ROAD RACING . DRAG RACING . STUNT RIDING
CUSTOM BIKES . MOTO TECH
DECEMBER 2013 VOL 4 ISSUE 3
SPORTBIKESINCMAG.COM TM
THE
STUNT ISSUE
VIOLET STARS & HAPPY STUNTING | MY SECRET LIFE AS A STUNTER | SOLO MISSION | THE 2013 KAWASAKI ZX14R | RIDING WITH A PURPOSE | ON THE COME UP: STUNT EDITION
2 | SPORTBIKESINCMAG.COM
License to thrill
New Hypermotard SP
SPORTBIKESINCMAG.COM | 3
Professional rider on a closed racetrack
Official Sponsor Developed with
Powered by
THE FEATURES THE REALITY OF THE KAWASAKI ZX-14R
28
THE FINAL STOP: VIETNAM
76
http://issuu.com/action/page?page=28
http://issuu.com/action/page?page=76
KNOW YOUR ROLE: RIDING WITH A PURPOSE
102.
http://issuu.com/action/page?page=102
4 | SPORTBIKESINCMAG.COM
MY SECRET LIFE AS A STUNT RIDER
68
ON THE COME UP: EXTENDED STUNT EDITION
86
http://issuu.com/action/page?page=68
http://issuu.com/action/page?page=86
THE LION’S DEN: SOLO MISSION
108
http://issuu.com/action/page?page=108
THE USUALS
DECEMBER 2013 - VOLUME 4, ISSUE 3
http://issuu.com/action/page?page=14 14 THE PRESS ROOM http://issuu.com/action/page?page=20 20 THE INBOX http://issuu.com/action/page?page=24 24 SHOP SPOTLIGHT - MID CAL CYCLE SHOP http://issuu.com/action/page?page=44 44 THE GRID NEWS http://issuu.com/action/page?page=50 50 THE INSIDE TRACK - By Corey Alexander http://issuu.com/action/page?page=58 58 THE YOUNGEST IN CHARGE - By Dystany Spurlock 60http://issuu.com/action/page?page=60 CAPO’S CUT - By Ashon CAPO Dickerson http://issuu.com/action/page?page=76 76 VIOLET STARS & HAPPY STUNTING - By Leah Petersen http://issuu.com/action/page?page=100 100 FEATURED CLUB - 317 RYDERS MC http://issuu.com/action/page?page=102 102 KNOW YOUR ROLE - By Kim “Lady Kim” Roper http://issuu.com/action/page?page=108 108 THE LION’S DEN - By Lion James 114http://issuu.com/action/page?page=114 FEATURED RIDERS 118http://issuu.com/action/page?page=118 ASK THE PRO WRENCH - By Thomas Campion http://issuu.com/action/page?page=120 120 IMPROVE YOUR SKILLS - By Eric Wood http://issuu.com/action/page?page=126 126 FOCUSED ON FASHION - By Kiana Gadson http://issuu.com/action/page?page=134 134 SPORTBIKES INK!!! http://issuu.com/action/page?page=136 136 THIS LIFE - By Tyson Beckford http://issuu.com/action/page?page=138 138 THE NEW ISH http://issuu.com/action/page?page=144 144 STAFF STUFF
INTERACTIVE CLICK ON NUMBERS TO JUMP TO A PAGE
FEATURED RIDER: CRYSTAL KING
http://issuu.com/action/page?page=114 PAGE 114 SPORTBIKESINCMAG.COM | 5
FEATURE STORY 6 | SPORTBIKESINCMAG.COM
THE FINAL STOP:
VIETNAM PAGE 76
http://issuu.com/action/page?page=76
SPORTBIKESINCMAG.COM | 7
8 | SPORTBIKESINCMAG.COM
SPORTBIKESINCMAG.COM | 9
EDITOR’S LETTER I
have long had an affinity for and massive amount of respect for stunt riders. The high pitched sounds of the bike’s engines being pushed to the max as the rev limiter is being violated in the most non remorseful manner known to man... It get’s the people going! Over the years, I have made a number of really good friends in the stunt world and I have realized that as bad as the abuse that bikes are subject to seems, the abuse that the riders subject themselves to is even greater. I’ve seen bone poking through flesh, limbs bended or twisted not in the way that God intended... I could go on.
This sentiment should seem more than familiar to stunt riders, with slightly higher stakes. The hunt for the secret stunt spot, having an amazing session until you or your bike breaks or the cops show up. And of course there is a million and one things worse that you could be doing. Stunt riding is not a crime!
The parallel between skateboarding and stunt riding is undeniable in the realization of the fact that skaters and riders are indeed athletes. I’ll throw a few names out there: Tony Hawk, Rob Dyerdek... Jason Britton, Chris Teach McNeil, Josh Borne, Bill Dixon... It reminds me of when I was much younger. all professional athletes that started in the Before the bikes, I was in love with streets and the lots. skateboarding. If you saw me, you saw my board. And I’m taking it back to boards with Individuals like Randy Grube is hard at work the spacer between the truck and board, fat for world recognition of the sport of stunt riding wheels, side rails, nose and tail guards and with his XDL Stunt Series. Stunt competitions, launch ramps... I’m taking it back to “The small and large need to be supported by Search for Animal Chin!” We would roll up to the manufacturers and dealer network in the a spot, playground, school yard... any place same way that road racing and drag racing that looked skateable, hop out and get busy. is supported. It was all fun and games until someone took a spill, broke themselves or their board... or Freestyle stunt riding is a sport and the riders even worse, the cops would show up. are athletes that sacrifice themselves, their bodies and bikes to get to the next level. I remember wearing my “Skateboarding is not How can you not salute that! a crime” shirt all the time as a silent protest to the harassment that we were subject to. The Freestyle stunt riding is as American as apple way we saw it, there were a million things pie. Respect it. worse that we could have been doing instead of skating. Let us skate! Best, Allan
10 | SPORTBIKESINCMAG.COM
THE TEAM Publisher/Editor in Chief: Allan Lane
EDITORIAL
Social Media Editor Melanie “Lucky Yogi” Zanutto
Fashion Editor: Kiana Gadson
Staff Writers: Dystany Spurlock Michael Lawless Kim “Lady Kim” Roper Lion James Lisa Macknik
Drag Racing Editor: Ashon “Capo” Dickerson
Copy Editor: Angela Lane
Lifestyle Director: Tyson Beckford
Drag Racing Advisor: Rickey Gadson Road Racing Editor: Corey Alexander Moto Tech Editor: Thomas Campion Riding Editor: Eric Wood Rev Limiter Editor: Leah Petersen International Correspondent Billy Morrison
ART & DESIGN Creative Supervisor: Leon Brittain Graphic Designer: Baz Contributing Photographers: Meekail Shaheed Robin Spurlock Franky Anthony Pesch Ray Bradlau Leon Brittain Thomas Campion Cover: Josh Holley
SportBikes Inc Magazine - December 2013 Volume 4, Issue 3 To receive SportBikes Inc Magazine’s 2013 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.
12 | SPORTBIKESINCMAG.COM
SPORTBIKESINCMAG.COM | 13
THE PRESS ROOM THE KAWASAKI “J” TRANSFORMING MOTORCYCLE Kawasaki’s, electric powered, “J” concept was on show at the Tokyo Motor Show. The J is built to transform at different speed rates. While cruising around town, the motorcycle is compressed, rear wheels are separated, handlebars are raised, and the rider sits up comfortably. While accelerating and maintaining high rpms, the J will respond by lowering its body, stretching out, lowering the handlebars and synching the two rear wheels into one simultaneously. In this state, the rider is at a more aggressive position. A rider cannot help but yell, “Morphin Time!” The heart of the motorcycle, the battery, the big green thing that’s in the center of the vehicle, is Kawasaki’s patented Gigacell, and the Gigacell has been tested and used on railways in Japan and in New York City. How’s that for a dream close to a reality? The J may be a concept, yet the dream of riding and belting out “Morphin Time!” could become a reality. Stop. Hold up. What the heck is a Gigacell? Brace yourself, the Gigacell is the next up and coming low cost, long life, and large capacity battery system that promotes clean energy. The battery is made from non-flammable materials. No lead, mercury, cadmium or other toxic materials were used. The battery is also recyclable. Regardless of all this earth savvy party, this may or may not have you interested. Yet placing the battery in a concept vehicle… dare I say…motorcycle… is just a sneaky way of marketing to the consumer market. Hey, it’s worked and has me, a rider, very interested. To understand a Gigacell we have to 14 | SPORTBIKESINCMAG.COM
understand a regular common rechargeable battery: Nickel-metal hydride battery, NiMH or Ni-MH. A NiMH battery has layers of electrodes that are rolled up to fit into a tube, a battery casing. Think of the triple A’s you put into your remote control. Since the layers of electrodes are rolled, the battery cannot dissipate heat fast enough which discourages large current flow, or great amounts of electricity to pass, for fast discharge or charge. Kawasaki’s Gigacell has a 3D bipolar design, similar to an accordion player. You know the instrument that’s usually seen being played by people at a German Cultural festival. Picture
it? Hokai. So, you’ve got this folded design and each fold separates the positive electrode from the negative electrode. So the pattern is: negative electrode, separator (fold), positive electrode, separator (fold), negative electrode, etc. Layers of electrodes = 1 cell. Layers of cells stacked in one box = 1 Gigacell. What’s innovative about this 3Dbipolar design is since there is space in between the electrodes, there is no internal resistance and it allows heat to transfer quickly to the aluminum heat sink, which displaces heat. On top of all
this “displacing, removing heat” tag team party, an internal fan helps dissipate heat as well. ALL of this combined allows large forms of current to travel without overheating the unit, which means, this allows for rapid charging and discharging, which means, the J concept has the potential of becoming a real boy at your nearby track. Now has this battery ever been used? YUP. In July 27, 2010, Kawasaki Heavy Industries, Ltd. announced it had successfully run the Gigacell in a 3 month test in cooperation with the New York City Transit. In November 2007 the system passed a test run on an Osaka, Japan subway line as well. SPORTBIKESINCMAG.COM | 15
THE PRESS ROOM ICON MOTOSPORTS THE IRON LUNG Known for their formidable number one spot in the street riding apparel market, the gang over at ICON seems to be looking to broaden their dominance in the bike world. For the last number of years, ICON has continued to make custom bike builds, almost extensions of the brand’s asphalt technologies that brandished the battle cry, “Ride among us!” With each build, a layer is peeled away... in the sense that each build sheds a layer away from what is truly at the core of ICON. Case in point, the Iron Lung. The Iron Lung is a 1991 Harley Davidson Sportster... or perhaps that’s what it used to be. Once the team at
16 | SPORTBIKESINCMAG.COM
ICON lays hands upon anything, it becomes something altogether different. In all of its eternal glory, the Iron Lung is not a throwback to the thrashing racing days of HD, it’s a ghost that remains daring you, asking you if you have the balls to be haunted. The Iron Lung will get you across the finish line, come hell or high water. It will get you from point a to point b, dragging you along the way as you kick and scream. Whatever it does, however it does it... It will do it on its own terms and time. Click the image to see it in action.
HARLEY RECALLS OVER 30,000 MODELS Harley Davidson has issued a recall for certain 2014 models due to a faulty clutch release plate that stops the clutch from disengaging. Harley is notifying owners and instructing them to the have their bikes checked out at dealerships where the clutch plate will be inspected and replaced free of charge if needed.
THE 2014 DUCATI RIDING EXPERIENCE CALENDAR Looking for an opportunity to ride the new Ducati 899 Panigale or the Monster 1200 at world class track facilities being taught by world class instructors in Italy? Well, enrollment for the 2014 Ducati Riding Experience (DRE) is now open. There are several experience packages available and a selection of dates to register for. They do fill up quick so visit http://ducati.com and register today.
