SportBikes Inc Magazine February 2018

ROAD RACING • DRAG RACING • STUNT RIDING • CUSTOM BIKES • LIFESTYLE

FEBRUARY 2018 VOL 8 ISSUE 5

SPORTBIKESINCMAG.COM TM

ARCH MOTORCYCLE

THE BECOMING

THE GRID LIFE: FUEL YOUR BODY | THE INSIDE LINE: TASTEFUL RIDING GEAR FOR WOMEN | RUNNING WITH THE VULCANS | IMPROVE YOUR SKILLS: GO TO SCHOOL | MOTOGP: WHAT IF? SPORTBIKESINCMAG.COM | 1

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UNTIL NOW, WE HAVE BEEN ASKED TO TA K E S I D E S. T O C H O O S E B E T W E E N W I C K E D O R V I R T U O U S , B R U TA L O R S O P H I S T I C AT E D , R E F I N E D O R W I L D , G E N T L E M A N O R B A S TA R D .

Y O U D E S E R V E B O T H.

© Ducati North America 2016

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CONTENTS

FEBRUARY 2018 - VOLUME 8, ISSUE 5 http://issuu.com/action/page?page=14

14 THE PRESS ROOM http://issuu.com/action/page?page=20 20 THE GRID NEWS http://issuu.com/action/page?page=24 24 THE GRID LIFE - By Patricia Fernandez http://issuu.com/action/page?page=30 30 MOTOGP WITH B.T. - By B.T. http://issuu.com/action/page?page=36 36 THE NUMBERS - By Jonathan Rea http://issuu.com/action/page?page=52 52 THE INSIDE LINE - By Devonne Duerbaum http://issuu.com/action/page?page=58 58 FEATURED RIDERS http://issuu.com/action/page?page=64 64 IMPROVE YOUR SKILLS - By Allan Lane http://issuu.com/action/page?page=114 114 THE NEW ISH

FEATURED RIDER: PAUL GOODNOW http://issuu.com/action/page?page=84 PAGE 58 4 | SPORTBIKESINCMAG.COM

TARMAC W A T E R P R O O F

R I D I N G

W A T E R P R O O F

J A C K E T

F O R

â„¢

// $ 2 5 0

T H E

H Y P E R C O M M U T E R

B R E A T H A B L E

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FEATURES

FEBRUARY 2018 - VOLUME 8, ISSUE 5

THE GRID LIFE: FUEL YOUR BODY

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TASTEFUL RIDING GEAR FOR WOMEN

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ARCH MOTORCYCLE: THE BECOMING

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MOTOGP: WHAT IF?

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IMPROVE YOUR SKILLS: GO TO SCHOOL

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RUNNING WITH THE VULCANS

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STAFF

Publisher//Editor in Chief: Allan Lane allan@sportbikesincmag.com

EDITORIAL

ART & DESIGN

Drag Racing Editor: Rickey Gadson rickey@sportbikesincmag.com

Creative Director//Layout//Design: Allan Lane allan@sportbikesincmag.com

Fashion Editor: Kiana Gadson kiana@sportbikesincmag.com

Creative Supervisor: Leon Brittain leon@sportbikesincmag.com

Moto Tech Editor: Thomas Campion tommy@sportbikesincmag.com

Graphic Designer: Baz baz@sportbikesincmag.com

Riding Editor: Eric Wood eric@sportbikesincmag.com Staff Writers: Patricia Fernanzdez pf@sportbikesincmag.com Leon Brittain leon@sportbikesincmag.com Lion James lion@sportbikesincmag.com B.T. bt@sportbikesincmag.com Devonne Duerbaum devonne@sportbikesincmag.com Jasmin St. Claire jasmin@sportbikesincmag.com Copy Editor: Angela Lane angela@sportbikesincmag.com

Cover Photography: Jordan Pay Contributing Photographers: Brian J. Nelson MotoGP.com WorldSBK.com Noiseless Productions Erik Voake Philip Montgomery Elizabeth Gore Marcus Eriksson

Contributors: Jonathan Rea

SportBikes Inc Magazine - February 2018 Volume 8, Issue 5 To receive SportBikes Inc Magazine’s 2018 Media Kit and Advertising Rates, please email: info@sportbikesincmag.com.

In no way can any part of this magazine be reproduced in print, digital, broadcast or any other manner without the expressed written permission of the publisher.

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

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

Any and all items submitted to SportBikes Inc Magazine will become the sole property of SportBikes Inc Magazine and are subject to, but not limited to edits, comments and titles.

Sportbikes Inc Magazine, staff and partners are not responsible for injuries, loss or damage to their being, vehicle or property, including death that may result from contest submissions.

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S LI N G S H O T ® S LR

B O R N TO TH R I LL There’s nothing like it on the road. You’re nailed back in the seat when 175 Slingshot® horsepower kicks in and you scramble to keep up with the 5-speed transmission. It’s the closest thing to a sportbike on three-wheels.

Always wear helmets, seat belts, and don’t drink and drive. Drivers may need a valid motorcycle endorsement. Don’t drink and drive.

SLINGSHOT® is a registered trademark of Polaris Industries Inc. ©2017 Polaris Industries Inc.

SPORTBIKESINCMAG.COM | 9

FEATURE STORY

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ARCH MOTORCYCLE

THE BECOMING

PAGE 70

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FROM THE EDITOR

A

good friend of mine once told me that as with the fact the weather is horrible and that I can long I rode, I would be just fine. As long as not ride… and that sucks!

I had a connection to the machine, everything If you are like me and you are suffering from PMS, would be cool. or worse… take a look at traveling to warmer When you think about it, that truth transcends the weather and roads. A quick trip to the Carolinas, realm of motorcycles but this matter, I’ll stick to Georgia or Florida is all well within one travel bikes. When you’re an avid rider, any time away day. Catch a flight out West or to the Southwest from your machine can have crippling mental and and hook up with a track day school or bike physical effects. Any lacking seat time can render rental company. you either a lifeless shell of the rider you were or angry and irritated volcano of a being.

Do whatever you need to do to avoid the transformation into the aforementioned lifeless Over the winter months in Northeastern US, I’ve shell of the rider you were or the angry and come to recognize the symptoms of PMS (Parked irritated volcano of a being… that is prone to Motorcycle Syndrome). Not just in others, but lash out at unsuspecting victims that have no idea in myself, as well. I do my best to be an all- why we are slowing rotting away inside as we season rider, sans any ice or snow. I believe wait for the ice to thaw and the asphalt to heat cold weather is why God made leather… I’ve up. also taken to schedule business trips during the months of December through March, as they are Stay connected to your machine. Keep riding. available to warmer climates where the weather Everything will be cool. Ya dig? is a tad bit warmer and rider friendly.

Best, There are times when none of my coping Allan mechanisms are available and I have to just deal allan@sportbikesincmag.com

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Distributed by:

SPORTBIKESINCMAG.COM | 13 www.VooDoomoto.com

THE PRESS ROOM

INDUSTRY NEWS TRIUMPH LETS LOOSE THEIR NEW SPEED TRIPLE S AND RS Triumph is calling their new model of the iconic Speed Triple, their greatest Speed Triples ever made. On paper, at least, this may prove to be the case. The 2018 Speed Triple is being released in a standard “S” version as well as an upgraded “RS” version. The bikes noted 1050cc triple cylinder engine has been redeveloped with 105 new engine components and now produces an impressive 148 horses (7% increase) and 86 foot-pounds of torque (4% increase).

The Speed Triple’s handling and suspension feature a dynamic suspension setup. The RS is equipped with the Ohlins fully adjustable setup that includes 43mm NIX30 upside down front forks and a TTX36 twin tube rear mono shock. The S version comes with an adjustable Showa setup that includes 43mm upside front fronts and a mono shock on the back end. The handling is further aided by the superb Pirelli Diablo Supercorsa tires that come standard on both versions.

Both models feature dual 320mm floating front brake

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rotors with Brembo 4 piston, 2 pad radial monobloc calipers and switchable ABS options. The rear brake setup is composed of a single Nissin 255mm 2 piston sliding caliper.

The S has a new race style upswept black painted twin silencers with a stainless steel end cap with a larger bore and a fitted aluminum heat shield. On the RS, you’ll find brushed titanium finished Arrow sports silencers, a carbon fiber heat shield and cap.

The Speed Triple’s rider experience is all new with an advanced technology that includes a full-color five-inch TFT dashboard, LED illuminated switch cubes, cornering ABS (RS), traction control (RS), keyless ignition (RS), and a host of other bells and whistles.

MSRP will be announced in a few weeks. For now, enjoy the view…

ATTENTION LADIES THAT RIDE: THE ANNUAL SBI LADIES ISSUE COVER CONTEST Do you want to be on the cover of SportBikes Inc Magazine?

