tire. As you experiment with this technique, be sure to make incremental increases in bar input, and remember to be extra light once you arrive at full lean. You’ll be pleasantly surprised at the difference a small change in bar effort can make.

Until next month, ride fast, ride safe.

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billy morrison billy billy morrisonbilly billy billy billy morrison billy billy morrisonbilly

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morrisonbilly morrison morrison morrisonbilly morrison morrison billy morrison

words: lisa macknik images: courtesy of billy morrison

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FRICTION ZONE: Billy Morrison

I

nspired by an era of revolutionary proportions, UK rocker, Billy Morrison, contributes his career and ways of life to the birth of Punk Rock, but tells us how he almost landed on a whole different track.

BM: “I think I was probably about 7 years old when my father first took me to Brands Hatch to watch a race meeting. I remember the smell (it was mostly two-stroke racing back then and those engines pushed out a really distinctive smell) and the noise - like a bunch of angry bees on steroids. It was sensory overload and I loved it.”

SBI: Do you remember your first ride?

BM: “It was a 50cc Yamaha RD50 - a moped built to look like a real bike. All the kids had them and mine was blue with red grips and a loud pipe (nothing changes!).

I remember the sense of freedom more than anything else. I didn’t crash it for a while either so I built up some confidence before I threw that thing down the street and into a brick wall one night.

SBI: Describe your first experience with music.

BM: “I was into the Glam thing when I was really young (around 9 or 10 I think) - bands like Slade, Sweet, Roxy Music and Gary Glitter - until the Sex Pistols came along and pissed everyone off by going to Number One! I watched as all the adults started freaking out, and the Pistols became the most notorious band of my youth, symbolizing rebellion in the form of 86 | SPORTBIKESINCMAG.COM

Punk Rock. That rebellion was the musical experience that changed things for me.”

SBI: How honored were you to have a Les Paul named after you?

non-existent! I have always played Les Pauls and look at them as the perfect rock guitar. You just don’t need anything else. So when the Morrison model was suggested to me, I was speechless. And I’m still recovering from the shock two BM: I was honored beyond words. years later. Seeing it come to fruiAs a kid, growing up and learning tion EXACTLY as I wanted, from the to play, the thought of having a sig- color, to the way it plays, to the nature guitar is very far-fetched. The sound... the feeling is priceless. thought of it being a GIBSON... And now it’s in the stores. I am

truly honored and humbled to have this signature model and I hope the players that buy one enjoy it as much as I do.

SBI: How was the X Games show?

BM: As always, Camp Freddy rocked the house.

I think that because we don’t play too many shows, when we do actually come together to perform, we are all excited to play together and it shows. This year, Billy Idol, Sebastian Bach, Corey Taylor, Steve Jones and Billy Duffy were the guests and we had an amazing time up there. It’s Camp Freddy’s 10th Anniversary next year so hopefully we’ll be able to come up with a few decent ideas and ways to celebrate!!

SBI: How did it feel to be on the back of a MotoGP bike at Laguna?

BM: Oh my God! The two-seater lap I did with Randy Mamola just blew my mind!

First of all, Randy is So nice and really just the best guy. So I was at ease with him the whole morning.

And then I got on the back of that race bike and he took off with a wheelie. The acceleration has to be felt to be believed, and the braking? Unreal.

Simply unreal. We all think we’re great riders out there . I see the guys on the R1’s on a SPORTBIKESINCMAG.COM | 87

FRICTION ZONE: Billy Morrison Sunday in racing leathers with their knees on the ground in the canyons of Malibu. And yes, they can obviously ride. But the fantasy of being ‘Jorge Lorenzo’ is NOTHING like the reality. These pro guys and these million dollar race bikes are a different league. A different sport altogether. These guys are athletes, pure and simple. I gotta tell you I was on the BACK doing nothing except hanging on for dear life, and I was out of breath when I got off. Imagine how those guys feel after 25 laps actually throwing those things around and withstanding those G Forces corner after corner. The experience that Randy gave me helped me understand just how different it is.

SBI: Rider of choice?

BM: Larry Pegram in the AMA and Ben Spies in GP. I got to hang out with Larry last year and he was really nice and welcoming.