SPORTBIKESINCMAG.COM | 17
18 | SPORTBIKESINCMAG.COM
SPORTBIKESINCMAG.COM | 19
THE INBOX BROUGHT TO YOU BY KRIEGA
Email SportBikes Inc Magazine at INBOX@SPORTBIKESINCMAG.COM. Every month, we are giving away a R25 Back Pack from Kriega and an SBI T Shirt to the LETTER OF THE MONTH! Dear SBI, My name is Nelson Melendez. I’m from Woodbridge, NJ. I was wondering if there is any way you can post my bike up in your magazine page. I’d like to get my work out there a bit. It’s a 2005 Kawasaki ZX10 Turbo. I did all the work myself. - Nelson Melendez, Woodbridge NJ Nelson, Nelson, consider it done. Nice work! It’s very clean and simple. The paint job is brilliant as well. Please keep us posted with your other projects.
NELSON’S 2005 KAWASAKI ZX10 TURBO 20 | SPORTBIKESINCMAG.COM
Dear SBI, It was great meeting you at the New York Motorcycle Show. I really like what you’re doing with Sportbikes Inc Magazine and I wish you continued success in this and your other endeavors. Have a fantastic day, Chris P.S. Thanks for the t-shirt. I greatly appreciate it. Chris Alleyne, New York Chris, The pleasure was ours. We love meeting those that read and support our movement. Shows and events offer a great opportunity for us to actually meet, shake hands and say thank you to the many that follow and read SBI. It also serves as a motivation to continue to push forward to make SBI bigger and better with every edition. Thank you, Chris for taking this ride with us!
LETTER OF THE MONTH Dear SBI, I just wanted to say thanks for being an authentic voice for the riding community. It’s cool how you guys put all aspects of the bike life under one roof. I don’t stunt. I don’t ride on the track. I don’t drag race, not legally anyway! But I love being able to read one magazine and have all of those topics touched on. The way I see it, your magazine is the only publication where I can see myself or other riders that look like me and then also see professional riders like Rickey Gadson, Josh Hayes, Nicky Hayden maybe just a few pages over. It makes me feel the love that we all have for these machines. I may not be getting money like a pro racer but my passion is just the same. Thanks for creating a platform where we all celebrate motorcycles and the life that comes along with them! John “Merk” James, Georgia
Dear SBI, Where do you purchase your magazine and how do we get a subscription? Sandra Derrico Sandra, Believe it or not, we get asked this question a lot... SportBikes Inc Magazine is absolutely free! There is no need to subscribe. We are available online only at www. sportbikesincmag.com and are viewable on all smartphones and tablets, excluding Kindle and Nook tablets.
Merk, We had a vision and a plan to bring together all aspects of the motorcycle culture and subcultures. That plan has been set in motion and we are driven to improve upon the blueprint in each and every issue. The “Inc” in SportBikes Inc does not refer to the business of sportbikes... It represents the incorporation, the inclusion of all things that are motorcycles and this life that brings us all together. Thank you for reading and for supporting SBI.
Simply visit www.sportbikesincmag.com and click on the cover to enjoy the magazine in its entirety. Also, visit the ARCHIVES link to read every single issue of SBI ever published... that’s over 36 issues at your digital fingertips, absolutely free. Enjoy!
SPORTBIKESINCMAG.COM | 21
22 | SPORTBIKESINCMAG.COM
SPORTBIKESINCMAG.COM | 23
SHOP SPOTLIGHT: MID CAL CYCLE SHOP
Words: Allan Lane Images: Courtesy of Mid Cal Cycle Shop
CONTACT:
24 | SPORTBIKESINCMAG.COM
Shop name: Mid Cal Cycle Shop Location: 404B Lincoln Way Auburn, CA 95603 Hours: Tuesday - Saturday 10 to 6 Year established: 2010 Brands serviced: All makes and models
W
ith a shop motto that reads, “Where professional service and affordability meet”, Mid Cal Cycle Shop has been serving the Auburn, CA area since 2010. Providing their customers with parts, apparel and accessories from major distributors in harmony with a quality service department, Mid Cal has gained a loyal following in a considerably short amount of time.
Shop owner, John Michael O’Leary has expanded Mid Cal’s customer service outside of the shop’s walls by participating in a number of community events, charities and fundraisers. As with any new business, surviving year one is a task and Mid Cal is extremely proud of the fact that not only have they survived, they are growing. Want to see your shop or dealership featured here? Drop us an email!
SPORTBIKESINCMAG.COM | 25
26 | SPORTBIKESINCMAG.COM
SPORTBIKESINCMAG.COM | 27
28 | SPORTBIKESINCMAG.COM
THE REALITY OF THE KAWASAKI Z X - 1 4 R WORDS AND IMAGES:ALLAN LANE SPORTBIKESINCMAG.COM | 29
I
can only tell you what I know. I can only share with you what I feel. So please indulge me for a moment...
Having been behind the handle bars of many a motorcycle of all shapes and sizes, and having had the privilege to ride said bikes on a variety of roads, streets and tracks, I have made an extremely prejudicial conclusion. This past summer, I took delivery of the 2013 Kawasaki ZX14R. Upon first glance and even throughout the initial walk around, the bike’s presence is felt. It’s big, long and broods a specific air of intimidation. It looks heavy and mean with it’s broad shoulders and intense stance as if it is aware of itself. As with any motorcycle, you never underestimate the machine or deny it the respect that it deserves. Yet, this is when I notice a difference with the ZX14R. That specific intimidating stance, the broad shoulders, the overall mass is a testament of respect to the rider. I’ll explain. The ZX14R is all of those things aforementioned, big and long and mean... But not in a bully, ‘roid rage sense. The ZX14R’s presence has purpose, every angle and every line serves a purpose. Compare it to a world class athlete that has trained and been developed to deliver, on demand, at any given time, performance like none other. Remove the terms big and long with the more appropriate words: svelte and lean. The muscle and weight are there but never reveal themselves as the ZX14R moves and handles like a liter bike. Regardless of much I crunched the numbers and attempted the math, the result was the same. For it to possess the qualities, the nimbleness, the weightlessness that it does takes it beyond the point of a bike manufacturer getting it right. It becomes a question of what is the other guy doing wrong. I rode the ZX14R at Rickey Gadson’s Drag Racing School in the fall of 2012. Of course that bike had been dropped and stretched, modified to Rickey’s specifications for drag racing. The power that bike has showed it’s hand in tremendous glory during the quarter mile. In fact, I had the best sixty footer in my class. However, I noticed that even on the return path, the ZX14R, in its modified state handled in an impressive manner. It was my experience of riding the bike at the dragstrip that led me not riding this 2013 ZX14R on the track at all. Instead, this ZX14R would serve as my everyday commuter and weekend 30 | SPORTBIKESINCMAG.COM
SPORTBIKESINCMAG.COM | 31
32 | SPORTBIKESINCMAG.COM
runner. THE HIGHWAY The ZX14R’s design allows for you to sit in the bike giving you a greater sense of comfort and awareness of the bike’s suspension. Taking it further, at speed in traffic, the ZX14R exudes an unparalleled confidence that you as the rider have no choice but to inhale. If anything is of concern, it must be the level of stability and response that the machine has throughout the gear box. From first to sixth, I found that ZX14R was well within the mean of delivering whatever that was being requested. Honestly, I can’t recall having more fun on the on and off ramps of the highways. The bike tips in so well and then flicks over in like manner... It’s uncanny. I know that this is a desired result from years of engineering and developing but to experience it in real time in the real world is uncanny. The Get Out of Dodge test is something that I developed to test a motorcycle’s ability to safely deliver you out of harm’s way in the event of an emergency or a threatening situation. Basically, how does the bike respond when you have to drop that hammer! The 2013 Kawasaki ZX14R passed with flying colors. But that grade is not based solely on its 1441cc engine or its 200 plus horsepower. Dropping that hammer is combination of rider knowledge, engine ability, the overall performance of the bike and what I feel is the most important factor, confidence in your machine. There should be no hesitation that your motorcycle is fully capable of performing the task at hand. In that regard... The ZX14R is more than a boost in confidence. It’s an ego trip. THE STREETS The stop and go traffic of the inner city can make or break a relationship between a rider and a bike. The traffic, tight corners, pedestrians and general horrible street conditions would be a concern for any bike as those elements compose a modern, urban real time obstacle course. The overall length of the ZX14R is 85.4 inches. It’s width is 30.3 inches. I was more than curious to see how it would fare in the streets of downtown Philadelphia... midweek... during evening rush hour. That’s the thick of the time when pedestrians are hustling across busy intersections and jumping out into traffic in the middle of the block. Cars are being driven by drivers with no sense of patience or no sense at all, which is sadly often the SPORTBIKESINCMAG.COM | 33
34 | SPORTBIKESINCMAG.COM
“T
he ZX14R is more than a boost in confidence. It’s an ego trip...” SPORTBIKESINCMAG.COM | 35
36 | SPORTBIKESINCMAG.COM
case. This time of day in any metro area is a pure battle field. It’s madness, I say! But to have a full comprehension of how the ZX14R would respond in these conditions would ultimately determine its value as a bike that would serve all purposes. Keeping in mind the nimbleness of the bike, I focused on my surroundings and heightened my defensive riding senses. Block after block, as I maneuvered around busted war torn asphalt, dodging neglectful pedestrians and the blaring horns of impatient drivers, I became aware that the size and presence of the world’s most powerful production motorcycle was having an unexpected affect on those around me. People and things were getting and staying out of my way. Cars were clearing a path as I dipped from right to left lanes. I have been on this particular stretch of city blocks on many times before yet it was never like this. In all other instances on other bikes, I felt as though I was the target, a magnet that drew any other vehicle, person, object, small creature and peculiar senior citizen into my direct path of travel... at speed. Such was not the case on the ZX14R. There was more at hand here. It was the total package of confidence in the bike, bike ability and engine performance all rolled into one rolling entity of motorcycle engineering marvel. The ZX14R is the eye of the perfect storm. The 2013 Kawasaki ZX14R is more than a super bike. It’s more than a hyper bike. It’s a game changer. When you study the bike, pound for pound, you can appreciate that in its class, it stands alone. It even manages to cast a long shadow on several other bikes in other classes. The bike is big but small at the same time. It’s long yet compact. It’s a bull in a china shop but remains a graceful gazelle. It’s an impressively comfortable and able daily commuter that can deliver you through a sea of metro debris then provides the escape route when you need to drop that hammer and get the hell out of Dodge. My conclusion is simply this... The ZX14R should not exist. Yet is does, in every sense of the word. It is the problem. It is the solution.
SPORTBIKESINCMAG.COM | 37
“W
hen you study the bike, pound for pound, you can appreciate that in it’s class, it stands alone. It even manages to cast a long shadow on several other bikes in other classes.” 38 | SPORTBIKESINCMAG.COM
SPORTBIKESINCMAG.COM | 39
THE 2013 K AWA S A K I Z X - 1 4 R 40 | SPORTBIKESINCMAG.COM
SPORTBIKESINCMAG.COM | 41
THE GRID
42 | SPORTBIKESINCMAG.COM
SPORTBIKESINCMAG.COM | 43
THE GRID: NEWS WSBK: MAY/YATES/EBR CONFIRMED FOR WORLD SUPERBIKE 2014 As previously reported, Erik Buell’s EBR AMA Pro Racing team was making the move to the world stage by competing in the 2014 World Superbike Championship with Geoff May. It has been confirmed that May will be joined by his AMA Pro Racing team mate, Aaron Yates. May and Yates will be contesting the championship on the all new 2014 EBR 1190RX Superbike.
