SportBikes Inc Magazine September 2015

ROAD RACING . DRAG RACING . STUNT RIDING

CUSTOM BIKES . MOTO TECH

SEPTEMBER 2015 VOL 5 ISSUE 12

SPORTBIKESINCMAG.COM TM

THE 2015 BMW S1000RR MOTOGP WITH B.T. | RICKEY GADSON: LINES OF A LEGEND | WILL TORRES: STAGED | THE MAIN POINTS: JEFF NORMAND | ERIC WOOD: IMPROVE YOUR SKILLS | THE ELECTRIC HORSEMAN

Ahead of the Curve

The New Ducati 1299 Panigale S

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THE FEATURES THE FIRST RIDE: 2015 BMW S1000RR

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THE MAIN POINTS: JEFF NORMAND

A PICTURE IS WORTH A 1000 WORDS

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THE ELECTRIC HORSEMAN

STAGED: RIVALRIES

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A MATTER OF WHEN...

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THE USUALS

SEPTEMBER 2015 - VOLUME 5, ISSUE 12

http://issuu.com/action/page?page=12 12 THE PRESS ROOM http://issuu.com/action/page?page=20 20 THE FIRST RIDE - 2015 BMW S1000RR http://issuu.com/action/page?page=34 34 THE GRID NEWS 40 MOTOGP WITH B.T. - By B.T. http://issuu.com/action/page?page=40 48 THE ROCKET - By James Rispoli http://issuu.com/action/page?page=48 http://issuu.com/action/page?page=54 54 TURN ONE - By Sandra Stammova 62 LINES OF A LEGEND - By Rickey Gadson http://issuu.com/action/page?page=60 66 STAGED - By Will Torres http://issuu.com/action/page?page=66 72http://issuu.com/action/page?page=72 THE MAIN POINTS - By Dena Sodano 84http://issuu.com/action/page?page=84 FEATURED CLUB - HURRICANE BIKER GIRLS M.C. 86http://issuu.com/action/page?page=86 THE LION’S DEN - By Lion James 90http://issuu.com/action/page?page=90 FEATURED RIDERS 96http://issuu.com/action/page?page=96 IMPROVE YOUR SKILLS - By Eric Wood http://issuu.com/action/page?page=104 104 THE ELECTRIC HORSEMAN - By Michael Lawless http://issuu.com/action/page?page=120 120 THE NEW ISH http://issuu.com/action/page?page=136 126 STAFF STUFF

INTERACTIVE CLICK ON NUMBERS TO JUMP TO A PAGE

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FEATURED RIDER: JOHNNIE JACKSON AKA STORM http://issuu.com/action/page?page=92 PAGE 92 SPORTBIKESINCMAG.COM | 5

FEATURE STORY

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THE 2015 BMW S1000RR PAGE 20

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EDITOR’S LETTER

I

t doesn’t happen often. But it does happen. In fact, it happened recently. While I was heading back to my office from a meeting in the city, I felt the heat of the man, Johnny Law, Rosco P. Coltrane on my tail.

Whenever I’ve had an interaction with the police, I’ve never felt the need to run. Even if I was speeding, my paperwork has always been straight.

I’ve been asked by officers... “Why did you stop?”

“Because you lit up.” I respond.

They reply, “But you would have given me a good run...”

I inform the officer, “Good run? No, you would not have seen me ever again.”

I see video clips online of riders running from the police, being disrespectful to the streets, roads and ultimately themselves. Follow this train of thought and humor me for a moment. And this is strictly for those that commit such infractions.

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You record your shenanigans and runs from authorities, post the evidence of the illegal activities on line for your friends to enjoy and share while preaching gospel of “Fuck the police!” But then you wonder why and how we as motorcyclist have such bad reputations.

The point is, I know what I am capable of. I know what my bike is capable of. I know my rights and my paperwork is straight. I’ve learned that if you show just a little bit of respect to their badge, it can go a long way, often resulting in a warning. Granted, this is not always the case. On those rare experiences, the officer has felt the need to lecture me or ticket me, I take it as long as there are no lines of respect crossed.

