March 2014 | 2 | CityBike.com

Transcription

News, Clues & Rumors
Volume XXXI, Issue 3
Publication Date: February 17, 2014
Tri-Valley Moto in Livermore’s Margie Mentz
emailed us a tale of the new shop dog, Kloe.
She’s a Chihuahua mix, and was starving
and pregnant when shop owner Bill found her
in the field next to the shop. He befriended
her with the help of Mr. Alpo, and the shop
community—employees and customers alike
got together to help nurse her back to health.
She delivered five healthy pups, which have
been adopted and is now a happy member of
the Tri-Valley family. That’s two of them in a
helmet that will probably never be worn again...
Photo Of The Month
On The
1984 Cover:
Motorcyclist Ted
Shih (now an
attorney practicing
in Colorado)
rides into history
on the very first
CityBike cover.
Photographer is
unidentified, but
it’s probably Brian
Halton.
displacement motorcycles of Formula
Xtreme and GoPro Daytona SportBike
have campaigned the prestigious event.
With the 2015 return of the AMA Pro
SuperBikes for the 74th running of the
DAYTONA 200, the top teams and riders
will again headline the historic event.
On The 2014 Cover: Bob Stokstad shoots an
unidentified rider, who will hopefully never
practice law anywhere, on the impressive new
KTM 1190 Adventure.
Contents:
NCR. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
Events. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
KTM 1190 Adventure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
CityBike at 30 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15
Classic Glydon . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19
Classic D’India . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20
Shop Stop: Zeitgeist . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21
Maynard . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22
Hertfelder. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23
Tankslapper . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24
Question Man . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24
Marketplace . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25
Classifieds . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26
Readers v. CityBike class action lawsuit info . . 29
“The DAYTONA 200 boasts a long and
prestigious history since it first ran on
the sands of Daytona Beach over seven
decades ago, crowning some of the true
legends of motorcycle racing in that time,”
said Daytona International Speedway
President Joie Chitwood. “Our fans have
been patiently waiting for the premier class
to return to the weekend’s headline event.
We are thankful to AMA Pro Racing, as
well as Dunlop and the OEM’s for working
together to help make this move a reality
for 2015.”
CityBike Staff:
CityBike Staff:
PO Box 10659 Oakland, CA 94610
Phone: 415/282-2790
-Editorial: [email protected]
-Advertising/Business Inquiries:
[email protected]
-Criticism: [email protected]
Find us online: www citybike com
News ‘n Clues: Staff
Editor-in-Chief: Gabe Ets-Hokin
Publisher: Kenyon “Citizen” Wills
Senior Editor: Robert Stokstad
Contributing Editors: John Joss, Will Guyan,
Courtney Olive
Political Affairs Editor: Surj Gish
Chief of the World Adventure
Affairs Desk: Dr. Gregory Frazier
Staff Photographers:
- Robert Stokstad
- Gary Rather
Art Director: Alan Lapp
Advertising Sales: Kenyon Wills
Contributors:
Dan Baizer, Craig Bessenger, John Bishop,
Blaise Descollonges, Joanne Donn,
John D’India (RIP), Dirck Edge, Alonzo Fumar,
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).
Back Issues: $5, limited availability
Archived Articles: We can find stories and send you scanned images for $5/page.
No, we will not mail you our last copy for free just because your buddy Dave was
on the cover. Please know the name of the story and the year of publication...at
least! If you say something like, “it was about this cool bike I used to see at Alice’s
and I think it was in CityBike in 1988...or maybe 1994” we will buy a cheap latex
adult novelty and mail it to your grandkids.
For back issue and archive requests, please mail check made out to CityBike
magazine to PO Box 10659, Oakland, 94610 or send money and request to
[email protected].
CityBike is published on or about the third Monday of each month. Editorial
deadline is the 1st of each month. Advertising information is available on request.
Unsolicited articles and photographs are always welcome. Please include a full
name, address and phone number with all submissions. We reserve the right to
edit manuscripts or use them to wipe our large, fragrant bottoms.
©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 sleepdeprived, coke-addicted attorneys ready to defend it from frivolous lawsuits, so
even if you see Lucien Lewis doing one of his wheelies on the cover and decide
you want to do that too and then you hit a parked car and your bike is wedged
under a van and it catches fire and the Vallejo FD has to come and extinguish the
resulting blaze and four cars and your bike are melted into slag and you suffer
permanent trauma including a twisted pinkie, sleeplessness and night terrors, it’s
not CityBike Magazine Inc.’s fault and we don’t have any assets so just suck on it.
You know better.
SPLITTING HEADACHE: REAL
RELIEF
We reported back in our December 2013
issue that SB 350, Senator Jim Beall’s bill
that would have regulated lane splitting
here in the Golden State, was essentially
dead. It’s celebratory wheelie time (closed
course only, of course, wink wink, nudge
nudge)—as of January 31st, the bill is
officially dead!
FUQ YEAH!
AMA Pro Racing made this
announcement:
“The premier AMA Pro SuperBike class
will return to the DAYTONA 200 in
2015. The 2015 edition of AMA Pro Road
Racing’s kickoff event will be a 69-lap
race contested on Daytona International
Speedway’s 2.91-mile short course.
“Getting the SuperBikes back
in the DAYTONA 200 has
been a fan request for years and
we’re thrilled to be making this
announcement,” said Michael
Gentry, Chief Operating Officer
of AMA Pro Racing. “The
DAYTONA 200 is America’s
premier motorcycle race, and
our goal is to once again feature
the biggest names in motorcycle
road racing in the event.”
in motorcycling history win the storied
event. Run at the culmination of Daytona
Bike Week on Saturday afternoon, the
200-mile race is the only endurance race on
This doesn’t mean we lane splitters are in
the AMA Pro Road Racing schedule, and
the clear forever, and since we won’t have
therefore provides a number of technical
legislation (at least this year) that gives us
challenges.
an ongoing opportunity to lecture a certain
“The AMA Pro SuperBike class competed segment of local riders about how they’re
in the DAYTONA 200 from 1985
ruining it for everyone, we’re taking this
until 2004. Since 2005, the smaller-
“The DAYTONA 200 is
America’s longest-running
endurance motorcycle race,
tracing its history to 1937 when
the inaugural race was run on
the sands of Daytona Beach.
In 1961, the event became
synonymous with Daytona
International Speedway and has
since seen many great names
chance to remind you all that much of
keeping splitting legal is in our hands.
Seriously, kids—you know who you are.
If you keep splitting too fast, you’re taking
chances with lane splitting being legal at
all. It’d be a sad irony for splitting to be
legislated away in California, where it’s a
long-running part of the moto-culture, just
as we’re starting to make progress in other
states.
Remember, splitting made it all the way
to the Senate in Nevada (so close!) and
supporters are gearing up for another go
in the next legislative session. We had
two bills to legalize splitting in Oregon
last year, and we’ve just heard that there’s
been a bill introduced in Utah that would
“authorize the operation of a motorcycle
or motor-driven cycle between lanes of
traffic and between adjacent lines or rows
of vehicles.” Utah, people!
So just as only you can prevent forest fires,
only we can keep misguided politicians
from turning their attention to lane
splitting when their constituents start
complaining again about those death
wish bikers coming out of nowhere and
cutting in line. Here’s one more song from
the broken record—honor the CHP lane
splitting guidelines and be smart—and
safe—when splitting, so we don’t have to
have this talk about in 2015.
BLACK BOXED
Motorcyclists being rugged individualists,
rebels, outlaws and all that, you can
imagine how we might respond to the
idea of The Government getting its
over-reaching mitts on data about how
we ride—even if such surveillance would
mostly reveal a lot of short trips to coffee
shops. There are real
and
growing concerns about
how the technology we
use captures data that
may or may not later be
used against us, from
our computers to our
smart phones, and now
our vehicles.
Senator John Hoeven
(R-ND) introduced
Senate Bill 1925 to
address concerns about the
ambiguity of who owns the data
captured by a vehicle’s event data recorder
(EDR, which we call “black box” because
it sounds cooler). A bipartisan troop of 21
other legislators sponsored the so-called
Driver Privacy Act, which would firmly
establish the owner (or lessee, in case of a
leased vehicle) as the owner of the black
box data, except in very specific cases:
1. Court-authorized evidence retrieval.
2. Written consent by all owners for
diagnosis, repairs and such.
3. “Certain authorized investigations
or inspections of the National
Transportation Safety Board (NTSB)
or DOT.”
4. Emergency data retrieval to determine
appropriate emergency medical
response to a motor vehicle crash.
5. Traffic safety research.
Admittedly, 3 and 5 are a little confusing
and perhaps open to abuse, but overall
this sounds reasonable, right? But there’s
a problem: the bill defers to the Code of
Federal Regulations, specifically Title
49, Part 563, which covers event data
recorders, for its definitions of what a
motor vehicle is and what is therefore
potentially covered by the bill. This section
refers to passenger cars, multipurpose
passenger vehicles, trucks, and buses built
after September 2012, if equipped with an
EDR, essentially limiting the protections
established by the bill to those vehicles.
“Wait… so you’re saying this here
moorsickle isn’t a motor vehicle? Well,
what the hell is powering it, then?”
Simmer down, bucko. This isn’t some
anti-motorbike conspiracy; it’s just that
motorcycles haven’t really been covered
by this stuff before. It turns out that even
pretty smart bikes are kind of dumb
compared to cars, at least in
the amount of data they
capture and collect—
which is to say they
don’t capture much
of anything, at least
today. This is of course
likely to change, but
for now the real risk to
riders here is almost
nonexistent.
However, it makes sense
that motorcycle black box data
ownership should be established as part of
this bill, and we’re hearing from the AMA
that they’re “currently working with U.S.
spelling, grammar and sentence
structure that would embarrass
a precocious 7th-grader, and the
features had a simplistic highschool newspaper feel to them.
But as the publication found
its legs, the writing inside got
better and better. Halton—a
By Gabe Ets-Hokin
decorated U.S. Army journalist
during the Vietnam War—used
his considerable writing and
photographic skills to deliver
a raw and real experience to
By Gabe Ets-Hokin,
readers. At that time, America’s motoEditor-in-Cheese
press was, for the most part, formal and
Thirty years?
technical, one of the last holdouts of
Yes, that’s right—CityBike has been
pre-1960s establishment culture. Cycle’s
polluting the minds of Bay Area
scribes could be imagined wearing tweed
Motorcyclists since March 1984. Thirty and smoking pipes as they genteelly
years ago this month,
discussed
a flooring guy
power curves
named Brian Halton
and cornering
printed the first
grip. CityBike
issue of CityBike—
focused on
and motorcycle
actual men
journalism has never
and women
been the same.
who rode,
reviewing
As far as I know,
the hardware
CityBike was the
from the
first modern free
perspective
regional motorcycle
of someone riding the way Bay Area
publication in the USA. The model
motorcyclists rode—fast, aggressive and
that Halton devised was a brilliantly
often breaking the law. Halton’s counterdevious one: distribute a free motorcycle
culture politics and ethos stood out, and
magazine in motorcycle shops. When
he had no problem shutting out those
customers started clamoring for the
who didn’t agree with him. Equal time?
next issue, he’d bring up the new ‘zine’s
Start your own paper.
popularity with the shop’s management
and say, “hey, maybe you should have
By the 1990s, the magazine was a mature,
an ad in there...unless you want your
semi-professional product, with the
customers only seeing your competitors’ format, departments and features that
ads...” By the late ‘80’s CityBike was
endure to this day—”Tankslappers,”
packed with ads—many
“News, Clues and
of them big-dollar co-op
Rumors,” “Scariest
full-pagers funded by the
Ride,” and the general
big OEMs—and read by
look and feel of the
tens of thousands of Bay
24 to 40-page tabloid.
Area motorcyclists. An
Halton hired editors—
institution was born, one
notables such as Andy
that stubbornly endures
Saunders, Jackie Jouret,
to this day.
George Martin—as
well as some of the most
CB spawned several
memorable columnists
competitors, some good,
in any publication: Joe
some horrific, but the
Glydon, John D’India
other general-interest
and Maynard Hershon
moto-pubs that once
(who is happily still with
fought for counter space with CB,
us) and others. Some mysterious names
like Urban Mango and Friction Crone
arose: Herb Chain and Waldo Grade,
have withered away, while the wildly
who were both Halton’s alter egos and
successful Thunder Pimp seems to have
said things Halton couldn’t; useful if the
shied away from its free distribution
Editor-in-Chief was also the Publisher
model. The original is, ironically, the last
and Chief Ad Salesman. To this day, most
man standing.
readers don’t know it was Halton writing
the most abrasive, politically incorrect
In preparation for this issue, I’ve been
columns and still ask me things like,
spending long hours in the dusty
confines of the CityBike archives, leafing “Whatever happened to Herb Chain?”
through yards of brittle, yellowing pulp.
By the mid-oughts, Halton’s previously
And much of what I see is appalling to
tireless energy was flagging, and he was
the professional moto-journalist I’ve
leaving much of the paper’s operation
been for much of the last 10 years. CB’s
to his editors and family. The dreaded
business model, for starters, is severely
Internet, which CityBike feared, mocked
conflicted, even by the standards of the
and avoided as long as possible, took its
narcissistic, cousin-dating circle jerk that
toll, draining precious co-op ad dollars
is moto-journalism in this country—and
and attention from the big advertisers
I’ll spare you the gory details. Early
and impacting the business of the local
CityBike boasted production values,
shops.
I started writing my column in 2004,
and by 2009, when I was hired on as
Editor, CB was teetering on the brink
of closure. There would be no February
2010 issue if something didn’t change,
so my best riding buddy Kenyon Wills
and I hashed out an agreement with the
Haltons, got the keys to the paper—
well, actually, a few boxes of moldering
newsprint, some mailing labels and a
firm handshake—and proceeded to do
our best to turn the ailing ship around.
That was four years ago, and my goal
was to see my favorite magazine make
it to its 31st year. We did it. Thanks
to our most loyal advertisers, shops
and businesses I saw while combing
through our archives from the ‘80s and
‘90s like Aerostich Rider WearHouse,
Zeitgeist (see page 21), Helimot,
San Jose BMW (back when Chris
Hodgson’s venture was CC Products)
Mission Motorcycles, Dudley Perkins,
Berkeley Yamaha/Honda, Road Rider,
Engine Dynamics Company (EDCO),
Johnson Leathers, Jim’s Norton Works
Cal Moto, Key Kraft (we love you
Trudi!) as well as all the other shops,
clubs and businesses who stuck it out
with us for many years—Mike Felder,
the AFM, Golden Gate Cycles (God
Speed Ray), Scuderia, Reccomended
Service, and...well, I would have to
print another 16 pages just to list all the
advertisers, supporters, contributors,
loyal readers and everyone else who
has been passionate about keeping this
institution going for one more season,
one more issue. If I left you out, please
don’t cancel your ad! There are just so
many of you.
But the most important part of all,
the proverbial nut holding onto the
handlebars that makes it all happen—
you, the reader. Without CityBike’s
legions of readers picking up 90 percent
(or more) of the papers we print and
distribute each month, we wouldn’t
have lasted three issues, never mind
three decades. Thanks—it’s an honor
to produce the magazine and an honor
to think you enjoy it. I’ll do my best to
keep your trust and devotion to our—
and by that I mean everybody’s, me and
Kenyon as well as the advertisers and
all our readers—favorite motorcycle
publication alive for as long as we are
still riding.
Sen. John Hoeven’s office to add provisions Check out Dr. Thomas Frieden’s full
response to Rep. Petri at mrf.org/pdf/
that certify motorcyclists are granted the
CDCResponse1-14.pdf
same protections that other vehicles will
receive under S. 1925.” Stay tuned for
updates—we’ll keep you posted as we learn FIREFIGHTERS BEHAVING
more.
BADLY
Breaking news as we’re laying out the
CDC RESPONDS: “HELMETS
issue in mid-February: two dozen SFFD
ARE GOOD, MMKAY?”
firefighters, including a Battalion Chief
and a Station Commander, will be
You may recall a bit of news we reported
called before a Grand Jury to investigate
on back in January, when we wrote about
allegations of cover-up in the incident in
the uproar that resulted when the CDC
(Centers for Disease Control) made some which firefighter Michael Quinn (who
generally sensible statements about helmet has since resigned) struck and badly
injured motorcyclist Jack Frazier at the
use, and suggested that states might keep
a few more of their riders alive by enacting intersection of Fifth and Howard streets.
universal helmet laws. The CDC even pre- S.F. Fire Chief Joanne Hayes-White said
empted the “Get your laws off of my body!” “I believe, in my heart of hearts, that there
was no conspiracy.” At the last minute
response by saying “Many laws restrict
before our presstime, the Chronicle
people’s freedom to perform behaviors
reported that not only will Quinn likely
judged contrary to the public good.”
not be convicted of DUI due to lack of
You may also recall that some legislators
admissible evidence, but that Quinn
demanded to know what the CDC’s goal
is also going to be at a
was, and were they trying to reduce the use personnel board hearing
of motorcycles. Representative Tom Petri
asking to have his ban from
(R, WI) submitted a letter to the CDC,
working for the City and
expressing “concern about the activities
county again lifted. Balls
of the CDC regarding motorcycle safety.”
like huge, hairy coconuts,
The letter claimed that while motorcyclewe say. Amazing.
related deaths have admittedly increased
by 55 percent since 2000, “motorcycle
ERIK AND THE
registrations have also increased
INDIANS
substantially.” A solid argument, no?
Almost 5 years ago, we
We don’t have the full dataset, and these
toured the Buell Factory
numbers always seem to lag painfully
in East Troy, Wisconsin.
behind, but while a quick glance at
It was a busy place, with
motorcycle registrations would seem to
assembly lines cranking out
indicate that the increase in motorcycling
about 15,000 of the quirky
deaths increased at a lower rate than
registrations, it’s important to note that the
number of motorcycle-related fatalities per
100 million miles traveled nearly doubled
from 1997 to 2006, from 21.0 to 39.0.
We’re not advocating for helmet laws here,
but rather pointing out that the “Yeah,
but there are more bikes registered now”
argument is disingenuous and inaccurate
at best.
fuel-in-frame Twins a year. When HarleyDavidson abruptly killed the brand in
2009, we knew that building would never
again see crates of brand-new motorcycles
leaving its loading docks. The big auction
of equipment and furnishings in early 2010
was a nail in the coffin.
Or was it? A very nice story in the
Milwaukee, Wisconsin Journal Sentinel
took a good look at operations in the new
Erik Buell Racing factory, just a few doors
down the road from the old factory (which
is a logistics warehouse now, judging
from Google Maps). It’s a smaller space,
but there’s enough room to get down
to business: making production street
motorcycles for riders who “get” Erik
Buell’s vision.
