Motorcycle Consumer News / Motorcycle Consumer News / General Motorcycle Discussions

New ABS breaks

torqueman — Tue, 02 Mar 2010 16:55:40 GMT

http://www.albawaba.com/en/countries/UAE/261843

Big claims but no info on how their ABS is better than what is currently on the market. Still I am happy to see safety development continuing in light of a depressed market.

MCN Feedback

tonyn1 — Thu, 11 Mar 2010 08:44:28 GMT

As a subscriber to MCN, I've tried contacting them regarding certain issues with the magazine, but never received a reply. How about starting a section of the forum where we can give feedback about the magazine itself in order to improve it. Though it is a fine publication, some issues still remain. For instance, I wanted to find an article in a recent issue, but I could not remember which one, so I was looking for an article index which I found on the site. The only one I found though, was through 2007. How about a more recent index, say putting them out at the end of each year?

Now this is a Single Track

modette — Tue, 09 Mar 2010 13:56:04 GMT

And no it is not me, not on my big dual sport.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gsYNFhO6c8g

Honda Hoot

drummer — Mon, 08 Mar 2010 05:47:59 GMT

I heard that the Honda Hoot is again canceled this year. Anybody know if that is true or not?

Road Racers

suzukimad07 — Wed, 10 Mar 2010 09:53:57 GMT

Season Ticket Full Throttle BBC NI Written by Administrator [FONT=GillSans-Bold] Wednesday, March 17 on BBC One NI, 10.45pm [/FONT]
Season Ticket: Full Throttle gives an insight into the hi-octane world of the motorcycle road racer. The first programme in a new three part series starting on Wednesday, March 17 on BBC One NI looks at this exhilarating sport through the eyes of three riders, 33-year-old Ryan Farquhar, 45-year-old Sean Leonard and 22-year-old Michael Dunlop.

The documentary, filmed at Killalane, north of Dublin, which was the venue for the last National road race meeting of the 2009 season, includes footage of the three men on and off the circuit and looks into how they do it, why they do it, and if they will ever stop.

With his uncle Joey considered a motor cycling legend and father Robert holding the record for wins at the NW200, Michael Dunlop is considered road racing royalty. Within the programme he explains why he cannot give up the sport even though his uncle and father both lost their lives racing motorcycles: “You get scared, many a time I’ve got a fright but I’ve never been too afraid to get back on again. Them wee scares is the enjoyment. Me going out and winning a race is like me winning the lottery.

“People get their buzz out of golf, snooker whatever, I get mine out of racing between hedges. That’s the way I was brought into life and that’s the way I’ll go out of it.”

Ryan Farquhar runs his own team, KMR, as a married man with two young children he has a lot to lose. He explains how he can keep going out race after race: “It’s a great sport when it’s going well but when it goes bad it can go really bad, that’s the downside of it. Everybody who goes out racing, they know the dangers. I suppose everybody thinks it’ll never happen to them. I love it, it’s in my blood and I can’t get away from it.”

The programme also speaks to Ryan’s wife, Karen who brings the children along to the race meetings, she explains her fears for her husband: “For me he’s [Ryan] one of the safest riders there is, but that doesn’t matter in road racing. There’s been a lot of safe riders that have been killed. I’m always hoping and praying that it’ll never be coming to my door.” However she still understands how much the sport means to her husband and says: “There’s no way I’d want Ryan to give up road racing for me.”

Sean Leonard has been racing at the Killalane road races for the past 25 years. To him it’s not so much about the race win but getting enough money together to race at all, but even though it is a struggle he would never give it up: “I’m that long doing it, that’s all I know now. It is a drug you know. That’s what I always say, if you’re an alcoholic or something else, but there’s no rehab for motorcycle racers
p gossip

Anti lock Training versus mechanics

ironhead97 — Mon, 08 Mar 2010 19:45:08 GMT

Mechanical aptitude versus training/education versus antilock brakes and other driving/riding dilemma.
This is a Spin off of the anti lock brake thread, and continues the thought but brings up new questions of operator knowledge/mechanical aptitude/training/ experience and other factors.
A thought occurred to me as I was thinking about why I can’t train myself to hold the brake pedal down when the anti lock brakes kick in.
I have a pretty good mechanical aptitude. I do most of the work on my vehicles myself. I was good in physics in school.
I was wondering if people that don’t understand how their vehicle works and therefore have no real expectation of how the pedal should feel, and don’t notice anything “wrong” when the brake pedal starts vibrating, would benefit more from having anti-lock brakes more than a mechanically inclined person?

This led to thinking about driver education in schools today, versus when I took it in high school.
In my Driver Ed classes, we studied the mechanics of the vehicles, and we had projects that made us explain the parts of the car. I will tell what my project was in a bit….
I was the only one in the entire school (not just my class) that got 100 out of 100 multiple choice questions right on the final exam in Driver Ed. There were quit a few who got 99 correct.
The question that tripped them up was this…..
Which of the following contributes to the cars ability to make a turn.
A. Front lower control arm.
B. Front anti sway bar.
C. Differential.
D. Shock absorbers.