There is a zone of mutual respect that I do my best to hover in while dealing with persons of authority. So far, it’s done me well.

Best, Allan allan@sportbikesincmag.com

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

EDITORIAL

Drag Racing Editor: Rickey Gadson rickey@sportbikesincmag.com Fashion Editor: Kiana Gadson kiana@sportbikesincmag.com Moto Tech Editor: Thomas Campion tommy@sportbikesincmag.com Riding Editor: Eric Wood eric@sportbikesincmag.com Rev Limiter Editor: Dena Sodano dena@sportbikesincmag.com Bike Life Editor Lady Kim ladykim@sportbikesincmag.com Senior Staff Writer Red Spade redspade@sportbikesincmag.com Staff Writers: Billy Morrison billy@sportbikesincmag.com Michael Lawless lawless@sportbikesincmag.com Lion James lion@sportbikesincmag.com Sandra Stammova sandra@sportbikesincmag.com B.T. bt@sportbikesincmag.com James Rispoli james@sportbikesincmag.com

Contributors: Will Torres Jenny Vu Copy Editor: Angela Lane angela@sportbikesincmag.com

ART & DESIGN Creative Supervisor: Leon Brittain leon@sportbikesincmag.com Graphic Designer: Baz baz@sportbikesincmag.com Cover Photographer: Allan Lane Contributing Photographers: Brian J. Nelson Impact Images Dale Sutton Lance Lau J.T. Norton Steve Koltar Mike Boldt Richard Contreras Asphalt & Opportunity

SportBikes Inc Magazine - September 2015 Volume 5, Issue 12 To receive SportBikes Inc Magazine’s 2015 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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BMW Motorrad USA

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The Ultimate Riding Machine®

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Whatever you do, throw yourself into it.

Give it your all. It’s the only way to go farther than you ever thought possible.

Learn more at bmwmotorcycles.com.

©2015 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 THE MERCEDES AMG MV AGUSTA F3 800 Unveiled at the Frankfurt International Motor Show, the jointly designed Mercedes AMG MV Agusta F3 800 features design aspects mirroring the AMG GT. A stunning colorway that is borrowed from the AMG, dresses the F3 is described as “AMG Solarbeam.”

The two complementing vehicles displayed next to each other at the event broadcasted the partnership between the two brands and their claim, “Beyond Adrenaline.”

LIMITED EDITION RELEASE OF VALENTINO ROSSI’S WINTER TEST HELMET NOW AVAILABLE AGV Helmets is offering a limited edition replica of Valentino Rossi’s Winter test helmet that was worn at the Sepang circuit prior to the start of the 2015 season.

The replica helmet features the high marks that their Corsa line offers including a carbon, fiberglass and aramid fiber shell as well as an integrated ventilation system. The helmet is in stock now, retailing for $999.95 and comes with a matching beanie.

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DUCATI’S NEW MONSTER Ducati has released their new 2016 Monster 1200R. Boasting 160hp produced by its 11 degree dual spark twin cylinder engine, the 1200R is the most powerful naked styled

Ducati to roll out of the factory. The new Monster will be available in two colors, Ducati Red and Thrilling Black, as early as Spring of 2016.

HONDA RECALLS CB500S AND CBR500S A faulty fuel level sensor is the cause for Honda issuing a stop sale notice regarding almost 15,000 CB500s and CBR500s manufactured between 2013 and 2015. Affected bikes could suffer from a damaged fuel level sensor float arm that may separate from the fuel level sensor body. This would result in inaccurate information at the fuel gauge. In some worst case scenarios, the float could come in contact with the electrical terminals causing a short.

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THE PRESS ROOM MAJOR RECALL FOR KAWASAKI Kawasaki is recalling almost 12,000 bikes due to an ignition wire that may become damaged after coming in contact with the fuel tank and possibly shorting. That short circuit could stall the engine. The affected models include the

HONDA’S 2016 CB300F Honda’s latest offering to the entry level model, the CB300F returns with a 2016 model featuring a 286cc liquid cooled single cylinder engine.

