July 2013 - CityBike

Transcription

News, Clues & Rumors
Volume XXX, Issue 7
Publication Date: June 17, 2013
On The Cover: When master of
motorcycle photography Kevin
Wing snaps a perfect cover
photo, you just have to...make
it into a cover. So we did.
Contents:
NCR . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
New Stuff . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
Carmel Valley . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
Tankslapper . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
Events . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
The FZ-09 Effect . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12
First Ride . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15
Gregory Frazier . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20
Hertfelder . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21
Maynard . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22
Marketplace . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23
Classifieds . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24
CityBike Staff:
CityBike Staff:
PO Box 10659 Oakland, CA 94610
Phone: 415/282-2790
E-mail: info@citybike com
Find us online: www citybike com
News ‘n Clues: Staff
Editor-in-Chief: Gabe Ets-Hokin
Senior Editor: Robert Stokstad
Contributing Editors: John Joss, Will Guyan,
Courtney Olive
Chief of the World Adventure
Affairs Desk: Dr. Gregory Frazier
Political Affairs Editor: Surj Gish
Staff Photographers:
- Robert Stokstad
- Gary Rather
Art Directors: Alan Lapp, Steve Fischer
Advertising Sales: Kenyon Wills
Contributors:
Dan Baizer, Craig Bessenger, John Bishop,
Blaise Descollonges, Joanne Donn,
John D’India (RIP), Dirck Edge, Mike Felder,
Dr. Gregory Frazier, Will Guyan,
Joe Glydon (RIP), Brian Halton,
David Hough, Maynard Hershon,
Ed Hertfelder, Harry Hoffman,
Otto Hofmann, Gary Jaehne (RIP)
Jon Jensen, Bill Klein, David Lander,
Alan Lapp, Lucien Lewis, Ed Milich,
Larry Orlick, Jason Potts, Bob Pushwa,
Gary Rather, Curt Relick, Charlie Rauseo,
Mike Solis, Ivan Thelin, James Thurber,
Adam Wade (RIP).
Subscribe! It’s just $30 a year, or
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©2013, CityBike Magazine, Inc. Citybike Magazine is distributed
at over 150 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.
SPLITTING HEADACHE IN
NEVADA
provide evidence of the dangers of lanesplitting. Boo! Cancel your subscriptions.
Assembly Bill 236, which would have
legalized splitting in stopped traffic in
Nevada, died a brutal death in the Nevada
State Senate May 24th—the deadline for
2013 bills to pass the second house. The bill
lost with 16 nays to just five yeas—in spite
of passing with overwhelming support
in the Assembly, 34 yeas to four nays. If
passed, AB 236 would have made Nevada
the first state to codify lane splitting. In
California, lane splitting is essentially legal
because it’s not prohibited—there is no law
on the books regarding
splitting, only the recent
CHP guidelines.
PLANE SIGHT
The bill had already
been amended to be
far less permissive—
original language
allowed splitting at up
to 30 mph, not more
than 10 mph faster than
surrounding traffic,
as long as “the person
drives in a manner
that is reasonable and
proper.” The amended bill only allowed
filtering to the front—allowing riders
to travel between stationary traffic at no
more than 10 mph, and of course still in a
“reasonable and proper” manner.
The defeat was surprising to many following
the bill’s positive forward progress and
strong support in the Transportation
Committees in both houses. We had hoped
an actual law on the books would provide
both momentum and a template for other
states to work from, but this defeat in
Nevada and the lack of action on two lanesplitting bills in Oregon, California will
continue to stand alone—for now—as the
only state to allow lane splitting.
CityBike’s new Legislative Affairs Editor,
Surj Gish, penned the above summary
of the bill. For more in-depth coverage of
lanesplitting, check out his most-excellent
blog, lanesplittingislegal.com.
Look out for sneaky little planes flying
above your moto-stomping grounds! The
Marin Independent Journal reported the
local CHP office is once again calling in
fixed-wing planes to help stop the evil,
wicked speeding motorcyclists that are
clearly the root of all that is bad and evil in
West Marin. “California Highway Patrol
spokesman Andrew Barclay said CHP had
been receiving complaints during the past
few months about motorcyclists speeding
and illegally passing other vehicles on
Sunday mornings, specifically on the
coast from Mill Valley to Stinson Beach.
He said the response has been to ramp up
enforcement.
“On Sunday, aircraft “Air-37” was
patrolling the skies overseeing Highway
1 near Stinson Beach when it spotted
multiple motorcyclists during about an
hour’s time speeding, passing vehicles
over double yellow lines and passing
vehicles on blind curves, according to a
CHP press release.”
Of course, our heroes stopped these
miscreants and issued six citations,
preventing further victimless crime
until the next time those guys ride.
“We had pretty good success,” Barclay
said. “Hopefully it’ll be continuing
throughout the summer.”
CityBike reminds its readers that the
CHP still has to prove guilt beyond a
reasonable
Last month, in this space, we applauded
doubrt in a
Reno Gazette-Journal reporter Brian
court of law,
Duggan for his solid reporting about
and adding
the lane-splitting legislation in his state.
the airplane
Sadly, he seems to be the only critical
makes it easy
thinker at that paper—in an editorial in
to cite riders
May, the paper published a dim-witted
but harder
editorial calling for the Nevada Senate to
to prosecute
vote down the bill (which they did). The
them, for
logic applied is dizzyingly contradictory,
several
saying the law would “put many at risk,”
reasons. First,
leaving “ motorcyclists literally squished,”
both the
a “recipe for death and serious injuries.”
observing
Weirdly, the author points out that the bill officer (the
is different than California, where there
pilot) and the
are no laws, only guidelines, guidelines that arresting/
allow motorcyclists to lanesplit 20 mph
citing officer (the nice person who
faster than the proposed Nevada legislation smilingly writes your ticket) must both be
would. He (or she) then cherry-picks an
in court to testify at trial, and if one doesn’t
out-of-context quote from a CHP officer to show up you can move to dismiss. It’s also
easy to mistake identity, what with bikes
and riders looking like fast-moving, darkcolored dots from 1000 feet or higher. A
good weapon to combat the CHP’s aircraft
(aside from slowing down, growing eyes in
the back of your head, or riding elsewhere)
is to know the law and fight your ticket
(by using the excellent but unimaginatively
named Nolo Press book Fight Your Ticket).
Traffic school is for the meek.
ELECTRIC BOOGALOO
Well, it may still be years before you
cruise cross-country on an electric
Goldwing or the like, but early in June,
two motorcyclists smashed existing travel
times. Terry Hershner (see News, Clues,
March 2013) went from San Diego to
Orlando in six days on his heavily modified
2012 Zero, fighting traffic, adverse
weather, and a failed motor. Terry’s bike
has changed a lot since we spoke to him
earlier this year—Craig Vetter helped with
a fairing that makes the bike look like a
two-wheeled Conestoga wagon, battery
capacity has doubled to 18 kilowatt-hours,
and there are enough fast-chargers on
board to dim the lights of a small city.
Terry’s bike can now travel 150 miles at a
steady 70 mph and charge time is reduced
so he can ride two hours for every hour he
spends charging—that’s a huge leap from
the usual one-to-four (or more) ratio most
electric vehicles offer. He cruised his last
leg—90 miles—at a steady 85 mph.
Terry’s bike would seem to be a ringer
for the cross-country electric record, but
then the forces of science came in the
form of the Moto Electra, which you may
have seen on the “Cafe Racer” TeeVee
show. It’s been out here for TTXGP racing
events, and is notable for using a Norton
Featherbed frame and fairing. The old-
RETRACTION: TURNS OUT
THEY ARE MORONS AFTER ALL
July 2013 | 3 | CityBike.com
timey look shouldn’t fool you—builder
Brian Richardson, working off his farm
in Virginia, had the help of Dr. Robert
Prins at James Madison University’s
first-place finisher’s (Eric Thompson on a
YZF-450F supermoto) pace and almost
five seconds behind the fastest 250 Ninja
riders. She went faster on the race-only
With AMA racer Thad Wolff and
Empulse RR in the all-woman Formula
Richardson trading off riding, followed by
AFemme race, turning a 2:05.163, 8
a support team with a generator (cheaters!), seconds behind winner Joy Higa on her
the bike left Jacksonville, Florida and arrived GSX-R600.
at the Santa Monica pier 84 hours later. Like
Terry’s Zero, the bike can ride two hours for Celeb ringer Eric Bostrom did a little
every hour it spends charging. The only snag better, but it still must have been tough for
a rider of his caliber to finish 10th out of
was some trouble with the throttle, but the
17 in 750 Superbike, more than 5 seconds
trip, along I-10, seemed uneventful.
off the winning pace. Still, he was able
Charging stations are being added daily,
to put the pass on Oregon-based AMA
and though having the kind of battery
racer Anthony Manciu on his Yamaha
and recharge capacity of these two bikes
YZF-R6 on the last
is outside the realm of possibility for
lap. Bostrom’s
most consumers, the idea that electric
performance in
motorcycles will be capable of speeds,
Formula One was
ranges and recharge times that will make
more impressive—
them competitive with gas-powered
pitted against
products is no longer an absurd dream.
a field of
openBRAMMO MIXES IT UP WITH
class
engineering department. He and his team
have developed the Electra into a pretty
impressive tourer.
GAS BIKES IN AFM
Two racers—one a seasoned pro, one not
so much—are showing that e-motos can be
competitive on the club-racer level against
gas-powered motorcycles. At the last
AFM round at Thunderhill, Brammo
Empulse motorcycles piloted by
Shelina Moreda and Eric Bostrom
finished four races and finished in
the top 10 in all four.
That’s not as impressive as it sounds
in some cases. In Shelina’s case,
on a production-based Empulse TTX
she placed 6th of 9 bikes finishing in the
250 Superbike class—six seconds off the
Japanese
superbikes, he was still
five seconds off the pace,
but still finished 7th of 19, battling against
of pack of riders and in sight of a top-five
finish. Of note were his 150-plus mph top
speeds on Thunderhill’s long front straight
and 135 mph on the back side. Yowza! The
lesson is clear: you can have a competitive
club ride on an electric motorcycle, if you
have unlimited budget, full factory support
and happen to be a Bostrom.
F3+800CC=WHEE!
Are Triple the new Twins or what? MV
Agusta just introduced its new F3 800,
with an 873cc version of the three-cylinder
engine found in the F3 675. MV claims the
new mill makes 148 hp at 13,000 rpm (a
very spicy meatball compared to the 115
claimed hp of the new Yamaha MT-09,
see this issue) and the bike weighs in at
a claimed 381 pounds dry, about the
same as the 675 (the bike has similar
dimensions as well), and Brembo
monobloc calipers should slow
such a light
bike quite
tidily,
thanks.
An
electronics
control package
and ride-by-wire throttle is standard at the
price of 13,999 Euros.
We know the bike will come to the USA,
but we’re not sure when. A call to Kregg
at California Speed Sports in Livermore
(925/606-1998, speed-sports.com)
answered some questions, but made us
really excited about MV Agusta, which,
post H-D ownership, seems to be able to
make bikes faster and cheaper than before.
Check it out: MV’s Brutale 675 standard,
a Triumph Street Triple competitior, is
just $10,998, and the 800cc version, which
is identical in styling, weight and most
everything else except power, is just $1000
more—”Japanese pricing,” as Kregg puts it.
The F3 675 is $13,999, so we’d expect the
800cc version to be $14,998. Add $500 for
a quick-shifter, though Kregg reports his
customers don’t really seem to need that.
Most of the bikes come with ABS standard,
and he notes that the 2014 will probably all
have ABS, as it will be mandated in Europe.
Kregg doesn’t know when the F3 800 will
be here, or how much it will cost.
TRIPLE THREATS
Two more AMA Pro Racing luminaries—
local racers Bobby Fong and Elena
Myers—are making the switch from
Japanese supersports to Triumph Daytona
Triples.
The 22-year-old Fong—who had three
podium finishes, seven top-5 finishes, and
ranked eighth in
the season points
championship last
year—will be racing
for D and D Cycles,
a Florida-based
Triumph dealer. He’ll
be further sponsored
by Castrol, Triumph,
GE Capital,
FreedomRoad
Financial, Lucky
Brand, Arrow and DynoJet.
Nineteen-year-old Myers, the first woman
to win a professional race at Daytona
in 2012, will also be racing a Triumph
Daytona 675R, this one for the CastrolApex-Triumph Team. Other sponsors
include Castrol,
SportBike Track
Time, Apex
Manufacturing,
Triumph,
GE Capital,
FreedomRoad
Financial, Lucky
Brand, Arrow,
Arai, Alpinestars
and Pilot.
Will this switch by
two top riders trigger an avalanche of new
Triple riders in AMA Pro Racing? We’d
wager that the lack of a fully redesigned
CBR, GSX-R or R6 for many seasons is
taking its toll, and Triumph has introduced
a new model,
with significant
gains in handling,
weight and power.
Additionally,
the aftermarket
supports the
Daytona nicely,
and Triumph
Americas seems
to have stepped up
its racer support.
The thought of
a Triumph once
again winning the
Daytona 200 (the
last time was 1967,
with Gary Nixon on board), with a homegirl on board, makes us smile.
For nearly 50 years, Cycle News has covered
the sport of motorcycling with a weekly
magazine. Now, for the price of a regular
magazine, you can get online access to all
2300-plus back issues of Cycle News.
Super Streetbike, Street Chopper and ATV
Rider.”