Great fun watching the pit action and having Larry explain stuff to me. And Ben is just super fucking cool and we bonded over a love of bikes and rock music. I was his guest at Laguna this year and he went above and beyond in making me feel welcome. So I was able to return the favor and had him come to the recent Camp Freddy show. It’s very weird looking out from the stage and seeing your favorite world class GP rider singing along while you play onstage!!

SBI: What can you tell us about your newest project, K-11?

BM: Unfortunately I can tell you very little about the movie, other than my character’s name is Hollywood, the writer/director Jules Stewart is fucking awesome, and the movie is seriously kick-ass.

SBI: Do you remember when you knew what you wanted to do with your life?

BM: Yep, it was pretty much watching the Sex Pistols on the Bill Grundy TV show in 88 | SPORTBIKESINCMAG.COM

the UK. A couple of stupid swear words and the whole country was in an uproar. And their message was ‘Anyone can do it’ - anyone can have a voice and be heard as

long as they had something to say.

I loved the clothes, the energy and above all, the way they just went on this TV program and did what they wanted. They didn’t care what

other people thought. At that moment, I wanted to play loud guitar in a band.

SBI: Did your uncle’s racing success influence your life in any way?

BM: I think when he landed his position at Kawasaki as Mick Grant’s teammate for the GP team, I was impressed. It made me want to do the same. I definitely went through a period of riding Kwackers and wearing green leathers!! But music had me by the balls and I was taken on a different path. I think I could have been shown a different road - one that led to a paddock, pits and a track...... but no one really bothered and I followed the music. Only years later did I start to research and appreciate what it takes to be a rider. My Uncle Barry (Ditchburn) was in the middle of the pile. It takes SO much to rise to the top - a Kenny Roberts or Rossi or similar. Reminds me of the music business!

SBI: What would the theme song of your life be?

BM: Good question. I think if I had to throw it into just one song, it would have to be “I Wanna Go Where The People Go” by UK band, The Wildhearts. Next to the Pistols, they are the most infectious and influential band I have ever heard. And the chorus says it all...

I wanna go where the people go...

Take me there, anywhere, just so long as there’s an atmosphere we’ll be around. Come on down.”

SBI: Life Mantra?

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FRICTION ZONE BM: Ignore the haters and do it anyway.

SBI: Where can our readers find you on tour this year? BM: The rest of the year for me is pretty much planned out... I finish the K-11 movie in August, start Idol rehearsals in September, play the West Coast Billy Idol shows in October (check www.billyidol.net for details), maybe get a vacation in November, and close the year with the regular Camp Freddy residency in Los Angeles. As always, all details for everything Billy Morrison can be found at www.billymorrison.net/weblog or by following me on Twitter at www.twitter. com/billymorrison.

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FRICTION ZONE: Big tigger - tireless Pursuit

A

n icon throughout the hip-hop entertainment industry, Mr. Darian “Big Tigger” Morgan has been doing his thing in the music game for more than 15 years.

He began humbly as an intern on a popular afternoon drive-time radio show and quickly gained credibility and recognition thanks to his hustle, spontaneous freestyles and charismatic persona

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as well as his ability to connect with the audience, thus elevating his career from intern to his own nightly show. His list of credits also includes being the former host of BET’s Rap City: Tha Basement and 106 & Park, host of the nationally syndicated radio show, Live in the Den with Big Tigger, host of his very successful show in the highly competitive morning drive-time market, Big Tigger

Morning Show with Free on 95.5 WPGC in the Nation’s capital and he has his own TV show, Direct Access. Oh and let’s not forget, co-host of the BET Awards Show Red Carpet along with his morning show partner in crime, Free.

With such an impressive list of credentials, you might imagine it would be easy and fulfilling to

kick back and simply enjoy the rockstar lifestyle he’s created. But that’s not the case for Big Tigger.

Equally as important to him as his love for hiphop, is his passion for his charitable efforts. Tigger founded his Street Corner Foundation in 2002 as a means to bring awareness to the HIV/AIDS pandemic. With all of his connections and resources, he wanted to do more than just show up to a few luncheons, fundraisers and speaking engagements to raise awareness for this cause. Instead, he took the blessings and opportunities bestowed unto him for a hands-on approach and launched the Big Tigger Annual Celebrity Classic. The Classic is a charitable weekend that features athletes and celebrity participants such as Carmelo Anthony, Alicia Keys, Al-

len Iverson, Terrell Owens, Lebron James, Gabrielle Union, Michael Vick, and Ludacris to name a few.