While geared towards the new rider, the CB300F has a few specs that the experienced commuter can appreciate such as the fuel efficiency. The CB300F is estimated to get 71 highway miles to the gallon.

Look for the 2016 model to hit the showroom floors in December of 2015.

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Vulcan, the Vaquero and the Voyager from the model years 2009 through 2015. The dealer network has been advised to replace the ignition switches with frayed wires and to install shielding to protect the wire.

INNOVATIVE

HI-VISIBILTY SERIES

HYDRATION COMPATIBLE *BLADDER KIT // SOLD SEPARATELY

AK TROOPER PACK AVAILABLE IN BLACK, WHITE, & HI-VIS // MSRP - $180.00 The Trooper was designed for, well, anything and everything you can imagine. It's big. It's tough. It's perfect. Of course, it includes interior and exterior pockets, tie-downs, the expected fittings and adjustments, a special laptop/tablet pocket and hydration compatible. Not to mention, a place for first aid, a place for eyewear and the ability to secure your helmet to the back. You're going to quit before the trooper even gets close.

AVAILABLE AT YOUR LOCAL AUTHORIZED AMERICAN KARGO DEALER AND ONLINE AT AMERICANKARGO.COM

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SHOP SPOTLIGHT: CROSSROAD POWERSPORTS

Words: Allan Lane Images: Allan Lane

CONTACT:

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Dealership Name: Crossroad Powersports Location: 8738 West Chester Pike Upper Darby, PA 19082 Hours: Monday - Friday 9:00am to 7:00pm, Saturday 9:00am to 5:00pm. Sunday: Closed Year Established: 1998 Brands Sold: Yamaha, Honda, Kawasaki, Suzuki, Can Am

C

rossroad Powersports is a family based, owned and operated dealership in the suburbs of Philadelphia. With over 17 years experience and a staff that comes from a competitive racing background, the team at Crossroad Powersports knows how important it is to go the extra mile to get the job done and to make the customer happy. Their showroom floor has the newest models to select from while their parts, apparel and accessories department is fully stocked with the brand names that a motorcyclist will know and trust. A fully staffed service department tends to your bike’s needs

from simple routine maintenance to full repair.

Crossroad Powersports host several events throughout the year such as theri annual open house as well as regional lifestyle events like MotoAmerica race events and Hard Knocks Motorcycle Entertainment’s Clutch Control. It is their family oriented approach and commitment to their customers that makes Crossroads Powersports one of the nicest and easiest dealerships to do business with. They are just good, hard working people that like taking care of people.

Want to see your shop or dealership featured here? Drop us an email!

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THE 2015 BMW S1000RR WORDS & IMAGES: ALLAN LANE

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THE FIRST RIDE: 2015 BMW S1000RR

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T

he 2015 BMW S1000RR is something of a modern marvel. Encompassing a plethora of technology, the bike has been engineered to enhance the rider’s experience whether at speed, idle or simply parked.

It is aggressive from every angle but most noticeably from its side profile. Refined styling from the 2014 model, it possesses a sharp, blade like presence that gives the S1000RR a downward thrusting stance. The bike holds a resemblance to a shark, especially when the gill like side fairing vents are considered. You can continue with that visual theory as you walk around the machine and take note of its fin like tail section, less than sharp edged fuel tank and of course the nose section. The shark reference is not a far miss and when you ride SPORTBIKESINCMAG.COM | 23

THE FIRST RIDE: 2015 BMW S1000RR

the bike, you can appreciate why. It is well balanced specifically in turns at speed thanks to strategic ergonomics.

The S1000RR offers an incredibly smooth throttle response due to its electronic throttle control. There is no jolt, small or otherwise, felt as you roll on the throttle. There’s only the confident growl to a thunder from the engine as 199hp rolls out onto the asphalt. Clutchless upshifting and downshifting allow for a quick pace when working through the gears, with minimal to nil need to back off the throttle.

When braking, the front system works in harmony with the rear system applying just the right amount of rear brake pressure, slowing the bike in an even and balanced manner.

