SportBikes Inc Magazine January 2012 (Volume 2, Issue 4)

ROAD RACING . DRAG RACING . STUNT RIDING

CUSTOM BIKES . Moto tECH

january 2012 Vol 2 Issue 4

SPORTBIKESINCMAG.COM TM

King ROMMEL Watc h i n G the thRone

Ladies of the paddock | The war Room | The Reality of Braking | New year’s resolutions | Choosing Swing Arm Extensions

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January 2012 - VOLUME 2, ISSUE 4

THE FEATURES

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THE SHOW: THE STREETS http://issuu.com/action/page?page=18 OF PHILADELPHIA

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CAPO’S CUT

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THE LAKELAND MOTOR MUSEUM

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LADIES OF http://issuu.com/action/page?page=28 THE PADDOCK

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KING ROMMEL

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NEW YEAR’S RESOLUTIONS

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

INTERACTIVE

http://issuu.com/action/page?page=14 14 DEALER SPOTLIGHT - DUCATI TRIUMPH NY CLICK ON NUMBERS http://issuu.com/action/page?page=18 18 THE SHOW - THE STREETS OF PHILADELPHIA TO JUMP TO A PAGE http://issuu.com/action/page?page=26 26 THE GRID NEWS http://issuu.com/action/page?page=28 28 LADIES OF THE PADDOCK - By Carrie Aquino http://issuu.com/action/page?page=30 30 THE BAKER’S DOZEN - By Phil Baker 35http://issuu.com/action/page?page=35 The youngest in charge - By Dystany Spurlock http://issuu.com/action/page?page=38 38 CAPO’S CUT - By Ashon CAPO Dickerson http://issuu.com/action/page?page=64 http://issuu.com/action/page?page=48 http://issuu.com/action/page?page=60 48 VIOLET STARS & HAPPY STUNTING - By Leah Petersen http://issuu.com/action/page?page=70 70 FEATURED CLUB - MURDa MAMIS M.C. http://issuu.com/action/page?page=72 72 FEATURED RIDERS http://issuu.com/action/page?page=78 78 MOTO TECH - CHOOSING SWINGARM EXTENSIONS http://issuu.com/action/page?page=86 86 IMPROVE YOUR SKILLS - THE REALITY OF BRAKING http://issuu.com/action/page?page=108 108 SPORTBIKES INK!!! http://issuu.com/action/page?page=110 110 RANDOM http://issuu.com/action/page?page=112 112 THIS LIFE - By Tyson Beckford http://issuu.com/action/page?page=114 114 THE NEW ISH http://issuu.com/action/page?page=118 118 STAFF STUFF http://issuu.com/action/ page?page=22

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january 2012

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

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EDITOR’S LETTER

#RIP Natasha #RIP Marco Best, Allan allan@sportbikesincmag.com http://twitter.com/sportbikesinc

ART & DESIGN

EDITORIAL

THETEAM Editor in Chief: Allan Lane Lifestyle Editor: Tyson Beckford Moto-Tech Editor: Mark Rozema Technical Advisor: Thomas Campion Drag Race Editor: Ashon “Capo” Dickerson Riding Editor: Eric Wood Senior Staff Writer: Lisa Macknik Contributing Writers: Brittany Murrow Dystany Spurlock Corey Alexander Mike Lawless Carrie Aquino Phil Baker Rob Fisher Copy Editor: Amy “Diesel” Lane Art Director: Leon Brittain Graphic Designer: Baz Staff Photographers: Meekail Shaheed Brian Nitto Cover: Allan Lane

SportBikes Inc Magazine — January 2012 Volume 2, Issue 4 To receive SportBikes Inc Magazine’s 2012 Media Kit and Advertising Rates, please email: info@sportbikesincmag.com.

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

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

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

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

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

the press room Get Discount tickets to the International Motorcycle Show SBI has teamed up with the International Motorcycle Show to offer our readers discounted tickets for the 2012 tour.

Save $3.00 off of the retail ticket price when you buy your tickets online and use code SBKINC. Click on the poster to purchase.

2012 IMS Tour Dates and Venues: New York, NY - January 20 thru 22 Cleveland, OH - January 27 thru 29 Minneapolis, MN - February 3 thru 5 Chicago, IL - February 10 thru 12 Charlotte, NC - February 24 thru 26

KAWASAKI ANNOUCES THEIR “ZERO to hero” Promotion Kawasaki announced the ZERO TO HERO promotion in which four lucky people will get the chance to race Rickey Gadson by submitting an essay explaining why they should race Gadson.

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Finalists will travel to Rickey Gadson’s Drag Racing School where they will receive two days of instruction from the nine time champion, while also qualif ying for their own NHRA Bracket license.

Once qualified, the four will race against each other in elimination style rounds and the quickest contestant will have a chance to race Gadson for a brand new 2012 Kawasaki Ninja ZX-14R.

Ducati 848EVO: Pure Italian Performance Evolved EVO is the Ducati twin-cylinder 140 hp Testastretta engine which boasts the highest power per liter ratio in the entire Ducati lineup. EVO is the steering damper and new Brembo Monobloc calipers that make for accurate, fluid and sensational control. EVO is never leaving well enough alone. The 2011 Ducati 848EVO: the next evolution of Pure Italian Performance, yours for $13,995. ducatiusa.com Recommended

Powered by

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the press room

2012 Suzuki GSXR 1000

The 2012 GSXR 1000 has a new 999cc four-cyclinder engine and a new 4-2-1 exhaust system along with a few other notable bells and whistles that include: a new lighter front axle, new front brakes and a new high grip leather seat.

MSRP: $13,799

2011 was a record year for BMW MOTORRAD

BMW Motorrad delivered 104,286 motorcycles worldwide in 2011, the most motorcycles ever delivered in the company’s 90 year history.

The number of motorcycles delivered in 2011 eclipsed 2010 deliveries by 6.4 percent, and they surpassed the record of 102,467 motorcycles delivered in 2007 by 1.8 percent.

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us.pirellimoto.com

SBK TECHNOLOGY FOR EVERYDAY ROADS. SPORTBIKESINCMAG.COM | 11

the press room Triumph releases 2012 Model prices Triumph Motorcycles has set the following MSRP’s for its 2012 model line up: the Tiger Explorer $15,699, the Speed Triple R ABS $15,999 and the Steve McQueen Edition $9,999.

The Steve McQueen Edition is limited to a production run of only 1,100. It is based on the Bonniville T100 and will be avaialbe in June.

ICON’s “Motorcycle vs. Car Drift Battle 2” Nick Apex Brocha, Ernie Edub Vigil, Dan Brockett, two Triumph Speed Triples, a 550hp Ford Mustang Cobra, plenty of curvey roads and drifting... All courtesy of the good folks at ICON Motosports. Click below, watch and enjoy. You can thank us later.

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SHOP Spotlight

Words: Allan Lane Images: Courtesy of Ducati Triumph NY

Dealership name: Ducati Triumph NYC | Address: 155 Avenue of the Americas, New York, NY 10013 Hours: Tuesday - Friday 10am - 6pm, Saturday 11am - 5pm Year established: 2011 | Brands serviced: Ducati, Triumph

D

ucati Triumph is a testament of perseverance. In the last ten years, there have been several rough spots in the dealership’s journey.

But that all seems to be in the past. Under the new leadership of Steve Radt and his amazing, customer service driven team, Ducati Triumph NY’s future looks incredible.

With a showroom square footage of 8500 as well as full service, parts, apparel and accessories departments, they strive to be more than a dealership. They are a destination. In fact, Ducati Triumph NY is the first U.S. dealership to be styled in the new Ducati branded identity.

Their service department is staffed by three technicians and a Level III Ducati Master Tech.

“Motorcycling is about being inclusive, not exclusive! Our customers have a lot of choices of where to spend there entertainment dollars.

We realize that motorcycling is a lifestyle decision and one where someone chooses to spend their entertainment dollars. We want to make sure that we make the experience enjoyable and that a person decides instead of choosing a four wheeler, a home theater, or a vacation home that they instead choose motorcycling as their outlet.”

- Steven Radt, Ducati Triumph NY General Manager

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Contact Info: http://DucatiTriumphNYC.com http://facebook.com/DucatiTriumphNewYork http://twitter.com/INFO_DTNYC

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The Ultimate Sportbike, Redefined.

watch the video

At Suzuki, we want every ride to be safe and enjoyable. So always wear a helmet, eye protection and protective clothing. Never ride under the influence of alcohol or other drugs. Avoid excessive speeds. Never engage in stunt riding. Study your owner’s manual and always inspect your Suzuki before riding. Take a riding skills course. For the course nearest you call the Motorcycle Safety Foundation at 1-800-446-9227. Suzuki engineered the GSX-Rs® for experienced riders. Suzuki firmly believes racing belongs in one place—on the racetrack. Suzuki, the “S” logo, and Suzuki model and product names are Suzuki Trademarks or ®. © American Suzuki Motor Corporation 2011 16 | SPORTBIKESINCMAG.COM

All new for 2011—featuring Brembo Calipers, Showa Big Piston Forks, Race Inspired Technology, and an incredible double digit weight reduction—these are unequivocally the lightest, tightest GSX-Rs ever to wear the badge.

