July 2015 - CityBike

Transcription

July 2015
Triumph
Shows Its Claws
2015 Tiger XCx
PLUS:
- We Ride The Sheetiron
- All Hail the Quail
OFFERING STAY AND PLAY
SPECIAL PRICING:
July 2015 | 2 | CityBike.com
Standard Room:
Sun-Thurs $155 + tax
Fri-Sat $180 + tax
Deluxe Suite:
Fri-Sat $365+tax
Junior Suite:
Fri-Sat $265 + tax
Rooms Include:
$50 Casino Play
$25 Dining Credit
News, Clues & Rumors
Volume XXXII, Issue 7
Publication Date: June 22, 2015
Dominick’s RTWD photo.
Riding? Definitely.
Working? Maybe.
On The Cover:
Max tiptoeing (or riding) through the tulips
(or at least flowers) on the Tiger XCx.
Photo: Bob Stokstad
Contents:
NCR . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
New Stuff . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
Events . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12
Quail-ity Time . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
Le Tigre . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17
Sheet Sammich . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20
Devine . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22
Doc Frazier . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23
Maynard . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24
Hertfelder . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25
Slappin’ The Tank . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26
Marketplace . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27
Classifieds . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28
CityBike Housecleaning Tips . . . . . . . . 33
Find us online at:
CityBike.com
go to kickstarter.com/
projects/1166346450/
fifty-rides and give him
some money.
Facebook.com/CityBikeMag
Twitter.com/CityBikeMag
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CityBike Staff:
PO Box 18738
Oakland CA 94619
Phone: 415.282.2790
Editorial: [email protected]
Advertising / Business: [email protected]
Editor in Chief & Jackass of All Trades: Surj Gish
Master of Puppets & Layout: Angelica Rubalcaba
Senior Editor: Robert Stokstad
Contributing Editors: John Joss, Will Guyan,
Courtney Olive
Chief of the World Adventure Affairs Desk:
Dr. Gregory Frazier
Staff Photographers: Robert Stokstad,
Angelica Rubalcaba
Illustrations: Mr. Jensen
Operations: Gwynne Fitzsimmons
Road Scholars:
J. Brandon, Sam Devine, Jeff Ebner,
An DeYoung, Max Klein
Contributors:
Dan Baizer, Craig Bessenger,
Blaise Descollonges, Dirck Edge, Julian Farnam,
Alonzo Fumar, Will Guyan, Brian Halton,
David Hough, Maynard Hershon, Ed Hertfelder,
Otto Hofmann, Jon Jensen, Bill Klein,
David Lander, Lucien Lewis, Larry Orlick,
Jason Potts, Bob Pushwa, Gary Rather,
Curt Relick, Charlie Rauseo, Mike Solis,
Ivan Thelin, James Thurber. Alumni (RIP):
John D’India, Joe Glydon, Gary Jaehne,
Adam Wade
Back Issues: $5, limited availability
Archived Articles: We can find stories and send you scanned images for
$5/page. No, we will not mail you our last copy for free just because your
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or maybe 1994” we will buy a cheap latex adult novelty and mail it to your
grandkids.
For back issue and archive requests, please mail check made out to
CityBike magazine to PO Box 18738, Oakland, CA 94619 or send money
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©2015, CityBike Magazine, Inc. Citybike Magazine is distributed at over
200 places throughout California each month. Taking more than a few
copies at any one place without permission from CityBike Magazine, Inc,
especially for purposes of recycling, is theft and will be prosecuted to the
full extent of civil and criminal law. Yeah!
CityBike magazine is owned by CityBike Magazine, Inc and has teams of
sleep-deprived, coke-addicted attorneys ready to defend it from frivolous
lawsuits, so even if you see Lucien Lewis doing one of his wheelies on
the cover and decide you want to do that too 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 the resulting blaze and four cars and your bike
are melted into slag and you suffer permanent trauma including a twisted
pinkie, sleeplessness and night terrors, it’s not CityBike Magazine Inc.’s
fault and we don’t have any assets so just suck on it. You know better.
Yes, it’s ironic that
we’re pushing Sam’s
Kickstarter campaign,
since we kinda make
fun of that sort of thing
Photo: Bungee Brent
on the regular. It’s not
there’s nothing cool
Pic of the Month: Umbrella Girls on Kickstarter, it’sthat
just that in order for a
Can Ride Too!
project to be cool, it pretty much has to
Look, we think the whole umbrella girl
involve someone from CityBike, and there
/ calendar girl / trophy girl thing is a
just aren’t that many of those. Projects, or
dumb, sad, stupid nod to the meathead,
people from CityBike.
macho, moronic side of motorsports. And
Anyway, Sam’s Fifty Rides campaign will
we wonder why there aren’t more female
end on June 28th, a scant 7 days after this
riders, when so many examples of women
in motorcycling are essentially accessories here litter box liner printed. So make haste!
to men.
But if you’re too late, there’s always the
original Fifty Rides blog, at fiftyrides.
But it turns out we were wrong about the
wordpress.com.
umbrella girls. They’re riders too, and
here’s proof.
Fifty Rides With Sam Devine
CityBike columnist and all-around SF
moto-man Sam Devine did this blog
thing, see, where he did fifty
rides in fifty weeks, and wrote
about all of them. Why he
chose fifty, instead of fiftytwo, which would have
made a nice round year,
we can’t say. Two weeks
paid vacation, maybe?
Anyway, we’d put them
all in CityBike, but as
you probably know,
we’re kind of lame
about page count, in
that we don’t have a lot
of them, so we don’t
have room. Sorry, Sam!
Not to worry, though.
If you don’t like the
internet—and who
does, right?—you can
help our man Sam publish a
book of these fifty rides—just
Photo Contest Winner
We here at CityBike are what you call true
believers in the idea of using motorcycles for
both fun and utility transportation. Which
means if you ride a sporty motorcycle to
the grocery store, it’s basically a sportutility vehicle. Huh?
Anyway, we sweetened the Ride To Work
Day thing just a bit by giving away a $100
Aerostich gift card, to a lucky winner
chosen from folks who submitted a photo
to the Ride To Work Day photo contest on
our Facebook page.
That lucky rider is Dominick Favuzzi,
who posted a photo of his black and yellow
Moto Guzzi California 1100 with the
caption, “I sell wine & scheduled a visit
to Gualala to see the wine buyer at Surf
Market. Came up from home in Santa Rosa
via Hwy 1. Will return via Skaggs Springs
Rd. Moto-Vino!”
Yeah, that’s technically working, but it’s
also a way better ride than most of us
had on Ride To Work Day. Cheers,
Dominick—your Aerostich gift
card is on its way!
Check out the
photos from the
contest, and who
knows, maybe
enter another one
at facebook.com/
citybikemag.
No Pictures,
Please
From the
“Oh hell no!”
department:
Mayor Ed Lee
is looking into
bringing speed
cameras to San
Francisco. Yeah, we
understand that speed
limits are there for the
safety of, uh, somebody…
probably… but there’s another
side to this story.
Snapchat.
Oh, and
driving. Sort of.
To your right is a
tourist looking for the
Castro. When the tourist’s
GPS tells him to turn left,
that mofo swings over into your
lane—if you hit the brakes you get
an e-car enema; if you stay the course
you get punted into oncoming traffic.
The best, safest option to escape this shitty
situation is to twist the throttle and break
the speed limit. Wheelie for safety!
*POOF*
The flash fires and—just like that—you
get a ticket in the mail because you opted
to not die. If there was an officer there with
a radar gun (and a soul) you could at least
argue your case.
Robotic Radar Overloards have been
deployed in other states and while
serious injury accidents have
dropped drastically in some
places, there are many
cases where accidents
have increased
in areas near
the revenue
generation
be spent on this misguided program would
be better spent on the 2-up distracted
driver enforcement moto officers we
proposed a couple months ago (“Nuts To
Butts In The Name Of Safer Roads” –
NCR, February 2015).
- Max Klein
Zero Drops Prices
Remember how last month we predicted
that Zero (“Why Sell Motorcycles When
The CEC Will Just Give You Money?” –
News, Clues and Rumors, Jun 2015) would
use the million dollar+ grant from the
California Energy Commission to bring
the prices of Zero motorcycles below $10
grand? Well, we were partially right, which
is better than usual.
machines. Zero is dropping prices for 2015, but only
How is that
by $1,350. Which does bring the price of
possible?
the FX under $10k, but actually, it was
already there. So an SR, with the big-dad
Most of the cameras
battery pack will still run about $16k plus
are set up to only
taxes and all that jazz. Bummer.
trigger when a vehicle is at
least 10 MPH over the limit
Find out more at
(Maryland gives you 12 over).
zeromotorcycles.com.
That means that if the cameras
are deployed in school zones with a
25 MPH speed limit, vehicles can fly by at
almost 40 before the distracting flash goes
off, blinding the driver.
Dear Deer,
Stay Off The Goddamn Road.
Love, CityBike
It’s used to be that we’d say “It’s that time
of year, watch for deer!” But now, “that
time of year” is basically any time of year
that includes a weekday, or especially a
weekend. These damn suicidal princes
of the forest seem to be all over the place,
all the time, hell bent on becoming hood
ornaments.
We all know someone who’s hit a deer, and
we’ve probably all had close calls. Unless
you only ride your Bike in the City, of
course.
Just a few weeks ago, a rider was killed
by a deer, up north, between Colfax and
Grass Valley. Arthur W. Brogan was riding
at between 25 and 35 MPH when deer
jumped out in front of him. He hit the deer
and crashed. He was airlifted with critical
Arizona had so many problems and
complaints that they are pushing to make
speed cameras illegal, and many cities
there have already stopped using them.
We think the millions of dollars in
purchase and maintenance costs likely to
Illustration by Mr. Jensen
Breaking the speed limit is at times the
safest way through a situation. Say for
example you’re in the leftmost of two lanes
traveling at the speed limit. Behind
you is a self-absorbed, entitled
startup hipster in a by-the-hour
carshare service Fiat 500e,
trying to extend his rental
period while getting
directions to the
$9 toast place
and putting
the whole
thing
on
injuries and pronounced dead upon arrival
at the hospital. CHP does not believe
he was under the influence of drugs or
alcohol.
Oh, yeah. If you have either of the ’gales
you will need to spend more on a remachined factory crankcase. There goes
your Frappuccino budget!
Seriously though, get this checked
out before
t included is the fa
cepalm.
you embarrass
yourself in front of
Starbucks again.
Godspeed, Arthur.
May the road ahead
of you be clear of
deer.
The only thing no
Can’t Am
Bombardier
Recreational
Products, more
commonly
referred to by their
abbreviation (and
onomatopoeia)
BRP has recalled
about 12,500 CanAm Mini DS ATVs
manufactured
between 2008 and
2015.
The reason behind the recall is that they
“fail to meet requirements pertaining to
the unrestricted maximum speed of the
vehicle”.
Were there hundreds of maimed children?
Fires? There must have been fires. We
love a good fire story. Like those babies
that burst into flames as a result of noncompliant PJs (“Buyer, Buyer, Pants On
Fire” – NCR, April 2015). Or so we heard.
Nope. There have been exactly zero
incidents that resulted in precisely zero
injuries.
In a move that will win the award for
the most Canadian thing ever, BRP
is apologizing and has issued a recall
because kids are able to go fast and have
fun on their machines. Since there were
no injuries we have to assume that the
company was notified by a pissed-off dad
whose kid kept outrunning him at the local
OHV park.
- Max Klein
Loud Clutches Save Lives
Picture this. You just plunked down 20
grand of your hard earned cash on a shiny
new Ducati. You suit up in your flyest
white Pumas, color matched jacket, and
Rossi replica helmet, and head for Bike
Night. But you pull into Starbucks and are
met with disappointed frowns. Why?
Three words. Wet. Clutch. Brah.
As you hightail it outta there, tail-tidy
between your legs, titanium Termis playing
a mournful (but ridiculously loud) song,
you vow to never be laughed at again.
Your solution? STM’s dry clutch
conversion kits.
Yes. That is a thing.
You can now thumb your nose at those
overpaid, under-cool engineers at Ducati
(what do they know anyway?) and make
your clutch rattle, like God intended. As
long as you own an 848 Panigale, 1199
Panigale, 1200 Diavel, 1200 Multistrada,
or a 1200 Monster and have an extra
$2,370 to $3,037 bucks to let slipper away.
Get it? Clutch joke.
will either repair the defect or simply
replace the shock with one that does not
risk a motorcycle-sized reenactment of the
big bang.
Or don’t. You
can always join
the fun and park
the spontaneous
suspension
disassemblyinduced heap next
to the collection
of perpetually
disassembled Ducatis
at CityBike World
Headquarters.
It’s
totally worth it, though. What good is a
170+ horsepower bike if it doesn’t have
soul?
- Max Klein
Loud Shocks Save… Never
Mind
Now that you have that authentic, “Hey
bro, there is something wrong with
your bike?” clutch
rattle going on,
it’s time for the
next mod to your
Panigale—the
self disassembling
shock.
- Max Klein
Stickers (Loud Or Otherwise)
Save Lives
In a recent 31 page (yikes!) Federal
Register update (Vol. 80, No. 98 if you
have incurable insomnia), The Man has
taken another step towards the inevitable
banning of any and all
If you don’t want this feature, which is
caused by a faulty damper rod nut, Ducati
NHTSA has come up with new label
requirements for all helmets. Gone are the
days of “universal” DOT stickers—the
sticker now must contain the brand and
model of the helmet in addition to the rest
of the mumbo jumbo.
The NHTSA is also requiring all 7,214
law enforcement offices that operate in
a Nanny Nancy state to buy a helmet
screening tool kit, at a cost of $81.43 each.
We’re looking at you, Charming, CA.
We’re not sure which congressman’s
nephew scored the ticket to this gravy
train, but their $600k cut is only part of the
estimated $1.8 million total regulatory cost
for this hand-holding exercise.
- Max Klein
Tokyo Moto Now Carrying
Kushitani Leathers
Tokyo Moto, home of one of the coolest
CityBike racks out there—made from
motorcycles parts!—has started carrying
Kushitani leathers and apparel at their 50
Otis Street location in San Francisco.
To help kick off the new line, Tokyo Moto
will be hosting an open house on July 26th,
featuring Mike Ngo from the Los Angeles
Kushitani store, who will be talking
about Kushitani leathers and answering
questions.
What’s that
gonna cost you?
NOTHING!
It seems that Ducati
included this “feature”
on about 550 of their
2014 Panigales, and has issued a recall to
celebrate.
Basically they took 31 pages to say that
those “Puddin’ Bowl” novelty helmets with
DOT handwritten in white crayon are no
longer going to cut it.
motorized
two wheeled conveyances.
Kidding. The document simply “sets
forth an interpretation of the definition of
‘motor vehicle equipment’ in the United
States Code” and “requests comments on
two changes to the motorcycle helmet
standard”.
We stock a large selection
of heavy duty jackets ,
pants, chaps, & bags.
Custom garments
and accessories.
We repair, alter and
clean leather products.
Our leathers are
guaranteed against
defect for life.
NOW IN STOCK!
Johnson Leathers Textile Jacket
featuring Forcefield Body Armour
Available in black and yellow
Carried in San Francisco by
Scuderia West and SF Moto and
in San Jose by Road Rider.
We make custom 1 & 2 piece leathers!
1833 Polk St. (@ Jackson) San Francisco - johnsonleather.com
(800) 730-7722 • (415) 775-7393
Forcefield Body Armour, The worlds
leading “Soft armour technology”
Body protection system specialists.
Rumor: “Riders” Now CrowdSourcing Crash Repair Costs
Murderous Driver Pleads Not
Guilty To Murder
Ok, this isn’t a rumor. It’s actually
something we saw on Facebook, which
is where people apparently talk about
motorcycles, in addition to cats and
politics.
Road raging driver Darla Renee Jackson,
25, of San Diego, chased down and killed
39-year-old Navy chief petty officer
Zachary Buob on May 39th, following
some kind of altercation. Jackson’s mother
defended her actions,
stating her
daughter
had been
following
Buob to get
his insurance
information
after Buob
kicked her
daughter’s car.
Some guy crashed
his bike, and is using
GoFundMe to
take contributions
towards the repair
costs.
Here’s our
contribution. Get
some goddamn
insurance, and
while you’re at
it, crash a little
less.
Note that Mr. Uninsured Rider isn’t
collecting money towards his injuries, but
rather fairings and shit like that.
This probably isn’t the first time someone’s
done this, but it’s the first time we’ve seen
it, and therefore the first time we’ve felt the
need to bitch about it.
Yeah, yeah. We’re jerks. People crash,
money’s tight, maybe it wasn’t his fault,
but an unfortunate coincidence of cold
tires and bad luck. It’s not like we have
evidence of this rider’s poor judgment and
irresponsible decision making.
Damn kids today. Get your crowd-funding
off my lawn!
Yeah, that totally
adds up.
Jackson pleaded
not guilty to murder on June 2nd. She cried
throughout the court proceedings. It’s
unknown whether her tears were because
her life is basically over, or Buob’s life is
actually over. Thanks to her.
As much as it may feel oh-so-righteous to
extend your middle finger or even kick
the door of an errant or aggressive driver
(CityBike staff may or may not be guilty of
multiple counts of such infractions), we
riders can only lose in these car versus bike
battles.
Shortly after this incident, another
Southern California rider, Samuel Ayres,
was taken out by a road raging driver, this
time for the egregious crime of saying “Put
pleaded guilty to second-degree assault
down your fucking phone, you’re in your
car.” Fortunately, Ayres escaped with “just” charges.
bruises and broken bones.
Braszczok and Sims will be sentenced in
August.