Bonnier will form a new publishing group
consisting of Cycle World and Motorcyclist,
the top two-circulating general-interest
motorcycle publications in the USA. We
talked to a Motorcyclist staffer about the
acquisition, and he told us that he’s not
worried about the smaller title getting
killed in the same way Cycle was killed after
it was acquired by CBS media in the late
‘80s. Though readership and circulation
(and ad revenue) has shrunk at both
publications, they are still much-followed
by their fans. We expect Motorcyclist to
keep going for a while.
SAN JOSE BMW MOVES
San Jose BMW sent this press release,
“The acquisition supports Bonnier’s
strategy to be focused in vertical enthusiast which we are printing as a courtesy and
interest media,” said
“It’s amazing to have almost 50 years of
Bonnier CEO Dave
Cycle News at your fingertips,” says Paul
Freygang. “We
Carruthers, longtime editor of the weekly
believe in going
publication. “The staff has always had the
deep into selected
archives available in bound volumes to turn verticals, and it’s
to since day one. Now we’re giving that
essential that our
same opportunity to the rest of the world.” brands be in a
leadership position
The issues are organized by decades,
within those
starting with the 1960s and spanning
verticals. Since the
nearly six decades to the current 2013
acquisition of Cycle
issues. While these weekly snapshots of
World in 2011,
motorcycling history may be priceless,
we’ve realized that
access to the digital archives is much more the opportunities
affordable: A subscription is just $1.99 for
within the
three months of access, or $4.99 for a full
motorcycle market
year of access to each decade.
because it has interesting information—
are significant.”
it’s not the opinion or endorsement of
Better yet, the Cycle News Archives can be
Financial terms of the transaction were
CityBike’s editorial staff. San Jose BMW has
read on any device equipped with a web
not disclosed, a press release told us, but
announced their upcoming move to an
browser (MAC, PC, tablets like the iPad or “at the same time, Bonnier sells to Source
your smart phone). You can also use up to
Interlink Sound + Vision, TransWorld
three devices with the same subscription.
SNOWboarding, TransWorld Motocross,
“I’m really pleased to see how this archival
process turned out,” adds Carruthers.
“I just hope we don’t disrupt too many
relationships or get too many people fired
because they can’t stop re-living the past.”
TransWorld SKATEboarding, TransWorld
SURF, TransWorld RIDEbmx and
TransWorld Business.
“Our strategy with our Media portfolio
has always been to focus on core segments
where we can be the category leader,”
CYCLE WORLD BUYS
said Chris Argentieri, President of Source
MOTORCYCLIST
Interlink Media. “While we have made
Well, sort of—actually, the Bonnier Corp,
progress to that end, we are pleased to
which owns Cycle World and a passle of
have found the right partner that will take
other consumer magazines, “has expanded
the motorcycle group to a market-leading
its presence as the pre-eminent publisher in
position over the long term. We thank
the men’s market, acquiring nine motorcycle
the team for their efforts over the years,
brands from Source Interlink Media.”
and wish them all the best as they move
“Under the deal, Bonnier acquires
forward.”
Motorcyclist, Sport Rider, Dirt Rider,
Motorcycle Cruiser, Hot Bike, Baggers,
CYCLE NEWS ARCHIVES
NOW OPEN
From our friends at the MAG group, who
have generously allowed us to use the fine
first-ride report on the new Honda CB500
in this issue:
Do you want to relive the great history
of motorcycling, learn more about the
amazing bikes and personalities that helped
build the sport or simply find your name
in the results section from races long ago?
impressive new facility to open Thursday
June 27, with a Grand Opening Special
Event set for Saturday, July 13. Prior to the
move, San Jose BMW is having a pre-move
sale with special discounts and pricing
on most in stock items. The gala Grand
Opening Event will feature many special
booths, vendors and brands including
Schuberth Helmets, Metzeler tires, Klim
Adventure Gear, Parts Unlimited, Alt
Rider, Rawhyde Adventures and more
plus the chance to win an exciting new
motorcycle.
San Jose BMW is one of the Bay Area’s
great, classic motorcycle shops and has
built a loyal following of local enthusiasts
with personal attention and professional
service, despite the limitations of their
current facility, a former post office where it
opened in 1974.
The new location is just two blocks away
at 1990 West San Carlos Street, at the
corner of Bascom and West San Carlos
streets in San Jose. Originally built as
a Jaguar and MG auto dealership, this
shop was also home to San Jose’s original
BMW dealership, Don Lucas Bavarian
Motors, which split into separate car and
motorcycle franchises in the 1970s.
San Jose BMW’s new location features
plenty of parking, a much larger, more
modern service department, expanded
gear, parts and accessories departments
and a beautiful new showroom space.
San Jose BMW is a division of San Jose
Motosport and is also a factory-franchised
dealer for Aprila motorcycles and Vespa,
Piaggio, Genuine and Kymco scooters.
Chris Hodgson, owner of SJ BMW, started
working for SJBMW as service manager
and chief tuner in the 1970s and was
instrumental in crafting the dealership’s
initial image as the recognized source
for BMW performance enthusiasts. The
main man at SJBMW has 39 years of
experience in all aspects of motorcycling
and a true enthusiasm for performance
bikes. His professional career began with
college, graduating with a BS in airline
maintenance management and a minor in
mechanical engineering. He traces an arc
from racing mechanic to product designer,
entrepreneur and dealership owner.
Starting with a part time job as a BMW
mechanic while working his way through
college in 1974, Chris has been actively
involved with BMW motorcycles and
racing for four decades. His association
with San Jose BMW began as service
manager in 1977. He started racing BMW’s
4052 Watts Street, Emeryville
LG
Moto
Thrills not frills
in 1975 and built the SJBMW which
won the last national Superbike race for
BMW in Loudon N.H. in 1978. Chris left
SJBMW in 1981 to found CC Products, an
aftermarket company dedicated to BMW
performance and handling upgrades. Chris’
success with CC Products allowed him to
return to San Jose BMW and purchase the
business in 1992. Chris led the expansion
into San Jose Motosport with acquisition the
Vespa/Piaggio franchise in May of 2005
and adding Aprilia in 2009. His son, Willie
Hodgson, currently is service and general
manager of San Jose BMW today, and his
wife, Kathleen, is the business manager and
led the design and construction projects
involved in creating the new facility.
San Jose BMW has never lost sight of its
mission to be the dealership of choice
for the true rider and enthusiast. The
family management team will continue
to combine tradition and innovation, to
enhance every aspect of the purchase and
ownership experience, keeping the sheer
joy of motorcycling as the most important
metric on the scale and delivering great
service and fair deals to one and all.
NEW STUFF
SCHUBERTH C3 PRO HELMET
AND COMMUNICATIONS
SYSTEM
Eons ago, when BMW decided to offer
a revolutionary new modular helmet,
it partnered with another German
company to design and produce it. It
turns out that company, Schuberth, has
been around almost as long as BMW
and was already well established in the
business of protecting heads
from impact in motor
sports and industry.
BMW doesn’t
sell helmets
in the USA
anymore,
but that
doesn’t
matter
because
Schuberth
does. So
you can
still have the
kind of design,
engineering,
comfort and quality
associated with the
BMW brand.
Full disclosure: Editor Ets-Hokin
required that I cut the chinstrap on
my battered 10-year old Schuberth
bucket, still in daily use, as a condition
of reviewing this newest model from
Magdeburg, the C3 PRO.
The first impressions are elegance,
clean looks and extreme comfort.
The aerodynamic design (windtunnel developed) with its tasteful,
molded in-the-shell spoiler and
relative absence of busy tacked-on
protuberances is reminiscent of
Porsche rather than Chevrolet.
Sliding the C3 Pro down onto my head,
I experienced something
akin to sinking into
an expensive
leather sofa.
Those
thousands
of tactile
sensors
on my
pate, ears,
cheeks
and neck
all signaled
approval—it
was not only
a good fit, it felt
good, and that’s
all the difference in
the world. Female riders
will be glad to know that Schuberth
also offers a separate series for women,
with its ultra-plush lining adapted to the
female face and special contours in the
cheek pads (and there’s even a racy hotpink option—ed.).
On the freeway, as my speed climbed
upwards of 75 mph, I realized that this is
the quietest helmet I have come across—
ever. There are lots of good helmets out
there, quiet too, but not this quiet. The
modest noise I did experience mostly
went away when I stood up on the pegs to
raise my head out of the turbulent zone
created by my Triumph Tiger’s small
windshield.
Add the Schuberth Rider Communication
system and you don’t just wear your C3
PRO, you are entertained and informed
by it as you listen to music or talk on your
smartphone while cruising the diamond
lane on your way to work. Schuberth, not
a communications company, has followed
the example of BMW and found a
partner with that experience
– Cardo systems – to
manufacture the
SRC system. That’s
great because
this headset is
compatible with
the many Cardo
units already
out on the road.
The guts of
the SRC are
contained in
the helmet’s neck
collar. Thus, there’s
nothing to bolt on or
glue in place when adding
the SRC system. The sound
quality from the two in-helmet speakers
is phenomenal, even at the maximum
volume needed to punch through my
custom-molded ear plugs. The thirty-inch
long antenna that’s already installed in
the helmet itself vastly improves FM radio
reception. Bike-to-bike communication
(paired with a Cardo Scala Q2 unit)
worked fine provided line of sight was
maintained.
All this is very wonderful, but is not
(as you correctly surmised) exactly
cheap. The MSRPs are $769 for the
C3 PRO helmet and $429 for the SRC
communications system. That’s $1200
plus tax and I will spare you a list of other
motorcycling goodies you could also get
if the price were half. Would I,
personally, spend that much
on a lid and a headset for
myself? Probably not.
But for those who
want and can afford
the very best—
and I hope you’re
fortunate enough
to be in that
group—I heartily
recommend
this Schuberth
combination.
There are five
Schuberth dealers
within 50 miles of San
Francisco—four BMW
dealerships (BMW San Francisco, Diablo
BMW in Walnut Creek, Cal BMW in
Mountain View and Livermore, and
San Jose BMW) and Scuderia West.
Visit schuberthnorthamerica.com to
find out more about the company and
the engineering behind this remarkable
helmet.
—Bob Stokstad
Carmel Valley: Of Young Men and Motorcycles
By Geoff Drake, Illustration by
Mr. Jensen
May your heart always be joyful and may
your song always be sung. May you stay
forever young. –Bob Dylan
In the early 1960s, Carmel, California,
was sanctuary to a Bohemian assortment
of singers and artists that would leave an
indelible mark on American culture. The
singer Joan Baez had taken up residence
on a rocky outcropping overlooking
the Pacific, in the Carmel Highlands.
There, she was joined by
her lover, a precocious
young singer by the name
of Bob Dylan. Nearby,
her sister Mimi,
enchantingly
beautiful at just
17, had rented a
cabin with her
new husband:
singer, novelist
and poet
Richard Fariña.
It was a time of
remarkable potential,
the folk music scene
just then unfolding like
a chrysalis, taking an entire
generation on its wings.
It’s not hard to imagine Dylan, the Baez
sisters, and Fariña plying the roads of
Carmel and the Big Sur coast, prior to the
current tourist inundation, while laying
the groundwork for 50 years of folk music
in America (an epoch chronicled in David
Hajdu’s book,
“Positively
4th Street”).
In the spring
of 1966, it
seemed almost
anything was
possible.
They could
have no way of
knowing what
the next few
months would
bring.
Aura of
Invincibility
But while
he had been
cavorting
with the
famous, Fariña
had also
been facing demons. Deep down, he
was bitterly envious of Dylan’s soaring
success, and the ease with which he wrote
songs—a great font of creativity that
continues to this day. Moreover, Fariña
had struggled for years to publish his
novel, “Been Down So Long It Looks
Like Up to Me,” a fantastical fiction that
stylistically resembled the work of his
college friend, author Thomas Pynchon.
After years of rewrites and squabbles with
publishers, Fariña’s great project came to
fruition in 1965, when Random House
agreed to publish the work. With this
news, Fariña was positively flying. A
signing was organized to celebrate the
event, at the now-defunct Thunderbird
Bookstore, at the mouth of Carmel Valley.
The date: April 30, 1966—his young
wife’s 21st birthday.
It’s easy to envision Fariña,
heady with the publication of
his new book, and intimate
with some of the world’s most
famous and influential
artists, conducting
himself with the aura
of invincibility that
accompanies youth and
accomplishment.
bike weave and groan in complaint? Or
was it all Hinds, the driver?
It’s impossible to know, but within half
an hour, sirens could be heard in the
distance. They had taken a corner too
fast. Or, Fariña was fighting Hinds in
the corner, leaning the opposite way.
Whatever the cause, the bike tumbled
off into a vineyard, at an estimated 90
mph. Hinds was badly hurt, but survived.
Fariña, the passenger, wasn’t so lucky.
Unhelmeted, he died instantly of massive
head and internal injuries. He was just 26.
The event started in the
afternoon. There is a
haunting image of
Richard and Mimi,
taken on a sunny
deck outside the
Thunderbird. She
seems proud,
yet strangely
skeptical, as
if his new
trajectory in life
couldn’t quite be
possible, or if she was witnessing some
implausible hubris.
For his part, Fariña is looking skyward,
slightly askance, as if he knew some strange
visitation was in the offing. It was.
Zoom
After the
intoxicating
experience
of the book
signing, and
with another
one planned in
San Francisco
the next day,
Fariña was
primed for
adventure.
According
to Hajdu,
each book he
signed was
accompanied
by this simple
inscription:
Zoom
Zoom.
After the
signing, he
and Mimi attended a party a few miles
up the valley. A friend, Willie Hinds, had
arrived on a new red Harley-Davidson
Sportster. Fariña imagined that a fast ride
on that beautiful road would be the perfect
capstone to his day—a harbinger of the
great future that lay before him.