It helped that my class project was on the differential. Since we had a few junk cars in the yard, my dad and I removed the rear end from one and he had me cut the axle housings off and then I cut the axles so that they stuck out of the stubby housing so they could be turned by hand. Then dad cut the housing so that the top 1/4 could be removed and you could look in at the carriers and watch the ring and pinion and the spider gears work.
When I look at a car or Bike, what I see is like looking at one of those cutaway/X-ray drawings in Popular Mechanics. I don’t always get it exactly right, because there are so many ways to achieve the same mechanical movements. But the more I learn, the more possibilities I see.
So when I put my foot down on the brake pedal, I have this sense of what’s happening to make the car/bike stop. And as such I have certain expectations of what I should be feeling. I certainly don’t expect the brake pedal to chatter or pulse unless the brake rotor is warped or has hot spots in it. So it seems that no matter how hard I try to retrain myself to hold the brake pedal down, I can do it when I’m practicing but, when I encounter a real world panic situation, I let off the brake when I feel something “wrong”. It is totally instinctive and reactive, and almost unconscious action.
So for me, as someone who raced Moto-X as a kid and raced cars as an adult, and having that mechanical brain, Anti-lock doesn’t work for me.
But for the person without that history and no mechanical ability, Anti lock brakes is probably a life saver when they work.
So this gets me back to ……Why don’t they teach Driver Ed that way anymore?
And why don’t they teach the difference between how a car handles and how a motorcycle handles and how a large truck/tractor trailer with a live load handles. I think this is all about teaching awareness of your situation. Because even if you never operate one of those vehicles, at least you will know what to expect when you are driving/riding next to them.
We would have better educated driver/riders and therefore more proficient driver/riders. And if they were thinking about what their vehicle was doing, they wouldn't have time to be talking on the cell phone.

new rider bike recommendations.

stones — Wed, 02 Aug 2006 08:57:35 GMT

I am a new rider 6ft 1inch tall 210 lbs. I would appreciated any recommendations in respect to my purchase of first bike. I was thinking a cruiser or sport/crusier.

Thanks

Purchasing a bike...

drummer — Tue, 02 Mar 2010 04:51:58 GMT

So I have been looking for an R1200RT (05) and found two and I was about to move on one of them. Both sold last week. Stats: $11K for one with 16K miles, and one for $9.5K with 24K miles. Both had pluses and minuses but the 24K miles bike came with a 1 1/2 yr. warranty. That was the bike, a deal to be sure, but that was the bike I was going to move on.

Well now that both are not available, I am finding that pricing according to Kelly, NADA, and even the MC News pdf is all over the board. Kelly says these bikes should have been around $12K, NADA says $10K (area), and MC News doesn't even list the bike but says the 2006 is $9.5K.

I have found another at a local dealer with 16K miles and they want $13K - so what is a real price for this bike? How can I find out? Or is it just up to the seller according to their costs and just wait until I find another deal?

Thoughts?

Robert Dunlop Fund

suzukimad07 — Sun, 07 Mar 2010 04:21:27 GMT

Here we have for sale high quality Robert Dunlop vinyl stickers
Ideal for use on a motorbike, car, etc.
All proceeds going to the Robert Dunlop Memorial Sculpture fund.
Robert Dunlop was one of the greatest ever exponents of
motorcycle racing ever to come out of the island of Ireland. Robert
was a multi title winner and indeed still holds the record number of
wins ever recorded at the world famous North West 200 circuit with
15 victories. Other notable achievements include the 1991 British
125cc champion and 1990 Macau Grand Prix winner.

Robert was also awarded the very prestigious Freeman of the
borough honour by Ballymoney Borough Council in recognition of
his tremendous career in motor cycle racing throughout the world.
Robert also had a civic reception held in Ballymoney Town Hall to
mark his 1991 BRITISH 125cc championship title.

Ballymoney Borough Council are to provide a new memorial
garden at Castle Street, Ballymoney so we the committee of the
Robert Dunlop Memorial Sculpture Fund together with Roberts
family have set about raising the necessary funds required to
enable us to erect a sculpture be-fitting of Robert in his new
memorial garden. We have been reliably informed by the experts
that the sum required to erect such a sculpture will be in the region
of £60,000. So, together with all subscriptions and donations made
to the fund, we will be able to erect a sculpture worthy of such a
talented and gifted sportsman.

Many thanks for your kindness and generosity,
Liam Beckett (Chairman)
www.robertdunlopsculpturefund.com

Thanks to Mr. Wiley and the Downtime files

jjoyce — Sat, 06 Mar 2010 17:20:11 GMT

I was looking for advice about some service to my old Goldwing and sent a request off to the Downtime Files in MCN. I only did this after finding no information on the matter across several forums and the manufacturer's shop manual.

What I received in response was not only great technical information but invaluable advice born of evident substantial experience, all included in a thorough write-up showing great care. I couldn't have asked for more or better advice.

I've rebuilt more than a few auto engines and am pretty comfortable with the theory and the practice, but I've never dug too deeply into one of these engines (1500.) Mr.Wiley's advice was invaluable to me, and I'll bet that's true for others as well.

I wanted to express my thanks here so others could appreciate what value he provides to us.

Thank you sir, and all the best to you.

Jack

Winter 09/10 thread

ibafran — Fri, 27 Nov 2009 15:27:10 GMT

We were doing well here, weatherwise, for November. And, I didn't care to start a thread such as this until forced by Ma Nature.

We got sub-freezing temps overnite and had the Thanksgiving Day rain puddles iced up overnight. Gave me a chill just looking at the ice.

