SportBikes Inc Magazine October 2017

ROAD RACING • DRAG RACING • STUNT RIDING • CUSTOM BIKES • LIFESTYLE

OCTOBER 2017 VOL 8 ISSUE 1

SPORTBIKESINCMAG.COM TM

2018 POLARIS SLINGSHOT

MODEL LINEUP

MOTOGP WITH B.T. | GERRI CRUME: STRAIGHT OUT OF KENTUCKY | THE LION'S DEN | FEATURED RIDERS | ON THE COME UP | IMPROVE YOUR SKILLS: PREPARING FOR SUCCESS ON CORNER ENTRY

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UNTIL NOW, WE HAVE BEEN ASKED TO TA K E S I D E S. T O C H O O S E B E T W E E N W I C K E D O R V I R T U O U S , B R U TA L O R S O P H I S T I C AT E D , R E F I N E D O R W I L D , G E N T L E M A N O R B A S TA R D .

Y O U D E S E R V E B O T H.

© Ducati North America 2016

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CONTENTS

OCTOBER 2017 - VOLUME 8, ISSUE 1 http://issuu.com/action/page?page=14

14 THE PRESS ROOM http://issuu.com/action/page?page=36 36 THE GRID NEWS http://issuu.com/action/page?page=42 42 THE GRID LIFE - By Patricia Fernandez http://issuu.com/action/page?page=46 46 MOTOGP WITH B.T. - By B.T. http://issuu.com/action/page?page=58 58 THE NUMBERS - By Kyle Wyman http://issuu.com/action/page?page=66 66 ASPHALT AND OPPORTUNITY - By Brian and Julian Glascoe http://issuu.com/action/page?page=84 84 THE LION'S DEN - By Lion James http://issuu.com/action/page?page=92 92 FEATURED RIDERS http://issuu.com/action/page?page=98 98 IMPROVE YOUR SKILLS - By Eric Wood http://issuu.com/action/page?page=108 108 THE NEW ISH http://issuu.com/action/page?page=114 114 STAFF STUFF

FEATURED RIDER: KATIE RUNDELL http://issuu.com/action/page?page=92 PAGE 92 4 | SPORTBIKESINCMAG.COM

TARMAC W A T E R P R O O F

R I D I N G

W A T E R P R O O F

J A C K E T

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H Y P E R C O M M U T E R

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FEATURES

OCTOBER 2017 - VOLUME 8, ISSUE 1

THE FIRST RIDE: POLARIS 2018 SLINGSHOT

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MOTOGP WITH B.T.

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THE LION'S DEN: 10 YEARS OF CLUTCH CONTROL

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THE GRID LIFE: GREATEST STAFF EVER

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ASPHALT & OPPORTUNITY: GERRI CRUME

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IMPROVE YOUR SKILLS: SUCCESSFUL CORNER ENTRY

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STAFF

Publisher//Editor in Chief: Allan Lane allan@sportbikesincmag.com

EDITORIAL

ART & DESIGN

Drag Racing Editor: Rickey Gadson rickey@sportbikesincmag.com

Creative Director//Layout//Design: Allan Lane allan@sportbikesincmag.com

Fashion Editor: Kiana Gadson kiana@sportbikesincmag.com

Creative Supervisor: Leon Brittain leon@sportbikesincmag.com

Moto Tech Editor: Thomas Campion tommy@sportbikesincmag.com

Graphic Designer: Baz baz@sportbikesincmag.com

Riding Editor: Eric Wood eric@sportbikesincmag.com Staff Writers: Patricia Fernanzdez pf@sportbikesincmag.com Leon Brittain leon@sportbikesincmag.com Lion James lion@sportbikesincmag.com B.T. bt@sportbikesincmag.com Copy Editor: Angela Lane angela@sportbikesincmag.com

Cover Photography: Barry Hathaway Contributing Photographers: Brian J. Nelson Asphalt & Opportunity Lion James Barry Hathaway Greg "500" Lee MotoGP.com

Contributors: Kyle Wyman

SportBikes Inc Magazine - October 2017 Volume 8, Issue 1 To receive SportBikes Inc Magazine’s 2018 Media Kit and Advertising Rates, please email: info@sportbikesincmag.com.

In no way can any part of this magazine be reproduced in print, digital, broadcast or any other manner without the expressed written permission of the publisher.

SportBikes Inc Magazine (ISSN 2158-009X) is published monthly by Hard Knocks Motorcycle Entertainment.

SportBikes Inc Magazine is not responsible for any advertising claims made by its advertisers or partners.

Any and all items submitted to SportBikes Inc Magazine will become the sole property of SportBikes Inc Magazine and are subject to, but not limited to edits, comments and titles.

Sportbikes Inc Magazine, staff and partners are not responsible for injuries, loss or damage to their being, vehicle or property, including death that may result from contest submissions.

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S LI N G S H O T ® S LR

B O R N TO TH R I LL There’s nothing like it on the road. You’re nailed back in the seat when 175 Slingshot® horsepower kicks in and you scramble to keep up with the 5-speed transmission. It’s the closest thing to a sportbike on three-wheels.

Always wear helmets, seat belts, and don’t drink and drive. Drivers may need a valid motorcycle endorsement. Don’t drink and drive.

SLINGSHOT® is a registered trademark of Polaris Industries Inc. ©2017 Polaris Industries Inc.

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FEATURE STORY

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2018 POLARIS SLINGSHOT

MODEL LINEUP PAGE 20

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FROM THE EDITOR

T

he word "asset" by definition pertains to a useful and desirable thing or quality.

Having assets on your team is an elemental key to your team’s success. If the #SBINATION were the Army, Lion James would most certainly be a high ranking officer.

In today’s climate, having quality team members around you is becoming a rarity.

The air gets thinner the higher you climb. So when you find them, you hold to them and you let them know how much you appreciate them.

A committed member of the motorcycle community at large, what Lion experiences on the road translates with utter transparency to his popular monthly column in SBI, “The Lion’s Den”. To call him a soldier is a gross understatement of what this real rider brings to the table. His support and efforts over the years to promote the SBI brand have gone above and beyond what would be considered a requirement from a columnist.

Lion is more than a soldier. He is more than a columnist. He’s an asset. He’s a member of the SBI Family.

As we celebrate another SBI anniversary with this issue, seven years strong, I’m honored to have pillars like Lion on the team. He won’t know it until he reads this… But he is an inspiration to myself and to many out there in the riding community.

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Thank you, Lion. Keep on, keeping on. #BLACKMOSESAPPRECIATESYOU Best, Allan allan@sportbikesincmag.com

ANYWHERE BUT MIDDLE OF THE ROAD. MAKE LIFE A RIDE. You’ve always blurred the lines between the possible and impossible. Now it’s time to ride it. With the power and performance of the 2017 BMW S 1000 RR, you can live life at the leading edge. Find out more at bmwmotorcycles.com

©2017 BMW Motorrad USA, a division of BMW of North America, LLC. The BMW name and logo are registered trademarks.

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THE PRESS ROOM

INDUSTRY NEWS TRIUMPH’S 2018 BONNEVILLE BOBBER BLACK The Bonneville Bobber, launched in 2016, is currently the highest selling motorcycle in the 115 years of history of Triumph. Capitalizing on the success of that model, Triumph gets ready for the 2018 model year with the 2018 Bonneville Bobber Black, a more aggressive and menacing presence of the Bonneville Bobber platform. Dripped in darkness, the Bobber Black features a host of painted, chromed and anodized

WOMEN’S SPORTBIKE RALLY ANNOUNCES 2018 DATES Following the success of their 2017 event, the organizers of the Women’s Sportbike Rally have announced their dates for both the East and West Coast events. The East Rally will be held over the weekend of September 7-9, 2018 and returns to Deal’s Gap, North Carolina. The West Rally is scheduled for the weekend of July 13-15, 2018 in Camarillo, California. The theme for the 2018 Rally is “Chase your dreams”. The event weekends are loaded with workshops and activities that are designed to educate and entertain attendees. For more information on the 2018 Women’s Sportbike Rally, please visit their official site by clicking HERE. 14 | SPORTBIKESINCMAG.COM

components giving the Bobber the ominous appeal of a moving shadow. The 2018 model is equipped with the 1200cc high torque parallel twin engine that has a peak torque of 106Nm (at 4000rpm) and a peak power output of 77PS (at 6100rpm). The Bobber is available in either a classic gloss jet black or a contemporary matt jet black colorway.