NY Assholes Convicted
Speaking of assholes (hopefully) getting
what’s coming to ‘em, from the “Wish
those guys were into cars or something
else besides bikes” file, we have some
good news from the “bikers” versus Range
Rover fiasco of September 2013. You
know, that time a bunch of idiots that
happened to be riding motorcycles got
into some kind of altercation with a guy in
an SUV, and proceeded to attack his car
and then him. We didn’t say much about
it at the time, beyond “Other than there
being motorcycles involved, the incident
has nothing to do with motorcyclists,
and sadly doesn’t help the public image of
motorcycling.” (“Dipshits in NYC” – NCR,
November 2013)
Quite frankly, we’re not inclined to
dedicate much space to rehashing the
whole mess, but we’re glad to hear that two
of the dimwits involved are facing some
consequences. The defendants, Wojciech
Braszczok and Robert Sims, continued
IMS Moves To Sac
IMS, as in International Motorcycle Shows,
not IMS, as in the company that makes
sweet fuel tanks like the one on our
CRF250L long-term tester.
For some reason, IMS has abandoned the
shores of San Mateo (maybe it’s all that
bacteria?) for the (excessive) sunshine of
Sacramento. The good news is that since
IMS Sactown is in the fall, specifically
November 6th to 8th, it’ll only be ninety
degrees or so.
We may know the reason why. IMS is
probably hiding from the wrath of CityBike,
after they screwed the proverbial pooch last
year by setting up a booth with our name
on it (and what a good name it is!) without
telling us, leading to an endless barrage
of phone calls, text messages and emails
asking, “Where the hell are you guys? Your
booth is empty!” (“CityBike Was NOT At
IMS” – NCR, December 2014)
This crappy sign was the only thing in “our” booth.
Photo: Surj Gish
their stunning display of really solid
thinking by opting to let the judge decide
their case, instead of a jury.
Anyway, San Mateo or Sacramento, doesn’t
matter much to us. We probably won’t have
a booth, just like last year.
Braszczok, an undercover NYPD detective,
was found guilty of second-degree assault,
coercion, riot and criminal mischief, and is
expected to be fired (currently “suspended
pending termination”) as a result of this
felony conviction. You think? Did anyone
believe this guy was seriously gonna keep
his job, protecting and serving? He faces a
minimum of two years in the pokey, where
he will presumably have lots of friends
looking to catch up on the good ole days.
NCOM Hires (Walker?) Texas
Ranger To Investigate Waco
Wackness
Sims, an electrician, was convicted of
attempted gang assault, second-degree
assault, coercion, riot and criminal
possession of a weapon. Nine other riders,
oops, we mean assholes have already
We wrote last month (“Waco = Biker
Wounded Knee?” – NCR, June 2015)
about the severely fucked up shit that
happened in Waco back in May. There
are more and more questions being raised
about what really happened, and it’s
looking likely there are some things the popo isn’t telling us, that will eventually come
out. As we said last month, we’re deeply
saddened by the deaths and we remain
troubled by the situation.
It’s also worth reiterating that we here at
CityBike distrust the ongoing militarization
of the police, and often find ourselves
downright horrified by law enforcement’s
seeming overzealousness for deadly force
in way too many scenarios.
Bryan Smith heads for the podium—he brought a friend!
But here’s an interesting turn of events:
affiliates of NCOM (National Coalition Of
Motorcyclists) have hired a former Texas
Ranger (not Walker, who is apparently not
a real person) to investigate the events that
occurred at the Twin Peaks restaurant on
May 17th. From the NCOM press release:
“Yes, a crime took place while the local
COC&I organizers were preparing for the
meeting. Yes, there were lives tragically lost.
We want answers as to how and why this
happened. We don’t have confidence in local
authorities after they continued changing
stories, disregarded the facts, and continue
to violate the rights of citizens. NCOM, the
Confederation of Clubs, and lawyers with
AIM are hiring a former Texas Ranger to
learn the truth as to who was responsible for
the violence at our Texas Region 1 COC&I
meeting and expose the many violations of
basic human rights of those arrested and who
continue to be held. We pursue claims against
those who have, and continue to violate the
rights of citizens merely because they ride a
motorcycle.”
Stay tuned to this channel for updates as we
get ‘em. Or rather, when we print ‘em. You
know, once a month.
Wired Magazine Has Even
Dumber Headlines Than
CityBike
A funny thing has happened in recent
years. Motorcycle companies, in a
Photo: Angelica Rubalcaba
desperate attempt to get young people
(AKA potential customers) away from
their iPads or pinball machines or whatever
those damn whippersnappers are screwing
around with instead of riding motorcycles,
have been placing stories in mainstream
lifestyle publications. These articles are
often written by writers with very little
riding experience (we heard about one
writer that totaled a Scout simply by
dropping it over and over at low speed),
unlike the stories here at CityBike, which
are written by, well, us.
Stability System Makes Crashing Near
Impossible.”
Such stories are often pretty laughable,
full of breathless declarations of latest and
greatest made by writers who don’t know
the difference between a Duc and a duck.
Quacks.
Funniest thing about this story is, the guy
that wrote it ought to know better, since
he’s not some Valley tech-wankery hack,
but rather a moto-journalist. We’re not
gonna name names, but we’re sure you can
2015 was the 50th running of the
figure it out for yourself, if you care to do
more than just chuckle at this bit of juvenile Sacramento Mile, with Motorcycle Hall
of Famer Jim Rice named as Grand
trash talk.
Marshal—watch On Any Sunday again
Wired has taken this to a new level this
month with the headline “New Ducati
Yeah, the Bosch stability control systems,
like those used on some of Ducati’s new
models (KTM started this, for the record,
and other companies are following) are
really amazing and such systems are big
step towards keeping riders safer, no matter
your feelings on whether they also make
riders dumber.
But crashing is still very, very possible—
trust us on this one.
to get CityBike
delivered to your door
by the meanest, most
psychotic, well-armed
branch the Government
has to beat you with.
That’s right! we’ll send the man
to your mail hole once a month
for an entire year delivering the
latest issue of CityBike.
Just send a check for $30 to:
PO Box 18738
Oakland, CA 94619.
be sure to include your name,
address, & phone number!
or use Paypal!
[email protected]
CityBike Goes To Sac For The
Mile
Nothing, and I mean nothing, beats
watching a motorcycle sliding sideways at
over 100mph within 10 feet of you. Did I
say nothing? I meant NOTHING.
Sure World Superbike and MotoGP is fast
and exciting, but at the Sacramento Mile
you leave with not only a sunburn, but dirt
in your teeth. Delicious gritty dirt kicked
up by the tires of people like flat track
legends Chris Carr and Jay Springsteen,
during their Clash of the Titans rematch.
Brandon Robinson (44), Bryan Smith (42), Mikey Martin (91) and Jared Mees (1) battle it out in the main event..
managed to break
both his arms at the
same time on his
XR200 the summer
after junior high.
ATGATT vs. The Big Tent
Real riders love to talk about how they
don’t go to the corner store without All
The Gear, how they can’t believe people
ride without a full complement of proper
safety gear. These guys debate SNELL
versus ECE, whether wearing a modular
helmets is evidence of insanity, gloves
inside sleeves or out… the list goes on.
On and on and on.
I’m one of these guys. Sort of.
Sometimes… but here’s a secret: when
I started riding on the street, I was
fourteen, and lacked both a helmet and,
of course, a license.
I tore around on a ’69 CL350 that I
got from one of my dad’s pals for $100,
wearing jeans and a t-shirt, Doc Martens
and a massive grin. I even carried
passengers, who also didn’t wear helmets.
A couple years later, I got an ’81 XT250,
and started wearing some gear. In this
case, gear meant a yard sale Shoei full
face that was probably 15 years old at the
time, sneakers and sometimes shorts. You
see where I’m going with this, right?
Anyway, this “risky
riding”—riding without All The Gear
because riding is awesome—isn’t so
different from someone getting on a bike
in jeans, tennis shoes and a sweatshirt.
Or jumping on a scooter in a skirt and
heels. Whether that new rider is on a bike
because they’re excited about riding for
riding’s sake, or because a bike seems
Each person developed into a different
rider over the course of the afternoon.
Misty rode smoothly, calmly, sticking to
perimeter trails at a mellow pace. Calvin
was cautious, but did well. Matt headed
for the hills and later told me he was
daydreaming about the feeling of riding.
He might end up with a bike of his own.
Adam went nuts. He got on the TTR125,
whacked the throttle open and dropped
the clutch. The little TTR went vertical,
he chased it around for a few seconds,
and eventually went down. We had a
quick discussion about being slightly less
aggressive on the throttle, and
after a marginally smoother
second launch, he nearly hit
my truck, then headed out
across that big rocky area at
the west end. He went down
several times throughout the
afternoon—mostly because
his approach to the throttle
was consistently “pin it”—and
ended up kinda bruised up.
But he kept getting back on,
undeterred.
He had a hell of a time.
Everyone had a hell of a time.
What everyone didn’t have
was All The Gear. Helmets?
Yep, of course. Gloves? Roger.
Knee and elbow pads? Sort
like a good way to get around the city, or
of. Boots? Nope. Well, just me and Misty,
Funny thing is, I’d been riding on the
because motorcycles represent freedom or who bought a pair of hiking boots the
dirt for several years before that, ATCs,
rebellion or just good times, or whatever, night before because I scared her with
mostly. When I rode on the dirt, I wore
that rider isn’t a squid or a moron, they’re stories of crushed ankles.
a decent helmet, a kidney belt, gloves,
a new rider that might someday develop
So what?
boots… not as much off-road gear as I
into one of these people who’ve been
wear now, but a suit of armor compared to riding long enough to think talking about Let’s not forget this—motorcycles are
what I wore on the street.
tires is a good time. Or maybe they’ll just super-crazy-awesome fun. And they’re
ride.
dangerous. That doesn’t stop people
Why? Hell if I know.
around the globe from using bikes as
Here’s the thing. If I’d had to waited until I recently took four total noobs out to
utility transportation, while we treat them
Carnegie to ride dirtbikes—a TTR125
I had proper gear (and a safe motorcycle,
like overpriced toys here in the US. That’s
and a CRF230F. Ok, they weren’t total
but that’s another story) I’d probably
not a statement about the value of either
noobs—Matt had spent maybe ten
wouldn’t have started riding. We didn’t
of those things, but it is commentary on
have a lot of money, so it was kind of a big minutes putting around a field at one
how we sometimes hurt the growth of the
point, and Misty had ridden mopeds in
deal that we had bikes at all. And while
riding community—our community—by
Vietnam. Adam and Calvin had never
I certainly did my share of crashing, I
being so stuck up and exclusionary.
been on a motorcycle. These folks are
managed to avoid messing myself up too
badly—unlike my buddy Brett, who had adults, by the way—late twenties, early to Let’s ride.
mid thirties.
a nice new bike and a better helmet, but
and check out his epic crash at the 1970 Sac
Mile.
This year was made even more exciting by
the addition of WSBK Champ Troy Bayliss
once again joining up with Ducati to race
the Lloyd Brothers Motorsports machine.
As a member of the infamous CityBike
Wrecking Crew I was lucky enough to
spend some time with Troy and scored a
short interview.
Ok, I waited in line with the hundreds of
other fans wanting to get his autograph.
“How do you like the bike?” I asked as
he signed a poster for me. “It’s great! I’m
struggling a bit though.” I handed him my
hat to sign, “Well I hope Sacramento is a
fun track for you!” He shakes my hand,
“Thanks!”
That’s right. I asked the deep, gritty
questions CityBike readers want answers to.
You’re welcome.
Speaking of Ducati, this was a big night for
us desmo fans, so we sprung for the fancy
seats in the Legends Club. Or, as Editor
Surj referred to them from his trackside hay
bale, the Panigale seats.
We had a great view of the full track, and
unfortunately a great view of Bayliss crash
testing the air fence in turn 3. Ouch.
Between qualifying heats, I was able to
wander vendor row and found Ducati
AMA Superbike racer Paul Ritter there
signing his new book, Racing the Gods.
Score! Been wanting a copy of that one,
even better to talk to the man himself.
Back to my seat for the main event—25
laps of battling and a last second pass
brought Bryan Smith his fifth victory in a
row, just ahead of Triumph rider Brandon
Robinson.
Hungry to taste some of that dirt yourself?
If you can’t wait for next years Sacramento
Mile, The Calistoga Half-Mile is Saturday,
September 26th. Come out and grab a spot
on the old bleachers!
- An DeYoung
For some enthusiasts, Troy Bayliss’s
mere presence was the highlight of the
day. The well-known and wildly popular
Aussie has embarked on his tour of this
season’s 5 demanding Miles. Though he
failed to qualify for Springfield, he and his
team learned a lot, as evidenced by new
teammate, Johnny Lewis’, Sacramento
qualifying and pre-headshake-crash
performance in Illinois. Their mount is
stout, resplendent in its yellow Scrambler
livery—all part of the new 2V model’s US
branding.
While I’m no flat track racer, it was evident
from the stands that Bayliss was in trouble
from the very start, and unlikely to qualify.
T1 proved difficult to near-impossible for
most laps in practice and his heat, and Troy
crashed ugly in T3 during his now-or-never
Semi, suffering an awkward get-off which
broke an ankle—a sad interruption (end?)
to his bold dream of running alongside the
big boys in America.
Harley team, sponsored in part by
Burlingame’s Steve DeLorenzi, podiumed
with Jared Mees.
Acampo’s Mikey Martin, a former
factory Triumph rider, is now racing a fast
Kawasaki—#91 was both a Heat and Dash
winner, subsequently finishing 10th.
San Jose’s Zanotti Team fielded 2 Harley
riders—former Champ, Kenny Coolbeth
#2, took 5th ; Henry Wiles #17 was a DNF.
Their former Zanotti teammate, Salinas’
Stevie Bonsey (#80 H-D) placed 12th.
New Stuff
The Most Beautiful Helmet In
The World: Arai Corsair V—Isle
Of Man TT Limited Edition
By Surj Gish
We reviewed Arai’s Corsair V, in silver,
earlier this year (“New Stuff: Crystal
Goblet? Arai Corsair V” - February 2015).
Why are we reviewing it again?
TT graphics, from the checkers around the
bottom, to the Isle of Man outline and ny
tree cassyn (the three legs) on each side, to
the arching double-Ts butting up against
the gold stripe over the top, the helmet
looks custom.
All this beauty is wrapped around Arai’s
compact organic shell shape, which is
flared outward a bit at the bottom, to
make it easier to put on. Arai calls this the
“Outward-Flaring Hyper-Ridge,” and says
it adds shells strength and lowers
Lining up for the Final from the Semis
requires a 1st or 2nd—some local National
numbers were summarily eliminated: San
Jose’s Mike Rush was 5th on the sole #54
Suzuki SV1000, just behind Sunnyvale’s
local expert, Kawasaki-mounted Ryan
Foster #23y. Fremont’s Chad Cose, finally
An increasingly competitive Nichole
Mees nearly put it over on hubby, Jared #1, blessed with a strong Kawasaki team,
rocked his #49 from the start in early laps,
making the Dash For Cash as one of the
being elbowed and potholed back to 10th,
six quickest riders after he qualified 13th.
while Briar Bauman #14 Kawasaki oddly
Though she faltered in the Final to 9th,
the Champ recovered in time to challenge struggled, ending up a go-home-to-Salinas
winner Bryan Smith and 2 others, finishing 8th.
third.
Simply put, the Kawasaki 650s, now
underneath half the runners, have truly
Shayna Texter, winner of two previous
arrived. Next, it’s one-third venerable
Sacramento Miles on GNC2 Honda
XR750 Harleys. Finally, 2 each Ducati,
singles, now rides twins in GNC1. After
KTM, Suzuki and Triumph—truly a
qualifying 24th, she ended up in Troy’s
diverse and aurally satisfying mix o’ motos.
Semi. My view of Bayliss’s crash included
Smith’s winning ride is so sweet, and many
her ricocheting participation, so Shayna
other non-Harleys are unique: some evoke
also was out.
classic forms, being modern as well, with
NorCal riders and teams have always
bespoke frames, sinuous exhausts, and
featured in AMA Pro flat track—Craig
every possible color scheme.
Rogers’ San Jose-based Championship
- Curt Relick
dainese.com
agv.com
For starters, a second take never hurts.
As you may have read right here in the
pages of New Stuff, I have a “Shoei head”
and therefore have largely stuck with—
you guessed it—Shoei helmets, and left
the Arais to CityBike writer/riders with
differently oddly-shaped heads.
But Arai does these limited edition Isle of
Man TT helmets every year, and the 2015
version is particularly lust-worthy. I had to
have one.
It’s so beautiful that after I got mine, An
ordered one. She says she wanted one
before that, but I think she’s just trying to
be cool. You know, the whole “I liked Arai
Isle of Man TT helmets before they were
mainstream” thing.
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the helmet’s center of gravity, creating
better overall balance.
As with many of Arai’s helmets, there are a
lot of external bits. The Corsair V has nine
vent components (intakes and exhausts),
eleven if you count the two inlets on the
shield. Some riders complain about the
multitude of small plastic pieces, and it’s
true, there are a lot of them. There’s also
a lot of airflow as a result of all those little
pieces.
But all those little pieces don’t bother me,
because I mostly sit on the couch, gently
holding the Corsair V, gazing at it lovingly.
Just kidding. This helmet, while beautiful,
is meant to be worn, preferably at hairon-fire speeds—although there’s no word
on the hair-fire retardant qualities of the
interior.
Cooler-than-thou competitions aside, this
is a seriously nice helmet. Arai says their
helmets are (still, somehow) virtually 100%
Speaking of the interior, every soft internal
handmade, and it shows.
piece is washable and replaceable, from
The shield, for example, looks like it was
the Dry-Cool liner to the neck roll. The
perfectly shaped and cut by a skilled
Corsair V also employs Arai’s emergency
craftsman, who then inserted the little vent cheekpad release system, to allow for
assemblies—not molded, like most shields safer removal of the helmet by medical
obviously are.
personnel in the unfortunate event of a
serious crash.
