June 2013 - CityBike

Transcription

June 2013
brat
Cele ing
2013
n sib
li s
Res
po
of Mostly
m
1984
le Jo u r n
a
News, Clues & Rumors
Volume XXX, Issue 6
Publication Date: May 20, 2013
On The Cover: Emi Van Cleave
shows us how to ride, captured by
proud papa and new contributor
Paul Van Cleave.
Contents:
NCR . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
New Stuff . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ?
Events . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ?
Minimoto . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12
Quail Lodge . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15
Velocity 250 Cafe . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17
Shop Stop . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18
Melissa Holbrook Pierson . . . . . . . . . . . . 19
Hertfelder . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20
Maynard . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21
Tankslapped . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22
Marketplace . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23
Classifieds . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24
Inner Sunset Demolition Derby . . . . . . . . 29
TERBLANCHE AT PISTON
AND CHAIN
CB contributor Michael Carion had an
opportunity to meet a shining light of the
motorcycle design world:
As luck happens, I was given the
opportunity to attend a gathering at the
Piston and Chain Motorcycle hangout. But
this was to be no normal gathering of S.F.
moto-heads with greasy wrenches. This
evening, Pierre Terblanche, former Chief
Designer for Ducati Motor Holding, S.p.A.
would be presenting his interpretation of
motorcycle design, past, present and future
to this select group of enthusiasts.
But that was at least 13 years ago and
Mr. Terblanche is no longer with Ducati
Motors. When asked by a member of the
audience if he would return to Ducati he
simply answered, “I will not be going back
to Ducati.” He indicated that he wanted
to do something different. And his next
venture is something very different indeed;
he has just joined Confederate Motors in
Birmingham, Alabama as its chief designer.
He did not dive too deeply into what was
happening at Confederate Motors but
he did offer what he felt were important
factors for the next motorcycle he designs.
“Aircooled V-Twin motor, 200mm wide.
CityBike Staff:
motorcycles lacked. And for me that was
giving me peace and silence as I wandered
through some of the quiet neighborhoods
of San Francisco. As if I were seeing the
City in a completely new way.
“Pierre… it was as if I were on vacation in
San Francisco. You know what I mean?”
And Terblanche and Lamb acknowledged
and agreed.
We once again resumed what we thought
was the future of motorcycling. Terblanche
felt that hybrid technology was in the near
future.
As we were finishing off a plate of braised
tofu and Chinese mushrooms he asked me
a question; “Do you
own a Ducati?” Well,
I have only ridden a
few models but never
owned one. “No, I
don’t own a Ducati
but I do own a 1998
ATK605.”
CityBike Staff:
Terblanche approved.
PO Box 10659 Oakland, CA 94610
Phone: 415/282-2790
E-mail: info@citybike com
Find us online: www citybike com
TAKING A TOLL
Dubbelju Motorcycle
Rental’s Wolfgang
Taft has noted his
personal motorcycle
is getting overcharged
by the Golden Gate
Bridge toll-reading
system—sometimes
he’ll get dinged for
$5 instead of the
commute-hour $3.
He complained to the Fastrak service
center, but has not received a written
response.
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
Staff Photographers:
- Robert Stokstad
- Gary Rather
Art Director: Alan Lapp
Advertising Sales: Kenyon Wills
Contributors:
Dan Baizer, Craig Bessenger, John Bishop,
Blaise Descollonges, Joanne Donn,
John D’India (RIP), Dirck Edge, Mike Felder,
Dr. Gregory Frazier, Will Guyan,
Joe Glydon (RIP), Brian Halton,
David Hough, Maynard Hershon,
Ed Hertfelder, Harry Hoffman,
Otto Hofmann, Gary Jaehne (RIP)
Jon Jensen, Bill Klein, David Lander,
Alan Lapp, Lucien Lewis, Ed Milich,
Larry Orlick, Jason Potts, Bob Pushwa,
Gary Rather, Curt Relick, Charlie Rauseo,
Mike Solis, Ivan Thelin, James Thurber,
Adam Wade (RIP).
Subscribe! It’s just $30 a year, or
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Add $15 for a t-shirt and we’ll ship it
to you free with your first issue. Send
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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.
On arrival, I was
immediately greeted
and then escorted
and introduced to Mr.
Terblanche. I asked him
what brought him to
Piston & Chain, and he
explained that it was all
last-minute: his longtime
friend Paul Lamb recently
learned of this facility,
and had thought it might
be interesting to have
him speak one evening.
Arrangements were made
with Matt Work of P&C and things fell
into place—the shop was packed with
riders. Outside, motorcycles lined Folsom
street, while inside, the stage was set with
an amazing group of Ducati motorcycles:
a Ducati MH900E, a Ducati Sport Classic
and the Ducati 999. The motorcycles that
Mr Terblanche designed.
Something that looks cool. Works good.
Easy to build and easy to work on.”
Shortly after his presentation, Terblanche,
Paul Lamb and I went out for a late-night
dinner in Chinatown, where I had the
privilege to order a feast of Chinese food.
And over a table packed with delicacies, the
conversation continued about motorcycles:
At around 7:00 pm, Pierre Terblanche took what we collectively felt was the future of
the stage and gave the audience an intimate the sport and lifestyle was, and I offered
my recent positive riding experience on the
look into the beginning of the MH900E,
Brammo Electric motorcycle.
from concept to completion, explaining
that this bike was not designed in Italy,
At first throttle I thought that the bike was
but in Holland. And then built in London
a great novelty. That it felt numb without
in a studio where Terblanche would fly in
personality. But it was shortly after that
weekly to complete this “secret” concept
I had realized one of the strengths of the
motorcycle that Ducati Motors didn’t
Brammo was not how it is like a regular
even know about. “It was to be designed
motorcycle. On the contrary, it gives
to look like a beautiful lady from the ‘40s.
back two things that you never knew
Voluptuous.”
June 2013 | 3 | CityBike.com
We called the spokesperson at the Golden
Gate Bridge Transportation District,
Mary Currie—she said the reason the
motorcycles are being charged those
amounts is because they’re in the wrong
lanes. To get the discounted tolls during
carpool hours, a motorcycle has to be in the
designated carpool lane. She said they’ll
correct errors, but the GG bridge has had
20,000 people sign up for Fastrak in the
last month (because they’re getting rid of
the toll takers, so everybody has to have it
now).
Wolfgang is skeptical—he knows exactly
what lanes he’s supposed to be in and
sees the erroneous charges, and has
corroboration from other riders as well.
If you’ve experienced similar problems,
drop us an email: [email protected] or
go to our Facebook page: facebook.com/
citybikesf
SPACE INVADERS
Monkey-moto-man Evan Arkush sent us this:
In San Francisco over the past few years
you have probably noticed the proliferation
of “parklets,” stylized public seating areas
built out from curbs that occupy two full
parking spaces. Motorcycles and scooters,
however, have enjoyed an unexpected
benefit. The buffer zone on either side of
I was given a
phone number
to call. Calling
that number I was
instructed to try a
different number
and of course the
person there told
me to call the first
number. I must
have made 5 or
6 calls total and
still did not get a
100-percent clear
answer to the
question.
riders and communities that more than
just tolerate motorcycles as transportation
as not only is the day—June 17th—
Editor Ets-Hokin’s birthday (and Newt
Gingrich’s, huzzah!) but he’s also been
named to the Ride to Work Foundation’s
Advisory Board. He’s joining luminaries
like Mitch Boehm, Doug Toland (who may
be the fastest lane-splitter, ever), Fred Rau
and racer Jessica Prokup. Ironically, he
lives in the CityBike Editorial Command
Bunker, and is currently banned from
riding his motorcycle from the bedroom to
his office.
So to make up for it, he will ask CityBike
readers to pledge to ride to work Monday,
Ultimately I ended June 17th. Post your pledge (and a photo of
up speaking with
you in your commuter garb atop your bike)
several DPT agents on our Facebook page: facebook.com/
driving around
citybikesf.
in their carts and
DOUBLE-DOG
what I got was
the parklets—which remains without curb pulling forward a few feet. “You want to use
that there is an
Mark Henry, founder of Ducati
the free spot, huh?” she replied knowingly. obscure violation called “non-space.” Most superbike parts supplier Double Dog
marking or signage—is a perfect fit for
I said yes. “Why don’t you use the pay spots agents will not enforce that unless there is
most things on two wheels.
Moto, announced he was shutting his
over there?” (There were five designated
a
complaint.
There
appears
to
be
nothing
business down and selling all assets—
This gray area isn’t likely to last as the
motorcycle spaces literally right next to the specifically regulated about the parklet
including actual products as well as
CHP’s recently published lane-splitting
parklet.) Immediately I replied, “because
buffer
zones.
“brand assets,” to performance-products
guidelines seem to forshadow. Someday
this one is free.” We both chuckled and she
supplier Bellissimoto. “Existing orders
those portions of the curb could get
CityBike recommends you exploit this newpulled forward. Needless to say it felt like
will be transferred to Bellissimoto or
painted red. But until then I am going to
found loophole, thanks to friend Evan, but
the greatest coup ever!
refunded, and all future Double Dog Moto
enjoy the hell out of them.
don’t be obnoxious about it.
product orders must be made through
Evan returned to the space a few hours
The other day I approached a parklet to
Bellissimoto.”
later—no ticket. He sent this story in, and we WHAT? JOURNALISM? ABOUT
find one of its buffer zones occupied by
asked if he could call the DPT and find out if MOTORCYCLES?
Bellissimoto sells some truly gorgeous
another motorcycle. A DPT Interceptor
indeed, these spaces are officially legal. Here’s
handmade bits for Italian motorcycles, as
Usually, mainstream reporting about
vehicle was double-parked in front of the
what he found out:
well as brokering high-end customs from
motorcycles is either to ooh and aah over
other with a burly female agent inside. I
Erik Buell Racing and CR&S (what’s a
some ridiculous promotional custom
I visited 11 South Van Ness and was sent
pulled up, gently knocked on her window
CR&S? It’s a $30,000 race-only machine
never intended for riding (“This year’s
to 1 South Van Ness for assistance. There
and asked politely if she wouldn’t mind
with a 650cc Rotax Single and what
Sheepflop County Fair featured this
looks like a titanium trellis frame—68
S&S-powered chromed trike cleverly
designed to resemble a low-rider cow!”) or horsepower pushing under 300 pounds).
horror stories about how motorcyclists are Get your moto-porn at bellissimoto.com or
call 702/285-1101.
reckless maniacs who somehow deserved
to be bounced off a 9-story embankment
by a teenage drunk-texter in an uninsured REALITY BITES
Shops and clubs in the region probably
SUV.
already know this: The Reality TeeVee
So kudos to Brian Duggan at the
Tom always
Entertainment-Industrial Complex is
takes care of
Reno Gazette-Journal for his lively and
4052 Watts Street, Emeryville
hungry and is rummaging around the
our every
interesting reporting on Nevada’s pending S.F. Bay Area for future G-list celebrities.
scooter need!
Where’s that
My scooter
legislation to legalize lane-splitting, which We’re aware of one well-known production
Tom Connolly?
needs service!
would make Nevada the first state in the
Scooter expert
company and alternately a local club who
nation
to
make
lane-splitting
explicitly
each reportedly have shows in production,
Tom Connolly is
legal (see this space, May 2013 issue, for
and we’ve heard from shops who have
now at
more details about the legislation).
fielded multiple calls from different
Addiction Motors!
agencies, all looking for drama and
Duggan’s story examines both sides of
someone willing to give it to them.
the issue fairly. Not only does he quote
actual safety experts and note that there
CityBike was contacted as well but cast
is no data supporting the contention that
aside due to “not enough meat on the bone”
lane-splitting, in and of itself is dangerous, and alternately for not having contacts to
he also scooped us here reporting that the
Let Tom service your every need.
people willing to self-fund high five-figure
Motorcycle Industry Council now seems to cruiser builds in return for face time on
tentatively support lane-splitting while the TeeVee. Apparently being connected with
Motorcycle Safety Foundation (which is
people who are literate isn’t very valuable
“sponsored” by the MIC) disagrees.
in this situation. Our staff
You can read the story on
therapist assures us that
the Reno Gazette-Journal
this is normal and okay.
website at tinyurl.com/
Nevada-Split.
