SportBikes Inc Magazine June 2015

ROAD RACING . DRAG RACING . STUNT RIDING

CUSTOM BIKES . MOTO TECH

JUNE 2015 VOL 5 ISSUE 9

SPORTBIKESINCMAG.COM TM

THE LADIES’

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ONWOMEN COMMON GROUND THAT RIDE DISCUSS WOMEN THAT RIDE

WHO IS LISA FITZGERALD? | THE WHEELIE QUEEN | FEATURED RIDERS: LADIES’ EDITION | H2 MANIA | FIRST RIDE: 2015 YAMAHA YZF R3 | SHUT THE CITY DOWN 2015: SEASON OPENER

Ahead of the Curve

The New Ducati 1299 Panigale S

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THE FEATURES FIRST RIDE: 2015 YAMAHA YZF R3

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THE MAIN POINTS: WHO IS LISA FITZGERALD?

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ON COMMON GROUND

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LINES OF A LEGEND: H2 MANIA

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THE WHEELIE QUEEN

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SHUT THE CITY DOWN 2015 SEASON OPENER

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THE USUALS http://issuu.com/action/page?page=14 14 THE PRESS ROOM http://issuu.com/action/page?page=22 22 SHOP SPOTLIGHT - MADHOUSE MOTORS http://issuu.com/action/page?page=26 26 FIRST RIDE - 2015 YAMAHA YZF-R3 36 THE GRID NEWS http://issuu.com/action/page?page=36 40 MOTOGP WITH B.T. - By B.T. http://issuu.com/action/page?page=40 http://issuu.com/action/page?page=48 48 THE ROCKET - By James Rispoli 54 TURN ONE - By Sandra Stammova http://issuu.com/action/page?page=54 64http://issuu.com/action/page?page=64 LINES OF A LEGEND - By Rickey Gadson 74http://issuu.com/action/page?page=80 THE MAIN POINTS - By Dena Sodano 106http://issuu.com/action/page?page=106 FEATURED CLUB - SKULL KANDY S.B.C 108http://issuu.com/action/page?page=108 THE LION’S DEN - By Lion James 114http://issuu.com/action/page?page=114 FEATURED RIDERS http://issuu.com/action/page?page=124 124 IMPROVE YOUR SKILLS - By Eric Wood http://issuu.com/action/page?page=140 140 DIRTY LITTLE SECRETS - By Billy Morrison http://issuu.com/action/page?page=146 146 THE NEW ISH http://issuu.com/action/page?page=152 152 STAFF STUFF

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FEATURED RIDER: SIX

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FEATURE STORY ONWOMEN COMMON GROUND THAT RIDE DISCUSS WOMEN THAT RIDE PAGE 94

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EDITOR’S LETTER

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n my journey and travels over the last 20 something odd years, I’ve met two types of ladies that ride. The first type being the female rider that is very vocal about the fact she is indeed a female that rides a bike. While not seeking direct attention for this, she is quick to make the point that she is a woman that rides. She is most notable for posts on social media that include numerous yet appropriate hashtags that identify her with what she feels is her immediate section of the global riding community.

The second type of female rider identifies herself as a rider, period. No further discussion needed. Point blank. Rider. She seems uninterested in separating herself from the global riding community and tends to focus on her time in the saddle.

These two types of ladies are often polar opposites in terms of personality. Their reasons or personal agendas for riding cover a multitude and it is rare that you see these two types of ladies in social atmospheres or riding together.

But on the rare occasion when I have been witness to the meeting of the minds, so to speak, something very cool happens. In the company of the riding community at large, the identifying markers seem to fade into the background leaving only the truth of the matter. That truth is that both types of ladies are simply riders. Regardless of why or how or even what they ride... they ride. Therefore they blend into the global riding community, almost seamlessly.

seen women dominate in both road racing and drag racing. Female stunt riders are killing it in the lots, events, competitions and streets. When it is all said and done, the one factor that unites all of us together is the fact that we all ride bikes. I’d like to think that one day there won’t be a need felt by some to qualify themselves as female riders. A rider is qualified simply by the transitive property of riding.

There is no other way to say this without sounding like a dick, so ladies, please forgive me... When I see a female rider posting pics of herself or other female riders with hashtags identifying themselves as female riders, chic riders, girls that ride, etc... I sense an air of redundancy. Not once have I looked at an image posted and been unsure if I was looking at a female or male rider. It is blatantly obvious to me that I was looking at a photo of a woman. I rapidly identified the subject of the photo and acknowledged the action that she engaged in and thought, “Hmmm, nice pic.” I then double tapped and scrolled on. In the real carbon based world, not once have I ever thought of a female rider and said, “She rides pretty good... for a girl!” It’s very simple to me. If you can ride, you can ride.

So ladies, please don’t be upset or take it personal if I acknowledge you as a rider first and foremost. I have too much respect for you to see it any other way.

Enjoy the SBI Annual Ladies’ Issue.

Best, Personally, I know ladies that ride the pants Allan off of some of their male counterparts. I’ve allan@sportbikesincmag.com 10 | SPORTBIKESINCMAG.COM

BMW Motorrad USA

bmwmotorcycles.com

FOCUS. SPEED. POWER. LET’S DANCE. MAKE LIFE A RIDE.

Whatever you do, throw yourself into it.

Give it your all. It’s the only way to go farther than you ever thought possible.

Learn more at bmwmotorcycles.com.

©2015 BMW Motorrad USA, a division of BMW of North America, LLC. The BMW name and logo are registered trademarks.

The Ultimate Riding Machine®

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

EDITORIAL

Drag Racing Editor: Rickey Gadson rickey@sportbikesincmag.com Fashion Editor: Kiana Gadson kiana@sportbikesincmag.com

Staff Writers: Billy Morrison billy@sportbikesincmag.com Michael Lawless lawless@sportbikesincmag.com Lion James lion@sportbikesincmag.com Sandra Stammova sandra@sportbikesincmag.com B.T. bt@sportbikesincmag.com James Rispoli james@sportbikesincmag.com Copy Editor: Angela Lane angela@sportbikesincmag.com

Moto Tech Editor: Thomas Campion tommy@sportbikesincmag.com Riding Editor: Eric Wood eric@sportbikesincmag.com Rev Limiter Editor: Dena Sodano dena@sportbikesincmag.com Bike Life Editor Lady Kim ladykim@sportbikesincmag.com Senior Staff Writer Red Spade redspade@sportbikesincmag.com

ART & DESIGN Creative Supervisor: Leon Brittain leon@sportbikesincmag.com Graphic Designer: Baz baz@sportbikesincmag.com Cover Photographer: REDLINE Images Contributing Photographers: REDLINE Images Arrick Maurice Brian J. Nelson Red Spade Racing Rick Hentz Evan Brown Craig Sutters Richard Perpinan

Asphalt & Opportunity Stu McLaughlin Kathleen McCullough Dan Pieper SB Image Greg 500 Lee Electric Eye US129

SportBikes Inc Magazine - June 2015 Volume 5, Issue 9 To receive SportBikes Inc Magazine’s 2015 Media Kit and Advertising Rates, please email: info@sportbikesincmag.com.

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

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

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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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#TriumphAmerica and #Castrol are proud to support #LatusMotorsRacing and #BobbyFong50 piloting a #Daytona675R in the #MotoAmerica #Supersport series.

TriumphMotorcycles.com • (888) 284-6288 SPORTBIKESINCMAG.COM | 13

THE PRESS ROOM ICON’S CLUTCH CONTROL: THE ILLY IN PHILLY REVS UP FOR 2015

The return of Clutch Control in 2014 proved that the industry is still alive and that the riding community is hungrier than ever for events that celebrate the motorcyclists’ lifestyle in a fun and entertaining way. Hard Knocks Motorcycle Entertainment and SportBikes Inc Magazine are very happy to announce that ICON is returning as the title sponsor for the 2015 Clutch Control event that will take place on Saturday, October 3, 2015.

and to show the community how much they are appreciated and loved. Last year was amazing and a major notch in the win column for the industry. The vendors did extremely well and I think that had to do with Clutch Control being a free to attend event. Just like last year, the 2015 event will also be free and open to the public. Clutch Control is for the people. This is their event! ” - Allan Lane, CEO of Hard Knocks Motorcycle Entertainment, Publisher of SportBikes Inc Magazine.

Growing on the theme of “The Illy in Philly”, this year’s event will showcase more of what the Philadelphia, Tri-State and Mid-Atlantic motorcycle community has to offer while reaching out to the nation to come and be a part of the sensational day of celebrating all things two wheeled and maybe a few with three. ICON’s Clutch Control “The Illy in Philly” is a free to attend event.

Repeated, this is a FREE TO ATTEND EVENT. No tickets will be sold and the event is open to any and all.

The one day event will include a custom bike show, custom helmet show, stunt performances

by Jason Britton’s Team No Limit, meet and greet with celebrity couple Ice T and Coco, with more celebrity guests to be announced. On display will be the most exotic custom bikes and cars in the region as well as high end performance race machines. The day will be complemented by live music performances, live DJ sessions, industry leading vendors and manufacturers, food and fun for the entire family.

“It is important that the event continues to grow

Visit http://clutchcontrolusa.com for more info.

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HONDA CONFIRMS THE LIMITED PRODUCTION OF THE RC213V-S Originally unveiled at EICMA in 2014 and based on the factory MotoGP machine that Marc Marquez pilots, the 2016 Honda RC213V-S will be made available in a very limited capacity as a 2016 model. Honda boasts that the RC213V-S is the closest experience in a production motorcycle to a MotoGP bike. Honda’s R and D Center collaborated with HRC for the development of the RC213V-S which features a V4 999cc engine, titanium connecting rods, Marchesini wheels and pressurized Ohlins fork components as well as other elements, all derived from the spec racing machine.

Honda is referring to the 2016 RC213V-S as a premium model and with a price tag of $184,000, they are not kidding. The bike will be available to order via a model specific site (www.RC213V-S.com) at 3PM Pacific time on July 12, 2015.

LIGHTECH RACING RELEASES NEW PRODUCTS FOR THE R1

Lightech Racing has released a full line up of components for the 2015 Yamaha R1. The line up of products include rearsets, chain adjusters, gas caps, reservoir covers, brake and clutch levers, carbon fiber swingarm protector and engine covers. Also included in the line up are frame sliders and license plate holders, all available in a selection of colors. The Italian aftermarket component manufacturer specializes in creating parts that not only reinforce the aesthetic quality of your motorcycle but also offer protection that extend the life and performance.

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THE PRESS ROOM INTERNATIONAL MOTORCYCLE SHOW 2015/2016 SCHEDULE A very tentative schedule for the upcoming IMS tour has been released and includes several new stops such as Portland, OR, Sacramento, CA and Fort Washington, PA.. The tour kicks

THE 2016 YAMAHA BOLT, FZ 07 AND FZ 09 Yamaha has released several new models of their 2016 line up. The 2016 Bolt and Bolt R Spec are referred to as Urban Bobbers with 942cc, air cooled, 60 degree V Twin engines. The Spec R features upgrades such as external rear reservoir shocks, graphics and a suede seat. The standard model will be available in two colors, Raven and Deep Blue, retailing at $7,990.00, The Spec R will retail for $8,390.00 and be available in Rapid Red and Stone Grey.

The 2016 FZ 07 will retail for $6,990.00 and is highlighted by its 689cc crossplane concept liquid cooled inline twin engine.

Color ways include raven and Matte Silver. The 2016 FZ 09 packs a 847cc crossplane concept inline three cylinder engine. Priced at $8,190.00, the FZ 09 will be available in Raven and Impact Blue.

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off in Portland on October 30, 2015 and wraps up in Cleveland, OH. on January 31, 2016. Visit http://motorcycleshows.com for more info.

SBI IS OFFERING SPECIAL RESERVED SEAT PACKAGES FOR INDY MOTOGP!

SBI Nation! Are you heading to Indy for the RedBull Indianapolis GP, August 7-9? We are offering you an up close and personal view of riders and teams with an Early Entry Pit Walk Pass, a $5 retail coupon on IMS Merchandise and have the opportunity to take your bike on a half price Motorcycle Track Lap on the MotoGP course.

This package allows you to enjoy

amazing track views from reserved seat selections from the A & B Penthouses or the B Box. On top of the world class MotoGP racing, your ticket to ride will grant you access to the 2015 MotoAmerica AMA/FIM North American Road Racing Championship.Tickets are available at: ims.com/sportbikesinc.

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THE PRESS ROOM WHAT’S NEXT FOR FEMALE RIDING APPAREL The upcoming releases from major apparel and gear manufacturers for female riders are a testament to the ever growing attention that is being paid to ladies that ride.

Companies like ICON Motosports have always been on the pulse of the needs of the market.