We have 9 days till the Chicagoland Toys for Tots Parade. This is the last biker event around here for the season. Those who store their bikes for the winter usually put them up right after the Parade. The rest of us just strive to struggle thru to April. The real nasty time doersn't hit till January and runs thru all of Febuary dribbling out to the Ides of March. With a bit of luck and the right dance moves, the track day on the first Saturday of April will be pleasent enough to be the season opening event for 2010.

Fred Rau's March editorial

sv650 — Mon, 08 Feb 2010 14:54:06 GMT

I agree with Freds defination of "Biker" and "Motorcyclist" just wondering how others feel.

Harley Riders

modette — Tue, 16 Feb 2010 08:58:39 GMT

May not be work or family friendly...but oh so funny

http://www.southparkstudios.com/episodes/251889

The King

RePete — Mon, 01 Mar 2010 18:49:45 GMT

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8k8hJWKIVNs

Enjoy

bike links & stuff, as collected

ibafran — Fri, 29 Feb 2008 17:45:55 GMT

AWRIGHT!

I posted up a few links to videos of biker stuff that seemed to be recieved well or tolerated. In the spirit of spirit, post links to that crazy biker videos from youtube, movie trailers, and stuff that is fun but not necessarily of great import deserving a thread all its own. Thus, we might accumulate an ongoing archive of fun stuff all in one thread. Snide comments and hilarity might rule the thread. Unfortunately, we will have to be careful as this is a family forum. Lets see how long we can go before Torqueman has to delete something. I can envision his angst, palpitating heart, sweating palms, and itchy 'delete' digit.

http://www.brittown.com/

trailer from a brit bike film. Sound seems to be correct for the bikes.

Edit:

http://uk.youtube.com/watch?v=b96qUn1EKsI

Vincent parade, IOM 2007

moved this here just so others might not have to go looking for it.

There is another from some time ago that people liked. If a forum member has it saved somehow, He/She could bring it forward to here.

Grattan Raceway/Team Chicago School 09

ibafran — Sun, 05 Apr 2009 04:59:54 GMT

Traditionally held on the first saturday of april, the Team Chicago Roadracing School meets at Grattan Raceway which is about 20 miles east of Grand Rapids MI. In the past, I have posted info so that forum members who might want to attend could have a fun day, learn some neat stuff in a different venue, and add to their ever widening biking experience. Alas, I have had no suckers (oops) riders from the forum take me up on this. It would be nice to have a forum member agree/disagree on my take of the day. I came as close as I ever have to reeling in some poor suck...(oops) rider this year. Drat! He spit the hook at the last moment and bailed out on me. As with most group events, it is very difficult to get riders to coordinate schedules. The biker budd that I do the school with is a MCN reader and enjoys a wide range of activities. Yet I can't seem to get this pretty good guy to join the forum. I can only asssooom that he has a real life and doesn't need to hang out here. There is another forum member that lives in MI and who could make one of these schools pretty easily. I can't seem to reel him in either. Apparently, sales is not one of my callings.

Anywho, one of the forum menbers will want to know what he missed. Thus, this brief synopsis.

I am a little bit at the mercy of my biking budd. He is a creature disposed to a level of comfort that early spring in the north of MI often does not provide. Because I am a cheapskate, I hate paying for a motel only to burn money while just sleeping. Thus, I like to ride to the track in the weeee hours of the AM in temps as low as 20f-35f. "Like" is a relative term. At the last minute we decided to ride to the track area friday evening and stay at a motel. There are upsides to this, if one can stand to spend resources in the first place. There is heat, and a warm/hot shower and a comfy place to flop at the end of the trip. Plus, there is instant waffles and stuff compliments of the motel in the morning. The ten mile ride to the track saturday morning allowed us to arrive fed, and sort of comfy and rested. It was 33f.

The ride from chicagoland started with sunny and warm that went down with the sun. We arrived in the great north in 36f with frozen toes and fingers. And we were stiff, achy, and sore from a mere 3.5 hrs in the saddle. Just like our rusty skills, our bodies were not used to spending that long a stretch on the bikes. So instead of arriving at the track in this pitiful condition, we had our motel. Personally, I think a rider should suffer for his art/fun a little more. But, to each, his own. Being stoopid and cheap, I have a leg up on this and suffering comes natural to me. Others have to strive more for it than I do.

The first order of business is to find a place to park and name it your "pit". Thus, in keeping with the suffering them, your life is now in the pits. Then find wherever the paperwork has to be done and do that as necessary.

Next is a trackwalk of about 2 miles. If I have ridden in during the wee hours, this warming walk usually saves me. Usually means that on occassion I have arrived so debilitated that I may not be warm after a brisk 2 mile walk in a lot of clothing. This time I was so warm right away that I could shed some gear and give it to other people on the track walk who were decidedly underdressed and needed help. One rider wore my neck warmer for the whole day. She was very, very pretty. Alas, I didn't get it back with an invite of any sort to further post track interaction. Not that I expected any invite. It was just one of those things (unrequited luv?) that was a pleasant unexpected addition to my suffering theme.