FORZA
RIDE TO
WORK!
Yes, you! Ride
to work. Yes, on
your motorcycle.
CityBike is doubly
supportive of the 22nd
annual event celebrating
as the MSX125, claimed power was 10
horsepower at 7000 rpm and a darling 8
foot-pounds of torque), it has a 4-speed
gearbox and manual clutch and at $2999,
would make a very appropriate learning
bike for new riders—or a fun racebike/R.V.
dingy/errand runner/pitbike for everybody
else. It’s even got a passenger seat and pegs,
which should generate plenty of wacky
YouTube videos.
The Forza is Honda’s new maxiscooter, a 279cc, liquid-cooled
Single that weighs in at 422
pounds ready-to-ride. It gets a
CVT transmission, a 14
inch wheel in front (with
13-incher in the back), a
3-gallon gas tank (claimed
fuel economy is 68 mpg)
and low 28.2inch seat.
Combined
brakes are
newbiefriendly (ABS
adds $500 to the
price), and there’s
even a 12-volt
outlet to charge
your
phones
and gadgets.
This bike was
developed and is
manufactured in
Thailand, and it’s
surprising
it’s
coming
to the
land
of the
It looks like a Ducati Monster somebody
left in the dryer too long, but the 124.5cc,
The Forza is clearly aimed at car-drivers
single overhead-cam air-cooled Single is a
looking to get into scootering, but who
throwback to the Z50...only intended for
want more power than the PCX150, but
serious use on public roads. That means
are intimidated by the strum und drang
it’s a lot bigger than it looks, though much
of the monstrous 541-pound, triple-digit
smaller than other entry-level sportbikes.
capable, $9270 twin-cylinder Silver Wing. Wheelbase is 47.4 inches, the seat is a
The Forza’s $5599 MSRP may raise an
surprisingly high 29.7 inches (though the
eyebrow or two, if we know our readers, but narrow seat should make it easy for shorter
it’s actually pretty price competitive for the riders to get both feet on the pavement) and
250-350 commuter-scoot class. And if it
ready-to-ride weight (with the 1.45-gallon
handles like the PCX it clearly shares DNA tank topped off) is a claimed 225 pounds.
with, it should be a nice ride—we look
Handling should be nimble, to say the least.
forward to testing it.
The 12-inch tires sound laughable, but
But maybe you want something more
there’s a healthy aftermarket supporting
like the cheap, fun little Hondas of your
mini road-racing. For instance, Michelin
youth? Okay—get ready to Grom. As the
sells Grom-sized Pilot Pure trackday
Gen-Y hipsters Honda is targeting with
tires, and hop-up parts for these Honda
the Grom might know, a ‘grom’ is surferOHC motors have been available since
jargon for a younger kid who can really rip the 1960s. Though it is probably capable
it up on a skate or surfboard, apropos for its of 55 or 60 mph (when this model was
aggressive naked-bike styling.
announced by Honda Thailand in January
600-pound
entry-level HarleyDavidson. The
word is margins
aren’t great on the
Thai-built models,
so dealers may not
be as enthusiastic
about these as
their customers
are, but it will at
least bring curious
new buyers into showrooms—
buyers who may soon trade in their
Groms for bigger, more profitable rides.
We suggested to Honda that the press
launch should be at Sonoma Raceway’s
Kart track—let’s hope big Red takes us
up on that, and that it’s forgotten what we
wrote about the DN-01 and invites us. The
Grom is available in red or black and should
be in dealers by August.
F800GS ADVENTURE
BMW is doing pretty well these days.
In April the Bavarian firm sold 14,587
motorcycles worldwide—its best-ever
month of its 90-year history selling twowheelers, and an 11.5-percent increase
over last year, remarkable when you
consider U.S. sales are pretty blah and
the E.U. is in its longest recession—ever.
Leading the charge is the new liquidcooled R1200GS, which accounts for 27
percent of motorrad sales. But the big GS
is...big, not just in mass and seat height,
but also price—the full-zoot Adventure
model starts at $18,350. How great
would it be if the lighter, less expensive
and very good F800GS came in an
Adventure version as well?
And here it is. The 2014 F800GS Adventure
is priced at $13,550, a $1460 premium over
the basic F800GS. The extra dough gets
you a reinforced rear subframe (so you can
carry heavier, stronger hard luggage, which
doesn’t come standard) a larger tank—6.3
gallons, 2 gallons more than the standard
bike. It also has new bodywork (so the
bigger tank doesn’t look weird), a little
higher seat (that is also roomier), bigger
windscreen, wider footrests, an adjustable,
reinforced rear brake lever, crash bars, a
tank-mounted rack and a large selection of
2013 CB®1100
ENGINEERED TO BE THE MOTORCYCLE
OF THE NEW CENTURY.
AND THE
GROM
No, the above
isn’t the title of an
‘80s spy novel—
rather, it’s the model
names of two new
Hondas for the U.S.
market.
powersports.honda.com ALWAYS WEAR A HELMET, EYE PROTECTION AND PROTECTIVE CLOTHING. NEVER RIDE UNDER THE INFLUENCE OF DRUGS OR ALCOHOL, AND
NEVER USE THE STREET AS A RACETRACK. OBEY THE LAW AND READ THE OWNER’S
MANUAL THOROUGHLY. For rider training information or to locate a rider training course
near you, call the Motorcycle Safety Foundation at 1-800-446-9227. CB® is a registered
trademark of Honda Motor Co., Ltd. ©2013 American Honda Motor Co., Inc. (02/13)
facility as well as a tantalizing pricetag
hanging from a chromed handlebar:
$18,999. That’s price-competitive for
a luxury-oriented bagger and a lot less
than the $25,000-plus pricing that prior
reanimations of Indian offered.
Polaris is a very successful company with
strong earnings—we expect it to continue
to pump resources into Indian and slowly
phase out Victory if the new model is a hit.
IF GENERAL ELECTRIC RODE A
MOTORCYCLE...
I am Mike Padway, and
I ride motorcycles.
I prefer to represent
motorcycle riders who have
been injured because I like
working with motorcyclists.
We are slightly different than the
rest of the population, in a way that
makes us just a little more engaged,
realistic, and a lot more enjoyable
to be around.
options and dealer-installed accessories.
Like all BMW models now, ABS is
standard (and switchable for dirt). Options
include stability control, electronic
suspension adjustment, aluminum luggage,
heated grips and seat, nav system, alarm,
foglights...great stuff, but as the bike’s wet
I am proud of the fact that
I protect the interests of
motorcyclists because it
can seem at times like the
deck is stacked against us.
Insurance companies often attempt to use “car logic” to
settle a motorcycle case, and as
you and I both know that is not
fair. Furthermore, it is explicit
that your desire to have your
losses compensated is in direct
conf lict with an important goal
of the insurance industry: to pay
out as little as possible to you, and
maximize their profit!
weight is 505 pounds, 33 pounds more than
the F800GS, we wouldn’t get too crazy
with the add-ons.
INDIAN SUMMER
Yes, it’s almost here—Indian Motorcycles,
now a subsidiary of Polaris industries,
will introduce its
redeisnged 2014
Chief at the Sturgis
rally in August.
Polaris released
this outline of the
bike, which, not
surprisngly is a
full-dress bagger
sort of thing, as well
as a video showing
the Spirit Lake
manufacturing
...He would probably want the latest
model from Santa Cruz’s Zero Electric
Motorcycles, the MMX. It’s based on the
company’s MX platform, which squeezes
the new 54-horsepower Z-Force motor
into a small, light motocrosser chassis.
It has room in the frame for two 2.8
kilowatt-hour lithium-ion battery packs,
which should provide up to 140 minutes of
operating time (up to 44 miles at a steady
55 mph, 70 miles or more at slower speeds)
and a top speed of 85 mph.
The MMX was developed for use by
the U.S. military’s Special Operations
Forces—natural customers for a silent
races, the jump house set up on the grass
for the little kids and the professionalism of
the event.
winning this one. Once taking over the lead
he continued to put land between himself
and Craven. Anthony Mitchell maintained
his third place position all ten laps and Tim
A day full of events started in the morning
Brock brought up the
with a few riders on hand to coach the little
rear. Craig Scroggins,
guys and first-time racers. After lunch,
Donnie Darrah and
practice was held for the amateurs followed
Roger Bowerman
by their heats and main events.
powered their two
wheeled machines from
start to finish in that
order.
The evening’s final
event consisted of
16 pro class riders
competing for the first
place $500 win as well
as placement points for
That is where I come in.
I have decades of experience
navigating the legal and
insurance hurdles, have lectured
nationally for the American
Bar Association, and have represented riders across the
country. Of course, nobody
can guarantee any outcome of
any case, but it is always better
to have representation that is
experienced in your type of case.
If you have been injured
in a motorcycle accident,
please do not hesitate
to call for a phone
consultation or to set up a
meeting in person. Oh, and
unlike other lawyers you can
talk to me and I will return
your phone call.
If you have been injured on a
motorcycle and need a lawyer, call:
1 (800) 928-1511
www.michaelpadway.com
vehicle, no? In addition to stealth
capability, the MMX can be immersed
in up to 3 feet of water and is pre-wired
for infra-red lighting. It also has the
instruments, switchegear and tiedown stuff
the military needs for its tactical vehicles.
On our last visit with Zero, the company
told us it expects much (or maybe even
most) of its business will be fleet sales like
this, as electric vehicles make sense for
many different commercial, military and
government roles. In fact, the Hong Kong
police just ordered 57 Zeroes for traffic
enforcement and other duties.
THRILLA IN CHOWCHILLA
Photos and story by Karen Gould, Checkered
Flag Photography
The first race of the “King of the Valley”
three-race series promoted by Slideways
Racing took place Saturday night, April
27th at the Chowchilla Speedway. the
track, about 3/8 mile in diameter, had
been completely dug up, topped with new
soil and packed to a speedy banked blue
groove. Slideways Racing, Randy and
Mary Kremlaceck and their team put their
heart and soul into this series, evident by
the gifts tossed into the crowd during the
Expert and pro class riders took to the
track when the amateur classes finished,
getting a feel for the track and bike set up.
For several of the day’s riders this was to
be their first experience with a banked
blue-groove track, where the combination
of the banking and the speed of the track
took you to the top and in some cases over
the rim.
Chad Foster got the Open Expert lead from
the time the light went green. Foster rode
all ten laps in the lead of this class. Calaeigh
Ryan took the second spot. Robert Morris
had to work to get stay on top of the box in
the 0-349 expert and vintage heavy expert
class. Gary Durbin wanted that win too.
Morris got the hole shot and led through
lap three. Durbin found the chance he
needed between turns two and three to
overtake Morris getting under him in lap
four. Morris wasted no time recapturing
the lead, again on the back straight but
leaving nothing to chance held his line tight
getting some breathing room by the time
the checkers flew. Perri Turner rounded out
this podium.
Steve Hill wowed the crowd in the vet
expert class. Getting past Jason Craven in
lap four there was no stopping Hill from
series final pay out awards. National Pro
Expert rider and winner of the AMA Pro
Expert Singles in Knoxville, Tennessee
during the 2012 season, Shayna Texter was
in the front of the pack before the first turn
with AMA Grand National riders Mike
Rush and Kayl Kolkman and National
Singles rider Kale Fisher following three
wide behind her. Coming out of the turn
Rush followed Texter. Behind them and
gaining ground, Briar Bauman was picking
off riders, moving into fourth by the end
of lap one and capturing the third position
from Kolkman by the end of lap three.