See the incredible GSX-R750 in action at suzukicycles.com /GSX-R750.

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THE SHOW

THE STREETS OF 18 | SPORTBIKESINCMAG.COM

PHILADELPHIA

WORDS: ALLAN LANE IMAGES: COURTESY OF Jesus Torres

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THE SHOW: the streets of philadelphia

2008 SUZUKI GSXR 1000

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his 2008 Suzuki GSXR 1000 is the perfect balance of just enough bling, flair and taste.

It’s classy without the arrogance often associated with this caliber of “clean”. Jesus Torres has created one of Philadelphia’s finest rides that is known to dominate at the local bike nights. I have personally seen this machine hurt a few feelings.

It may have been built in Torres’ backyard... but definitely keeps the streets on lock.

2008 SUZUKI GSXR 1000 Spec Sheet Brakes: Galfer Wheels: Extreme Machine Suspension: Tricky Air Ride, Roaring Toyz lowering link, Roaring Toyz sidestand Tires: Avon, 300 rear Swingarm: 300 C & S Swingarm,10 inch over Exhaust/Intake: Brocks full system Engine Components/Power Upgrades: Power Commander - Dyno tuned, PPM Clutch and Engine Covers Electrical: DLP L.E.D., Whelen Strobes, 25K HID kit, GoPro Hero 2 Camera, Lowjack, Scorpion alarm Controls: Roaring Toyz mirrors Custom/One Off Accessories: Custom seat, DLP chrome Built By: Jesus Torres Owner: Jesus Torres

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THE SHOW: the DANGER streets ZONEof philadelphia

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THE GRID: NEWS The Marco Simoncelli Foundation announced

Carlo Pernat , Simoncelli’s manager conceptualized the foundation shortly after Simoncelli’s passing. The idea was quickly embraced by the Simoncelli Family and the paperwork was filed. A short time later, the non profit Marco Simoncelli Foundation became a reality.

“The basic premise of the Foundation is that through keeping the memory of Marco alive we can help alleviate suffering of those who are worse off than us. It is hard for me to say where and how the funds raised will be distributed, since I cannot assess how much we will have available as time goes by. One thing is certain; I will try and manage all this as a good father.” – Paolo Simoncelli.

MotoGP History now available on iTunes Want a comprenhesive database of MotoGP history spanning 2002 through 2011 at your finger tips?

Well, there’s an app for that.

MotoGP has released an application for the iPhone, iTouch and iPad that offers a look back on the first ten years of the MotoGP experience. Explore teams, riders, circuits... if it’s MotoGP, it’s in there. The app even includes technical data for all the classes throughout the series since its inception.

TAW Performance the exclusive U.S. BREMBO RACING Distributor As of January 1, TAW Performance is the exclusive U.S. distributor for Brembo Motorcycle Racing Products.

The Sonoma based company will supply products to the sales network from its two warehouses in California and Indianapolis. T.A.W Performance will also provide trackside service with an engineer at all AMA events during 2012.

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SBI’s Corey Alexander to pilot 2012 Michael Jordan Race effort Michael Jordan Motorsports has teamed up with the Army National Guard, Fairhills Group and Celtic Racing to compete in the 2012 AMA SuperSport class.

SBI’s very own Corey Alexander will pilot the number 5 National Guard Fairhills Group Racing entry on the 2012 AMA grid.

2012 MIRock Drag Race Series schedule The MIRock Series has truly proved itself as the Drag Racing standard on the East Coast over the last few years. Jason Miller and his team have built this electrifying series from the ground up as the “Straight Liner’s Paradise”.

March 17-18, 2012 Honda-Suzuki of Sanford “Spring Bike Open” Rockingham, NC April 28 – 29, 2012 Fast by Gast “Spring Nationals” Budds Creek, MD June 2-3, 2012 Fast by Gast “Summer Showdown” Budds Creek, MD June 23-24, 2012 Schnitz Racing “Summer Sizzler” Rockingham, NC July 21-22, 2012 Fast by Gast / WPGC “Bike Fest” Budds Creek, MD August 25-26, 2012 FBR Shop “Bike Nationals” Rockingham, NC September 29-30, 2012 Fast by Gast “Fall Nationals” Budds Creek, MD November 3-4, 2012 Lee’s Performance “World Finals” Rockingham, NC

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THE GRID

Ladies of the paddock Words & images: Carrie Aquino

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onsidering that women only consist of about two percent of the population in the paddock, I have found that it’s usually a very unique group of women that are represented. Reasons to be there can vary. It is their job. To be supportive, literally if their child is a minor someone has to sign the release forms. It’s their passion, aka super fan. They race themselves. Or they are the wife or girlfriend of a racer.

Women behind the scenes as in all of life do a lot and through this venue hopefully can be seen for what they do and the reasons why.

Anna Hamkens is CEV’s (Spanish Championship) first female team owner. She debuted her debut of Team Wilmax in 2011. The CEV origination is owned and directed by Dorna.

SBI: Anna, what is your connection to road racing?

AH: I own a Moto2 team in the CEV. SBI: How long have you been doing this?

AH: Just finished up first season.

SBI: Did you seek this job out or did it happen to fall into your lap?

AH: It started out as my husband’s passion.

Because of that we went to Harris Performance while we were living England about something completely different and ended up buying a Moto2 chasis from them.

SBI: So now after a year, is this a passion or a job for you?

AH: A passion. I really enjoy doing it all. Very exciting.

SBI: What one thing would you like to share that people would be surprised to know?

AH: I never liked motorbikes!

SBI: Do you find it hard being a woman

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surrounded by probably 98% men in this industry?

AH: No. I don’t find it hard. I have had to stand up to them. I let them know I mean business.

SBI: What kind of strengths do you need to be working in this environment?

AH: You have to know what you want. You can not be fickle minded. You can not be a “Dolly girl”.

SBI: How does all the traveling affect you?

AH: Having three children, it’s been demanding. You need organization. The CEV Championship is only in Spain so with that in mind, it’s not that hard.

SBI: What does your family and friends think of your involvement in road racing?

AH: My parents think it’s crazy to be involved at this level. My friends find it wonderful and exciting but they really don’t know the work involved.

SBI: How would you describe the “Paddock” to someone who has never been?

AH: Always buzzing and very noisy. And smells!

But it’s a nice atmosphere. All the people there all share the same interest. It’s like a gang!

SBI: What one thing would you change in this series/class to make it better for the sport?

AH: More promoting. I would get it broadcasted in more countries. To bring more talent and

sponsorships.

SBI: This sport is highly praised all around the world. How do they get the Spanish fans to fill the stands?

AH: Spain adores motorbikes, has loads of world class riders.

Spanish people are really into road racing as well as the rest of Europe.

SBI: What is one word or sentence that you would sum up

your feeling of the life you have in the “Paddock”?

AH: It’s Great!

three languages. She has joined forces with Harris Performance for 2012.

Anna’s first year as team owner ended in November. At the final race in Jerez, her rider Dan Linfoot, pole positioned and finished on the podium. It was a great ending for such a young team.

As Anna wished, Dorna has made deals with TV networks for the CEV series to air not only in Spain but the UK and the U.S. in 2012. For someone who “didn’t like motorbikes” she certainly knows what she wants. And that is to race one more year with

In addition to her many accomplishments Anna speaks

CEV and move on to MotoGP2.

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THE GRID

The baker’s dozen One man. Twelve topics. One opinion... HIS! Words: Phil baker

MotoGP: the 1000's are coming. This for me is the best news we have had in 5 years. The memories of Nicky and Valentino sliding those bikes through the corners was so memorable. The racing was so close with a number of races split by tenths of a second ( Estoril and Sachsenring spring to mind). It should level the playing field once more allowing Riders such as Ben to be right up there as well.

How to increase interest in motorcycle racing in the US: To me this is very simple. Look at basketball and NFL. The commentary is exciting and is done for both new and old fans. To increase numbers lets introduce the players and allow each fan decide who they like and want to support. Also, a more mainstream channel with more prime time viewing should do it!! As easy as that!

What can the AMA learn from MotoGP and WSBK? It’s time to do more for the fan base.

There need to be more activities involved around each event. GP is excellent at promoting itself in Europe. Take a leaf out of their book and as in all sports in America, promote the Americans more and support them as a championship.

Where is Kawasaki in MotoGP? The same place where Suzuki are! Racing is about development and marketing. Are their sales down? Yes, but so are all others, so this is a contentious question. With the current global economy, GP has had to look at cutting back the costs, hence the CRT route. Will this be the answer? Only time will tell, but I hope we can see both the Suzukis, Kawasakis, as well as some more of the Europeans getting involved again sooner rather than later.

Who to keep an eye on in Moto2: Undoubtedly it is Marc Marquez and I would be surprised not to see him win the championship by a big margin. He has big bucks behind him and a professional team, but don’t count out Scott Redding. I think he has great style and if he can keep focused on the job in hand, he could be right up there as well.

Who is the next big thing in racing? For the future, you have to keep an eye on Stefan Bradl Germany’s first world champ in Moto 2 in 2011 on what many said was a far inferior bike to Marquez. He has incredible determination, skill and a very mature approach to his career.