Their attention to the needs of today’s female rider stems from their observation of ladies moving from the back seat to the rider’s seat.

typically male dominated industry. We support this movement 100% and encourage more women to participate in motorcycling.”

Rev’It! looks at the female rider as a discerning consumer, with a balanced emphasis on form and function. Tracy Motz, Rev’It! Community Manager notes, “She is more empowered than just five years ago, due partly to the growth of women’s riding clubs across the country. And thanks to the reach of social media, we are seeing swelling ranks of female influencers.

Identifying the needs of today’s female rider for Rev’It! is accomplished by simply listening.

“The trend hasn’t slowed down and we expect it to stay that way now that the entire industry has responded to more females riding their own motorcycles...” says Justin Knauer, General Manager of ICON Motosports. “We’ve always REV’IT!’S BELLECOUR JACKET made an effort to address women’s needs by providing women specific fitments and colors they can express themselves with. Our goal is to provide something for everyone and if you look at the women’s section of our catalog/website you’ll notice we’re doing exactly that. Our women’s specific apparel and hardgoods selection is the largest in the industry and we plan to keep it that way.”

ICON is addressing the women riders movement with a late summer release of a helmet, glove and jacket combination. Justin continues, “These women have embraced riding as their lifestyle and are proud of their unique position within a

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Tracy continues, “We receive an enormous amount of direct feedback from women via events and direct communications, but we are also constantly monitoring forums and social media discussions to see what women are satisfied with, and what’s lacking. This goes straight to our product designers as they begin to lay out new collections; it is still a small market, but we are constantly striving to offer a wider breadth of gear for female riders.”

Rev’It! has just released their new Allure EVO jacket and Marryl EVO pants that feature a combination of leather and stretch materials that fit in line with the shape of a woman’s physique. Their new Bellecour jacket is part of the brand’s urban line, composed of vintage cowhide with retro stylings that appeal to ladies fashion.

Joe Rocket identifies a serious issue for female riders, which is fit. Joe Rocket’s apparel features a comprehensive system that assists in getting a very spot on fitment for the very specific female body.

Dainese is preparing to release their first proper race boot for ladies that ride as well as a sport shoe that is based on their male Dyno shoe.

Alpinestars has been designing and developing ladies specific riding products since the 1990’s and has always been focused on innovations in technology, design and styling to keep female riders stylish and safe. Their Stella line of gear has become very popular over the last few years, offering the same level of protection and quality as their counterpart male products.

“In recent years we have seen more women wanting to ride their own bikes and more commuting. Therefore, more styles for them as

ALPINESTARS’ MOTEGI ONE PIECE SUIT individuals and across more types of bikes...”

Says Alpinestars’ Heath Cofran. “Alpinestars is always focused on the styles and trends for the future. With influence on styling from Alpinestars women’s clothing fashion department and influence from Alpinestars design department, from its global offices and connections, Alpinestars keeps pushing the fashion trends that will grow in the market.”

Alpinestars offers great new products for the female riding community such as the Stella GP Plus R Perforated Leather Jacket, the Stella SMX 1 Riding Boot and the Stella Kerry Technical Riding Denim Jeans, all new for the 2015 summer. Their Stella Motegi One Piece Leather Suit is still one of their most popular suits that offer overall protection for track day to road riding.

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THE FUTURE IS NOW R I D I N G PAC KS AN D G EAR BAG S R E I NVE NTE D

FOLLOW US TO LEARN MORE

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SHOP SPOTLIGHT: MADHOUSE MOTORS

Words: Allan Lane Images: Courtesy of Madhouse Motors

CONTACT:

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Shop Name: Madhouse Motors Location: Central Square, Cambridge, MA, 02139 Hours: Monday - Friday 10:00am to 8:00pm Year Established: 2011 Services: Custom Cafe Racers, Vintage Restoration, Custom Builds, Paint, General Maintenance

n less than five years, J. Shia and her partner, Sayre Anthony, have carved a solid path in establishing themselves as a leading custom bike shop in the vintage community. Based in Cambridge, Massachusetts, Madhouse Motors is a family owned and operated business where details and customer service is the name of the game. J. Shia honed her skills as a mechanic by working with her father on his project bikes as she was growing up.

After an accident, J. Shia’s focus shifted from building and riding the bikes to solely building and restoring. Sayre performs his role as head

mechanic and together, their synergy is exemplified in their finished machines. The bikes that roll out of Madhouse are uniquely classic, simple, yet effective. The work speaks volumes to the team’s expertise in design, fabricating and painting, as well as engineering and mechanics.

Be it an Italian classic, a cafe racer, a restoration of a vintage machine or a complete motorcycle build up, Madhouse Motors is staged as one of Massachusetts’ best kept secrets. However, with their continued dedication to and production of quality work with a growing fan base, that status is sure to change in the very near future.

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

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THE FIRST RIDE

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2015 YAMAHA YZF-R3 WORDS & IMAGES: ALLAN LANE

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THE FIRST RIDE: 2015 YAMAHA YZF-R3

T

Other bikes in its class, such as the Ninja 300 or the CBR 300R fit into that entry level machine class with no prejudice. While it is very easy to quickly categorize the R3 as an entry level machine, and although you would not be wrong to do so, it is important to take a look at the sum of its parts.

The R3 boasts a ratio of 11:2:1 giving breadth to the power band across the RPM’s. The overall power to weight ratio is optimized by the R3’s wet weight of 368 pounds. Offering nimbleness with a greater delivery of power, the R3 quickly racks up points in the fun department and is less likely to be outgrown as fast as its classmates. The nimbleness is mostly because of the weight and power. The suspension set up includes 41mm front forks that feature a 5.1 inch travel as well a 25.5 rake. Now, consider the bike’s shorter than most wheel base. Measuring 54.3 inches, the wheelbase gives the R3 incredible handling potential.

Most notable is the fact is that it is not a 300cc motorcycle. Yamaha has been able to extract a considerable 321cc output from the twin parallel four stroke engine. The R3’s competitors offer a compression ratio of 10:7:1, at best.

The ergonomics of the R3 lend this machine to the rider of average height and the slightly vertically challenged. Its peers offer a forward angled seat position while the R3 provides a flat seat with a height of 30.7 inches.

he 2015 Yamaha YZF R3 is not your average 300cc motorcycle. It is actually more than what you might gather upon at first glance. The bike’s appearance borrows greatly from its older siblings, although the R3 remains unique in the YZF line up. It remains aggressive but still offers an inviting presence.

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THE FIRST RIDE: 2015 YAMAHA YZF-R3

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The riding position in motion is more than comfortable and manageable. The angles of the handlebars in relation to the rearsets place you in a relaxed riding position, leaving room if you choose to take a more aggressive riding position.

the dealership that offers a slight boost in performance but doesn’t increase the sound output of the bike. The gearing is very short so configuring a better sprocket ratio might enhance your riding experience as well as a set of race clip ons and fixed rearsets.

The R3 has all the makings of an entry level machine yet it would still make a formidable selection as a fun track machine or a suburban or urban commuter. The R3 does have a Yoshimura exhaust upgrade option right from

As a first bike for someone that is looking to get into riding without being overpowered but not unsatisfied, the R3 earns high praise. As a track bike or training bike, it provides a well balanced and agile ride on which to sharpen your skills.

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THE FIRST RIDE: 2015 YAMAHA YZF-R3

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NJMP

2015

NEW 1 DAY CLINICS $999 MAY 30 RIDERS 7 8

PER DAY

$1200 WITH YCRS YAMAHA

MAY 5 6

2 DAY SCHOOLS $2395 JUNE JULY AUG SEP 2 3

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Expert-level motorcycle training keeps riders healthy, and healthy participants always grow an industry. The Yamaha Champions Riding School (YCRS) approaches the complex task of motorcycle riding very simply: Who designed the bike and how does that (expert) rider ride?

Even the name "Champions" speaks to this approach because a champion must have consistency and speed, but most importantly consistency. In every two-day Champions school riders of all levels immerse themselves in the intricacies of championship-level riding, no matter what bike they ride or where they ride it. The curriculum is precise and exact because this sport is precise and exact. When the "pace is up or the grip is down", the precision of our curriculum becomes crystal clear. YCRS is growing motorcycling by training riders to ride like champions.

RIDELIKEACHAMPION.COM

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ALL-NEW YZF -R3 ®

TM

56mpg estimated*

TT-R230

WELCOME TO THE R WORLD. • All-new model • The easiest way ever to enter the world of Yamaha R-series supersport performance • Class-leading, fuel-injected 321cc, liquid-cooled twin-cylinder engine • Slim, lightweight chassis for agile handling • Yamaha supersportinspired styling with full fairing • Low 30.7” seat height and a flat seat design to get both feet firmly on the ground for added confidence. • Perfect for 1st time riders or experienced riders who prefer an ultra-light, nimble machine

See these participating Yamaha dealerships for more information

4911 Buckeye Rd. Emmaus, PA 18049 610-965-9865 www.blackmanscycle.com

8738 West Chester Pike Upper Darby, PA 19082 610-446-2002 www.crossroadpowersports.com

1037 Unger Lane Boyertown, PA 19512 610-369-3120 www.martinmoto.com

2901 Bethlehem Pike Hatfield, PA 19440 215-712-7433 www.montgomeryvillecc.com

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*Fuel economy estimates are based on US EPA exhaust emission certification data obtained by Yamaha. Your actual mileage will vary depending on road conditions, how you ride and maintain your vehicle, accessories, cargo, and operator/passenger weight. Professional rider depicted on a closed course.

Dress properly for your ride with a helmet, eye protection, long sleeved shirt, long pants, gloves and boots. Do not drink and ride. It is illegal and dangerous. Yamaha and the Motorcycle Safety Foundation encourage you to ride safely and respect the environment. For further information regarding the MSF course, please call 1-800-446-9227. Pre production model shown. Specifications subject to change. ©2014 Yamaha Motor Corporation, U.S.A. All rights reserved. • YamahaMotorsports.com

THE GRID: NEWS MELISSA A BSB: JAMES “THE ROCKET” RISPOLI TAKES SECOND PLACE AT SNETTERTON

SBI Columnist James “The Rocket” Rispoli took fourth place in the fourth round of the British Super Sport Championship at the Snetterton 300 in race one but went on to podium with a second place finish in race two. Rispoli is the only American competing in the series and this

is the first time that he’s landed Team Traction Control on the podium. Rispoli and Team Traction Control head to Scotland’s Knockhill Racing Circuit for the fifth round of the 2015 season.

MOTOAMERICA: MELISSA PARIS ACCOMPLISHES CROWD FUNDING GOAL Victory Motorcycles announced that they will be entering the Electric Class at this year’s Isle of Man TT with two of their own prototype electric machines. The team will be composed of William Dunlop and Lee “General Lee” Johnston. Motion and control technology and systems manufacturers Parker will be providing the GVM PMAC motors for the bikes.

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SBI’S DRAG RACING EDITOR RICKEY GADSON SETS THREE NEW RECORDS IN ONE WEEKEND AT THE OHIO MILE Rickey Gadson had a very busy weekend.

Participating in the East Coast Timing Association’s Ohio Mile Event, Gadson set a total of three new speed records. One record was set on a borrowed Kawasaki ZX14R. The other two records were set on

Gadson’s Kawasaki H2. The record setting pass clocked him at 218MPH making the H2 the fastest production motorcycle on the planet and Gadson the fastest African American on two wheels.

TT: VICTORY PODIUMS IN THEIR FIRST TT ZERO RACE Lee Johnston piloted the Victory Motorcycles prototype electric bike to a third place finish in this year’s Isle of Man SES TT Zero Races. Johnston achieved a top speed of 111.62 MPH. Guy Martin, who rode in for the injured William Dunlop came in fourth place with a top speed of 109.717MPH.

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THE GRID

MOTOGP WITH B.T. WORDS: B.T. IMAGES: MOTOGP.COM

JORGE LORENZO

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MUGELLO If you were to ask anyone that works on the MotoGP circuit where the best place is to watch my first ever GP race live?

Without a doubt, their eyes would light up like the Las Vegas Strip as they say “Mugello!”

Mugello is to Grand Prix motorcycle racing what “The Rucker” is to basketball in the park! Mugello is where racing “is meant to be seen”.

of the game, as rider after rider crashed, even with the near perfect conditions of the day. Tito Rabat scored his first victory of the year and he seems poised to give chase to championship leader, Johann Zarco, for the title.

Who are we kidding? The main reason for this article and for all fans is MotoGP featuring the “Big Boys” or as some might say on this weekend, “Rossi and company”.

The big news of the weekend was that two time World Champion, Marc Marquez, did not make QP2 (Qualifying Practice 2) and started from thirteenth position. This proved to be a mere formality as Marquez immediately jumped to fifth by the first turn. Andreas Iannone had a controversial jump off the line, and although I personally think it was a jump start, who are you going to believe, my eyes or MotoGP officials?