By the checkers Texter had put some
real estate behind her and Bauman, who
finished second.
Information for “King of the Valley”
is available at slidewayracing.com.
Information about the California
Flat Track Association Series is at
californiaflattrack.com.
And be sure to check the events listing and the
ads in this issue for info about the Sacramento
Mile national race, coming soon!
GO JAYSON GO!
This press release fills us in on local kidmakes-good, Jayson Uribe
Talented American Jayson Uribe, 14,
claimed his first top-ten finish in the
Monster Energy British Motostar
championship with a gritty ride to claim
10th position in the 125cc category at
Oulton Park.
Oulton was also the first race of the year
in which Jay would compete under his
familiar Rock and Sons Racing banner,
so to have such a successful weekend was
satisfying for all concerned including
former racer and well respected engine
guru Ian Emberton who noted that Jayson
was one of a few riders competing at this
ultra competitive class with a standard
cylinder setup. Ian will remain with Rock
and Sons Racing for the remainder of 2013.
Motorcycle racing is an expensive sport
and as the year’s go by the importance of
top spec machinery plays an even greater
role. Jayson, who is racing on a shoe string
budget and is currently living in Long
Eaton with his Mum, is using a converted
mail van as his “caravan”, and has to make
the most of what he has available. His
motorcycle was shipped over in suitcases
in March only to be reassembled in a farm
house barn by his Dad. Living proof that
desire and tenacity can trump big bucks
some of the time if Lady Luck shines your
way.
The next round of the Monster Energy
British Motostar championship takes
Jayson to Scotland and the Knockhill
circuit just north of Edinburgh in 5 weeks.
NEW STUFF
JUNE 2013
RED TAPE AND WHITE
KNUCKLES
Red Tape And White Knuckles, by Lois
Pryce 410pp, maps, visa images, no photos,
Octane Press (octanepress.com, 512/3349441) $17.95
Alaska to Tierra del Fuego on two wheels,
the subject of her first book Lois on the
Loose: One Woman, One Motorcycle,
20,000 Miles across the Americas, wasn’t
enough. This plucky Brit has the travel itch
and must scratch it. So London to Cape
Town seemed like a
appalling terrain. But she’s a quick study
and though only 5-foot-4 and 120 pounds
keeps her 250cc adventure machine
(make/model not revealed) rubber
side down. She also does not disclose
sponsorship that enabled her to take the
trip.
Her 10,000 mile journey, north-tosouth down the continent of Africa, is
an extraordinary odyssey fraught with
difficulties and dangers, equivalent to
attempting a coast-to-coast triple traverse
of the United States, mostly off road.
Intimidating.
She’s more focused on where she is,
what’s happening, who’s involved, less
on her mode of transportation. Pryce is
an interesting, convivial writer with a
good eye and ear for people and places,
and a mordant sense of humor that
sees her through the most harrowing
circumstances. She makes many
interesting friends along the way, while
facing down Muslim males whose reactions
are, basically, sexist challenges she brushes
aside.
Setting off from her London home, leaving
her husband behind, Lois makes her way
through France (where friends urge her to
abandon her trip), via the port of Marseilles
to the shores of Tunisia, into deepest
Algeria with a (required) guide, where she
faces the Sahara. Just boarding the ferry
at Marseilles would have deterred a less
committed traveler.
Her route, following the example of a 1935
trip by two intrepid Englishwomen on a
sidecar outfit, takes her into Niger, Nigeria,
Cameroon and Gabon, through warravaged Angola and the Congo basin, then
Namibia, to her Cape Town destination.
She disdains a big adventure bike, costly
gear and support crew, GPS and similar
tools, opting instead for a small thumper,
rudimentary paper maps and a compass,
carrying minimal necessities.
Through her candor and humor, Lois
makes this sometimes scary, always
surprising motorcycle journey through
Africa accessible to readers, whether
hardened adventure bikers or riders who
would never put a wheel in the dirt. Despite
challenges and unexpected surprises,
Lois tackles her many obstacles head on,
determined and brave. Her page-turning
trek ranges from low-level angst to heart-
pounding anxiety, but she keeps on keeping
on. The Pryce is right.
Readers will appreciate the red-tape
horrors—just crossing the border into
Algeria takes a mind-numbing five hours
of bureaucratic misery; for many border
and checkpoint guards a woman on a
motorcycle seems bizarre. The white
knuckles speak for themselves.
As you read, recall that equally brave
individuals, including women, have
bicycled Africa’s continent, top to bottom.
Some have even walked it (Ffyona
Campbell: On Foot Through Africa).
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SOUTH SAN FRANCISCO
650-737-5467
DPCHD.COM
decent
follow-up, despite an earlier three-week
jaunt to Morocco as a sort of test run that
left her dehydrated and gravely ill. She
persisted with her Africa journey, anyway.
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.
Service open seven days a week
Pryce is an adventurer and travel writer,
first, a motorcyclist second. RTAWK
reveals that she is essentially self-taught
in the saddle, not having ridden on dirt
and sand until she tackles Africa and its
E
B
I
R
C
S
SU B
!
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 JUNE 2013
hipsters. Email thearthquaker@gmail.
com for more info.
First Monday of each month
(June 3, July 1):
Third Sunday of each month
(June 16, July 21):
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
Evenings: Moto-Sketch at Tosca Cafe:
the month for the last 12 years, without
come and sketch a live model draped over
ever missing a meeting. We have had
a custom bike. $7 to sketch, free to just
many local and national celebrities
watch. Tosca Cafe, 242 Columbus Ave.
from the motorcycle world grace our
in S.F.
meetings. It has been fun and exciting.
americansportbikenight.net
Doc Wong Clinics!
First Wednesday of each month (June
5, July 3)
CityBike says if you haven’t done a Doc
Wong clinic, go do one ASAP. It’s fun,
free and will make you a better/safer/
happier rider. Register by emailing
[email protected] or call Full Motion
Chiropractic at 650/365-7775.
6:00 pm: Bay Area Moto Guzzi Group
monthly dinner at Vahl’s in Alviso (1512
El Dorado Street, Alviso, 410/2620731).
Members, interested Guzzi riders, and all
other motorcycle riders always welcome.
More info: docwong.com
More information, contact Pierre at:
408/710-4886 or pierredacunha@
May 23-27, 2013
yahoo.com.
BMW Club of Northern California
Second Tuesday of Each Month (June
41st Annual 2013 ‘49er Rally (Mariposa
11, July 9)
Fairgrounds, 5007 Fairgrounds Rd.
6:30 pm to 10:00 pm: East Bay Ducati Mariposa, 209/966-2432)
Bike Night at Pizza Antica (3600 Mount
Join us in Mariposa, California, the
Diablo Blvd., Lafayette, 925/299-0500)
gateway to Yosemite, in the Sierra
Bike parking on the street right in front
Nevada Foothills. Includes four nights
of the restaurant, indoor and heated
flat grassy camping and hot showers
outdoor seating, excellent wine list.
(early bird camping on or before
All moto brands welcome. Bring your
Wednesday available--$10 tent / $25
appetite and a smile, be prepared to make
RV per night). Poker Run, GS Ride,
new friends.
English Trials, Skills and Safety Clinic,
Children Events, Seminars, CHP Officer
Third Wednesday of Each Month
Greg Peart, Vendors, Bier Garten, Door
(June 19, July 17)
Prizes. Featured speakers: Carla King
7:00 pm: Seca II Meet-up at Lanesplitter helps celebrate women riders and Rick
in Oakland (4799 Telegraph Ave,
Klain talks about cellphone photography.
510/653-5350) Luddites who are happy
Also, Sat. BBQ Dinner with vegetarian
with 20-year-old air-cooled tech gather
option (PRE-REGISTERED ONLY).
to spend their unemployment checks
Rally costs $45 adult / $15 child
on important things: pizza and beer. All
under 12 years pre-registered, children
makes/models are welcome, though the
under 6 admitted free; $55 adult / $20
management has requested that we be
child under 12 years at the gate. For
less rowdy so as not to intimidate the
Thursday, May 30
Moto Shop
Upcoming Workshops and Seminars
325 South Maple #20, South San
Francisco, 650/873-1600
MAY
5/22 Tire Change Workshop
5/24 Chain & Sprockets Workshop
5/25 *Special Event*
First Aid Seminar
5/26 Basic Maintenance Workshop
5/26 Suspension Workshop
5/29 Brakes Workshop
JUNE
6/1
Valve Adjustment Workshop
6/2
Basic Maintenance Workshop
6/2
Oil and/or Coolant Change
Workshop
6/8
*Special Event* Triumph
Factory Rep. Seminar
6/9
Ducati Valve Adjustment
Workshop
6/15 BMW Valve Adjustment
Workshop - NEW!
6/21 Oil and/or Coolant Change
Workshop
6/22 Chain & Sprockets Workshop
Sign up and get details online:
BayAreaMotoShop.com
Prices range from $25 - $250
No previous experience required.
information or registration write: BMW
Club of NorCal, 2012 ‘49er Rally, 2540
Maywood Dr, San Bruno, CA 94066.
Email: [email protected] or
check our website for the latest news, info,
and online registration at: bmwnorcal.
org/49er
7:00 pm: An Evening with Rene
Cormier at Santa Rosa BMW Triumph
Motorcycles (800 American Way,
Windsor, 707/ 838-9100, santarosabmw.
com)
An evening presentation by Rene
Cormier; world traveler, and author of
“The University of Gravel Roads; a FourYear Motorcycle Adventure.” Rene will
share tales of his travels, discuss his
new book, and talk about the adventure
motorcycle tours he leads throughout
Africa.
$10 per person. Call or stop by the
dealership to pay for your ticket in
advance. Space is limited.
Saturday, June 1
2:00 -4:00 pm
Taking Charge: From Fear to Freedom
(Finley Community Center, Santa Rosa
2060 W. College Ave)
RSVP required: [email protected]
On the
street or on
the track,
fear and
anxiety can
get in the
way of a
great ride.
Come spend
a couple of
hours in this
interactive
workshop
learning
an easy-touse, proven method to clear your worries,
quickly and easily! Applicable to any
stressful situation, home, work or play.
Ditch the fear and experience true riding
freedom!
roundthe-world
adventures
of Carl
Clancy
and Walter
Storey. Dr.
Frazier will
then join
BMWsponsored
riders Geoff
Hill, Gary
Walker and
other globewandering
celebrants
across the USA and eventually into
the bowels of New York City. Check
horizonsunlimited.com/clancy for more
details.
Monday, June 17
International Ride to Work Day
(Everywhere!)
Slash your car’s tires Sunday night before
you go to bed so you don’t forget! Yes, it’s
your bike, so you can ride it
every day if you want. Leave
your nice clothes at work and
change in the boss’ office. She
won’t mind...
MENTION THIS AD AND GET 10% OFF YOUR FIRST WORKSHOP.
Wednesday - Sunday 10am-7pm
325 South Maple Ave #20 South San Francisco
(650) 873-1600
www.BayAreaMotoShop.com
10:00 am- 4:00 pm
2013 Hillsbrough
Concours d’Elegance
(Crystal Springs
Golf Course, 6650
Golf Course Drive,
Burlingame)
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,
Sunday, June 2nd
which tells you how freakin’ old
Send-off for Clancy Centennial Ride
Dave Neal is (hint: he didn’t race
(Fisherman’s Wharf, San Francisco, watch it in Vintage). Celebrity judges,
this space for more details)
including CB contributor John
Joss.