Next came a series of themed talks in various sheds and garages around the track. The starting tower flags talk was given in the starting tower. Thus, rider got a little view from that perspective. The tech shed had a demo about safety wiring. Bikes should come to the track with some minimal safety wiring for the safety of all and the individual confidence it inspires. Wiring the major fluid drains and the oil filter is not a big deal except for the first time. Tech is pretty lax for the street riding group that I inhabit. There is an "Attitude" seminar to help track noobs get a grip on the day and its wonders and temptations. And a corner flag presentation so that riders will know what communication means. (Hint, If you have ever missed even one sign on the DMV sign test, don't come to the track. We can't afford to have that kind of loss of focus at speed.) There is a chaulk talk about riding lines around the course. No gear (back protectors and such) talk this year. I don't know why? There should have been one for the Street riders. For those that might like to take less care about riding gear and bike prep, not being distracted about whether or not you really tightened your axel nuts greatly helps going fast. Thus, bike prep takes a lot of worry out of the day, inspires confidence, helps focus and is vastly more responsible for fast laps times than is generally acknowledged.

I am called away. More later...

edited for the usuall reasons. hope it reads better now than when it was first posted in the mental fog of early morn.

i o m

suzukimad07 — Sun, 28 Feb 2010 08:08:08 GMT

Moto2 GP bike set for sensational Isle of Man TT debut

Written by Administrator

- Olie Linsdell teams up with FTR to bring state of the art prototype machine to the TT

The Isle of Man TT Races are again proving their worldwide importance and value to the motorcycling world with the sensational news that one of the all-new Moto2 GP bikes will be contesting the Senior TT. The 600cc bikes have replaced the two-stroke 250cc machines at GP level and the 2010 TT will be the first place that race fans will see the bike being raced in the British Isles.

British chassis manufacturers FTR will be supplying the Honda-engined machine. It will be a similar spec to that being ridden in the Grands Prix by riders including former 125cc World Champion Gabor Talmacsi and GP winners Alex Debon and Andrea Iannone. British rider Graeme Gowland has also had considerable success on the machine when he raced in the Spanish Championship at the end of 2009.

Bedfordshire based Olie Linsdell will be riding the special GP bike, which should be able to mirror the speeds of the Supersport bikes. Olie will be following in his father’s footsteps in riding a revolutionary machine on the Mountain Course. Steve Linsdell was the last man to ride a GP bike in a Senior TT when he rode the 500cc Paton in 2007 and he has also ridden bikes like the GTS1000 Yamaha and Triumph Saxon at a high level.

22-year old Linsdell, a double Manx Grand Prix winner in 2007, looked set to have a strong TT 12 months ago until he broke his leg during Wednesday evening’s practice session following an incident at Glen Duff. He was back in the saddle for the Classic 2009 Manx Grand Prix where he led the race until being forced to retire on the final lap.

One of the brightest talents to emerge in recent years, Linsdell is now 100% fit and is clearly excited to be given such an opportunity. He commented:

“The Moto2 GP class is exciting for everyone at the moment and I’m delighted and honoured to get the opportunity to race one at the TT. There’s a big buzz around the class and while the 600cc bike won’t be quick enough to challenge the Superbikes for the win in the Senior TT, there’s no reason at all why it can’t lap in excess of 125mph and get inside the top ten which would be a great achievement.

He continued:

“Both the team and I obviously have a lot to learn about how the bike will cope with the Mountain Course but the chassis is as good as anything else out there and we’ll be aiming to match, if not better, the 600cc Supersport lap times. The whole project is sure to create a lot of interest during TT fortnight and we’re confident we can do it justice and get a credible result.”

Hon Martyn Quayle, MHK, Minister for Tourism and Leisure, Isle of Man Government commented:

“The TT has always provided a great test-bed for new and innovative machinery since its inception in 1907 and everyone is really looking forward to seeing how the Moto 2 GP bike performs on the course. This year’s event is sure to be fascinating for spectators with a wide range of manufacturers – both new and established – competing against each other as well as the return of some old favourites.”

p gossip

Do you like Graphics on your bike!

jimmie298 — Tue, 23 Feb 2010 22:36:04 GMT

Yes,i like Graphics on bike,because without graphics it looks very simple and it charm does not grooms up.
_____I'm a spammer

Winter

drummer — Wed, 03 Feb 2010 05:09:22 GMT

I am certain that this is one of the toughest winters in NC in a long time. Tough in that it has been 20 degrees below the normal and we have had our two snow storms for the winter all ready. I know, I should shut up by comparison to those in the rockies etc, but when you are used to getting a couple of hundred miles in each winter month, this really stinks. I don't know how you people in the colder places do it - I mean, not riding.

Okay, so I am off of my "attitude" soap box - I hope all of you are having a good winter.

wHAT TO GIVE UP

PITBULL — Mon, 22 Feb 2010 13:05:11 GMT

i`ve been out of work for a while. My subscription ran out a few months ago I can`t justify the price right now so now I have nothing to read while sitting in the office waiting for an interview. So what would you give up. This is/was the only magazine I read.

Added another ride to the garage

ST-TLW — Sun, 24 Jan 2010 07:51:35 GMT

I just picked up a 2004 Burgman 400. This will supplement the ST1100 and SV650 already in my overcrowded one car sized garage. I took it out for a chilly 16 mile ride on backroads and 6 miles on the interstate. I couldn't resist passing all the cars and trucks I came across. I pictured them thinking, "I was just passed by a scooter!".

I've long believed scooters are overlooked in this country as a legitimate mode of transportation. I've seen posts on the forums of riders logging 15-20,000 miles a years on them. I'm impressed.