Iannone ultimately had an incredible The Mugello track itself also doesn’t race considering his list of injuries. He disappoint. The track has a mile long straight and Rossi has said it is made the managed to race to a respectable second, with fellow countryman, way a track is supposed to be made, Valentino Rossi, placing third. Race by man, not a computer. The track becomes a part of the landscape with its winner, Jorge Lorenzo, was simply elevations and twists. It’s no surprise that spectacular as he won by a comfortable all of MotoGP speed records have been ten seconds. Also, who can forget, Marc Marquez crashing out of the race at Mugello. and collecting no points?

Moto3 never disappoints and the But oddly enough, it’s not just the racing racers saved the best race of the year that sets Mugello apart from the rest of for Mugello. At one time, sixteen riders the circuits. The atmosphere and the flirted with the lead but Miguel Olivera love a country has for one of its own finally clinched his first victory of the is significantly unique. The passion of season in what can only be described almost 100,000 people as they pour as pure madness as riders crossed the onto a race track to show their love for finish line. one man, Valentino Rossi, has to be seen and not read about. It has to be Moto2 gave the fans perhaps its best witnessed firsthand. You have to smell race of the season as well, if not the strangest because attrition was the name it. You have to hear it, for that is what Why? One word can sum it up.

Passion! To be in the Tuscany hills of Italy surrounded by tens of thousands of Italian fans as they “worship” the man known as Valentino Rossi, one need only go once and you realize you have stumbled upon something special. It’s almost as if God himself were a racing fan; the scenery and locale are so perfect.

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THE GRID: MOTOGP WITH B.T. Mugello is… passion! Mugello, you are definitely one of a kind!

WHEN THE WALLS COME TUMBLING DOWN The “Last Man Standing” is a phrase used to describe a fight or a test of endurance, and rarely is it meant in the literal sense, but in Barcelona that is exactly what occurred!

Hot temperatures, a greasy track and it seemed half of the MotoGP racers were at their home race. A recipe for great racing or boys pushing themselves a little too much trying to impress the home crowd? All of these spices combined to

TITO RABAT

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make a jambalaya of a race!

Moto3 was again the show stealer with Danny Kent racing a near perfect race and edging out Enea Bastionini for the win.

Moto2 took a page out of yesteryear and provided a most entertaining race with Champion Tito Rabat leading most of the race. Then on the last lap, Tito goes wide and allows points leader, Frenchman Johann Zarco, to steal the victory!

These races set the stage for the main

MARC MARQUEZ

course. A heaping helping of MotoGP served on a hot, slick surface that provided thrills and more surprises than a Kardashian family reunion! It didn’t take long for you to realize this race was going to be different starting from the moment pole sitter Aleix Esparago put Cal Crutchlow into the sand trap before one full lap was completed.

The Suzukis were a great surprise, qualifying one and two, but clutch problems off the start derailed an otherwise promising race.

Another major disappointment was Andreas Dovizioso who failed to finish onboard the Ducati and allowed fellow teammate, Andrea Iannone, to garner an impressive fourth.

and it looked as though he was going to crash into Lorenzo, Marquez ran wide, dumping his Repsol Honda into the sand pit, ending his chances of earning any points. “The Boy Wonder” seems a bit frazzled at the moment and you have to wonder what Repsol is thinking with the champion sitting in fifth place in the standings and visibly unhappy.

Marquez headed into Assen with a “Frankenstein” bike, meaning he has some new parts and some old parts from his 2014 bike. At this rate, maybe he should call up Mick Doohan to see if he has an old clutch he isn’t using.

Although Rossi leads the Championship by a mere one point over Jorge Lorenzo who’s never looked better and is looking invincible after his Spanish Grand Prix victory, it is Marquez who everyone is But the big shock that upset the stomachs looking at saying “When, not if, will he of many of the Catalyuna faithful was the find it?” and will “it” be enough to catch crash of Marc Marquez. Marquez, who the Yamahas? admitted that this year’s bike is harder to control than last year’s, had been doing Even with the walls of the championship crumbling down, it is Marc Marquez his best to keep up with the blistering who truly is “the straw that stirs the pace of Jorge Lorenzo. Unfortunately, drink!” when he was late braking into a turn SPORTBIKESINCMAG.COM | 43

THE GRID: MOTOGP WITH B.T.

ANA CARRASCO WITH PATIENCE, EVERYTHING COMES Two women also raced in Moto3 at the Catalunya Grand Prix, with one earning her first points of the year.

While I think it’s great that not much was made of the women racing, as they were treated as equals with their male counterparts, I do think that some light does need to shine on women racers, especially women racing at the highest level of motorcycle racing!

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These ladies provide positive role models for future generations and I can’t think of two women more positive and inspirational than Maria Herrera and Ana Carrasco. They weren’t just given a bike out of the goodness of someone’s heart. They earned every bit of the rides they have.

Eighteen year old Ana Carrasco is the first female to score points in Moto3 and the first to score points since 2001. I

vividly remember screaming in my hotel room at some ungodly hour because Ana had finished eighth in the last race of the 2013 season!

Eighteen year old Maria Herrera has an equally impressive resume, becoming the first female to win a race in the ultra competitive Spanish Championship, which is a springboard for future MotoGP Champions! She was leading the Championship going into the final race of the 2013 season before a crash caused her to finish fourth. In Catalunya, she earned her first point of the 2015 season.

I can’t help but think how this impacts other girls who dare to dream of racing motorcycles. These young ladies are modern pioneers for girls who want to mix it up with the boys on two wheels, just as a nineteen year old Bessie

Stringfield was an inspiration for African American women as she became the first black woman to go cross country on a motorcycle in the 1930’s. That’s almost unbelievable to imagine now, much less back then.

But it’s young women like that or American, Elena Myers, who became the first female to win an AMA Sprint road race or fellow rider, Melissa Paris, who became the first woman to qualify for a World Supersport Race, that will inspire others. It’s these modern day heroes that will provide the nexus for the future of women in motorsports, particularly motorcycle racing, which begs the question...Will a woman ever make it to the highest level of motorcycle racing? That’s kind of like asking, “Can a black man be President of The United States?” And to which I answer, “With patience, everything comes.”

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THE GRID

Images: Brian J. Nelson

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

MELISSA PARIS

“13

#13

was my number the first year that I played T Ball.”

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THE GRID

THE ROCKET: FOCUSED ON PROGRESSION

WORDS: JAMES RISPOLI IMAGES: RICHARD PERPINAN

H

i everyone! As per the BSB schedule we get a 5 week break while the Isle of Man (IOM) TT and all the major British road races go on. At the last minute, my team decided to help Ian Hutchinson and they won two Supersport races on the IOM. This was a massive feat to accomplish for any team.

Our team is buzzed and my boss, Keith Flint, is over the moon about it. Me, I came back to the States for two and a half weeks to unwind, visit family and friends and get ready for the long season ahead. We still have 9 race weekends left and 18 point counting races.

Usually I can’t stop thinking about racing when I’m home, however, this time I took a different approach. I told myself you need to do 3 to 4 different things a week to keep it light, fun and focused. So my first order of business after getting back to Florida was to see my brother who moved there to better his career in business. He and I got straight in the gym doing all different routines and it was so cool to do it with him as it’s been such a long time since we worked together. Then it was back on the boat with my dad fishing, working on my tan and

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THE GRID: THE ROCKET casting a line. My dad and I went fishing for Tarpon on his boat and I hooked my first ever on a lure from the top of the boat’s tower. This fish, estimated at around 100 pounds, was a bright silver color as it came up, took my lure and headed for open water. The fight was incredible and the fish pulled me around for 20 to 30 minutes jumping out toward the sky trying to spit out the hook. After a few massive jumps, it spit the hook but I was so pumped.

After that it was time to unpack my bicycle and head up north to see my old trainer and great friend, Richie. I had my ass handed to me on the bicycle rides but it was fun as we put in some big miles. Richie has started experimenting with photography and has been taking some amazing pictures. We agreed to collaborate all week to document “a week in the life of James Rispoli” for all my fans. My sponsor, Techmounts, helped us do it.

We took pictures all over the town in some really cool locations with props like a Ducati 1199 Panigale and more. What made it even better was that during all of this, I have been 100 percent committed to my diet that I told you about previously. I have lost around 9 pounds and leaned out about 5 percent. I really am excited to see all the progress and it fuels me more and more to be the best I can be.

After being with Richie for the week, I got to meet up with another good friend and sponsor, Jessica, from Techmounts and we went to Sea World for the day. I can’t tell you how amazing and humbling it is to see all the animals and being able to touch and feel a dolphin. I also went to a painting class which was so much fun and it didn’t turn out half bad.

It was really unique the way they taught us how to build the painting layer by layer. Of course, I had to put a personal touch on it by putting Tom Hanks from Castaway in the middle of the island.

At that point, I headed back to Punta Gorda where I’m based and prepared for my final week in Florida. I hit the beach for a mega burn session, visited Busch Gardens for an adrenaline rush, and followed up with canoeing and finally had a massive BBQ for my family. I have had the most fun entertaining two weeks being home. The one thing I didn’t accomplish this trip 50 | SPORTBIKESINCMAG.COM

was sky diving with my bro. He and I will jump together the next time I am home.

I am so thankful that for these two and half weeks, I was able to disconnect and have fun and do things that I love. I really want to thank all the people that read this column and follow me in my life as well as my sponsors, family and friends. Till next time, be fast and have fun! Thank you!

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THE GRID

TURN ONE: BRANDS HATCH, MY FIRST ROUND WORDS AND IMAGES: SANDRA STAMMOVA

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I

have never wanted anyone to know about what happened to me at the first round at the Brands Hatch GP. But my ex team owner and close friend, Nick Morgan, suggested that I should tell the world how big a “div” (English slang for foolish person) I was.

The first round of the British Superbike Championship was held on April 22, 2011. Because of my massive crash 9 days before the first round, my team had one week to acquire and build a new bike for me. They were under a lot of pressure, but one day prior to the race weekend, we were ready to rock!

atmosphere.

My team was the factory team at the time and we had a professional set up with so much attention, I couldn’t even concentrate on riding. I think I was riding with an open mouth looking at all the photographers and people around the track instead of focusing on what I was doing. Honestly, I couldn’t believe where I was, and I thought I was in heaven dreaming.

My best lap time in the test where I crashed before the first round was 51 seconds. I knew I needed to be at least 2 seconds faster to be where I I was very excited as I had absolutely wanted to be. My best lap time was no clue what to expect, after my 49.08 seconds in the first qualifying “huge” seven race experience on my compared to the best overall qualifying Honda CBR 1000 in New Zealand lap time of 46.55 seconds. I was Superbikes. On the other hand, number 44 out of 49 riders. The last sometimes it is better to know less to 21 riders had to compete in a shootout feel less pressure as it can really mess race where the top four won the with your mind to the point where you entry to compete in the main race on can’t perform at all. We arrived at Sunday. I was obviously shocked about Brands Hatch on Thursday before the the level of racers in my class and I race weekend. On Friday, there is one didn’t know how to deal with it at the free practice and one qualifying time time. Imagine to be part of a team in the Superstock 1000 class, with the where your teammates were riders like second qualifying time on Saturday.

Stuart Easton, Gary Mason, Howie I woke up on Friday and I was Mainwaring and young super talented absolutely blown away by the number Danny Buchan. All experienced/ top of the teams that were participating level British Superbike riders and then in the competition. This was nothing there I am trying to show the world I compared to waking up on Saturday can do it! I think I was over motivated. and Sunday to see all of the people I have always believed I can do that came to watch the competition. anything if I put my mind to it. You can The place was completely packed with call it arrogant, brave or stupid; it really lots of caravans, motorhomes, tents, doesn’t make any difference to me. motorbikes, cars, marshals, medics and When you have got so much passion TV cameras. It was an unbelievable in your heart you feel like anything is SPORTBIKESINCMAG.COM | 55

THE GRID: TURN ONE

possible and that is exactly the mindset you need to have to get the best out of you. If you think you can do it, you definitely can. If you think you can’t do it, you are also 100 percent right. The only limit is the limit you set for yourself.

I believe your mind is the most powerful tool and I wasn’t sure how to use my mind to my benefit at the time.

It was Saturday afternoon, a few minutes before the shootout race. I was really anxious. All I could think about was how I could make the top four so I could enter the main race. My mechanic, Dean, told me he changed the clutch for a better one and also changed the pads so I should check it all out during a practice lap. I was 56 | SPORTBIKESINCMAG.COM

so nervous that I forgot that practice started at the end of the qualifying time. I had no clue how the clutch and the motorbike behaved off the line.

My bike in New Zealand was 25 horsepower less than my Kawasaki, but I suppose that is a bad excuse.

We were standing on the grid with my crew chief, Dean, and his son, Clark, who was taking care of my stand and tire warmers. The TV commentator was there as well and about 60,000 people were ready to watch our race.