Tickets start at $30—go to
Join CityBike Chief of the World
hillsboroughconcours.org
or call
Adventure Affairs Desk Dr. Gregory W.
650/619-6186 for more info.
Frazier record the San Francisco Start of
the North American leg of the Clancy
Adventure ride commemorating the
Moto Shop is a 4,000 sq.ft. do-it-yourself shop where
you can work on your own motorcycle
or bring your bike to a workshop and learn how.
We offer the tools and resources to help you fix and
maintain your motorcycle.
Sunday July 21st
New service customers, please
accept a $50 voucher on any service
work on your Jap/ Euro bike as an
introductory gift from us.
510 594 0789
http://www.rockridgetwowheels.com
925 938 0600
http://www.vespawalnutcreek.com
For all your Bay Area
Vespa / Piaggio / Aprilia needs
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 start at $25
($10 for kids!) and include State Fair
admission.
For more info, go to sacramentoflattrack.
com or call Circle Bell Motorsports:
707/703-3633.
MiniMoto!
By Paul Van Cleave
photos by Van Cleave unless noted
P
re-race practice started promptly
at 8:00 am Sunday morning
of race day. The beginner
MiniMotos were up first. Slowly, one by
one, chainsaw-like sounds cut through
the air as diminutive motorcycles and
their space-alien looking pilots scooted
on to the racetrack. This race day was
the opening round for MiniMoto USA
(MiniMotousa.com) 2013 race series.
A whole new way to chase
after your 5-year-old.
My 8-year-old daughter, Emi, would be
in the next practice group for Mini GP
50 Modified Jr class—that’s a mouthful
to say, junior racers on mini bikes. This
year she’s racing a Cobra CX-50 Sr, a topend, 50cc water-cooled dirt bike fitted
with PMT slicks. As she left our pit on
the Cobra, I reminded her to take it easy
with cold tires and a cold track. Off she
went onto the go-kart track; I set about
preparing her air-cooled DM Midi-moto
for the MiniMoto Jr. class practice session.
Back to the Action
So What’s it Cost?
Spec Classes
While there are many cheap pocket bikes
on the market—MiniMotoers tend
to go with well-known reliable brands
such as DM, GRC, Blata, and Polini. At
MiniMoto USA, the organizers have
taken this a step further by creating
spec classes covering beginner, junior,
and pro riders. The specifications are for
allowable motorcycle brands, cylinder
heads, exhaust port restrictor plates, and
tires. The goal is to put kids on equally
competitive machines where horsepower
becomes secondary to racing skills.
A side effect is that the same machine
can be used for all three classes where
a simple change of the restrictor plate
enhances the engine’s performance.
How Old?
Emi and Zax’s first race at Buttonwillow.
camaraderie is built between racers
young and old both on and off track.
classes for 125cc two-strokes, 250cc
& 450cc four-stroke engines for
riders 12-16 years and up.
I’ve seen kids as young as three on
motorcycles. And have seen competitive
four-year olds. In Europe, you must
be eight to race a MiniMoto. I started
my daughter at 6 1/2. Adults can ride
MiniMotos too so there is no upper age
limit in the Unlimited and Vet classes.
Typically, kids ride MiniMotos until 10 or
11 when they move on to Honda NSRs or
NSFs. Another goal of MiniMoto USA is
racing MiniMoto. In fact, in Italy and Spain Kids Racing Motorcycles
MiniMoto racing is as common as little
Kids on motorcycles?!? Isn’t that
league is here.
What is MiniMoto racing?
dangerous—and at the same time cool?
MiniMoto racing is road racing with small- While the common perception that
Ever wonder why the best racers in the
displacement motorcycles. The term “mini” motorcycling is dangerous can be true
world are from Italy and Spain? Have you
especially for new adult riders on the
is used since the bikes are smaller, the
noticed the new crop of American talent
roadway, this isn’t the case for kids racing
engines are smaller, and the race courses
from California—Cameron Beaubier,
on closed circuits. Let
are smaller—typically go-kart tracks.
Elena Myers, and Anthony Alonso, to
me explain:
While
popular
with
adults,
MiniMotos
are
name a few? Well, there’s a not-so-quiet
really
well-suited
for
kids.
revolution happening in California where,
All sports are dangerous
just like in Italy and Spain, kids start out by
whether it’s baseball,
football, gymnastics,
swimming etc. If it’s a
BEST ROADS ON THE PLANET?
sport, it’s dangerous.
No one pitches an
eighty-mile-an-hour
Monitor, Tioga, Ebbets, and Sonora Passes all lead to Walker,
fast ball at a six-year old.
located 80 miles South of Reno on US 395
Just as a little leaguer
Everybody in town wants to meet you, so come on over!
starts out with T-ball
and gradually moves
Great pavement & plenty of twisties lead to
up to faster pitches, a
great food and a comfortable, quiet place to stay
Emi and Zax duke it out. Photo: Annika Hertz
beginner rider starts
on a small and low to
20% Discount Package for:
the ground motorcycle, like a pocket bike to keep the kids on the MiniMotos for as
• West Walker Motel
long as possible, mirroring how European
or Yamaha PW-50. These are 40-50cc
• Mountain View BBQ
clubs run their series. In Europe, kids
air-cooled, two-stroke motorcycles. In
• Walker Country Store
baseball, helmets and pads are mandatory. don’t move out of the MiniMoto class
until they are 10 or 11. For MiniMoto
Same in motorcycling: helmets, armor,
USA, kids up to 15 years old can compete
Call 530-495-2263 / [email protected] for booking info
and protective clothing such as leathers
in Junior and Pro classes.
Mention this ad in person if you decide to just show up.
are used.
If you want your son or daughter to ride
a motorcycle, he or she will need to know
how to ride a bicycle—without training
wheels. It’s best to start kids on a balance
bike that’s pushed with both feet flat on the
ground. If your child is old enough to walk,
he’s probably ready for a balance bike like a
Strider (striderbikes.com).
For $200, your son or daughter can
learn to ride a MiniMoto motorcycle
through MiniMoto USA. This
is what I did with Emi. This fee
covers the cost of motorcycle, safety
equipment, fuel, and instruction.
What’s great about it is that you don’t
have to invest in motorcycle and
equipment just to find out that your
child loves painting instead. Some 90
percent of kids who go through the
Emi and MiniMoto USA instructor Mike Welch go over some
program really enjoy it.
basics. Photo: Heather Welch
What’s it like for a first-time rider? “I
didn’t think I’d like it,” Emi said. “But dad
wanted me to try it, so I did. And you know
what? I really liked it!” The truth is that
she enjoyed the sense of freedom that she
got from riding around the track. At first,
she wasn’t interested in racing—just going
around the track.
To be honest, this is not a cheap sport. If
you’ve done track days or raced AFM or
WERA, you know that maintaining a track
bike isn’t cheap. New MiniMoto bikes
start around $1300 and go upward from
there. While used bikes are cheaper, you’ll
need to be mechanically capable of getting
them in running and reliable condition. I
purchased Emi’s bikes new through MidSouth MiniMoto (midsouthMiniMoto.
com, 818/219-3880). You can purchase new
and used machines from Mid-South. Talk
with Mid-South’s Stoney Landers before
you purchase, so you can be sure your
purchase fits your needs. (Stoney also runs
MiniMoto USA.)
Other expenses include race and practicesession fees—not to mention a van or
trailer to get you and your equipment to
your destination and sleep in. When I
started, I had a Subaru Outback, a 10-by10 canopy, a tent, and a pocket bike. Over
time that’s morphed into an R.V., trailer,
a larger canopy, plus a handful of bikes.
Together with another family we are called
EZ Racing. This year we picked up our first
sponsor, Tidemark (tidemark.net).
Community
One aspect of MiniMoto racing that keeps
me coming back is the community. While
from various walks of life, families are
bound together by our kids racing. We
do get quite a few adult racers too, and
This is the second full season that my
daughter is competing in MiniMoto.
Last season, she took the Overall
NorCal Junior Championship. So
this year, she’s definitely the kid with
a target on her back.
That Sunday, Emi won all three of
her races. She won two MiniMoto Jr
races, and the real excitement was in
the Modified 50 Jr race. Emi got the
hole shot on her Cobra. A boy named
Errol on a KTM SX50 quickly
moved into second and chased her
all race looking for an opportunity
to pass. It never came. Going into the final
corner, Errol charged, closing to within a
foot of Emi’s rear tire. Emi kept her pace
and got on the throttle early enough and
opened a small gap heading onto the
straight. While Errol charged again, he
didn’t have enough speed to pass. Emi took
the checkers and the race win.
So, if you’re wondering if your kid is the
next Rossi, or just looking for a great fatherdaughter / mother-son (mother-daughter!)
bonding experience this summer in a sport
you love, why not give MiniMoto a try? If
you do come out for a visit, be sure to swing
by the EZ Racing pit and say hello.
Paul Van Cleave lives in San Francisco. He
introduced his daughter, Emi, to motorcycling: first
aboard his VFR, and then with her own minimoto.
His background is software--not racing. Since then
he’s earned the moniker pit dad.
SEE FOR YOURSELF!
Other Classes
Beyond the MiniMoto classes, there are
other classes for bigger bikes: Mini GP
Stock for NSRs, NSFs, and YSRs; Mini GP
Modified for 50cc two-stroke water-cooled
or 100cc four-stroke air-cooled bikes;
GP65 for 75cc two-stroke water-cooled and
150cc four stroke air-cooled bikes; Formula
Moto for 110cc two-stroke water-cooled,
150cc four-stroke water-cooled, and 230cc
four-stroke air cooled bikes. There are also
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.
KYMCOUSA.com
Be a fan: facebook.com/KYMCO.scooters
Be a fan: facebook.com/KYMCO.ATV
Follow Us: twitter.com/kymco_usa
2013 Quail Gathering Honors Wayne Rainey
Gaggle of Legends
2011V, from Osaka,
Japan to show at
the Quail. It was
four years in the
making and has
already established
a pedigree—it won
the 2011 AMD
Championship in
Sturgis.
Words and Photos by
Bob Stokstad
T
he Quail Motorcycle
Gathering turned five
this year. In today’s
economy that’s a ripe old age.
This “Class on the Grass”
event has evolved since its
inception in 2009 but kept
its basic format—a variety of
motorcycles, from antiques
to future prototypes,
displayed on the lush lawn of
a famous golf resort, a relaxed
“enthusiast” atmosphere,
and a great lunch included
in the reasonable price of
admission. Founder Gordon
McCall’s recipe for success
is to foster the spirit of
community and camaraderie
that connects motorcyclists, hence the
name—”A Motorcycle Gathering.”
FOR 36 MONTHS FOR
%
QUALIFIED BUYERS
APR
*AS LOW AS
1.9
SEE YOUR LOCAL KYMCO DEALER FOR DETAILS
PAYMENTS AS LOW AS $59/Month
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R&M ENTERPRISES
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A new award series, Legends of the
Sport, was introduced this year. It
honors an individual who has made
seminal contributions to the sport of
motorcycling. Wayne Rainey is the first
recipient, and in other ways as well, May
4th at the Quail was “Wayne Rainey
Day.” His selection was not a surprise,
not just because it was announced well
in advance, but also because Rainey’s
contributions are of international,
national, and local significance. His three
consecutive victories in the 500cc World
Championship (1990, 1991, 1992) were
eclipsed the following year by his notorious
career-ending crash. But that awful
accident twenty years ago did not end his
role in the sport of motorcycling. Rainey
was instrumental in bringing the Moto GP
championship circuit back to the USA and
to his local track, Laguna Seca, in 2005
after an eleven-year hiatus.