As we told you last year, India’s Hero
Motors paid $25 million for 49.2-percent
stake in Erik Buell Racing. In return,
EBR has been providing engineering and
But never mind that—what does the CDC
have to say in response to these demands
of accountability? In a response to Rep.
Tom Petri dated January 27th, 2014, Dr.
Thomas Frieden, Director of the CDC
basically said “Hi Tom from Congress,
thanks for writing. We’ve got some people
over here that are pretty good at math, and
it looks like helmets are a good thing if you
crash. Sorry if you don’t like that, and have
a nice day. Cheers, Tom from the CDC.”
That’s obviously not a direct transcript, but
what Frieden did was really just reiterate
the CDC’s position on helmets and helmet
laws, flavored with a few extra helpings of
bureaucratic fluff. Did you really expect
anything else?
We expect this to continue to be something
of a tempest in a teapot—helmet law
advocates will keep saying “Helmets help
keep your head intact!” while helmet law
haters will keep getting riled up about The
Man taking away their precious freedoms.
In the meantime, we here at CityBike
encourage you to wear a helmet for many
reasons, the most important of which is
that we like you guys and hope you stick
around. (CityBike’s editorial position on
helmet laws is “wear a fucking helmet.”—ed.)
Berkeley Yamaha
Open House, March 22nd
735 GILMAN STREET
BERKELEY , CA 94710 (510) 525-5525
www.berkeley-yamaha.com
Tues.-Fri. 9-6, Sat. 9-5 — Sun.-Mon. Closed
*Extended Y.E.S. offer good on 1300cc models and above. Dress properly for your ride with a helmet, eye protection, long-sleeved shirt, long pants,
gloves and boots. Yamaha and the Motorcycle Safety Foundation encourage you to ride safely and respect the environment. For further information
regarding the MSF course, please call 1-800-446-9227. Do not drink and ride. It is illegal and dangerous. Professional riders depicted on a closed
course. Shown with optional accessories. ©2013 Yamaha Motor Corporation, U.S.A. All rights reserved. • YamahaMotorsports.com
design help, and it’s paid off—13 of the
19 new models Hero showed off at the
Dehli Auto Show in January “have ties
to Buell engineers,” (including a Buelldesigned hybrid scooter) according to
the story, written by Rick Barrett. Hero
reciprocated by providing engineering
and other assistance to help EBR set up its
assembly line, and the story’s photo gallery,
with shots by Mark Hoffman, show the
185-horsepower liquid-cooled V-Twins
taking shape. The company expects bikes
to be at dealers in February.
In fact, Buell told the Sentinel, he’s worried
the fledgling company will quickly
outgrow its space and is looking for more
room. He’d like to keep it in East Troy—
many of the 120 EBR employees are from
the area and even stayed on from the old
Buell—but it’s a small town and the article
hints Buell will do what it
takes to meet demand for
the $18,995 sportbike. It’s
a “wonderful problem to
have,” Buell told the paper.
So far there are about 40
U.S. dealerships listed
on the Erik Buell
Racing website,
erikbuellracing.
com, there’s a
distributor in
Australia, and
the company
announced it
opened a European subsidiary in the
Netherlands.
It’s remarkable EBR is building
motorcycles, never mind motorcycles that
offer the kind of performance and styling
of the 1190RX. We can’t wait to ride the
new bike (and its expected streetfighter
and adventure-touring sisters), but think
we may just enjoy a tour of the Buell
plant in East Troy even more.
HERO HASTUR
One notable model shown at
that Dehli Auto Expo was the
Hero Hastur. Yes, it’s a concept,
but it’s not science fiction,
despite the bad-ass looks. The
trellis-framed creation screams
“Erik Buell” with an Indian accent,
from its orange-painted trellis
frame to its giant front brakes and
angular styling. The powerplant
is a “unique, oversquare” liquid-cooled
620cc parallel Twin making a claimed 80
horsepower. Claimed curb weight is just
357 pounds and top speed is expected to be
around 150 mph.
The display bike didn’t look rideable—
though the frame, suspension and tires
looked real, the motor is clearly a rapidprototyped plastic dummy, but it seems to
us this is the kind of thing a company like
Rotax (which already makes the EBR 1190
motors) could whip up in a hurry. Look for
a running pre-production unit in a year or
two: Hero is champing at the bit to get on
the world stage, and this bike is certainly
one way to get there.
The internet peanut gallery shrieked
“fugly!” with its typical dismissive anticreative groupthink, but we sort of like it,
and if it handles like a Buell but is priced
like an Indian-built bike (we’d guess
an MSRP around $6000) it could be a
product that puts Hero on the map in
Europe and the USA.
HX250R
This one is no pie-in-the-sky but it
also has Buell’s fingerprints on
it. It’s the
HX250R, and will
be in Hero dealers by Fall. If you don’t get
excited by 250cc commuter bikes, that’s
okay, but notice that at least on paper, this
bike is lighter, more powerful and cheaper
than the Honda CB300R it’s competing
with.
CONTINENTAL GT
Heard enough about Indian motorcycles
(as opposed to Indian Motorcycles,
but we’re reporting this
because he easily could
have been—we’re all
equally vulnerable,
motorized or not.
confusing, eh?) yet? Too bad—here’s
another bit of news. The Continental GT
cafe-racer is coming to the USA—soon.
Classic Motorworks, the Royal Enfield
distributor for the USA, told us the
Continental GT, complete with higherspec motor and suspension, will be priced
at just $5999, which is about $2500 less
than we thought it would be. The rest
of the model line has been similarly
discounted—the classy (but slow!) oldskool machines start at just $5,999. The
GT just passed CARB certification and
will be on its way
here soon.
PUT ME IN,
COACH
Want to sharpen
up your skills in
2014? We have a
guy for you to see.
Can (say ‘John’)
Akkaya, former
German Superbike
racer, has launched
a new website
(superbike-coach.
com) where you’ll
find the complete 2014 schedule for his
knee-down and wheelie classes, as well
as all his other curriculum. He’s also
offering guided moto-tours and also has
the “Coach’s Blog” where he tackles tough
questions like, “should I lane-share?” or
“how do I upgrade my bike?” Lots of good
stuff
there, so check it out.
BMW PRICING
Speaking of old-skool,
there is now pricing
available for the hipstermarket BMW R-9-T:
$14,900, so go get one.
If you’d rather have a
naked S1000RR superbike
with upright seating and
160 easy-to-access hp,
opt for the S1000R
roadster—it’s priced
pretty low (for a
Euro-bike with
these specs) at
$13,150. But that
doesn’t include any
number of optional
packages which
require a great deal
of explanation. Call your
local BMW dealer or Certified Financial
Planner for more details.
Conservancy to help in implementing
the vision established for Lake Hovsgol
National Park. Part of that effort is the
Blue Waves Campaign, an offshoot of the
MEC which is putting on a motorcycle
rally going from Ulaan Bataar to the lake,
off road on motorcycles, stopping along
the way to spread the word. The twist is
that the riders will donate the bikes to the
rangers when they get there, and any of the
rangers who aren’t already knowledgeable
will get training in riding and maintenance
of their new bike!
Jain told
investigators
he had
fallen asleep
in the car
because of its
overpowering
November 2013). We thought we might see “new car smell.” His attorney said he
this model here, but it’s official: it’s coming. “sends his sincere condolences to the
The ride will be filmed along the way
friends
and
family
members
of
Mr.
Alper
and made into a documentary that will
The new model is a simpler, more basic
and
feels
terrible
about
his
involvement
be released in South Africa in November
bike that gets closer to its ‘80s superbike
in
this
devastating
accident.”
Smelling
of this year. The film will hopefully gain
roots. Wet weight is a feathery 529
blood,
Alper’s
family
and
attorney
is
more attention for the MEC to further
pounds, horsepower from the 782cc
suing
Tesla
as
well
as
Jain,
because...well
its goal of helping the park maintain
VTEC motor is down a bit to 106 and the
because,
as
the
apocryphal
quote
goes,
brakes, bodywork, suspension, swingarm
that’s where the money is.
and just about everything else is new. A
5.3-gallon tank should keep those of you
A slightly silver lining—the Santa Cruz
with large bladders happy. Price is a notDA will charge Jain with misdemeanor
bad $12,499—add $1000 for the “Deluxe,” vehicular homicide, which seems fair
with ABS, traction
enough to us, new-car smell or not. He’s
control, heated
a retired tech-company executive, so he
grips, a centerstand
can afford to make good with the family
(remember those?)
and we call on him to do the right thing,
and self-cancelling
plead guilty and just in general…man
turn signals.
the fuck up.
If you want something
MONGOLIAN ECOLOGY
a little more
Reader Anton Berteaux sent this in:
proletarian, Honda
is also bringing in
Hey Moto people, one of the Last Best
the CBR650F. It’s a
Places needs help!
Euro-model standard
with a 3/4 fairing and The Mongol Ecology Center (MEC) is
working to establish the Lake Hovsgol
upright bars. The
new-for-2013 motor is
punched out to 649cc
and mounted in a tube-steel chassis with
budget-oriented suspension and brake
components. It weighs in at 461 pounds
and has a 29.1 inch seat height—expect
80-ish hp at the wheel. MSRP is $8499,
$8999 for the ABS version.
The new Harley-Davidson Street
750cc and 500cc coming soon!
Start Here!
Start Now!
LACK OF PERSONAL
RESPONSIBILITY REACHES
NEW LOW
Just when you thought the “it’s not my fault”
culture couldn’t go any further, Navindra
Kumar Jain, 63, took it to the next level. He
was driving his brand-new Tesla Model S
on Highway 1 in Santa Cruz when he fell
asleep at 55 mph and hit bicyclist Joshua
Alper, who was riding on the shoulder. Alper
died at the scene. He wasn’t a motorcyclist,
INTERCEPTION!
Something that will give you V-Four
fetishists something to look forward to: the
new 800 Interceptor, which Honda showed
in Milan last November (“Milan 2013,
DUDLEY PERKINS CO.
HARLEY-DAVIDSON®
333 COREY WAY SOUTH SAN FRANCISCO
650-737-5467
DPCHD.COM
funeral home to be buried in a massive
glass casket, seated on his 1967 Electra
Glide. He and his sons designed the braces
and other devices to hold him on his bike.
Interestingly, he’s wearing a helmet even
though it isn’t required, even for living
people.
infrastructure and
raising awareness
of the park, both
in Mongolia and
around the world.
I’m one of the
riders on the
Blue Waves Moto
Rally. I lived in
San Francisco for
15 years, but have
moved out to
the country, but
still spends time
in S.F. playing
and still have
many friends in
the motorcycle
community.
I’m running
an IndieGogo
(indiegogo.
com/projects/
give-the-rangerssomething-toride/x/6132910)
campaign to raise
money for two
motorcycles just in case!
We guess an unmuffled Harley isn’t actually
loud enough to wake the dead, har, har.
DELIVER US FROM EVIL
That’s what our good friend Scott Wilson
has been doing for the last couple of
years—delivering to our readers in
far-off Santa Cruz, the hinterlands of
CityBike’s delivery zone. He’s a passionate
motorcyclist and does it for the love of
the paper, so those of you reading of you
reading CityBike in the land of sand and
banana slugs owe him a hearty thanks.
VICTORY GUNNER
Polaris’ Victory cruiser brand poked its
little head out from under the shadow of
the burgeoning Indian (USA kind) fracas
to show off its first new model for a couple
of years, the Gunner. It’s a stripped-down
bobber that continues the Judge’s (2013
The Blue Waves Campaign is here
(bluewavesmongolia.org/?page_id=27). If Victory Judge, July
2012) less-is-more
you’re an S.F. moto-head, you’ll recognize
ethos to good effect,
some names! The Monglian Ecology
we think. It uses the
Center page is at mongolec.org/en
same (and very good)
106 cubic-inch (1.8
cubic leagues) aircooled V-Twin we
loved in the Judge,
which delivers torque
output in the oneteens and is smooth
and well-engineered.
Labor, parts additional
At 649 pounds, it’s also 10 pounds lighter
than the Judge. It’s also cheaper than the
• Decarbonize power valve • Replace base
gasket, intake gasket and exhaust gaskets as
Judge at $12,999, a pretty good deal for a
required • Replace head gasket/o-rings
heavyweight cruiser.
• Piston • Piston ring(s) • Piston pin, circlips
and bearing(s) • Spark plug • Measure
cylinder to determine if in manufacturer’s spec
• Cylinder repair/replacement at additional cost,
if required
We stock a large selection of
Any excess money will be used to provide
more parts and safety equipment. I’ll be
buying my own ticket to Mongolia, so all
the money I raise will go to the project.
BILL STANDLEY’S
LAST RIDE
Sadly, he’s out of the picture for a
while—seems that he had a pretty bad
spill commuting on his BMW along the
20-mile-long impact zone that is I-880.
He has a 16-inch titanium rod in his leg
and will be out for a bit. We’ll cover the
route, Scott!
Yes, don’t you wish you
had thought of this? When
82-year-old Bill Standley, of
Mechanicsburg, Ohio passed
away, he had no intention of
TOP END!
2 Strokes = $200.00
4 Strokes = $300.00
Labor, parts additional
• Replace base gasket • Replace head
gasket • Piston ring(s) • Piston pin, circlips •
Spark plug • Valve adjustment • Valve shims
if required • Valve cover gasket • Measure
cylinder to determine if in manufacturer’s spec
• Cylinder/cylinder head repair/replacement at
additional cost, if required
Pricing good until January 31, 2013.
Call or drop by to setup appointment.
heavy duty jackets , pants,
chaps, & bags.
Custom garments
and accessories.
not having his motorcycle
with him in the afterlife. So
18 years ago, he set up this
unusual arrangement with a
NOW IN STOCK!
Johnson Leathers Textile Jacket
featuring Forcefield Body Armour
We repair, alter and
clean leather products.
Our leathers are guaranteed
against defect for life.
Available in black and yellow
Carried in San Francisco by
Scuderia West and SF Moto and
in San Jose by Road Rider.
We make custom 1 & 2 piece leathers!
Bikes must be brought in clean … extra charge for cleaning.
1833 Polk St. (@ Jackson) San Francisco - johnsonleather.com
913 Hanson Court
Milpitas, CA 95035
(408) 945-0911
www.nicholsmfg.com
(800) 730-7722 • (415) 775-7393
Forcefield Body Armour, The worlds
leading “Soft armour technology”
Body protection system specialists.
EVENTS
February 2014
First Monday of each month
(March 3, April 7):
2:30 – 10:00 pm: Northern California
Ducati Bike Nights at Benissimo (one
of Marin’s finest Italian Restaurants), 18
Tamalpias Dr, Corte Madera.
NorCalDoc.com
6:00 pm: American Sport Bike Night
at Dick’s Restaurant and Cocktails,
3188 Alvarado Street, San Leandro.
Ducati Bike Night Calendar!
The reason for getting these events
started was to provide a fun, social
atmosphere for Ducati owners, folks
that want to become Ducati owners,
and folks that don’t yet know that they
want to become Ducati owners, to
sit, eat, talk, walk around and look at
other Ducatis. All brands and models
of motorcycles are welcome, so please
don’t be put off by the event name.
1st Saturday: Nor Cal Ducati DOC
San Francisco Ducati Bike Night
Please come and join us from 4:30 p.m.
to 10:00 p.m. on the first Saturday of
each month at: Il Borgo Restaurant,
500 Fell at Laguna, San Francisco
415/255-9108
1st Monday: Nor Cal Ducati DOC
Mill Valley Ducati Bike Night
Please come and join us from 6:00 p.m.
to 10:00 p.m. on the first Monday of each
month at: The Cantina, 651 E. Blithedale
Ave, Mill Valley. 415/378-8317
2nd Saturday: Nor Cal Ducati DOC
Livermore Ducati Bike Night
11:00 am: Santa Cruz Scooter Club
Monthly Group Ride (Meet at Fin’s
Coffee, 1104 Ocean Street in Santa
Cruz)
Join us for our monthly ride, the 2nd
Sunday of each month. We meet at
Fin’s Coffee on Ocean Street in Santa
Cruz, and depending on who shows,
the weather, and how much time folks
have, we plan a route for the day. We
also usually stop for lunch somewhere.
Rides will be cancelled due to rain.
santacruzscooterclub.com
Doc Wong Clinics!
March 7, 2014 “Riding Position and
Ergonomics Workshop” Fri 6:30pm
March 12, 2014 “Special Doc Wong
Long Distance Touring Clinic!”
Wednesday 6:30pm - 8:30pm
March 14, 2014 “Basic Suspension Part
2” Friday night 6:30pm
March 16, 2014 “Cornering Confidence The Steering Input” Sunday 9am-2:30pm
CityBike says if you haven’t done a Doc Wong
clinic, go do one ASAP. It’s fun, free and will
make you a better/safer/happier rider. Register
by emailing [email protected] or call Full
Motion Chiropractic at 650/365-7775.
More info: docwong.com
2014 Bolt R-Spec
2nd Monday: Nor Cal Ducati DOC
South Bay Area Ducati Bike Night
6:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. on the second
Monday of each month at Pizza Antica,
334 Santana Row, #1065 San Jose.
408/557-8373
3rd Monday: Nor Cal Ducati DOC
Monterey Ducati Bike Night
6:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. on the third
Monday of each month at Baja Cantina
& Filling Station, 7166 Carmel Valley
Rd. Carmel. 831/625-.2252
3rd Wednesday: Nor Cal Ducati
DOC Emeryville Ducati Bike Night
Now In Stock
6:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. on the third
Wednesday of each month at Hot
Italian, 5959 Shellmound Street,
No. 75, Emeryville. 510/652.9300
Come See Us!
4th Monday: Nor Cal Ducati DOC
Sacramento Area Ducati Bike Night
6:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. on the
fourth Monday of each month at Hot
Italian, 1627 16th Street, Sacramento.
916/444.3000
Always wear a helmet, eye protection, and protective clothing.
Please respect the environment, obey the law, and read your owner's manual thoroughly.
4th Monday: Nor Cal Ducati DOC
Please come and join us from 6:00 p.m. Mid-Peninsula Ducati Bike Night
to 10:00 p.m. on the Second Saturday 6:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. on the fourth
of each month at Bella Roma Pizzeria, Monday of each month at Locanda
853 East Stanley Blvd. Livermore,
Positano, 617 Laurel Street, San Carlos.
925/447-4992
650/591-5700
BERKELEY YAMAHA
735 GILMAN STREET
BERKELEY (510) 525-5525
www.berkeley-yamaha.com
Tues.-Fri. 9-6, Sat. 9-5 — Sun.-Mon. Closed
Bring your Buell and hang out with
like-minded riders. All brands
welcome! Our meeting of Buell and
Motorcycle enthusiasts has been
happening the first Monday of the
month for the last 12 years, without
ever missing a meeting. We have had
many local and national celebrities
from the motorcycle world grace our
meetings. It has been fun and exciting.
americansportbikenight.net
First Wednesday of each month
(March 5, April 9)
6:00 pm: Bay Area Moto Guzzi
Group monthly dinner at Vahl’s
in Alviso (1512 El Dorado Street,
Alviso, 410/2620731). Members,
interested Guzzi riders, and all other
motorcycle riders always welcome.