Hopefully, I'll be able to get a longer ride in soon.

two/four wheels

ironhead97 — Sat, 30 Jan 2010 09:07:46 GMT

Gang.Check this out and let me know what you think...
http://www.wimp.com/ecomobiletests/
I would like to drive/ride one just once. But it just seems wrong somehow......

Couples riding together

shortinseam — Fri, 29 Jan 2010 11:21:52 GMT

Hey all,

After my little misadventure into the fashion world, I am back in moto-land. Specifically, I am (unofficially, nothing's been signed) working for one of the OEMs. I can't tell you which one, since I'm not official, but you're a smart bunch: it's a manufacturer based on a certain bunch of islands in the Pacific. Its first initial is in the middle of the alphabet.

I'm coming back with a request: to interview couples who ride. I will be writing a story about that for said manufacturer's web site. So, if you or anyone you know is half of a couple who rides together, either two-up or on separate machines, PM me so that I can get in touch with you.

Couples can be gay or straight, married or not, and have been riding together at least a year. Thanks in advance for your help.

Suzuki DR650 - hunting the 3rd article in a series

basketcase — Tue, 16 Feb 2010 06:00:22 GMT

In 2008 MCN began a series of articles on tweaking and setting up the Suzuki DR650.

- DR650SE R&D Phase 1 ran in March 2008.

- DR650SE R&D Phase 2 ran in November 2008.

At the conclusion of the second part (Nov '08, p. 34) the writer indicated a 3rd segment would be forthcoming to cover jetting and some other issues.

Can someone steer me to the month/issue in which the subsequent part or parts of the series ran?

Thanks in advance.

My, how the tables have turned!

NJScooterGal — Sun, 14 Feb 2010 03:03:20 GMT

Prominent Lake County attorney, civic leader Bruce Duncan charged with DUI/manslaughter in death of motorcyclist.

Prominent Lake County attorney and civic leader, Bruce Duncan, was charged with DUI/manslaughter. He was booked into the Lake County Jail Feb. 12, 2010. (Lake County Sheriff's Office / February 12, 2010)

TAVARES - Lake County attorney and prominent civic leader Bruce Duncan surrendered Friday to jail authorities after the Florida Highway Patrol charged him with DUI-manslaughter in the traffic death of a retired postal worker.

Duncan, 46, of Sorrento could be sentenced to 15 years in prison if convicted of the second-degree felony stemming from an Oct. 17 accident in which a Nissan Titan pickup truck drove into the path of a motorcycle.

FHP Sgt. Kim Montes said Duncan – who was returning home from Gainesville after attending the Florida Gators football game against Arkansas – had a half-empty bottle of vodka in an ice chest on the truck seat.

The crash, less than half a mile from Duncan's home, killed Herbert "Steve" Muller, 61, a retired postal worker who was returning to his home in Mount Dora after a ride with friends to Daytona Beach and Biketoberfest.

Montes said troopers drew blood from Duncan at the crash scene that measured his blood-alcohol content at 0.16 percent, double the state's threshold at which a motorist is presumed to be impaired by alcohol.

An autopsy showed Muller had no alcohol in his blood.

Duncan, a descendant of a pioneer Lake County family, is president of Family Dynamics, a Leesburg-based land development firm. He previously served as an assistant public defender, assistant Lake County attorney and Lake's economic-development director. His great-grandfather, Henry Holcomb Duncan, introduced the state legislation that created Lake County from land in Orange and Sumter counties.

Duncan has been a visible community booster. He is chairman of the executive board of LifeStream Behavioral Center, which provides mental-health and substance-abuse services for Lake and Sumter counties, according to the agency's Web site. Also, he has acted as master of ceremonies for local charity events and in 2006 he won a Lake County charity version of the TV hit Dancing With the Stars.

The evening of the crash, Duncan, a devoted Gators football fan, was returning from Ben Hill Griffin Stadium. He had left before the game ended because the top-ranked Gators were trailing Arkansas. His friends said he couldn't bear to watch his alma mater lose. The Gators rallied to win, 23-20.

The bearded Muller, an avowed bachelor, worked for the U.S. Postal Service for 26 years, the last 14 in Mount Dora, where he helped – and entertained – customers with his dry wit, one-liners and storytelling.

He retired in July 2008.

Muller, who served on the flight deck of the USS Hancock during the Vietnam War, was about three miles from his home. David Connor of Summerfield, a riding buddy, described Muller as "obsessively safe" as a motorcycle rider.

Muller had a bumper sticker on the workbench in his garage: "Look Twice, Save a Life."

Reached by phone Friday, his brother, Tom Muller of New Jersey, would not discuss Duncan's arrest.

Duncan was escorted to the Lake County Jail by Michael Graves, a Tavares defense lawyer who once served as Duncan's supervisor at the Public Defender's Office. Duncan was released after posting $50,000 bail.

In an affidavit, FHP traffic-homicide investigators cited Duncan's blood-alcohol level, his unsteady appearance at the crash scene and statements by motorists who observed his driving pattern before the crash.

Duncan was turning onto Majestic Oaks Drive, the entrance to his residential subdivision, when his truck hit Muller, who was riding west on Wolf Branch Road about 8:50 p.m., according to the preliminary FHP crash report.