Ducati had a major
presence at the
Quail this year. In
addition to serving
elegant espresso
concoctions in fine
porcelain all day to
celebrate the 20th
anniversary of the
Ducati Monster, it
The awards ceremony ended with the
presentation of the trophy for Best
of Show. A phalanx of judges led by
Tennessean Somer Hooker picked a
rare and historic race bike, a V-4, 500
cc Yamaha two-stroke for Best of Show.
This bike, the YZR500, is Rainey’s. From
the podium he explained why they are
so rare: Yamaha, apparently in order
to avoid tax complications in countries
where motorcycles used in racing were
considered “imports,” literally crushed the
evidence. Because Rainey had won three
championships on this bike, an exception
was made and Yamaha gave it to him.
The vintage motorcycles that owners bring
to display, mostly for the fun of it but maybe
also to bring home a trophy, are the meat and
potatoes of the Quail. The appetizers and
dessert are the wild one-offs, the customs,
the modifieds, the streamliners, even some
far-out trikes. There’s a gentleman named
Randall Grubb who basically builds cars, but
has turned his attention to bikes. An expert—
nay, genius—in the art of coachwork, he
puts an aluminum envelope (kind of like
Picture this scene: Wayne Rainey, Kenny
an Airstream trailer) over a motorcycle
Roberts and Mert Lawill in over-stuffed
or scooter. As the result often resembles
leather chairs arranged in a circle on the
grass, under an umbrella, swapping stories, streamliner guru Craig Vetter’s inspirations, it
surrounded by fans hanging on every word. was logical that Vetter picked one of Grubb’s
creations for the Innovation Award. Grubb
Vintage and antique-moto authority Paul
had brought a whole collection of his vehicles
d’Orleans, their interviewer and the day’s
up from SoCal to display, including his
master of ceremonies, kept the history
“Decoliner,” a double decker art-deco design
and the humor flowing until McCall
that would delight even Disney. (Google
finally presented Rainey with a magnum
‘Grubb’ and ‘motorcycle’ when you have a
of champagne and a Tudor watch, a super
spare minute.)
Rolex. Rainey was characteristically
modest in his remarks accepting this honor.
Builder Ken Tabata flew his hand-polished
But there was more to come.
aluminum custom masterpiece, the Tavax
brought along Miguel Angel Galluzzi, the
father of the Monster. Galluzzi, speaking
with a beautiful Italio-Argentine rhythm
and accent, recalled how the Monster,
Ducati’s best selling model ever, came to
be and got its name.
The Quail is also a showcase for new
models and even new manufacturers.
See John Joss’s following article on AVA
Velocity Works, its new model, the 250cc
Swift, and designer Adrian Van Anz.
There are precious few places and
occasions where motorcyclists, their
friends and their families can come
together for a stimulating day to relax and
reflect on the history and greatness of this
pastime, this sport, this way of life. Here’s
wishing the Quail another five years, and
many more.
Quail Classes
and Awards
FIVA Preservation
1919 Harley Davidson J Model with
Sidecar
Mark Mitchell – California (Photo 1)
Cycle World Award
1967 Triton
Jonnie Green – California (Photo 2)
7
3
1
Champions Moto
Significance
in Racing
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1967 Harley Davidson KR 750 TT
Fred Mork – California (Photo 3)
Ducati – La Piu Bella
1999 Ducati Monster
Jimmy Kilroy – California (Photo 4)
Ducati – Passione Rossa
2012 Ducati M1100 Evo
Syl Salenius – California (Photo 5)
8
Minibikes
1962 Skat Kitty
Randall Smalley – Arizona (Photo 6)
4
Industry Award
2
1977 Honda CB550 Custom
Michael LaFountain/Raccia
Motorcycles – California
Innovation Award
2013 Decopod by Randy Grubb,
“Tripod”
David Johnston – California (Photo 7)
Competition Sport Award
1957 BSA Gold Star Flattrack
Larry Madrigal – California
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Design and Style Award
5
1956 Ariel Square 4 with
Watsonian Side Car (Photo 8)
Stewart and Renee Garrison – Texas
9
Custom/Modified 1st Place
2010 Tavax 2011V
Ken Tabata – Japan (Photo 9)
Spirit of The Quail Award
1951 Vincent Black Shadow Series C
Bruce Canepa – California
Best of Show
1991 Yamaha YZR 500 v4 500cc
Wayne Rainey – California (Photo 10 )
From 3:14 Daily
Valencia @ 25th
415-970-9670
10
6
We Ship Worldwide
Paradigm Shift: AVA Velocity
Adrian Van Anz, 33, is a man on a
mission: change the world by launching
a retro motorcycle. The LA-born-andraised self-taught designer is in good
company: Bill Lear, Bill Gates, Larry
Ellison, Steve Jobs...none completed
college. It didn’t matter.
Dropout billionaires have transformed
our world. No apology needed.
Van Anz isn’t a billionaire yet and doesn’t
seem to be money-driven except as the
eventual applause for good work. He
knows that creating a new motorcycle,
indeed any vehicle, tackling a popular
market segment, or resuscitating an old
and popular marque, is an exercise in
high-risk frustration, on the high wire
without net. He is attempting all the
above, in one fell swoop.
New motorcycle? A great one-off can
generate press and excitement, but that’s
not a ‘buy’ proposition. Serious riders
need the package: a sound design offering
quality at a fair price, focused on known
customer need; excellent reliability from
established sources, especially engines
and brakes; a well-established dealer
network properly stocked with essential
parts and trained technicians. Translation:
you need skills and money aplenty. Plus
inspired design.
A new bike or potential segment
winner? How often have brave
announcements launched yet
another dream? The world’s
250cc market is probably
the most competitive in the
industry, attracting all the major
Asian manufacturers with
powerful offerings.
AVA used The Quail, in Carmel
Valley, to announce its gamechanging 250 Swift. It was a
mob scene. Van Anz and his
co-conspirators radiated quiet
confidence while fending off
hordes ready to open their
checkbooks. AVA has mounted the tiger.
found what I was looking for at Sacin, a
well-established motorcycle manufacturer
in Wujin. Its Loncin subcontractor makes
BMW’s G650GS Single.
“Sacin’s trellis-framed, 125-cc pushrod
bike cried out for design reconfiguration.
I wanted to re-create the Italian design
ethos of the 1950s and 1960s—a small,
light sportbike that could outperform
bigger machines and stand on its own as
a long-term riding solution, not just as a
‘bigger/faster’ stepladder element.”
China’s manufacturing colossus has
come to rule the world over the last four
decades via low-cost products flowing
from factories based on cheap labor. That
wasn’t what Van Anz wanted. “I have
persuaded to get them to add quality and
value, even if it costs more. I want them to
add a nickel to a part and earn $5 for it, if it
makes sense from a quality, reliability and
performance standpoint. For the Chinese,
this is a huge culture shift.”
The 250-cc class: world
dogfight
The global motorcycle market is coming
to terms, rapidly, with global economic
realities. That means a modest machine
at a reasonable price: the 250. Today all
the majors are selling 250s in the USA
around the $4000 price point: from
Japan, Honda’s CBR250R and CRF250L,
Kawasaki’s 250 Ninja, Susuki’s GW250
and TU250X. Add Hyosung’s GT250R
Source, China: changing the
manufacturing culture
(see “CityBike Test: 2013 Hyosung
GT250R,” May 2013) and it’s a full class.
All are mass-market offerings, but not
AVA’s Swift. It seeks a niche.
“I wanted to do a serious motorcycle with
unique visual appeal. I thought a 125
originally, but it was too small. I finally
“Think back to GP racing, and the street
machines it spawned,” says Van Anz.
“Italy in the late 1950s and early 1960s
Shop Stop: Custom Design Studios, Novato
was a hotbed of
successful racing.
Race bikes grew
in capacity from
50-cc to 80-cc,
then 125s, next
250s, finally 500s,
from makers with
iconic names:
Gilera, MV
Agusta, Moto
Guzzi, Morini,
Mondial, Benelli.
The Japanese
came in and the
rest is history.
“We’re thinking
more of a lifestyle
machine. It’s
working. When
we travel with a
Swift in the back
of the pickup,
we get mobbed
whenever we
stop, for example
at gas stations
or restaurants.
Everyone seems
to get it.”
The Swift: balanced design,
sporting performance
It’s an elegant design solution redolent
of the era of Brando, James Dean,
leather jackets and ’tude. Final
specifications and test rides
were not available at press time,
but with 17-18 horsepower in a
200-pound machine with minimal
frontal area, expect a 0-60 time of
around six seconds, a top speed of
a buck plus and around 80 mpg.
All for $3950.
“We’re going through final
EPA hell to qualify the bike for
market—the 6000-kilometer
endurance test that you must restart from zero if any component
fails. We’re on our third catalyst
spec, but the restarts were due to airbox
issues. The process should be complete
by August. The bike has to be reliable to
succeed. Part of our infrastructure will
include overkill on parts—10 percent of
just about everything, a solid warranty.”
THE BEST FITTING
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We’re not happy unless you’re happy.
Dream machines come alive in Marin
B
reathes there a biker with soul so
dead who never to himself has said:
“I would like a one-off bike that
fulfills my wildest imaginings?”
Morgan Hill, CA
racerglovesusa / racerglovesusa.com
In the paint shop one finds an A.J.S.
and a Matchless tank, and wild, twotone green B.M.W. parts that will
render uptight Munich apoplectic
(“Ve are makink ze perfect
motorcycles! Vy are zay changink
ze factory colors?”). Kirk helped
editor Ets-Hokin put his café racer
together.
Kirk and Lisa Taylor are ready to oblige.
They have the chops, the shop, the
record. Walk in, and it’s all around: the
floor-to-ceiling magazine covers, photos,
mementoes.
The shop behind the office is alive with
the sights and sounds of interesting
motorcycles being fashioned into
memorable, original art. This is biker
heaven.
So there you have it. Add to the list of
mysteries the eternal question “What
does a motorcyclist want?” If the
answer is a machine with style from
a manufacturer you can believe in,
delivering performance and value, the
answer could well be AVA’s Swift.
Next? Knowing the established relationship
with Sacin, who have requested first right of
refusal on any follow-on project, we might
expect a 650 in due course, but that’s just
journo speculation.
What does AVA want? They want to
beguile you with style and performance at
a fair price with an iconic niche machine.
What do they need, right now, with the
Swift design firmly established and the
three optional colors—black, white and
red—decided? Dealers and customers at
a sustainable rate—not too many, not too
few, but just the right number to permit
orderly growth. Plus capital in exchange
for equity.
Will they make it? Stay tuned for the road
test. But for the moment, AVA’s course
seems set at success.
—John Joss
“Every job is different in scope, time
to execute and cost. We’ve done
well over 100 full-on, ground-up
restorations and literally thousands
of paint jobs. Typically we find that
projects extend 6-12 months and
cost low five figures for an average
restoration or median five figures for
a major project.
All you need bring to make your
motorcycle dreams come true is desire and
money, and the willingness to surrender to
the creative juices that flow here.
“I started doing flame jobs on models
at age eight.” Kirk Taylor, San Anselmo
born, has grown into a stocky, bearded
53-year-old. He has come a long way from
his father’s machine shop in Terra Linda.
It was all about bikes even then—his
father fashioned extended front forks for
choppers, among his other work. In that
shop, the young Kirk Taylor started to learn
the technical skills that have carried him
forward to motorcycle design prominence.
discontinued.” He gestures to a photo spread
on an FXR he designed and built for San
Francisco lawyer Chris Dolan, an exquisite
original that exhibits all his capabilities.
“Our project bikes have to work well, not
just look nice. We want to do—perhaps
this is a bit heretical—what HarleyDavidson has sometimes failed to do:
create bikes that are sexy, handle well and
Kirk recalls his first bike—a Honda 50—
that he supported with his 50-cents-a-week stop properly.” Note the sly grin, visible all
the way to Milwaukee.
allowance, back when gas was 32 cents a
gallon. “I could go a long way, then, at 100
The customers, the process,
mpg or better.”
