SportBikes Inc Magazine July 2013 (Volume 3, Issue 10)

ROAD RACING . DRAG RACING . STUNT RIDING

CUSTOM BIKES . Moto tECH

July 2013 Vol 3 Issue 10

SPORTBIKESINCMAG.COM TM

rispoli photogr aphed by meekail shaheed hadfield’s bird of prey | rickey gadson’s pediatric diabetes ride | Know your role: prospect | The LIOn’s den: Choose your path | The fighters

2 | SPORTBIKESINCMAG.COM

License to thrill

New Hypermotard SP

SPORTBIKESINCMAG.COM | 3

Professional rider on a closed racetrack

Official Sponsor Developed with

Powered by

THE FEATURES hadfield’s bird of prey

22

rickey gadson’s pediatric diabetes ride

66

http://issuu.com/action/page?page=22

http://issuu.com/action/page?page=66

the lion’s den: choose your path

100.

http://issuu.com/action/page?page=100

4 | SPORTBIKESINCMAG.COM

rispoli

36

know your role: prospect

94

http://issuu.com/action/page?page=36

http://issuu.com/action/page?page=94

The fighters

130

http://issuu.com/action/page?page=130

THE USUALS

july 2013 - VOLUME 3, ISSUE 10

http://issuu.com/action/page?page=10 10 EDITOR’S LETTER http://issuu.com/action/page?page=14 14 THE PRESS ROOM http://issuu.com/action/page?page=20 20 SHOP SPOTLIGHT - break lites motorsports http://issuu.com/action/page?page=32 32 THE GRID NEWS http://issuu.com/action/page?page=48 48 THE INSIDE TRACK - By Corey Alexander http://issuu.com/action/page?page=58 58 The youngest in charge - By Dystany Spurlock 62http://issuu.com/action/page?page=62 CAPO’S CUT - By Ashon CAPO Dickerson http://issuu.com/action/page?page=78 78 VIOLET STARS & HAPPY STUNTING - By Leah Petersen http://issuu.com/action/page?page=92 92 FEATURED CLUB - Speed Shifters M.C. http://issuu.com/action/page?page=94 94 KNOW YOUR ROLE - By Kim “Lady Kim” Roper http://issuu.com/action/page?page=100 100 The lion’s den - By Lion James 106http://issuu.com/action/page?page=106 FEATURED RIDERS 112http://issuu.com/action/page?page=112 MOTO TECH - Ask the pro wrench http://issuu.com/action/page?page=116 116 IMPROVE YOUR SKILLS - By Eric Wood http://issuu.com/action/page?page=124 124 FOCUSED ON FASHION - By Kiana Gadson http://issuu.com/action/page?page=138 138 SPORTBIKES INK!!! http://issuu.com/action/page?page=140 140 THIS LIFE - By Tyson Beckford http://issuu.com/action/page?page=142 142 THE NEW ISH http://issuu.com/action/page?page=148 148 STAFF STUFF

INTERACTIVE CLICK ON NUMBERS TO JUMP TO A PAGE

FEATURED RIDER: Grace Stoeckle http://issuu.com/action/page?page=107 PAGE 107 SPORTBIKESINCMAG.COM | 5

Feature story

6 | SPORTBIKESINCMAG.COM

rispoli page 36

http://issuu.com/action/page?page=36

SPORTBIKESINCMAG.COM | 7

8 | SPORTBIKESINCMAG.COM

SPORTBIKESINCMAG.COM | 9

EDITOR’S LETTER that I still get super excited when I know that we’re gonna go for a ride, which isn’t that often because of our scheds but when it’s on... it’s on.

It’s like riding with your hero. Needless to say, I love my big brother Greg. I hope that he is as proud of me as I am of him...

A few weeks ago, I had the privilege of getting some seat time with my brother in the streets of Philly. We chilled at the Plateau in West Philly for a video shoot, chopped it up with the homies, hit 76 real quick and took it on down to South Street.. we ate at Ishkabibble’s... It was just a dope afternoon riding and chillin’ with my brother. I live for those moments.

Greg and I stopped into a bar to grab a beverage with two other friends, L.T. and Chinaboy. As we sat and sipped, I reflected on the great day of quality time with my family and wondered how many more perfect days we could squeeze into this summer... Then it happened.

At first, I thought it was hilarious that L.T. and Chinaboy were fully engaged in this juvenile buffoonery. I was clowning them and I mean I y older brother Gregory is the rider that I was clowning them hard! They paid me no mind always wanted to be. To me, he embodied as their eyes gazed down upon their phones, the perfect reflection of what a real street rider completely locked in! is... what a street rider should be about. Gregory was about that “bike life” before it was even a Seconds later, the world as I knew it came to a crashing halt. thing to be about!

M

Let me paint a quick picture for you...

Gregory has the right amount of attitude to match his bad boy, Philly fresh outlook on life. He’s a retired Corporal with the State Police and during his tenure, he served as point man on the SERT Team (the State Police SWAT team). Greg is the poster dude for the Big Brother to have. He’s everyone’s favorite big brother to have... even dudes that I know weren’t at the dinner table when we were kids ride around Philly talking about how Greg is their brother. It’s a point that when I tell people that I’m Greg’s little brother... they just smile and say, “Yea... Me, too.”

Greg took me to buy my first bike and taught me how to ride all in the same day. I must admit 10 | SPORTBIKESINCMAG.COM

Gregory, my brother, my hero, my iconic vision of a real rider... pulls his cell phone from his pocket and joins our comrades in a game of... Candy Crush.

NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!

Matters worsened when he exclaimed his frustration of not being able to clear the horrid level seven.

My belief system has been rocked at its foundation.

Nation... Just say no to Candy Crush. This shit has gotten out of hand.

Best, Allan

THE TEAM Publisher/Editor in Chief: Allan Lane

Lifestyle Director: Tyson Beckford

Staff Writers: Dystany Spurlock Michael Lawless Kim “Lady Kim” Roper Lion James Lisa Macknik

Fashion Editor: Kiana Gadson

Executive Administrative Assistant: Inneabelle Florez

Drag Racing Editor: Ashon “Capo” Dickerson

Copy Editor: Angela Lane

EDITORIAL

Drag Racing Advisor: Rickey Gadson Road Racing Editor: Corey Alexander Moto Tech Editor: Thomas Campion Riding Editor: Eric Wood Rev Limiter Editor: Leah Petersen International Correspondent Billy Morrison

ART & DESIGN Creative Supervisor: Leon Brittain Graphic Designer: Baz Contributing Photographers: Meekail Shaheed Brian J. Nelson John Hanson Anna Taylor Casey Piester Dan Pinto Robin Spurlock Ray Bradlau Darlina Bell

Cover: Meekail Shaheed

SportBikes Inc Magazine - July 2013 Volume 3, Issue 10 To receive SportBikes Inc Magazine’s 2013 Media Kit and Advertising Rates, please email: info@sportbikesincmag.com.

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

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

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

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

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

12 | SPORTBIKESINCMAG.COM

SPORTBIKESINCMAG.COM | 13

The press room ICON releases DRIFT 3: The Driftpocalypse ICON has released their latest addition to the very entertaining and popular car versus drift series.

Once again, Team Empire’s Nick APEX Brocha and Ernie EDUB Vigil team up against their persistent antagonist, Officer Dan. Set in a somewhat futuristic High Plains County, APEX and EDUB are released from prison and quickly find themselves in dire need of a couple of Triumph 675R’s… with Turbos.

Madness and hilarity ensues.

Great cinematography is complemented by genuinely funny moments along with high speed hooliganism.

Jimmy Scarboro Appointed National New Dealer Set up and Training Manager Suzuki Motor of America, Inc., (SMAI) announces the hiring of Jimmy Scarboro as National New Dealer Setup and Training Manager. Scarboro most recently served as Regional General Manager – East Region for Suzuki’s Automotive Division, and has worked for Suzuki since 1999.

“I am excited to use my experience in business development, plus sales and training to help Suzuki Motor of America find the best new dealer prospects,” said Scarboro. “Suzuki is eager to work with the right business owners in select locations who want to grow in the powersports industry. We are prepared with the right offering of products and promotions to help motorcycle and ATV dealers succeed.”

In nearly 15 years with Suzuki, Scarboro gained valuable experience working with automotive dealerships, covering all aspects of the business from finance to sales training to OEM-side relationship management. He started in Florida as a district sales manager, and moved to the corporate office in California before transferring to Pennsylvania where he’ll handle his new role from the company’s regional office in Mechanicsburg, PA. 14 | SPORTBIKESINCMAG.COM

IMS 2013/2014 Tour Dates Announced

Advanstar’s International Motorcycle Show’s 2013/2014 tour schedule has been released with a few notable changes.

The show season begins in San Mateo, CA on October 25 and includes a new stop in Phoenix AZ. The popular New York event has been moved to December 13, a month ahead of its date from previous years.

For more show information, please visit: http://motorcycleshows.com.

San Mateo, CA: October 25-27, 2013 Dallas, TX: November 8-10, 2013 Atlanta, GA: November 15-17, 2013 Long Beach, CA: December 6-8, 2013 New York, NY: December 13-15, 2013 Novi, MI: January 3-5, 2014

Washington, DC: January 10-13, 2014 Minneapolis, MN: January 17-19, 2014 Phoenix, AZ: January 24-26, 2014 Cleveland, OH: January 31-February 2, 2014 Chicago, IL: February 7-9, 2014 Seattle, WA: February 14-16, 2014

OHLINS recalls steering dampers Ohlins has issued recalls on a selection of steering dampers that have applications for the BMW S1000RR and the R1200R models. The steering brackets of the dampers could crack, causing the steering to lock at low speeds.

SPORTBIKESINCMAG.COM | 15

The press room SPEED AND STRENGTH TEAMS UP WITH JESSE ROOKE Speed and Strength has recently announced a partnership with acclaimed custom bike builder, Jesse Rooke of Rooke Customs.

Together, the two brands will develop the Speed and Strength Rooke Customs collection, which will celebrate the sprit of the American motorcyclist.

"I've been looking to develop the Rooke Customs™ brand and I couldn't have asked for a better partner", said Jesse.

"SS has proven to have some serious traction in American motorcycling and I'm proud to have a brand like Speed and StrengthÂŽ associated with the the Rooke brand".

The first item to be released from the collection will be the Rooke Customs SS600 helmet.

Visit http://ssgear.com for more from the collection.

16 | SPORTBIKESINCMAG.COM

SportBikes Inc Magazine Announces New Editors and Staff Roles KIANA GADSON (Sports Manager, Model) Kiana Gadson joins the SBI Family as Fashion Editor.