Did Fariña—in his unbridled
enthusiasm—urge Hinds on, the pair
conspiring toward speeds that made the
When Mimi Fariña returned to the home
on Mount Devon Road in the Carmel
Highlands, days later, she discovered that
Fariña had set out a gift and card for his
young wife, trying to make amends for the
fact that he had forgotten her birthday.
Life at the Apex
I find myself fascinated by these events,
perhaps because of the small ways in
which my own life intersects with that of
the man I never knew and have only read
about. Like Fariña, I also know the Carmel
Valley—I would even say intimately—
from the seat of a motorcycle. Like Fariña,
I have also written books—though not
nearly as grand in scope—and I know the
elation that comes with taking the first
copy in hand, and the likelihood that one
might feel just a little invincible, and prone
to excess—vulnerable to the opiates of
speed and two wheels. I have reveled in
the sinuous curves of that road, and have
even stiffened with the anticipation of a fall
which—fortunately for me—never came.
There are those who have done analyses of
the accident, calculating the exact patch of
road, a series of left/right decreasing-radius
turns, bordered by a low stone wall. It’s
a place that has nearly caught me out on
occasion. Was that the spot? Another more
commonly accepted account puts the site a
few miles from the ocean, at a point called
Steinbeck’s Pool. This section, with its long,
sweeping curves in an open valley, looks
to be nothing particularly challenging for
a motorcyclist. However, when traveling
at an estimated 90 mph, with a passenger
fighting to keep the big bike upright, any
curve is dangerous.
abomination, a source of embarrassment.
And maybe death.
coast, and it’s easy to see how it would impel
the writing of any book, as it did for Fariña.
Postcript
Dylan, the genius of his generation,
seemed to have learned nothing from the
Is my investigation an obsession? A desire
to avoid the same fate? A little of both?
It is in any case borne of necessity, a
compulsion. It lingers in the mind, like a
recurring dream.
Richard Fariña is buried in the Monterey
City Cemetery, which I view every
morning over my right shoulder while
riding to work. His small, flat stone is
emblazoned with a peace sign. Judy Collins
sang at his funeral. Mimi Fariña died of
cancer in 2001. Her sister, Joan Baez, built a
home on Miramonte Road, not far from the
spot where her brother-in-law died.
We ride these roads, we know the quality
of the pavement, the turns, the braking
points, and the gear required to accelerate
cleanly out of each apex. When done
right, it’s a thing of beauty, poetry. When
done incorrectly, or in haste, it’s a mess, an
Richard and Mimi Fariña’s house on
Mount Devon Road is still there: a low,
flat structure that’s unspectacular in
comparison to the multi-million dollar
estates that now surround it. It nonetheless
still commands a striking view of the rocky
Tankslapper
read and bill sent to me via USPS. I go
to the site to pay and despite multiple
urgings have no interest in signing up
for Fastrack at this time. Opt for the
one-time payment, fill in the blanks and
bingo it says we are done. (Mr. Larrmendy
attached the confirmation email as
proof—Ed.)
leaves me a toll evader...a moniker I now
proudly wear after sending in a check to
cover the 31 bucks! As with most things
we have little control of and are above
accountability, this is another example of
a system that will continue to step on the
people who sustain it to prove its right. I
wish you the best of luck in correcting a
I think nothing about it until a toll evasion powerful cash machine.
letter arrives for $31.00. Double check
Jim Larramendy, San Mateo
my original confirmation and it looks
fine. My bank tells me no money was
Send in your tale of bridge-toll-related woe to
taken out of the account by their side so it [email protected].
CB Subscriber “Stopwatch” Lawrence sent us this photo and caption: Education is important, even to
us dummies who don’t physically live in NorCal. So, putting my time to good use while waiting for the
bratwursts to hit the grill at BMW Denver’s May 18 open house, I caught up on the news from May.
Yep, clothes do make the man! Photo: K-Mam’
in CityBike, even if it’s just effusive praise.
We love you too, Wayne.
RENEW!
tragic incident, if he was aware of it at all.
In an ironic twist, just months later, he
crashed his Triumph on a country road
near Woodstock, New York. Afterward, he
dropped from public view for years, though
it has always been said that the accident
merely served as an excuse to remove
himself from the public eye, and that his
injuries were not serious.
Service & Repair
Such things happen, sometimes at the
absolute apex of your life. Or the moment
becomes the apex of your life, simply
because of what follows. Either way, you are
remembered for it. And hopefully, for many
other things. Richard will be.
Dear CityBike,
Please renew my subscription to your
wonderful rag for yet another year! This
is obviously a labor of love and it shows.
Thank you.
Wayne Bonkosky, Santa Rosa
Subscribers always get their letters (and
photos—see News, Clues this month) printed
A BRIDGE TOLL TOO FAR
Hi,
I read with interest of Wolfgang`s GGB
Fastrack wrestling match (“News, Clues
and Rumors,” June 2013). I had a similar
experience involving the Bridge District’s
creative and lucrative accounting system.
Started out simply enough, my plate was
We Do SVs!
Last Century’s Tire Change Prices
RACing & RePAiR SinCe 1994
Same Day Turn Around!
All Tune Up Parts Always in Stock!
Geoff Drake is the former editor of VeloNews
and Bicycling Magazines, writes regularly
for national motorcycle magazines, and has
written books on bicycling and motorcycling.
He’s covered the Tour de France and Olympic
Games as a journalist. In his day job, he oversees
social media for the Monterey Bay Aquarium.
Read more at wriding.tumblr.com.
While we are well-known
for our work on Ducatis, we
provide outstanding service
on all brands and all models!
Plus, it’s a friendly place...swing
by on a Saturday for a cup o’
coffee and some bench racing.
Hours: Monday through Friday, 9 am - 6 pm
415-552-8115 | werkstattsf.com
3248 17th Street San Francisco, CA 94110
E
B
I
R
C
S
SU B
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C’MON, YOU KNOW YOU WANT IT.
Nichols Sportbike Service
913 Hanson Court
Milpitas, CA 95035
(408) 945-0911
For Ducati product info, please go to:
www.nicholssportbike.com
Just send a check for $30 to:
PO Box 10650
Oakland, CA 94610
be sure to include your name,
address, & phone number!
or use Paypal!
[email protected]
EVENTS JULY 2013
hipsters. Email thearthquaker@gmail.
com for more info.
First Monday of each month
(July 1, August 5):
Third Sunday of each month
(July 21, July 18):
2:30 – 10:00 pm: Northern California
Ducati Bike Nights at Benissimo (one
of Marin’s finest Italian Restaurants),
18 Tamalpias Dr, Corte Madera.
NorCalDoc.com
9:00 am: California (Northern)
Moto Guzzi National Owners Club
(MGNOC) breakfast at Putah Creek
Cafe in picturesque Winters, California
(Highways 505/128) MGNOC members
and interested Guzzi riders meet for
6:00 pm: American Sport Bike Night
at Dick’s Restaurant and Cocktails, 3188 breakfast and a good time. The Putah
Alvarado Street, San Leandro. Bring your Creek Cafe is located at Railroad Avenue.
More information contact: Northern
Buell and hang out with like-minded
riders. All brands welcome! Our meeting California MGNOC Rep, Don Van
Zandt at 707-557-5199.
of Buell and Motorcycle enthusiasts
has been happening the first Monday of
the month for the last 12 years, without
Doc Wong Clinics!
ever missing a meeting. We have had
many local and national celebrities
CityBike says if you haven’t done a Doc
from the motorcycle world grace our
Wong clinic, go do one ASAP. It’s fun,
meetings. It has been fun and exciting.
free and will make you a better/safer/
americansportbikenight.net
happier rider. Register by emailing
[email protected] or call Full Motion
First Wednesday of each month
Chiropractic at 650/365-7775.
(July 3, August 7)
More info: docwong.com
6:00 pm: Bay Area Moto Guzzi Group
monthly dinner at Vahl’s in Alviso (1512
El Dorado Street, Alviso, 410/2620731).
Saturday, July 13th
Members, interested Guzzi riders, and all
San Jose BMW Grand Opening
other motorcycle riders always welcome.
(San Jose BMW, 1990 West San Carlos
More information, contact Pierre at:
St. San Jose, 408/295-0205, sjbmw.com)
408/710-4886 or pierredacunha@
yahoo.com.
The gala Grand Opening Event will
Second Tuesday of Each Month
(July 9, August 13)
6:30 pm to 10:00 pm: East Bay Ducati
Bike Night at Pizza Antica (3600 Mount
Diablo Blvd., Lafayette, 925/299-0500)
Bike parking on the street right in front
of the restaurant, indoor and heated
outdoor seating, excellent wine list.
All moto brands welcome. Bring your
appetite and a smile, be prepared to make
new friends.
Third Wednesday of Each Month
(July 17, August 21)
7:00 pm: Seca II Meet-up at Lanesplitter
in Oakland (4799 Telegraph Ave,
510/653-5350) Luddites who are happy
with 20-year-old air-cooled tech gather
to spend their unemployment checks
on important things: pizza and beer. All
makes/models are welcome, though the
management has requested that we be
less rowdy so as not to intimidate the
feature many special booths, vendors
and brands including Schuberth
Helmets, Metzeler tires, Klim
Adventure Gear, Parts Unlimited, Alt
Rider, Rawhyde Adventures and more
plus the chance to win an exciting new
motorcycle.
Friday, July 19 to Sunday, July 21
MotoGP at Mazda Raceway Laguna
Seca! AMA Superbike racing, too. For
more info, go to mazdaraceway.com/
red-bull-us-grand-prix
For more info, go to
sacramentoflattrack.com or call Circle
Bell Motorsports: 707/703-3633.
Moto Shop
Sunday July 21st
Wednesday August 21
Upcoming Workshops and Seminars
10:00 am- 4:00 pm
325 South Maple #20, South San
Francisco, 650/873-1600
2013 Hillsbrough Concours
d’Elegance (Crystal Springs Golf
Course, 6650 Golf Course Drive,
Burlingame)
5:30 pm-9:30 pm: TrackerNite6 (924
Shulman Ave in Santa Clara, in front of
the Famous Barnaby Machine Co.)
JUNE
6/21 Oil and/or Coolant Change
Workshop
6/22 Chain & Sprockets Workshop
6/23 Tire Change Workshop
6/29 Valve Adjustment Workshop
JULY
7/5
Oil and/or Coolant Change
Workshop
7/6
Tire Change Workshop
7/13 Basic Maintenance Workshop
7/18 Brakes Workshop
7/25 Chain and/or Sprockets
Workshop
7/28 Ducati Valve Adjustment
Workshop
Sign up and get details online:
BayAreaMotoShop.com
Prices range from $25 - $250
No previous experience required.
This 57th running of this noted
classic-car show will include 20 British
motorcycles this year, including Dave
Neal’s perennial screaming-yellow
Norton P-11 cafe racer, which was
his first racebike, which tells you how
freakin’ old Dave Neal is (hint: he
didn’t race it in Vintage). Celebrity
judges, including CB contributor
John Joss. Tickets start at $30—go
to hillsboroughconcours.org or call
650/619-6186 for more info.
The grass roots motorcycle show/event,
now in its 6th year on the streets of
Santa Clara. The guys from Ultimate
BBQ are returning for their third
year. This event is proudly brought to
you by Lorin and Kathryn Guy and
2GuysEvents, Barnaby Machine Co.
& hopefully a host of sponsors and
vendors to be named soon.
Vendor and Sponsor opportunities
are now open and more information
can be had by contacting Lorin Guy at
[email protected] or by calling
408/242-1976.
Friday, September 27, to Sunday,
September 29
FIM World Superbike Championship,
Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca. For more
info, go to mazdaraaceway.com.
Saturday, July 27th
Sacramento Mile (Cal Expo grounds,
1600 Exposition Blvd, Sacramento,
916/263-3000)
Close out the Sacramento State Fair
in style watching some of the fiercest,
fastest flat-track action in the USA! If
you’ve never been to a mile event you
owe it to yourself to go. AMA National
racing—Harleys, other Twins and
Singles battle it out on hard-packed dirt,
with speeds exceeding 100 mph. Tickets
Saturday, July 21st
Ride-On-Motorcycles NEW Service
Dept Grand Opening
Presented by “Hollywood” Steve
Goodwin and David Viratos.
Featuring a DJ, Barbecue, door prizes,
and fun for all. Starts at 10am Saturday
July 21st. Also we are offering FREE
Oil Changes with filter from 10am
to 3pm. Ride-On-Motorcycles, 1416
Sonoma Blvd., Vallejo, CA 94591.
707-647-RIDE (7433). [email protected]
www.Ride-On-Motorcycles.com
Reliable, timely service at
reasonable rates on all
makes of motorcycles
Visit our new shop:
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990 Terminal Way, San Carlos
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start at $25 ($10 for kids!) and include
State Fair admission.
ADVERTISING
it works!
Contact CityBike to place a
classified or business
advertisement and reach
thousands of Bay Area
motorcycle enthusiasts.
[email protected]
415-282-2790
New customer promo. Citybike readers
receive a $100 voucher for our factory
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facility with over 40 years experience.
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Yamaha rediscovers
its swagger
With sales down by more than half,
dollar-yen fluctuations further hurting
the bottom line and the specter of unsold
inventory looming, there was a lot to
worry about. I wasn’t too surprised, then,
on my last visit to Yamaha’s U.S. corporate
By David Edwards
nicely, at least with some promise, and bike
companies are now happy to claw back a
couple of percentage points at a time.
To its credit, Yamaha has quickly come
to grips with this new sales landscape.
Apologies to any gearheads tuning in for a
nuts-and-bolts rundown of Yamaha’s newfor-2014 FZ-09, but the most important
take-away from the press reveal of the
middleweight naked roadster has nothing
to do with specifications and everything
to do with attitude.
