ROAD RACING • DRAG RACING • STUNT RIDING • CUSTOM BIKES • LIFESTYLE
JULY 2018 VOL 8 ISSUE 10
SPORTBIKESINCMAG.COM TM
JONATHAN SMITH READY: RIDER ONE
THE RIDERS ISSUE
FEATURED RIDERS | DANI PEDROSA: EVERY DOG HAS HIS DAY | THE INSIDE LINE: RIDING DIRTY | ON THE RUN: KEEPING IT IN THE FAMILY | IMPROVE YOUR SKILLS: TIRE WARMERS SPORTBIKESINCMAG.COM | 1
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UNTIL NOW, WE HAVE BEEN ASKED TO TA K E S I D E S. T O C H O O S E B E T W E E N W I C K E D O R V I R T U O U S , B R U TA L O R S O P H I S T I C AT E D , R E F I N E D O R W I L D , G E N T L E M A N O R B A S TA R D . Y O U D E S E R V E B O T H.
© Ducati North America 2016
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CONTENTS
JULY 2018 - VOLUME 8, ISSUE 10 http://issuu.com/action/page?page=14
14 THE PRESS ROOM http://issuu.com/action/page?page=20 20 WHAT TO WEAR http://issuu.com/action/page?page=24 24 THE GRID NEWS http://issuu.com/action/page?page=30 30 MOTOGP WITH B.T. - By B.T. http://issuu.com/action/page?page=42 42 THE NUMBERS - By Cameron Smith http://issuu.com/action/page?page=58 58 THE INSIDE LINE - By Devonne Duerbaum http://issuu.com/action/page?page=66 66 ON THE RUN - By Jasmin St. Claire http://issuu.com/action/page?page=76 76 FEATURED RIDERS http://issuu.com/action/page?page=84 84 THE SUM OF ALL PARTS http://issuu.com/action/page?page=88 88 IMPROVE YOUR SKILLS - By Eric Wood http://issuu.com/action/page?page=118 118 THE NEW ISH
FEATURED RIDER: NICHOLAS OLIVIER http://issuu.com/action/page?page=76 PAGE 76 4 | SPORTBIKESINCMAG.COM
ICON MOTOSPORTS
®
RIDEICON.COM
SPRING 18
KYLE SLIGER AIRFRAME PRO WARBIRD HELMET OVERLORD SB2 JACKET OVERLORD GLOVE
SPORTBIKESINCMAG.COM | 5
FEATURES
JULY 2018 - VOLUME 8, ISSUE 10
DANI PEDROSA: EVERY DOG HAS HIS DAY
30
ON THE RUN: KEEPING IT IN THE FAMILY
66
IMPROVE YOUR SKILLS: TIRE WARMERS
88
http://issuu.com/action/page?page=26
http://issuu.com/action/page?page=66
http://issuu.com/action/page?page=88
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THE INSIDE LINE: RIDING DIRTY
58
SUM OF ALL PARTS: DP BRAKES
82
JONATHAN SMITH: READY: RIDER ONE
98
http://issuu.com/action/page?page=58
http://issuu.com/action/page?page=82
http://issuu.com/action/page?page=98
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STAFF
Publisher//Editor in Chief: Allan Lane allan@sportbikesincmag.com
EDITORIAL
ART & DESIGN
Drag Racing Editor: Rickey Gadson rickey@sportbikesincmag.com
Creative Director//Layout//Design: Allan Lane allan@sportbikesincmag.com
Fashion Editor: Kiana Gadson kiana@sportbikesincmag.com
Creative Supervisor: Leon Brittain leon@sportbikesincmag.com
Moto Tech Editor: Thomas Campion tommy@sportbikesincmag.com
Graphic Designer: Baz baz@sportbikesincmag.com
Riding Editor: Eric Wood eric@sportbikesincmag.com Staff Writers: Leon Brittain leon@sportbikesincmag.com Lion James lion@sportbikesincmag.com B.T. bt@sportbikesincmag.com Devonne Duerbaum devonne@sportbikesincmag.com Jasmin St. Claire jasmin@sportbikesincmag.com
Cover Photography: Allan Lane Contributing Photographers: Brian J. Nelson Kevin Michael MotoGP.com Jasmin St. Clair Michael Brock
Copy Editor: Angela Lane angela@sportbikesincmag.com Contributors: Cameron Smith
SportBikes Inc Magazine - July 2018 Volume 8, Issue 10 To receive SportBikes Inc Magazine’s 2018 Media Kit and Advertising Rates, please email: info@sportbikesincmag.com.
In no way can any part of this magazine be reproduced in print, digital, broadcast or any other manner without the expressed written permission of the publisher.
SportBikes Inc Magazine (ISSN 2158-009X) is published monthly by Hard Knocks Motorcycle Entertainment.
SportBikes Inc Magazine is not responsible for any advertising claims made by its advertisers or partners.
Any and all items submitted to SportBikes Inc Magazine will become the sole property of SportBikes Inc Magazine and are subject to, but not limited to edits, comments and titles.
Sportbikes Inc Magazine, staff and partners are not responsible for injuries, loss or damage to their being, vehicle or property, including death that may result from contest submissions.
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DEFIANT-X, 2018
ARAIAMERICAS.COM
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FEATURE STORY
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JONATHAN SMITH READY: RIDER ONE
PAGE 98
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FROM THE EDITOR
W
hat type of rider are you? I’m not talking about if you are track slayer or an asphalt assassin. I’m not asking if you are killing the lots with your stunt crew or blasting through the canyons or chasing 8 seconds on the drag strip. I am asking, what type of rider are you, mentally? I’m a firm believer in the truth to be whatever you are going to be, but be good at it. With that understanding, think bigger than just being a rider. Do you define your riding or does your riding define you? Over the years, I’ve been in the company of just about every type of rider, from all over the globe. There are a lot of us! Our global community is massive! What I have learned and what I allow myself to be open to is the fact that I need to be open to not only different types of riding but different riders as well. I know plenty of riders that never touch the street, they are dedicated to the track. I know riders that are strictly street and have no interest in track riding. My network includes dirt, adventure and enduro riders, competitors, cruisers, cafe and retro, parking lot pimps, builders 12 | SPORTBIKESINCMAG.COM
not buyers, bike night trophy bounty hunters and everything in between. And I think that the riders in each one of these categories bring something of value to this life we all love. They all play a vital part in our motorcycle ecosystem. In one or another, we all keep the industry and the lifestyle moving forward. I often hear or see on social media, for lack of a better term, “shit talking” from one group to others. Be it memes or videos, light-hearted or with malicious intent, the sentiment is divisive and cracks away at the foundation of our global twowheeled international community. So, again, I ask… What type of rider are you? Are you the type of rider that is interested in uniting our global community? Or are you the type of rider that is interested in dividing us further? Best, Allan allan@sportbikesincmag.com
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THE PRESS ROOM
INDUSTRY NEWS ICON ADDS THREE NEW BACKPACKS TO THEIR GEAR LINEUP The DREADNAUGHT, ADVOKAT 2, and SLINGBAG are three new bags released by ICON Motosports designed to address the cargo needs of today’s rider. ICON has released backpacks previously, but this new collection shows more direction and design aesthetic. Whereas the Squad, Old School, and tank bags served a purpose, the new line seems inspired to do more for urban mobility and urban utility. “We have been making moto-specific bags since
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about 2003/2004. We have a saying around here, “everything is a process, nothing is ever finished.” That speaks directly to our design process. We’re always inventing and reinventing ourselves to stay current and connected to our customer in this everevolving motorcycle landscape, and we believe these bags address the needs of today’s rider.” - Amanda Sundivor, ICON Motosports Marketing Communication Specialist.
INDIAN ISSUES A RECALL FOR THE INDIAN SCOUT The ABS is the culprit of a recall issued for select models of the 2017 and 2018 Indian Scout model lineup. Air in the brake system can minimize braking ability and increase the risk of a crash. The number of effective units reaches just over 4100 and include the Scout, Scout Bobber, and Scout Sixty. The dealer network has been instructed to bleed the front and rear anti-lock brake systems for owners, free of charge.