Of course there are the very “BMW” bells and whistles that one can find an affinity for like the heated hand grips, self canceling turn signals and cruise control. And before you write off the luxury of having cruise control on a sportbike...

On your next long haul, think about how much you would appreciate an extra bit of comfort on your journey. It’s about the enhancement of your riding experience.

It must be acknowledged that there is a considerable amount of technology in play here that is responsible for the bike’s smoothness, balance and overall riding experience. There is a large percentage of the riding population that are not fans of the “ride by wire” engineering utilized in today’s motorcycle manufacturing. A valid argument can be found on both sides of the table. How much of you is really riding the bike? How much is it the bike? I think it better to not get caught up in the semantics of who is actually doing what and focus on the experience. It’s 24 | SPORTBIKESINCMAG.COM

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THE FIRST RIDE: 2015 BMW S1000RR

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THE FIRST RIDE: 2015 BMW S1000RR

obvious that it is you in control of the machine and you can adjust mostly all and in some cases turn off the factory settings. However, the tech that is installed from the factory was implemented to enhance your riding experience, to make your life just slightly easier.

On the S1000RR, it’s noted and appreciated.

Aggressive styling with user friendly components that make riding it fun and exciting, the 2015 BMW S1000RR is a motorcycle that can be thoroughly enjoyed by the intermediate rider up to the well seasoned vet. For the novice, with respect and understanding of what the machine is capable of, the S1000RR isn’t a bad way to get into the game.

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THE FIRST RIDE: 2015 BMW S1000RR

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Sidewinder

$899.

95

Distributedby:

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THE GRID: NEWS THE 2016 MOTOGP SCHEDULE Dorna has release the provisional 2016 MotoGP Calendar. Noticeably missing is the Indianapolis round that has been replaced with a stop in Austria at the Red Bull Ring.

DATE//GRAND PRIX//VENUE

March 20//Qatar//Losail International Circuit April 3//Argentina//Termas de Río Hondo April 10//USA//Circuit Of The Americas April 24//Spain//Jerez de la Frontera * May 8//France//Le Mans May 22//Italy//Mugello

June 5//Catalunya//Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya June 26//Netherlands//TT Assen July 10//Germany//Sachsenring July 17//Great Britain//Silverstone August 14//Austria//Red Bull Ring August 21//Czech Republic//Brno September 11//San Marino//Misano September 25//Aragon//MotorLand Aragon October 09//Malaysia//Sepang International Circuit October 16//Japan//Twin Ring Motegi October 23//Australia//Phillip Island November 06//Valencia//Comunitat Valenciana

TOM SYKES AND HIS TWO KAWASAKI H2R’S The 2013 World Superbike Champion Tom Sykes has two Kawasaki H2R’s and he’s more than proud of both of them.

In this video clip, he explains his love for both of them even though one is over 40 years older than the other. Enjoy!

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MOTOAMERICA CROWNS 2015 CHAMPIONS With the first season of MotoAmerica FIM racing under the belt, a new wave of champions are standing as the dust settles.

Taking the title of the very first Motoamerica Superbike Champion, Cameron Beaubier with a total of 8 race wins and 372 points. 2014 AMA Pro Racing Champion and Beaubier’s team mate Josh Hayes came in second taking 10 race wins and a total of 368 points.

Jake Gagne grabbed the Superstock 1000 championship with a total of 13 race wins and

344 points.

JD Beach’s 8 race wins and 310 points earned him the 2015 Supersport title.

Meanwhile, Joe Roberts took the top spot in the Bazzaz Superstock 600 class with 9 race wins and 245 championship points.

The KTM 390 Cup Championship went to Gage McAllister who bested his competitors with a total of 172 points and 5 race wins.

JAKE GAGNE

CAMERON BEAUBIER JOE ROBERTS

JD BEACH SPORTBIKESINCMAG.COM | 35

THE GRID: NEWS SAM LOWES SIGNS WITH FEDERAL OIL GRESINI RACING MOTO2 FOR 2016 Gresini Racing and Federal Oil will continue their partnership into 2016 for Moto2. They have signed British rider Sam Lowes who will compete on a 2016 Kalex bike. In April of 2015, Lowes scored his first win in the Moto2 class at the Red Bull Grand Prix of the Americas in Austin, Texas. Lowes will also serve as a test rider for the Aprilia team in MotoGP with his sights set on joining the premier class in 2017.