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The possibility of three GP rounds in the US (Texas, Indy, LaGuna): You have to love it! A race in Texas with 2 Texans competing. I can’t wait and I would like to think that Ben will be right there to bring the spoils home for the Texan fans.

The introduction of South America to MotoGP in 2013: This is such good news for GP and makes it much more of a “world” championship. I think most people will agree that more than a quarter of the races in Spain and Portugal is too much. Going to South America, Russia and perhaps India can only be a good thing for the sport as a whole.

What should be done in the paddock to improve the sport?

My belief is that the GP paddock should be totally separate to that of Moto 2 and 3. We need to attract global sponsors and therefore you need to separate the top level from the rest.

That and the restriction of the number of scooters and the banning of kids on bicycles in the paddock is a personal favorite!

Where do you see GP when Rossi retires? There is no question that we need more “characters”. Valentino has been huge for the sport and we all owe him a lot for what he has done. It’s like F1 in its heyday and GP back in the golden days, it takes two to tango! Give us a Senna vs Prost or Roberts vs Sheene or Rainey vs Schwantz and there is no holding us back!

Rossi versus Stoner: I totally admire Valentino and what he has done but recently, no one can take away what Casey has done on both the Ducati and recently the Honda. His style and commitment into corners (and out) is amazing. He was a deserving champion this last year and also in 2007.

Before we can say who was the better of the two, we need to see where the stats are at the end of their careers, but both are truly amazing riders

2012

Who will winthe 2012 championship? This is a real tough one as testing will see where we all are come the end of January, but I expect to see the two Hondas of Casey and Pedrosa up there along with Jorge and Ben. Will the Ducatis pull through is a big question mark, not helped by Nicky's untimely accident over Christmas, putting all testing duties in Vale's hands unless NH can make a speedy recovery. And don't write off Dovi. He'll be there to make a point to Honda and he has a fantastic team in Herve Poncheral's Tech 3 team.

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THE GRID: ON THE COME UP

Images: Courtesy of Krystyna Kubran

NAME: Krystyna Kubran AGE: 34 Association/Affiliations/Series: WERA, WSMC, CSC #352

Goals: To earn my Pro License Qualification with WSMC as well as a Pro License in addition to the Expert License at Willow Springs which is earned by running a specific lap time or faster (currently 1:26.99 or faster).

Only Pro License holders are allowed to compete in Formula 1.

Accomplishments: 2010 WERA West Open (A) Superstock Novice Champion; 2010 WERA West Women’s Superstock Novice Champion; 2010 and 2011 second place finisher in the CA State Championship Formula Femme Class. 6 podiums and one race win in 2011. Finished in the top ten of the CA State Championship Overall points standing and Open Superbike class.

Define your passion in one sentence: Positive thoughts, calculated risks and an engineering mind.

Contact: http://twitter.com/KK352

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THE STRAIGHT LINE: The Youngest in Charge

Words: Dystany Spurlock Images: Robin Spurlock

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

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

Email her at Dystany@Sportbikesincmag.com.

T

he off season for drag racing is here. I definitely can not wait until the season gets here. But in order for me to be ready there are some things that I must do during the off season to be prepared. I don’t really like to say “off season” because even though I may not be on the track physically, I am... mentally.

I go to the gym about three to four times a week.While I am there I start out with 15 to 20 minutes of stretching.

Then I move onto cardio which I will do for around 1 hour. The cardio part is my second favorite because I really like to push myself to do my mile quicker ever time and to do my drills perfect every time without messing up.

Once I am done with my cardio, I then move on to weights. Yes, I may be small but I do lift weights. This is my favorite part of my entire workout, especially squats and dead lift. If I don’t have on my Beats by Dre headphones with music

in my ears, it makes lifting those weights ten times harder!. It reminds me of summer workouts, getting ready for football season back in high school when I played... but thats another story.

I also watch videos of me racing and other racers. It keeps me up to par with things that I may need to change or work on in the upcoming season. At times, I don’t like to look at myself on film because it seems awkward. I know that’s something that I have to do in order to be great at what I do.

Racing is my passion and I take it very seriously. From playing the Jegs Reaction time game on my phone, to sitting on my bike in the garage to work on my form, I am doing whatever it takes. I am more than ready for the 2012 Motorcycle Drag Racing season. It will be here before I know it. I look forward to seeing my friends, family, and fans in the stands next year! See you all soon.

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THE STRAIGHT LINE

Capo’s cut

Words: ASHON “CAPO” DICKERSON IMAGES: Stefanie Dickerson

H

appy New Years to all and I want to wish everyone a great and safe upcoming year and good health.

The winter lay off for me is short but sometimes well needed for new projects, strategies, and new sponsorship plans. Each year my plans are well thought out and planned for the upcoming

Want to connect with capo? Send him an Email at capo@sportbikesincmag.com

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race season. Things I will involve myself in off the racetrack to bring positive spotlight on our sport and to the sportbike motorcycle lifestyle period.

friends. Believe it or not it keeps your reaction time pretty swift which is something very valuable in our world of motorcycle drag racing… ”You snooze you lose”.

To stay sharp during the off season and to keep my hand and eye coordination tight is box a little in my basement. I also paly my XBox online with my kids and

I also study countless hours of footage of myself and others to see mistakes and strong points.

I’m very hard on myself but disciplined and always looking

for a riding advantage and performance edge.

Another thing I think all riders fight with on the winter lay off is weight gain. I normally gain about ten pounds that I have to shed before I start the season.

What I normally do to remove the weight is run on the treadmill and cut back on the consumption of things with alot of calories.

A major focal point is how we

will make our fastest and quickest NOS Powerd GSXR 1000 of 2011 the fastest and quickest in the Real Street class for 2012.

I am very grateful to have legendary Bob Carpenter of Carpenter Race Engines in my corner again for this season and we have a few tricks up our sleeve. I have also teamed up with Harvel Performance that will be helping us improve on our already super fast combination.

We have new builds coming and alot in store this season, hope all goes as planned.

With me being twelve years strong in this game and going into my thirteenth race season, with thirty three wins ranging from Bracket Racing, National Wally Champ, winning the biggest race in the history of the Mirock Superbike Series with a Pinks Armdropbikes 20k Harley win to 2011’s Crazy 8 win slicing SPORTBIKESINCMAG.COM | 39

THE STRAIGHT LINE

through the largest field of competitors of the history of the class!

I do this for real! Please don’t believe the hype! Men lie. Women lie.

Numbers don’t! So 2012 is going to be on and poppin’!

Loyalty is everything.

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SPORTBIKESINCMAG.COM | 41

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THE STRAIGHT LINE: ON THE COME UP

Images: Courtesy of Wesley Brice Lloyd Wright

NAME: Wesley Wright AGE: 41 Association/Affiliations/Series: NHRA Street E.T., MIRock, E3 Motorsports, Schnitz Racing, Motul, Evil Swingarms.

Goals: To run full time in 2012 and compete for a championship in Mirock NHDRO and NHRA all three full schedules. Current build under way to build a 8 second 600cc bike.

Plan to run first ever 600cc bike in Crazy 8’s.

Accomplishments: 2009 NHRA king of the street 600cc 2010 NHRA king of the street 600cc 2011 NHRA king of the street 600cc Record 600cc stock pass on 1/8 mile at 6.19 at 113.58 mph and1/4 mile 9.79 at 142.12 Define your passion in one sentence: Promote the “Race the Track Not the Street” platform to save lives.

CONTACT: http://wwrightracing.com

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SPORTBIKE IPHONE GPS CAMERA MOUNT

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The Rev LIMITER

Violet Stars & Happy Stunting Words: leah petersen IMAGES: Anthony Pesch

I

had been burning up the South Dakota highways for two weeks when I got a request for my first stunt show.

It was Sturgis, 2009 and I was having a blast showing off the 2010 lineup of Harley Davidsons at one of the largest, quite possibly craziest, moto gatherings in America.

As if that dream job wasn’t enough, a need for a female rider had arose in Southern America and there just aren’t too many people in the world to fill that vacancy. So I got the note.

It was an offer born out of unfortunate events: Jessica Maine had broke her wrist and the crowds were expecting a blond American stunt girl to grace the concrete of the annual bike show in Guyana. I was the understudy essentially, but the star had broke her wrist and the show had to go on. I agreed to stunt and worked out the painful logistics behind any international stunt show: how to get a bike ready.

The organizer swore he had a stock Honda F4I with an owner willing to hand her over to a mechanic with simple

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instructions: rip her down and build her up for a stunt rider.

I flew home to Brooklyn, still recovering from my time riding Harleys and tore some core pieces off my Honda. With the motorcycle packed up, it was time to catch my flight from JFK airport to Guyana. We arrived that evening. A crowd of people eagerly waited for our plane to unload. Our host spotted the two Americans quite easily and collected our bags to head to the hotel. In the airport parking lot, herds of feral dogs moved in and out of cars, searching for food and chasing cars as they zoomed into the darkness leaving a trail of dust behind them.

