ROAD RACING . DRAG RACING . STUNT RIDING
CUSTOM BIKES . MOTO TECH
JANUARY 2015 VOL 5 ISSUE 4
SPORTBIKESINCMAG.COM TM
THE 2015 INDIAN
SCOUT JAMES RISPOLI’S “THE ROCKET” | RICKEY GADSON’S HYBRID H2RG | TEAM ANGER MANAGEMENT | THE LION’S DEN | BIKE ERGONOMICS PART ONE | BILLY MORRISON’S DIRTY LITTLE SECRETS
Ahead of the Curve
The New Ducati 1299 Panigale S
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Professional rider on a closed course.
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Unprecedented technical excellence meets the pinnacle of design and performance in the new Ducati 1299 Panigale S. With its new 205 horsepower Superquadro engine, cutting-edge engine management system, Ă–hlins Smart EC semi-active suspension, Bosch inertial platform and new Ducati Quick Shift that allows for both clutchless upshifts and downshifts, this new Ducati Superbike is far ahead of the curve, empowering you to confidently power through it.
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THE FEATURES THE FIRST RIDE: THE 2015 INDIAN SCOUT
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LINES OF A LEGEND: THE HYBRID H2RG
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THE LION’S DEN: A NEW 365
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JAMES RISPOLI’S THE ROCKET
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THE MAIN POINTS: TEAM ANGER MANAGEMENT
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BILLY MORRISON’S DIRTY LITTLE SECRETS
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THE USUALS
JANUARY 2015 - VOLUME 5, ISSUE 4 INTERACTIVE
12 THE PRESS ROOM http://issuu.com/action/page?page=12 16 THE INBOX http://issuu.com/action/page?page=16 http://issuu.com/action/page?page=18 18 DEALERSHIP SPOTLIGHT - FUN CENTER POWER SPORTS http://issuu.com/action/page?page=22 22 THE FIRST RIDE - THE 2015 INDIAN SCOUT 36 THE GRID NEWS http://issuu.com/action/page?page=36 46 THE ROCKET - By James Rispoli http://issuu.com/action/page?page=46 50 TURN ONE - By Sandra Stammova http://issuu.com/action/page?page=50 http://issuu.com/action/page?page=64 64 LINES OF A LEGEND - By Rickey Gadson 74http://issuu.com/action/page?page=74 THE YOUNGEST IN CHARGE - By Dystany Spurlock 82 THE MAIN POINTS - By Dena Sodano http://issuu.com/action/page?page=82 94 FEATURED CLUB - LATIN RIDERS, BUCKS COUNTY M.C. http://issuu.com/action/page?page=82 http://issuu.com/action/page?page=96 96 THE LION’S DEN - By Lion James 100http://issuu.com/action/page?page=92 FEATURED RIDERS 106http://issuu.com/action/page?page=106 IMPROVE YOUR SKILLS - By Eric Wood http://issuu.com/action/page?page=114 114 DIRTY LITTLE SECRETS - By Billy Morrison http://issuu.com/action/page?page=122 122 THE NEW ISH http://issuu.com/action/page?page=128 128 STAFF STUFF
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FEATURED RIDER: LEE LEE
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FEATURE STORY THE 2015 INDIAN
SCOUT PAGE 22
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EDITOR’S LETTER
IMAGE BY LEON BRITTAIN ere we are in 2015. It seems like it was only yesterday that I was wishing everyone Happy 2014. The new year means so many different things to many different people. For some, it is a time of renewal. For others it is a chance to start fresh with resolutions. Some consider it a time for reflection.
H
There is a saying that goes,”Treat each day like your first day... Stay hungry.” Starting fresh for SBI means that we are going to keep it fresh every day, every month, every issue... It’s our job to continue to bring you the freshest content on the planet for your viewing and reading pleasure.
At SBI, it is all of the above. We reflect on the prior year and celebrate all that worked for us while taking note of the things that maybe did not work so great for us. We look to 2015 with a sense of renewal in our commitment to providing the utmost in moto-edutainment to the global motorcycle community.
We are happy to be the number one free, online motorcycle lifestyle magazine... Because that’s what you made us. Welcome to 2015. Happy new year.
Best, Allan And then there is the concept of starting fresh. allan@sportbikesincmag.com 8 | SPORTBIKESINCMAG.COM
THE TEAM Publisher/Editor in Chief: Allan Lane allan@sportbikesincmag.com
Copy Editor: Angela Lane angela@sportbikesincmag.com
EDITORIAL
ART & DESIGN
Fashion Editor: Kiana Gadson kiana@sportbikesincmag.com
Graphic Designer: Baz baz@sportbikesincmag.com
Moto Tech Editor: Thomas Campion tommy@sportbikesincmag.com
Staff Photographer: Meekail Shaheed meekail@sportbikesincmag.com
Riding Editor: Eric Wood eric@sportbikesincmag.com
Cover Photographer: Allan Lane
Rev Limiter Editor: Dena Sodano dena@sportbikesincmag.com
Contributing Photographers: Brian J. Nelson Impact Images Piotr Mokry Kevin Choate Rick Hentz Charms G. Anderson Robin Spurlock Patrick Cliett Leon Brittain
Drag Racing Editor: Rickey Gadson rickey@sportbikesincmag.com
Bike Life Editor Lady Kim ladykim@sportbikesincmag.com Staff Writers: Billy Morrison billy@sportbikesincmag.com Dystany Spurlock dystany@sportbikesincmag.com Michael Lawless lawless@sportbikesincmag.com Lion James lion@sportbikesincmag.com Meekail Shaheed meekail@sportbikesincmag.com Sandra Stammova sandra@sportbikesincmag.com Joanne Donn joanne@sportbikesincmag.com James Rispoli james@sportbikesincmag.com
Creative Supervisor: Leon Brittain leon@sportbikesincmag.com
SportBikes Inc Magazine - January 2015 Volume 5, Issue 4 To receive SportBikes Inc Magazine’s 2015 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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THE PRESS ROOM SBI HOSTS NICKY HAYDEN IN NEW YORK FOR THE INTERNATIONAL MOTORCYCLE SHOW SportBikes Inc Magazine had the honor of hosting MotoGP Champion and Tissot Watch Brand Ambassador Nicky Hayden at the International Motorcycle Show in New York at the Jacob Javitz Center. Nicky signed autographs and took pictures with fans in the SBI booth on Sunday before heading over to the opening of the new Tissot store on 5th
RECALL: VICTORY RECALLS OVER 2000 MODELS Polaris Industries has issued a recall and a stop sale notice for Victory bikes, model years 2013 through 2015. The issue is with a possibe improper crimping of the fuel pump. Models included in the recall are the Victory Cross Country, Cross Roads, Hammer Eight Ball, High Ball, Jackpot, Vegas Eight Ball models, Cross Country Eight Ball, Cross Roads Eight Ball, Ness Cross Country, Victory Gunner and the Victory Hardball. The total number of bikes affected is 2,342. 12 | SPORTBIKESINCMAG.COM
Avenue later that evening. SBI’s Allan Lane joined Nicky later in the week in the Tissot suite at Madison Square Garden for a NY Knicks game where Nicky presented Allan with a new Tissot T Race watch. Keep up with Nicky as he prepares for the 2015 MotoGP season by visiting http://nickyhayden.com.
DUCATI SOLD OVER 45,000 MOTORCYCLES IN 2014 For the last five years, Ducati’s global sales have grown annually. In 2014, a total of 45,100 bikes were sold across the globe which is 2% more than what they sold in 2013. The Italian manufacturer attributes their record sales to the new Monster and the 899 Panigale. Internationally, the USA remains the brand’s most important market.
HARLEY DAVIDSON WILL REMAIN THE OFFICIAL BIKE OF THE STURGIS RALLY FOR THE NEXT 75 YEARS As the city of Sturgis, South Dakota prepares to celebrate the 75th anniversary of the legendary Sturgis Motorcycle Rally, they have made a deal with Harley Davidson that partners the two for a lifetime. HD will continue to serve as the official motorcycle brand of the annual rally for the next 75 years. In honor of the deal, the city of Sturgis will build a monument plaza on Main Street that will house an event stage for year round activities, serving as the official destination for Harley riders. Bricks used for the new plaza in Sturgis will include bricks that date back more than 100 years from the original HD factory in Milwaukee. SPORTBIKESINCMAG.COM | 13
THE PRESS ROOM BRAMMO NOW OWNED BY POLARIS Polaris Industries has acquired Brammo Inc, makers of the Brammo Electric line of motorcycles. Brammo will continue to develop their technology as Polaris puts their tech to good use in a number of electric vehicles. The Brammo Power battery pack and the
TSUKIGI RACING EXHAUST NOW DISTRIBUTED BY INDIGO SPORTS The Georgia based Indigo Sports will now be the US distributor of Japanese racing exhaust manufacturer, Tsukigi Racing. Indigo Sport’s new warehouse will be stocked to ensure availability of product for US dealers and customers. Tsukigi’s most popular exhaust is the Sidewinder for the 1999 through 2006 Suzuki GSXR 1000 and they are a major sponsor and supporter of Pro Drag Racer, Lea Martinez. They have plans to release a new system called the Cannon later in 2015. For more information, please visit http://indigosports.com. 14 | SPORTBIKESINCMAG.COM
Brammo Power vehicle management systems are among the products that will be supplied to further Polaris’ charge in the powersports industry. Look for new electric motorcycles from Polaris to begin manufacturing on the back end of 2015.
THE 2015 HONDA GROM Honda has revealed that the 2015 Grom will be available in two new color schemes for its second model year. In addition to the introductory colors of black and red, the 2015 model will also be available in yellow and
pearl white. The 2015 Honda Grom, like the 2014 model, will employ a 124.9cc engine, inverted front forks and hydraulic disc brakes all in a steel frame with a total weight of 225 pounds.