WSBK: WORLD SUPERBIKE RETURNS TO SOUTH AFRICA IN 2014 After three years, Dorna is looking to take the World Superbike series back to South Africa in 2014. On the provisional calendar, the South African round is scheduled to take place at the Phakisa Freeway in the Free State on October 19th, 2014. However, before it is all locked in, the promoters, GAS Sports must come with the sanctioning fees and the track must pass an official FIM inspection.
44 | SPORTBIKESINCMAG.COM
MOTOGP: REVISED 2014 CALENDAR Mark your calendars and book your hotel and flights. The 2014 MotoGP schedule has been revised and is now available. March 23 – Qatar April 13 – Austin, TX – COTA April 27 – Argentina – Termas de Rio Hondo May 4 – Spain – Jerez de la Frontera May 18 – France – Le Mans June 1 – Italy – Mugello June 15 – Catalunya – Barcelona-Catalunya June 28 – Netherlands – TT Assen July 13 – Germany – Sachsenring August 10 – Indianapolis, IN – IMS August 17 – Czech Republic – Brno August 31 – Great Britain – Silverstone September 14 – San Marino – Misano September 21 – Aragon – MotorLand September 28 – Brazil – Brasilia October 12 – Japan – Motegi October 19 – Australia – Phillip Island October 26 – Malaysia – Sepang November 9 – Valencia – Ricardo Tormo
AMA PRO RACING: CONFIRMED 2014 DATES As we draw closer to the launch of the 2014 AMA Pro Racing season, the confirmation of race weekend events are rolling in. In recent weeks, AMA Pro Racing has announced the Daytona 200 dates (March 15, 2014) as well as the Road America round in Elkhart Lake, WI (May 30 - June 1, 2014). New Jersey Motorsports have confirmed their dates for the weekend of September 13-14, 2014. Most recently, the Barber round of AMA Pro Racing was announced and for the weekend of June 21-22, 2014.
As race event dates continue to be announced, the process for confirming a television broadcast package is being worked at every angle. To date, no such package has been confirmed but the AMA Pro Racing is justifiably optimistic that a deal will be reached. “Chet Burks is working very hard to get things lined up for another season of fantastic coverage and we hope to have additional information on the 2014 season out very soon.” - Gene Crouch, AMA Pro Racing Director of Communications.
SPORTBIKESINCMAG.COM | 45
THE GRID: NEWS ISLE OF MAN: THE PRODIGY’S KEITH FLINT’S TEAM TRACTION HEADS TO THE ISLE OF MAN IN 2014 Many of you may know Keith Flint as the front man of Electronic Drum and Bass group, The Prodigy. What many of you may not know is that Flint is heavily involved with the sport of road racing. For a number of years, he has either competed in or been directly involved with road racing in the UK. For the last number of seasons, Flint has been at the helm of Team Traction Control. He announced recently that his rider Steve Mercer
46 | SPORTBIKESINCMAG.COM
will be competing in the 2014 Isle of Man’ TT Races in the following classes: Dainese Superbike, RL360 Superstock and PokerStars Senior TT and in the two Monster Energy Supersport Races. Team Traction Control will also compete in several rounds of the 2014 British SuperBike season, the NorthWest 200 and both the Ulster and Macau Grand Prix races.
Ron Mears says THANK YOU for an amazing 2013
We only race with the best.
TornadoBaitRacing.com SPORTBIKESINCMAG.COM | 47
THE GRID
THE NUMBERS EVERY MONTH, WE ASK PROS AND AMATEURS WHY THEY CHOSE THE NUMBERS THAT IDENTIFY THEM ON THE GRID...
JAKE ZEMKE
“I
#98
have been using #98 since 1997. I have used it my entire professional road race career. Fans and sponsors both associate the number with me. Whenever you think of great racers you always remember their number as well!” 48 | SPORTBIKESINCMAG.COM
Images: Brian J. Nelson SPORTBIKESINCMAG.COM | 49
THE GRID
THE INSIDE TRACK
Connect with Corey...
WORDS: COREY ALEXANDER IMAGES: COURTESY OF PTR HONDA
I
n last month’s column I wrote about my European Adventure Part 1. If you missed it, basically after the conclusion of the 2013 season I signed to do the last two World Supersport races over in Europe for an English team called PTR Honda. If you did read last month’s mag, than you’re a few steps ahead
50 | SPORTBIKESINCMAG.COM
and I appreciate that. After returning home from France a bit sore and unsatisfied I was thrilled to head back overseas to Spain for the last round. There was a short 2 week break between the two which was nice as I needed a bit of time to recover and readjust, unfortunately only to have to go back another 5 hours in time
due to the time change. Upon my arrival into Spain with my trusty travel partners Uncle Richie and Jon, I instantly felt quite a bit less anxious than I did when we got to France. I think a lot of that has to do with the fact that when you’re traveling abroad to a place you’ve never been thousands of miles away, all the familiarities you can get the better. By this I mean, how often do you really hear, see, or even think of France. It’s not super common to hear people speaking French in the U.S. but on the other hand, Spanish has
become almost a new English. Everywhere you go or see you can find some sort of Spanish. Thus, it feels a little bit less far from home and a little bit more familiar to be surrounded by something you know at least a little bit. Spanish people also just seem a little bit happier than the French. We first landed in Madrid, which was a beautiful airport by the way. We then had to take a shuttle plane down directly to Jerez. As soon as we landed in Jerez we literally walked off the jet onto the runway. When you’re imagining this I’m sure you’re picturing a bunch of security and people with walkie talkies and those orange pointer things directing you exactly where to go, but this was not the case. You basically found your way from the jet to the Baggage Claim and that was that. It was a beautiful thing, but definitely different. After we got our bags and found our diesel Peugeot car or something rather, we headed to the track. The first thing I noticed was, like France there is still a lot of roundabouts. The second was that it was much like California in regards to the climate and the overall look and feel. Also, unlike France there seemed to be a bit of color, not everything was gloomy and a shade of stone. I liked Spain so far. When we got to the track it had actually gotten to be pretty hot, somewhere around 87 degrees or so. I was feeling a lot more at home this time, as I knew the team as well as the bike and a bit more of what to expect. I’d also become quite friendly with Lee Johnston and he’s a funny little guy to hang out with so it was cool to have someone to chat with and not feel like a complete loner. We eventually left the track and went back to the city of Jerez. It had a really interesting feel to it, on the way there it was pretty deserted but as we entered into civilization there were neighborhoods that looked much like those of California. As SPORTBIKESINCMAG.COM | 51
THE GRID: THE INSIDE TRACK we entered into the center of town near our hotel you could feel the history start to come alive with the cobble stone roads and the old buildings. Enough with that nonsense. The weekend started off well. I had learned the track and had become a bit more in sync with the bike. I got up to speed somewhat okay and finished the first day off with good times. We found a problem with the traction control settings that hindered me quite a bit and it was unfortunate because I think we had a lot more potential. On Saturday morning I went out and immediately felt okay, but didn’t get right back in the groove. Then we tried a harder front tire compound, typically something I don’t like but we thought maybe it would be more like the Dunlop stiffer feel opposed to the soft Pirelli feel. It felt good, until I ended up crashing in one of the real fast right hand turns in the last segment and the bike ghost rode into the wall. This resulted in pretty catastrophic damage for my bike. I was okay but reinjured the shoulder I had hurt in Laguna as well as France. The problem with the World Supersport class is that there is a one bike rule so after destroying one you basically have to rebuild it. In my case, we thought we had to replace the frame, fortunately the frame was salvageable. Bad news was that the rest of the bike was not. After that, my guys thrashed to get my bike back together for final qualifying and actually made it just in time. They replaced a motor, forks, triple clamps, wheels, tires, and bodywork in 4 hours; it was pretty amazing to see.
52 | SPORTBIKESINCMAG.COM
Unfortunately, I was able to go out for a few laps but when I came back in there was an issue that wouldn’t allow the bike to restart. This meant my day was over and basically ended up being a complete waste. That night the boys sorted out the issue only to wake up to a wet track in the morning, also making that session useless. I went into the race feeling pretty unhappy and unconfident and it showed. I started off pretty bad and had some setup issues. Once the tire started to wear I was able to go a bit faster which is a common thing for me. I’m super comfortable with the back tire spinning and can control it to the point that I use it to steer the bike when I otherwise couldn’t. I worked my way back up from 30th to 25th or 26th. I don’t really remember because I try not to remember any finishes that are out of the top 20 because it makes me a little bummed. Overall, between both the trips I learned a ton. I made my first journey overseas and I rode my first motorcycle that wasn’t a Suzuki. It was my first time on some truly world class tracks on some world class bikes. It was my first time riding Pirelli tires, my first time with electronics on my bike, it was my first time going to a country that didn’t speak English everywhere. It was my first time for a lot of things. All that I know is that the guys racing over there are good, they’re very good. But, they are not superhuman. They are not better than I but only more experienced. For this, I hope I have another chance to go back over and spend some time really showing my potential.
SPORTBIKESINCMAG.COM | 53
THE GRID: ON THE COME UP
Images: Courtesy of Trevor Chiappisi/Martin Hanlon
TREVOR CHIAPPISI
54 | SPORTBIKESINCMAG.COM
NAME: Trevor Chiappisi HOMETOWN: Deerfield, NH. AGE: 30 ASSOCIATION/AFFILIATIONS/SERIES: LRRS, NEMX, NESC, ALA RACING, ARGO CYCLES, DUNLOP TIRES, AXO GOALS: To defend the Motard Championship in LRRS for a third year in row and win a Motorcross Championship in 2014. ACCOMPLISHMENTS: 2012 LRRS Motard Class Champion 2013 LRRS Motard Class Champion DEFINE YOUR PASSION IN ONE SENTENCE: I just want to ride bikes with my friends! CONTACT:
SPORTBIKESINCMAG.COM | 55
56 | SPORTBIKESINCMAG.COM
SPORTBIKESINCMAG.COM | 57
THE STRAIGHT LINE
THE YOUNGEST IN CHARGE
Connect with Dystany...
WORDS: DYSTANY SPURLOCK IMAGES: KWAME OLDS
W
hat is success? What does success mean to you? This is a topic that is near and dear to my heart. Success to me means to achieve and accomplish your dreams, goals and aspirations to the highest of your ability. Having success or being successful does not by any means happen overnight or within a blink of an eye. It takes time, sometimes it takes longer than what we would like but that’s when we must have patience and faith. Being successful is not easy. Some people think that the road to success will be as straight as the lanes on a drag strip. No, that is not the answer. The journey to accomplish your dreams and goals is the most curved, twisted and crooked path that you could ever take in your life. Especially when your dreams and goals are things that some people think are absolutely impossible. That’s when you will have those people that will be in your ear trying to discourage you and knock you off of your path. If you are not strong enough to keep your eye on the prize, those naysayers could very easily win. You must believe in yourself and carry confidence with every step that you take, with every breath that you take and with every word that you speak. You have to be that person to makes the most doubtful people believers. Negativity will try to get the best of you, do not I repeat, do not let it. I myself know how hard it is to be successful. At a very young age my mom told me if there was something that I want to do, go for it. I can remember it like it was yesterday. Ever since that day I told myself that there is by far nothing that I cannot accomplish. I wanted to play football on
58 | SPORTBIKESINCMAG.COM
the boys’ team in middle school, I did it. I got to high school and I still wanted to play on the boys’ team... not only did I do it I also started as a corner back. I wanted to drag race motorcycles at the age of 17... Not only did I do it I have finished in the top 10 for 3 years in a row. I want to race in the Pro Street class in the MIRock Super Bike Series! Is it challenging? Yes it is but when I put my mind to something I want I never give up. I am a go getter. I have a passion that is out of this world for motor sports and especially motorcycles. I want to race in NASCAR and I am well on my way. People say all the time “That is going to be impossible.” “Why would you want to race NASCAR?” “Good luck with that one.” I take all of those negative comments and I will be that person to make them a believer. I know that I will be a very familiar face in the Sprint Cup Series in NASCAR. With anything that I set my mind to I know that it will come with pressure and a huge responsibility but I have God and faith in all that I do. Saying that I know that this journey will probably be the hardest of them all but I will make my dream a reality. Within that I know that I will not be able to please everyone but I am on my road to success! I would like to say thank you to my Family, Friends, Fans, Supporters and Sponsors for having my back and my best interest at heart. Like I said previously, I know that this will not be easy but I am up for the challenge. I encourage anyone that has a dream to shoot higher than the sky and past the stars to a place that is unfamiliar and make the unbelievers believe that you are possible.