We are looking for our next cover model for the 2018 annual Ladies Issue of SBI. We are looking for women that OWN and RIDE their own bikes. This contest is open to women that road race, drag race, stunt, cruise, street, track, etc. Previous cover models include Anna Rigby of Redspade Racing, Nikki 636, Dystany Spurlock and Anti Parallali.

To be eligible, contestants must own and operate their own motorcycle and follow SportBikes Inc on Instagram and Facebook. To enter, post a pic of you and your bike on social media, tag @sportbikesInc and use the hashtag #SBINATION, tell us how you represent the SBINATION LIFESTYLE and why YOU are our next cover model. A panel of judges will determine the winner. The winner will receive a professional photo shoot with their bike as well as a generous prize package. The contest begins now and will run through March 9, 2018. GOOD LUCK!

175K HARLEY DAVIDSONS RECALLED DUE TO BRAKE FAILURE

A massive recall is underway for Harley Davidson.

Harley Davidson has issued a recall (#0171) for 174,636 Touring, CVO Touring VSRC models manufactured between 2008 and 2011 as a result of faulty brakes. The affected bikes are subject to deposits of brake fluid building up and causing the ABS unit to malfunction thus causing the brakes to

potentially fail, increasing the risk of a crash. The brake fluid build up is a result of not flushing and replacing the brake fluid within the recommended maintenance schedule. Harley Davidson is actively alerting owners and the dealer network has been instructed to flush the entire brake system with new fluid at no charge to the customer.

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THE PRESS ROOM: INDUSTRY NEWS SUZUKI’S 2018 GSX-R1000R

Suzuki’s new Metallic Triton Blue GSX-R1000R draws heavy inspiration from their GSX-RR MotoGP machine, in the looks department. Aside from that, what you have is an enhanced GSX-R1000 that offers a new rider experience thanks to three major features: the Showa Balance Free Rear Cushion Lite Shock (BFRC-lite), the Showa Balance Free Fork (BFF) and a race-ready lightweight upper triple clamp.

timing system and ride by wire throttle bodies for an expansive power band that works in harmony with a steady and precise throttle response.

What I found most interesting is the GXSR1000R’s six-axis Inertial Measuring Unit (IMU).

This component of the advanced electronics package allows for performance modes to be selected to fine tune the rider’s inputs. The IMU recognizes where the bike is in relation to the street The BFRC-lite controls the damping force outside of or track to enhance the overall rider experience. the shock body that controls both the suspension strokes and smooths the reactions over bumpy The GSX-R1000R is equipped with the Brembo terrain. It even controls the damping the pitch T-Drive brake rotors and Monobloc calipers which during the braking process. On the front end of are linked to Suzuki’s motion track ABS and armed the bike, the BFF offers maximum responsiveness with Bridgestone RS10 tires giving the bike serious by controlling the damping force outside of the brake power and impressive asphalt grip. spring chamber for consistent damping aided by the lightweight upper triple clamp.

The 2018 Suzuki GSX-R1000R has an MSRP of $17,199 is available in three colorways that The GSX-R1000R’s 998.8cc, 4 stroke, liquid include: Metallic Triton Blue, Pearl Glacier White cooled, 4 cylinder engine uses a variable valve and Glass Sparkle Black.

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THE INDIAN ROADMASTER IS RECALLED Indian Motorcycle has recalled over 7,000 Roadmaster bikes, model years 2015 - 2017.

Water can enter the trunk wiring harness and can affect the function of the rear brake light.

The brake light can remain illuminated even when the brake is not being used. Indian is notifying owners that the dealers will replace the faulty harness with an updated one that comes with sealed connectors, free of charge.

GET A FREE GRAPHICS KIT FOR YOUR NEW KAWASAKI Z125 PRO Kawasaki is running a special promotion with D’Cor Visuals until the end of March 2018, offering a free custom graphics kit for any newly purchased Z125 PRO. To be eligible, the Z125 PRO must be a non-registered, new purchase from a participating dealership. Once you take delivery of your new Z125 PRO and waiting just

about a week before your VIN is validated, visit https://www.dcorvisuals.com/myzdesign and select your free graphics kit. Follow the directions on the site and enter your VIN into the coupon code section at check out. D’Cor will ship your free graphics kit within 2-3 weeks after you place your order online.

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THE PRESS ROOM: INDUSTRY NEWS POLARIS UNVEIL THEIR SLINGSHOT GRAND TOURING LE The Slingshot Grand Touring LE is the only model that leaves the factory fully loaded with accessories, bells and whistles. The limited edition model features the Slingshade roof, quilted comfort seats, ride command and navigation as standard equipment. Available in a Matte Cloud Grey and Indy Red paint colorway, the Slingshot Grand Touring LE also includes a color matched rear fender.

The Slingshot Grand Touring LE will be available at Polaris Slingshot dealers in North A meric a n a nd Ca nada beginning in March with an MSRP of $29,999.

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THE PRESS ROOM

GRID NEWS

MAGNY-COURS WILL HOST WORLD SUPERBIKE UNTIL 2022 Joie de vivre… Circuit de Magny-Cours to host WorldSBK until 2022.

It was at the 2017 stop of the WorldSBK season at the French circuit where Champion Jonathan Rea made history as he was crowned 3 time, back to back to back Champion. The ever-popular circuit, MagnyCours will remain a racer and fan favorite as it was announced that the track will continue to host the Motul FIM Superbike Championship until 2022.

Magny-Cours has hosted the French round since 2003 and the recent news will secure the relationship for another 5 years.

MOTOAMERICA HIRES A NEW HEAD OF MARKETING Alec Marshall, formerly of Apple, Roku, and Avid, to take the point in the marketing department for the 2018 season as MotoAmerica’s Chief Marketing Officer. Marshall’s pedigree in the digital space is impressive and he is no stranger to the paddock. So what are his plans for MotoAmerica?

“We’re seeing some interesting trends in sports," Marshall said. "Millennials and younger audiences are watching and attending sports differently. It’s our thought that the excitement, individuality, and speed of MotoAmerica racing is perfect for younger, gaming oriented audiences. This is a brand new opportunity, not just for MotoAmerica, but for racing and sports in general. To this audience, this is a brand new sport.” Marshall’s influence will be felt in the 2018 season with live music and festival like activations at races throughout the 2018 season, which begins on April 13 at Road Atlanta.

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MARC MARQUEZ RENEWS HIS CONTRACT WITH HRC

The Honda Racing Corporation is wasting no time and has signed renewal contracts with Marc Marquez that will secure their partnership for an additional 2 years. The contract will be effective immediately after the conclusion of their contract

that expires in 2019. The reigning MotoGP Champion is the youngest rider in history to win four titles in the premier class, winning the first title in his rookie year in 2013‌ also making him the youngest champion in history.

AMERICAN FLAT TRACK LANDS A NEW MULTI-YEAR DEAL WITH NBCSN American Flat Track has just inked an impressive multi-year deal with NBCSN that will include comprehensive race event coverage. This sees that the coverage that was aired on Thursday nights will now air on weekend afternoons in a onehour time slot that will follow coverage of NASCAR, Indy Car or Pro Motocross.

The broadcast will be tape delayed and will air within two weeks of each event.

The 2018 season will include 18 premiere broadcasts with a weekday retiring of each show before they will be made available on NBCSN digital platforms.

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THE PRESS ROOM: GRID NEWS NORTON SIGNS JOHN MCGUINNESS FOR 2018 ISLE OF MAN TT RACES Still recovering a from a serious injury sustained at the 2017 North West 200, John McGuinness has announced his plans for the 2018 Isle of Man TT races.

McGuinness will join Josh Brookes at the Norton factory team for the RST Superbike and PokerStars Senior TT Races. The team will pilot the Norton SG7 machines which are developed from the Norton V4 RR model.

McGuinness is still recovering from his 2017 injuries but expects to be back in top shape and fully recovered come the TT races.

McGuinness has won a total of 23 TT races with his last victory in the Superbike class in 2015 during which he set a new lap record of 132.701 in the PokerStars Senior TT event. That lap time still remains the record to beat and has rightfully earned McGuinness the crown of King of the Mountain. His impressive career includes 46 podiums and 78 race finishes.

YAMAHA AND TECH3 END THEIR PARTNERSHIP AFTER 20 YEARS 2018 will be the last year that Yamaha and Tech3 will collaborate on their MotoGP efforts.

After 20 years, Tech 3 informed Yamaha that they will be making changes in 2019, but will remain a dedicated partner and satellite team for the duration of the 2018 season.

Yamaha will have to decide if they will run a satellite team in 2019.