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THE INBOX BROUGHT TO YOU BY KRIEGA
Email SportBikes Inc Magazine at INBOX@SPORTBIKESINCMAG.COM. Every month, we are giving away a R25 Back Pack from Kriega and an SBI T Shirt to the LETTER OF THE MONTH!
LETTER OF THE MONTH Dear SBI, Happy New Year....I recently found out about your online magazine when I attended the 2015 Progressive IMS in Washington DC. I’m kinda mad that you have been around for 5 years and I’m just finding out about your magazine, but that’s my fault. I wanted to write to you because I have to say your magazine is really highlighting the bike lifestyle in a positive way, I really like how you highlight the various MC’s and show the various types of clubs and how no matter what the club, male, female, cruiser, sport bike, we all have a common bond between us... Two wheels. In today’s world image is everything and I really appreciate the time that you guys take to show the motorcycle lifestyle in a good way, keep doing what you guys are doing. Do you have any plans for a group ride through the Nation’s Capitol? I hope to make the ride up to Philly this year for SHUT 16 | SPORTBIKESINCMAG.COM
THE CITY DOWN... Until then ride safe! - Wise Crowder Washington, D.C. Dear Wise, Thanks for the kind words. Attending events like IMS allows us to meet new riders and hopefully new readers. Positive presentation of our community and lifestyle is what SBI strives for. As the saying goes, “Two wheels, one love.” As of now we have no plans for group ride in D.C. but that could change in the blip of the throttle. We hope to see you in Philly in April for our annual Shut the City Down Season Opener... AKA the Great Cheesesteak Run! Ride safe! Best, SBI Magazine
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SHOP SPOTLIGHT: FUN CENTER POWER SPORTS
Words: Allan Lane Images: Courtesy of Fun Center Power Sports
CONTACT:
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Dealership Name: Fun Center Power Sports Location: 2639 Bristol Pike Bensalem, PA. 19020 Showroom Hours: Monday - Friday 10:00am to 8:00pm, Saturday 10:00am to 5:00pm, Sunday, closed. Year Established: 2012 Brands Sold: Kawasaki and Yamaha
F
un Center Power Sports opened their doors in 2012. Since then they have quickly become a notable powersport dealership in the Southeastern region of Pennsylvania. While they focus their sales on Kawasaki and Yamaha, their 21,000 square foot showroom houses the latest tech, gear and accessories that the industry has to offer. Fun Center Power Sports is a destination dealership with its spacious split level layout that includes a customer lounge. Fun Center Power Sports holds status as a Pro Yamaha Dealer and has done so for the last
three years. This status is achieved because they have excelled in providing their customers the very best in sales experiences, best service experiences as well as the very best ownership experiences. Customer service is really the basis for Fun Center’s success. They have embraced their passion and the community’s passion for motorcycles and by sharing that passion, Fun Center is being recognized for setting the bar as a customer satisfaction focused, family oriented dealership. Want to see your shop or dealership featured here? Drop us an email!
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THE FIRST RIDE
THE 2015 INDIAN
T U SCO 22 | SPORTBIKESINCMAG.COM
WORDS ALLAN LANE IMAGES BRIAN J. NELSON SPORTBIKESINCMAG.COM | 23
THE FIRST SHOW:RIDE: BREAKLITE’S THE 2015 NIGHTMARE INDIAN SCOUT
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ast August, I had the opportunity to head out to the Sturgis 74th Annual Motorcycle Rally to put the new Indian Scout through its paces. I could not have asked for a better backdrop to put in some seat time on a revisioned American motorcycle icon. The original Indian Scout made its debut in 1919 and was manufactured until 1949. It was a machine of purpose and of service, being utilized by the US Military during World War II, competitive hill climbing as well as road racing. The original American stunt riders that rode in the circled arena known as the Wall of Death performed their theatrics on Indian Scouts. The first Daytona 200 was won by an Indian Scout. Perhaps more notable was the modified Scout that blazed across the Bonneville Salt Flats by Burt Munro during the 1960’s. Munro’s land speed record setting runs were immortalized by Anthony Hopkins in the film “The World’s Fastest Indian”. The Indian Scout’s place in history had been set. The Indian Motorcycle Company was purchased by Polaris Industries in 2011 who in 2014 announced that they would be releasing a new 2015 model of the Scout. Before their cease of operations and purchase by Polaris, the Indian Motorcycle Company of America
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THE FIRST SHOW:RIDE: BREAKLITE’S THE 2015 NIGHTMARE INDIAN SCOUT
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did make a minor attempt of reviving the Scout by producing a bike in the early 2000’s that was mostly a combination of components from a number of manufacturers that were assembled at their factory in California. It was short lived. Under the ownership of Polaris, the stage was was set for the proper return of the Indian Scout. Staying true and effectively honoring the original Scout models from the early 1900’s, the 2015 Scout successfully maintains the very genetic code of the original with modern lines and framework. It’s appealing, attractive and above all else it is a handsome motorcycle. That’s right. Handsome. It’s not a sexy bike but that is not what is supposed to be. One can look at the rugged good looks of the Scout and see how it was designed as a visual tribute to the bike’s purpose. More than a reminder, the 2015 Scout houses features that make it viable machine in today’s riding terrain. Armed with a 69 cubic inch, liquid cooled v twin engine, the Scout produces an aggressive 100 horses with 72.2 foot pounds of torque. Weighing in wet at just under 558 pounds with a seat height of 25.3 inches, the Scout is easily accessible to riders from all skill sets. It is considerably nimble and definitively comfortable. It’s quick with an active throttle response that actually responds. It has a simple and clean design yet emanates a commanding presence. The Scout gets noticed. Then, there is the ride. I rode through South Dakota, from Sturgis to Deadwood and then up to Mount Rushmore. The winding and sweeping roads that climbed and descended the scenic mountainscapes were the perfect atmosphere to put the Scout through its paces. Throughout the elevation SPORTBIKESINCMAG.COM | 27
THE FIRST SHOW:RIDE: BREAKLITE’S THE 2015 NIGHTMARE INDIAN SCOUT
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THE FIRST RIDE: THE 2015 INDIAN SCOUT changes, the Scout provided plenty of power to throttle out of the bends. The ergonomics of the Scout allows for a comfortable and controlled ride. With the controls in a reasonable reach, there wasn’t any over extending to maneuver the bike. It’s as if the controls are reaching out to you. The forward foot controls are placed at a location on the frame where they are not so far forward. They feel more under foot and paired with the Scout’s overall low center of gravity, gives a greater sense of stability and balance. The Scout is a stocky bike with a length of 91 inches and a width of just under 35 inches. It retains it nimbleness and solidarity. It is a very confident machine. It seems aware of its purpose and exists only to serve that purpose. As I rode with the amazing views of South Dakota all around, the Scout was an exhilarating motorcycle to experience. In the stop and go traffic of Downtown Sturgis, and Main Street to the winding open roads and highways en route to Mount Rushmore, the Scout performed with no issues or concern. When it was all said and done, I put down the side stand and walked away from the bike. I only made it a few steps before I stopped and looked back at it. The Scout had captured my attention and held it. That was the point of returning this iconic machine to the community of which it belongs. It was not to just reissue a bike because it was the cool thing to do and because they could. This was about paying respect to the machine’s legacy and honoring its contributions. This was about appreciating that legacy and building upon it for this generation to experience and indulge. This was about a motorcycle that has the ability to grab and hold your attention, long after the ride. 30 | SPORTBIKESINCMAG.COM
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THE FIRST SHOW:RIDE: BREAKLITE’S THE 2015 NIGHTMARE INDIAN SCOUT
THE 2015 INDIAN
SCOUT
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THE GRID: NEWS JAMES “THE ROCKET” RISPOLI JOINS THE STAFF OF SBI James “The Rocket” Rispoli has joined SportBikes Inc Magazine as a staff writer in the very popular “The Grid” section of the magazine. Rispoli’s monthly column, “The Rocket” will make its debut in the January issue of SBI and will chronicle his life as a world class road racer, on and off the track. James Rispoli is a two time AMA Pro Racing Champion (2011 AMA Supersport East Champion, 2012 AMA Supersport West Champion) and currently competes in the British Supersport Championship series, piloting the Yamaha R6 for Team Traction Control, owned by musician Keith Flint of The Prodigy. “2015 is going to be such a great year and to start it off with my own column in the pages of SportBikes Inc Magazine is so exciting. Allan and his team are creative and digitally bring to the market a cutting edge review of the sport bikes industry. I am thrilled they think enough of my racing contributions here and abroad to allow me to share these experiences with their readership. Stay tuned for all there is to know about me and my adventures.” - James “The Rocket” Rispoli. “James is full of personality and character. More importantly, he is one of the most talented riders on the grid. I watched him make the transition from the national racing arena to the global stage. He’s remained the same throughout... Hard working and humble. His journey as an international professional racer has just begun. I’m excited that he is going to share his experiences in the pages of SBI for all to read and enjoy.” - Allan Lane, SportBikes Inc Magazine Publisher and Editor in Chief. 36 | SPORTBIKESINCMAG.COM
MOTOGP: CASEY STONER AND HONDA BACK TOGETHER AGAIN Honda Racing Corporation has retained the services of the retired, two time MotoGP Champion, Casey Stoner. Stoner will serve as a test rider for two days of testing at the end of January, before the
official IRTA pre season test. Stoner will also provide services for another test at yet to be determined date.
TT: DUNLOP TO RIDE FOR MILWAUKEE YAMAHA IN 2015 Milwaukee Yamaha has signed Michael Dunlop to pilot their 2015 Yamaha R1 for the Isle of Man TT races in 2015. Dunlop will compete in following race classes: RST Superbike, PokerStars Senior TT, the North West 200 and the Ulster GP.