MOTOAMERICA ANNOUNCES THEIR TENTATIVE 2016 SCHEDULE With their freshman season in the history books, Motoamerica releases the schedule for their 2016 season. All classes are scheduled to return including Superbike/Superstock 1000, Supersport and Bazzaz Superstock 600 and the KTM RC Cup Series.

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April 8-10: Circuit of The Americas - Austin, Texas April 15-17: Road Atlanta - Braselton, Georgia May 13-15:VIR - Virginia June 3-5: Road America - Wisconsin June 10-12: Barber Motorsports Park - Alabama July: Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca - California September 9-11: NJMP - New Jersey

VALERIE THOMPSON IS THE FIRST FEMALE MEMBER OF THE COLORADO MILE 200MPH CLUB. With a top speed pass of 201.2 miles per hour, on a BMW S1000RR, Valerie Thompson became the first female member of the Colorado Mile 200 MPH Club.

This feat was accomplished at the inaugural 2015 Colorado Mile Speed Competition in Watkins, Colorado at Front Range Airport.

YAMAHA RETURNS TO WORLD SUPERBIKE IN 2016 Sylvain Guintoli and Alex Lowes will compose the team as Yamaha Motor Europe makes their return to the World SuperBike stage.

Partnering with Crescent Racing and sponsor PATA, the factory team is poised to return to the grid in 2016, the first time since 2011.

Guintoli and Lowes will pilot the new Yamaha YZF R1.

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#TriumphAmerica and #Castrol are proud to support #LatusMotorsRacing and #BobbyFong50 piloting a #Daytona675R in the #MotoAmerica #Supersport series.

TriumphMotorcycles.com • (888) 284-6288 SPORTBIKESINCMAG.COM | 39

THE GRID

MOTOGP WITH B.T.

WORDS: B.T. IMAGES: MOTOGP.COM

W

hat kid doesn’t like to play in the rain? How many times as kids did you run, play, or ride your bike home in the rain? And boy, was it fun!

Riding a MotoGP bike on the other hand, might not be classified as fun but it sure made things a lot more interesting at the British GP at Silverstone.

England is stereotyped as cold and rainy and for MotoGP weekend, it looked to be pure rubbish... that is until race day!

Qualifying had Marc Marquez on Pole and looking 40 | SPORTBIKESINCMAG.COM

to gain some points on the Yamahas of Valentino Rossi and Jorge Lorenzo. Even Dani Pedrosa looked ready to do some damage to the Yamahas like a four year old inside a Wal Mart! Then Sunday came and so did the rain like the IRS at Wesley Snipes’ door.

From a fan’s perspective, it was great to watch the teams “earn their keep” as the race was declared a “dry race” and then the rain came on the sighting lap forcing teams to prepare for a “wet race” like a

magic trick.

From the naked eye, I could tell two things: Marquez was going for it regardless if it was a wet race, dry race, snow race; he was all in like the track was a roulette wheel and he was in Vegas!

Some guys just don’t look comfortable in the rain and Lorenzo is one of those guys but hey, if I broke my collarbone like a sugar bowl, I’d be a tad cautious as well. It was only later that we found out that his helmet fogged up and he

couldn’t see. That’s the second time Lorenzo has had helmet problems and maybe he should switch manufacturers or have a “come to Sunday meeting.”

To have helmet problems at the elite level of motorbike racing is unacceptable.

As for the race, Valentino Rossi showed his hunger for a tenth title by grabbing a great start and pretty much leading from start to finish with an eager Marquez ready to pounce. Unfortunately for the fans and Repsol Honda, Marquez high sided SPORTBIKESINCMAG.COM | 41

THE GRID: MOTOGP WITH B.T. on lap thirteen of the twenty lap main event and almost for sure ending his title hopes. Rossi thinking his battle for the race ended had to turn it up a notch when fellow countryman, Danilo Petrucci, got within striking distance but could not catch the Doctor, as Valentino managed to conquer the rain and his rivals for his third victory of the year. To watch Valentino in the rain at Silverstone was like watching a true master craftsman at the top of his game using all his tools to create a masterpiece!