After years in the doldrums, Yamaha is on
a bit of a roll, feeling feisty even. The ’tude
adjustment is being spearheaded by two
new models, the bobber-styled, Sportster
883-baiting Star Bolt 950 and now this
FZ-09, spoiling for a fight with sporting
European standards. Welcome back,
Yamaha—just in time, I’d say.
No secret that new-bikes sales in the
U.S. have plummeted precipitously since
the glory days of 2003-06 when dealers
moved more than a million units per
year. Since then the sales chart looks like
one of those out-of-control dive bombers
from the WWII flicks, all juddery, ground
rushing up and no amount of pulling back
on the stick is helping. We’re goin’ in!
headquarters a couple of years ago to find
the place a virtual Boohoo City. Upstairs,
seemingly half the offices were dark, and
those who remained had that kicked-dog
look that comes after yet another crisismanagement meeting.
With the Bolt 950 bobber (“How to
Build a Better Sportster,” May 2013),
the company fully embraced its inner
flannel-wearing hipster and even has
called out by name the bike’s main
competition, Milwaukee’s 883 Sporty,
Jump ahead to today and new reality time. in a video comparison. “The Bolt just
plain blows the Harley away when it
Sales have leveled out at the 450,000/year
mark, the economy is bumping along, if not comes to performance,” says the earnest
YouTubean in the lumberjack shirt. How
very un-Japanese.
“That would not have happened a few
years ago,” confirms one of the company
higher-ups who signed off on the video.
Maybe not, but the newfound edginess
is working. Dealers have ordered twice
as many Bolts as originally anticipated.
Ca-ching! Which brings us to Yamaha’s
Next Big Thing, the FZ-09. It is no mere
coincidence that the new machine will
retail for the exact same price as the
Bolt, a bargain $7990. Yamaha wants
to move some metal. This is a lot of
bike for the buckage, starting with the
engine, an all-new, cleansheet-designed
847cc triple. Yamaha teased us at last
year’s Intermot show in Germany with
a nebulous mockup of the powerplant.
“This advanced, new, light, slim and
compact three-cylinder engine will shape
Yamaha’s future motorcycle lineup,” we
were told, and apparently the future is
now. Asked if smaller and larger versions
might find their way into other models,
maybe in the supersport range, Yamaha
officials all of a sudden start staring at
their shoes while offering not wholly
convincing, “Dunno’s.”
What we do know is the new engine is fairly
conventional in layout, with the inclined
cylinder bank and stacked gearbox shafts
we’ve come to expect. Liquid cooling, fuel
injection, four valves per cylinder, throttleby-wire, three power modes, six-speed
tranny, etc., nothing earth-shattering
here. The crankshaft is called a Crossplane
design, but unlike the YZF-R1’s crank
with its pins spaced at 90-degree intervals,
unique for a four,
the FZ-09 uses
a 120-degree
crankshaft, standard
fare for a triple.
Maybe it’s “naturally”
Crossplane? A
counterbalancer is
employed to quell any
rogue vibration.
East Bay Motorsports
21756 Foothill Blvd.
Hayward
(510) 889-7900
GP Sports
2020 Camden Ave.
San Jose
(408) 377-8780
Grand Prix Motorsports
2360 El Camino
Santa Clara
(408) 246-7323
Mission Motorcycles
6232 Mission St.
Daly City
(650) 992-1234
This sweepstakes is premised on the beauty of the artistry and craftsmanship displayed on the entries rather than functionality or performance. Therefore, the Hayabusa’s depicted in the submissions may contain modified
or aftermarket parts that may impact the performance characteristics or legal operation of the motorcycle.
By conducting this contest Suzuki does not endorse any modifications to the Hayabusa that may render it unsafe or non-compliant with federal or local regulations.
Contestants and/or consumers are solely and completely responsible for operating their motorcycles in a safe manner and ensuring that any modifications to their motorcycle do not affect its safe operation and that it is
completely street legal before being operated on public roadways.
Motorcycles that are not street legal or certified under federal motor vehicle safety and emission standards and regulations are neither intended nor certified for use on public roadways.
Suzuki, the “S” logo, and Suzuki model and product names are Suzuki Trademarks or ®. © 2013 Suzuki Motor of America, Inc.
The claim is a stout 65
foot-pounds of torque
with 113 horsepower
at the crank (the
latter figure culled
from specs for the
European model of
the bike, called the
MT-09, because in America hp is still
a commodity whose name shall not be
spoken). Sadly, killjoy fire marshals at
the press showing decreed that the bike’s
battery be disconnected and all fuel
drained, so we weren’t able to actually
hear the brave new engine, unfortunate
for something claimed to be high on
“emotional performance character.”
Certainly that description would hold
for two of the most evocative triples in
recent memory, the old Triumph Trident
and Laverda Jota, if not necessarily for
Yamaha’s own XS750 and 850 threecylinders of 1976-81.
One tuning trick employed by the
new bike is a trio of different-length
intake runners, 102.8mm, 82.8mm and
122.8mm, done as much to optimize
intake sound as to increase tractability.
also aluminum, attaches outboard of
the pivot area. Suspension action is
controlled by a single shock, laid down
almost horizontally above the gearbox.
The swingarm is banana’d on its right
side, MotoGP-like, to make room for the
stubby exhaust outlet off the under-engine
muffler. Three stainless-steel headers run
into the collector,
with pipes 1-2 and
2-3 bridged by short
connecting tubes,
said to improve
both torque and
sound. Up front is
a 41mm inverted
fork, like the
shock, adjustable
for preload and
rebound. Braking
is handled by twin
298mm front discs
with radial-mount,
four-piston calipers.
Compared to
the current FZ8,
Company men who have ridden the new
which is going bye-bye at the close of this
bike claim it has a grunty “Twin with a
sales season, the FZ-09’s seating position
chip on its shoulder” feel, blessed with
is more rational, its handlebars 2 inches
instant torque and capable of powerhigher and 1.5 inches back, its footpegs
wheelies at will—the latter only by a
1 inch lower. Sitting on the bike, it’s a
professional rider under supervision on a comfortable, close-coupled reach over
closed course and don’t try this at home or the 3.7-gallon gas tank to the tapered
you’ll poke your eye out, of course.
aluminum bars. Yamaha studies show that
buyers of naked sportbikes rank riding
Clamshelling around the engine is a boltedposition as the number-one factor in
together main frame consisting of two cast
their purchasing decision, even ahead of
alloy halves. This pinches pretty severely
cornering performance or acceleration, and
at the seat juncture, giving the rider’s legs
lots of room. This means the swingam,
continued on page 18
First Ride: Honda CB500F and CB500R
ridden in any rpm—
with a steady pulse of
torque everywhere.
Honda is critiqued
for sometimes overengineering the soul
out of an engine
platform, and this
500 won’t change
that… However, it is
a masterful piece of
work, an easy-to-ride
engine platform for
the masses.
By Bart Madsen,
Motorcycle-USA.
com, Photos by
Kevin Wing
Honda aims to
reestablish the
500cc motorcycle
market with its allnew CB500 model
line—the fullyfaired CBR500R
sportbike a CB500F
naked standard and
CB500X adventure
model. Billed as fun,
easy-to-ride and
affordable, these are
some of the most
anticipated rides of
the year. CityBike
got a very quick ride
on the CBR500R
and CB500F; the
CB500X will be
available later this
summer.
All three CB500
models share the
same engine and
chassis platform, a
471cc Parallel Twin
wrapped in a tubular steel frame. The
bikes are world models, meaning they roll
off the assembly line in Thailand without
any major revisions for the various global
markets. Honda reps confirmed that the
U.S. and European models are identical.
The CBR500R is expected to be the
topseller in the U.S., catering to the
America’s
proclivity for
fully-faired
sportbikes
over
strippeddown
standards.
The R also
courts a
slightly
older 20-40
year-old
demographic
(the 500F
is aimed at
20-30 yearolds). Honda
envisions its
fully-faired
500 to be
a step-up
model for
CBR250R
riders, as
well as a more affordable supersport-styled
playbike for experienced (i.e. older) riders.
The R certainly looks the part of a proper
sportbike, and makes its little CBR250
sibling seem...little. The relatively large
tires (for this niche)—120/70 front and
160/60 rear—help convey the big-bike feel
characterizing all the CB500 models. Get
The 500 mill does
transmit some buzz
up through the frame,
which ebbs away
dependent on gear
and rpm. Otherwise
the power delivery is
flawless, with superb
fueling and a smooth,
smooth throttle—
ideal for novice
riders.
behind the controls and taller riders will
appreciate the relaxed riding triangle, with
reach to the pegs far less cramped than
I recall aboard the CBR250 and Ninja
300. The 500R doesn’t feel like a little
bike trying to be something it isn’t—it’s a
comfortable middleweight akin to the 650
Twins from Kawasaki and Suzuki.
Most
American
riders are
blissfully
ignorant
of tiered
licensing, but
indirectly
experience
its effects
with this
new 471cc
Twin, which
was purposebuilt to meet
35 kW (47
horsepower)
power
restrictions
for E.U.
licencing.
Honda’s
European
websites
confirm
power claims of 47 horsepower and 37
lb-ft torque.
horsepower peak right at its 8500 rpm
redline. To say it’s forgiving doesn’t do
the engine justice, as it can be mindlessly
The 500R’s
displacement fits it
right between two
Kawasaki rivals (also
parallel Twins), the 296cc Ninja 300 and
649cc Ninja 650. I reckon it falls in closer
to the 300 in terms of performance, but
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The Honda CBR500R riding position is
comfortable, with more leg room than the
250/300 entry-level sportbikes. Fire up the
R and Honda’s new engine thumps out a
mellow beat. It features a torque-rich, linear
powerband, building up to the mandated
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with a completely different character, as its
steady, street-friendly powerband contrasts
the 300’s frantic top-end bias. MotoUSA
aims to make this the subject of a future
comparison
review.
Knows
Roads
t
s
e
B
Knows th e
ROADS
You
need
both.
Our brief
test ride
incorporated
uneven city
streets, a
handful of
sweeping
soUT
hern
corners and
ca l i f
ornia
a half-dozen
miles on the
freeway. That’s
not a lot of
time to make definitive statements about
the CBR500R handling. That said, the
suspension package—a non-adjustable
41mm fork and pre-load adjustable
shock—proved comfortable for the city
and freeway. The few corners we tried to
push found the chassis setup soft, but not
flimsy by any means—and more stable
than the CBR250R.
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GPS is terrific
for telling you
where you
are . . . and
where you’ve
been. But
what about
“the best” way to get
to where you’re going? The twistiest,
most dramatic roads . . . the roads you brag to
your buddies about!
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Affordability is a critical factor of the
CB500 line, and the CBR500R base
All this talk about cost and affordability, of
course, speaks to the target demographic.
The cost of most motorcycles have pressed
well into five figures, including the 600
supersports; the CBR600RR is now
$11,490. The CBR500R cuts that MSRP
by nearly half.
As manufacturers clamor for sales
from Gen X and Gen Y to replace aging
Boomers, pricing will play a pivotal
role—and that’s where
the CB500 models make
a compelling case. The
CBR500R is perhaps
the most intriguing bike
to watch this riding
season. It delivers an
affordable and easy-toride sportbike platform
for the everyman rider.
The biggest surprise may be the
aforementioned tires—with the regularsized Dunlops a far cry from the skinny
tires we’ve come to expect on an entry-level
mount. They may contribute to a more
ponderous turn-in and transition than we
recall from the slender profiles on the quickturning 250/300, but the CBR500R feels
planted and stable.
A single 320mm rotor and twin-piston
Nissin caliper handle braking duties up
front, with a
single-piston
caliper rear
pinching a
240mm rotor.
Performance
is effective,
bringing
the claimed
429-pound
machine to
a halt with
predictable
force. Our test
units came equipped with optional ABS,
as Honda diverges from its C-ABS linked
system for a less expensive non-linked
system. The ABS adds only four pounds,
model sports a $5999 MSRP. The
uniform engine/chassis platforms and
Thai manufacturing location (which also
produce the budget-friendly CBR250R
and the CRF250L models) help keep
pricing competitive. Honda made a
conscious effort to factor affordability
into cost of ownership, too. The
dual overhead cam, four-valve head
incorporates roller rocker arms to allow
easier access for shim-valve adjustment,
thus reducing servicing costs. The valve
adjustment
intervals
are widely
spaced,
16,000 miles
after the
initial 800mile service
adjustment.
Honda is also
keen to point
out the 500’s
71 mpg fuel
efficiency.
Cash-strapped riders would net a
claimed 290-mile range by filling the
4.1-gallon tank—good luck getting that
from a 600 supersport.
but it’s the extra leverage of the taller, wider sellers, like the Kawasaki Z800, which
has been the top-selling bike in France for
handlebar that warrants the credit.
some years. Honda has experienced this
As a naked model the 500F does give up
phenomenon first-hand too, with its 599
wind protection. We didn’t sample it on the standard, which disappeared from the U.S.
freeway— rushing back to Honda HQ on
lineup after a few sporadic appearances.
I-10 aboard the 500R instead—but the F
exposes the rider to more wind with its half Honda reps seemed cautiously optimistic
fairing and small cowling. A long-distance that the 500F would not suffer the 599’s
fate. The company is certainly peddling the
tourer or daily freeway commuter may
F as one of its easiest sells with the $5499
prefer the 500R.