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THE GRID: NEWS MOTOAMERICA: SPY SHOTS OF JOSH HAYES ONBOARD HIS 2015 R1
Many teams are beginning testing for the 2015 season and the crew at Graves Yamaha are getting an early start. Champion Josh Hayes was captured heading to put in some 38 | SPORTBIKESINCMAG.COM
laps on his 2015 Graves Yamaha R1. These are a few of the first photos of the new R1 in action. We look forward to when the team unveils their 2015 livery in the coming weeks.
WSBK: KAWASAKI AND MONSTER FORM NEW PARTNERSHIP Monster Energy continues to make global moves in the powersports arena. They have established their brand via partnerships with Kawasaki in motocross and supercross and now, World Superbike. This new partnership will pair the energy drink power house with Kawasaki Racing Team and reigning champion Tom Sykes for the 2015 season. Monster joins KRT’s current list of sponsors including Motocard, Elf, Akrapovic, Bubel, MRA and Vialser.
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THE GRID: NEWS MOTOGP: ROSSI’S NEW REPLICA HELMET BY AGV AGV has released the new Valentino Rossi replica helmet to the American market. The limited edition helmet features graphics from the Pink Floyd’s Wish You Were Here album. Take note of the Monster Energy logos on the sides and chin of the helmet, a first for a Rossi replica even though he has been sponsored by the energy drink company since
MOTOAMERICA: ROAD RACE FACTORY’S 2015 TEAM Road Race Factory has announced their 2015 team lineup that will compete in the MotoAmerica race series. The 2014 AMA Pro Racing Daytona SportBike Champion Jake Gagne returns to the team’s roster but he will now compete in the 1000cc Superstock Class on the Yamaha R1. The 2014 AMA Pro Racing Rookie of the Year, Tomas Puerta returns to the team with two new teammates, Ben Young from Scotland and Cameron Petersen of South Africa. Puerta, Young and Petersen will compete in the Supersport Class on board the Yamaha R6. 40 | SPORTBIKESINCMAG.COM
2009. Rossi wore the original helmet in 2013 at the San Marino GP as a tribute to the late Marco SImoncelli. The helmet is titled “Wish” and speaks to Rossi’s strong bond of friendship to his late friend. The Wish limited edition helmet is priced at $999.95 and is available now. Click on the image for more information.
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THE GRID
Images: Kevin Choate//Rick Hentz
THE NUMBERS EVERY MONTH, WE ASK PROS AND AMATEURS WHY THEY CHOSE THE NUMBERS THAT IDENTIFY THEM ON THE GRID...
MILES THORTON
“I
#72
always ran #144 when I was younger because that was my dad’s number racing. But when I got to WERA, someone had already taken that number. So I halved it and got #72.” 42 | SPORTBIKESINCMAG.COM
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SPORTBIKESINCMAG.COM | 45 Hi-Tech Parts - Our passion ever since
THE GRID
THE ROCKET: FIRST THINGS FIRST WORDS: JAMES RISPOLI IMAGES: IMPACT IMAGES
H
ello everyone my name is James Rispoli. I am a professional motorcycle racer, racing in Great Britain. Before we get into my life and what makes me tick I would like to set the stage by saying I live, eat and breathe racing. I am one of the biggest gear heads in the business. I’ve been riding since I was six years old. I won my first AMA Amateur Grand Championship when I was nine. I have had my eye on the prize my whole life and I continue to move forward with hardwork and dedication to become one of the top racers of the world. Let’s go back just a few months when I was deep into my first season of British SuperSport racing and focus on my International career and goals at this time. In 2014, I rode for the legendary British Rockstar, Keith Flint, front man for the band “The Prodigy”. I know what you must be thinking... Holy shit! How did you deal with having a rockstar as a boss? Honestly, Keith is a motorcycle gear head himself and he is the most humble person I have ever met. He worked hard to get to where he his with his music career. Keith appreciates regular folks who dedicate their lives to being the best they can be and dream big then get after it. My opportunity to race overseas is a dream come true and a journey that has just begun. I have re-signed with Keith’s Team Traction Control for the 2015 season and together we are gunning for the British Supersport Championship. It’s not easy picking up your life and moving 46 | SPORTBIKESINCMAG.COM
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THE GRID: THE ROCKET
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overseas. In 2014, I lived in the UK in a flat supplied by Keith. It was tough being so far away from family and friends but in a short while I made new friends and began to enjoy my time in another country. This opportunity did more than just bring me to a another part of the world to race, it provided me a new experience in another culture steep in British tradition from the accent people speak with to the pubs and beer, all the way to the food we ate. This first year has been amazing both on and off the track and I feel blessed and honored to represent the USA and to be experiencing all there is at such a young age. As soon as I arrived in the UK, I resumed my training program. I was100% focused on
learning all there was to learn about the tracks, my competitors and my team. It was quite the challenge, big and bold but I was up for it. Our team was on a Suzuki platform, a bike that I have been riding for many years. I knew right from the start we would be challenged with this machine. However, with all the tracks being new to me and the crazy weather, I had enough to concentrate on. The team and I went to Spain for some preseason testing and we started the program off with a bang. Next month I will talk briefly about our switch to the Yamaha R6 and the 2014 season. Then I will roll straight into the nitty gritty of my life. ‘Til then, have fun and go faster! SPORTBIKESINCMAG.COM | 49
THE GRID
TURN ONE: G’DAY MATE!
WORDS: SANDRA STAMMOVA IMAGES: COURTESY OF SANDRA STAMMOVA
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THE GRID: TURN ONE
I
left New Zealand and moved to Australia’s Gold Coast where I was staying at Daniel Stauffer’s house, who was a well known superbike rider for Aprilia in the Australian National Superbike Championship that season. They race in during the winter, that’s why some of their riders combine the Australian and New Zealand Championship in one year. The plan we had with Daniel was to find a team in Australia to be able to race there the following season. His house was about fifteen minutes from Surfers Paradise Beach which was great as I was able to go there almost every day for a run, gym or cycle on Daniel’s road bike. I had great conditions for training over there. I think about three weeks after I moved to the country we were off to Philip Island as Daniel was invited to do testing for Aprilia. This test was for journalists and Daniel organized for me to be a part of the test, as well. How exciting! I never forget what he said to me before we arrived and met the Aprilia team, “Commie! If you crash, I kill you!” Obviously he didn’t mean it. Well I was hoping he didn’t… This was the first time anyone called me “Commie” like a communist from the history of Slovakia. That has been one of my main nick names all over the world, including Super Sport. I was officially named “Commie” on the British Superbikes website. I must say I was a bit nervous to test a bike that I had never ridden on this world famous track. I wasn’t familiar with the cold and wet weather. My heart was pumping but I pretended like it was all good as it is my second nature to do that. I don’t show my emotions or anxiety to keep everybody else on the team calm and confident. I know what I am doing. It’s better for them and it’s also better for me. One person with butterflies in their tummy is
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better than the whole team. It was raining in the morning so I did an interview with one of the journalists. Later when the track started to dry up I jumped on one of the bikes. It was a fantastic experience. The Aprilia felt so different compared to the Honda. The bike felt short, small in general and I found it very easy to turn and change direction. I was following Daniel most of the time and that helped me to learn the track while I kept in the back of my mind his “Commie” comment. My “Welcome to Australia” trip worked out well. We did miss our plane home but we eventually returned to the Gold Coast.
Everyday I was getting introduced to many people from the bike industry. One of them was a very successful former motorcycle racer and current motorcycle instructor, Bernie Hatton. He has worked with many riders in his career including the Australian Moto 2 rider, Anthony West. I explained to Bernie where I came from and what I was trying to achieve in Australia. He understood very quickly, there was nothing else I wanted to do other than racing motorbikes as it was and has been my biggest passion since I did my first lap at the Pukekohe Circuit in New Zealand. Bernie introduced me to motocross as he believes
it’s great training for fitness and learning many different skills on a motorcycle at relatively slow speed. I learned to not be afraid of the bike moving around, sliding, drifting and reacting calmly and relaxed instead of being tense and forgetting to breath for an entire lap. That’s the time when you get arm pumps and your concentration drops due to not enough oxygen in your brain and muscles. Riding has to become your second nature so that it just happens without thinking. My sport psychology mentor gave me this example: “When you walk, you don’t think about making the first, second or third step?” He’s right. You just walk. Your brain gives impulses to your legs and it happens automatically. It’s the same with motorbikes or any other sport at the top level. When you ride the fastest it feels slow and easy because you are in the zone. When you think you “try hard” and think about doing things mechanically like, “Now I will brake hard, then throw the bike in, here I have to get on the gas 4% and in two meters 30%, now my wheel is sliding so I will not shut off the gas to high side but I will keep steady throttle while picking the bike up and lowering my body and as soon as I am on the fat part of the tyre I give it hand full while pushing back on foot pags to make sure I am not tense holding on my handle bars...” Imagine that! That’s only a few things but if you had to think about everything you do in one lap you would have to ride 30kilometers per hour. What I am trying to say is that Bernie was teaching me to focus on one thing at the time while training to make sure we correct mistakes one by one until it becomes second nature. When you are ready you start doing flowing laps and get your rhythm where you don’t think about technique, you just feel what the bike needs and you only look SPORTBIKESINCMAG.COM | 53
THE GRID: TURN ONE
for your reference points.
much more of those basic exercises.
After a while I became more involved with Bernie’s business which was called Top Rider. I finished an instructor course through his school in 2010. I also was traveling with him to different private tracks in Australia where he was organizing his racing school courses. He provided me with one of his bikes to be able to practice with the other students and also to understand what motorcycle coaching at different levels is all about.