More information, contact Pierre at:
408/710-4886 or pierredacunha@
yahoo.com.
Second Sunday of Each Month
(March 9, April 13)
Repair & Service
We Ship Worldwide
CALL
US
FIRST!
Salvaged & New Parts!
Tue–Fri 10–6 Sat 9–5
Moto Shop
Upcoming Workshops and Seminars
325 South Maple #20,
South San Francisco, 650/873-1600
FEBRUARY
Sun 16 Ducati Major Service
Workshop
Wed 19 Tire Change Workshop
Sat 22 SWAP MEET / Parts, Tools
& Gear
Thur 27 Basic Maintenance
Workshop
MARCH
Sat 1
Valve Adjustment Workshop
Sat 1
Tire Change Workshop
Sun 2 Basic Maintenance
Workshop
Thur 6 Brakes Workshop
Fri 7
Sat 8
Carburetor Class
Sun 9 Ducati Major Service
Workshop
Wed 13 Oil and/or Coolant Change
Workshop
Sat 15 Chain and/or Sprockets
Workshop
Sun 16 Basic Maintenance
Workshop
Thur 20 Basic Maintenance
Workshop
Sat 22
Wed 26 Tire Change Workshop
Sat 29
Valve Adjustment Workshop
Sun 30 Brakes Workshop
New hours of operation
Wed-Fri Noon-10pm
Sat/Sun 10am-7pm
Sign up and get details
online:MotoShopSF.com
Prices range from $25 - $250 No
previous experience required.
Third Sunday of each month
(March 16, April 20):
new store and check out all the latest 2014
Ducati motorcycles.
benefits the Coastside Adult Day Health
Center.
9:00 am: California (Northern)
Moto Guzzi National Owners Club
(MGNOC) breakfast at Putah Creek
Cafe in picturesque Winters, California
(Highways 505/128) MGNOC members
and interested Guzzi riders meet for
breakfast and a good time. The Putah
Creek Cafe is located at Railroad Avenue.
More information contact: Northern
California MGNOC Rep, Don Van Zandt
at 707-557-5199.
Also join us on Wednesday, February
26th for the Ducati Monster 1200
National Tour. This is your chance to
view this new Ducati, defined by timeless
design and breathtaking performance,
in advance of its official arrival in North
America. Bring your family, friends and
camera!
Sunday, May 11
Bay Area Motorcycle Superfest (Alameda
Co Fairgrounds, 4501 Pleasanton
Ave, Pleasanton, 510/488-3121
bayareamotorcyclesuperfest.com).
Featuring Awesome Custom Motorcycles
of all makes and styles. AmericanCustom-Chopper-Bagger-Trike,
Saturday March 29th and Sunday,
European and Metric . If you have a Bike
March 30
come on down. If you always wanted one,
maybe you know someone that has one,
27th
Annual
Clubman’s
All-British
Evenings: Moto-Sketch at Tosca Cafe:
maybe you used to ride long ago, maybe
Motorcycle
Weekend
(Santa
Clara
come and sketch a live model draped over
you have one now and you need to meet
County
Fairgrounds,
344
Tully
Rd,
San
a custom bike. $7 to sketch, free to just
some brothers and sisters that feel like
Jose,
408/494-3247)
watch. Tosca Cafe, 242 Columbus Ave.
you do? Then welcome to what we know
in S.F.
Saturday: show & swap meet 8am-4pm, will be an annual celebration of Classic
still only $5 admission
Friday, February 21
Iron, Metric Steel, Lifestyle and a real
American Family Fun Festival. Celebrate
Sunday:
“Morning
after”
ride
6:00pm: An Evening with Scott Jones,
the freedom of riding a motorcycle and
Moto GP Photographer at the D-Store
Win a 1972 BSA Lightning Tickets $1.
living the Motorcycle Life. There will be
(131 S Van Ness Ave, San Francisco
More fun at the fairgrounds this weekend: plenty of Cool Bikes on hand to look at,
415/ 626-5478, dstoresanfrancisco.com) European Motorcycle Show, Japanese
a motorcycle 101 clinic, ride and skills
Motorcycle
Show,
AMA
Professional
area, food, drink, music. Don’t be left out,
Scott Jones, professional photographer,
Indoor
Short
Track
Races.
Info
&
entries
if you love Bikes like: Harleys, Triumphs,
will be presenting his work and an
Ducati, BSA, Honda, Kawasaki, Suzuki or
evening of MotoGP stories from the 2013 available on bsaocnc.org
Yamaha like we do, you have to attend this
season. Snacks and drinks will be served. Sunday, April 27
event .
Call the store for more info, or RSVP
Pacific Coast Dream Machines Show
on our Facebook page: facebook.com/
Saturday, May 17
(Half Moon Bay Airport, 9850 N.
DaineseDStoreSanFrancisco.
Cabrillo Highway, Pacifica 650/726-2328, 10:00 am-3:30 pm: The Quail
Saturday, February 22
miramarevents.com/dreammachines)
Motorcycle Gathering (Quail Lodge,
California Speed-Sports Ducati Open
For a remarkable and singular experience, 8205 Valley Greens Drive, Carmel,
831/624-2888, quaillodge.com)
House (California Speed-Sports, 2310
there’s nothing that matches up to the
Nissen Drive Livermore 925/606-1998,
Pacific Coast Dream
speed-sports.com)
Machines Show––
Half Moon Bay’s
After a 15-year absence in the East Bay,
massive celebration of
Ducati North America and California
mechanical ingenuity,
Speed-Sports are proud to announce
power and style known
the return of Ducati Motorcycles to
as the “Coolest Show
Livermore. Ducati is among the most
on Earth”.
distinctive premium motorcycle brands
in the world, and California Speed-Sports One of the west coast’s
has been specializing in premium Italian
biggest shows, this
motorcycles for over 18 years. With
remarkable exhibit
Ducati now under new ownership from
will feature hundreds
the Audi Group we are looking forward
of motorcycles
to a very exciting and diverse future with
representing every era
Ducati motorcycles. Our technicians
and style complete
Mike Renouf and Don Babbs (many
August 21-24, 2014 Carson Tahoe Dual Sport/Street Event
with rumbling engines,
will remember Don from from the old
impeccable detail work,
Modesto Ducati days) are both factory
and sparkling chrome
A celebration of vintage and modern
trained by Ducati and are some of the
–– from antique turn-of-the-century
motorcycles, great company and new
best techs in the business. Come see the
models, high-performance sport, racing
adventures, The Quail Motorcycle
and off-road bikes to the hottest custom
Gathering has something for everyone
bikes of the modern era. All motorcycles -- including live music and a signature
are welcome for display. Club rides are
beverage pavilion all set on the
welcome.
immaculate green grasses of Quail Lodge
& Golf Club. Oh, and the barbecue lunch
In addition to the motorcycles, the
served at this event (included with the $75
world’s coolest cars of every era and
admission) has always been pretty good.
style, Model T fire engines, vintage
busses, historic military aircraft, tricked This really is a classy event, well worth the
ticket price. CityBike says don’t miss it!
out trucks, sleek streamliners, and
antique engines and tractors will be
August 21-24, 2014
among the mesmerizing displays.
Visit our new shop:
Carson Tahoe Dual Sport/Street
To show a motorcycle, the registration
990 Terminal Way, San Carlos
Event (Carson Valley Inn, 1627 U.S. 395,
fee is $30 ($40 for entries postmarked
Minden, NV 89423 775/782-9711)
after April 15) and includes a
Four days of riding, food, music,
IN
commemorative pin and admission for
DU
ST
seminars (with Walt Fulton and Jimmy
RI
two people. Spectator admission is $20
AL
Lewis), classes, storytelling and more in
101
for adults, $10 for ages 11-17 and 65+,
L
and $5 for kids age 10 and under. Tickets a beautiful place packed with fantastic
NA
MI
TER
off and on-road riding. Get more info at
are available at the gate only. The show
AN
ITT
R
carsontahoemoto.com.
B
D
OL
HO
LLY
Reliable, timely service at
reasonable rates on all
makes of motorcycles
RY
T
UN
CO
KTM 1190 Adventure
By CityBike Staff
Photos by Bob Stokstad
Huge thanks to Tom and everybody else at
Moore and Sons KTM/Husqvarna in Santa
Cruz.
Gabe Ets-Hokin:
44 years old (feels 4.4),
Shirt Size: Extra Medium,
Favorite Von Trapp: Georg
is the thickness
of a James Clavell
novel. The radialmount brakes
are great—
powerful but not
oversensitive—and
the ABS is smooth
and transparent.
So is it the comfort,
convenience and
safety features?
They are manifold
on the Adventure.
The trip computer
is info-packed (and
programmable
so your favorite
info all appears on
the same screen),
giving you an
optimistic range-to-empty estimate as
well as outside temp, time, date, average
Yes, the 1190 Adventure is three, three,
speed and a bunch of other stuff I didn’t
three bikes in one. Or more. Check it
have time to fiddle with. There’s also an
out: it’s got a 150-horsepower V-Twin
adjustable seat, handguards, tire-pressure
from KTM’s RC8 superbike, and it has
monitor, centerstand, tubeless spoked
radial tires and super-duper brakes, so
wheels, traction control and on the 2014
it’s an open-class sportbike, right? But
USA version, magical-seeming bankwait, there’s more: it also has a very good
angle-sensitive ABS software that I should
adjustable windscreen, built-in hardbag
have reminded Surj didn’t exist on the
mounts and a big 6-gallon tank, so it must
2013 Euro model we tested, but which he
be a sport-tourer, no? But hey! It’s got longswears up and down he noticed anyway.
travel suspension, off-road styling and a 19Oh, and you get all that stuff at the base
inch front wheel, so it’s an off-roader, no?
price, without having to figure out which
Okay, maybe it’s just two bikes in one—I’m $2500 “package” you have to explain
to your spouse you need after already
no off-road-rider by any measure, but it
spending enough money to remodel three
does weigh in at 520 pounds gassed up,
kitchens. It’s such a solid deal I feel guilty
so it’s probably not so much fun offroad
complaining about the lack of heated grips
(see sidebar), but it is an outstanding
but seriously, where are the heated grips?
sport-touring and backroads fun-bike.
In fact, reading online and print reviews
Anyway, you probably are catching my
of this thing makes me think KTM’s PR
tiresomely belabored point—the KTM is
department is either paying off or fluffing
good not because it’s the fastest ADV—the
magazine editors by the carloads—
Ducati Multistrada is—or the best looking,
the fawning over the bike is a little
or best off-road. It’s a remarkably refined,
embarrassing, guys.
developed and user-friendly product, the
best I’ve experienced from umlaut-land.
But it’s really goddamn good! What makes
it so good? Maybe it’s that delicious motor, Good job KTM.
which lesser publications have measured
Alan Lapp:
at almost 130 hp and 80-plus ft.-lbs. of
torque. It’s sort of lumpy and mildly buzzy, 50 years old (feels 80),
like a well-balanced Single, fitting KTM’s
Shirt size: XXL,
character. It’s also fluidly responsive in
Favorite Von Trapp: Rupert
most gears and has that American V-8
When Gabe dropped off the big orange
do-no-wrong character. I also liked the
slipper clutch, which made gear changes so KTM 1190 Adventure, my excitement was
easy it was like somebody else was shifting. palpable. I am one of the KTM faithful:
The other guys played with different riding I own an ‘08 690 Enduro and an ‘06
300XCW. I have wanted a 950 Adventure
modes, but I just left it in Sport—it’s the
since they came out in 2003. However a
most fun. But even in ‘Rain’ mode, where
it’s limited to 100 hp, it’s still plenty fast for career in graphic design is a sentence of
monkish privation for most, so I have never
most street-legal applications.
owned one. For long rides, I also have a
So is it the suspension and brakes that
V-Strom1000.
make it so good? Well, that stuff is really
It’s important to mention the big Suzuki,
good, as I’ve expected from a company
because the big KTM is everything I wish
that isn’t lying when it claims “Ready to
the Suzuki could be. Powerful? Check.
Race” and also owns its own suspension
Quality suspension? Check. Really strong
company. Not only is that electronically
adjustable shock and fork plush, controlled brakes? Check. Long-travel suspension?
and responsive, it’s really easy to figure out Check. Comfy for long rides? Check.
Luggage available? Check.
how to use, even when you’re moving and
you can’t access the owner’s manual, which
Sixteen thousand, eight-hundred dollars
is big money for...well, anything, if you’re
me. But some things are just expensive.
There are no free lunches, or, in this case,
even half-price lunches. But that $16,800
may actually seem cheap if you believe it
takes the place of two or three motorcycles,
saving you money on insurance,
maintenance, registration, garage space,
and the mental anguish that’s inevitable
if your garage is packed with European
exotica.
In short, it’s awesome. The riding posture
felt immediately familiar and comfortable.
The bike is much slimmer between your
knees than the V-Strom, and despite
weighing 40 pounds more, the KTM feels
significantly lighter, presumably due to a
lower center of gravity. I was so surprised
by the weight that I had to verify both
weights from multiple sources: I simply
didn’t believe it possible.
On the road, the manually adjustable
windscreen and factory optional heated
handgrips invite extended highway
miles. The motor is
velvety smooth, and
extraordinarily civilized.
It’s got the most
obsequious electronics
package of any I’ve ridden.
Like the best servants on
Abbey it operates
Downton Abbey,
unseen in the background
with a gentle guiding hand
towards the gentlemanly
path for the best possible
outcome. In fact, during
the first 20 miles with
the bike, I wondered if
it had traction control
at all. Twist the throttle
to the stop, and it blasts
forward with no drama
whatsoever. You will
only notice it when you
deliberately try to misbehave.
Whether this skillful intervention is
desirable or not is a question of your
mission as a rider. If I had this technology
in the early ‘90s when I was roadracing, and
the ability to maintain traction at nearly all
times, I would have ruled my class! Heck,
even if I had just the confidence-inspiring
ride quality available from the on-the-fly
electronically adjustable damping, I’d have
kicked ass. The range of adjustment is
amazing: touring plush to sportbike taut at
the click of a button.
Fast, competitive
international shipping
Huge stock
for all models
post 1970.
we go the
extra mile
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However, as a scofflaw citizen, I also like to
do other stuff—wheelies and stoppies and
spinning up the rear coming out of corners.
Not because it’s fast—but because it’s fun.
The electronics isolate the rider from these
fun things, which should be trivially easy to
do on a bike with 148 hp.
As bikes become more and more complex,
I’d like to suggest to manufacturers
everywhere that test bikes should really
come with a written “quick-start guide” to
bring testers up to speed on tinkering with
the electronics.
I did grasp the menu structure (it reminds
me of my camera, actually). I could change
a number of settings to cause the bike
to trust my riding skills more, but sadly,
there is no “OFF” for the traction control.
Irritatingly, none of the settings remain
changed after you cycle the power with the
key. If I pay more than $16,000 for a bike, is
it too much to ask for it to remember how
I like to ride? If my 690 is any indication,
you’ll have to look to the aftermarket for
this service.
I understand that manufacturers are, by
nature, conservative. I also perceive that
we consumers have put them in a bind: we
vocally desire, and vote with our wallets for
faster, more capable machines. However,
just because we can purchase a ridiculously
fast bike doesn’t mean that everyone who
can afford one is actually skilled enough to
operate it. So manufacturers feel compelled
to include these nanny devices, which, in
liberal fashion, protect us from ourselves.
This is the irony: the 1190 is so very
capable, but we are so very protected from
using it to its full potential.
Surj Gish:
40 years old, shirt size:
Muy Grande,
Favorite Von Trapp: Selena
(obscure lesser-known one,
but I was totally into her before
anybody)
It took me a couple days to really fall in
love with the KTM 1190 Adventure—
surprising because all I’d been hearing
about this bike was how it was mindblowingly awesome and the best allrounder ever. Ever. All-rounders are my
thing, so I was a little confused that I didn’t
lose my mind over it immediately.
Back in the garage, I spent some time
getting to know the bike and realized it
was in “street” mode, which mellows out
the power delivery some. I went through
the menus, put it in “sport” mode, with
ABS and traction control on, and set the
electronically controlled suspension to
“one dude and a suitcase,” which I figured
was about equal to me and the junk in my
trunk—easy peasy. I’ve since heard a few
complaints about the menus being “hard to
navigate,” but let me say this: anyone who
has a hard time with these menus probably
shouldn’t be riding a motorcycle, or even
using a fork and spoon at the same time.
I picked up the bike from Mr. Editor
Gabe, along with a warning: “Be careful,
you’re going to want one!” I rode it back
to my house, thinking how it seemed
like a perfectly good bike, but a little
underwhelming considering it puts out 150
horsepower. The sound of the stock exhaust
is also not very exciting; in fact, my wife said, In the morning, I rode into San Francisco
via the Bay Bridge (we’ll find out if you
“It doesn’t sound like anything.” Hmph.
didn’t pay toll!—ed.), my default realworld test: some lane splitting, some
freeway, some funky surfaces along the
way. The bike was again flawless, but no
angels came out of the sky to proclaim,
“Glory unto the KTM, for it is the greatest
bike of all time!” I did notice that I was
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catching myself at what some (the fuzz)
Alameda County Fairgrounds
might call unnecessarily high speeds a
little more quickly than usual. I also really
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liked the adjustable windscreen, which
May 3-4, 2014
although not particularly big, did an
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excellent job of smoothing out the airflow
and eliminating buffeting.
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I know you’re probably thinking, “What’s
wrong with this jerk? He’s so bored with
this incredible motorcycle!” I’m with you!
I was starting to wonder if something
was wrong with me, so I called up one
of my buddies and informed him that
we needed to head out for the day so I
could really ride the 1190. We rode for a
while, and when we stopped, I confused
us both by talking in circles about how I
kept waiting for the bike to do something
amazing to blow my mind with buckets
of awesomeness, but it kept just being
totally transparent and eminently rideable.
What the hell—shouldn’t 150 horsepower
of V-Twin feel more like fire-breathing
madness than surgical precision? Where
zuki d
u
S
r
u
o
y
o
t
t
Ge
2013 lineup
ealer now
.
A S L OW A S
T
S ON SEL EC IT
H
T
N
O
M
0
6
D
FOR
R OV E D C R E
P
P
A
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O
S
L
MODE
are the uncontrollable power wheelies and
constantly smoking rear tire?
After a bit more yapping from me, we hit
the road again and all the sudden, the big
KTM and I clicked. Here’s how: I kept
catching myself whacking the throttle
open while exiting corners in an idiotic
attempt to find the insane acceleration
that I just knew must be hiding in there
somewhere. So I put it in “rain” mode.
Yep—I detuned it.