Our driver left in a similar fashion, speeding through the dark night, swerving to avoid other vehicles and the various farm animals which randomly stood in the road. Guyana had been a Dutch and then British colony until 1966. The architecture in the uniquely constructed homes had a strange blend of old Europe and the Caribbean. Finally we arrived at our hotel which also doubled as a night club and

we were blinded by camera flashes and bombarded with hands to shake as we were shown to our room.

The next morning we awoke to an island breakfast and a quick car ride to meet and oversee the build of my temporary stuntbike. The city was covered with “Bike Fest” posters and while slowly rolling through the street markets everyone craned their neck to take a look at the American stunters who were here to do their thing.

My Honda was waiting for me behind a house, under a one-sided shed, overflowing with tools and make shift tool solutions. A smiling local was there with some assistants, ready for action.

We distributed my parts, gave loose instructions and witnessed the three hour teardown and rebuild. Around noon she was ready to be delivered to the show venue and I was ready to do some stunting!

During warm up I got used to the yellow Honda pretty easily.

The parts we had brought with

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The Rev LIMITER

us made me feel at home despite the loose head bearings and stock tank. I was feeling pretty good! After a short session we headed back to the hotel to relax and prepare for the night’s show. Our performance was to cap off a night of local dancers, BMX riders and bike clubs who were to warm up the 10,000 plus crowd expected to fill the stadium. The sun sank behind the palm trees and finally it was show time.

The lights went down and we made our grand entrance. By the time I popped the clutch for my first wheelie my nervousness to perform in front of the packed stands subsided. In real life wheelies are a great escape from the ugly pressures of reality and performing stunts in front of a crowd is no different. The stress of the show melts and leaves only the raw core of riding: freedom and fun.

After the show the fans poured over the guard rails for autographs and pictures. I got to meet an amazing generation of Guyanese citizens, proudly rebuilding their former colonized country into something of their own. As I chatted with fans, I was convinced this was the path for me.

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There is no better career than stunting and inspiring at the same time.

I still get messages, mostly from teenage girls, who were at that show and were motivated and empowered by it. It’s crazy to think how much a stunt can affect a life.

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King ROMMEL

Watc h i n G the thRone

WORDS

&

IMAGES :

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A L L AN

L ANE

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The Rev LIMITER

T

his is not about “keeping it real.” What I’ve learned is that when you are “real”, keeping it that way is never an issue. The issue becomes a question of how much you can tolerate. Riders, fame and money all come and go.

However, real love... real passion is eternal regardless of the fame or the money. Real recognizes real.

The old adage, “Heavy is the head that wears the crown” has never rang more true when you are talking about a gentleman that embodies the real and grandly goes by the title of King Rommel.

Born in Trinidad, Rommel now calls New Jersey his home.

For almost two decades, he has embraced the streets with his asphalt assault approach to freestyle stunt riding. He has performed across the country, overseas, appeared in countless music videos, produced and starred in his own series of stunt films. He’s done this all without any major sponsors or any major nods from from the motorcycle industry... which seems some what odd since you would be hard pressed to find someone in the stunt game that doesn’t know his name.

SBI: Describe your perfect day?

KR: A perfect day is no police chases or haters on my back. Riding in nice weather and spending time with my daughter.

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SBI: What separates you from the rest?

KR: My sense of loyalty, dedication,passion, and of course my skills.

SBI: Why are you the King?

KR: I put work in. I’m hard working and I am practicing while others are sleeping, partying, or chasing women.

SBI: Do you feel that giving yourself the title of King makes you a target?

KR: Of course. Everyone who hears or knows about me wants to take my spot. But the crazy thing is... I’m not anywhere near where I want to be, yet. I still moving up in the game.

SBI: Do you feel that people are constantly gunning for your crown?

KR: Everyday. It doesn’t matter to me. Who ever wants it, just come and try to take it. The streets know where I am. I am a battle stunter so I welcome a challenge.

SBI: What are the difference between the East coast stunt scenes and the West coast stunt scenes? Any differences between the North and South scenes?

KR: When you talk about differences between East and West coast stunting, I only think of New York and Cali.

Cali has most of the big time sponsors. I ride in New York so I think it is harder because traffic is a mess and the nice riding weather does not last as long. I’ve already put my time

in, as far as riding in blizzards and snow. When you talk about the differences between the North and the South I think of New York as the north and Florida,Texas,and Georgia as the south. I still think New

York riders are the best. Like I stated before we don’t get to ride as long because of the weather and you have to be good to ride in this hectic traffic.

SBI: What is your history with competitions?

KR: I did a lot of competitions from the late 1990’s to the early 2000’s all of which I placed in the top five. The last competition I did was

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The Rev LIMITER

“Psychofest 2005”. I placed second but everyone there including the rider who placed first said I won. Politics...

SBI: Your thoughts on XDL and Stuntwars?

KR: It’s good for people who don’t know about stunt riders, but for the real hard core stunters it doesn’t do anything. We ride for the love of it. Many of us don’t have the money to travel and the backing of a sponsor to help with the costs. There are many great stunters out there who will never get a chance to compete because they can’t afford it. If you are not sure what a hard core stunter is, go to www. kingrommel.com.

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SBI: What are your thoughts on how television and film has presented the image of the stunt rider?

KR: They haven’t.

There isn’t a movie or show out there that tells the day to day life of a real stunter. Movies portray stunters as having money. The real riders do it for the love and the money comes in to place later. Even without any money real riders would still stunt. I’ve been in this game a long time and for me to still be in it, I have to love it.

SBI:Who are your sponsors and how long have you been affiliated with them?

KR: Myself.

Established 1976!

SBI: How did you get involved with the Ruff Ryders? Tell me about that whole experience.

KR: Someone I was training was on his bike on his way to meet me in NJ. In the Tunnel, a guy named Orji stopped him and started talking to him about joining the Ruff Ryders. He told Orji that he needed to talk to me because I’m the best at what I do. A meeting was

set up with Orji, Big Bam (former president of Lifestyles RR), and myself. The rest is history. Let me make this clear, my job was to stunt for the Ruff Ryders. I am not, nor was I ever in a club or part of a chapter. It was my job to be the face of the Ruff Ryders stunt world, as far as that was concerned.

SBI: How important is family?

KR: Family is very important to me.

God, Family, then everything else after that.

SBI: Your father had a great influence on you. How did he impact who King Rommel is today?

KR: His impact was more on the side of being a great mechanic. My dad’s work ethic and knowledge of motorcycles is crazy.

My dad is not into stunting. Both of my parents worry when I ride but they know how much it means to me so they definitely support me. Thanks to my dad, I have my own shop and work on my bikes myself.

SBI: Growing up, was there anyone that you looked up to as far as SPORTBIKESINCMAG.COM | 59

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other stunt riders?

KR: Yes. Evel Knievel, Gary Rothwell and A.C. Farias. I looked up to more European riders then I did American riders because there were not that many American riders stunting when I first started.

The American riders that I did look up to were from the streets.

SBI: Your daughter Asia rides.

Are we looking at future female stunter... an heir to the throne?

KR: Yes my daughter rides. She kills the guys in motocross. She doesn’t really want to stunt ride because she says “that dad’s thing”.

She is going to get her own crown for riding motocross.

SBI: What bike or bikes did you learn to stunt on?

KR: A 1992 Honda CBR 600F2. One of the best bikes to stunt on. Todays bikes are easier to stunt on.

Get that bike and stunt on it and I might be impressed and no deflated tires either.

I think those bikes from that time made a person into a better rider and stunter. I can stunt on almost any bike now because of that one bike.

SBI: Tell me about your work ethic. How important is practice? How often do you practice?

KR: Your work ethic has to be grueling to be a real stunter because you spend most of your free time practicing. A day in the life of King Rommel when

I don’t have my daughter with me is: 6am - my alarm goes off. I go to work... Yes I have a day job! Work all day. Get on my bike and put in more work/practice, go to my garage and put in more work, then go home to work out about 1 or 2 am... Putting in more work!

Then I start all over again.

Practice is very important.

You have to practice. You can’t just go out in the street and ride all reckless, you’ll kill somebody. Every free minute I get I’m riding. Stunting is a lifestyle. People always ask me how I got so good and I tell them I practice all the time. When most people are at the movies with their girl, at a party, sleeping, I’m out practicing.

SBI: You’ve been in the industry for over 15 years.

Has the game changed? For better or for worse?

KR: The game has changed but I don’t think it is a matter of better or worse. You have to evolve with the game to stay relevant. Many of the stunters who was out when I started are no longer in the game because I think they were in it for the wrong reason or they had a bad fall and quit. You can only do this out of pure love and passion. I have had many bad falls and I still ride. I have my own style and it is timeless.

SBI: What advice can you give to the next generation of riders?

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King ROMMEL SPORTBIKESINCMAG.COM | 63

The Rev LIMITER KR: Hard work pays off. take care of my family and Don’t give up because the live life to the fullest doing stunts look hard or you fall. what I love.

Keep going.

SBI: Is it good to be the SBI: Are you a role model? King?

KR: To the real stunters, yes KR: Hell yea. Life is what I am. Everyone may not you make it. Ride hard get along in the stunt world and have fun doing it. but they have to respect my hustle.