Her experience in Modeling and Sports Management as husband Rickey Gadson’s agent and manager, places her at the front line of what is happening in the world of motorcycle apparel and fashion. Kiana is Focused on Fashion every month in SBI. SportBikes Inc Magazine is happy to announce the appointment of new editors and roles to the LEAH PETERSEN (Pro Freestyle Stunt Rider) magazine’s roster of extremely knowledgeable and Leah Petersen co founded the incredible freestyle site and community, StuntBums.com. Highly regarded as a talented staff. top performer, she is also one of the most recognizable faces in the world of freestyle stunt riding. As the Rev TYSON BECKFORD (Model, Actor and Host) Beckford has been appointed as SportBikes Inc Limiter Editor of SBI, Petersen will continue to shine the Magazine’s Lifestyle Director. Beckford will oversee spotlight on all things stunt. Read her monthly, Violet all lifestyle elements of SBI to ensure that the brand Stars and Happy Stunting and get to know why she’s is moving in the right direction at all times. He will one of the best in the industry. continue to write his monthly column, This Life.

ERIC WOOD (Lead Instructor at Penguin Racing School) RICKEY GADSON (10 Time Drag Bike Champion) Gadson has been a heavy influencer and contributor As Riding Editor, Wood brings a plethora of expertise to SBI since the magazine’s inception. As Drag Racing as a former AMA Pro Racer and current Lead Instructor Director, he will oversee the inclusion of pertinent drag at the nation’s oldest racing school. Every issue, Wood helps you to Improve Your Skills. racing content in the pages of SBI. BILLY MORRISON (Musician, Actor) Having toured the world with The Cult, Camp Freddy and currently on tour with Billy Idol… Billy Morrison now joins SBI as our International Correspondent, bringing you entertaining motorcycle content from around the globe.

COREY ALEXANDER (AMA Pro Racing) Alexander is now fulfilling the role of Road Race Editor.

With Alexander actively competing as a professional road racer, his duties in this position are right in tune with his day to day life as one of the top athletes in his field, as evident in his monthly article The Inside Track.

ASHON “CAPO” DICKERSON (Pro Drag Racer) Capo is a highly respected pro drag racer that has lived in the fast lane from the street to the strip. His knowledge and experience qualifies him as a top authority in the sport of drag racing and as Drag Racing Editor. His Capo’s Cut is a continuing series that sheds light on what it really takes to compete in top form.

THOMAS CAMPION (AMA Pro Racing Crew Manager) Campion’s time spent on the grid and in the pits of the AMA field has provided him with an incredible amount of life lessons that he passes onto the readers of SBI in his Ask the Pro Wrench. Campion steps into the role of SportBikes Inc Magazine’s Moto Tech Editor.

“SportBikes Inc Magazine has proven that we are committed to providing our readers the very best in motorcycle news and entertainment. As a brand, we are focused on the sport and the lifestyle of what it means to be a motorcyclist. Our team was composed to reflect the many different cultures and sub cultures of the two wheeled world. These new appointments will continue to direct SBI in the direction that it needs to go as an industry leading publication. Along with our team of staff writers: Dystany Spurlock, Leon Brittain, Meekail Shaheed, Lion James, Michael Lawless and Kim ‘Lady Kim’ Roper… SBI is positioning itself to really get busy in this bike life. We’re just getting started.”

– Allan Lane, SportBikes Inc Magazine Publisher and Editor in Chief.

SPORTBIKESINCMAG.COM | 17

18 | SPORTBIKESINCMAG.COM

SPORTBIKESINCMAG.COM | 19

Shop Spotlight: break lites motorsports

Words: Allan Lane Images: Courtesy of Break Lites Motorsports

CONTACT:

20 | SPORTBIKESINCMAG.COM

Shop name: Break Lites Motorsports Address: 127 Newbury Street, Peabody MA 01960 Hours: Monday thru Thursday 10.00am - 7.00pm, Friday 10.00am - 6.00pm, Saturday 11.00am - 6.00pm Year established: 2003 Brands serviced: Honda, Yamaha, Suzuki, Kawasaki

S

ince 2003, Mark Tempesta and his team at Break Lites Motorsports have been building motorized eye candy, making their mark and setting trends in the custom sportbike arena.

Head quartered in Boston, Break Lites has made a name for themselves on the national stage as they have won a number of prestigious awards and accolades from the industry and their peers. However, they are more than just a bunch of pretty bikes.

Break Lite Motorsports is a full service maintenance and repair shop, offering services that range from collision repair and installations

to powder coating, chrome plating and custom paint.

Mark regularly takes his custom builds out on the road to events to showcase the team’s handy work. What better way to advertise what you can do than to show off what you can do. Having graced the pages of several publications since 2008, Break Lites Motorsports is poised to continue on the path of being revered as one of the nation’s best builders.

Want to see your shop or dealership featured here? Drop us an email!

SPORTBIKESINCMAG.COM | 21

Hadfield’s bird of Prey

22 | SPORTBIKESINCMAG.COM

words: allan lane images: Dan pinto SPORTBIKESINCMAG.COM | 23

THE SHOW: hadfield’s bird of prey

It is a special relationship between bike and owner that defines the lengths that they go to in terms of customizing their machines. Suzuki Hayabusa owners are a breed apart. To a Busa owner, there is none more lethal than their bird of prey.

The Hayabusa has been customized in just about every way imaginable, yet you’ll be hard pressed to find any non stock Busa that looks like another. To the dropped, stretched and turbo’d out to the custom painted, chromed and custom painted... the Busa has been run through the gambit of the custom palette.

24 | SPORTBIKESINCMAG.COM

Recently, there has been a slight return in the thought process of individualizing the Busa, a kick back if you will. The premise for the return: less is more.

Jeff Hadfield’s 2011 Suzuki Hayabusa is a clean and precise example of the return. More than that, it is a reminder of what a beautiful machine the Busa is. With a selection of performance upgrades and quality aesthetic improvements, Hadfield’s Hayabusa is sleek and clean. It’s minimal, but remains potent...

A bird of prey to be revered, never underestimated.

SPORTBIKESINCMAG.COM | 25

THE SHOW: hadfield’s A tale of two bird busas of prey

26 | SPORTBIKESINCMAG.COM

SPORTBIKESINCMAG.COM | 27

THE SHOW: hadfield’s bird of prey

Jeff hadfield’s “Bird of prey” 2011 Suzuki Hayabusa Engine/Power Upgrades: Power Commander 3, K&N Air Filter Exhaust: Brock’s Performance Alien Head Full Wheels: RC Component Assault Wheels Tires: AVON, 330 Rear Suspension: RaceTech Rear Suspension SWINGARM: Roaring Toyz 330 OSD, 4 - 6 inch stretch Custom/One Off/Accessories: HID headlights, LED light kit Built By: Evolution Powersports Paint By: Factory Pearl Mirage White 28 | SPORTBIKESINCMAG.COM

owner jeff hadfield and gauge SPORTBIKESINCMAG.COM | 29

THE GRID

ON YOUR MARK, GET SET, GO CHR.

Highest Quality Materials Kevlar and Nomex last longer

Premium Insulation Gets carcass hot and attains hot pressure in the pits with little or no pressure change on track

Temperature Accurate

Tough & Durable Heating elements outlast all other brands

P H O T O BY B R I A N J . N E L S O N

1.866.HOT.TIRE

CHICKENHAWKRACING.COM SUPERIOR TIRE WARMERS DESIGNED & BUILT IN THE USA 30 | SPORTBIKESINCMAG.COM

SPORTBIKESINCMAG.COM | 31

THE GRID: news Corey Alexander takes the podium and the SuperSport East points lead in Laguna Setting the best lap of the race with a timing of 1:29.158, SBI Road Racing Editor Corey Alexander took the final spot on the podium at the Red Bull U.S. Grand Prix in third place of the SuperSport Series.

Alexander leads in points for the SuperSport East Championship with current total of 151 points.

“I’m very excited to be the points leader going into my home round at New Jersey. I’m nervous that the championship comes down to be so close but I’m confident that my team will give me all the tools to get the job done. I just have to make it happen myself.” – Corey Alexander.

MotoGP returns to Argentina in 2015

Dorna Sports is pleased to announce that MotoGP™ is officially returning to Argentina from next season to the newly built Termas de Rio Hondo circuit, which is currently hosting a preliminary MotoGP™ and Moto2™ test.

32 | SPORTBIKESINCMAG.COM

CASEY STONER...

TEST PILOT? Casey Stoner is returning to the MotoGP paddock... as a test rider. That’s correct, Stoner will once again ride the Honda RC213V only in a test pilot capacity. However, the grid is buzzing with rumors regarding Stoner and a wild card appearance in the 2013 season.

While there is no concrete evidence to suggest any truth to the rumor, the two time champion had the following to say:

“It’s been almost 9 months now since Valencia and I’m still happy and comfortable with the decision I made to stop racing. Sometimes I miss riding my RCV, so I am happy that HRC asked me to do some tests in Motegi this year.

This will allow me to enjoy what I miss: riding a MotoGP bike! I’m looking forward to getting on the bike and see how it has changed from last year and I’d like to thank Honda for this opportunity” - Casey Stoner.

Ashon Capo Dickerson takes the lead in points!

SBI’s very own Drag Racing Editor Ashon Capo Dickerson has taken the points lead by winning the Orient Express Top Street Bike Series Event at Raceway Park in Englishtown, NJ. Capo took the victory aboard his 2006 Suzuki GSXR 1000, simply known as the “Hurricane!”

SPORTBIKESINCMAG.COM | 33

34 | SPORTBIKESINCMAG.COM

w w w . crossroadpo w ersports . com

8738 West Chester Pike Upper Darby PA 19082 SPORTBIKESINCMAG.COM | 35

36 | SPORTBIKESINCMAG.COM

rispoli words: Lisa macknik images: meekail shaheed SPORTBIKESINCMAG.COM | 37

THE GRID: rispoli

T

he mind is a very dangerous thing. If handle with care it can go to war for you. If left to surrender, self destruction is inevitable. One rider who understands the importance of maintaining a strong psyche both on and off the track is James Rispoli.

Fueled by an insatiable hunger to win, Rispoli has always known which direction he wanted to go with his life.He’s been on the fast track ever since. Growing up in a small town in New Hampshire, with barely anywhere to ride, James made due by riding up and down his driveway, over and over and over again.

Being a first generation racer meant everything was a brand new experience, an exciting journey of trial and error, highs and lows. The beginning was far from easy, traveling and sleeping in a van from city to city, bringing family, and a few close friends including best friend and mechanic Dustin Fey along for the ride. “I don’t know where I’d be without people in my life and in this sport who saw a little bit of sparkle and gave me a chance.”

