October 2013

News, Clues & Rumors
Volume XXX, Issue 10
Publication Date: September 16, 2013
On The Cover: Moin pownd those
mountains. Yes, he did.
Contents:
NCR . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
New Stuff . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
Events . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ?
Pakistan Adventure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16
Waterhead GS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19
Copbike School . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20
Pridmore’s CLASS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22
Frazier . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24
Maynard . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25
Hertfelder . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26
Marketplace . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27
Classifieds . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28
Tankslappers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30
Have you Seen the Fugawi . . . . . . . . . . . . 33
CityBike Staff:
CityBike Staff:
PO Box 10659 Oakland, CA 94610
Phone: 415/282-2790
E-mail: info@citybike com
Find us online: www citybike com
News ‘n Clues: Staff
Editor-in-Chief: Gabe Ets-Hokin
Senior Editor: Robert Stokstad
Contributing Editors: John Joss, Will Guyan,
Courtney Olive
Political Affairs Editor: Surj Gish
Chief of the World Adventure
Affairs Desk: Dr. Gregory Frazier
Staff Photographers:
- Robert Stokstad
- Gary Rather
Art Director: Alan Lapp
Advertising Sales: Kenyon Wills
Contributors:
Dan Baizer, Craig Bessenger, John Bishop,
Blaise Descollonges, Joanne Donn,
John D’India (RIP), Dirck Edge, Mike Felder,
Dr. Gregory Frazier, Will Guyan,
Joe Glydon (RIP), Brian Halton,
David Hough, Maynard Hershon,
Ed Hertfelder, Harry Hoffman,
Otto Hofmann, Gary Jaehne (RIP)
Jon Jensen, Bill Klein, David Lander,
Alan Lapp, Lucien Lewis, Ed Milich,
Larry Orlick, Jason Potts, Bob Pushwa,
Gary Rather, Curt Relick, Charlie Rauseo,
Mike Solis, Ivan Thelin, James Thurber,
Adam Wade (RIP).
(Left to Right)Wilder Grippo, Aleks Grippo, Dave LaPoint and Brian Long are caught by Alek’s timer-equipped camera as they catch up with some
late-summer reading at the West Walker Motel, Walker, California.
O EAST SPAN, WE HARDLY
KNEW YE
After 76 years of mostly reliable service
and carrying hundreds of millions—heck,
maybe billions—of cars, the ugly-yeteffective get-er-done East Span has been
retired, finally replaced by a glittering and
gorgeous bit of steel and concrete that
took what seemed like 5000 years to build
and cost more than anything the State of
California has ever built.
News, Clues was among a pack of riders
that waited for hours under Interstate
580 the night of September 2nd, in hopes
of being among the first non-ceremonial
vehicles to cross the new Bay Bridge. This
diverse group of riders was mounted on
bikes ranging from Beemers to Buells
(and of course a requisite SV650) and
wearing everything from Aerostich suits
to MC vests—a truly multi-moto-cultural
gathering.
We were not disappointed—just after 10
pm, we left the post-industrial beauty of
West Oakland behind and were led up
the West Grand on-ramp by three CHP
cruisers, who then inexplicably stopped
at the top of the ramp for three minutes,
allowing hundreds of SUVs, cars, trucks
and other undeserving souls onto the
structure before us. Carefully and slowly,
we got the feel for the new tollbooths, lanes
and lines of sight. As we rounded the gentle
curve approaching the tunnel through
Treasure Island, the new span’s brightly lit
cathedral of cables opened up above us—
stunning at night.
The local media loved this procession of
bikes, juxtaposing photos and footage of
our group of riders against overhead shots
of the new span in stories about the bridge
opening. Can you blame them? Thirty or
40 revved-up bikers jockeying for position
is obviously far more interesting than
hundreds of nondescript sedans waiting
patiently for the bridge to open.
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and then you hit a parked car and your bike is wedged under a van
and it catches fire and the Vallejo FD has to come and extinguish
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Photo: Angelica Rubalcaba
October 2013 | 3 | CityBike.com
was built only in small numbers, including
the award-winning “Flame Side” Grand
Sport. In 1934, Peugeot set multiple world
speed-and-distance records with this
machine.
Yes, this new bridge came in billions over
budget and it took forever to build. And
yes, there’s nagging questions about those
bolts and other issues. But it’s easy to forget
all of this as you ride beneath the massive
tower of the new east span.
Now to the bikes. The ones at auction,
which ranged from an all original barnfound 1921 Excelsior 20 Series Special,
replete with the patina of 92 years, to a
pristine orange Harley VR1000, expected
to bring around $75,000! Then there was
the ultra-rare Crocker single Speedway
bike, fetching well over $100,000. But take
heart, brethren of the ordinary garage:
there were many bikes here that were
affordable, like the original 1969 Triumph
Trident 750 for around $6000, the ’51
Indian Brave for $5250, and the ’66 MV
Agusta Ciclomotore Germano Turismo 2a
And check out those lanes—nice and wide,
perfect for lane splitting and general asshauling in and out of San Francisco.
Bay Area Riders waxed nostalgic about
the old span. Some wrote they would miss
the temporary ‘S’ curve, marked at 40 but
fun at 70. Others related memorable rides
or just the landmark significance of the
industrial-looking structure. But one rider
seemed to say everything we were feeling:
“I will miss the way I don’t get as wet riding
to work on rainy days,” wrote Dan on Bay
Area Rider’s Forum, “for your hazardous
upper deck has always sheltered me. On
those same rainy days with wind howling
I will miss the weird post-apocalyptic
horizontal rain/smoke/fog things you offer
up.
“On the way home I will miss the dappled
shade and brief respite from the blinding
sun your trellis provides at certain times of
year.
“I may just take an extra long time to cross
for the last time today, and maybe not split.
Probably not, but you’ll understand. I feel
like you get me. Goodnight sweet prince.”
PEBBLE BEACH BABYLON
Pebbles From Heaven: The 2013
Concours d’Elegance in Carmel
By Will Guyan, Special to CityBike
Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance number
63 (Yep, over six decades of auto-erotica
motorhead fun in Carmel) brought the
world’s finest automobiles and motorcycles
to the rarified ocean-side greens of a very
exclusive golf club. These were not just
cars on display in competition; rather
privately-owned museum pieces from
around the globe, gathered together near
Laguna Seca affording tens of thousands
of spectators an up close and personal
experience with legendary cars rarely
seen. Yes, these vehicles are so grand they
can bring moisture to the eye of any dirty
finger-nailed road denizen, no matter how
proletariat his views.
The auction action was the most mindbending, as the cars that were popular
when we were young went for astonishing
prices today. One Ferrari went for $27.5
million. There is no finer artistic statement
than the rolling, self-powered vehicles
that man crafted for transport, speed, and
road lust. There was a season of grandeur
when men ordered these machines, when
practicality meant you made certain your
chauffeur wasn’t with drink, and you
ambled your pleasant way through a life
that was far too short. One standout car
offered for bid was a 1937 Bugatti Type
57SC Atalante, and the thing was so perfect
of line as to defy words. It brought $8.74
million. A pristine 1967 VW sunroof bus
brought $126,500. And, a restored 1951
Vincent Black Shadow—perfect in every
detail—fetched $132,000. The bankers
in the Caymans must have been working
overtime last weekend transferring funds.
All the competing Concours vehicles must
run and pass the tedious inspection of a
team of nattily-attired judge/experts. Just
following them was an eye opener, as one
blazer-ed owner mentioned, “indeed, the
material between fender and body was
woven in the same factory as in 1933, and
on the same machine.” Another overheard
conversation, by a gent on his cell: “I
won’t pay more than two and a quarter
million for that Deusenberg.” Alas for
him, the 1929 Model J Disappearing-Top
Convertible Coupe went for $2.37 million.
French motorcycles were the marque of
choice this year. Gnome et Rhone, Peugeot,
Terrot, Majestic and Motobecane were
displayed. The magnificent 1937 Peugeot
515 SP with its brilliant blue matching
sidecar won its class handily. Between 1934
and 1940, this elaborate Peugeot machine
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October 2013 | 4 | CityBike.com
October 2013 | 5 | CityBike.com
for $4500. Okay, so it’s a moped; it’s still an
MV. A nice first year Honda Goldwing,the
one with the wire wheels, was going for
$5500 and a 1966 Honda Super 90 was
$6000.
Remember those? That little Honda was
groundbreaking back before ‘Nam was on
the nightly news.
Cars and bikes of this ilk are seen only at
exhibitions, museums and auctions. To
view them on a putting green next to the
Pacific is special. Go ahead, help yourself
to the Bentley brochure that must have cost
$50 to print, and welcome to the Bentley
Home Collection, where your supple
leather and polished burl wood couch
awaits its new home (hopefully the cat is
de-clawed.) Sights amusing and amazing
await the participant at Pebble Beach,
where all lovers of automobilia and singletrack iconry are all welcome.
give up just because Ethanol is bad for cars,
people and the environment.
drivers seem
to be more
courteous
and careful
when they
notice the
distinct
profile of
a helmetmounted
GoPro or
Contour
camera.
We headed to “Corn, Cars and Cows,”
an event hosted by Climate One at the
Commonwealth Club in San Francisco
on August 27th with hopes of getting real
answers about this stuff from the panel
of experts that included Colin Carter,
Professor, Agricultural Economics,
University of California, Davis; Neil
Koehler, CEO, Pacific Ethanol; and
Michael Marsh, CEO, Western United
Dairymen.
The bulk of the formal discussion centered
around questions of ethanol’s efficiency
relative to plain old gasoline and whether
we should be using corn for fuel or food.
As soon as the floor opened to questions,
we grabbed the mic to ask whether blender
pumps (which dispense various grades
of gas through a single hose) could cause
issues with motorcycles, particularly
For more info and photos of this year’s event,
bikes with small tanks. We weren’t alone
go to pebblebeachconcours.net
with our questions—the AMA was there,
CORN, CARS, COWS...AND YOU as were enthusiasts representing the
automotive and boating communities.
Had enough news about Ethanol yet?
Unfortunately, our questions were
Well, too bad. Even though the EPA has
answered only with typical nonsense like
backed off on force-feeding our cars and
“It’s about choice” and “Blender pumps will
motorcycles E15 (which is dino-juice
let you use whatever fuel you prefer.” Never
blended with up to 15 percent corn-based
mind that blender pumps force riders to
Ethanol, which isn’t really as eco-friendly as dump the gas left behind in the hose by the
it sounds as the corn required to produce it last user or risk putting nearly a gallon of
is grown with massive inputs of petroleum- E15 gas into their bike’s tanks, never mind
based fertilizer, pesticides and fuel for farm that this fuel isn’t approved for use in bikes,
equipment and distribution), we know
and never mind the swollen gas tanks,
there are both do-gooders politicians and
crappy mileage and leaky fuel fittings.
their farm-industry lobbyist pals who won’t
BARF
user “Abyss” wrote that there’s a “huge
difference in driver behavior” when he
uses his. “People move over for me when
I’m splitting, use turnouts, and generally
behave decently more often...I used to have
drivers brake-check me, swerve, pinch me,
even throw shit at me, and that’s certainly
gone away.”
Motorcyclist Dick Fletcher with daughter. richfletcherrecovery .com
We left the Climate One event still
frustrated with the lack of responsiveness
to the very real issues faced by nonmainstream consumers of gasoline like
motorcyclists, boaters and classic-car
enthusiasts. The good news is we have some
time to figure it out. As we’ve reported,
the California Air Resources Board has
said that E15 won’t appear in California
for years, due to infrastructure and market
factors as well as required testing and rule
development. Gas it while you got it!
EVIL, THY NAME IS BOWIN
ALCAIRO DAVID (THIS WEEK)
Motorcyclists seem less concerned with
gun violence than most, and that may be
becasue we are much more vulnerable to a
crazed sociopath with a car than a crazed
sociopath with a gun, as it’s much easier
to hit us with a 3000-pound four-wheeled
projectile than a tiny little bullet.
A sad case in point: on August 16th, a
47-year-old Oakland motorcyclist named
Dick Fletcher was riding his Kawasaki
ZRX1200 along Highway 24 toward the
Caldecott tunnel when he may have been
cut off by 32-year-old Concord resident
Bowin Alcairo David’s Honda Accord.
According to some accounts, Fletcher
pulled up alongside David and pointed to
his helmet to make a “are you crazy?” sort
of gesture, to which David responded by
swerving towards Fletcher.
Rita Jail’s infirmary with many, many
charges filed against him by the Alameda
County D.A., including infliction of great
bodily injury, meyhem and attempted
murder. And that’s just in Alameda
county—any charges relating to the CHP
on the other side of the CoCoCo line will
be filed by that county’s D.A.
All that is of little consolation to Fletcher
and his family. After a long surgery,
he woke up in intensive care lucid and
concious but with no feeling below his
belly button. He will now have to adjust to
life in a wheelchair. “I appreciate all your
support,” he siad from his hospital room
in a YouTube video. “Keep those prayers
coming because I have a long way to go.”
You can help him with his recovery and
medical expenses at richfletcherrecovery.
com. Also, Fletcher’s motorcycle collection,
including a pair of very tasty-looking
Honda CRF250 motocrossers, one set up
very nicely for supermoto and the other
in full race trim, are for sale on Craigslist.
It must be painful to let such a great
collection of motorcycles go at what look
like reasonable prices, but he probably
needs the dough even more to assist with
his recovery and transitional expenses.
David has had a preliminary hearing and
will start pretrial hearings next month.
Usually, road-rage is hard to prove, even
with witnesses, but David is particularly
unlucky as he was observed by police and
many other witnesses running Fletcher
Fletcher sped off up 24 at high speed to
down. He will go to prison, but that doesn’t
get away from David, but to no avail. As
help Fletcher, nor will it protect us from
he let his guard down and returned to a
other crazies. We’ve researched road rage,
lower speed, David came zooming up and
rear-ended Fletcher’s ZRX just on the east and found out that nobody wins in these
side of the Caldecott, knocking him off and situations..
critically injuring him. His bike caught fire.
ROAD RAGERS, MEET HELMET
Apparently, the force of the collision was
enough to give David’s Accord a flat, and he CAMS
pulled over near the Wilder Road off-ramp So we know that the best way to avoid
to change it.
a road-rage injury or death is to ignore
bad drivers, but we may have another
An off-duty Federal police officer had seen
weapon in the war against the careless,
the whole incident, and called the CHP. A
psychopathic and mean. It’s called a helmet
CHP officer saw David’s car by the side of
cam, and it’s becoming de riguer equipment
the road and as the officer was trying to talk
for moto-commuters. Riders are wearing
to him, he made a move in an “aggressive
them not just because some people seem
manner,” so the CHiP shot him in the
to have a thing for obsessively recording
belly (some accounts say David shot at the
every moment of their life, but because
officer). He survived and is now in Santa
October 2013 | 6 | CityBike.com
“Daks” noted that “oblivious drivers will
still come into your lane and do oblivious
things, and I don’t know if it’s causation,
but I can’t say anyone has really tried to
fuck (sorry Larry! –ed.) with me on the
road. I’m also non-confrontational and not
very aggressive when I ride.”
Mark said he “noticed
that cars at the font will
generally not “try to race”
me, or jockey for position,”
and there seemed to be
wide consensus that
wearing a camera is a good
thing, even without citing
the hundreds, maybe
thousands of videos posted
to YouTube that show
bad behavior on video
that resulted in a motorcycle crash (and
sometimes a wayward moto damaging a
car). That’s evidence, evidence that could
mean being at-fault and watching your
premiums go up, or being a plaintiff and
getting a very expensive new ride (or more
sadly, just paying off fat medical and legal
bills).
But it may not always be good: “I’m a
mellow rider to begin with,” said Daks,
“but it does make me think about how if I
caused a crash, evidence goes both ways.”
Mark had similar reservations. “My riding
doesn’t change much, but when I feel like
getting squidly, I remember if something
happens, it’s on cam, and I’m liable.”
Lens and
resolution
resolution:
Wide-angle
seems best,
as what
you want
to record
can come
up from the
side. You
also want
HD, and
many seem
to prefer
as high as
possible, at least 780P, the best to read
license plates and record other details.
Memory: You want a lot, as a 32 GB card
can get gobbled up quickly by a 1080P
recording, but some cameras have looping
functions that automatically over-record
the oldest footage, so you always have the
last hour or so recorded. That eliminates
the need to change or clear off the card
before every ride.
Battery: This is an obvious concern,
though it’s negated if you mount the
camera to your bike and wire it to 12-volt
power. Some cameras can be hooked up to
vehicle power even mounted
to your helmet, but who
wants that cable restricting
your movement? If you use
batteries, you want to have
spares.
Mounting Every position
Mounting:
has advantages, so you’d have
to try several to see what best
fits your needs—top of the
helmet, side of the helmet or
even chinbar are popular, but
add weight and distracting wind issues.
Mounting to the bike allows access to
vehicle power as well as multiple cameras
and views—rear, front, high, low, etc, but
is also prone to vibration. No matter where
you mount the camera, use a lanyard in
case your mount fails!
Here are some things you
can do to protect yourself
from road-ragers:
❍ Be courteous when you ride and do
your best to be an ambassador for
motorcycling. We know this is hard
(Editor Ets-Hokin says “impossible,”
but he is a weapons-grade bad
example) to do, so:
❍ Don’t react to bad or angry drivers.
It can escalate a situation into
roadrage, and you will lose. Their
punishment is being them, and
that’s probably enough.
❍ If somebody is trying to get you,
don’t speed up to get away because
lunatics will chase you down,
even if you think they’ll get stuck
in traffic or have a crappy car or
whatever. Exit the freeway, pull
into a well-lit, busy area and get
off the bike. Call the police if you
fear for your life or ask passer-by
for help. If the roadrager confronts
you, keep him (it’s almost always
a him) talking while keeping your
distance until he cools off, even if
you have to tell him he’s right and
you’re sorry. We know you’re right
and he’s the asshole, but groveling
is better than getting beaten,
stabbed or shot, or spending time
in jail (or prison) for beating,
stabbing or shooting somebody
else. Cops (and juries) don’t care
who “started it.”
But at the end of the day, “Stewart” may
have summed it up the best. “I do love
pointing at it when assholes in a Mercedes
cut me off downtown while talking on their
iPhone.”