POLARIS SLINGSHOT 2019 MODELS
The 2019 Polaris Slingshot lineup includes the S, SL, SLR, and the Grand Touring models. The base S model is unveiled in a crisp White Lightning colorway and includes features such as ABS electronic stability and traction control. MSR $19,999. The SL model includes the innovative RIDE Command 7 inch multi-touch display system the supports glove touch technology and smartphone connectivity. The audio system on the SL includes 100 watts Rockford Fosgate audio system. The 2019 SL is rolling 18-inch front cast aluminum wheels with a 20 inch in the rear. Color options include
Black Pearl and Orion Blue. MSRP $25,499. The 2019 SLR, available in Afterburner Orange and Red Pearl, takes the performance experience to the next level with a Sparco steering wheel, shift knob, and pedal covers. The forged-aluminum rear wheel of the SLR stands at 20 inches and 305mm. MSRP $28,999. The Black Crystal Grand Touring model comes equipped with the Slingshade, a tall clear, and quilted comfort seats and for style and function points, a rear color matched fender. MSRP $29,499. SPORTBIKESINCMAG.COM | 15
THE PRESS ROOM: INDUSTRY NEWS YAMAHA CHAMPIONSHIP RIDING SCHOOL ANNOUNCES MOTOSCHOOLOOZA
MotoSchoolooza is a riding training expo, and it is happening on September 3, 2018, at New Jersey Motorsports Park in Millville, NJ. More than just a riding school, MotoSchoolooza will offer something for every level of rider and everyone’s budget. While activities and instructional riding occur on track, a free rider clinic stage will be
held throughout the day. The event is open to participants, fans, and guests. MotoSchoolooza will feature a curriculum based upon the Yamaha Champ School and Champ Street. All profits from registration are going to charity. To learn more and to register for MotoSchoolooza, please click HERE.
YAMAHA ANNOUNCES PRICES FOR THE 2019 NIKEN The 2019 Niken will be a va i l a b l e t o o rd e r v i a Yamaha’s online reservation system and delivered to the customer through the authorized dealer network, beginning in September of 2018. The three-wheel leaning multi-wheel motorcycle has a suggested retail price of $15,999 and a granite gray colorway.
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WHAT TO WEAR
WHAT TO WEAR WORDS: ALLAN LANE IMAGES: COURTESY OF SUOMY
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THE PRESS ROOM
GRID NEWS
ROGER LEE HAYDEN ANNOUNCES RETIREMENT AT THE END OF THE 2018 SEASON
Yoshimura Suzuki Factory Racing team rider, life. I want to spend more time with my wife and Roger Lee Hayden has announced that he will maybe do some traveling and start a family at be retiring from racing at the end of the 2018 some point soon.” MotoAmerica Season. While Hayden is calling it a day from competitive “This is not something I’ve decided lightly,” Roger racing, he expressed that he will continue to explained. “I’ve been thinking about this for a explore ways to remain connected and involved while. I’ve been going to races on the weekends with the sport. We here at SportBikes Inc since I was nine and I just thought it was the Magazine, thank him and wish him nothing right time to move on to the next chapter in my success in his future endeavors.
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ALEX MARQUEZ IS STAYING IN MOTO2 WITH THE EG 0,0 MARC VDS TEAM
The 2013 and 2014 Moto3 Champion, Alex and in a year that will see big technical changes and Marquez announced that he is remaining with his innovations – something I think will help me to continue current team in the Moto2 class for the 2019 season. growing as a rider and help me to prepare myself for one of my key objectives: moving up to MotoGP. I’m “I’m happy to announce my renewal with EG 0,0 really motivated to be part of this project, and we’ll Marc VDS,” says Marquez. “I want to thank the team fight as hard as we can to become Moto2 World for their confidence in a project that we all believe in, Champions.” - Alex Marquez.
YAMAHA RE-UPS WITH VAN DER MARK AND LOWES FOR 2019 WORLDSBK SEASON Both Michael Van der Mark and Alex Lowes will remain their Yamaha blue for the 2019 season WorldSBK after both riders agreed to a contract extension with Yamaha Motor Europe. 2019 will be Van der Mark’s third season with the team and Lowes’ fourth. Lowes has been the original rider for the team since they made their return to the WorldSBK grid in 2016. Van der Mark joined the team in 2017.
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THE PRESS ROOM: GRID NEWS TOM SYKES AND KAWASAKI TO PART WAYS AND THE END OF THE 2018 SEASON Tom Sykes and the Kawasaki Racing Team have agreed to mutually end their racing relationship at the end go the 2018 season. Stating that he is ready to move on to a new challenge, Sykes expressed, “I am now the best rider I have ever been, and I have the experience and performance to keep winning. So now I have decided to make a step away from the KRT project for 2019 and look for new goals and challenges.� For the remainder of the 2018 season, Sykes will focus on race wins. Sykes has been with KRT for nine years with a multitude of milestones. In 2013, Sykes won the World Superbike Championship, giving Kawasaki their first championship win in twenty years, with the previous championship being won by Scott Russell in 1993. In the years following 2013, Sykes earned second place finishes in 2012, 2014, and 2016. Sykes has won the most superpoles in the history of the World Superbike.
MV AGUSTA AND FORWARD RACING REVEAL THE LIVERY OF THEIR MOTO2 TEST MACHINES
After 42 years, MV Agusta is staged to return to the Moto2 grid in a collaborative campaign with Forward Racing. The team released an image of the test livery for their muchawaited return to the MotoGP championship. The theme features a dominating black colorway with red highlights and white trim. MV Agusta, founded in 1945 has earned 75 world titles since it lined up on the grid for the first race that became the MotoGP World Championship and still holds the most titles, worldwide. Forward Racing was founded in 2009 and currently competes in the Moto2 World Championship.
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DANI PEDROSA ANNOUNCES HIS RETIREMENT, GETS INDUCTED INTO THE HALL OF FAME After 18 years, Dani Pedrosa will be hanging up his leathers at the end of the 2018 MotoGP season. Pedrosa is one of the most successful riders of our time, having earned 54 race wins, 3 World Championships (125 Championship in 2003, the 250 Championship in 2004 and 2005) and holds a third of the most podium finishes. Pedrosa explained, “Next year I won’t compete in the Championship, I’ll finish my career in MotoGP this season. It’s a decision I’ve thought about for a long time, and it’s a hard decision because this is the sport I love but despite having good opportunities to keep racing, I feel like I don’t live racing with the same intensity as before and I now have different priorities in my life.” At the conclusion of the 2018 season, the Spaniard will become a MotoGP Legend and will be inducted into MotoGP Legends Hall of Fame at the annual ceremony held in Valencia. “Dani Pedrosa is a true great,” says Carmelo Ezpeleta, CEO of Dorna Sports. “A World Champion on 125cc and 250cc machinery and one of the most successful riders we’ve ever had the pleasure of watching, Pedrosa has contributed an incredible amount to the world of motorcycle racing over a long and distinguished career in MotoGP. With a legacy that includes his incredible winning run over so many years, and so many wins and podium finishes, we’re very proud that he will be inducted as a MotoGP Legend.” SPORTBIKESINCMAG.COM | 27
NCBIKE RACE TRACK
310 TECHNOLOGY DR, GARYSBURG, NORTH CAROLINA 28 | SPORTBIKESINCMAG.COM
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THE GRID
EVERY
MOTOGP WITH B.T. WORDS: B.T. IMAGES: COURTESY OF MOTOGP.COM 30 | SPORTBIKESINCMAG.COM
Y DOG HAS HIS DAY
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THE GRID: MOTOGP WITH B.T.
O
ctober 15th, 2006 was when Dani Pedrosa’s name became etched into my memory forever! He
was Nicky Hayden’s teammate that crashed into Nicky in turn 6 and seemingly ruined the American’s chances of a World Championship! How dare he?! Unforgivable! I hate this guy!
As luck would have it, Hayden would go on to win the Championship and Pedrosa was spared the wrath of an entire nation. But who was this “Pedrosa” dude? What was his deal? As my addiction to MotoGP grew, so did my compassion and admiration for Pedrosa.