The rain definitely agreed with the Italians as they finished 1,2,3 with Andrea Dovizioso coming in third.

feet as he has options for 2016. Most recently the rumor was that he was going to MotoGP, skipping Moto2, but with the struggles his mate, Jack Miller, is having, Moto2 would be a great stop, if for just a year!

As far as the other classes go, Danny Kent once told me “Rain doesn’t bother me,” and he was right as he put the nail in the coffin Championship wise for the Moto3 title claiming victory in dominant fashion in front of the home crowd. Kent is certainly getting his due and now has the racing world at his

With the Moto2 and Moto3 titles pretty much wrapped up, MotoGP looks to be headed toward a last race showdown in Valencia, most likely between teammates and as die hard GP fans, we wouldn’t have it any other way; that is if the rain can stay away.

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Another rider having a great year is Johann Zarco.

In my opinion, he is the Moto2 rider of the year.

Zarco again showed poise, maturity and grit as he managed a wet race brilliantly to win his fifth race of the season as chunks of riders’ tires were literally coming apart during the race as the track went from wet to dry.

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THE GRID

Images: Courtesy of Eric Swahn

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

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ERIC SWAHN

#20

“I

chose my race number because I wanted a low number but I didn’t have a favorite number at the time. I decided to pick #20 since I was 20 years old when I got my first race licence as a WERA Novice. ”

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THE GRID

THE ROCKET: SETTING A LAP RECORD

WORDS: JAMES RISPOLI IMAGES: IMPACT IMAGES

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M

ost of us racers have done thousands of laps on motorcycles across our years of getting to the professional level where we are now. The laps that we ride are like going to school; we constantly learn from each and every lap. A better example would be to think of each outing on the track as being recorded in our brain. From the moment we sit on the seat, the record (REC) button is turned on and

we are feeling everything from the motorcycle in our fingers, hands, feet, toes, and butt.

Every competitor I race against has these same feelings, whether they understand them or not.

Some riders don’t understand what’s going on underneath them and that’s why they are so fast but crash often. We call that “writing checks you just can’t cash.” There is a limit

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THE GRID: THE ROCKET to everything, the bike limit, the tire limit, the suspension limit and even the electronics limit.

But the biggest limit of all is the brain or the mental state of the game.

As racers, all we are really doing is processing the information of the motorcycle faster than the next person. Have you ever heard the saying in racing, “a confident rider is a fast rider”?

That’s because that confident rider is feeling the limit so well, he or she knows exactly where he or she can push just over that limit and stay firmly in touch on the bike. The hardest part about explaining this to anyone is that this feeling is so unique it is almost impossible to explain; you have to feel it for yourself. The best way I can put it would be that it is a state of mind you get when you’re so concentrated you’re not thinking and letting instincts and training take over. You’re just doing what you know how to do, the best you know how to do it and it doesn’t feel hard; it just feels right.

The reason I am trying to explain this to you is because that feeling is the feeling we try and chase every single time we are on the bike. All top athletes in life go through these hot streaks where their confidence is high and their mental state is open, allowing them to make the best decision faster than the next.

A recent example is my recent race at Thruxton Park Circuit a few weeks back. I was able to let it go, so to speak and came away with a race lap record for the circuit that has stood since 2010, held by British racer Sam Lowes World Supersport Champion and now top Moto2 racer. I was able to beat that record during the race by .700 of a second, a huge amount by any standards. Check out the video of me describing the feeling shortly after the race. Listen closely. Hear how I describe the feeling. This is the feeling I am talking about when your mind says, “Yes. I can do it. Yes. I will do it. Yes. I believe it is possible.”

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They claim that as motorcycle racers our sport is eighty percent mental. Honestly, I think it’s even more than that. I know if you can open your mind up to allow yourself to believe that you can do it, you can truly accomplish anything you want. In my case, it is to win the next race.

