2010-Dec-17 - Apartments built for motorcycle owners |
| Living in an apartment and owning a motorcycle is not always the best combination. Architect Yukio Asari in Tokyo have solved the problem by building a garage into the apartment it. Seems like a damn good idea. I know of many people who would absolutely love it. Check out the photos.
Via: what we do is secret |
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2010-Dec-17 - The Harbortown Bobber (motorcycle DVD movie teaser) |
| The award-winning guys behind the movies Choppertown and Brittown just released a teaser for their coming film The Harbortown Bobber. Looks like yet another masterpiece. |
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2010-Dec-17 - 5 essential tips to get ready for a new motorcycle season |
| Summer is lurking just around the corner and it's time to get the motorcycle ready for a new season of adventure and good times. Here's the five things I do to my bikes before every season.
1. Change oil and filter.
There's a lot of discussion on using synthetic oil vs. non-synthetic oil. I go with what ever the manufacturer of my motorcycle recommends. As far as I know it's more important to get the viscosity right than if it's synthetic or not.
2. Check tire pressure.
Easy to forget when you just want to go and ride. But quite a lot of air actually fizz out during the 3-5 months your motorcycles is parked for the winter. If you don't have a pump at home, your first trip should be to the gas station checking that tire pressure. Again, I go with whatever the manufacturer recommends.
3. Recharge the battery.
It depends a bit on how old your battery are and if it's a gel battery or not, how crucial charging your battery will be. I tend to go with gel batteries for my bikes since I can be arsed to check on fluid levels and all. I've had bikes that started on first turn after the winter without being charged. But it's recommendable to charge it once or twice over the winter.
4. Check brake pads and chain.
Check chain tension according to your manual. But also check if the chain is worn and should be replaced. If you grab a link with two fingers on the rear sprocket and you can lift it from the teeth of the sprocket, the chain will need to be replaced soon. Check brake pads according to your manual. Usually you there's no need to remove the brake caliber. Most brake pads have slits cut into them. If you can still see the slits, you're fine.
5. Clean and lube.
When everything is checked, replaced as needed and fully charged. It's time to give the motorcycle a thorough spring cleaning. Of course you cleaned it when you put it in storage. But if you're like me you gave it a light spray lubricant of some sort to prevent rust and corrosion during winter. All that needs to come off and fresh bike spray needs to come on. It's best to lube the chain while it's hot. But if you just cleaned it with chain cleaner. Give it a light lube, go for a ride and lube again when you get back. Remember it's best to lube more frequent than too much at one time. Now is also a good time to check your cables and give them a drop of lube.
If you do these five things, your bike will last long and always be in perfect condition. Riding a clean bike in good condition puts a smile on your face. After all that's what it's all about. |
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2010-Dec-17 - It's just physics…and balls |
| To those of you who haven't seen this video yet. This is the most scary motorcycle stunt I've ever seen. Robbie Madison 2009 New Year's Jump - Las Vegas. As one of my mates said "it's just physics and balls". Then I admit I don't have the balls. |
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2010-Dec-17 - Genetics to blame for cars killing motorcyclists |
| Ever experienced a car drive out right in front of you, even though you where absolutely certain the driver saw you. Unfortunately it's not an uncommon experience for us motorcycle riders.
An english information campaign sets out to inform both motorcyclist and car drivers on why this happens. Hopefully it will lead to both sides having more attention on the issue and drive accordingly. But still the safest way to ride a motorcycle in my opinion is to drive as everyone is out to kill you unintentionally or not.
Check out the english campaign video below. |
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2010-Dec-17 - Unusual motorcycles from the streets of Berlin |
| Every country have a trend in motorcycles depending on various factors. In Denmark you see a lot of less expensive bikes like the 600cc Suzuki Bandit because taxes are insane and it's a pretty deasent bike that has a lot of after market parts available. In Germany you obviously see a lot of BMW's. In Italy a lot of Ducatis etc. etc.
But every once in a while you come across a motorcycle that stands out from the norm. Here's a few bikes I saw in Berlin, Germany, that you don't see every day.