This adjustment allowed me to smooth out
and find the sweet spot for cornering, and
suddenly, I left my buddy behind. Not just
a little ways back—I completely lost him.
In an instant, the KTM was straight-up
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glorious. Even better: now that I had made
a love connection with the bike, I pulled
over, switched it back to sport mode and
tore off, fully engaged with the machine
and practically giggling inside my helmet.
“comfy” it felt a little slushy in curves where
the suspension was compressed. Just as
with my own bike, I kept pointing my toes
up because it felt like they were about to
scrape on the asphalt.
Here’s what it comes down to: the 1190’s
fueling and power delivery are so buttery
smooth that it sometimes doesn’t even
feel like it’s doing much, when in fact it’s
really moving. Maybe that’s why it took
me so long to realize how great it is. The
electronics are incredibly refined—I rode
it on some messy, gravel strewn goat trails
and couldn’t get it to miss a beat.
Vibration: there’s a big difference between
a Big Twin and the triple-powered Tiger.
But it wasn’t an unpleasant difference. The
KTM just tells you that you’re sitting on
top of two very big pistons.
I know it’s easy to dismiss breathless
proclamations of “game changer!” and
“best ever” because so often, such bikes
just aren’t anything other than another
competent bike. But this is different.
KTM calls the 1190 “the world’s safest
motorcycle” which sounds boring and
lame, but not only is it safe, it’s also a hell of
a good time to ride. Since it’s an adventure
tourer, it’s also ready to roll out pretty much
anywhere tomorrow morning, whether
you’re headed to the office or to Alaska. It
really is the perfect all-rounder.
Bob Stokstad:
three score and 13.
Shirt size: Tall Guy
Favorite Von Trapp singer: Julie
Andrews (heartthrob)
On CityBike photo shoots, I’m often
asked if I’d like to try out the bike we’re
photographing. “Nah, thanks anyways”
is my regular response. I wouldn’t want
to risk scratching an expensive piece of
hardware.
With the KTM 1190 Adventure it was
different. The predecessor of this model
was one of the bikes I looked at ten years
ago when I ultimately decided on a
Triumph Tiger. It was time to take the risk
and take this bike for a ride.
This ride was really quick, in the sense of
short: down Redwood Road beginning at
Skyline, all the way to the golf course and
back. It’s a wonderful, curvy trip on a bike,
as most CityBike readers know. It’s so good
that many years ago the police posted the
best parts at 25 mph.
The KTM was ergonomically perfectly
suited for me, very close in set up to my
Tiger. So I was comfortable from the start.
Because the suspension had been set on
David LaBree Gets the R
Handling: it’s confidence inspiring. In spite
of the soft suspension setting, the KTM
hugged the road and begged me to go
faster. I was able to control myself, though
with difficulty.
Power, torque, and acceleration: I couldn’t
believe it! Twisting the throttle even a little
produces a pull that shows these 1195cc
have been tuned for performance. Turning
around at the golf course and starting back
on that straight section I lost control (selfcontrol, that is) and yanked the throttle
open in first gear, upshifting whenever a
red light flashed on the instrument panel.
The big KTM took off like a scalded cat.
I don’t know what gear I was in when I
backed off, but the old juices were flowing
like they hadn’t in a long time.
Of course, it’s not just horsepower or
torque that determines acceleration –
weight matters. The 1190 Adventure’s
specs are 148 horsepower and 466 pounds
(dry!—ed.). Perhaps 148 horsepower
is enough that you don’t need to know
anything else. But read on.
The KTM with a full tank of gas weighs
about 520 lbs. Put me on it and that 148
horsepower is pulling 740 lbs.
My wife’s Prius, a small car known for good
gas mileage, rather than excitement when
the light turns green, weighs 3325 pounds
with a full tank and me behind the wheel.
Do the math. To get the same high from
her Prius as I got from the KTM 1190
Adventure, I’ve got to put 665 horsepower
under the hood! I can’t guess what that
alteration would cost. And who in their
right mind would ever do it? But I can have
the KTM fun machine for (only) $16,800.
My Tiger is almost 10 years old. So far,
I’ve bought a new bike every 10 years
whether I needed one or not. The fourth
one could well be a KTM Adventure and
I’d love to write an article for CityBike
explaining why.
W
hen faced with the choice between the standard 1190 Adventure and
the R model, the decision was easy. The Adventure R gets a 21/18 inch
wheel combo rather than the 19/17 setup of the Standard, a configuration
designed to tackle rough terrain. The R’s longer-travel suspension is far more
compliant off-road, while on road it leads to a taller stance and a much different
feeling from the standard. The R lacks the electronic suspension adjustment feature
of its sibling; however there is a much larger range of available adjustment via the
clickers when compared to the limited pre-set modes of the standard.
On road the R is an extremely confident machine, but once removed from the
pavement you are able to see the emphasis KTM placed on its ability to truly go all
places. In the dirt it has the ability to fool you into thinking you are on a much smaller
machine, so deceptive that you can easily find yourself in a situation that quickly
reminds you this bike is over 500 pounds.
The large radial-mount Brembo front brakes are overkill for such a narrow front tire
(90/90-21) on the pavement and off road they are simply useless without the ABS.
Luckily, KTM has given the ABS an off-road mode option where the front brake is
still fully controlled but the rear is allowed to lock up, making the bike much easier
to control in the dirt. The power modes also help tame the big-horsepower LC8
when faced with the slippery conditions of loose gravel. While off the beaten path
I personally prefer to keep the traction control off, as well as setting the ABS and
throttle mapping set to ‘off road.’
This bike was made for fire roads! Like a high-end sports car on the highway, you find
yourself glancing down at the speedometer in disbelief—you can’t be going that fast!
In tight single-track, you won’t be leaving your buddies on their 450s in the dust, but
you will be able to surprise them with just how fast your new KTM can go. Nimble,
powerful and truly capable of going on an epic adventure, the Adventure R will hit a
homer with off-road diehards, while giving us mere mortals the ability to have a good
time for stretches off the pavement.
One of the complaints I had is that standing up while riding in the dirt is mandatory,
however the ergonomics of the new Adventure made it quite a stretch. A quick call
to Ron at KTMtwins.com (415/968-9467) and a set of 1-inch bar risers solved my
problems making it much more comfortable to reach the handlebars. This resulted in
an improved posture for off road and when coupled with KTM’s Factory Rally foot
pegs I felt confident I could take my new Adventure just about anywhere.
David LaBree lives, works and rides in the East Bay.
CityBike at 30
Thirty Years of Mostly Responsible Journalism
There are few publications—of any genre—that
have the recognition in the San Francisco Bay
Area as the one you’re reading right now. And for
dozens—maybe even a hundred or more—of
motorcyclists, CityBike made moto-journalism
and the motorcycle industry a reality rather than
a wistful dream. We invited past and present
CB contributors and fans to tell us their favorite
CityBike story or memory—and invite you
to send us yours, by email (editor@citybike.
com), to our Facebook group (facebook.com/
groups/224416675273) or mailing a piece of
paper with words written on it (you’ll need a thing
called a ‘stamp’ as well) in ink to PO Box 10659,
Oakland, 94610. Here’s what we have so far—
enjoy.
into. I recall walking into the Helimot
leather-cave (they’ve since moved and
redecorated), and immediately knowing
that I was in one of the local motorcycle
cathedrals. I recalled Helimot later when I
learned why it’s a bad idea to wear jeans on
motorcycles—that visit had paved the way
for my subsequent first set of full leathers.
Seeing one’s kneecap (it’s white) is a strong
motivator to gear up, and do it right. That
set of leathers was 5 times the value of my
first bike, and I still have it.
countercultures and semiotics; writing
about motorcycles was a natural extension
of that. Plus, bikes are fun!
CityBike’s second editor, John Garner,
brought me more deeply into the fold, and
he also facilitated our adventure in bike
building—that RZ350 would never have
been completed
without him—
and road racing.
I might never
have gone
The funny thing about all of this is that
racing at all
20 years later, my riding buddy and I
without the
—CityBike Staff, February, 2014
would end up buying CityBike, and now
excuse provided
we’re running the joint. That foundation
by CityBike,
KENYON WILLS
of using CityBike ads as an excuse/reason
but the story
to get out into places that we hadn’t seen
series that
CityBike as a foundation of personal
before as part of our weekly riding routine effort produced
growth and learning?
gave me supreme confidence that the basic reflected a
I started reading CityBike in the early
business model of the magazine was sound mere fragment
1990s when I got my first bike as a roomie enough to risk my ass on it at a time when
of what I
in a multi-person household/flat in San
the Internet people were trumpeting the
learned from
Francisco. I discovered it right after I
death of print and shops were closing in
the exercise,
bought my first beater, and I recall enjoying droves (the region has lost 120 motorcycle particularly
the fact that it was not written in highbusinesses since January 2010, most of
the value of
school-level English or even AP newspaper them in 2010). Who else but a reader would preparation
English—the magazine seemed to presume see the potential in CityBike under these
and practice,
that you could read and think to some
circumstances? We even paid McGoo
and how you
degree, which I found attractive. The
Halton good money to do it, which says
can never do
writing was jaunty, intelligent, occasionally something—I’m not sure what.
too much of
ranting, and the logic flowed and mirrored
either. I never
Though the economy has stabilized, shops
what I was experiencing as a new rider. I
became a very
felt pleased to have found people who were are still walking uphill. But they’re not
good road racer,
dying off like they were. The Internet is
seeing the world in a way that I shared.
but I did learn
still munching away at how real-life places
how to make a
Anyway, I was sitting in Public Speaking
do business. Print of the 20th Century
concrete plan
101 at SFSU one day when a dude walked
probably is dead, but we’re in a delightful
and execute it.
in with a helmet. He noticed mine and we
niche that is unlike any other that I can
struck up a conversation.
think of, and we’re not only surviving,
When John
we’ve added color covers, we’ve grown for
left CityBike,
He rode. I rode. We were friends.
three years straight, and I’m still reading
publisher Halton asked me to take his
We each had time during the week, so we
the magazine and going on occasional rides place. It was an honor to do so, and the two
started going on rides around the region
with my buddy of 20 years.
and a half years I spent as CityBike’s editor
every Tuesday. We had similar skill levels,
never really felt like work even though we
Things turned out okay, I’d say.
which grew at similar rates. Challenging
put in lots of hours and the paper always
roads, new rides, relaxed or quick pace, we Citizen Wills is CityBike’s Publisher and lives in the went out on time. In between deadlines,
got used to each
East Bay in an undisclosed location. He likes big
we had a lot of fun riding, and I still miss
other and could
ugly cars and small beautiful women.
spending long days at Carnegie or on the
ride in formation
JACKIE JOURET
in a way that
I’ve never been
First, my congratulations on 30 years of
able to do with
publishing. By any standard, that’s a real
anyone else since
achievement.
(I don’t trust
To say that CityBike changed my life is
the rest of the
to understate its influence not at all. It
dummies I meet;
changed the course of my career, and led
sorry, chumps).
me directly to where I am today.
These Tuesday
I picked up my first copy of CityBike in
rides started
early 1986, a few months after I’d moved
wanting for
to San Francisco from Portland, Oregon.
destinations, and
I wasn’t a motorcyclist at the time—I rode
it occurred to one
a Vespa—but I liked CityBike’s irreverent
of us to go and
vibe and local flavor. Two years later, I’d
stop by some of
Helimot
ad
from
swapped the Vespa for a Triumph 500,
the advertisers in
September,
1989.
You
and I’d been persuaded by James Stark
CityBike—shops
can still go there to talk
(then CityBike’s advertising art director)
that we wouldn’t
about gloves. Oh, boy,
to write for CityBike. I was halfway
otherwise
can you go there and talk through a graduate program in journalism
necessarily go
about gloves...
at UC Berkeley, and I was interested in
roads of the Santa Cruz mountains under
the auspices of “my job.”
Of course, what really made working at
CityBike special were the people: Brian
himself, of course, plus John d’India,
Robert Hellman and the incomparable Joe
Glydon. I couldn’t have asked for a better
set of co-conspirators, for the paper or
for life. We all read widely, and we shared
interests well beyond the bike thing,
which allowed us to—I hope—elevate a
humble motorcycle paper into something
that placed motorcycling not just within
its own context but within the context
of the society at large, and to explore the
deeper meaning of a sport/hobby/form
column for the magazine.”
and, not knowing if I had
any ability to put two
words together, he just
said, “Yeah, do it!” and then
probably giggled.
having the wherewithal to devote his
time and enthusiasm to get a regional
motorcycling newspaper off the ground,
keep it there for years and do it with a
particular flair and quirky sense of humor
that luckily, CityBike retains to this day.
I loved doing the bike tests,
and the most memorable of
those was the Buell. Brian
asked me to participate
on that one as someone
who was definitely not
a fan of the American
V-Twin genre. I picked up
a virtually new one on a
very chilly night at the CB
HQ and proceeded to ride
it home to San Ramon.
Coming down the hill
out of the Caldecott the
headlight went out. A stop
at the nearest open gas
station revealed that the
headlight bulb had vibrated
itself pretty much into
powder. Finally finding
a bulb and getting going
again, I soon found a valve
cover gasket leaking on my
leg. I spent the next whole
day “fixing” everything
from the top end leaks to
loose wires and bolts. Not
going face to face with OEMs with a bad
a good impression on that one to say the
review, to becoming a pretty aggressive dirt least.
bike enthusiast at an age when most have
I had a great time with all the CB staffers of
“retired,” never ceased to amaze me.
the era, Joe, Maynard, Wild Bill Spencer,
At the beginning I called him one day and etc., until I “changed” careers and moved
said, “Hey Brian, I’d like to write a tech
north. Writing for CB was great fun.
Thanks Brian.
June 1998: World-renowned motorcycling
author Ted Simon aboard his trusty 500
Triumph T100 Twin decked out with
the standard touring regalia of the times
(rucksacks bungied onto a bike) A bike
not known for adventure-touring, but
somehow it made its way around the world
long before the BMW GS. Ted ignited
riders around the world to take off for
distant parts unknown to the point that
we now have dozens of riders regaling us
with their journeys via the Internet at any
given moment. Dozens of books and a few
movies have followed in Teds footsteps.
Hats off to Ted for igniting this adventuretouring fire with today’s riders.
of transportation that few
outside it understand.
All things must come to an
end, and my time at CityBike
ended at the close of 1998. I
felt lucky to survive—we took
that “ride fast, take chances”
motto fairly literally back
then!—and taking refuge
in the world of four wheels
seemed like the sensible thing
to do. I’ll admit, though, that
I’ve never had the passion
for cars that I did for bikes,
nor does the car world really
permit the kind of craziness
that permeated the air at
CityBike. But it’s still a grand
adventure, one that has taken
me to four continents and
given me priceless experiences
over the course of the last 15
years. I’ll always thank Brian
Halton and CityBike for that,
and for the opportunity to
follow my passion at CityBike.
I hope the readers enjoyed
reading it as much we enjoyed
putting it together.
Jackie Jouret Edits Bimmer, the
BMW auto enthusiast’s magazine.
She lives in Mill Valley.
DOUG MEYER
As “Tech Column” writer for CB for what,
10 years?, my best memory is the of the
inimitable spirit of CB founder Halton. His
infectious laugh and seeming fearlessness
when doing anything from starting CB to
Doug Meyer owned Dublin Kawasaki from 1984
until 1995, then moved to Bend Oregon to do
Product Development for the Muzzys’ Kawasaki
Racing Teams until 2003. Still an active LSR
rider (226mph on a 1427 ZX-12), he now rides
his Kawasaki street bikes and sells 350 mph
Turboprop airplanes. He likes to go fast.
LARRY ORLICK
Larry Orlick is
CityBike’s ad hoc
archivist, mostly because
he a) loves the magazine
and b) has kept every
issue since sometime in
the late ‘80s. We asked
him to pick some favorite
covers.
October 1997:
The founder of
CityBike and a
fellow adventure
rider pictured with
a BMW R100 GS,
one of which I own
and still love after
20 years. Brian
has good taste in
motorcycles and he
used it for how it was
meant to be used—
numerous trips
down to Mexico
and beyond. Brian
hits a warm spot
with me because
of his stewardship
of CityBike during
its early years and
September 1992: The Honda XR650L
has been in production for decades and
is still in relatively the same form, a dual
sport’r that is reasonably priced and
works very well as an around-town bike
that handles occasional freeway duties
handily. Dependable as a rock, great
parts availability at numerous dealers,
hardly changed in years and years and
with loads of aftermarket components
available and great support on the ‘net
with modifications and hop-up ideas. A
great general-purpose bike that fills most
duties if only one bike could be owned.
It’s left a huge mark on dual sporting and
motorcycling in general—I know, I’ve
owned one for about 10 years and just love
it. Good job Honda!
KURT SUNDERBRUCH
CityBike Reflection
I came Northern California in 1991,
escaping two years of grad-school-enforced
penury, during which time I was only able
to get my two-wheeled fix on a bicycle,
and after my locked bicycle was stripped
while sitting in a rack in the courtyard of
my school, I couldn’t even do that. Almost
immediately upon arrival, I picked up a
five-year-old XT600, and began to find my
way around my new home.
Among my first findings were newspaper
racks carrying CityBike. And they were
free! (hey, I had major student debt to pay
off). In its pages I found articles about
bikes, riders, destinations, issues, and most
of all I found attitude. Yes! I had always
taken motorcycling seriously, and so did
CityBike, but the difference was CityBike
didn’t take being a motorcyclist seriously.
Ride fast! Take chances! Have fun!
CityBike introduced me to the pleasures
of Joe Glydon and Maynard Hershon
(who also had columns in a contemporary
bicycling paper, Northern California
Bicyclist, or something like that). They
were literate, erudite, fun-loving (well, at
least Joe was), and they were motorcyclists
and bicyclists just like me. They loved cool
bikes and great rides, but also lived in the
world of not quite enough money. These
were my people! CityBike helped guide me
into a world I’ve been fortunate enough to
never leave.
Happy birthday, CityBike!
Kurt Sunderbruch is a CityBike reader and
active participant in the Bay Area Rider’s Forum
(BARF).
BOB STOKSTAD
New Kids at CityBike
Just out the
door of Munroe
Motors, my
spanking-new
Triumph Tiger
was looking
great when a guy
walks up and
says, “Nice bike.”
Always a great
conversation
starter, this
lead-in segued
into “How’d
you happen to
pick this one?”
At the end of
our sidewalk
chat, he asked
if I could write
a short piece
about choosing
the Tiger. And
so began my
acquaintance
with Brian
Halton and
CityBike. That
was in the fall of
2004. (I still have
my Tiger. Brian,
of course, has
moved on.)