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THE GRID

FUEL

THE GRID LIFE

WORDS: PATRICIA FERNANDEZ IMAGES: BRIAN J. NELSON 24 | SPORTBIKESINCMAG.COM

YOUR BODY

SPORTBIKESINCMAG.COM | 25

THE GRID: THE GRID LIFE

W

e take so much time and effort to maintain 200 I was also being filmed by the Discovery Channel and tune our motorcycles both during the

Canada. This included interviews and camera crews

offseason and while we are racing. Yet so few riders around constantly. Dane kept telling me to drink and actually take the same time and diligence to maintain eat, that the camera crews would have to wait. I was their own health and well-being. After all the human

too nervous to tell them that. When it came time to race

body is an operating system and machine that we I was cramping, my stomach was twisted, and I was are using to pilot our motorcycles. We need to focus

extremely fatigued. Yes, it is an endurance race that

on making sure that we are performing at our best by

is more demanding physically than other sprints, but

fueling our body properly.

I did not properly prepare for it. Not only did I notice my fatigue during the race, my recovery was difficult.

It wasn’t until I suffered during and after my first I had sore muscles that lasted longer than usual.

Daytona 200 did I truly realize the importance of hydration and food. Sure, I worked out regularly

I knew that it wasn’t worth it to invest so much time

and was in decent shape, but my nerves on race and money in getting to the race and prepping my weekends would always dominate my thoughts and I motorcycle if I was not going to equally prepare myself. would forget to eat and drink. I remember it so vividly

The best way for me to keep track of my hydration level

because in addition to racing my first ever Daytona

was to download a water app that would remind me

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just so nervous I couldn’t stand the thought of eating. What a terrible idea! My stomach felt so knotted while I was riding, it felt like someone punched me in the gut. I started eating complex carbs, whole grain bread or pasta, earlier. For dinner 2 nights prior, the night before, and the morning of I would consume higher amounts of carbs than usual. Good carbs, not just high amounts of sugar that would quickly fade. Also, I found about 1 hour before I rode I would eat either a cold apple or cold orange. This was my to drink and record how much water I was in taking.

Starting about 3 days before a race I would almost double my water intake to 2 gallons a day. I’ll admit it was difficult. I was using the restroom frequently and felt so bloated, but it was worth it. Come race day I never felt sore, and I wasn’t so tired after I just rode.

My recovery time was reduced dramatically to almost none at all. My mental game was sharper and my body stronger.

The timing of what I ate and when mattered too. I used to eat breakfast and then nothing until I raced. I was

secret weapon. The cold would be soothing to my stomach, and it was not too heavy to weigh me down. I felt satisfied and ready to go for race time. I never experienced the stomach cramps again and had plenty of energy to finish strong.

I know that all of us prefer different foods and at different times. You have to find both that work best for you. Try new foods or new timing of eating to experiment with helps you perform at your peak. It is time to start investing the same time and energy in our bodies as we do out motorcycles.

Fuel your machine, body and bike, to go fast!

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THE GRID

MOTOGP WITH B.T.

WORDS: B.T. IMAGES: COURTESY OF MOTOGP.COM 30 | SPORTBIKESINCMAG.COM

WHAT IF? SPORTBIKESINCMAG.COM | 31

THE GRID: MOTOGP WITH B.T.

W

hat if? This has always been a great conversation starter, because of the varying degrees of scenarios it can encompass. It can be used for positivity... "What if instead of spankings we taught children how to meditate?” It can be used for incredible parent scenario purposes...

“What if everybody jumped off a building, would you jump too?” Or simple elements of fantasy...

“What if there was life on other planets, how long do you think it would take for us to ruin their planet?”

What if Marquez wins his seventh title this year?

This could really be a thing. Marquez is at the top of his game right now. I believe after last year's record-breaking crash fest, he realizes his body won’t hold up in his later years, so he is now smarter. He will try finding a balance between his 2016 “play it safe, get the points" approach and his 2017 “Hell bent for leather” approach. Jorge Lorenzo adopted the former approach after numerous highlight reel crashes and it didn’t stop him from capturing titles.

“Smarter not harder” is the approach I see Marquez slowly adopting and if he captures a seventh title this season, I believe we could see a period of dominance like none other in recent seasons. Athletes are optimists. They are trained in positivity. They see the glass as half full. But another season of Marquez dominance and this could eat away at a riders psyche and also from a fans point of view... "Why watch. Marquez is just gonna win anyway!” But with Marquez, it's like watching an infant try to walk. You have to watch, because anything could happen. And it most likely does.

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In terms of the upcoming 2018 MotoGP season, the "what ifs" are endless. And depending on who and what you are a fan of, they could provide for a more than entertaining season.

Here are a few of what I consider the most important “what ifs" for the 2018 season and the probable outcome. Of course, it’s impossible to predict the hypothetical, but along with “what if” comes its sister outcome, “probable”. So without further adieu...

What if The Doctor decides to retire after this season? I know, "Perish the thought...” But it could happen. If he feels he’s not competitive or another crash that takes him out for an extended period of time. What happens to MotoGP? If he announces during the season, you would see record attendance at all of the circuits, with people wanting a chance to see “The Doctor” one last time.

Again another positive for GP fans and the season.

What if we have a flashback to the 2016 season with at least or more than eight riders winning a race? This can only be a positive for MotoGP. This gives a “much watch” vibe approach every race.

“Who’s it gonna be this week?”

This is my favorite “what if” and with recent rule changes, I can see this happening. Parity in sport is a good thing and with MotoGP, it is an even better thing. Who wouldn’t want to see a four-rider battle for the championship in Valencia? I know I would and I’m assuming every true GP fan would also.

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THE GRID: MOTOGP WITH B.T.

The final “what If” and perhaps the most anticipated, What if Rossi wins his Tenth GP TITLE?!

This is perhaps the Dream scenario for many who feel he was “wronged” during The 2015 campaign. I always said when Rossi wins, it always seems like everything is right with the world and if he wins his tenth now, as the senior spokesmen for MotoGP, well... that would bode well for MotoGP, racing fans and anyone over thirty-five would feel that they still got it!

As much as we have our favorite riders and love motorcycle racing as a whole, The truth of the matter is Rossi and Marquez stir the drink that is MotoGP. Two riders different in every single way possible, both at the top of their game. Any single “what if” scenario inevitably has to involve one or the other and as a GP fan I’m perfectly fine with that.

What if this season turns out to be the best season MotoGP has ever seen. Statistically, attendancewise, viewership, everything across the board.

What would you say? Could you witness 34 | SPORTBIKESINCMAG.COM

greatness as it happens or would it take years to sink in and you would talk about it as you got older as Grandparents do the good old days?

What if and what transpires are two different things. One lies in a hypothetical outcome, the other is rooted in fact.

No one knows what will happen this 2018 season but we can be sure of one thing, at the end of the season, after the dust has been settled and a champion has been crowned, some of us will inevitably still wonder, “Hey, what if?"

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THE GRID

THE NUMBERS EVERY MONTH, WE ASK PROS AND AMATEURS WHY THEY CHOSE THE NUMBERS THAT IDENTIFY THEM ON THE GRID...

IMAGES: COURTESY OF WORLDSBK.COM 36 | SPORTBIKESINCMAG.COM

JONATHAN REA

#65

"Now, I am number 1 because I am the champion, although my career number has been number 65.

I chose that because my father always raced with the number 5 and 6 so I put them together!"

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THE GRID: ON THE COME UP

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RKExcelAmerica.com 42 | SPORTBIKESINCMAG.COM

SPORTBIKESINCMAG.COM | 43

THE STRAIGHT LINE: ON THE COME UP

JACK SHOOK

ADRIAN HACKETT

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BROUGHT TO YOU BY:

NAME: Jack Shook HOMETOWN: Cambridge, UK. AGE: 17 years old.

SPONSORS: Indis Ducati and FUCHS Silkolene.

SERIES: UK Super Twin Top Gas. ACCOMPLISHMENTS: 2 015 A P I R A J u n i o r D r a g B i ke Champion, 2017 SPRC Super Twin Top Gas Champion.

GOALS: Race in Superstreet Bike/Pro Street.

DEFINE YOUR PASSION IN ONE SENTENCE: Young lad living a big boys dream!

IMAGES: COURTESY OF JACK SHOOK

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THE REV LIMITER: ON THE COME UP

SEAN "SETS" HADLEY ADRIAN HACKETT

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BROUGHT TO YOU BY:

NAME: Sean "Sets" Hadley HOMETOWN: NYC native, residing in Portland, OR. AGE: 32 years old.

SPONSORS: Icon Motosports, EBC Brakes Magura, Crwwnd SERIES: With no set schedules for the 2018 stunt riding competition series, it's hard to say. I'm planning on competing as much as possible this year.

ACCOMPLISHMENTS: I've ridden in videos for the best companies in the industry. I have signature series rotors with brake manufacturer EBC Brakes. I have competed in stunt competitions, ridden at stunt sessions, and done stunt shows around the United States.

GOALS: Ride harder, ride faster, learn more, progress, grow, and have fun.