70's style kawa chopper
First off is this sweet Kawazaki chopper that looks like it was taken straight out of a 70's chopper magazine. It might be an original that was actually built in the 70's. Then somebody took really good care of it. Maybe it's a new build by someone who paid very close attention to the style from back then. One or the other it's a really sweet motorcycle.
Yamaha XT 500
Second motorcycle is a real classic. An 80's something Yamaha XT 500. I remember wanting to have one of thos when I was a kid. Looks like the exact same color combination as the ones we saw back then. Might not be in mint condition but still in pretty good state for a bike that looks like it has been an everyday rider for 20 years.
Two very different bikes. But equally high ranking in coolness and style. It's great that people actually ride bikes like this instead of them just sitting in a garage unused somewhere. |
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2010-Dec-17 - Top 10 motorcycle blogs on blogs.com |
| I was recently asked if I would do a guest top 10 list of motorcycle blogs for blogs.com. There's a heck of a lot to choose from and lots of blogs that cover specific topics about motorcycle riding. You could easily pick 10 good blogs within a specific category. But instead I chose to pick 10 blogs that in my opinion is among the best, but also very different from each other. So if you cover these 10 blogs you're pretty well set up, and they'll probably lead you to more interesting blogs down the road.
It's always nice when people listen to you, and even nicer when you get acknowledged as an influencer within your field. I enjoyed making the list, I hope people will enjoy reading it. You can find the complete list here.
Yea, and now I also get to stick this badge on my blog…woot |
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2010-Dec-17 - Brand spanking new Diesel helmet |
| Diesel has designed a new helmet in cooperation with AGV. It would look pretty sleek along with a Buel or Triumph Speed Triple. But I think they intend to market it towards the scooter crowd. Because here's what they say about it:
You??re a hotshot - you??re a maverick renegade, speeding through life to hell and back at up to 30 mph straight, 25 hours a day, 8 days a week.
Sure you??re having the time of your life ?? you??re young, ripe and so very supple - so you need highly styled head protection which comes in a fully branded shoulder bag in printed canvas of course.
Mowie is an advanced utility headwear with interchangeable visor, padded stitched ergonomic neck support, trademark Mohican crest, and truly exceptional robustness.
And it??s as hygienic as you are too! With hygienically treated ???ultimate-comfort?? padding and a leather neck-roll made from fully removable for washing, parts can be replaced or cleaned with ease.
The micro-lock retention system allows quick and easy fastening/unfastening of the buckle to adjust to comfort.
The outer shell, in High Resistant Thermoplastic resin and 2 different sizes, allows the perfect fit no matter how big your head.
Plus the helmet is easily stored inside the space under the saddle of the majority of scooters on the market, and, coupled with drop down, clear, anti-scratch polycarbonate aviator visor (which offers 100% protection against UV rays) you??ll look like the top 1% of dogfighters on the planet no matter how clumsy you ride, and that??s an empty promise we can keep.
Designed by the Diesel Creative Team, headed by Creative Director Wilbert Das, the unisex helmet is available in sizes XS to XL in the following colours: mat White, mat Black, mat Green and mat Bronze.
The helmet will be available at an average price of $250 in Diesel stores across the United States starting in the fall of 2009. |
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2010-Dec-17 - First ever salt flats racer built in Denmark |
| Salt flats racing has always fascinated me. As I've said before, trying to beat some sort of record on the Bonneville Salt Flats is on my checklist of things I'd like to do before I leave this mud ball.
Recently I ran into a Dane who is way ahead of me, and is actually doing something about it.
His name is Lars, and he got bitten by the salt bug in 2008 when he by a leap of faith got invited to join a team who intended to run an INDIAN powered Land Speed Record Streamliner named the DREAMCATCHER at the BUB Speed Trails.
The experience got Lars hooked, and now he's building his own bike to take to the Salt Flats. The bike, named "Salt Cracker" is an INDIAN 741, 600cc Special Construction Class Vintage Supercharged Fuel? (650 A-VBF).