The CB500F is the naked
standard in the new
CB500 lineup, and sports
the lowest MSRP of the
three, at $5499 for the
base model and $5999
with ABS. Like its CB500
siblings, the F sources
Honda’s all-new 471cc
Parallel Twin. The tubular
steel frame, Showa
suspension and dual disc
stoppers are also shared
with the other 500s.
The 500F’s engine
performance is
indistinguishable from
the 500R, with a smooth,
forgiving power delivery
that peps up in the top-end. The new Twin
tops out at 47 horsepower and features a
torque-rich, linear powerband.
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Honda has a well-earned reputation
for fit and finish, and the 500s are no
exception.
One caveat
is the ginormous
horn button,
placed on the
left switchpod
right above the
turn signal.
It didn’t take
many miles to
figure out that
the numerous
beeps from
our test ride group were inadvertent.
But that’s the one blight, and
forgivable as the sturdy switchgear and
instrumentation, which include an easyto-read digital tach and speedo, feels
more akin to Honda’s 600RR supersport
than its 250R budget bike.
•
Butler Maps fills in where your GPS falls short.
We show you every great road and rank them
based on how good they are from a motorcyclist’s
perspective. We also know that ending your ride
in a neat town with a cold beer and hot meal is
important so all of our maps have QR codes to
hook you up with our recommendations. The
next time you want to explore the best roads in
America . . . don’t ask your GPS.
Available online and in the following
Bay Area motorcycle shops:
and, most impressive, only a $500
addition to MSRP.
The 500F departs from its sportier R
sibling in styling and ergonomics. We’ll
delve into the nuances of the naked
look in a minute, but it’s the ergos that
shift the bike’s attitude from sporty to
a more relaxed standard. The F swaps
the R’s clip-ons out for a riser and single
handlebar, which lifts the bar height 1.9
inches (49mm).
Naked styling and raised handlebar
differentiates the 500F from its sport
CBR500R sibling. The ergonomic change
facilitates a more upright riding stance. It’s
a subtle change, but the shortened reach
to the bar makes the riding position more
upright (while we didn’t ride the CB500X,
one was in the Honda HQ garage and its
ergos felt even more upright). Some riders
may prefer the forward cant of the sportier
R model, but I favor more relaxed upright
riding positions afforded by standards like
the CB500F – which felt quite comfortable
during our short ride.
Hopping off the R and onto the F for the
first time at a photo stop, the immediate
sensation is it feels lighter on its toes and
quicker to turn. Steering geometry on
both bikes is identical – 25.5 degree rake,
4.05 inches trail and 55.5-inch wheelbase
– as are the 120/70 front and 160/60 rear
Dunlop Sportmax tires. The five pounds
worth of bodywork shed by the 420-pound
F (424 pounds in ABS trim) may
contribute imperceptibly to the lighter feel,
As for the styling question, this tester has
always been partial to the naked look—
and the 500F is no exception. But I’m
swimming against the current on this one,
and the R is expected to far outsell the F
in the U.S. market. American riders, for
whatever reason, shun naked bikes. Fully
faired sportbikes still drive sales in the
non-cruiser road segments—and the naked
standards that are so wildly popular in
Europe have long struggled in the States.
We don’t even get to see many of the best-
base MSRP. As mentioned above, the
CB500s are world models, unchanged for
various global markets, and are produced
in Honda’s Thailand facilities. Both facts
contribute to the budget-friendly price tag.
But the low pricing is even more impressive
considering how much the Japanese
manufacturers have suffered in recent years
from currency woes. A strong yen and
subsequently weak Euro have benefited the
European manufacturers, at the expense
of the Japanese. That the 500F in ABS
Repair & Service
trim can be had for less than 6000 is an
important, if unheralded, feat.
The 500F doesn’t feel cheap, with solid
fit and finish. The instrumentation and
switchgear, shared with the 500R, befit a
full-sized street bike. And the 500F does
emote a hair more panache with its bluetinted display console, as opposed to the
more monochromatic display on the R.
Paint and overall built quality don’t feel
like a budget bike.
It is a pity, however,
that the ABS version
will only be available
in boring black—as
the Pearl White is
far more fetching in
person.
American ridership
started aging a
decade ago—it’s
now officially
aged. While the
grey-haired crowd
still commands
the market,
and drives sales
(think Honda’s
F6B Gold Wing),
Gen X and Gen
Y consumers are
the most coveted
demographics for
brands. Honda
is courting the
youth market with
these 500 models
as fun, affordable
mounts. And based
on my quick ride
assessment, I’d rate the 500F the most
attractive entry-level offering in the
Honda lineup.
Bart Madson has been scribbling at
Motorcycle-USA.com for eight years,
serving now as Managing Editor. He
regularly crosses paths with Editor EtsHokin on the press-junket slog, where they
talk bikes, brag about their kids and discuss
the latest selection in their dystopian science
fiction book club.
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continued from page 13
they won’t find much to complain about
here. The new bike is physically smaller
than the FZ8, too, its wheelbase spanning
56.7 inches against the older bike’s 57.5. At
a claimed 414 pounds fully gassed, it also a
whopping 53 pounds lighter than the FZ8.
If we figure gasoline at 6.25 pounds per
gallon, that puts dry weight at 391 pounds,
which is pretty impressive.
WedNeSdAY, JULY 17 th At 5 pM
The Yamaha’s most important number,
though, is on that $7990 price tag. That
puts it fully $900 under the FZ8’s 2013
sticker and anywhere from $1400 to $2600
less expensive than its natural rivals, the
Triumph 675 Street Triple, Ducati Monster
796 and BMW F800R.
The FZ-09 should hit showrooms in early
fall, available in red or dark gray, and do not
expect the brochures and press materials to
make a big deal of the company’s previous
triples. These days Yamaha isn’t interested
in looking back at history, recent or any
other kind.
David Edwards is editor-in-chief of
BikeCraft magazine, infrequently
contributes to CityBike and counts
Kawasaki H1, Triumph Trident, Laverda
RGS and Yamaha XS triples among his
list of bikes owned. He also has an Indian
V-8 under restoration but that’s a story
for another day...or maybe another decade
given the glacial pace of work involved.
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before I did a face plant on
the blacktop.
BEAR with It
The motorist following me
said he saw the carnage
and thought I
was dead from
the angle I hit
the ground.
Bear photo: Earl Moore
He was able to
stop his car before hitting the
The bear moved with surprising speed, faster
downed motorcycle, the bear or me.
than my motorcycle, which was moving in
the 35-45 mph range. It had run out of the
The car driver was saying to me as I regained
brush alongside the right side of the paved
consciousness, “Just bear with it, just bear
road and then made a 90-degree turn in
with it, just bear with it.”
the ditch, running parallel to me. And then
the black bear did something unbelievably
It seemed he was trying to straighten out
stupid—it zigged again, this time making
my badly bent leg while I was moaning, he
another 90-degree turn and ran directly
thought from pain. I don’t clearly remember
in front of me and my
loaded 600 pound BMW
motorcycle.
gregory
ed HERTFELDER
Kick the Habit
FRAZIER
farkle and bling on it, as well as new red
paint. I may have been moaning from
thinking about how long and expensive
it might be to repair what may have
happened to it while it and the bear flipflopped down the road.
With my leg straight, I tried to sit upright
while trying to shake off the fuzzy vision.
I was tossed high into the air and saw
some of the ass-end-over-tin-cup-bearand-motorcycle-dance from a flying
W formation. That was the last thing I
remember, looking down from aloft at the
scrambled bear-and-motorcycle omelet
While I was inspecting the motorcycle
for other damage and trying to straighten
the askew luggage, Good Sam was quietly
inspecting the bear.
As I was adjusting the
tank bag, Good Sam
came back to watch me
while opining about
how high I had flown,
the speed I was traveling
when I hit the ground and
generally starting to wear
on my nerves by talking
and not helping. I was
thinking about how I had
lived through a redline
adventure, something
that could have ended
my journey as well as my
days.
The bear likely weighed
around 300 pounds and
had a good amount of
summer fat. My front
wheel made contact just
behind the bear’s head,
lofting the front wheel
into the air and twisting
the handlebars out of my
hands. I suspect the oil pan
on the R80G/S also made
significant impact on the
bear’s shoulders, because I
later found bear hair on the
front of the engine case,
and the crossover pipe was
bent and badly dented.
The heavily laden rear
wheel of the motorcycle
did not make it over the
bear. Instead both the bear
and the motorcycle went
into a series of rolls down
the pavement with the bear
on top for a few seconds,
and then the motorcycle.
fender and windscreen. Surprisingly the
only serious damage seemed to be that
the right side mirror had broken off and
was missing.
That’s when I said to
him, “If you could look
around in the ditch for my
missing mirror, I might be
able to tape it back on and
can be on my way.”
To my utter amazement
he replied, “That bear just
woke up and run off into
the woods.”
why I was moaning but it may well have
been about hurt to the motorcycle. I still had
my helmet on and as I began to focus on the
sky I do remember thinking more about my
motorcycle and possible damage to it than
worrying about my own physical state.
I had spent a considerable amount of money
on that R80G/S and it had some expensive
The car driver was still saying, “Just bear
with it, bear with it man, bear with it.”
I was the furthest up the road. Next was my
chanting “bear with it” Good Samaritan.
Behind him was the motorcycle and then
next was the lumpish bear. We were spread
out like a derailed cargo train.
Good Sam was insistent that I not try to
stand up, telling me, “Just be cool man,
bear with it,” while holding my shoulders.
Maybe a couple of minutes went by before
I convinced him I didn’t have any serious
injuries and that hammering the road had
just loudly rung my bell.
The roll bars had rolled back against the
cylinder heads and there were scratch marks
on the valve covers, hand guards, front
either a yo-yo or a McMuffin (the taste is
identical) washed down with something
that looks like coffee but tastes like
decomposed Styrofoam and Elmer’s glue.
Park alongside a muddy ditch, then don
your gritty, stinking riding gear and helmet.
Before dragging out the Enduro-Cure
throw into the wind at least $45 dollars in
small bills.
At the Alligator dual-sport ride, Honda
dealer Steve Hyde pointed out that none
of the hundred or so riders waiting for the
ferry were smoking. This might indicate
that taking up dirt riding proves to a
better method of stopping smoking than
acupuncture or “the patch.”
However, there is a problem more serious
than smoking which affects many dirt
riders. The problem? How do you stop
riding enduros? Everyone agrees that
when we reach a certain age or physical
decrepitude or overwhelming financial
problems, it is time to quit. However, it’s
easier said than done, for enduros are so
addictive I think motorcycles should come
with a warning label.
In my own case, I have announced my
decision to quit enduro riding at least 39
times and after three such announcements
have actually nailed my boots to someone’s
garage wall.
My problem is that my determination to
quit sometimes falls by the roadside and
double-parks for a while.
I had another relapse recently when I heard
the Pine Hill enduro was going to be a
The bear, like me, had
apparently been knocked unconscious.
I looked at the empty space where the
bear had been. Gone was the bear and
along with it my mirror sticking out of its
shoulder or back.
in concrete. To use, simply drop it in a mud
hole then lift it as high as you can plus one
and a quarter inches, move it eight inches
Even Bill Gier showed up, and I would have
to one side and set it down. Continue doing
sworn Mel Downs took up a collection for
this until you can write your entire name
Bill’s final flowers two years ago.
on the ground with one continuous stream
The CJCR gave me number 94C, which
of sweat off your nose.
meant there were 372 riders ahead to soften
Hard-core cases are advised to get up at
up the trail. Right off I passed a rider on
row 93 who couldn’t get his 1974 Rickman 4:30 am, drive 245 miles while dining on
started which might have been the best
thing to happen to him all day as there was
no Vintage class listed. Substituted for it
was the old man class—the reason, along
with no post-entry penalty, that gray beards
like me and Bill Gier showed up.
Result: the largest turnout ever—well over
400 riders.
The soft sand trail had developed whoops
that resembled a long, thin, graveyard
preparing for a Spanish flu epidemic, and I
felt very good about being only five minutes
The Hertfelder Enduro-Cure
is guaranteed to make anyone
quit enduro riding with no nasty
withdrawal symptoms.
I turned to Good Sam and said, “Huh, the
mirror’s gone...and the bear with it.”
Dr. Frazier’s latest book, Motorcycle
Adventurer, has been described as “the true
story of the world’s longest, most difficult
and most perilous motorcycle journey ever
attempted,” and “should be a must-read for
every red-blooded motorcyclist.” The book
recounts the first motorcycle ride around the
world in 1912-1913. Watch for news about
Once I got myself fully upright, my next
the 2013 ‘round the world ride retracing the
order of business was to lift the motorcycle
original route to celebrate the incredible
up and stop battery acid and gas from
running out. I remember looking at the bear, achievement by Carl Stearns Clancy,
The Clancy Centenary Ride, at www.
thinking it was dead and wondering why it
horizonsunlimited.com.
had a mirror sticking out of its back.
Good Sam helped me lift the motorcycle and
between the two of us we got it on the center
stand. Then I began to inspect the damage.
When we hear of a person having trouble
kicking the smoking habit we sort of
snicker because, as a rule, dirt riders are
not smokers. There is a good reason for
this – it doesn’t take long to learn that a
bad rider who doesn’t smoke can outride,
out lift, out push and simply outlast a
smoker every time.
piece of cake: no “tight” stuff, no water, no
deep sand and no mud whatsoever. A real
“piece of cake,” layered.
Sure.
After broadcasting the “cake” BS, the
Central Jersey Competition Riders
(CJCR) did something a little unusual
by charging the same fee ($26) for both
pre-entry and post- entry. Usually there
is a higher fee on post entry to discourage
folks who don’t have their act together.