Art, for art’s sake
“For me, it was always about art,” he
explains. “Back in the early to mid ’80s I
wanted to do pinup art, and airbrush, so I
went back to college to learn. Once I had
the skills, I got asked to paint guitars, and
then motorcycles, and it all grew from
there.”
Custom Design Studios opened its doors
officially in 1988, in Kirk’s garage, with
his first business license. The work soon
outgrew that cramped space, and the
neighbors were complaining about the
noise, anyway. He moved to 53 Mark Drive
in Terra Linda and has been in his current
location at 56 Hamilton Drive in Novato
for over 15 years.
His operations now extend beyond his
main office and workshop into adjoining
buildings that encompass end-to-end
machining, fabrication and painting
capabilities. Today he can handle
essentially every phase of a restoration.
H-D FXR
Call 408.852.0700
an exquisite matte-black Honda
CB350F (the original four-pipe
model).
By John Joss
“A favorite motorcycle? If I have ever had
a favorite bike [to rebuild, restore or redesign] it would have to be Harley’s Eric
Buell-designed FXR, which they have sadly
the cost
“Many of our best customers are blue
collar. They ‘get it,’ they work hard and
they know what they want. They’re easy
ER
H
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A
E
L
E
FRE
ASE
C
P
O
T
P
LA
)
er $150
alue Ov
(Retail V
to work with—not whiny or picky. They
understand that I don’t ever want to do
the same bike twice, so they focus on
originality. No ‘cookie-cutter’ machines
here. Nothing is put on paper. It all evolves
as I work.
“Remember, we’re not a chopper shop,
we’re a design studio. We emphasize subtle
details, and basic simplicity, creations that
transcend time, trends or fads.”
Though Harleys comprise the core of his
business, Kirk has a broad scope of what
he’ll do and what bikes he will attack.
Looking beyond the big Twins that have
been his core interest, in varying stages
of assembly from raw frames to almost
completed bikes, in the workshop is
“All it takes is time, money and
parts. Sometimes projects are
delayed—the customer has to get
braces for the kids . . . the usual unexpected
setbacks. We’re okay with that. We
understand.
“We made our reputation by doing what
others couldn’t or wouldn’t do: creating
bikes that are engineered and painted to
the highest standards, doing the work on
time and quoting reasonable prices.”
Sounds like the perfect solution.
CityBike’s Shop Stop features highlight our paid
advertising partners. Though researched, written
and edited to journalistic standards, they are
separate from CityBike’s usual journalistic content.
If you want your shop or business featured, contact
[email protected] or call 415/282-2790.
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melissa holbrook
PIERSON
Why is it that hearing one’s own voice in
a recording is so dismaying ? You sound
like a fly, beating wings with all your might
only to make a thin, annoying buzz in the
upper registers. That’s not me! you think.
The soul of my true voice is . . . important.
lifeless
figures move
and seem
to speak,
and before
the curtain
comes down
and the
children clap,
give shape to a fable with perils and close
calls, lessons and moments of startling
laughter. Finally there is a conclusion in
which the good are rewarded, and the bad
end in a justified heap of cloth and papier
mâché.
These friends conjured the perfect
riding partner (and quietly filled
his otherwise empty pockets).
Doctors say it is because we are used to
Family did the rest: a cousin
hearing the voice in our head—no, not
in California agreed to
the one the doctors can’t help you with,
pick up my son from
your actual voice—through the baffles of
the airport and
all that bone and muscle. The wavelengths take him to
are longer and sound deeper than the ones a historic
traveling through air.
Episcopal
Or it could be that you’ve finally grown sick camp in the
of hearing yourself repeat stuff you have no
intention of making real.
My decisiveness at that moment was met
with an unprecedented concatenation of
ideal circumstances: the recent purchase
of a fine road-going machine, an August
that on the calendar as yet bore no marks,
a relatively bulging bank account, thanks
to a tax refund that seemed so forlorn,
going unspent for a month or two. And the
certainty that I would never want to go all
the way to Arizona except on two wheels.
Looking back from a vantage of three
years, I am completely bemused. How
could it have happened? Moreover, did it
happen? The memories are covered with
the sort of patina that brass attains: golden,
but muted; covered already with a must of
dull patches through which, every now and
again, the original shows brightly.
My bike, with 85,000 fewer miles,
did not fare as well. After the pickup
at camp (my offspring now ready
for anything and wearing the newly
purchased gear to prove it), after the
scary ascent of the corkscrew driveway
in Marin to say goodbye to the cousins,
after four days riding the coastal highway
with its un-jaded marvels—all of a sudden,
on twisty Napa roads, something odd was
happening whenever I shifted. And finally
I couldn’t shift at all. Two days after Scott
had had to change the starter (in a motel
parking lot while I was taking a leisurely
shower, unaware that he had slipped
out to take care of it), the clutch had gone
out completely. Next dealer: three days
away, in Las Vegas. And so I mounted the
Ducati, knowing Scott had his heart in his
experienced throat even if he had a smile on his face. He
would, could, ride a bike with an inoperable
it in real time, not flyover time, not
clutch, not to mention a 10-year-old boy
cartographic time. And real time is full
on the back. (His saving graces multiplied:
of realness: the absurd last-minute reone evening, turning to night, the GPS
repacking of an enormous U-shaped bag
caused a problem almost immediately. The sent us into the hills on an ever-narrowing
rocky track; for the record, I was not the
first night’s stop was to be Mom’s house,
one who turned my bike in search of a less
an hour from which, inside the unearthly
treacherous route.)
orange-red of Cleveland’s nighttime glow
(no different from its noontime glow), I
An extra day in that unreal desert
had an out-of-body realization: Gee, could
playground—the boy was ecstatic to see
I be tired? Scott, when we finally pulled in
our hotel’s vast casino, thinking he’d just
Akron, dryly corroborated my suspicion:
been granted the world’s flashiest video
“I was wondering why you couldn’t hold a
arcade, until he learned these colorfully
line.” On the highway.
lit machines were off limits to him, at
which point he was merely extremely
This was the first indication of his
content with the swimming pool and
perfection as a companion on a ride that
its upholstered cabanas—was hardly a
was one size too large: an indefatigable
problem. And then, in 275 miles, there it
sense of humor, along with the certain
was. The Grand Canyon. The stars, too,
knowledge that he would always be
over the Grand Canyon, and the reason I
watching, not only in a physical sense, but
came: the way it all makes you feel so small.
in an angelic one. He would surely have
Something fell off me, light as petals from
pulled us over for the first of many Days
the apple tree in spring. Self-importance,
Inns if he had sensed I was beyond my
limit, even if it was 20 minutes shy of a free, relieved-ly shed.
and much-anticipated, hotel called home.
I had brought him here at last. Or not me—
something bigger had laid it before us like a
St. Louis. That is the next thing I
remember, the claustrophobic tram up the gift. The constellations that wheel without
our knowing, without our input. I would
leg of Eero Saarinen’s great monument
say it was motorcycling, but that would
to Manifest Destiny. It was so hot we
sound so sentimental.
were high on humidity. We laughed. We
posed the bikes for his camera against the
backdrop of the arch, a cliché to everyone
Illustration: Jon Jensen
The third or fourth time I heard myself say
to my young son, “Someday I’m going to
take you to the Grand Canyon,” another
voice in my head (the innate Siri called a
bullshit detector) interjected, “And when
might that be . . . ?”
but us. We
watched the
sluggish river
move, as it had
moved for all
history but
now as a piece
of ours alone.
And then we
chorus gone over so often in choir rehearsal
started
west
again,
as
instructed.
that Easter morning in the chancel it
flowed as if truly from heaven, not the
Just after crossing into California, Scott
throats of a passel of pimply adolescents.
stopped on the berm. I don’t remember
where: I had given myself over only to
Scott was on his beloved Ducati
riding, to what came next, and next. For
ST4, me on my second-hand
the first time, I would take no notes. I
R1150R. We turned out of
would write nothing on return. I would
my driveway and looked
keep no maps. I would only go. This, now,
only forward from
is the first written recollection of that trip.
then.
Then, on the side of the road, he would
It was a bit of a race.
snap an image of his odometer, which had
I knew America was
just clicked over 100,000 miles. When we
wide, but I
visited Munroe Motors, he would show
never really
Nick the photo. Nick would smile and put
knew it
his arm over Scott’s shoulder, posing next
until I
to the mighty ST4 that would never skip a
beat the whole trip.
redwoods
for a week—the
week
it would take us to hightail it across the
country, pick up the youngster, install him
on my pillion seat, and start the trek back.
The day after the plane left (the 10-year-old
boy excited to be on a private adventure
that included free headphones and a
There is only one place where dreams really stewardess of his own), we geared up. The
moment arrived that had been practiced
do come true, and it’s not Disneyland.
in my mind so often: the final buckling of
It’s in the embrace of your motorcycling
the helmet and the key turned in actuality.
friends. Those are the puppeteers whose
It was like the refrain of the “Hallelujah”
talented, willful fingers make otherwise
HERTFELDER
Unless you’re a
purebred New
Jersey sand rat,
two-up in deep
sand on a 250 isn’t
such a good idea.
And even if you
are a purebred
New Jersey sand
rat, two-up in
deep sand on a
250 still isn’t such
a good idea.
Alligarter?
After we got lost (and I believe everyone
who was not a rocket scientist got lost) I
Spotting photographer Mark Kireya on
spotted the AARP guy making good time
s of right now my vote for the
the sand road, I asked him to take a photo
on a blacktop road heading, like myself
Most Improved Dual-Sport ride
of my new Arizona license tag reading
and the rest of the confused riders, in the
goes to the Alligator, put on by the ‘WORST’ in recognition of my reputation
general direction of the Atlantic Ocean.
Daytona Dirt Riders. Last year they gave us as the worst dirt rider extant. Mark,
His Victor was slipping its timing and
an eight-and-a-half-inch wide route sheet:
carries so many 35 millimeter cameras on The deep sandy uphills on the alternate
“shooting ducks” frequently. I loaned him
this year they gave us one that came really straps around his neck that, at any time, he sections were bad enough, but not half as
my tow rope, but I was willing to bet the
close to fitting our route sheet holders. They can point to true north within seven and a tiring as repeatedly lifting Bevo Fori and
13th guy who knew how to re-time a BSA
even persuaded the Kawasaki folks to serve half degrees.
his motorcycle out of the way. Someday I’m was probably somewhere nearby and might
up a breakfast better
going to learn to lift him recognize the backfiring.
than most of us get at
up then continue on
home. And with more
immediately. As it is, I’m I’m still trying to figure out what word they
than 200 snowbirds,
so bushed lifting the guy misspelled on those finisher pins or if they
recycled enduro
that I let him get ahead read “Dual Alligator Sport”’,” Sport Dual
riders and assorted
Alligator”, or “Sport Alligator Dual?”
and he just crashes
ne’er-do-wells in the
again.
Whatever the mistake was I’d sure like to
bunch, they had twice
As we were descending have one along with the correct version—
as many riders as last
might be a collector’s item someday. And
a steep sand hill I
year.
Because the Alligator dual-sport starts in
I’d also like my tow rope back because it’s
had an overhead view of Bevo climbing
At the rider’s meeting they apologized
a high-rent location, at an astronomically
already a collector’s item.
up the other side. Watching his bulbous
and told us the finisher pins had been
high-rent time of year, it draws more
body leaning over the handlebars and the
For a copy of Ed’s latest book, 80.4 Finish Check,
misspelled and replacements would have
BMWs than a free carwash in Munich.
motorcycle fishtailing violently, I had the
send $29.95 with suggested inscription to Ed
to be mailed out later: this was fine with
Watching these beautiful motorcycles fill
distinct impression that I was looking at a
Hertfelder, PO Box 17564, Tucson, AZ 85731.
us because we didn’t expect them anyway. up a rear-view mirror then whistle past on
tadpole swimming upstream.