SHELINA MOREDA BOOSTS MOTORCYCLES INTO MAINSTREAM MEDIA WITH COVERGIRL The motorcycle industry has often struggled with gaining exposure in mainstream media, save the film industry and a few other outlets. Having an even tougher time gaining, recognition, exposure and respect are the females in this industry. Well, it seems that we are looking down the barrel of the proverbial tipping point with serious change on the rise, thanks to professional road racer and industry personality, Shelina Moreda. Shelina Moreda has inked a deal with international beauty company COVERGIRL to be added to their roster of COVERGIRLS for their new “I Am What I Make Up” marketing campaign.

Shelina joins actress Issa Rae, TV personality Ayesha Curry, singer Katy Perry, model Maye Musk and celebrity fitness trainer Massy Arias. Shelina’s inclusion in the campaign that focuses on her success and efforts in the motorcycle industry and the world of road racing, is a major progressive move for the makeup company and a first for the company in their over 60 years of business. Shelina, for her part, has cemented her position in history as a pioneer and an agent of change for her role in assisting the drive to push motorcycles into the mainstream.

To see COVERGIRL’s short film that features Shelina and the rest of the roster, click HERE.

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THE PRESS ROOM: INDUSTRY NEWS DUCATI CELEBRATES THE MONSTER 25TH ANNIVERSARY WITH THE 2018 MONSTER 821

The Ducati Monster 900 made its debut in 1993. Designed

by Miguel Angel Galluzzi, the Monster quickly became a visual icon with its stripped away, bare essence appearance paired with power and performance.

25 years later, Ducati celebrates this model with the 2018 Monster 821. The Monster 821 is a throwback and look ahead, at the same time.

Powered by a liquid cooled twin cylinder Teststretta engine with a horsepower output of 109, the 821 comes equipped with a Brembo front and rear brake set up, a color TFT display, selectable riding modes and the Ducati safety pack that encompasses Bosch ABS and Ducati Traction Control. The 2018 Ducati Monster 821 will ship in three colorways: Red, Matte Black and the iconic Ducati Yellow.

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| 17 F i n d your favorit e loc al de ale r on w ww.t a wp er f or man ce.com/d SPORTBIKESINCMAG.COM ealer s

THE PRESS ROOM HARD KNOCKS MOTORCYCLE ENTERTAINMENT CELEBRATES 10 YEARS WITH SBI, PHILIPP PLEIN, DUCATI AND POLARIS Hard Knocks Motorcycle Entertainment, the company that publishes SportBikes Inc Magazine was launched in 2007 and has been celebrating the 10 year anniversary throughout the year.

Earlier this year, HKME teamed up with SBI, Ducati and Polaris for an in-store event at Philipp Plein’s high-end retail location at the King of Prussia Mall, in the suburbs of Philadelphia. The day-long event included music, food, drinks and

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of course, champagne. Sounds were provided

by DJ Vader with bikes on display from Ducati, courtesy of Eurosports, as well as the debut of the SportBikes Inc Magazine 2017 Polaris SLR Slingshot. A social thanks and salute goes out to Philipp, Shane, Anthony, Chellie and the rest of the staff for their hospitality and for making the event a success.

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2018 POLARIS SLINGSHOT

MODEL LINEUP

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WORDS: ALLAN LANE IMAGES: BARRY HATHAWAY SPORTBIKESINCMAG.COM | 21

THE FIRST RIDE: 2018 SLINGSHOT LINEUP

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hile the conversation regarding what category it belongs in continues, my perspective remains

the same. My perspective is that the argument for which category the Polaris Slingshot belongs in, is in itself, pointless. When the Slingshot was introduced, Polaris did not have the focus of redefining what a motorcycle is and what should be considered a motorcycle. The discussion of which box it belonged to was a by-product of its existence. Add in a healthy dose of selfproclaimed internet experts and the debate continues on to this day, and beyond. I’ll firmly say it and stand by it‌ Defining, or any attempts to define what species the Polaris Slingshot is, is indeed, a waste of time.

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THE FIRST RIDE: 2018 SLINGSHOT LINEUP

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a theory, can you see the Slingshot for what it away, its visuals set it aside from any other threetruly was created for and is… Pure fun. That’s it. wheeled machines at the time. It’s aggressive, Nothing less. Nothing more. What the Slingshot lower and wider stance left no misunderstanding offers in terms of performance and power that it was about the “business at hand”. The packaged in an attention-absorbing, three- Slingshot brand quickly grew organically with wheeled machine is unparalleled in its class, little or no involvement from the manufacturer. when you are referencing the rush, the thrill and Before long, clubs and groups dedicated to the excitement. But to understand how amazing it Slingshot began to flourish and events like the is, you have to first let go of the argument that it touring “Slingshot Takeover” soon became the needs to be placed into a box or that it belongs popular venue to show off your Slingshot, be it in a class, at all.

stock, modified or straight up customized. Polaris, at one point, was trying to actually catch up to

The Slingshot made its debut in 2015. Right the organic grassroots Slingshot movement that

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THE FIRST RIDE: 2018 SLINGSHOT LINEUP they honestly had nothing to do with, other than the twisting and technical hills and canyons of creating the Slingshot and reaching out to offer Los Angeles County, Malibu and the streets of factory support. It’s important to note that even Venice Beach. their support was limited because the culture was growing on its own and was doing just fine. The Sitting behind the steering wheel of the SLR LE, underground vibe was appealing on a number of the first notable difference is the dashboard and levels and seemed to have worked for all parties information/entertainment unit. For the 2018 involved. In essence, it remained real because it model year, Polaris has included Ride Command was real.

on the SLR LE, SLR and SL models. Ride Command connects via Bluetooth or USB to your smart tech,

Since its debut, there has not been much change includes vehicle information and turn by turn in the scope of the design, tech or performance navigation, all on a seven-inch advanced multishort of the accessories offered by Polaris. New touch color screen. colorways were introduced as well as new models that included performance upgrades from the The 2018 Slingshots are powered by a 2384cc factory. The color options include the SL's Sunset GM Ecotec 2.4L DOHC four-cylinder engine Red and Navy Blue, the SLR's Electric Blue and the with a carbon fiber belt final drive, producing SLR LE's Ghost Grey and Lime Squeeze.However, a potent 173 horses and impressive 166 foot the 2018 model lineup offers significant changes pounds of torque. The manual five speed plus and impressive upgrades.

reverse transmission has a hydraulic actuation and an “H” shift pattern. The Slingshot holds a ton of

The press launch for the 2018 model lineup took power. To say that it is quick is an understatement. place in California. The lineup includes the base The throttle response is aggressive and takes a S model, the SL and SLR, as well as the premier moment to adjust to, even if you are accustomed model that is the SLR LE. The 2018’s are available to driving a manual vehicle. But once you have it in a selection of new and exciting colorways that dialed in, welcome to Drift City! It's like a whole add to the Slingshot’s curb appeal and overall new world. attitude. After a proper introduction to the units, we headed out on a ride that would take us through The 2018 SLR LE is equipped with the Bilstein 26 | SPORTBIKESINCMAG.COM

MANEUVERING THE SLINGSHOT IS STILL VERY PHYSICAL… HANDLING THE STEERING WHEEL, WORKING THE CLUTCH, UPSHIFTING, DOWNSHIFTING, ACCELERATING, IT'S A PHYSICAL AND EXHILARATING EXPERIENCE.