With no financial penalty for post entry, a
whole herd of us wimp-riders showed up
because it hadn’t rained a lot during the
week—just the ideal little spritz the night
before to keep the dust down.
down at the first checkpoint. At 16.9 miles I
slyly cut into the brush around a black mud
hole and found that 360 previous riders had
followed the same route. It took all four of
the sweep crew to drag my Honda out of
the next mud trap and I quit enduro riding
once again at the 24.9 road crossing. Two
Huskys with stuck pistons, indicating very
accurate quality control, were already there
waiting to be picked up.
Since that day I’ve developed a device: The
Hertfelder Enduro –Cure, guaranteed to
make anyone quit enduro riding with no
nasty withdrawal symptoms.
The Hertflder Enduro-Cure is the rear
wheel, fender and seat of a motorcycle cast
Enduro-Cure is guaranteed effective if used
on a regular basis and comes complete with
a spray unit that attracts insects.
Shipping weight is 342 pounds.
For a copy of Ed’s latest book, 80.4 Finish
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Seven or eight of us are standing in front
of a tavern. It’s maybe 7:00 pm. We’re
between the front of the building and the
line of motorcycles parked side-by-side on
the sidewalk, facing the street.
There’s a newest-generation Multistrada
with factory bags and a just-bought
temporary paper license plate; a Tricolore
Panigale, also just-bought and paper
plated; another brand-new bike, a BMW
F800 Twin, this one with huge aluminum
panniers; a Harley Evolution big Twin in a
rigid frame with high-level, tape-wrapped,
unsilenced exhausts and oil stains
underneath; a young woman’s R1 or R6
Yamaha, her Icon jacket thrown over the
tank; a 350 or 400cc Japanese dualsport,
and a GS1150 BMW, also with large, boxy
aluminum panniers.
I’m talking with the owner of the
Multistrada. I tell him I admire his choice
of motorcycles, and I feel sure I could
navigate a demanding (and rewarding)
He tells me about the
bike’s electronics, says he
hasn’t figured it all out
yet: Levels of anti-lock, three or
four engine control maps.... I note
the too-short front fender and the
almost attractive handguards.
I wish out loud that I could find similarly
unobtrusive ones for my ZRX.
As we chat, a guy in a business suit and tie
walks from the bar to the 800 BMW. He
opens one of the giant panniers and either
puts something in or takes something out.
He climbs aboard and starts the bike. You
can barely hear it run, as you’d expect.
I wonder if he’s here for the club meeting
or just a guy who rode to the bar on a
Thursday night. It’s a Euro bike and a Euro
bike club, so maybe his being here is not
just a coincidence, as I suspect the Harley
rider’s presence is.
The guy in the suit, helmet on, rocks
the BMW off the centerstand. He sits
there on the sidewalk, letting the oil
circulate, I suppose.
I hear the bike click into gear. I watch as
the guy rolls down off the curb and into
the street. He turns the bike to the right.
Mid-turn, at walking pace, something goes
wrong. In an instant the new BMW falls
on its right side in the middle of the street,
under the streetlights.
I turn my head when the bike starts to
fall. I do not want to see it hurt itself or its
rider, nor do I want to hear that “sickening
crunch,” can’t say it better than the cliche,
as bike meets pavement.
When I look again, I see that the guy
must’ve stepped away from the bike
as it fell. He did not fall down himself.
Immediately he lifts the bike up to the
vertical. Dude must be strong, I think.
The street is crowned, high in the center,
where the bike is. The guy is on the right
side of his bike, holding it up. He tries to
hold the bike while lifting his left leg
high enough to clear the huge silver
pannier and the seat - all from the wrong
side, the low side.
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We fix anything on
American V-Twin bikes
At that moment, one of the guys in the club
trots out, grinning, to tell the guy: Hey, you
should have bought a smaller bike.
What, dear reader, can we say or do about
guys like the one who made the smaller
bike comment? He’s a full grown man. He’s
gonna be that way all his life. Best we can
hope is that the BMW rider didn’t hear him
in the seconds before he rode away.
I walk back to the dude with the
Multistrada. We’ve all done something
like that, he says. I fell off my old Aprilia
during my driver’s test. The bike didn’t have
enough steering lock to turn inside a box
painted on the blacktop. I fell over right in
front of the Motor Vehicle tester.
408-298-6800
75 Phelan Avenue, San Jose
Estimates on Saturdays by appointment
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In Business Since 1978
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ENGINE DYNAMICS, LLC
Phone 707-763-7519
Fax 707-763-3759
www.enginedynamics.com
2040 Petaluma Blvd. N.Petaluma, CA 94952
Open 7 Days a week
Serving the
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since 1988
Award-Winning Customs
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All Makes Welcome
56 Hamilton Drive #A • Novato, CA 94949
415.382.6662 • CustomDesignStudios.com
ADVERTISING
it works!
In the last year, 115 companies placed
ads in CityBike. Most of them are repeat
advertisers.
CityBike readers are more than just
motorcyclists. They’re regular people
that put gas in the car, buy groceries, hire
plumbers, dine in restaurants, enjoy the
movies, go to the doctor when they feel
bad, and generally, put their pants on one
leg at a time like the rest of us.
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a classified or business
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CityBike readers are clients you
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We have all done the stupid thing, haven’t
we? I sure have. I wonder if that BMW rider
will show up for another club meeting. Or
if I will.
Featured in American Hotrodder,
High Performance Mopar, and more
Sale ends 4/30/13
As he leans the bike toward me, I put a
hand on his shoulder for an instant, hoping
he’ll feel just a little bit reassured. He walks
around the back of the bike and climbs on.
Never says a word. And I do not look at the
bike to assess the damage, or at the ground
to see what has broken off.
As I watch, the bike falls over again! I
look away, unwilling to see the bike on
the ground, unwilling to think about how
He tells me he had seen the young
awful the guy must feel - right there in front hardbodies in the aerobic gym across
of the assembled motorcycle club.
the street laughing at the BMW rider’s
misfortune. Charming.
However he feels, he picks the bike right
back up. And tries again to get that leg over As I walk home I wonder if the BMW
the high seat and bag, from the low side of
rider will ever come back to that bar on a
the bike.
Thursday night. Or does he figure he has
embarrassed himself beyond forgetting
I hear laughter from guys around me.
or forgiving?
The laughter is the worst of it, worse than
the sight and sound of the poor bastard
I wonder if the adventure-style BMW is his
humiliating himself in front of what I
first bike. Or did he used to ride something
suddenly feel is a crowd of creeps.
small enough so he could hold it up and get
on from the “wrong” side? Does he love his
I run out into the street, to the left side of
F800 the way I love my bike and you love
the BMW. I tell the guy I’m going to kick
yours? Is his heart broken?
down the stand so he can lean the bike
away from himself and onto it. And get on Many of us, I feel sure, have at one time or
his bike from the low side.
several times done something impossibly
stupid in front of witnesses - maybe even
the cool kids in our school class. We’ve
all done it. How can we nonetheless be
so insensitive when another guy does the
same kinda thing?
Auto, Motorcycle, Marine
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curving country road faster on
his bike than on that Panigale
over there.
Another
Thursday
Night
Marketplace
CLASSIFIEDS
CLUBS
Homoto is a queer and queer-friendly motorcycle club based
in the San Francisco Bay Area. Our rides are sport-focused with
an emphasis on safety and camaraderie.
For more info: http://www .homoto .us
sanfrancisco@homoto .us
sanjose@homoto .us
Antique Motorcycle
Club of America
Yerba Buena Chapter of the
Antique Motorcycle Club of America
Motorcycle Enthusiasts dedicated to the preservation,
restoration, and operation of antique motorcycles.
To join or view more information about our club, visit us at
www .yerbabuenaamca .org
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!
Bikes for Sale by Owner - now at Addiction Motors
1989 Yamaha x600 Radian $2200 - 10,300 miles, Black/
Silver
1998 Mercedes E320 $5000 195,170 miles, Tan
1998 Titan Gecko RM, $24,000 Black
1998 Harley-Davidson Springer Softtail $10,000 - 4501
miles, Black/Blue
2001 BMW R1100s w ABS $4750, 17,000 miles, Black/
Silver
2002 Honda Sabre Shadow $3000 - 4844 miles, Burnt
Orange
2002 Suzuki Hayabusa $5300 - 17,000 miles, Silver
2002 Harley-Davidson Sportster 883 - $4000, 10,981
miles, White
2002 Kawasaki Vulcan 800 - $2900, 10,800 miles,
Violet Blue
2003 Kawasaki Ninja 250 $2400 - 2600 miles, Blue/
Yellow
2004 Kawasaki Z1000 $4500 - 9531 miles, Orange
2006 Custom Chopper by SANTE $10,000
2006 Triumph Speed Triple - $6000, 5800 miles, Blue
2008 Kawasaki Vulcan 900 Classic $5750
2008 Aprilia Scarabeo 200cc $3745 - 6000 miles, Red
2008 Ducati Hypermotard 1100 $5800 - 34,000 miles,
Red
2011 Kawasaki Ninja 650R $6400 - 5100 miles, Black
2012 Can Am Spyder RS $18,000 - 10791 miles - Black
* Loaded! *
Bay Area Moto Group
Ride with other local sport bike riders in the Bay Area.
• Mostly sport bikes
• Routes go to ALL parts of the bay area and focus on the
“twisty’s”
• We set a quick pace and newbies may get left behind ;)
• Group riding experience is highly recommended, as is
proper riding gear
• We also do track days, drag races, motorcycle camping,
and attend motorcycle racing events
http://www .meetup .com/BayAreaMotoGroup/
OMC
The Oakland Motorcycle Club is the fourth-oldest club in
the nation and celebrated 100 years of continuous operation
in 2007. The OMC is dedicated to supporting the sport
of motorcycle riding. We are a diverse group of male and
female riders with a wide variety of motorcycles, including
street, dirt, and dualsport bikes. We sponsor and organize
the following annual events to which all riders are invited:
Sheetiron 300 Dualsport, held in May; Three Bridge Poker
Run, held in July; Jackhammer Enduro, held in October.
Regular club meetings are held every Wednesday at 8:00
p.m. Guests are welcome. 742 – 45th Avenue, Oakland.
(510) 534-6222. www .oaklandmc .org .
Bay Area Sidecar
Enthusiasts (BASE)
•Whatdoesyourdogthinkaboutmotorcycling?(A:
Hard to tell without a sidecar!)
•Everdrivenintrafficwithafakemachine-gun
mountedtoyourrig?
•Wanttoknowhowto“flythechair”?
•Maybejustwanttofindoutwhatit’sliketobea
“sidecarmonkey”foradaybycatchingaridewithus?
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 pej12378@yahoo .com for more information.
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
Port Stockton MC
COME RIDE WITH US!
-We are a friend and family oriented historical club of
-Any make, model or style of bike is welcome.
-All are invited to join us on our rides, visit our weekly
meetings or become a new member.
For more information: E-mail us at
portstocktonmc@webtv .net,
or visit our website at portstocktonmc .com
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
Classic Japanese
Motorcycle Club
The Classic Japanese Motorcycle Club is dedicated to the
celebration and preservation of the Classic and Vintage
Japanese motorcycle. We have rides, meets, shows, swaps and
can help you find and sell parts, bikes and motorcycle-related
services. Members make the club function!
www .CJMC .org .
Exciting women-only motorcycle group in the SF Bay Area.
For more info visit www .curveunit .com
The 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
DEALERS
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
Addiction Motors
Addiction Motors
4052 Watts St @ 40th, Emeryville, CA
510.473.7247, www.addictionmotors.com
J&M Motorsports
1931 Old Middlefield Way
#201
Mountain View
www .jm-ms .com
650-386-1440
Good-used-motorcycle/Fair-price specialists—Sportbikes,
Cruisers, & Dirt Bikes
We are a licensed operation run by two brothers who love
motorcycles and specialize in newer, low-mile, affordable
bikes that are worth owning. We have in-house financing
and a wide variety of bikes all in one place.
Looking for your first bike? Your 10th? Come by and see
why people like us: Easy to deal with and we really enjoy our
work. J&M is not a giant dealership. When you call or visit,
you’re talking directly with the owner.
Come by and take a look! Open Tues-Sat - Closed Sunday
We buy (nice) used bikes. Trade-ins and consignments are
almost always welcome.
$10,495 2011 BMW F800ST 5,926 miles
$5,995 2004 BMW R1150T ABS 66,223 miles
$3,495 2008 Buell Blast 500 2,885 miles
$12,995 2003 Chevrolet 2500HD Duramax 179,954
miles
$6,995 2006 Ducati Monster S2R 4,755 miles
$15,995 2003 Ford F-250 Powerstroke 7.3L 178,643
miles
$13,495 2005 Harley-Davidson FLHRCI Roadking
Classic 6,881 miles
$19,795 2007 Harley-Davidson Special Construction
HD 12,836 miles
$16,995 2005 Harley-Davidson Screaming Eagle
Electra Glide FLHTCSE2 20,048 miles
$5,495 2005 Honda VTX1300S Shadow 10,335 miles
$2,295 2005 Honda CRF250 Low Hours
$2,595 1970 Honda Dax ST70 930 miles
$7,995 2008 Honda CBR600RR 14,372 miles
$4,495 1993 Honda VRF750F 7,839 miles
$1,495 2003 Honda XR100 Low Hours
$2,995 2009 Honda Rebel CMX250 7,550 miles
$5,495 2006 Honda CBRF4I 7,118 miles
$4,995 2008 Husqvarna TE450 924 miles
$5,495 2005 Kawasaki ZX636 Ninja 17,166 miles
$5,995 2009 Kawasaki ER6N 5,009 miles
$3,295 2012 Kawasaki Ninja EX250R 3,363 miles
$4,495 2009 Kawasaki KAF400A Mule 400 Hours
$2,295 2005 Suzuki GZ250 13,775 miles
$5,495 2005 Suzuki SV650S 6,271 miles
$7,995 2009 Suzuki GSXR750 11,179 miles
$4,995 2007 Suzuki SV650S 11,429 miles
$6,995 2007 Suzuki GSXR600 7,644 miles
$3,995 2008 Suzuki GS500F 2,827 miles
$5,495 2008 Suzuki GSX650F 5,441 miles
$8,995 2012 Triumph Street Triple R 1,633 miles
$5,495 2009 Yamaha V-Star 650 2,889 miles
$5,995 2009 Yamaha FZ6R 4,043 miles
$8,495 2008 Yamaha YZFR1 7,523 miles
$8,495 2007 Yamaha XV1900 Stratoliner 11,535 miles
$6,495 2005 Yamaha YZFR1 15,443 miles
Mission Motorcycles
6232 Mission Street Daly City, CA 94014 (650) 992-1234
www .missionmotorcycles .com
Mission Motorcycles is a dealership for new Honda,
Kawasaki, Suzuki, Yamaha motorcycles, ATVs, scooters and
dirt bikes and the Zero electric motorcycles. Our factory–
trained technicians can keep your machine in top-top
running condition.