DEFINE YOUR PASSION IN ONE SENTENCE: My passion is everything to me, it is hard work, it is my escape from reality, it is what I do for fun, it is challenging, frustrating, rewarding. It is my life and there is nothing I rather do. My passion is motorcycle stunt riding.

IMAGES: COURTESY OF SEAN HADLEY

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THE LIFE

WHY IS IT SO DIFFICULT TO FIND TAS

THE INSIDE LINE WORDS: DEVONNE DUERBAUM IMAGE: PHILIP MONTGOMERY 52 | SPORTBIKESINCMAG.COM

STEFUL RIDING GEAR FOR WOMEN?

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THE LIFE : THE INSIDE LINE

ONE WORD... FLOWERS W

hy does every company think that just It’s like they think we’re all 12 years old running because we are women, we want to around in a princess outfit.

wear flowers? Whether you’re shopping online or in store, there they are, flowers. Purple flowers, I am not saying every company carries only pink flowers, swirls, girly stars, butterfly’s, etc. feminine gear, but most do, and thankfully I am seeing less of it as time goes by. Finally, they are understanding we want gear that is as cool as men’s. I remember for years I would go online to many different websites and once you click “women” it’s like a unicorn just threw up on the screen.. pink and purple everywhere, from helmets to shoes to jackets.

Did you know how frustrated I was that the guys had the cool gear and we didn’t? The fact that I couldn’t even fit into men’s gear if I tried, besides the helmets. Finally, companies started getting with the program and I started seeing more black, browns, reds and more. Jackets and shoes that were just as cool as the guys!

Dainese, Alpinestars, and UglyBros have the 54 | SPORTBIKESINCMAG.COM

absolute best selection for women. Women wh o wa n t t o fe el empowered without screaming “I am a woman!” Although I have not yet purchased a pair of UglyBros jeans, they look amazing and I’ve only heard good things about them. I can’t stand jeans and pants that look like riding pants as funny as that sounds. I want my protective kevlar jeans to look like jeans I would wear to dinner with friends. UglyBros has those jeans and hopefully one of these days, I will try a pair. You may be wondering why I am speaking so highly, but I don’t own a pair… well, because they are pretty pricey, $300 and up pricey.

Protecting your legs from the fall is worth that, but I just have a hard time making that purchase. Soon, I will own a pair, but for now, unfortunately, I wear normal jeans. That my friend, we’ll discuss another

time. Now Dainese, they have phenomenal gear, along with Alpinestars. What I like from Dainese are their riding boots, because again, most of them give that casual look and are comfortable enough to wear walking around the mall. I also recently fell in love with their Lola D1 perforated leather jacket. Fits like it was made for me and you can’t dislike red white and blue vintage stripes on your arm and back.

Alpinestars carries many great items as well, but what I absolutely love the most is their jackets and SPORTBIKESINCMAG.COM | 55

THE LIFE : THE INSIDE LINE racing leathers. Their jackets, like Dainese, fit like a are so comfortable and look great too. glove and are stylish, but their racing leathers are the best. I’ve had Dainese suits, but they still don’t As you can see, behind all the floral and seem to hug every part of my body. Alpinestars butterflies, there are some good companies that does and looks like it was tailored to my body cater to women like myself. and not just any girl around my size. Their suits

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THE LIFE: FEATURED RIDERS BROUGHT TO YOU BY:

Paul Goodnow LOCATION: Killeen, TX OCCUPATION: Mechanic YEARS RIDING: 5 years.

RIDING STYLE: Street.

BIKE/S OWNED: 2014 BMW S1000RR, 2002 HONDA RC51.

FAVORITE BIKE MODIFICATION/ACCESSORY: Moriwaki Zero Titanium Exhaust on the RC51.

FAVORITE PIECE OF RIDING GEAR: AGV Pista Carbon Helmet.

MOST MEMORABLE RIDE: Tantalus Drive on the island of Oahu in Hawaii.

58 | SPORTBIKESINCMAG.COM

Joey Colon LOCATION: Reading, PA OCCUPATION:Â Technician for Deka East Penn.

YEARS RIDING: 5 years.

RIDING STYLE: Street and just had my first track day in September.

BIKE/S OWNED: 2014 BMW S1000RR. FAVORITE BIKE MODIFICATION/ACCESSORY: BST carbon fiber wheels.

FAVORITE PIECE OF RIDING GEAR: Alpinestars T-GP Plus R Air jacket.

MOST MEMORABLE RIDE: Anytime rolling on US-222.

SPORTBIKESINCMAG.COM | 59

THE LIFE: FEATURED RIDERS

Terry Cabler LOCATION: Sheffield, AL OCCUPATION: Retired.

YEARS RIDING: Many, many…

RIDING STYLE: Street rider.

BIKE/S OWNED: 2016 Yamaha XSR900 60th Anniversary Edition, 2004 Ducati Monster S4R. FAVORITE BIKE MODIFICATION/ACCESSORY: The gold leaf numbers on the rear cowl of my Yamaha.

FAVORITE PIECE OF RIDING GEAR: My Arai helmet.

MOST MEMORABLE RIDE: I rode to Deals Gap a few years ago, blew a turn and pitched my bike off about a 35 foot drop off and into a tree. I hurt my wrist and ankle pretty bad. But managed to ride the 300 or so miles home.

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Richie Kowalik LOCATION:Â Lisle, IL OCCUPATION: Classic Car Interior Restoration.

YEARS RIDING: 10 years.

RIDING STYLE: Street and strip.

BIKE/S OWNED: Fully built 2017 BMW S1000RR, 2006 Suzuki GSX-R 1000.

FAVORITE BIKE MODIFICATION/ACCESSORY: 2 under tail nitrous bottles.

FAVORITE PIECE OF RIDING GEAR: Shoei X14 helmet and transitions visor.

MOST MEMORABLE RIDE: Doomsday Ride with Chicago United.

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IMPROVE YOUR SKILLS

IMPROVE YOUR SKILLS

WORDS: ALLAN LANE IMAGES: ERIK VOAKE 64 | SPORTBIKESINCMAG.COM

GO BACK TO

SCHOOL SPORTBIKESINCMAG.COM | 65

IMPROVE YOUR SKILLS: BACK TO SCHOOL

T

he brain is a muscle. The more that you use it, the stronger it becomes. That reality is ever so

true when it comes to existing as a motorcyclist.

Shedding your bad habits, learning new and proper riding techniques, applying them with proper seat time, over and over until they become second nature.

Correction… they should simply become your nature.

In my two decades behind the bars of a motorcycle, I’ve learned a lot from being around the right type of riders. I’ve also learned a lot from being around the wrong type of riders, mostly to stay clear of them.

What I’ve learned from being around the right type of rider is that you can always learn more. Continuing your education as a rider is paramount to your longevity as a rider.

So where do you begin, if you have not begun your path to higher learning? Taking a class with a quality track school should be just as mandatory as taking a Motorcycle Safety Foundation course to receive your endorsement on your license. Across the country, there is a great number of qualified track day organizations. I recommend getting in touch with your local organization and see what they offer in terms of introduction programs. Most of them offer a “try the track” special that allows you the opportunity to experience a number of laps with a control rider.

While simple as it seems, if you’ve never been on 66 | SPORTBIKESINCMAG.COM

Ef fective confidence comes with proper seat time. Effective confidence i s a by p r o d u c t o f higher learning from a qualif ied ment or, instructor or situation...

the track, the “try the track” experience can be quite the eye-opener. The skills learned on track transfer directly to the street application. Go to school. You will become a better rider. Guaranteed.

In the past several years, I have taken courses with Team ProMotion, Absolute Cycle Experience, Penguin Road Racing School, California SuperBike School, Yamaha Champion Riding School and Jason Pridmore’s Star School. This year, I’ll be returning to a few of those schools to sharpen my skills and see how much more knowledge I can absorb.

Effective confidence comes with proper seat time.

Effective confidence is a by-product of higher learning from a qualified mentor, instructor or situation. Yes, you can learn a lot from a situation. The problem that SPORTBIKESINCMAG.COM | 67

IMPROVE YOUR SKILLS: BACK TO SCHOOL

TAKING A CLASS WITH A QUALITY TRACK SCHOOL SHOULD BE JUST AS MANDATORY AS TAKING A MOTORCYCLE SAFETY FOUNDATION COURSE TO RECEIVE YOUR ENDORSEMENT ON YOUR LICENSE. is so prevalent today with many new riders, is that do it as soon as possible. If you are an active track they think they know it all. And while some know a

rider, make the effort to encourage your fellow street

great deal or have had the benefit of learning from riders to give the track a try. And if you are a track a proper riding mentor, a majority of them have no

day organization or school, make certain to promote

clue as to what they are doing. And often, you can the special introductory programs that are geared not convince them of otherwise.

toward new track day students.