The three day event features a celebrity basketball throw-down that brings such celebrities as the aforementioned and communities together for National HIV Testing Day, as well as other fundraising events.

Moving into its 10th year you might think the Celebrity Classic’s outreach would be enough for Tigger.

Wrong again. Tigger also has a passion for two wheels, so why not unite his charitable efforts with the very large and charity oriented motorcycle community. Thus the Big Tigger HIV/AIDS Ride for Life was launched in 2007.

“I’ve been riding for 16 years and wanted to do something to reflect positively on the bike community. Previously, I partnered with the Maryland Highway Safety Administration to help get the

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FRICTION ZONE: Big tigger - tireless Pursuit

word out about motorcycle safety and awareness and to let drivers know we (motorcyclists) also share the road with them,” Tigger says. “I want to do my part to shine a bright light on the bike community which too often only receives negative press. I would love to see the Ride for Life get to its 20th Anniversary as well as possibly develop into more than the ride, while ultimately maintaining the intent and purpose of getting the message out for AIDS/ HIV awareness and knowing your status,” he continued. Now in 96 | SPORTBIKESINCMAG.COM

its fourth year, the Street Corner Foundation partnered with Suzuki and Michael Jordan Motorsports for what looks to be the best yet.

“With Suzuki’s support, we’re giving away three 2011 Suzuki motorcycles: a M109, a Hayabusa and a GSXR-1000 for the low cost of a $25 raffle ticket.

I’ve been a long time friend of Michael Jordan and a brand ambassador for him, so having Michael Jordan Motorsports involved is a win-win for everyone.

Mr. Morgan looks to continue

to be a polarizing figure in the hip-hop industry as well as within the bike community thanks to his tireless charitable efforts. Why do I say tireless, here’s a glimpse into his schedule:Friday radio show 6am-10, jet to Monterey, California for an appearance at the Laguna Seca MotoGP Friday evening, jet back to DC on Saturday for a charity event then host the WPGC Bike Fest on Sunday all while never losing site of the continuous support given by his fans and the motorcycle community.

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FRICTION ZONE

WHAT THE INDUSTR Two wheels move the soul but music inspires it. We asked a few of our industry friends to select three songs that get them going, that inspires them to go for the win, the ride or to just get the job done. Here’s what they had to say...

NICKY HAYDEN MOTOGP CHAMPION “Awnaw” by the Nappy Roots - Some fellow Kentucky boys and a song that reminds me where I came from...

“Till I Collapse” by Eminem and Nate Dogg - Hard beats and talks about never giving in! The same thing you gotta do in a race or life.

“My Time” - by Fabolous featuring Jeremih - Talks about putting it on the line. And if you wanna get results in MotoGP, where we are doing speeds of 200 MPH... you better be ready to put it all on the line!

DYSTANY SPURLOCK PROFRESSIONAL DRAG RACER “Win” by Young Jeezy - This is my hype song! It gets me focused and ready to win!

“Turnt Up” by Chris Brown - This song gets me in my zone! Leggo!

“Best in Me” by Marvin Sapp - It’s so inspirational and lets me know that God is there every step of the way.

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RY IS LISTENING TO...

LEAH PETERSEN PROFESSIONAL STUNT RIDER “Truth” by Chiddy Bang - I love the vibe of this song; very real, down to earth and motivating for normal people just trying to get a little better every day.

“Violet Stars and Happy Hunting” by Janelle Monáe - I love the theme of this song; the idea of feeling like an alien or an outsider in a all-too “normal” or sterile society. Gives me the strength to keep asking questions in life and to not become a faceless droid!

“Fall Back Down” by Rancid - I always need some Rancid in my life. It reminds me where I came from and who I can really depend on in life.

RICKEY GADSON 9 TIME AMA DRAGBIKE CHAMPION “Start It Up” by Lloyd Banks - Gives me the inspiration to start eliminations on Sundays at the races.

“All I Do is Win” by DJ Khaled - This is the song I like to play to motivate me when I’m on the way to the track.

“Eye of the Tiger” by Survivor - From Rocky and it always seems to get me back on track and motivated!