We welcome your thoughts on using a
camera when you ride: editor@citybike.
com.
Other riders are doubtful about their
cameras’ utility. “Mayhem” said “aggro
drivers seem to be less influenced by
presence of the camera than the time of
month, weather, day of week. If it’s a hot
Friday evening in between pay days with
a full moon, watch out!” Don’t let it make
you overconfident was the message of other
riders. “FXCLM5” says that “a helmet cam
won’t make drivers more aware of your
presence until after you have passed them
or are literally right next to them...cages
rarely see motorcycles, do not get the false
impression wearing a helmet cam will
make you more visible.”
So which camera to get? Technology
changes quickly and we’ve only tried a few
different models, but you want to consider
a few things:
October 2013 | 7 | CityBike.com
LAST MONTHS NAME OF EVIL
WAS MICHAEL QUINN
No new news on the case of Michael
Quinn, the S.F. fire fighter who allegedly
drove a firetruck drunk and struck a
motorcyclist at the intersection of Fifth
and Howard streets in San Francisco.
Where Bowin David was charged very
quickly, things don’t work so well in S.F.,
at least this time. The SFPD investigated
the incident and sent its recommendations
over to the SFDA, who now seems to be
considering the report before it charges
Quinn. Incredibly, he has not yet been
charged, over two months after the
incident.
Jack Frazier a 49-year-old Daly City
resident, has filed a big fat claim against
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For all your Bay Area
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could tell me Mercurio was served
with a felony complaint on July
19th—felony DUI with Great
Bodily Injury enhancement. No
court date has been assigned yet—
we could guess Mercurio’s lawyers
cut some kind of deal to allow her
to do the rehab thing first—and
Incredibly, Quinn is actually still employed Skiling didn’t know why, but she
by the City, although on unpaid leave.
did say that it’s “obviously a very,
Seems like only the Fire Commission can
very serious case....he suffered
fire (heh, heh) firefighters, even though
substantial injuries and it’s heart
SFFD Chief Joanne Hayes-White has
wrenching.” There is no news on
recommended termination. There has to
Mark’s condition—we will keep
be a closed hearing first, the SFFD’s Mindy you updated.
Talmidge told us. The Commission’s
secretary told us she couldn’t comment
PAY BY PHONE
on personnel matters and couldn’t even
More fun with the phone: how
tell us when the hearing would be. Is the
aggravating is it to search for
commission waiting for this to blow over
change when you find a parking place,
to then quietly reinstate Quinn to fullespecially when some downtown S.F.
time drunken firetruck operation? It could
parking meters charge more per hour than
happen, as there has been nothing in the
a Bangkok massage parlor? Have no fear—
news about the case since July. We will
we tried out Parkmobile, an app for the
keep you updated.
iPhone, Android and even the Blackberry
and Windows smartphones, in case you’re
THE MONTH BEFORE IT WAS
that unhip. Once it’s installed and you
MERCURIO
remember your login and password, it’s
pretty easy to use, so long as the meter is
There’s no news about Jessica Mercurio,
set up for it (S.F.’s meters are compatible, as
the 21-year-old Concordite who struck
are meters in many other Bay Area cities).
and badly injured motorcyclist Mark
The app will also record where you park
Tomaszewski in Clayton in June. Again,
(handy for those of us with creeping CRS
not much in the media on the case, so we
syndrom) and show you the closest parking
called the Contra Costa County D.A.’s
space. Downside? It costs 45 cents for the
office.
privilege, which means a motorcycle will
One PAO told us Mercurio is in a
often pay double if you only need a few
“treatment facility,” but the PAO in the
minutes. Price of convenience, eh? And it’s
office assigned the case, Jean Skiling, told
much cheaper than a ticket.
me she couldn’t comment on that, but
the City, a standard precursor to a big, fat
lawsuit. Frazier had a collapsed lung, back
injuries and assorted broken bones and ran
up $461,000 in hospital bills in the course
of a month, according to his attorney.
Kudos to former CityBike advertiser James
Romag for taking this important case.
THE WALLS HAVE EYES
If you don’t have a camera on your bike,
there are plenty of other cameras out there.
Public video cameras are everywhere in
this country, offering multiple views of
many streets, freeways and intersections.
Footage from the cameras has been
invaluable in finding suspects, from
petty thieves to the Boston Marathon
Bombers, those f-ckers. Portland video
camera-mart videosurveillance.com
has a neat solution—a
user-generated map of
all public video cameras,
which you can check out
at videosurveillance.com/
communitycam. It shows
almost 3700 public cameras
in the S.F. Bay Area, almost
1000 in San Francisco’s
central business district
alone, covering every street
and intersection in the
commercial and industrial
districts.
If you’re out and about with
your smart phone, search
iTunes or Google Play for
“public video camera.” There are apps
that not only tell you where the cameras
are, you can even control some of them
remotely! Apps and sites like this should be
helpful if your bike is knocked over when
parked, stolen, or if you get involved in
an accident. “Our goal is to have cameras
mapped all over the major cities in the U.S.
for public knowledge and awareness,” said
Video Surveillance’s Ellen Arndt. “If the
police aren’t of help, you can use the map
to approach camera owners in the location
near the crime or incident.”
MOTO-PARKING MAP
So where to park? Again, pull out your
smartphone. We’ve been using Park the
Bike, which shows moto-friendly parking
spaces overlaid on a Google map. It tells
you if the spot is paid or free and how many
spaces there are at each location. Hey!
You could use that app in
conjunction with a videocamera one to make sure you
park in view of a camera...
clever, no? Bring a lock
anyway.
Tracker is a term that applied to a style of
bike that originated from dirt flat-track
competition machinery of the 1970s,
the ultimate iteration being the Yamaha
TZ700 powered flat track racer that
Kenny Roberts rode to victory at the
Indianapolis Mile Dirt Track National
in 1974. That bike was the brainchild of
renowned frame builder Doug Schwerma
and tuner Ray Abrams. The TZ700 Tracker
ESTE TRACKER
NOCHE
Another Tracker Night has come
and gone—and it was quite an
event this year, judging by the fine
photos and text submitted by motowriter Philip Jacobson:
The TrackerNite Bike Show
has achieved a degree of
excellence few events can
claim. Once a year, Shulman Avenue in
Santa Clara is closed off after business
hours and transformed into a giant block
party, bike show and barbecue. The Sixth
Annual TrackerNite remained true to
the original concept promoters Kathryn
and Lorin Guy bring to any event they
are associated with: bring it, ride it, and
show it. All genres of machine and types of
enthusiasts are welcome.
weighs in at 275 lbs. and puts down (sort
of) 140 horsepower. Unmanageable on
1970s vintage tires would hardly be an
understatement. Roberts charged from
fourth place in the final turn to pass three
riders, on the stretch to the finish, for
the win by less than one bike length and
famously declared “They don’t pay me
enough to ride that thing.”
BIMOTA SOLD
Breaking news—Bimota, Italian builder
of exclusive, hand-built sportbikes, is
being sold. According to sister publication
Motorcycle Daily.
com, “Roberto
Comini, the
Milan-based
pharmaceutical
magnate,
has reached
agreement with an
unnamed Swiss
businessman
to transfer
ownership of
Bimota to a Swiss
group that will
inject significant
capital into the
development of new models.”
HARLEY KEEPS ITS COOL
Project Rushmore? Yep, that’s what
Harley-Davidson has been keeping secret
for year—the liquid cooling (and many
other improvements) of its iconic V-Twin
powerplant. Select 2014 Touring models
will get “Twin-Cooled” versions of the
Ray’s TZ700 Tracker was only one of many Twin Cam 103 motor. The new mill allows
trackers brought for everyone’s enjoyment. a 10-percent bump in torque, but more
importantly, it’s more efficient, reliable and
Customs from Arlen Ness, historically
easier on the passenger and rider in terms
significant machinery ridden by the
of heat management, according to Harley
legends of motorcycle racing, impeccably
Davidson. The cooling passages and dual
restored vintage street bikes, motocross
radiators are cleverly hidden under covers
machines, observed trials, Bonneville
and louvers, which is probably why we
speed-record machines, modern and even
won’t see this system on the naked cruiser
antique models were brought to show. In
models for a while.
the spirit of inclusiveness, no admission
fee was charged. Champions, legends and
Other Rushmore improvements include
first-time motorcycle riders mix to recount suspension upgrades, linked ABS
experiences and tell stories, often a little
brakes, high-output lighting, upgraded
exaggerated.
infotainment systems and better fairings.
We look forward to testing one of the new
Barbecue, vendor stands and a trialstouring rigs.
riding demonstration by local champion
Cody Webb rounded out the activities.
This year’s charity was the American
Red Cross and the sponsors were San
Jose Harley Davidson, Motion Pro, Road
Rider Accessories, Barnaby Machine Co,
Beshoff Motorcars Sprinter, Heidenau
Tire, Slabsides Harley Davidson, Fortune 2
Design, Shorai Batteries, A&A Racing, J&L
October 2013 | 8 | CityBike.com
Detailing, Mission Motorcycles, Dennis
Mattish Photos, P& D Productions, Bell
Helmets, VisoVi Graphics and Zanotti
Racing. This is a unique annual event that
shouldn’t be missed.
HARLEY GETS SMALL
Photo: team-bhp.com
Small-displacement, that is. An Indian
website tells us “Chief Operating Officer
of Harley Davidson, Matthew Levatich
has confirmed that the bike will be
East Bay Motorsports
21756 Foothill Blvd.
Hayward
(510) 889-7900
GP Sports
2020 Camden Ave.
San Jose
(408) 377-8780
Grand Prix Motorsports
2360 El Camino
Santa Clara
(408) 246-7323
Mission Motorcycles
6232 Mission St.
Daly City
(650) 992-1234
*As low as 3.99% APR financing for 60 months and 4.49% APR for 72 months on select new, unregistered, Suzuki models.
Subject to credit approval. Financing offers available through Sheffield Financial, a Division of BB&T Financial, FSB. Minimum
Amount Financed $1,500; Maxiumum Amount Financed $50,000. Not all buyers will qualify. Approval, and any rates and terms
provided, are based on credit worthiness. Other financing offers are available. Financing promotions void where prohibited. Up to
$900 Customer Rebate is available with every purchase of this model which is non-transerable and holds no cash value in the
continental United States excluding HI. Offer available on select, new, unregistered, Suzuki models, purchased from a participating
authorized Suzuki dealer between 9/1/13 and 10/31/13. All offers subject to availability and subject ot change without notice.
October 2013 | 9 | CityBike.com
OW FIX
N YO
*%!# U
MO R
TO
$75/MONTH
MOTORCYCLE
STORAGE
$95/MONTH
UNLIMITED
WORK PASS
$125/MONTH
WORK PASS &
STORAGE
Moto Shop is a 6,000
sq.ft. do-it-yourself
shop where you can
work on your own
motorcycle or bring
your bike to a workshop and learn how.
sized, but a little
smaller and
cheaper at least.
Ducati announced
the new Panigale
899, a slightly
down-sized
version of the
fast and furious
(and pricey) 1199
Panigale we tested
last year (“Not a
916, but who f-ing
cares?” July 2012).
It uses an 898cc
“Superquadro”
V-Twin, good for
a claimed 148
horsepower and
manufactured in India and will be sold
72.3
in markets across the globe. The bike is
foot-pounds of torque at 9750
expected to be powered by the V-Twin
rpm. Weight should be in the
engine as in most of the Harley Davidson
420-pound weight gassed up.
motorbikes, and will get 40 bhp of power
And just because it’s a “supermid”
and 45 Nm of torque.”
version of the bigger model,
it’s still equipped with quality
Sounds like a sleeved-down Sportster?
Actually, spy photos of the bike undergoing components, even if it uses a
dual-sided swingarm instead of
testing in India reveals a much smaller,
lower bike, an all-new design. It’s a V-Twin, that sexy single-sided one on the
1199. It gets all the race-derived
but it may be liquid cooled and will sport
an MSRP in the $4500-6000 range, much electronic riding aids as the 1199,
as well as Showa Big Piston Fork
cheaper than the lowest-priced Sportster
and monobloc Brembo brakes
in India. The MoCo will be able to sell it
that cheap by using what’s called a “Knock- (with switchable ABS). Pricing
Down Kit,” assembling the bikes in a plant will be $14,995 for the traditional
red, or $15,295 for the glimmery
in Guargaon, India to avoid large tarrifs
disco-white model. That’s $3000
on imported motorcycles. Will that mean
less than the 1199, and we’ll wager the 899
an inexpensive entry-level Harley for the
is easier and more fun to ride. Ducati says
U.S. market? We think not, at least for a
few years. India’s burgeoning middle class bikes will get to dealers by January.
(and enormous—the New York Times
MOTORCYCLE SHOW’S
estimated 300 million Indians can be
A-COMIN’ (EARLY)
called “middle class”) will probably snap
up every one of these things, making the
Don’t go to the San Mateo Expo Center
fuss and bother of getting them to the
after Thanksgiving—it won’t be there!
USA (where H-D is already selling
This
year the
plenty of bikes) unnecessary.
PINT-SIZE-A-GALE
Well,
pint
not really
No memberships, no
hidden fees.
SCALA Q3
Progressive International Motorcycle
Show is coming early, the first one on the
circuit in fact. It will run October 25-27
and CityBike will be there in one way or
another, so keep an eyeball peeled. Buy
your tickets at motorcycleshows.com/sanmateo. See the ad in this issue for more
information.
Some of us like to ride
in groups, and there
are times when having
helmet-to-helmet
communication at ranges
up to a mile can enhance
the experience. And
sometimes you just want
to be alone with your
favorite tunes.
BACK TO (WHEELIE) SCHOOL!
The Superbike-Coach Corp has a few
available spots left for their annual
‘Wheelie Course’ and ‘Knee Down’
class. Coach Can: “These two events are
very popular. Nothing for hooligans or
show-offs though!” In a legal and safe
environment, students get to learn the
basics of the most impressive motorcycle
stunt from professionals, and we take these
Scala Rider has a good
selection of highly
functional Bluetooth
helmet headsets that
can fit all these needs,
recently expanded by the
Q3 MultiSet I’ve been
testing. The Q3 ($390
for the set, $220 for a
solo unit) is a lighter,
less-expensive headset
than the fancier G9. It is
smaller and lighter, and
the smaller size means
less battery life—just 8
hours of talk time and a
week of standby—but
charging time is just 3
hours. There’s an FM
radio and a
dizzying array
of softwarebased features.
The Q3 is
actually easier
to use than
the G9, with
improved
buttons. The
Q3 MultiSet
is pre-paired
at the factory,
so if it’s just
you and a
passenger, no
worries.
In use, the Q3
delivers excellent performance. Audio—
both spoken word in the form of phone/
intercom conversations or podcasts as
well as music—is sharp and clear, even at
extra-legal speeds, and the volume level
adjusts automatically. We did suffer some
mis-operation and software glitches, but
don’t know if they’re the fault of the phone
we used (an iPhone 5) or the Cardo’s
software. Whatever the cause, they are
easily resolved by switching off the headset
and re-pairing with your phone.
using one of these in Europe where he is
racing in the rain much of the time. He
loves it. As you know, when a suit gets wet
it can take a long time to dry out.”
classes to let you know all about it.
The Superbike-Coach setup seems
promising. Riders can use their own
bikes, while a wheelie bike with installed
‘Wheelie Teach Bar’ makes turnovers
(yum!) when Head Coach Can (say
“John”) Akkaya works with each one
individually via helmet headset.
Knee Down will be on October
5th and the Wheelie Course on
Sunday the 6th, both classes held
at the Kart track at the Stockton
fairgrounds. Tuition is $129 for
the Knee-down school, $179 for the
Wheelie class. We are excited to attend,
because Superbike-Coach is the only
school in the States we know of offering
this. Sign up at superbike-coach.com
or call
916/712-1817.
Contact Helimot at 510/252-1509 or
visit the website at helimot.com, or get
totally crazy and visit their very pleasant
showroom at 45277 Fremont Blvd. in
Fremont, right by the Tesla factory.
CAT CLAMP
If you have a Toyota pickup truck (and it
seems like most motorcyclists we know
either have one or want one) and you live in
San Francisco or Oakland, you’ve probably
had your catalytic converter stolen or at
least found it hanging by a single (or no)
bolt after an attempted theft. Seems like
there’s $40-150 of precious metal in each
one of those things, big money if you’re
a crackhead with
a
socket set. The
Catclamp may
NEW STUFF
GREAT LEATHER DRIER
HOURS OF OPERATION:
Does hanging out in your sweat- or
rain-soaked leathers feel like being a
baby with wet diapers? Yuck, right?
Linda and Helmut at Helimot
have a solution for you. They call
it the Great Leather Drier, and
it’s basically a hanger with a
blower and fan attached to it.
Wednesday - Sunday
10am-7pm
325 South Maple Ave #20
South San Francisco
“Price is $149.95, and you
can also get a wall bracket
with it for another $20,” says
Helimot’s Linda Key. “You
hang your wet/sweaty suit on
it, hang it up and plug it in and
your suit is dry in no time. There
is a powerful blower that does the
job. No heat. Jason Uribe has been
(650) 873-1600
BayAreaMotoShop.com
October 2013 | 10 | CityBike.com
be
the
answer—
it’s a cableand-clamp
affair that
discourages thieves from
unbolting your $200 or more catalytic
converter. The basic model is $100, and
Catclamp makes the device for many, many
vehicles, including diesel trucks, which
probably have some pretty expensive cats
in them, judging by the $530 price of the
Maximum Security Kit. You probably only
need to have your cat stolen once to want
one of these, so why wait for yours to get
converted to meth? Check out catclamp.
com today or call them at 419/478-1313.
October 2013 | 11 | CityBike.com
If you can live without the bike-to-bike
intercom, Cardo still sells its Q1 TeamSet
for $260 with all the other features. There’s
no option to purchase a single Q1, but it
does offer 10 hours of talk time compared
to the Q3’s 8.
When you add up the features, quality and
ease-of-operation of the Q3, it’s a very good
value—possibly all the helmet audio you’ll
ever need. Get yours at your favorite local
motorcycle shop.