Terms of his pretrial release forbid Duncan to drink or drive, said Bill Gladson, division chief for the State Attorney's Office in Lake County. A court date has not been set.

Stephen Hudak can be reached at shudak@orlandosentinel.com or 352-742-5930.,

DO LOUD HORNS SAVE LIVES???

OzarkHarleyGuy — Fri, 29 May 2009 07:47:54 GMT

Folks I'll admit I'm a politically correct (most of the time) flaming liberal as my wife calls me. I've worked for the U.S. Gov for more than 30 years in various capacities (some of which I'd have to kill you if I told you) so that makes me a beaureacrat and I think you need to be consistent with your arguments. You know what this thread is in reference to. So just ask yourself when you argue for/against loud pipes if I'm consistent with the use of a horn. I don't care what your likes/dislikes are; I don't like being honked at either. AND if you argue FOR loud pipes you can ask yourself "at what price?" But don't say things like loud pipes NEVER saved anyones life because you really don't know and you weaken your argument by sounding stupid.

winter???how 'bout riding in earthquakes

ironhead97 — Wed, 10 Feb 2010 16:40:22 GMT

Fran,
Did the Earthquake affect you? 3.4 sound's like it would get your attention if you were west of town...My step son is in Lombard and he said it woke them up rather suddenly!!

Lorenzo

suzukimad07 — Sat, 13 Feb 2010 11:55:50 GMT

Lorenzo brokeup
LORENZO BREAKS HAND IN MOTOCROSS CRASH

Lorenzo's crash rules him out of testing at the end of the month

By David Miller
Image by Yamaha Racing

Fiat Yamaha's Jorge Lorenzo has fractured his right hand in a motocross training accident and will miss the upcoming second set of pre-season MotoGP tests at Sepang.

The 22-year-old was riding his motocross bike at the practice course near Montmeló during a routine training session as part of his pre-season preparation. He fell in a slow corner and hurt his right hand as he landed.

He was taken immediately to the Capio Hospital General de Catalunya and found to have a fracture at the base of the first metacarpal and a displaced thumb. Dr. Augusto J. Casanovas made an open reduction and osteosynthesis with a small titanium plate. Lorenzo will require hand protection for four to six weeks.

A team spokesman said that Lorenzo will not participate in the next Sepang test but he is expected to make a full recovery in time for the final pre-season test at Qatar in March.
Please note, although no boardcode and smiley buttons are shown, they are still useable

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year Resolutions

motojavaphil — Thu, 24 Dec 2009 08:58:15 GMT

Just wanted to wish everyone a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year. Hopefully the PC Police will not arrest me for this. I hope you and your families are well and that 2010 will be the best ever!
My resolution will be to settle in Corpus Christi and travel from there.
Moto

Nuetech TUbliss System

modette — Fri, 05 Feb 2010 14:14:35 GMT

Anyone tried these and do they actually work? I'm thinking maybe I will go this route, saves having to have a spare with me plus the cost of tubes which are not cheap if you get the ultra heavy duty ones ($30+ per tube)...after having watched the video it seems like a good system and easy to mount and dismount if you follow their steps.

My concern was how long would that inner tube last but it looks like from their site 'years' is the answer. So far the reviews I have read praise the system. Only negatives seem to be from people that have not used the system.

I also read how using Slime with these pretty much make them flat proof.

I'm not an aggressive rider, nor a racer...I would think for my use this system would last a long time. One downside I read is that you do need to use NEW tires, meaning you can not reuse a tire that has been used with this system due to the tire being deformed a bit at the tire lock area. So if you are being cheap, to cycle through tires for different things it will not work well for you. This will not apply to me.

If the inner tube did pop, it cost $10.95...so not a drastic expense should they ever fail.

http://www.nuetech.com

Dyna Beads

modette — Sat, 16 Jan 2010 12:26:57 GMT

As I bought a No-mar tire changer and do some tires on the side to help with the $1,400 cost of the pro model I bought, I have had a few customers ask why I do not use the beads.

For one they are not cheap, not for the little money I charge
So that is what I always told people. I think I will copy the letter & response to this reader and just point it out if I am ever asked again.

They just seemed pretty hoaxy to me.

BMW had a good 09 kind of

torqueman — Sat, 06 Feb 2010 06:39:06 GMT

Interesting article on BMW sales.

While the world market for motorcycles above 500 cubic centimetres was still approximately 1.5 million vehicles in 2007, it shrank to about 900,000 units in 2009. This corresponds to a market drop of around 40% in two years. In the crisis year of 2009 alone the world market declined by more than 30%.

http://www.ama-cycle.org/news/story.asp?id=1735

Bike Show

suzukimad07 — Wed, 03 Feb 2010 05:04:59 GMT

Watch stunt god Mattie Griffin in the Live Action Arena

Mattie Griffin can do a range of stunts most people could never achieve with all the room in the world – and to further humble the rest of us, he’ll be performing it all in a confined indoor arena.

Buy tickets for the Carole Nash MCN Motorcycle Show

The Live Action Arena has played host to some of the stunt world’s greatest riders – Christian Pfeiffer and AC Farias are just two of the big names who have brought there skills to the Docklands venue.

Now homegrown, up-and-coming Griffin will follow in their rubber trails by showing what he’s made of throughout the show.