I hope you all enjoy this article as this one was very special to me. I hope you all continue to have fun and go faster.

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THE GRID

TURN ONE: A STEEP LEARNING CURVE

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L

ast month, I spoke about our first race in Western Province Motor Club (WPMC) Superbike at Killarney Raceway late in the 2015 season. We have had some exciting and also dramatic times with my new S1000RR. Every test means a very steep learning curve for us as this motorbike is completely different to the bikes my guys used to work on. To be honest, I have also been trying to work out what the bike likes and adjust my riding style to give the bike what it needs. There is so much you can test with the electronics and suspension. I have been trying to use my logical thinking for what I used to apply when I raced Kawasaki with mechanical suspension. But I have realized it’s not the way to go forward. The electronic suspension actually thinks for you and the bike is learning the track the more laps you do. So pulling into the pits every four laps won’t improve anything. We couldn’t put after market suspension or a full system on the bike due to national rules.

We must make the bike work as it is and it requires lots of track time. No matter if we go forwards or backwards but I don’t accept staying static.

One step back is always followed by a few steps forward and that is the way we have been progressing and learning.

I think it was one month after our first regional race when we travelled to East London for our first National race with my new 511 Racing Team. East London is about ten hours from Cape Town where we are based. I knew it wasn’t going to be easy as I had to learn the fastest track in the country and we were going to have about four sessions for finding an optimal set up. But on the other side I knew I love these types of tracks and was hoping it will suit my bike too. We arrive to East London and the weather didn’t greet us very nicely. It was cold, wet and windy the whole week prior to the race.

But, here we are on Friday morning excited to see what will happen. The track had wet patches in a few corners all day because of the water coming out from the ground through the tarmac. It wasn’t that big of a deal; I just had to watch my lines and gentle throttle approach. I was in love with the track after a few laps! It is flowing and fast; I was

doing about 290 km/h plus on the start / finish line entering turn one in fifth gear and changing into sixth flat out without touching the brakes into blind turn two! We were very happy we fixed our quick shifter issue and the brakes after the previous round. You don’t really want to miss a gear in turn one. Friday went pretty well. We started on second hand tires and had a very reasonable lap time on my twentieth lap. We were only two seconds off the best lap time and we knew we were still learning so we believed that we could go faster.

I was feeling more confident in the fast turns than in the slow ones. I struggled to finish the turn and get the bike out of slow turns as fast as I needed.

We didn’t know why so we tried all different things with traction control, anti wheelie, mapping and power delivery. Nothing was making that big of a difference. We ended up on a high on Friday, believing that we could find a solution on Saturday in free practice to be ready for qualifying.

The weather on Saturday was a little bit better.

I was running sixth and fifth in free practice and seventh in qualifying because we got stuck at a certain lap time and couldn’t improve. It was very difficult for us to understand why. I will explain that in the next article as we found the fault eventually, but it was after the national race.

The rain came just after qualifying and I was all excited again! I love racing in the rain as I have some experience from the British Championship where we had rain on a regular basis. I was feeling very nervous imagining going through turn one and turn two in heavy rain but then I was excited as I felt like this is going to be my chance to do well in spite of the lack of the track knowledge which I didn’t have to use as much. Riding in the rain is all about feel and how brave you are. A good set up can be handy too. We were watching the 600cc race where ninety percent of the riders crashed a minimum of once because of lots of standing water on some parts of the track. The conditions were very tough and we were asked to make a decision if we are going to race or not.

Obviously you know how racers are and who

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THE GRID: TURN ONE would say no to racing even if it was snowing.

Unfortunately, I didn’t have the best start but I made it up very quickly. I was running fifth in the second lap right on the tail of my competitors. I was getting good feel on the front and felt comfortable under brakes. There was not much grip but I knew I could keep the pace until I felt confident enough to make a move to push for a better position. That was the plan but it didn’t work out. Coming out of the last turn on the start/finish line, I stood the bike upright, got on the gas on top of the standing water and high sided! Very disappointing. I couldn’t even

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continue as my oil leaked out right on the exit of the turn. That was it! The end of my first National story.