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THE FIRST RIDE: 2018 SLINGSHOT LINEUP

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10 way adjustable rear shock that improves an already solid handling ride. The Bilstein adjustable rear shock is available as an optional upgrade for the SLR, SL and S models. The SLR LE’s wide stance and formidable 305mm rear tire work in harmony with the electronic stability control to provide distinctive and confident grounding, most notable when carving the asphalt through the super tight twisties in the hills of LA. The smaller tire and wheel setups on the SL and S models have minimal, if any at all, effect on their road stability. If there is a difference, it isn’t noticeable.

Traveling up and down the mountain and through the turns, the power steering, ABS system and traction control allowed for smooth and fun travel.

Agility is in the Slingshot’s blood. Not to be mistaken, as maneuvering the Slingshot is still very physical… Handling the steering wheel, working the clutch, upshifting, downshifting, accelerating, it's a physical and exhilarating experience.

Along with the launch of the 2018 models, Polaris released the new Slingshade that is essentially a roof or top that can be installed on the Slingshot.

Prior to the release of their factory version of a top, the roofs that were produced in the aftermarket left much to be desired. The Slingshade makes an earnest effort to follow the line work of the Slingshot without disrupting the visual aesthetics SPORTBIKESINCMAG.COM | 29

THE FIRST RIDE: 2018 SLINGSHOT LINEUP

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2018 POLARIS SLINGSHOT SPECIFICATIONS ENGINE: GM Ecotec 2.4L DOHC 4 Cylinder DISPLACEMENT: 2384CC BORE AND STROKE: 88mm x 98mm COMPRESSION RATIO: 10.4:1 VALVE TRAIN: DOHC, VVT FUEL: 91 octane or higher REV LIMIT (RPM): 7200 RPM PEAK POWER (HP): 173 HP @ 6200 RPM PEAK TORQUE (FT-LBS): 166 ft-lbs @ 4700 RPM FUEL (GALLONS/LITERS): 9.77 Gallons / 37.1 Liters BRAKE ROTORS: Vented cast iron rotor, aluminum center hub, 298mm diameter (SLR-LE, SLR) Vented cast iron rotor (S, SL) FRONT TIRE TYPE: Kenda SS-799 FRONT TIRE SIZE: 225/45R18 (SLR-LE, SLR, SL) 205/50R17 (S) WHEEL TYPE: Forged Aluminum (SLR-LE, SLR, SL) Cast (S) FRONT WHEEL SIZE: 18x7.5 J (SLR-LE, SLR, SL) 17x7 J (S) REAR TIRE TYPE: Kenda SS-799 REAR TIRE SIZE: 305/30R20 (SLR-LE, SLR) 255/35R20 (SL) 265/35R18 (S) REAR WHEEL SIZE: 20x11.0 J (SLR-LE, SLR, SL) 18x9.5 J (S) CLUTCH TYPE: Dry, Single Plate, Hydraulically Actuated TRANSMISSION TYPE: 5 Speed Synchromesh with Reverse GEAR SHIFT PATTERN: H FINAL DRIVE TYPE: Carbon Fiber Reinforced Belt, 36mm x 147T ACTUATION: Rack-and-pinion ASSIST: Rack-and-pinion Polaris EPAS, Speed Sensitive STEERING TURNS, LOCK-TO-LOCK: 3.2 DRIVER AIDS: ABS (Anti-Lock Brakes), ESC (Electronic Stability Control), Traction Control WARRANTY: 2 years, Unlimited Miles OVERALL VEHICLE HEIGHT: 51.9 in/1318 mm OVERALL VEHICLE LENGTH: 149.6 in/3800 mm OVERALL VEHICLE WIDTH: 77.9 in/1980 mm MAX WET WEIGHT: 1749 lbs.

OVERALL WIDTH (IN/MM): 69.1 in/1755 mm WHEELBASE (IN/MM):105.0 in/2667 mm GROUND CLEARANCE (IN/MM): 5.0 in/127 mm

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THE FIRST RIDE: 2018 SLINGSHOT LINEUP

THE SLINGSHOT HOLDS A TON OF POWER. TO SAY THAT IT IS QUICK IS AN UNDERSTATEMENT. THE THROTTLE RESPONSE IS AGGRESSIVE. ONCE YOU HAVE IT DIALED IN, WELCOME TO DRIFT CITY! IT'S LIKE A WHOLE NEW WORLD. and for the most part, it is successful.

The Slingshot has established itself in a sector of the culture that saw it for what it was and is.

Those that have looked past the debate and have realized that the Slingshot doesn’t belong in a box or a category understand that it is in a class all by itself, set aside from other three-wheeled vehicles, trikes or reverse trikes. Just get over it and get behind the wheel, pop it into first gear and explore a new level of rushing adrenaline.

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CORNERING LEARN THE SKILLS DISCOVER THE ART

Would you like to improve your riding skills? The California Superbike School trains riders at tracks worldwide in 14 countries. Its 38 year history has produced 140,000 graduates.

Most riders have no clear idea of how good they really can be.

Sign up for the California Superbike School and find out. www.superbikeschool.com 34 | SPORTBIKESINCMAG.COM

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THE PRESS ROOM

GRID NEWS

ANA CARRASCO MAKES HISTORY AS THE FIRST FEMALE RACER TO WIN A WORLD SUPERSPORT RACE The Spanish born rider, Ana Carrasco, once again made history on the world racing stage by becoming the first female racer to win a single Supersport Race.

Carrasco took the number one spot at the Portugal round of the WorldSBK 2018 season, competing on a Kawasaki Ninja 300 in the inaugural WorldSSP300 Class.

I n 2 0 1 3 , Ca r ra s c o made history as the first female rider to score championship points in Moto3 in over a decade.

NEW CLASSES FOR MOTOAMERICA IN 2018 MotoAmerica has announced a number of changes for their class structure that will begin in the 2018 season. Superstock 1000 and Superstock 600 have been removed from the lineup and the KTM Cup series has been replaced by the Junior Cup Series. The remaining classes include Superbike, Supersport, Stock 1000 and Twins.

And if you needed more spice, there’s a million dollars in purse money up for grabs with $775,000 of that bread designated for the Superbike class.

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GARRETT GERLOFF TAKES THE 2017 SUPERSPORT CHAMPIONSHIP Reigning SuperSport Champion, Gerrett Gerloff up his championship season with a total of 387 won his second consecutive championship after points. Gerloff’s teammate JD Beach finished his taking third place in race one at the season’s final 2017 season with 345 points. round at Barber Motorsports Park. Gerloff wraps

LEON CAMIER TO JOIN THE RED BULL HONDA RACING TEAM Leon Camier will finish his 2017 season with his current World Superbike t e a m, M V A G U STA R E PA RTO CO R S E. However, the British rider will part ways with MV and join the Red Bull Honda Racing World Superbike team for the 2018 season.

The 31 year old will pilot the WorldSBK spec version of the Honda CBR1000RR Fireblade SP2 throughout the upcoming season.

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THE PRESS ROOM: GRID NEWS JONATHAN REA WINS HIS THIRD WORLD SUPERBIKE CHAMPIONSHIP Kawasaki Racing Team rid er a nd reig n i ng Wo r l d Ch a m p i o n, Jonathan Rea extends his legacy by capturing the 2017 World SuperBike Championship. Rea was crowne d t he 2017 Motul FIM World Champion after winning race one at the Pirelli French Round, his twelfth win of the season.

By clinching his third consecutive title, Rea becomes the first rider in history to three-peat with back to back to back championship wins.

THOMAS LUTHI WILL MOVE UP TO THE PREMIERE CLASS IN 2018

A former 125cc World Champion (2005), Thomas Luthi has experienced some success in the Moto2, finishing second in the 2016 season and is currently second in the standings

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of the 2017 season. Luthi will be making the move up into the premiere class starting in 2018 with the Estrella Galicia 0,0 Marc VDS team.

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THE GRID: THE GRID LIFE

THE GRID LIFE

WORDS: PATRICIA FERNANDEZ IMAGE: ERIK VOAKE 42 | SPORTBIKESINCMAG.COM

BEST STAFF EVER

Have you ever met someone in life and instantly knew you were going to be friends forever? We meet many people every day, so what is that “it” factor that causes us to bond with some more than others?