SPORTBIKESINCMAG.COM | 59
THE STRAIGHT LINE
CAPO’S CUT
Connect with Capo...
WORDS: ASHON CAPO DICKERSON IMAGES: FRANKY
DESTINATION: CAPETOWN 60 | SPORTBIKESINCMAG.COM
SPORTBIKESINCMAG.COM | 61
THE STRAIGHT LINE: CAPO’S CUT ello everyone this is your man CAPO checking in for your one and only CAPO’s Cut bringing H you the real not the watered down life of a rider!
Bike Life is in my veins and has taken me places and allowed me to do things and meet people from all walks of life. My latest Bike Life adventure took me all the way across the world to Capetown, South Africa! Fact: being the first Motorcycle Dragracing Champion from the USA to bring Teachings, Race and Tuning to Capetown, South Africa. History has been made and my flag has been planted in South Africa so I will be taking my readers on my International Journeys in 2014 so stay tuned because it will get very interesting. I would like everyone to know that Capetown is one of if not the most beautiful places I have ever visited in my life. When I landed I bent down, kissed the ground and took a minute to reflect. Very few people from the area I’m from would ever get to see the motherland in their lifetime so this trip meant more to me than just making history in the motorcycle world but bringing all my followers with me and showing the strength of going into the unknown halfway across the world and walking with faith. During my stay I had the opportunity to ride through the mountains, a part where the Indian Ocean and the Atlantic Ocean meet. Also I got to tour through the poverty areas to see that there’s still work that needs to be done to help people everywhere in the world. A lot of things prior to me leaving tried to stop me from going on this journey: 1. My grandmother having breast cancer surgery. 2. My son getting into some trouble in school that escalated beyond imagination. 3.That leaving my wife behind to handle the insertion back in school etc so she couldn’t go with me not by choice but the situation forcing me to go alone. 4.The Wings and Wheels event I was attending and going for a half mile record was cancelled at the last minute. 5. As I’m in London, in transition I call home briefly and I get the news that my friend, organizer, and one of the main guys of Slamet Racing Developments, responsible for sponsoring my trip, had just passed away in a motorcycle crash! I’m shocked, hurt and in disbelief but my wife informed me that the family and sponsors said the show will go on because he would have wanted that. So before we continue with the read please let’s just have a moment of silence for the Slamet’s family and friends…
62 | SPORTBIKESINCMAG.COM
Salute! So things went on as planned in his name and I was accepted as a brother and a part of the family. Being around really changed my life by being blessed with a talent to bring me to the motherland of Africa. As kids, we all could only imagine what the air would smell like, what feeling we would get in our gut being officially back home! I’ve never been anywhere in my travels of racing where I wasn’t a little home sick after a few days but in Africa I didn’t feel that way at all. I missed my family but it was more like I need to go get my family and move here. My boy said “Brother, you feel this way because you are home!” And that was the truth within my
soul. I wish every African American could visit the motherland. The first night I arrived we went into the mountains to overlook the city and see the sun set. From that view it was pointed out that the island I was looking at from a far was Robben Island. The place where the late great Nelson Mandela was held for 27 years! Not knowing that a few days later the world would hear about his passing while I’m in Africa! South Africa celebrated his life and I got a front row seat and witnessed it firsthand. This is something I can grow old and pass down this experience from generation to generation. Rest in peace, Mandela. Your struggles will forever be a
part of us. Back to biz, I had a great time with my friends and South African team SRD. We got the ball rolling first with a media tour set up for me and the people of Capetown to see if Capo was as real as he looks. Radio Station Good Hope FM plays the Best of Hip Hop and R&B. They wanted me as a special guest because of me being the Leader of the New School and fully representing this new area. I had a blast with my man DJ Ready Dee. I also had a signing with one of the biggest dealerships in Capetown, Motorcycle World at a big meet and greet. I really met some great people and fans that were very excited about me SPORTBIKESINCMAG.COM | 63
THE STRAIGHT LINE: CAPO’S CUT
being there and the growth we will bring to the motorcycle scene. We worked during the week to get the bikes ready. We made some changes, dyno tuned, etc. for our Capos Cut Training Course, the first on South African soil, at Killarney RaceTrack. SRD booked Monday morning so we could have a five hour private session to get them ready for the following weekend of racing there. Let me tell you something, with me teaching these guys proper body form, launching techniques and some Capo secrets, like my SRD brother and fellow
64 | SPORTBIKESINCMAG.COM
rider Garion would say, “Capo 2014! Now we are ready to fuck shit up at the drags.” I want to send a Congrats to the South African Regional Road Racing Champion and a brother of mine, Ronald Slamet. This is only the beginning as they would say, death brings new life. The International Bridge is now connected with SRD and Adickersonracing 1030 Motorsports. Loyalty is Everything. Peace!
SPORTBIKESINCMAG.COM | 65
66 | SPORTBIKESINCMAG.COM
SPORTBIKESINCMAG.COM | 67
THE STRAIGHT LINE
68 | SPORTBIKESINCMAG.COM
MY SECRET LIFE AS A STUNT RIDER WORDS: RICKEY GADSON IMAGES: COURTESY OF KAWASAKI
A
lthough I am a huge Drag Racing fan and racer I really enjoy stunt riding. Whenever I get an opportunity to go see my homies and pro stunt riders Jason Britton or Kane Friesen perform, I am right there in the front row cheering them on. I always thought staying on top is the hardest job for a stunter because they have to figure out amazing new and never before seen tricks that defy the rules of balance while on one wheel. At any motorcycle event across the world you can find some incredible unknowns like Bill Dixon. Those guys are successfully landing tricks no one else has the heart or ability to execute.
I learned a couple of stunts under Kane’s instruction. Yes the “King of the Drag Strip” tried out his stunt skills on the Las Vegas Strip! Does it get any crazier?
That night Kane challenged me to learn the “side skitch” which is when you jump off the side of the bike and go in a tight circle while dragging your feet. The second trick he taught was the “elevator” which is jumping up from the seat of the bike to end up standing on the tank with your hands out like the arms of the letter T. Not only was I supposed to execute these tricks but I was to do them side by side with Kane while the cameras were rolling. The last I’ve always asked the question, how do you trick I was supposed to accelerate to around practice some of the stunts these guys do? They tthirty miles per hour, kick it in neutral, put down had to know that they were going to fall or flip the side stand, and jump up on the seat while over the front possibly breaking bones before applying the front brake and end up flipping they get it. But they also know that if you want over the front handlebars while stopping and to be the best at defying gravity, you have to letting the bike fall over on the kickstand while have the drive to standout even if it means pain. landing the front flip! Stunt riders will try it anyway in an attempt to be the first to debut the trick and wow the I did great on stunts one and two, using Kane’s world, but mostly to simply entertain their fans. backup ZX6R. I had an awesome teacher. On These daring athletes do all this for the thrill the approach for the last stunt, me and Kane which is crazy to me. were side by side when we both flipped over the bars simultaneously of our own stunt bikes. But I have to admit I had my own “crazy” Except when my bike landed on the kickstand, moment back when we were filming “Ninja I landed on my feet... then on my butt but boo Underground” for Kawasaki. I was the host yow I still pulled it off! and I had to try out all of the Kawi riders’ professions. I went out to the “Hayden” ranch Ladies and gents... I think I might have a new and rode dirt bikes on their oval flat track with future in stunt riding! Watch out Team No Limit! Roger Hayden. I also went to Vegas and went dirt bike riding in the dessert and sky diving Sike! with Insane Kane Friesen. Not to mention, SPORTBIKESINCMAG.COM | 69
70 | SPORTBIKESINCMAG.COM
THE STRAIGHT LINE: THE
SPORTBIKESINCMAG.COM | 71
THE STRAIGHT LINE: ON THE COME UP
Images: Courtesy of Greg Brice Lloyd Wallace
GREG WALLACE
72 | SPORTBIKESINCMAG.COM
NAME: Greg Wallace HOMETOWN: Roxboro, NC. AGE: 37 ASSOCIATION/AFFILIATIONS/SERIES: Wallace Motorsports, Williford Racing, MIRock, Manufacturers Cup ACCOMPLISHMENTS: I started grudge racing to begin. I was one of the biggest to ever grudge race. I went into prostreet three years ago and have been in the top five each year, since. DEFINE YOUR PASSION IN ONE SENTENCE: Seeing something that I am a part of... grudge bike or class bike, get the win light is my passion. CONTACT:
SPORTBIKESINCMAG.COM | 73
74 | SPORTBIKESINCMAG.COM
SPORTBIKESINCMAG.COM | 75
THE REV LIMITER
VIOLET STARS AND HAPPY STUNTING WORDS: LEAH PETERSEN IMAGES: ANTHONY PESCH
76 | SPORTBIKESINCMAG.COM
THE FINAL STOP:
VIETNAM SPORTBIKESINCMAG.COM | 77
THE REV LIMITER: VIOLET STARS...
W
ith Singapore and MotoGP behind us it was time for the final and most complicated stop on my Asia Stunt Tour... Vietnam. There had been worries from the start about the bike arriving in time. While the motorcycle only had a short flight from Malaysia, it had to clear customs, which is the tricky part. Anthony and I arrived in the capital, Saigon, early giving us four free days to explore the city. Unfortunately as it became clear the motorcycle customs process was not going smoothly, it turned into some extremely tense “free time.� We tried to explore the very beautiful and exotic city, but kept a tentative eye on the phone and our fingers crossed that
78 | SPORTBIKESINCMAG.COM
when it rang we would have some good news! The day before the show we were in critical mode. The bike was still being held in customs with no guarantee we would have it for the show. Some local stunters came by with their motorcycles to see if I could ride them for the shows. Unfortunately their setups were useless for me to perform an entire show in the small space we had to ride in. Everyone held their breath and finally, around 7pm the night before the show, my bike was cleared and sent to the stadium. We rushed through the rainy night to fill the bike with fluids and test it in the dark before the show.
Saturday morning we had an early call time for a pre-show press conference. Since it was the first major stunt show and competition in Vietnam, there were lots of questions regarding the future of the sport and the sport itself. After the press cleared the VIP area we kicked off the first of six shows that we would perform throughout the weekend. The stands were packed, even at 10am and the sun was shining - the ideal setting for a great show. The hour-long performance included a DJ, MC, drift cars, dance troops and beat boxers leading up to the stunt competition, which I judged. There were nine Vietnamese stunt riders who
came out to show off their skills. The country’s stunt scene is really tiny, but these guys had serious heart. Most of the riders competed on 125cc motorcycles - the most common mode of transportation in Vietnam. The area was visibly small for everyone, but all the stunters put forth great effort doing burnouts, attempting acrobatics and the crowd favorite, crashing! After all the stunt riders had their time in the spotlight it was time for me to do what I had flown half way around the world to do... Stunt. The crowds were phenomenal, super responsive which made for a really fun show. After the performance I actually had to be escorted SPORTBIKESINCMAG.COM | 79
THE REV LIMITER: VIOLET STARS...
After all the stunt riders had their time in the spotlight it was time for me to do what I had flown half way around the world to do... Stunt. 80 | SPORTBIKESINCMAG.COM
SPORTBIKESINCMAG.COM | 81
THE REV LIMITER: VIOLET STARS...