This lack of attention from the industry has SBI: What is the game nothing to do with the plan for 2012?

Rommel’s lack of talent KR: Hard work as usual. or effort. He’s been Doing more stunt shows putting in serious work over seas and making up against serious odds. more DVD’s. I would really The East Coast streets like to get some sponsors have always seemed to for me and my daughter struggle when it comes to because like I said it is gaining recognition from expensive. I want to just the manufactures or the

King Rommel and his manager, Kirk Chong.

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companies, who are mostly based on the West coast, that offer sponsorships.

Rommel is often frustrated by this reality but is also determined to change it.

What seems to be one of the most authentic qualities about King Rommel is that after a short period of time spent with him, you come to understand that he did not inherit the kingdom.

The crown was not handed to him nor was the throne gifted to him. He fought for it. He built himself up from the ground. A father, a son, a stunter... A King.

“T

he real riders do it for the love and the money comes in to place later.”

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The Rev LIMITER: ON THE COME UP

Images: Courtesy of Cesare Costantini

NAME: Cesare Costantini AGE: 34 Association/Affiliations/Series: Stunters Inc. Stunt Team

Goals: To one day be fully sponsored rider.

A big dream of mine has always been to get the opportunity to be a factory Kawasaki sponsored rider. To grow my business, Stunters Inc. Custom Fabrication and Repair Shop, up in the next coming years in order to successfully branch out to many locations all across the globe. This way Stunters Inc can make more of an impact in the industry, with our mission to support and inspire other riders and their passion to ride.

Accomplishments: Graduated Centennial College with a Diploma in Motorcycle Mechanics and now I’m a fully licensed mechanic. Award winner in the Toronto International Annual Motorcycle show since 2005, Class Champion. 1st Annual Xtreme Mayhem Nationals awards include: Best Custom Sport Bike, Best Paint, and Best of Show.

Define your passion in one sentence: One life, one love, one wheel.

Contact: http://stuntersinc.ca

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THE LIFE Featured Club

Front Runnerz M.C.

Chapter: Atlanta, GA | Founded: 2004 | Members: 100 plus Elected Officials: President - Bigg Dogg | Vice President - Jr. The Hustler | Business Manager - JJ Cruzin | Sergeant at Arms - Drill | Secretary - Lady Godiva | Treasurer - Haze | PRO - Poochie

History/Origin of Club: The Front Runnerz MC was conceptualized in May 2003 during Black Bike Week in Myrtle Beach, SC. An initial meeting among several individuals in a basement gave birth to the Front Runnerz movement. The following January, they were recognized by the state of Georgia and shortly thereafter became an incorporated organization. Since then, they have started chapters in in Hinesville GA, Columbia SC, Chattanooga TN and Baltimore MD. Club Milestones/Memorable Moments: In 2008, the Front Runnerz MC was recognized

by Kawasaki as the “Most Charitable Club. The

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Front Runnerz were the host club of the 2009 National Biker’s Round Up in Georgia. In 2011, they were selected as the host club for the 2012 9th annual Public Relations Officers Convention in Atlanta GA. Future of the club: The future of the Front Runnerz M/C of Atlanta is to finalize their National Board as they continue to grow and develop unity in the motorcycle community.

Plans also include to establish chapters in Ohio, Texas, North Carolina and Florida.

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

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THE LIFE: FEatured riderS

Eric diefenderfer

Eric Diefenderfer

Emmaus, PA

Warehouse Supervisor

STATS Years Riding: 5 years.

RIDING STYLE: Street bike(s) Owned: 2008 Triumph Daytona SE

FAVORITE BIKE MOD/ACCESSORY: Jardine RT-1 Exhaust. It brings out the true sound of the triple engine!

Favorite piece of riding gear: Icon “Devil Dog” helmet.

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most memorable ride: Riding with my father to Rhinebeck, NY for his BMW Airhead rally. The scenic country side with sweeping switch-backs made for an amazing ride!

FEatured rider of the month

Eric Collier AKA EazN2it

Bowie, MD

Systems Instructor

STATS Years Riding: 6 years.

Eric collier

RIDING STYLE: Street. bike(s) Owned: 2004 Kawasaki Ninja ZX-12r aka “Da Blue Beast” FAVORITE BIKE MOD/ACCESSORY: Chrome Muzzy Exhaust system

Favorite piece of riding gear: My rags/colors “#1 Stunnas MSC DC/MD/ NoVa”.

most memorable ride: Took a ride that started in Baltimore, took us through the country side and ended up at the Canal in Lancaster, PA. Was the first ride I took that was filled with curves, switchbacks, straights, hills etc. Hit the Amish Market for lunch and on the way back stopped by a Buffalo farm for some “Buffalo Jerky.” Man I loved it and I’ve been on a mission to find another like it ever since.

SPORTBIKESINCMAG.COM | 73

FEatured THE LIFE: LIFE rider FEatured FEaturedriderS riderS

Jordan Bellomo

Jordan Bellomo

Wilmington, DE

Engineer

STATS Years Riding: 9 years.

RIDING STYLE: Street. bike(s) Owned: 2005 Buell XB12SCG

FAVORITE BIKE MOD/ACCESSORY: I love street fighters. My favorite mods consist of custom fabrications and stripping the bike down to it’s bare essentials to expose the sexiness of the engine and frame. Also a sucker for the look of a 240 and tail raise.

Favorite piece of riding gear: Icon Super Duty 4 Boots. They saved most of my foot in my last crash, only got a broken ankle!

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most memorable ride:

Riding 100 miles home from the beach in the pouring rain and as soon as I got home the clouds parted and sun came out.

Ed Sullivan

San Francisco, CA

Solar Energy Industry Executive

STATS ed sullivan

Years Riding: 12 years.

RIDING STYLE: Street and Dual Cross. bike(s) Owned: 2003 BMW R1150RT Favorite BIKE MOD/ACCESSORY: Jesse Luggage System Panniers.

Favorite piece of gear: BMW Convertible Helmet

most memorable ride: My 35,000 mile, 14 month trip through Latin America. (www.edsgonesouth.com)

SPORTBIKESINCMAG.COM | 75

MOST BIKERS ARE ALSO SOMETHING ELSE. GOOD THING WE COVER ALL KINDS. And we don’t just cover you, we cover you in some of the best ways possible. That’s why we’re the #1 motorcycle insurer. Ready to ride with the best? Visit progressive.com, call 1-800-PROGRESSIVE or a local agent today.

76 | SPORTBIKESINCMAG.COM Progressive Casualty Ins. Co & its affiliates, Mayfield Village, OH. No.1 in motorcycle from 2009 Millward Brown national survey data. 11D00155 (03/11)

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

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

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Performance 2 Stroke Tuning Supermotard Conversions Stoarage and Maintenance Custom Fabrication Accessories & Decals Tires

Website: www.markbiltracing.com

Phone: 201-406-1921

SPORTBIKESINCMAG.COM | 77

MOTO TECH

Choosing Swingarm

Words: Robert Fisher Image: Courtesy of Roaring Toyz

A Life or Death Decision

hether you have a 1998 W GSX-R 600 or a 2009 YZF-R1, you can make your

motorcycle longer, leaner, and meaner without emptying your wallet for a custom swingarm. Roaring Toyz Bolt On Swingarm Extensions make it possible to extend your factory swingarm 2 to 7 inches over the stock wheelbase and get that incredible custom look for less than $500.

But before you even think of installing this part you need to understand why it’s so important that you choose quality extensions; this choice could save your life.

Swingarm extensions are a major chassis component. What that means is this part effects the 78 | SPORTBIKESINCMAG.COM

structural integrity of your motorcycle.

If your aftermarket mirror falls off your motorcycle while you’re travelling 150mph on the highway you can pull off and you’re not going to be hurt. But if your swingarm extensions fail while travelling your entire motorcycle is going to fall apart and the results will be horrifying for you and your passenger.

So why would your swingarm extensions fail? Because they were made from poor quality materials or were not properly engineered and tested. Cheap swingarm extensions are cheap for a reason: they were produced using inexpensive, low grade material without proper engineering. Strong materials cost money. Engineers and designers

cost money. Spending hours testing and re-engineering and machining parts to overcome every single design flaw costs money. So if you are considering purchasing swingarm extensions, and one set costs less than another, ask yourself why?

As a racer and motorcycle fanatic, I understands the importance of well engineered and built parts. I have have spent ten years testing and engineering Roaring Toyz parts on racebikes and turbo bikes to ensure each part features uncompromising strength, performance and durability.

And I have sourced the best material available so you can have complete trust in my products.

Roaring Toyz swingarm extensions

garm Extensions: are machined in house in Sarasota, Florida using aircraft grade 6061 T6 Billet Aluminum. Roaring Toyz swingarm extensions are easy to install and are made to exact specifications so they don’t just look good, they fit. Fitment is a critical safety issue. If the fitment is sloppy and loose and parts don’t line up properly then your brakes could fail.

Part of ensuring your extensions are installed properly is ensuring you have all the correct parts.