I think it was July when I received a blank email from some guy Nick Morgan that I didn’t know at the time. I just found it weird that someone would send to me a blank email so I responded with few question marks asking if that was all he wanted to say to me. The next email from Nick was a huge surprise and completely unexpected. Nick Morgan was the owner of the MSS Kawasaki factory BSB team. He asked me a few things about my riding and requested my CV. He asked if I would be willing to come to the UK for testing and to possiby relocate. My answer was yes! I was so happy and excited yet anxious about this opportunity. I knew I wasn’t very experienced, but I felt I had nothing to lose. My rule is to take every opportunity I get to see where it can go. I don’t want to regret what I have not done in my life.
I started racing in New Zealand on a Honda Fireblade and it was very beneficial for me to learn things from scratch on smaller bikes at slower speeds to understand how can I walk before I can run. I didn’t like it at the time but now after a few years I can see Bernie’s reasons to coach me the way he did. If I could go back in time I would do 54 | SPORTBIKESINCMAG.COM
Written in the unmistakable voice of Earl “the Squirrel” Hayden, The First Family of Racing gives readers an inside look into the lives of the Hayden motorcycle racing dynasty.
NOW AVAILABLE IN THE HAYDEN BROTHERS GENERAL STORE HAYDENBROSGENERALSTORE.COM SPORTBIKESINCMAG.COM | 55
THE GRID: ON THE COME UP
Images: Courtesy of Eric Swahn
ERIC SWAHN
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NAME: Eric Swahn HOMETOWN: Metro Detroit, MI AGE: 22 ASSOCIATION/AFFILIATIONS/SERIES: WERA Motorcycle Roadracing GOALS: For the 2015 season, my goal is to race a full season in MotoAmerica, formerly known as AMA Pro Roadracing. I aim to qualify for every event and finish within the points paying positions every race while shooting for a top ten results. I will also compete in Expert National and Regional events with WERA, CCS, and ASRA that don’t conflict. I intend to be racing for many years to come, with an ultimate goal of international level competition. ACCOMPLISHMENTS:
In 2014, I entered into my third full season of racing. Highlights include 10 National top 10 finishes with a career high of a second place Expert National finish. I have finished within the points paying positions in every race finished, 32 this season. My overall regional championship results are: 2nd in 750 Superstock, 3rd in 600 Superbike, 4th in 750 Superbike, 4th in 600 Superstock and 4th in 750 Superbike National.
DEFINE YOUR PASSION IN ONE SENTENCE: Racing is life. CONTACT: WWW.ERICSWAHNRACING.COM
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OPTIMIZE YOUR PERFORMANCE
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THE STRAIGHT LINE
LINES OF A LEGEND
WORDS: RICKEY GADSON IMAGES: RICKEY GADSON//ALLAN LANE
THE H2RG HYBRID
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THE STRAIGHT LINE: LINES OF A LEGEND
A
ugust 2014: the confidentiality paper work started coming through email once again with sections that were very clear that my position with Kawasaki depended on me not saying a word to anyone about what I know or about what I was about to receive. No pictures taken by anyone! I couldn't even share it with my confidant and nephew Richard Gadson who desperately wanted to know about my trip to Japan in November of 2013 and my involvement with, what he later found out was the H2. I've never seen a bike that meant so much to a company than the H2 and its technology. In late October 2014 my H2 was being shipped from Japan through Kawasaki’s American headquarters in California, then
For my involvement, I received an H2 which is unlike any other, as it is equipped with an H2R state of tune. 62 | SPORTBIKESINCMAG.COM
routed to the Atlanta warehouse. At which time I found out that Kawi had one last surprise for me, a computer rendering of an H2 “RG’d out,” with a stretched swingarm, pipe with my sponsors parts and graphics applied to the them. They nick named it the "H2RG" This bike was such a big secret that nobody at Kawasaki Motor Corp even got to see this bike before I did! I had to send them pictures of the motorcycle once I took it out of the crate so they could see what it looks like. My new H2/H2R hybrid went straight to the dyno. In stock tune it spat out about 259 horses to its rear wheel despite a very rich fuel mixture, a state of tune that preserves engine life at the expense of ultimate power.
Dustin "Dusty" Schaller from Dynojet flew in days later to build the world's first power commander for the bike. When he finished with installing the PC5 the horse power jumped up to 286 horses but he didn't want to be responsible for damaging the motor on the world’s only H2/ H2R hybrid so he left it alone but told us it was more left in it cause it kept picking up power the more he leaned on it. Leaning it out and adding a Power Commander V and ignition module picked up a corral of extra ponies, peaking at a stout 296 hp after Coby finished tuning it on pump gas. Dyno testing is fun with a motorcycle as powerful as the H2, but drag strip testing is literally where the rubber meets the road. To limit weight transfer, my H2 was lowered via
Adam’s adjustable shock linkage and the front fork strapped down only. For a friendly comparison to the H2, I brought along a brand brand new 2015 ZX-14R that had also been lowered, the front end slid up through the trees and then strap to lower it even further than the H2. I first rode it at stock wheelbase at Rockingham dragway for the first photo and video shoot. I had the same feeling that I had in Japan, learning how to ride again. Especially to see what was changed from when I rode in preproduction to now. I couldn’t go faster than the 14 at first because I couldn’t get the throttle open. It took me so long to get the throttle open at stock wheelbase. I could’ve taken advantage of the H2’s
Coby Adams SPORTBIKESINCMAG.COM | 63
THE STRAIGHT LINE: LINES OF A LEGEND Dusty at Adams Performance tuning the H2RG.
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electronic wheelie control and launch controls but I feel like I can go faster than any electronics can help me go, so my ego did not let me... And I paid for it fighting wheelies the whole way. Back to back, on the same day, the lowered 14R and less lowered H2 ran identical ETs: 9.16 seconds. The big difference came at the top end, with the 14R hitting a relatively paltry 148 mph compared to the H2’s blazing 160 mph trap speed. The 14R’s longer wheelbase and more “docile”, I use that term loosely, power gave it an advantage off the line, getting to the 330 foot mark two tenths of a second ahead of its supercharged lil’ brother because full throttle couldn’t be exploited due to wheelie concerns. And at the eighth mile mark, the ZX remained ahead by 0.17 second. However, the H2’s massive power was able to be employed in the back half of the track, rapidly gaining on the normally aspirated 14R. On the second half of the racetrack, the bike did a 3 flat back half versus a 3.19 on the ZX-14. “So it made up almost two tenths from the eighth mile to the quarter mile alone. What you have to take in consideration is that’s at partial throttle until halfway down the racetrack, whereas you’d be at full throttle,on the 14R.” People can say what they want, about thinking the H2 should be quicker, but they don’t understand racing if they look at those numbers. The next step in transforming the H2/H2R to a serious dragstripper was fitting it with a longer swingarm built by Coby Adams, extending its wheelbase to 68 inches. In addition, he made an air hitter bracket to mount the shifter and mounted a BST rear wheel from Brock's performance. SPORTBIKESINCMAG.COM | 65
THE STRAIGHT LINE: LINES OF A LEGEND
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That’s how much of a beast that thing is to ride! But it’s so much fun!
TICKETS: The H2RG (L) and The ZX 14R (R).
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THE STRAIGHT LINE: LINES OF A LEGEND
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The big unveil at the International Motorcycle Show in New York.
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THE STRAIGHT LINE: LINES OF A LEGEND
performance. With less of a propensity to wheelie during his next dragstrip session, I was finally able to use full throttle in second gear. As a result, a full second was trimmed off his ET on the stock wheelbase H2, dipping to a phenomenal 8.21 second blast. With the H2, Kawasaki kind of threw the middle finger up at everybody. For me to end up riding for the company of the motorcycle that my dad loved so much that he lived and died on one, it’s just such an overwhelming feeling that I would be in Japan assisting with the build on the motorcycle of motorcycles with Kawasaki! After the early December video 70 | SPORTBIKESINCMAG.COM
shoot, photoshoot and test there was less than two weeks from the embargo'd date of December 12th New York IMS "Rickey Gadson H2 Hybrid unveiling". The hardest thing I ever had to deal with was being ordered not post any pics after the test. Kawasaki had a game plan and I had to stick to it for one final month before the debut. The final stage to this plan was the unveiling in New York at the IMS show for the media first and then the public. All I can say is, Kawasaki's plan paid big dividends! My new Hybrid H2 was the star of the show and gave the Kawasaki booth a major presence for three straight days!
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THE STRAIGHT LINE
THE YOUNGEST IN CHARGE WORDS: DYSTANY SPURLOCK IMAGES: ROBIN SPURLOCK
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elcome to 2015! New is wrapped all around us. 2015 will be filled with positivity at its best. We as individuals must be open and willing to accept any and all challenges that we are about to encounter. My personal focus and drive have reached the next level. Things have changed and I have adapted. Remember, change is good and it is much needed at times. Get ready to evolve. Motorsports racing is more complex than what most people may think. Concentration, focus and confidence are three key components that are crucial to me in racing. On race day when I
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first wake up, I immediately turn my focus to my ultimate goal for the day... To win. I get tunnel vision as I visualize myself standing in the winner’s circle with my trophy. I have a great understanding that I must take it one race at a time. Concentrating on the task at hand, I remain patient as I strive to accomplish my goals. I must be disciplined and not jump the gun. Every racer, at some point in time, has rushed to error and in the process... cost themselves the race. Whether it was taking air out of the
tire without the use of a tire pressure gage for accuracy or not taking the time to practice before a race, these are valuable lessons learned. There are no shortcuts or half steps when competing. Confidence is mandatory. If you do not believe in yourself then how can you accomplish your goals? Disbelief in yourself is not acceptable. When you are happy with yourself the world smiles upon you. 2015 is about surrounding myself with the love and passion that I have for motorsports. When
a person loves what they do, it is undeniable in their performance and action. I am looking to inspire the next generation of racers by hopefully creating the spark of hope to a little girl or boy that has the same dreams and aspirations that I have. I want them to know that whatever they can dream, they can achieve. I am going to continue to work hard and make all of my sponsors, supporters and fans proud. I am so ready for the race season to get underway. Let’s do this!