82 | SPORTBIKESINCMAG.COM
through the crowds by a team of security guards. The fans were so dense and excited that the crowds got a bit dangerous and pushy. After each performance I would sign an allotted amount of posters for fans. It was the first occasion in my career I didn’t have the time or resources to sign a poster for everyone who wanted one, which was a bittersweet feeling. The first day went off perfectly, we had lots of press, TV interviews and our show schedule, so the day was jam packed. Sunday was much easier, with all the interviews out of the way; it was just riding and signing as many posters as possible. After great luck all weekend with the weather, we finally felt the wrath of the monsoon season for the very last show of the whole tour. The weather rolled in halfway through the drift car performance and by the time it was my turn to ride, the surface was completely flooded. The electricity even went out, so we were without sound or visuals. Everyone tried to wait it out and stay dry under the tents, but the rain wasn’t looking like it was going to let up anytime soon. Not wanting my
last performance in Asia to be a bust, I decided to go for it. I was soaked by the time I warmed up my motorcycle, but it was totally worth it when I pulled my first wheelie and the stands went nuts! The stunt show was modified a bit because of the weather, but it ended up being a fun way to end the whole month. After all our work in Saigon was finished, my boyfriend and I headed to Central Vietnam to decompress after the busy month. Lying on the beach and riding motorcycles through the mountains was such a beautiful way to absorb everything that had just happened. With a career in motorcycle stunt riding there are a lot of blind turns and you never know if there’s a crash or the most epic new landscape right around the corner. This was truly a trip of a lifetime, my first time riding in Asia and hopefully not my last! I’m so grateful to everyone who worked so hard to make this trip happen and to Motul for supporting my career and believing in me from the very beginning. SPORTBIKESINCMAG.COM | 83
84 | SPORTBIKESINCMAG.COM
SPORTBIKESINCMAG.COM | 85
THE REV LIMITER: ON THE COME UP
Images: Courtesy of Kevin Roybal
KEVIN “DIDDY” ROYBAL
86 | SPORTBIKESINCMAG.COM
NAME: Kevin “DIDDY” Roybal HOMETOWN: Somewhere in New Mexico AGE: 24 years young. ASSOCIATION/AFFILIATIONS/SERIES: My sponsor is Swerve Customs out of Albuquerque, NM. GOALS: My goals are to just stay pushing it and progress as much as I can ACCOMPLISHMENTS: My accomplishments have been the level of riding I’m at and how I stay progressing, especially for my size. DEFINE YOUR PASSION IN ONE SENTENCE: There are no restrictions, no boundaries and only you can define how far you push yourself. CONTACT:
SPORTBIKESINCMAG.COM | 87
THE REV LIMITER: ON THE COME UP
Images: Courtesy of Savage Lin
SAVAGE LIN
88 | SPORTBIKESINCMAG.COM
NAME: Savage Lin HOMETOWN: Peoria, AZ. AGE: 40 ASSOCIATION/AFFILIATIONS/SERIES: Empire Freestyle, XDL Freestyle Championship Series GOALS: To make riding a living. ACCOMPLISHMENTS: XDL and K&N Champion, XDL Top 10 Overall 20082012 DEFINE YOUR PASSION IN ONE SENTENCE: I love to go fast! CONTACT: http://savagelin.com
SPORTBIKESINCMAG.COM | 89
THE REV LIMITER: ON THE COME UP
Images: Courtesy of Pauline Gregoire
PAULINE GREGOIRE
90 | SPORTBIKESINCMAG.COM
NAME: Pauline Gregoire HOMETOWN: Gap, France AGE: 17 years old. GOALS: I am actively preparing for the 2014 season, with the greatest possible trainings. I intend to participate in many competitions, at many gatherings and to travel and meet new people. All this without forgetting to have fun. ACCOMPLISHMENTS: I got my first bike (Honda CBR125) in September 2011. I had never done motorcycle, so I first learned normal motorcycle before starting the stunt. Since then, I train between 3 hours and 8 hours by week to progress. My CBR 125 has been replaced by a 500 GSE and recently by a CBR600 FS. I currently have participated in a large gathering of french stunt, and two contest where I won trophies. DEFINE YOUR PASSION IN ONE SENTENCE: Sttoday stunt represents more than a passion, it’s a lifestyle. CONTACT:
SPORTBIKESINCMAG.COM | 91
THE REV LIMITER: ON THE COME UP
Images: Courtesy of John Michael O’Leary
JOHN MICHAEL O’LEARY
92 | SPORTBIKESINCMAG.COM
NAME: John Michael O’Leary HOMETOWN: Auburn, CA AGE: 33 years old. ASSOCIATION/AFFILIATIONS/SERIES: Mid Cal Stunners, Cali Alliance, XDL Series and Mid Cal Cycle Shop GOALS: My goals are to keep riding as much as possible and continue to progress as the sport does. I would love to be able to go over seas to ride at some point. ACCOMPLISHMENTS: Stunt Wars in Florida 2005, Star Boyz Stunt Fest in Ohio, X-Games demo in Los Angeles 2009, Placed Top 10 in XDL Series 2008, 2009 and 2010. Also, having the opportunity to ride and compete at the highest level of competition with some of the best riders around the world. DEFINE YOUR PASSION IN ONE SENTENCE: My passion is life, living everyday to the fullest and succeeding in what I do. CONTACT:
SPORTBIKESINCMAG.COM | 93
THE REV LIMITER: ON THE COME UP
Images: Courtesy of Eduardo Bonilla
EDUARDO “CHINO STUNTS” BONILLA
94 | SPORTBIKESINCMAG.COM
NAME: Eduardo “Chino Stunts Bonilla HOMETOWN: Puerto Rico/Bronx NY AGE: 33 years old. ASSOCIATION/AFFILIATIONS/SERIES: 9/11 Energy Drink, Ruff Ryders GOALS: My goals are to teach as many people as I can to do what I do . Well not as good as me but somewhat close to it... ACCOMPLISHMENTS: What I have accomplished so far is making CHINOSTUNTS a household name. DEFINE YOUR PASSION IN ONE SENTENCE: I love what I do. It’s in my blood. CONTACT:
SPORTBIKESINCMAG.COM | 95
THE REV LIMITER: ON THE COME UP
Images: Courtesy of Vanesssa Garrison
VANESSSA “BABYWHEELIES” GARRISON
96 | SPORTBIKESINCMAG.COM
NAME: Vanesssa “BabyWheelies” Garrison
HOMETOWN: Alton, IL. AGE: 30 years old. GOALS: I just started practicing last summer in hopes to become a great stunter one day. My Dream is to travel, do stunt shows and to ride with the pros. DEFINE YOUR PASSION IN ONE SENTENCE: Stunt riding is my obsession and passion in life. CONTACT:
SPORTBIKESINCMAG.COM | 97
ADVERTISE WITH
FOR ADVERTISING INFORMATION AND RATES, EMAIL INFO@SPORTBIKESINCMAG.COM
HTTP://SPORTBIKESINCMAG.COM
98 | SPORTBIKESINCMAG.COM
Highest Quality Materials Kevlar and Nomex last longer
ON YOUR MARK, GET SET, GO CHR.
Premium Insulation Gets carcass hot and attains hot pressure in the pits with little or no pressure change on track
Temperature Accurate
Tough & Durable Heating elements outlast all other brands
P H O T O BY B R I A N J . N E L S O N
1.866.HOT.TIRE
CHICKENHAWKRACING.COM SUPERIOR TIRE WARMERS DESIGNED & BUILT IN THE USA SPORTBIKESINCMAG.COM | 99
THE LIFE: FEATURED CLUB
Images: Courtesy of 317 Ryders MC
317 RYDERS MC Rocker Interpretation: With the state of Indiana on their back, the 317 Ryders MC are represented by a rider making moves throughout the state. 317 is the main area code for the city of Indianapolis. No matter where they roam, when the 317 Ryders are in the building, there is no question what town they are
representing. History/Origin of Club: 317 Ryders MC was founded in November 2002 by eight professional business oriented motorcycle riders that wanted to do more than ride up in down the same local Indianapolis streets, day after day. The
REGION: Indianapolis, IN FOUNDED: 2002 MEMBERS: 89 ELECTED OFFICIALS: FOUNDER – BIG SEXY FOUNDER – SAY MY NAME PRESIDENT – D.J. WHIP VICE PRESIDENT – TIC TAC TREASURER – UNCLE CRAIG BUSINESS MANAGER – QUEST LOVE SECRETARY – SPECIAL K EVENT COORDINATOR – MS. FLIRT SGT. AT ARMS – CADILLAC SGT. AT ARMS – DEE DIRTY SGT. AT ARMS – NUTTIN NICE 100 | SPORTBIKESINCMAG.COM
SGT. AT. ARMS – MISSY P P.R.O. – SHREK DOGG P.R.O. – HOT SHOT P.R.O. – BAMA ROAD CAPTAIN – PART 2 ROAD CAPTAIN – DOSS ROAD CAPTAIN – MYSTIQUE ROAD CAPTAIN – KANE ROAD CAPTAIN – SUBZERO ROAD CAPTAIN – GHOST ROAD CAPTAIN – WHITE GURL CHAPLAIN – REV
vision was to give back to the community, through donating time and money to other community service organization, to work with local businesses and city government. Included in that vision was the determination to be a positive reflection to the motorcycle community and the city of Indianapolis and to travel beyond the circle walls of Interstate 465. Club Milestones/Memorable Moments:Â The 317 Ryders host an annual club retreat to Tennessee to ride the Tail of the Dragon and Cherohala Skyway. in 2011, the club was the host for the fifth annual MidWest Breakout Ride which is the largest rally for the mid west region of the US. Since the first RedBull MotoGP was held at the
Indianapolis Motor Speedway in 2010, the club has been an active participant in the city’s activities to welcome motorcycle enthusiast from all over the world. Future of the club: Entering their twelfth year, the 317 Ryders have helped several community service organizations, traveled all over the nation and have made lifelong connections and bonds with not only other clubs but with individuals of all walks of life. That type of legacy is something that a majority of clubs are striving to achieve. Setting a tone for the midwest region to follow, the 317 Ryders are committed to blazing the trail and leading the way. Want to see your club featured here? Drop us an email!
SPORTBIKESINCMAG.COM | 101
THE LIFE: KNOW YOUR ROLE
RIDINGWITH A PURPOSE
WORDS AND IMAGES: LADY KIM
I
don’t know about you but I am S.A.D. due to parked motorcycle syndrome. If you are suffering from mood swings, winter blues or winter depression, then you too could have Seasonal Affective Disorder! Snow and ice is everywhere in the northeast and midwest preventing some bikers from riding. Throttle hand up to those that ride all year round especially those that ride for a reason during the holiday season in the cold. The last I checked, Santa is the only one stunting in the cold and snow! For this area, Santa arrives on the motorcycle for the H.E.R.O community center youth holiday celebration for at-risk kids courtesy of my club Double Lyte Posse SBC. Our motorcycle Santa brings toys to 35 kids and the club members help host the event by playing games and serving the holiday meal. We also delivered Meals on Wheels to the elderly across the city and collected gently used clothing to distribute to the homeless. Another great toy run that was started ten years ago in the city of Philadelphia is sponsored by the Philly X-treme MC, Barbarians MC and Philly Thick Chicks MC. Each year they adopt a family as their Special Guest. Toys are collected and a motorcycle run is done before Christmas to deliver the toys to more than one hundred kids at the local shelters and the adopted family. In New Jersey, more than three hundred bikers will dress up as Santas, elves and reindeers for the B4Moto Santa Ride this year. They will bring Christmas cheer to the community by handing out candy and taking pictures with the kids and families along the shopping districts in Jersey City and Newark. The High Rollers MC of Augusta, GA
102 | SPORTBIKESINCMAG.COM
was given accolades from a Georgia family of ten for helping them make repairs to their condemned house. The family was going to be evicted unless the repairs were made within three days. When the story aired on the news, the club responded with repair help as did many others from the community which allowed them to be in their home for the holidays. Giving back to the community has always been a part of the biking community. Bikers ride, have fun and make a difference in our neighborhoods, schools, churches, health facilities and community organizations. What better way to show leadership qualities to the youth by donating your time and talents to help those less fortunate. Every little bit helps whether it is one-time, once a day, weekly, monthly or yearly. Here are some quick tips to planning a community service activity: 1. Choose a chair/leader of the project to plan and motivate others to get involved. 2. As a group, find a service need in your community that you are passionate about or that needs to be addressed. Why is it important, and how will it impact the community? 3. Form an action plan by listing the tasks to be done, task responsibilities, the participants, the timeline dates, location, resources, budget costs, approvals and promotion details. List the possible problems that might occur. 4. Do the service. Have fun and complete your service project as a team effort! Take pictures, record your progress, measure your success, compare your success against your goals and report the results to your team and supporters.