We are hosting a Bike Night on Friday June 21st, 2013.
All local bikers are invited to stop by, check out some new
models, special deals and enjoy some BBQ!
NEW BIKE SPECIALS
2013 Zero Electric Motorcycles are here!
Improvements for 2013 include a new Z-Force motor with
up to 70 ft-lbs of torque, top speed of 95 mph, range up
to 135 miles, and removable storage in the “tank” of the
S and DS mode, and Bluetooth Smartphone integration.
Select models are eligible for the $900 CA Clean Air Vehicle
Rebate and 10% Federal tax credit. Call for a Demo Ride and
mention CityBike. 650-992-1234
2011 ZERO Electric Motorcycles Factory Authorized
Clearance savings available here at Mission Motorcycles.
Get Plugged In! The MX (Motocross) model is $3500.00
OFF!!! Plus, select ZERO Motorcycles qualify for a $900
CA Clean Air Vehicle Rebate! Call (650) 992-1234 for more
information.
JUST ARRIVED: 2014 Honda CTX700N, 2014 Yamaha
Bolt, 2013 CBR500 ABS, 2013 Honda CB1100 ABS retrostyling, 2013 Honda NC700X, 2013 Zero FX
COMING SOON: The brand new Honda CB500F, 2013
Honda NC700X standard and DCT models, 2013 Suzuki
SFV650 and 2013 Suzuki DRZ400 Super-Moto
NEW 2012 SUZUKI SALE Save up to $750 on GSXR600,
GSXR750, Hayabusa, V-Strom 1000, and Boulevard C50.
Special, low financing available.
2012 Honda Gold Wing in Black! Tour the country
in style and comfort with a Gold Wing! This bike has
everything but the airbag: ABS, Navigation, XM Ready, and
Heated Grips and Seat! This bike also has Reverse and is
$1500.00 OFF!!! Stock # H2995
2012 Demo Yamaha FJR1300 in blue and on Sale!
$1500.00 OFF! What a fantastic sport touring motorcycle!
This bike is fun, handles like a dream and has great styling!
It also has heated grips, an automatically adjustable
windscreen, saddlebags and two seat height options stock!
Y2732
2011 Yamaha FZ1 Was $10,499, Now on Sale for
$9000!!! Silver. Want a comfortable ride, but don’t want to
give up sport performance and handling? This is the ride
for you. Stock # Y2683
2010 Honda Sabre $11,000 on Sale. Candy Red. All
stock with a custom look. Arrive in style everywhere you
go with this super sleek cruiser that gets all the attention!
H2935
PRE-OWNED VEHICLES
2012 Yamaha Super Tenere Blue with yellow decals,
all stock equipment and only 3,974 miles. Stock # U1209
$12,999
2009 Yamaha YZ450F White with black & red decals.
Fresh tires, new fork seals, and ready to ride! Stock#
U1195, $3599
2009 Triumph Thruxton black with pewter stripe. Retro
café racer style with modern tech! 15,370 miles. Stock#
U1204 $5999
2007 Vectrix VX-1 red. Electric scooter, free of the everchanging gas prices. Freeway capable and great for getting
around town. 3051 miles. Stock# U1216, Only $899!
2003 Yamaha VStar 650 Custom black with indigo blue.
Big cruiser style in a mid-size package. Low seat height.
8183 miles, stock # U1221, $3599.
2002 Honda Rebel black with 14,294 miles. Saddlebag
supports already installed, just add your bags! Stock #
U1202 $2399
1977 Honda CB400F red with only 16,472 miles! In
excellent condition, you have to see this bike to see how
well it has been taken care of over the last 35 years! Stock
#U496, $3699.
Prices do not include government fees, dealer freight/
setup fees (new vehicles only), taxes, dealer document
preparation charges or any finance charges (if applicable).
Final actual sales prices will vary depending on options or
accessories selected.
Check out and compare our bikes online at
www .missionmotocycles .com!
Ride On Motorcycles
707-647-RIDE (7433) Ride-On-Motorcycles .com
1416 Sonoma Blvd
Vallejo CA 94590
Steve@Ride-On-Motorcycles .com
David@Ride-On-Motorcycles .com
Welcome to Ride-On-Motorcycles!
Our friendly associates will help you find the Motorcycle you want at a
price you can afford. Our years of experience and commitment to quality
have earned us loyal customers throughout the Ride-On-Motorcycles
metro area. Women riders are always welcome and yes, we listen to what
you want.
We are an Authorized Dealer for Cleveland CycleWerks offering brand new
quality, affordable production motorcycles. The Misfit is a full suspension
“Café” styled bike that can fit 2 passengers comfortably. The Heist is a
“Bobber” styled bike that will turn heads with lots of cool features.
Our experienced buyers select only the best values from trade-ins,
overstocked inventory and private party purchases. We stand by every
motorcycle we sell. Due to our low overhead, we can pass incredible
savings along to you.
We specialize in satisfying all our customers’ needs with your powersports
purchase. From what you want and keeping within your budget, we will walk
you through the entire process. We promise a hassle-free experience! Every
motorcycle we sell gets a service and has passed a comprehensive 38 point
inspection performed by our knowledgeable staff.
One-stop shopping!
We sell and service most makes and models. Including Harley-Davidson,
Honda, Yamaha, Suzuki, and Kawasaki to mention a few.
Trades are always welcome. We’ll buy your bike or take it on
consignment.
Warranties soon to be on the menu.
Parts & Accessories in stock.
We offer financing through multiple sources to qualified applicants.
Discounted no-obligation insurance quotes available for your scooter!
Our History:
Ride-On-Motorcycles was founded by two motorcycle enthusiasts and
riding buddies, David and Steve in 2009. Both David and Steve spent time
together at Harley-Davidson of Vallejo until the Dealership sold in 2008,
the new owners let the management team go so David and Steve partnered
up to start a new shop offering a wide variety of brands in a warm friendly
family environment.
About Steve
Steve is known in the motorcycle community as “Hollywood” Steve, a
handle that was given to him over a decade ago by riding friends that would
patiently wait for him as he got ready to leave on rides. In his younger years
Steve was influenced by the movie “Easy Rider”. After seeing the flick he
purchased his first motorcycle the very next day. Steve has been an avid
rider now for more than 40 years.
Steve held many positions in every department of a leading Northern
California Harley-Davidson dealership. As Sales Manager he learned
the value of offering quality motorcycles at a fair price. As Business/
Finance Manager it was important that the financing and warranties were
of the best value. The purchase experience needs to be hassle free and a
pleasure. He knows that the success of the business is a total commitment
to satisfy every customer’s need while fulfilling their dreams to ride at
Ride-On-Motorcycles.
About David
David’s entry into the motorcycle industry was more from necessity than
pleasure. Seemed like a good career choice. David began working in
the industry in 1981 and purchased his first motorcycle to commute to
work that year. His work experience includes managerial duties in parts
and accessory, purchasing and sales of motorcycles, and servicing
motorcycles. His passion for riding grew for 20 years before finally
heightening in 2007 with Steve and David’s first road trip together, the
epic ride to Daytona Beach for Bike Week. This was the foundation for
the passion that has grown ever sense. David’s primary goal at this point
in his career is to carry the message to others regarding the joys of the
motorcycle world.
PRE-OWNED BIKES
$8995 2005 Ducati 1000 S DS MULTISTRADA Red
43443mi
$3495 1996 Honda ST1100 Red 37668mi
$2795 2001 Honda Shadow VT750C Black 77306 mi
$9495 2005 Harley Davidson FXSTI Softail Blue 17968
mi
$5795 2000 Buell X-1 Lightning Red 10645 mi
$3295 2009 Suzuki S40 (LS650) 650cc, 1cyl Black
14882 mi
$3495 2006 Suzuki S50 Boulevard (VS800) BLK
16677 mi
$6995 2012 Suzuki C50T Boulevard (VL800T)BLK/
RED8781 mi
$2295 2004 Honda CB250 Nighthawk Black 12508 mi
$1895 1981 Yamaha XJ650 Maxim Silver 45941 mi
$3495 2002 Buell Cyclone M2L Blue 11546 mi
$10995 1997 Harley Davidson FLSTF Black/Flame
24288 mi
$8995 2009 Harley Davidson XR-1200 Sportster
Orange 28550 mi
$14995 2009 Harley Davidson FLSTFI Fatboy Black
7160 mi
$9995 2000 Harley Davidson FLHRCI Road King Green
58489 mi
COMING SOON
$2995 1996 Kawasaki VN 1500-D1 Vulcan Classic
Black
$2995 2003 Kawasaki VN750A Vulcan Red/Grey
24428 mi
$2995 1999Yamaha XV650 Black
$2995 1996Triumph Trophy Green 49903 mi
$2595 2003 Kawasaki EN500C Vulcan Black 9388 mi
$2995 1984 Honda VF1100C V65 Magna Red 34888 mi
2000 Suzuki GSX-R600 SRAD Black 25153 mi
SF MOTO
275 8th Street at the corner of Folsom
San Francisco - 415 255 3132
www .sfmoto .com
We are sf moto. Located on 8th and Folsom in the SOMA
(South of Market) area of San Francisco,we serve the bay
area with new SYM scooters and recent used motorcycles.
We sell Triumph, Ducati, Yamaha, Kawasaki, BMW,Suzuki
and other brands.
Here you will find anything from Street bike to cruiser and dual
sport bikes. All our vehicles have been thoroughly gone through.
Our used motorcycles come with our own 60 day warranty.
SERVICE DEPARTMENT:
The service department is open from Tuesday throuhg
Saturday from 8:00am until 6:00pm. Direct service phone
line: 415-861-7196
SALES DEPARTMENT:
- We buy used motorcycles and scooters. We can also help
you sell your ride with our no cost consignment program.
- Bring your bike, title (or loan statement), owners handbook
and keys.
- It’s OK if you still have a loan on your bike we can still take
care of you.
- We will provide the safest way for you to get cash for your
motorcycle or scooter. It only takes about 20 - 25 minutes.
- Sign up on our mail list to get NEW INVENTORY
NOTIFICATIONS in our weekly e mail newsletter at
www .sfmoto .com
WE HAVE THE FASTEST ROTATING SELECTION
IN SAN FRANCISCO:
Download a free QR code scanner from your app
store or google play . Then scan the following QR code
to see our current inventory including detailed specs
and images!
USED INVENTORY
- All used motorcycles at sf moto come with a 3 month
warranty.
We thoroughly go through our used inventory:
- If we find brakes to be worn over 60%, new pads are
installed
- If we find tires to be worn beyond 60%, new tires are
installed
- If chain & sprockets are worn beyond 60%, we install new
chain & sprockets.