I subscribe to the riding theory that I ride so that I can

Make 2018 the year that you level up and go back

ride again tomorrow. To the contrary, there is a counter to school. Shed your bad riding habits. Sharpen your theory that promotes riding like there is no tomorrow. I riding skills and practice proper riding techniques until find that tragic. I urge all riders, new and experienced that if they have not attended a track school that they 68 | SPORTBIKESINCMAG.COM

they become your nature.

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ARCH MOTORCYCLE

THE BECOMING

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WORDS: ALLAN LANE IMAGES: ARCH MOTORCYCLE

MARCUS ERIKSSON JORDAN PAY SPORTBIKESINCMAG.COM | 71

FRICTION ZONE: ARCH MOTORCYCLE

AMERICAN EXOTIC MOTORCYCLES...

There is something about the manner in which that descriptive phrase rolls off of the tongue. There’s a persuasive and seductive nature to it. The first time that I heard it, I had hoped that I wasn’t being set up for disappointment when I actually had the opportunity to lay eyes upon Arch Motorcycle’s KRGT1. In the simplest sentiment, the machine was definitely a motorcycle, blossoming with exoticism and every bit American.

The disappointment was removed from the equation.

Founded in 2011 by Gard Hollinger and Keanu Reeves, discussions of Arch traveled fast amongst motorcycle industry folk in the company’s early days. Partially for obvious reasons. More so for what the bike looked like and rumored performance abilities. Then there was the price tag. Arch was set from the start to build truly custom motorcycles for those 72 | SPORTBIKESINCMAG.COM

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FRICTION ZONE: ARCH MOTORCYCLE

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WHAT WE HAVE DONE IS VERY SLOWLY AND STRATEGICALLY INCLUDED DISTRIBUTION PARTNERS IN OTHER PARTS OF THE WORLD THAT MAKE SENSE. SUTER IS A GOOD EXAMPLE OF A PARTNERSHIP. WE'RE SPEAKING TO A GROUP IN THE UK RIGHT NOW AND WE HAVE A CUSTOMER WHO ACTUALLY HELPED US GET OUR SPECIALTY VEHICLE APPROVAL IN AUSTRALIA. looking for their very own, unique riding experience, unlike any other. You are not going see a fleet of KRGT-1’s roll into the local bike night.

In the last couple of years, Arch has strategically made steps into the industry spotlight. This past fall, Arch introduced their 2018 model lineup which included two all-new models, the 1s and the Method 143 at EICMA to the global motorcycle industry. With calculated caution, the company slowly began to show their hand beyond the scope of the inner industry.

Often, the traditional route for building brand awareness is to distribute apparel and swag bearing the brand’s logo, soliciting across social media platforms and the like. The only Arch apparel that I’ve ever seen is a trucker hat adorn by one of the co-founders. That says a lot about what Arch Motorcycle SPORTBIKESINCMAG.COM | 75

FRICTION ZONE: ARCH MOTORCYCLE

and the breed of company that they are. To fine tune the distinction, we talked with Gard Hollinger, co-founder of Arch.

SBI: Some have said that Arch was born as a pet project.

Some say that Arch was created because‌ why not? Because you can, so you did. But everything happens for a reason.

What happened in the motorcycle world where there was a need for Arch Motorcycle to come into existence?

GH: There's always, especially when there's a celebrity involved, more myth than facts and it circulates. You can't address all of it except when you get the chance to. It definitely wasn't a pet project, at least not in my mind. I'm a planner, thoughtful and methodical. I really put Keanu through and through the question mill when he suggested for the third or fourth time, over several years that maybe we should make some more bikes like the one I had built for him.

To the question, to pinpoint the single reason of why‌ It is because we are going to die. Of course, it's more complicated than that because what that meant to me is that it is an opportunity to do something that is rare. To really have the chance to try to leave a legacy in a world that we both cared about, which is the motorcycle world. For years, I had been a custom motorcycle builder and had done a lot of things in the motorcycle industry. But at least in that last business incarnation, I had a custom motorcycle business. It was somewhat known 76 | SPORTBIKESINCMAG.COM

in the twin world but I had some experience working for some small production motorcycle companies and those experiences were really interesting to me. It opened my eyes to how much more challenging it is to work in that environment without just giving in and not being artistic.

So the idea was that it was more challenging to try to maintain the art and the design you're doing while you're executing a production motorcycle that has to meet all these standards and legal requirements. I was already really interested in that and

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FRICTION ZONE: ARCH MOTORCYCLE

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doing more and more work that way. That was the thing that was really interesting to me. I was getting a little bit bored with a one-off thing which is fun to do. It's so much easier to do that than it is to do it well in a production environment. And so then the idea of… is there a production motorcycle company that exists that really focuses on building one of a kind motorcycles for the customer that not only means how they look, but how they fit the ergonomics and then the personalization aspect?

I couldn't think of one. There are certainly some other motorcycle

IN THE BACKGROUND WAS ALWAYS THIS PLAN TO HAVE THESE OTHER MODELS WHICH, YOU KNOW, OF COURSE, WE WERE ABLE TO BRING TO FRUITION THIS YEAR AND INTRODUCED THE 1S AND THE METHOD 143. BUT THE GOAL IS REALLY TO BUILD A BRAND THAT STILL EXISTS WHEN WE'RE GONE. IF THAT MEANS THAT WE'RE LUCKY ENOUGH TO BE ALIVE ANOTHER 15 OR 20 YEARS OR LONGER, THEN WE MAY BECOME A HIGHER VOLUME MOTORCYCLE COMPANY. SPORTBIKESINCMAG.COM | 81

FRICTION ZONE: ARCH MOTORCYCLE

companies who build beautiful, really unique motorcycles, but they're not really geared towards personalizing the fit and finishes to the customer. Nobody needs a seventy thousand plus dollar motorcycle, but the state of the industry at the time and my experience sort of made me feel like it would be nearly impossible to start a production motorcycle company not being focused on a high-end product, a high-end customer, and no compromise. Right?

SBI: That goes back to what you said. Eventually, you’re going to die and it's an opportunity to make a mark and leave something of yourself. We’re talking about the motorcycle industry. It seems like it was a culmination of that sentiment and also other things that were going on in the industry. I think your reasoning is spot on. You make the point of building a 82 | SPORTBIKESINCMAG.COM

custom motorcycle experience for the rider. Is there something beyond that? How does that translate into the goal of Arch, as a company?

GH: There's no focused objective beyond that. I never say never. People talk about, “why don't you guys build a more affordable motorcycle.� I don't think we could do what we're currently doing if we're focused on a more affordable motorcycle. We're trying to make a low volume, no compromise motorcycle that's well engineered. The idea was always to have three motorcycles in the lineup at any given time. You have to walk before you run or crawl before you walk. Starting with the first one and building the infrastructure for the company. In the background was always this plan to have these other models which, you know, of course, we were able to bring to fruition this year and introduced the 1s and the Method 143. But the goal is really to build a brand that still exists when we're gone. If that means that we're lucky enough to be alive another 15 or 20 years or longer, then we may become a higher volume motorcycle company. But that's not the focus right now. I'm distracted by other things and plenty of opportunities come our way and ideas come across my desk about branding and licensing. We don't even know how to sell shirts or hats. We make some that we give to customers and friends. The reason for that isn't because we couldn't monetize it. It's because it's a distraction from the main purpose, which is to build a legitimate motorcycle SPORTBIKESINCMAG.COM | 83

FRICTION ZONE: ARCH MOTORCYCLE

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company and until we're good at that, then we shouldn't be selling shirts, hats or cigarette lighters.

SBI: There's an apparent lack of focus across the industry.

Arch’s outlook and approach are refreshing because to keep it 8 more than 92 percent with you, the bikes are expensive.

Very expensive. Does the price point affect sales? How do you project against that?

GH: Obviously everything is going to focus back on the bottom line. To me it is the commitment to the vision and it's not an easy commitment to have. The foregoing ideas could generate revenue, but maybe hinder the longevity of the brand. But being patient and knowing that you have to build an understanding of the product and a customer base slowly are all things that are part of the commitment to building a brand. There may be quick ways to build brands in our day and age. But there aren't quick ways to build a motorcycle brand, you know? And so many of those things that I think you can apply to building a clothing brand or a drink brand or it may be these other consumer products that don't apply to a motorcycle brand. Motorcycle enthusiasts and customers are hardcore, doubting and passionate about motorcycles.

So you have to be willing to prove yourself. And I think that's always been part of the commitment. We've slowly built our SPORTBIKESINCMAG.COM | 85

FRICTION ZONE: ARCH MOTORCYCLE TO PINPOINT THE SINGLE REASON OF WHY… IT IS BECAUSE WE ARE GOING TO DIE. OF COURSE, IT'S MORE COMPLICATED THAN THAT BECAUSE WHAT THAT MEANT TO ME IS THAT IT IS AN OPPORTUNITY TO DO SOMETHING THAT IS RARE. TO REALLY HAVE THE CHANCE TO TRY TO LEAVE A LEGACY IN A WORLD THAT WE BOTH CARED ABOUT, WHICH IS THE MOTORCYCLE WORLD. customer base and it continues to grow. Part of the goal is to be able to make it easy and reach customers worldwide.