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FRICTION ZONE

WHAT THE INDUSTR FREDDIE SICOLI - KILLER KREATIONS, INC. WORLD CLASS CUSTOM AIRBRUSH ARTIST I usually always listen to high energy music when I’m working because it keeps me motivated throughout the day. Breakdance, hip hop, old school hip hop, some rock but never country! And it helps having a dance floor in the middle of the shop!

“I’m a Soldier” by Eminem “Sex, Love and Money” by Mos Def. The beat is ridiculous!

“Fast Lane” by Royce Da 5’9” and Eminem- I’ve followed Em and Royce before people even knew who they were! There good together.

JOSH HAYES AMA SUPERBIKE CHAMPION “To Them These Streets Belong” by Rise Against “Girls Just Wanna Have Fun” by Cyndi Lauper “Kickstart My Heart” by Mötley Crüe

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RY IS LISTENING TO...

ALLAN LANE SPORTBIKES INC MAGAZINE PUBLISHER/EDITOR IN CHIEF “My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy” by Kanye West - The complete album. One of the few albums that I can play all the way through, track by track.

“A Boy Named Sue” By Johnny Cash - One of the dopest lyrics ever... “My name is Sue! How do you do? Now you’re gonna die!”

“The Space In Between” by How to Destroy Angels - Great song from Trent Reznor, his wife Mariqueen Maandig and Atticus Ross. Very ghostly, eerie yet strangely inspirational. And because we are limited to only three, I have to slide in basically anything by Nine Inch Nails.

KURT WALTER ICON MOTOSPORTS DESIGN DIRECTOR “Scotch and Soda” by Kingston Trio - I was born 30 years too late, I’m sure I was meant for the early sixties. Whenever I listen to this track I long to be somewhere else.

“Amarillo By Morning” by George Strait - I grew up in Michigan, but I always wanted to be a cowboy... listening to George Strait was as close as I ever got.

“Careless Whisper” by George Michael Give me a microphone anytime, anyplace and I will sing this song. Everything else is not as good.

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FRICTION ZONE

WHAT THE INDUSTRY IS LISTENING TO...

DAN JACKSON PROFESSIONAL STUNT RIDER “Ima Playa” by Tech N9ne – This song says it all.

It’s a hypy song that def gets me pumped up! If you’ve ever been to a Tech N9ne concert you will feel what Im sayin! Ima playa Ima playa!

“Reach for the Sky” by Social Distortion - I’m a old school punk rock moto head. This song just hits me right in the heart. Reach for the Sky because tomorrow may never come!

“Spit it Out” by Slipknot - This song always brings me back to my Iowa roots. I’m a big Slipknot fan and good friends with them as well. When I hear this song I just black out and go ape shit! Nothing like losing yourself into a song and going total AWOL. LOL!

DENA SODANO PROFRESSIONAL STUNT RIDER It’s pretty hard to narrow it down to just a few of my favorite songs because I love so many! I listen to everything from hardcore rock to rap to the 80’s to alternative…

These few songs never get old no matter how many times I listen to them while I’m riding because they keep me moving and motivated.

“Survive” by Rise Against “Electric Head Part 1” by Rob Zombie “Won’t Back Down” by Eminem and Pink

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FRICTION ZONE: SPORTBIKES INK!!!

Words: Baz

T

hanks to everyone for sending in their photos this month. Remeber to watch this space every month for more awesome tattoos.

Want to show off your SPORTBIKES INK? Please send clear, high quality, hi res photos to Baz@sportbikesincmag.com. See you next month!

RIDER// Kim Schenk BIKE// 2006 Suzuki GSXR 600 TATTOO ARTIST// Dee Dee Seruga

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RIDER// Donna Heimall BIKE// 2008 Suzuki GSXR 600 TATTOO ARTIST// John Minka

RIDER// Keith Bryant aka KBNasty BIKE// 2007 Honda CBR1000F TATTOO ARTIST// Ever After Ink

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FRICTION ZONE: random

Words and Images: Allan Lane

T

his was not the first time that I had tossed my bike keys to my old man. However, this was the first that he did not toss them back. He stood up and began walking toward my bike with purpose.

I thought to myself, “Let’s see how far he’s gonna go with this...”