The paint and graphics are luxurious,
artful, sumptuous, like a passionate painter How does it fit? The Corsair V has an
spent painstaking hours taping off sections, intermediate oval shape—the same as the
spraying on red, gold and opulent deep
VX-Pro4 off-road helmet I reviewed at the
blue metal-fleck, then applying decals and beginning of the year (“Arai’s New VXclear coat. The limited edition Isle of Man Pro4 Helmet” - New Stuff, January 2015),
which fits my “Shoei head” well, and is my
go-to dirt lid. The Corsair V fits similarly
well, although it does have a tiny bit of a
“perched on top of the head” and less plush,
more purposeful feel.
It’s not particularly quiet, even with
earplugs, but this is certainly a result of
the excellent, extensive venting system.
The fit also feels more “open” than helmets
with a lot of neck roll padding, which helps
keep noise out. The Corsair V has less of a
neck roll “seal” at the bottom. Perhaps that
Hyper-Ridge business contributes to this
open feeling as well.
glove that costs less than 60 bucks, and the
Voyagers have delivered.
a confident grip when things are wet and
slippery.
I’d even go a step further and say this
is one of the better gloves you can buy
for cool and wet weather in the 50 to 60
dollar price range. The Voyager is made
These are short-gauntlet gloves. I’ve
been wearing over the cuffs of my jacket.
The gauntlet extends about two inches
above the bend in the wrist. There’s not
High Desert J tested Sena’s Bluetooth
Audio Pack last year (“Going Pro: Sena
Bluetooth Audio Pack” – New Stuff,
November 2014) and found it quite
capable, but I wanted to test the latest and
greatest, so I asked Sena for a 20S intercom
and a Prism camera, promising fame and
fortune via the Wall Street Journal, and of
course, CityBike.
But this helmet isn’t about keeping the
wind noise out, or plush padding. It’s about
riding fast, without taking chances with the
safety of your cerebrum; a helmet built, in
Arai’s words, “to please the advanced rider
and racer.” Hell, it’s even got a little spoiler
on the back. Nothing says speed like a tiny
wing on the back of your helmet, right?
Disclaimer: I’m a Sena fanboy. I’ve had an
SMH10 clamped to my last two helmets,
and have put it through several wringers.
Rain, heat, dirt… it’s been beat to hell
for 30,000+ miles, and has held up well.
I can’t say that about the other intercoms
I’ve bought in the past. So I had high
expectations for these two pieces of gear.
MSRP $1009.95. $900 street, if you can find
one. Get more info find your local dealer at
araiamericas.com.
AGV Sport Voyager Gloves
By J. Brandon
I’ve been wearing a pair of AGV Sport
Voyager gloves for all my cold-weather
rides for the past month or so. I’ve logged
a couple thousand miles in them, climbed
dozens of six-, seven-, and eight-thousandfoot mountain passes, and worn them in
pouring thunderstorms, hail, and snow. My
hands have stayed dry and warm. That’s
about all you can reasonably expect from a
shooting some video of lane splitting on the
Bay Bridge (“The Wall Street Journal Hates
CityBike” – News, Clues and Rumors, April
2015). I had a bunch of cameras—that I
rarely use, because they’re a pain in the
ass to keep charged, pointed the right
direction, and so on—but it seemed like
the perfect opportunity to test a rig that
would let me narrate the footage.
of a combination of leather and textile,
a soft polyester lining, and a waterproof
breathable Hipora lining in between.
There’s hard armor over the knuckles,
some dense foam on the heel of the hand,
with bits of lighter foam on the thumb and
third and fourth fingers. The combination
of leather and textile on the palm delivers
a lot of bulk so if your riding jacket offers
any adjustment at the wrist you could
probably wear them under the cuffs as
well, depending on conditions and your
preferences. Over the cuffs will probably
help keep rain out when you are on the
highway. Under the cuffs will probably
work better if you spend more time sitting
at traffic lights. The gauntlet closes with
a wide strip of Velcro that offers a fairly
broad range of adjustment.
There’s a thin strap right at the bend in
the wrist that will do most of the work
of keeping the gloves on your hands in
a crash. Unfortunately, that strap is a bit
too short to offer much adjustment and is
fiddly and frustrating. It’s fine when you
put the first glove on and can thread the
strap through the plastic loop and fasten
the Velcro with bare fingers. But doing
those same tasks again when your hand is
inside the first glove can be frustrating. I
got used to it and was less annoyed after a
bit of experience. But the whole thing could
have been much easier if that little strap
was just an inch longer.
I’ve worn these gloves on long, cold, wet
rides with temperatures in the low forties
and they were warm enough. For colder
weather I would want something more.
Same goes for maximum crash protection
and years of hard use: I’d want something
more. But all of those things would cost
a lot more. For the price, the AGV Sport
Voyager gloves are a good value, especially
for the sometimes wet but rarely really cold
weather of the Bay Area.
$69. Get a pair or find your local dealer at
motonation.com.
Vlogosphere, Here We Come:
Sena 20S Intercom + Prism
Camera
By Surj Gish
A while back, a reporter from the Wall
Street Journal asked me for some help
Out of the box, the 20S intercom dual
pack seemed familiar but improved. One
of the improvements was the inclusion
of a whole lot of stuff. You get two main
units, two clamp mounts with boom mics,
two separate wired boom mics, couple of
another wired mics, charging cables, audio
cables, cigarette chargers, another couple of
glue-on surface mounts, a bunch of Velcro,
speaker pads, speaker covers… even a little
hex key.
Man. I gotta take a breath before I go on.
There’s a lot of stuff in there!
Basically you can mount and install these
intercoms on just about any helmet with
the included bits ‘n’ bobs. Full face? Check.
Modular? Check. Open face? If you must,
check. Charge on the road? Check. You get
the picture.
This “Christmas in July” bonanza
continues with the Prism. The box, nearly
the size of a women’s shoebox, contains
a cornucopia of mount options. Helmet
clamp mount, stick-on helmet mount,
goggle strap mount, top surface mount,
handlebar mount and a suction cup mount
that works as a single-cup or bipod mount.
There’s also a waterproof housing, and
alternate “skeleton backdoor” for that
housing, and of course a charging cable,
lens cap and battery.
Oh, and a camera. Almost forgot about that
important bit.
In a world where so many things don’t
come with the required components to
get started, like computers sold without
keyboards, it’s refreshing to have a
company provide all the options in the box.
Installation of the S20 intercom is
straightforward, almost easy. If you’re
using the basic clamp mount, you can be
ready to roll in just a few minutes. Pull the
cheekpads out of your helmet, mount the
clamp, place the speakers, jam the wiring
into the space between the shell and EPS,
and you’re set.
I installed one of the 20S units in my Shoei
Neotec modular daily commute helmet
using the separate boom mic. Unlike the
SMH10, which requires a different clamp
mount for each mic setup, the 20S has
swappable mics. Remove the two clamp
bolts with the handy-dandy included hex
wrench, and the mic pops right out. Pop in
the mic you want to use, put the
two bolts back in, clamp
it in place, done.
Sound quality is good. My ears are in bad
shape, and I wear earplugs any time I’m
riding more than about ten feet, but the
speakers seem to be a bit of an upgrade
from the SMH10. They’re louder and
course) and use your left hand to control
the camera.
Some of you may be saying something like,
“What the hell is he talking about? Why
does he need all this crap on his helmet,
But if you’re interested in making high
quality videos with audio beyond howling
wind and maybe some engine noise, the
combination of Sena’s 20S intercom and
Prism camera is a good way to do it. I’d
even say “Wall Street Journal approved!”
but I’m pretty sure they don’t want me
saying that kind of stuff.
CityBike approved,
then.
Helmet
mounting
20S: $299 or
of the
$549.99 (dual
Prism
pack). Prism:
is even
$399. Get
easier.
more info and
Figure
find out where
out where
to buy at
you want
sena.com.
it, clamp it
down, go.
Coming
As for where
Soon!
you want it,
A sample of the
you’re going
New Stuff we’re
to want it as far
currently abusing
forward on the
testing in the name of
side of your helmet as
bringing you the truth about
possible, to avoid having the
motorcycle gear:
helmet constantly in the side of the
frame. On my Neotec, where I was limited
Sena 20S Intercom + Prism Camera mounted Shoei’s excellent GT-Air
in how far forward I could place the mount,
❍❍ Icon’s new Raiden rally / adventure
I couldn’t quite get rid of the helmet at the
gear.
edge of the frame. Most full-face helmets
pushing buttons while riding, taking
sound a little more like real speakers.
shouldn’t have this issue.
photos, recording video, talking...” That’s
❍❍ Innovv’s C3 camera / remote DVR
Warning: if you are messing around with
ok—keep sending us letters about how
setup.
the intercom in your living room, and you
The clamp mount is a simple work of
carburetors are better than EFI and ABS is
genius. There’s a little joint in there, so you turn it all the way up, your significant other
a stupid crutch that “real riders” don’t need. ❍❍ Plus, luggage, books (some with
may frown at you.
can get the angles just right.
picshurs), and whatever else we can get
We love that stuff.
our grubby paws on!
The mic seems a touch more sensitive to
You can, of course, mount it a lot of
different ways—on top of your helmet, on placement than on the SMH10. Until I got
the placement sorted just right, I had issues
your handlebars, on your bodywork, on a
with the rider (or caller) on the other end
car—gasp! The included mounts provide
understanding me at higher speeds. Placing
nearly endless options.
the mic directly in front of my mouth
Jesus, we haven’t even gotten to how these seemed to solve this most of the time.
things work yet.
Remember how we started with the word
Since I’ve been using an SMH10 for a long “vlogosphere” (ugh…) in the title? That’s
time, the 20S was easy for me to adjust
where the magic starts to really happen.
to. I like the simplicity of the dial—it’s
Not actually in the vlogosphere, but
reminiscent of the good old days, when
recording stuff for the vlogo… ok, enough
stereos had knobs on them. You know, back of that crap.
when we had stereos, instead of pods and
Sure, you can use the Prism by itself—
players.
it’s a solid standalone camera, capable
The Prism’s silver and black exterior
of shooting 1080p at 30fps, 720p at 30
coincidentally reminds me of the crappy
or 60fps, and 480p at 120fps. But the
point and shoot cameras of the late
Bluetooth 4.0 connection lets the Prism
seventies and early eighties. Not the crappy team up with the 20s to do all kinds of cool
part—the silver and black part. The Prism, stuff.
even though it shares its name with Katy
Perry’s worst album, is by no means crappy. We’re not talking about “Oh, look at
me, I’m riding in traffic. Still riding in
Just the opposite.
traffic…” but think about the possibilities
The myriad functions of the jog dial—
beyond self-absorbed YouTube wankery.
push, turn, push and turn, push for a few
Following a rider on the trails and taking
seconds, and so on—are beyond the scope verbal “notes” to discuss later. Narrating
of this review, but here are a couple high
something interesting, like the SF
points. First, Sena’s app lets you easily
Halloween Friday Night Ride. Or making a
adjust your settings, rather than using the
video for the Wall Street Journal.
desktop application also used to update
Recycling is the ONLY legal way to dispose of
First, you can record audio along with your
firmware. Second, pairing two units can
be done with a “shake” motion, using Near video, in normal or “Ultra HD” mode.
used oil and filters. Check out RidersRecycle.com
Second, you can control the camera from
Field Communication.
for more information plus FREE discount coupons
your headset. Wake up the camera, start
The 20s also uses dual-module Bluetooth
video, stop video, take a single photo or a
on motorcycle parts, service and gear!
4.1, meaning you can more easily connect
burst of shots, even fire a still shot while
multiple devices, for example a GPS and a
recording video. Since the camera is likely
phone. It can handle up to 8 connections,
to be mounted on the right side of your
at a distance of up to 1.2 miles. It’s also
helmet, it’ll be easier—and safer— to keep
universal, meaning it can pair with other
your right hand on the throttle (pinned, of
intercom brands.
Ducati Bike Nights!
The reason for getting these events
started was to provide a fun, social
atmosphere for Ducati owners, folks
that want to become Ducati owners, and
folks that don’t yet know that they want
to become Ducati owners to sit, eat, talk,
walk around and look at other Ducatis.
All brands and models of motorcycles
are welcome. Get more information at
NorCalDoc.com.
3rd Wednesday of each month:
Emeryville
6:00 to 10:00 PM on the third
Wednesday of each month at Hot
Italian, 5959 Shellmound Street, No. 75,
Emeryville. For more information, call
510.652.9300.
4th Monday of each month:
Sacramento
6:00 to 10:00 PM on the fourth Monday
1st Monday of each month: Mill Valley of each month at Hot Italian, 1627
16th Street, Sacramento. For more
Join us from 6:00 to 10:00 PM on the first information, call 916.444.3000.
Monday of each month at The Cantina,
4th Monday of each month: Mid651 E. Blithedale Ave, Mill Valley. For
Peninsula
more information, call 415.378.8317.
5:00 to 10:00 PM on the fourth Monday
1st Wednesday of each month: San
of each month at Sixto’s Cantina, 1448
Francisco Ducati Bike Night
Burlingame. For more information, call
Join us from 6:00 to 10:00 PM on the
650.342.7600.
first Wednesday of each month at Pier 23
Seafood Cafe, Pier 23, The Embarcadero, 4th Friday of each month: Concord
San Francisco, CA 94111. For more
6:00 to 10:00 PM on the fourth Friday
information, call 415.362.5125.
of each month at Lazy Dog Café, 1961
Diamond Blvd, Concord. For more
1st Sunday of each month: North Bay
information, call 925.849.1221.
Join us from 6:30 to 9:30 PM on the first
4th Saturday of each month: Novato
Sunday of each month at Benissimo, 18
Tamalpais Dr, Corte Madera.
6:00 to 10:00 PM on the fourth
2nd Monday of each month: South Bay Saturday of each month at Boca Pizzeria,
454 Ignacio Blvd, Novato. For more
6:00 to 10:00 PM on the second Monday information, call 415.883.2302.
of each month at Pizza Antica, 334
Santana Row, #1065 San Jose. For more
information, call 408.557.8373
EVENTS
July 2015
1st Thursday of each
month: Bay Area
Moto Guzzi Group
Monthly Dinner (6:00
PM, Giovanni’s, 1127
N. Lawrence Expy,
Sunnyvale) Members,
interested Guzzi riders,
persons disillusioned
by their current mode
of transport and other
motorcycle riders
Bungee Brent’s Backroad Bash 2014.
always welcome. For
more information,
Hollister Freedom Rally is the largest of its
contact Pierre at
kind in California and one of the top ten in
408.710.4886 or
the United States. hollisterfreedomrally.
[email protected].
com
2nd Sunday of each month: Santa
July 18, 2015: OMC Three Bridge Run
Cruz Scooter Club Monthly Group
(OMC Club Hall, 742 45th Ave, Oakland)
Ride (11:00 AM, Fin’s Coffee, 1104
Ocean Street, Santa Cruz) We meet at
The original Three Bridge Run is
Fin’s Coffee on Ocean Street in Santa
a poker run that starts at the OMC
Cruz, and depending on who shows,
Clubhall, tours San Francisco and Marin
the weather, and how much time folks
and returns to the OMC Clubhall for
have, we plan a route for the day. Rides
prizes, music, and dancing. Entry is $20.
will be cancelled due to rain. Get more
oaklandmotorcycleclub.camp9.org/
information at santacruzscooterclub.
events
com.
August 15, 2015: Blue Butt Rally
3rd Sunday of each month: Northern (Eldorado Casion, 345 N Virginia St,
California Moto Guzzi National
Reno)
Owners Club Breakfast (9:00 AM,
Putah Creek Cafe, 1 Main St, Winters) The 22nd Blue Butt Rally, put on by the
Blue Knights MC of Reno. All riders and
MGNOC members and interested
bike brands are welcome. This is a nonGuzzi riders meet for breakfast and
scored/non-competitive ride covering
a good time. The Putah Creek Cafe
350-400 miles of pavement with no set
is located at Railroad Avenue. For
time limit. Route instructions handed
more information, contact Northern
out 15 minutes prior to start. Proceeds go
California MGNOC Rep, Don Van
to injured/fallen peace officers and their
Zandt at 707.557.5199.
families. bknv2.com
June 25-27, Moto Melee Classic
September 12, 2015: Moto Envy Show
Motorcycle Road Rally (All over
(Black Lightning Motorcycle Cafe, 440 F
NorCal)
Street, Eureka)
Three days and ~850 miles of backroads
Cool bikes at a cool moto destination—
adventure for pre-1971 motorcycles.
the Black Lightning in Eureka. Awards
Starts and finishes in San Francisco.
given based on “most envied” status for
groups.yahoo.com/neo/groups/
Café, Vintage, Sport/Racer, Vintage
motomelee
Racer, Custom, Rat, Overall and People’s
June 27-28, 2015: Bungee Brent’s
Choice. blacklightningmotorcyclecafe.