I couldn’t even look around; it was so packed and I thought to myself, “How did I end up here?” I had butterflies in my stomach but felt so motivated to show what I could do, but I wasn’t

completely sure what that was. I know I felt strong and super motivated. It was time for the race to start; the guys took the tire warmers off and I remember asking Dean quickly, “How should I start?” He went completely green and left. There was no time to talk to me. All I could think of was how I would make up ten places on the start before turn one and that I need to be superfast getting off the line. It’s not a bad strategy, if you know what you are doing. I leaned my body forwards as much as possible, found the sweet spot on the clutch, revving the hell out of the bike, not touching the rear brake.

Guess what happened? Red lights on, Red lights off. Due to an extremely fast reaction, I was sitting on my butt before the other guys were able to pull

away. The bike flew in the air instead of going forwards and I was very lucky it landed next to me, instead of on top of my head! I couldn’t believe what happened. I ran off the grid as fast as I could to hide in the truck, crying, and all I wanted was to dig a hole and hide there forever. You may not be able to imagine how that felt for my British Superbike debut for the MSS Kawasaki factory team. I was completely unprepared, over motivated and hot headed. People tried to make me feel better by saying that apparently there was one other guy who had done the same thing in the history of British racing. Honestly, it didn’t make me feel any better, but that’s the story of my first race in the biggest domestic championship in the world.

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THE GRID: ON THE COME UP

Images: Courtesy of Kristin Casey

KRISTIN CASEY

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NAME: Kristin Casey HOMETOWN: West Chester, PA. AGE: 29 ASSOCIATION/AFFILIATIONS/SERIES: AMA, ASRA, CCS GOALS: To complete this season making it to every race scheduled with the goal to obtain my FIM/Pro license next year and ride the wave of the sport I love!

ACCOMPLISHMENTS:

Currently ranked 4th nationally in the AMA Sanctioned ASRA Sportbike Series. Making it to the grid each race weekend after many obstacles including the near amputation of my leg and loss of my father. This is my third attempt of completing my “rookie year” of racing. Rest assured, I have unfinished business to handle.

DEFINE YOUR PASSION IN ONE SENTENCE: Racing is a reflection of my soul, heart pumping smiling, radiating life and how I experience living it to the fullest!

CONTACT: WWW.KRISTINCASEYRACING.COM

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2015

schedule

april 24-26, 2015

Maryland International Raceway

may 29-31, 2015

Maryland International Raceway

july 24-26, 2015

Maryland International Raceway

september 11-13, 2015 Atco Dragway

october 2-4, 2015 Maryland International Raceway

RaceIDBL.com

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15th annual

maRYLanD InteRnatIonaL RacewaY

jULY 24-26, 2015 RaceIDBL.com/bikefest

“ Paint the 1/4 Pink ” is a special program that is run at the 15 th annual wPGc Bike Fest on july 24-26, 2015 at maryland International Raceway to raise money for “Bikers against Breast cancer”. this program is for female riders only, competing on drag bikes and street bikes. Last year, these ladies raised over $7,000! this class will be run on Saturday and will be a 32-bike qualified field run in an E.T. bracket racing format. These female motorcycle racers are raising money for a great cause, so come on out and show them your support!

Follow us: @RaceIDBL

RaceIDBL.com SPORTBIKESINCMAG.COM | 63

THE STRAIGHT LINE

Images: Courtesy of Brice Lloyd

LINES OF A LEGEND: H2 MANIA WORDS: RICKEY GADSON IMAGES: KIANA GADSON

W

ith more and more people taking delivery of their new Kawasaki H2’s, the unanswered question still stands. How fast is this new “supercharged” monstrosity of a motorcycle?

The recent YouTube video of the media land speed racing an H2R against some of the fastest and most expensive street cars in the world like the Bugatti Veyron and the 1350 horsepower Nissan GT-R, showed us how quick the bike can be.

I was also inspired to take my H2 hybrid to the Ohio Mile to see what would happen if I rematched the highly modified 1350 horsepower GT-R in a one mile race. Is it fair to think that an untweaked supercharged H2R motorcycle can outmuscle a highly modified all wheel drive GT-R that began with 500 horsepower before building it to more than 1300 horsepower? My H2 was 64 | SPORTBIKESINCMAG.COM

originally 300 horsepower and now has roughly 340 horsepower, which is not a number to be shy about when it comes to a motorcycle.

My only issue with Land Speed Racing (LSR) is the lack of traction. In land speed, we’re not allowed to do burnouts which meant the entire week before the event, I was in the shop completely changing my bike in hopes of maximizing my chances of getting traction. More importantly, I needed to make sure I would pass tech inspection at the Ohio ECTA event. They are very strict about safety, which is a good thing with the speeds we reach.

I had to safety wire everything, the axles, oil cap, and filter. I placed calls to LSR racers like Steve Knecum and Ralph Navarro. I even called Brock Davidson, who helped me figure out gearing,

which is extremely hard to guess. Brock is a very calculating and methodical man and with his “mad scientist” calculations, he came up with 18/39 gearing and told me that should be good for about 219 to 220 miles an hour in sixth gear.

Trusting Brock’s guidance, I got on the phone immediately with one of my sponsors of ten years, Vortex Sprockets. They immediately sent me an array of sizes to help me be successful on my mission of reaching 220 miles an hour. I also planned to use a set of tire warmers to make sure my tires were up to temperature before each run.

When I arrived, I was pleasantly surprised to see all of the people attending to see the H2 run. The word spread like wildfire that I was competing.

The pressure was on after successfully passing the tech inspection with the head inspector, Guy Caputo. There was a lot on the line as I had

really high expectations for the motorcycle, and I know others did too. How fast would I need to run to consider this outing a success?

The rider’s meeting was held in the morning on the second day and then it was time to ride!

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THE STRAIGHT LINE: LINES OF A LEGEND

Images: Courtesy of Brice Lloyd

Because I had never raced with this particular organization, I had to attend a rookie orientation.

I learned I had to successfully complete two runs, one at 150 miles an hour and another at 175 miles an hour, all within five miles an hour of those target speeds or you have to repeat that speed again.

With the gears changing so dramatically at higher speeds, the speed could be off a little, but after completing my first two qualifying runs, it was time to put my H2 missile in the wind.

Because this was the first attempt to run the H2 at a top speed, people traveled from all around to see it.

People continued to approach me prior to the

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first full run to ask how fast I thought it would go. Unfortunately, the question was hard to answer. After looking at the record and the type of turbocharged motorcycles that currently held the record, there must have been a reason why the record speeds were not higher. It wasn’t as easy as it may seem. The record before I arrived was 213 miles an hour. On my first full pass, the ticket read 218.1 miles an hour but the bike went through the traps in sixth gear at 14,600 revolutions per minute, which is higher than we estimated. After returning to the trailer, I decided to drop the gearing to 18/37, which should keep the revolutions per minute under 14,000 going through the speed traps, and hopefully keep it in the power band, which would increase the top speed. On the second run, the clocks reported

218.34 miles an hour, a very marginal increase.

At the end of the day, the weather was changing

and I had to be satisfied with my first two runs.

But as the promiscuous senator and actor of California used to say, I’ll be back!

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SPORTBIKESINCMAG.COM | 69 www.VooDoomoto.com

THE STRAIGHT LINE: ON THE COME UP

Images: Asphalt Courtesy&ofOpportunity Brice Lloyd

“THE CANDY” ROUSSEVE

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NAME: Candy Rousseve HOMETOWN: Houston, TX. AGE: 34 ASSOCIATION/AFFILIATIONS/SERIES: Member of Team Redline Powersports.

GOALS: My ultimate goal would just be to inspire anyone watching us race to go have fun with living life. I also want to keep pushing the speed limit on the track. I’d love to get into the crazy 7’s just once in my lifetime.

ACCOMPLISHMENTS: My best pass in the 1/4 so far has been an 8.62.

DEFINE YOUR PASSION IN ONE SENTENCE: I wanna ride through this life, screaming “Why not?”at each intersection, and enjoying every minute of it!

Contact:

SPORTBIKESINCMAG.COM | 71

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THE REV LIMITER

THE MAIN POINTS

WORDS: DENA SODANO IMAGES: STU MCLAUGHLIN/ALLURING AIM/ ELECTRIC EYE/US129

WHO IS LISA FITZGERALD?

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THE REV LIMITER: THE MAIN POINTS

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L

isa Fitzgerald is a racer, and a very good one to say the least, in the amount of time that she’s been riding. Making appearances at tracks on her Kawasaki Ninja, Yamaha R6, and her newest addition of a pink Honda Grom, Lisa has succumbed into the world of two wheels like we all have without regret. I had an opportunity to catch up with her and see what she’s been up to and how motorcycles have influenced the past few years of her life.

DS: How did it all start? When did motorcycles enter your life?

LF: I got into riding motorcycles 4 years ago, mainly out of curiosity. The university that I was attending at the time was offering motorcycle riding classes. I wasn’t sure if it would be something I’d enjoy, but I gave it a try. Taking the motorcycle class, I remember it was so nerve wracking! I had no experience with a clutch, and wasn’t even sure I knew how to stop the bike. Fortunately, I did well enough to pass the class and received my motorcycle license. On occasion, I would ride on the streets in my hometown but I was always so nervous each time I hopped on the bike. Eventually, I became frustrated. I needed some way of gaining confidence in myself as a rider so I looked into doing track days. I signed up for my first track day with Sportbike Track Time, and it taught me a whole new level of riding. Experiencing my first track day was just as scary as it was getting my motorcycle license! I was so freaked out the whole time! They want me to go how fast around that curve? In this hot as hell leather suit and in these stiff boots that I can’t feel the shifter in? I was used to riding in tennis shoes and jeans prior to track riding. I remember thinking that I may not be cut out for this. However, my instructor worked closely with me the whole day and kept me at ease. It was obvious that I was the most inexperienced rider on the track that day, but I was never pressured into going any faster than I was comfortable. If it hadn’t been for that, I probably would have never continued to ride and would have never discovered that I had a real passion for riding and motorcycles.

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THE REV LIMITER: THE MAIN POINTS DS: Why racing?

LF: I decided to get into racing for the same reason I went from street riding to track riding. I wanted to get faster and progress as a rider. A fellow rider had mentioned he became a faster after he got into racing. After that conversation, I decided to give racing a try.

DS: What kind of course or track do you race on or prefer? Do you have a personal time or goal to beat?

LF: I compete on several road courses, some of which are Road Atlanta, JenningsGP, Talladega Gran Prix, and Barber Motorsports Park. When I compete, my main goal is to beat my personal best lap time from the previous race at that same track. Even if I don’t make podium that weekend, if I shaved off half a second, then that’s progress.

DS: How long have you been racing and what bikes do you own now?

LF: This year will be my second season competing in WERA racing. I’m currently racing in the Lightweight Novice class. My race bike is a 2009 Kawasaki Ninja 250. I compete in The Clubman, E Superstock, F Superstock, and Formula 3. I also own a 2007 Yamaha R6 that I use for track days.

DS: Is there a series or event schedule that you attend? We know traveling and keeping up with the maintenance on any motorcycle is never ending; how do you manage to keep up with it all?

LF: This year, I plan on racing at WERA’s Cycle Jam at Road Atlanta, After that, I plan on racing at Barber Motorsports Park Fourth of July weekend.

Those races will be WERA sanctioned as well. My racing crew usually consists of friends, family, and fellow racers. Some of my best friends are also my racing competitors. When we’re in the pits, we are always willing to help each other. Although, once we are out on the grid and the green flag drops, it is every man or women for themselves. It can get pretty competitive during a race, and I will often find myself competing with my friends more than anyone else. At the end of the day, no matter who wins or loses, we still pat each other on the back 78 | SPORTBIKESINCMAG.COM

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THE REV LIMITER: THE MAIN POINTS

and tell each other great job.

DS: Where do you like to practice?

LF: NCM Motorsports Park is the closest track, which is about 2 hours away. I’ve traveled to NOLA Motorsports Park and JenningsGP, which are both about 9 hours from where I live. Recently, I purchased a 2005 Renegade so it’s easier to load up my track stuff and bikes and head out solo. Even though it is safer to carpool to race tracks (in case of injury), I don’t mind traveling to the tracks by myself. In fact, I usually enjoy it.

Long drives do get a little boring so it’s nice to see fellow riders once I get there.

DS: It’s always when we least expect it and before you know it you’re scraping yourself up off the asphalt. Have you had any bad wrecks or injuries?

LF: I’ve been fortunate that the majority of my wrecks have never resulted in an injury. (Except maybe some soreness for a few days, does that count?) The worst wreck I’ve experienced was about 3 years ago. I was on my R6 (same one I have today) and I was going too fast into a turn at Putnam Park. I lost control and ended up with a concussion and a busted up bike.