The indoor arena’s lower grip levels compared to outdoor tarmac venues usually causes a change of routine for some riders – but Mattie reckons his experience riding indoors means he can ride around it.

“I am really looking forward to doing the Carole Nash MCN Motorcycle Show for the first time.

"I don’t plan to change my routine for the indoor arena - I have worked in pretty small areas in the past.

“It does make a lot more work for me because you don’t get time to think! As soon as you complete a trick you have to have to get right into the next, and you have no run off area if you make a mistake!

“From my experience indoor arenas are much slipperier so it will take a lot more concentration, but I still plan entertain and to carry out all my tricks for this show and keep the visitors on their toes throughout my show!”

Griffin’s full repertoire of wheelies, stoppies and tyre-smoking tricks is worth a watch – but keep an eye out for his signature move, which is explained below.

See Steve Colley and UK FMX too!

You have four opportunities to see Mattie Griffin’s show for free during each day of the show.

He will appear with World Trials legend Steve Colley and the awesome UK FMX freestylers – complete with indoor back flips! The times of the shows are:

SHOW 1 11.30am - 12.00noon
SHOW 2 1.00pm - 1.30pm
SHOW 3 2.30pm - 3.00pm
SHOW 4 4.15pm - 4.45pm

Wannaroo vid

suzukimad07 — Wed, 03 Feb 2010 03:56:00 GMT

Online

Posts: 172

Join Date: Apr 2009

Location: ireland

Wannaroo video - 3rd Feb 10, 11:53

http://www.irishracer.com/interactive.html local magazine

Then Came Bronson Bike shows

ironhead97 — Thu, 28 May 2009 18:36:14 GMT

Just a reminder that the two big Bronson events of the year are coming up quick.
July 11 and 12 at the Harley Davidson Museum in Milwaukee.
and July 23rd thru 26th at Mountainfest in Morgantown West VA.
Check www.jimbronson.com for details.
See ya there....

M Pearson

suzukimad07 — Sun, 31 Jan 2010 07:41:01 GMT

Michael Pearson Czech Bound

Written by Administrator

Former Irish Superbike Champion Michael Pearson along with the MP Racing Team will travel to the Czech Republic on May 20th with a host of regular Irish Road Racers joining him for the annual Horice Road Races, after the Team finalised their plans on Friday night.
Confirming his entry, Pearson said that he was looking forward to the event with much excitment.
The Horice Road Races which have been running for several years now is gaining more and more attention from British and Irish riders, with the 2010 meeting on track to beat all previous records in rider entries.
Pavel Koci, from the organising Club in the Czech Republic attended the Cookstown 100 and Tandragee 100 Road Races in 2009, with Koci instrumental in gaining the attention of the Irish contingent that will make the trip in four months time.
One of the main organisers of the Irish riders is regular Irish Supertwin competitor Darren Gilpin.

Darren Gilpin: The Motorcycle Club at Horice are very passionate about road racing and Irish Road Racing, so as the word spread, Pavel was searching to attract riders from Ireland and the response has been amazing. Due to the number of Irish competitors traveling to Horice, it was soon established that sending machines and equipment in trucks due to the logistics in traveling to the Czech Republic would be cheaper. I was quite impressed with the structure and size of the meeting, and that many top European road racers have been taking part in recent years, such as Rico Penzkopher and Henrick Voit to name a few. Along with the riders, many race fans are also traveling to Horice from Ireland this year, with some Press people from Ireland also going along to see just what makes the Horice races tick".

Michael Pearson: "We are all set and booked on with flights etc, so its all systems go. There will be seven members of our team travelling to Horice, so its going to feel just ike any other race back home, and its one meeting that I am looking forward to".

Willis Marshall: (Team Manager) "It has taken a few months to get here, but here we are, with just the date of departure now next on our list. Pavel Koci from the Czech Republic has been tremendous help and has arranged our accomodation etc for the trip which has taken a huge burden off our shoulders, so we want to put on a good show and repay the lads in Horice".

Confirmed entries in Horice 2010.
Michael Pearson: Ballygowan: 2007 Irish Superbike Champion - 600 & Superbike Kawasaki's
Darren Gilpin: Newtownabbey: 3rd Ulster Road Race Championships in 2009 - Supertwins
Tim Stephenson: England: Riding John Bells 350cc Classic machine.
Wayne Hamilton: Lisburn: 250cc and 600cc classes.
Des Butler: Dublin: 2nd Irish RR Championships in 2009 Supertwins
Andrew Courtney: Celbridge: Superbike and 600cc Class's
Dave Walsh: Aghadowey: Supertwins Class
Corran Smith: Ballymena: Superbike Class
Alan Brown: Greyabbey: 3rd Irish Short Circuit Championships 2008. Rode in the British Thundersport Championships 2009, Supertwins.
William Davison: Kilrea: Top support class rider in 2009. Superbike Class.

Condon's "Riding Fast" Feb 2010, track school

ibafran — Thu, 28 Jan 2010 15:17:49 GMT

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VruWHHEnZGw

Hopefully, this is the video Ken refered to in his column, p.43 bottom of the middle column. Because I have no 'puter skilz, it was a while to locate this video. And the site that is published in the mag did not work for me.

Thanx, Ken.

A most timely topic. If you are thinking of going to a track school day this year, Right Now is about the best time to get cracking on this. Many track school days have limited enrollment.