Lars' original plan was to race the bike in August 2009. But you know how it is with plans, and Lars didn't get ready in time. As he told me, he wouldn't bring the bike to Bonneville and have everybody fly in and help him on something he wasn't totally confident about yet. Lars have postponed his try to 2010, to have some more time to work on the bike.
Lucky enough for me. Because then I have some more time to follow his progress and how the bike does at Bonneville next year.
Lars is not new to building motorcycles. Below is some photos of his previous builds. You can also follow his building diary at landracing.com |
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2010-Dec-17 - Kawasaki ER6n review |
| Kawasaki has taken quite a while replacing their old trusty workhorse and beginners bike the ER5. So I expected them to come up with something that could maybe knock Yamaha's FZ6 off its pedestal. In terms of modern design and technique it's a big leap ahead from the ER5, but is it a good bike?
My absolute first thought was that the handlebars are very narrow. But otherwise it was quite comfy - everything sitting where you would expect. Heading off, I found no issues with the brakes and suspension. You have to get a bike under your skin before you can really start to test the brakes. But for a beginner's bike, I'm sure they are more than capable.
The Kawasaki ER6n feels very light and with its 174 kg it is also 20 kg lighter than what I'm used to. Which would be just fine, but my impression was that the weight combined with the narrow handlebars made it very wind sensitive. It was a bit windy that day, and once when I overtook a car and gave the throttle an extra notch, it didn't feel comfortable at all. No doubt the engine would like to play, but the steering was holding back on the fun. I certainly didn't experience that on the FZ6.
Looks wise I think the bike is pretty sharp. Rear suspension spring tugged in asymmetrical on the right hand side, Buell style exhausts hiding beneath the engine, not your average square swing arm. There are a lot of nice details on the bike, except for the headlight and gauge area that looks like they forgot to give it gauges and had to come up with a quick fix. I wonder if you can pick up Zeta Rocks on the clock radio Kawasaki put on top of that fly screen. Seems the good old classic round motorcycle headlight is seriously going out of style.
I'm going to be nice and give it three helmets, because of the long awaited design update and the side by side twin engine. It's not Kawasaki's fault that they don't know round headlights and wide handlebars is the coolest thing next to the Tesla Coil. For a beginner's bike, it's not a bad choice at all.
First impression rating:
Even a beginner's bike like the Kawasaki ER6n can set you back a pretty penny. A cash advance could help ease the financial burden. |
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2010-Dec-17 - Real McCoy 1970's Dirt Bike racing film |
| If you watch one film today, this has to be the one. It's converted from real 8mm recorded in 1970 of a dirt bike event at Carlsbad Raceway in Carlsbad, CA. The film is bound to make you in a good mood. They just had lots of fun back then. Notice the riding gear and the bikes, that's just the best. Doug Klassen from Forty Years On Two Wheels is behind the film and has a good story to share about the event. |
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2010-Dec-17 - A kick ass woman biker |
| I had heard the rumor of an American girl touring Europe on a vintage motorcycle. Today I learned that it's true, her name is Jacqui Van Ham and she's riding a 1972 BMW R75/5 (Thanks to my buddy Olaf, for the tip).
I think it's bloody great what she's doing, and I wish it was me. I always wanted to do some grand tour of something on a vintage motorcycle. Somehow that appeals more to me than doing it on a modern comfortable bike.
A common saying among motorcycle riders is that "it's not about the destination, it's the journey". Riding a vintage motorcycle sort of enhance that state of mind. It's like running a marathon, which is a great accomplishment in it self, and then running a marathon in a white hot dessert. You're bound to, and sometimes forced to find adventure on your way.
Jacqui is doing her trip alone, and is more or less at the mercy of the people she meets on her way. That's kick ass of you ask me. You meet so many nice people and everybody will do their best to help you out.
You can help Jacqui out by visiting her site and donating some gas money. The price for gas in Europe is insane these days. |
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2010-Dec-17 - Meeting Cole Foster at Super Rally 2008 in Denmark |
| This weekend was super rally weekend, and my bike got finished just in time to make the run. The weather was beyond great and there was no mechanical hick ups along the way. That was more than enough to make it a great weekend. But things was going to get even better.