DS: What kind of future plans do you have in mind for 2015?

LF: I recently purchased a 2014 Honda Grom that I plan on racing in the WERA Grom race series and at the Josh Herrin Race Compound in Dublin, Georgia. Lately, I’ve been intrigued by stunt riding.

Who knows? I may venture into some free style riding as well.

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THE WHEELIE QUEEN

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WORDS: LEON BRITTAIN IMAGES: KATHLEEN MCCULLOUGH

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THE REV LIMITER: THE WHEELIE QUEEN

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S

o you think this bike life is all about the boys? Well, there’s one very talented and ambitious young lady who thinks otherwise and has the skills to prove it. Meet 21 year old, Keyria Doughty, Baltimore’s Wheelie Queen.

Intrigued by others that would stunt through the streets of Baltimore such as her mentors, Wheelie Wayne and Chino, and Philly’s Meek Mills, Keyria knew one day she would be part of that bike life. She began riding at the young age of 11 until the untimely passing of her father in 2009 when she took a break from stunting. However, she found solace and peace in riding her Kawasaki KX1750 during this difficult period in her life as a means of handling her father’s death so she pressed forward gaining experience and increasing her skills in the process.

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THE REV LIMITER: THE WHEELIE QUEEN

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“My parents never wanted me to ride because they were worried this was a boys’ sport,” said Keyria. “But once they saw my passion and skills, they fully supported me,” she said with pride. Realizing the world she lives in has more than its share of challenges with crime and the negative image associated with dirt bikes and ATVs within inner cities, this parental support was and is critical as she wants to be a positive role model for the bike life segment and her city. With steadfast determination, she already has her eyes on the future with the goal of landing sponsorships in order to bring her skills to a larger audience.

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THE REV LIMITER: THE WHEELIE QUEEN

And yes, sponsorships are great; however, Baltimore’s Wheelie Queen is the first to make it clear she does this for the simple love and passion of the sport. “I do this because I love it,” she said enthusiastically. “A day without riding is a day of instantattitude,” she continued laughingly. This is a common-thread we can all appreciate, riding for the pure love and joy of it regardless if you ride a sport bike, cruiser, ATV or dirt bike.

Although she has respect for those that stunt on sport bikes, her heart is into stunting dirt bikes as evidenced in the opportunity to share the story and stage of the skillfully crafted 12 O’Clock Boys documentary. This dynamic young lady is ready to keep putting in the time and work to take her skills to a new level of not only opening new doors, but also breaking down doors of stereotypes.

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THE REV LIMITER: ON THE COME UP

Images: Dan Pieper

STEPHANIE COLVIL

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NAME: Stephanie Colvil HOMETOWN: Piscataway, N.J. AGE: 26 ASSOCIATION/AFFILIATIONS/SERIES: Freestyle Life Clothing, 50 Mafia GOALS: To keep pushing myself. Keep progressing. Finish building my F4I and to start stunting it. But most importantly, to have fun!

ACCOMPLISHMENTS: For me, the best ones are on more of a personal level. Finding my passion, learning all on my own, earning respect of riders I look up to... Things like that mean the most to me. But I’m not gonna lie... To start getting sponsors is a pretty cool feeling.

DEFINE YOUR PASSION IN ONE SENTENCE: True passion is like true love and is nearly impossible to sum up in just a few words… But when that spark ignites, nothing can put out the fire inside of you.

CONTACT:

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POWER IS NOTHING WITHOUT CONTROL

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Fi n d yo u r fa v o rit e loc al de ale r on w w w.t a w p e r f or m a n c e .c om / d e a le r s SPORTBIKESINCMAG.COM | 93

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ONWOMEN COMMON GROUND THAT RIDE DISCUSS WOMEN THAT RIDE

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THE LIFE: ON COMMON GROUND

In

the last 10 years, women that ride have had a massive impact on the industry across multiple platforms. From the streets, back roads and canyons to the race paddock, media center, board room and beyond, female riders are carving a future for themselves, like no other. As a part of the global riding community, female riders seemed to have capitalized on their ability to not only unify but to also solidify their relationships with each other, regardless of their backgrounds, nationalities or even the different types of bike they ride.

They have found a common ground on which they ride that the rest of us would be wise to take note of.

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“The best thing about being a motorcyclist is the sense of freedom and inner courage you learn from it. Riding transformed me into a happy, outgoing and adventurous person. It’s provided me with wonderful opportunities and many joyous memories.

I think the general outlook that motorsports are for males is still very prevalent. When I tell people I ride a super sport bike, they gawk in disbelief.

Is that really so hard to believe? I would like women to be accepted in the sport industry more as an equal rather than an exception. I love seeing that there are more women getting into the sport seriously, whether it’s joining the ranks of racing or trying to better their skills by hitting the track and pushing their limits.”

Red Spade Atlanta, GA Motojournalist (SBI/Red Spade Racing) 2003 Suzuki GXSR 1000 “I love the liberating freedom of turning off the world and turning on the bike, because nothing becomes more important than focusing on the road. I feel gratitude for life every time I get to my destination.

I’m the type to wear frilly pink dresses, red lipstick, mascara, good perfume, high heels and my grandmas hand me down jewelry to work. Sometimes, I go overboard in the cosmetics section. And I love shopping organic foods at the grocery store to cook at home. I enjoy my teas with my good friends and cry when a sad movie comes on, or hide during scary ones. The fact that I’m girly doesn’t mean I can’t hang with the boys on any given Sunday.”

Tenny Viana Crawford Los Angeles, CA Residential Realtor 2015 Yamaha R6

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THE LIFE: ON COMMON GROUND “Being a motorcyclist allows me to totally and completely detach myself from everything. While riding I experience an intense feeling of euphoria that leaves me fulfilled for many hours after my travels. Riding also allows me to meet and socialize with amazing people from all regions crossing many states. There is nothing that compares to this life.

Female riders are not the minority. We are the majority! While riding is a male dominated sport, women riders represent a significant percentage of motorcyclists on the road today.

Like men, we come from various backgrounds and professions and our impact is evident by the ever increasing market of female gear. We matter!”

Angie Bivins Middletown, DE Asst. Manager Children’s Hospital 2006 Suzuki SV1000

“I started riding in Jr. High School. For me, bikes came before cars. I love the mastery of the machine, feeling like a team with the bike. And almost as much as that feeling is the love I have for the lifestyle and my treasured moto friends and the new friends I make constantly along the way. The instant acceptance, as a respected member of a special family. My love of adventure is why I ride.

I think woman riders would prefer to be better understood as a group, not used in motorcycle ads for beauty but maybe in a more realistic manner. We are not the sexy prize a man gets if he buys a motorcycle. We are not the result of a lifestyle. We want the lifestyle, too.”

Vicki Smith Fort Lauderdale, FL Ducati Flat Track Team Press Manager 2015 Ducati Scrambler Icon 98 | SPORTBIKESINCMAG.COM

“What I love about motorcycling is the camaraderie! The friends that become your family! The friendships that are made through the passion of motorcycling lasts a lifetime.

Also... Having control of something completely out of control.

We can hold our own...on the streets, on the track, on the grids and in the garages.”

Marika Krejci North East, MD Animal Control Officer 2008 Honda CBR 600RR

“I love the thrill of the ride and the speed.

The camaraderie between other riders we share just because we all ride. The feeling I get when I jump on my motorcycle. And the freedom I feel during a ride.

Other than the occasional fools that still think we women only should be seen on the back of the bike in a bikini top, I think female riders get mad respect in today’s world. The beauty of our community is that they accept us as we are as long as we are on our own two wheels! There was a time when men thought they were the only ones that should be on the road on two wheels. But it seems like today’s motorcycle community accepts you as long as you represent yourself like you deserve respect. There’s more gear and parts designed with us in mind, even shoe boots! The men love you when you ride.

They love you more when you ride hard.

Since the beginning, men have always respected a pretty motorcycle. Seems like today they get excited to see the ménage à deux: a pretty lady riding on top of her pretty motorcycle.”

Kiana Gadson Atlanta GA SBI Fashion Editor, Co Owner of RGR 2013 Kawasaki ZX10R SPORTBIKESINCMAG.COM | 99

THE LIFE: ON COMMON GROUND “Being a motorcyclist is indeed a marvelous experience. The passion I have for riding is beyond words to describe. It helps most to put my mind at ease with dealing with the loss of my grandbaby and the love of my life Cornell Ghee, Jr. Most of all I feel myself, strong, determined and confident in becoming one with my machine.

I would love for all of us to come together as one. But nowadays, we are all walking around with different mind frames. The way we walk, the way we talk the way we dress to ride, the way we handle our motorcycles... Every woman is their own woman within themselves when it comes to being a woman motorcyclist.”

Promise.Ghee Philadelphia, PA Business Manager 2003 Suzuki GXSR 1000 “Of course riding motorcycles is ridiculous fun and the closeness of the riding community makes it even better. I’ve made friends through motorcycles the world over.

But since motorcycling isn’t mainstream in the U.S., it remains something unique, not elite or exclusive, but if you ride, you share something inexplicably special with others who ride.

I’ve heard over and over that women don’t have any place riding motorcycles, or that we aren’t worthy customers because we don’t ride fast or aren’t technically inclined.

Whether all of that is true or stereotype, who cares? We love motorcycles and we buy bikes and accessories and gear and we belong to clubs. Riding with a mixed group of riders who aren’t focused on ‘us vs them’ in terms of gender, bike type, experience level, speed, or whatever is a true pleasure.”

Sarah Schilke Woodcliff Lake, N.J. National Marketing Manager BMW Motorrad 2015 BMW S1000 R 100 | SPORTBIKESINCMAG.COM

“The freedom, feeling of empowerment, the independence, the community and the road trip adventures... I love it all! The bond of the ride creates camaraderie amongst riders. It is a great way to meet people across states. The need for speed keeps you young especially when you’re drag racing or road racing!

I want society to know that the majority of female riders are not groupies and that women motorcycle clubs are not gangs!”

Kim Roper AKA Lady Kim Southern N.J. Motojournalist (SBI) 2004 Honda CBR 1000RR

“I love the freedom, camaraderie, and the natural evolution of transportation becoming a part of the journey.

Much like our male counterparts, we can be capable of riding, wrenching, and enjoying the freedom and independence that motorcycling brings.”

Cristi Farrell Los Angeles, CA Motojournalist/Geologist 2009 BMW F650GS 1978 Yamaha IT175

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THE LIFE: ON COMMON GROUND “The motorcycle is an invention that has brought me great joy and the freedom to fly. As Wilbur Wright once said, ‘The advantage birds have over us is not in the design of wings but in the skill of their operator.’ If only Wilbur had ridden my Ducati.

I would like to change society’s desire to define women riding motorcycles. I think women are simply interested in the pleasure and practicality of what was traditionally considered a gender specific pastime reserved for men and designed by men. Women want to experience the same pleasure and thrill of piloting a bike too. Plus, it’s an economical means of transportation. I would like to see women motorcyclists recognized as capable and skillful individuals well beyond the historical role dictated from the natural division of labor that had developed over thousands of years allowing them to remain at the helm to care for infants and children.”

Dawn Jones San Antonio, TX. Photographer 2014 Ducati Panigale R

“Riding my motorcycle really clears my mind especially when I’m feeling the stress of my job. I do a lot of driving for work and hate being in a car. Give me two wheels any day. I live in VA but was born and raised in NY so I’m used to riding all year long! I decided to join a club about eleven years ago and I love the unity that comes with that! People have the wrong perception of bikers but I wouldn’t give this bike life up for anything. I have built a lovely bond with so many beautiful people. I am a female biker and we rock!

With everything in life you have that negativity. From my personal experience I have been approached by many inappropriately and had to set a person straight because all female bikers are not out here just looking for men. Some of us are in the community because we love to ride bikes!”

Ms. Scorpio Stingz Richmond, VA Behavorial Counselor 2004 Suzuki GSXR 750 102 | SPORTBIKESINCMAG.COM

“I love being a motorcyclist because it’s exciting, relaxing and enjoyable all at the same time. There is a feeling of freedom and independence when I’m riding. It’s a reminder to be aware of my surroundings, be respectful, be prepared for anything. And that when it’s all said and done I have to believe in myself and the skills I have learned to ensure my safety. I use those same principals on a daily basis at work and at home and pass it on to my children.

Every female that is out here riding is actively changing society’s perception of female motorcyclists... One ride, one race, one wheelie, one burn out at a time. Change is good and I’m proud to participate In that change. As a female motorcyclist you have to earn your respect from others.”

Pookie New Jersey Law Enforcement 2005 Honda CBR 600RR

“Riding a motorcycle provides me with an indescribable sense of freedom like no other. I simply melt when little girls ask, ‘Wow, girls can ride a motorcycle too?’, and smile. Honestly it makes me feel superheroish! I love how much of a stress reliever a short ride can be.