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THE STRAIGHT LINE: ON THE COME UP
Images: Courtesy of Tricky Brice Lloyd Rickey Racing
RICKEY J. BUENO AKA TRICKY RICKEY
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NAME: Rickey J. Bueno HOMETOWN: Tyler, TX AGE: 45 ASSOCIATION/AFFILIATIONS/SERIES: IHRA, NHRA GOALS: I’d love to get a win at the IHRA or NHRA Division 4 Finals before I’m done racing. ACCOMPLISHMENTS: 2004 Hallsville Raceway and 2010 Redline Raceway IHRA Track Champion. Several overall wins at The King of The Track events in Texas dating from 2002 to 2013. Winner at the Texas Grudgefest in 2013 and overall Winner at the Motorcycle Shootout in Denton, Texas in 2014. DEFINE YOUR PASSION IN ONE SENTENCE: I hate to lose more than I love to win so I never take short cuts and always expect the best. CONTACT:
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2015
schedule
april 24-26, 2015
Maryland International Raceway
may 29-31, 2015
Maryland International Raceway
july 24-26, 2015
Maryland International Raceway
september 11-13, 2015 Atco Dragway
october 2-4, 2015 Maryland International Raceway
RaceIDBL.com
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THE REV LIMITER
THE MAIN POINTS WORDS: DENA SODANO IMAGES: PIOTR MOKRY// CHARMS// G. ANDERSON
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e all know him and probably even know more about his beloved and, oh so cherished “Poopface”, but Rodney Sargent a.k.a. “Rowdy” has been in the game of freestyle stunt riding since the beginning and is still going strong and rolling tall. His signature Team Anger Management Freestyle has come a long way since he paired up with the one and only Jesse Toler. They’ve been a part of the evolution of sportbike freestyle and have seen the transition of a riders ability and skills, the different street bikes and models and the stunt parts which changed the art of stunt riding throughout the years. Not to mention, Rowdy and Jesse have had some of the most gnarly and pain staking injuries between the two of them. Go ahead and take a guess right now of how many
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TEAM ANGER
MANAGEMENT SPORTBIKESINCMAG.COM | 83
THE REV LIMITER: THE MAIN POINTS broken bones we are talking about... Â DS: What is Team Anger Management? RS: Team Anger Management started in 2002 as a group of Atlanta area riders who used sport bikes as a release from the day to day frustrations of life, hence the name Anger Management. Back then we were just crew of friends. We hit the streets and were just wild and total hooligans. Wheelies, stoppies and burnouts were the daily norm for us.
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DS:Â How did some of the competitions and events back then affect your riding and the evolution of AM Freestyle? RS: In 2003 I bought my first dedicated stunt bike, a minty 1999 Honda CBR 900RR. I instantly took it home and dented the tank in to learn tank wheelies. By winter 2004, Aaron Twite and I were riding the streets hard, but had switched to industrial areas a few nights a week to dial in new tricks to take back to the streets. We attended our first Stuntwars competition that
year and met riders from all over the country, including future teammate Jesse Toler from Tampa, Florida. From there it just snowballed into stunt riding as much as possible every week, learning new tricks and of course our love for stoppies started taking over. We started traveling, competing and placing all the large events at the time such as Stuntwars, Stuntoberfest and King of The South.
very underground. DS: AM Freestyle has come a long way on one wheel, literally. You guys have traveled allover and taken part in so many different aspects where sport bike freestyle probably would have never entered the scene. What are some of the big accomplishments AM Freestyle has had? RS: We have catered to some of the largest corporate motorsports events in the country In 2006 we got our big break from Thomas such as NHRA, Easy Riders H.D. Tours, World Evans of Stuntride.com to do a summer’s worth of Wheels, MLB, NASCAR and countless of Monster Jam shows all over the Southeast for powersports dealers all over the globe. Clear Channel. This opened so many doors for Team Anger Management is known for our not only Anger Management, but for street bike custom built tire slaying drift bikes and of course stunt riding as a new sport. Back then it was still being the Kings of long distance stoppies. The
TEAM ANGER MANAGEMENT: Rodney Sargent (L) and Jesse Toler (R) SPORTBIKESINCMAG.COM | 85
THE REV LIMITER: THE VIOLET MAIN STARS... POINTS
team has either won or podium placed at every single major Long Distance Stoppie Competition in the USA from Stuntwars, XDL, King of The South or Stuntoberfest. Jesse Toler is now a Two Time Guinness World Record Holder with the Longest and Fastest Stoppies ever done on a motorcycle. Jesse has been 150mph on the front wheel and has also set a separate distance record of 1,320.3ft. I’ve been 1,016 feet on the front wheel and a fastest speed of 130mph. We also host the annual World Famous AM Stoppie School session once per year in Atlanta, GA. 2015 will be our fifth year hosting 86 | SPORTBIKESINCMAG.COM
it. It has now grown into a large free riding session, focusing primarily on the art of long distance stoppies from the best rollers in the world. And the most broken bones award goes to... Jesse Toler with 65 and Rowdy with 34 bones! DS: 2015 is right around the corner. What does AM Freestyle have in store for the new year? RS: Keep riding, staying healthy as possible and travel the country performing, competing and representing our amazing sponsors and the street bike freestyle movement.
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THE REV LIMITER: ON THE COME UP
Images: Courtesy of Jamie Baker
JAMIE BAKER
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NAME: Jamie Baker HOMETOWN: Adelaide, Australia AGE: 25 ASSOCIATION/AFFILIATIONS/SERIES: SARS (Stunt and Race Squadron) GOALS: To be the first Australian rider to compete on the world stage. ACCOMPLISHMENTS: Raising the bar in the Australian stunt scene not only with the level of riding but also with the level of bike builds to come out of Australia. DEFINE YOUR PASSION IN ONE SENTENCE: Life changing! Contact:
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THE LIFE: FEATURED CLUB
Images: Courtesy of Latin Riders, Bucks County M.C.
LATIN RIDERS, BUCKS COUNTY M.C. Rocker Interpretation: The club’s logo features a center rocker that displays the pistons and the crank of a motorcycle. This signifies the heart of the motorcycle engine much like the heart of the body, it keeps you moving forward. The fire represents the club’s passion to ride and their love of motorcycles. Club history: The mother chapter of the Latin Riders was formed in 1977 by individuals that wanted to travel on the bikes as a family. That sentiment is carried on with the Bucks County PA Chapter that was started in 2013. “We are the new kids
CHAPTER: Bucks County, PA FOUNDED: 2013 MEMBERS: 40 Members from 4 Chapters ELECTED OFFICIALS: PRESIDENT: Harry VICE PRESIDENT: Elio SERGEANT AT ARMS: Country SERGEANT AT ARMS: Bert ENFORCER: Cano
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on the scene,” says President Harry. “But we are going to take the club forward and it keep it strong as we can and grow.” Club milestones/memorable moments: The Latin Riders are active in their community. They participate in charity rides that benefit those that are suffering from cancer, autism and other ailments. Future of the club: The future of the club is about the next generation of riders and getting them involved in with the Latin Riders and teaching them the meaning of brotherhood and family.
Want to see your club featured here? Drop us an email!