Roaring Toyz swingarm extensions are available in a kit containing everything you need to stretch your swingarm. The Roaring Toyz swingarm extensions kit includes

a high tensile strength extended chain, Roaring Toyz exclusive stainless steel braided extended brake line, and an option to purchase Roaring Toyz lowering links and lowering kickstand.

Stretching the swingarm may require relocation of your rear licence plate so you may wish to throw in the Roaring Toyz rear license plate braket.

Roaring Toyz swingarm extensions run exclusively on Ricky Gadson's Drag Race School Motorcycles.

Rickey explains, “I’ve been using Roaring Toyz swingarm extensions exclusively since 2006 and I can tell you that if you don’t want to

spend the money on an aftermarket swingarm there is no other option.

I’ve gone 1.30 60 foot times in the quarter mile using these extensions and I can assure you they hold up.”

I refuse to cut corners because it could result in someone getting seriously injured. I’ve used every resource at my disposal to ensure our Roaring Toyz swingarm extensions perform under the most rigorous conditions. If you purchase your swingarm extensions from another supplier be sure to educate yourself on how those extensions were made. It’s nice to save a few bucks, but do you really want to hang your life on a bargain?

SPORTBIKESINCMAG.COM | 79

MOTO TECH: The war ROOM

Words: Allan Mark Lane Rozemo Image: Courtesy of Motion Pro

2008-2012 Y KAWASAKI NINJA 250R

ou got yourself a new Kawasaki Ninja 250R... Now what?

While the Ninja 250R is a nice ride to begin with, here are a few upgrades to help take your Ninja from nice to assassin status. The War Room is interactive. See something that you like? Click on it...

YOSHIMURA R&D | FENDER ELIMINATOR KIT It almost seems mandatory that the manufacturers hang a large unattractive piece of plastic on the tail of every bike and expect you to hang your license plate from it. We say... tightened up that ass with a Fender Eliminator Kit. $129.95

SCORPION | RED POWER EXHAUST Do you want more power without having to remap your electronics? Scorpion offers the Serket pipe for the 250 that features a red composite material embedded in the end cap that allows it to withstands high temperatures and extreme stress. $499.00 80 | SPORTBIKESINCMAG.COM

WOODCRAFT CFM | REARSET KIT Stronger than stock and more attractive, the Woodcraft CFM rearsets are designed to give optimum foot position and ground clearance. $229.99

LUIMOTO | TEAM KAWASAKI SEAT COVER SET Why should your bike look like the one parked next to it. Upgrade your stock Ninja seat to the Luimoto Team Kawasaki Seat Cover set. Made with marine grade vinyls and high tensile rot proof polyester thread. The seat covers are fade and stain resistant. $165.00 HEALTECH | GIPRO X TYPE GEAR INDICATOR Its the smallest indicator on the market, offering multiple mounting options. Easy install and easy set up. This model comes complete with a wheel speed sensor to compensate for the 250R’s cable speedo. $165.00

HOTBODIES RACING | WINDSCREEN Hotbodies Racing presents world class quality windscreen upgrades in OEM Supersport and Dual Radius Grand Prix shapes for the 250R. The Grand Prix shape is one inch taller than the stock windscreen, offering better aerodynamics on the road. $69.95 - $74.95

GALFER USA | WAVE ROTORS Stopping power is never to be overlooked.

Galfer Wave Rotors for the front and rear brake set up are a highly recommended upgrade. $139.00 - $186.00 each SPORTBIKESINCMAG.COM | 81

MOTO TECH: The war ROOM

Words: Mark Rozemo Image: Courtesy of Motion Pro

2008-2012 KAWASAKI NINJA 250R

YOSHIMURA R&D | BAR ENDS These billet aluminum, black anodized bar ends are a great upgrade from stock. $45.95

HOTBODIES RACING | UNDERTAIL Give your Ninja that sleek, svelte rear end look with this undertail.

Includes lights and a license plate mounting kit. $129.95 - $229.95

MARCHESINI | ALUMINUM 10 SPOKE WHEELS Shed some weight by swapping your stock wheels with the Marchesini Aluminum rims. These wheels are forged from a multidimensional forging process that makes them the lightest and strongest wheels on the market today. Available as a set, complete valves and all necessary components for an uncomplicated install. $2,550.00 82 | SPORTBIKESINCMAG.COM

GPR | V4 STABILIZER The 250R is an awesome track weapon and is not to be underestimated. Add a little stability in the handling with the GPR V4. $495.00

WOODCRAFT CFM | CLIP ONS Give your Ninja more of a racer look and feel with these clip ons that feature 2.5 inch riser. This eliminates clearance issues with the fairings and fuel tank while getting the bars as low as possible. $179.99

CATALYST RACING COMPOSITES | RACE FAIRINGS Complete the transformation from street machine to track weapon with the Supersport fairings set. Made with fabric fiberglass, ships primed and ready to paint. $717.30

SATO RACING | FRAME SLIDERS Made of Delrin plastic, the Sato frame sliders protect your fairings and safe guard the frame in the event of a tip over. The anodized billet brackets mount directly to the frame for strength and stability. No modifications required. $199.00 SPORTBIKESINCMAG.COM | 83

84 | SPORTBIKESINCMAG.COM

E M A N A T ’ N S I Z Y O T ING

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

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improve your skills

The reality of braking words: Eric wood images: Brian Nitto

I

’d like to wish all of our readers a happy and successful 2012. We are going to jump right into some important concepts this year, starting with the all important topic of braking. In order to fully maximize their braking, riders must make dozens of precise judgments all within the span of a couple seconds. We will break this topic into a two separate segments so that we are able to cover each step of the process in detail.

86 | SPORTBIKESINCMAG.COM

The goal of every rider is to make the braking zone as short as possible. As the brake zone becomes shorter, the preceding straightaway becomes longer.

There are three separate areas of the braking zone that need to be individually addressed when evaluating your braking. These areas are the application zone, major braking zone and release.

These areas all flow smoothly together, but each one has a specific primary focus.

Two things that will help us move

towards perfect braking are efficient lever application and the achievement of maximum lever pressure. The transition from acceleration to braking is an important two-step process: apply the brake, then brake. Many riders simply pull the brake lever without much thought, and in doing so they never realize their full braking potential.

During the application process the motorcycle must transfer enough weight to the front tire

SPORTBIKESINCMAG.COM | 87

improve your skills: the reality of braking to fully spread out the contact patch. In a perfect world, the application process ends just as the contact patch reaches its maximum area. If a rider attempts to use full brake pressure before the contact patch has spread out fully there is a distinct possibility that the front tire will lose traction. It typically only takes a fraction of a second for this process to happen, but riders must “apply” the brake lever as opposed to “grab” it.

The length of this application will vary depending upon the slope of the racetrack. For the sake of argument, let’s assume that the initial application takes 0.3 seconds on a flat corner entrance. If the entrance is uphill, the front tire will already be partially loaded and the time for application can be shortened perhaps to 0.2 seconds. If the entrance is downhill, the front end is already light and extra care must be taken to apply the brake lever more slowly perhaps 0.5 seconds. These numbers are not precise, but they provide a good point for discussion and understanding.

After initial application, the next thing to consider is the time to maximum brake pressure.

The ramp up in lever pressure is a natural extension of the application, but can vary significantly in time from corner to corner. The biggest limiting factor for time to maximum brake pressure is normally not the grip of the front tire. Once the contact patch is fully set, it is not very common that riders will lock the front tire, especially when completely upright. The most common factor that limits braking is the rear tire lifting off the 88 | SPORTBIKESINCMAG.COM

ground. The higher the center of gravity, the sooner rear tire will start to lift. This is the same principle that is used to initiate a wheelie, but in reverse.

In order to get to maximum pressure, the suspension must first completely settle. The front suspension on your motorcycle has a certain height that it wants to ride when you brake into a corner. Your fork springs need to hold up the combined weight of

you and your motorcycle (which we’ll say is 600 lbs) at maximum brake pressure. We’ll call this a 600lb level. If a rider pulls the brake lever too quickly, the forks get a big running start and go from a nearly fully extended level down to (for example) a 700lb level. However, the forks have only 600lbs to hold up, so they rebound back upward.

Depending on suspension settings and the distance that you

overshot your mark, the forks can bounce up and down several times before arriving at the 600lb level.

The whole time that this suspension motion is happening, the center of gravity of the motorcycle is moving up and down. As the height of the center of gravity changes, so does the amount of lever pressure that it takes to lift the rear wheel off the ground. Moving the

center of gravity even 10mm produces a change in the bike that even a Novice track rider can feel. Riders who apply the brakes too quickly and get the front suspension moving up and are only able to use the maximum lever pressure at the highest center of gravity.

Although these riders are riding “on the limit”, they have actually created a ceiling for lever pressure that is artificially low.

Rider must strive to get to full

lever pressure as fast as they can without upsetting the suspension.

This is a test that every rider should experiment with every weekend.

Another common problem resulting from “grabbing” the front brake lever is the front suspension bottoming. The primary function of the suspension is to ensure that loads on the tires are applied gradually (as opposed to instantly). Once the suspension SPORTBIKESINCMAG.COM | 89

improve your skills: the reality of braking

is bottomed, any extra braking forces are transmitted directly to the carcass of the tire. The extra input with the forks bottomed acts to immediately unload the rear tire.