They all sacrificed the luxury and comfortability, in order to invest in Rispoli. They put their

38 | SPORTBIKESINCMAG.COM

SPORTBIKESINCMAG.COM | 39

THE GRID: rispoli

40 | SPORTBIKESINCMAG.COM

future into the hands of a kid who had fallen in love with motorcycles, with a passion that has consumed his entire life. The very essence of motorcycle racing had already immersed itself into every fiber of his being. Everything in James’ life is translated through the mind of a racer. “I’m wired to race. It’s really a way of life for me.”

Every little boy has a hero, someone they aspire to be. For Rispoli it wasn’t just one man.

He gathered his inspiration from many racers and men in his life. One in particular was AMA Hall of Fame inductee, Ricky Graham.

Graham was known for a unique racing style of riding deeper into the turns, waiting to accelerate much later then the rest of the pack.

Rispoli shares that common understanding to always “strive to be different.” This knowledge is a key component in the manifestation of his life as a professional motorcycle racer.

Living on the road ain’t easy. Endless miles between, struggling to support the lifestyle they love, they never looked down. Rispoli, even on the lowest road kept his head up,

SPORTBIKESINCMAG.COM | 41

THE GRID: rispoli

42 | SPORTBIKESINCMAG.COM

SPORTBIKESINCMAG.COM | 43

THE GRID: news

using his pain to fuel the fire to ride harder, and never stop. In 2008, just before the start of the season, Rispoli’s Mother passed away.

She brought James into being in order to find his passion and live it through. He is doing just that. He is living his passion down to his soul, “Nothing could ever be as hard as that.

Nothing mentally can break me down.”

His mental and physical tenacity was proven in 2011 and 2012 when he clinched back to back SuperSport Championships. 2012 was a year of transition for Rispoli. He joined the Celtic Racing team, racing aboard a Suzuki GSXR 600. The challenge was learning a new bike, a new team but James was ready for it.

Amongst this already tall list of adjustments, Rispoli found himself having to communicate how the bike was feeling to him, yet he was having difficulty putting it into words. One of the most important components of racing is timing. Rispoli explains, “Timing is everything.

When it’s right... it’s right.”

Rispoli’s time had come. The opening round of the 2012 AMA Pro Racing season, James wastes no time taking the checkered flag at Daytona. Needing no time for adjustment, the team’s first go was seamless. It was a perfect balance of talent and precision. The team was impeccably in sync and ready to take on anything that came their way. Finishing the season claiming four championships in two seasons left Ripoli and his crew on a higher

44 | SPORTBIKESINCMAG.COM

level. This year, major forces have convened, Michael Jordan Motorsports, the National Guard, Celtic Racing and James Rispoli. Riding the #43 Suzuki machine, Rispoli is a force to be reckoned with. Geared up and ready to rock, he looks at the 2013 season and gives thanks for those who helped to get him here.

Having his dad by his side is something that James is so thankful for and can attribute a large part of why he is where he is. “He always knew when it was the right time to be a dad and when I should figure it out for my self. He really is the best moto dad out there.”

James has so much love for all the family and friends who have rallied with him through all the highs and the lows. Their never ending encouragement helped James in many ways, “I never came across a bridge I couldn’t cross.

I never lost the hunger, and I never took my mind off of it.” He remains mentally conscious of where he came from and exactly where he is headed. “Winning a championship on a 1000 on the world stage of World Superbike” is Rispoli’s ultimate goal.

Stopping for nothing, James rides with an angel above and a rocket below. His strength of mind, dedication of body and resiliency of spirit is how he continues to fight each battle on the track and in his life. He constantly challenges himself and everyone around him, “How far are you willing to go?”

SPORTBIKESINCMAG.COM | 45

Premier Events* at NHMS & NJMP with special features & iconic guest instructors

*riders on all brands welcome!

June 24th : New Hampshire

Event Highlights * Additional special industry guests at each event

Featuring MotoGP rider and 3x AMA Superbike champion

* Instruction from AMA pro riders

DOUG CHANDLER

* Industry Vendors * Rental Equipment (Gear / Bikes)

Revs New England

* Rider Photo Anaiysis *Optional Video analysis and DVD’s

September 21 - 22 : New Jersey

* All Experience Levels

Featuring WSB rider and 3x AMA road racing champion

* 1 on 1 Instruction

ERIC BOSTROM

* Suspension Tuning ...a truly memorable experience from the nation’s first motorcycle track school ... teaching riders since 1973.

Pro Instruction

Ride with the Stars

Track Guidance

For information or reservations go to 46 | SPORTBIKESINCMAG.COM

1 on 1 Attention

Track Secrets

www.penguinracing.com

or call

Unlimited FUN!

978-400-8204

SPORTBIKESINCMAG.COM | 47

THE GRID

The inside track

Words: Corey alexander IMAGES: Meekail Shaheed Its pretty common as a pro racer for people to ask how I started racing, where I learned, and how they can get into it as well. Unlike a lot of kids my age that race I was never a top amateur at any other form of racing whether it be road racing, flat track, or motocross. I got thrown into the sport more or less blind at 13 years old with only the hopes of making my way forward and progressing into a better rider. With that said, I’m 6 years into my career as a roadracer and I’ve gone from hoping to get as close to the top ten as I possibly could, to winning back to back AMA Pro Supersport races.

How does this relate to the three questions I’m commonly asked? Well, fortunately enough for me unlike many racers I’ve been surrounded by amazing and incredibly knowledgeable people to whom I owe much of my successes to. Firstly, my Uncle Richie is a past AMA National Champ and probably the most influential person on my riding but also if I could count the number of hours I’ve spent at Jason Pridmore’s STAR School spinning laps or in a class room listening to his teaching you would be mind blown.

I went from being a common student to actually instructing at his schools nationwide. So my answer to the first question is: I started riding by getting thrown into the AMA Red Bull Rookies Cup. The answer to the second question is: I learned from the people surrounding me, all of the instructors at the STAR School, and Jason himself. Lastly, I answer with: you can get into it by joining me at Jason’s school.

It’s quite interesting being a racer as well as an instructor. As I’ve progressed I realized it’s easy to be fast to a certain extent, all that it takes is the turning off of that little switch in your mind that holds you back from braking a bit later and picking up the throttle a bit sooner. The hard part 48 | SPORTBIKESINCMAG.COM

Connect with Corey...

SPORTBIKESINCMAG.COM | 49

THE GRID: The inside track

50 | SPORTBIKESINCMAG.COM

is being able to actually explain how you’re going fast and have the ability to teach other people to do the same things but in a way that works for them. I’ve also realized that when you have to slow down and think about what it is that you do on a motorcycle that makes you go faster or be a better rider, you become more aware of everything in general and analyze the things you do. As a rider, everything you do becomes natural and habitual just as breathing. Little things like how you do your downshifts or blipping the throttle all become second nature and you don’t even realize you’re doing it anymore.

So when someone asks “How do you do your down shifts? How fast do you let your fingers out?

How many downshifts do you do at once?”...

You’re actually forced to think about each and every one of those things. Then once you’ve thought about those things you’re also forced to put them into words which is often easier said than done. Overall, I think the school is a tremendous learning experience even to this day as a top pro rider. If I’m struggling with something and Jason or someone else picks up on it I’ll go to a school and lap after lap work on it. If I can’t fix it then someone will tell me what I need to do in order to fix it. The biggest thing with riding a motorcycle is that everything is time based. The more time you can spend on a bike the more you learn, the more you progress, the more everything becomes natural, and then you’re getting somewhere.

I could sit there and talk about how beneficial the school is for you as a rider but that’s for another article. All that I can say is spend the money, take a school. Preferably the STAR School but any school is better than riding around pointless laps at a track day. Go out, join a school and make yourself a better rider by actually learning.

“I

t’s quite interesting being a racer as well as an instructor. As I’ve progressed I realized it’s easy to be fast to a certain extent. All that it takes is the turning off of that little switch in your mind that holds you back from braking a bit later and picking up the throttle a bit sooner.”

C-DOG over and out.

SPORTBIKESINCMAG.COM | 51

52 | SPORTBIKESINCMAG.COM

SPORTBIKESINCMAG.COM | 53

THE GRID: ON THE COME UP

Images: Courtesy of C.J. Cohen

C.J. Cohen

54 | SPORTBIKESINCMAG.COM

NAME: C.J. Cohen HOMETOWN: Olney, MD AGE: 38 Association/Affiliations/Series: HTSRacing, CCS, ASRA, Roger Lyles Motorcycle Xcitement trackdays and road racing school.

Goals: To run a full CCS and ASRA season without life getting in the way and to run at least 1 AMA SuperSport race...even if I’m only lap traffic.

Accomplishments: Race coach/ Instructor. Second year as a CCS/ASRA racer.

Define your passion in one sentence: To live, breath, sleep, eat, and thrive in the beautiful, artistic poem that is motorcycle racing and to teach and share with it with my wife and kids, new and learning riders and aspiring racers my experience of over 22 years on a motorcycle so they can be safer on and off the track.

Contact:

SPORTBIKESINCMAG.COM | 55

56 | SPORTBIKESINCMAG.COM

SPORTBIKESINCMAG.COM | 57

THE STRAIGHT LINE

the youngest in charge

Connect with Dystany...

Words: Dystany Spurlock IMAGES: robin spurlock

I

’d like to offer you some insight on who Dystany Spurlock is and what being a drag racer means to me. How do I stay positive through the negative things that may occur before during or after a race? The importance of representing my sponsors on and off the track and being the positive role model that I have always strived to be.

Being a drag racer does not just start at the tree and end at the finish line. There is so much more to it. Being a drag racer you must be on your P’s and Q’s at all times. You cannot miss a beat, because if you’re not on your “A” game then everything else will fall. You must make sure you are mentally focused and ready to take on the day’s events. No distractions, all positive energy, and a passion for what you are about to do. Our bodies feed off of what is around us, so if we surround ourselves with positivity then we will be able to function in a positive light. Being a drag racer you have to practice, practice, practice. This is definitely a sport that I can say practice makes perfect.

Practicing and racing repetitively is what creates muscle memory allowing us to perfect our craft. There have been a lot of people that say to me “Oh, it’s easy to go in a straight line.” Until they try it themselves. Then that’s when they say “Never mind... Take all of what I said back!”

I feel that we as drag racers have a lot to live up to, especially when it comes to our sponsors. Sponsors do so much for racers. My sponsors mean the world to me. I dare not, for one second, take them for granted. All of

58 | SPORTBIKESINCMAG.COM

my sponsors are like family to me. It is not just about a company helping me with parts for my motorcycle or putting me in their marketing ads or anything like that. It’s about us building a relationship with each other that we can share with the world. It is about loyalty to me.