Backroad Bash (Long Barn, CA)
com/moto-envy-show.html
The 2014 BBBB was a CityBike
favorite (“Out and About: Bungee
Brent’s 7th Annual Backroad Bash,”
September 2014). We’ll be there this
year, and you should be too. Seriously.
oaklandmotorcycleclub.camp9.org/
events
June 27-28, 2015: CCSO Extreme
Motor Officer Challenge (Downtown
Carson City, NV)
Don’t have a dual-sport bike for
the BBBB? Head over the Sierra to
Carson City for two days of motor
officer competition. And maybe some
gambling.
facebook.com/
events/1511545135792369
July 3-5, 2015: Hollister Freedom
Rally (Hollister, duh)
Free as in no cost and Freedom, in the
“Birthplace of the American Biker,” the
September 18-20, 2015: 30th Annual
Autumn Beemer Bash (Quincy, CA)
Central Cal BMW riders invites you to
the 30th annual Beemer Bash, featuring
famous and free CCBR coffee, beer
garden, Saturday night BBQ , two
Continental breakfasts, GS ride, poker
run, vendors, and speakers (Editor Surj
will be there!). Great camping on grass
and hot showers, wonderful mountain
rides in the Sierra! ccbr.org
September 26, 2015: Calistoga HalfMile (1435 N Oak St, Calistoga)
Flat track action in the heart of wine
country—last 2015 race before the finale
in Vegas! flattrackcalistoga.com.
Want your event in our calendar? Send a
note to [email protected] with details
like who, what, when, where, why and we’ll
add it. We need your info at least 45 days in
advance—more notice is better.
The Quail
Motorcycle Gathering
By Brandes Elitch
Photos: Steve Synder
T
here are iconic motorcycle shows,
such as Laconia, Daytona Beach,
and yes, Sturgis, which attract
hundreds of thousands of people. And
there are many other types of motorcycle
events: club meets, single marque events,
charity rides, and just riding around.
while Texas has more miles of road than
anywhere else (an astounding 675,000
miles), California is second, with almost
400,000 miles.
Census data can be broken down to show
where the wealthiest people live, and it
can be summarized as “by the water’s
edge.” Of the twenty biggest geographic
concentrations of wealth in the country,
A study done in 2014 by the
Department of Transportation
(based on 2011 data) shows that
enthusiasm for motorcycles,
as measured by the statistic
of “number of residents in a
state divided by the number of
registered motorcycles” is highest
in Iowa (1 per 18 people), New
Hampshire (1 per 17 people) and
South Dakota (1 per 12 people).
California is ranked number 43,
with 1 bike for 47 people.
Why are these statistics important and
relevant to the Quail Motorcycle show?
What makes The Quail so unique and
extraordinary is demographics—the
concentration of rare and valuable bikes.
The bikes and their owners reside in the
towns that are listed above. You wouldn’t
find them in the rest of the country, not
in this magnitude, not even close. Even at
prestigious Concours d’Elegance car shows,
The organizers of a show like this, or the
Pebble Beach Concours, typically have ten
applicants for every spot on the field. But
to get the bikes that are shown here, my
hunch is that Gordon has to go through
his personal Rolodex and call
up the people he knows and
ask them to attend. Motorcycle
collecting is much more insular
and there is a lot less of the Big
Money component that you
see in car collecting, where rare
cars routinely go for millions
of dollars, and are starting to
disappear into private collections,
never to be seen again.
I am doubtful that this will
happen with motorcycles,
because the people that own
them actually want to ride them!
They are motorcycle people, not
investors.
One theory about this is that
the worse the climate is for
biking, the more passionate and
driven the rider has to be to ride.
Another theory is that people
want to ride where there are
interesting roads and scenery,
less traffic and congestion, and a
lower profile of law enforcement.
There is another side of this
however: demographics.
California has over 800,000
registered motorcycles, far greater than
any other state, including Texas and
Florida. Los Angeles is the port of entry
for the majority of motorcycles coming
from the Far East, and the distributors
are located there. The Federal Highway
Administration website shows that
Car Week, The Quail Motorsports
Gathering, right here on the same field. But
motorcycle collectors are not like collectors
of expensive automobiles.
eight are in California, with several of these
areas in or near the Bay Area. San Jose is
number two. San Francisco is number 4.
Oxnard is number 7. Napa is number 10.
Santa Cruz is number 11. Los Angeles is
number 15. Santa Barbara is number 16,
and San Diego is number 18.
you might find only a dozen bikes like this,
but you sure as hell wouldn’t see 250 of
them in one place.
The organizer, Gordon McCall, is well
known in the collector car community,
because he is the organizer of perhaps the
most prestigious show during Monterey
To make it work, the show has
to have a theme, or themes. This
is the seventh year of this show,
and I always wonder how the
organizers are able to come up
with a new theme. Last year,
it was Bonneville Bikes, an
unprecedented collection of
extraordinary bikes that have
raced on the salt flats. This year, there were
a few themes: military bikes, the 750cc race
bike, and surprisingly, choppers.
That last one, choppers, was unexpected.
But it was put together by one of the most
knowledgeable motorcyclists on the planet,
1941 Indian 841—shaft drive developed for ops in
North Africa, where the desert sand eats chains.
Paul d’Orleans, who writes the Vintagent
blog, and bought my Velocette about ten
years ago. Paul has written a book called
“The Chopper: the Real Story,” and is a
consultant for the auction companies that
feature high-end cars and writes for various
motorcycle publications.
Paul chose the bikes for the chopper
display, which he
calls “a mix of artful
fabrication and
personal artistic
expression.” He
quotes art critic
Robert Hughes as
saying “the creative
ingenuity that has
gone into making the
custom bike is one of
the distinctive forms
of American folk art.”
I never thought
I’d see hot rods at
the Pebble Beach
Concours, but they
are there now, so I
guess choppers at
The Quail is not so surprising after all.
The Formula 750 exhibit highlighted the
AMA’s then-new (in 1968) competition
class, which showcased the fastest riders
and fastest bikes on the fastest track in the
world: Daytona. Honda’s CB 750 won in
‘68 and ‘69, but then Kawasaki and Suzuki,
and Yamaha two strokes came to dominate
the series. The speeds were so high that
tires, suspensions and even chassis design
had to be re-engineered. Race teams
started using monoshock or cantilevered
suspension units. The sophistication of
modern sportbikes can be directly traced to
the developments in this series.
insurgency, when Pershing’s
forces pursued Pancho Villa.
For World War I, the US
military ordered 50,000 bikes
from Indian and 20,000 from
Harley-Davidson, to be be
used for recon and perimeter
security, delivering orders,
reports, and maps, taking
ammo and supplies to the
front, rapidly deploying
machine guns, and even
carrying the wounded back to
the field hospital.
In recent times, there have been 3
American manufacturers supplying bikes
to the military. Zero Motorcycles right
here in the greater Bay Area (Santa Cruz)
makes a mil-spec electric bike, the MMX.
In Philadelphia, Christini makes a military
version of its all-wheel drive 450. And
finally, Hayes, an ex-manufacturer and
now R&D firm, brought us the KLR-based,
diesel-powered M1030. Way back in 1981
the government awarded the first RFP for
tactical motorcycles since WWII to Hayes
and they have provided a number of bikes
subsequently.
Motorcycles were also used
in WWII, although by then
the Jeep had taken on a lot of
those tasks. Harley-Davidson
copied the BMW R71 for the
North Africa campaign, with
telescoping forks, sealed shaft
drive, and engine design—
but only a few of these bikes
survive today.
But perhaps the most interesting thing at
The Quail was that a Hayes bike won the
Vetter Challenge on the Quail Ride. Fred
Hayes rode the 133 mile loop on $4.53
of biodiesel, garnering the award for the
most efficient bike, and in spite of 70+
mph speeds and high winds. Once again,
military applications are leading the way in
design and technology.
You could even say that the postwar
awakening of widespread interest in
motorcycles came from the veterans who
had ridden them in war, and were able to
buy military surplus bikes inexpensively,
and modify them to their tastes (hence the
term “chopper,” from chopping off what
Gordon McCall conducted an interview
with Grand National Champions (GNC)
Mert Lawwill (1969) and Gene Romero
(1970)—one of the highlights of the day.
Mert and Gene raced during what we call
today “The Golden Age of Dirt Track
Racing.” The GNC was a series of races
over different tracks and types of racing,
Better behaved than the average motorcyclist.
The not so obvious point is that these bikes they didn’t need).
were built for racing, and were not for sale
at dealers, so just finding original surviving The military motorcycle exhibit at this
year’s Quail featured a comprehensive
bikes is a pretty big deal.
array of bikes, including period accessories
The main exhibit was military bikes.
like trailers and even machine guns
Motorcycles were first used in military
mounted in the sidecar.
applications in the 1915 Mexican
designed to show that the riders were
proficient at all types of motorcycle racing.
Both Gene and Mert were humble and
humorous in their responses.
Mert raced for Harley-Davidson from
1964-1977 and had 15 national wins, and
is the only inductee in both
the Motorcycle Hall of
Fame and the Mountain
Bike Hall of Fame.
In 1971, Gene beat World
Road Race Champion
Giacomo Agostini, and still
holds the one hour closed
circuit record at Daytona,
150.84 mph! During his 16
year career, Gene won 12
national races.
As Gene said in this
interview, “the word is out,”
about The Quail. I expect
even more than this year’s
record-breaking 2,500
people will be attending
next year.
lighthouse, a
memorable
gentleman’s-pace
50-mile jaunt
around Monterey
All Hail The Quail
and Carmel Valley,
plus VIP parking
By Gary J Boulanger
The circumstance of our pomp was to ride at the event. Editor
In Chief Mark
down to Carmel from Mountain View to
Hoyer led the
ogle, ooh and aah over custom, vintage
70-rider group
and historic motorcycles. The missus and
aboard a mint
I planned this outing months in advance,
‘75 Honda Gold
knowing we’d make new fraternal friends
Wing. The missus
while hobnobbing on the finely-groomed
was only one of
greens at Quail Lodge & Golf Club.
two ladies on the
I heard it was a fine reason to gather on
ride (both were
a Saturday in mid May, but I had no idea
passengers), and
what to expect. Seems 2,499 others had the it would be cool
same plans for that day.
to see more next
year. Comedian
We shelled out fifty bucks to join the Cycle
Alonzo Bodden
World Tour for a breakfast ride Saturday
couldn’t hide his
morning. Not only do we have the cool
big grin under that
t-shirt to prove it, we also were treated to a
helmet as he rode
catered breakfast on the shore overlooking
a 2015 Gold Wing
the ocean in Pacific Grove near the
with our group.
Brandes Elitch lives in Sonoma County, and
is currently restoring a Honda CB750 with
sidecar. He writes a monthly column for
velocetoday.com.
Analog Motorcycles’ 1949 Indian took 1st place in Custom/Modified.
Photo: Gary Boulanger
Nice dude who
owns several
bikes, including
a custom
Ducati 1098 by
Nick Anglada
Originals and a
Triumph Rocket
III.
Mert Lawwill and a fan, with one of the few Lawwill Street Trackers.
Photo: Gary Boulanger
The main event
unfolded nicely.
My pals Geoff
and John, Jean
and I weren’t
quite sure where
to start once we
entered the Quail.
Keanu Reeves’
Arch brand was
there (as was the
“Point Break”
star himself),
but the highlight
was talking shop
with the builders.
Chicago’s Tony Prust of Analog had a
glorious custom 1949 Indian Scout and ‘75
BMW R90/6 on display, and took home
the prize in the Custom/Modified category
for the former. He worked construction for
years prior to reworking motorcycle metal,
and his attention to detail was evident at
the Quail.
My bicycle industry pal Robert Egger
showed off a bitchin’ scrambler concept
bicycle that had onlookers looking in
vain for a motor. For more than a quarter
century the Specialized Bicycle creative
director has crafted concept bikes like this
for trade shows, a reflection of his passion
for throttle bikes as well as pedal.
Tiburon’s own Mert Lawwill was featured
with former racer Gene Romero, and the
two stars of “On Any Sunday” spoke to the
crowd. Mert, an affable man who focuses
mainly on prosthetics to get people back
on motorcycles after losing the use of a
hand, shared his Harley Street Tracker
development process to an excited line of
fans.
366 bikes were on display this year, and
I was thrilled to see so many Guzzis and
BMWs. Pagnol Moto co-founder Paulo
Rosas and Arch Motorcycles co-owner
Gard Hollinger were equally thrilled by
the LaneSplittingIsLegal.com stickers I
gave them as the show wrapped up, a sure
sign that the motorcycle community just
plain ol’ digs gathering together to share its
passion, no matter what we ride.
Repair & Service
We Ship Worldwide
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US
FIRST!
Salvaged & New Parts!
Tue–Fri 10–6 Sat 9–5
Gary Boulanger is editor-in-chief of Bicycle
Times magazine, and rides his Guzzi every
moment he gets with his wife Jean.
Buried Beemer Unearthed At
The Quail
By Geoff Drake
We like to say that motorcycle restorations
are like archaeological finds. History is
revealed beneath every layer of dirt and
dust—a thousand stories told in the arcane
language of slapping pistons, worn valve
guides, and multicolored wiring bodges.
That’s not just a cute analogy for this 1965
BMW R69S: it was actually buried—on
purpose, along with two other BMWs, in
advance of a fast-burning wildfire in the
Big Sur mountains. It also won the “Spirit
of the Quail Award” at the 2015 Quail
Motorcycle Gathering in the Carmel
Valley.
straight into the sun, and thanked god for
the small things in life—like being able to
stand on its own two feet and chuff its way
regally down the highway with Teutonic
precision.
Talbott’s buried Beemer received the
Spirit of The Quail award.
Well, mostly. On two occasions, the bike
rudely burped up spark plugs that had been
previously stripped in the heads. But other
than that, it’s been a good runner.
The owner lived up a steep, largely
inaccessible canyon near Esalen. When the
Big Basin fires hit in the summer of 2008,
burning almost 250,000 acres, there just
wasn’t time to transport the bikes out. So
the owner took his handy loader, dug a
hole, and buried them—for a month.
In a sobering way, it’s the motorcycling
equivalent of the famed Mann Gulch fire
of 1949 in Montana, when a firefighter
saved himself by lighting a small patch of
earth and letting a devastating fire pass
over him. That act required the same
kind of spontaneous decision. If the fire is
advancing too fast, maybe you need to hold
your ground and dig in. For that survivor,
and these bikes, it was the only hope.
A Day in the Sun
Collector Robert Talbott, owner and
founder of Talbott Vineyards, met the
eccentric owner in 2011, and arranged to
buy the bikes. For Talbott, the R69S was
the motorcycling equivalent of King Tut’s
tomb—without the gold amulets and
scarabs. “I’ve been restoring ‘barn finds’ for
20 years,” he says. “I love bikes with great
stories.”
Talbott enlisted Ben Vickery of Ben’s
Motorcycle Works in Watsonville to help
Photo: Steve Burton
retrieve all three bikes—no easy task. It
required a very narrow truck, and a bobcat.
Talbott told Vickery to make the bike a
reliable runner.
“It was so gnarly,” said Vickery. “One side
of the truck was scraping the side of the
mountain, and the other was falling off a
cliff.”
“But I gave explicit instructions,” says
Talbott. “Don’t power-wash, clean, beadblast, repaint, or polish the bike. Just leave
it as is.
One of the bikes—a ’71 /5 with toaster
tank—is now being converted to a
scrambler by Vickery. Another—a ratty
BMW chopper—was sold. But the real
target of the expedition was the R69S.
“After all, it’s the only bike in the world
with that story.”
After two years of extensive work, the
bike emerged like a miner rescued from
underground: it squinted its eyes, looked
“It’s incredibly easy to ride,” says Talbott.
“It’s big, and heavy, but the solo seat is
wonderful. Plus, in 1965, it was a real
hot rod for BMW.” Looking at the bike
today, you can see that the air cleaner has
a fine patina of rus Beemer t. A few other
parts look like they were worked over by
a drunken blacksmith with a ball-peen
hammer. But the Earles fork resembled the
Golden Gate Bridge when it was first built,
and it still does. The fenders still could
do service on a Kenworth truck, and the
headlight looks big enough to illuminate a
prison yard. Even the taillights cast the dim
flicker that they always had—no better and
no worse. Only the number “6” is missing
from the insignia on the rear fender, which
Talbott thinks is a fitting omission for such
a storied bike.
Anyone looking at the Beemer today might
just be tempted to say, “Damn, that thing
looks like it’s been through a fire!”
In this case, it actually has.
Geoff Drake is the former editor of Bicycling
and VeloNews magazines. He’s also written
a couple of books about two wheels. You can
find his latest musings at wriding.com.
BMW Motorrad
USA
©2015 BMW Motorrad USA, a division of BMW of North America, LLC. The BMW name and logo are registered trademarks.
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little longer – because that’s where it gets exciting.
bmwmotorcycles.com
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BMW OF TRI-VALLEY
952 North Canyons Parkway
Livermore, California 94551
925-583-3300
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CALIFORNIA BMW
2490 Old Middleﬁeld Way
Mountainview, California 94043
650-966-1183
calbmw.com
Le Tigre: Triumph Tiger 800 XCx
By Surj Gish
Photos: Bob Stokstad
T
he number of confusingly similarly
named Tiger 800 versions may
leave you confused as to which
Tiger we’re talking about, so I’m gonna (try
to) clear that up right out of the gate. The
XCx (no relation to that particularly bad
pop singer, Charli XCX) is the upgraded,
more “hardcore” version of the off-road
oriented Tiger 800 XC.
Fortunately, the rest of the hardware is
pretty legit. Stopping power comes by way
of two 308 mm discs up front, squeezed
two-piston Nissin calipers, with a single
Look - it’s not hard to bolt on suspension
upgrades, add a letter to the name, maybe
paint the frame a different color and call it
a day. Fortunately, that’s not what Triumph
Switching to Off-road mode (indicated by
a little mountain on the display) shuts off
ABS on the rear wheel and increases the
immediacy of the power delivery. Fun!
More on that later. Let’s talk particulars
first.
There’s also cruise control. Woo! Heated
grips are optional, which is the “glass is half
full” way of saying “you have to pay extra
for heated grips. Poo!