Also available on Amazon.com!
They also told us that the Honda folks
the paved sections is a little intimidating,
would supply every rider with two gallons
but it all evens out when you see them get
of gas at section five, and I imagined Phil’s smaller and smaller in the rear-view on
truck turning into a 400 gallon fireball if
the slightly sandy sections and disappear
someone lit a cigarette.
without a trace on the deeply rutted
alternates.
I shouldn’t have worried though; they
simply took over a gas station.
Somewhere along the way I’ve seen a real
BSA Victor while waiting for the St. Johns
River ferry? Not such a dumb move when
you consider that standing around waiting
for the ferry were probably 12 of the last 13
living men who know how to re-time one of
those roto-rooters.
A
...can you believe the guy with
AARP lettered on his back decided to
re-time his BSA Victor while waiting
for the St. Johns River ferry?
All in all, if you consider that a man sitting
on a block of ice with his feet in a bucket of
boiling water is very comfortable then this
was an average dual-sport ride.
The first fifty miles could have been laid
out with a 62-foot motor home, and the
alternate sections (where I shouldn’t have
been) were deep, rutted sand and a real
handful… Especially if you were riding
with a well-rounded companion on the
back of an XR250L.
Paris-Dakar edition belonging to Jimmy
Lewis and recall that its seat was higher
than my belly button. I suspect the ParisDakar knock-offs are not as true as they
might be—but I’d still like to have one.
This year there was an assortment of
flashbacks rumbling along with us newer
models like some sort of time-warp. When
was the last time you saw a museumquality AJS doing one of those no-rearsuspension dances on a rutted dirt road?
And can you believe the guy with AARP
lettered on his back decided to re-time his
None of them spoke
English or wanted to try, so
I could only talk to Carol. I
rode out of Treasure Island’s self-park showed her on my tanktop
about two in the afternoon. By God,
map: I was on my way to
right across the street was a ramp onto Beatty, then across Death
the Interstate north. No getting lost leaving Valley via Stovepipe Wells.
Las Vegas this trip.
She traced another line
with a fingernail: Their
On the freeway I saw a dozen, no, 20
Harley-Davidsons, in staggered formation route to Death Valley Junction.
a few car-lengths ahead. I worked my way
We climbed back on and rode together
through traffic, fell in behind and stayed
for another 20 miles and separated. Carol
with them mile after mile through the
waved good-bye. Frogs on Hogs. Au revoir,
desert.
bros.
I
I noticed various recent H-D models, no
Sportsters, and a late-model white pickup
following them carrying luggage. Every
bike had a Bartels H-D plate frame.
We rode up I-15, took the Hwy 95 turnoff,
eventually stopping in Indian Springs,
Nevada, for fuel. A woman, maybe 30,
jumped out of the pickup, came over and
introduced herself. I’m Carol, she said with
an accent.
Carol and the riders were all French, guys
and a few couples riding two-up. They
I bought gas in Beatty, then stopped again
for a Gatorade just before entering Death
Valley. Hot as it was, it’d be hotter in the
Valley. While I drank, I chatted with a
bicycle rider under the awning in front of
the little store. He’d pedaled for hours to
get there and was happy to sit a while in the
All over that part of California and Nevada, shade.
I saw groups on either Harleys or BMWs.
I saw a man and woman on two Harleys in
The Harley groups usually were actual
the parking lot and walked over to say hi.
groups, riding in formation. The BMW
guys were going faster, strung out along the I’d barely got my hello out when the guy
road. Everyone waved, regardless of brand said: This is my sister. We’re splitting up
here. I’m going to Salt Lake; she’s going to
affiliation.
LA. She’s worried about riding across the
I’m sure they were Europeans on rented
Valley.
bikes enjoying the desert and mountains.
I looked at the woman, who was maybe 40
This Euro tour group thing is invisible to
years old. Yeah, she said, I’m nervous about
us Yanks but it’s an industry. There were
the heat. I volunteered to ride across with
dozens or hundreds of riders.
her, make sure she was fine. That’d be great,
her brother said, and she nodded thanks.
She and I will say good-bye here then, he
said, take a couple of minutes, and she’ll be
ready to go.
I wandered back to the shade of the
storefront awning and chatted with the
bicyclist. Eventually, I could see the guy
and his sister climbing on their bikes. I
walked back to my Kawasaki and put on
my helmet.
By the time I got saddled up, he’d waved
good-bye. When I’d yelled my so-long to
the bicyclist and crossed the parking lot,
she was already well down the road on her
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Sportster. I chased and finally caught her,
surprised that a woman who claimed to be
nervous would be riding 90 mph from the
git-go.
We fix anything on
American V-Twin bikes
I followed her for miles, watching her ride
that motorcycle smoothly and well. When
we emerged from Death Valley, the road
straightened and the temperature dropped.
She slowed, waved me around, gave me an
“I’m okay” sign and waved good-bye.
I never heard her voice except the one
time, when she said, “Yeah, I’m nervous
about the heat.”
I spent the night in Lone Pine at a nice old
hotel-motel. Had dinner and breakfast in
the restaurant next door. You hear as many
foreign voices in that place (and everywhere
on 395) as you do American voices.
408-298-6800
75 Phelan Avenue, San Jose
Open 7 Days a week
Estimates on Saturdays by appointment
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Fax 707-763-3759
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2040 Petaluma Blvd. N.Petaluma, CA 94952
After breakfast, I walked to the cash register
to pay my bill. Another sweatsalt-encrusted
bicyclist was sitting in a booth near the door.
I could see his Colnago outside leaning on
the window, a nice road bike.
I asked him how he was doing and we
got in a little conversation. He’d ridden
from Valencia, about 30 miles north of
downtown LA. He’d ridden all night, had
to have been a couple of hundred miles, and
stopped for breakfast there in Lone Pine.
After breakfast he was headed right back
to Valencia. He didn’t say so, but he meant:
without a break, without any sleep. He did
say he was training for some upcoming
endurance bicycle race.
It occurred to me the guy might like to take
a shower. I’d already showered and would
be loading up my bike and leaving Lone
Pine in a few minutes. I invited the guy to
use my room to clean up. You mean it, he
asked.
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I packed and carried my bags down to the
bike while the guy took what I assume was
a welcome shower. When I went back up
the stairs for my jacket and helmet, he was
standing in the bathroom door, wrapped
in a towel, toothbrush sticking out of his
mouth.
I asked him to leave the key at the desk
when he left. He gave me a business card
and thanked me again. I put on my jacket
and wished him a good ride home. You too,
he said, and waved good-bye.
This column first appeared in CityBike in the late
1990s. Don’t worry—Maynard’s still alive and has
plenty more fresh columns left in him.
$14.99 + $5 shipping
Sizes S-XXL
Email us: [email protected]
or by mail:
City Bike Magazine
PO Box 10659
Oakland, CA 94610
[email protected]
She’s gonna turn south to Olancha on the
other side of the Valley and pick up 395
south, he added. We’d appreciate it if you’d
stay with her that far. You bet, I said.
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maynard
dressed like the biker next
door except for some of
their helmets; the fronts
swiveled up like most
modular helmets, but the
shields operated differently.
You could leave the helmet
front up, and pull
the eyeshield
down. Kinda cool, I
thought.
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!
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
mounted to your rig?
•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
motorcycle enthusiasts.
-Any make, model or style of bike is welcome.
-All are invited to join us on our rides, visit our weekly
meetings or become a new member.
For more information: E-mail us at
portstocktonmc@webtv .net,
or visit our website at portstocktonmc .com
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
Mission Motorcycles
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
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.
$11,495 2011 BMW F800ST 5,926 Miles
$5,995 2002 BMW R1150R 12,494 Miles
$13,795 2011 BMW S1000RR 842 Miles
$3,995 2008 Buell Blast500 2,885 Miles
$9,995 2010 Ducati Hypermotard 2,445 Miles
$7,995 2007 Ducati Monster S4R 4,015 Miles
$13,495 2005 Harley-Davidson FLHRCI Roadking
Classic 6,881 Miles
$19,795 2007 Harley-Davidson Special Construction
HD 12,835 Miles
$6,495 2005 Honda CBR1000RR5,460 Miles
$9,495 2011 Honda CBR600RR 722 Miles
$7,995 2008 Honda CBR600RR 6,321 Miles
$2,295 2005 Honda CRF250
$2,995 2007 Honda CRF250
$2,595 1970 Honda Dax ST 70 930 Miles
$7,795 2010 Honda NT 700 1,257 Miles
$3,995 2007 Honda VT750 Shadow Spirit 10,934 Miles
$5,495 2005 Honda VTX1300S Shadow 10,335 Miles
$5,995 2009 Kawasaki ER-6N 5,009 Miles
$3,995 2009KawasakiEX250RNinja 1,254 Miles
$3,995 2009KawasakiEX250RNinja 2,918 Miles
$3,995 2010KawasakiEx250RNinja 1,176 Miles
$1,995 2008 Kawasaki KLX140L Low Hours
$795 2003 Kawasaki KX60
$7,295 2011 Kawasaki Vulcan VN900 Custom 1,242
Miles
$5,995 2008 Kawasaki Vulcan VN900LT 1,992 Miles
$7,995 2008 Kawasaki ZX14 10,834 Miles
$8,995 2009KawasakiZX14RNinja 1,443 Miles
$5,4952005KawasakiZX636Ninja 17,166 Miles
$5,295 2008 Suzuki DRZ400SM 2,615 Miles
$6,995 2008 Suzuki GSRX600 6,375 Miles
$8,495 2009 Suzuki GSXR600 1,059 Miles
$2,495 2005 Suzuki GZ250 13,775 Miles
$2,995 2008 Suzuki GZ250 1,099 Miles
$5,495 2005 Suzuki SV650S 6,271 Miles
$4,995 2005 Suzuki SV650S 8,961 Miles
$5,495 2005 Suzuki SV650S 2,754 Miles
$4,995 2007 Suzuki SV650S 11,429 Miles
$8,495 2006 Triumph Rocket III 9,913 Miles $3,995
2010 Vespa S150 537 Miles $4,995
2005 Yamaha FZ6 4,520 Miles
$5,995 2009 Yamaha FZ6R 2,325 Miles
$3,495 2000 Yamaha Vstar650 Custom XVS 650 6,198
Miles
$2,495 2007 Yamaha YZ250F
$2,995 2009 Yamaha YZ250F
$3,995 2010 Yamaha YZ450F
$5,295 2007 Yamaha YZF600R 2,061 Miles
$8,995 2009 Yamaha YZFR1 9,081 Miles
$13,995 2003 Chevrolet C2500HD Duramax 2X4
174,069 Miles
$18,995 2003 Ford F250 4X4 PowerStroke 7.3L
179,954 Miles
J&M Motorsports
1931 Old Middlefield Way
#201
Mountain View
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.
NEW BIKE SPECIALS
2009 Honda CBR1000ABS in Red. Spectacular engine
performance with solid, confidence inspiring, handling.
Feels like a 600cc in the tight turns, yet open the throttle
and feel the acceleration of a liter class bike. MSRP was
$13,999 – NOW $10,300 !!! Stock # H2898
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) 9921234 for more information.
JUST ARRIVED: 2014 Yamaha Bolt, 2013 Honda
CB1100 retro-styling, 2013 Honda GoldWing F6B
Deluxe, 2013 Suzuki V-Strom 650
COMING SOON: 2014 Honda CTX700N, 2013 Honda
NC700X DCT models, 2013 CBR500 ABS, 2013 Suzuki
SFV650 and 2013 Suzuki DRZ400 Super-Moto.