Representing my sponsors on the track and off the track. Sponsors are one of the main reasons we have the series that we race in. Without sponsor, we as racers are nothing. I cannot thank my sponsors enough for all that they do.

I am so thankful for my current sponsors and those that are to come.

Being a role model to others is one of my main goals. Helping others achieve their goals in whatever it is that they want to do means the world to me. Seeing others do well brightens my day. That is what keeps me going day after day. I have such a big heart when it comes to helping others. I will give my last to make sure that the next person is okay. I think that is how I stay positive when things may go wrong before, during or after a race at the track. I remind myself that I must keep going. I cannot let my friends, fans, supports, and family down.

I can remember this one time in particular that happened. It was at a big MIRock race in Maryland and my bike spark plugs went out. At the time I did not know why my bike was not performing to its highest ability, but to make a long story short I could have easily got mad and quit. But I didn’t. They always say you never know who is watching. So I stayed positive through the negative. I knew that I could not let my team and supporters down.

SPORTBIKESINCMAG.COM | 59

THE STRAIGHT LINE: The Youngest in Charge The people are my energy and I make sure whether I am on the track or off the track that I stay positive and do all that I can to keep others wanting to achieve their goals as well.

60 | SPORTBIKESINCMAG.COM

Needless to say being a drag racer to me means going above and beyond and being a person that has a passion for all that they do.

SPORTBIKESINCMAG.COM | 61

THE STRAIGHT LINE Connect with Capo...

Capo’s cut

Words: Ashon capo dickerson images: Ray Bradlau

A

lright, alright, alright! Capos Cut back again and like I say if you can’t see the angles you can’t be a quarterback in this game.

I did some Road Racing and something that I learned quickly is that you have to anticipate and prepare for the next turn as you exit the existing turn. If not, to the gravel or grass you go! Road Racing is a lot different than Drag Racing but we all are very passionate about what we do. During my times coaching my Launch Clinic with Team Pro Motion at New Jersey Motorsports Park I’ve had the opportunity to get out there and earn a little respect from the guys and try and learn the craft and art of Road Racing.

Some of the key things I feel to keep it simple are: - Braking point - Turn in point -Apex - The position and direction of the next corner During my day of twisting I rode the new 2013 Kawasaki ZX10R and also the 2013 Kawasaki ZX636R. I liked the ZX10 better because of the power. I’m used to it but the ZX636 is a lighter, swifter ride for a rookie like me. I looked good and felt good and safe doing it in my Heroic Racing suit, CAPO style.

This is something I will definitely be doing more of with the guidance of Glen Goldman and some more pointers from Mark Graulty. Both

62 | SPORTBIKESINCMAG.COM

SPORTBIKESINCMAG.COM | 63

THE STRAIGHT LINE: Capo’s cut

64 | SPORTBIKESINCMAG.COM

are experts in my book so I’m in good hands with TPM. And all you Road Racers wanting to leave that starting line like a Drag Racer, you are in good hands with me at the Bridging the Gap Launch Clinic.

Over the 4th of July Weekend, instead of cooking out and lighting fireworks, I put on my red, white and blue Scorpion Freedom helmet and went to work at Englishtown Raceway Park to compete in race 7 of 10 of the Orient Express Top Street Bike Series. I run that series with my 2006 GSXR 1000 that I call the "Hurricane". Rocking a new look with my Carrozzeria wheels, I was victorious claiming the victory and putting all my great sponsors in the Winners Circle, moving to the number one spot in points. With tough competition and three races left we have to just keep the momentum going into the final stretch. From Road Racing to Drag Racing to putting my sponsors in the spotlight and taking the points lead and putting a smile on my awesome manager’s face (my wife Stef)... Priceless!

Loyalty is Everything! More importantly, be loyal to your dreams and aspirations!

SPORTBIKESINCMAG.COM | 65

rickey gadson’s

“rolling with speed and strength” pediatric diabetes ride

66 | SPORTBIKESINCMAG.COM

words: rickey gadson’s images: allan lane SPORTBIKESINCMAG.COM | 67

THE STRAIGHT LINE: pediatric diabetes ride

T

wo years ago my wife and I came up with the idea to put together a charity ride for pediatric diabetes which is a disease that I don’t hear too much about in the charity world. It affects millions of family's all over the world. In 2002 I suddenly loss my 37 year old brother who had been diagnosed 12 years earlier with Type 2 diabetes. And a couple of years ago my son was said to have pre diabetes, which is why I take it so personal. Now more than ever we pay attention to our children's eating habits and I'm happy to say he is doing better and diabetes free. But my wife and I realized that there are so many kids and parents who weren't as lucky as we were.

This is the second time we have put on a charity ride of this magnitude. The first ride we put together was two years ago, we teamed up with the Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, which is one of the largest pediatric diabetes centers in the world and rode 800 miles from Philadelphia to Myrtle Beach, S.C. with several hundred riders joining us

68 | SPORTBIKESINCMAG.COM

along the route to cap off this monumental event which helped us raise $10,000. We were told by Brian "Seven" Lawson, one of the founders of the PRO Convention, that this was one of the longest and highest grossing charity event rides ever in the MC community. I felt blessed be apart of it.

In 2013 we decided to change up the way we did the ride because everybody who attends Bike Week leaves from all over the country on different dates. We decided to start and end this ride during bike week in Myrtle this year so that everyone could participate. My wife Kiana set up a page on ww.rickeygadsondragracingschool.com for donations and preregistration for the ride. As a token of our appreciation we rewarded donors with an official Rickey Gadson "Rolling with Speed & Strength" Pediatric Diabetes charity ride keepsake shirt with their name printed on the back as long as your donation came in before May 10.

When I arrived in Myrtle beach my first job was to map out a route which left from Redline Powersports and avoided the stand still Friday Bike Week traffic on Highway 17 en route to the Myrtle West Bike Week Expo behind the Hooters. While getting gas on Route 9 the Sunday before the ride, I stopped to ask a trooper about getting a police escort because of the amount of bikes we anticipated and he actually asked me was I “the Rickey Gadson?” He proceeded to tell me he was one of the troopers who escorted us into town two years ago. So everything was in order except the weather forecast calling for moisture all week which would have certainly dampened the ride, literally. Although on Friday morning our prayers were answered for good weather, my spirits were extremely trampled through the mud as I learned that my mom was hospitalized with stage 4 cancer just two days after I left home!

I kept asking myself, what do I do now, with the ride being less than a day away. After talking to mom, she helped my decision which was to make this ride for the kids with diabetes count. And that we did!

A couple hundred police escorted bikes left Red Line Powersports and rumbled up 31N to Highway 9 to 22E blocking all highway traffic and successfully arriving at the Myrtle West Bike Week Expo on Highway 17 without any incidents. It proved that my wife's theory of starting and ending the ride while everybody was in town made for a less stressful and a more concentrated adventure.

I had the chance to ride with riders from all over the East coast, and beyond, that showed their support for such a great cause.

I'd like to say thank you to all who shared the road with us and helped us raise money.

I have to thank the sponsors, Speed and Strength, Kawasaki, Sportbikes Inc, Throttle Life, PRO Convention, Myrtle West, Help Me Ride, Redline Powersports and Myrtle Beach Bike Fest for an awesome ride!

Next stop Children's Hospital to deliver the check. I'll keep you posted.

SPORTBIKESINCMAG.COM | 69

THE STRAIGHT LINE: pediatric diabetes ride

70 | SPORTBIKESINCMAG.COM

SPORTBIKESINCMAG.COM | 71

THE STRAIGHT LINE: pediatric diabetes ride

72 | SPORTBIKESINCMAG.COM

SPORTBIKESINCMAG.COM | 73

THE STRAIGHT LINE: ON THE COME UP

Images: Darlina CourtesyBell of Brice Lloyd

Matt sanders

74 | SPORTBIKESINCMAG.COM

NAME: Matt Sanders HOMETOWN: London, Ontario, Canada AGE: 24 Association/Affiliations/Series: Evil Swingarms, Dar Bell Photography, Saint Thomas Racway Park Point Series Goals: To race a top fuel bike at 250mph plus.

Accomplishments: I have won Rookie of the Year in 2006 and second place in the points the following year. Won the championship in 2012 Define your passion in one sentence: To go as fast as I can, as quick as I can.

Contact:

SPORTBIKESINCMAG.COM | 75

76 | SPORTBIKESINCMAG.COM

LIGHTECH The most famous teams rely on LighTech in order to be the best. All LighTech products are designed and manufactured in Italy using the highest quality CNC engineering techniques and most advanced technology. Adjustable rear sets, chain adjusters, adjustable and folding magnesium levers, front and rear stands, fuel gas caps, ergal screws kit, carbon parts, frame protections, mirrors, led indicators and more‌

info@lightech.it

Follow us on Lightech racing

SPORTBIKESINCMAG.COM | 77

The Rev LIMITER

violet stars and happy stunting Words and images: Leah petersen

n i s e l i m 0 6,50 . . . e c i f f the o

78 | SPORTBIKESINCMAG.COM

U

npredictability is really the only predictable aspect of motorcycle stunt riding for a career.

You can plan and train and prepare, but in the end, one night you will be wheelie-ing a glow-inthe-dark LED tricked out Vespa and the next flying to South America for an impromptu stunt show.

But, I’d venture to say that’s what we like about the sport, anything is possible. The highs match the lows in intensity and altitude and in the end we hope things even out on the good side.

At the end of June it was time for another adventure, a drive to Green Bay for a show with the one and only BMW North America rider Chris “Teach” McNeil. For this trip I was lucky enough to be traveling with a partner and even luckier to have a road dog with me!

With a partner I can drive straight through to my destination, no stopping for sleep. The trip was estimated at 30 hours, so we split Los Angeles at 3am Tuesday morning to travel through Utah and Colorado during the daylight, my favorite stretch of the trans-America road trip.

The sun rose over the California desert and by the time we hit Vegas the 7am sun was uncomfortably hot. After a few hours of mundane flatland and scrub brush we were gaining altitude driving up the Colorado Plateau, still in Utah. A section of this drive takes you through the San Rafael Swell, which never fails to blow my mind. 60 million years ago these rocks the size of mountains settled only to be cut and eroded by flash floods to give us what we see today. A larger than life pre-historic sculpture survives, with great red rocks piercing the smog-less blue sky.