Daniel Pedrosa Ramal was born on September 29th,1985 in Castellar del Valle’s, a village near Sabadell, Spain. Pedrosa stands 5’2 and weighs roughly 115 pounds. Think about Prince, but on a motorcycle! Talented but really, small. His weight would hamper and help him his entire career. On a drag race to the finish line, sure it helped him, but when he needed more rear grip? Well, at the size of a twelve-year-old girl... You figure it out!
Pedrosa was singled out by the man who would ultimately end his career, Alberto Puig. Puig saw something special in the young Spaniard in the Movistar Activa Cup in 1999. Although Pedrosa’s feet can barely touch the ground while sitting aside his race bike, he was vastly talented. He won the 125cc title in 2003 and went on to win the 250cc 32 | SPORTBIKESINCMAG.COM
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THE GRID: MOTOGP WITH B.T.
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World Championship in 2004 and 2005.
He was selected to be Nicky Hayden’s teammate in 2006, and to the ire of American fans it was clear Honda saw him as the boy who would be King. As luck would have it, that year it was Hayden who would win the World Championship that year but not after that controversial crash from Pedrosa at Estoril in Portugal. A bonehead attempt of a pass on a teammate that was fighting for a World Championship! Supposedly, there are no team orders in racing, and rule number one in racing is always, beat your teammate! But what if your teammate is going for a World Championship?
Looking back, over a decade later, it's almost ironic that Pedrosa would practically be defined by that move when he always deemed “too nice” to win a World Championship. To be a World Champion, at some level, when that visor comes down, you have two be a dog! Give none, shut the door on your opponent, block pass... You name it, to be a World Champion, you have to be a D-O-G! Did Pedrosa have that in him?
Pedrosa has won at least one Grand Prix in the last 16 seasons. He has won at least 31 MotoGP races and is the 8th most successful rider of all time. But did Pedrosa have that D-O-G? Personally, the race that stands out for me was ironically in 2012 at the circuit where he announced his retirement, the Sachsenring GP. Pedrosa SPORTBIKESINCMAG.COM | 35
THE GRID: MOTOGP WITH B.T. battled his teammate and two times World Champion Casey Stoner. Battled is being kind. In a nutshell, Lil Dani, as I like to call him, wore Casey Stoner out, posting the fastest lap of the race on the last lap and forcing Stoner to make a mistake and crash out! Dani showed that he had that D-O-G in him!
Unfortunately, injuries would come to plague Pedrosa’s career. His injury list looks more like a twelve year NFL Lineman than a racer. Many times Pedrosa seemed to have a Championship within’ his grasp when a late-season injury would rear its ugly head, most recently a collarbone at the Motegi circuit in 2010.
It was the injuries that took the fun out of racing for Pedrosa. Although offered the opportunity to race for a newly formed Yamaha Satellite Team, I think it was the injuries that told Pedrosa, “enough is enough”! Although the new Repsol Honda Team Manager Alberto Puig would announce Pedrosa would no longer return to what had been his home for twelve years, Pedrosa’s mind was made up. The Dog had had his day.
I knew the end was upon him when a tweet from a fellow rider said about Pedrosa, “It doesn’t look like he’s having much fun out there!” That’s when we all knew. Pedrosa was never second fiddle to his World Champion teammates Casey Stoner and Marc Marquez.
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THE GRID: MOTOGP WITH B.T.
Pedrosa was and is a Champion in his own right. Ask
personally stick them where the sun don’t shine!
Valentino Rossi or Jorge Lorenzo about Pedrosa, who on
Dani Pedrosa is a MotoGP Legend. Sometimes in life, the
more than one occasion wore their asses out. On any given
breaks don’t go your way. That was the case for Pedrosa
Sunday, Pedrosa was as gifted as any rider that has ever
regarding a championship.
raced in Grand Prix racing. I’d like to say thank you to Dani for being so kind to his But, as every dog has his day, Pedrosa had his. There
fans, to me and providing us with great racing for over a
were very good days and bad days. July 12th, 2018,
decade plus. He is what and who racers should aspire to
was the day Lil Dani, decided enough was enough. He
be on and off the track.
had nothing left to prove. Naysayers will say “he never won a MotoGP Championship...”
I cried watching Pedrosa announce his retirement but found solace in knowing he is at peace with his decision. So
Some never forgave him for the collision with Nicky Hayden
from the bottom of my heart, I’d like to say, “Thank you,
in 2006. Those people have their opinion, and they can
Dani! You are a Champion!"
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SPORTBIKESINCMAG.COM | 39
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SPORTBIKESINCMAG.COM | 41
THE GRID
THE NUMBERS EVERY MONTH, WE ASK PROS AND AMATEURS WHY THEY CHOSE THE NUMBERS THAT IDENTIFY THEM ON THE GRID...
CAMERON SMITH
#44
"My original number 15 was from my earlier years of amateur and my first year of the pro circuit, I had got the number 15 from my great grandparents house it was 115 so I picked 15. My second year pro I had signed up late and my number was token. So I picked 44 the same number as Brandon Robinson he was a mentor at a young age and helped me train and get ready for racing and he was there for anything that I needed."
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IMAGES: COURTESY OF CAMERON SMITH SPORTBIKESINCMAG.COM | 43
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NEVER GIVE UP. It’s all about performance.
SR2 Speed in every detail. The SR2 gives it all just like its rider. An innovation for ambitious amateur riders and professional racers. WWW.SCHUBERTH.COM | 45 SPORTBIKESINCMAG.COM
THE GRID: ON THE COME UP
DORSEY BIRCH
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BROUGHT TO YOU BY:
NAME: Dorsey Birch HOMETOWN: Philadelphia, PA AGE: 26 years old. COMPETITION SERIES: CCS, ASRA, MINIGP, TPM GPMOTO ACCOMPLISHMENTS: 2017 Rookie Cup GTO Champion. 2017 3rd place f inish in bot h t he Heavyweight SuperBike and Unlimited Superbike. 5th place in ASRA Superstock. GOALS: To win a CCS Championship. As well as race in and win the MotoAmerica 600 Championship. DEFINE YOUR PASSION IN ONE SENTENCE: I have a passion for racing and I always give 110% into everything that I do.
IMAGES COURTESY OF: DORSEY BIRCH SPORTBIKESINCMAG.COM | 47
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THE STRAIGHT LINE: ON THE COME UP
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BROUGHT TO YOU BY:
NAME: Robert Parker HOMETOWN: Orlando, FL AGE: 34 years old. COMPETITION SERIES: XDA Racing Series, Orlando Speed World NHRA Bracket Series ACCOMPLISHMENTS: Competed in Kawasaki's Zero to Hero Challenge in Las Vegas and was awarded a new ZX14R through Kawasaki and Rickey Gadson, as well as gaining sponsorships from my performance. I won a Wally trophy. I am also the current Orlando Speed World NHRA Bracket Series Track Champion from 2016 and 2017. GOALS: My goals include moving on to the pro classes in various drag racing series, competing for a NHRA Wally at the finals in California, and if possible NHRA Pro Stock. DEFINE YOUR PASSION IN ONE SENTENCE: My passion for motorcycles and racing is like the Sun, it's always being fueled and nothing can stop it!
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THE REV LIMITER: ON THE COME UP
ZXCHRIS TANNER
ADRIAN HACKETT
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BROUGHT TO YOU BY:
NAME: ZxChris Tanner HOMETOWN: Norwalk, IA AGE: 42 years old. ACCOMPLISHMENTS: Doing shows for large crowds. And pushing everyone around me. GOALS: To be the best I can be at this sport and ride with as many riders that I can. Teach my 4 year old son to ride! DEFINE YOUR PASSION IN ONE SENTENCE: I've been stunting since 2003, and it's in my blood. All I've ever wanted was to have fun. It's still fun so I will continue to do this as long as I can!