New Honda CRF50 and CRF70 $150.00 OFF!!! Get your
kids riding with an automatic , 3-Speed, Mini Dirt Bike!
Training wheels available.
NEW 2012 SUZUKI SALE Save up to $750 on
GSXR600, GSXR750, V-Strom 1000, Boulevard M109,
Boulevard C50 and Burgman 650 Executive. 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! Don’t forget, it has Reverse and is $1000.00
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 $9,799 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
2010 Yamaha WR250R Dual-sport bike with fuel
injection. Comes with a Sargent seat and ProMoto rear
luggage rack. 5639 miles, $5899 Stock# U1184
2009 Yamaha YZ450F White with black & red decals,
$3599. Fresh tires, new fork seals, and ready to ride!
Stock# U1195
2009 Triumph Thruxton black with pewter stripe. 15,370
miles. Stock# U1204 $5999
2009 Honda CRF230SM Urban sized super-moto bike,
black with silver and red graphics. 2,530 miles. Stock #
U1212 $3099.00
2007 Yamaha Vino 125 silver and black classic styled
scooter. 6500 miles. Stock # U1210. $1999
2005KawasakiNinja250 blue and orange with only
1858 miles! Saddlebag supports already installed, just add
your bags! Stock # U1215 $2999
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 MULTISTRADA1000 S DS Red
43443mi
$3495 1996 Honda ST1100 Sport Touring Red 37668m
$2795 2001 Honda VT750C Black Shadow 77306 mi
$5995 2005 Suzuki GSXR 1000 Yellow/Black 17251 mi
$9495 2005 Harley Davidson FXSTI Softail Blue 17968 mi
$5795 2000 Buell X-1 Lightning Red 10645 mi
$3295 2009 Suzuki S40 650cc Black 14882 mi
$3495 2006 Suzuki S50 Boulevard BLK 16677 mi
$6995 2012 Suzuki C50T BoulevardBLK RED 8781 mi
$2295 2004 Honda CB250Nighthawk Black 12508 mi
$1895 1981 Yamaha XJ650 Maxim Silver 45941 mi
$10495 2002 Harley Davidson FLHTCUI Ultra Classic
Blue 10495 mi
$3995 2002 Buell Cyclone 1200cc Blue 11546 mi
$11995 1997 Harley Davidson FLSTF 1340cc Black/
Flame 24288 mi
$8995 2009 Harley Davidson XR-1200 Sportster
Orange 28550 mi
$3495 2005 Kawasaki KLR 650 Red 10564 mi
$14995 2009 Harley Davidson FLSTFI Fatboy Black
7160 mi
$9995 2000 Kawasaki FLHRCI Green 58489 mi
COMING SOON
$2995 1996 Kawasaki Vulcan Classic VN 1500-D1 Black
$2995 2003 Kawasaki Vulcan VN750A Red/Grey 24428
mi
$XXXX 1999Yamaha V STAR XV650 Black
$XXXX 1996Triumph 900cc 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 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.
APRILIA
Aprilia RSV 1000 Bol D’Or, 2007, 15921 miles, Orange/
Lavender - $8998
Aprilia Shiver 750, 2009, 3698 miles, Blue / Silver $7998
DUCATI
Ducati Monster 1100, 2010, 560 miles, red - $8998
Ducati Multistrada 1200, 2010, 9777 miles, white,
$17498
HONDA
99, 2006, 21961 miles, black, $4498
919, 2004, 34630 miles, Silver - $5198
919, 2002, 17425 miles, Red - $5498
919, 2007, 13309 miles, Red metallic - $5998
CBR250R, 2012, 1811 miles, Red/White/Blue - $3998
CBR600RR, 2007, 9689 miles, Blue/Silver - $7998
CBR600RR, 2004, 7103 miles, blue, $6498
CBR600RR, 2010, 6979 miles, orange / black, $10498
CBR600RR, 2008, 5753 miles, orange / black, $7998
CBR600RR, 2008, 6358 miles, flat black, $8498
VFR800 Interceptor, 2006, 15299 miles, - $5998
Shadow VLX VT600, 7713 miles, silver, $5498
Rebel 250,12227 miles, Silver, $2998
Shadow Sabre VTX1300, Silver, 8991 miles, $5498
Shadow Aero VT750, 2011, 452 miles, red, white &
blue - $6898
VTX1800, 2003, 14257 miles, red, - $4998
Silverwing, 2003, 23610 miles, red, - $3498
KAWASAKI
Concours ZG1400, 2008, 148 Miles, Silver, $9998
Ninja250,2009, 7501 miles, green, - $3998
Ninja250,2009, 1652 miles, black, - $3998
Ninja250,2012, 932 miles, red, - $3998
Ninja250,2009, 3247 miles, red, - $3998
Ninja500,2007, 8702 miles, Orange, - $3998
Ninja500,2003, 1958 miles, Blue, - $3998
Ninja500,2005, 9494 miles, black, - Call
Ninja650,2007,3986 miles, blue, - $5898
Ninja650,2011, 2547 miles, Orange, - $6898
Ninja650,2011, 4116 miles, Black, - $6798
Ninja650,2011,10873 miles, Orange, - $6498
Ninja650,2007,1619 miles, blue, - $5998
NinjaZX-6R, 2284 miles, black, - $8498
NinjaZX-10R, 1710 miles, black, - $10998
Versys 650, 204 miles, blue, - $6998
Vulcan 500, 507 miles, black, - $3998
Vulcan 900, 1648 miles, blue, - $6998
Vulcan 900, 805 miles, black, - $7998
KYMCO
People 150, 3333 miles, white, $2298
PIAGGIO
MP3 400, 2010, 6154 miles, blue, - $6498
Fly 150, 2009, 8582 miles, silver, - $1898
Fly 50, 2010, 608 miles, silver, - $1998
SUZUKI
Burgman 400, 2008, 9575 miles, red, - $4498
Burgman 400, 10158 miles, black, - $3498
DRZ-400, 2011, 1271 miles, white, - $5898
GSXR-750, 2011, 1351 miles, black, - $9898
GSXR-750, 2006, 2694 miles, blue, - $7498
GSXR-750, 2011, 1888 miles, blue, - $9698
SV650S, 2007, 11492 miles, red - $5498
SV650S, 2007, 9864 miles, red - $5498
V-Strom 650, 2009, 13332 miles, black - $6998
SYM
HD125 scooter, 2006, 5390 miles, blue - $2498
TRIUMPH
T100, 2011, 18347 miles, black - $7598
T100, 2008, 1368 miles, red/silver - $7498
Thunderbird ABS, 2011, 2992 miles, white, - $10998
YAMAHA
FZ6, 2007, 567 miles, red, - $5998
FZ6, 2009, 7984 miles, yellow - $5998
FZ6, 2012, 592 miles, white - $6898
FZ6, 2009, 6331 Miles, Yellow, $5998
YZFR6, 2010, 6450 miles, black - $8498
YZFR6, 2008, 5174 miles, blue, - $7998
YZFR6, 2008, 4339 miles, blue, - $7998
YZFR6, 2006, 3856 miles, black, - $7498
YZFR1, 2009, 26 miles, blue - $9998
FZ1, 2005, 10670 miles, blue - $5998
V-Star 250, 2012, 1721 miles, black - $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
Zuma 125, 2009, 2337 miles, blue - $2798
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
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.
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 takeoff parts (not exhaust).
Very clean bike with no damage history. Clean title, ridden
on weekends. Needs a few TLC items, call to discuss.
Asking $2550 OBO. (510)760-1986
RIDING SCHOOLS
CityBike Classifieds
Cycle Salvage –
Hayward
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
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
AMERICAN CUSTOM
MOTORCYCLE PARTS
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
Cycle Salvage Hayward = Full Service.
People are surprised to find out that we’re more than just a
salvage yard.
•Full Service - All makes: We have 3 lifts and 3 full-time
mechanics!
•Tire installation (even if you bought tires elsewhere)
•Plastic Welding (fairings)
•Oil Changes
•New Tires
We buy used/wrecked bikes
Helmets, jackets, leathers, gloves, and all other apparel
Fair prices and easy to deal with.
Used parts -> broke yours? Call us!
Cycle Salvage Hayward
510-886-2328
21065 Foothill Blvd.
Custom Design Studios
Mind-Blowing Custom Paint Since 1988
Visit Our Showroom!
V-Twin Service, Repair, Parts, & Fabrication.
Harley Factory Trained Tech.
City:
e-mail:
State:
Zip:
ACCIDENT OR INJURY?
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
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
Introducing
Marin Moto Works!
Aprilia, KTM, and BMW Service and Repair
Located at 44 Harbor street, San Rafael
Open Monday-Saturday 10am-6pm
(415) 454-RIDE
Michael’s Motorsports
BMW Motorcycle Service, Repair, Restoration
Air heads, Oil Heads, Hex heads, K Bikes, F Bikes
880 Piner Rd. Ste 46
Santa Rosa, CA 95403
(707) 575-4132
Quality Motorcycles
235 Shoreline Hwy.
Mill Valley CA
(415) 381-5059
We’re not afraid of your old bike.
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
SCOTTS VALLEY
MOTORCYCLE SERVICE
CENTER
ALL ASPECTS SERVICE AND REPAIR
SPECIALIZING IN AMERICAN MADE CYCLES
JUST OFF HIGHWAY 17 FROM EITHER SCOTTS VALLEY
EXIT
4865 SCOTTS VALLEY DR.
(831) 438-6300
OPEN: TUESDAY- SATURDAY 10A-5P SUNDAY NOON-5P
Enter these contacts into your phone now,
while you are thinking about it, so that you
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.
MOTO TIRE GUY
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.
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.
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
CITYBIKE!
Yes, you can do that—it’s easy. Easier than calling your
grandson, having him post a Craigslist ad, then ask you for
$20, which you wind up giving him because you decided to
go riding instead of going to his high school graduation and
you feel guilty. We here at CityBike understand your guilt
feelings, so we will run your ad (25 words or less, please)
‘till sold for just $15. Add $25 bucks to run a photo of your
ride so people believe you’re really selling something and
not just lonely. Subscribers get a free ad every month!
Maybe you should subscribe, eh cheapskate?
FREE HELP WANTED ADS
MOTORCYCLE TOWING
‘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.
1952 BSA ZB 500cc - $3000
1965 Duca(ti?) Condor 350cc - $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
Name:
Address:
WHEELS AND DEALS
Bavarian Cycle Works
EXPERT Service & Repair
Bavarian Cycle Works specializes in new and vintage BMW,
modern TRIUMPH and select motorcycle models. Our
staff includes a Master Certified Technician and personnel
each with over 25 years experience. Nearly all scheduled
motorcycle maintenance can be completed within a one day
turnaround time. All bikes kept securely indoors, day and
night. Come see us!
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
will have them when you need them .
SAN FRANCISCO AND
BEYOND: DAVE’S CYCLE
TRANSPORT
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
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
The Old Man
The Old Truck
Dave is working
Dave’s Cycle Transport
San Francisco-Bay Area and Beyond…
24 Hour Service
(415)824-3020 — www .davescycle .com
Motorcycle & ATV
Hauling
Sonoma, Marin, Napa & Mendocino Counties
24 hour Roadside Pickup
707-843-6584
Insured & Licensed
California Motor Carrier Permit
www .mcmotorcycletransport .com
mcmotorcycle@att .net
SUBSCRIBE
and have every single word delivered
For only $30 per year, we’ll mail you every issue and you get
one free classified a month (doesn’t apply to industry ads)
Just fill out the form and send with your check, payable to
CityBike
PO Box 10659 Oakland CA, 94610.
Name
address
city
state
zip
e-mail

June 2013 - CityBike

Transcription

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