And that's another commitment that on the face doesn't necessarily make a lot of sense. But if you're looking further down the road, it makes a ton of sense. We're doing the Euro 4 homologation, making the process easy for a customer anywhere in the world to buy and register their motorcycle.

That’s part of that commitment.

SBI: Is there a standing dealer network? How are maintenance issues handled?

GH: By design, the company does not have a dealer network.The volume goal of the company didn't make sense to have a dealer network. So in that sense, we don't have a traditional dealer network. What we have done is very slowly and strategically included distribution partners in other 86 | SPORTBIKESINCMAG.COM

parts of the world that make sense. Suter is a good example of a partnership. We're speaking to a group in the UK right now and we have a customer who actually helped us get our specialty vehicle approval in Australia and now we've spoken to several potential distribution partners in Australia. We'll continue to do that and set up distribution networks that make sense. It's almost impossible to have a standalone distribution business with Arch. So they have to have a business plan that adds Arch as an element to it.

Regarding the service‌ It is a big challenge. A lot of it is direct customer service. The whole idea of purchasing an Arch motorcycle isn't that you're just buying a motorcycle.

You're actually buying an experience. You’re buying not just this unique vehicle, but inclusion into a family. So I'll give you a whacky example. Our customer in Australia who helped us get this specialty vehicle approval had an issue with his bike. He had an early model and had an issue because of the temperatures in Australia. It wasn't a real complicated issue. We knew what the issue was and if it were here, we could have fixed it in a couple hours. We tried to help him find and source a local shop or service place but he didn't feel comfortable with any of them. So we just flew one of our techs there. With the tech, he found a local shop that he felt most comfortable with and the owner/mechanic of that shop came and spent some time with our tech and now feels SPORTBIKESINCMAG.COM | 87

FRICTION ZONE: ARCH MOTORCYCLE

comfortable so if there are any issues in the future, even if it's just servicing the motorcycle there's a comfort level between the customer and this person and that person and us as a company and the support that he'll get technically. That's an extreme example.

But in other cases, I have been in the motorcycle industry a long time and I know a lot of people across the country and even across the world so there's a good chance I can either connect the customer with somebody I know or somebody that will have answers. There's also a sort of an expectation that most of our customers are not first-time motorcycle buyers.

I'm not sure that’s true this year because we sold several motorcycles to not only first-time motorcycle owners but also female customers, which is quite interesting. At any rate, the expectation initially was that most of our buyers wouldn't be first-time motorcycle owners. They probably owned other motorcycles and probably had somebody who cared for their motorcycles already and we would just support that person if anything was needed. Our bikes have been super reliable, which is part of the payoff of being patient and spending those three or three and a half years designing and testing and developing the first product which gave us a tremendous amount of confidence in the product. Not to mention a method on how to move forward with future product development.

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SBI: What’s the rundown on the current model lineup?

GH: The KRGT-1 is a refinement of the first motorcycle that I built for Keanu at my old shop and the idea was a custom American V Twin that could not only perform but that you could also ride from LA to San Francisco, without it killing you, in terms of discomfort. It was to have some range and would be fun. We continue to refine it all the time. I mean, it's part of the beauty of having our own in-house manufacturing instead of having to buy parts from a machine shop 50 or a 100 pieces at a time. We can build 10 pieces at a time. And if we want to make a minor tweak that makes it either easier to assemble or a part that works better then we do that and we're doing that all the time.

The 1s is more sport influenced with the architecture and SPORTBIKESINCMAG.COM | 89

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1 S

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powertrain‌ It's also probably the motorcycle I would have built on my own if I weren't trying to tick some boxes for Keanu on that first motorcycle. And then the Method 143‌ We were always going to have one the three bikes in the line up that every year or every couple of years would be something really over the top. Something really pushing the idea of design and engineering. The 143 is the first motorcycle I'm aware of that has a carbon monocell chassis and not just the carbon chassis itself, but with the fuel tank and everything else combined into it completely. And then that motorcycle would always be a limited number run. Each time it will use a different kind of powertrain which to base it around. The 143 has a downdraft system that's not even the same as the one that we use in our other production motorcycles. And we're working on a different drivetrain package so the bike when it's done will be very, very unique and incorporate as much technology as possible. This idea of a concept motorcycle, but a production concept motorcycle that actually 20, in this case, 23 people will be able to own instead of there just being one that a manufacturer owns and nobody else can ever, ever have one. And then the technology that we use in those motorcycles and some of the design will trickle down into production stuff in the future.

SBI: Everybody has critics and you can either acknowledge them or ignore them, or use that energy to fuel you further. Has SPORTBIKESINCMAG.COM | 93

FRICTION ZONE: ARCH MOTORCYCLE

there been any type of negativity that you guys have had to deal with or overcome?

GH: There’s always negativity. Obviously, there was more in the beginning when there wasn't a real understanding of the product that was focused on the price tag. I think now more and more people understand the product and they say “We know it's expensive, but we can understand why it's expensive and it's not for everybody.” You're obviously not going to start a motorcycle company whose main focus is to produce less than a hundred motorcycles a year that are priced in the $80,000 range or more if you're trying to build a motorcycle for everybody. I think you could argue that we were among the vanguard of the idea of a performance cruiser. If you look at some of the product that the big manufacturers are coming out with now and even some of the ideas of customization, where did those come from? They didn't exist before. BMW has a whole custom concept now. And I've heard more and more motorcycle manufacturers now coming out with a similar product and also similar ideas of focusing the customization on a deeper level. So I have to think no matter what's being said that they are thinking what bits and pieces can plug into their program that fulfills a need or a desire for different customers.

SBI: In that spirit, would you say that Arch is at this point, America's only true motorcycle company?

GH: I don't know if we could say that. We have Harley 94 | SPORTBIKESINCMAG.COM

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and Indian.

SBI: I mean in terms of being conceptualized, made, manufactured here in the U.S‌ GH: I know what you're saying, where they’re, other companies, are going overseas to make things and I don't know that I would say that. I don't feel that way, but even if I did, I don't know that it would be our place to say it. I certainly think that we are beyond, I mean, forget about the motorcycle, forget about what your attitude is about whether a motorcycle should cost $70,000. And we hear that from a lot of people who of course aren't our customer, you know, if you forget about all that, I think what we are doing in the first place, manufacturing a product, and not an easy product to manufacturer and doing it in the U.S. And not only in the U.S. but in Los Angeles, California. It doesn't mean we don't have parts on the motorcycle that didn't come from a supplier outside of the U.S. We're always looking for the best part to use on the motorcycle. But if we have an American choice, we will use it. And that's part of what dictates the cost. We're not, but we could have gone go overseas and have everything made in China and just assemble in the U.S. then sell the motorcycle for 20 or 30 grand less. But you know, that's another call.

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FRICTION ZONE: ARCH MOTORCYCLE

in 2018?

GH: We have a big job ahead of us. In the wake of EICMA and introducing these new models, we need to fully industrialize them and get them manufactured. The other really big daunting thing in front of us this year is Euro 4 homologation. Most people don't understand how complicated it is unless they have some experience with it, but unlike the U.S., Europe has one standard for all motorcycle manufacturers that want to sell road registered motorcycles. It doesn't matter if you're a company that's going to try to sell 10 motorcycles a year in Europe or you’re somebody selling a hundred and fifty thousand motorcycles a year in Europe. It's the same standard and much of it isn't friendly towards a small manufacturer.

For example, you don't have 37 vendors for antilock brake systems and the few companies you have are use to dealing with volumetric manufacturers, companies like Continental and Bosch handle the work. The financial effort and testing involved to get an acceptable ABS system to meet the requirement alone precludes most companies from doing it. It all has to do with the economy of scale. And then you have all the stuff that goes along with it. Those are the two big things.

And we also want to continue to push our design department.

Our goal would be to introduce something else next year at one of the big shows. I have some ideas but I don’t want to say too much because there’s no need to put your foot in your 98 | SPORTBIKESINCMAG.COM

mouth. Even if it were just a design exercise and not something we're looking to produce, I think just the idea to show that we're always thinking and pushing that way.

Quality things take time and Arch is in no rush. This idea is evident in the manner in which they produce a single motorcycle. From start to finish, the process takes 90 days.