Of course, in the motorcycle world, we are all brought together by our love of two-wheels, but it can be hectic at times when you meet a large amount of people at one event. This is especially tough on race weekends when I can meet hundreds of people in one day, and it becomes very difficult to talk to someone on a personal level.

I cannot describe the exact moment that I met Allan Lane, but I’m pretty sure it was at New Jersey Motorsports Park, and I am certain hugs were exchanged. For those of you who have not met myself or Allan in person, he is about 6 feet tall, 220 pounds and I am 5 feet, 2 inches, 130 pounds. At first glance, you would expect to maybe feel intimidated, but he was such a gentle giant with a big smile! His personality was contagious and I found someone who smiled almost as much as I did. I can’t explain it, but Allan and I became instant friends and since then have exchanged so many good memories.

When Allan first asked me to write a column for SBI I was ecstatic. I could say that I was thrilled to share my adventures and my knowledge with you, which is true, but I was so excited to be working with someone who was not only well respected but my buddy! Allan and I had worked together before during bikini contests when I was judging, at the race track for events, I even had the privilege of coaching him with Star Motorcycle School. I had been asked to write before, but I was never really interested because it was hard for me to take more time out of my schedule for someone that I wasn’t close too. Working with SBI was about the personal connection I felt with Allan and other members of the staff that I called my friends.

I feel all of us dream to have coworkers who are our friends, that allows us to enjoy our job. I am so lucky to feel that way with SBI. We all love motorcycles, but we all have different experiences and backgrounds that allow for the magazine to be so diverse and fun to read. To be frank, we are all a bunch of goofballs and nerds that giggle like school girls over the sound of anything fast, maybe that is the special “it” factor that makes this magazine so much fun.

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THE GRID

SUNDAYS ARE FOR CHAMPIONS

MOTOGP WITH B.T.

WORDS: B.T. IMAGES: COURTESY OF MOTOGP.COM 46 | SPORTBIKESINCMAG.COM

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THE GRID: MOTOGP WITH B.T.

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he "Greats" know how to adapt. Whatever the situation is, they're always looking to improve, to become even better. Never resting on their laurels, they look to become even greater. That is exactly what MotoGP is doing this year. Coming off a 2016 campaign that saw eight different winners, GP was enjoying one of its best seasons ever, even better than the infamous 2015 season which some argue was the best season in Grand Prix Motorcycle Racing History. MotoGP is like Coca-Cola, McDonald's and NASCAR; successful companies always looking to improve their brand. And this year has shown that MotoGP just might be the best motorsport of them

all. Why? Four riders... Well, it was four riders but, I'm getting ahead of myself. Four riders legitimately have a shot at the championship, with at press time, six races to go.

With every race being pivotal and nearing crunch time, Silverstone and Misano were perfect examples of the craziness of this 2017 Campaign. It seems both tracks switched identities and both offered surprises in the forms of what is baby-faced and not so great about this year's championship.

Silverstone: A huge, almost 6-kilometer track located in

ANDREAS DOVIZIOSO

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DANILO PETRUCCI

ANDREAS DOVIZIOSO

England. It's known more for its weather more than its racing. But on a Sunday afternoon in late August, the challengers for this year's championship showed up in rare form and had a five man battle for the podium.

In a race that had the top four in the championship and Cal Crutchlow battling for the lead, it seemed almost too good to be true that these riders, separated by less than two seconds, could finish this way. And they didn't. Marc Marquez, who looked ready to claim the top step of the podium blew his engine with seven laps from the finish and was forced to watch his rivals eat away at his championship lead like a high school wrestler stares at a heavyweight at lunch the day before weigh ins! The Repsol Honda Team had not had a mechanical failure in almost over a

MARC MARQUEZ

decade, but like the songs says, "There's a first time for everything..." And the white smoke that poured out of Marquez's engine was proof. This left the other three title contenders to do battle and surprisingly it was Ducati's Andreas Dovizioso hanging on for dear life to snatch victory from Maverick Vinales and Valentino Rossi. It was Dovi's fourth victory of the year and second race win in a row and placed him nine points up on Marquez with both Vinales and Rossi well within striking distance. Desmo Dovi is having a career year and he has the swagger of a champion.

Cue Misano. A tight race circuit located near the Adriatic Sea and a "home race" for many of the Italian riders including Dovi and Valentino Rossi. This is the

FRANCO MORBIDELLI

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THE GRID: MOTOGP WITH B.T.

MARC MARQUEZ

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ANDREAS DOVIZIOSO

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THE GRID: MOTOGP WITH B.T.

JOAN MIR

race the Italian riders show up in their Sunday best: new liveries, new race Suits, new helmet designs...

You name it, the Italians show up on Sunday and whoa to any rider who isn't Italian and tries doing battle with an Italian. This is Rossi's home race and it was looking like the perfect place for the Doctor to get another much needed win. This was the track for him to turn it around. That is until Rossi broke his leg in a motorcycle training accident earlier in the week, casting a strange spell at the Misano Circuit. Rossi is the Italian Michael Jordan on two wheels. Can you imagine the Chicago Bulls without Michael Jordan?

Well, that's what Rossi is to the Italians and MotoGP, to a certain extent. He is the star of the show, but this star was sidelined on his couch eating Tortellini. Who 52 | SPORTBIKESINCMAG.COM

would step up for his fellow countryman? Surely Dovi could do it. Well, a strange thing happened on the way to the forum. The unlikely Italian hero would be Danilo Petrucci.

It seems that Italy got the weather meant for Silverstone, as Sunday was wetter than Florida after Hurricane Irma. Treacherous would be an understatement. In Moto2 and Moto3, it was truly a race of attrition.

Some riders crashed twice and still gathered points.

Sunday was going to be one of those days but Sunday is also when Champions reveal themselves and that is exactly what happened on September 10, 2017.

On a wet, slick track. Danilo Petrucci, Marc Marquez and Desmo Dovi pulled one out for the ages. Petrucci

different. In a 6 rider battle, Mir waited for his chance and attack is what he did. In a track known for its slipstream, Mir was able to lead into the final corner and not allow the other riders to slipstream him for the victory! Watching it, I was literally taken aback at the sheer brilliance of this Spanish youngster. He should be popping bottles on a Championship at the next round in Motegi. He's simply that good and literally If it wasn't for the Italian fans cheering for a Marc untouchable. I predict he will wreak havoc on Moto2 Marquez practice crash, he might not have had the next year like a two-year-old in a Wal Mart! motivation to push in the rain, but that he did and with great risk, comes great reward. Marquez hounded and In Moto2, Franco Morbidelli seems to have everything stalked Petrucci like he was an ex-girlfriend and then under control. Then a mishap. Jerez and Misano come on the last lap made his move and never relinquished to mind. He leaves just enough of an opening where it. He tied Dovi for the lead in the championship with Tom Luthi actually thinks he has a shot. Kinda like when 199 points apiece and Maverick Vinales a mere 13 your "Friend Girl" breaks up with her asshole boyfriend and she asks if you want to hang out... Yeah, kinda points behind in third place. like that. But then she meets another asshole while Rossi appears to be out of contention for the she's out with you and you think, "Yeah, this ain't championship, being 42 points behind with five happening!" races left. But, with this year's championship being the lowest points total of any championship in history, Morbidelli basically came out and handled that anything can happen and so far it has. I would not be business to the point where you almost forgot Luthi was surprised to see 9 Time World Champion Valentino in the race, which is impressive considering he finished Rossi in contention for the championship or having a fourth, but the Championship Leader finished first like hand in the championship. After all, Sunday's are for Champions do. With four races left this Championship should come down to the final Round in Valencia.

Champions!

But if I were a betting man... Go with Franco. He's a Rossi protege, he's all about that business and he's ARAGON: THE DAY OF CHAMPIONS Game 7, the final round of a fight, an Olympic final... got an Afro. 'Nuff said! had nothing to lose while Marquez had everything to lose and Dovi was playing with house money. S0 who would come out on top? Surely it would be Petrucci, right? Here was an Italian in Italy on an Italian Bike who was out of the championship contention and looking for his first win in the premier class. It had to be Petrucci right? Well, sorta.