ARAI XD4
Great Wet North Correspondent Courtney Olive
sent us his impressions and a photos of his fancy
new Arai lid:
Your helmet selection typically relates
to the type of bike you ride. In general,
sportbike riders wear full-face helmets,
cruiser riders go for open face or
half-helmets, and no self-respecting
motocrosser would be caught without a
proper MX helmet featuring elongated
chin-guard, wide opening for goggles,
and the signature visor (properly called
a “peak”). Whether they are attributable
to function, or to form, these helmet
conventions are noticeable. You wouldn’t
wear a MX helmet on a Harley, would you?
street speeds,” says Arai. A redesigned
peak creates “even better stability and
airflow.” Similarly, the chin vent, exhaust
ports, and side cowl vents all help improve
“ventilation efficiency as well as helmet
stability at higher speeds.” The common
denominators are stability and speed.
And the XD4 delivers in these areas. It
is indeed refreshingly stable at highway
speeds. Since the peak has the biggest
negative impact on stability, I removed
it for my first ride with the helmet. This
brings up one of the most interesting
new features of the XD4—the ability to
Not surprisingly then, the growing
popularity of dual-sport or “adventure”
bikes in the late ‘90s warranted a new type
of helmet. Arai quickly stepped up to fill
that niche when it created a whole new
helmet category: the dual-sport helmet.
Arai called these helmets its XD series
and the XD4 featured here is the latest
evolution.
The design basics of early dual sport
helmets—styling and functionality
reminiscent of a MX helmet, but with the
addition of an earnest helping of streetgoing protection—worked well for the bike
offerings of the late ‘90s. But dual-sports
have evolved. Looking purely at engine
outputs, acceleration, and top-speed
potential, the bikes within this segment
have become decidedly quicker in recent
years. Think of today’s Super Tenere, Tiger,
or Adventure as compared to a DR650 or
KLR and you get the picture right away, not
to mention various supermoto scorchers,
which are often paired with dual-sport
remove the peak. In fact, the XD4 can
helmets.
be configured three ways: with peak and
To its credit, Arai appears to recognize the faceshield, with peak and no faceshield,
increased demands—particularly speedor with faceshield and no peak (by the
related—being placed on helmets like the
way, this configuration gives the XD4 a
XD4. The XD4’s many improvements,
distinctive, fighter-pilot look). By running
over its predecessor the XD3, seem
it without the peak, I was able to gain some
devoted to addressing these demands.
idea of how the helmet would handle if it
The XD4 features a new shell shape for
were an ordinary full-face helmet. Then,
“better aerodynamic stability at higher
Repair & Service
after a few rides, I installed the peak to
compare.
Around town I experienced no noticeable
difference. Even at two-lane highway
speeds the peak was barely a factor. Only
once I reached interstate speeds did it
begin to feel like anything other than a
traditional full-face helmet. And, even
then, the sensation was never surprising or
unmanageable.
within the helmet. As any Arai owner
will tell you, the brow vents work. Other
interior improvements include the Facial
Contour Support cheek pad design and
Dry Cool liner, which are now featured in a
number of Arai’s models.
But perhaps the most notable feature of the
XD4 is the Emergency Cheek-Pad Release
Design. Arai offers this system only on
the XD4 and its two competition-oriented
helmets, the Corsair-V and VX-Pro3. As
Wind noise was also impressively low. With Arai describes, this system was “developed
the faceshield down, the XD4 exhibits no
to allow easier access to an injured rider;
more noise at ordinary road speeds than
the XD-4’s cheek-pads slide out easily via
the integrated pull-tabs
built into the underside
of the cheek-pad – which
makes helmet removal much
easier for trained medical
personnel.” I found the
emergency release pull-tabs
to be clearly labeled and
intuitive; hopefully medical
personnel would too.
The overall fit and finish
of the XD4 are excellent.
From the moment you open
the box, you see pride of
workmanship. Like most
new helmets, the XD4
comes in a soft bag but,
unlike others, the bag is
neatly cinched at the front
of the helmet (rather than
being simply stuffed into
the interior of the helmet at
the bottom) and the cinchstring is tied in a perfectlyuniform bow. It’s like
opening a carefully wrapped
Christmas present from
someone who cares. Details
traditional full-face helmets. This may be
like this express quality. The faceshield
largely due to the locking mechanism on
does not bend or bow when opened, and
the faceshield, which does an excellent
it locks closed with complete precision.
job of pulling the shield firmly against the
Likewise, the vents open and close with
gasket.
authority, there is no vagueness. Where
The XD4’s other new features are primarily parts come together the seams are razor
tight. The paint is rich and has depth.
designed to boost comfort. Its shield now
incorporates Arai’s trademark brow vents, Shortcomings? The chin curtain can be
which route air through cooling passages
pivoted up and down, according to Arai,
to serve as an “Airflow Spoiler.” But try
as I might, I could detect no difference in
airflow by lowering or raising this device.
Another minor area for improvement is the
snap that keeps the end of the chinstrap
from dangling. While not particularly
difficult to secure, it could be easier.
We Ship Worldwide
CALL
US
FIRST!
Salvaged & New Parts!
Tue–Fri 10–6 Sat 9–5
October 2013 | 12 | CityBike.com
The XD4 has an M.S.R.P. of $730 for any
of the “Explore” graphics options, such as
the “Explore Orange” version shown in
this review. Solid colors range from $600
for White to $620 for “Fluro Yellow.” The
Explore Orange helmet I reviewed will not
disappoint those with allegiances to KTM.
For more details, and a look at all of the
color schemes available, visit Arai’s website.
As the inventor of the dual sport helmet
category, Arai has raised the bar with the
new XD4. It is a well-constructed and welldesigned response to today’s road-going
realities of the dual-sport market.
Courtney Olive lives in Portland, Oregon where
he and the Sang-Froid Riding Club challenge
motorcycling conventions. He has been known to
wear a MX helmet on a Harley, once.
EVENTS SEPTEMBER 2013
First Monday of each month
(October 7, November 4):
2:30 – 10:00 pm: Northern California
Ducati Bike Nights at Benissimo (one
of Marin’s finest Italian Restaurants),
18 Tamalpias Dr, Corte Madera.
|NorCalDoc.com
6:00 pm: American Sport Bike Night
at Dick’s Restaurant and Cocktails,
3188 Alvarado Street, San Leandro.
Bring your Buell and hang out with
like-minded riders. All brands welcome!
Our meeting of Buell and Motorcycle
enthusiasts has been happening the first
Monday of the month for the last 12 years,
without ever missing a meeting. We have
had many local and national celebrities
from the motorcycle world grace our
meetings. It has been fun and exciting.
americansportbikenight.net
Doc Wong Clinics!
CityBike says if you haven’t done a Doc
Wong clinic, go do one ASAP. It’s fun,
free and will make you a better/safer/
happier rider. Register by emailing
[email protected] or call Full Motion
Chiropractic at 650/365-7775.
More info: docwong.com
Moto Shop
In the Finley Building, fans will be able
to view an incredible display of specialty
Upcoming Workshops and
Seminars
325 South Maple #20, South San
Francisco, 650/873-1600
SEPTEMBER
Wed 18 Engine Rebuild Class
Fri 19
Brakes Workshop
First Wednesday of each month
(October 2, November 6)
Sun 22 Basic Maintenance
Workshop
6:00 pm: Bay Area Moto Guzzi
Group monthly dinner at Vahl’s in
Alviso (1512 El Dorado Street, Alviso,
410/2620731). Members, interested
Guzzi riders, and all other motorcycle
riders always welcome. More information,
contact Pierre at: 408/710-4886 or
[email protected].
Sat 22 Ducati Valve Adjustment
Worship
Second Tuesday of Each Month
(October 8, November 12)
Thu 26 Chain and/or Sprockets
Workshop
Sat 28 Tire Change Workshop
OCTOBER
Wed 2 Tiire Change Workshop
Thu 3
Brakes Workshop
6:30 pm to 10:00 pm: East Bay Ducati
Bike Night at Pizza Antica (3600 Mount
Diablo Blvd., Lafayette, 925/299-0500)
Bike parking on the street right in front of
the restaurant, indoor and heated outdoor
seating, excellent wine list. All moto
brands welcome. Bring your appetite and a
smile, be prepared to make new friends.
Sat 5 Basic Maintenance Workshop
Third Wednesday of Each Month
(September 18, October 16)
Thu 17 Oil and/or Coolant Change
Workshop
7:00 pm: Seca II Meet-up at
Lanesplitter in Oakland (4799
Telegraph Ave, 510/653-5350) Luddites
who are happy with 20-year-old aircooled tech gather to spend their
unemployment checks on important
things: pizza and beer. All makes/models
are welcome, though the management
has requested that we be less rowdy so
as not to intimidate the hipsters. Email
[email protected] for more info.
Sat 19 Basic Maintenance Workshop
Third Sunday of each month
(October 20, November 17):
Fri 30 Brakes Workshop
9:00 am: California (Northern)
Moto Guzzi National Owners Club
(MGNOC) breakfast at Putah Creek
Cafe in picturesque Winters, California
(Highways 505/128) MGNOC members
and interested Guzzi riders meet for
breakfast and a good time. The Putah
Creek Cafe is located at Railroad Avenue.
More information contact: Northern
California MGNOC Rep, Don Van Zandt
at 707-557-5199.
and Vineyard and more, fans will be able
to sample a variety of the very best wines
found in the Sonoma and Napa Valley and
nibble on delicious hors d’oeuvres while
looking at some outstanding motorsports
art.This year’s artists will include works
by well-known artist Robert Carter,
sculptures by Jim McCoin, Hot Shoe
Moto Art by Mark Kully, photographs
by Mike Doran, motorsports art work by
Jack Knight and photographs by Gaby
Scharlach.
Sat 5 Oil and/or Coolant Change
Workshop
Sat 12 Tire Change Workshop
Sun 13 Chain and/or Sprockets
Workshop
Sun 20 Brakes Workshop
Thu 24 Suspension Workshop
Fri 25 Int. Motorcycle Show
Sat 26 Int. Motorcycle Show
Sun 27 Int. Motorcycle Show
Sun 27 Ducati Valve Adjustment
Workshop
Sign up and get details online:
BayAreaMotoShop.com
Prices range from $25 - $250 No
previous experience required.
Saturday, September 27,
to Sunday, September 29
Saturday:
11:00 am to 6:00 pm: Art,
Wine and Bike Show (Sonoma
County Fairgrounds, Santa Rosa,
santarosaflattrack.com, 707/703-3633)
Evenings: Moto-Sketch at Tosca Cafe:
come and sketch a live model draped over
Featuring wines from Ramspur Winery,
a custom bike. $7 to sketch, free to just
Highway 12, Manzanita, Foyt Family
watch. Tosca Cafe, 242 Columbus Ave.
Wines, JJ Custom Wines, Sunce Winery
in S.F.
October 2013 | 13 | CityBike.com
custom bikes from such well-known
designers and builders as Kirk Taylor
of Custom Design Studios, Satya Kraus
of Kraus Motor Co., Arlen Ness, Aft
Customs and TGP Motorcycles. One of
the highlights of this show will definitely
be the showing of Metallica’s James
Hetfield’s bike “Widowmaker.”
4:00 pm: Pro-Am Short Track Racing
(Sonoma County Fairgrounds, Santa
Rosa, santarosaflattrack.com,
707/703-3633)
Service & Repair
Maximum Maxi
The New KYMCO
MyRoad 700i
While we are well-known
for our work on Ducatis, we
provide outstanding service
on all brands and all models!
Plus, it’s a friendly place...swing
by on a Saturday for a cup o’
coffee and some bench racing.
Nichols Sportbike Service
913 Hanson Court
Milpitas, CA 95035
(408) 945-0911
For Ducati product info, please go to:
www.nicholssportbike.com
On Saturday night, short track action will
continue with the running of the District
36 Pro Am race in the Chris Beck Arena.
Up close and personal, the non-stop
action of these up and coming riders will
keep you on the edge of your seat.
Santa Rosa, santarosaflattrack.com,
707/703-3633)
Round 12 of this year’s 13 race AMA Pro
Flat Track Championship, the Santa Rosa
Mile will be the next to last race in this
season’s championship. There will be a
Sunday, 9:00 am-6:00 pm: GNC Santa lot riding on the line for each and every
Rosa Mile (Sonoma County Fairgrounds, rider as they battle their way through the
field for those all important championship
points.
Saturday October 5th and Sunday
October 5th
Knee Down and Wheelie Course with
Superbike Coach
(superbike-coach.com, 916/712-1817)
The popular annual Wheelie- and Knee
Down courses by Superbike-Coach
Corp are coming up again. After a sold
out wheelie course in 2012, Coach Can
decided to split up these classes for more
Saturday, September 27,
sitting time for each student. The Knee
to Sunday, September 29
Down class will be held on Saturday, and
the Wheelie Course on Sunday—both
‘Edelweiss Feschtl’ at Sequoia
in Stockton. Admission fee is $129- and
National Park (Sequoia National
Park, CA –near Visalia, CA—559/565- $179 to learn wheelies in a safe and legal
environment, coached by professionals.
3341)
Fall is coming and, while many riders
worldwide are winter proofing their
bikes we are getting together again for
an unforgettable ride. Come along and
join us for our annual ‘Edelweiss Feschtl’
at Sequoia National Park! The area
around Sequoia National Park is great
for motorcycling. We will enjoy fantastic
scenery and incredible routes - what else
increases a motorcyclist’s heart rate?
The ultimate combination of freedom,
fuel economy, class leading 700cc
unbeatable power and performance
that will make every road - Your Road.
Whether navigating congested inner city
streets or adventurous long distance
getaways, you’ll be impressed with the
abundance of on board storage,
weather protection, and awesome
comfort. Feel the exhilaration as you
roll on the throttle of the 59HP 8-valve
parallel twin engine flawlessly linked to
KYMCO’s automatic CVT transmission,
four-piston radial-mount calipers,
280mm front discs and ABS braking
system. The striking angular styling
and design with sportbike handling
characteristics and three position front
and rear suspension dampening will
conquer every highway you travel Giving you a whole new level of freedom
to relax in luxury and enjoy your journey
as much as your destination.
Saturday, October 19
3:00 pm: Creeps Motorcycle Club
10-Year Anniversary Party and Bike
Cursing (DJ Cycles, 499 Orto Street, San
Jose, (408)757-7002, dj-cycles.com)
Drink, eat and have somebody
professionally curse your motorcycle.
No other details, but The Creeps helped
Felicia Chen build her Ninja 250 Dirtbag
challenge bike, so they clearly have a sense
of humor. Find the Creeps’ Facebook page
(facebook.com/creepsmc) as the date
nears for more details.
It doesn’t matter if you’ve been to
Sequoia before or not - you will always
enjoy the magic of this place. Of course
you have to get to know the ‘General
Sherman Tree’, the biggest tree in the
Friday, October 25 to Sunday October
world. We will spend two nights near the 27 (San Mateo Expo Center, San Mateo)
park in our hotel with great amenities.
This year the Progressive International
If you’ve already toured with Edelweiss
Motorcycle Show is coming early, the
Bike Travel, you’ll likely enjoy a reunion first one on the circuit in fact. CityBike
with some of your tour buddies. And,
will be there in one way or another, so
even if you’ve yet to travel with the
keep an eyeball peeled. Buy your tickets at
world’s #1 motorcycle touring company, motorcycleshows.com/san-mateo. See the
this event provides a great opportunity
ad in this issue for more information.
to visit with our Edelweiss team, learn
about our touring programs and services
and get answers to any questions you
may have. Prices from $320. Reservation
can be made through the Edelweiss
website (edelweissbike.com) or calling
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riding. Never ride under the influence of alcohol or drugs. Take a riding skills course. For the course nearest you, call the Motorcycle Safety Foundation at 1-800-446-9227
October 2013 | 14 | CityBike.com
October 2013 | 15 | CityBike.com
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Moin and BARF’s Excellent Pakistan Adventure
bathroom, dining table and everything in
the middle for the next few days.
On the fourth day, the pain got better...a
lot better. I was able to stand up for the first
time and actually walked to the bathroom
Although Moin’s journey on the F4i had
with the help of a few very friendly
ended, his dream for A Different Agenda
Romanians. Moulnar, the guy who was
driving the car that hit me, came to visit me remained very much alive. In 2012, with
every day. The Police paid a few visits. But
the people who helped me get through this
‘not so amazing’ time were Cristinel and
his wife, Julieta, Daniel, Niko and Barboo.
Without their help, I would be in a different
situation right now.”
Moin stuntin’ the Khunjerab Pass—at
15,400 feet it’s the highest international
road in the world.
By Gwynne Fitzimmons
Photos by Moin Khan and
Usman Khan
a goal to promote independence and
empower the women of Pakistan, Moin
started a riding school for women in his
native Lahore with the blessing of Punjab’s
Chief Minister.
Amazingly, that post touched off a drive
to help Moin rebuild the F4i and continue
his journey on the same bike he started
S
o why would CityBike be interested
in a Pakistani 7500 miles away from
San Francisco?
Well, this particular Pakistani, Moin Khan,
is worth a good look. After completing
school in his native Lahore, Pakistan, Moin
opted to continue his education at S.F.
State where he majored in international
business. While studying was perhaps
the main objective of Moin’s tenure at
S.F. State, it would appear that it came in
second to mastering his Honda F4i. In his
five years in the Bay Area, Moin strived to
master wheelies, stoppies and standups,
along with riding fast and smooth. Ever
present on the Bay Area Rider’s Forum
(BARF for short—bayarearidersforum.
com) Moin also demonstrated an unusual
sense of humor and resilience to the
constant ribbing he endured from the
Internet community.
In 2011 it was time for him to head home.
While most international students would
sell their belongings, pack up, and board
an airplane, Moin opted for something
different. In July 2011 Moin set out across
the Golden Gate Bridge on his 2002
Honda CBR600F4i, beginning an epic
adventure. Intent upon spreading a positive
impression of Pakistanis and Muslims,
Moin conceived the “A Different Agenda”
project to touch as many different people
across as many countries as possible and
still return to Lahore by the New Year.
over mountains in the freezing cold
down to 10 degrees Fahrenheit,
Moin continued on through Iran
and into Pakistan arriving in
Lahore by New Year’s Day 2012.
On the road to Iran in Turkey.
It was really cold, says Moin.
alone in a foriegn hospital. What happened
next still astounds him.