The XCx is basically a Tiger XC (which
presumably stands for “cross country”
and not “x-tra cheese”) with upgraded
suspension, “dirtier” equipment (like hand
guards), and other off-road upgrades that
mostly come in the form of electronics.
Ergos are sort of adjustable by way of a twoheight seat. Low position is about 33”, while
the high position is just under 34”. There’s
an optional low seat that makes the range
about 32” to 33”—still pretty tall.
It comes with a 17” rear wheel and propersized front wheel for real off-road riding.
That’s 21”, in case your adventure bike
mostly adventures from coffee shop to
coffee shop. It’s ok, I won’t tell anyone.
Enough facts and figures, though, right?
We took this bike everywhere. It’s our style
to really ride our test bikes, and the Tiger
XCx got an extra helping of this treatment.
It went on several multi-day trips, in and
out of SF, to the Cycle Gear HQ (almost
as posh as CityBike’s offices), and saw a fair
amount of off-road duty.
And like I said, we’ll talk more about offroad-y-ness later.
In terms of dirty deeds, that x-tra “X” also
gets you an upgraded skid plate, crash bars
and hand guards. The bars and skid plate
are unromantic, purposeful pieces that
seem like they’ll do their jobs, but the hand
guards are the first sign that the “spirit of
adventure” didn’t quite make it into “every
single component.” They’re plastic, and
quite frankly, pretty wimpy for a bike
that’s supposed to be ready to take on the
unpaved parts of the world.
It’s not like Triumph is the first bike maker
to commit the sin of using hand guards
that look proper at first glance, but provide
about as much protection as a piece of
Tupperware, and this is easily addressed—
but this is an XC with extra “X”! Come on!
There’s a rain mode, but since it never rains
any more… see above. All sport mode, all
the time.
Wait… here’s an important point: we here
at CityBike applaud the addition of some
kind of rain mode to modern bikes. It’s a
cool feature, and I’m not dissing it. I just
have a hard time doing much more than a
cursory test, like “Yeah, ok, Rain mode is
slower. Back to Sport we go!”
Triumph says “The spirit of adventure
isn’t just alive. It’s built into every single
component of the new XCx.”
The additional “X” gets you WP
suspension, instead of the Showa bits on
the XC: 43mm upside-downers up front,
with adjustable rebound and compression
toppers, and a single shock out back,
adjustable for preload and rebound
damping. Travel is 220 mm up front, 215
mm in the rear.
Seriously? I have to tell you? Sport, duh.
piston clamping the 255 mm disc out back.
There’s of course ABS, but we’re going to
talk more about that in a bit. Hint: because
it’s special.
Motivation comes from the now nearlegendary 800cc Triple: fuel injected,
DOHC, hooked up to a six speed tranny.
It puts out just under 95 horsepower, and
delivers 58 foot-pounds of torque.
did (this time). The electronics get some
seriously good tweaks that up the game of
the Tiger over the standard XC.
First, let’s talk about the most important
upgrade: the advanced trip computer.
Just kidding. It’s advanced or whatever,
but… uh, whatever.
The riding modes and adjustable traction
control and ABS are the big deal here.
If you’ve got ears and/or eyes, you’ve
There are road and off-road modes, made
probably heard or read multiple accounts
possible by the magic of ride-by-wire
of how this motor is just great, fantastic,
throttle, and a user-customizable mode
awesome, and so on.
that lets the rider screw around with
And it is. Triumph’s Triples are excellent— traction control, throttle response and ABS
settings.
no denying it. But since it’s been said so
many times, we’re not going to waste time
But really, the default modes are pretty
repeating that praise (well, maybe some…
damn good. Power delivery in Road mode
but later) and instead move on to the
is pretty civilized, even when switched to
electronic upgrades that make the XCx
Sport. Guess which mode our bike stayed
version of the Tiger x-tra special.
in.
Back on the road to Trona, the Tiger felt
more at home—although I have no doubt
that with more off-road oriented tires, it’d
do well in most off-road situations, short of
serious single track and that sort of thing.
Even with those damn Battlewings on it, it
That big front wheel, in spite of what more did fine on the several miles of dirt road out
street-centric riders will tell you, works well to the Pinnacles, and puttering around out
on and off the road. Sure, if you’re never
in the desert.
going to entertain off-road aspirations, you
After the Pinnacles, I headed towards
might be better served by the 19” front of
an XR or XRx, but you don’t give up much greater Los Angeles, AKA Greater Hell.
More rain. It seems that every time I head
to the increased front wheel size on the
south, the skies open up. If I could just
street.
set side more time for riding to SoCal
When I reached Lake Isabella, the water
(ugh…) I could single-handedly solve this
was so low that a jaunt around the lakebed drought thing. Maybe I should do one of
was unavoidable. Seemed like a good idea
those crowd-funding dealies: “Help solve
at the time. Spirit of adventure, right?
California’s drought—pay Surj to just ride
Standing on the pegs, riding one side of the all the time!”
formerly underwater doubletrack trails in
Solid plan, indeed.
the lakebed, the XCx felt great—almost
Here’s the point: at the end of a pretty
like a real dirt bike. But I got in over my
head in some of the soft sand at water’s edge hellish day, with lots of freeway miles, lots
of rain, lots of wind, and even an off-road
and the bike was dug into the soft clay/
But when I checked the weather the
This is where the other area that the
mud/muck in no time. Fortunately, after I excursion gone a little wrong, I couldn’t
morning of my departure, it was snowing
“spirit of adventure” (as opposed to actual
complain much
adventure-readiness) failed to deliver in the in the mountains, so I decided to take 5
about the bike;
south,
and
cut
over
to
the
Pinnacles
via
real world. The Bridgestone Battlewings
just the opposite,
are pretty good all-purpose tires, but when Highway 178. I strapped my black and
actually. I could
the going gets sloppy, well… you’re gonna yellow, adventure-y looking Wolfman dry
imagine riding
bag on the seat and hit the road. It rained—
want to slow down, unless you want to
several more days
at times really poured—most of the way
test those crash bars. And if you’re stupid
on it.
to Bakersfield, where it got really windy
enough (like me) to head out into a sortadry, sorta-muddy lakebed with the bike still and dusty and unpleasant in a different
When I’m assessing
wearing the stock shoes, you deserve what way. The kind of way that includes massive
test bikes, I think
tumbleweeds rolling across the freeway.
you get.
about the bike
several ways:
It was cold and wet, so I was sort of
Note to self, and you, if you’re my kind
like how the bike
frustrated
by
the
lack
of
heated
grips,
of dumb: pack one of those little folding
compare to similar
but other than that, the Tiger did fine.
shovels next time, damnit.
bikes in its class
The upright riding position and spacious
Like the hand guards, tires are easily
and price range,
ergonomics made it plenty comfortable for
addressed, and it’s not like I didn’t know
which is a fair and
the full duration of a tank of fuel, although
the tires were inadequate for real off-road
fairly objective
the seat has kind of a weird spot at the
use when I headed out into the lakebed...
question. But I
back where you can feel the hard plastic
but still. X-tra X!
also ask myself two
frame, which means the usable size of the
questions: would I
rider
portion
of
the
two-piece
seat
is
less
Maybe I’ve got this wrong. Maybe I should
buy this thing with
than it could be. The windscreen, while
really be bitching at the riders that create
my own money,
non-adjustable and not particularly large,
this pseudo-adventure market, buying
and could I ride
did a nice job of managing wind noise—
tall-rounder sport-tourers that look like
it every day? The
no bubble of tranquility like with a large
the real deal but rarely see more dirt than
former is subjective
screen,
mind
you,
but
the
airflow
was
that leftover gunk in the newly opened,
but sensible,
well
managed
and
smooth,
with
very
little
post-thaw curves of springtime mountain
while the latter
buffeting.
passes. Hell, I’m often guilty of this myself.
is near-idiotic—
But the still-seething rebellion of the
When I hit the twisties of 178, the Tiger
lots of awesome
now sorta-grown up punk kid in me still
really came alive. Roared, you might
gave up on extracting it from the muck by
bikes make terrible daily riders. What can
bristles at moto-marketing departments
say. It’s easy to ride quickly—the power
myself, a couple of nice fisherman I found
I say? It’s the years of single-bike daily
“stretching the truth.”
delivery from the Triple is so smooth
a half mile or so down the shoreline helped commuting speaking.
that once you get learn its ways and get
Fortunately, the Tiger delivers in every
me pull the bike out, and I was on my way.
your trail braking right, it lets you carve
other way. For real, for serious. It’s bad
ass. And please note the italics and pause
between “bad” and “ass” for emphasis of
the badass-ness.
curves oh-so-smoothly. The Battlewings,
which would be my undoing just an hour
later, stick to pavement well enough that I
dragged the pegs through some really tight,
bumpy stuff with zero drama.
Between its light-ish weight (for an
adventure bike) and the excellent power
delivery, The XCx is a dream to ride. A
really good dream, actually. Almost wet.
Max was so in love with it, I had to promise
him an R1 to get him to give it back. We’ll
see how that goes. Actually, we will—very
soon. Stay tuned.
The best way to tell you about the
experience of riding this thing is to tell you
how I took it back to SoCal. I’d planned to
ride it over Sonora Pass, trace the backside
of the Sierra south, and photograph the
bike at the Trona Pinnacles. Spirit of
adventure and all that.
rush hour pace of East Bay freeways, 3rd
was the one gear to rule them all.
Prior to getting dirty with Peaches, I
had only done a little flat track (“No
Experience? No Problem. Let’s Go
Racing!” - September 2014), so I’d be lying
if I said I wasn’t nervous about getting her
dirty.
But she understood, and was very gentle...
too gentle. At first, I failed to shut off the
traction control which resulted in a couple
of “oh shit!” moments. Nothing gets my
heart pumping like thwacking the go stick
to slide around a corner only to have the
power go away. I don’t blame Peaches
though; I blame my inability to locate her
“dirty button”.
Seriously, all I had to do was press the mode
button on the dash to unleash the slide-y
goodness.
If I like a bike, I start to think about what
I’d need to do to make it mine, make it
perfect. For the Tiger, that list is short.
I’d add luggage, and mount my GPS on
the bars. I’d get some real hand guards,
and depending on the type of riding I was
doing, I might get some different tires. I’d
probably get a custom seat to address that
little ridge at the back of the stocker.
These are things I’d have to do to almost
any bike I’d buy. And with most bikes, I’d
have to do substantially more.
The Triumph Tiger XCx is a worthy, even
kickass, machine; one I could see myself
spending my own money on and riding
every day.
Max Loves “Peaches XCx”
By Max Klein
Her name is Peaches, and we are in love.
She is gentle when I need her to be, and
when I want to rev it up a bit, Peaches is
always ready to go. She liked to get dirty,
and let me to do things with her than no
other demo bike would.
Before you accuse Peaches of being a
homewrecker, I already told my wife. The
three of us enjoyed our romps through
the hills, and Mrs. Klein was almost more
disappointed that this
fling had to come to an
end than I was.
In all seriousness, the
Tiger XCx 800 was the
most enjoyable test
bike I have been on.
Sure, before Peaches,
that list consisted
mostly two giant
cruisers, but trust me.
I’m a professional.
Commuting on this
bike was a breeze.
When traffic slowed to
CHP-recommended
lane sharing speeds,
you could either drop
three gears, or leave
Peaches in 6th—she
didn’t care.
The gearbox was
so forgiving that I
decided to try my
commute without
leaving 3rd gear. From
stop and go street
traffic, to the blistering
While too much baggage is usually a bad
thing, it was the only thing really missing
from Peaches. A couple of sidecases and a
top case would make the XCx a damn near
perfect middleweight machine. Even a
soulmate.
I’ll miss you, Peaches.
Aww Sheet!
The 2015 Sheetiron 300 Dualsport
By Aaron Bonner
Photos by Aaron Bonner
& Bungee Brent
W
hen a few of my riding buddies
suggested doing the Sheetiron
300 this year I was initially
skeptical. I did the ride a couple of years
back on a plated 250cc two-stroke, and had
an absolute blast. But I also remembered
the crowds, the dust, and the wear and tear
on my aging body.
So I’d decided that once was enough.
My riding buddies, however, are a
persistent bunch. We rode Baja in January,
and many of them were going to be doing
the Sheetiron for the first time this year.
My trusty 2010 KTM 690 Enduro R.
Photo: Aaron Bonner
bike performed flawlessly in Baja, and I’d
just finished stripping down and building
back up, with fresh seals and bearings from
top to bottom. The beauty of the 690 is
that I have no qualms about riding it from
Pacifica to Stonyford, instead of trucking a
bike like many riders on smaller dualsport
bikes do.
I rolled out from my house in Pacifica on
Friday afternoon, and made good time
through San Francisco, at least until I hit
the Bay Bridge, when I noticed that I had
gone a bit over 200 miles since I last refuelled.
“I wonder when my low fuel light is going
to come on,” I thought to myself.
Photo: Bungee Brent
of my friends congregated around one
of the large trees that dot the Stonyford
Rodeo Grounds, where many riders camp.
Shortly after my arrival, the skies opened
up, drenching the campground and
providing quite a spectacle of thunder and
lightning. Fortunately, the storm stopped
almost as quickly as it started, and we
resumed our pre-storm activities, mostly
drinking beer and greyhounds and eating
unhealthy snacks. This was going to be a
fun night!
I’m not sure what time I went to bed, but
the morning arrived much more quickly
than I would have liked.
Our group of seven was a bit on the large
side, and not particularly well organized.
Not 500 yards later, my question was
answered. As I sputtered to a stop on
the shoulder of the Bay
Bridge I cursed myself
For those of you unfamiliar, the Sheetiron for relying on a dummy
is an annual dualsport ride hosted by the
light, particularly
Oakland Motorcycle Club; a two day ride, when I had recently
every May, from Stonyford to Fort Bragg
been experiencing the
and back, limited to 500 riders.
occasional gremlins in my
The organizers provide easier routes for big dash display.
adventure bikes, and more difficult routes Sigh.
for riders on more dirt-oriented machines.
I’ll save you the details,
Riders of various skill levels can mix and
match the easy and hard sections to achieve but it was another ninety
minutes-plus before I
the desired level of difficulty. The OMC
keeps it old school, using roll charts instead was on my way. Lesson
of GPX files for navigation, which adds a bit learned.
of fun.
The rest of the ride to
Stonyford was uneventful,
My weapon of choice for this year’s event:
and I arrived to find many Photo: Bungee Brent
my trusty 2010 KTM 690 Enduro R. The
In spite of my initial doubts, it didn’t take
much convincing before I decided I would
join them.
We got a bit of a late start, but the previous
night’s rain kept the dust under control.
We had barely hit the first hard split when
one of our most skilled riders had to call it
quits. The newly rebuilt shock on his XR
had zero damping and he was bouncing
like a bull rider in a rodeo. Apparently, the
shop had messed up his shock pretty badly.
Not good.
He turned back, lest he slow us down too
much and risk injuring himself.
Bummer.
I somehow got volunteered to lead the
group after that. This went well, until I had
a nasty crash.
Nearing the end of a steep downhill
section, I saw a nice roller at the bottom.
I was feeling pretty good and decided to
give it some gas and catch some air. But I’d
misjudged the magnitude of the bump, and
soon found myself much higher up than
expected.
To make matters worse, I was also a bit
sideways—that extra twist of the throttle
had spun the rear and sent launched me at a
bit of an angle. I could tell that this was not
going to end well.
I almost brought the bike back in line
before landing. Almost… but I smashed
into the ground pretty hard, where I
remained until one of my buddies arrived.
After the obligatory pictures of him taking
a nap with my sleeping bike, he helped
me pick it up. I was too sore to pick it up
on my own—not a good sign. My field
assessment: bruised a few ribs, but nothing
serious.
I decided to press on.
After another eight-plus hours, we rolled
into Fort Bragg. A few of our crew had
taken some spills, and we were all dirty,
sore and tired. It was a great day!
Over dinner, I let my buddies know that
I was in too much pain to complete the
event, and had decided to ride directly
home from Fort Bragg. It was a tough
decision, but ultimately the right one—the
next morning, after a scenic but painful
ride down the coast, I decided to get
checked out at the hospital.
Daniel, Craig and W taking a quick break before hitting the trail again.
Sure enough, my trailside diagnosis was a
little off—I had a couple of cracked ribs.
Photo: Aaron Bonner
Gus!
2015 was my second Sheetiron and even
though I only completed the first day, it was
even better than my first. This is an event
that is best enjoyed with friends, and I had a
great group of friends with me. The scenery
was nothing short of amazing, and the
memories will last a long time—as will the
teasing about crashing less than an hour
into the first day.
If you haven’t experienced the Sheetiron
Dualsport, I strongly recommend you gear
up with a few friends and make it happen.
Aaron Bonner is CityBike’s newest writer. He
lives in Pacifica, works in the bio-pharmasomething-or-other industry, is an avid home
brewer, and has been riding motorcycles of all
sorts since he was 7 years old.
Photo: Bungee Brent
Caught a bit more air than anticipated and failed to stick the landing. W decided that a nap sounded
good and joined my bike for a few quick winks.
Photo: Aaron Bonner
Uncertainty Of
Goodbye
sam DEVINE
of mortality. But impending surgeries,
terminal diseases, lost loved ones, these
reveal not only our own brevity, but the
fragility of all life. When we realize that
we’re pretty much in constant danger,
motorcycling suddenly makes sense. If
we’re going to buy the farm, we might as
well tear up some country roads along
the way.
A
recent motorcycle student chose
to do only one lesson because he
was going in for surgery soon. He’s
a tech developer, new to San Francisco,
only living here for about a year. He works
about 90 hours a week developing an app
for a start-up company. He’s having a
small tumor removed from his brain.
It’s benign, he assured me, but warned
that he couldn’t hear from his left ear
because of it.