The better question was, how far my mother was going to let this go...

As he approached my bike, my sister and I high stepped it to catch up. I hadn’t seen the old man walk as briskly in quite some time. I was impressed.

When I realized that he was serious, I shouted, “Hold up, Pop! If we’re doing this, let’s get you geared up properly...”

I felt the heat of my mother’s glare beaming into back of my head, as if it wasn’t hot out enough.

I handed over my gear: helmet, Regulator vest and gloves...

The helmet didn’t fit. In all fairness, my old man has a lot going on up there, so no points lost for a larger head. So he wasn’t going for a ride. So what? This was his moment. My sister, Angie, and I had cameras out, ready to catch all the action.

Pop put on the vest and gloves and was transformed. It had been a while since I had seen him smile like he was at this moment. He was glowing in only the manliest of ways (like it’s against Man Law for a brother to glow?) This was a different “dad” for me. As a matter of fact, he was no longer “dad”, “pop” or my “old man”.

He was just Big Al.

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SPORTBIKESINCMAG.COM | 109

this life: Music and BIkes Words: Tyson Beckford

hip hop shows and sportbike shows like the rockers and cruiser crowds, so it got me thinking,,,maybe we here at SBI could do a Jay-Z and Kanye or Young Jeezy or Swiss Beats sportbike concert. That would be something to write a magazine about… music and sportbikes. Just a thought people.

M

usic and sportbikes don’t really go together like you would think because riding a sportbike with music on can be extremely dangerous. I had a friend that rode his motorcycle while listening to his iPod and I thought that was pretty dangerous. I personally tried it and wasn’t really feeling too safe . Plus, I like the music my titanium exhaust makes better.

But there are other ways that music and sportbikes can go together like the song by DMX, “Ruff Ryders Anthem”. Now that is a song that will always be tied to sportbikes. It even has its own bike club that I am a honorary member of called Ruff Ryders. That’s powerful on the part of music and bikes.

Seeing how this is the music issue, this came to mind that it could be the song that reps the sportbikes in the hip hop world. Most people think of rock music when thinking about cruisers and choppers. We as sportbikes guys don’t have

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Visit the SBI Blog and particpate in our poll: Do you listen to music when you are riding? The results will be posted in next month’s issue. www.sportbikesincmag.com/blog

THE NEW ISH ICON MOTOSPORTS • ALLIANCE “SHAKKI” HELMET

Adorned with imagery from ancient Japanese folklore, ICON’s latest offering captures the real essence of the characters portrayed. Raijin: the thunder god, Fujin: the wind god, Kintaro: the golden boy and the priest Mongaku... Ok, you can look them up later but the helmet’s graphics are on point.

ICON’s Alliance line of helmets exceed the current safety standards and provide an impressive level of comfort. The headform is based on a long oval shape and rear exaust ports prevent excessive heat. It’s an all around solid noggin’ protector.

FUN FACT: Shakki is not a real word. The guys over at ICON created the word that represents the “sound of a Japanese tattoo being applied...” Cool name for a helmet, regardless.

Size: XS - XXXL Price: $200.00 Contact: http://rideicon.com

SCOTTOILER • VSYSTEM CARB EO KIT A well oiled chain can add significantly to its life as well as that of the accompanying sprocket. How great would it be if there was a way to keep the chain to be self lubricated... Hold the jokes.

The British firm Scottoiler have developed an accessory to do just that.

The kit is affixed to the bike’s swingarm and oil is siphoned from the unit’s reservoir by gravity. The flow rate is adjustable and you get about 1500 miles before you have to refill with Scottoiler’s own specific chain oil.

Price: $129.95 - $279.95 Contact: http://scottoiler.com

SPEEDYMOTO • DUCATI WET CLUTCH COVERS Added protection in any situation offers greater peace of mind.

Speedymoto’s Wet Clutch Covers are designed to protect the clutch assembly with a 5mm impact resistant wall on the exterior. On the inside, there is a protective O-ring that absorbs vibrations as well as secures a proper fit.

The clutch cover fits the Multistrada 1200, 848, Hypermotard 796 and the Monster 696/796.