IMAGES COURTESY OF: ZXCHRIS TANNER
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CobraHeat LLC 5621 Taylor Mill Rd. Taylor Mill, KY 41015
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801-663-7436 www.cobraheat.com sales@cobraheat.com
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THE LIFE
G N I D I R
D
Y T R I
THE INSIDE LINE WORDS: DEVONNE DUERBAUM IMAGES: BRIAN J. NELSON 58 | SPORTBIKESINCMAG.COM
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THE LIFE : THE INSIDE LINE
R
oad racing is so different from flat track, yet a lot of professional road racers start on the
dirt or train in the dirt. This year was the first time I’ve ridden on a dirt track, and I absolutely loved it. It is nothing like road racing, but I can see why everyone raves about it. Arai invited me to their Press Launch this year in Daytona. They usually do rides, or we get some track time, but this time it was different. We had a ton of riding to do, but also we were able to get our hands dirty. The first day started off with getting to know the Defiant X and the Classic V, along with getting to know The Arai’s and how everything is properly tested before it goes on the consumers head. We headed to the dirt track after to test out our helmets. We had two models to choose from, but everyone went with the Defiant X, which was the smartest choice considering the Classic V is a half face helmet. And no one wants dirt in their eyes. I threw on my gear, hopped on a bike and had Johnny Lewis get down to the nitty-gritty on how all things worked in the dirt. Usually, you would think you just go out there and ride, but there’s a little more to it. Front brake? Nope, not unless you want to be on the ground.
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THE LIFE : THE INSIDE LINE
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I THREW ON MY GEAR, HOPPED ON A BIKE AND HAD JOHNNY LEWIS GET DOWN TO THE NITTY-GRITTY ON HOW ALL THINGS WORKED IN THE DIRT. Rear, yes. The rear brake is your best friend. Once I took in everything said, I hopped back I went out there and decided I don’t really need on the bike and tried to do what he said. Tried to use the brake. Just went into the turn throttle and to lean the opposite as much as I could, leaned all. I didn’t end up on the ground, and I definitely forward on the bike on the straight, used my rear felt like a badass. The flag was thrown after the brake before the turn and stuck out my leg. Doing session, so I came sliding in, rear tire and all.
those little things helped me a lot and made me feel more comfortable. I ripped around back and
I watched some people while I waited my turn. forth with everyone with a giant smile under my Josh Hayes approached me wanting to give me helmet, understanding why everyone loves flat some tips, which I was all for considering I had track. no idea what I was doing. He told me not to ride like a road racer, which is all I know how to do. After the sessions, I was happy to say I felt pretty When you’re road racing, you lean into the corner. confident and the Defiant X kept every spec of In flat track, you lean away from the corner and dust out of my face, which is surprising considering instead of your knee out, you have your foot out, it was quite windy, and there was dirt flying which I did, but not as much as I should have. Also, everywhere. The Defiant X did its job, and I would he gave me another tip… “use your rear brake!” love to get down and dirty again! SPORTBIKESINCMAG.COM | 63
Fi nd yo ur favori te loca l d ea ler on w w w. t a w p e r f o r m a n c e . c o m / d e a l e r s 64 | SPORTBIKESINCMAG.COM
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FRICTION ZONE
KEEPING IT IN THE FAMILY
ON THE RUN
WORDS//IMAGES: JASMIN ST. CLAIRE 66 | SPORTBIKESINCMAG.COM
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FRICTION ZONE: ON THE RUN
N
ever in my years of loving my Vulcan650S did slung my leg over the saddle something about this I ever think I would have eyes for another bike. upright sport bike grabbed me back. The higher seat,
Then I did the worse thing ever. I had a two-week
relative to my cruiser, still left me with the ability to flat
affair with the 2018 Kawasaki Ninja 400ABS. The
foot it. I gave him a rollback before I started the engine
first time I saw “his” photo: a sexy, powerfully built,
to get a sense of the weight. And at 370 pounds wet,
lean green machine with a “400” emblazoned like
or more than a hundred pounds less than my devoted
a sexy tat on the midriff below the tank, I wanted to
but suddenly bloated feeling Vulcan, I suddenly really
give him a spin. Size is not supposed to matter, but liked this bike that didn’t feel like it was pushing back. it can be intriguing. A 25% increase in length and This was a bike asking to be ridden... hard. girth of its twin pistons? That is worth checking out. To be honest, I never expected this fling to develop The Ninja 400 was put through the test right away. beyond that. My Vulcan 650, a cruiser, was the love It had been drizzling before I showed at Kawasaki of my life. The operative word is "was." Because of
headquarters, and as soon as turned onto the main
that, during my two weeks with the Ninja 400 ABS I
road, it began to pour. The ride back home to Santa
will state right here, clear as a huge scarlet letter that
Monica would be a minimum of 65 miles, plus
I regret the pain and humiliation I caused my Vulcan
another 40 I took exploring some Orange County
650S. I hope that he does not file for a divorce and Canyons, and it would rain the whole time. This test sue for alimony or something. And I’m sorry I rubbed ride put me through the ringer from the get-go, and my affair in his face by parking the Ninja right next to I loved every moment, even with a few issues I had him for two weeks. If you hear about me being “me adjusting to the different of sport bikes. tooed” by my monstrous behavior toward a certain Kawasaki cruiser, this is my confession:
Let me first start by saying the peg placement was a tad confusing. I am so used to sitting back on my cruiser
As soon as I walked up to the Ninja 400 waiting for with my legs stretched out on the forward pegs. Having me, almost daring me to step closer, on the black,
them below and tucked a bit rearward, was initially
rain-slicked pavement outside Kawasaki’s Lake Forest,
confusing, but I adapted quickly. Soon, I came to like
California headquarters, I felt something stir. I was the increased sense of control and stability of being never a sport-bike girl. Cruisers were the bad boys I able to direct my weight on the pegs during turns. went after. But as soon I grabbed the handlebar and 68 | SPORTBIKESINCMAG.COM
My initial plan was to take the freeway home. I figured in the rain, but blindness induced by the spray against because of the nasty rain, the faster, the better. As soon my visor was a bit unnerving. The cars and trucks I as I got onto the freeway, another problem reared up: shared the freeway with appeared in my vision as wind mixed with rain in my face. The tiny windscreen either little blurs or more significant blurs. After a few on the Ninja wasn’t cutting it. In fact, it was perfectly miles, I clicked my turn signal, negotiated through the angled to launch long strings of water directly into my
blurs and got off the freeway.
helmet visor. The smooth pull of the 400’s parallel twin, coupled with the smooth transmission and slipper
Maybe the bike had somehow planned this, so
clutch gave me utter confidence in the bike’s handling
we’d spend more quality time together. I immediately
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FRICTION ZONE: ON THE RUN
realized that going 50 miles per hour and below, bastard. It was nearly two hours later that I found the windscreen worked well enough, and side roads myself descending to the coastline by Laguna Beach. would be a kick. I pulled over and looked up a local
The bike and I timed it perfectly so that for the instant
routing on my iPhone map. Because I live right by the the rain let up, gun metal clouds parted to reveal deep Pacific Coast Highway which beckons north into the blue sky over the flashing waves and even a rainbow. Malibu hills and places beyond, this was the first
All I needed was a unicorn to make the experience
time in a few years I’d ventured south on any bike into
complete, but I can confidently report that I saw none.
Orange County. I quickly realized I was surrounded My mental was in tip-top shape, except for the fact by some lush, mountain roads which, if they weren’t I was in love. Like any lover, the Ninja 400 was washed out with rockslides and floods, might be fun.
not only slick, riding like butter, as the exhaust note over the 9000 RPM range filled my ears with sweet
I’d do the motorcycle writer thing and recount exactly
nothings, the bike filled me with confidence. That’s
which routes I took, but as soon as I turned toward
what you really look for in these relationships, isn’t it?
the nearest canyon, I stowed my iPhone and lost the
To be completely elated, and surprised by its power,
map I’d picked. The bike was so much fun, I rode by speed, and balance. instinct, or maybe he chose the route, the deductive 70 | SPORTBIKESINCMAG.COM
After my dizzying jaunt through the rainy hills, I pulled handling of our awkward exchange, I cut him some over at a coffee shop by the coast. In the parking lot, slack. In my experience, I’ve found that guys with spiky I again did a balance test of standing flat footed and
hair like his tend to be slightly dumber than average,
throwing the bike back and forth between my legs. but it’s not their fault. We struck up a conversation, Compared to my porky cruiser, which itself is a good
and this Ninja-struck guy told me he’d never ridden
100 pounds lighter than the famous American brands,
before, but if he did, the one I rode in on seemed like
it was a revelation feeling such lightness in a bike. one he’d like. I told him if he ever felt brave enough to It felt like the weight of the bike was in sync with my
get on a bike, the Ninja would be perfect. While it’s
body, not fighting it. For years, manufacturers have light enough to be considered a “beginner’s bike” it been talking about the need to attract female riders.
has all the power you need. Even in the rain, getting
As one, I can say weight is a serious issue. Less of it, on the freeway showed me that. Another advantage especially when maneuvering through parking lots,
to the 400 is it doesn’t look like a beginner’s bike.
equals more confidence.