BMW
BMW G650GS Sertao, 2012
DUCATI
Ducati Monster 696, 2010, 5339 miles, red - $7998
DucatiStreetfighter,2012, 1616 miles, white, $11998
‘HONDA
919, 2004, 34630 miles, Silver - $5198
919, 2002, 17425 miles, Red - $5498
CBR600RR, 2007, 9689 miles, Blue/Silver - $7998
CBR600RR, 2004, 7103 miles, blue, $6498
CBR600RR, 2010, 6979 miles, orange / black, $10498
CBR600RR, 2008, 6358 miles, flat black, $8498
CBR600RR, 2009, 1738 miles, white, $8498
Shadow VLX VT600, 7713 miles, silver, $5498
Shadow Sabre VTX1300, Silver, 8991 miles, $5498
VTX1800, 2003, 14257 miles, red, - $4998
Silverwing, 2003, 23610 miles, red, - $3498
KAWASAKI
Concours ZG1400, 2008, 148 Miles, Silver, $9998
Ninja 250, 2009, 7501 miles, green, - $3998
Ninja 250, 2008, 3247 miles, red, - $3998
Ninja 650, 2008, 4077 miles, green, - $5898
Ninja 650, 2007, 3986 miles, blue, - $5898
Ninja 650, 2009, 5095 miles, black, - $6198
Ninja 650, 2011, 2547 miles, Orange, - $6898
Ninja 650, 2009, 5095 miles, Black, - $6798
Ninja 650, 2011, 10873 miles, Orange, - $6498
Ninja 650, 2007, 1619 miles, blue, - $5998
Ninja 650, 2012, 2056 miles, red, - $7198
Ninja 650, 2012, 1411 miles, blue, - $7198
Ninja 650, 2009, 3103 miles, blue, - $6195
Ninja 650, 2007, 2212 miles, blue, - $5898
Ninja ER-6N, 2007, 182 Miles, blue, - $5698
Ninja ER-6N, 2007, 6808 Miles, blue, - $5698
Ninja Z1000, 2011, black, 20281 Miles, - $5998
Ninja ZX-6R, 2284 miles, black, - $8498
Versys 650, 2012, 1468 miles, black, - $7498
Versys 650, 2009, 11086 miles, green, - $5998
Versys 650, 2009, 5520 miles, green, - $6998
Vulcan 900, 2009, 98 miles, black, - $6498
Vulcan 900, 2010, 1648 miles, blue, - $6998
Vulcan 900, 2011, 805 miles, black, - $7998
Vulcan 900, 2012, 729 miles, orange, - $7498
PIAGGIO
MP3 400, 2010, 6154 miles, blue, - $6498
Fly 50, 2010, 608 miles, silver, - $1998
SUZUKI
Burgman 400, 2008, 9575 miles, red, - $4498
Burgman 400, 10158 miles, black, - $3498
DRZ-400, 2009, 5028 miles, white, - $5998
GSXR-600, 2008, 527 miles, white, - $8498
GSXR-600, 2008, 3395 miles, white, - $7995
GSXR-600, 2007, 4788 miles, blue/white, - $7498
GSXR-750, 2011, 1351 miles, black, - $9898
GSXR-750, 2011, 1888 miles, blue, - $9698
GZ250, 2006, 1646 miles, blue, - $2998
SV650S, 2007, 11492 miles, red - $5498
SV650S, 2006, 12651 miles, blue - $4998
V-Strom 650, 2009, 17448 miles, orange - $6498
V-Strom 650, 2009, 9117 miles, orange - $6998
V-Strom 650, 2009, 13332 miles, black, - $6998
V-Strom 1000, 2012, 4845 miles, black - $9698
SYM
Mio 50 scooter, 2007, 6677 miles, orange, - $1198
TRIUMPH
Bonneville SE, 2012, 994 miles, orange - $8198
Bonneville T100, 2012, 3536 miles, Black - $8798
Thunderbird ABS, 2011, 2992 miles, white, - $10998
Tiger Explorer, 2012, 1110 miles, blue, - $15698
YAMAHA
FZ6, 2007, 567 miles, red, - $5998
FZ6, 2009, 6331 miles, yellow - $5498
FZ6, 2005, 2467 miles, silver - $5498
FZ6, 2009, 1782 Miles, Yellow, $5998
YZFR6, 2008, 5174 miles, blue, - $7998
YZFR1, 2009, 26 miles, blue - $9998
FZ1, 2005, 10670 miles, blue - $5998
FZ1, 2008, 15054 miles, red - $6498
TW200, 2012, 2871 miles, white, - $3898
V-Star 250, 2009, 1787 miles, black, - $3498
V-Star 650, 2003, 2516 miles, purple, - $4298
V-Star 950, 2010, 339 miles, white, - $6998
V-Star 950, 2010, 947 miles, gold, $6998
Vino 125, 2006, 4764 miles, blue, $2198
YZF-R1, 2009, 26 miles, blue, - $9998
Zuma 125, 2009, 2337 miles, blue - $2798
1952 BSA ZB 500cc - $3000
1965 Duca(ti?)Condor350cc - $2500
1966 BSA Thunderbolt 650cc - $3000
1972 BSA B50 TR 500cc - $3000
1973 HD Sprint Aermacchi - $3000
Old Ed Meagor
San Rafael
415-457-5423
Scorpa trials motorcycle (French) Brand-new, zero miles
2005 model. 70cc 4-stroke, only 80 pounds. 3-speed
transmission. Call for details. $2000. 415/781-3432.
RIDING SCHOOLS
Doc Wong
Riding Clinics
PERSONAL IMPROVEMENT
Come to the FREE monthly Doc Wong Riding Clinics.
www .docwong .com
Eighteen years, 40,000 riders!
PARTS AND SERVICE
ADDICTION MOTORS
4052 Watts St @ 40th
Emeryville, CA
510.473.7247
www .addictionmotors .com
Monday-Friday 8am-7pm
Saturday-8pm-6pm
SPA Moto at Addiction Motors
Motorcycle Detailing • Seat Rejuvenation • Accessory
Installation • General Service
Riding season is upon us, is your ride ready? SpaMoto,
conveniently located at Addiction Motors in Emeryville,
specializes in making your ride shine. Drop off your bike
anytime Tuesday - Saturday and pick up your machine
with the same shine you fell in love the day you bought it.
Other services include accessory installation, complete
seat rejuvenation and general motorcycle service and
maintenance. Call today for an estimate. 510 473 7247
USED MOTORCYCLES:
02 Honda RC51 SP2
2002 Honda RC51 SP2. 6.9K mi. Xlnt Cond w/new tires
& batt, 2-Bros. Under-tail. $7500 Mendocino coast area
707-962-0379 pls lv msg.
Name:
Address:
City:
e-mail:
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
Aprilia, KTM, and BMW Service and Repair
Located at 44 Harbor street, San Rafael
Open Monday-Saturday 10am-6pm
(415) 454-RIDE
V-Twin Service, Repair, Parts, & Fabrication.
Harley Factory Trained Tech.
Cycle Salvage –
Hayward
Cycle Salvage Hayward = Full Service.
People are surprised to find out that we’re more than just a
salvage yard.
•Full Service - All makes: We have 3 lifts and 3 full-time
mechanics!
•Tire installation (even if you bought tires elsewhere)
•Plastic Welding (fairings)
•Oil Changes
Zip:
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
ALL ASPECTS SERVICE AND REPAIR
SPECIALIZING IN AMERICAN MADE CYCLES
JUST OFF HIGHWAY 17 FROM EITHER SCOTTS VALLEY
EXIT
4865 SCOTTS VALLEY DR.
(831) 438-6300
OPEN: TUESDAY- SATURDAY 10A-5P SUNDAY NOON-5P
HELP WANTED
MOTO GIO
Motorcycle Performance Parts, Accessories, Services.
Low price on Tires!!!
We will PRICE MATCH with any store.
Phone : 408-298-8887
1391 N. 10th St
San Jose CA 95112
Email: info@motogio .com
www.motogio.com
Please mention this ad and you will receive an additional
5% off on your purchase.
Berkeley Honda Yamaha
SALES: Full-time motorcycle/scooter/ATV salesperson
for immediate hire. Requirements: 1. Previous dealership
experience (a must). 2. Valid driver license. 3. Ability
to abide by dealership policies/dress code. 4. Ability
to maintain a positive working relationship with other
employees/customers. Benefits: Medical/dental/vision/
vacation.
SERVICE TECH: “A” motorcycle technician for immediate
hire. Requirements: 1. Previous dealership experience
(a must). 2. Ability to perform routine maintenance
on motorcycles/scooters/ATVs. 3. Ability to abide by
dealership policies/dress code. 4. Ability to maintain
a positive working relationship with other employees/
customers. 5. Knowledge of Lightspeed system. Benefits:
Medical/dental/vision/vacation.
Compensation based on experience. 510-525-5525 or via
email [email protected].
MOTORCYCLE TOWING
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.
Large Parts Inventory for American V-Twins
Full service on all American-made bikes
Machine Shop & Welding
925-689-9801
2395 H Monument Blvd, Concord
Enter these contacts into your phone now,
while you are thinking about it, so that you
will have them when you need them .
SAN FRANCISCO AND
BEYOND: DAVE’S CYCLE
TRANSPORT
The Old Man
The Old Truck
Dave is working
Dave’s Cycle Transport
San Francisco-Bay Area and Beyond…
24 Hour Service
(415)824-3020 — www .davescycle .com
Quality Motorcycles
235 Shoreline Hwy.
Mill Valley CA
(415) 381-5059
We’re not afraid of your old bike.
ACCIDENT OR INJURY?
Call 415/999-4790 for a 24-hr. recorded message and a
copy of the FREE REPORT
EAT AT REDS JAVA HOUSE, SF.
“IT’S REALLY GOOD FOOD”
SAYS CITYBIKE MANAGEMENT.
EBAY SALES eBay sales. Specialist with vehicles, 12
years experience, and 5000+ positive feedback rating. Flat
listing rate. I can produce auctions with 20+ large format,
gorgeous, high quality pictures with my dealer account
and pro-grade camera. Dr. Hannibal Lechter reminds us
that “we covet what we see.” Let me show people what you
have and why they should pay top dollar for it! Interested
in larger lots of identifiable, good-quality motorcycle and
car parts to buy as well. imperialist1960@yahoo .com or
415/699-8760.
SELL YER STUFF IN
SCOTTS VALLEY
CITYBIKE!
MOTORCYCLE SERVICE
Yes, you can do that—it’s easy. Easier than calling your
CENTER
grandson, having him post a Craigslist ad, then ask you for
AMERICAN CUSTOM
Custom Design Studios MOTORCYCLE PARTS
Mind-Blowing Custom Paint Since 1988
Visit Our Showroom!
State:
WHEELS AND DEALS
Introducing
Marin Moto Works!
Bavarian Cycle Works
‘89 Yamaha XT350 Dualsport. 6.2k mi, new tires, chain,
sprockets. excellent condition, Mendocino Coast. $2150.
707/-962-0379, Mendocino Coast area - please leave
message.
1973 CB350 Four, 36k miles. Mild café racer with new
bars, taillight, stainless spokes, Bridgestone rubber,
shocks, etc. Original paint, chrome, seat cover. I have most
of the take-off parts (not exhaust).
Very clean bike with no damage history. Clean title, ridden
on weekends. Needs a few TLC items, call to discuss.
Asking $2550 OBO. (510)760-1986
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
MOTO TIRE GUY
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!
Reach thousands of Northern California motorcyclists. Just $15 for 25 words, 25¢
each additional word. Photos add $25. Industry classifieds are a higher price. Free
25-word listing for stolen bikes. Deadline is the 3rd of each month. Just fill out the
form, or copy and send it with your check, payable to CityBike PO Box 10659,
Oakland CA, 94610
www .mcmotorcycletransport .com
mcmotorcycle@att .net
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
jim@advcyles .com — www .advcycles .com
DUCATI SUZUKI KAWASAKI YAMAHA
CityBike Classifieds
Galfer Braking
Rotors, Brake lines, Pads, Street, Race, Off-road, SuperMoto
PashnitMoto is one of the largest Galfer Braking dealers
in the USA. Colored brake lines, custom lengths, Wave
Rotors. 50 Pages of part numbers.
www .GalferBrakes .net or call 530/391-1356
NEW INVENTORY
All SYM bikes come with a 2 year factory warranty
SYM Mio 50 scooter, 2013, NEW, black - $1998
SYM Citycom 300i scooter, 2009, NEW, red or blue $3999
SYM Fiddle II 125 scooter, 2013, NEW, sand, blue, black,
red, white - $2295
SYM HD200 scooter, 2013, NEW, Yellow, Orange, Black,
Red, Gunmetal - $3495
SYM Symba (aka Honda Cub), 2013, NEW, blue, red,
black - $2349
SYM Wolf (aka Honda CB150), 2013, NEW, Tricolor, red,
green, black, white - $2995
Hyosung Aquila 250 EFI, NEW, Black, - $3999
Hyosung Comet 250, NEW, Black, - $4098
•New Tires
We buy used/wrecked bikes
Helmets, jackets, leathers, gloves, and all other apparel
Fair prices and easy to deal with.
Used parts -> broke yours? Call us!
Cycle Salvage Hayward
510-886-2328
21065 Foothill Blvd.
Motorcycle & ATV
Hauling
Sonoma, Marin, Napa & Mendocino Counties
24 hour Roadside Pickup
707-843-6584
Insured & Licensed
California Motor Carrier Permit
$20, which you wind up giving him because you decided to
go riding instead of going to his high school graduation and
you feel guilty. We here at CityBike understand your guilt
feelings, so we will run your ad (25 words or less, please)
‘till sold for just $15. Add $25 bucks to run a photo of your
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: info .citybike .com
ride so people believe you’re really selling something and
not just lonely. Subscribers get a free ad every month!
Maybe you should subscribe, eh cheapskate?
ADVERTISING
it works!
Contact CityBike to place a
classified or business
advertisement and reach
thousands of Bay Area
[email protected]
415-282-2790
From 3:14 Daily
Valencia @ 25th
415-970-9670
ADVERTISING
it works!
In recent issues, 169
companies have placed ads
in CityBike. Most of them
are repeat advertisers.
CityBike readers are more than
just motorcyclists. They’re regular
people that put gas in the car, buy
groceries, hire plumbers, dine in
restaurants, enjoy the movies, go
to the doctor when they feel bad,
and generally, put their pants on
one leg at a time like the rest of us.
CityBike readers are clients
you haven’t met yet.
Call or E-Mail CityBike to
place a classified or business
advertisement and reach thousands
of Bay Area motorcycle enthusiasts.
Regular People
[email protected]
415/282-2790
ER
H
T
A
E
L
E
FRE
ASE
C
P
O
T
P
LA
)
er $150
alue Ov
(Retail V
We stock a large selection of
heavy duty jackets , pants,
chaps, & bags.
se
Purcha
Custom garments and accessories.
y
n
A
With er $500!
Ov
We repair, alter and
clean leather products.
Our leathers are guaranteed
against defect for life.
We make
custom 1 & 2 piece
1833 Polk St. (@ Jackson) San Francisco - johnsonleather.com
leathers!
(800) 730-7722 • (415) 775-7393
Forcefield Body Armour, The worlds
leading “Soft armour technology”
Body protection system specialists.

July 2013 - CityBike

Transcription

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