Those were heady times for me as I
gradually became a part of the CityBike
family: never as intimate a member as
old-time greats like Glydon and d’India
(and others), but that was understandable
as they were both exceptional writers and
close friends of Brian. But I was having
a great time learning how this magazine
Another thing contributors wondered
about in those days was, after these 20-plus
years, how much longer Halton would
Efficient, well-managed, streamlined
want to continue his monthly drama from
operation that CityBike was under Halton’s deadline to deadline, and when would the
leadership, regular meetings were held in
Luxovan break down for the last time, no
the executive offices located just above
longer to schlep freshly printed issues to
Scuderia West. As the space was shared
those red sidewalk boxes? What would
with Scuderia’s parts bin, it was always
happen to CityBike once he decided to pack
possible to find something to sit on while
it in? One of
Brian held court. A great story teller, he
life’s persistent
would go on at length before somebody
questions then,
would butt in with a question like, “When it was finally
is CityBike going to get a website?” or would answered one
try to bring the subject around to what’s
day when we
needed for the next issue. After a couple of learned that
hours, we’d all head down Valencia to the
Gabe EtsPhoenix, a noisy Irish bar where you could Hokin and
usually understand the guy sitting next to
Kenyon Wills
you, and occasionally hear the person next had bought
removed. Brian always picked up the tab.
CityBike.
Another new kid around this time was
Now it was
somebody with a funny name that I had
time for me to
trouble remembering–“it’s hokey”–or
start over again,
something sounding like that. He wrote
to learn how
a column. I took the photo heading the
CityBike would
column, a shot of the columnist with his
work under new
head cradled between the massive stone
management.
breasts of an Art-Deco sculpture on
Except this time
Treasure Island.
I wasn’t exactly
worked and getting to meet really
interesting motorcycle people.
Looking back over old issues from time
to time (I’ve saved them all since 2004)
I get nostalgic thinking of those upstairs
meetings at 69-A Duboce, and the big
two-page centerfold spreads covered by
a single photo, occasionally one of mine,
the new kid on
the block—I’d
been at CityBike
about as long
as Gabe.
Things have
changed, of
course, but the
new CityBike
preserves the
essence of the
old one and
the changes
have helped it survive during difficult
economic times when the competition
has not. Yes, there was some grumbling
among readers as the curbside boxes began
to disappear. But placing them at local
dealers and motorcycle hangouts solved
a chronic problem—theft by overzealous
recyclers—and also increased foot traffic
at local dealerships and motorcycle-related
stores. CityBike started using more color.
There’s still no website with current
content, though potential advertisers
that would appear, back in the days when
page-count and advertising revenue weren’t
as closely coupled as they are now. Halton
and his contributors of 20 years had built
up a publication that was innovative, edgy,
informative, occasionally wacky, and
always interesting. Seeing my own stories
and photos appear there was as good as it
gets.
can go to citybike.com and see the wide
distribution their ads will receive and
readers can download older issues (it’s true!
After 90 days, you can read back issues in
PDF format—ed.) they’ve missed.
CityBike was for many years the only
motorcycle rag I read, not just because it
was free and had local news, but because
I thought it was more interesting than the
national glossy-print magazines. Okay, my
horizons have since expanded a bit, but
CityBike remains, IMHO, the best news
source for what’s fun and important for
motorcycling in the Bay Area and beyond.
The world’s oldest newspaper boy has got
to be proud of what the new kids have done
with his baby.
Stokstad started riding in 1958 on a ‘49 Harley
hard-tail and then a BSA A-10. In 1962-63 he rode
north to Nordkapp, south to Istanbul, and west to
California.
He resumed riding in 1981 in Berkeley where he’s
lived for 34 years. A physicist (think neutrinos),
he retired in 2006 but still putters in the Lab
(Lawrence Berkeley). Photography and welding are
current pursuits.
database, I find
that I am not as
I remember. Oh
fickle youth…
It started in
1984. Marilyn
CityBike turns 30! What is my story? It’s the Monroe. Lou
mid-Eighties. The world’s oldest paperboy Lou Bennet and
skulking across the Cow Palace parking lot Jessie Susan, Bill
selling advert space. I’m there, setting up a Boyd on the cover,
booth to sport my new moto venture…
John Williams
Racing, Cycle
I’ve been
Connection, lots
saying I
of racing coverage
was one
(yay Brian!), lots
of the first
of SMR, lots of
advertisers
girls (wassup
for decades…
wid dat Brian?),
but this will
Pony Express
need some
(became Lightning
research…
Express), Gene
it should be
Finley’s Dawn
easy; hell—
Riders video,
I’m all over
then me… I don’t
that rag…
show up until
October 1986 –
Sequestered
“The Hawk that Flies,” June 1992. Two months after he saw this story, Gabe was sitting in Golden Gate Cycle’s sales
2nd place AFM
in the
office as Ray Nowakowsky tried to get him to pay too much for a leftover ‘91 NT650. Two years later, he bought one
International 600 Superstreet at for his girlfriend from current CityBike Subscriber Steve Churchill (who recently asked Gabe if he could buy the bike
Headquarters Sears Point.
back, but he didn’t have the heart to tell him he sold it into the swirling vortex of an inner-city used-bike shop in 2000).
of CityBike,
Later, Feb. ’87 to be Photo: Brian Halton.
deep into
exact, a modest ad
the archives
Smith Machine and Quandary (sigh)
There were so many other mags out in the
for Performance & Design, a direct result of
(piles,
repeated full-page ads for YSR 50, La
early ‘90s, and I read them all...but CityBike
the world’s oldest paperboy skulking across
wrapped in
Carrera (who else but Ray Roy), double
was different. As a club racer and native
the Cow Palace parking lot, lauding me as
archival acidline coming–everywhere. Wade’s RZ in
San Franciscan, the unvarnished reality
the first Ninja to cross the line at Daytona.
free brown
a Christmas tree farm, Marc Salvisberg’s
and ad-hoc citizen participation I found in
True—36th. Thirty-sixth out of every
paper, no
ploy to pave his Wheelsmith driveway (it
its pulpy black-and-white pages was very
Performance and Design ad
hungry racer in North America in the 1987
white gloves,
worked: see Factory), and Kenny Roberts
appealing.
from 1987. If only it were
inaugural AMA Supersport series.
searching the
telling you he will tell you how to ride the
current...
new FZR ‘the right way,’ as long as you buy Looking through back issues, I’m realizing
it there. Man, I wish I did…Cliff Sherlock’s how influential it was on my life. I’ve
owned at least four bikes that were on CB
CSR, Helmut then Held now Helimot,
covers—Hawk, SV650, MZ Skorpion,
Kenny Augustine (sigh). KC Engineering
KLR—and coveted many more. I went
a constant… OEMs, God bless ‘em;
club racing, dabbled with dirt riding, took
and scores of scores of dealers dealers
dealers…Others also—beg pardon for not racetrack schools, and when I needed to sell
my bike, or get info on gear, modifications,
annotating you, it is, after all, 30 years of
places to ride...it was all there, a 32-page
moto history.
World Wide Web for the Bay Area that
For that is what I find CityBike truly is. It
didn’t need a power cord or batteries.
is our paper. We are CityBike and it says
CityBike was like the modern Internet in
so. There we are. My participation in
a way that actually distinguishes itself
this vibrant, specific, seminal, and oh-sofrom national glossy mags. CB did “usernecessary local moto life sporadic, and
generated content” many years before
somehow captured in issue and issue and
anybody knew what that was. Mostly
issue.
because we didn’t (and still don’t) have the
I emerge again in 2003/4 with Rocket
money to pay professional writers we’d
Ranch; and more recently: a scariest ride
ask local riders and enthusiasts to write up
submission; “Becoming 761,” several letters trip reports, bike reviews, how-to articles,
to the editor; and with the blessing – this… opinion pieces and more. Glydon was a
Ferrari mechanic, of all things, and D’India
You too can be famous… Ride. Write.
parked cars for a living. I was a schmuck
Submit. Ride. Write. Submit. Then join me
Ducati salesman in San Rafael when I told
in lobbying Gabe to digitally archive and
Halton he should give me a column...and
make available these fading relics of our
he did.
life. I’m pretty sure you are in there too.
It’s been a long trip from that beat-up red
So here’s to 30 more, CityBike! Keep them
rack in the Castro. CityBike gave me a
presses rolling! We love you! We expect
voice, a community, structure that made
you to be here. We need you. As for me;
me feel like the San Francisco Bay Area is
well I have a vested interest—I’m officially
my home...and motorcycles are what I do.
a geezer in five years.
Thanks: to Brian, to all the riders, readers
and writers who made it happen—and
Peter Mars lives in Oakland and is...Peter Mars.
make it happen to this day. But most of all,
GABE ETS-HOKIN
thank you, CityBike.
My CityBike rack was at Market and Noe,
Gabe Ets-Hokin is a senior fellow at the Gabe
and I would check it obsessively around
Ets-Hokin Institute, a 501c(3) for-profit that
print-time, sometimes two or three times
studies how to spell his name.
a day until I could pick it up and read it.
PETER MARS
Is It a Duck, or a Turkey?
classic
GLYDON
This article remains one of my all-time favorites. There
are several reasons for this:
A Ducati is sort of like a British bike that can’t
be fixed by normal human beings with just
hands, tools, and intelligence going for them.
Triumphs, Nortons, and BSAs break all the
time, but they get fixed. Ducatis break and they
vanish into the Twilight Zone of motorcycle
repair. Some never return. It takes half a van
full of indecipherable crippled-looking chunks
of metal to work on a Ducati. These are called
Special Tools; God doesn’t stock them or know
where they come from. They
exist in motorcycle purgatory,
maybe.
And something that would regularly get us in trouble-which is precisely what we were trying to do. As the
former daily Chronicle columnist Charles McCabe—
whom I admired greatly—once wrote:”Let’s see what
we can inflict in the public today.”
And they are uncomfortable.
The more esteemed the Ducati,
the more sadistic the riding
experience. Ducati seats are
modeled after Harley-Davidson
foot boards; the bars are where
the turn signal stalks are on a
normal motorcycle, and the
footpegs are like spikes driven
into the geographic center of
the bike. The most desirable
Ducati will have you a burning,
trembling victim within two
miles. Be young, tough and
not too smart; but then where
would the money come from?
Readers please note and remember that my buddy
Joseph was “taking the Mickey out” of Ducatis like
Mike Hailwood replicas and Dharmas, dreadfully
uncomfortable machines of the ‘70s and ‘80s, not the
fine, exquisite Italian models that later followed.
Ducati owners like to think of their
motorcycles as the Ferraris of the twowheeled world. MV Agustas are the Ferraris of
motorcycling; Ducatis are second class.
I remember fondly checking the CityBike answering
machine a few days after this article appeared to play
back all the scathing messages on it from furious dealers
and highly offended members of the Ducatisti. Highly
satisfying.
They’re the Alfa Romeos of motorcycling.
It epitomizes the spirit of the paper in that it is “taking
the Mickey out “of its subject—an English term that
means making fun of someone or something, usually in
print. English motorcycle publications, such as BIKE,
of which City Bike was loosely modeled after, did this
sort of thing regularly.
The second reason it is a treasure is that it is fourstar satire, a humorous broadside of the first stripe,
something that Joseph Glydon, myself and other
CityBike writers were encouraged to do.
And I also remember walking in to Munroe Motors on
Valencia street and being greeted at the door by both
Jim and Pat Munroe, who were really glad to see me so
they could tell me to my face, in a very loud tone of voice,
just exactly what they thought of me and my motorcycle
newspaper.
And they then proudly informed me that they had
hidden every copy of the paper we had dropped off at
their dealership so their customers wouldn’t read the
piece.
To this day I am still unable to read this without almost
peeing my pants with the wit of it. Classic City Bike
satire—trolling intentionally to offend and hoping our
readers would take the bait…heh–heh. Which they did.
—Brian Halton, formerly the World’s Oldest
Paperboy, February 2014
Ducatis have always been relatively available
and affordable; they are not in another realm
as Ferraris are. A consenting adult with the
price of a top line Japanese machine or a BMW
can choose a Ducati
instead. This has
always been true.
Ducati Dianas cost
less than Honda
Super Hawks in
the sixties; 750
Sports, 750 Super
Sports and 900
Super Sports were
priced lower than
equivalent BMWs in
the seventies. Today
you can buy a Ducati
750 Sport for the
price of a Honda VFR
750. Try buying a
Ferrari for the price
of an Acura. MV
Agustas cost way more than anything on two
wheels with the possible exception of a Munch
Mammut. MVAgustas are the real thing.
The 851 Superbike? It’s not as exotic as an RC30, and it is way out on a limb technologically.
A manufacturer who hasn’t yet perfected
the taillight to the point of reliability has no
business even thinking about computerized
fuel injection. Do you think anyone in the
Western Hemisphere can minister to WeberMarelli mapped FI? Do you think there will be
spares? Do you think you could afford them if
there were? Also, every water-cooled Italian car
ever made will blow head gaskets with little or
no provocation. Can Ducati hope to keep the
oil and water segregated in the 851 ?
Then there’s the matter of valve adjustment.
Valve adjustment on a Ducati costs anywhere
from the price of a small commuter bike
to that of a Papal exorcism. This is really a
bargain. Exorcisms are quicker and easier;
there’s only one demon involved. A talented
Ducati mechanic has maybe two dozen
valve adjustments in him before collapsing
emotionally or
seeking a new
identity, never to
lift a wrench again.
Ducati calls for
valve adjustments
every 1,800
miles on the 851
Superbike. That’s
right: eighteen
hundred, not
eighteen thousand
like a sane
motorcycle.
You should consider
the shoulder of the
freeway to be a kind
of recreational
sanctuary. You
shouldn’t make
appointments.
When Ducatis
had two valve
t has been a while since anyone from
Desmodromic
engines, adjusting
CityBike has nagged Ducati riders in print.
the valves was only slightly more difficult
Harley guys are always game, and Maynard
than getting a date with Kim Basinger. With
Hershon can be counted on for his semithe advent of the four-valve head on the
annual needling of BMW riders. Sportbikers
851 Superbike adjusting valves has become
are good sport and British bike riders thrive
Nonetheless, bevel drive Ducati Twins, most
substantially more difficult than getting Kim
on humiliation. Ducati (and most Italian)
notably the 750 S, 750 SS, and 900 SS have
Bassinger to move into a leper colony with
bike riders have been pretty immune thus far.
appreciated like Ferraris and other Italian
They think the Pope is on their side, they think nuisances over the past few years. Asking prices you. Uri Geller won’t go near the things; mere
mortals might be well advised to pretend 851
God is on their side. They need both of these
for the above models and Mike Hailwood
s have hydraulic lifters. That shop light may
notables.
replicas are into the five figure mode these
never strike this Rube Goldwork clock-work
days. The more diabolical the motorcycle, the
I could never get too excited about Ducatis
higher the price among the cognoscenti. (This mechanism.
because I like to ride motorcycles too much.
also explains the recent collector enthusiasm
Ducatis don’t accumulate much mileage,
Some of them are okay when they’re running,
for Kawasaki two stroke triples, but in that case, no matter how many years they have. The
but that is like saying some politicians are
the threat to life is more sudden and final than honeymoon is usually over well before 12,000
okay when they’re telling the truth. To be a
Ducati’s whittling away at its owners’ hours and miles are reached. The devoted who lucked out
prospective Ducati owner, you should enjoy
days). The theme here is exchanging life and
and got a blessed unit may get into the twenties.
pestering parts personnel on a daily basis for
experience for an image of rarified exclusivity; I’ve never seen a Ducati showing 30,000 miles.
parts they have no idea how to obtain. You
No doubt they exist, but it would be an alleged
should have friends who sport Vernier calipers a late model distortion of the Protestant work
ethic. It opposes the life-enriching experience
mileage since the speedometers pack up on
in their shirt pockets and own pickup trucks.
of motorcycling. Today, most exotic Ducatis sit a regular basis. Ten miles on a Ducati is as
You should consider the shoulder of the
under dust covers in neat garages awaiting new physically and emotionally taxing as a hundred
freeway to be a kind of recreational sanctuary.
owners with higher levels of disposable income miles on a reasonable machine, so maybe it all
You shouldn’t make appointments.
and lower levels of self confidence to not ride
works out, provided you aren’t actually going
them either.
anywhere on the thing.
I
You may have surmised from this article that I
hate Ducatis. Actually, I don’t. I object to their
false status as some kind of desirable exotics to
be regarded with awe and reverence. They are
simply an option for motorcyclists suffering
from degenerative roadphobia. Ducatis,
even more than Harley-Davidsons, are not
motorcycles for riding; they are motorcycles to
be seen on. You can’t even count on finishing a
poker run on a Ducati.
When I think of Ducatis, I think
of my old friend Bill Mahaffay.
Bill was a city boy, and after a
brief run in with car ownership
that lasted less than an afternoon,
he became a confirmed
pedestrian. After I had explained
to him the hierarchy of collectable
automobiles. Bill said to me: “Let
me get this right: If you take away
two doors, it’s worth more; then
if you take off the top, it’s worth
more still; then if you take out the
interior and remove the bumpers
(as in “racing version”) it’s really
valuable. If you could hang two
license plates in thin air, and have
no car at all, would you have the
most valuable car in the world?
That’s the one I own.”
That’s the Ducati I own. Life is too short
and riding is too enjoyable for me to get
involved in a perverse relationship with
some delusory icon. Show me an MV
Agusta, and we’ll talk.
Joe Glydon (1947-2005) wrote this for the December,
1990 CityBike. We still miss you, Joe!
By John D’India
I
‘m not sure whether winding up as a parking
attendant is the result of attaining a degree
in fine arts or some twisted form of karmic
payback for having been a car-chasing dog in
a past life. I prefer, however, to see the three
days a week I toil at this menial task in a more
romantic haze. I see myself as an undercover
motorcyclist in the secured sanctuary of
canned people or the Church of Auto Drivers.
Disguised in my parking uniform, I’ve gathered
the intelligence necessary to present you with
profiles of the individuals who will make you a
traffic fatality.
Even from the briefest contact, one can learn
a great deal about people. The simplest things
tell it all, such as opening a customer’s door
and being greeted by a waft of smoke and the
pungent scent of marijuana, then glancing over
at the daughter of seven or eight who is staring
awkwardly at the floor mat, ashamed. I already
know that Mommy likes to party, and I haven’t
even asked for the ticket yet.
CLASSIC D’INDIA
Undercover
the seats to turn down the volume on the radio.
In ten out of ten times, if they are all wearing
baseball caps his will be the only one with the
bill facing forward. Among young ladies in
a parallel universe, they tend to all talk and
suggest at once that someone turn down the
volume.
testosterone as the sole ingredient of aggressive
and ignorant behavior.
What would you think if you jumped into a
stranger’s car to find incense burning in the
ashtray. then while reaching for the keys were
greeted by a picture of the Swammy Bag-One
Bop-A-Lula pasted over the speedo? A. Don’t
Worry, Be Happy! B. What, Me Worry? or C.
God Help Us!