Giving back to the community has always been a part of the biking community.Â
SPORTBIKESINCMAG.COM | 103
THE LIFE: KNOW YOUR ROLE 5. Reflect and evaluate your project. What activities went right or wrong? What could be done better next time? What experience did you learn? Is it worth continuing in the future? 6. Celebrate your success! Share your service news with the public and send thank you notices to your supporters. If you do not have time to plan your own charity event, look up your local charitable organizations to participate in. PROS 4 Charity is an organization that performs
104 | SPORTBIKESINCMAG.COM
charitable acts to better the community. There are more than twenty one chapters across the U.S. with Public Relations Officers from various motorcycle clubs. They volunteer at nursing homes, shelters, soup kitchens, food banks and coordinate charity motorcycle runs. If you like to ride long distance, consider supporting or donating to the Mission: Coast 2 Coast Ride 4 Charity. Starting March 8, 2014 three bikers, O.D. of Triple XXX Riders MC of Long Island, NY; Neftali Colon of Die Hard Ryders RC of Brooklyn, NY and Mz. Kelz an
Independent Rider, will ride from New York City to Jacksonville, Florida. From Florida, they will ride to San Diego, California and back to the east coast! They have accepted this challenge as part of the Iron Butt Association certification to cross the United States in fifty hours or less. The first one to San Diego is the winner and one hundred of the money donated for the ride will go to their chosen charities. O.D.’s charities are Bikers Against Breast Cancer, Lupus Foundation of America and Sickle Cell Society. Nef’s charities are Camp Nejeda in memory of John Charles Ryan and Bikers Against Breast Cancer. Mz. Kelz is riding for Child Advocates
Inc. and Bikers Against Breast Cancer. This ride should be named the NoButt ride! That’s far to do in fifty hours! Good Luck! Traveling mercies and a successful journey to them all. Whatever you choose to do, giving back through volunteering helps strengthen your community, gives you a sense of civic responsibility, teaches valuable job skills, builds camaraderie and teamwork, fosters empathy and puts a smile on someone’s face. Get involved today! Throttle hand up for those bikers riding with a purpose!
SPORTBIKESINCMAG.COM | 105
106 | SPORTBIKESINCMAG.COM
wake up. ride. keep riding... •WORLD CLASS SERVICE, MAINTENANCE & REPAIR •PARTS, APPAREL AND ACCESSORIES •VISIT US ONLINE AT WWW.NOLIMITMS.COM
JASON BRITTON’S NO LIMIT MOTORSPORTS 14726 GOLDENWEST STREET, UNIT H WESTMINSTER CA 92683 WWW.NOLIMITMS.COM 714.891.8600 SPORTBIKESINCMAG.COM | 107
THE LIFE: THE LION’S DEN
SOLO MISSION
WORDS AND IMAGES: LION JAMES
S
o today I went for a ride, I called it a solo mission because I went out for a blast all by myself. No club, no company, no colors or cut. No destination or goal, no troops on my 6 or even my music to accompany me as I put rubber to road. It is a rare occasion that I don’t ride with at least one of the afore mentioned fellow combatants in the war against the road we two wheeled warriors wage each time we put ass to asphalt on our motorcycles. It was a solo mission because I needed to be alone. I wanted to be alone with my thoughts, my bike and my journey. Granted I didn’t have a destination in mind or a finish line to cross, I had to get out in the wind and get a dose of two wheeled therapy. I needed a break from the pressure, stress and obligation of the holiday season. I wanted to get away from the family, the house and the four wheeled cage I had been confined to for the past few weeks. I needed all these things and more so quite naturally, today I went for a ride. Today I went for a ride with no second thought, moment of hesitation or ounce of concern about the weather. The mercury dipped just south of thirty degrees at its lowest today.
My intention was not to learn anything but merely to go for a ride. Despite this I couldn’t help but focus on the idea that when riding a motorcycle you really are alone. On a motorcycle you are alone regardless of who or how many you are riding with. It’s just you and the machine. No one to your right or left on the road can ride the bike for you. Not even a passenger can control the bike for you, influence the myriad of inputs that you must
108 | SPORTBIKESINCMAG.COM
SPORTBIKESINCMAG.COM | 109
THE LIFE: THE LION’S DEN constantly make to the machine in order to make it do what you want it to or experience your ride induced euphoria. Your ride is only yours and no one else can ever enjoy or dread it the same as you. I was out there today by myself both literally and figuratively. None of the motorists in their cars, trucks and SUVs knew the chill in the air like I did. None of the four wheel monsters around me had the same concerns as I did. The motorists seemed surprised to see me out there and I was definitely the only person on two wheels that I saw today. There was a certain chill in the air independent of the December cold that told me that motorists arrogantly looked upon me like I didn’t belong out there with them. It was me against them and I was by myself. I was out gunned and out manned in the streets today.
the rider and the road, the weather, fatigue, other motorists and motorcyclists, the rider’s own insecurities and limited abilities. Today I needed to go on a solo mission so today I went for a ride.
I was in need of stress relief and since I went to the shooting range the weekend before last for some ballistic therapy, today I went for a ride. I came home refreshed, rejuvenated and ready to face the oncoming hardships, joys and pans of the next few days like so much traffic while riding. Some people re-charge their proverbial batteries by hitting the gym or playing sports. I chose to flex my motorcycle muscles. I chose an adrenaline rush like no other. I chose a brisk early December blast in the cold by myself. I chose speed and performance over strength and endurance. I had no one to spot me as I I had some close calls, I had some glorious lifted and threw 380 lbs. around as easily as a moments of miraculous motorcycling muscle bound body builder in the gym with free maneuvering, I had some time alone to think weights. I put boots on the deck, deployed and I had fun. Halfway thru the ride I had from my garage F.O.B. and patrolled every forgotten why I was out there in the first place M.S.R. from here to there then back again. and was truly in the moment. I was in a state My solo mission was a successful campaign of “Mushin” which is a Japanese JuJitsu principle which was executed by way of muscle memory, that literally means “mind of no-mind.” The exceptional gear, well maintained weaponry concept is to have a calm and reflective mind and tactical precision. I did not go for a ride that is ready to act. While riding (on public today by myself because I had no one to ride roads especially) you must pay attention to with. I went for a ride today by myself because all things and nothing at the same time. This today I needed to ride and I am my favorite esoteric teaching of Henry Okazaki is one (of person to ride with. many) that governs not only my riding but also my life in general. The attitude I have adopted Today I went for a ride and I called it a solo as a Martial Artist that has made me a better mission. Then again, aren’t they all solo motorcyclist is further paralleled in the idea missions? that riding a motorcycle is a battle between
110 | SPORTBIKESINCMAG.COM
*
Northern California | October 25-27 San Mateo County Events Center
Dallas | November 8-10 Dallas Convention Center
Atlanta | November 15-17 Cobb Galleria Centre
Southern California | December 6-8 Long Beach Convention Center
*
New York City | December 13-15 Jacob K. Javits Convention Center
Michigan | January 3-5
Suburban Collection Showplace
Washington, D.C. | January 10-12 Washington Convention Center
Save On Admission! Use Promo Code: SBKINC14
Minneapolis Convention Center
**
Phoenix | January 24-26 University of Phoenix Stadium
Ohio | January 31 – February 2 I-X Center
Chicago | February 7-9 Donald E. Stephens Convention Center
*
Seattle | February 14-16
HOME OF THE
Minneapolis | January 17-19
Washington State Convention Center
*New dates **New city
SPORTBIKESINCMAG.COM | 111
FRICTION ZONE: RANDOM
Image: Brendan Patrick Coughlin Location: New York, NY
112 | SPORTBIKESINCMAG.COM
SPORTBIKESINCMAG.COM | 113
FEATURED THE LIFE FEATURED LIFE:RIDER FEATURED RIDERS RIDERS
Crystal King LOCATION: Jacksonville, FL. OCCUPATION: Personal Trainer and Model. YEARS RIDING: 8 years. RIDING STYLE: Street. BIKE/S OWNED: 2009 Harley Davidson Night Rod Special FAVORITE BIKE MODIFICATION/ACCESSORY: I love the aftermarket exhaust from Vance and Hines. FAVORITE PIECE OF RIDING GEAR: My Speed and Strength Wicked Garden Helmet. I love how it is feminine but aggressive. MOST MEMORABLE RIDE: Back in 2007, I was able to ride all the way around the island of Oahu with amazing people. I will never forget how beautiful it was there.
114 | SPORTBIKESINCMAG.COM
Rey Reyes LOCATION: Maple Shade, NJ. OCCUPATION: Mechanical Designer YEARS RIDING: 9 years. RIDING STYLE: Streets, mountain carving, twisties and stunt... my new love and obsession, hitting the lots. BIKE/S OWNED: 2009 Honda CBR 600RR, 2002 Honda CBR 600F4I FAVORITE BIKE MODIFICATION/ACCESSORY: Akrapovic slip on exhaust. Gotta love the bike screaming through the exhaust! And my Righteous Stunt Clutch Lever. FAVORITE PIECE OF RIDING GEAR: Fox Racing Titan Sport Jacket. MOST MEMORABLE RIDE: My first group twisties ride in the PA mountains. The thrill and adrenaline is definitely addicting.
SPORTBIKESINCMAG.COM | 115
FEATURED THE LIFE FEATURED LIFE:RIDER FEATURED RIDERS RIDERS
Eric Bryant AKA Riot LOCATION: Sandy Springs, GA. OCCUPATION: Personal Trainer YEARS RIDING: 20 years. RIDING STYLE: Street. BIKE/S OWNED: 2010 Kawasaki ZX10R FAVORITE BIKE MODIFICATION/ACCESSORY: Yoshimura R22 Bling Dual Exhaust. FAVORITE PIECE OF RIDING GEAR: My helmet! MOST MEMORABLE RIDE: My first ride with my club at Black Bike Week 2013. Just cruising around Myrtle with my fam was the best ever to me.
116 | SPORTBIKESINCMAG.COM
Denise Renee Rodriguez LOCATION: Orlando, FL. OCCUPATION: Critical Care Technician YEARS RIDING: 11 years riding. RIDING STYLE: Street riding. BIKE/S OWNED: 2013 BMW S1000RR HP4 FAVORITE BIKE MODIFICATION/ACCESSORY: I don’t
necessarily have a favorite mod, my bike comes with a nice feature called Dynamic Damping Control (DDC) basically the electronic suspension adjusts to all road terrains, it comes with 4 modes: rain, sport, race and slick! I love it! I’m a public roads rider so all types of terrain present’s itself and my bike molds to each condition. I am mostly in the sport mode!
FAVORITE PIECE OF RIDING GEAR: I have a couple. My scorpion riding pants and my Icon Stryker riding vest.