On Saturday I had the pleasure of meeting Cole Foster who was there with the Grease Monkey Mayhem crew. I told him about my bike inspired by the 70's choppers and how it just got finished after a couple of years scrounging up the right parts.
He asked to see it and I wasn't going to pass up the chance of having Cole Foster comment on my motorcycle, so I ran off and got it. Drove it right on to the Grease Monkey Mayhem exhibit area where Cole and Bean're jumped out to inspect it. They asked about all sorts of details, which I was able to answer with a descent level of accuracy.
The final, and greatest words of approval came when Cole said "you can park that bike here as long as you want". I asked if he was serious and he just replied "sure, I'll watch it for you". Damn, that was a great feeling.
A lot of people told me I was completely bonkers having my bike built like that, but I had a vision and stuck to it. I knew I'd like it and didn't care if people would get it or not. Then having one of the greatest motorcycle builders of our time give me the thumbs up like that… well, it's safe to say I walked away, with my bike still there on exhibit among the world famous California builds, feeling a wee bit taller than usual.
The bike needs to have a few more things finished that didn't make in time for Super Rally, I'll post more pictures and info about it when that's done.
Super Rally photos is coming as soon as I get them sorted out. |
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2010-Dec-17 - Ducati reviews coming up |
| Do you want a couple of days in Southern France riding the latest Ducati motorcycles? Then you should probably check out Columbus International. In a couple of days I'll be heading to Cannes to learn more about these guys, and take a couple of their motorcycles for a spin.
Stay tuned, and if you come up with questions you might want answered let me know. |
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2010-Dec-17 - This Ironhead blows your mind |
| This Helmet Hair feature motorcycle is something out of the ordinary, alone Jeffs story about the bike is nothing less than amazing. Not going to reveal the point to you now, because I want you to have the same experience I had when reading Jeffs tale. So I'll just cut to the chase and let Jeff from San Diego, CA. tell you about his 1973 Harley Davidson XLCH 900.
"The idea for this bike actually begins with Tupac -yeah that Tupac. Tupac Amaru Shakur, the rapper and actor. A couple of years ago I was thinking about how even after ten years since Tupac was taken from us, that he is still well known and loved by millions -kind of like Elvis. And since I like Tupac??s music and acting, I thought that I??d build a tribute to him and then sell it to raise some money for his foundation, which was founded by his mom and is basically about helping young kids get into positive and creative activities. Sitting down to figure how I'd do this, the first thing I thought about was what I wouldn??t do. I knew that I did not want to build some heavy and ponderous swing-arm custom loaded down with excess weight. I thought that this bike should be of the era in which Tupac was born and raised -the 70s. I also wanted to build something that would be lean, fast, and dangerous. Kind of a reflection of his life. That got me to thinking about an Ironhead and the rest is history.
I found a 1973 XLCH 900 in northern California and bought it based on the photos. Once it got shipped to me I knew I had a long road ahead. First off, it was barely running. The Mikuni??s choke lever seemed to do nothing. I had to choke the carburetor by placing my knee over the intake just so I could start it! I??d later find out that the previous owner was running it like this because the pilot air screw and idle screws were both seated and the jet was set too high. Basically this meant that even running an open carb with no filter, that the engine was starved for air all the time. I was fouling plugs inside of ten seconds unless I sped up to about 50mph whereupon the open throttle would almost even things out. Also, the girder front end was (no surprise) too long for the frame, which made the bike look like it was perpetually going up a hill. I could go on about rebuilding the clutch (the cable broke while I was riding it), rebuilding the rear brake, installing a new gen./digital regulator, realigning the cams, replace/rewire all electronics, raking the front end with a saws-all, fabricating brackets, boxes, removing the swing arm, cutting a fender, massaging the frame and replacing it with a rigid bolt-on, etc., but you get the idea. Total tear down and rebuild. That took about sixty days.