Naturally, I hang on every word that Ken writes. And, not to disparage all the stuff where Ken and I agree, I have been known to take issue with the odd point here and there. Thus:

-The MSF may very well be "the largest and most influential safety organization in the U.S." But, just because it is the 800lb gorilla in the room does not mean that it actually is very smart as far as educating riders. MCN has noted the efforts that the MSF has made to corner the market on motorcycle safety. The dear reader can determine how well the MSF has served motorcycling. I never take for granted anything that comes out of the MSF as some sort of real truth or has the well being of America's riders uppermost in their heart. (Hint: follow the money.) As an example. Ken writes, "According to the MSF, about half of the Navy sport bikers have taken the MSRC which has resulted in a 'significant reduction' in sportbike fatalities" Note thal lack of any numbers about that 'significant reduction'. Pure MSF press release politikin' BS.

-How ironic is it that Ken writes, "...the track is probably the safest place to ride a motorcycle, and is definitly safer than riding on the street." Yet, in the same issue we read that our beloved editor, Dave, has "...a shattered scapula, two broken ribs, and a smashed knee..." at the track while "...properly dressed for the crash, fully concious and with an ambulence two minutes away." There is a 'get well' thread if you wish to leave a note.

NO TANDRAGEE ROAD RACES 2010

suzukimad07 — Sat, 30 Jan 2010 12:39:40 GMT

No Tandragee 100 races this year

The Tandragee 100 Road Races will not take place this year.

A club statement said that the decision had been taken "due to the current economic climate and circumstances beyond our control".

The statement added that the organisers, the North Armagh Club, intended to run the race again in 2011.

The Tandragee event, which had been scheduled to take place on Saturday 1 May, celebrated its 50th anniversary last year.

Michael Dunlop secured a hat-trick of wins in last year's event.

Ardglass rider John Donnan was killed at the Tandragee event in 2007 and Dubliner Martin Finnegan lost his life in a crash at the meeting 12 months later.

Earlier this month, an inquest in Donnan's death heard calls from the coroner for safety improvements in local road racing events.

A barrister for Donnan's family argued that a hay bale supposed to slow down competitors helped cause the crash.

The inquest also heard that officials ignored warnings the area was unsafe.

Senior Coroner John Leckey said: "We are just approaching that period of the year when motorcycle road race events are being held and I am concerned that a hard look should be taken at the safety issues in all the circuits."

James Irwin, chief marshal at the course, claimed he had warned the safety officers of the danger after seeing another rider, Leo Fitzpatrick, hit one of the same bales and break a leg.

He alleged he had not been allowed to express his concerns at a meeting and said adjusting the chicane slightly could have prevented the earlier rider from dislodging it and saved Mr Donnan's life.

Richard Nesbitt, convenor of the road inspection committee for looking after competitors' and spectators' safety for the Motorcycle Union of Ireland Ulster centre, said he could not remember receiving any such warning from Mr Irwin and claimed there was nothing more stable available in 2007.

All the best Dave Searle

drummer — Mon, 25 Jan 2010 05:29:21 GMT

I just read in the newest edition the article editorial from Dave about his fall and broken bones. I am sorry to hear it for you and thanks for the honest write up. I wish you and your family all the best while you heal.

2010 NT700V

NJScooterGal — Fri, 23 Oct 2009 14:45:09 GMT

pecifications

NT700V

Engine

Engine
Engine Type	680cc liquid-cooled 52° V-twin
Bore And Stroke	81mm x 66mm
Induction	PGM-FI with automatic enrichment circuit, 40mm throttle bodies and 12-hole injectors
Ignition	Digital transistorized with electronic advance
Compression Ratio	10.0:1
Valve Train	SOHC; four valves per cylinder

Drive Train

Drive Train
Transmission	Five-speed
Final Drive	Shaft

Chassis / Suspension / Brakes

Chassis / Suspension / Brakes
Front Suspension	41mm telescopic fork; 4.5 inches travel
Rear Suspension	Single shock with spring-preload adjustability; 4.8 inches travel
Front Brake	Dual full-floating 296mm discs with CBS three-piston calipers
Rear Brake	Single 276mm disc with CBS three-piston caliper
Front Tires	120/70 ZR17 radial
Rear Tires	150/70 ZR17 radial

Dimensions

Dimensions
Rake	(Caster Angle): 28° 50'
Trail	115mm (4.5 inches)
Wheelbase	58.1 inches
Seat Height	31.7 inches
Curb Weight	562 pounds (Includes all standard equipment, required fluids and full tank of fuel—ready to ride.)
Fuel Capacity	5.2 gallons, including 0.9-gallon reserve
Miles Per Gallon	50 MPG*

Other

Other
Emissions	Meets current California Air Resources Board (CARB) and EPA standards.
Available Colors	Metallic Red, Metallic Silver
Model Id	NT700VA

FACTORY WARRANTY INFORMATION

FACTORY WARRANTY INFORMATION
One Year	Transferable one-year, unlimited-mileage limited warranty; extended coverage available with a Honda Protection Plan.

Footnotes

Footnotes
Mpg	* Honda's fuel economy estimates are based on EPA exhaust emission measurement test procedures and are intended for comparison purposes only. Your actual mileage will vary depending on how you ride, how you maintain your vehicle, weather, road conditions, tire pressure, installation of accessories, cargo, rider and passenger weight, and other factors.

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