What begins with a consultation between a client and Arch to sort out ergonomics, comfort and style progress in about 2 weeks to a running test bike. The remaining time is spent dialing the motorcycle down to the most minute detail of the customer’s desire. There is much to say about patience, SPORTBIKESINCMAG.COM | 99

FRICTION ZONE: ARCH MOTORCYCLE

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I THINK YOU COULD ARGUE THAT WE WERE AMONG THE VANGUARD OF THE IDEA OF A PERFORMANCE CRUISER. IF YOU LOOK AT SOME OF THE PRODUCT THAT THE BIG MANUFACTURERS ARE COMING OUT WITH NOW AND EVEN SOME OF THE IDEAS OF CUSTOMIZATION, WHERE DID THOSE COME FROM? THEY DIDN'T EXIST BEFORE. BMW HAS A WHOLE CUSTOM CONCEPT NOW. AND I'VE HEARD MORE AND MORE MOTORCYCLE MANUFACTURERS NOW COMING OUT WITH A SIMILAR PRODUCT AND ALSO SIMILAR IDEAS OF FOCUSING THE CUSTOMIZATION ON A DEEPER LEVEL. persistence, and timing. Since the company’s inception, the brand has begun to build traction as a proper manufacturer of motorcycles. It is clear that Arch is looking at the long game and the big picture. While an Arch Motorcycle may not be the bike in every rider’s garage, nor are they created to be that… It won’t be long, if not already before they will be the first name in American exotic motorcycles.

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NEW! Michelin ® Road 5 Tire

Maximum confidence in wet and dry conditions mile after mile The MICHELIN® Road 5 tire is the new benchmark in wet grip for sport touring tires.

It offers superior wet grip versus all leading competitors due to patented MICHELIN XST Evo water drop sipes, which widen as the tire wears, and our latest 2CT and 2CT+ tread compounds.1 Even after 3,500 miles, MICHELIN Road 5 tires stop as short as new MICHELIN Pilot® Road 4 tires 2 for added confidence on wet roads over a longer period of the tire’s tread life.

MichelinMotorcycle.com

#MichelinOnMyMoto

1. Based on internal wet lap times, comparing MICHELIN Road 5 tires with METZELER® Roadtec 01 tires, DUNLOP® RoadSmart III tires, CONTINENTAL® ContiRoadAttack 3 tires, PIRELLI® Angel GT tires, BRIDGESTONE® T30 EVO tires, and MICHELIN® Pilot® Road 4 tires in dimensions 120/70 ZR17 (front) and 180/55/ZR17 (rear) on a 2013 Suzuki® Bandit 1250, conducted in Ladoux, France. Actual results may vary. | 2. Based on internal wet braking testing conducted in 2016 in Ladoux, France on wet surfaces using a 2013 SUZUKI 1250 Bandit S fitted with 120/70 ZR 17 front and 180/55 ZR17 rear tires comparing a new MICHELIN® Pilot® Road 4 tire and a worn (3,500 miles) MICHELIN Road 5 tire. Actual results may vary. | Copyright © 2018 Michelin North America, Inc. All rights reserved. The MIchelin Man is a registered trademark owned by Michelin North America, Inc.

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www.adeyemi.co

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FRICTION ZONE

RUNNING WITH THE

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E VULCANS WORDS: JASMIN ST. CLAIRE IMAGES: ELIZABETH GORE

B

efore I ever rode a motorcycle, I fell in love with motorcycles. When I was 10 and was visiting

my aunt’s boyfriend's house, I saw a David Mann print on the wall. It was a girl riding on a chromed out cruiser bike with the wind in her hair. I loved the way the cruiser style looked. Unlike the beautiful women in his paintings, I knew I didn’t want to be on the back of the bike. I was certain that my ride would be a Harley, my first love. But this is about why I ended up with a Kawasaki Vulcan 650s instead of a Harley.

There is a lot to like about Harleys and I probably fit the profile of a Harley rider. That is to say, Harleys appeal to a subset of men who are short and aggressive, this excludes any of my real one percenter friends, by the way. And as a female, I am shorter than most men and am aggressive as any. Clearly, there ’s something in my DNA that should make Harleys right SPORTBIKESINCMAG.COM | 107

FRICTION ZONE: THE VULCANS for me. The problem I have are the weekend warrior

machine. I almost felt like it was looking at me, daring

middle-aged boys with their cut off sleeves on the me to put my legs over it and try it out. I’ve always t-shirts or the hipster wannabe bad boys that watched told myself I’d never go there with a Japanese bike. too much Sons Of Anarchy. This is the crowd I do not But there’s always a first time for everything. want to be associated with.

The moment I felt the weight of the Vulcan between The practical issue I have with Harley is the extreme

my legs, I knew this couldn’t be wrong because it felt

weight. Right now, the motor company is bragging that

so right.

they shed weight on their redesigned Dyna Glides.

But even these porkers fully gassed up come in just

It was a simple matter of build. The Vulcan fully gassed

under 700 pounds.

up and ready to go weighs just over 500 pounds.

I liked to feel in control of my rides and that weight

A couple years ago I was at a bike and heavy metal works for me. I later slimmed my Vulcan down another show in Van Nuys, CA and these bold petite women

20 pounds with a Two Brothers Cat Back Exhaust.

rolled up on some custom soft tails. I don’t know how

that also gives it a sexy growl.

they could handle it. I’m in great shape with strong legs and can tell you that the leg power to back these bikes

I love the speed of my bike with its low-end torque

up on even a small incline is nearly beyond my limit.

tuned Ninja engine. And I love the rock solid Japanese reliability.

I spent a couple of years test riding Harleys at dealers and from friends coast to coast. Believe me, I wanted I saw this demonstrated on a long trip to Death to love one of these chromed out mid-life crisis toys.

Valley. My boyfriend followed along on his brand new KTM 690 Duke he bought 3 months prior. Little

My affair with the Kawasaki Vulcan 650s started

did he know, the bike, which would later be subject

with a chance encounter. A gentleman friend had

to several recalls, had a major flaw. It kept breaking

dragged me into a Kawasaki dealer so he could look down whenever it damn well pleased. We discovered at a Versys 650, truly one of the most practical and this when we stopped for gas in Trona, a very remote ugly bikes ever made. While he was chatting with

area en route to Death Valley... exactly like something

the salesman, I wandered off and saw a sleek black

out of a Stephen King movie. After we gassed it up,

108 | SPORTBIKESINCMAG.COM

his bike got electric power but would not start at all. I would have been happy had all of 4 of them ridden This jackass had some insane, delusional idea that

off into the sunset together, but no such luck.

I would push start his bike with his fat ass on it. Not

My boyfriend rejoined me. From this moment on, things

in my job description. Luckily for him, 3 proud card- were not the same. He knew he could not stop his carrying members of the AMA rolled up from out of

engine again without fear of the KTM not restarting.

nowhere in a pickup truck, eager to show their loyalty I had to go 140 miles that day with his green-eyed to fellow riders. got behind his KTM on a strip of monster looks of jealousy that he continuously shot at asphalt and managed to push start him successfully. my Japanese ride. Later at the hotel, where we had

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FRICTION ZONE: THE VULCANS

to park on a hill so he could roll start down in the

the people at Harley Davidson say their bikes are

morning, this sweet fool had the audacity to tell me customizable that translates to the thousands of chrome that I should think about buying a passenger pillion skull designed farkle, which resemble the trinkets from for my bike in case his bike breaks down on the next

a gumball machine, they sell on their website. The

trip. A bitch seat is one accessory you’ll never see on main difference with a gumball machine is Harley sells my bike, nor a guy who would ride on one.

their trinkets for way more than 25 cents.

I love the way my Vulcan is customizable. When When Kawasaki says the Vulcan is customizable, they 110 | SPORTBIKESINCMAG.COM

mean that at no extra charge they were able to change For myself and most ladies who ride, we don’t need the seat and adjust the location of the foot peddles

sparkly gas tanks or flames on our tanks to get

and handlebars to fit my geometry perfectly. They call comments. But maybe if there was a paint that would this the Ergo-Fit system and it is genius.

make those commentators shut up, especially those on mopeds, that would be a paint job we might be

Whenever I go to a Harley Davidson dealership, interested in. the first thing the salesman says is, "Look at the paint job!" I'll admit that I love the 48 with a hard candy No bike is perfect. I discovered one flaw in my Vulcan tank in copper.

when I was lane splitting up a steep hill in Monterey, CA during a holiday traffic jam. Some Prius driving

But how stupid do they think we are? Paint is the least “save the earth” soccer mom with horrible plastic important part that makes the bike go places. That overinflated lips gave me the ducky face from her 48 has a practical range of about 50 miles. Those window as she decided to swerve into my lane. To “freedom machines” cost 2 to 3 times as much as my avoid being hit, I dropped my bike. I was able to pick Kawasaki. To me, freedom should not come with a

up the bike as there is a technique to it, using my legs

payment plan that’s going to take the next 5 years of to push my ass on the seat and lift it without my arms. my life to pay off.