Although the driver did not carry
insurance, and for all intents and purposes
Moin’s F4i was a total loss, this proved
It wasn’t until October 2011, when he had a to be one of the most positive events of
major crash in Romania that Moin was able his entire journey. People who had been
following A Different Agenda rallied to get
to discover just how many people he had
the young Pakistani back on his feet and
touched throughout his journey. Struck
head on by a driver who was attempting to rolling. Initially it was the local Romanian
motorcycle community that came to his
pass a semi truck Moin found himself all
aid, visiting the hospital and coming up
with options.
Soon after, Moin posted the following on
BARF:
“My bike’s totaled, a couple bones are
broken and new Romanian friends
are made, but the will to continue and
accomplish my goal is stronger than ever
before. On the 20th of October, I was
heading to Timisora from Arad, Romania
October 2013 | 16 | CityBike.com
when a car collided head-on into me. I was
immediately rushed to the hospital. They
initially thought I’d broken a leg in two
places and my right shoulder, had cracked
my pelvic bone, and fractured my right
wrist. However, after getting a whole body
X-ray, they discovered I only had a few ribs
broken and everything else was heavily
bruised and not broken. I was put on a
hospital bed that was to be my bedroom,
with. By November, BARF-ers had secured
about 85 percent of the parts needed to
get him mobile again. Now, how do you
get a front end and assorted other bits to
Romania from San Francisco? Moin’s
friend An Trinh opted to reroute a trip to
Europe via Bucharest. Her luggage was
fully abused and displaced with Lufthansa
offering a screaming deal for overweight
extra bags. Total cost of shipping: $70.
With parts and a shop secured, as well as
support from all over the globe (two big
boxes of parts from BARF, the exhaust
from Bulgaria, brakes from Poland and a
radiator from Romania, which Moin says
is “the coolest thing that happened on
my journey”), Moin was able to rebuild
the F4i and continue on with A Different
Agenda. Riding through Turkey, up and
October 2013 | 17 | CityBike.com
Later that year, in an effort to learn
more about the culture and attitudes of
his own country, Moin set out astride
a 1962 Vespa 150cc scooter to tour the
mountain region of Northern Pakistan.
Along the way, he established contacts
and positive relationships. By the end of
2012 Moin knew he wanted to share his
amazing country with the friends he had
made on BARF.
dehydration. The medico advised Kyle to
get an infusion for his severe dehydration
and prescribed both some meds so they
could finish the trip.
April 2013 began a drive to find sponsors
who would foot the bill for a selected few
to tour Pakistan via motorcycle. With
endorsements from several Pakistani
industries, Moin was able to offer a
spectacular deal to BARF-ers. At the end
of April four lucky candidates were chosen
to tour Pakistan on brand-new Piaggio
Ravi Storms, 125cc motorcycles built in
Pakistan under the Piaggio name.
The adversity didn’t stop there. There was
a landslide between Shandur and Gilgit,
On June 23rd, Michael Stewart, Kyle
Haggmark, Wayne I., and this writer were
set to fly into Islamabad for the adventure
of a lifetime. Unfortunately, on the same
day 11 people were murdered in Pakistan
causing a wave of concern amongst the
riders. Although Wayne and I elected
to abandon the trip, Kyle and Michael
continued on.
Early on in the trip the trio was drenched
by monsoon-like rains, but the group
continued, and the Americans were
rewarded with royal treatment from
their Pakistani hosts. At the gates of
Nowshera, the first police checkpoint,
the officers were delighted to meet Kyle
and Michael and welcomed them onto
their land with enthusiasm.
First Ride: 2014 BMW R1200GS
By David Bromfield, Road Test
Editor, On the Level BMW Magazine
rocky slide and back
down to the road
below.
taking out the rudimentary road. The
support vehicle had to turn back and
detour towards Gilgit while the bikers
made it across the landslide. Moin hired
a group of locals to pull the bikes up the
Riding over the Khunjerab Pass and
eating lunch at the top of the world was
an unforgettable experience for the riders.
Very few motorcyclists have done this and
even fewer Americans.
Upon their return, both Michael and
Kyle have sung the praises of Pakistan.
A 2014 trip is in the works and both
Michael and Kyle have expressed a desire
to do it all again.
For more photos and adventures and to see
what Moin is up to next, go to facebook.com/
ADAmoin.
There’s very little squat at the rear as the
new larger 170/60-17 rear tire bites the
pavement. Forward thrust comes on in
an instant. You
lean forward
over the tank
and try to tuck
in as the speed
builds, fully
expecting that
the engine will
become buzzy
and wheezy, the
thrust will run out, and you will cease to
gain speed. This turns out not to happen
as there’s no end to the thrust. You think
about shutting the throttle, but you’re
certain the fun must be just about to come
to an end as you run up against the limits
of the machine. But you’re proven wrong
again, and the thing just keeps pulling
and pulling. You take a quick glance down
at the protruding cylinder heads, just to
confirm to yourself you are indeed astride a
boxer Twin.
It was here that Moin learned the difference
between riding alone and with a group,
especially a group he was responsible
for. Kyle had a mishap with a car and
went missing. Luckily, he reappeared in a
short time, but this had a deep impact on
Moin, who tightened up the pack. This
was Kyle’s first real experience with the
people of Pakistan and a very good one as
townspeople ran to help right the bike, get
Kyle back in the saddle, and cheer him on.
Unfortunately, Kyle and Michael fell
sick with stomach pains in Kalaash.
Moin located a doctor, who diagnosed
both of them with food poisoning and
You Are Never Finished Learning!
Motorcycle University Has Classes For Every Rider
Advanced Rider Training
When I say
the new GS is
fast, I’m not
saying it’s fast
relative to the
prior model;
I’m saying it’s fast compared to damn
near anything out there. It’s a different
kind of fast than one experiences aboard
a supersport like the S1000RR. There
is no top-end rush. But real torque and
power are available from idle to redline.
Whatever BMW has done to this engine,
which includes straightening previously
serpentine intakes, improving airflow and
cylinder fill, increasing compression, and
using coolant on the hottest parts of the
engine, it works.
At a fast pace, and a slow off-road pace, the
changes in handling are subtle. The new
bike is perhaps a bit sharper and a bit stiffer
called a
“road,” the
best thing I
can tell you
is this: My
20-mile
foray on
dirt roads
at the press
launch
was a total
no-brainer
even
though
I was on
Metzler Tourances street tires that weren’t
even aired-down from street pressures.
Uphill, downhill, sand, gravel, ruts and all,
I traversed them all and got to the end of
the dirt section with minimal drama.
The explanation for the ease with which I
completed this section lies in the fact we
were told to switch the bike from “Road”
mode to “Enduro” mode before putting
a wheel to dirt. Mode change is done by
pushing the button with your left thumb
until “Enduro” appears on the dash, then
closing the throttle and pulling in the
clutch, taking a second and transforming
the bike into a far gentler beast. The
following parameters are changed with
the touch of a button:
The traction control
system is adjusted for
off road conditions,
allowing some slippage
of the rear wheel before
intervention. The ABS
system is optimized
for better-controlled
deceleration over loose
surfaces (but note that front and rear ABS
is still functioning.) The ride-by-wire
throttle is reprogrammed for smooth
response to avoid any sudden onset of
power. And the Dynamic ESA system is
set to “soft,” allowing the bike to float over
you owe it to yourself to test-ride the
new bike if the opportunity presents,
if only to experience what thoughtful
technological progress feels like.
As they climbed the mountains the
temperatures dropped, the riding became
more arduous, and the landscapes more
and more stunning. The 125cc motorcycles
carried the trio from Islamabad up to
Lowari Pass. The Pass is a mixture of passes
— remove the asphalt from the Grimpsel,
Furka, Susten, Stelvio and Gavia passes and
you get Lowari Top Pass.
Beginner Rider Training
For those accustomed to earlier
incarnations of the R1200GS, new
sensations begin as soon as you mount the
new bike and thumb the starter. The seat/
tank interface is a lot narrower, making
it easier to reach the ground. Even better,
the entire area is smoothed out and devoid
of the protrusions that can intrude on the
rider’s inner-thigh, thanks to repositioning
of the throttle bodies and intake ports. The
rocking couple at idle that has for years
been a trademark of boxer twins is largely
banished. Blipping the throttle sends the
tachometer needle dancing faster and
farther up the rev band than ever before,
revealing a much more playful and eager
engine. The exhaust note is higher in pitch
than the old bike, and very pleasing. The
turn signals are now a single thumb switch
with a simple push-to-cancel feature. The
new sensations continue when you pull in
the clutch and engage first gear. The new
wet slipper clutch is readily operated with
one finger. A new compact gearbox—unit
construction—snicks into gear without the
old familiar clunk.
ride-by-wire
throttle) are
more than
gratuitous
Germanic
technical
puffery. They
might just
save your ass.
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DIY Repair Classes
Motorcycle University offers
something for everyone.
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415-294-5005
October 2013 | 18 | CityBike.com
You spend another moment contemplating
the wind noise and picturing yourself
sitting in the back seat of a police car with
your hands cuffed behind your back, and
you roll off the throttle with the bike still
pulling. You relax momentarily and put
your head back in the wind-stream, but
there’s a sudden and very disconcerting
realization that you’re not losing speed as
fast as you thought you would, as there
is much less in the way of engine braking
than you are accustomed to. A touch of the
brake lever reassures, and the bike sheds
speed like it’s on flypaper. As the wind roar
subsides, the feeling hits: respect tinged
with fear. The bike must be aimed before
it’s fired. For the first time on a BMW
Twin, the electronic rider aids (ABS,
Dynamic ESA, ASC traction control,
5 pre-programmed riding modes, and
than before. It seems to change direction
with less effort. BMW did not screw up the
handling, nor did it make it heavier.
If you’re someone who might occasionally
venture onto fire roads, or any other
unpaved surface that can still rightly be
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rough terrain, the assumption being that
you might be taking jumps at speeds that
would bottom the suspension. The overall
gestalt of the bike changed from a very
sharp road tool to a soft, predictable off
road explorer, one that refuses to put a foot
wrong even when wearing fully inflated
street tires.
Whatever challenges BMW Motorrad
faces, there’s no question the company has
the bikes to meet these challenges. Indeed,
its product offerings have never been
better, and they will only get stronger as the
waterboxer engine spreads throughout the
rest of the R-bike line.
The new GS is faster, smoother, more
comfortable, safer, more efficient, and more
versatile than the bike it replaces, which
was itself no slouch and is still winning
comparison tests against some pretty stiff
competition like the Triumph Tiger, Ducati
Multistrada, and Yamaha Super Tenere.
And I continue to be astounded that the
new GS weighs no more and costs no more
than its predecessor.
Should you run out and replace your goodrunning 1200GS with the new one? I’d
say yes only if you frequently find yourself
wishing: (a) that your GS had significantly
more power, whether for two-up passing
situations or for staying with sport bikes
in the canyons, and/or (b) that your GS
would make a more complete, multi-faceted
transformation when transitioning from
asphalt to dirt and back again. I won’t
be giving up my 2010 boxer GS anytime
soon, but that said, you owe it to yourself
to test-ride the new bike if the opportunity
presents, if only to experience what
thoughtful technological progress feels like.
If by chance you do find yourself in the
market for a new 1200GS—or your first—I
envy you. I honestly believe you’ll be
buying one of the finest and most versatile
motorcycles made.
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October 2013 | 19 | CityBike.com
ACSO Civilian Motorcycle Training
By Surj Gish|
Photos by Angelica Rubalcaba
Old dogs
can learn
new tricks.
I
’ve been riding a while. I’ve had a
motorcycle license for 24 years, and
rode in the dirt (even on the street with
no license—shhh!) for several years before
that. Like many riders I just rode for many
years, with limited focus on riding well. As
I got older, I realized that my walk—err,
ride—wasn’t keeping up with my talk, and
I started actively working to improve my
riding. After reading a lot, discussing a lot
more, and watching skilled riders, I slowly
started feeling better about my riding skills.
Eventually I decided I should get some more
formal training and discovered the Alameda
County Sheriff’s Office civilian motorcycle
classes. According to their website
(sheriffacademy.com), the ACSO offers
classes that cover much of the skills taught to
motor police offers, in a “highly tactical and
defensive training environment.” Sounded
like a perfect match for my daily riding as a
moto-commuter—I’m not a track rider and
I’ve always been amazed by the way cops
ride in those moto gymkhana videos, so I
signed up.
Day 1: “Basic”
The web page for the one-day basic civilian
motorcycle course says the class includes
proper turning movements, emergency
braking techniques and “high horizon”
eye placement. There’s a stern warning,
too: “This class is challenging and not
recommended for beginners.”
The Saturday of the class, I showed up at
the ACSO Regional Training Center just
before 8:00 am (‘oh eight hundred’ in LEO
talk) to check out my classmates’ bikes.
Eyes up
up—looking up and through the
turn where you want the bike to go. This
is one of the basics that riders talk about
all the time, but Rich says it’s also the
number-one problem riders have when
they start the class.
Wheel placement
placement—making sure you take
advantage of the entire available space
when making a tight turn.
Hinging the body
body—in low-speed turns,
leaning the bike while keeping the body
and head vertical.
We started with turning exercises. First, we
worked on wider turns, equivalent to doing
a U-turn across about three lanes of space.
We then graduated to tighter turns, doing
U-turns from one lane to the next.
The author gets some gentle feedback from Instructor Peggy.
This was a pretty full class, with a diverse
group of riders including two women riders
and three guys sporting patches from a
Christian MC. There were a couple of
Ninja 250s, a handful of Beemers, a Harley,
and even an old Radian. Rider experience
levels ranged from a couple years to 20 or
more; some riders had done other training
programs or had trackday experience.
The day starts off with a few minutes in
the classroom, but there’s no lengthy
PowerPoint session. Instead, we all
introduced ourselves and then our
instructors, Rich and Peggy, covered the
skills we’d be working on that day. Rich
said the day was all about making us
better, safer riders by working on braking
and turning with a mix of theory and
experience.
We headed out to the range where
surprisingly, most students did not rent
one of the old police Kawasaki KZ1000s. I
did, thinking that if I wasn’t worried about
dropping my bike, I’d be able to wholly
focus on the exercises. The old KZs are
actually a lot of fun and pretty easy to ride,
once you get used to the heel/toe shifter
and weird brake pedal.
Rich talked about the friction zone, throttle
control and smooth, effective braking before
focusing on three important concepts that
would be the themes of the day:
Rich and Peggy gave us non-stop
feedback, instruction and positive
reinforcement, pointing to where our
front wheels should hit on corner entry,
waving their hands to draw our eyes up,
and shouting “eyes up, eyes UP!” After
each run, they gave feedback to each
rider—“keep your shoulders up, look up
and through the corner, make sure you hit
the outside cone to take advantage of the
entire width of the lane.” Riders improved
quickly with feedback and repetition,
and pretty soon we moved on to slalom
exercises with cones. Slalom is, of course,
fun—and excellent practice for hinging
the body while turning.
After a break for lunch, we worked on more
turning exercises like uphill and downhill
U-turns, again with lots of emphasis and
feedback on looking through the turn,
maximizing available turn area with good
wheel placement and hinging our bodies.
Greater difficulty with right-handers was
almost universal across the class and we
spent some extra time working on this.
By the time we started working on
emergency braking techniques in the
middle of the afternoon, it was getting
pretty hot out on the range. Rich talked
about threshold braking, and then
demonstrated the differences in stopping
distances when using front only, rear only,
and both brakes. Depending on their motosocial circles, riders hear different things
about braking—one of the most common
supposed truths I hear is that the rear brake
is useless and you should never use it. Rich
and Peggy had a different theory, that on
the street, using both brakes together is
generally the most effective, fastest way
to stop. Each student made several runs at
increasing speeds and received feedback on
our technique. There was minimal skidding
and nobody got sideways.
Only a few students tried it, me included—
although truth be told, I’d done it before
so I was kind of cheating. Students who
were new to the drill had a range of results
from giving up pretty quickly to getting it
down within a few tries. Personally, I really
enjoyed The Eliminator. Once I figured out
the wheel placement and head movements,
it’s become almost easy. Well… maybe not
easy. But do-able, and fun.
We closed out the day with a return to the
classroom. Rich and Peggy wanted to hear
from students what they’d learned, and
a common refrain was something like, “I
thought I knew how to ride but it’s amazing
how hard it is to nail this simple stuff.”
The three remaining students all had
substantial experience, and one rider had
taken ACSO courses three times before,
along with almost every other training
program I’d heard of, both street and
track. We immediately started warming
up by playing follow-the-leader, riding
the range with the instructors. Once
we were sufficiently loosened up, we
started working on more advanced drills.
It became clear pretty quickly we’d be
pushing our limits and I was glad to have
rented a bike again. I’d end up dropping my
KZ twice during drills, and I wasn’t alone.
In fact, a lot of the concepts we worked on
in the basic course are just that—basics.
The thing is, as Rich so eloquently put
it, riding skills are perishable. Much like
my old riding habits, a lot of riders just
ride and don’t work on improving or even
maintaining their skills.
I found the intersection to be more difficult
than The Eliminator, but it was similar in
that once I understood necessary wheel
placement points I could run the pattern
somewhat reliably. It got more interesting,
though, when we started running it with
two bikes at once. We’d start opposite
each other in the middle, and would run
the pattern opposite each other. Once
we’d gotten two bikes down, we ran the
intersection with all three of us in it!
We wrapped up the afternoon with a few
runs though The Eliminator—easy and fun
Here’s the amazing thing—while running at this point. We then headed in for some
the intersection individually, we all focused post-course discussion in the classroom,
where we echoed the sentiments of the
students in the basic class: we’ve all been
riding a long time, but it’s surprisingly
difficult—and refreshing—to master
seemingly simple drills.
Day 2: “Intermediate”
I’d signed up for intermediate course the
very next weekend so I’d be fresh from the
exercises in the basic class. Again, I turned
up a few minutes early to see what my
fellow students rode up on. Turnout was
much lighter for the intermediate class–
just five riders, all dudes. We had two
Beemers, a sportbike and two cars—for
shame!
The author gets some coaching from Instructor Matt.