Parked side-by-side with it’s larger 650 brethren it’s not all that easy to tell them apart.
Looks count, too. The Ninja has a sexy upswept wedge look, but who cares what the bike looks
When I got back to Santa Monica late that afternoon,
like? Let’s be real, for most riders, male or female;
having over a hundred miles on the bike, I couldn’t
looks are all about how we look rolling up on it, wait to explore the city on him and head up the coast getting off, as we arrive amid the bipedal hordes
to my Malibu stomping ground. No sooner did I park
exiting their safety cage comfort cruisers. And in
it than my boyfriend set eyes on it. I didn’t expect him
this department, the Ninja kills. In fact, it made me
to feel “that way” about my Ninja 400 lover, but as
look so good that when I pulled off my full-face to
soon as I pushed my space, he couldn’t keep his
reveal damp, semi-matted helmet hair and headed eyes off it. That was a little weird. But given that my toward the minimall cappuccino shop, a twenty-
boyfriend is 6’ 4” I didn’t imagine he would fit on it.
something-year-old, midlevel sales rep looking dude
And then he asked for the keys and made a bunch of
in a Men’s Wearhouse suit and gold aviators called promises about buying me dinner, and soon he was me “sweetheart.” Or at least I thought he did until I tucked over that 400 hundred roaring off down Ocean glared at him and he apologized and said he meant Avenue. When he got back, he had this strange grin to say my bike was a “sweet ride.” Given his deftly stuck to his face and kept repeating, “That 400 is SPORTBIKESINCMAG.COM | 71
FRICTION ZONE: ON THE RUN nice.” I asked if he even fit on it, and he repeated,
get stopped in the wrong place, the road slants down
“That 400 is nice.” I don’t know what happened to
and to the side into a bunch rocks, sage, and cactuses.
them out there, and I’m not sure I want to know, but
Even stopped in a car you get the feeling you might
it’s more proof, that 400 is a seductive bastard.
slip off the road. On my Vulcan, if it’s not angled perfectly, I ’ve almost dumped it. It so happened that
In the urban riding, I took the 400; I learned something I got stopped here in the Ninja 400 in my second new. On my cruiser, I’m not the biggest fan of lane week with him. I thought to myself, “Oh great, here we splitting. In Santa Monica and West L.A., there’s
go with struggling not to side backward… Did I sign
the extra stress of stoned Uber drivers, soy raging
some legal form that means I have to pay expenses
bicyclists, electric scooter aficionados and the if I drop it into a canyon?” Then, even before the homeless people who occasionally dart into traffic
light changed, I realized the Ninja was happy here.
shouting the latest messages they’ve just received Light enough and lithe enough, I could control him from the Lord or sometimes Satan. The lower seat and anywhere. diminished visibility of my Vulcan cruiser make this all the more stressful. Lane splitting on the Ninja 400 was By the second week, the Ninja had become my fullslick and natural. With its higher perch, narrow clip-ons time side bike. The Vulcan was almost a forgotten and maneuverability it wanted to slip in between cars memory. Except for each night when as I pulled into and get to the front of the line at traffic lights.
the garage next to my Vulcan. When I dared look over at my forgotten paramour, I could almost hear the
In the canyons, the dry ones I finally found to take into machine bitching that the Ninja better not go into his off the Pacific Coast Highway, the 400 does corners
space. The Ninja was lithe enough slide next to the
intuitively. You look, and it goes, finding the apexes Vulcan in the same spot; so not only was he slender by responding to the movement of my body. Where enough to do so but also compatible as he didn’t I struggle on the Vulcan or another cruiser are those
start a scandal or anything. But, he was the beau of
low speed, slanted inclines which abound in the hills the parking garage. of Southern California, especially when turning into driveways at friends’ hillside houses, or onto small The add insult to injury, the Ninja bested my Vulcan mountain lanes. There’s a traffic light on a hilly road
in other ways. Not to air dirty laundry, but my Vulcan
just above the Pacific Coast Highway, where if you
has always had a drinking problem. Every 140 miles
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or so, the need hits and I have to pull into a gas
my fling was, I kept it in the Kawasaki family.
station. I don’t know what mileage the Vulcan gets. But the Ninja, with its combination of largeish tank One benefit of my returning the bike was the tour of and efficiency, is a veritable teetotaler when it comes
the Kawasaki Headquarters Museum that Brad Puetz
to hitting the pumps. I got beyond 200 miles per tank, arranged. Puetz, who played matchmaker between and for the ride, I was getting I appreciated that. A
me and the 400, sealed the deal by allowing me to
great lover and frugal.
have a private viewing of the company’s collection of racers, street and dirt bikes spanning more than
Overall, this bike is five stars across the board.
four decades of speed, power, engineering and, yes, seduction. Kawasaki is the leader in my opinion, much
Would I take the Ninja on one of the thousand mile
as I admit just about every motorcycle manufacturer
road trips the Vulcan and I make? Never. Feet forward,
has something I can love, or at least try to. But in my
longer-wheel-based and parky as he is the Vulcan is
personal experience as a bike owner, Kawasaki has
king of the longer road - freeways in particular. I felt never let me down. Now, I just need to explain this to some resentment from the Vulcan when I was forced
my trusty old Vulcan, and also that I swear, the Ninja
to turn the Ninja back into Kawasaki, but as wild as 400 meant nothing to me. SPORTBIKESINCMAG.COM | 73
CORNERING LEARN THE SKILLS DISCOVER THE ART
Would you like to improve your riding skills? The California Superbike School trains riders at tracks worldwide in 14 countries. Its 38 year history has produced 140,000 graduates. Most riders have no clear idea of how good they really can be. Sign up for the California Superbike School and find out. www.superbikeschool.com 74 | SPORTBIKESINCMAG.COM
www.adeyemi.co
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THE LIFE: FEATURED RIDERS BROUGHT TO YOU BY:
Nicholas Olivier LOCATION: Boston, MA OCCUPATION: Sales Representative. YEARS RIDING: 2 years. RIDING STYLE: Street rider. BIKE/S OWNED: 2008 Honda CBR600RR. FAVORITE BIKE MODIFICATION/ACCESSORY: I love my Two brothers Exhaust. It gives off a much deeper pitched tone than the stock exhaust. It sounds amazing on the open road, downshifting, and even at idle. FAVORITE PIECE OF RIDING GEAR: it's a tie between my GoPro and my Sena Headset. MOST MEMORABLE RIDE: My most memorable ride was taking a trip to New Hampshire with over 80 bikes and raising over $1400 for a fellow biker's family friend whose daughter was diagnosed with cancer. We all love to ride, but riding for a cause like this is what makes it special.
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Bobby G. Scruggs II LOCATION: San Clemente, CA OCCUPATION: Apple Genius/Air Force Reservist. YEARS RIDING: 10 years, since high school. RIDING STYLE: Street and dirt, grew up on dirt and migrated to street. I started riding in high school on a street modified XR400, which I highly regret selling prior to joining the Air Force. BIKE/S OWNED: 2016 Ducati Urban Enduro. FAVORITE BIKE MODIFICATION/ACCESSORY: Definetly my SC Projects Custom two in one exhaust. Makes you heard on the freeway, and sounds like a jet taking off! FAVORITE PIECE OF RIDING GEAR: Torn between my Biltwell Lanesplitter Helmet and my Sena 30K. Both have made a huge impact on my riding not only having a comfortable safe helmet but to be able to communicate with other people I’m riding with gains such an advantage and helps to not get lost on longer rides MOST MEMORABLE RIDE: Probably my top ride of all time would be when I and about seven others met up at P- ZERO World in Los Angeles and all rode out to WSBK in Monterey, CA. Not knowing any of the riders I met up with beforehand, we set off and became close friends along the way. Taking us through some of the most scenic highways known in Southern California with over 400 miles beginning on Pacific Coast Highway, to the well known “Snake” on Mulholland drive, through wine country, Paso Robles, and historic Highway 101 making sure we chose the most twisted roads to push our capabilities as a rider really and to absorb the full Southern California motorcycle experience.