After an atrocious day, one ride just makes all the tension melt away.

Modern female motorcyclists can be feminine, sexy, educated, and responsible.”

Royal Philadelphia, PA State Administrator 2012 BMW S1000RR

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THE LIFE: ON COMMON GROUND

“I love the feeling of freedom you get from riding. Having the ability to control a powerful and heavy bike to make it do what you want is like nothing else. I also love the bike community, the support among riders is unlike any other sport.

The people you ride with become family.

Females are just as capable of riding and performing stunts as well as men can, if not better.

The bike doesn’t discriminate so neither should society. Females are no longer using there gender as an excuse to not ride as hard as the guys.”

Nikki Maikisch Bergen County, N.J. Freestyle Stunt Rider 2003 Kawasaki ZX 636

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THE LIFE: FEATURED CLUB

Images: Greg 500 Lee

SKULL KANDY S.B.C. Rocker interpretation: The ladies of Skull Kandy are not to be underestimated and the colors that they wear on their backs are reminders of the community to which they belong. The ever classic Jolly Roger imagery has been modified to include a ponytailed-skull floating above a lipstick crossed over a piston and connecting rod, all centered in a sprocket. “The piston and sprocket represent core parts to a motorcycle. The lipstick along with the ponytailed skull represents the femininity we as a club bring to the community and the lifestyle that we love.”

Club history: Although the club is new to the community, the members of it are not. They have all been in the bike scene in one capacity or another long enough to bring their collective experiences together and join forces to form Skull Kandy S.B.C.

CHAPTER: Southern New Jersey FOUNDED: 2015 MEMBERS: 7 ELECTED OFFICIALS: PRESIDENT: Dynamite VICE PRESIDENT: Vonnie ROAD CAPTAIN: Drrty Martini TREASURER: Loca SECRETARY: Seoul SERGEANT AT ARMS: Foxy P.R.O.: 5 Starz 106 | SPORTBIKESINCMAG.COM

Club milestones/memorable moments: The ladies of Skull Kandy S.B.C. made their first official outing as a unit in late Spring of 2015 when they attended the anniversary event of another S.B.C. The club won their first trophy at that event taking the category of Most Repped S.B.C. Future of the club: Based in southern New Jersey, Skull Kandy S.B.C. has plans to expand their movement with quality, strong female riders that share their same passion of riding motorcycles, the lifestyle and sisterhood.

The club fully intends to branch out with chapters in Philadelphia and North New Jersey and bring in strong females that have a deep love for the lifestyle and sisterhood.

Want to see your club featured here?

Drop us an email!

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THE LIFE

THE LION’S DEN: IF I COULDN’T RIDE WORDS AND IMAGES: LION JAMES

I

like to consider myself a student of the sport of motorcycling and I also consider myself dedicated to motorcycling. I am eager to learn as much as I can about the machines, the sport, the lifestyle and the culture of motorcycling. I like to ride as much as possible and feel as though I am missing out on something when not on two wheels. I am a motorcyclist… I am a rider. Like most motorcyclists I enjoy the company of like-minded motorcycle enthusiasts and I have formed wonderful friendships and bonds with others as a result of motorcycling.

In my years in the motorcycle community and more specifically during my tenure as a member of a Motorcycle Club, I have come across many former motorcyclists who no longer ride. The “ex-rider” is one of those things that makes me look at people who used to ride like they have three heads. The idea that one could stop riding or no longer ride (assuming they are still physically and mentally able to do so) is simply lost on me. Riding is life and to not do it is no different to me than throwing in the proverbial towel in the battle against a mundane existence. To those friends of mine who once rode motorcycles and can now only remember when, reminisce or think back to a time when they could join me on the open road, you must have not experienced the same joy from riding motorcycles as I have experienced. There are many things I love to do that I would hate to stop doing but if I couldn’t ride anymore I think I’d fall into deep depression, possibly become a shut in and get 2 or 3 cats. Okay, that may have been a bit dramatic but not too far from how I really feel.

Riding a motorcycle is not the kind of endeavor one should enter into lightly or haphazardly so that the investment in my opinion, is one that is not easily walked away from. The investment is both financial and mental. Had these people been two 108 | SPORTBIKESINCMAG.COM

wheeled tourists from the start with no real intention of living this bike life? Were they only bikers when it was cool or convenient? Was the motorcycle little more than an expensive accessory so you could count yourself among those of us initiated into the two wheeled fraternity? My ridership is not conditional or dependent upon my finances,the weather or even some fleeting movie inspired interest in what’s hot this summer. I will always find a way to ride as long as I am able. The only time since I started riding that I did not ride was when either my bike was in a temporary state of disrepair or when my mood, physical condition or schedule did not allow for me to indulge in the joyous act of throwing a leg over, starting the bike, opening the throttle and blasting off. When you get to know as many motorcyclists as I have over the years, you hear just about every type of story there is from the unbelievable to the horrific to the outright amazing. Excuses for why someone no longer rides are no different. Most frequently the reason someone hangs up their helmet for good is financial. The city is full of “income tax refund riders.” Those people who despite a very real and even long harbored interest in riding a motorcycle don’t turn that interest into reality until that check comes in the mail. Play money! “I just got this big check, I might as well blow it on an expensive toy.” By all means, it’s your money so do with it as you please. I will neither judge nor be surprised when the bike gets sold to cover the rent. To my initial point, those who lose or give up their bike due to financial strain, lean times or periods of belt and purse string tightening often do so for good. Complacency is a terrible thing.

Going 6 months without something that you may have only had lukewarm feelings about in the first place can make you discover that you either don’t miss it very much or that perhaps you didn’t need

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THE LIFE: THE LION’S DEN it to begin with. I often find it hard to believe or put much faith in people’s testimony that they plan to get another motorcycle next season or as soon as they take care of a few bills. It isn’t so much that I just assume that people are being insincere or flat out lying to me; it’s more that if the loss of your bike didn’t leave you prepared financially to replace it or if you’ve given the bike up to put the resources towards other obligations it’s unlikely that you can simply go out and get another one when you’d like. In the interest of not being completely negative about the issue, I will acknowledge a few instances where someone has lost their bike due to an unfortunate and unavoidable collision. Or they made the decision to sell their bike out of necessity and then have indeed replaced it a year later even after the money paid out from the insurance claim and the revenue from the sale of the bike was long gone. Those occurrences are certainly the exception and not the rule. Those few times have shown me that there is about a year’s window of opportunity to replace a motorcycle before the motorcyclist starts to become exponentially less and less likely to get another one. It goes back to complacency I think. As hard as it is and as long as it takes for a habit to turn into behavior, the reverse and ultimately ceasing the activity all together happens surprisingly quick. After a year of no longer riding, a few things happen in that span of time. Besides obviously no longer riding your motorcycle, you also engage less and less in motorcycle activities. You become less interested in talking about motorcycles or being around others who ride motorcycles. Your motorcycle wish list (we all have one) stops being a priority and you become less concerned with checking items off and eventually the sour grapes phenomenon occurs. Dreaded rainy days no longer seem to bother you like they would have when you were a motorcyclist. In fact you may even begin to celebrate rainy days because deep down you know (or hope) there are others who ride whom are now sitting indoors looking out at the dark clouds and liquid sunshine pouring from the sky bitter and disappointed. This is a sad stage of motorcycle grief for anyone who rides or used to ride or anyone who temporarily cannot ride. I’m ashamed to admit it that I was once at that stage for about 9 months back in 2006 and 2007.

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It’s unfortunate when any motorcycle is damaged, malfunctioning or in need of more attention than the owner can afford to give it at the moment. As of the writing of this article my very own motorcycle is in need of a visit to the dealership’s service department. When your bike is down and it’s uncertain how long it will be out of commission or what exactly is wrong with it, there’s a level of anxiety felt that makes you feel like a drug addict going thru withdrawal symptoms not knowing when you will get that next fix (disclaimer: I am not nor have I ever been a addicted to drugs but there isn’t a single one of you readers of SBI that doesn’t feel the same way about your motorcycle). Waiting

for the call from the dealership or motorcycle repair shop is reminiscent of the helpless and nervous feeling of pacing in a hospital waiting room anticipating good or bad news. Even after you receive the good news that the bike will be fine after a couple hundred dollars’ worth of parts and labor, you’re still a little heartbroken when you find out that the parts are on back order and it will be three weeks before she is road worthy again (sidebar, all motorcycles are ladies…bike code!). This is a temporary setback or hiatus from riding your motorcycle, not the same thing as becoming an ex-motorcyclist. But what if that three week motorcycle repair turned into a much

longer wait; the bike is beyond repair or you don’t have the resources to get the motorcycle repaired or replaced? A chill rode up my spine as I wrote that, knocking on wood. These things happen and there are plenty of ex-motorcyclists out there driving nowadays because of what I am describing.

I suppose no different than keeping “what if I go down on two” in the back of your mind, motorcyclists must keep motorcycle malfunction in mind also. I was once without a motorcycle for longer than I care to remember due to a long term repair. I have a friend who due to legal matters is selling his bike and can no longer ride until the whole ordeal blows over. My best friend whom I SPORTBIKESINCMAG.COM | 111

THE LIFE: THE LION’S DEN started riding with many moons ago hasn’t seen his bike from the saddle in over a year and doesn’t seem too interested in riding anymore due to a shift in priorities and motorcycle disrepair. I have a close friend whose poor health has her off the bike until further approval from her doctor and another friend whose job keeps him on the road all over the country leaving no time to ride anymore.

Of all the reasons or excuses, depending on your frame of reference I suppose, that I have heard for why someone no longer rides, the one that I honestly don’t know how to feel about is when people lose someone close to them or that they care about to this bike life and decide to no longer ride because of loss of nerve, fear of a similar fate or even out of respect for their passed loved one.

The reason I say I don’t know how to feel about it is because on the one hand, I don’t see how giving up something that both of you loved to do and/ or did together honors the dead. On the other hand, I can appreciate how losing someone close to you on a motorcycle brings the danger of riding a motorcycle home and makes it very real. When you first start riding motorcycles, there’s no shortage of non-motorcyclists to share two wheeled horror stories they’ve heard from a friend of a friend who used to ride, but until you are that person whose friend used to ride, the horror stories are just that… stories.

The serious motorcyclist in me is in favor of the timid or those who have lost their nerve and confidence to ride, removing themselves from the road because I certainly don’t want them out there with me and I hope if (God forbid) I ever lose my nerve or confidence I am responsible and sensible enough to pack it in until I get my mojo back because unsure, nervous and scared motorcyclists are a liability to themselves and others sharing the road with them. The sympathetic club rider, friend and as someone interested in seeing others get the highest level of enjoyment possible out of this sport/lifestyle/hobby tries to be supportive of those who feel it is time to step away from the bike and hang up the helmet. I am a strong believer in following your instincts and think that we find signs when we look for them. If ever there was a noble 112 | SPORTBIKESINCMAG.COM

reason to no longer ride surely it must be this. After all isn’t that the responsible thing to do? Get off the road when you are not comfortable there? The reason sidewalks exist is because the streets are not for everyone. Also I think most would agree that it is better to walk away from the motorcycle on your own terms before your decision is taken from you.

It is an unfortunate series of events that has led these folks and countless others just like them to stop riding. I don’t pass judgment on them as if they are somehow less committed to the sport, lifestyle, hobby as I am but at the same time for me riding a motorcycle is not some habit to be broken like smoking cigarettes nor is it some sort of phase to outgrow like when a child stops playing with toys. If money gets too tight, I will scrape, save and work like a slave to get the money because riding motorcycles is something I must do. If my health fails me, I will be a sick rider, if the bike gets broken I will be a rat bike riding fool and if work takes up all my free time, I will ride when I can but riding is something I must do. If I lose someone even closer to me than those I have already lost to this bike life than I will celebrate our common love of riding by riding for them down here while they ride for me up there but I can’t hang up my helmet because riding motorcycles is something I must do. If I couldn’t ride I wouldn’t be the person I am and, hopefully like many of you, I like who I am. If I couldn’t ride, sight would have less color, food would have less taste and sound would be less beautiful. Getting from point A to point B would simply be a commute. Talking with friends would simply be conversation and hanging out with others would simply be socializing. All things that are made better because of riding motorcycles would simply be an activity to take up ticks on the clock if I couldn’t ride.

If none of this sounds like it would be much different or less enjoyable without riding motorcycles then you have my pity because riding motorcycles is life itself. If you aren’t living it right now you should try it sometimes because life is lived much better from the saddle. If I couldn’t ride, sure life would go on but existence is a bare minimum, I ride therefore I am dammit. If I couldn’t ride, I couldn’t truly live. Ride with me, live with me.

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FEATURED THE LIFE FEATURED LIFE:RIDER FEATURED RIDERS RIDERS

Six LOCATION: Chicago, IL. OCCUPATION: Real Estate Developer and Designer.