Now that we understand the primary factors in play during application, what are some of the things we can do to help maximize our braking? Let’s first revisit our goals. We need to apply the brake lever as quickly as we can while allowing the contact patch to spread out and then rapidly get to full lever pressure without upsetting the suspension. Finally, we need to 90 | SPORTBIKESINCMAG.COM

consistently work to increase the maximum lever pressure without lifting the rear tire.

The first thing that a rider can do in order to help the motorcycle settle more quickly is to focus on the rolling off of the throttle. Riders should apply the brake lever and roll off the throttle all in one motion. Nearly every action on a motorcycle overlaps with another; braking and turning, turning and acceleration, acceleration and braking. Overlapping inputs are a key to riding both fast and smooth.

A key to this process is to roll off

the throttle smoothly. Since the braking zone only lasts a few seconds, we want to do all we can to keep the motorcycle stable as braking begins. Imagine what would happen to your front end if you were to chop the throttle instantly at 100mph. The sudden weight transfer would throw weight forward quickly, make the forks dive and unweight the rear tire. The rolling off of the throttle should take about the same time as the application of the brake lever. It is a subjective time frame that asks a rider to roll off as fast as they can without causing the front end to dive. In the best case, the two actions of rolling off

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improve your skills: the reality of braking increase maximum lever pressure incrementally each lap until the rear tire begins to unweight.

As they work through this process riders will notice increasing “coast” time at the end of the braking zone, which gives them the confidence to start moving brake markers forward.

the throttle and setting the contact patch will both start and end together.

As with everything in riding, body position comes into play when maximizing braking. When the rear tire lifts, the entire motorcycle pivots around the front axle. As a result, the further away you place your body weight from the front axle the more leverage your body will have to keep the back tire on the ground. During maximum braking, riders should slide back on the seat. I have often found it helpful to squeeze the tank with my knees during this process to help support my body weight.

An added benefit from sliding your weight back during braking is that it flattens your back and slightly lowers the center of gravity of the rider. I have experimented with lowering my shoulders during braking, but I have found that the benefits were marginal. The resulting reduction in leverage over the handlebars 92 | SPORTBIKESINCMAG.COM

not only took away control but also made it difficult to support the forces of 100% braking.

One adjustment that helps bikes that tend to lift the rear wheel is to lower the seat height. With a superbike tail, this can easily be done by using a thinner seat pad (if your knees and butt can handle it). There are also numerous suspension changes that can affect this issue which will be the basis for a future article.

Once the weight is properly transferred to the front tire, the next step to improving your braking is to lap by lap work to increase your maximum lever pressure in a specific corner.

Most riders only squeeze the lever with about 70% of the available pressure. This test should initially be attempted in a corner where you are able to remain 100% upright during the major braking zone. Using a well-established brake marker, riders should

It is very important to note that the amount of lever pressure needed to lift the rear tire decreases as the bike slows down. It is much harder to do a “stoppie” at 130mph than it is as 30mph. A rider who brakes perfectly through the major braking zone (while the rider is 100% upright) gets to maximum braking as quickly as possible without upsetting the suspension, and then slowly decreases lever pressure at exactly the rate the keeps the rear tire in contact with the ground until it is time to initiate the turn. Maximum lever pressure is not something that is held for a period of time, it is a peak that is reached and then slowly modulated lower. Those last two last sentences take about 15 seconds to say, but a lifetime to get perfect... I still work on them every time I ride.

In a future article we will discuss the second half of the braking zone, which happens during turn initiation. Until then, ride fast-ride safe!

Great service, fast shipping. Call or email our knowledgable staff today!

866.931-6644 Support@RidersDiscount.com SPORTBIKESINCMAG.COM | 93

FRICTION ZONE: The Lakeland Motor Museum

Words and Images: Baz

T

he Lakeland Museum was originally established in 1978 by Donald Sidebottom to house is personal collection of automobilia of classic cars and motorbikes. The museum moved to its current location, a large warehouse in BackBarrow, Ulverston in Britain’s scenic “Lake District” of Cumbria.

With over 30,000 exhibits, the museum has a large display of historic vehicles from around the world. A large exhibit is dedicated to Sir Donald Campbell and his success (and fatal failure) to break land and water speed records. Anyone traveling to Scotland or North England would certainly be wise to visit this “Santa’s Grotto” for automotive enthusiasts.

94 | SPORTBIKESINCMAG.COM

Sir Donald Campbell

SPORTBIKESINCMAG.COM | 95

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.

Hey Alonzo Bodden! Whats topping your musical hit list?

“F

irst cut, “Blast” by Marcus Miller.

Jazz meets funk for a great escape piece.

Second, “All Blues” by Miles Davis, might be the most perfect song ever recorded. I wish I could corner as well as they played.

Third, “Teen Town” by Weather Report. The track is organized chaos... just like riding thru LA Traffic, I love it!”

For more sportbike news and announcements:

VISIT THE SPORTBIKES INC BLOG

HTTP://SPORTBIKESINCMAG.COM/BLOG

96 | SPORTBIKESINCMAG.COM

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FRICTION ZONE: ducstock 2011

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(301) 662-8008 SPORTBIKESINCMAG.COM | 99

2012 FRICTION ZONE

New Year’s Resolutions T

he month of January can often represent the best of times or it can be the worst of times. For some, it’s a chance to reflect on a year gone by. For others, its the opportunity to look ahead, in full tuck, throttle pinned wide open.

We here at SBI are a forward

thinking publication so a few staff members shared their thoughts on what to make of this New Year’s Resolution talk. And of course, we had a few of our close friends chime in as well. Here’s what they had to say...

I truly don’t have any “resolutions”. I was very happy with 2011. I spent time with my family while making it out to as many bike events as possible. I am extremely blessed that a few hospital visits turned out with a positive future for my son. So for 2012 I plan to continue with the aforementioned and added a couple of new things... Spending time with my family and watching my kids grow up. Continue to meet more dynamic people in bike and business community Re-focus on getting my bike completed by the award winning crew at MSP Motorsports. Get back to doing track days. Come to think of it, I do have one more completely self centered goal, not necessarily a resolution: Go to a Steelers game in Pittsburgh!

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Leon Brittain

To run a marathon. To be more “green� and recycle more. To take a motorcycle motor apart and put it back together.

Dystany Spurlock

Spend time on the front wheel: Practice endo's the same amount as wheelies.

Look East: Visit India, Japan or Pakistan.

Ciao Bella: Ride from North to Southern Italy with my best girlfriend.

Leah Petersen

To live life to the fullest.

To finish the custom work on my Triumph Tiger.

To go to at least one European round of the MotoGP To quit smoking. Again!

To visit Japan. Again!

To help others who are fighting addiction.

To scuba dive with Great White Sharks.

To celebrate Camp Freddy's 10 Year Anniversary.

To have as much fun as I possibly can.

To write and perform more rock n roll with cool musicians.

Billy Morrison

SPORTBIKESINCMAG.COM | 101

FRICTION ZONE: 2012 new year’s resolutions Be more organized in 2012. I am a little messy.

Find more time for friends and family. Being the owner of a gym and an entertainment business makes quality time hard to come by.

Get back to playing music. All my instruments are getting a little dusty these days, and playing music helps keep me balanced.

To finally do a show anywhere... I mean anywhere... and not be mistaken for Jason Britton! Maybe I should grow my hair out!

Ian Gaines

Get on the podium, ASAP!

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Nicky Hayden

I’m going to start exercising more. I desperately need a road bike so I can work on my cardio for 2012. I am thinking about racing and need my body to be in fighting shape.

I want to up my “A” game on the track. I won't be able to do it unless I get disciplined enough to get the body in prime condition. I think by April I'll be there.

Less cursing. I curse way too much over the stupidest things.

I have a filthy trucker mouth (no disrespect to truckers) but it's bad when you drop the “F Bomb” over Christmas Eve dinner with your mother in law just staring at you like you killed someone; didn't realize it

even slipped. Anyway, I have to stop F'in cursing. Makes me come off that I lack any intelligence.

This is a business/professional resolution more or less, but I need to step up my photography/camerawork in general. I need to step out of my comfort zone. Take a chance. Push creative limits.

A ton of photographers out there. I need to stand out. Not looking for volume or quantity but quality. I would rather have one project or image stand out than 5 "okay" images. This is kind of a personal resolution I make every year. I always try to hold true to this one...

Brian Nitto

I had a wonderful 2011 and went super hard! So my plans for this year are to continue on the same path and make more of and impact on and off the racetrack. My Wife & I, Crew and Schampa will

be working on a lot more things like Charity Events and a possible race for a great cause. One of my main resolutions will be to come into the start of the season more mentally and physically ready than my prior year.

Ashon Capo Dickerson

To get the bike dialed in, so I can win races.

Also to work harder on getting sponsorships and continue to raise breast cancer awareness through my drag racing.

Lea Martinez

SPORTBIKESINCMAG.COM | 103

FRICTION ZONE: 2012 new year’s resolutions I don't really do resolutions because I pretty much achieve what I want during the year.