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THE LIFE: FEATURED RIDERS
Torsten Thimm LOCATION: Groß-Umstadt, Germany OCCUPATION: Editor. YEARS RIDING: 25 years. RIDING STYLE: Street. BIKE/S OWNED: 2007 BMW R1200R, 1999 Kawasaki W650 FAVORITE BIKE MODIFICATION/ACCESSORY: Indicators, lights, exhaust, mirrors, and lots more. FAVORITE PIECE OF RIDING GEAR: My Germot Challenger Gear. MOST MEMORABLE RIDE: Well there are several rides but the most memorial one is to the Ardeche last year with my girlfriend. 78 | SPORTBIKESINCMAG.COM
Bill Moore LOCATION: Chicago, IL OCCUPATION: Digital Advertising & Marketing Professional. YEARS RIDING: 7 years. RIDING STYLE: Street. BIKE/S OWNED: 2011 Triumph Bonneville T100 “Tuxedo”. FAVORITE BIKE MODIFICATION/ACCESSORY: The good lookin’ babe on the back. FAVORITE PIECE OF RIDING GEAR: My Bell 500 Custom Helmet. MOST MEMORABLE RIDE: From Chicago to the Kentucky Kickdown in Louisville, KY.
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History. Family. Dedication. It doesn’t matter what you ride or where you ride it, protection is our priority in every helmet we create. That is Arai’s unshakeable foundation which you can rely on. Even if you never use an Arai helmet for its intended purpose, the handcrafted comfort which only Arai can deliver will let you enjoy every ride even more. And look darn good while doing it too!
N O H E L M E T C A N P R O T E C T T H E W E A R E R A G A I N S T A L L F O R E S E E A B L E I M PA C T S.
N O T H I N SPORTBIKESINCMAG.COM G IS A SUBSTITUTE FOR SAFE RIDING | P R 81 ACTICES.
THE SUM OF ALL PARTS
THE SUM OF ALL PARTS WORDS: ALLAN LANE IMAGES: COURTESY OF DP BRAKES & CLUTCHES 82 | SPORTBIKESINCMAG.COM
EVERY MONTH, WE CHAT WITH THE INDUSTRY'S LEADING AFTERMARKET APPAREL & ACCESSORIES MANUFACTURERS TO GIVE YOU THE OPPORTUNITY TO LEARN A LITTLE MORE ABOUT WHO MAKES THE STUFF THAT YOU BUY AND USE.
DP BRAKES AND CLUTCHES
WWW.DP-BRAKES.COM LARRY MILLS, PRESIDENT
SBI: What’s your history with DP? How did you Dunlopad and eventually take over the business get involved with the company?
which I did in 2001. Having grown up as
LM: I started with DP Brakes, formerly Dunlopad, Tony Mills' son, my whole life revolved around back in 1993. My father, Tony Mills was the motorcycles. Born in the UK and attending many Importer and Main Distributor for North America road races, trials and scrambles back then, the which still goes under the name of our business, idea of entering the industry was exciting and a Tony Mills International. Back then, we had smaller challenge! Attending the Annual Match Races at regional distributors such as White Bros., Dixie Mallory Park, Oulton Park, and Brands Hatch was International, J & D Walters and Intrac to name always one of my favorite events. Plus, attending a few. I went to school for Electrical Engineering races in Assen, IOM, and other events were very and Design, but my father asked if I wanted to exciting as well. Growing up with names like eventually work with him in a few years to run Mike Hailwood, Barry Sheene, Phil Read, Kenny SPORTBIKESINCMAG.COM | 83
THE SUM OF ALL PARTS: DP BRAKES & CLUTCHES
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Roberts, Don Emde and many more was such a and clutches in the marketplace. We genuinely privilege. I look back now and see how lucky I offer an upgrade over OEM performance which was to be in that environment. My father, he is is a definite need in today's demands on brakes a true Icon to the Motorcycle Industry, and I am and clutch components. The one thing you do trying my hardest to getting him elected into the not want to do is downgrade the performance AMA HOF as an Industry member.
of your bike or ATV. With DP, you are receiving an upgrade. Those products offered on your
SBI: What is the process for product development? motorcycle as original are superior. Do not put LM: DP does have its own brake disc dynamometer, yourself in a position where your performance and that was and is used to evaluate different is inferior to where your safety and trust is in compounds. Not only is it used for us to develop jeopardy. Upgrade with DP Brakes and Clutches new upgraded compounds but also used to and feel the difference!! compare competitors performance under all conditions. Wet, dry, cold or hot! We are also SBI: What’s next for DP? continuously testing in real life applications. LM: Keeping up with the demands of the rider Whether it be with our tremendous group of and machines. Offering what the customer expects sponsored riders or with our test riders, we utilize and needs from DP! Always testing new products. on the street and offroad. We are continually Staying ahead of everyone else and offering looking to see what we can offer to upgrade products that are cost effective. Our claims to the rider's performance. Whether it be stopping fame are that DP Brakes are an upgrade in overall power, durability or overall performance. Trying performance. Giving the rider increased stopping to stay ahead of OEM and other brands.
power, Excellent feel, no brake fade, quiet performance and dust free quality. DP Brakes. The
SBI: How does DP remain relevant in today’s first...The best... The leader... in Sintered Braking market?
Technology.
LM: We feel we are the premium line of brakes
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IMPROVE YOUR SKILLS
IMPROVE YOUR SKILLS WORDS: ERIC WOOD IMAGES: MICHAEL BROCK 88 | SPORTBIKESINCMAG.COM
TIRE WARMERS
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IMPROVE YOUR SKILLS: TIRE WARMERS
O
ver the years I’ve heard the racetrack compared to many different things, but a
“traditional” sport that seems to parallel track day riding or racing closely is skiing (or snowboarding as you may prefer). Participants in both sports take off, often for a couple of days, with a mountain of gear packed away in their vehicles to go out and get as many laps (or runs) as their wallet and physical stamina can afford. Racetracks, like ski mountains, are often several hours away and the dedicated lovers of these sports allocate valuable money and time in the quest for speed, thrills and good times with their friends.
In both sports, spending a little money in the right places can improve your speed, handling, and confidence. However, there are always points of diminishing return. A novice skier like me is likely not going to be able to benefit from using Bode Miller’s downhill skis from the last Olympics, just like your average track day rider would likely go faster on a good supersport bike than on Jorge Lorenzo’s M1. However, one tool that is available to motorcycle riders can be a benefit to riders at most any level when used properly. In this article, we will discuss the features, benefits, and uses of tire warmers.
Like a good wax on a set of skis, sticky tires benefit 90 | SPORTBIKESINCMAG.COM
riders at any level. Everything you do to your bike to make it go faster or handle better is translated to the track through your tires. If I could make one modification to any street bike to make it handle better, I would choose race tires every time. By raising the ultimate grip level of your bike, expert riders can ride faster and newer riders have a larger margin for error. The only real sacrifice a rider makes when switching to race tires is that they require tire warmers.
Regardless of what tires riders at Penguin School events run, we frequently get questions regarding the need for and the use of tire warmers. In the end, two major factors influence the use of tire warmers; tire type and weather conditions.