The Ute Yup, pauses, befuddled. “Well. I don’t
really know that stuff,” then grinning, she
blurts, “But it’s got a really big tank. I know
that. It’s huge!”
How about trying to drive with a jade-colored
plastic goddess in her very own gold-colored,
pot-metal temple, complete with jingle bells
and dangling red tassels, swinging from the
rear view mirror? I’m amazed by drivers
In response to the simplest question. “How long
who intentionally impair their own vision.
will you be today. Sir. Ma’am?” it is quite easy to
Why don’t they just glue their deities to the
distinguish the well-mannered from the illdashboard, as other idolaters do? The
mannered, and those who have escaped any brush individuals who lack the intelligence
with civilization or adult supervision whatsoever. to separate church from sedan are
easily spotted. Far more frightening is
One can glean a lot of information about
sliding behind the wheel and having
an individual driver without having seen or
to kick a half-dozen pair of women’s
spoken with them. By the time my ass hits
shoes out from under the brake and
the driver’s seat, I know whether they’re clear,
gas pedals.
clean, organized, disciplined, or the opposite,
in which case I can tell you what their favorite
As an undercover biker. I sometimes
fast food is and what they drink with it. I know engage canned people in conversations.
immediately if they smoke, clean fish in the car The following are two encounters
or have a dog. And nothing says “prom night”
with sport-utility vehicle (or Ute,
like the smell of regurgitated André.
pronounced ‘yoot’) driving Yups. The
Since the radio in every vehicle on the road
seems to have been left on since its owner took
possession. the second you turn the ignition key
you know what the driver listens to and how
loud they like it. Would you have ever thought
that country-western music is very popular
among folks with thick Russian accents who
prefer to drive big, ugly-ass Lincolns?
Ute Yup is prone to a peculiar and
pernicious environmental disease
in which the vehicle they choose to
project an image of themselves as lovers
of the great outdoors is the very thing
killing it.
While older or more mature drivers will
turn the volume down when addressing an
attendant, this common courtesy never occurs
to the younger or less mature. They tend
to simply stick their head further out of the
vehicle window and yell louder. When there
are five males in a car, all of an age or mentality
where competition to ride shotgun is intense,
it is always the kid seated in the middle of
the back seat, or the ‘omega’ position relative
to group status, to whom it first occurs that
communication is failing. And it is he who will
rise to the occasion and take action to bring
about a solution by reaching over or between
Slowly negotiating around a cement column,
the Suburban’s left rear tire smashes an orange
cone flat to the floor. The driver grips the
steering wheel just below her chin. Her eyes
dart, checking the ceiling height and side
clearance, her head frantically pivoting side-toside and up-and-down.
Encounter No. 1
Aware of the ordeal she had just put herself
through, I smile, commenting, “Just what you
need to come downtown in.”
She smiles back effervescently. “Well. it makes
people get out of your way.” So much for
Still smiling, I ask. “What’s it get? About 10
miles to the gallon?”
The driver, reflective, “It’s not that bad, really.”
“Really! What’s it get?”
Encounter No. 2
Pulling onto the floor, she smiles back as she
watches me shaking my head as I watch her
struggle into line.
“You don’t look happy to see me,” she states.
I reply, “Just what you need to come downtown
in.”
She laughs. “Well. it‘s mine and paid for. My
I can’t help but laugh.
Very serious, as she runs for the elevator, she
says. “No, it really does. It takes $40 to fill it.”
Like any other kind of undercover work, being
an undercover motorcyclist can get mean
and ugly. The following is not an entirely
uncommon occurrence at my facility:
Four gentlemen in an early ‘80s rolling wreck
speed up the ramp, tires screeching, swerving
right over the cones and into the exit lane. I
take their ticket while the sound system blasts.
“I think I bad! I think I mean! What I really got is
low self-esteem” turned up to terminal thump.
While they adjust their ill-fitting clothing and
finish their joint, I lie on the floor and try to
free the orange cone that is wedged under the
oil pan. I suspect the driver is uninsured.
For the most part, the canned people I deal
with are mindless consumers, shopping for a
life at 50% off. Believing they are what they
purchase, they all have much more then they
need, but far less then what they want. I think
it’s what makes them so dangerous. Selfabsorbed and spoiled, they obliviously take
two stalls with one car, block others in, walk off
Original Drawing by John D’India
husband has a Honda and it’s newer, but he’s
afraid I’ll wreck it. My daughter drives a Jeep,
but she won’t let me use it.
You know,” she continues without pausing for
breath, “some garages won’t let you park these”.
As she hasn’t the time nor the inclination nor
the aptitude to be enlightened as to how much
damage sport utility vehicles cause in parking
lots, I curtail my gut response. “So what’s it get
to the gallon?”
The Ute Yup snaps, “It‘s not that bad.”
“Really?” I persist. “What is it?”
“I don’t know, but it has a really big tank.’
with the keys, refuse to close a four-car-length
gap in the line and jam both the up and down
ramps because they happen to be closer to
the elevator there. They’re the same ones you
encounter on the road blocking intersections,
not pulling to the forward pump and making a
career of a simple right turn.
There are some bright spots, though. Mary and
Teri and Margie are regulars who work in the
area. They’re ladies with loved ones who ride
and they would never think to blow my cover.
And there’s the broadside mama who seriously
wheels a ‘65 Plymouth Sport Fury. There’s
a nativity scene interspersed with Star Wars
figures and a little plastic Shriner glued to the
dash, but it’s the large Harley decal on the back
window that identifies her true cult affiliation.
At the end of every shift, I go to my locker
and pull out my disguise. I slip on my leather
jacket and with my notes safely concealed in
its pocket, walk to the Red Dog Express where
she leans, waiting faithfully on her stand. In
accordance with my religion, I then practice the
ritual donning of helmet and gloves. Throwing
my leg over my motorcycle, I fire ‘er up and sit
there for a moment in reverence of combustion.
Then, twisting the throttle, I thank my
swinging deity I can ride.
John D’India was one of CityBike’s most-loved and
popular columnists. He died in 2006—we miss
you, John!
Read some of his favorite stuff, lovingly and carefully
edited by his daughter Maxine D’India Aeschelman,
in the Kindle e-book The Best of John D’India,
which you can find at amazon.com.
Shop Stop: Zeitgeist
The mural in the beer garden celebrates the life of Zeitgeist founder Hans Grahlmann, who was mysteriously murdered in 1998.
you. But is it a great place to hang out with
are gone, replaced
friends and enjoy a few beers and talk about
sturdy,
clean
with
how
hungry
you
eitgeist” is German for “Spirit
old times? Absolutely. It’s a different crowd
(if
industrial)
were.
“Tamales?”
of the Times,” but they should
now, but it’s still the young and fearless
his-andpermanent
she’d
offer;
“Fuck
have called it “Valhalla.”
hers restrooms. It’s writing their own legends, even if they
yeah!” you’d
The medium-sized bar and plus-sized
don’t do it with blood, gas and tire smoke.
also smoke-free in
say, fumbling in
outside beer garden at Valencia and
“It’s changed,” Eyeball the bartender told
some areas. And
your pockets for
Duboce is one of the Mission’s most
me. “But I love this bar...it’s my home. What
despite the old ad
a few wrinkled
fabled dives, and one of CityBike’s oldest
comes through the door is up to the City,
copy, the beer is
bills, receiving
advertisers. But when I first started going
cold and the women not us. You can’t control it.”
handfuls of spicy
there some 20 years ago, I thought I had
were as interesting
deliciousness you’d
Zeitgeist, 199 Valencia Street San Francisco. 9amdied and gone to motorcycle heaven...at
and friendly as I
scarf down on a
2am daily, 21 and over. Cash only. zeitgeistsf.com,
least after my buddies and I had emptied a makeshift napkin
remember. There
415/255-7505.
few pitchers.
are 40 brews on
plate with a tiny
tap (with prices,
plastic fork. You’d
We would meet there after a Sunday ride,
adjusting for
go back to find your
or maybe after Saturday race practice.
inflation that are
table
and
realize
During the summer, that would give us
the same or maybe
that
it
didn’t
really
several hours of drinking time in the sunny
even less than back
matter
where
you
(but grubby) beer garden. And even a club
in The Day), local
sat,
as
you
knew
racer could drink all day—at the time I
Bouncer Joe has been holding up this wall for
favorites as well as
everybody
there,
think pitchers were four or five bucks and it
17 years and has seen it all. Be nice to him.
tasty
and potent
so
you’d
wander
was real beer, craft brews you’d never find
European
ales. The
from
table
to
table,
in a grocery store, not the barely alcoholic
barbecued burgers and brats taste good
piss-water suburban corporate sports bars reliving rides and races with your fellow
and service is...well, let’s call it efficient and
two-wheeled
warriors.
pass off as beer. By the time you noticed
attentive, if not exactly friendly.
your sunburn and hunger, it was dark, you And then it would be midnight and the
were drunk, and as if by magic, a nasally
If the staff seems brisk, it’s because they’re
craziness would really begin. Not in the
Mexican accent called out, “Tamaaaales!
bar—even then the bouncers were strict— there to work, not babysit. The bouncers—
Tamaaaales!”
there were three of them on hand on a slow
but out on Valencia, where motorcycles
winter Thursday night—will toss you out
of
every
type
and
description
blocked
the
You would get up, stagger to the portafor violating the laws of both San Francisco
sidewalks
on
both
sides
of
the
street.
A
potties and then bump into the Tamale
and Zeitgeist, but the main rule is don’t be a
select crew of racers and no-goodThis is the earliest Zeitgeist ad we could find in
niks began doing burnouts, wheelies dick...and you’ll get along fine.
CityBike, from March of 1993. Apparently this
and stoppies, and the crowd would go
Is it still the wild Norse Legend it used
was too inviting, as the current ad warns, “No
outside to watch until the bar started
to be? No, of course not, but neither are
Motorcycles No Beer No Women Stay Away”
shutting down, the air thick with tire
smoke, spilled microbrew and the
roars of San Francisco’s fastest, most
Last Century’s Tire Change Prices
colorful motorcyclists. If there is a
Valhalla, it isn’t half as awesome as we
remember the ‘Geist in the ‘90s.
Words and Photos by Gabe Ets-Hokin Lady and realize
“Z
Get Your Bike Serviced in the Off Season
10%
OFF
Yes, that all happened. Since then
we’ve had families, real jobs, sobriety,
and plus we just can’t do that stuff
anymore. And those of us who can
still punish their middle-aged meat
sacks like that say the bar is overrun
with trendy hipsters and is no longer
any fun. So last Thursday, I stuck my
head into the ‘Geist to see how much
had changed.
Melinda “Big Red” Moore’s dual-sport hangs in a
place of honor over the pinball machines.
Not much...at least when it comes
to the infrastructure, and all the
changes are for the better, if you ask
me. The smelly green portable toilets
Parts & Labor
Now through 3/31/14
Hours: Monday through Friday, 9 am - 6 pm
415-552-8115 | werkstattsf.com
3248 17th Street San Francisco, CA 94110
The Kind of Stuff You
Reach for When You Fall
maynard
It’s the Arai I
always wanted.
This past
summer, I had
an opportunity
to own a
second Arai,
a brand new
off-road
XD4 in my choice of color.
HERSHON
I could hardly believe my luck. I
never in my heart expected that
such a helmet would reach me. New Arais
Stuff that works, stuf f that holds up
The kind of stuf f you don’t hang on the wall
Stuff that’s real, stuf f you feel
The kind of stuf f you reach for when you fall
—”Stuff That Works,” 2007, by Guy Clark and Rodney
P
artly because I’m a moto-media
hotshot but mostly because an old
friend of my wife’s is Arai’s U.S. nowretired marketing guy, every four or five
years a new Arai helmet finds its way to me,
not a minor blessing. Thanks, Rick!
My first Arai was a Vector, a Phil Read
Replica, a mostly black helmet with white
checkerboard trim around the bottom.
J. Crowell
of whatever model and color do not grow
on trees, as I am sure you have noticed.
Faking confidence, I selected Diamante
Red/White, the red not-so-different from
the red of my Kawasaki.
In the fullness of time, my XD4 arrived.
I tried it on and went for several rides of
various lengths wearing it. I found that it
fit snugly but not quite uncomfortably, a
proper fit for a new helmet. I enjoyed the
huge window in the off-road style helmet
and the unimpeded vision I had while
wearing it.
I appreciated the solid and secure way
the shield felt in action, and that I could
leave it open further than you’d expect
for airflow...without wind currents rudely
disturbing my vision. I found that at
normal interstate speeds the helmet’s
shape and prominent visor did not cause
the XD4 to try to pry itself from my head.
Eighty mph wind calmly flowed over and
under the visor.
I loved the XD4 but as I got used to it I
realized that it had a fit problem—for me.
back and clip it to the conveniently placed
snap—so the excess strap will not whip in
the wind, maddeningly slapping your neck
and throat.
When I wore the XD4, the D-ring area of
the strap found a home between the
helmet’s cheek pad and my jawbone.
After a half hour or so, that part of
the strap (the two D-rings and three
layers of strap, plus the plastic snaps)
felt as if it were digging into the bone.
Painfully.
I asked around at an Arai seller or
two. None had heard of the problem.
I wrote Rick, Tamar’s old friend back
east. He said he’d never heard that
complaint. I kept wearing the
helmet, hoping that as
it settled-in on my
head, the strap
might fit
differently
and hurt
me less.
No
luck.
So
I again wrote
Rick, expressing
my frustration.
He asked Arai’s
Technical Service
office to issue an
order number. I
put my helmet in
a box and sent it to
Pennsylvania.
Days later I heard
via email from Arai’s
Technical Service people
that my helmet had arrived there. They’d
replaced the left-side strap with one
from an XL-size XD4. We’re returning
the helmet today, the email said. Three
I could hardly believe my luck. I never
in my heart expected that such a
helmet would reach me. New Arais of
whatever model and color do not grow
on trees, as I am sure you have noticed
From 3:14 Daily
Valencia @ 25th
415-970-9670
I may be the only person who experiences
this. I’ve read a few XD4 tests in various
publications and not seen it mentioned. It’s
like this:
You put on the helmet. You thread the
right-side strap through both D-rings
and back between the D-rings. You pull
the strap until the helmet is snug on your
head. You take the end of the strap, fold it
days later my helmet was back in Denver,
problem solved, no charge.
I feel sure that the same thing would’ve
happened had I not been such a motomedia star. Once the service people at Arai
had been alerted to the problem, neither
my godlike status as a columnist in bike
mags nor my wife’s old friendship would’ve
mattered.
I’m convinced that the
Arai folks do not want
you to have a problem
with one of their
products. They will go
that extra distance to
make sure you do not.
You will not read about
that sort of service in
Arai ads, but when I needed the help, there
it was.
Maybe this is one of those situations where
it paid to own one of the best, a premium
item. I don’t know if that’s always true; I
certainly haven’t owned that many items
to which thousands of us aspire. I’m proud
of the class gear I do own: my Held gloves,
Daytona boots, Aerostich suits and Arai
helmets.
I feel sure that if I had a problem with
any of the items just mentioned, help
would be forthcoming. Arai has proven
that to me. Aerostich has proven that
to hundreds or
thousands of
us over the
years. The
nice
folks
at
Helimot
in Fremont
California
who sell Daytona
products will not fail
to help.
Ordinarily when we buy
extraordinary products at gasp-inducing
cost, we don’t need after-sale help. The
products, whatever they are, serve us
well—better, we figure, than similar but
more modestly priced items.
Even so, some of us may wonder why we
spent the extra money, especially if the
benefits are not obvious. When I walk by
the helmet area in my favorite accessory
store, I see six or eight brands of gleaming
new helmets, stickered with approvals from
official-sounding testing outfits.
Will one brand protect me better than
the others? It’s hard to say, isn’t it? I figure
that if a manufacturer has people in place
to help you after your purchase, that
manufacturer is set on making first-class
products...and ensuring that you’re pleased
with them long-term.
I do know that if something happens,
or when it does, I don’t want to feel I
compromised on protective gear. What,
so I can brag to the EMTs about the
money I saved?
HERTFELDER
Accurate
Observations
T
he other day I got a letter from
an animal rights activist who
doesn’t appreciate me using the
term “monkey butt” because, he said, it’s
demeaning to animals. I looked up de
meaning of demeaning, and this fellow is
accusing me of poking fun at animals. Well,
I’ve looked at my monkey butt, backed up
to a full length mirror, and I’ve looked at
monkey butts at the zoo, and I feel it’s just
an accurate observation. I would never
want to be accused of trying to give ugly a
bad name.
crack and split when exposed to anything
drier than a light rain. His worst month
was February where, here in New
Jersey, the combination of
low humidity and hot air
heat can pretty much
dry out and demolish
a Steinway piano in
a matter of weeks.
The skin on some
of the more tender
women turns into
sandpaper despite
I’ll go along with the animal rights folks but the slathering on of 10
to 40-weight dry-skin
only until they get to chickens, beef cattle
lotion.
and pigs –especially pigs because I gnaw
my way through one of these tasty critters Each winter Pizza Crust
every month or so at breakfast. And I’m not uses so much Blistex
looking forward to the day these activist
ointment on his lips that
folks branch out to include fish rights
Neil Forsyth once advised
because I consume at least half a school of
him to buy the stuff in
tuna each year for lunch, bedtime snacks
a 55-gallon drum if he
and other emergencies.
could.
However, in the spirit of compromise, I
have changed the name of this columns’
main character from ‘Monkey Lips’
Molineaux to ‘Pizza Lips’ Molineaux, and I
expect I’ll get some letters with large grease
spots from Domino’s franchises.
Personally, I felt it would pay to
investigate having the Blistex piped
directly to his house.
One year, Molineaux and me took
motorcycles into the pine woods after
I’ve looked at my monkey butt, backed
up to a full length mirror, and I’ve
looked at monkey butts at the zoo, and
I feel it’s just an accurate observation.
Lighten up out there, folks. Hertfelder’s
accurate observations are just my way of
avoiding a lot of descriptive garbage.
Basically, Molineaux’s mouth was similar
to a largemouth bass’, and his lips would
Valentine’s Day, which is a commercial
venture that incited men to give watches
to their womenfolk with love in their
hearts and hope that it might help get them
dinner at more or less the same time every
evening, but preferably NOT when the
national news is coming on radio.
This was not a play ride;
it was to reconfirm
the exact turn-to
turn mileages
on a 26–mile
section of our
enduro. I rode
the course
with a bald
rear tire on
my Triumph,
and when
Woody totaled
up my miles he
came up with
83.5.
All I did was to ask him if he noticed the
red and blue varicose veins on one of those
lovers looked a lot like a Rand McNally
road map of Arizona.
I wasn’t trying to be funny; it was just an
accurate observation.
Now, all you people with varicose veins feel
you got hit with multiple demeans because
you live in Arizona, the address follows.