We spent a long time on a drill called “the
intersection.” This was a big plus sign
Like the basic class, we started with a brief, delineated by cones, with an off-limits
informal classroom session—introductions square in the middle. I’d estimate that each
and overview of the skills we’d be working of the “arms” of the plus sign was about
on. Our instructors were Matt and Herb,
ten to twelve feet wide and the off-limits
and while topics for the day sounded
section in the middle was probably eight
remarkably similar to the basic class,
feet across. We started off with each rider
the exercises would prove to be far more
entering at the bottom of the plus. The rider
difficult.
would go across the middle, make a hard
left followed by a U-turn at the left arm of
We headed out to the range to do a few
basic drills with everyone on a rented a KZ the plus, go across the middle and make
this time. The instructors were looking for another hard left followed by a U-turn and
a minimum level of level of competency in repeat until he’d made a U-turn in each
low-speed turns, particularly from students arm of the plus, then exit. Confusing?
Definitely—each of us had difficulty
who hadn’t taken the ACSO basic class.
keeping track of where we were in the drill
Two students were “counseled out” right
at least once.
away—a new rider with about a year of
Much like the basic class, the instructors
experience, and a re-entry rider. I was
gave us lots of coaching—pointing and
bummed to see them go but glad to see
waving to help us look the right direction as
that a uniform minimum skill level was
we rode, and giving us feedback after each
enforced. The bonus was that with such
run through an exercise.
a small class size—just three riders—we
got a lot more repetition and individual
attention. Super cool.
on hitting the right wheel placement and
basically getting through by hitting each
little point correctly. Running the drill
with multiple riders in the cones forced us
stop “over-focusing” on the details and ride
more naturally—like real traffic. For me, it
actually got easier to ride the intersection
with multiple bikes squeezed into the
cones. It was also ridiculously fun—all of
us were grinning and laughing out loud.
We broke for lunch and then mixed it up
quite a bit, working on U-turns first on a
gentle slope, and then on a pretty extreme
incline. After these drills, Herb and Matt
pointed out how natural all of us were
getting to be at handling this kind of
stuff—feedback that was welcomed by all
three of us.
We also did a lot of work on emergency
braking. First, we did runs at increasing
speed up to 45 mph—with a radar gun—
and scrubbed off speed as fast as possible
using threshold braking. We then did a
compound exercise where we’d approach
We closed out the day with an opportunity
for students to take a few runs through The
Eliminator. Rich told us that in spite of a
rather fearsome name, this is really just a
warm-up drill created by the CHP, who
used to run it in concrete walls, rather than
cones! It’s essentially a series of very tight
U-turns. I didn’t measure, but I’d guess the
lanes were between four and five feet wide.
October 2013 | 20 | CityBike.com
at high speed, drag the bike down to
about 10 mph in a short distance, and cut
through cones to the left or right based
on a last minute, surprise signal from the
instructors. This was an eye-opening drill
for all of us. When we saw the room we’d
have to slow the bikes, we thought it was
very spacious, but in reality it was just
enough at 35-45 mph.
October 2013 | 21 | CityBike.com
That’s the true benefit the ACSO classes
offer to almost any rider: repetitive drills
and coaching on the basics. The instructors
are seasoned riders who are passionate
about turning students into safer, better
riders and are also a lot of fun to spend
a day with. Sure, you can find an empty
parking lot and practice tight turns—and
you should—but expert coaching and
feedback in a closed-course environment
is an extremely powerful way to learn, and
I came away from these courses a much
better rider. My recommendation—take
both courses back to back, preferably in
spring or fall when it’s not so damn hot, and
make sure you use a rental bike.
Get more information about the Alameda
County Sheriff’s Office civilian motorcycle
classes sheriffacademy.com or by calling
925/551-6970.
Reg Pridmore’s CLASS
Motorcycle School
Lately I have been doing a
good bit of riding with my Dad,
a 64-year-old who recently
returned to motorcycling after
a 20-year break. Having done a
number of track days and taken
assorted on-track schools myself,
I was eager for Dad to experience
the epiphany that a first-time track ride can
bring. Pridmore’s CLASS program proved
to be the ideal introduction.
A Natural Learning Environment
CLASS runs a two-group system so that
one group can be on the track while the
other is in the classroom. CLASS’s website
suggested that the A group “tends to be
a little milder than the usual track-day
A group” and the B group is designed to
“safely accommodate the average rider”
and can “easily work track novices into
the fold.” Dad signed up for group B and I
waffled between A and B, thinking of the
more-hectic-than-fun A groups I’d ridden
with in the past. So I called CLASS for
input.
Versys; Monsters, a ZRX, my own Street
Triple R, Reg’s CB1000R; two Ducati
Diavels and even an early Multistrada and
a Hayabusa pitted together in harmony.
I’m not implying that sportbikes weren’t
present—they still represented over half
the students—but it’s not every track
school that you’ll see a dedicated track day
missile or number-wearing racebike found
in the same session as a touring bike with
its luggage removed in the parking lot that
morning.
Which brings up another difference from
open track days: a surprising number of
CLASS participants rode their machines to
the track. This is a significant undertaking
considering the track we attended,
Oregon Raceway Park, is 130 miles from
Reg answered the phone and, after a
the nearest metropolitan area. As a rider
few questions to get a sense of my riding
background, he advised that group A would on a ’94 Ducati 900SS told me, “I don’t
probably be my “cup of tea” (he’s a Brit after have a truck so it’s either ride to CLASS
all). Riding in different groups also had the or don’t come.” And those who trailered
their machines traveled especially long
advantage of separating Dad and me. Reg
distances—the opposite corner of Oregon,
urges people to separate themselves from
Boise, and even Canada. In short, the folks
their buddies on the track (even if you’re
who come to CLASS really want to be
in the same group) because “I want riders
there.
to develop their own skills, not measure
themselves against others.”
Gear requirements were also less
intimidating than the track day norm.
Arriving at the track, the differences
The result did not seem to compromise
between CLASS and open track days
safety but, rather, served to boost the
became obvious almost immediately.
approachable nature of CLASS. A touring
First, the quiver of bikes included a
rider with his trusty textile suit (provided
healthy variety of non-sportbikes: KTM
it was properly armored), over-the-ankle
Adventures, BMW GSs, a V-Strom and a
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October 2013 | 22 | CityBike.com
Making safer
riders is clearly
the gospel for Pridmore and his crew.
Reg tells me, “We have students return to
CLASS year after year; more than once
I’ve been told ‘you saved my life.’” Then
Instructor Ted chimes in and says, “yeah,
and we also like showin’ ‘em a wheel to see
what they’ll do!” These guys have mastered
the art of making a serious subject fun.
Pridmore sums it up: “Most of all, I like
seeing people leave with big smiles on their
faces.”
Reg prides his program on being
applicable to the street. “The Nation’s
best Street-Riding School” is displayed
prominently on the CLASS website.
Judging from the number of streetoriented bikes that have shown up for this
particular session of CLASS, road-going
riders seem drawn to what Reg has to
offer.
The Rocking Horse. Reg sums up this
key ingredient to smooth street riding as
follows: “The more I can make the front
brake and throttle work in harmony, the
more stable and smooth the bike will
be. It’s a matter of giving the motorcycle
the right ‘message.’ If you’re rolling on
the throttle, you should be easing off the
brake. If you’re squeezing the brake, you
The heart of his street curriculum mirrors should be rolling off the throttle. I call
this the rocking horse motion. These two
his overall approach of staying smooth,
relaxed, and —critically—keeping your actions should flow seamlessly into one
another. I try
mind in the
to ‘seal’ them
game. He is
up as tightly as
quite effective
possible.”
at reminding
us of what
Awareness
Awareness.
we all know
Reg points out
too well, but
that “awareness
sometimes
is a skill like
glaze over:
any other and
motorcycling
it needs to be
is serious
developed.”
business.
He likens
Your mind
it to being
must be present. “When I see they’ve
a detective: Is a passenger in the car
gained confidence, I try to wake them
pointing at a GPS? Is a driver juggling
up. Because with confidence comes
coffee and a cell phone? Are two people
complacency. And there is no place for
in a nearby car having an argument?
complacency in motorcycling,” says
He says that honing these detective
Reg. Another novel way he describes it
skills “can become a game for you. With
is “staying humble.” But beyond the alltime you’ll begin to take pride in your
important mental lessons, CLASS also
predictive powers.”
offers a number of concrete techniques
For full disclosure, the price of CLASS
for the street.
is about a third more than an ordinary
Line Selection. Both on and off the track, trackday. But considering the hearty
Reg promotes a tighter line than some
helping of instruction and the fact that
riders are accustomed to. For street
CLASS’s two-group system results
riding he places particular emphasis on
in more track time than a track day’s
this when negotiating blind right curves. three-group system, the cost is quite
To demonstrate why, he places a diagram reasonable. In fact, if you’re comparing
on the easel. It depicts a wide line that
it to actual track schools (as opposed to
stays close to the double-yellow as the
open track days) I think it’s a downright
rider rounds the righthander, and another bargain. You can find out more about
(tighter) line that keeps the rider more
CLASS, check the schedule, and sign up
towards the center of his lane. Hidden
at classrides.com or call 805/933-9936.
from the rider’s view is an on-coming
Oh, and if you want to see 74-year-old
bread truck that is cheating across the
Reg shame me and everybody else at
double yellow and into the rider’s lane.
We’ve all heard the mantra that supports Oregon Raceway Park that day, search
“Reg Pridmore at ORP” on YouTube
the “stay wide” line – it allows more
(Courtney gets passed at the 10:42
sight distance around the curve. But
mark—ed).
Reg prefers the tighter line because the
extra reaction time gained from seeing
—Courtney Olive
the truck a split-second sooner doesn’t
Reliable, timely service at
reasonable rates on all
makes of motorcycles
Courtney Olive lives in Portland where he
and the Sang-Froid Riding Club practice the
philosophy of always learning, or, at least,
To experience firsthand the integration of
always dreaming. Riding and maintaining
technique with philosophy, I took a few laps a herd of 70’s “stone ax” bikes (to borrow a
on the back of Reg’s bike. The word smooth phrase from Reg) keeps him humble indeed.
October 2013 | 23 | CityBike.com
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a history of teaching riders that goes back
to 1972. But even more compelling than
his resume is the rapport Reg generates.
“I think of myself as a friendly, personable
chap. After all, motorcycling is fun, and
that’s why most of us ride. People come to
CLASS not just to learn, but also to enjoy
themselves.” Pridmore’s affable manner
radiates through his instructors as well.
Reg has been exceedingly careful about
hand-picking them. Most have been with
Whether 73, 37, or 18, Pridmore says the
him upwards of ten years and in many cases
key to what makes a good student is “an
open mind” and “willingness to listen.” The well over twenty. The result of all this is an
incredible sense of community at CLASS.
CLASS website sums it up: “Our school
Instructors and students alike describe it as
is intended for street and sport riders of
a family.
varying experience and skill levels. For
riders seeking more confidence—and
Not surprisingly this friendly, nonsometimes for riders with too much
competitive vibe is quite conducive
confidence that have decided to back it
to learning. It increases the students’
up with some sound technique and track
comfort level to try new things, seek out
practice. Riders who know, that no matter
one-on-one help, and ask questions (“no
what their experience level, there’s always
unanswered questions” is one of Pridmore’s
something to learn.”
fundamental principles). And, best of
all, the CLASS approach presumes that
By catering to those who can check ego at
riders are thoughtful and open-minded;
the door and truly want to learn, CLASS
so there’s no need to hammer across the
is able to handle an amazing range of skill
message in a “my way or the highway”
levels. The A group hosted many riders
who have individually logged thousands of manner. Rather, it’s more in the vein of
well-placed suggestions for the student to
miles of track experience. Yet the B group
consider, try out, and incorporate into their
consisted of a large number of first-time
style if it works and feels right to them.
track riders.
CLASS instructor Ted Holman, who has
outweigh the advantage of being out of its
path to begin with.
UN
CO
racerglovesusa / racerglovesusa.com
And, as is true in
most situations, I was
reminded that it isn’t
necessarily about age,
but more about attitude.
Take the Hayabusa
I mentioned earlier,
piloted by Jim Carney,
age 73. ‘Busa Jim has been riding since
1954 and really got hooked in ’58 when his
Dad took him to the Catalina GP. He raced
a BSA in the early ‘60s but hadn’t been
on a track in decades. He picked CLASS
because “if you can’t learn anything from
these guys, you may as well just hang it up.”
This eagerness to learn is exactly what Reg
is after.
But the real
secret to
CLASS may be
its naturalistic
approach
to riding.
Although Reg
covers plenty
of technical
skills like brake
application,
appropriate
body position
(it is possible
to hang off too
much, gasp!)
and weighting
the pegs, he
focuses more
on overall
“feel.” Reg
clearly regards
a motorcycle
as more than
an inanimate
object. It “talks”
to you, tells you
“what it wants,”
and the manner
in which
you listen
and respond
will determine whether it “works with
you” or “fights you.” To connect with
your motorcycle and the conditions you
encounter together requires focus. Hence,
Reg and his instructors put a great deal of
emphasis on mental acuity. Smoothness
cannot be overemphasized. “The whole
thing was about finesse,” was Dad’s
takeaway. Relaxation, control, and “letting
it flow” are also key words Reg uses to
describe the goal. It’s hard to put a finger
on, but Reg has an uncanny ability to help
almost any rider “get your mind right,”
without the Cool Hand Luke beatings.
Takin’ It To The Street
D
Morgan Hill, CA
But the most noticeable difference
in CLASS is the students. At first, I
noticed the age demographic—20 and
30-somethings were
present, but seemed
out-numbered (two- or
three-to-one) by the
over-40s, 50s, and
beyond. Dad found
endless peers to share
stories with.
seems woefully
inadequate.
The first lap
was effortlessly
faster than I’d
gone around
the track all
day. Not a
single gear
change could
be felt; I could
detect them
only by the
engine note.
Reg later
commented,
“having been
a mechanic I
know what’s
going on in that
transmission,
and I have
sympathy for
it.” (Again,
this is not an
inanimate
object). Even
during braking
zones where I
was prepared
to brace a bit
on the tank,
Pridmore
slowed so
seamlessly
that it was a
non-issue. By
the second and
third lap it was
so confidence
inspiring I
could have
relaxed with
a cigarette as
we whisked
past every rider
on the track.
Back in the
pits I thanked
Reg for the
experience.
Perhaps
sensing he
had my full
attention he
responded:
“You’re
welcome. Just
be safe out
there for me.”
OL
Call 408.852.0700
boots, and gauntlet gloves could feel at
home next to classmates in full leathers,
race boots, and robatronic gloves.
A lifelong rider, Reg has a serious
list of credentials: Three-time
AMA Superbike Champion (the
first three years of the series, when motors
may have been “Super,” but handling
wasn’t), AMA Hall of Fame member,
racing a TZ750 sidecar on the Isle of Man,
factory-trained motorcycle mechanic,
Norton and BMW dealership owner, and
been teaching
with Reg
for 23 years,
sums it up
nicely: “Some
ideas seem
so foreign or
contradictory
to our own
experiences
that we see
them as
much more
complicated
than they
are. All of
us have had
that moment
of fighting a
problem to
the point of
frustration,
and suddenly,
by seeing it
from a different
angle, having a
blinding vision
of how clear
and simple it
was all along.”
LLY
T
he promise of Reg
Pridmore’s CLASS
motorcycle track school
is to “teach you a lesson you
won’t forget!” While Reg has
a healthy sense of humor, his
commitment to rider safety is
staunchly serious. This balance
may explain the school’s appeal;
it manages to finesse the line
between the rigid dogma
sometimes seen in safety
schools, and the laissez-faire of
open track days.
Dad’s take was typical of many
of the first-timers: “Never having
been on any track before, I was
feeling a bit intimidated when
I first got a look at the highly
technical layout of Oregon
Raceway Park.” Indeed, the track
is a mental tour de force known
for its blind hills, dizzying array
of disappearing corners, and
multiple off-camber curves. As Reg
says, “It’s a real scratcher’s track;
that’s why I love coming here!”
Reg expertly used the nature of
the track to find a common bond
among his students at the morning
rider’s meeting. He asked for a
show of hands of who was a bit
nervous. A majority went up—
from both groups. Nothing to
channel that nervous energy like
knowing you’re among friends.
HO
Photos and story by
Courtney Olive
RI
AL
101
L
NA
MI
TER
AN
ITT
BR
dr. gregory w. FRAZIER
significant elevation
change, curves and
scenery.
“I
don’t get it.”
So said Bob Clement, the
well-known BMW sage and
Airhead guru. “What’s your take on these
adventure motorcyclists riding through
town standing on the pegs?” Clement
was asking me about his seeing adventure
outfitted riders rolling through Red Lodge,
Montana, close to his home and Bob’s
Motorwerks business base in Roberts. He
lives close enough to my home in the Big
Horn Mountains that I can travel 50 of the
75 miles off-pavement when needing the
camaraderie of another older motorhead,
talking about times before computers
steered our lives and managed our
motorcycles.
The famed Beartooth Highway from
Yellowstone National Park drops out of the
mountains and runs through Red Lodge,
making it a favorite road for motorcyclists
on all makes and models throughout the
summer months. It is not a tough road, all
paved. The claims to its fame include the
On The Pegs—
Saving Lives?
What Clement
was questioning
me about was why,
after riding down
the Beartooth
Highway, adventure
motorcyclists
would then ride
through Red Lodge standing on the pegs,
while the myriad of others rode through
quietly sitting on their motorcycle seat,
with the exception of those with loud
pipes seemingly saving lives. Was it the
adventurist rider’s way of high-fiving
themselves for having stayed upright or
having conquered the Beartooth Highway,
being good riders?
“I don’t get it,” I answered. While knowing
standing on the foot pegs would lower
the center of gravity and make low speed
handling easier over or through tough stuff
like sand, loose rocks, boulders and mud,
the main street through Red Lodge was
smooth enough for skate boarders.
Hough, with the patience of Yoda, took
this Skywalker-Frazier through his short
course about adventure riding, something
he suggested I was more qualified than him
to address. While I acknowledged limited
knowledge of the make-up or elements
of the adventure rider and riding niche,
I parroted Clement when describing the
on-the-pegs-through-town riding style, “I
don’t get it.”
Hough said, “It’s the corollary to the loud
pipes syndrome.”
“Huh?” I responded, not able to make
the cranial connection in motorcycle
management.