What do these events have in common? These are all moments when Champions show what they're made of. Anybody can steal a win in a regular season game on a Tuesday night in November or maybe win a round in a fight. But when that bell sounds for a final round, Champions always answer that bell and the Aragon Motor Circuit was where the champions showed up, starting with Moto3.

Joan Mir has shown from The Opening race of the season in Qatar that he was the man to beat and he hasn't proven me wrong. If there is any rider who could make the leap from Moto3 to MotoGP it's Joan Mir. He races with a maturity that is seldom seen in Moto3. It's like watching a shark before he pounces on his prey. He'll patiently wait for his opportunity and then attacks with a ferocity that is not often matched by his fellow competitors. Sunday in Aragon was no

The talk of Aragon was Valentino Rossi, who was attempting to race on a leg that he had broken just 22 days before. This was truly a heroic effort and while all eyes were on Rossi. The Championship was tied between Andreas Dovizioso and the baby faced assassin, Marc Marquez with Maverick Vinales within sniffing distance, 14 points behind.

The elements would play a crucial role during the weekend with rain and fog causing havoc on race day. Teams were scrambling like busted lovers when their significant others came home, hoping to get the right set up, going off of last year's data but that was with different tyres. Race teams frustration leads to fan appreciation. This just meant it was anybody's race.

Although it was Maverick Vinales with the pole, it was Jorge Lorenzo who grabbed the lead and tried SPORTBIKESINCMAG.COM | 53

THE GRID: MOTOGP WITH B.T.

ANDREAS DOVIZIOSO

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VALENTINO ROSSI

SPORTBIKESINCMAG.COM | 55

THE GRID: MOTOGP WITH B.T. to take off from the field like Lebron James leaving Cleveland next year. But this wasn't Lorenzo on a Yamaha. It was Lorenzo on a Ducati that he hasn't figured out yet. Meaning the field caught up to him, led by Valentino Rossi, Dovi and Marquez. This was the race that dreams were made of, Champions doing battle at the highest of the highest of levels.

Lorenzo did his best to snatch his first victory of a very disappointing season but he could only hold off the babyface assassin for so long. With 8 laps to go, Marquez struck and Lorenzo managed to garner a third place finish while lil Dani Pedrosa breathed down Marquez's neck to finish second. Two things stood out for me this weekend. Valentino Rossi managed a respectable fifth place with a broken leg, proving the hunger still burns inside this man to win a tenth world title! Why risk it when he could have easily waited a month when his leg would be healed? Simple. That's what Champions do!

With the fly aways coming up, I have no doubt this Championship will come down to the final round in Valencia. Anything can and probably will happen but Marquez has a 16 point lead on Dovizioso and a 28 point lead over Vinales. I'm no Stephen Hawking but that's good enough for an off weekend and still not be to hurt in the standings.

If it does come down to Valencia, that's when things will get interesting. If it's between Marc and Dovi, does Lorenzo or Rossi help Dovi, with shades of 2015 lurking in the shadows? Danilo Petrucci has already said he would help his fellow countryman win a Championship. Lorenzo, on the other hand, has already said he would not help Dovi, concerning himself with trying to win a race.

This is where Rossi could come into play. A fellow countryman fighting for a title against a bitter Spanish rival who you feel robbed you of your tenth title.

And speaking of Champions, what Marc Marquez Say what you will, that fire still burns white hot and was able to do on a bike that he said he never felt like they always say, "Revenge is a dish best served comfortable with, was nothing short of incredible. cold... And life is a circle" Stay tuned GP fans, this is Nearly crashing through the entire race, numerous far from over! times. Marquez is in the driver's seat for his 6th title!

MARC MARQUEZ

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THE GRID

THE NUMBERS EVERY MONTH, WE ASK PROS AND AMATEURS WHY THEY CHOSE THE NUMBERS THAT IDENTIFY THEM ON THE GRID...

KYLE WYMAN

#33

"There was a racer in the 1960's named Freddie Nix. He was #3 back in the day and my mom was his biggest fan as a little girl because he was such a great role model. Mom had my brothers and I be #3 as amateur flat trackers. And when I turned pro, I had to have a double digit number. I've been #33 since 2006, consistently!"

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IMAGES: BRIAN J. NELSON SPORTBIKESINCMAG.COM | 59

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THE GRID: ON THE COME UP

JOE AMMENDOLIA

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BROUGHT TO YOU BY:

NAME: Joe Ammendolia HOMETOWN: Canton, MA AGE: 40 years old.

SPONSORS: J&G Performance, GlavecoUSA SERIES: Loudon Road Racing Series LRRS ACCOMPLISHMENTS: This being my first race season I don’t have too many, but I’m pleased with my progress throughout the season.

Best Lap Time 1:195 NHMS. My wife and I are owners of a leather track suit company, GlavecoUSA. It’s been a great experience seeing our suits being put to use by fellow LRRS Racers GOALS: Too many to list, but I will say I’d like to still be ripping the track at 80 years old.

DEFINE YOUR PASSION IN ONE SENTENCE: Constantly pushing in the pursuit of finding limits.

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THE STRAIGHT LINE

ASPHALT & OPPORTUNITY

WORDS//IMAGES: BRIAN AND JULIAN GLASCOE 66 | SPORTBIKESINCMAG.COM

GERRI CRUME

STRAIGHT OUT OF KENTUCKYÂ

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THE STRAIGHT LINE: ASPHALT & OPPORTUNITY

I

met this young lady for the first time back in the summer of 2015 at NHDRO's Grudge Reunion Race at Ohio Valley Raceway. The racing facility is just outside of the Fort Knox, KY military installation. We don't make it out to too many NHDRO races throughout the season so when we do make it, we try to meet as many racers as we possibly can. At this particular race, she was one of a few female racers that were racing in the series. I immediately noticed that when she wasn't in the staging lane preparing to make a pass that she was on the ready line watching her competition.

SBI: Tell us about yourself, at what age did you start riding motorcycles and what was your first bike?

GC: I grew up in Bardstown, Kentucky a small town with a country feel but now I live in Louisville, Kentucky. I grew up with two brothers who definitely influenced my passion for motorcycles over the years. When I was seven years old they began to take me riding on dirt bikes and showing me the ropes. Once I mastered the dirt bikes I moved up and my first bike was a 1994 Suzuki GSX-R 750.

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SBI: How did you get into drag racing and who has been your biggest influence so far?

GC: My significant other who was a local street racer at the time and that was who introduced me to drag racing. Our first date was at Brian Welch’s NHDRO Series at Muncie Dragway in Indiana.

This was where I watched him compete for the first time and I was hooked from that moment on. I am not influenced by any specific racer, however, I find inspiration from all other racers and we all watch and learn from each other's individual talents.

SBI: On a normal race day, do you have a pregame ritual? Describe a normal day leading up to racing?

GC: A normal race day... The night before I go over my checklist for my bike, gas, key, helmet and suit. The morning of, I thank God for allowing me to wake up and be safe during the race. I have to have some fun because that mentally prepares me to do my best. I have to get maintenance checks in and hope that my bike, "Beauty and the Beast" is on the same page that I am. I have to have my BC Powder and a Coca-Cola to prevent the headache that the fumes cause me. And then I

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THE STRAIGHT LINE: ASPHALT & OPPORTUNITY

GERRI CRUME

HOMETOWN: Bardstown, KY HOME TRACK: Ohio Valley Raceway BIKE: 2006 Suzuki GSX-R 1000 "Beauty and the Beast"

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THE STRAIGHT LINE: ASPHALT & OPPORTUNITY

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wait for my class to come to the staging lanes.

SBI: What racing plans do you have for the rest of the 2017 racing season and what can we look forward to?