The road navigates through this godlike playground, past immense layered and sloping rock and over valleys that descend down into mist. Jaw dropped and attempting to take pictures, SPORTBIKESINCMAG.COM | 79

The Rev LIMITER: VIOLET STARS...

which would never do the landscape justice, I was grateful I wasn’t sitting in a cubicle.

After the Swell we hit more flatland, which slowly morphed from desert to mountain foothills over the course of the afternoon. One terrible meal at a “Mom and Pop’s” restaurant and one dinosaur museum later, the sun was setting and we were winding aside the Colorado River headed up into the Rocky Mountains. I watched the sun set in the side view mirror and put the pedal to the metal toward Denver, where I could swap out for the passenger seat and get some sleep.

I woke up in the unfortunate state of Nebraska and drove myself through the unbearable humidity of Iowa. When we turned north in Wisconsin we waved good bye to the easy highways of Middle America and were doomed to the perils of country highways; with slow moving tractors, village stop lights and the lack of GPS reception.

We pulled into Green Bay in time to see the sunset and a thunder storm move in across the bay, but fell asleep hard enough to not wake up when the thunder started.

The next morning it was time for work. We were shooting two videos, one featuring the stunt bike on a vacant piece of asphalt near the airport and the second a casual cruise around Green Bay on a brand new Victory Judge. I had the pleasure of working with some very talented videographers and took the scenic route around Green Bay on two wheels – not a bad day at all! We wrapped early as more dark clouds and lightening threatened the nearby skyline. I volunteered to ride in the rain, but as the summer downpour commenced, I was happy to be in the van.

The next morning the rain seemed to be circling our show grounds, a not so subtle reminder mother 80 | SPORTBIKESINCMAG.COM

SPORTBIKESINCMAG.COM | 81

The Rev LIMITER: VIOLET STARS...

82 | SPORTBIKESINCMAG.COM

“U

npredictability is really the only predictable aspect of motorcycle stunt riding for a career. You can plan and train and prepare, but in the end, one night you will be wheelieing a glow in the dark L.E.D. tricked out Vespa and the next, flying to South America for an impromptu stunt show. “

SPORTBIKESINCMAG.COM | 83

The Rev LIMITER: VIOLET STARS...

84 | SPORTBIKESINCMAG.COM

nature could ruin everything with the snap of her fingers. In the end the rain held off more or less for our shows, allowing us to ride with faith in the surface and, effectively, our motorcycle tires.

The Green Bay crowds were amazing, supportive, enthusiastic and real. We did the tricks and routine we take for granted – things we would do with or without the crowds as many times per week as we can. The fact that people are interested enough in our hobby to make it a career is simply serendipitous.

The next day there were more shows, more stories from the old school motorcyclists – even a man with 1 million clocked miles on his beamer. While riding the shows is fun in itself, the conversation afterwards is also an amazing opportunity to chill with the people who make up our industry; hardcore, moto enthusiasts who dedicate all their time and energy to this hobby and lifestyle.

In an environment like this, there is an instant connection through the bikes. Despite our different backgrounds, age, gender, etc., we are family.

After a wonderful weekend spent with good people and motorcycles, we loaded up the van and hit the road, after all this is a big family and I want to meet every member.

SPORTBIKESINCMAG.COM | 85

86 | SPORTBIKESINCMAG.COM

SPORTBIKESINCMAG.COM | 87

The Rev LIMITER: ON THE COME UP

Images: Courtesy of Dave Coates

Dave Coates

88 | SPORTBIKESINCMAG.COM

NAME: Dave Coates HOMETOWN: Darlington, UK AGE: 47 Association/Affiliations/Series: The Dave Coates Stunt Show Goals: To keep riding.

Accomplishments: Stunt riding for more than 20 years.

Define your passion in one sentence: I’m still enjoying stunt riding and shows after 20 years.

Contact: www.dave@davecoates.co.uk

SPORTBIKESINCMAG.COM | 89

ADVERTISE WITH

for advertising information and rates, email info@sportbikesincmag.com

http://sportbikesincmag.com

90 | SPORTBIKESINCMAG.COM

SPORTBIKESINCMAG.COM | 91

THE LIFE: FEatured Club

Words: Allan Lane Images: Courtesy of Speed Shifters MC

Rocker Interpretation: Embracing the power and importance of the concept of speed, the Speed Shifters are represented by a flaming, speeding bullet and two riders. Their logo is presented as a testament to their precision and accuracy as a team.

History/Origin of Club: Founded by the late Jervon Bond, the Speed Shifters were established in January of 2002. Bond, a racer himself chose the name of the club after the riding technique that allows the riders to shift through the gears without using the clutch. This technique is referred to as “speed shifting”.

Speed shifters MotorCycle club REGION: Philadelphia, PA FOUNDED: 2002 MEMBERS: 20 plus ELECTED OFFICIALS: President: Jumbo Vice president & Treasurer: Mr. Mess Sergeant at arms: Mr. Woods SECRETARY: SunnShynne

92 | SPORTBIKESINCMAG.COM

Club Milestones/Memorable Moments: In October of 2012, the Speed Shifters celebrated their ten year anniversary. It’s an accomplishment for any organization to maintain their structure for any number of years. However, for a club to survive an entire decade shows a level of commitment and passions from its members and elected officials.

To show their appreciation for the community, the Speed Shifters have, for the last five years, co-hosted a Christmas party for the Sickle Cell unit at Saint Christopher’s

Hospital.

Future of the club: The Speed Shifters are students of the culture. They have studied and have grown to appreciate the history, traditions and protocol of the motorcycle club lifestyle.

With a firm grip on the understanding of what brought them to this life, they push for a tomorrow that not only benefits the club, but also preserves the significance of the culture.

Want to see your club featured here?

Drop us an email!

SPORTBIKESINCMAG.COM | 93

THE LIFE: know your role

Prospecting: what does it really mean?

Words: Lady Kim images: allan lane

94 | SPORTBIKESINCMAG.COM

B

ike season is in full throttle! Newly vested members are getting their colors in no time at all. People are club hopping from one club to another without waiting a year before joining. Where has the tradition gone for earning and respecting your colors? Why are clubs increasing their numbers just for trophy chasing and collecting more dues instead of mentoring their prospects into real riders that are educated about their club traditions and motorcycle protocols? I have heard people say that “I would join a club but I don’t want to prospect”, “I don’t want to wear a prospect vest” or “I hang around the club and help out so I should not have to prospect”. The best excuse I have heard this summer is that “I used to be in a club and I shouldn’t have to prospect”. So you want to join a club without knowing their history, culture, founders, members, bylaws and without riding with them?

Really, who does that? How are you going to rep your club colors if you don’t know anything about your club? It is obvious to me that you don’t understand the purpose or meaning behind prospecting to join a club. Let’s keep it real… I may like you as a friend but that doesn’t mean I want you as a club brother or sister. This bike life is not for everyone. Now, there are some riding clubs that do not prospect their new members because they pay a fee to get their patch. That’s not going to happen in a traditional club. Bringing in random members without a prospect process is the quickest way to cause issues within the club and quite possibly dissolve the club altogether.

The prospecting time is to determine if that person is worthy of being your club brother or sister. Before you decide to join, you should “hang around” the club to see if the club life is

SPORTBIKESINCMAG.COM | 95

THE LIFE: know your role for you. Club membership is time consuming and expensive! When you decide to join, a patched member in the club must sponsor you and the club must vote 100% to accept you. After you are voted in, the prospect is given a vest with the top and bottom rockers on the back without the center patch. This lets everyone know that you are a prospect.

Some clubs may make you wear a prospect patch. The length of time you are a prospect depends on the club. It may be 90 days to 1 year or until they think you’re worthy of your center patch which could take a couple of years. During this time, the prospect is expected to attend meetings, attend events, attend group rides, learn the history of the club, get to know the members and to work for the club in any way needed to earn your full colors! The prospect should have a clear understanding of where they fit into the club. Once you have proven yourself and worked, the club will vote you in and you will get your center patch.

What makes you a good prospect? By the end of process, a prospect should know why your

96 | SPORTBIKESINCMAG.COM

club was founded, who the founding members are in the club, what the patches mean, the club culture and traditions, the process and procedures of the bylaws, know the motorcycle history of your area, know the traditions and protocols for the clubs in your area, group riding rules, ground pounding locally and out of state, perform any tasks asked of them by a patched member and to keep club business private! It isn’t about demeaning a prospect but educating them on the seriousness of earning their patches. Wearing your colors is not a fashion statement! If you are not committed to earning your patches or you were given your patches without prospecting, what type of loyalty do you have to the club? None! How are you your brother or sister’s keeper if you haven’t bonded with the club? Quality over quantity everyday, all day! Now let’s get turned up this season! Put the traditions back into prospecting new members and ride safe on two’s!

SPORTBIKESINCMAG.COM | 97

98 | SPORTBIKESINCMAG.COM

SPORTBIKESINCMAG.COM | 99

THE LIFE: The Lion’s Den

Choose your path Words: lion james images: Allan Lane

100 | SPORTBIKESINCMAG.COM

O

ne of the things about the motorcycle community that has always appealed to me in a major way is the diversity found therein.

Not just the varied ethnicities of its members or the different walks of life from which we all come but also the variety of motorcycles, types of riders and (most interestingly to me) the many reasons that people decide to ride.

We all have our own reasons for riding and furthermore our own reasons for being the type of rider we are. Some of the reasons may be more common than others but your reasons are yours and my reasons mine. We all choose our own path and while we may be motivated by our peers, our two wheeled heroes, the motorcycle culture we see around us, pursuit of an adrenaline rush, interest in nonconventional means of transportation or even a cool movie (it happens), we all have had to choose a path for ourselves. Choosing your path in this context refers to the sub category of motorcycling such as drag racing, road racing track day regular, badass “image is everything” egomaniacal show-off, parking lot pimp perched atop a custom bike stricken with chrome-itis, enthusiast, commuting public road warrior, passport stamping touring motorcyclist, stunt rider, local road runner, club rider, law breaking speed demon, wrench turning DIY weekend warrior, credit-glide (always has to have the latest, newest and most expensive of everything), outlaw or any combination of the afore mentioned motorcyclist types. Choosing your path is not always something you do before choosing a motorcycle and sometimes your path chooses you after riding for a while. Sometimes you may actually choose a different path each time you turn the key, throw a leg over and open the throttle. Some

may choose to avoid labels all together and refrain from choosing any given path but those fence-straddlers are not who I’m talking to or about. I’m referring to those who came to the proverbial fork in the road and made a decision, those who blazed a new trail and chose to be innovators and those still choosing their path.