MOST MEMORABLE RIDE: My most memorable ride was in California through the Santa Cruz mountains!
SPORTBIKESINCMAG.COM | 117
MOTO TECH Words: Mark Rozemo Image: Courtesy of Motion Pro
ASK THE PRO WRENCH WORDS: THOMAS CAMPION
Q
: I was in the process of putting my bike away for the winter when my buddy asked me what fuel stabilizer was I going to use... I’ve never used one and have never seen the point in it. He then said that I should drain my fuel out of my tank then. I’ve never done that either. Should I use a fuel stabilizer? What is it exactly?
A
: Gasoline doesn’t last forever. As it gets old, octane lowers and tiny particles in the gas start to oxidize. As more of these particles go bad, they start to form a gummy residue. As technology grows, refineries have slowed down this process, but eventually it will always go bad. Fuel stabilizer stops this process with additives that you pour into your gas tank. Most people do it for “winterizing” their motorcycle, or perhaps they are going out of town for a while. It is a quick and simple way to store gas in your motorcycle without having to worry about it going bad. I don’t like using a fuel stabilizer for any high performance engine that needs high octane or race gas to run, but for street engines or my lawnmower I use stabilizer every year. To winterize my race bike, I just drain the fuel out of the tank and put fresh fuel in when I’m ready to run it. It’s pretty simple to syphon out the fuel so your tank is empty. For any stock engine or engine without an octane restriction, I would definitely use fuel stabilizer. It’s simple and convenient to use. Make sure that you have a full tank when adding stabilizer and simply follow the directions on how much to add in respects to the ounce to gallon ratio.
118 | SPORTBIKESINCMAG.COM
As fuel gets old, octane lowers and tiny particles in the gas start to oxidize. Fuel stabilizers stop this process with additives that you pour into your gas tank...
SPORTBIKESINCMAG.COM | 119
IMPROVE YOUR SKILLS
THE TOP 8.5 REASONS TO RIDE THE RACETRACK
WORDS: ERIC WOOD IMAGE: RAY BRADLAU/THOMAS CAMPION For the average person, early winter is spent getting ready for snow, decorating the house and getting ready for the holidays. Motorcycle riding is not always on the forefront of our minds, perhaps with the exception of those of us filling our Christmas lists with upgrades for our ride. In the middle of our busy lives, often we unwittingly have a conversation with someone that reminds us of reasons why we dedicate so much of our lives to riding and racing motorcycles. In recent interview with a columnist writing for a mainstream publication (far, far away from the world of motorcycling) I was asked what it was we did at racetrack. Who were typical students and why were they coming to a school? What were some of the typical topics covered and why? The writer was not a motorcycle guy, but was a ski racer (a hobby that many motorcyclists share) and we drew several parallels. Our 10 minute interview turned into a 30 minute conversation before either of us knew it. As we discussed both the "how" and "why" people ride the track, the excitement on both ends of the phone escalated pretty quickly.. Reason 1 With the capabilities of many modern motorcycles, a rider can put the average sport bike in 2nd gear, roll the throttle open and then be subject to arrest in a matter of seconds. The racetrack removes all the restrictions and punitive risk associated with exploring the limits of our machines. This was easy an easy place to start. Reason 2 Following right along with reason 1, the risks associated with riding the track are considerably lower than on the street. With the absence of 120 | SPORTBIKESINCMAG.COM
cars, trucks, phone poles, mailboxes and a myriad of other obstacles the racetrack affords a rider significantly better odds of walking away from a crash. Not only are you only riding with other motorcycles, but riders are required to have proper safety gear. Can you still get hurt on the track? Of course. Do you ride faster on the track than on the street? Absolutely. Can riders fall on the track at over 100 mph on the track and walk away unscathed? It happens all the time. Does that happen on the street? Almost never. Reason 3 When it came to the "who" came to the racetrack, the answer was not particularly concrete. In 25 years teaching the Penguin School I've seen riders from their teens to their 70's, doctors to mailmen, male, female, big, small, wealthy to scraping together every last dollar needed to get gas in the truck. The common trait that frequently transcends all the diversity is that a majority these people are those who really "live" their lives. They aren't adverse to risk, enjoy a challenge, and aren't afraid to work. As a result, the track is a place where uncommonly strong bonds are formed and I have made many lifelong friends at the track. Long after the novelty runs out and adrenaline fix is satisfied, the relationships built at the track will keep you coming back for years. Reason 4 The track is the perfect laboratory for learning. The best way train yourself in a new skill is to perform the action enough times that muscle memory is established. On average, track riders get to repeat the same set of corners once every 90 seconds. This provides the opportunity for testing, experimentation, learning and most importantly the ability to burn the correct sequence of actions into
SPORTBIKESINCMAG.COM | 121
IMPROVE YOUR SKILLS: THE TOP 8.5 REASONS The track is the perfect laboratory for learning. The best way train yourself in a new skill is to perform the action enough times that muscle memory is established.
your muscle memory. Reason 5 99% of the time when riding on the street, riders are riding far slower than their bikes are capable. This is a good thing. As a result, encounters with the limits of traction are infrequent and often a bit harrowing. On the track, riders have significantly less "surplus" grip and as a result they develop valuable experience in reacting to emergency situations. Nothing develops confidence faster than experience. In the controlled environment of the track, students are taught how to purposely approach the limit so that they can both (1) recognize it and (2) free up the additional traction they need to maintain control. Reason 6 In order to give the bike the proper inputs as the 122 | SPORTBIKESINCMAG.COM
limit of traction is broached, riders first need to be able to recognize the signals that a motorcycle gives that the limit is coming. The racetrack gives riders the opportunity to experiment with higher speeds with an intelligent plan. No one arrives at the track with the knowledge of exactly what the maximum speed is in any corner. However, by taking small steps forward lap after lap, riders can feel for the feedback of the limit approaching. With this familiarity, riders get the signals much earlier if a corner on the street tightens up more than they expected and they have a much greater likelihood of staying upright. Reason 7 Since street riders have so much available grip in most corners, they are able to get away with all types of things with regards to how they sit on the motorcycle and input the controls that would
severely hamper them on the track. Learning the proper body position and inputs on the track will directly translate into more available grip on the track. The result? Perhaps a rider who encounters an unexpected twist in the road will have the extra traction needed to stay on the pavement!
bravery in track riding produces an adrenaline rush and sense of satisfaction/accomplishment you will find difficult to replicate anywhere else. The quest for the perfect lap never ends, and there is always another skill to master and another step to take.
As the conversation ended, the writer left me excited to try out our sport for himself. I found myself Reason 8 On the track riders learn that matter what the goal thinking about next season and looking forward to picking up where we left off in developing our (safety or speed), the method is the same. When bike and a new skill last season. I hope that we looking at things like line selection and track all spend our off season going to the gym, reading strategy, the fastest line is usually the one that frees up on riding skills and saving up for that new boltup the traction for the action you would most likely need to get yourself out of trouble. Increased speed on that will make your track experience even more and decreased risk are no longer mutually exclusive, enjoyable next season. they are most often accomplished together. Until next time, ride fast and ride safe! Reason 8.5 The combination of athletic skill, mental acuity and
The combination of athletic skill, mental acuity and bravery in track riding produces an adrenaline rush and sense of satisfaction/ accomplishment you will find difficult to replicate anywhere else. SPORTBIKESINCMAG.COM | 123
AND ON THE SEVENTH DAY, HE KEPT RIDING. Introducing the new Pirelli Angel GT tire. Perfect for never-ending trips or just a short weekend ride, it’s engineered to give you confidence and enhanced durability, even on wet ground. More than sport touring: this is 100% Italian Gran Turismo. N°1 for Mileage according to an independent test of Motorrad TestCenter comparing Pirelli Angel GT with Michelin Pilot Road 3, Dunlop Sportmax Roadsmart II, Bridgestone Battlax BT 023, Continental RoadAttack 2 and Metzeler Roadtec Z8 Interact M/O on 120/70ZR-17 and 180/55ZR-17 set. The test took place in Spain, Marbella in November and December 2012, using six Suzuki Bandit 1250 ABS.
124 | SPORTBIKESINCMAG.COM
SPORTBIKESINCMAG.COM | 125
FRICTION ZONE
FOCUSED ON FASHION WORDS: KIANA GADSON IMAGE: COURTESY OF BEARTEK
N
ow I love an awesome jaw dropping, oh my goodness, feel like I should be covering my eyes but I can’t miss a second of it stunt show. Though nobody gets it popping like my boys Jason Britton and Eric Hoenshell (the No Limit Crew), as your SBI Fashion Expert, it is my duty to teach you to stunt the only way I know how... by giving you tips on the latest and dressing to the 9’s, on and off two wheels. That’s right I’m talking about stuntin’ aka flossin’! So I have to tell you about these new motorcycle riding gloves I found by Beartek. At first glance these look like good looking but regular riding gloves. You know the ones with the protection you need like carbon-fiber knuckle and finger protection, premium 100% cowhide leather on the outer and protective parts, and accordion leather finger panels for flexibility and firm grip. But what’s hidden inside the glove is what totally sets this glove apart! By just touching your thumb to your finger, these gloves actually give you Bluetooth wireless control of your phone and music. You can answer calls or hit play/pause and skip on music tracks. Picture yourself riding to catch up with your people on their bike. They could change locations while you’re still on your way. They try to call you but when that call comes in normally you can’t get it or can’t hear. For me I’d have to find a good place to pull over, stop, check my phone and hope I get somebody back on the phone for the info. But now I’m able to answer right away and safely just by touching my thumb to my index finger. Now I know exactly where to meet up and didn’t miss a beat. And if in between I get a call from that certain pain in the butt (in everyone’s life) trying to cause stress during my ride, I can hang right up on them or decline the call. And all I have to do 126 | SPORTBIKESINCMAG.COM
is touch my middle finger (no pun intended) with my thumb to start my music and get right back in a good mood. Now here’s the part that took me over the top as if the convenience while wearing super safe gloves wasn’t enough; I can use these gloves with my GoPro camera to take video or snap shots! OMG! The possibilities. I’m thinking if we had these during the Rickey Gadson Pediatric Diabetes Ride all the great shots we could have taken ourselves. I’m thinking about riding out with my club. I’m thinking about the scenery down the highway or at the
shore. I’m even thinking about recording runs on the streets and at the racetrack. Now I can literally show the kids my trip and let them experience the ride though my eyes. And since I have up to 80 hours of battery life, doing some of everything like videoing, picture taking, listening to music and talking on the phone all on one trip is not a problem. You can tell I’m loving all the possibilities with these gloves right? Yes I’m definitely going to be “stuntin” with the Beartek motorcycle gloves. You can get your own at beartekgloves.com for about $145. SPORTBIKESINCMAG.COM | 127
128 | SPORTBIKESINCMAG.COM
SPORTBIKESINCMAG.COM | 129
FRICTION ZONE: RANDOM
Image: Allan Lane Location: Long Island City, Queens NY
130 | SPORTBIKESINCMAG.COM
What was, is no more... 5POINTZ 1993 - 2013
SPORTBIKESINCMAG.COM | 131
FRICTION ZONE
THE HIT
LIST
Do you ever wonder what MUSIC your fellow riders are listening to when they are not on the bike? We do... So we decided to ask them.
Tony Carbajal! What’s on your hit list?
Tony Carbajal Professional Freestyle Stunt Rider “All I Want” by Offspring. This song gives me a boost of energy whenever I need it. I could be getting ready for a show or just needing to get things done. It’s always been a good song. “Drive” by Incubus. This has always been a favorite song of mine. It reminds me that life can get a bit crazy but I have to stay focused and take control. “Hollaback Girl” by Gwen Stefani. Surely not the top of the playlist but somehow hasn’t left it, either. This is my ringtone for Allan Lane. I can’t remember why exactly but I can still picture him singing and dancing to it in many states across the country!