While motorcycling is still
statistically one of the most
dangerous ways to travel (around
an 8 out of 10,000 chance of
fatality), it’s not as hazardous as a
McDiet. And when you look at the
numbers, the risks while riding are
significantly increased by other
vehicles, speeding and alcohol. If
you wear a helmet, obey the speed
limit, stay sober and avoid heavy
traffic, it’s about as precarious as
walking down the street.
He did well with the bike and received
the same lesson I would give anyone
else—advice on how to progress
gradually: get this type of glove, that
type of helmet; don’t ride the clutch
or repairs can get expensive. But while
discussing long-term plans, there was an
underlying sense that this might be his
only motorcycle ride.
Two people I know have survived brain
surgery in the last two years and I’ve never
personally known anyone that’s died on the
operating table. But surgery is still a scary
prospect. When mom had neck surgery a
few years ago she was terrified enough to
give us a little just-in-case goodbye speech.
I’ve gone under the knife a few
times and there’s always a little
nagging thought in the back of
the brain, warning: “Say your
goodbyes, pal.”
As a trade-off for the increased risk,
motorcycling gives us a sensation of
control. There are many reasons to ride,
but the strongest reason I know of is the
need to live, to hold the reins, to feel things
now. That’s why the pre-op student wanted
a motorcycle lesson. Staring down the
barrel of brain surgery, he realized there
were things he hadn’t done and was going
after them while he had the
time, just in case.
“...the longest to live and the soonest to die lose
exactly the same thing, for it is only the present
moment which one can be deprived of…”
-Marcus Aurelius
Surgery makes us stop and
consider our mortality more
than usual. We tell ourselves
that our risk of death is greatly
increasing; time to get our affairs
in order. But the truth is that we’re really
just lying to ourselves the rest of the time.
Any number of things could kill us at
any moment, and eventually something
absolutely will.
Motorcycling is considered too dangerous
for most people. And we often dismiss the
hazards of motorcycling, joking that we
could be killed by a truck while walking
down the street, but it seriously happens.
According to the US Department of
Transportation, around 5,000 pedestrians
have been killed annually since the 90s.
Remarkably, throughout the 90s, the
number of motorcyclist fatalities hovered
around half that of pedestrians.
But we don’t call our loved ones to say
goodbye before we walk to the corner
store. We’re afraid of surgery not because
the risk has actually increased but because
we have to relinquish control, trusting
our lives in someone else’s hands. If the
surgeon’s cereal was soggy at sun-up, a
sudden scalpel slip could clip away a life. So the seat, I think of every cool explosion I’ve
ever seen and yell inside my head, “Yeah
it goes.
baby! Let’s light this frickin’ candle! Woo!”
We’re afraid of flying for the same reason.
While plane flights distress us
In 2011 and 2012 the odds of dying in a
commercial flight in the US were precisely momentarily, they don’t give us the
full freak-out, the absolute realization
zero, goose egg, nada, bupkis. So it’s
actually safer on a plane than walking
down the street. But we don’t pop a Xanax
before entering a crosswalk. Instead we
panic—partially because of mainstream
media hype—because we’re powerless to
control our fate if that little tin can starts to
nose-dive from 30,000 feet.
If we were really afraid of death, we’d stop
eating cheeseburgers, cut our alcohol
intake in half and use safer transportation.
But what we’re really afraid of is feeling
helpless, held hostage by doctors and pilots.
But there’s one thing we can always do: let
go and enjoy the ride. I’m scared of lying in
pain on a hospital bed, dying slowly, unable
to move, alone, broken, feeble, devoured
by age or disease. That’s not how I want to
go. So right before lift-off, when the plane
engines thrust, pressing me back against
And while he rode, he was
grinning ear to ear. Lost in the
motion, forgetting his troubles
and potential impending doom.
He was alive and free, if only for
a moment.
Sam is CityBike’s newest
columnist. He lives in SF, teaches motorcycling
and kitesurfing during the day, tends bar
at night, and sports the closest thing to ZZ
Top-level facial hair of any of the CityBike
Wrecking Crew.
dr. gregory w. FRAZIER
Chief, World
Adventure
Affairs Desk
Stolen Adventures
Around The Globe
front of the hotel, with a “security guard on
duty all night,” according to the manager.
My mental replay of the attempt at stealing
the motorcycle was simple. Two or
more thieves tried to quietly roll the
ir, come down to the front desk, motorcycle away, only to discover the
your moto has been stolen!”
front forks locked. They then lifted
yelled the hotel operator on the the front wheel off the ground and
bedside phone at 3:00 AM when he called continued to drag it forward until
my room in Bogota, Colombia.
the chain I had wrapped around
the rear wheel and locked became
Pandemonium and doom best described
ensnarled in the swing arm. Six feet
my feeling as I rushed to the front of the
into their theft they realized their plan
hotel. Then giant perplexium clouded
was doomed due to lack of manpower.
my fuzzy gray matter because I saw my
They dropped the motorcycle front
motorcycle flopped in the middle of the
street laid on its side. The sleepy parking lot wheel and beat feet. The crash of the
guard was shaking off his evening alcoholic motorcycle on the street awoke the security
buzz while standing on the hotel sidewalk. guard from his beer-induced nap and he
woke the front desk worker who called me.
I ran to the downed BMW R80G/S that
was leaking gas on the street. Between the I unlocked the front forks, rear security
sobering security guard and me, we righted chain and untangled the rear wheel and
we rolled the motorcycle back to a parking
it and parked it on the side stand. An
spot closer to the front door so the night
inspection found nothing broken or bent.
manager could see it from the front desk,
The front forks were still in the locked
when and if he was awake.
position.
It had been the my first night in Colombia The loss of the motorcycle would have
with the motorcycle and I had taken a hotel brought my South American adventure
to an early halt, but the loss of the cash I
that was mid-scale in price but offered
advertised secured parking in a paved lot in had carefully hidden on the motorcycle
far exceeded the cost of the motorcycle,
teaching me to break-up my cash stash
and hide it in places other than all in one
wad on the motorcycle.
“S
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An acquaintance relayed his stolen
motorcycle story from Luang
Prabang, Laos, bettering my
Colombian adventure. He had
rented a new Kawasaki KLX250S
in Thailand and was doing a two
week loop into Laos. At night he
would off-load his side bags and
tank bang, leaving the stock Kawasaki
parked with locked forks in a secured hotel
parking lot, as secure as he could find,
which on his night of stolen-motorcycleadventure included a security guard.
An hour later the front desk worker was
back excitedly pounding on the guest’s
door, saying, “Your mocy, come, your
mocy!”
was halted when a pick-up truck stopped
next to his motorcycle and six men leapt
out of the truck bed. One quickly used a
giant set of bolt cutters to cut the chain
and before the owner could slide out of his
A second rush to the front of the hotel
restaurant booth and run at the thieves
found the security guard holding two
they had lifted and tossed his motorcycle
Long after the town had quieted down and locals at the end of his gun with their hands into the bed of the truck, jumped back in
in the air.
he was asleep he was awoken by the front
themselves and were gone.
desk worker knocking on his door, who was Unbelievably, the two thieves had returned
Recounting these tales of nearly stolen and
saying, “Your mocy, come, your mocy.”
to the scene of their earlier attempted
stolen motorcycles my acquaintance noted
When he reached the street they found the crime with a second pull cart. They had
that he and I had been lucky. We were in
managed to quietly roll the motorcycle
security guard standing guard over the
foreign countries when our not-so-smart
motorcycle resting on top of a broken two- far enough away from the security guards
thieves tried to bring our adventures to an
sleeping post to muscle it halfway onto
wheel pull cart in the middle of the street.
end. Not so lucky was the Harley traveler
the bed of the pull cart before the security
The weight of the locked motorcycle,
in the United States, his adventure having
having been lifted and loaded on to the flat guard awoke and halted their theft with his ended by his motorcycle thieves being
pointed gun.
pull cart, had caused one of the wheels of
better trained or educated in the art of
the pull cart to collapse and the thieves had The police were called and the two
motorcycle thievery.
abandoned their effort and disappeared
thieves were supposedly taken to jail,
Dr. Frazier’s new all-color coffee table book,
into the night.
the paperwork and questioning taking
DOWN AND OUT IN PATAGONIA,
the renter, security guard and thieves
The motorcycle was wrestled off the
KAMCHATKA AND TIMBUKTU,
into daylight hours, at which point my
downed cart, front forks unlocked and
available at mototorbooks.com, is the firstacquaintance took photographs.
rolled back to the shed where the security
ever first-hand chronicle of a never-ending
guard assured the front desk worker and
motorcycle ride by “the world’s most cerebral
We were laughing at the stupidity of our
guest he would more diligently insure its
thief stories until we recalled the tale about motorcyclist.” It is highly “recommended” by
security the rest of the night.
the Harley-Davidson Sportster owner who Grant Johnson, horizonsunlimited.com
had chained his motorcycle to a telephone adventure travel book guru, and for dream
riding armchair and keyboard adventurists.
pole and locked the forks. His adventure
maynard
Glenn was hundreds of miles from
home, his GS held hostage until he paid
the exorbitant charges. He argued, then
gritted his teeth and paid, rode home and
parked the bike. Never rode it again. Years
later he sold it. He never again wanted to
find himself at the mercy of a predatory
service department. Soured him on
motorcycling permanently.
Catalina Island races and the half-mile flat
track racing at Ascot Park in Gardena.
Mexico line. Pretty country, chock full of
nothing at all.
He moved to Northern California, lived
in San Francisco and kept riding. We
met in 1970, when I opened a motorcycle
accessory store not far away in San Mateo.
Luckily, the friends I made through the
store lasted far longer than the store itself.
Not far into New Mexico, in an area
where a nuclear explosion might well go
unnoticed; a radar cop got me for 75mph in
a 65mph zone. I took my helmet off when I
got off the bike so the young officer could
see my gray hair. I was impeccably polite.
Benson and the rally were an easy
half-day away. Around 100 riders
came to the first-year event, some from
as far away as western Canada or the US
Southeast and Midwest.
Jim only recently sold his yellow Ducati
748. He was over 90 then, surely the
oldest 748 owner on the planet. As you’d
expect, he found the low bars prohibitively
uncomfortable, and didn’t want to mount
higher ones. They are inappropriate, he felt,
on such a lovely, purposeful bike.
I told him I’d been riding at a speedometer
75, counting, as always, on my ZRX’s
speedo reading 10% high. He said I’d been
going exactly as fast as my speedo read.
I didn’t believe him there on the side of
Highway 80, but I nodded and signed the
citation.
We watched the MotoGP from Argentina
together. I thanked him yet again for
convincing me to follow those events a
decade ago. I remember him talking about
Valentino Rossi, and not knowing who
When I got home, I sent the money to the
state of New Mexico. Maybe they’ll use
my fine to build a new wing on a children’s
hospital.
HERSHON
I
n the middle of April I rode south from
Denver into New Mexico and west
into southern Arizona. The plan was
to attend a BMW rally in Benson, maybe
35 miles east of Tucson. Because my entire
trip was at altitude and in April, I didn’t
dare ride two-lane mountain roads—too
much chance of snow.
Appeared to me that more than half the
bikes there were GS BMWs, giant streetor-trail models. Each day at the rally, local
volunteers led a street ride and a dirt ride.
Remarkably, the off-road rides outdrew the
street rides.
Sights Along the Road
So loaded was it, the rider appeared to be
moving by scooter to his new home. Minus
furniture, of course. We almost never see
small scooters outside of cities here in the
US. Email Editor Surj if you think I’m
wrong.
I gave the guy a big thumbs-up as I passed.
If he’d have been riding a bit faster, I’d have
rolled along with him, maybe stopped with
him for coffee, heard some stories. Oh,
well.
Until he was in his 40s, Jim lived in
Southern California, where he rode with
friends and attended events that are
gone but have become legends—like the
Jim, at 94 years of age, walks the same and
talks the same. His gait is a little slower, but
still recognizable. It’s Jim. When I followed
him from town out to his and Irene’s
place in Naco, I had to hustle to keep up.
No kidding. He’s not afraid to stretch the
throttle cable.
Has a life eyeballs-deep in motorcycling
kept him healthy and vital? Can’t have hurt,
can it?
We said goodbye over coffee in downtown
Bisbee. I headed east on Highway 80
past the Geronimo Surrender Site east
of Douglas, Arizona, almost to the New
Reliable, timely service at
reasonable rates on all
makes of motorcycles
Visit our new shop:
990 Terminal Way, San Carlos
D
OL
IN
DU
ST
RI
RY
T
UN
CO
I spent the night in a motel in Silver City
and had dinner and breakfast with my
ex-motorcyclist friend Glenn. Glenn used
to ride lots of miles on his R11GS, long
camping loops all over the US. On one of
those loops, he realized his bike was due
for a service. He stopped at a now defunct
BMW dealer in Idaho. The guys there
installed a tire and did a basic service to his
GS, charged him twice or three times what
he’d expected.
Jim rides every day, usually only to go into
Bisbee from his home in nearby Naco, a
stone’s throw from Mexico, to coffee with
cronies at the Bisbee Coffee Company
downtown.
Rossi was. He liked calling him Rudolph
Valentino.
LLY
In the middle of nowhere, New Mexico the
next morning, miles from civilization, I saw
what looked like a heavily laden motorcycle
ahead. I caught it surprisingly quickly. It
was a scooter, right there on I-25. Not a
maxi-scooter but a smallish one, maybe a
150 or so, ridden at 45mph in the slow lane.
After the rally, I rode to Bisbee, Arizona,
a few miles from the border with Mexico,
to visit my buddy Jim W. My motorcycle
friend for 45 years, Jim is 94 years old. He
only has two bikes now, my old Honda
GB500, looking every bit as good as it did
when he bought it from me several years
ago, and a supermoto-ized DR650 Suzuki.
HO
So I rode Interstate 25 south through
Colorado Springs and Pueblo, over
Raton Pass and down past Santa Fe and
Albuquerque, New Mexico. I reached
Socorro, New Mexico, that first night, tired
but pleased. It’d be an easy ride to Silver
City in the morning.
AL
101
M
TER
L
INA
AN
ITT
BR
ed HERTFELDER
The Assassin
Schemel said that was right; Fletcher said
that he couldn’t say, because ever since he
hit that tree branch his memory is only in
black and white.
e
ation by M
r. J
Seems that Ed and that goofy
Rokon he rode were wearing-in a
new drive belt and got themselves
snookered into following a Suzuki
riding, mild manner reporter who
had turned into Superman on a
fast firecut near Quaker Bridge.
Ed had ducked a branch and
looked up again to see a SECOND
branch two and a half inches in
front of his eyebrow approaching at
eighteen miles an hour.
en
ns
str
Illu
W
e were standing around waiting
for the Stumpjumper enduro
results, forearming icicles off
our noses and warming our hands on
what the volunteer firemen called coffee.
Somebody, not me, asked Ed Fletcher
about the bruise on the side of his face,
a blue centered, yellow edged patch of
color which I estimated to be a week
and a full bottle of Bufferin old.
That same guy had got ME, three weeks
ago. I had gone to Quaker Bridge
Road just to get some of
the tightness out of
a new chain,
Four wheel drives and horses aside, the
road is the nearest one to civilization
that isn’t growing a housing project every
quarter-mile. And it’s also near a watering
hole called Pic-A-Lilly Inn where the ice
cold necessities of life are
available.
Like Daniel Boone, I can honestly say I’ve
never been LOST. Confused often, but
never lost.
Boone, remember, admitted he was once
confused for TWO MONTHS but never
lost.
Soon, I found I had to screw it on quite
a bit to keep up with the guy, and the
air ramming down my open collar was
pressurizing my jacket like a stuffed
sausage. I stopped dragging my boot to
mark the turns after I caught a root and
almost kicked myself in the back of my
neck.
Fast is one thing, and over your head
is another. In between is a margin of
maybe one mile an hour, separating
exhilaration and scaring yourself into
locking up your bowels.
The guy had me breathing hard and
deep and exhilarating myself into a bad
case of hyperventilation which tends
to cloud my vision with red spots—not
good when there are trees coming at you
BEHIND the red spots.
Foolish, I followed him up the steep side
of Jemima Mountain until my traction and
forward progress went away and I did my
ODNE number.
“Does it hurt?”
The
Suzuki
rider had
“Training Wheels Schemel was standing
seemed to
behind us and had overheard the story of
materialize
the quick Suzuki riding stranger. “Same
from a
guy got me”, Schemel said as he hiked up
because
road culvert
his pants leg and showed up an elliptical
the road
as
soon as I
slice of Lebenon baloney stuck to his leg
had just
rolled
my Bultaco
where his exhaust pipe had cooled.
the right
out of my van. The
Schemel had also been riding near Quaker combination
pleasant looking rider
of stutter-bumps
Bridge when he met a fellow who knew
asked about the clock and
and gully-whoppers
some trails, and the next thing he knew
route sheet holder and the spare
to stretch an extra halfhe was steering his motorcycle with the
cables and the vice grips clamped on the
footpegs out of a slow-roll off an off-camber link in no time at all. (This was
front down tube and he even noticed the
before the introduction of O-ring chains).
turn that was so off-camber that you
shift lever spiked as high as it would go. I
couldn’t walk upright on it.
It’s not a nice place to ride—every time you gave him my fifty cent enduro spiel, laying
the word “competition” on him as much
hit the middle of top gear you meet a four
“Was that one of those yellow bikes that
as I thought he could stand and making
wheel drive car or a four leg drive horse
look like three bananas in a row?”
enduro riding sound like a combination
standing in the same rut you’re glued to.
Super Bowl, World War II and penicillin.
“Only when I move my left eye.”
An ODNE is an ENDO going backwards.