Hough proceeded to take SkywalkerMonths later I posed the question to David Frazier through his logical small steps
Hough, author of The Good Rider (see review needed to arrive at the deductive result of a
this issue—ed.) Whether writing about the motorcycling corollary.
skills needed to be a proficient motorcycle First he explained loud pipes as being a way
pilot or the mental make-up of a qualified
of saying to the public, whether the public
sidecarist, Hough is a known expert.
was walking on a sidewalk, driving in traffic
or sleeping with ear plugs, “Look at me!”
Hough then tutored me in the adventurerider steps of purchasing an adventureriding motorcycle, adventure-riding gear,
adventure-riding stickers and the bling
and farkle needed for the adventure-riding
image. This process, he opined, could
well exceed the $20,000 level, in some
cases even push the $30,000 mark, ergo a
serious investment of not only money, but
assembly time and personal commitment.
to get CityBike
delivered to your door
by the meanest, most
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adventure riding schools that covered
standing on the pegs.
After jestingly berating ourselves for
skipping the adventure riding school
classes, Hough proceeded to take me
through the final mental steps to the loud
pipes corollary. He patiently explained
how loud pipe motorcyclists tossed away
perfectly good exhaust systems and
replaced them with louder ones purported
to do everything from improving gas
mileage to adding horsepower. I followed
the lesson with head bowed, being
guilty of doing the same over 50 years
of motorcycling and buying into the
advertising.
Next came the secret element in Hough’s
equation, the “Look-at-me” factor, that
buyer’s factor not promoted or advertised.
As I reflected on my aftermarket add-ons
to motorcycles ranging from BMWs to
Kawasakis I was guilty of using other
reasons to support my wanting to be seen.
With the exception of my racing machines,
I had to admit that no appreciable mileage,
acceleration or noticeable power increase
resulted from my investment of time or
money after bolting on louder exhaust
systems, that my ego was what was being
fed by the fortune spent.
Hough closed with, “So you see, the answer
to your question about the motorcyclist
riding on a perfectly good street through
Red Lodge, Montana, while standing on
the pegs, is merely the corollary to another
To this investment I was allowed to add the rider going through the same town with
adventure-riding training course, another
loud pipes. Do you get it?”
serious investment of money and time, but
“Ah! So the adventure rider standing on the
necessary for the motorcyclist who had
seldom been off pavement, especially with pegs is saving lives?” I answered, waiting
for a long-remembered grade school
a motorcycle pushing 1000 pounds with
teacher to rap my knuckles with a wooden
owner and travel gear on top.
ruler, but inwardly laughing.
Hough and I laughed at our mentally
Hough, knowing I was playing him
painted images of the adventure rider
for more free motorcycle teachings,
at this point in our natter. We knew the
pantomimed whacking my hand.
equation of behemoth motorcycle weight,
off-pavement piloting, and the uncertainty
After a moment of reflection, Hough came
of who or what was managing forward and
back with “So what were you doing at 2
upright movement when weight overcame
mph in the middle of The Navajo Nation on
personal management abilities atop two
a desolate sand track with no cell phone, no
motorized wheels.
satellite spotting device, no riding buddy,
no water and no health insurance?
Both of us had crashed in the preceding
year while on heavy dual-sport
“I don’t get it.”
motorcycles. Hough had earned enough
Dr. Frazier’s new book, Down and out in
broken bones and physical damage to
Patagonia, Kamchatka and Timbuktu
qualify for an expensive helicopter ride
(motorbooks.com) is the first-ever firsthand
out of the desert in California. I had not
chronicle of a never-ending motorcycle ride,
been so lucky, ending up self-medicating a slated for release March 15, 2014. It is highly
broken leg on a desolate sand track in the
recommended for dream-riding armchair and
middle of The Navajo Nation of Arizona.
keyboard adventurists.
We also laughed because neither of us
had been standing on the pegs when we
crashed, having missed class sessions in
October 2013 | 24 | CityBike.com
maynard
My Big Summer Trip
HERSHON
Part I
foot shorter and not especially lovely, but
animated and fun.
I
n August, I rode old roads, predating
the Interstates, to Indiana to visit
friends and family and to watch
the MotoGP at the Indianapolis Motor
Speedway. From there, I rode north on
more old roads through Indiana and
Michigan, further north than I’d ever been.
They were quick to inform me that they
were not from Kansas. She’d lived in
southern Cal and he’d been raised in the
San Francisco East Bay. They moved to
Kansas, to her mother’s old place, to raise
their kids away from all that California
temptation.
I rode across the Mackinac Bridge to
Michigan’s Upper Peninsula. I wandered
generally west across the U.P. (on US
Highway 2, the northernmost US highway,
extending 2100 miles from St Ignace,
Michigan, to Everett, Washington) and
through northern Wisconsin and across the
bridge into Duluth, Minnesota, the home
of Aerostich and the 3rd Very Boring Rally.
He told me he’d been a troubled young
man. Ran with a bad crowd in those days,
he said. He’d only escaped serving time by
the grace of God and the kindness of a few
cops.
Now I’m a corrections officer, he told me,
a prison guard working for the State of
Kansas, only a few years from retirement.
He still can’t get over how it happened, a
series of lucky breaks. He was looking at
me, shaking his head in disbelief when she
spoke in response to nothing at all.
After the rally I rode south on genuinely
boring I-35 to Ames, Iowa, to visit friends.
I stopped at Clear Lake, Iowa, and stood
in front of the Surf Ballroom. The Surf, on
“I really love this guy,” she said about her
the National Register of Historic Places,
husband of many years. “I mean, I’m crazy
was the site of the last Buddy Holly concert, about him.”
the show before the awful plane crash that
killed Holly, the Big Bopper and
Ritchie Valens.
From Ames I rode west through Iowa
and Nebraska on old Highway 30,
the Lincoln Highway, until Nebraska
threatened to turn into Wyoming,
when I turned south to join I-76 into
Denver.
Home.
You’d think that as guys get older, this sorta
squabbling would stop, particularly among
men who’ve known one another for half a
century. Evidently it does not.
On the way north in Indiana, I rode with a
guy on a sweet early ‘80s Suzuki shaft-drive
four (with original fairing and bags) and
a husband and wife on a Triumph Speed
Triple. They turned out to be the Suzuki
rider’s son and daughter-in-law. They too
had been in Indy for the MotoGP.
I noticed square black stickers on the
Suzuki’s luggage reading in white the
numbers of a couple of Michigan highways.
I learned that they are destination roads,
fun rides that draw riders from far-flung
areas.
When we stopped for lunch, the three told
me about two must-ride roads in western
and northwestern Michigan, only one of
which I was able to ride: the Tunnel of
Trees north of Petoskey, a lovely two-lane
meandering through heavily forested
countryside. There appeared to be lots of
great riding in Michigan.
After a couple of warnings from
riders I was nervous about the
Mackinac Bridge. There are two
lanes in each direction. The outer
one is paved. The inner is steel
grate. If you could simply ride
the paved lane, all would be well.
But they’re always working on (or
from) the paved lane so inevitably
you have to ride the grating for the
three or four miles across the span.
He said the caller’s name
when he answered the
call, and I knew the guy.
From 50 years ago.
Perhaps because I allowed myself lots of
time to reach my Indianapolis and Duluth
weekends, I found I was not in the usual
rush. If I only rode a few hundred miles in
a day, that was fine. Maybe I’m growing up,
becoming a mature motorcyclist.
I don’t know what I’d do without the old
roads. I never meet riders on Interstates.
On the old highways this trip, I saw (and
rode with or chatted with) lots of other
motorcyclists. If I never met other riders
on the endless roads we travel to reach our
destinations, it’d be far more daunting to
take these trips.
The old roads pass right through countless
small towns along the way, so you have a
chance to say hi to other riders at fuel stops
and cafes. Or you can adjust your pace up
or down a bit and ride along with other
motorcyclists you encounter as you travel.
Curiously, most of the people I met
on bikes rode Harleys. Maybe it’s a
Midwestern thing.
I rode 50 miles across northern Kansas
with a local couple (on a Big Twin and a
Sportster) after sharing a table with them
in a McDonalds somewhere on Hwy 36.
He’s a tall guy, six-two or three. She’s a
As I watched, she began to glow. I decided
she was lovely after all.
In Bloomington, Indiana, my old college
town, I asked directions of a guy on a
Yamaha cruiser. He started to explain how
I might want to go, then motioned me to
pull in with him to a Walmart parking lot.
As he was giving me directions, his phone
rang. He said the caller’s name when he
answered the call, and I knew the guy.
From 50 years ago.
The Yamaha rider took me to visit our
mutual friend at his home. He’s 90 now, still
witty and a bit caustic. He was a champion
enduro and woods rider in his day and has
more recently done a ride around the four
corners of the U.S. on a Honda scooter, a
250 Helix.
The Yamaha rider also took me to see my
old boss from the mid-’60s, the long-ago
owner of a Honda-Triumph-GreevesBultaco-Cotton-Ducati store in Ellettsville,
Indiana, near Bloomington. Neither man
wanted me to visit my other old boss Boyd
Fox, still at the Yamaha shop, because
they’re feuding over Boyd’s charging them
what they call outrageous prices for things
like tires.
where I’d spent the night. He was riding
a 30,000-mile Victory with bags and a
windshield. He said he loved it but had just
seen the new Indians and been won over.
I’m buying one in the spring, he said.
Interestingly, people excited about the
Indians tell you how the Polaris folks used
a new sheet of paper to design the Indians.
Nothing carried over. But the designers
used the lessons of 15 years of building
Victories to guide them as they worked.
Don’t you love marketing-speak?
I’ll look for you at the rally, I said to my
breakfast companion, but he shook his
head. He was boycotting the Very Boring
Rally even though he’s a Duluth local and a
loyal, happy Aerostich equipment user.
He said the rally fee, $67, was the same
if you spent all day Friday and Saturday
plus Sunday morning for the farewell
breakfast…or if you just dropped in for a
couple of hours during the weekend. I’m
protesting, he said lightheartedly. But hey,
you enjoy the rally! I did, and I’ll tell you
about it next month.
ADVERTISING
My bike wiggled on the grating just as
you’d expect. And because there was
only one useable lane, traffic slowed
dramatically, making my bike squirm
even worse at walking pace. I was happy to
reach the north end and solid pavement.
Once on the U.P., I met a guy from Duluth
in the only cafe in the tiny Highway 2 town
it works!
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44 Harbor St. San Rafael
October 2013 | 25 | CityBike.com
C’MON, YOU KNOW YOU WANT IT.
Visit
but probably will as I’m trying to fall asleep
this evening.
you have to pay for shipping to
try a different size…each way,
every time. Plus, you meet real,
live people, not some keyboard
cowboy from another time zone.
Your local shop is an
endangered resource!
Proper care and support
is required, or they die.
Mark was no joke, he was a living Mark
I was told, by one of my three daughters Twain, almost a scary Mark Twain. He
was still carrying the ‘lead’ that, as
in attendance, that there is another
a riverboat sailor, he threw from the
cake in the Hideout parking lot with
‘chains’ of his ship during his stage
50 candles that they couldn’t bring
“Ed, just got a magazine that says you’re
performance to make the audience aware
in, as it would set off the smoke alarm
dead!”
that ‘mark twain’ was actually a measure
connected to the sprinkler system.
Good, I thought, now I won’t have to spend
of water depth. Twelve feet I think …a
$14 next Sunday to sign-up to shoot for a $4 Would a grown daughter lie to her father? lot of water for a stern wheeler.
coffee-cup trophy against a young guy who Would the Pope have a bowel movement
First thing Mark said was; “would you
can read a phone book at 30 feet.
in the woods?
like to buy a ‘lead’ actually used by Mark
“Not yet,” I told Smurf, “I have to go to a
Twain?” ...meaning himself of course.
My short comment of “not yet,” after
rifle meet tomorrow and tow the target
“Mark,” I said, “this is a sash weight.”
reading the first notice of my death in
trailer half way to New Mexico.”
(A real ‘lead’ is half the length, concave
print can’t compare with Mark Twain’s
at the bottom which is filled with wax
“the
reports
of
my
death
are
greatly
“Ed, you should only shoot the Senior
to sample the sea floor,, mud, sand, or
exaggerated”
but
I
think
it’s
pretty
good.
Olympics.”
stones). “Yes”, he admitted “ real leads are
“I know I should, but they don’t
heavy to carry so I often sell
use gold on the gold medals
these and buy another at a used
anymore and the bronze, silver
building-materials store in the
and gold medals are identical.
next venue”.
They use different-color ribbons,
“What do you get, Mark?” I
gold is blue.”
asked.
Smurf gave me the magazine
Incidentally, when I was in the years that “Hundred dollars, but for you, 50”.
pointing out, to me, the obvious mistake.
I was often invited to speak at, usually,
Enduro Awards year-end banquets I once “Maybe next time, Mark”.
Writer Rae Tyson, President of the
followed Mark Twain at the mic, honest. “Sir,” he said, “you are a joy to your
Potomac Vintage Riders, had written,
“after his death, enthusiasts compiled a
It was in California, north of Sacramento mother’s heart,” as we cleared our Seven
list of favorite Ed Hertfelder phrases,”
& Sevens and shook hands, me with an
at the Forty-Niner Rally. The event is
then included a sampling that could be
admiration for a very, very, fine actor.
sponsored by a BMW group and held at
word-for-word a copy of a ‘Tape’ from a
a State Park where we were told that gold I don’t know what Mark was thinking.
March, 1977 Cycle magazine article titled
was actually found all along California
Probably, ‘how do I get rid of this damn
“Did you Ever?”
Highway 49. The man I followed on the
sash weight?’
covered bandstand was, by far, the best
I get the feeling that Rae Tyson might
Mark Twain ever. His white tousled long Yes, we know, Twain actually said “the report
have quite a collection of old motorcycle
of my death was an exaggeration,” to a
hair and moustache and rumpled white
magazines moldering in the garage.
linen suit were real. I invited him to join reporter, but Twian himself re-wrote it years
The magazine, the American Historic
later in one of his writings—ed.
me for a drink as he left the stage and
Racing Motorcycle Association’s Vintage
we walked to the first place that didn’t
For a copy of Ed’s latest book, 80.4 Finish Check,
Views from August 2013 ( page 17), is the
feature a saw dust floor covering. This
send $29.95 with suggested inscription to Ed
first notice—yet—of my passing and I’m
Mark Twain was a well-known film star
Hertfelder, PO Box 17564, Tucson, AZ 85731.
not surprised. Photos taken at my recent
whose name I can’t remember right now Also available on Amazon.com!
85th birthday party reveal a look of either
Mark was no joke, he was a
living Mark Twain, almost
a scary Mark Twain.
Sacramento Drive-In – Sacramento, CA
JANUARY 12, 2014
(800) 762-9785
www.SacramentoCycleSwapMeet.com
Tune ups . Tires
Suspension upgrades
Diagnose . Electrical
Jennifer Bromme,
founder & owner of Werkstatt
Hours: Monday through Friday, 9 am - 6 pm
415-552-8115 | werkstattsf.com
3248 17th Street San Francisco, CA 94110
October 2013 | 26 | CityBike.com
Or consume dead trees with a check sent
to our postal address, also on CityBike.com
4074 Fabian Way #3 • Palo Alto, Ca 94303
Phone: 650-433-0051
Mobile: 650-575-3930
www.haroldsupholstery.com
M–F 9:00am–5:00pm
Estimates on Saturdays by appointment
We fix anything on
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75 Phelan Avenue, San Jose
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you, and you need them. The
Internet won’t change your oil.
The Internet won’t stay open an
extra 20 minutes so you can buy
a tire so you can ride on Sunday.
If the apparel you buy doesn’t fit,
T
oday: August 9, 2013 4:20 pm.
Got a phone call from a local
motorcycle rider who calls himself
Smurf. It went like this:
impending death or mild intoxication
on the bald old gent blowing out the five
candles on the cheesecake.
!
E
B
I
R
C
SU BS
Marketplace
• Valve Seat & Guide Replacement • Race Prep •
Screw The Internet. Support your Local Motorcycle Shop.
H
ere at CityBike, we
strongly believe that
while the Internet
is great entertainment, it’s a
terrible place to buy stuff. Your
Local Motorcycle Shop needs
Not yet
HERTFELDER
2040 Petaluma Blvd. N.Petaluma, CA 94952
October 2013 | 27 | CityBike.com
I’m Alan Lapp, a 25-year
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510-295-7707
www.levelfive.com
Club Meetings are held on the first and third Wednesday
of each month, beginning at 7:30 PM. The last Wednesday
of each month is reserved for “Putt Night” when a club
member leads the group on a short destination run to a
restaurant, or other point of interest. Come check us out.
sanjosedons .com
CLASSIFIEDS
CLUBS
Homoto is a queer and queer-friendly motorcycle club based
in the San Francisco Bay Area. Our rides are sport-focused with
an emphasis on safety and camaraderie.
For more info: http://www .homoto .us
sanfrancisco@homoto .us
DEALERS
sanjose@homoto .us
Antique Motorcycle
Club of America
Yerba Buena Chapter of the
Antique Motorcycle Club of America
Motorcycle Enthusiasts dedicated to the preservation,
restoration, and operation of antique motorcycles.
To join or view more information about our club, visit us at
www .yerbabuenaamca .org
J&M Motorsports
The Northern California Norton Owners’ Club (NCNOC) is
dedicated to the preservation and enjoyment of the Norton
motorcycle. Membership is open to all British Motorcycle
enthusiasts and is currently $25 per year, you can join
online. Our monthly rides, meetings and tech session and
events are open to all members and guests see our web site
calendar at www .nortonclub .com .
Now celebrating our 40th year!
Bay Area Moto Group
Ride with other local sport bike riders in the Bay Area.
• Mostly sport bikes
• Routes go to ALL parts of the bay area and focus on the
“twisty’s”
• We set a quick pace and newbies may get left behind ;)
• Group riding experience is highly recommended, as is
proper riding gear
• We also do track days, drag races, motorcycle camping,
and attend motorcycle racing events
http://www .meetup .com/BayAreaMotoGroup/
OMC
The Oakland Motorcycle Club is the fourth-oldest club in
the nation and celebrated 100 years of continuous operation
in 2007. The OMC is dedicated to supporting the sport
of motorcycle riding. We are a diverse group of male and
female riders with a wide variety of motorcycles, including
street, dirt, and dualsport bikes. We sponsor and organize
the following annual events to which all riders are invited:
Sheetiron 300 Dualsport, held in May; Three Bridge Poker
Run, held in July; Jackhammer Enduro, held in October.