I presume that for the vast majority of you, choosing your path was easy. You decided that you wanted to ride, decided what type of rider you wanted to become or reinvent yourself as, got yourself the appropriate machine or updated /upgraded your machine to suit your new path and off you went. Helmets off to you for having that resolve and confidence. I wish you success, safety and joy in your chosen path or paths. Some of our fellow riders don’t find it so easy to transition from the desire to ride to the wind in their face and a throttle in their grip.

What do you do if you have no path in mind but just want to ride? How do you know what path is right for you? Imagine for a moment a new or would-be motorcyclist who decides to save his or her pennies up all winter long so they can visit a dealership come summer to purchase their first bike. No experience, no guidance and no idea that choosing a path has just as much to do with what kind of rider you plan to be as it does with which direction you intend to ride in. So many factors are involved in choosing your path. Interest for instance, what type of riding would you like to do? Are you interested in going as fast as possible in a straight line? Are you interested in dragging a knee in the chicanes? Are you interested in looking cool? Are you interested in seeing as much of the world around you as SPORTBIKESINCMAG.COM | 101

THE LIFE: The Lion’s Den possible on two wheels? Are you interested in being a part of a two wheeled brotherhood or sisterhood? Are you interested in only riding when the weather warms or leisurely cruises on the weekends? Does one wheel appeal to you more than two? Do you genuinely just want to throw a leg over and couldn’t care less about the details?

Once you decide what kind of motorcyclist you’re interested in becoming there’s of course the choice of a motorcycle. Do you opt for pure horsepower, torque, acceleration and/or top speed? Do you get yourself something lightweight and nimble made to carve corners and canyons? Would you rather build something from the ground up, mod a stock bike into the pantheon of custom motorcycle infamy or walk the path less chosen by getting something more on the rare end of the motorcycle spectrum? Is comfort and fuel economy more of a concern for you than performance, power and speed? Do you choose your motorcycle based on something more trivial like color, price or what your friends say? Are you going to play it safe and get a motorcycle that has stood the test of time and sales, is an industry staple and is tried & true? Do you settle for something that simply runs well and won’t leave you stranded when out on a jaunt? Do you plan on beating the living hell outta the damn thing anyway so buying used is just fine? Perhaps you’ve done your research, read all the specs, taken advantage of the dealerships’ demo days and are choosing which motorcycle best suits you based on the experts’ picks, shootout results and empirical data out there at your disposal.

Once you’ve got your motorcycle and an idea of how you’d like to ride you must now choose what examples to follow on path to improving as a motorcyclist, you must select and acquire the appropriate gear, surround yourself with 102 | SPORTBIKESINCMAG.COM

like-minded motorcyclists, increase your two wheeled education and while maintaining a healthy respect for the sport and machine, proceed to refine your skill via what I personally consider to be the three most important investments you can make in your motorcycling which are “saddle time, saddle time and more saddle time.” Complex choices all, but each is as important a part of choosing your path as the next. Don’t be fooled into thinking that once you’ve been riding for a number of years or once you’ve multiple-choice-questioned yourself thru the preceding list that you’re done choosing your path because the decisions are ongoing. You must make similar decisions each time you reach a new motorcycling goal and subsequently set new ones, when the weather and seasons drastically change, when some new model motorcycle or motorcycling technology takes center stage, when a new two wheeled interest motivates your attention or when a new talent or skill is mastered. Some may argue that you make such decisions each and every time you ride. Never has it been said that the decision to ride a motorcycle should be entered into lightly or haphazardly but when looking at all the aspects of deciding to ride, it’s easy to see how choosing one’s path is no simple task.

I’m often curious as to what motivates people to ride and what influences their respective decisions to ride what they ride and how they ride it. Next time you make a new two wheeled friend, come across a new type of rider or meet someone riding a motorcycle you’ve not yet seen I invite you to ask them how they chose their path. You may discover something that can help you on your own path. And if you and I ever meet where rubber reaches street, I’d like to know how you chose your path.

SPORTBIKESINCMAG.COM | 103

THE LIFE: The Lion’s Den

104 | SPORTBIKESINCMAG.COM

wake up. ride. keep riding...

•world class service, maintenance & repair •parts, apparel and accessories •visit us online at www.nolimitms.com

Jason Britton’s No Limit Motorsports 14726 GoldenWest Street, Unit H Westminster CA 92683 www.nolimitms.com 714.891.8600 SPORTBIKESINCMAG.COM | 105

FEatured THE LIFE FEatured LIFE:rider FEatured riderS riderS

Darron Biles location: Tallahassee, FL Occupation: Student Years Riding: 3 years.

Riding style: Aggressive street.

Bike/s owned: 2007 Suzuki GSXR 600, 2013 BMW S1000RR favorite bike modification/accessory: Full exhaust.

Loud pipes save lives.

Favorite piece of riding gear: My M.C. vest with back armor. most memorable ride: Rode from Tallahassee, FL to Myrtle Beach, SC SOLO for black bike week.Â

106 | SPORTBIKESINCMAG.COM

Grace Stoeckle location: Norristown, PA Occupation: Information Architect Years Riding: Off and on for 20 years.

Riding style: Street and track.

Bike/s owned: 2009 Royal Enfield G5 Classic Custom Cafe Racer favorite bike modification/accessory: The custom

paint on my tank.

Favorite piece of riding gear: Boots! Always boots. Can’t have enough boots!

most memorable ride: It still has to be on the very first day of owning my very first motorcycle, a Honda Nighthawk 250. I had an interview to be a waitress at a bar. My dad and I hopped on my new bike, me on the back, and on the way to the interview laid the bike down on some gravel. Me, my dad, and my bike spun across the country road, got up, dusted ourselves off, and continued on. I got the job, and I haven’t sat on the back since.

SPORTBIKESINCMAG.COM | 107

FEatured THE LIFE FEatured LIFE:rider FEatured riderS riderS

Sasha Valentine location: Baltimore, MD Occupation: Cofounder of Cafe Racer XXX Years Riding: 7 years.

Riding STYLE: Street.

Bike/s owned: 2009 Triumph Bonneville, 1977 Yamaha XS650 by Loaded Gun Customs favorite bike modification/accessory: British Customs Predator Exhaust Pipes Favorite piece of riding gear: ICON Variant Helmet and Gasolina Boots. most memorable ride: My solo trip through the Valley of Fire last year.

108 | SPORTBIKESINCMAG.COM

Michael Anderson location: Blue Bell, PA. Occupation: Truck Driver.

Years Riding: 30 years.

Riding STyle: Street.

Bike/s owned: 1997 Honda Valkyrie 1500. favorite bike modification/accessory: New Metzeler Tires.

Favorite piece of riding gear: Shoei Neotec helmet. most memorable ride: Port Jervis New York from New Hope, PA.

SPORTBIKESINCMAG.COM | 109

110 | SPORTBIKESINCMAG.COM

SPORTBIKESINCMAG.COM | 111

MOTO TECH Words: Mark Rozemo Image: Courtesy of Motion Pro

Ask the pro wrench Words: thomas campion

Q

: Will I really see an improvement in HP by swapping out my stock air filter? How do I know which aftermarket filter is the best?

A

: With the competition of manufacturers increasing more and more each year, their stock elements are getting better and better. Air filters included! In fact, a modified stock R6 filter (removing sound dampening) versus an aftermarket (K&N style filter) make similar power on a dyno. The major difference being that the aftermarket filter is reusable, you clean it and after letting it dry you re oil them.

The stock is a throw away and replace item. While I’m talking about cleaning filters, I wanna stress how important it is to stay on top of filter maintenance. Air flow will only be as good as how clean your filter is. Take a look at your windscreen on the next ride. See all those bugs?

They are also going into your air intake, and are stopped by your air filter. Clean and replace your filter every couple of oil changes! So to answer your question: Yes you will see a improvement in horsepower from stock to aftermarket. Now if

112 | SPORTBIKESINCMAG.COM

you modify your stock filter you can narrow the margin and get some improvement. But the advantages of having a reusable filter outweigh modifying your filter, in my opinion.

Now, deciding which aftermarket filter to use... I think that comes down to preference. K&N is the most popular but there are plenty of other companies out there with the same if not better performance.

Take the time and research the filters your interested in. In this time of age, the internet is your friend and reading reviews should be a must! I don’t buy anything anymore without reading what people have to say about it. That doesn’t mean I believe everything I read. But I read it, and make my own choice from it. Any product will have a percentage of people who dislike it even if it is phenomenal!

K&N is the most popular but there are plenty of other companies out there with the same if not better performance...

A K&N Aftermarket filter, pictured above. The Two Brother’s Racing BRO Filter pictured to the right.

SPORTBIKESINCMAG.COM | 113

114 | SPORTBIKESINCMAG.COM

SPORTBIKESINCMAG.COM | 115

Improve your skills

Load replacement Words: eric wood IMAGES: Meekail Shaheed

116 | SPORTBIKESINCMAG.COM

W

hen trying to find time on the racetrack, it is often little things that that make the difference. If you are one second a lap faster than your competition, that's a major advantage. When looking at qualifying times for an average MotoGP or AMA Superbike race, there are often many riders who are within a second of the pole time. The interesting thing about this difference in lap times is that on an average track in the U.S., one second per lap only amounts to about an average speed differential of about 1mph! When we look at things from this perspective, it's easy to see how much little details really matter.

One of the first places to look for time on the racetrack is to eliminate any coasting that you may be doing on the entrance of a corner.

Most people think of coasting as rolling into a corner while off the gas and off the brakes. This practice is common, especially when riders are learning a new track. Regardless if you are working on a new track or not, I want to suggest a new definition for coasting.

From the segment of the turn from where the throttle is closed to where the major turn input begins, we will consider a rider to be coasting anytime that they are using less front traction than is available. I think that definition will cover most everyone I know in at least a few corners.

In order to eliminate coasting, riders must follow two basic steps during corner entry. First they must brake with 100% effort when upright. Second, and most importantly, they must trail brake for the entire entrance of the corner between tip in point and the turn point.

Following these two steps will not only ensure that a rider is entering the corner with maximum roll speed but also that the motorcycle will be stable and predictable as the major turn input as made. Bikes always handle better when they are loaded. Anyone who has ever hit a false neutral on the way into a corner knows the joys of an unloaded chassis.

Many turns require two separate bar inputs: one that initiates the corner and a second that completes the major direction change. This final bar input nearly always coincides with the slowest part of the corner. Sometimes these two points have virtually no time between them and other times there are several seconds elapsed from one to the other. In corners with long entrances, this time period comprises one of the most important sections of the racetrack. At the Penguin School we often refer to this area as the "load replacement zone", and this is the place where coasting is most likely to take place.