Ordinarily these can turn into a “Let’s
wait for the X-rays” situation, but I have
perfected a combination side-stroke and
sideways push-off which gives me a good
start to my spectacular “terror crawl” when
I hit the ground. This movement often
tears the fingers out of my gloves and leaves
a strip of ground ready for planting.
After the ODNE crash I caught up to him
again with ten yards of my duct tape repair
flapping behind my ass.
Yesterday I made a special trip down to
Quaker Bridge to find this guy and have a
long talk with him. He was there all right,
and I found out he doesn’t even REALIZE
he’s destroying people. He admitted he
often has to wait for others to catch up,
he just doesn’t notice they’re sometimes
bleeding out the ears or holding the
He appeared to be a regular wire-helmeted, throttle with their left hand because the
turn-signaled, ignition-keyed play rider.
fingers of the right hand are curled into the
I asked if I might follow him for a while,
top left jacket pocket to keep the ends of a
as this is a good way to get free layout
broken collar bone from grating.
mileage; and I think it’d be neat to follow
someone I can pass anytime I want, as I so The fellow claimed he was not a good rider
but the fact is re rides every day in the same
seldom meet them.
area. He knows every root and low branch
He was an older guy, past fifty, but
and every off-camber turn in that one
he looked to be in good low-mileage
square mile area.
condition. We started out at a moderate
Today’s advice: never follow a local rider
pace and he, thoughtfully, glanced back
after each turn to see if I was following. As unless she tapes 36-23-35 and has a steady
always, I was dropping a boot at each turn job.
to mark the trail because I’ve followed too Falling in love doesn’t break collarbones…
many turkeys who stop suddenly and say,
usually.
“I hope you know where YOU are, ‘cause I
Get Ed’s latest book, 80.4 Finish Check on
sure don’t.”
Amazon.com!
Tankslapper
Some Of The Gear, Some Of The
Time… Or Something
There were more, but let’s not beat around
the bush.
Boy, did we hear from our readers about
GoGo riding the Lightning LS-218
(“Greased Frightening” - June 2015) in
jeans. You’d think we’d invented abortions
or something.
GoGo actually wore proper riding pants
to the test ride / photo shoot, but the bike
was so scary fast, well… he had an accident.
And we don’t mean he crashed the bike. So
he had to change into jeans to avoid gracing
the cover of our lovely mag in his tigerstriped jockey shorts.
One reader wrote:
Fine! I’ll wear pants.
Was GoGo forced to wear jeans on the test
Your Mom Rides An FJR
ride of the Lightning to make sure if he made a
Joel wrote in to point out that Editor
mistake he wouldn’t soon forget?
Surj’s likening of Yamaha’s FJR1300ES
Hmph. We kinda wish we’d thought of
to Toyota’s Camry isn’t necessarily a bad
that. I suppose we could have gone whole
thing.
hawg and made him ride it in shorts, tank
My mom daily-drives a 2001 V6 Camry. I
top and flip flops to really drive the point
commute on my ‘06 Kawi 750. I drove her
home.
car the other day and coming out from a
Our own John Joss, who once attended a
light I noticed how much guts it had. I also
Honda bike launch event (“2015 CBR300R remembered that in high school I raced and
First Ride: Thumpin’ To Talk About” tied my friend in an ‘oughts Mustang, both of
October 2015) in his ‘Stich paired with a
us full of passengers. Then I looked down and
slick new pair of black leather dress shoes,
saw it had 303k miles. Maybe my bike will
fresh from his cordwainer, said:
make it that far with the same pep.
I would wear the gear because with its
performance, the Lightning could send one
down the road. The shots of a rider in blue
jeans worry me, but then I’m a congenital
worrier and always wear the gear, even around
town. Gravel rash I acquired years ago is still
with me.
Yeah, we get ya, Joel. Remember, we used
the Camry reference to point out that the
FJR is solid and functional. But we also said
that it was sexier than it looked. Can’t say
that about your mom’s Camry, right?
And we’ll (somehow) refrain from taking
our self-provided mom joke bait. You’re
welcome, Joel.
Hardly Able, Son
Scott Baldwin sent us an email to tell us
that in spite of us getting the name of the
Ultra or Super or Fantastic or whatever
Limited wrong (“H-D H2O: HarleyDavidson Ultra Limited” - April 2015), our
review of the bike touched him in a special
way.
The humor in CityBike these days actually got
me to do something I haven’t done for many
years; actually read an article about a hardly
able son. It was worth it.
The company which used to never hire a
college grad “because they might change
something” still has some basic faults
with their product offerings. Oh, I mean
“character.”
Anyway, the article was fun even if the bikes
are made for somebody else.
We’re glad we could, uh, expose you to new
things, Scott. New horizons and all that—
that’s what we’re here for.
From 3:14 Daily
Valencia @ 25th
415-970-9670
Yes, we actually want to hear from you
(because no one else will talk to us), but we’re
not mind readers. Hell, if you’re reading this
thing, you’ve probably wondered if we can
read at all!
Anyhow, you can yell at us for being stupid
(or just say hey) at [email protected] or
talk to us on our Facebook page at facebook.
com/CityBikeMag. You can also send us an
old-timey paper letter, which we think is pretty
damn cool. Those go to CityBike Magazine,
PO Box 18738, Oakland 94619.
Photo: Bob Stokstad
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We fix anything on
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you, and you need them. The
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The Internet won’t stay open an
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If the apparel you buy doesn’t fit,
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M
GARAGE
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CLASSIFIEDS
TOWING
Enter these contacts into your phone now, while you are thinking about it, so that
you will have them when you need them.
Cycle Tow
510-644-2453(BIKE) Est 1988 24hr emergency service.
Reasonable rates.
We tow all makes of motorcycles, sidecars and trikes.
We also network with many other motorcycle tow services throughout
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SAN FRANCISCO AND BEYOND:
DAVE’S CYCLE TRANSPORT
The Old Man
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Dave is working
Dave’s Cycle Transport
San Francisco-Bay Area and Beyond…
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DEALER CLASSIFIED
Dubbelju Motorcycle
Rentals / Storage
First, a few words about the condition of our equipment. All advertised
vehicles are technically and operationally sound; furthermore, they are
factory original (very important for vehicle inspection and licensing
out-of-country). Components which show even a trace of wear or fatigue
are replaced. In other words, you receive a motorcycle which, while it
may have some miles on the odometer, has been routinely and expertly
maintained.
2013 BMW F800GS Kalamata Metallic. Bike has 34K miles and the
36k mile maintenance has just been completed by BMW San Francisco.
The revised F 800 GS - the sportiest member of the big GS family.
The motorcycle continues its longstanding success story, providing
impressive versatility both on and off the road. 798cc, Water-cooled
4-stroke in-line two-cylinder engine, ABS. California registration is valid
till Mar 2016. With our huge inventory price drop save big $$ as we are
only asking $9,950.00
2010 Ducati Multistrada 1200 Ducati Red. Bike has just under 34k
miles, 150 Hp 1198cc L-Twin cylinder 4-valve per cylinder Testastretta
11 motor, liquid cooled, six speed, wet slipper clutch, adjustable traction
control, power delivery riding modes, ABS, 5.3 gal fuel tank, two 12V
power outlets, adjustable screen, 50mm fully adjustable Marzocchi forks
and Sachs rear shock. Service intervals are now up to and impressive
15,000 miles. Voted Best Sport-Tourer award in Cycle World’s Ten Best
balloting and won Motorrad’s the “Best All-rounder” award. California
registration is valid till Aug 2015. Cycle Traders average price for this
bike is $13,182. With our Huge inventory price drop save big $$ as we
are only asking $9,500.00
More info and pictures on our website at
dubbelju.com/Bikes-for-Sale.htm
J&M Motorsports LLC
2243 Old Middlefield Way
Mountain View, Ca 94043
650-386-1440
www.jm-ms.com
We have a huge selection of Sport bikes, Cruisers, Dual Sport & Dirt
Bikes! We are a licensed dealer owned and operated by people who love
motorcycles. We specialize in newer, low-mile, affordable bikes!
We offer in-house financing! Visit our website and fill out an application
today!
Looking for your first bike, your tenth? J&M is not a giant dealership.
When you call or visit, you’re talking directly with non-commission team
members who are passionate about motorcycles and who want to help
you get the bike you desire!
Looking to sell your bike? Consignments are welcome!
Come by and take a look!
BMW
2013 BMW S1000RR - $13,795
Buell
2007 Buell Firebolt XB9R - $5,195
Ducati
2008 Ducati 1098 - $9,495
2008 Ducati 848 - $11,995
2014 Ducati 899 Panigale - $13,995
2011 Ducati Multistrada 1200S - $13,495
2013 Ducati Multistrada 1200 S Pikes Peak Edition - $16,995
2005 Ducati Monster 620 - $4,995
Harley-Davidson
2005 Harley-Davidson FLHTI Electra Glide - $13,495
2010 Harley-Davidson FLHTCU Electra Glide Ultra Classic $16,995
2013 Harley-Davidson FLHTC Electra Glide - 19,495
2013 Harley-Davidson FLHR Road King - $16,995
2003 Harley-Davidson V-Rod 100th Anniversary Edition - $9,995
2009 Harley-Davidson Night Rod Special - $11,495
2014 Harley-Davidson VRSCDX Night Rod Special - $15,495
2014 Harley-Davidson XL883 Sportster Iron - $9,995
2009 Harley-Davidson Nightster XL1200 - $7,995
2012 Harley-Davidson Forty-Eight XL1200X - $10,495
2012 Harley-Davidson Forty-Eight XL1200 - $10,495
2014 Harley-Davidson Forty-Eight XL1200 - $10,995
2009 Harley-Davidson VRSCF V-Rod Muscle - $11,495
Honda
2007 Honda CB250 Nighthawk - $3,295
2014 Honda CBR500R - $6,195
2013 Honda CBR250R - $3,995
2013 Honda CBR250R Repsol - $4,295
2007 Honda CRB600RR - $6,995
2008 Honda CBR600RR - $7,495
2008 Honda CBR600RR - $7,995
2013 Honda CRF450R - $5,995
2002 Honda Shadow VT750 - $3,995
2007 Honda Shadow VT600 - $3,995
Kawasaki
2012 Kawasaki KX450F - $4,995
2009 Kawasaki Ninja EX250 - $3,995
2011 Kawasaki Ninja EX250 - $3,495
2011 Kawasaki Ninja ZX-6R - $7,995
2002 Kawasaki Ninja ZX-6 - $3,495
1993 Kawasaki Ninja ZX-7 - $3,995
2007 Kawasaki Vulcan 500 - $4,295
2006 Kawasaki Vulcan 900 Classic - $3,495
2001 Kawasaki ZRX1200R - $4,495
KTM
2008 KTM Super Duke 990R - $9,495
MV Agusta
2013 MV Agusta 675 - $10,995
Suzuki
2002 Suzuki SV650S - $3,995
2006 Suzuki GSX-R600 - $6,995
2007 Suzuki GSX-R600 - $7,995
2009 Suzuki GSX-R600 - $7,495
2011 Suzuki GSX-R600 - $8,995
2011 Suzuki GSX-R600 - $9,495
2005 Suzuki GSR-R750 - $6,995
2006 Suzuki GSX-R750 - $7,495
2008 Suzuki GSX-R750 - $8,295
2011 Suzuki GSX-R750 - $8,995
2011 Suzuki GSX-R1000 - $10,995
2013 Suzuki GSX-R1000 Commemorative Edition - $11,495
2014 Suzuki GSX-R1300 Hayabusa - $12,995
2014 Suzuki RM-Z450 - $5,995
2008 Suzuki V-Strom DL650 - $6,995
2009 Suzuki V-Strom DL650 - $6,995
2011 Suzuki Boulevard S40 - $4,295
2012 Suzuki Boulevard S40 - $3,995
2007 Suzuki Boulevard C50T - $4,995
2013 Suzuki Boulevard B.O.S.S. C90T - $13,495
Triumph
2013 Triumph Bonneville T100 - $7,995
2013 Triumph Speedmaster - $7,495
Yamaha
2004 Yamaha WR450F - $2,995
2013 Yamaha WR250F - $4,995
2013 Yamaha WR250F - $4,995
2014 Yamaha YZ250F - $5,395
2007 Yamaha YZ450F - $2,995
2006 Yamaha FJR1300AE - $7,995
2012 Yamaha Super Tenere - $11,995
2007 Yamaha R6S - $6,895
2009 Yamaha R6 - $9,495
2010 Yamaha R6 - $8,795
CityBike Classifieds
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
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Address:
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2012 Yamaha R6 - $9,495
2013 Yamaha R6 - $9,995
2008 Yamaha R1 - $8,495
2010 Yamaha R1 - $9,995
2014 Yamaha R1 - $12,495
2012 Yamaha V-Star 250 - $3,195
2014 Yamaha V-Star 650 - $5,995
2006 Yamaha V-Star 1100 Classic - $4,995
2010 Yamaha Road Star Silverado S - $9,495
Zero Motorcycles
2012 Zero-X - $6,995
SF MOTO
275 8th Street at the corner of Folsom San Francisco - 415 255
3132 www.sfmoto.com
USED INVENTORY
- All used motorcycles at sf moto come with a 3 month warranty and 12
month road side assistance.
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 have too much play, we install new chain &
sprockets.
- NEW: All Our used bikes come with a free 12 month roadside
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Aprilia
Sold out! Please check back with us soon!
BMW
F800R ABS, 2012, 8890 Miles, Red-Silver, $9498
F800R ABS, 2011, 10449 miles, white, $7998
F800R ABS, 2012, 14214 Miles, Red-Silver $6998
Ducati
848 EVO, 2010, 4197 Miles, Red, $9998
Hypermotard 1100S, 2009, 4984 Miles, Red, $9498
Hypermotard 821, 2013, 2729 Miles, red, 10498
Monster 696, 2009, 4110 miles, black, $7495
Monster 696, 2009, 4639 miles, red, $7495
Monster 696, 2011, 1266 miles, red, $7998
Genuine
Honda
CB500X, 2013, 8 miles, black, $5498
CBR1000RR, 2011, black, 1282 miles, $8998
CBR250R, 2012, red/white/blue, 3009 miles, $3995
CBR250R, 2012, red/white/blue, 77 miles, $3998
CBR250R, 2012, black, 2595 miles, $3998
CBR250R, 2013, black, 2461 miles, $3998
CBR250R, 2012, black, 531 miles, $3998
CBR500F, 2013, red, 1900 Miles, $4998
CBR500R, 2013, black, 1676 miles, $5498
CBR500R ABS, 2013, red, 3137 Miles, $5498
CBR600RR, 2010, orange/black, 6551 miles, $8498
CBR600RR, 2013, orange/black, 6864 miles, $9998
NC700, 2013, red, 552 Miles, $6498
PCX125 scooter, 2011, red, 450 miles, $2998
Rebel 250, 2009, black, 4314 miles, $2998
Rebel 250, 2009, blue, 22 miles, $3298
Rebel 250, 2009, matte grey, 118 miles, $3498
Shadow Aero VT750, 2007, Black, 2397 miles, $4498
Husqvarna
Kawasaki
KLX250, 2014, black, 277 Miles, $4998
KLX250, 2009, Green, 1071 Miles, $3998
KLX250, 2009, red, 116 Miles, $4498
EX250, 2012, Black, 6294 Miles, $3998
EX250, 2010, Green, 7504 Miles, $3798
EX300, 2014, Black, 991 Miles, $5298
EX300, 2014, Black, 6042 Miles, $4998
EX300 ABS, 2014, black, 5587 miles, $5098
EX650, 2013, blue, 1659 miles, $6498
EX650, 2012, black, 3052 miles, $5998
ZX-6R, 2009, Green, 8588 Miles, $7498
ZX-6R 636, 2015, Black, 73 Miles, $10498
Versys 650, 2009, blue, 870 Miles, $5998
Vulcan 900, 2013, white-black, 751 miles, $6995
Vulcan 900, 2011, burgundy, 3167 miles, $6498
Kymco
Piaggio
FLY 150, 2006, red, 787 Miles, $3198
Suzuki
Boulevard S40, 2012, Bronze, 2310 miles, $4598
Boulevard S40, 2013, Bronze, 415 miles, $4798
GSX1250F, 2011, black, 9359 miles, $6498 GSXR-600, 2008, white, 13780 miles, $7498
GSXR-600, 2009, black, 1578 miles, $7998
GSXR-750, 2009, black, 5535 miles, $8498
GSXR-750, 2013, blue/white, 2097 miles, $9998
GW250, 2013, black, 449 miles, $3798
GW250, 2013, black, 46 miles, $3798
GZ250 cruiser, 2009, black, 1541 miles, $2998
GZ250 cruiser, 2009, black, 885 miles, $2998
V-Strom DL650, 2011, black, 11627 miles, $6498
V-Strom DL650, 2011, black, 11166 miles, $5998
Sym
See our new SYM listing at the bottom of this ad
Triumph
Bonneville, 2012, gold, 4604 miles, $7498
Bonneville, 2012, orange, 5136 miles, $7498
Bonneville SE, 2012, schwarz, 1238 miles, $7498
Bonneville T100, 2013, red-white, 820 miles, $8498
Speed Triple, 2008, white, 4668 miles, $6998
Speed Triple ABS, 2012, red, 7939 miles, $8998
Speedmaster, 2012, red, 1272 Miles, $6498
Speed Triple R ABS, 2013, black, 343 miles, $8998
Tiger 800 ABS, 2013, blue, 4472 miles, $9998
Vespa
GL150, 1964, 8540 miles, white, $4698
GTS300 Super, 2930 Miles, White, $4498
Yamaha
FZ6, 2014, black, 237 miles, $6998
FZ6, 2008, blue, 5322 miles, $4798
FZ6, 2014, black, 304 miles, $6498
FZ6, 2014, black, 4713 miles, $5998
YZFR6, 2014, red, 171 miles, $9998
FZ1, 2009, black, 19904 Miles, $5998
FZ1, 2009, black, 1189 Miles, $6998
V-Star, 2014, red, 71 miles, $3798
V-Star 250, 2009, burgundy, 1751 Miles, $2998
WR250R, 2012, blue, 1433 miles, $5998
Zuma 125 scooter, 2013, yellow, 968 miles, $2998
NEW INVENTORY
Sym
-- All SYM bikes come with a 2 year factory warranty -SYM Citycom 300i scooter, 2015, NEW, red or blue - $3999
SYM Fiddle II 125 scooter, 2015, NEW, sand, blue, black, red, white
- $2295
SYM HD200 scooter, 2015, NEW, Yellow, Orange, Black, Red,
Gunmetal - $3495 SYM Symba (aka Honda Cub), 2015, NEW, blue, red, black - $2349
SYM Wolf (aka Honda CB150), 2015, NEW, Tricolor, red, green,
black, white - $2995
SYM T2 250i, 2014, NEW, yellow, black or white - $3799
Lance Powersports
Lance PCH 150, 2014, green, red or grey, $2199
Lance Cali Classic, 2014, red, blue, white or beige, - $1899
Lance Havana Classic, 2014, black, white, blue, beige, red - $1899
Lance PCH125, 2014, orange, yellow, red, black, white, - $1899
New! ZERO Motorcycles
HELP WANTED
DS ZF 12.5, 2015, white, NEW, $15345
FX 5.7, 2015, black, NEW, $12340
S 9.4, 2015, yellow, NEW, $13345
SR, 2015, red, NEW, $17345
USED MOTORCYCLES:
Contact [email protected]
Ed Meagor’s BSA
BSA 500 Single Empire Star
Cheap $10,000 Firm
Call Old Ed Meagor at 415.457.5423
That’s right! Ed sent his phone number, so if you’ve been wanting to give him
a call about his sweet BSA, now’s the time!