STREET TIRES Can you do a track day on stock tires? Absolutely! They have lower ultimate grip than race tires, and in testing, we find that a street tire might be 3-4 seconds a lap off of a race tire. However, since most track day riders ride at 15-20 seconds a lap off of race times, they have plenty of grip to spare as long as they don’t upset the chassis with unintended bar input. Since stock tires are meant to operate at relatively low operating temperatures, tire warmers are not recommended. The rubber compounds for these tires are made so SPORTBIKESINCMAG.COM | 91
IMPROVE YOUR SKILLS: TIRE WARMERS that when you roll out of the garage on a crisp 45
Q3) are superior to most stock tires, yet they do not
degrees spring day, you still have some traction to
require warmers to work well. These tires will still
work with. However, since all rubber has a limited
work reasonably well when they are colder and
range of temperature, it can work with, once these can handle a higher ultimate temperature before tires get above the 130 degree range they start to
they begin to “melt” like the stock units. Tires in
get very “greasy.” The rubber begins to “melt” off this street/track hybrid class are a great choice for the surface, and the bike begins to slide very easily. riders without warmers. On a cool day, I would still use a set of warmers on these tires, but I would If a rain tire, also designed to operate at low only use them on the “low” temperature setting on temperature, is used on a dry track, the rubber
my warmers (135-140 degrees).
literally begins to peel off the surface when the ideal temperature is exceeded. If you put your RACE TIRES hand on a street tire after riding on the road, it Race tires offer more grip, more stability, more feels warm, but not “hot.” This is ideal. However,
confidence and are worth more time than any other
since tire warmers (even multi-temperature ones) modification you can make. However, since they heat tires between 135 and 180 degrees (or more), are designed to operate at higher temperatures, it’s easy to see why tire warmers are not the way they are terrible when they are cold. Since most to go in any weather.
race tires are meant to operate between 150 and 180 degrees, race tires need to run on tire warmers
The fastest way to put heat into a tire is by hard
any time you use them. Without warmers, it can
acceleration or hard braking. When street tires
take 2-3 laps to get the tires up to temperature
are used on a track (where riders can finally brake on a warm day, and they may never come up to and accelerate with vigor), they quickly generate
temperature on a cold day (in my experience, below
too much heat. As soon as you start to keep up
60 degrees). A major factor is the temperature of
with the pack at a track day, chances are you are the pavement. If you put your hand on the asphalt already overworking a set of stock tires.
and it warms your hand, you’ll likely be able to get race tires to work as long as you are smooth for a
TRACK DAY TIRES
couple of laps. If the pavement sucks the heat out
A recent category of track day tires (like the Dunlop of your hand, expect slippery tires for a majority 92 | SPORTBIKESINCMAG.COM
of the session.
With all the time, effort and expense to get to the track, it seems crazy to waste 20-30% of your time on the track warming up your tires. It’s like going to the mountain and making your first few runs with one ski. If you are going to invest in race tires to maximize your traction, then tire warmers are a must.
WARMER USE The most common misconception with tire warmers is that they are primarily used to heat up the surface of the tire. While this is certainly one valid reason, it is equally (if not more important) to heat up the carcass of the tire. I’m amazed from time to time when riders insist on using a digital temperature gauge and will not roll out of the garage until the gauge indicates 180 (or whatever their target temperature is). If these riders rechecked the surface temperature after sitting on pit lane in the wind for 60 seconds waiting to go out, they’d be shocked to see that the surface temp can drop up to 30-40 degrees in a short time!
The most important thing to remember when warming up a tire is that you need to “heat soak” the carcass. This takes anywhere from 45-60 SPORTBIKESINCMAG.COM | 93
IMPROVE YOUR SKILLS: TIRE WARMERS
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minutes depending on the ambient temperature. all), on a day that it’s cold outside, I always wrap This will allow your tire to hold the temperature the tire warmer up with a wheel wrap or a blanket. and allow the rider to ride with confidence. It is far less critical for your tire to be precisely 180
On a cold day, spend the least amount of time on
degrees than it is for the carcass to be thoroughly
pit lane as possible. When I hit the track on a cool
heat soaked. It takes at least 45 minutes for this
day with completely heat soaked tires, I go right
to happen in most all conditions.
out at the last second and ride hard right from the start. On particularly cool days, the tires will slowly
COLD/WINDY DAYS
cool down with every lap. Be particularly careful
On cold days, your enemy is the wind. When
late in the session on the first non-dominant corner
Woodcraft tested tire warmers many years ago,
after a long straight (for example a left-hand corner
we played with all kinds of insulation. The result on a clockwise track) as that is where most of the was that the difference between average insulation
crashes are likely to occur.
on warmer and crazy insulation (try four warmers stacked on top of each other) was very small on
In the end, race tires have the most grip, but there
the ability of the warmer to retain heat. However, is a price to pay for the traction that they offer. The when we installed curtains on the side of the tire
decision is up to you!
to block the wind, edge temperatures shot up 20 degrees (or more, depending on the day). Until next time... Ride fast, ride safe. Regardless of the brand of warmer (I’ve tried them
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JONATHAN SMITH READY: RIDER ONE J
onathan Smith is not for any of the bullshit. He’s not interested in any drama, and he refrains from
negative vibes. When it comes to this life of two wheels, he’s only interested in one thing. Jonathan Smith just wants to ride.
Born in Pennsylvania, Smith was raised in the South from an early age and eventually found his way back up North, settling in the Philadelphia suburbs. When you talk with him, Smith’s proper blend of Southern Hospitality and City Practically is ever apparent.
Smith has been riding for over 27 years. Motorcyclists across the globe all have their unique inspiration for why they ride. Smith explains his reason, “I can lose myself in the midst of a ride. Whether it's racing,
WORDS//IMAGES: ALLAN LANE
cruising or just enjoying the countryside view and air across my face.”
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FRICTION ZONE: JONATHAN SMITH
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Priding himself as a member of the community that
that may clash or have their differences. “ Smith
stands out from others, doesn’t mean that he is not in it explains. “In the future, I would like to see everyone and of it. As a member of a Philadelphia Motorcycle come together as one and sit at one big table with Club, his connections to the bike community run deep. positivity, only.” His passion for his brothers and sisters on two wheels is just as vibrant. He has aspirations for a more unified
And then there is his bike. A 2016 Kawasaki
bike community. “The bike community is not based
Ninja H2. “Rickey Gadson owns a custom Hybrid
upon brotherhood on the level that it should be. I
H2. Gadson conquered a land speed record with
like when there are networking events, and everyone
the supercharged H2, reaching a top speed of
comes together as one for a good cause. I don't like 229.1mph. I am a natural born speed demon, so I the divide in the bike community with different groups knew that I had to have it.“
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FRICTION ZONE: JONATHAN SMITH
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FRICTION ZONE: JONATHAN SMITH
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FRICTION ZONE: JONATHAN SMITH
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"RICKEY GADSON OWNS A CUSTOM HYBRID H2... I AM A NATURAL BORN SPEED DEMON, SO I KNEW THAT I HAD TO HAVE IT!"
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FRICTION ZONE: JONATHAN SMITH
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FRICTION ZONE: JONATHAN SMITH
"I'M HIGHLY COMPETITIVE AT ALL LEVELS. YOU CAN NEVER STOP AT JUST STOCK FEATURES AND ACCESSORIES. I’M ALWAYS LOOKING TO LEVEL UP."
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FRICTION ZONE: JONATHAN SMITH Just like Smith, his bike stands out from the others. It's Brock’s Performance Alien Head exhaust gives the not like you see a lot of H2’s on the street, but when
H2 much more performance driven look and sound.
you look at Smith’s, you notice the subtle and tasteful modifications that he has applied to his bike. “I want to
Riders like Jonathan Smith are a great testament
be different and stand out from the crowd. I'm always
to the culture of motorcycling. Smith is a rider. A
looking to do something bigger and better than the
"ready" rider that personifies what it means to be
next person. I'm highly competitive at all levels. You an enthusiast. Smith loves his community. He loves can never stop at just stock features and accessories. his two wheels, and he loves to ride. No bullshit, I’m always looking to level up.” To complement the nonsense or negativity is necessary. Riding is more Mirror Coated Spark Black of H2, Smith has tastefully
than a way of life for Smith. It is a positive influence
applied chrome accessories without being ostentatious.
on his existence.