As riders enter this zone, it is critical to focus on the loads that SPORTBIKESINCMAG.COM | 117

Improve your skills: Load replacement

consume front traction. We always want to keep these loads as constant as possible. When this is properly executed, the front ride height of the motorcycle will remain the same throughout the entire entrance and the rider can then very accurately control the direction of the motorcycle. In addition to increasing stability and confidence, trail braking has the added bonus of allowing riders to carry their braking efforts as deep into the corner as possible.

By extending the brake zone, riders make the entire entrance of the corner faster. Just as acceleration happens much more quickly from 0 to 20 than it does from 100 to 120, braking works the same way.

Speed drops more quickly as the bike goes slower. As a result, trail braking is very effective in shaving off extra speed. Every MPH that a bike slows down in the load replacement zone becomes an extra MPH that can be carried through the entire entrance. This is another one of those little details that makes a big difference, and goes a long way towards increasing your average speed around the track.

The issue that most riders have with trail braking is that they do not have a good feel for how much they can use. This is where the load replacement model can help. The goal, again, is to keep a constant load on the front tire that results in both extension of the brake zone and consistent front end feel. As the bike begins to lean into the corner, cornering forces begin to consume a greater and greater portion of the available grip. When the bike reaches the major turn point, the brakes are simultaneously released as the bike turned.

When a rider completes this process properly, there the front end does not rise as the brakes are released. This is particularly important in corners where there is an extended load replacement zone. Riders who spend too much time coasting release brake pressure without "replacing" the load on the tire. As a result, they leave lots of extra speed on the table and evidence will show up as the front end rising up during the entrance.

Just as the turn happens in two stages, so does the release of brake pressure. When the corner is initiated, the tire begins to become subject to a cornering load. At turn initiation, riders should release just enough brake pressure to compensate for this new load, keeping the forces on the front end constant. As the bike increases in lean angle (and cornering force), riders will "trail off" the brakes to keep the load on the front end stable. The full release of the brakes should happen together with the major turn input, which will correspond with the slowest point of the corner.

118 | SPORTBIKESINCMAG.COM

SPORTBIKESINCMAG.COM | 119

Improve your skills: load replacement Gauging this load replacement is something that requires both proper body position, to ensure that no unwanted loads are on the bars, and experience. Riders should never feel the front end rise during corner entrance. If you do, then this is an indication that too much brake was released. Additionally, since the front end geometry is held constant, the amount of bar tension that a rider feels should remain fairly constant as well. If the bars begin to get heavy, then the bike is asking for a little less bar input, to reduce the cornering load, so that you can trail brake a little longer. If the steering is very light, then the bike is telling you that it is ready for more roll speed, less trail brake, and that the motorcycle can be turned tighter.

When riders keep a light touch on the bars, this feeling of light/ heavy steering becomes easy to discern and trail braking is something that becomes an extremely valuable tool for increasing efficiency, speed and feel. Since the last bit of trail braking is done on the edge of the tire, inputs to the controls must be progressively smoother and lighter as lean angle increases. There are many places where the last portion of this effort is accomplished with only one finger on the lever. However, these small inputs are the things that make all the difference. Often more than that one MPH many riders are looking for.

Until next time, ride fast... ride safe!

120 | SPORTBIKESINCMAG.COM

AND ON THE SEVENTH DAY, HE KEPT RIDING. Introducing the new Pirelli Angel GT tire. Perfect for never-ending trips or just a short weekend ride, it’s engineered to give you confidence and enhanced durability, even on wet ground. More than sport touring: this is 100% Italian Gran Turismo.

N°1 for Mileage according to an independent test of Motorrad TestCenter comparing Pirelli Angel GT with Michelin Pilot Road 3, Dunlop Sportmax Roadsmart II, Bridgestone Battlax BT 023, Continental RoadAttack 2 and Metzeler Roadtec Z8 Interact M/O on 120/70ZR-17 and 180/55ZR-17 set. The test took place in Spain, Marbella in November and December 2012, using six Suzuki Bandit 1250 ABS.

SPORTBIKESINCMAG.COM | 121

AHRMA The American Historic Racing Motorcycle Association

AUGUST 2 - 4, 2013 122 | SPORTBIKESINCMAG.COM

AMA PRO AMA Pro Road Racing

SEPTEMBER 13 - 15, 2013 Sponsorship and vendor opportunities available.

SPORTBIKESINCMAG.COM | 123

FRICTION ZONE

Focused ON Fashion

Words: Kiana Gadson IMAGES: Courtesy of Double Lyte Posse

H

ow important is what you wear to you?

One might think that only superficial people feel like what they wear is really "important". But that's not entirely true. Lots of people wear things that have way more sentimental value than monetary. Their clothes say less about pride in just themselves or how they look and more about pride in what they believe in or have worked hard for.  Recently the motorcycle organization that I've belonged to since the better part of the year 2000, Double Lyte Posse (DLP) celebrated its 19th year in existence. It has been around since 1994 and is the oldest and largest Sportbike club in Philadelphia and the tri state area. They do a lot in the community and the principle that the club was founded on was about a brother and sisterhood that felt more like family than the actual families that some people have. Built by guys that just wanna ride out, it is continuing to make efforts in holding on to those same principles that will keep DLP strong for another 20 years.

124 | SPORTBIKESINCMAG.COM

Connect with Kiana...

SPORTBIKESINCMAG.COM | 125

FRICTION ZONE: Focused on fashion

This year's anniversary party theme is "Rep Your Colors". Colors are the leather vest with patches that members wear to represent the club that they belong to. It's meant to be sacred and worn as badge of honor. Our events are always a whole lot of fun. Everyone at the party will be reppin' their colors to the fullest. The theme of this year's party got me to thinking about how the things we wear usually represent what we are most proud of. So I decided to talk to a couple of the members to find out about how they represent and why.

One of the co founders of DLP, Cowboy Randy loves to rep his colors and reflects on days when people kind of laughed when they started wearing colors because it just wasn't what sport bike riders did back then. Going on their motorcycles from state to state with brothas like Vince, Lane, Lil D, Rod, Beloved and Roxanne grew into a legacy much bigger than they planned from the original idea of just wanting to ride together. The club got its name from Founder Lane and the fact that most of them had bikes with the unique, for the time, double head lights, like the 1988 1100R. The crew became the Double Lyte Posse. But when Cowboy Randy isn't wearing his helmet he's usually wearing his cowboy hat. Randy says he always loved cowboys as a kid and was excited when his late mother bought home his first cowboy hat when he was eight years old.

Today he wears them because he's always

126 | SPORTBIKESINCMAG.COM

related motorcycles and cowboys together. Correlations between the two like the honorable Buffalo Soldiers Calvary and the memorable song lyrics "I'm a cowboy. On a steel horse I ride.. Wanted dead or alive." By Bon Jovi make Randy proud of the colors he wears... and his cowboy hat.

Next I spoke to the infamous Lady Kim who is also the Public Relations Officer for DLP. To Kim, reppin' her DLP colors means representing a club that is family with a common bond and love for motorcycling that also gives back to the community. "My colors represent the history of why our founders started this club 19 years ago to ride with a purpose on the set and in the community." But you will also see her reppin' Delta Pride and rocking red making it obvious what else she takes pride in. For her the Delta Sorrority, 100 years in existence, represent a sisterhood who's purpose is transforming lives and impacting communities. Lady Kim, who also rides a Honda, wears her red with love and pride. "OOO-OOP!" And even for myself... Reppin' my

colors means representing a family and remembering where we came from.

Whether we are hugging or hollering at each on a occasion as families do, DLP is a family to me its members are my brothas and sistas. And as a long time member, and former board member, when I'm not rocking my club's logo with pride, I rep Team Gadson. For me Gadson is more than just a family name. It represents the accomplishments of my husband Rickey Gadson as a 10 time Champion, his late parents, Suicide and Vicky Gadson as legends and our nephew Richard Gadson as a feared and respected racer. Building the brand of that name represents the progress of my hard work as a manager and business owner in this male dominated world. Not to mention the legacy we hope to leave behind through our children. Those individual efforts of each member on our team and the way we hold each other down as a unit are the reason I rock the Gadson name with so much pride. What I wear is important to me.

So again, I gotta ask the question...

How important is what you wear to you?

SPORTBIKESINCMAG.COM | 127

FRICTION ZONE: Random

Image: Allan Lane Location: Myrtle Beach, SC

“...what bike?”

128 | SPORTBIKESINCMAG.COM

SPORTBIKESINCMAG.COM | 129

FRICTION ZONE

the fighters words: Michael Lawless images: Casey piester

F

ighters are the hard man... and sometimes the hard woman of the street scene.

Some started out as crashed sportbikes that were then stripped down to the minimum and rattle can painted flat black. What was once perhaps a thing of beauty is now a brutal weapon of a machine. Street fighters are all business.

They are tools ridden hard and put away wet.

A selection of street fighters are lovingly and artistically modified. They may start off as a standard then done up with trick forks, single sided swingarms, under seat mounted exhaust... the list goes on. One thing is for sure, you will not see your doppelganger on a street fighter.

While the scene is massive in Europe, it remains a bit more underground here in America. The bikes can trace there roots back to the "Mad Max" 130 | SPORTBIKESINCMAG.COM

SPORTBIKESINCMAG.COM | 131

FRICTION ZONE: the fighters

132 | SPORTBIKESINCMAG.COM

SPORTBIKESINCMAG.COM | 133

FRICTION ZONE: the fighters

134 | SPORTBIKESINCMAG.COM

movie series where big bore Japanese inline fours with bellowing open exhaust ruled the post Apocalypse Australian roads. Soon, in true life imitating art fashion, builders began copying the crazed outlaw looks portrayed in the movie. The movement was born and grew from there.

My inside man to the this sub culture of the bike world was a rider by the name of Wolfman. No surname needed. Upon our initial meet up, I could pick out Wolfman's bike a block away. As it turns out, Wolfman is a fun natured chap and maybe a bit of a mad bastard at heart.

His philosophy on street fighters: Taking your stock bike to the next level. After all, who wants to ride stock, right? Taking your time and being creative to blend a ride that is both functional and unique.

Wolfman waxed poetic on the Street Fighter Lifestyle as he joked about the hard riding and partying. Chilling and grilling usually involves doing big burnouts, wheelies and stoppies, as well.

Street Fighters... Perhaps the last true rebels of the motorcycle world.

SPORTBIKESINCMAG.COM | 135

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.

Ryan Danger! What’s on your hit list?

“Lonesome On’ry and Mean” by Waylon Jennings. “Smoke a Little Smoke” by Eric Church. “State Lines”

by Aaron Lewis.