YEARS RIDING: 3 years.

RIDING STYLE: Street. Aspiring to track next year.

BIKE/S OWNED: 2009 Ducati Monster 696.

FAVORITE BIKE MODIFICATION/ACCESSORY: She’s naked!

Front headlight replaced with a clean linear white LED lights, 2 in dropped bars, carbon fiber rear fender FAVORITE PIECE OF RIDING GEAR: My Ogio Mach 1 backpack. It has super clean lines and tight fit with no drag and I can fit a weekend of clothes or my ‘office’ into it.

MOST MEMORABLE RIDE: Riding along the western shoreline of Lake Superior to Thunder Bay, Ontario in Canada.

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Jessica Adams LOCATION: Minneapolis, MN. OCCUPATION: Auditor.

YEARS RIDING: 14 years.

RIDING STYLE: Street riding.

BIKE/S OWNED: 2008 Kawasaki Ninja ZX6R. FAVORITE BIKE MODIFICATION/ACCESSORY: The pink wrap!

FAVORITE PIECE OF RIDING GEAR: My pink Scorpion Helmet.

MOST MEMORABLE RIDE: Trip to the Biker’s Round Up last year in Oklahoma.

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FEATURED THE LIFE FEATURED LIFE:RIDER FEATURED RIDERS RIDERS

Fanci LOCATION: Crystal Springs, MS. OCCUPATION: Social Worker.

YEARS RIDING: 3 years.

RIDING STYLE: Street.

BIKE/S OWNED: 2009 Kawasaki Ninja ZX10R. FAVORITE BIKE MODIFICATION/ACCESSORY: Having my bike lowered and stretched.

FAVORITE PIECE OF RIDING GEAR: I love wearing my club colors.

MOST MEMORABLE RIDE: To Lafayette, Louisiana with my Motorcycle Club sisters and participating in the all female ride in May 2015.

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Julie Biondi LOCATION: Las Vegas, NV. OCCUPATION: Restaurant G.M. at MGM Grand Hotel YEARS RIDING: 5 years.

RIDING STYLE: Street.

BIKE/S OWNED: 2006 MV Agusta Brutale 910R, 2008 Ducati Hypermotard 1100S, 1965 Vespa 150.

FAVORITE PIECE OF RIDING GEAR: My Rev’It! leather jacket FAVORITE BIKE MODIFICATION/ACCESSORY: Termignoni Pipe, NRC Oil Cooler and Oxford Heated grips on the Hyper Motard. Rizoma Rearsets on the Brutale.

MOST MEMORABLE RIDE: Riding from Las Vegas to San Diego via the deserts... Mojave Park, Joshua Tree Park, Borrego Springs and Palomar mountain. We hit sun, wind, rain storms and hail in two days!

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FEATURED THE LIFE FEATURED LIFE:RIDER FEATURED RIDERS RIDERS

Leann Fernandez LOCATION: Orlando, FL. OCCUPATION: Media Coordinator.

YEARS RIDING: 6 years.

RIDING STYLE: Street... Casual.

BIKE/S OWNED: 2013 SUZUKI GSXR 750.

FAVORITE BIKE MODIFICATION/ACCESSORY: Paint job, lowered, Voodoo Exhaust and HID Light Kit. FAVORITE PIECE OF RIDING GEAR: My helmet.

MOST MEMORABLE RIDE: Any time that I’m riding. I love the way my paint job looks when the light hits it.

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Jennifer Perez LOCATION: Bronx, N.Y. OCCUPATION: Assistant Dietetic Technician YEARS RIDING: 7 years.

RIDING STYLE: 7 years street and 2 months stunt.

BIKE/S OWNED: 2006 Suzuki GSXR 600/2001 Honda F4I FAVORITE PIECE OF RIDING GEAR: Alpinestars Stella Bionic 2 Protection Jacket.

FAVORITE BIKE MODIFICATION/ACCESSORY: RSC Shorty Clutch Lever and Sick Innovations Cage.

MOST MEMORABLE RIDE: 9/11 Ride about two seasons ago. It’s a beautiful thing when people can come together.

That night touched me. The emotions were going.

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FEATURED THE LIFE FEATURED LIFE:RIDER FEATURED RIDERS RIDERS

Yesenia Luminous R. LOCATION: Bronx, N.Y. OCCUPATION: Personal Assistant.

YEARS RIDING: 5 years.

RIDING STYLE: Street... Semi stunt.

BIKE/S OWNED: 2011 Suzuki GSXR 750 FAVORITE BIKE MODIFICATION/ACCESSORY: Blue LED lights.

FAVORITE PIECE OF RIDING GEAR: Icon Field Armor Stryker Vest.

MOST MEMORABLE RIDE: A romantic ride with my boyfriend to Bear Mountain, N.Y.

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Veronica AKA Ladie V LOCATION: Minneapolis, MN. (Originally from Ukraine, Kiev) OCCUPATION: County Financial Worker.

YEARS RIDING: 5 years.

RIDING STYLE: Street. Drag racing next season.

BIKE/S OWNED: 2011 Kawasaki ZX10R. FAVORITE PIECE OF RIDING GEAR: I love my AGV helmet!

FAVORITE BIKE MODIFICATION/ACCESSORY: My ECU flash by Archer and my HM Lite quick shifter. I love my purge kit and my custom skull guarding bell that hangs above the purge bottle MOST MEMORABLE RIDE: A few years ago I had to take a trip to Chicago from Minnesota, which is 7 hours and turn around within 24 hours home. On the way back home, myself and one of my MC brothers got stuck in an unbelievable rain storm in the late evening. So we tried to push through the rain slow but his helmet kept fogging and he couldn’t see well. I kept telling him to “man up” and deal with it since I was just trying to get home. He ended up convincing me to get a hotel and leave in the morning.

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IMPROVE YOUR SKILLS

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ROLL SPEED VS. EXIT SPEED FOCUSED CORNERS WORDS: ERIC WOOD IMAGES: RICK HENTZ

Without a doubt, the number one topic of conversation among track riders’ concerns is finding the right line. Riders confer with coaches and each other, looking for reference marks that will guide them around the racetrack faster, safer and with less effort. To help this cause, many track day providers mark up the track with a myriad of X’s, chalk marks and even arrows to keep people on line.

There is an important term that we use at Penguin that helps riders determine which strategy to use in a given corner.

Every bike has a speed at which it can no longer spin the tire, regardless of how much lean angle or bar input the rider gives it (within reason). For a lightweight bike like a Ninja 300, this speed might be 50 mph. For a 600, it might be 90mph and for a 1000, the bike might have to be going 120 mph before the Surely reference points are important, risk of wheel spin has completely gone and nearly every top rider that I know away. We call this speed (the speed your uses them. Even the most perceptive bike needs to be going before the risk rider cannot accurately gauge speed of wheel spin has largely disappeared), and distance in every corner, especially the Threshold of Traction speed. When when traveling at a high rate of speed or bikes pass through this Threshold, line through a section of road with difficult lines strategy changes. This is the major reason of vision or blind corners. However, there why high horsepower bikes and low are times that these dots can become a horsepower bikes have different lines in crutch that riders rely on too heavily. certain corners.

The best riders use reference points as important guides, but when it comes to planning strategy and making adjustments, it’s much more important to understand the primary goal in every corner. When riders identify what they need the bike to do, the line starts to paint itself and instead of following dots, they are feeling for feedback and this is where true progress begins. Reference points become just that – points of reference – and not iron clad points that are not deviated from. The focus becomes to identify the type of corner they are working on and then adjust their approach to suit that particular corner type.

ROLL SPEED FOCUS The higher the apex speed of a corner, the more important it is to maintain that speed. Anytime the minimum speed of a corner is above the Threshold speed of your motorcycle, roll speed trumps all other priorities. If you cannot spin the tire, then riders should make the largest radius that they can by choosing a mid corner apex and using as much of the track as you possibly can. The major bar input happens early as the turn is initiated and the goal (this is the important part) is to do all you can to free up traction for turning and to help the bike carve through the corner. The major ways that this is done SPORTBIKESINCMAG.COM | 125

IMPROVE YOUR SKILLS: ROLL SPEED//EXIT SPEED

Anytime the minimum speed of a corner is above the THRESHOLD SPEED of your motorcycle, roll speed trumps all other priorities. is by relaxing all bar input and getting off the bike to help get the bike as upright as possible.

The other common corner that uses a roll speed strategy is one that is below the Threshold speed but does not involve significant braking or acceleration. We typically call these corners, “connection� corners, and most tracks have one or two. As with the high roll speed corner, the main objective is simply to carve through the corner with as much speed as possible.

EXIT FOCUS The classic race line that is taught around the world is based on an exit-focused strategy. This wide entrance, late apex line is one that is prevalent in many track day environments because it forces riders to slow down on the entry and typically leaves them ample room on the exit.

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Threshold speed for your bike and (2) lead to a straightaway long enough that you can get your motorcycle wide open.

Riders who set up wide in a corner that does not have one of these features are forced to either give up speed without the reward of a long drive to recoup that speed or to load the front tire with turning forces when they should be working to extend the brake zone.

The true goal of an exit-focused corner is to get the bike upright as early as possible to facilitate an early drive. If you are able to get right back on the gas after your major bar input, then sacrificing entrance speed to square up your drive is the right strategy. If you have to carve through the corner to get pointed up track before you can apply the throttle, then it is possible that you should consider another strategy.

There are many corners that are a roll speed focus strategy on one bike and a drive focus strategy on another. The

higher the horsepower of your motorcycle, the more corners there are that will fall under your Threshold speed. The important focus is to be able to get the bike upright and get the gas wide open as early as possible. If you ride a big bike and apex too early, you will find yourself modulating the throttle late in the drive. If you find yourself in this situation, consider altering your strategy to a more drive focused strategy with a sharper turn in, later apex and earlier application of the throttle.

In future articles we will discuss factors that alter these basic strategies and consider several other corner types. The next time you ride the track, look at some of the faster corners and consider whether you should employ a roll speed or exit speed focused strategy. A little planning and keeping the goal of the corner in mind, and you can stop focusing on simply connecting the dots and instead concentrate on maximizing traction where you need it most.

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

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SPORTBIKESINCMAG.COM | 129 Spools / Axle Sliders

SHUT THE CITY DOWN 2015 SEASON OPENER WORDS: ALLAN LANE IMAGES: REDLINE IMAGES 130 | SPORTBIKESINCMAG.COM

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FRICTION ZONE: STCD 2015 SEASON OPENER

T

he annual SBI Shut the City Down Ride, season opener of the 2015 riding season definitely lived up to its name this year. Also known as the Great Cheesesteak Run, the ride’s purpose is just that... A ride for a thousand or so riders to enjoy each other, their motorcycles and of course, one of Philadelphia’s delicacies... The cheesesteak. Riders have their choice of sandwich from either South Philly landmarks, Geno’s Steaks or Pat’s. For those that watch their figures, it is the camaraderie

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that feeds their soul. Anytime that you can be in the company of that many fellow riders and everyone is sharing their passion for bikes can only be a great time.

Over the last five years, the STCD rides have become a ride of tradition. While the season closer ride that is held toward the end of the summer is also well attended, the season opener always seems to be nothing short of epic. After a long winter and serious bouts

of cabin fever, the season opener offers the community a chance to get together, congregate, and see some fellow riders that they may have not seen over the last several months.

The route of the ride, while not escorted by law enforcement, is supported by the city of Philadelphia, its police and traffic divisions, as well as the Upper Merion Township police.

Here’s how that works... Before the ride, the

route is presented to the powers that be and they offer their support by communicating with the appropriate departments to make sure the ride goes off without a hitch.

At a spirited pace, over one thousand riders traveled from the Philly suburbs to the heart of south Philly via a stretch of highway before heading into the city for a little bit of urban riding with a few scenic views.

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FRICTION ZONE: STCD 2015 SEASON OPENER

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FRICTION ZONE: STCD 2015 SEASON OPENER A proper salute is given to all of the clubs, riders and supporters that attend and participate. As with every ride, the STCD rides weigh heavy on the concept of respect;respect for the ride, respect for each other, respect for the bike and respect for the community. It is

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stressed that proper gear is worn regardless of the temperature and all are reminded that those participating in the ride are setting the example of what happens when great people get together for a positive day on two wheels.

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Replacement of Highway Patrol Motorcycles All 51 members of the Highway Patrol are qualified as motorcycle patrol officers, certified to operate one of the Unit’s 45 motorcycles. In addition to its routine patrolling of highways in marked and unmarked vehicles, this unit also performs a multitude of other important and very public functions on motorcycles including escorting dignitaries, traffic and crowd control for major city functions and events, and performing in the annual Hero Thrill Show to raise funds for the college tuition of children of police officers and firefighters killed in the line of duty. The unit also has a unique role in the Department’s “Rolling Thunder” strikes which saturate certain high crime areas of the city several times a year.