Regular club meetings are held every Wednesday at 8:00
p.m. Guests are welcome. 742 – 45th Avenue, Oakland.
(510) 534-6222. www .oaklandmc .org .
Bay Area Sidecar
Enthusiasts (BASE)
•Whatdoesyourdogthinkaboutmotorcycling?(A:
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Email pej12378@yahoo .com for more information.
Port Stockton MC
COME RIDE WITH US!
-We are a friend and family oriented historical club of
motorcycle enthusiasts.
-Any make, model or style of bike is welcome.
-All are invited to join us on our rides, visit our weekly
meetings or become a new member.
For more information: E-mail us at
portstocktonmc@webtv .net,
or visit our website at portstocktonmc .com
The Richmond
Ramblers
BSA Owners Club
The BSA Owners’ Club of Northern California was formed to
promote the preservation and enjoyment of the motorcycles
produced by the Birmingham Small Arms Company in
England. Founded in 1985, the Club now has over 500
members, and has produced the monthly newsletter, The
Bulletin, since the Club’s inception. Rides and activities are
scheduled each month in addition to two major activities:
The Clubman’s All British Weekend in the spring, and the
Northern California All British Ride in the fall. Membership
is open to all BSA enthusiasts.
For more information: www .bsaocnc .org
Classic Japanese
Motorcycle Club
The Classic Japanese Motorcycle Club is dedicated to the
celebration and preservation of the Classic and Vintage
Japanese motorcycle. We have rides, meets, shows, swaps and
can help you find and sell parts, bikes and motorcycle-related
services. Members make the club function!
www .CJMC .org .
Exciting women-only motorcycle group in the SF Bay Area.
For more info visit www .curveunit .com
The Ducati Vintage
Club
The Ducati Vintage Club was founded to assist vintage
Ducati MC (1987 and older) owners with information and
resources to preserve, resurrect and bring these MC’s back to
the road! Owners and enthusiasts are welcome to join. We meet
once monthly at the Ducati Bike Night event and we sponsor
the annual European Motorcycle Show and Swap held in March
at the Santa Clara County Fairgrounds, the La Ducati Day
Concorso held in LaHonda each October and more.
Visit us at www .ducativintageclub .com
The Richmond Ramblers Motorcycle Club was established
in 1944. We are chartered with the American Motorcycle
Association/District 36. Our clubhouse is situated at the
foot of the famous but now defunct off-road riding hills in
Point Richmond.
Our club exists to promote the sport and recreation of
motorcycle riding. Our membership reflects a diverse
interest in motorcycling but our club has a long tradition
of off-road competition. Annually, we host a street ride/
poker run in October and a Family Enduro in the Mendocino
National forest in November.
Meetings are held on the first and third Thursdays of each
month at 7:00 p.m. Visitors are welcome and we invite you
to come by.
818 Dornan Drive, Point Richmond, CA 94801
WWW .RRMC .CC
San Francisco
Motorcycle Club
San Francisco Motorcycle Club, Inc., established 1904, is
the second oldest motorcycle club in the country!
Our business meetings are Thursday nights at 8:30pm, and
guests are always welcome. Our clubhouse is filled with
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enjoy motorcycles, dirt riding, racing, touring, riding and
wrenching. Check our website for events such as club rides,
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you ride!
San Francisco Motorcycle Clubhouse is located at
2194 Folsom St, @ 18th St in San Francisco.
www .sf-mc .org
415-863-1930
The San Jose Dons Motorcycle Club exists to Advocate
motorcycling, promote good will between motorcyclists
and the public, promote rider safety and protect the rights
of riders. Put more simply, the Dons are a group of people
who love riding motorcycles and come together to enjoy
motorcycling, and each other’s company. All bikes are
welcome!
The San Jose Dons Motorcycle Club was formed in 1932,
with the clubs colors of green and gold. The Dons are
associated with the American Motorcycle Association
(AMA).
1931 Old Middlefield Way
#201
Mountain View
www .jm-ms .com
650-386-1440
Good-used-motorcycle/Fair-price specialists—Sportbikes,
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$11,995 2010DucatiStreetfighter 3,107 Miles
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$8,995 2006 Harley-DavidsonVrod 8,060 Miles
$3,995 2012 Honda CBR250 4,363 Miles
$5,995 2003 Honda CBR954RR 8,990 Miles
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$10,995 2002 Honda Goldwing GL1800A 51,059 Miles
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$3,995 2010 Kawasaki NINJA EX250 1,544 Miles
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$4,495 2012 Suzuki BOULEVARD S40 LS650 6,048
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$3,995 2008 Suzuki GS500F 2,827 Miles
$2,995 2004 Suzuki GSX600F Katana 24,499 Miles
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$5,995 2005 Suzuki GSXR600 20th Anniversary 5,809
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$2,995 2007 Yamaha XT225 4,983 Miles
$5,995 2009 Yamaha FZ6R 4,043 Miles
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$5,995 2007 Yamaha V STAR 1300 14,495 Miles
$4,995 2009 Yamaha V Star 650 2,889 Miles
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LT 106,784 Miles
$12,995 2003 Chevrolet Silverado C2500HD Duramax
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6232 Mission Street Daly City, CA 94014
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October 2013 | 28 | CityBike.com
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now $10,699 K1497
2012 Kawasaki ZX-6R, green. Incredible deal, $1000 off,
was $10,299, now $9299! K1479
2012 Demo Yamaha FJR1300 in blue and on Sale!
$1790.00 OFF! What a fantastic sport touring motorcycle!
This bike is fun, handles like a dream and has great styling!
It also has heated grips, an automatically adjustable
windscreen, saddlebags and two seat height options stock!
Y2732
2011 Yamaha FZ1 Was $10,499, Now on Sale for
$9000!!! Silver. Stock # Y2683
2012 Star VStar 950, Silver, $1000 off! Y2813
2012 Star Raider SCL, limited edition, orange and black
with lots of chrome. Perfect for a SF Giants fan! $2290
off, Y2753
PRE-OWNED VEHICLES
2012 Yamaha Super Tenere Blue with yellow decals,
all stock equipment and only 3,974 miles. Stock # U1209
$12,999
2001 Yamaha FZ-8 Black with lots of custom extras like
grips, flyscreen, fender kit, tank protection kit, ready for Givi
luggage. New rear tire. 6573 miles, stock # U1231 $6999.
2009 Yamaha YZ450F White with black & red decals.
Fresh tires, new fork seals, and ready to ride! Stock#
U1195, $3599
2009 Yamaha Zuma 125 Yellow and black. Perfect engine
size for getting around San Francsico’s steeper hills! 1352
miles, stock # U1230 $2799.
2007 KTM 690SM Orange and black, in great condition,
customized with some extras. 7233 miles, stock # C501,
$7099.
2007 Honda XR650L Red and white. Rugged dual sport
bike, just serviced. 2765 miles, stock # U1213, $3399
2006 Triumph Sprint ST ABS red, sidebags included, new
front tire. 22,846 miles, stock# U1219, $4899
2005 Honda Silver Wing black. 600Cc scooter, freeway
legal! Underseat storage and top box ofr additional cargo.
4,077 miles. Stock# U1228 only $2999!
2005 Triumph America green and silver, British cruiser
bike, new front tire and just tuned-up. 5214 miles, stock#
U1225 $3999.
2002 Yamaha VStar 650 Custom black. Lots of extras,
including windshield, engine guards, passenger backrest
& luggage rack and saddlebags. 49,121 miles, stock #
U1229, $3399.
1993 Honda CBR1000F black, red and silver. Very clean
with 33,185 miles. Stock # C499 $4999
1987 Honda Elite 250 Maroon, with tall windshield. Still
going strong with only 4650 miles! Stock # U1233, $2199.
Prices do not include government fees, dealer freight/
setup fees (new vehicles only), taxes, dealer document
preparation charges or any finance charges (if applicable).
Final actual sales prices will vary depending on options or
accessories selected.
Check out and compare our bikes online at
www .missionmotorcycles .com!
Ride On Motorcycles
707-647-RIDE (7433) Ride-On-Motorcycles .com
1416 Sonoma Blvd
Vallejo CA 94590
Steve@Ride-On-Motorcycles .com
David@Ride-On-Motorcycles .com
Welcome to Ride-On-Motorcycles!
Our friendly associates will help you find the Motorcycle you want at a
price you can afford. Our years of experience and commitment to quality
have earned us loyal customers throughout the Ride-On-Motorcycles
metro area. Women riders are always welcome and yes, we listen to what
you want.
We are an Authorized Dealer for Cleveland CycleWerks offering brand new
quality, affordable production motorcycles. The Misfit is a full suspension
“Café” styled bike that can fit 2 passengers comfortably. The Heist is a
“Bobber” styled bike that will turn heads with lots of cool features.
Our experienced buyers select only the best values from trade-ins,
overstocked inventory and private party purchases. We stand by every
motorcycle we sell. Due to our low overhead, we can pass incredible
savings along to you.
We specialize in satisfying all our customers’ needs with your powersports
purchase. From what you want and keeping within your budget, we will walk
you through the entire process. We promise a hassle-free experience! Every
motorcycle we sell gets a service and has passed a comprehensive 38 point
inspection performed by our knowledgeable staff.
One-stop shopping!
We sell and service most makes and models. Including Harley-Davidson,
Honda, Yamaha, Suzuki, and Kawasaki to mention a few.
Trades are always welcome. We’ll buy your bike or take it on
consignment.
Warranties soon to be on the menu.
Parts & Accessories in stock.
We offer financing through multiple sources to qualified applicants.
Discounted no-obligation insurance quotes available for your scooter!
Our History:
Ride-On-Motorcycles was founded by two motorcycle enthusiasts and
riding buddies, David and Steve in 2009. Both David and Steve spent time
together at Harley-Davidson of Vallejo until the Dealership sold in 2008,
the new owners let the management team go so David and Steve partnered
up to start a new shop offering a wide variety of brands in a warm friendly
family environment.
About Steve
Steve is known in the motorcycle community as “Hollywood” Steve, a
handle that was given to him over a decade ago by riding friends that would
patiently wait for him as he got ready to leave on rides. In his younger years
Steve was influenced by the movie “Easy Rider”. After seeing the flick he
purchased his first motorcycle the very next day. Steve has been an avid
rider now for more than 40 years.
Steve held many positions in every department of a leading Northern
California Harley-Davidson dealership. As Sales Manager he learned
the value of offering quality motorcycles at a fair price. As Business/
Finance Manager it was important that the financing and warranties were
of the best value. The purchase experience needs to be hassle free and a
pleasure. He knows that the success of the business is a total commitment
to satisfy every customer’s need while fulfilling their dreams to ride at
Ride-On-Motorcycles.
About David
David’s entry into the motorcycle industry was more from necessity than
pleasure. Seemed like a good career choice. David began working in
the industry in 1981 and purchased his first motorcycle to commute to
work that year. His work experience includes managerial duties in parts
and accessory, purchasing and sales of motorcycles, and servicing
motorcycles. His passion for riding grew for 20 years before finally
heightening in 2007 with Steve and David’s first road trip together, the
epic ride to Daytona Beach for Bike Week. This was the foundation for
the passion that has grown ever sense. David’s primary goal at this point
in his career is to carry the message to others regarding the joys of the
motorcycle world.
PRE-OWNED BIKES
$8995 2005 Ducati DS1000S Multistrada Red 43443 mi
$3495 1996 Honda Sport Touring ST1100 Red 37668mi
$2995 2003 Kawasaki Vulcan VN750A Red/Grey
24428 mi
$5795 2000 Buell X-1 Lightning Red 10645 mi
$3495 2006 Suzuki Boulevard S50 (VS800) BLK
16677 mi
$6995 2012 Suzuki Boulevard C50T (VL800T) BLK/
RED 8781 mi
$1895 1981 Yamaha Maxim XJ650 Silver 45941 mi
$3495 2002 Buell 1200cc Cyclone M2L Blue 11546 mi
$10995 1997 Harley Davidson FLSTF Black/Flame
24288 mi
$6995 2009 Harley Davidson Sportster XR-1200
Orange 28550 mi
$14995 2009 Harley Davidson Fatboy FLSTFI Black
7160 mi
$9995 2000 Harley Davidson Road King FLHRCI Green
58489 mi
$4995 2005 Kawasaki Vulcan VN1500-N Silver 4600 mi
$2995 2009 Yamaha STAR XV250 Purple 1574 mi
$11495 1994 Harley Davidson HERITAGE FLSTC
Orange 81720 mi
COMING SOON
$2995 1996 Kawasaki Vulcan Classic VN 1500-D1
Black XXXXX mi
$XXXX 1999Yamaha V STAR XV650 Black XXXXX mi
$XXXX 1996Triumph Trophy Green 49903 mi
$2595 2003 Kawasaki Vulcan EN500C Black 9388 mi
$2995 1984 Honda V65 Magna VF1100C Red 34888 mi
$XXXX 2000 Suzuki SRAD GSX-R600 Black 25153 mi
SF MOTO
275 8th Street at the corner of Folsom
San Francisco - 415 255 3132
www .sfmoto .com
We are sf moto. Located on 8th and Folsom in the SOMA
(South of Market) area of San Francisco,we serve the bay
area with new SYM scooters and recent used motorcycles.
We sell Triumph, Ducati, Yamaha, Kawasaki, BMW,Suzuki
and other brands.
Here you will find anything from Street bike to cruiser and dual
sport bikes. All our vehicles have been thoroughly gone through.
Our used motorcycles come with our own 60 day warranty.
SERVICE DEPARTMENT:
The service department is open from Tuesday throuhg
Saturday from 8:00am until 6:00pm. Direct service phone
line: 415-861-7196
SALES DEPARTMENT:
- We buy used motorcycles and scooters. We can also help
you sell your ride with our no cost consignment program.
- Bring your bike, title (or loan statement), owners handbook
and keys.
- It’s OK if you still have a loan on your bike we can still take
care of you.
- We will provide the safest way for you to get cash for your
motorcycle or scooter. It only takes about 20 - 25 minutes.
- Sign up on our mail list to get NEW INVENTORY
NOTIFICATIONS in our weekly e mail newsletter at
www .sfmoto .com
WE HAVE THE FASTEST ROTATING SELECTION
IN SAN FRANCISCO:
Download a free QR code scanner from your app
store or google play . Then scan the following QR code
to see our current inventory including detailed specs
and images!
CB1000, 2012, black, 1096 miles, $9998
CBR600F4i, yellow, 13501 miles, $5498
CBR600RR, 2004, blue, 7103 miles, $6498
CBR600RR, 2010, orange red, 6979 miles, $9998
CBR600RR, 2009, red, 6872 miles, $8498
HUSQVARNA
SMS630 Supermotard, 2237 miles, black, $6498
KAWASAKI
Vulcan 500, 2009, red, 11045 miles, $3498
Vulcan 900, 2010, 1648 Miles, Blue, $6998
Vulcan 900, 2011, 805 miles, Black, $7498
Vulcan 900, 2009, 98 miles, Black, $6498
Vulcan 900, 2012, 729 miles, Orange, $7498
Versys 650, 2012, 1468 miles, black, $7498
Versys 650, 2009, 11086 miles, green, $5998
Versys 650, 2009, 2523 miles, blue, $6498
Versys 650, 2009, 4974 miles, blue, $6298
Concours 14 ZG1400, 148 miles, silver, $8998
Ninja 650R, 2008, 4077 miles, green, $5698
Ninja 650R, 2007, 3986 miles, blue, $5498
Ninja 650R, 2009, 5095 miles, black, $6198
Ninja 650R, 2011, 6898 miles, orange, $6898
Ninja 650R, 2011, 10873 miles, orange, $5998
Ninja 650R, 2007, 1619 miles, blue, $5498
Ninja 650R, 2009, 11174 miles, black, $5498
Ninja 650R, 2012, 346 miles, red, $7198
Ninja ER-6N, 2009, 6808 miles, blue, $5698
Ninja Z1000, 2007, 20281 miles, black, $5998
KYMCO
Sold out! Please check back with us soon!
PIAGGIO
MP3 400, 2010, 6154 miles, blue, - $6498
Fly 50, 2010, 608 miles, silver, - $1998
SUZUKI
GSXM650F, 2009, 7249 miles, orange, $5998
GSXR600, 2008, 527 miles, white, $7998
GSXR600, 2007, 7695 miles, blue, $7498
DRZ-400, 2009, 5335 miles, white, $5998
Boulevard S40, 2001, 8968 miles, blue, $3998
Burgman 400, 2008, 9575 miles, red, $4498
Burgman 650, 2011, 1166 miles, silver, $6998
V-Strom DL1000, 2012, 4845 miles, black, $9498
SV1000, 2003, 17553 miles, silver, $4998
SV650S, 2006, 12651 miles, red, $4998
SV650S, 2006, 12651 miles, blue, $4998
SFV650 Gladius, 2009, 10259 miles, black, $5498
SYM
No used inventory right now - check our new SYM’s !
TRIUMPH
Bonneville America, 2010, 5959 miles, blue, $7498
Bonneville T100, 2008, 4072 miles, black, $7998
Scrambler, 2008, 8326 miles, orange, $7498
Scrambler, 2006, 8132 miles, red, $6998
Speed Triple, 2007, 5094 miles, white, $7998
Thunderbird ABS, 2011, 2992 miles, white, - $10998
Tiger Explorer, 2012, 1110 miles, blue, $14998
VESPA
GTV 300i, 2011, 4332 miles, green, $5298
GL150, 1964, 8540 miles, white, $4698
YAMAHA
FZ1, 2005, 10670 miles, blue - $5998
FZ1, 2010, 8717 miles, white, $8495
FZ8, 2011, 9889 miles, black, $7498
FZ6, 2007, 567 miles, red, - $5998
FZ6, 2005, 2467 miles, silver, $4998
YZFR6, 2009, 5174 miles, blue, - $7998
YZFR6, 2005, 1327 miles, red, $6298
TMax 500, 3105 miles, blue, $5998
TW200, 2012, 2871 miles, white, $3498
V-Star 650, 2003, 2516 miles, purple, - $4298
Zuma 125, 2009, 2337 miles, blue - $2498
SMALL MOTORCYCLE KNOWN AS A “SCOOTER”.