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THE LIFE
THE LION’S DEN: A NEW 365 WORDS AND IMAGES: LION JAMES//PATRICK CLIETT
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welve months ago I shared with you all my “Two Wheels Resolution” and I am happy to say that I certainly made good on that resolve. 2014 was a good year for me and I hope it was for you as well. I’ve spoken before about continuous improvement all year long as opposed to waiting for the calendar to flip and a ball to drop before we put in motion the series of actions that lead to the best us we’ve ever been. For those of you that think that January is life’s reset button I have news for you, life is a twelve month rolling average of the good and or bad you’ve put out into the atmosphere. All that “today is page one of a 365 page book” is a bunch of bullshit and if you need the resounding hymn of “Auld Lang Syne” to serve as the starting pistol on your race to be a better you before December 31st, you should just choke yourself. Okay that last statement was a bit mean and if it hurt your feelings I apologize. That was just a little too much of my personal feelings interjected into the commentary. What I should say is don’t wait for the new year to introduce a new you. The new 365 you’ve been blessed with is just another annual series of opportunities to improve daily. Hopefully you all had fewer regrets and more triumphs than in years past and my wish for you is fewer regrets still and many more victories over the course of the next 365. See what I did there? Triumph... Victory. How convenient for us two wheel warriors would it be if the New Year marked the start of the riding season? How great would it be if we could pop Champaign, count down to the New Year, kiss that special someone, or not so special someone depending on what you’re into, then immediately throw a leg over to get an early start on the new riding season? That would be awesome. Some of us don’t skip a beat and come January 1st, whether it’s warm or cold outside we’re on two wheels. I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again, you folks where its warm year ‘round don’t know how good you got it. Others of us, in the face of winter weather and “fair weather riding tendencies” can only make a list of two wheel goals and plan for rides as soon as the weather warms. Screw that noise, Happy New Year let’s ride! To where did you want to ride in 2014 that you didn’t? What upgrade to your motorcycle or gear did you want to make last year that just didn’t happen? What riding or wrenching skill did you fall short of mastering that you’d like to nail down over the course of the next 365? If you are like me, it goes without saying that if you are reading this magazine you are at least somewhat like me, among the 96 | SPORTBIKESINCMAG.COM
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THE LIFE: THE LION’S DEN
first few things on your mind when the clock struck 12:00 am was your motorcycle and riding in the new year. Since my two wheels resolution from last year is still in play it’s time to start thinking about what my 2015 motorcycle goal and resolve will be. How do you choose what to make a two wheel priority at the beginning of the year? Have you set priorities? Were you able to take advantage of the last twelve months of riding opportunity? If the answer is yes then congratulations, what will you do this year? If the answer is no then there’s no need lamenting on missed chances, by the grace of the motorcycle Gods you have a new 365 days ahead of you to make it happen. If you have a two wheeled bucket list with more question marks than check marks, you might as well just sell the bike now and not just be traffic. However if you want to ride more in 2015 than you did in 2014 but not 98 | SPORTBIKESINCMAG.COM
as much as you will in 2016 then saddle up, throw a leg over and open that throttle with me as I drop a gear like so many crystal laden balls in Times Square and ride out on the new year. In 2015 we ride. We ride as hard, as fast, as far and as often as we can. We ride this year because we love to ride, because we have the ability to ride and because as motorcyclists we must ride. This year, like no other year past, we will ride together, we will ride for the culture and we will ride to bring the sport to every road worth riding, street corner in a neighborhood near or far and track paddock available to us. We owe it to our past years’ selves to ride more now than ever for all the times we should have ridden but didn’t. While I have not been watching the calendar in wait for January 1st for any particular reason, as I said, 2014 was a good year, now is as good a
time as any to get the bikes prepped for the warm weather, the beginning of the “riding season,” the first organized ride in your community or with your Motorcycle Club or, if you’re lucky, or brave whichever the case may be, tomorrow’s commute to work. Don’t let another year go by without you logging some righteous hours in the saddle. Don’t allow 2015 to come and go while your motorcycle sees the inside of the garage more than the open road. Don’t get caught thinking “I should have ridden more last year” this same time next year and don’t waste the freedom that riding a motorcycle offers you all in the name of poor time management, being timid, waiting on someone else to ride with you or because you were scared. There is only this year and last year cannot be changed now so ride dang it. The beauty of that statement is that if you believe it, it will be true every year. Make that your mantra and follow thru on your own personal two wheels resolution so you will have no excuses, no regrets and no reason to start becoming a new you, as it relates to riding anyway, a week after Christmas. If you’ve always wanted to ride but haven’t bought
your first motorcycle yet, make this year the year you finally live this bike life instead of simply reading about it. Been dreaming about hitting the track and finding out first hand the joy of track riding, I’ll let you in on a little secret “the tracks will be open in 2015.” Have you been playing it local since you started riding and need an excuse to see another zip code on two wheels? Well if it benefits your riding then I will turn a blind eye to your “new year, new me” life hack. My point is this, whether you make a change to ride better, ride farther or ride more because it’s a new year or if making a change is what makes this year new never get complacent, never stop doing more and know that there’s never “enough” riding. Never put off for next year what you should have done last year or what you could be doing right now. We are not reborn annually on January 1st so let’s keep the pages turning, reevaluate instead of trying to reinvent and eliminate regrets year over year. For me this new 365 marks the turning of page 12,568 of an autobiography of the greatest man that ever lived. Stay tuned my friends, the story only gets better. Ride safe and often. SPORTBIKESINCMAG.COM | 99
FEATURED THE LIFE FEATURED LIFE:RIDER FEATURED RIDERS RIDERS
Brigit Duncan LOCATION: Daytona Beach, FL. OCCUPATION: Owner of Brigit’s Custom Work in Daytona Beach. YEARS RIDING: Since I was 18 years old. RIDING STYLE: Some off road. Regular street riding. BIKE/S OWNED: 2002 Harley Davidson FLHTC, 1966 Harley Davidson FLH, 2008 Suzuki Hayabusa. FAVORITE BIKE MODIFICATION/ACCESSORY: On my Busa,
the C and S Custom extended swingarm with the 330 tire and air ride. FAVORITE PIECE OF RIDING GEAR: My red high heel boots.
MOST MEMORABLE RIDE: Every ride is a memory for me.
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Omar Harris LOCATION: Philadelphia, PA OCCUPATION: Sales manager. YEARS RIDING: 20 years. RIDING STYLE: Street, track. BIKE/S OWNED: 2007 Honda CBR 1000RR. FAVORITE BIKE MODIFICATION/ACCESSORY: Yoshimura full exhaust system with power commander. There’s nothing like a finely tuned sportbike.
FAVORITE PIECE OF RIDING GEAR: My Shoei helmet. It saved my life.
MOST MEMORABLE RIDE: Moonshiner 28. 265 miles of twisties through four states. An aggressive ride with six friends of similar skill level that you empty but smiling after we were done.
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FEATURED THE LIFE FEATURED LIFE:RIDER FEATURED RIDERS RIDERS
Patrick Flynn LOCATION: Campbell, CA. OCCUPATION: Online Marketing Manager. YEARS RIDING: 19 years. RIDING STYLE: Canyons and backroads. BIKE/S OWNED: 2013 Ducati Hypermotard SP AKA “Murder SP”, 2005 Triumph Café, 1973 CB350 street tracker, 1981 Yamaha YZ 125. FAVORITE BIKE MODIFICATION/ACCESSORY: I love my
custom graphics on my Hyper with the old 848 Corse EVO color scheme.
FAVORITE PIECE OF RIDING GEAR: My Ducati Thunder Helmet by Arai is amazing!
MOST MEMORABLE RIDE: My first ride in Northern California with a handful of Ducati employees, most of whom used to race. We blasted through the hills separating Silicon Valley and Santa Cruz. Amazing scenery, and some super fast riding buddies had me hooked on my new hood instantly! 102 | SPORTBIKESINCMAG.COM
Lee Lee LOCATION: Central New Jersey OCCUPATION: Realty Specialist and Property Manager. YEARS RIDING: 4 plus years. RIDING STYLE: Street. BIKE/S OWNED: 2008 Kawasaki ZZR 600. FAVORITE BIKE MODIFICATION/ACCESSORY: I’m looking to
add some graphics and lights in 2015.
FAVORITE PIECE OF RIDING GEAR: My leather jacket and modular helmet.
MOST MEMORABLE RIDE: Baltimore Day 20102. My club
president coordinated a ride to Maryland to celebrate Baltimore Bike Day with the clubs in Maryland. We had over 300 riders from Connecticut to Maryland who participated in this ride. It started to rain but we kept on riding.
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IMPROVE YOUR SKILLS
BIKE ERGONOMICS: PART ONE
WORDS: ERIC WOOD IMAGES: DREW RUIZ//ERIC WOOD
A
s the new year rolls in, the thoughts of many people focus on new goals for 2015. For motorcycle addicts like us, those goals often focus on things like riding new tracks, adding some key bolt-ons or to improve aspects of our riding. Since few of us have the resources to make a winter trip to Philip Island, we've got to wait out the winter before being able to hit the track this Spring. Now is the time to put in some extra hours at work, hit the gym and read up on ways to help ourselves and our motorcycles. With that in mind, this month's article will focus on a two simple things that can prove to have big dividends when you roll out for your first ride next season.
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One of the most important things riders can do to get the most out of their motorcycle is to ensure that the controls are set up properly. The goal is to do all that we can to provide comfortable ergonomics with maximum leverage and fast access. The last thing that you want is to have to adjust your body or make a difficult reach to complete a maneuver or action. Every part your body that touches the motorcycle should be in position that enables maximum dexterity, comfort and control. One of the most basic (and critical) adjustments to make to a motorcycle is the angle of the clutch and brake levers. To set up this angle, loosen each
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IMPROVE YOUR SKILLS: BIKE MAKEERGONOMICS THE PADS TOUCH lever just enough that they can easily be moved and then sit on the motorcycle in a typical mid corner riding position. With your hands on the bars, your wrist should be directly in line with your forearms (Figure 1). To adjust the levers, simply extend your fingers so that they make a straight line with your hand and place the levers so that they are right at your finger tips. Once you have found this position, lock the levers in place. You should not have to bend your wrist or make a big reach to operate the levers. Your fingers should always be able to rest comfortably on the controls. Many riders are able to relax to the point that their index fingers rest on the clutch and brake lever through the majority of the turn (a habit many riders gain from motocross - Figure 2). Resting your fingers on the levers is not mandatory, but it is critically important to have the ability to make instant adjustments if needed. The more comfortable the reach to the levers, the better you will be able to react to an unexpected issue. The next place to look to help enhance the ergonomics of your hand controls is by adjusting the clipons themselves. Since most stock handlebars are not adjustable (and are usually one-piece, making for expensive and labor intensive replacements), track riders often opt for aftermarket parts in this area. When installing (or adjusting) these items, riders should follow a similar procedure as with the levers, with a few notable additions. The down angle of the majority of clipons is fixed, but there is an important adjustment that riders can make to help ensure maximum comfort and control. In order to properly analyze the bar angle, riders must first ensure that they are holding the grips correctly. While it sounds simple, a majority of riders can make a significant improvement in their riding just with the way they hold the bars. This change can have a positive effect on dexterity, comfort and control (the big three of ergonomics). To better understand handlebar grip, sit on your bike and grab both grips so that your bar runs in 108 | SPORTBIKESINCMAG.COM
FIGURE 1
FIGURE 2 line with your knuckles. This puts your hand and forearm roughly perpendicular to the bars (Figure 3). This grip is the method that nearly 3/4 of the riders utilize when they first come to the Penguin School. In this position, squeeze the grips and completely relax your arms. Since all handlebars angle back towards the rider, this will bring your elbows in towards your rib cage. This style of holding the bars not only puts riders in a position of weakness, but it also naturally flexes the forearm muscles (even without a tight grip on the bars) and leads to common problems like hand cramps and forearm pump. Since riders have no real leverage on the bars in this position, most will bring their elbows back out when riding, pinching the bones of the hand and
FIGURE 3
FIGURE 5 FIGURE 4 forearm together on the outside of each wrist (see red arrow, Figure 4). This is not a natural position and as a result it consumes energy and prevents relaxation on the bike. Riders who hold the bars like this also tend to fully lock their wrist during acceleration and as a result tend to drop their elbow in the process (Figure 5). Sometimes they even have to re-grip the bars so they can get the throttle wide open. Have you ever experienced these issues? The simple solution to solving these problems is to grip the bars like you would grab a screwdriver
(Figure 6). This allows your hand and forearm to run in the same line, which is the natural position they want to take. This will relax your forearm muscles (Figure 7), separate your elbows from your ribs (more control) and allow you to roll through the entire range of the throttle with your upper body and elbow completely still and relaxed. Your outer two fingers become the primary grip on the bars, allowing for your index and middle fingers (the ones with all the strength) the freedom to easily operate the levers. As a general note, bars that are wider or higher will want to have a flatter angle. To understand this, bend your arms at 90 degrees and put your elbows at your sides. Making sure your wrist SPORTBIKESINCMAG.COM | 109
IMPROVE YOUR SKILLS: BIKE MAKEERGONOMICS THE PADS TOUCH
FIGURE 7 FIGURE 6 are completely neutral and your arms stay at 90 degrees, raise and lower your hands from your waist to your shoulders and you will see the angle of your hands flatten. You will notice the same thing if you start in the same position and then bring your hands in and out. Since your forks are raked out at an angle, rotating your bars on the tubes effectively changes the drop angle with respect to the ground. If you think about it in extremes it becomes very clear. To make it easy we will consider a clipon with “0” degree down angle. This clipon is actually only 0 degrees on the bike when it runs straight across with no rearward pullback. As the bars come back, the angle drops. For example, on a bike with a 25 degree rake angle, the 0 degree bars would be angled at 25 degrees downward if they pointed straight back at you. The pull back angle allows the bars to sit comfortably in your hand and down angle to be set so that your wrist is completely relaxed. 110 | SPORTBIKESINCMAG.COM
With this knowledge, riders can then easily adjust width of the bars and the angle of handlebar pullback. The process starts with the bars snug and the main body of the clipons loosened just enough that they move freely (but do not fall down on their own). Riders should sit on the bike with their upper body in a neutral position that allows for maximum ability to move in any direction. This requires your hips, torso and elbows all to be right in the center of their range of motion. Your butt should be midway back on the seat, arms 90 degrees, elbows right between fully flared and touching your sides, and torso halfway between on the tank and fully upright. This should feel very comfortable and balanced. In this position, let your hands fall on the bars and adjust the clipons back and forth until your wrists are in a completely neutral position (Figure 7). With your bars properly positioned, you will have better control, more endurance and be better equipped to deal with an emergency on the track or the street. You’ll be amazed what 30 minutes in the garage can do. Until next time, ride fast. Rde safe!