GC: My plans for 2017 include becoming more consistent, focus driven and just being more versatile. I will always strive to keep an open mind and learn as much as I can. I want to work towards becoming a name that everyone will remember for years to come in the sport. I plan to line up and compete in the Man Cup Finals this season in Valdosta, GA. I wanted to compete for the first time ever at the WPGC Bike Fest to honor my mom, a breast cancer survivor by riding in the 2017 Paint The Quarter Pink event, however, those plans kind of fell through.

SBI: Competition is everything and as racers, you always want to race the best. Is there anyone that you look forward to lining up next to this season?

GC: I love to line up next to Jeremy Teasley. He has been a great inspiration to me as well as a helpful friend. He and his dad have been there to answer my questions, congratulate me on success, and assist me when I've been in times of need.

Once I have lined up next to him, I will feel that I have overcome and earned the right to say I am a true competitor at this male dominated sport.

I have to thank Lee's Performance, H&H Racing, Luck Motorsports, and Big Body Racing for all the wrench turning and support that they are giving me because these are the guys that help me out and keep me straight at the track.

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THE GRID: ON THE COME UP

CHUCK LEE

ADRIAN HACKETT

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BROUGHT TO YOU BY:

NAME: Chuck Lee HOMETOWN: Sylacauga, AL AGE: 25 years old.

SERIES: 5.60, Street ET, 5.90, Grudge.

ACCOMPLISHMENTS: Came in the motorcycle racing scene with no knowledge and became one of the most known racers in my area.

GOALS: To be known over the whole motorcycle racing scene.

DEFINE YOUR PASSION IN ONE SENTENCE: My passion for racing is a huge part of my lifestyle.

IMAGES: ASPHALT & OPPORTUNITY//ROOKIE ROADS

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Distributed by:

SPORTBIKESINCMAG.COM | 79 www.VooDoomoto.com

THE REV LIMITER: ON THE COME UP

DEANDRE R. MORRIS

ADRIAN HACKETT

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BROUGHT TO YOU BY:

NAME: DeAndre R. Morris HOMETOWN: Killeen, TX AGE: 24 years old.

ACCOMPLISHMENTS: Riding and establishing friendships with some of the best and well known riders in this sport is my greatest accomplishment. With learning from them, it has influenced me to continue to grow with the sport and has even given me the passion to coach and help others learn more about stunt riding.

It is always important to remember community over competition.

GOALS: Ride for fun and bring more people into the sport.

DEFINE YOUR PASSION IN ONE SENTENCE: Find what you love and let it kill you.

IMAGES: COURTESY OF DEANDRE R. MORRIS

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THE LIFE

10 YEARS OF THE LION'S DEN WORDS//IMAGES: LION JAMES 84 | SPORTBIKESINCMAG.COM

CLUTCH CONTROL

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THE LIFE : THE LION'S DEN

L

iving in the Northeast United States as a motorcyclist there comes a point in the calendar year when the weather gets cold and the roads become treacherous and well it pretty much sucks as a biker. Of course, fall and winter don’t necessarily have to signal the end of the ride until spring but those of you who live on the west coast or the south like Florida or Texas with year-round optimal riding weather probably don’t sweat the seasons like we do.

I’ve come to realize that we may not have gorgeous weather 12 months a year, but we do have great annual events like the MotoAmerica Pro Series races at New Jersey Motorsports Park, The International Motorcycle Show in NYC and DC, Sportbikes, Inc. Magazine’s Shut The City Down rides and of course Clutch Control. Clutch Control is the Northeast’s premier annual outdoor motorcycle exhibition featuring vendors, two-wheel entertainment including a stunt show, music and a bike show, the area’s Motorcycle

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Clubs, food and drink, motorcyclists and their families and much more. I have attended this event every year except one and have enjoyed it ever time. I’ve watched the event grow and outgrow venues, been a part of hosting it one year, made lifelong friends and met some of the most amazing people I have ever had the pleasure of meeting. Clutch Control, presented

by Allan Lane, Hard Knocks Motorcycle Entertainment and a host of other sponsors, organizations and wonderful people all working together to bring the City of Brotherly love an amazing event for motorcyclists and non-motorcyclists alike has become a staple in the area’s motorcycling community. The event brings together folks from all over the local PA/ NJ/DE/MD quad state area, NY, CT, DC & VA to enjoy our love of motorcycles and socializing with other motorcyclists where we get to see some cool motorcycle stunts, listen to music, get some food, learn about upcoming events and rides and even win raffles for gear or merchandise.

If you’ve never seen a Team No Limit stunt show then you are missing out because Jason Britton and his Team No Limit featuring Ian Gaines and Jay Cruz is by far the best, most entertaining, most consistent and most professional stunt team I’ve seen in over 10 years of motorcycling. These gentlemen deliver at every twist of the throttle and have done so since I first saw them back in 2006. Back then the team was comprised of different members but much like the event that has brought them to the city to perform for the past 10

years, they have evolved, grown and gained notoriety in the motorcycling community. As a fan, I am happy to see their show and as a motorcycle professional, I am proud to call these gentlemen my friends.

Allan Lane AKA Black Moses AKA Everyone’s Big Brother who is the presenter and organizer of Clutch Control and Publisher and Editor In Chief of Sportbikes Inc Magazine does a great job of putting together a day that more than gives us motorcycle fanatics something to do and a place to go. He brings SPORTBIKESINCMAG.COM | 87

THE LIFE : THE LION'S DEN

together the manufacturers of the motorcycles and gear we ride and use, gathers the area’s Motorcycle Clubs, social organizations and even charitable interests as well as providing power sports dealerships a venue to display their showroom offering making it that much easier for potential, new and veteran motorcyclists to find their new or next ride. Kudos to Mr. Lane for recognizing a need in the city for motorcycle events, organized rides, social and networking opportunities and even an entertaining and educational magazine and actually doing something about it. I have seen the looks on the faces of kids that attend Clutch Control while watching the stunt shows, read and heard testimony of motorcyclists who say that the events and rides Allan Lane puts together are the most memorable of their riding history and have been asked online and in the streets by eager event attendees when the next event will be held. I’ve seen the hundreds of photos and videos posted on social media sites and YouTube videos shared over the years not only recount the memories and celebrate all the good vibes of the day but also boost awareness of Clutch Control and promote interest in the event of those who have not yet had the pleasure of attending.

motorcycles on the market, the group rides to the event, meeting new people and/or catching up with old friends or simply seeing so many like-minded motorcycle enthusiasts congregated in one place there was something for everyone in attendance.

2017 marked the 10 year anniversary of Clutch Control and the event shows no signs of losing steam or going away. I’m excited for what the future holds for my fair city’s annual event. The event has had several venue changes over the last decade and has gone from a ticketed event kicked off with a midnight ride for peace to a free event open to all with new sponsors and vendors each year. Fun and entertainment aside what I’d like folks to take away from this wonderful annual event, much like the other events and rides organized by Hard Knocks Motorcycle Entertainment, Sportbikes Inc Magazine and Allan Lane spearheaded happenings, is that the motorcycling community with all its diversity can gather together in the name of camaraderie, peace and goodwill. Sure the event was fun and celebrated the 10 year anniversary of Clutch Control but I am proud and excited for the opportunity to show the non-riding community a glimpse into the positive, responsible and pleasant side of bike life.

Whether it was the DJ spinning tunes on the ones and twos, the kickass stunt show, getting up close and personal with some of the newest and fastest Happy Anniversary Clutch Control and thank you.

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THE LIFE: FEATURED RIDERS BROUGHT TO YOU BY:

Katie Rundell LOCATION: Coconut Creel, FL OCCUPATION: Neurophysiologist.

YEARS RIDING: 12 years.

RIDING STYLE: Mostly street, some dirt, and hopefully flat track soon!

BIKE/S OWNED: 2007 Honda CBR 1000RR. FAVORITE BIKE MODIFICATION/ACCESSORY: My dollar bill tied around my cable. My friend who passed put it on my bike for good luck.

FAVORITE PIECE OF RIDING GEAR: My helmet.