-CityBike Classifieds Editor
Interceptor 1000
Runs good, good tires, everything works. 45,000 miles, x-tra parts,
factory shop manual. $1800 OBO / trade
707-290-8277
2006 Harley Davidson - Comes with all the standard Ultra Classic
features, including CB radio, built in intercom, air ride suspension, AM/
FM/CB/Weather radio/CD player/12V outlet/Electronic Cruise Control/
Fuel Injection/Tubeless tires/Trunk liner/Vented lowers, Harley chrome
luggage rack on the trunk, with built in rear stop light.
Asking $10,000.00 Call: Carl 408-426-0441
Custom Design Studios
Mind-Blowing Custom Paint Since 1988
Visit Our Showroom!
56 Hamilton Drive # A
Novato, Ca. 94949
415 382-6662
www.customdesignstudios.com/
V-Twin Service, Repair, Parts, & Fabrication.
Harley Factory Trained Tech. CYCLE
SA
LIVE MOTO
Your local motorcycle performance center. Offering service, parts and
accessories, competitive pricing, and friendly advice for your motolifestyle.
We specialize in Japanese and American motorcycles, and accept all
makes and models. Come in today for a free tire pressure check
and visual inspection!
Conveniently located near the heart of downtown Livermore.
205 North i St., Livermore, CA.
(925)292-0443
LVA G
Cycle Salvage - Hayward
Cycle Salvage Hayward - your one stop shop for remote controlled
motorcycle models, fuzzy helmet slip-on covers, flaming-hair-evilclown graphics kits, moderately-worn vintage motorcycle manuals of all
stripes, and replacement kickstand legs that are not too hot and not too
cold, but JUST RIGHT
Cycle Salvage Hayward
21065 Foothill Blvd
Hayward, CA 94541
510-886-2328
Marin Moto Works
Aprilia, KTM, & BMW independent service in San Rafael.
17 years of experience and factory certified. Service, Maintenance,
Engine Rebuilds, Suspension Service, Race/Tour Prep, Tires.
Around the corner from Marin Speed Shop
M-F 10-6pm/Sat 10-5pm
415-454-7433
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
WANTED:
Devils Detail Motorcycle Detailing
MOTO TIRE GUY
Detailing vintage, classic, modern motorcycles
ADDICTION MOTORS
415 - 439 - 9275
www.thedevilsdetailing.com
[email protected]
established 2007
Greatness can be in your detail!
Retail space opening soon! Looking for consignment gear. Contact Galen
with a list of items and prices at [email protected].
PARTS AND SERVICE
ADVANCED CYCLE SERVICE
*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
[email protected] — www.advcycles.com
DUCATI SUZUKI KAWASAKI YAMAHA
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!
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
Coats of skins, Chaps, Pants, Vests, Gloves, Boots, Saddle Bags,
Helmets, Riding Gear, Fashion & More.
All sizes: Kids/Big/Tall.
Patches sewn on most while U wait.
Clean Repair Alter
952 B Street, Hayward
B/W Mission & Main
510-582-5222
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.
MOTOR WORKS
BMW PARTS
Take a European trip this year!
Visit www.motorworks.co.uk
• Huge range of new and used parts and accessories for all models from
1970 onwards
• UK’s largest independent, 25 years experience
• Competitive prices, fast shipping
• Expert and friendly advice available
• Trade customers welcome
Independent service of BMW, Ducati, Triumph.
Factory certified, and certifiable, too!
Fair prices and fast turnaround
We love what we do - we solve problems and make
people’s machines run their best. Bring us your problem.
We’ll solve it for you - nothing that we can’t fix.
BRG Racing
925-680-2560
110 2nd Ave. So. - Unit D
Pacheco
www.brg.com
Service Writer Needed
We are a large motorcycle shop in San Francisco and are looking for
a smart, affable, hard-working individual to work as a service writer.
Service writers take motorcycles and scooters in for service and write up
the jobs for the technicians.
Service writers are responsible for all bikes in for service and must have:
-Strong communications skills
-Computer skills
-Good time-management skills
-Multi-tasking skills
-Good attention to detail
-Strong customer service skills
Interested? Send your resume to:
San Francisco, 275 8th Street, San Francisco, CA 94103
Or email your resume to: [email protected]
Tech Needed
For 20 year established motorcycle repair shop.
Located in Santa Cruz County.
Business is booming and time to expand.
Tech must have minimum 5 years working experience, prefer 10.
Ability to follow procedures start to finish.
Send qualifications and references,along with expected compensation.
We work on Japanese,German and British bikes.
Street, off road and scooters.Vespa included.
No attitudes or egos.
Apply to [email protected]
LEGAL
Mike Padway
MOTORCYCLE ATTORNEY
Motorcycle accidents often are serious There is an epidemic of
motorcycle lawyer advertising by attorneys who brush you off on support
staff or other lawyers. I’m Mike Padway. I handle a limited number
of motorcycle accidents. My goal is to do the best job for you, not to
handle the most cases. If your injuries are significant, why not work with
an attorney who knows what he is doing, and cares? Call now and let’s
discuss the best way to handle your motorcycle accident.
415-777-1511
Have you ever been pulled over by the police on your bike or car and
felt you were profiled because of your tattoos or the way you look? You
can have emergency access to attorneys, 24 hours a day in 49 states, for
as little as $20 a month. Try our service and get your Will done for free,
for you and your spouse. Find out how at
smith_wg.legalshieldassociate.com or call 510-502-2144
ACCIDENT OR INJURY?
Call 415/999-4790 for a 24-hr. recorded message and a copy of the
FREE REPORT.
RIDING SCHOOLS
Quality Motorcycles
235 Shoreline Hwy.
Mill Valley CA
(415) 381-5059
We’re not afraid of your old bike.
Sierra Dual Sport/Dirt Bike Rides,
Rentals and Training
BRG RACING - CONCORD
Powersports of Vallejo
Powersports of Vallejo is looking to hire 1 full time parts person and 1
full time service technician. Technician must have previous experience,
clean M1 license, good work ethic, have tools, be able to diagnose and
repair on their own and take pride in their work. Parts should have two
plus years experience and are familiar with Lightspeed and the daily
duties of a parts department.
Please email resumes to [email protected] or fax to 707-644-3424.
E
Two Beemers and a CT
2006 K1200S - Mint, all optons
2000 1150GS - Mint, Ohlins
1977 CT90 - Good
Come and ride the Sierras! No dirt experience needed! Dual Sport and
dirt bike rentals. Guided or map your own course. Skill building classes
also available.
Easy access from Highway 50 south and west of Tahoe, this side of the
hill in Camino, CA.
Free secure storage of your car or bike onsite, or we can deliver bikes to
many all day riding areas (additional fee applies for delivery).
Well-maintained bikes and a rider-owned company makes us a great
adventure for the day, weekend or longer.
ASK ABOUT OUR SPECIAL $200 3-HOUR INTRO TO DUAL SPORT
RIDING TOUR/INSTRUCTION! ALSO SCHEDULING WOMEN’S DIRT
AND DUAL SPORT TRAINING CLASSES! **WE OFFER LOWERED DUAL
SPORT BIKES!
530-748-3505- www.sierradualsport.com
Doc Wong Riding Clinics
PERSONAL IMPROVEMENT
Come to the FREE monthly Doc Wong Riding Clinics.
www.docwong.com
Eighteen years, 40,000 riders!
Learn Dirt Bikes
Motorcycle Safety Foundation (MSF) dirt bike lessons at Carnegie State
Park - Tracy, CA - Ages 6 and up. Loaner motorcycles available.
www.learndirtbikes.com 925-240-7937
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
LOCAL CLUBS
Monkey Moto School
Monkey Moto School gets people riding in just one day. Our focused,
private classes and small beginner bike are the start of a proven system
that will have new riders out and about on a motorcycle with confidence
in short order. Available in SF (and beyond by arrangement).
Call Evan to get started. 415-359-6479
monkeymotoschool.com
FINE DINING
Darby Dan’s (Sandwich Nirvana)
South San Francisco
Forget Togos or Subway.
What you need is a real SANDWICH for lunch.
Come in and revel in our famous garlic mayo, fresh ingredients, and
friendly staff and walk out with a cheshire cat’s smile.
We do it right at 733 Airport Blvd South San Francisco
650-876-0122
WE CARRY CITYBIKE!!
EAT AT REDS JAVA HOUSE, SF.
“IT’S REALLY GOOD FOOD”
SAYS CITYBIKE MANAGEMENT.
Antique Motorcycle Club of
America
CMA is a servant minded interdenominational motorcycle ministry with
a non-denominational message of hope and love through Jesus Christ.
Enjoy the family atmosphere, make life-long friends, and join an army
of people dedicated to changing the world, one heart at a time in the
highways and byways.
www.cmausa.org
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
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 [email protected],
or visit our website at [email protected]
Exciting women-only motorcycle group in the SF Bay Area. For more info
visit www.curveunit.com
The Richmond Ramblers
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/
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
The Junction
If you know you can handle a real road then come up and get your reward!
Slow smoked BBQ , hand pressed burgers and a long list of great beer.
The Junction 47300 Mines Rd. Livermore.
At the intersection of Mines & Del Puerto Canyon Roads
11-8 daily (closed Wednesdays)—10-8 weekends.
Go there and go nowhere, into the middle-of.
EVENT SERVICES
ANNOUNCING: “DUFFYDUZZ
Promotions”
If you’re planning a M/C event of any sort, whether an Open House, a
Special Sale Event, a Competition Event or even a Rally, a “pleasant but
not pushy” voice (and your choice of music) can make a huge difference
in the excitement and remembrance of your event. Have P.A. / Will Travel...
I have been “The Voice” of Ducati Island at Moto G.P. (‘98 - ‘06) the
Wilseyville Hare Scrambles (‘98 - ‘12) ...Most recently; La Ducati Day, La
Honda, MOTORAMA Car Show, Lafayette, sub’ Announcer at Continental
Sports Car Challenge Laguna Seca, Santa Rosa flattrack for Circle Bell
Motorsports... and more... References and resume available. Find me
on FaceBook: “Duffyduzz Promotions” for all contact info - or - call 510292-9391 - or - E/M: [email protected]
www.GroupRides.net
Bay Area Sidecar Enthusiasts
(BASE)
•What does your dog think about motorcycling? (A: Hard to tell
without a sidecar!)
•Ever driven in traffic with a fake machine-gun mounted to your
rig?
• Want to know how to “fly the chair”?
•Maybe just want to find out what it’s like to be a “sidecar monkey”
for a day by catching a ride with us?
We are a facebook-based group in the SF Bay Area filled with sidecars
and the people who love them, and we’d be happy to meet you.
Email [email protected] for more information.
GroupRides was created to be like what TV Guide has been for TV
Programs. It is a calendar of group rides and moto events from many
fine groups, clubs and organizations in Northern California, nicely put
together for the riding community to use and enjoy.
www.GroupRidesForum.net is the Forum and moto group where
1,400+ local riders enjoy the roads, the wind and the thunder of our
motorcycles together.
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 motorcycling history from
the last century, a pool table, foosball and pinball games, and people
who currently enjoy motorcycles, dirt riding, racing, touring, riding and
wrenching. Check our website for events such as club rides, socials and
events, and come visit us, no matter what bike you ride!
San Francisco Motorcycle Clubhouse is located at
2194 Folsom St, @ 18th St in San Francisco.
www.sf-mc.org 415-863-1930
Leather & Lace MC
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
Buffalo Soldiers Motorcycle Club
Leather & Lace MC,was created to bring women together who have a
serious interest in motorcycling and in making a difference in the lives of
others. Upon this foundation, the women of Leather & Lace Motorcycle
Club have built a strong sisterhood.
Amethyst Dreamers, a Northern California Chapter of Leather & Lace
MC, was formed in 2004. We came together because of our love for our
motorcycles, the joy of riding and being free. We stay together because
of our love for ourselves, our sisters, and with the intent of making life
better for the children of Northern California.
ad.leatherandlacemc.com/
www.facebook.com/AmethystDreamersChapter
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).
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
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!
The Buffalo Soldiers Motorcycle Club San Jose’s (BSMCSJ) Primary
Mission is to keep the legacy of the 9th and 10th Calvary US Army
(Buffalo Soldiers) alive through example, education and participation in
our local community. buffalosoldiersmcsanjose
SUPPORT
LANE SPLITTING
•STICKERS
•NEWS
•RESOURCES
LaneSplittingIsLegal.com
OMC
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.
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.
FREE HELP WANTED ADS
In our ongoing effort to support and promote local motorcycling
businesses that we rely on, all motorcycle industry help
wanted ads will be listed in the CityBike Classifieds Section
for free.
Contact us via email: rftc.citybike.com
Triumph Tiger XCx at Trona Pinnacles
Photo: Surj Gish
1.9
PAYMENTS AS LOW AS $59/Month
36 MONTHS FOR
% FOR
QUALIFIED BUYERS
*AS LOW AS
APR
On All New KYMCO Scooters Purchased and Registered from Now Until
September 30, 2015 at Participating KYMCO USA Dealers Only.
CHICO MOTORSPORTS
1538 PARK AVENUE
CHICO, CA 95928
530-345-5247
CYCLE WEST
1375 INDUSTRIAL AVENUE
PETALUMA, CA 94952
707-769-5242
SCUDERIA
69 DUBOCE STREET
SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94103
415-621-7223
R&M ENTERPRISES
SALINAS MOTORCYCLE CENTER SAN JOSE MOTORSPORT
1905C ARNOLD INDUSTRIAL WAY
1286 N. MAIN STREET
1886 WEST SAN CARLOS ST
CONCORD, CA 94520
SALINAS, CA 93906
SAN JOSE, CA 95128
925-798-4360
831-295-0205
408-295-0205
ROCKRIDGE TWO WHEELS
5291 COLLEGE AVENUE
OAKLAND, CA 94618
510-594-0789
SCOOTER CITY
614 16TH STREET
SACRAMENTO, CA 95814
916-448-6422
VERACOM MITSUBISHI
790 NORTH SAN MATEO DR
SAN MATEO, CA 94401
650-340-7199
POWERSPORTS OF VALLEJO
111 TENNESSEE STREET
VALLEJO, CA 94590
707-644-3756
Choose Your Own Path
KYMCOUSA.com
facebook.com/KYMCO.Scooters
twitter & Instagram @kymco_usa
The Oﬃcial Scooter and SxS
1.9% for 36 Months [3.53% APR*]
$0 DOWN
|
1.9% INTEREST RATE
|
$30.03 PER $1,000 FINANCED
*Example: On a purchase where the Amount Financed is $1,999 your Down Payment is $0 with 36 monthly payments of $58.60 each. Interest Rate is 1.9% [ANNUAL PERCENTAGE RATE is 3.53% (E)]. For other Amounts Financed, the payment would be approximately $30.03 per $1,000 financed. Note: Subject to credit approval. Approval,
and any rates and terms provided, are based on credit worthiness. Other financing offers are available. See your local dealer for details. Minimum Amount Financed $1,500; Maximum Amount Financed $50,000. Other qualifications and restrictions may apply. An origination fee of $50 will be added to the amount financed in the above example. Financing
promotions void where prohibited. Offer effective on all new and unused KYMCO Scooters purchased from a participating KYMCO USA dealer between 1/1/2015 and 9/30/2015. Offer subject to change without notice. [“E” means estimate. © KYMCOUSA 2015 KYMCO vehicles meet all applicable Federal Motor Vehicle Safety and EPA standards. Take a
riding skills course. For the course nearest you, call the Motorcycle Safety Foundation at 1-800-446-9227. For your safety, always wear a helmet, eye protection and protective clothing. Never operate under the influence of drugs or alcohol. Avoid excessive speed and stunt driving.

July 2015 - CityBike

Transcription

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