I don't need to do it but my editor asked me to do it so I said what the hell!

I definitely need to get in shape or maybe that was my editor... No, seriously number one is to get myself a new pickup truck so I can make it to more track days with my editor and more motocross track days as well. Number two is to buy a new house for all my toys. Third, spend more time with my son and

family even if I have to drag them on my movie set this year. Number four, stay sucka free! What does that mean?

It means staying away from people that I don't need in my life or that are not a good look for me to be around.

Believe me, I attract them! I won’t be selfish with my time but I’ll be a better judge of my time when it comes to how and who I spend it with. These are my personal resolutions. Your’s are going to be different. But whatever they are, make sure you set realistic ones.

Tyson Beckford

I want to ride my “A” bike more often. It’s a racing term: a factory team rider often has two bikes and the “B” is the backup. In the real world the “B” bike is the beater that I don’t mind getting dirty and that doesn’t need to be spoton for a quick ride to dinner in the city. One day I showed up to work at Fast By Ferracci and had Mr. Ferracci taught me to shame the “B”. I got to work early riding my "B"

Michael Lawless 104 | SPORTBIKESINCMAG.COM

while the "A" sat home, on the race stand, on carpet, under a cover, plugged onto the charger (not even my wife gets that kind of treatment). Mr. Ferracci looked at my “B” and shook his head. He marched right over to me and said "One day you going to die... Some other man will be sleeping with you wife and riding you bike.

Sell that piece of shit and ride you MV!" True words and good advice!

To ride faster and crash less in 2012!

Steve Rapp

on the rim (dynamic weight) is equal to about 24 pounds of weight at 100 mph. Each ounce, people! Marchesini wheels usually weigh at least ten pounds less than stock wheels, that's 160 ounces.

You do the math.

More trail braking! I resolve to learn how to ride my Yamaha R6 like a true pro by attending the Yamaha Champions Riding School before the end of 2012. Not sure what it's all about? Instructors Scott Russell, Nick Ienatsch, and Ken Hill (all championship riders and all very cool guys) already caught me hook, line and sinker! Plus, who wouldn't want to hang out with Scott Russell for a few days? Sigh...

Brittany Morrow

Lose some weight! Say it with me... Marchesini. Ok, so $2300 for a set of wheels might seem a bit excessive, but weight reduction on your wheels is one of the most important steps in helping you go faster and improve the handling of your motorcycle (on the track, of course)! Each ounce of weight reduction

Spend more time in worship!

Last summer, I took a 4,000 mile ride over 12 days to help raise money for breast cancer awareness. This summer, I'm planning an even longer trip.

If you haven't experienced the world of long distance riding, I urge you to pray to the motorcycle gods for good weather and hit the open road. It's an amazing way to uplift your moto spirit and I plan on being very spiritual this year! Eat. Ride. Love.

FInally, prepare for the impending zombie apocalypse. 'Nuff said.

SPORTBIKESINCMAG.COM | 105

FRICTION ZONE: 2012 new year’s resolutions

To keep maturing as a professional racer. To keep on and off and off the track. To build my riding school with Absolute Cycle and to race an enduro cross as well as a GNCC.

Eric Stump

Win 10 Super Bike races!

Josh Hayes

Track time. Yes... More...

Please... THANK YOU!

Allan Lane

106 | SPORTBIKESINCMAG.COM

SPORTBIKESINCMAG.COM | 107

FRICTION ZONE: SPORTBIKES INK!!!

Words: Baz

K

eep sending the pics of your ink and remember to watch this space every month for more awesome tattoos!

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

RIDER// Sean Waterloo BIKE// 2006Suzuki GSXR 600 TATTOO ARTIST// Walt Minor

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RIDER// Ahna Tillmanns BIKES// 2008 KTM 690 SMC

2009 Ducati 1198S TATTOO ARTIST// Nixxin, Oliver Peck, Scott

Sylvia, Marco Cerretelli

SPORTBIKESINCMAG.COM | 109

FRICTION ZONE: random

110 | SPORTBIKESINCMAG.COM

SPORTBIKESINCMAG.COM | 111

this life: Staying fit in the “off” season Words: Tyson Beckford

T

he off season for most of us in the U.S. is the months of November through March. Pretty much the same periof of time as the MotoGp, WSBK and AMA super bike season when the snow is up to your knees, the temperature averages 34 degrees and your bike is up on stands.

So what do I do to stay in shape during this time of the year besides run to Miami or Jamaica to escape the winter blues? I get on my Cannondale road bike in its stationary trainer, watch past season races that I’ve DVR’d and start pedaling! I usually do fifteen to thrity minutes and build up a nice sweat. Then from there I walk over to my “door gym”and hang there the length of the commercials just

112 | SPORTBIKESINCMAG.COM

stretching and then I start my pull-ups normal do four sets of twenty five, then move to my push ups.That’s when I bring the pain!

This is not for the weak I tend to do five hundred to one thousand and this is done within forty five to sixty minutes on Monday,Wednesday and Friday (Please do not attempt this if you haven’t consulted a doctor to see if your healthy enough to do any physical training). Now each day is different and this is not for everyone. On my off days, I do a three to five K run or jump rope for 30 minutes to keep my cardio up, depending on the weather. For those track days and while cycling on my stationary trainer, I work my hands with a grip trainer to make sure I have strong hands for holding on lap after lap.

This gives my fingers a workout as well. My abs are done everyday. Normal three to five hundred different ab routines.

Make sure you design a routine that works with you and what you want to achieve this off season. Now I know you didn’t think I was gonna tell you my full workout secret! Gotta wait for the DVD, son!

Door Gym

Blackburn Tech Fluid Trainer

SPORTBIKESINCMAG.COM | 113

THE NEW ISH KNOX ARMOR • META SYS BACK PROTECTOR It’s possibly the most advanced back protection system on the market today. Meta Sys is short for “metamorphic system” and is designed with Knox’s hybrid technology for massive impact protection. It features a four plate construction for comfort and flexibility. Each plate moves independently.

It exceeds the highest CE standards with its polypropylene outer shell and a soft flexiform inner layer for energy absorption.

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WOODCRAFT CFM • DOUBLE THICK KLUCKY PUCK KNEE SLIDERS These knee sliders are designed and constructed to offer the longest life of any puck on the market today.

Great for endurance racing or in the rain.

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BROCK’S PERFORMANCE • COFFEE MUG Make Brock’s Performance part of your morning routine with the official Brock’s Coffee Mug. Very stylish matte black, molded ceramic composite with blue interior holds 11 ounces of your favorite beverage.

Microwave and dishwasher safe.

Price: $7.95 Contact: http://brocksperformance.com

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ROLAND SANDS DESIGNS • DIESEL GLOVES RSD has really captured the essence of style with their line of apparel. The Diesel glove, like the rest of the RSD Apparel line, is crafted from high quality leather. They feature a reinforced and padded palm with padded finger knuckles. The Diesel gloves have zip, strap closure system, a pre curved ergonomic fit and available in two colors.

Size: M - XXL Colors: Black, Tobacco Price: $90.00 Contact: http://rolandsands.com

GPR Stabilizers • TRIUMPH 675 GPRV4 STABILIZER KIT The GPR stabilizer kits for the Triumph 675 come complete with the GPRv4 steering damper, billet machined pin less mounting systems and the required hardware. Available in several anodized colors, the will help maintain stability at high speeds not to mention being a nice looking bit of kit as well.

Colors: Black, Red, Blue, Titanium, Gold Price: $495.00 Contact: http://gprstabilizer.com

ALPINESTARS • BLACKTOP SHOE The Alpinestars Blacktop Shoe is a high-cut casual riding shoe that features mesh inserts for cool summer riding. The exclusive rubber compound sole offers excellent grip and works with the EVA foam foot bed for supreme comfort when riding and walking.

Size: 6 - 14 Price: $119.95 Contact: http://alpinestars.com

SPORTBIKESINCMAG.COM | 115

THE NEW ISH: Featured Item

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sleeve may ride up. The large logo doubles as a watch protector. Yes, this glove is also designed to protect your time pieces and jewelry. Innovative design from an innovative company.

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For more sportbike news and announcements:

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ALPINESTARS • MX-1 Jacket Tyson Beckford My Alpine Stars MX-1 jacket is a very fashionable and comfortable jacket. It provides protection for my elbows, shoulders and back and features a removable liner and several pockets with heavy duty zippers for your cell phone or whatever else one might want to carry. It might make you feel like Ben Spies when you put it on! It’s not cheap but what is your skin or your life worth?. http://alpinestars.com Rating: 6 (out of 6)

Michelin • Power One Tires Dystany Spurlock I use the Michelin Power One tire on my BMW S1000RR and I absolutely love this item. It is not only great on the street it is perfect for the drag strip as well. When I am riding on the street it holds to the rode very well. From the curves to the evasive maneuvers that us as motorcyclist have to make at times it is great. When I am on the drag strip it grips very well to the track. It gives me good traction therefor I can have a higher tire pressure so I can have get more wheel spin for a better ET. http://michelinmotorcycle.com Rating: 6 (out of 6)

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Image: Brian Nitto Location: Indianapolis, IN