132 | SPORTBIKESINCMAG.COM
SPORTBIKESINCMAG.COM | 133
FRICTION ZONE: SPORTBIKES INK!!!
Want to show off your SPORTBIKES INK? Please click on the icon to send clear, high quality, hi res photos.
RIDER// Ashley Trent BIKE// 2005 Honda F4I TATTOO ARTIST// Erica Fisher, Ray Baranowski
134 | SPORTBIKESINCMAG.COM
RIDER// Kristy Brandenburg BIKE// 2001 Honda F4 2008 Honda 600RR TATTOO ARTIST// Kane, Artest Norm Wright
SPORTBIKESINCMAG.COM | 135
THIS LIFE
COMMITTED
Connect with Tyson...
WORDS: TYSON BECKFORD IMAGE: ALLAN LANE
T
he things that we do for this Bike Life often borders on crazy. There are those of us that ride without helmets or gear, who I think are cray cray... And there are the others like me who are addicted to riding. Beyond addicted, it is an obsession. Yes! I am obsessed with this life. We all have a passion for something on this planet and I for one cannot live without my bikes. Yes, I have a few machines. I think about riding as much as a sex crazed teenage male thinks about sex. Don’t get me wrong! I love sex like everyone else but I know I’m not the only one who thinks like this. Regardless of whether you are a man or a woman, we all have this deep rooted passion, this lust for motorcycles and riding if you are indeed about this life. Every year, we all run to the International Motorcycle Show, dealerships, bike shops, and visit websites looking for what may be your next purchase of parts, apparel, accessories or maybe even that new ride! Our hard earned money is spent every year as we want more and more of this Bike Life. If you are like me, you don’t mind spending the money. It’s worth it. I know it is and so do you! Are you addicted? Are you in love? Are you in lust with this life? Are you committed? Are you about this Bike Life?
136 | SPORTBIKESINCMAG.COM
SPORTBIKESINCMAG.COM | 137
THE NEW ISH ICON MOTOSPORTS • STRYKER VEST When ICON dropped the Field Armor Vest a few years back, the concept of basic body armor for street and stunt riders changed forever. The Field Armor Vest, from day one made it cool to wear armor to many that opposed doing so. That vest was sleek, functional and affordable. Throughout the years, ICON continued to work on their design and today their Field Armor Stryker Vest is the next step in ICON’s Field Armor evolution. It features a low profile to fit comfortable underneath your riding jacket without restricting movement, offering CE approved back armor. It’s lined with moisture wicking liner and equipped with strategically placed airflow channels. It’s become a staple in the gear kit of many riders for good reason. Colors:Stealth, Black, Green Sizes:Small/Medium, Large/XLarge, XXLarge/XXXLarge Price:$130.00 Contact: http://rideicon.com STUNTER X • SHORTY EXHAUST The short style exhaust is a favorite among the stunt crowd for it’s light weight and compact design. When moving about the bike, performing a variety of maneuvers and tricks, the last thing a rider needs is a long obtuse muffler jutting out from underneath the bike, getting in the way. The Stunter X Shorty Exhaust is mounts to the stock headers and is available for a selection of late model machines.
NEW RAGE CYCLES • UNIVERSAL SNAP ON FRONT LED TURN SIGNALS Quite possibly one of the most innovative products in quite some time, these snap on turn signals do just that... Snap on! Their unique universal design make them a no brainer for installation while their application platform is virtually endless. They fit any size fork tube. CNC machined from polycarbonate, the will operate as a running amber light. When you activate your turn indicator, the signal flashes white. Very cool and very practical. Colors: Simulated Carbon Fiber, Flat Black Finish Price: $129.95 Contact: http://newragecycles.com 138 | SPORTBIKESINCMAG.COM
Price: $275.00 Contact: http://stunterx.com
SICK INNOVATIONS • HONDA F4I REARSETS The Honda F4I has become an iconic symbol of stunt spots throughout the US. Many a stunt rider will proudly state that their first stunt bike as an F4I. Many fledgling stunt riders, will be on the hunt for an F4I as their practice bike. There is a small market for new products for the out of production machine that make the bike capable for the rigors of a session at the stunt spot. These F4I Rearsets are stronger than the OEM sets, ship with solid mount foot pegs and are designed to be used with the stock shifter and rear brake lever. Price: $174.99 Contact: http:/sickinnovations.com
ROLAND SANDS DESIGN • ENZO JACKET The apparel that is coming from the house of RSD is setting new levels in cross over appeal. Granted the jackets may be targeted for the cruiser, cafe racer, bobber crowd... but their overall badass construction and aesthetics easily transcends the class structure. Case in point, the Enzo jacket is a stunning jacket made with quality oiled leather in a traditional cafe riding style. It features a dropped back so you don’t have to worry so much about the top of your ass hanging out while you’re riding. It’s a relaxed fit jacket with pre curved sleeves and a non restricting collar opening. The Enzo is ready to be armored as well with protector pockets in the shoulders and elbows. Colors: Coal, Mohogany Sizes: S - XXXL Price: $520.00 Contact: http://rolandsands.com
LEATT • STX RR NECK BRACE
As the level of technology rises and the capability of motorcycles increase, particularly the speed of the bikes, the need for higher levels of protection rises as well. Often overlooked is the neck and it’s need for safe keeping in the event of an off. Leatt has produced some of the finest braces for neck protection and have just released their 2014 STX RR neck brace. It is the first neck brace engineered to service sportbike riders on the track or the street. Constructed of lightweight carbon fiber, the STX RR weighs in at just over 1.5 pounds. It’s design allows for the proper side clearance when cornering and is adjustable to fit a variety of race leathers and other options of body armor. CE certified, it fits riders in the weight range of 140 to 225 pounds. Price: $549.00 Contact: http://leattshop.com SPORTBIKESINCMAG.COM | 139
THE NEW ISH JOE ROCKET • SPEEDMASTER JACKET The Speedmaster Jacket is essentially the upper portion of Joe Rocket’s premiere race suit made specifically designed for the street. The jacket is constructed with quality leather, double stitched with titanium reinforced shoulders and CE approved armor in the shoulder and elbows. It comes equipped with a removable spine pad and features Joe Rockets’s variable flow vent intakes to keep the air moving through you on the warmer days and a removable insulated vest for the colder days. The Speedmaster jacket utilizes a six point surefit adjustment system to make certain the jacket fits you as it should fit you. Colors: Stealth Black, Hi Risk Red, Radio Active Yellow, Cool White Sizes: 40 - 54 Price: $349.99 Contact: http://joerocket.com
MOTO D RACING • MOTORCYCLE HELMET CASE This helmet case offers an affordable way to store and protect your lid when its not in use. Well constructed, the case is light weight and features internal straps to keep your helmet in place during transport as well an interior pocket to hold a visor. It is well ventilated and fits a majority of street helmets. Price: $49.99 Contact: http://motodracing.com
NELSON RIGG • HI VISIBILITY DELUXE ALL SEASON COVER
Protecting your bike from the elements is easily done by the use of motorcycle cover. The MC 905 adds a level of awareness to your parked bike with it’s bright, highly visible yellow UV treated, water resistant polyester construction. It features a ventilation system, heat resistant panels and a soft liner to avoid damaging your bike’s windscreen. The cover is designed to fit a range of bike sizes. Price: $39.95 Contact: http://nelsonrigg.com 140 | SPORTBIKESINCMAG.COM
PUIG • HONDA CBR600RR RACING SCREEN The Puig Racing Screen offers an aggressive yet streamlined option for windscreen replacement. Composed of high impact acrylic, the 3mm thick racing windscreen was developed for optimal aerodynamics. It fits just like the OEM screen but is much stronger and better looking. Available in 10 different color options. Price: $95.95 Contact: http://puigusa.com
ARAI • DUCATI PROUD HELMET Built on the Arai Corsair V model, the Ducati Proud Helmet is a great way to show your pride in your Ducatista lifestyle while keeping your noggin safe and sound. Branded with Ducati shields, it leaves no doubt to others what you represent. It features a CE approved thermoformed, scratch proof and anti fog visor in addition to its lightweight fiberglass outer shell construction.
SPEED AND STRENGTH • HARD KNOCK LIFE LEATHER BOOTS
Sizes: XS - XXL Price: $739.95 Contact: http://store.ducatiusa.com
For years, Voodoo has produced some of the highest quality aftermarket pipes for street bikes. Now, they have expanded their reach to the cafe/vintage world by launching an exhaust line specifically for that class. The Dunstall Replica Reverse Cone Muffle is a great looking muffler measuring just under 28 inches with a fitment for 1.5 and 1 inch exhaust pipes. They are finished in a chrome plating that stays true to the cafe style. Pipes include internal baffles and heat packing making them a great modification for both Japanese and European bikes. Sizes: 8 - 13 Price: $109.95 Contact: http://ssgear.com SPORTBIKESINCMAG.COM | 141
THE NEW ISH: FEATURED ITEM RIGHTEOUS STUNT METAL • ADJUSTABLE HANDLEBARS Adjustable Handlebars are nothing new for motorcycles and there are plenty of quality kits out o the market. What makes the Righteous Stunt Metal set up stand out is that is made for stunt riders by stunt riders. Let’s go one step further, this kit comes with a lifetime guarantee on the clamp component. So if you crash, as stunt riders are often prone to do, and the clamp is damaged and rendered useless, RSM will replace the clamp for free. The handlebars and hardware are not covered by the guarantee but replacement parts are available on their site. They feature replaceable riser bars, stainless steel hardware and a zero or seven degree sweep. Available in a selection of finishes and sizes. Price: $275.00 - $330.00 Contact: http://righteousstuntmetal.com Join the SBI ONLINE COMMUNITY today!
VISIT THE SPORTBIKES INC FORUM
SPORTBIKESINCMAG.COM/FORUM
142 | SPORTBIKESINCMAG.COM
SPORTBIKESINCMAG.COM | 143
STAFF STUFF STUNTERX • SHORTY EXHAUST PIPE Leah Petersen As a stunt rider you’re always searching for parts that are strong and effective without being bulky and heavy. The StunterX shorty pipe not only smashes those criteria - it’s damn sexy at the same time! While setting up my 2013 Kawasaki Ninja ZX-6r stuntbike I knew I wanted to swap out the rather large stock pipe with something shorter. The big problem with shorty pipes is clearance while drifting - a lot of pipes drag on the ground which can lead to the pipe ripping off and getting some nasty rash. The StunterX pipe mounts up nice and snug to the swingarm and once I figured out the correct torque to keep it mounted firmly, I haven’t had any problems with it moving. The pipe sounds like a beast, retains a powerful bottom-end for slower stunts and gives the motorcycle a minimally aggressive look. Also an added bonus - it’s made by StunterX, one of the most professional stunt companies in the industry. http://stunterx.com Rating: 6 (out of 6)
REV’ IT! • ATLAS H2O BALACLAVA Allan Lane
The balaclava is an often overlooked piece of cold weather riding gear. More than a full face mask that might have you mistaken as a ninja, the balaclava can keep your head warm and dry in less than perfect riding conditions. For the last several winters, I’ve used the Rev’It! Atlas H2O for just that reason. In the sea of balaclavas, Rev’It! seems to have gotten it right. The H2O Atlas has a Gore Tex lining and is designed to be over the collar of your jacket. That’s key because if you were to get caught in the rain, the over the collar design prevents water from getting inside your jacket. The top half of the Atlas H2O wicks away sweat, keeping you cool and once again, dry. When it’s necessary I toss it into the washer, hang dry it and it’s good as new. http://revitusa.com Rating: 6 (out of 6) 144 | SPORTBIKESINCMAG.COM
SPORTBIKESINCMAG.COM | 145
THE BACK SHOT!
Image: Allan Lane Location: Carlisle PA.