MOST MEMORABLE RIDE: A few years ago I rode with a big group to Vero Beach and a place called Mulligans. A great ride, right on the beach. It’s an elderly town, so we caused a little ruckus riding through Vero with all those bikes!

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Dalton Mejia LOCATION: Union, NJ OCCUPATION:Â Financial Services with New York Life.

YEARS RIDING: 30 years.

RIDING STYLE: Street and track.

BIKE/S OWNED: 2008 Victory Jackpot, 2012 Aprilia RSV4 and a track built 2007 Yamaha R6.

FAVORITE BIKE MODIFICATION/ACCESSORY: Victory: the cutting and modding of the fenders to make it stand apart from any other Victory Jackpot that I've come across. RSV4: custom made and welded midpipe to retrofit a Graves exhaust made for a 2012 to the headers of the 2016 RSV4 Factory to achieve an 8hp bump. R6: I like the new body work, paint scheme, the new front fork tube sliders and refreshed suspension that gave me much better feedback.

FAVORITE PIECE OF RIDING GEAR: My one piece Cortech suit which has been crash tested and has performed admirably.

MOST MEMORABLE RIDE: Back in 2008, I drove 14 straight hours through the night to get to Groton Raceway in Michigan. Once there we had to set up a tent in the dark and the rain only to be able to get like 2 hours sleep and then I have to get up and go racing. I came in third place in that race but it was enough to clinch my championship and my number #1 plate as the Atlantic Region formula 40 Middleweight Novice Champion.

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THE LIFE: FEATURED RIDERS

Cory Reube LOCATION: Philadelphia, PA OCCUPATION: Sales Account Manager.

YEARS RIDING: 2 years riding.

RIDING STYLE: Street bike.

BIKE/S OWNED: 2009 Yamaha R6.

FAVORITE BIKE MODIFICATION/ACCESSORY: Custom Dynamics “Demon Halo LED” headlights and my Yoshimura exhaust.

FAVORITE PIECE OF RIDING GEAR: My “Bookbag”.

MOST MEMORABLE RIDE: The Shut the City Down 2017 Season Opener Ride in Philadelphia.

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April Williamson-Coleman LOCATION: Philadelphia, PA OCCUPATION: EMT and Photographer.

YEARS RIDING: 6 years.

RIDING STYLE: Street. I only know how to do burnouts.

BIKE/S OWNED: 2000 Suzuki Katana, 2000 Honda CBR 929.

FAVORITE PIECE OF RIDING GEAR: My boots and armor.

MOST MEMORABLE RIDE: When I first started riding my friend asked me if I ready to take a run to Wildwood, N.J. I told him yes so we went to Wildwood. It was all fun going down but coming back it took us 3 hours… Because I was doing 40mph all the way home. I was new to riding and I didn't know that I should have had a sweater and jeans on. I had on shorts and a t-shirt. Needless to say, I was cold on the way back. I had a cramp in my leg and I had to go to the bathroom. My friend didn't stop until we got to Philly. I cried all the way back, saying “I'm not about this bike life” in my head the whole way back.

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IMPROVE YOUR SKILLS

PREPARING FOR SUCCESS ON CORNER ENTRY IMPROVE YOUR SKILLS

WORDS: ERIC WOOD IMAGES: COURTESY OF MOTOGP.COM//BRIAN J. NELSON 98 | SPORTBIKESINCMAG.COM

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IMPROVE YOUR SKILLS: CORNER ENTRY As I write this article I am reminded how the lessons we learn in life so often apply to the racetrack and vice versa. It was Lincoln who was once quoted saying “give me 6 hours to chop down a tree and I will spend the first four sharpening the axe”. Benjamin Franklin’s famous quote of “by failing to prepare, you are preparing to fail” has been quoted by many of the mentors I’ve had in my life.

2. To be able to shorten the duration of your bar input as much as possible.

3. To be able to begin acceleration and take away lean angle as soon as possible on the exit.

In summary, everything we do on corner entry should help us brake, turn and gas as efficiently as we can. The list of tips and tricks to accomplish this is seemingly endless but, as we also find in real life, if you begin in the wrong place it is When it comes to having success at the track, extremely difficult to end up where you want to be. preparation contributes to our success (or lack thereof) in many areas. Proper motorcycle In order to accomplish our 3 goals, one of the preparation allows us to breeze through tech, ride things we need is a stable motorcycle. Any every lap available and to attack the track with time the suspension starts moving, the available the confidence a good machine brings. Training grip drops and the chassis geometry becomes our body for proper fitness allows track day riders unpredictable. Let’s explore these concepts for a to enjoy all of the sessions each day (guess why moment each to discover why. the last two rounds always feature the highest quality track time) and for racers to ride at their Traction (friction) is directly proportional to the full potential for the entire race distance. Mental amount of force pushing an object into the preparation before each practice provides a clear ground. If your bike is on a polished concrete focus on goals and techniques that help you gain floor it’s pretty easy to make the front tire skid with speed and skill at a rate faster than your peers. a little kick to the sidewall when it is resting on a rear stand. However, sit a Sumo wrestler on This month we will focus on a single technique that the seat and that tire isn’t going anywhere. As will set you up for success in nearly every corner forks travel up and down, the spring force on the you encounter. It is a strategy used by nearly every tire is falling and then rising again several times professional rider I have ever seen, yet only about a second. When the front suspension is moving, 10% of the track day riders and 30% of the racers the maximum available grip becomes the low I encounter at the Penguin school fully utilize it. point of this curve.

The beauty of this technique is that anyone can do it, and it does not take a high level of skill to Similarly, as forks move up and down the rake and execute. It is, however, a critical part of executing trail of the bike is constantly changing. Rake and a proper corner entry. trail determine (among other things) the amount of force it takes to make your bike change direction.

What is this critical skill that every track rider needs If I took a bike that you had ridden for years and to employ? It’s simple: never go to the brakes slid your forks up in the triple clamps 10mm, you sitting in the middle of the seat. Before you put would have a front end that felt vague and twitchy. up objections, let’s first consider the goals that If I took them and slid them down in the clamps, every rider should have entering every corner that you would complain that your bike steered like a requires the use of the brakes. truck. So, anything that you do on the bike that causes the front end to move up and down10mm 1. To have the ability to brake as much as you (less than ½ in) has the effect of causing the need to in order to properly make the apex. “twitchy, truck, twitchy, truck” syndrome, which 100 | SPORTBIKESINCMAG.COM

significantly slows turn rates, reduces confidence before hitting the brakes will give you. All you need to do is separate from the gas tank and get and causes missed apexes and late drives. your inside butt check off the seat. There’s no Now let’s imagine a sample entrance that brings need to hang off like a monkey. Just get yourself you from 125 down to 50 mph. From the time you in a position where you can smoothly move to apply the brakes to the time you turn in, you might the inside as lean angle increases. When you have 2 to 3 seconds. The last thing that you want prepare for the entry properly, your outside leg to do in the middle of braking, downshifting and will go from flat against the tank to slightly angled preparing to start your turn is to take 180 pounds against the back corner of the tank (approximate (give or take) off the seat and then redeposit it 6 mid thigh contact point). inches to the inside. Try it in your garage (moving as fast as you can) and watch your suspension. This preparatory position helps riders to solve one That movement you’ll see is killing your entry. I of the most prevalent problems for track riders... know of a professional data guy who calculated the stiff inner arm. Using your outside legs as that moving body weight on the entrance costs an anchor under braking allows you to support an average of 0.4 seconds per corner that it is a portion of the heavy braking load with your done in! Most tracks have at least 4 to 5 corners lower body. As the brakes trail off and the turn that require some braking on the entrance... you approaches, the forces you need to resist are do the math. greatly reduced. This allows you to completely relax your arms as the bike is turned, providing In addition to allowing for harder braking, more maximum traction. By engaging your core and roll speed and more confident entry turns there transferring all the load from your inside arm to is an additional benefit that getting off the seat your inside foot you will help the bike turn as well.