With your bars properly positioned, you will have better control, more endurance and be better equipped to deal with an emergency on the track or the street. SPORTBIKESINCMAG.COM | 111
Key Switch Elimination Harness Installs in seconds - No wire cutting!
Take WEIGHT off your bike where it counts - up high! Create SPACE for dampers and timers ELIMINATE the need to use a key PLUG & PLAY installation saves time, hassle and allows for switch re-installation for bike resale 1. Remove your OEM key switch & plug in the Woodcraft harness
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$45.99 2. Unplug your OEM Stop /Run switch and plug into the harness
3. Plug in your OEM Stop/Run switch, which now operates the ignition
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Take WEIGHT off your bike where it counts - up high! Create SPACE for dampers and timers PLUG & PLAY installation saves time, hassle and allows for switch re-installation for resale
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FRICTION ZONE ZONE:: ERIK BUELL SBI AT FIVE YEARS
DIRTY LITTLE SECRETS WORDS: BILLY MORRISON IMAGES: BILLY MORRISON
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B
eing a rock n roll guitarist and a lover of all things two wheeled means that when it comes to touring, I can often mix the two things and I get to ride motorcycles all over the world, in places that I would otherwise never visit, let alone get a bike to ride. This month’s column reflects on three of the best riding experiences I have had while touring the world with Billy Idol. RUSSIA: It was the first time the band had ever played in Russia and the very first night in Moscow, we were treated to a crazy night of riding. Russia’s biggest motorcycle club, the Night Wolves MC, had turned out in force to welcome Billy Idol and the band and outside the hotel, the street was packed with bikers. Tons of ‘em! All just parked up, wearing their colors, hanging out and waiting to hand over four bikes to Billy, myself, our bass player McG and our manager, Robert. They were loaning us their own $40,000 fully custom Saxon Harleys to ride through the streets of Moscow to a VIP party that they were throwing for the band at their clubhouse. This is an offer that one doesn’t turn down and so the four of us fired these amazing motorcycles up and rode with the club. The noise of the bikes was beyond incredible. Just a pure ‘I wouldn’t mess with us’ growl that was louder than our guitar amps! The MC were shutting junctions down, riding up to cars and just literally stopping in front of them, holding their hands up and shaking their heads to stop the cars from moving, while we just rode on through. A rock ‘n roll Presidential Motorcade on the craziest, most multi colored, chrome plated, two wheeled machines I have ever ridden. Quite an experience. Thank you, Russia and the Night Wolves MC.
RUSSIA
GERMANY: As I sat on the bus, driving through the winding lanes, through the southern German countryside at about 7.00am, with the sun coming up, I realized that we were in near perfect biking country, with smooth tarmac, gently undulating, SPORTBIKESINCMAG.COM | 115
FRICTION ZONE: ZONE: DIRTY SBI ATLITTLE FIVE SECRETS sweeping curves and no cars in sight. I started to scheme... There msut be a way to rent motorcycles around here. And sure enough, within 3 hours of checking in to the rural, “fraulein leiderhosen weinerschnitzel slice of Bavarian heaven” type hotel, our security guy, Steve, McG and myself were sitting on three Triumph motorcycles and pulling out of a local rental shop and off into the great unknown, otherwise known as Oberstaufen, Southern Germany! What an amazing day off! Mile after mile of amazing riding in hot dry sunshine, with a country lunch, a lake or two and more cows than a butcher’s shop. I took a Tiger 1050 and loved it so much for that kind of Sunday
GERMANY
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afternoon ‘buzzin the countryside’ riding that I ended up owning one. The other two guys took Bonnevilles and the three of us spent the whole day not looking at maps, or trying to figure out where we were, but instead just pointed the machines at the hills in front of us and let the bikes take us. Smooth, reverse camber 40 degree curves that went on forever meant knees touched tarmac. Straight aways that disappeared into the distance with no junctions at all meant that top speeds were achieved with ease. Mile upon mile of perfect riding. That day sits in my memory banks as one of the best.
SPAIN: It was all about getting to the hotel in Bilbao and taking delivery of the four Triumph motorcycles that were being delivered for us, courtesy of the wonderful people at Triumph Europe. Somehow, through a hustle that can only be described as of gargantuan proportions, I had persuaded them to loan us four brand new bikes and let Billy, McG, Rangi and myself ride through Spain. Now let me ask you this... Some tattooed, spikey haired English guy calls you up and says “Alright mate, so listen, how about giving us some of your nice, shiny, expensive bikes and letting me and my rocker mates tear it up through the Spanish countryside?” Would you say yes? I don’t think
so! But they did. And sure enough, after a day of planes, trains and automobiles, we stood outside the hotel in Bilbao, watching four beautiful Triumph bikes get unloaded from a vehicle and parked side by side. The company representative walked over to me and dropped four sets of keys into my hand. “There you go, enjoy and we’ll see you in Madrid’. The next morning we saddled up and moved ‘em out. Headed off into the Great Unknown. Well, I know it’s the A5 through Spain, but to us it was the great unknown! Headed out of Bilbao, the scenery was absolutely gorgeous, with crystal blue skies and rolling hills either side of us that
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FRICTION ZONE: ZONE: DIRTY SBI ATLITTLE FIVE SECRETS turned gradually into mountains and forests. But gradually the terrain became more arid and dry and the temperatures soared past 100 degrees. It was getting hot out there and the pace picked up. At one point, I decided to, um, just see what ‘she’ can do and tucked in behind the fairing along a dead straight piece of smooth, black asphalt. After a few minutes and more than a few miles per hour, I sat up, slowed down and looked to my left. Billy Idol was right there, tucked in on his Bonnie, also ‘testing his machine’! No pretender to the throne here, ladies and gentlemen. I know what I was doing on that stretch of road and Billy was tucked in right behind me all the way! But gradually the heat started to take its toll and we began to drift off inside our helmets. Kinda like a vertigo type feeling. We were getting exhausted. A little more Gatorade and another fuel stop and we finally rolled into Madrid. And here’s where our plan started to go a little left of center! First of all, we figured the easiest way to find the hotel without GPS would be to pay a taxi
and follow him. Which we did. Bad move! Rush hour traffic and tiny streets jammed with cars in oppressive heat made the next 30 minutes extremely uncomfortable. Eventually the taxi pulled over, so we parked up and paid the guy and after he drove off, we realized we were not outside our hotel at all! It was about 20 blocks away at the other end of a ‘walking’ pedestrians only street. So some bright spark, who shall remain nameless, suggested we ride slowly up the walking street. Which worked perfectly until right at the end, two cops stepped out in front of us and proceeded to ask us in utter amazement why we were riding motorcycles up a paved walkway! “You do not SEE the pedestrians?” one of the cops asked us. And considering there were thousands of them everywhere, we couldn’t really say no! After a little talking and some understanding from the cops, we were allowed to push our bikes back to the street, and rode on to our hotel. “I never want to see you again” the other cop said as we pushed the motorcycles away.Thank you, Officers! Welcome to Madrid!