But please, no letter bombs. If you must
send something that goes BANG send .22
LR RWS R50’s.
For a copy of Ed’s latest book, 80.4 Finish Check,
send $29.95 with suggested inscription to Ed
Hertfelder, PO Box 17564, Tucson, AZ 85731.
Also available on Amazon.com!
We were just riding
slowly along a narrow
dirt road off Route
206
where we almost
always come across a parked car or
two where couples who have met at
the nearby singles bar were cementing
their relationship. Sure enough, there was
a large high-dollar canvas-topped sedan
parked in the center of the road. Pizza
Lips went left and I went right. In the car
were a pair of not-young heavyweights
who had, apparently, cemented things
to their mutual satisfaction and were
attempting to mate.
When we stopped for the next application
of Blistex, Pizza Lips warned me that if I
said anything to make him smile, which
would split his lips open, he would kill
me. The next thing I know Pizza Lips was
leaning off to one side of his motorcycle
trying to sop up the blood dripping down
his chin with a Dunkin Donuts napkin
before it ran into his helmet buckle because
that can make it all sticky and hard to loop
the strap into.
Send us $14.99 + $5 for
shipping and we’ll send you
a shirt... really! Email us:
[email protected] or mail a
check. Let us know your
shirt size (S-XXL) and
shipping address*
City Bike Magazine
PO Box 10659
Oakland, CA 94610
[email protected]
* if you have stress management issues, and allergic
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You Are Never Finished Learning!
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Motorcycle University offers
something for everyone.
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Tankslapper
QUESTION MAN
There’s been talk of repealing
California’s mandatory helmet
law. What do you think?
Dear Maynard,
Great piece on the dangers of the streets
(“Can I get an Amen?” January 2014).
My personal method of defense is to take
emotion completely out of the equation.
I take for a fact that an inattentive car
driver will be surprised by the sudden
proximity of a motorcyclist and react in an
unpredictable way. I found advice in an old
Bultaco Metrella owner’s manual that said
it best: “Drive as though you are invisible,
but not indestructible.”
Laws? I don’t pay attention to the law. My
bike is silent and invisible. In any case, if
the cops pull me over they usually pass
out from the stench of bear repellant,
which I mix in with my chain lube.
No way! The helmet law doesn’t go
far enough. In fact, we need to pass
Carl “Count Chocula” Von Hammerstein, Tracy,
mandatory gear laws as well. I always
2011 Rokon Electric with built-in duck blind.
ride in full roadrace leathers underneath
an Aerostich, underneath a Rukka,
underneath an EOD explosives-protective
suit made of steel mesh and asbestos. I feel
safer wrapped up like a human Turducken
even though I can’t move, see or hear.
Well...helmets should be mandatory, but
not full helmets—only half-helmets. And
we get to pick which half.
Alan “Half-a-Brain”Laparoscopy, Hayward,
1967 Crostini Biafra with sidecar.
Linda “Boom-Boom” Pecorino, San Bruno, 2012
Honda Goldwing with airbags and ejection seat
Best Regards,
Peter Van Deusen
Sharon Springs, New York
Helmet laws aren’t fair—not everybody
can wear a helmet, you know. What if
your head is freakishly small or freakishly
large, like a State Senator’s?
Congratulations to the AMA’s Western States
rep, Nick Harris, who correctly guessed the
actual quote from last month’s “Question
Man.” Nevada State Assemblywoman
Maggie Carleton (D) described a “nightmare
scenario” that would result if lane-splitting
was legal in Nevada, with broken arms and
“guts spattered all over my minivan.”
Bernadette “Bernie” Cantata, Blackhawk, 1997
Yamaha FZR600 with 1988 FZR400 motor
CAN YOU HELP ME? I CAN’T FIND
MY HELMET! I PUT IT DOWN ON
A BENCH IN U.N. PLAZA NEXT TO
MY WALLET AND CELL PHONE
AND IT’S NOT THERE ANYMORE.
YOU DON’T THINK SOMEBODY
TOOK IT, DO YOU?
Mike “Happy Days” Schwartz, Lower Haight,
1991 Suzuki GS500E with single-cylinder
conversion.
Helmets? Oh, you like helmets? Let me
show you my helmet. You will like my
helmet.
Kaspar “Kiss Me” Kleinburg, a tunnel near the
S.F. Zoo, 2008 Ducati Desmosedici with full
factory ice-racing kit.
or use Paypal!
[email protected]
Cylinder Head
Specialists
In Business Since 1978
All Makes
All Models
All Years
ENGINE DYNAMICS, LLC
Phone 707-763-7519
Fax 707-763-3759
www.enginedynamics.com
• Flow Bench Testing • Competition Valve Jobs •
• Valve Seat & Guide Replacement • Race Prep •
• Porting • Polishing •
2040 Petaluma Blvd. N.Petaluma, CA 94952
We fix anything on
American V-Twin bikes
408-298-6800
75 Phelan Avenue, San Jose
Open 7 Days a week
ART
NERD
FOR
HIRE
SERIOUSLY.
If you have a need for virtually
any kind of printed work, give
me a call. I’m experienced in
publication design, annual reports,
catalogs, brochures, menus,
packaging, direct mail, fashion
advertising, collateral materials,
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Great work to follow.
510-295-7707
www.levelfive.com
H
be sure to include your name,
address, & phone number!
Your local shop is an
endangered resource!
Proper care and support
is required, or they die.
PO Box 10650
Oakland, CA 94610
you have to pay for shipping to
try a different size…each way,
every time. Plus, you meet real,
live people, not some keyboard
cowboy from another time zone.
Just send a check for $30 to:
you, and you need them. The
Internet won’t change your oil.
The Internet won’t stay open an
extra 20 minutes so you can buy
a tire so you can ride on Sunday.
If the apparel you buy doesn’t fit,
C’MON, YOU KNOW YOU WANT IT.
ere at CityBike, we
strongly believe that
while the Internet
is great entertainment, it’s a
terrible place to buy stuff. Your
Local Motorcycle Shop needs
!
E
B
I
R
C
SU BS
Screw The Internet. Support your Local Motorcycle Shop.
Marketplace
CLASSIFIEDS
CLUBS
www.GroupRides.net
GroupRides was created to be like what TV Guide has been
for TV Programs. It is a calendar of group rides and moto
events from many fine groups, clubs and organizations
in Northern California, nicely put together for the riding
community to use and enjoy.
www.GroupRidesForum.net is the Forum and moto group
where 1,400+ local riders enjoy the roads, the wind and the
thunder of our motorcycles together.
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
Nor Cal Ducati DOC
DEALERS
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
We are a group of enthusiasts who share a passion for the
Ducati brand.
We conduct weekly Ducati Bike Night dinner events
throughout the greater San Francisco bay area, the yearly
La Ducati Day local charity event in La Honda, track days,
destination rides, and tech days. https://www.facebook.
com/groups/norcalducatidoc/
Addiction Motors
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/
Bay Area Sidecar
Enthusiasts (BASE)
•Whatdoesyourdogthinkaboutmotorcycling?(A:
Hard to tell without a sidecar!)
•Everdrivenintrafficwithafakemachine-gunmounted
to your rig?
•Wanttoknowhowto“flythechair”?
•Maybejustwanttofindoutwhatit’sliketobea“sidecar
monkey” for a day by catching a ride with us?
We are a facebook-based group in the SF Bay Area filled with
sidecars and the people who love them, and we’d be happy
to meet you.
Email [email protected] for more information.
BSA Owners Club
The BSA Owners’ Club of Northern California was formed to
promote the preservation and enjoyment of the motorcycles
produced by the Birmingham Small Arms Company in
England. Founded in 1985, the Club now has over 500
members, and has produced the monthly newsletter, The
Bulletin, since the Club’s inception. Rides and activities are
scheduled each month in addition to two major activities: The
Clubman’s All British Weekend in the spring, and the Northern
California All British Ride in the fall. Membership is open to
all BSA enthusiasts.
For more information: www.bsaocnc.org
Classic Japanese
Motorcycle Club
The Classic Japanese Motorcycle Club is dedicated to the
celebration and preservation of the Classic and Vintage Japanese
motorcycle. We have rides, meets, shows, swaps and can help
you find and sell parts, bikes and motorcycle-related services.
Members make the club function!
www.CJMC.org.
Exciting women-only motorcycle group in the SF Bay Area.
For more info visit www.curveunit.com
The Ducati Vintage
Club
The Ducati Vintage Club was founded to assist vintage Ducati
MC (1987 and older) owners with information and resources
to preserve, resurrect and bring these MC’s back to the road!
Owners and enthusiasts are welcome to join. We meet once
monthly at the Ducati Bike Night event and we sponsor the annual
European Motorcycle Show and Swap held in March at the Santa
Clara County Fairgrounds, the La Ducati Day Concorso held in
LaHonda each October and more.
Visit us at www.ducativintageclub.com
The 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!
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.
Addiction Motors is a motorcycle cooperative in Emeryville
that consigns people’s motorcycles for sale and displays them
inside the shop where people can come look at them during
the 7-day-a-week shop hours - anytime! We are happy to floor
YOUR used, loved motorcycle for you. Please call to discuss
or better yet, stop by and see what we’re up to first! We have
recently expanded into accessories and gear in addition to the
five independent, full time mechanics that keep shop in our
space (that’s why we call it a collective).
Current inventory when CityBike went to press was:
Year Make Model Asking Price Miles
2008 Aprilia Scarabeo $2,400
1973 BMW R60/5 $4,800 24,870
2002 BMW R1150RT $5,700 28,946
2009 BMW F650GS $10,600 10,100
2000 Ducati Monster 900 $3,650 24,202
2002 Ducati ST4S $6,200 31,070
2003 Ducati 999 $7,500 7,125
2007 Ducati Monster 695 $5,500 15,292
1992 Harley-Davidson Sportster 882 $4,500 3,616
1993 Harley-Davidson Dyna Wide Glide $7,500 36,795
1996 Harley-Davidson Softtail Custom $9,000 17,571
1974 Honda MR50 Elsinore $1,200 N/A
1976 Honda CB400/4 SS $3,300 19,453
1977 Honda CB400/4 SS $3,000 31,358
1986 Honda Shadow VT1100 $2,100 48,313
1994 Honda CB250 Nighthawk $2,400 15,167
2001 Honda CBR600F4i $3,300 36,862
2002 Honda NSR/250MC28 $7,500 N/A
2004 Honda CBR600F4i $4,500 20,757
2007 Suzuki GSX-R1000 $7,800 20,737
2008 Triumph Sprint ST $7,700 23,774
1979 Vespa P200 $2,400 11,136
2003 Yamaha XVS 650 Vstar $4,500 5,223
2007 Yamaha R1 $6,000 30,122
2008 Yamaha WR250R $3,699 5,054
Port Stockton MC
COME RIDE WITH US!
-We are a friend and family oriented historical club of
motorcycle enthusiasts.
-Any make, model or style of bike is welcome.
-All are invited to join us on our rides, visit our weekly
meetings or become a new member.
For more information: E-mail us at portstocktonmc@
webtv.net,
or visit our website at portstocktonmc.com
The Richmond
Ramblers
The Richmond Ramblers Motorcycle Club was established
in 1944. We are chartered with the American Motorcycle
Association/District 36. Our clubhouse is situated at the foot
of the famous but now defunct off-road riding hills in Point
Richmond.
Our club exists to promote the sport and recreation of
motorcycle riding. Our membership reflects a diverse interest
in motorcycling but our club has a long tradition of off-road
competition. Annually, we host a street ride/poker run in
October and a Family Enduro in the Mendocino National forest
in November.
Meetings are held on the first and third Thursdays of each
month at 7:00 p.m. Visitors are welcome and we invite you
to come by.
818 Dornan Drive, Point Richmond, CA 94801 WWW.
RRMC.CC
San Francisco
Motorcycle Club
San Francisco Motorcycle Club, Inc., established 1904, is the
second oldest motorcycle club in the country!
Our business meetings are Thursday nights at 8:30pm, and
guests are always welcome. Our clubhouse is filled with
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
J&M Motorsports
1931 Old Middlefield Way
#201
Mountain View
www.jm-ms.com
650-386-1440
Good-used-motorcycle/Fair-price specialists—Sportbikes,
Cruisers, & Dirt Bikes
We are a licensed operation run by two brothers who love
motorcycles and specialize in newer, low-mile, affordable
bikes that are worth owning. We have in-house financing and
a wide variety of bikes all in one place.
Looking for your first bike? Your 10th? Come by and see why
people like us: Easy to deal with and we really enjoy our work.
J&M is not a giant dealership. When you call or visit, you’re
talking directly with the owner.
Come by and take a look! Open Tues-Sat - Closed Sunday
We buy (nice) used bikes. Trade-ins and consignments are
almost always welcome.
$3,495 2008 Buell Blast 500 2,885 Miles
$8,995 2012 Ducati Hypermotard 796 1,867 Miles
$7,495 2008 Honda CBR1000RR 10,453 Miles
$3,995 2011 Honda CBR250RR ABS 4,824 Miles
$2,995 2007 Honda CMX250 Rebel 2,092 Miles
$2,295 2000 Honda CMX250 Rebel 7,995 Miles
$3,195 2008 Honda CRF 250R
$4,295 2011 Honda CRF250
$4,495 2012 Honda CRF250R
$3,995 2010 Honda CRF250R
$1,995 2008 Honda NPS50S Ruckus Scooter 6,792 Miles
$2,995 2002 Honda VT1100 Spirit 14,642 Miles
$5,995 2007 Honda VTX1300S 11,374 Miles
$1,495 2003 Honda XR100
$5,495 2009 Kawasaki ER-6N 5,009 Miles
$3,495 2012 Kawasaki EX250 Ninja 9,080 Miles
$3,995 2006 Kawasaki EX650 Ninja 5,957 Miles
$6,495 2007 Kawasaki ZX-10R Ninja 15,215 Miles
$6,495 2009 Kawasaki ZX-6R Ninja 12,217 Miles
$3,995 2003 Kawasaki ZX12R Ninja 10,159 Miles
$5,995 2007 Suzuki GSXR 600 13,360 Miles
$5,995 2005 Suzuki GSXR 600 785 Miles
$2,995 2009 Suzuki GZ 250 580 Miles
$5,495 2005 Suzuki SV650S 6,271 Miles
$4,795 2008 Suzuki VL800 7,924 Miles
$5,495 2013 Suzuki DR650 2,189 Miles
$5,995 2009 Yamaha FZ6R 4,043 Miles
$5,995 2012 Yamaha FZ6R 5,564 Miles
$1,995 2008 Yamaha TTR125LE
$2,995 2007 Yamaha XT 225 4,983 Miles
$7,495 2007 Yamaha XV1900 Roadliner 11,535 Miles
$8,995 2006 Yamaha XVZ13TF Venture 2,006 Miles
$2,595 2007 Yamaha YZ 250F
$4,495 2006 Yamaha YZF 600R 2,186 Miles
$2,995 2005 Yamaha YZF 600R 16,236 Miles
$7,995 2008 Yamaha YZF R1 15,251 Miles
$7,495 2009 Yamaha YZF R6 Raven 5,931 Miles
$31,995 2008 Ford F250 4X4 Lariat 94,895 Miles
$23,995 2005 Chevrolet Duramax Diesel 4X4 LT 112,784
Miles
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.
Mission Motorcycles
12007 $8995 2005 Ducati Multistrada DS1000S Red
43443 mi
12025 $2995 2003 Kawasaki Vulcan VN750A Red/Grey
24428 mi
12068 $3495 2006 Suzuki Boulevard S50 (VS800) BLK
16677 mi
12069 $6995 2012 Suzuki Boulevard C50T (VL800T) BLK/
RED 8781 mi
12073 $2595 2003 Kawasaki Vulcan EN500C Black
9388 mi
13001 $2995 1984 Honda V65 Magna VF1100C Red
34888 mi
13006 $6995 1997 Harley Davidsoin FXD Dyna White
26226 mi
13020 $2795 2009 Yamaha Star XV250 Purple 1574 mi
13023 $8495 1998 Harley-Davidson FLSTC Softail Purple
44172 mi
13025 $2795 2007 Kawasaki Ninja EX250-F Grey 1946 mi
13026 $6495 2005 Yamaha Royal Star XVZ1300 Black/
Green 48077 mi
13027 $13995 2007 Harley-Davidson FLHX/FLTRI
Roadglide Black 92243 mi
13030 $19995 2010 Harley-Davidson FLTR Road Glide
Black 12103 mi
14001 $18995 1999 Harley-Davidson FLTRi / TRIKE Black
38325 mi
14002 $6995 2007 Suzuki GSXR1000 Blk/Org 17391 mi
14005 $4495 2004 Harley-Davidson XL883C Sportster
Custom Orange 14086 mi
14006 $7995 2003 Harley-Davidson FXDWG Wide Glide
Gunmetal 23327 mi
12072 $1895 1981 Yamaha XJ650 Maxim Silver 45941 mi
13029 $2995 1996 Triumph Trophy Green 49903 mi
13006 2000 Suzuki GSX-R600 Black 25153
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. Lots of helmets, gloves and other riding apparel
in stock.
NEW BIKE SPECIALS
2014 models are arriving! New 2014 Zero S ZF11.4 and the
new, faster Zero SR ZF11.4 now in stock.
2014 Kawasaki Ninja 300 and new Z1000 available now.
2014 STAR (by Yamaha) Bolt is back in stock in both standard
model and R-spec model. 2014 Honda 500’s are here, the
CBR500R, the CB500F and the CB500X.
Dual sport?...The 2014 Honda CRF250L is available. 2014
Suzuki VStrom 650 just arrived.
Come in and see our remaining 2012 and 2013 models and
check for big savings!
PRE-OWNED VEHICLES
2012 Yamaha Super Tenere Blue with yellow decals, all
stock equipment and only 3,974 miles. Stock # U1209 Price
drop! Now $11,000
2012 Kawasaki Ninja 1000 Green and black. Has heated
grips! Comes with Two Brothers slip-ons (installed) and stock
mufflers . Very low mileage, 1336 miles! Very good condition.
Stock# C504 Price drop $8299
2011 Kawasaki Vaquero Red. 1700cc bagger, cruiser with
front fairing and audio system. 28,137miles Stock# U1245,
$10,999
2010 Honda NT700V Burgundy Red mid-size sporty-tourer
with side storage compartments. 7754 miles! Stock# C502
$6899
2009 Yamaha Zuma 125 Yellow and black, 125cc scooter.
Top box included! Rugged and fun scooter! Only 79 miles!
Stock# C505 $2599.
2009 Yamaha YZ450F White with black & red decals. Fresh
tires, new fork seals, and ready to ride! Stock# U1195, Price
drop! Now $2999
2007 KTM 690SM Orange and black, in great condition,
customized with Akrapovic exhaust and some other extras.
7233 miles, Stock # C501, $7099.