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IMPROVE YOUR SKILLS: CORNER ENTRY

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CORNER ENTRY GOALS: 1. TO HAVE THE ABILITY TO BRAKE AS MUCH AS YOU NEED TO IN ORDER TO PROPERLY MAKE THE APEX. 2. TO BE ABLE TO SHORTEN THE DURATION OF YOUR BAR INPUT AS MUCH AS POSSIBLE. 3. TO BE ABLE TO BEGIN ACCELERATION AND TAKE AWAY LEAN ANGLE AS SOON AS POSSIBLE ON THE EXIT.

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IMPROVE YOUR SKILLS: CORNER ENTRY With a soft inner arm, the bike turns much more easily, the tires have more grip to corner with, and the rider has vastly improved feedback from the front end.

will always prepare their body before the braking zone. Sometimes it’s only a fraction of a second in advance, and sometimes they move several seconds before the brake lever. Either way, this practice of preparation is one way that we all The next time you watch a MotoGP event, pay can emulate the very best riders in our sport. Until close attention to the laps shot from the camera next time... Ride fast. Ride safe! on the tail section. These masters of our sport

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R T- RA C E

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SLIDE INTO THE ALL-NEW RT-RACE and you’ll know instantly why it’s fast becoming the #1 choice for on-track and on-road performance. Besides cutting edge looks RT-RACE incorporates an updated Double Flex Control System to manage front and rear ankle flex and guard against overextension. It also features the Fasten Fit Control system for a precise comfortable fit and is available in a trio of striking color combos: Black, White/Black or White/Red/Yellow Fluo. Available sizes 5-14 US. Retail price $329.99

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THE NEW ISH ICON MOTOSPORTS • PATROL 2 BOOTS The Patrol 2 Boots are engineered with today’s street rider in mind. CE certified with a D3o armor insert at the ankle, they feature a leather upper that is coated with TECTUFF for durability and straight up toughness, and a lightweight BOA lacing system that makes getting a secure fit effortless.

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BONAMICI RACING • LOWER SWINGARM SHARK GUARD Bonamici Racing’s Lower Swingarm Shark Guard has you covered. Mandatory in most racing series and organizations because they protect your feet and leg from being eaten up by the chain in a the event of a crash. Made with carbon fiber for the best in form and function. Swingarm modification is necessary for installation.

DUCATI • WARM UP LONG SLEEVE SHIRT The long sleeved Warm Up shirt is made with an innovative lightweight fabric that is both insulating and breathable. Wear it under your riding jacket. Wear it on its own. This fabric provides thermal insulation against the outside temperatures while absorbing humidity and sweat before they come into contact with the skin. The seamless construction reduces friction from the stitching and provides an excellent fit without restricting freedom of movement.

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Designed to offer protection from weather, be it sun or rain, the Slingshade is color matched and continues to follow the lines of the Slingshot, thus giving an overall unified look. The Slingshade features gull wing opening panels with tinted windows and a dual closure system with magnets and securing latches. The Slingshade is a complete kit that should be installed by your local dealer Colors: Gloss Black, Black Pearl, Electric Blue, Orange Madness, Midnight Cherry, Sunset Red, Navy Blue Prices: $2499.99 Contact: http://polaris.com SPORTBIKESINCMAG.COM | 109

THE NEW ISH BELL HELMETS • RS-2 HELMET Bell’s RS-2 features a lightweight fiberglass DOT/ ECE design with a super smooth direct drive internal sun shield. This helmet is quiet and comfortable, with an optimized aerodynamic design to eliminate noise from air turbulence.

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WOODCRAFT CFM • RAIN/ENDURANCE KLUCKY PUCKS

Woodcraft’s rain/endurance Klucky Puck knee slider are made from an extremely durable proprietary plastic, set on a thick leather backing with seriously strong double loop velcro that keep them place. The extra thickness allows for the rider to get their knee down with less lean angle which is elemental when riding in the wet. For racers that need more than extra life in their pucks, say endurance racers, the Klucky Pucks offer you the durability and performance that you are looking for.

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The Trinity jacket form RSD is constructed with top grain Buffalo Leather with quilted details on the shoulders, elbows and lower back. It has pockets ready to house armor in the shoulder, elbow and back and features an adjustable waist, zip close cuffs and a performance riding fit with preserved sleeves and rotated shoulders.

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Price: $64.99 Contact: http://brocksperformance.com ALPINESTARS • BELIZE DRYSTAR GLOVES The Belize is a waterproof road glove that offers plenty of feel for the rider. Featuring a new wrist closure system and stretch accordion inserts in key areas, the glove offers secure fitting while maintaining its flexibility. Equipped with a carbon knuckle guards and TPU sliders in the palm and on the fingers, the Belize glove is CE certified level 1. Touch screen compatible fingertips makes access to your touchscreen smart devices simple.

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HOTBODIES RACING • 2017SUZUKI GSX-R 1000 UNDERTAIL Hotbodies Racing is proud to release the highly anticipated undertail for the NEW GSX-R 1000. This popular sportbike has been redesigned for 2017 featuring an even sleeker and narrower tail section.

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THE NEW ISH: FEATURED ITEM DAINESE • MUGELLO LEATHER JACKET The Mugello from Dainese is made from 2.0 full grain cowhide leather and is available in 3 color options. Armor is offered in the shoulders and elbows and there are pockets in the back and in the chest to add additional armor. External aluminum plates are mounted on the shoulders while external titanium plates are mounted at the elbows just below the replaceable, quick release elbow

sliders. The aerodynamic back hump allows for minimal resistance at speed.

If you would like to connect pants to the Mugello to complete a two piece suit, the jacket has a fastening system for that purpose. The Mugello has two inner pockets and two front outer pockets for storing the essentials while on the ride.

Sizes: 44 - 64 (Euro) Colors: Black/White, Black/Red, Black/White/Red Price: $999.95 Contact: http://dainese.com 112 | SPORTBIKESINCMAG.COM

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STAFF STUFF DAINESE • LAGUNA SECA PERFORATED D1 SUIT Allan Lane

There are a lot of suits on the market today.

Some are good and some are not so good. There are a few that are simply great. I remember one suit that I owned that was such poor quality that it became the low bar from which most of my professional opinion is based upon. That suit shall remain nameless…

European sizes. With me being a large American with broad shoulders and a wide chest, getting that size 58 to zip up was damn near impossible.

Getting it zipped with a back protector on was never going to happen. Dainese quickly sent me a size 60 and then I was heading in the right direction.

I received my Dainese Laguna Seca Perforated D1 suit in early 2016, after a sizing mishap with my original Dainese suit that was ordered. Please note that the Dainese’s sizing chart is true to

Every suit requires a break in time. There is no suit that is going to fit your frame off the shelf.

One of the ways that you can measure the quality of a suit by the amount of time it takes to

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break in. This is a combination of factors that include the suit’s constr uction, expansion panels, overall fit, closure system, etc. The Laguna suit impressed me straight away with its quality leather, seam and stitch work, strategically placed expansion panels and fabric panels in the inner thigh region. This combination and construction minimized the break-in time and after my second session in the suit, it felt like a glove. The suit didn't suffocate me but seemed to move with me, giving me the room to maneuver while never feeling loose or like I was moving around inside of it. It was almost too comfortable so I asked other Dainese suit owners and they mostly all had the same experience with their suit.

perforated torso and rear shoulder sections of the suit. One of the key features of the Laguna is the double zipper closure at the calves. This is not just a plus for individuals with large calf muscles but for those riders that wear their boots underneath their suit. In fact, the Laguna is designed to be worn over the boot.

So while I mentioned earlier that some suits are good, not so good and then there are some that are just great… Dainese’s Laguna Seca D1 Perforated Suit receives top marks and goes in the column titled, “Great”. There’s a solid reason that Dainese is trusted by the top riders in GP, WSBK and other racing series across the globe.

Great suit. Great fit. Great performance.

In action and at speed, the Laguna performs http://dainese.com exceptionally well. The ventilation system keeps you cool and is highlighted by the two air intake Rating: 6 (out of 6) vents in the speed hump on the back and the SPORTBIKESINCMAG.COM | 115

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