Colors: Clear, Grey, Black Price: $199.95 Contact: http://speedymoto.com

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KNOX ARMOR • BIOMECH HAND ARMOR GLOVES These are not just gloves. They are an extension of your hands. The Biomech Hand Armor gloves offered

by Knox Armor have been designed and developed to offer the highest level of protection and comfort for sport and touring riders.

Composed of aniline leather and kangaroo hide, the Biomech features vented panels for air flow and a PU Grip Pad for improved grip. The cool, next level feature is the Knox Boa Lacing System that eliminates the typical velcro wrist closures. The portion of the gloves that fit over the wrists is tightened by using the dial to adjust to a secure fit. To release, just pull the dial.

Size: XS - XXL Colors: Black/White, Red, Blue Price: 199.95 Contact: http://knoxarmorusa.com GP SLEEVE • FRONT & REAR BRAKE RESERVOIR COVERS GP Sleeve offers a really cool way to protect your brake fluids from harmful UV rays as well as safeguards your bike from seeping fluids. Designed specifically for sportbikes, there are several styles from which to choose. Wristbands are for your wrists... GP Sleeves are for your bike.

Price: $4.99 - $9.99 Contact: http://gpsleeves.com

GRAVES MOTORSPORTS • OHLINS TTX SHOCKS LIGHTWEIGHT REPLACEMENT SPRINGS This lightweight replacement spring for the TTX 36 line of rear shocks from Ohlins are direct replacements for the standard spring 21040 and 21041 series. With these replacement springs, you’ll save over 15% in weight over other full race springs and over 25% on standard springs.

The replacement spring has been developed and engineered to shave weight when fractions of seconds count at half the price. Available in six different spring rates.

Price: $150.00 Contact: http://gravesport.com

SPORTBIKESINCMAG.COM | 113

THE NEW ISH: Featured Item JOE ROCKET • LIMITED EDITION FALL OUT JACKET Who needs bulk when you’re trying your best to be as streamlined as possible? The Fall Out Jacket from Joe Rocket features a slimming tailored fit with reinforced impact zones. These impact zones are surrounded by “FLEX” zones of pliable material that allow for serious mobility.

The Fall Out Jacket’s mesh outer shell construction is a combination of HiTena™, RockTex™ 600, and FreeAir™. It features a six point custom fit system and “A” C.E. armor in the elbows, shoulders and spine.

Joe Rocket’s motto for this jacket? “Go Ahead and Rock Out with the Fall Out!” Size: S - XXXL Colors: Black/Black/White, Black/Red/White, Black/Blue/White Price: $199.99 - $214.99 Contact: http://joerocket.com

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staff stuff Strider SPORTS • Balance Bike Leon Brittain OK, so this may not be one of those hard core motorcycle products, but at one point we all had to start somewhere and in light of the recent birth of our Editor’s son, I think we can all relate to a product such as this.

The Strider Balance Bike is by far the best training product I’ve found for teaching the little ones how to ride.

I had the opportunity to allow my 3 year old to demo one of these during a bike show. Within minutes he was spinning around the demo course like a pro. The kids learn simply by straddling and pushing with their feet. As they gain momentum, they pick up their feet and coast, thus learning how to balance. The Strider pre-bike is designed for ages 1-5 and made of a lightweight yet strong steel frame with an adjustable seat and handlebars. I was so impressed with this product I purchased one for my daughter while she was still learning to walk. By the time she was 2.5 years old she was trying to keep up with her older brothers on their bikes on her little Strider Balance bike.

Strider’s tagline reads “Never need a tricycle. Never need training wheels.” Believe me, it’s true. http://stridersports.com Rating: 6 (out of 6) PUMA • Ducati Desmo boots Allan Lane These boots were made for riding... and for the last four years, that’s just what they did. I have put these boots through the ringer and it shows. They are the most comfortable pair of riding boots I’ve ever owned. Lightweight, flexible, stylish...

They’ve got it going on and I LOVE THEM! We’ve ridden together through the desert, pouring rain, track days.You name it and we’ve ridden through it. Are they a lil’ smelly? Sure. Is there an exhaust burn on the inner right ankle? Sure! But hey...That’s what Febreze and duct tape are for, right? http://store.ducatiusa.com Rating: 6 (out of 6)

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IN THE NEXT ISSUE The Renhard GT The AMA PRO RACING SUPERBIKE FINALE Erik Buell Jesse Rooke