After all, it is a supercharged H2. The addition of the
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FRICTION ZONE: JONATHAN SMITH
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"I CAN LOOSE MYSELF IN THE MIDST OF A RIDE. WHETHER ITS RACING, CRUISING OR JUST ENJOYING THE COUNTRYSIDE VIEW WITH AIR ACROSS MY FACE."
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THE NEW ISH ICON MOTOSPORTS • DC18 - GLORY ALLIANCE GT HELMET
ICON is reapplying one of their first helmet graphics on a modern helmet. The Alliance Dixie Chick helmet first dropped in 2003. 15 years later, that age changing graphic now adorns their Alliance GT helmet, reborn as the DC18. The DC18 ships with the RST Gold Internal DropShield and Clear quick change fog-free Proshield with the Prolock shield locking system. Inside, you’ll find a moisture wicking liner. Sizes: XS - 3XL Prices: $299.99 Contact: http://rideicon.com
MOTO-D RACING • ”NEXT" PLUG & PLAY DATA BOX FOR THE YAMAHA R1/M The Next Plug & Play ECU Expansion Boxes feature a direct connection to the ECU. It allows the rider to simply plug in with no wiring or splicing, directly into the motorcycles ECU with a single cable connection and immediately record multiple points of data: RPM, Engine Temp, Front Brake Pressure, Rear Brake Pressure, TPS % Hand, TPS % Valve, Gear, Front Wheel Speed, Rear Wheel Speed, Data Logging GPS Speed and Course Position. Available for the Yamaha R1 and R1M, model years 2015 through current.
SPRINT FILTER • AIR FILTER FOR THE DUCATI PANIGALE V4 The Sprint Filter offers the latest technological advancement with the highest existing permeability of any air filter on the market. Its features make it an air filter particularly suitable for racing, but with the special Sprint Filter technology, it can also be used on the most sophisticated latest generation supersport bikes, like the Ducati Panigale V4. In most cases, there is no need for fuel adjustment with special mapping of the ECU or additional control units. This is a permanent filter that can be cleaned with only compressed air. Price: $239.95 Contact: http://brocksperformance.com 118 | SPORTBIKESINCMAG.COM
Price: $224.99 Contact: http://motodracing.com
HOTBODIES RACING • SUZUKI BAR END SLIDERS These sliders are built on only the best in materials and engineering. Each item has been designed to absorb the energy of impact and distribute throughout its shatterproof materials properly for maximized protection. The UV protected UHMW assures no fading in the sun or becoming brittle in the cold. High tensile strength, corrosion resistant hardware ensures that your sliders will not rust or fail. Price: $29.95 Contact: http://hotbodiesracing.com
CNC RACING • ROCKET FOLDING BAR END MIRRORS The convex mirror features an 81mm diameter, to ensure the best possible visibility. The mirror can be fitted in either low or high position and is compatible with most handlebars, both original and aftermarket, with an expansion assembly system or with an M6 screw, both included. Price: $82.00 Contact: http://bellissimoto.com
COMPETITION WERKES • GP RACE SLIP-ON EXHAUST FOR THE PANIGALE V4
Handmade in the USA with high-quality Stainless Steel, Competition Werkes exhausts offer an exceptional product at an excellent price. Just bolt on and ride! The bike will instantly gain a raucous sound and a livelier, more powerful engine. It's lighter than stock and removes the catalytic converters, becoming more of a half system with the amount of pipe it replaces. Experience a deeper sound and a more productive performance boost thanks to the wider pipes that allow for greater airflow. Price: $2,799.95 Contact: http://competitionwerkes.com SPORTBIKESINCMAG.COM | 119
THE NEW ISH ALPINESTARS • CORE LEATHER JACKET The Core is a stylish, premium leather sport and street riding jacket that is aggressively profiled to offer excellent ergonomic performance as well as high levels of comfort thanks to its strategically positioned stretch inserts that work with a rider's body on and off the bike. Packed with class-leading protection, such as Alpinestars' race-derived Dynamic Friction Shield, the Core is engineered for performance, comfort, and safety. Sizes: 46 - 64 Colors: Black, Black/White Price: $589.95 Contact: http://alpinestars.com
MOTION PRO • CHAIN BRUSH
MUC OFF • NANO TECH MOTORCYCLE CLEANER Using our state-of-the-art Nano Tech formula, Muc-Off Nano Tech Motorcycle Cleaner cuts through grime quicker than you can say “OMG!” regardless of the weather or riding conditions. This classic pink bike cleaner has incredible cleaning power because it contains our revolutionary Nano Technology that breaks down dirt and grime on microscopic levels, while also caring for your motorbike’s delicate finish. Because we use the finest ingredients and surfactants, our Muc-Off formula is a closely guarded trade secret. It’s the most effective cleaner out there, and it doesn’t even need any of those nasty, dangerous acids or chemicals. In fact, our perfectly pink cleaner is biodegradable, free from acids, CFC’s and solvents, and it’s alkaline based so you can clean away with a guilt-free conscience. It’s safe on all surfaces, and it’s even disc brake rotor and pad friendly. Price: $14.99 Contact: http://us.muc-off.com 120 | SPORTBIKESINCMAG.COM
Looking for an easy tool to help keep your chains clean and dirt free? The Chain Brush from Motion Pro is a double-ended brush designed for such needs. It features a three-sided brush head to clean the chain, rollers and side plates in one operation. The long straight brushes on the opposite end assist in cleaning hard to reach areas. The handle is made from quality plastic, and the brushes consist of durable nylon. Price: $5.99 Contact: www.motionpro.com
R&G RACING • SIDESTAND FOOT ENLARGER FOR TRIUMPH DAYTONA 675 AND SPEED TRIPLE By adding an R&G side stand foot enlarger, you can have confidence that your motorcycle will remain upright, even when left on soft surfaces. This foot enlarger consists of pieces of aluminum and stainless steel that sandwich your original kickstand via countersunk Allen bolts and will increase the footprint by up to 100%. R&G designs this footprint enlarger to fit your motorbike correctly, ensuring the shoe does not affect ground clearance or interfere with the chain run during regular riding. Grab an R&G side stand foot enlarger and park on everything from hot pavement, to loamy ground. Price: $50.95 Contact: http://twistedthrottle.com
SENA • POWERPRO MOUNT The PowerPro Mount is an innovative portable charger and handlebar phone mount all in one. Easily charge your smartphone on the go, while having it conveniently mounted onto your bike’s handlebars. One charge on the PowerPro can charge most iPhones around five times. Equipped with a micro USB port, riders can easily charge a variety of smartphones and even GPS devices with the PowerPro. Price: $99.95 Contact: http://sena.com
MOTOGP • OFFICIAL TRAVEL SUITCASE
If you are a real fan of MotoGP, you can not miss the opportunity to get this spectacular cabin suitcase high quality. It contains the logo MotoGP embossed on the front with internal lining and customized pullers. Measuring 46 x 33 x 20cm, the bag is carry on friendly. The suitcase is equipped with a combination and key lock for security. Prices: $85.26 Contact: https://store.motogp.com
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THE NEW ISH: FEATURED ITEM PUIG RACING • DOWNFORCE SPOILERS FOR THE 2017-18 KAWASAKI ZX-10R These new aerodynamic components have been designed to be perfectly integrated into the motorcycle fairing, in an optimal position and inclination to provide more downforce to the front section of the bike. With them, as well as providing a more aggressive and racing look on the bike, the Ninja improves on stability on braking and strong accelerations As a result of
the Puig experience in developing accessories for the fairing and constant research, these new items follow the current trend of the aerodynamic designs applied on MotoGP bikes. Constructed of 4mm High-Impact acrylic, with a rounded finished edge to ensure safety. Installation requires no mechanical knowledge and every needed is included in the box.
Price:$ 237.49 Contact: http://puigusa.com
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520 Steel Q/A Kit OEM Replacement Kit Driven Steel Sprockets 520/525/530 RK Chain
Driven Steel Sprockets 520 RK Premium Chain
520 Aluminum Race
Driven Aluminum Rear Sprocket 520 RK Premium Chain
Live chat with us at RKExcelAmerica.com Tel: 760.732.3161 SPORTBIKESINCMAG.COM | 123