Once I had it mechanically perfect, I began to think about how it should look. The chrome was destroyed from two years of outside storage. So that would have to go. But the main thing was, I knew that I was not going to plaster a bunch of cartoon gangster junk all over it and turn it into some lame "theme bike" First, because I don??t build toys; and second, because I wanted my small tribute to the man to be a positive one. So, no gun-grip handlebars, no bullet risers, no magnum bolt covers, no painted on bullet holes, etc. In fact, no violent imagery at all. Instead I created a roses and thorns design to represent the beauty, death and rebirth of life. Yeah I know, kinda?? Zen and all that. But like I said, I wanted it to be positive. This took about thirty more days to finish. Mainly because all those little intertwined thorns, rosebuds, and so on, take a long time to paint by hand. By the way, the gas tank reads "Thug Life" in the same lettering style as Tupac??s tattoo. Also the rear fender reads "Only God Can Judge Me" -another reference and one that also speaks for how a lot of us bikers view society.
In the end it looks like what I imagined, and I think I??ve achieved what I wanted. Older riders dig the details, like the raked out girder front end, no front brake, no blinkers, completely hidden electronics, and 70??s paint style. While younger generation of riders digs the aggressive stance and the unusual raw beauty of it (compared to today??s modern somewhat overdressed choppers). They also eventually do a double-take when they notice the specific details and realize where the inspiration came from. All in all it??s a scary blast to ride and I reckon that's something." Jeff. There you have it, a Tupac tribute Ironhead and it's a 1973, which we all know is a magic number. To put it like one of the dudes from Jockey Journal "That motorcycle doesn't suck at all". Nice job, Jeff. Hope you complete your mission for the bike. |
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2010-Dec-17 - New hot supermoto KTM 690 SMR |
| Here's a motorcycles I can't wait to get my greasy hands on, The KTM 690 SMR supermoto.
KTM 690 SMR
This motorcycle might very well go to the top of my wish list, looks like heaps of fun waiting to be unleashed. KTM have disappointed me before when I first saw the bike for real though. But the 690 SMR looks very promising, so maybe this one will be different.
Via Faster faster |
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2010-Dec-17 - Hypermotard video review |
| Check out this video review of the Ducati Hypermotard. Doesn't really say much about the bike other than listing the features, but there's some nice footage of the bike in action.
I've seen the bike up close, and it looks even better for real and surprisingly small and compact for a 1100cc bike. Not a big fan of the innovative handle-turn-signal-mirror combo, but you can get some more traditional mirrors with integrated turn signals from Ducati as well. |
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2010-Dec-17 - Don't miss The One World Tour |
| Scott and Zack is going on a European tour with their two brilliant movies Choppertown - The sinners, and Brittown. A good chance to meet up with all the nutters that are into greasy old iron. Check out the schedule here.
I'm plotting to be there when they're in Hamburg. But I'm also going to Bedrock Weekend which is the same weekend, and I sorta have a job to attend to as well… When the hell are they going to invent that teleporter. |
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2010-Dec-17 - Honda CB1100R concept motorcycle too expensive to put in production |
| We've all been drooling over the Honda CB1100R concept motorcycle hoping of news that it would go into production. But according to the designer, Koji Miwa, it will be a very expensive motorcycle because of the quality of the parts. As Mr. Miwa says "I want this bike to be on sale as a regular model. I don't want this bike to be a kind of limited, specially-made machine." (more on MCN) Which in other words mean we won't be seeing the Honda CB1100R in stores any time soon.
That's too bad, because the Honda CB1100R is one the best looking concepts we've seen in years. But no reason not to be optimistic about it. We could hope; now that the 1100cc concept will be too expensive for people to buy, they'll come up with a less expensive 750cc version of the concept. A 750cc engine would be brilliant for the futuristic meets retro concept.
Imagine riding a bike that is light and handles like a modern sports bike, but looks like something Steve McQueen would have ridden. Forget about all the exotic parts, just make it simple with the best essential parts but not cutting edge that only a fraction will notice anyways. A bike you can ride the shit out of with out worrying that it will cost you a rocket should you spill it on a track day.
Well, dream on boys and girls, and while you're at it here's a few videos of the Honda CB1100R concept motorcycle to fire up your imagination.
Here's the roots.
And the new concept bike close up. |
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