It is these three songs because they represent good old country music that I play while out on the road all day.

Join the SBI ONLINE COMMUNITY today!

VISIT THE SPORTBIKES INC FORUM

Ryan Danger, owner of RD Cigars and Bike Builder

SPORTBIKESINCMAG.COM/FORUM

136 | SPORTBIKESINCMAG.COM

SPORTBIKESINCMAG.COM | 137

FRICTION ZONE: SPORTBIKES INK!!!

Want to show off your SPORTBIKES INK? Please click on the icon to send clear, high quality, hi res photos.

RIDER// Mz Pink BIKE// 2003 Kawasaki Ninja 636 TATTOO ARTIST// Brent Cummings

RIDER// James Booth BIKE// 2005 Yamaha FZ1 TATTOO ARTIST// Taylor penoyer

138 | SPORTBIKESINCMAG.COM

RIDER// Starz BIKE// Yamaha R6 TATTOO ARTIST// Multiple

SPORTBIKESINCMAG.COM | 139

This life

The wanna be’s

Words: TYson Beckford There are the ones that do it. Then there are the ones that wish they could do it... or should I say the “wanna be’s”. And then there are the hardcore, take no bitchassness riders.

In my many years of riding, I’ve seen it all and lived it as far as the world of motorcycling. I’ve met the hardcore ride or die riders and the “wanna be’s”. I taught myself how to ride and the first thing I learned was to be myself and ride my ride.

I’m not a stunt rider or that guy who shows off so I don’t try to be. Being something that you are not can get you hurt or may even get you killed.

I feel that I don’t have anything to prove or need to answer to anyone’s idea of how fast I should be riding or how many blocks I can wheelie, or what CC bike I should own.

The “wanna be’s” will buy a bike to impress chicks or to try and look cool... You know who you are!

At the end of the day, it’s your life so live it your way! This train of thought also works and goes for anything that you do on this planet called earth. Live your life!

140 | SPORTBIKESINCMAG.COM

Connect with Tyson...

I’m not a stunt rider or that guy who shows off so I don’t try to be. Being something that you are not can get you hurt or may even get you killed.

SPORTBIKESINCMAG.COM | 141

THE NEW ISH AFX HELMETS • FX 90 PEARL WHITE SPECIES HELMET AFX continues their line of affordable helmets with the introduction of the FX 90 line. Featuring a seven point high flow ventilation system, the helmet is offers comfort and style at very affordable price point.

Sizes: XS - XXL Price: $89.95 Contact: http://afxhelmets.com

RIGHTEOUS STUNT METAL • RIGHTEOUS SUB CAGE As the culture of stunt riding grows and the level of tricks elevates, so does the need for better accessories and options to equip your stunt machine. The strength of a sub cage is vital to give the tail section of the bike the support it needs when under the extreme riding circumstances that stunters put their bikes under. The Righteous Sub Cage is constructed of 6061 billet modular aluminum. It features an 8 point system of adjustability with plastics pegs that are capable of supporting a few hundred pounds of weight. The Righteous Sub Cage ships with a lifetime warranty.

WOODCRAFT CFM • HONDA CBR250R CLIP ONS These clip ons lower the stock handlebars 1.5 inches over the stock bars. This gives you a more aggressive riding position whether you are on the street or the track. Sold as a kit.

Price: $179.99 Contact: http://woodcraft-cfm.com

142 | SPORTBIKESINCMAG.COM

Price: $350.00 - $435.00 Contact: http://righteousstuntmetal.com

CATALYST RACING COMPOSITES • HONDA CBR 500 SUPERSPORT SET The supersport set for the 2013-2014 Honda CBR 500 gets you ready for a great day on the track.The set includes uppers, lowers, tail and fender all ready and primed for paint.

Price: $797.00 Contact: http://catalytracingcomposites.com

ROLAND SANDS DESIGNS • WOMEN’S MAVEN JACKET This is where fashion meets function. The Maven jacket is cut in a fitted Cafe Racer style and is made of top grade cowhide. The weathered and worn look of the leather is achieved via pre oil, wash, hand wax then oil again process. The Maven is ready to house the optional RSD Armor in the back, shoulders and elbows.

Colors: Black, Tobacco Size: S - XXXL Price: $560.00 Contact: http://rolandsands.com

ICON MOTORSPORTS • ANTHEM MESH JACKET

The Anthem Mesh Jacket is a fusion of ICON’s Fighter Mesh Technology, CE approved Field Armor and all around comfort. It offers flex where needed as it is cut to a woman’s specific physique granting protection, style and breathability.

Colors: Pink, Stealth Sizes: 5 - 10 Price: $99.99 Contact: http://rideicon.com

SPORTBIKESINCMAG.COM | 143

THE NEW ISH REV’IT • RAVEN LADIES LEATHER JACKET The Raven is a riding jacket without compromise. Engineered to match the confidence and ability of a female rider, the raven offers a high level of protection only complimented by the jacket’s line work. The outer shell is made from Monaco Performance cowhide, a high end leather that has been treated to remove any imperfections and prepared to remain durable in tough conditions.

Comes with a 360 degree zipper to pair with the Raven trousers to complete your 2 piece suit for serious street/back roads riding or track day happiness.

Colors: White/Black, White/Red, Black Sizes: 34 - 44 Price: $469.95 Contact: http://revitusa.com

SCORPION EXHAUSTS • TRIUMPH SPRINT GT SERKET EXHAUSTS

The Serket Exhaust Series from Scorpion not only offers the boost in power your Triumph Sprint needs, but it also drops off almost 10 pounds of unnecessary weight carried in the stock pipes.

Available in stainless steel, titanium and carbon fiber.

HOT BODIES RACING • BMW S1000RR UNDERTAIL

The lines of the S1000RR are aggressive from the start. However, like so many other models, no matter how great the tail of a bike is, the rear hugger and the license plate holder have a tendency to disrupt the flow. The Hot Bodies Racing undertail for the S1000RR cleans up the tail section of the bike nicely.

Additionally, the undertail includes turn signals and a plate mounting kit. Available in factory colors as well as an unpainted version.

Price: $129.95 - $229.95 Contact: http://hotbodiesracing.com

144 | SPORTBIKESINCMAG.COM

Price: $524.00 - $624.00 Contact: http://tawperformance.com

SATO RACING • DUCATI 1199 PANIGALE RACING HOOK If you are in need of transporting your Panigale in a safe and secure method, consider the Sato Racing Hook. The Racing Hook provides secure anchor points for the use of tie downs. A simple and easy solution for assisting your transport needs.

Colors: Black, Gold Price: $80.00 Contact: http://satoracing.com LEATT • STX RR KNECK BRACE What has become almost a staple in motocross safety apparel is now finally available for road racing and track day safety. The STX RR from Leatt is CE certified and fully adjustable to fit over all riding suits and a selection of armor. The STX RR brace is made of carbon fiber and weigh only 1.55 pounds. The brace is designed with front end that allows the wearer to tuck behind the windscreen and correct side clearance for cornering.

Price: $549.00 Contact: http://www.leatt-brace.com

ICON MOTOSPORTS • TARMAC 2 BOOTS Looking for comfort without the compromise of protection or performance? Take a look at the Tarmac 2 Boots from ICON. Designed with street riders in mind, the Tarmacs have a reinforced upper, steel shank, ankle plate, reinforced toes and heels. It may look like just a pair of sneaks but they are so much more. The current trend of wearing sneakers on a street ride or to the stunt spot is dead. Cop a pair of the Tarmac 2 boots and then mount up.

Colors: Stealth, Red Sizes: 6 -14 Price: $135.00 Contact: http://rideicon.com

SPORTBIKESINCMAG.COM | 145

THE NEW ISH: Featured Item SPEED AND STRENGTH • TRIPLE CROWN LEATHER RACE SUIT Gone are the days when you would hear, “I want to get on the track but suits are too expensive...” Lock it up! The new Triple Crown Race Suit from Speed and Strength dispels the myth that it is too expensive to get on the track when it comes to obtaining quality riding gear.

The Triple Crown is constructed of premium cowhide leather with CE approved armor in the shoulders, knees, and elbows as well as in the back. The leather panels are secured by Speed and Strength’s high impact safety seams so in the event of an off, your suit has a higher chance of survival. The speed hump and race cut fitting gives you comfort and features that you look for in a track day suit.

Available in a selection of colors, the Triple Crown Suit is a top choice for completing your track day equipment needs.

Colors: Black, White, Red, Blue Sizes: 38 - 52 Price: $599.95 Contact: http://ssgear.com

Join the SBI ONLINE COMMUNITY today!

VISIT THE SPORTBIKES INC FORUM

SPORTBIKESINCMAG.COM/FORUM

146 | SPORTBIKESINCMAG.COM

SPORTBIKESINCMAG.COM | 147

Staff stuff alpinestars • web gore-tex boots Leon Brittain Several years ago I purchased a pair of Alpinestar Web Gore-Tex Boots with what I thought was a hefty investment of approximately $200. But you can’t put a price on safety and quality, so out the door with the boots I went.

Little did I know that these same boots would hold up for years to come during frequent track days, getting caught in the rain, everyday riding as well as simply sitting around while my bike was undergoing a makeover.

The boot features a side zipper with an overlapping velcro closure system for easy of use, a padded toe shift area, water-resistant full-grain oil leather upper, a durable rubber soul, and a rear reflective area for added visibility. Sure, the rear reflective area is less than a 2” diameter, but anything is better than nothing.

In retrospect, the money spent was well worth with it considering the longevity and comfort experienced from my footwear while keeping my little tootsies comfy and cozy. http://alpinestars.com Rating: 4.5 (out of 6)

roland Sands designs • diesel gloves Allan Lane What I appreciate about the aesthetics of the entire RSD line of gear is the new, but already broken in appearance and feel. In the case of the Diesel gloves, it’s never been more apparent. From the first ride, the fit and feel is spot on. Light weight with sturdy leather construction, they quickly moved up the ladder to the top of my list of go to gloves... Depending on the type of riding I’m doing.

While you are not going to grab them to hit the track, they are a great selection for the purpose of a casual pair of riding gloves.

They offer a base level of safety padding in the knuckles and on the fingers. I wish they had a bit of armor to them to offer a higher level of protection, but again I classify the Diesel as casual ridging gloves. http://rolandsands.com Rating: 5 (out of 6)

148 | SPORTBIKESINCMAG.COM

SPORTBIKESINCMAG.COM | 149

THE BACK SHOT!

Image: Allan Lane Location: Bethlehem, PA

SBI’s International Correspondent Billy Morrison on stage with Billy Idol, proudly wearing his SportBikes Inc Magazine “Power” shirt.