2007 Yamaha Majesty Blue. 400cc freeway legal scooter.
V-Belt Automatic. 7458 miles Stock# U1246 $2999
2000 Suzuki Savage 650 Yellow and black. SOLD AS IS.
Needs a new cam chain tensioner. SOLD AS IS. 17,022 miles.
Stock# U1241 only $899!
1998 BMW R1100GS red and white. The classic adventure
bike. Comes with a Givi top box and mounts for side boxes,
Touratech handguards, engine guards, headlight guard & tall
windscreen. 80,810 miles Stock # U1250 $4999
1987 Honda Elite 250 Maroon, with tall windshield. Still
going strong with only 4650 miles! Stock # U1233, Price
Drop $1999.
Prices do not include government fees, freight charges, dealer
surcharges(new vehicles only), taxes, electronic document
fees, dealer document preparation charges or any finance
charges (if applicable). Final actual sales prices will vary
depending on options or accessories selected.
Check out and compare our bikes online at
www.missionmotorcycles.com!
Ride On Motorcycles
707-647-RIDE (7433) Ride-On-Motorcycles.com
1416 Sonoma Blvd
Vallejo CA 94590
[email protected]
[email protected]
Welcome to Ride-On-Motorcycles!
MONTHLY SPECIALS
ICON Alliance helmets:20% off
Sport Bike Tire Sale: All Continentals = 25% off our low price
Buy 2 Tires + Installation: GET A FREE OIL CHANGE
HD Owners: Big Bore Kit - $995.00 installed
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.
SF MOTO
275 8th Street at the corner of Folsom
San Francisco - 415 255 3132
www.sfmoto.com
USED INVENTORY
- All used motorcycles at sf moto come with a 3 month
warranty. 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 ---Scarabeo 200 scooter, red, 2686 miles, $2998
SMV750 Dorsoduro, 2009, 3782 miles, $7498
---- BMW ---G650GS Sertao, 2012, 763 Miles, White, $8998
---- DUCATI ---DUCATI Monster 695, 2007, 4158 miles, black, call for
price
Hypermotard 1100 EVO, 2010, 1610 Miles, Red, $12998
---- HONDA ---CBR600RR, 2010, orange red, 6979 miles, $9998
Shadow VLX VT600, 2007, blue, 7713 miles, $4998
CBR600F4i, yellow, 13501 miles, $5498
CB1000, 2012, black, 1096 miles, $9998
CBR600RR, 2009, white, 3223 miles, $9498
CBR600RR, 2009, black, 1621 miles, $8498
PCX 150, 2013, red, 1017 miles, $3298
PCX 150, 2013, red, 1670 miles, $2998
PCX 150, 2013, white, 1104 miles, $2498
Shadow 750RS, 2013, 3467 miles, $6498
---- HUSQVARNA ---Sold out! Please check back with us soon!
---- KAWASAKI ---Concours 14 ZG1400, 148 miles, silver, $8998
KLX250, 2012, Green, 1313 miles, $3998
Ninja EX300, Green, ABS 2013, 312 miles, $5298
Ninja 650R, 2011, 2547 miles, orange, $6898
Ninja 650R, 2012, 346 miles, red, $7198
Ninja 650R, 2011, 3482 miles, black, $5998
Ninja Z1000, 2007, 20281 miles, black, $5998
Ninja ZX6-R, Black, 2349 miles, $7998
Ninja ZX6-R, Green, 155 miles, $7998
Vulcan 900, 2011, 805 miles, Black, $7298
Vulcan 900, 2010, 1648 miles, Blue, $6498
---- KYMCO ---Kymco Like 200i, 2013, 1183 Miles, beige, $2498
Kymco Xciting R ABS, 2008, 4739 Miles, white, $4498
---- PIAGGIO ---Fly 50, 2010, 608 miles, silver, - $1998
Fly 150, 2009, 1943 miles, silver, Call for price
----SUZUKI ---Boulevard S40, 2001, 8968 miles, blue, $3998
Boulevard S40, 2006, 4540, red, $4698
Boulevard S40, 2012, 480 miles, Orange, $4498
Burgman 400, 2012, 526 miles, silver, $4998
DR200, 2009, 667 miles, black, $2998
DRZ-400, 2009, 535 miles, white, $5998
GSXM650F, 2009, 7249 miles, orange, $5998
GSXR750, 2012, 472 miles, blue, $8998
GSX1250FA, 2011, 3197 miles, black, $8998
GSX750F, 2001, 1042 miles, silver, $3498
SV650S, 2007, 9803 miles, red, $5998
SV650, 2007, 8816 miles, blue, $5498
V-Strom DL1000, 2012, 4845 miles, black, $9498
V-Strom DL650, 2011, 5748 miles, white, $7498
---- SYM ---Citycom 300i, 2009, 1875 miles, red, $3498
----TRIUMPH ---Bonneville America, 2010, 5959 miles, blue, $7498
Bonneville T100, 2010, 9278 miles, black, $7998
Daytona 675, 2008, 6420 miles, blue, $7498
Tiger Explorer, 2012, 1110 miles, blue, $14998
----VESPA ---LX150, 2009, 1334 miles, blue, $3498
GT200, 2005, 3153 miles, green, $3498
GL150, 1964, 8540 miles, white, $4698
----YAMAHA ---YZFR6, 2013, 424 miles, blue, $6498
YZFR6, 2012, 2585 miles, blue, $9998
YZFR6, 2008, 7718 miles, silver, $8298
YZFR6, 2005, 9667 miles, black, $5998
FZ1, 2005, 10670 miles, blue - $5298
FZ1, 2008, 12732 miles, red, $7498
FZ8, 2011, 9889 miles, black, $7498
FZ8, 2012, 744 miles, black, $8198
FZ8, 2013, 456 miles, black, $7998
V-Star 950, 5028 miles, blue, $6998
NEW INVENTORY
---SYM---- 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
--- LANCE POWERSPORTS --Lance PCH 150, 2014, green, red or grey, $2199
Lance Cali Classic, 2013, red, blue, white or beige, - $1899
Lance Havana Classic, 2013, black, white, blue, beige,
red - $1899
Lance PCH125, 2013, orange, yellow, red, black, white, $1899
USED MOTORCYCLES:
CityBike Classifieds
Motorcycle University
Anyone can ride!
Everyone can ride better.
Beginner: use our bike and gear to learn to ride.
Advanced: have 3000 miles and a year or more of experience?
These sessions will transform how you relate to your bike:
body position, line selection, throttle control, aggressive
braking, and how to tune your suspension.
Track days: no texting drivers, no radar-operated revenue
generation, no cross streets, and everyone is going the same
direction. Three skill levels that include instruction and plenty
of time on track.
Fix Your Moto: classes on topics ranging in complexity from
oil changes and tire installation to engine rebuilding and
suspension modification. Literally something for everyone.
Call or Click today to schedule your classes!!
MotorcycleUniversity.net
415-294-5005
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
Name:
Address:
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
!Two New Classes!:
Knee-Down 10/5/13 <-> Wheelie Course 10/6/13.
w/ Programs for Street & Track Riding.
Advanced Riding School
Group or Real 1on1
www.superbike-coach.com - 916.712.1817
PARTS AND SERVICE
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
‘89 Yamaha XT350 Dualsport, x-condition, 6.5k miles,
Mendocino. $1950 707/962-0379, pls. lv. msg
‘92 BMW R100R, 76,000 highway miles. Good condition,
bags, shield (not fairing) All receipts. $4000/best offer. (415)
846-4281.
2003 TRIUMPH SPRINT ST: ONE OWNER (GARAGED) 1300
MILES, GREEN METALLIC, MANY FACTORY ACCESSORIES
INC. THREE FACTORY BAGS, WELL MAINTAINED, FACTORY
ALARM,ETC.$3000 CALL 707-865-1184 (MONTE RIO)
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 707962-0379 pls lv msg.
RIDING SCHOOLS
Doc Wong
Riding Clinics
PERSONAL IMPROVEMENT
Come to the FREE monthly Doc Wong Riding Clinics.
www.docwong.com
Eighteen years, 40,000 riders!
City:
e-mail:
LEGAL
Mike Padway
MOTORCYCLE ATTORNEY
Motorcycle accidents often are serious There is an epidemic
of motorcycle lawyer advertising by attorneys who brush
you off on support staff or other lawyers. I’m Mike Padway.
I handle a limited number of motorcycle accidents. My goal
is to do the best job for you, not to handle the most cases. If
your injuries are significant, why not work with an attorney
who knows what he is doing, and cares? Call now and let’s
discuss the best way to handle your motorcycle accident.
415-777-1511
Accident or Injury?
FINE DINING
MOTO GIO
ADVANCED CYCLE
SERVICE
*Motorcycle Service and Repair*
• Tires • Service •Insurance estimates
Monthly bike storage available
Come check us out
1135 Old Bayshore Hwy
San Jose, CA 95112
(408) 299-0508
[email protected] — www.advcycles.com
DUCATI SUZUKI KAWASAKI YAMAHA
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: [email protected]
www.motogio.com
Please mention this ad and you will receive an additional 5%
off on your purchase.
MOTO TIRE GUY
1979 Triumph T-140D, now TR-7, Sixties baloney mufflers/
side covers. New Nikisil piston/cylinders. 2 Tanks. Superior
filtration system. Original parts + Books. Bo 510-409-5329.
$1800
Malaguti F12 LC Phantom Foggy Replica Limited Edition
Scooter. Official Pit Bike of Ducati Race Teams. 70cc Kit
(carb, cylinder, clutch, variator, exhaust) oil-injector removed,
requires pre-mix. Fuel system needs cleaning.
$1500. Email: [email protected]
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
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!
www.MotoTireGuy.com
Motorcycle Tire Services
San Francisco - Bay Area
(415) 601-2853
Order your tires online, Zero CA sales tax plus
Free UPS Ground, then have a Preferred Installer
in your local area do the installation and save!
Please visit website for details.
Quality Motorcycles
Custom Design Studios
Mind-Blowing Custom Paint Since 1988
Visit Our Showroom!
235 Shoreline Hwy.
Mill Valley CA
(415) 381-5059
We’re not afraid of your old bike.
V-Twin Service, Repair, Parts, & Fabrication.
Harley Factory Trained Tech.
Cycle Salvage –
Hayward
ROCKRIDGE TWO
WHEELS
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.
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
EAT AT REDS JAVA HOUSE, SF.
“IT’S REALLY GOOD FOOD”
SAYS CITYBIKE MANAGEMENT.
HELP WANTED
Addiction Motors
Immediate Opening for a Motorcycle Technician
for an Exciting Bay Area Motorcycle Concept
Addiction Motors has an immediate opening for a motorcycle
technician that will not only work in our shop, they will own
their own business!
Opening a shop on your own can be a daunting task when
you have to think about bookkeeping, advertising, reception,
ordering parts, invoicing and billing when all you really
want to do is work on motorcycles. We take care of all that
business for which you don’t have the skills or interest and let
you spend your time doing exactly what you do best: fixing
and maintaining motorcycles.
We offer a secure, professional environment in a high tech
Emeryville facility with the following amenities:
Motorcycle Lifts
Inventory and parts ordering
Bookkeeping including accounts payable, accounts receivable
and collections
Your own personal page on our website
Advertising and Marketing Support
High Speed Internet and Phone Services
All you need to provide is a small investment and
your tools!
Addiction Motors has 1 opening for an experienced
technician. We’re looking for expertise with a variety of
bike brands and are asking for the following minimum
qualifications to ensure a high quality environment:
3-5 years working in the field of motorcycle repair
Certification from a educational institute in your given
specialty
Dedication, commitment and drive to succeed!
If this sounds like you, please send your resume to
[email protected] - we look forward to hearing
from you!
VP Racing
We seek an experienced, mature motorcycle technician for a
temporary position at our company. This gig could lead to a
permanent position‚Äîmuch depends on the results that are
achieved and the success of our working relationship.
We are a fully equipped racing and restoration shop for
vintage racing cars, and we have a small (approximately 30
bikes) but interesting motorcycle collection. These include
Aprilia, Benelli, Bimota, Moto Guzzi, Ducati, MV Agusta,
Aeromacchi, Kawasaki, Honda and a few others. The bikes
range from the late 1960‚Äôs to 2014. All the bikes run, drive,
and are good to excellent condition. However, many of them
have a number of items that need to be addressed. I need a
motorcycle tech who understands bikes well, and can sort out
the bikes that need sorting.
The bikes are stored at our facility, and you will have just
about anything you would need at your disposal. You will
have your own work space at our shop and you will need your
own hand tools. Ideally this is a position for a mature tech
with experience that goes back a number of years. If all you
have ever worked on is late-model, fuel injected bikes, this is
probably not a good fit. On the other hand, if you have been
working on bikes for years, and would like a gig that rewards
quality and craftsmanship over production, we should talk.
We have a full time parts department to help procure and
provide the things you might need. The time and schedule can
be somewhat negotiable, but this should be at least a 24 hour
(3 days) per week gig. This endeavor is properly funded, and
we intend to see it through to a logical conclusion‚ you will
have the resources you need to get things done. Each bike will
have a detailed work order of tasks to complete. An assistant
can be provided to work with your direction for cleaning,
detailing, etc.
Please send a resume or summary of your experience via
email to [email protected], and please include your
compensation expectations. We are prepared to begin
immediately and the first phase of this project should take
2 or 3 months. We can discuss further opportunities as we
move along this project.
DuffyDuzz Promotions
State:
Zip:
EVENT SERVICES
ANNOUNCING:
“DUFFYDUZZ
Promotions”
If you’re planning a M/C event of any sort, whether an Open
House, a Special Sale Event, a Competition Event or even a
Rally, a “pleasant but not pushy” voice (and your choice of
music) can make a huge difference in the excitement and
remembrance of your event.
Have P.A. / Will Travel...
I have been “The Voice” of Ducati Island at Moto G.P.
(‘98 - ‘06) the Wilseyville Hare Scrambles (‘98 - ‘12)
...Most recently; La Ducati Day, La Honda, MOTORAMA
Car Show, Lafayette, sub’ Announcer at Continental Sports
Car Challenge Laguna Seca, Santa Rosa flattrack for Circle
Bell Motorsports... and more... References and resume
available. Find me on FaceBook: “Duffyduzz Promotions”
for all contact info - or - call 510-292-9391 - or E/M: [email protected]
MOTORCYCLE TOWING
Enter these contacts into your phone now,
while you are thinking about it, so that you
will have them when you need them.
SAN FRANCISCO AND
BEYOND: DAVE’S CYCLE
TRANSPORT
The Old Man
The Old Truck
Dave is working
Dave’s Cycle Transport
San Francisco-Bay Area and Beyond…
24 Hour Service
(415)824-3020 — www.davescycle.com
Motorcycle & ATV
Hauling
Sonoma, Marin, Napa & Mendocino Counties
24 hour Roadside Pickup
707-843-6584
Insured & Licensed
California Motor Carrier Permit
www.mcmotorcycletransport.com
[email protected]
WHEELS AND DEALS
ACCIDENT OR INJURY?
Call 415/999-4790 for a 24-hr. recorded message and a copy
of the FREE REPORT
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. [email protected] 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 $25 bucks to run a
photo of your ride so people believe you’re really selling something
and not just lonely. Subscribers get a free ad every month! Maybe
you should subscribe, eh cheapskate?
KYMCO KA$H Up to
$1,000 CASH BACK!
On all New 2013 and Prior Year KYMCO Scooters, ATVs and Side x Sides Purchased and Registered
Beginning February 1, 2014 for a Limited Time at Participating KYMCO USA Dealers Only.
--PLUS--
FOR 36 MONTHS FOR
% QUALIFIED BUYERS
APR
*AS LOW AS
1.9
CHICO MOTORSPORTS
1538 PARK AVENUE
CHICO, CA 95928
530-345-5247
R&M ENTERPRISES
1905C ARNOLD INDUSTRIAL WAY
CONCORD, CA 94520
925-798-4360
ROCKRIDGE TWO WHEELS
5291 COLLEGE AVENUE
OAKLAND, CA 94618
510-594-0789
PAYMENTS AS LOW AS $59/Month
CYCLE WEST
1375 INDUSTRIAL AVENUE
PETALUMA, CA 94952
707-769-5242
CAPITAL YAMAHA KYMCO
4622 AUBURN BLVD
SACRAMENTO, CA 95841
916-485-9200
SCOOTER CITY
614 16TH STREET
SACRAMENTO, CA 95814
916-448-6422
SCUDERIA WEST
69 DUBOCE STREET
SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94103
415-621-7223
SAN JOSE MOTORSPORT
1886 WEST SAN CARLOS ST
SAN JOSE, CA 95128
408-295-0205
VERACOM MITSUBISHI
790 NORTH SAN MATEO DR
SAN MATEO, CA 94401
650-340-7199
Choose Your Own Path
SEE YOUR LOCAL
KYMCO DEALER FOR DETAILS
REVOLUTION MOTO
307 D STREET
SANTA ROSA, CA 95404
707-523-2371
TRACY MOTORSPORTS
3255 AUTO PLAZA WAY
TRACY, CA 95304
209-832-3400
POWERSPORTS OF VALLEJO
111 TENNESSEE STREET
VALLEJO, CA 94590
707-644-3756
1.9% for 36 Months [3.53% APR*]
*Example: On a purchase where the Amount Financed is $1,999 your Down Payment is $0 with 36 monthly payments of $58.60 each. Interest Rate is 1.9% [ANNUAL
PERCENTAGE RATE is 3.53% (E)]. For other Amounts Financed, the payment would be approximately $30.03 per $1,000 financed.
$0 DOWN
1.9% INTEREST RATE
$30.03 PER $1,000 FINANCED
Note: The above financing programs are offered by Sheffield Financial, a Division of Branch Banking and Trust Company, Member FDIC. Subject to credit approval. Approval,
and any rates and terms provided, are based on credit worthiness. Other financing offers are available. See your local dealer for details. Rate advertised is based on debt to income ratio of 45% or less. Minimum Amount Financed $1,500; Maximum Amount Financed $50,000. Other qualifications and restrictions may apply. An
origination fee of $50 will be added to the amount financed in the above example. Financing promotions void where prohibited. Offer effective on all new and unused KYMCO ATVs, Side X Sides, Motorcycles and Scooters purchased from a participating KYMCO USA dealer between 1/1/2014 and 3/31/2014. Offer subject to
change without notice. [“E” means estimate.] This offer can be combined with other current promotional offers.
© KYMCOUSA 2014 KYMCO vehicles meet all applicable Federal Motor Vehicle Safety and EPA standards. Take a riding skills course. For the course nearest you, call the Motorcycle Safety Foundation at 1-800-446-9227. For your safety, always wear a helmet, eye protection and protective clothing. Never operate under the influence of drugs or alcohol. Avoid excessive speed and stunt driving.

March 2014 | 2 | CityBike.com

Transcription

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