Unfortunately, 14 of the Unit’s 45 Harley Davidson Road King motorcycles were manufactured in 1991, almost 25 years ago. For all practical purposes, because of the inability to locate engine parts, the exceedingly high mileage, and just the routine wear and tear of 25 years of heavy street use, these 14 motorcycles are obsolete, unreliable or simply out of commission.

With Philadelphia being the host city of several national and international events in the coming years, the Department is seeking funding to replace as many of these motorcycles as possible.

Individual Motorcycles $18,100 Total Cost for 14 Motorcycles

$250,000

Since May 2015, the Foundation’s Board of Directors has raised $165,000 in funds contributed for the purchase of the first nine of 14 motorcycles. To contribute to this important project, please send your gift to the Foundation at the address below. Thank You!

Philadelphia Police Foundation 4040 Chestnut Street | Philadelphia, PA 19104 138 | SPORTBIKESINCMAG.COM 215-898-7515 | admin@phillypolicefoundation.org | www.phillypolicefoundation.org

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FRICTION ZONE ZONE:: ERIK BUELL SBI AT FIVE YEARS

DIRTY LITTLE SECRETS: THE FEMALE PASSENGER WORDS: BILLY MORRISON IMAGES: ELIZABETH RAAB

S

o when I first saw the theme of this issue, “The Ladies’ Issue”, I struggled to find a subject that might fit into my random thoughts and miscellaneous ramble that make up my SBI column. I’m not, contrary to some opinions... a lady, I don’t know any female riders, and all I do know is that I’m a huge fan of leather clad woman astride large capacity sport bikes! But then I thought of a very important set of experiences that I have had personally, the art of the perfect female pillion passenger. Over the years, I have taken many ladies for a quick blatt up the street, a swift spin through the canyons, or even a weekend away into the great wide open (cue Tom Petty at this point) and there are many different types and styles. My disclaimer at this point is that this also

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applies to men, and this is not a sexist point of view but it is a ladies issue and so my thoughts are with the female passengers I have taken.

THE LOOKER: Ah yes, the looker. The first sign is the strange weight distribution you will feel as you head off down the road. Straight line, upright, accelerating gently through to third or fourth to keep the revs down and the ride feeling safe, you will notice yourself countering a strange sideways force. Wondering if your bars are straight, or if someone has hung ten bags of sugar off one side of your ride, you’ll look around and there she is… upper body hanging off like Marquez to one side of the bike to see where you are going.

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FRICTION ZONE ZONE:: ERIK BUELL SBI AT FIVE YEARS

THE HEADBUTTER: Make sure you are not wearing your $1000 limited edition Kevin Schwantz replica lid. No matter how gently you apply the brakes, you will not escape the gentle ‘clang’ of her helmet hitting yours as you come to a stop. I have tried braking 1000 feet from the stop light, gently 142 | SPORTBIKESINCMAG.COM

accessing both front and rear in an even fashion, and rolling up to the stop sign at less than one mile an hour. As the bike finally, softly, gently comes to a complete stop you will feel the now familiar ‘donk’ as her neck muscles relax and she gives you that loving head butt.

even, meaning she is comfortable sitting on that seat and letting you ride and there has been no random head butts along the way. But now you leave the interstate and the first sweeping bend in the canyon twisties that you have been dreaming of all week is fast approaching. You settle in, line up the apex, and tip your pride and joy in for the thrill of the corner. And suddenly there’s 100 pounds or more of screaming female counterweight leaning frantically in the opposite direction to the bike and yourself. Sub genres include the Rib Puncher, a flurry of jabs to your ribs as she makes known her distinct displeasure at the whole point of riding like the sweeping leaning bendy stuff and the Rippler, a lack of understanding that moving around frantically on the rear of a two wheeled machine doing 70 miles an hour is not the greatest idea. You will find yourself fighting tank slappers, low sides and rear wheel chatter as you struggle to settle yourself, the machine and your passenger down safely.

THE OPPOSITE LEANER: Anyone who rides with a passenger regularly will know this type.

Understandable for anyone who doesn’t ride at all, this is quite a shock the first time you encounter an opposite leaner. So far, everything has been smooth. Weight distribution has been surprisingly

And finally I want to talk about the most common type of female passenger that I have ridden with, the Perfect Companion, the ones that appreciate the physics of riding, who hold on firmly and in the right places and not around your neck and who genuinely want to experience the unsurpassed thrill of riding a motorcycle. I have had by far more of these pillion passengers than any other and it shows me that there is no distinction in the sexes when it comes to motorcycles. I have been passed at a track day on the outside by a woman on a Ducati 1099. I regularly see women riding all kinds of machinery down the Pacific Coast Highway in Los Angeles, or up at Angeles Crest. I have taken many female passengers that have been so much better at sitting still, leaning the right way, and enjoying the ride than men. And so while this is the “Ladies’ Issue”, you can be sure that these types of passengers exist in both sexes.

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THE NEW ISH ICON MOTOSPORTS • ALLIANCE CRYSMATIC HELMET The Crysmatic Helmet is bright and vibrant increasing your visibility when riding. Constructed with a long oval headform, it has molded twin channel supervents, chin vents and rear exhaust ports for excellent airflow. Included also is a removable molded breath deflector to minimize the effect of shield fogging.

Sizes: XS - XXXL Colors: Blue, Green, Yellow, Pink Price: $185.00 Contact: http://rideicon.com

SATO RACING • CARBON FIBER CLUTCH SECONDARY COVER FOR DUCATI PANIGALE 899 Sato Racing’s secondary clutch cover fits over your OEM clutch cover and features a replaceable Delrin slider for looks and protection. Made from pre preg dry carbon fiber, the cover is light weight yet extremely durable.

Price: $240.00 Contact: http://orientexpress.com

MOTO D RACING • SPORTBIKE GARAGE AND TRACK MAT This mat from Moto D Racing is not only a great way to display your bike, but it also is a great way to keep your bike free from oils, dirt and grease when your bike is being stored. The mat has a low profile and a rubberized backing to help keep it place.

Price: $119.95 Contact: http://motodracing.com 146 | SPORTBIKESINCMAG.COM

DRIVEN RACING • BILLET ALUMINUM THROTTLE TUBE Upgrade from your stock plastic throttle tube with this billet aluminum beauty from Driven Racing. It’s light weight and offers a more solid feel with no stretching or breaking. Anodized black and laser etched, it is applicable for most late model sportbikes.

Price: $74.99 Contact: http://drivenracing.com

WOODCRAFT CFM • STATOR COVER FOR THE 2015 YAMAHA R1

Woodcraft’s long line of quality performance parts for sportbikes continues to expand with their latest offering for the 2015 Yamaha R1. This left hand side engine cover is a solid billet aluminum with a skid plate and is engineered to keep your bike’s oil from spilling out in the event of a crash. Ships with everything needed for a pain free install, including the gasket.

Price: $209.99 Contact: http://woodcraft-cfm.com COMPETITION WERKES •

STANDARD FENDER ELIMINATOR FOR THE KAWSAKI NINJA 300

Clean up the back end of your Ninja 300 with this fender eliminator kit from Competition Werkes. The kit includes the plate holder and light as well as turn signals. You will have to splice some wires for install but no drilling of your plastics is required.

Price: $119.95 Contact: http://competitionwerkes.com

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THE NEW ISH ALPINESTARS • STELLA GP PLUS R PERFORATED LEATHER JACKET Cut and optimized for the female rider, the Stella GP Plus R jacket has perforated leather panels combined with breathable mesh liner, keeping you cool on the ride without sacrificing the protection that leather offers. The CE approved armor in the shoulders and elbows are complimented by external shoulder sliders. The jacket is also equipped with chest and back compartments to house the upgrade options from Alpinestars Bionic armor line.

Sizes: 38 - 50 Colors: Black/White, Black/White/Red, White/Black/Blue, Black/White/Red Price: $439.95 Contact: http://alpinestars.com

LIGHTECH RACING • WHEEL AXLE SLIDERS FOR THE BMW S1000R/R These axle sliders for the BMW S1000R and RR are designed and manufactured in Italy, using Delrin plastic pucks. Available in several colors, the axle sliders are sold as a kit of four to provide protection for the front and rear axles of your bike.

RACER • WOMEN’S HIGH RACER GLOVES The Women’s High Racer Glove is designed specifically for the shape of the female hand. Constructed with a kangaroo leather palm equipped with carbon fiber palm sliders and carbon fiber knuckle, finger and wrist protection, they offer an optimized combination of safety and comfort. The ring and little fingers are adjoined to prevent finger roll. The gloves are perforated in the fingers and gauntlet for proper air flow.

Sizes: M - XL Price: $219.99 Contact: www.racerglovesusa.com

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Colors: Red, Titanium, Cobalt, Gold Price: $83.70 Contact: http://tawperformance.com

GPR STABILIZER • V4 SPORT STABILIZER FOR THE HONDA GROM The Honda Grom just became a lot more stable with assistance from GPR’s V4 Sport Stabilizer. The V4 features a large roll a click dial with 20 settings that makes on the fly adjustments very easy.

Colors: Black, Red, Blue, Gold, Titanium Price: $520.00 Contact: http://gprstabilizer.com

JOE ROCKET • LADIES CYNTEK GLOVES The new Cyntek gloves are a great option for riding the streets. They feature a drum dyed leather and heavy duty textile upper with a leather padded palm. Added comfort is provided in a padded reinforced thumb. Available in several color and eye catching designs with a reasonable price.

Sizes: XS - XL Colors: Eye Candy, Empire, Amethyst, Matte Price: $47.99 - $49.99 Contact: http://joerocket.com

TWO BROTHERS RACING • S1R SLIP ON EXHAUST FOR THE YAMAHA R3

Add a few decibels and slightly improve your overall performance on your R3 with the S1R slip on from Two Brothers. The carbon fiber pipe eliminates the catalytic converter and weighs less than the stock with a difference of almost three pounds.

Price: $599.98 Contact: http://twobros.com

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THE NEW ISH: FEATURED ITEM REV’IT! • ALLURE EVO LADIES JACKET One of the most beautiful jackets to hit the market this year, the appropriately named Allure Evo jacket’s outer shell is made from Busan cowhide, combined with PWR material that allows for a quality fit for the female shape. The adjustment straps on the sides further the custom fit. Protection is offered in

the shoulders, elbows and back however the jacket is equipped to hold the Rev’It! Level 2 Back Protector as a option for upgrade.

Sizes: 34 -46 Price: $899.95 Contact: http://revitusa.com

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STAFF STUFF AMERICAN KARGO • COMMUTER BACK PACK Red Spade to hold all your little belongings you may need for work or school. There are also 3 convenient compartments on the outside that are easy to get to. There’s a separate laptop compartment that goes against your back. I especially appreciate the construction here because of the padding in this area. There is nothing more uncomfortable than having a flat hard surface pressing down on your spine or lower back when riding. I virtually can’t even feel my 17” laptop when it’s inside its carry spot.

However the most important thing I look at when looking for backpacks to ride with are the straps. Last season i took my current backpack on a weekend road trip. It only took 3.5 hours to get to my destination where I could ditch the bag, however because it was quite heavy and packed to the brim, it made my shoulders hurt incredibly. I wasn’t expecting it to put such a strain on my neck and shoulder because I’d never felt that on my regular commutes to work. So the second thing I did with the American Kargo backpack is take it on a road trip! American Kargo boasts of a superior harness system that is the ultimate in comfort and I couldn’t agree more. Not only did my shoulders and neck not hurt but I felt comfortable enough to move around, shift my weight about the bike and even canyon carve with it on. Needless to say I was very pleased at the comfort of the harness system and how well it supported and dispersed the weight evenly.

I suppose the one negative thing that struck me was the bag’s size. It seems downright huge for the amount of storage space it actually has. While a 3 day trip would be ok to fit into, I can’t imagine fitting anything other than the o being as I usually try to commute to work daily on 2s, bare necessities. It also isn’t waterproof or water resistant.

I’ve got to tug along with me a backpack full of food, Yes, I rode through a short downpour and the bag did ok with change of shoes, a hoodie and sometimes a laptop. All of this not getting my belongings soaked. gets heavy and doesn’t make for a pleasant ride…unless you have the proper gear to store it all in. I’m always on All in all a great product. American Kargo does offer many the lookout for what new products the industry has to offer options and sizes to fit everyone’s needs so there’s plenty even though I’m pretty happy with my current backpack. So to choose from. a couple weeks ago a received the Commuter backpack by American Kargo. http://americankargo.com

S

The backpack is extremely well built and engineered. This Rating: 5 (out of 6) particle bag is jamb packed with compartments on the inside 152 | SPORTBIKESINCMAG.COM

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THE BACK SHOT!

Image: Evan Brown Location: Chicago, IL.