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AK TROOPER PACK MSRP - $180.00 IT'S BIG. IT'S TOUGH. IT'S PERFECT. Introducing the the most advanced motorcycle specific backpack on the market today. The American Kargo Trooper pack features an ergonomic harness system designed for the perfect fit and precise weight distribution both on, and off your bike. The Trooper also features interior and exterior pockets specifically designed to carry all of your motorcycle essentials which includes a 15� laptop pocket. Not to mention, a place for first aid, tools, eyewear, and the ability to secure your helmet to the back. This pack is also hydration system compatible allowing you to carry up to 4 liters of liquid. You're going to quit before the Trooper even gets close.
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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.
Kris Odwarka! What’s on your hit list? “Money’s Too Tight To Mention” by Simply Red. Because I’ve been there, not with the kids and all, but in life. “Can’t Get You Off My Mind” by Lenny Kravitz. Because I went through a tough divorce, but now have a great relationship with my ex, and cherish it.”
Kris Odwarka Vice President of BMW Motorrad USA
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The opening music over the credits for Charlie Bootman and Ewan McGregor’s “Long Way Round”. I think it’s Kelly Jones from the Stereophonics and it’s just so uplifting and full of energy. I’ve seen the Long Way Round documentary twice and I’ve read the book. I don’t tire of it.
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THE NEW ISH PUIG RACING • RACING WINDSCREEN FOR THE DUCATI PANIGALE 1199 Puig’s racing windscreens double the height of the stock screen to offer greater aerodynamics, allowing air to flow effectively over the top of the helmet at speed. Made of high impact 3mm acrylic, Puig’s screen are wind tunnel tested. Available in a selection of shades for you to choose from. Colors: Clear, Smoke, Dark Smoke, Black Price: $86.35 Contact: http://puigracing.com
DP BRAKES • SDP SPORT HH+ BRAKE PADS Fast is the name of game. But the ability to brake and eventually stop is equally important. DP’s SP Sport HH+ pads are design to offer no nonsense braking power to match the power acceleration of today’s modern sportbikes. Their high tech ceramic heat shield enables the pads to have a low wear rate so they last longer when compared to your stock pads. They feature a strong initial grab of the rotor and offer a controllable and progressive feel as you apply your brakes.
K TECH SUSPENSION • RAZOR IV REAR SHOCKS FOR TRIUMPH The adjustable Razor IV Rear Shocks are made for late model Triumph bikes with twin shock setups. The Razor shocks feature a piggy back reservoir and are nitrogen gas charged to upgrade your bike’s performance and your riding experience. Available for Triumphs from 2006 through 2014. Price: $1349.00 Contact: http://orientexpress.com
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Price: $46.95 - $49.95 Contact: http://dp-brakes.com
YOSHIMURA RD • WORKS EDITION REAR SET BRACKETS FOR THE HONDA CBR300R If you are looking to upgrade the stock set up on your CBR300R, get a more aggressive body position and improve the bike’s ground clearance, all while not breaking the bank... These rear set brackets from Yoshimura may just be what you’re looking for. These brackets work with your OEM foot pegs and offer two more mounting positions. The brackets are CNC machined from billet aluminum and are hard anodized. Applications include the 2015 Honda CBR300R and the 20112013 CBR250R. Price: $99.95 Contact: http://yoshimura-rd.com
JOE ROCKET • ATOMIC 4.0 WATERPROOF JACKET
The Atomic 4.0 holds its waterproof properties thanks to its Rock Tex 600 outer shell. CE approved armor installed in the shoulders and elbows. The armor in the back is removable and can be upgraded to a CE level spine protector. The ventilation system is progressive with Joe Rocket’s Variable Flow and Cross Linked systems. Equipped with waterproof zippers, a 6 point custom adjustment system and available in a selection of colors, the Atomic is a choice option to consider for riding apparel.
VOODOO MOTO •
Sizes: S - XXXXXL Colors: Blue, Red, Grey, Black, Hi Vis Neon Price: $159.99 - $179.99 Contact: http://joerocket.com
SHORTY 4 INTO 1 FULL SYSTEM FOR THE HAYABUSA
Voodoo’s shorty full exhaust system features a 4 into 1 configuration and is machined from stainless steel and customized to fit with no modifications to the frame or body of your Busa. Installation uses your stock header pipes after the catalytic converter and muffler are removed. Ships with all necessary bits for a quality install. Voodoo does suggest a Power Commander to assist with fuel management. Available in black or polished finishes for model years 1999 through 2015. Colors: Black, Polished Price: $749.95 Contact: http://voodoomoto.com
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THE NEW ISH ICON MOTOSPORTS • HYPERSPORT JACKET Continuing to refine the blend of form and function, the Hypersport Jacket takes an aggressive leap forward in terms of what is to come. A leather jacket with neoprene panels where it counts to snugly fit the rider is designed with an attack riding style to aid the rider in the comfort department. The jacket fits you in a manner that makes you more aerodynamic while riding. The bells and whistles include ICON’s new SportCuff feature with thumb loops that prevents the sleeve from riding or bunching up on you, especially when you are donning a pair of gloves. Armor is provided by ICON’s proven D3O Impact Protector set up that includes shoulders, elbows and spine. The Hypersport includes a removable vest liner, a number of strategic slash and cargo pockets and a waist zipper to link the jacket to the Hypersport pants. Sizes: XS - XXXXL Colors: Red, White, Stealth, Glory Price: $340.00 - $390.00 Contact: http://rideicon.com
NEW RAGE CYCLES • UNIVERSAL PLATE TURN SIGNAL FRAME
The universal fit license plate frame from New Rage Cycles helps to clean up the rear end of a majority of late model sportbikes, standards and cruisers. It mounts directly to the license plate bracket of your bike and fits all plates except for Maryland. The frame houses the LED brake lights and turn signals that are available in amber or red. BROCK’S PERFORMANCE • ALIEN HEAD FULL SYSTEM FOR THE YAMAHA FZ-09 Save almost 12 pounds with the Alien Head Full System from Brock’s when compared to the OEM system for the Yamaha FZ 09. The full system is made from lightweight stainless steel with a polished finish. It includes a res installed 12mm bung to handle your oxygen sensor issues. The muffler is 14 inches with a 2 inch outlet permanent baffle. Price: $ 915.00 Contact: http://brocksperformance.com
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Price: $144.95 Contact: http://newragecycles.com
ALPINESTARS • YARI DRYSTAR GLOVES The Yari Drystar gloves are 100% waterproof and feature a chassis consisting of goat leather and spandex sections. Insulated for winter riding, the Yaris are equipped with touchscreen compatible index fingertips for use on smartphones and GPS units. Sizes: S -XXXL Coors: Blue, Grey/White, Orange Price: $109.95 Contact: http://alpinestars.com
SHOEI • REVIVE TC 1 HELMET
Part of Shoei’s GT Air line, the Revive TC 1 is a hot looking helmet that is designed to keep you cool. The Revive is equipped with several features that make it an adaptive helmet. With a flip down internal sun shield, an anti fog shield system and a fully removable interior liner, the Revive keeps its progressive styling with a newer shell design that play canvas to a fiery Phoenix on the rise. Avaiable in three shell sizes to ensure a proper fit. Sizes: XS - XXL Price: $670.99 Contact: http://shoei-helmets.com WOODCRAFT CFM • REARSETS FOR THE KAWASAKI NINJA 650R
Woodcraft’s comprehensive line of rearsets continue with the release of their application for the Ninja 650R. The adjustable kit includes the heel plates, pegs, shift and brake pedals as well as the shift rod. Available for model years 2012 through 2014. Price: $499.99 Contact: http://woodcraft-cfm.com
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THE NEW ISH: FEATURED ITEM WOODCRAFT CFM • KEY SWITCH ELIMINATION HARNESS The Key Switch Elimination Harness makes the joy of “Push to Start” a reality for you bike. The set up completely replaces your OEM ignition switch so can remove it to free up space for other components. The harness is plug and play. There is no cutting of wires required. This also allows for reinstall of your stock key switch if so desired. This is an ideal components for track and or race bikes. Application include the following late models: Suzuki GSXR 600, 750, 1000; Yamaha R1, R6 and Kawasaki ZX636R, ZX10R, Z1000. Price: $45.99 Contact: http://woodcraft-cfm.com
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STAFF STUFF SPEED AND STRENGTH • SS1000 HELMET Leon Brtittain
Throughout my years of riding motorcycles I’ve owned a number of helmets, some of which I rarely used because they sucked and others were used as my go to helmet primarily because of the comfort and fit, but lacked design. Although I’m not a very flashy rider and helmets adorned with tons of graphics never appealed to me, I do appreciate a bit of style to coincide with my R1.
ventilated thanks to the AirStrike direct course ventilation system and the removable Coolmax washable liner keeps the ol’ noggin cool. The interior nose guard helps to prevent the dreaded fogging issue for a clear unobstructed view. The simplicity of the dark base with the red contrasting cross hairs and bold stylized lettering captures who I am as a Rider superbly. My motorcycle is my professionally and responsibly handled weapon.
My Speed and Strength SS1000 “My Motorcycle is my Weapon” helmet meets everything I want in http://ssgear.com helmet. The Lock-n-Load rapid conversion shield replacement system is easy to use, it’s well Rating: 6 (out of 6)
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www.mvagusta.it
Adrenaline addicts only.
BRUTALE DRAGSTER 800 Pure adrenaline: 3 cylinders, 12 valves, 125 hp - MV EAS Electronically assisted shift MVICS (Motor & Vehicle Integrated Control System) integrated ignition and fuel injection system with three injectors, misfire detection and torque control with four maps - Traction Control with eight levels of intervention - ABS e RLM (Rear wheel Lift-up Mitigation) as standard. Warning: it can be addictive.
Motorcycle Art
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THE BACK SHOT!
Image: Courtesy of Rickey Gadson Location: Rockingham, N.C.