But ever since, the tail light has been hanging. The dealers have never been able to fix it. Countless guys

If I didn't want to ride a motorcycle, but just sit on the auditioning to be my boyfriend have failed. It seems bike and snap selfies to become an Instagram model to me the guy Kawasaki used to design the Vulcan tail or be a piece of fender fluff, then Harley would be light used to work at Spencer gifts designing novelty perfect.

toys. The only people able to help me with this were the makers of Gorilla Tape. It’ll pass a cop safety

I am beyond happy with my matte charcoal black with

inspection. But yea... I ride with black gorilla tape

nausea green highlights on my bike. Maybe those

flapping in the wind.

guys are so obsessed with their paint job on their Harleys that they need some sort of validation when

Every love has it’s flaw. The Vulcan is a cruiser that’s

stopped at lights for people to comment.

more adventurous and dependable than any other ride, or boyfriend that I have ever known.

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CORNERING LEARN THE SKILLS DISCOVER THE ART

Would you like to improve your riding skills? The California Superbike School trains riders at tracks worldwide in 14 countries. Its 38 year history has produced 140,000 graduates.

Most riders have no clear idea of how good they really can be.

Sign up for the California Superbike School and find out. www.superbikeschool.com 112 | SPORTBIKESINCMAG.COM

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THE NEW ISH DAINESE • RACING 3 PERFORATED LEATHER JACKET Co-injected shoulders with aluminum inserts and race-grade Tutu cowhide leather with strategically placed elasticated inserts take protection and performance to the next level and give it that unique look and feel only found in high-end race jackets. The versatile Racing 3 Jacket gives you track level performance for any ride. Safety is served courtesy of certified EN 1621.1 composite protectors. The jacket is also equipped with a jacket to trousers fastening system, an adjustable waist, full leather collar and air ventilation on the chest and the sides.

Colors: Black, Black/White, Black/Red Sizes: S - XXXL Price: $569.95 Contact: http://dainese.com

BROCK’S PERFORMANCE • KAWASAKI Z900RS FRONT SPROCKET KIT Upgrade your stock sprocket set up with this high carbon steel front sprocket kit from Brock’s. Made from heat treated 1045 high carbon steel, the 525 pitch, 14 tooth (one down from stock) front sprocket has a parkerized surface treatment that prevents rust and corrosion. This is a direct replacement for the 2018 Kawasaki Z900RS and is designed to increase torque and increase acceleration.

RISE • TRACKDAY PRO SINGLE TEMP MOTORCYCLE TIRE WARMERS

The Trackday Pro Tire Warmers offer plenty for the rider on a budget. Using 950-975 watts per pair, the warmers heat to 175 - 180 degrees. Temperatures are easily readable via the LED power heating indicator. The black with red and blue trim warmers fit 120 front tires and 180 through 200 rear size tires and include a 2-year warranty.

Prices: $259.99 Contact: http://motodracing.com 114 | SPORTBIKESINCMAG.COM

Price: $29.95 Contact: http://brocksperformance.com

DRIVEN RACING • SPRING ACTIVATED BRAKE SWITCH WITH BRACKET Now available from Driven Racing is the Driven Universal Spring Activated Brake Switch with Bracket. If you’ve upgraded from your stock rear sets to the any of the Driven Racing D Axis or TT rear sets, or if you need to replace your OEM switch, this option will only set you back $24.99. Also available without the bracket.

Price: $24.99 Contact: http://drivenracing.com

ALPINESTARS • TECH WATCH 3H Alpinestars is now offering timepieces with attractive and colorful options. The Tech 3H features a durable silicon colored integrated tech strap. The dial utilizes Japanese movement and is water resistant to 100 meters.

Colors: Red, Yellow, Blue Price: $155.00 Contact: http://alpinestars.com

HOTBODIES RACING • MGP FOLDING LEVER SET FOR THE KAWASAKI NINJA 400

Made from 6061 T-6 aluminum, these levers are fully adjustable with 6 settings.

The levers have a sliding adjustment feature that fit any rider’s desired style. The MGPs have a fold away hinge to minimize damage in the event of a tip over. Fitment is a direct replacement for the OEM levers in a matte anodized finish. Application is for the 2018 Kawasaki Ninja 400. Sold as a pair.

Colors: Black, Gold Price: $149.95 Contact: http://hotbodiesracing.com

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THE NEW ISH JOE ROCKET • ATOMIC X2 GLOVE Exceptional mobility is achieved by combining a 2-way stretch span/ poly and goatskin leather backhand, articulated FullFlexTM stretch panels at the middle and index fingers, an ergonomic, pre-curved, ride-friendly design, and matte finished finger fourchettes for a snug, contoured fit. All this dexterity is complimented by split-knuckle designed, perforated leather knuckle armor and 5mm of high-density padding at the index, and middle fingers. Protection continues with a contoured goatskin palm with 3mm padded heel and double stitched Chamude palm overlay. Final ride friendly detailing includes; SmartTouchTM conductive material on index fingers for instant touchscreen access, leather, stretch span/poly and neoprene short profile cuff with hook-and-loop closure and integrated TPR pull tab.

Colors: Black, Blue, Orange, Red, Grey Sizes: S - XXXL Price: $44.99 Contact: http://joerocket.com

TOBY • ROAD STEERING DAMPER FOR THE BMW S1000RR – HP4 Toby's Race Steering Stabilizer offers the quality, performance and adjustability necessary for the highest levels of competition.

A lightweight AL707 aluminum rod takes care of resistance adjustments, which are skewed toward the firmer end on the Race damper, allowing racers and track day junkies more fine tuning in the area of the spectrum they will use most.

Price: $369.00 Contact: http://cobraheat.com REV’IT • PULSAR ONE PIECE SUIT Look and feel like a hero in the all-new REV’IT! Pulsar One-Piece. race suit. Constructed using a combination of Monaco Performance cowhide, completely debossed nubuck leather, PWR|Kevlar stretch panels, and with safety seams to tie it all together, this suit offers the highest levels of flexibility and movement with uncompromised protection. Aero cool 3D mesh, a partly perforated outer shell, and removable lining allow the versatility you need for when strafing apexes at the track, carving corners in the canyons, or shooting across city streets.

Sizes: 46-56 Price: $1299.99 Contact: http://revitsport.com 116 | SPORTBIKESINCMAG.COM

SPRINT FILTERS • PERFORMANCE AIR FILTERS FOR DUCATI The Sprint Filters feature a single layer waterproof polyester construction that allows for maximum permeability when compared to the other air filters on the market. Made of a polyester material, the Sprint Filter has a steel wire mesh with epoxy varnish finish topped with a waterproofing Teflon treatment. The filter is dry, requires no oil treatments and can be cleaned simply with compressed air. Fits as direct OEM replacement for the following Ducati models: Panigale 899/1199/1299, Multistrada 1200 and XDiavel.

Price: $239.95 Contact: http://brocksperformance.com

DP BRAKES • SPORT HH+ BRAKE PADS FOR THE 2018 SUZUKI GSXR 1000 DP Brake Pads have a quick break-in period so you get maximum performance fast. Sintered metal compounds outlast more conventional organic and offer fade-free performance with consistent and reliable stopping power. Now available as a front brake upgrade for the 2018 Suzuki GSXR 1000.

Price: $58.95 Contact: http://dp-brakes.com

ROLAND SANDS DESIGN • FRESNO RIDING SHOE

RSD’s take on a skate-inspired high top with performance rider features and protection.

Constructed of top grain leather, the Fresno is spotlighted by a reinforced heel cup, ankle, toe box, and shank. Equipped with a waterproof membrane to help keep the water out, the Fresno includes abrasionresistant shift pads and CE approved cup soles.

Colors: Black, Black Gum, Tobacco Sizes: 8-13 Price: $200.00 Contact: http://rolandsands.com

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THE NEW ISH: FEATURED ITEM ICON MOTOSPORTS • FAYDER AIRFLIGHT HELMET The ICON Airflight is a game changer for the helmet game. In terms of function, form, and style, the Airflight debuts an all-new fog free FlightShield in tandem with the internal DropShield.

The Fayder offers blazing bright graphics on an intermediate oval fitting shell. It includes four intake vents, a motocross-inspired chin bar and 2 exhaust ports that move air with the help of the deep channeling of the interior EPS foam. Both the FlightShield and DropShield can be interchanged with other color options.

Colors: Orange, White Sizes: XS - XXXL Price: $290.00 Contact: http://rideicon.com

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520 Steel Q/A Kit OEM Replacement Kit Driven Steel Sprockets 520/525/530 RK Chain

Driven Steel Sprockets 520 RK Premium Chain

520 Aluminum Race

Driven Aluminum Rear Sprocket 520 RK Premium Chain

Live chat with us at RKExcelAmerica.com Tel: 760.732.3161 SPORTBIKESINCMAG.COM | 119