2010, AS NEW, LESS THAN 15 MILES!
KICK AND ELECTRIC START. $2500. CALL 415/781-3432
Two Bikes: 73 Tri. 750 5-speed 7200 Miles looks Good
$650 or best offer. ‘56 A10 BSA $5000 OBO
415/328-4084, Danny
Yamaha (2002) TTR 125/150 “loaded!” $1000 or both
for $1500. . $1600
Owen 831/426-5107 (lv. msg) Santa Cruz
02 Honda RC51 SP2
2002 Honda RC51 SP2. 6.9K mi. Xlnt Cond w/new tires
& batt, 2-Bros. Under-tail. $7500 Mendocino coast area
707-962-0379 pls lv msg.
Bavarian Cycle Works
EXPERT Service & Repair
Bavarian Cycle Works specializes in new and vintage BMW,
modern TRIUMPH and select motorcycle models. Our
staff includes a Master Certified Technician and personnel
each with over 25 years experience. Nearly all scheduled
motorcycle maintenance can be completed within a one day
turnaround time. All bikes kept securely indoors, day and
night. Come see us!
‘89 Yamaha XT350 Dualsport. 6.2k mi, new tires, chain,
sprockets. excellent condition, Mendocino Coast. $2150.
707/-962-0379, Mendocino Coast area - please leave
message.
Custom Design Studios
Mind-Blowing Custom Paint Since 1988
Visit Our Showroom!
1973 CB350 Four, 36k miles. Mild café racer with new
bars, taillight, stainless spokes, Bridgestone rubber,
shocks, etc. Original paint, chrome, seat cover. I have most
of the take-off parts (not exhaust).
Very clean bike with no damage history. Clean title, ridden
on weekends. Needs a few TLC items, call to discuss.
Asking $2550 OBO. (510)760-1986
RIDING SCHOOLS
Doc Wong
Riding Clinics
PERSONAL IMPROVEMENT
Come to the FREE monthly Doc Wong Riding Clinics.
www .docwong .com
Eighteen years, 40,000 riders!
V-Twin Service, Repair, Parts, & Fabrication.
Harley Factory Trained Tech.
- All used motorcycles at sf moto come with a 3 month
warranty.
We thoroughly go through our used inventory:
- If we find brakes to be worn over 60%, new pads are
installed
- If we find tires to be worn beyond 60%, new tires are
installed
- If chain & sprockets are worn beyond 60%, we install new
chain & sprockets.
APRILIA
Mojito 50 scooter, 2004, 261 miles, $1595
Mojito 50 scooter, 2004, 526 miles, $1598
BMW
G650GS Sertao, 2012, 763 Miles, White, $8998
DUCATI
Sold Out - check back with us soon!
HONDA
Rebel 250, 2005, black, 2719 miles, $2998
Shadow Sabre VTX1300, 2004, silver, 8991 miles, $5498
Shadow VLX VT600, 2007, blue, 7713 miles, $4998
VTX1800, 2003, red, 14257 miles, $4998
919, 2004, silver, 34630 miles, $4998
• New Independent Shop in Campbell
• Full Service for all bikes
• Tire service - best prices on or off the bike
• Track Day/Race prep
• HID and LED Conversions
• Fair pricing! - we price match any store
• ALL MAKES & MODELS
PHONE: 408-648-5800 OR 408-250-0900
WWW .AEKUSTOMZ .COM
818 CRISTICH LN #1
CAMPBELL, CA, 95008
USED MOTORCYCLES:
Name:
Address:
City:
e-mail:
MOTO TIRE GUY
Anyone can ride!
Everyone can ride better .
Beginner: use our bike and gear to learn to ride.
Advanced: have 3000 miles and a year or more of
experience? These sessions will transform how you relate
to your bike: body position, line selection, throttle control,
aggressive braking, and how to tune your suspension.
Track days: no texting drivers, no radar-operated revenue
generation, no cross streets, and everyone is going the
same direction. Three skill levels that include instruction
and plenty of time on track.
Fix Your Moto: classes on topics ranging in complexity from
oil changes and tire installation to engine rebuilding and
suspension modification. Literally something for everyone.
Call or Click today to schedule your classes!!
MotorcycleUniversity .net
415-294-5005
Cycle Salvage –
Hayward
PARTS AND SERVICE
Cycle Salvage Hayward = Full Service.
People are surprised to find out that we’re more than just a
salvage yard.
•Full Service - All makes: We have 3 lifts and 3 full-time
mechanics!
•Tire installation (even if you bought tires elsewhere)
•Plastic Welding (fairings)
•Oil Changes
•New Tires
We buy used/wrecked bikes
Helmets, jackets, leathers, gloves, and all other apparel
Fair prices and easy to deal with.
Used parts -> broke yours? Call us!
Cycle Salvage Hayward
510-886-2328
21065 Foothill Blvd.
www .MotoTireGuy .com
Motorcycle Tire Services
San Francisco - Bay Area
(415) 601-2853
Order your tires online, Zero CA sales tax plus
Free UPS Ground, then have a Preferred Installer
in your local area do the installation and save!
Please visit website for details.
Quality Motorcycles
235 Shoreline Hwy.
Mill Valley CA
(415) 381-5059
We’re not afraid of your old bike.
Since 1956
Knucklehead
Panhead
Iron Sportster
Shovelhead
Evolution
Twin Cam
Multi Valve 450cc and up
Cyl. boring on H.D. only
21050 Mission Blvd. Hayward, 94541
(510) 581-5315
*Motorcycle Service and Repair*
• Tires • Service •Insurance estimates
Monthly bike storage available
Come check us out
1135 Old Bayshore Hwy
San Jose, CA 95112
(408) 299-0508
jim@advcycles .com — www .advcycles .com
DUCATI SUZUKI KAWASAKI YAMAHA
MOTORCYCLE TOWING
SAN FRANCISCO AND
BEYOND: DAVE’S CYCLE
TRANSPORT
The Old Man
The Old Truck
Dave is working
Dave’s Cycle Transport
San Francisco-Bay Area and Beyond…
24 Hour Service
(415)824-3020 — www .davescycle .com
Motorcycle & ATV
Hauling
ROCKRIDGE TWO
WHEELS
Need new rubber? Rockridge Two Wheels is offering a $50
mount and balance with the purchase of two tires. Factory
techs. 40+ years experience. Full service facility.
510/594-0789
vespawalnutcreek .com
925 938 0600
rockridgetwowheels .com
510 594 0789
For all your Bay Area Vespa / Piaggio / Aprilia needs
Sonoma, Marin, Napa & Mendocino Counties
24 hour Roadside Pickup
707-843-6584
Insured & Licensed
California Motor Carrier Permit
www .mcmotorcycletransport .com
mcmotorcycle@att .net
WHEELS AND DEALS
ACCIDENT OR INJURY?
Call 415/999-4790 for a 24-hr. recorded message and a
copy of the FREE REPORT
Aprilia, KTM, and BMW Service and Repair
Located at 44 Harbor street, San Rafael
Open Monday-Saturday 10am-6pm
(415) 454-RIDE
Michael’s Motorsports
BMW Motorcycle Service, Repair, Restoration
Air heads, Oil Heads, Hex heads, K Bikes, F Bikes
880 Piner Rd. Ste 46
Santa Rosa, CA 95403
(707) 575-4132
SCOTTS VALLEY
MOTORCYCLE SERVICE
CENTER
ALL ASPECTS SERVICE AND REPAIR
SPECIALIZING IN AMERICAN MADE CYCLES
JUST OFF HIGHWAY 17 FROM EITHER SCOTTS VALLEY
EXIT
4865 SCOTTS VALLEY DR.
(831) 438-6300
OPEN: TUESDAY- SATURDAY 10A-5P SUNDAY NOON-5P
HELP WANTED
ADVANCED CYCLE
SERVICE
Zip:
will have them when you need them .
Introducing
Marin Moto Works!
!Two New Classes!:
Knee-Down 10/5/13 <-> Wheelie Course 10/6/13.
w/ Programs for Street & Track Riding.
Advanced Riding School
Group or Real 1on1
www.superbike-coach.com - 916.712.1817
State:
Enter these contacts into your phone now,
while you are thinking about it, so that you
AE KUSTOMZ
USED INVENTORY
Reach thousands of Northern California motorcyclists. Just $15 for 25 words, 25¢
each additional word. Photos add $25. Industry classifieds are a higher price. Free
25-word listing for stolen bikes. Deadline is the 3rd of each month. Just fill out the
form, or copy and send it with your check, payable to CityBike PO Box 10659,
Oakland CA, 94610
Motorcycle University
NEW INVENTORY
All SYM bikes come with a 2 year factory warranty
SYM Mio 50 scooter, 2013, NEW, black - $1998
SYM Citycom 300i scooter, 2009, NEW, red or blue $3999
SYM Fiddle II 125 scooter, 2013, NEW, sand, blue, black,
red, white - $2295
SYM HD200 scooter, 2013, NEW, Yellow, Orange, Black,
Red, Gunmetal - $3495
SYM Symba (aka Honda Cub), 2013, NEW, blue, red,
black - $2349
SYM Wolf (aka Honda CB150), 2013, NEW, Tricolor, red,
green, black, white - $2995
CityBike Classifieds
MOTO GIO
Motorcycle Performance Parts, Accessories, Services.
Low price on Tires!!!
We will PRICE MATCH with any store.
Phone : 408-298-8887
1391 N. 10th St
San Jose CA 95112
Email: info@motogio .com
www.motogio.com
Please mention this ad and you will receive an additional
5% off on your purchase.
2003 TRIUMPH SPRINT ST: ONE OWNER (GARAGED) 1300
MILES, GREEN METALLIC, MANY FACTORY ACCESSORIES
INC. THREE FACTORY BAGS, WELL MAINTAINED, FACTORY
ALARM,ETC.$4,295 CALL 707-865-1184 (MONTE RIO)
October 2013 | 29 | CityBike.com
MISSION MOTORCYCLES
Office Assistant, preferably with bookkeeping experience.
Attention to detail, and honesty a must. Full time position,
benefits include medical, vision and dental. Compensation
based on experience. Call 650-992-1234 or email resume
to info@missionmotorcycles .com
Berkeley Honda
Yamaha
Motorcycle parts and accessories salesperson for
IMMEDIATE hiring.
Requirements: Previous experience in the motorcycle
industry. // Knowledge of Lightspeed system //
Customer service skills // Spanish-speaking skills a
bonus // Benefits include: Hourly +commission based on
experience // Vacation // Medical/dental/vision.
“A” motorcycle technician for immediate hiring.
Requirements: Previous dealership experience (a must)
Ability to perform routine maintenance on motorcycles/
scooters/ATVs. Ability to abide by dealership policies/
dress code. Ability to maintain a positive working
relationship with other employees/customers. Knowledge
of Lightspeed system. Benefits include: Medical/dental/
vision/Vacation/ Compensation proportional to experience.
Qualified? Contact: 510-525-5525 or
[email protected].
EBAY SALES eBay sales. Specialist with vehicles, 12
years experience, and 5000+ positive feedback rating. Flat
listing rate. I can produce auctions with 20+ large format,
gorgeous, high quality pictures with my dealer account and
pro-grade camera. Dr. Hannibal Lechter reminds us that “we
covet what we see.” Let me show people what you have and
why they should pay top dollar for it! Interested in larger lots
of identifiable, good-quality motorcycle and car parts to buy
as well. imperialist1960@yahoo .com or 415/699-8760.
SELL YER STUFF IN CITYBIKE!
Yes, you can do that—it’s easy. Easier than calling your
grandson, having him post a Craigslist ad, then ask you for $20,
which you wind up giving him because you decided to go riding
instead of going to his high school graduation and you feel guilty.
We here at CityBike understand your guilt feelings, so we will run
your ad (25 words or less, please) ‘till sold for just $15. Add $25
bucks to run a photo of your ride so people believe you’re really
selling something and not just lonely. Subscribers get a free ad
every month! Maybe you should subscribe, eh cheapskate?
Tankslapper
Hey CityBike,
I’ll bet by now you know you published two
“August 2013” issues!
Best,
“Dirty” Deeds
Torrance, California
Ha! Yes, we do know by now. These things happen.
Luckily for our ad-sales department, the footers
at the bottom of each page had the correct month,
which means advertisers dependent on co-op
money get paid. However, we did have an East Bay
reader call in a confused fugue: “when is September
coming? The August issue is still at all the places
I get the magazine!” We pointed out it was the
September issue. His relief at not missing an issue
was palpable.
THEY BRUNG IT ON
THEMSELVES
I am impressed with CB’s coverage of the
CHP’s well-appreciated recent efforts to
assist us bike riders with their new lane
splitting rules plus their “Share the Road”
programs. As a consistent lane splitter in
Marin, Sonoma, and the East Bay, I see
many more autos now move over to the
side, generously giving me room to pass.
These programs are obviously reaching the
public, which is acting more responsibly.
a prospective client I sometimes recognize
trouble and don’t accept the case because
even if I were the best attorney around I
wouldn’t be able to obtain a satisfactory
result.
Examples: expired statute of limitations;
excessive blood alcohol; lapsed insurance
coverage due to failure to timely pay
premiums; other party carrying only
minimum--or no--coverage and rider too
thrifty to carry uninsured/underinsured
coverage; splitting lanes so fast or so loudly
that the witnesses became scared and
pissed off; head injuries when the rider was
wearing an unapproved beanie; where rider
needs an anger management class before
I dare show him to defense counsel, much
less to a jury.
Another common situation is where a rider
unknowingly mis-communicates to the
reporting police officer and can’t believe
it when he later reads the negative written
accident report. To make matters worse,
that often means that the officer--who
probably did not even see the accident
occur--will not change his report and has
now become a formidable adverse witness.
Here is a tip: contrary to our instincts and
to what our parents taught us, an involved
witness is not required to be “interviewed”
(aka “interrogated”) as soon as the officer
arrives at the accident scene or at the
emergency room. In fact it is often unwise
to consent to any questioning--either by the
Question: are we bikers similarly becoming police or by an insurance claims adjuster or
more responsible?
by an investigator--until after your injuries
have been treated, you have your wits about
I am an attorney who enjoys representing
you, thought it over, sought counsel, and
injured riders in their personal injury
lawsuits. However at my first meeting with arranged for a recording device in order to
avoid a “he said--she said” situation caused
by fallible human memory.
Either way, great investigative journal-ing
Surj.
Kim Clark
North-East Bay
Barb S.
Marin
ASSHATS?
STOP ME BEFORE I BUY...
Dear CityBike,
RE: Staff Picks: Our Personal Faves (Stop
me Before I buy an Early-90s Sportbike,”
September 2013)
I am happy that Laguna Seca is rumored be
removed by DORNA from the MotoGP
calendar in 2014 (supposedly being replaced
by adding Brazil to the calendar) ... as I
believe the Monterey County (the folks
that own Laguna Seca) and all the asshat
business owners in Monterey County who
jack up their prices for the MotoGP weekend
(e.g.: hotels charging 3 - 4 times their
standard rate, and canceling reservations
made at standard rate once they know it’s
MotoGP weekend) and all the other asshats
who live in Monterey County who overtly
hate motorcyclists (i.e.: when they take our
money for goods / services ... they hold it
like we have an STD).
There are other reasons as well, such as
SCRAMP being an organization that is
run like a poorly run HOA (e.g.: making
motorcycles take the goat trail into and
out of the track from the back side of
reservation road ... while they allow cages
to drive right in and out on the main road).
So, for the above reasons, I am HAPPY that
DORNA might pull Laguna from the 2014
calendar ... as maybe, just maybe ... losing
the revenue from this event will smack
the asshats in their pocketbooks, and they
might sit up and fly right moving forward
... but I doubt even this loss of revenue will
have that impact on them, as they are just
too anti-motorcycle.
SV650: The SV1000S has a much higher
rev limiter. If you’ve got the inseam, spend
the extra cash. Don’t crash.
The Mad Men ratings are lost on me.
BT Bullet
Mill Valley
My inseam can’t handle it and I don’t need the
extra power. We apologize for the obscure reference
to one of the most popular TV shows of the last 5
years. –ed.
THANK HEAVEN FOR LITTLE
GIRLS...ON THE TRACK
Loved the image of Texter and Meyers
on the victory lap. (“Dusty Century Of
History,” September 2013) An article on
women racers in dirt oval history would be
fun. Are there any?
FM Rider
Sonoma
CityBike welcomes any submissions on the history
of women in dirt-track racing. Send them to
[email protected]
NODDING TO YOU MAYNARD
FROM THE LEFT COAST
Having loved my fast club for half a lifetime
(“Club Ride Yet Again,” September 2013)
I reached a stage more than a decade ago
where I just didn’t crave the speed and
Ok, I’m stepping off my soapbox now.
drama any more. Common sense vs. crowd
John Clelland
ego told me it was okay to grow old, and
via Facebook
slow down gracefully. Don’t much care if
anyone thinks I’m a candy-ass pansy -- I
KUDOS TO SNEAKY SURJ
hang back and ride mostly alone. I still love
Holy cow. Great article (“How I Snuck
my Moto-brethren, still have breakfast
Into CHP Headquarters, “ News, Clues
with them, miss curve diving with them
and Rumors, September 2013). Filled
shoulder-to-shoulder, but I’m ok with it.
with so much potential data mining I can
However, it wasn’t until I started riding
barely wrap my mind around it. Let’s hope solo more often that I was hit by a car. I
implementation renders clear, accurate
think CityBike would call that Salus in
results. Seems like that will be based on the Pluribus (safety in numbers). I call it, “What
accuracy of the data collected. And we all
the heck is with that?”
know how “accurate” those CHP reports
Not-so-Fast-Freddy
can be... especially when they involve a
motorcyclist. Or is that just a motorcyclist Hwy One
on Highway One, on a Sunday morning?
soUT
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Seriously Kick-Ass
Graphic Design & Illustration
If you aren’t communicating
with your clients, who is?
GPS is terrific for telling you where you are . .
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and where you’ve been. But what about “the best” way to get to where you’re going?
The twistiest, most dramatic roads . . . the roads you brag to your buddies about!
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Available online and in the following Bay Area motorcycle shops:
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510-295-7707
www.levelfive.com
October 2013 | 30 | CityBike.com
hern
October 2013 | 31 | CityBike.com
www.butlermaps.com