The second race was cancelled due to the conditions. It was almost impossible to stay on the bike. Most of my competitors crashed as well but luckily most of them could pick the bike up and finish the race. At the end of the day, even this experience was good. We learned a lot again.

We gave it our maximum and we collected data for a new race track! I must say thanks to BMW, my team and Danie Maritz Racing for everything.

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THE GRID: ON THE COME UP

Images: Courtesy of Adrian Hackett

ADRIAN HACKETT

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NAME: Adrian Hackett HOMETOWN/COUNTRY: Mt.Vernon, NY AGE: 34 ASSOCIATION/AFFILIATIONS/SERIES: MOTOAMERICA, CCS, ASRA, CMRC GOALS: Compete internationally throughout the Carribean.

ACCOMPLISHMENTS:

Competed in MotoAmerica Superstock 600 race at NJMP, 9th overall in CCS Atlantic region

DEFINE YOUR PASSION IN ONE SENTENCE: Only a biker knows why a dog sticks his head out of a car window.

CONTACT: WWW.ONELOVEROADRACING.COM

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2015

schedule

april 24-26, 2015

Maryland International Raceway

may 29-31, 2015

Maryland International Raceway

july 24-26, 2015

Maryland International Raceway

september 11-13, 2015 Atco Dragway

october 2-4, 2015 Maryland International Raceway

RaceIDBL.com

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THE STRAIGHT LINE

Images: Courtesy of Brice Lloyd

LINES OF A LEGEND: MY MOTORCYCLE CLEARS MY HEAD WORDS AND IMAGES: RICKEY GADSON

A

s most of you probably already know, surviving the challenges of even a leisurely ride is nothing more than a mental game.

Yet we all feel that going for a ride on our motorcycle is the most relaxing and gratifying thing that I can do to ease my mind off daily stress, which can be true.

It’s easy to believe that going for a cruise on your motorcycle when you have a lot on your plate can actually clear your head. When the real truth is, you should clear your head first and then go for a ride on your bike.

You need to stay sharp and focused when riding. You need to always use your peripheral vision as well as your traffic sense alert. What

IT

is that car doing in front of you? Why is the car coming up behind you changing lanes so much? Do you see that car racing up to the intersection you’re approaching? Are you looking in the car’s rearview mirror in front of you as you’re splitting lanes to see if they’re paying attention to you? Are the cars in front of you changing lanes without using their turn signals to cut off motorcycles from passing them?

A lot of things can happen, and you need to consistently be on top of them. A few moments of inattention could be the difference between finishing your ride safely or not coming home to your family. I realize as I’ve gotten older that when I have problems that weigh heavy

'S EASY TO BELIEVE THAT GOING FOR A CRUISE ON YOUR MOTORCYCLE WHEN YOU HAVE A LOT ON YOUR PLATE CAN ACTUALLY CLEAR YOUR HEAD. WHEN THE REAL TRUTH IS, YOU SHOULD CLEAR YOUR HEAD FIRST AND THEN GO FOR A RIDE ON YOUR BIKE.

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on my mind that I need to stay away from my motorcycle. Riding with problems, be it work, marriage, legal issues, baby momma drama or whatever distractions, it’s a fact that your mind will go into a quick trance and distract you from what you’re doing if only for two seconds. When riding, your mind will recall your biggest problems and you will not be able to remove the thoughts from your mind. Before you know it, you’ll be playing scenarios out in your head of what else you should have done or said in that situation. What that means is that with all the best intentions, your mind is going to wander, and before you know it, you’ll no longer be paying attention to traffic.

And that is when the accident will happen!

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THE STRAIGHT LINE: LINES OF A LEGEND

Images: Courtesy of Brice Lloyd

Did you know that at high speeds it is possible to cover a football field within two seconds?

Or that same football field at a speed of only 55mph, it only takes 4.6 seconds of blind driving (distracted driving) to have something happen. It has to make you think about how many seconds of a distraction can we really spare. According to these real life stats, not even one.

We all love to ride for the same reasons and that’s the absolute pleasure and freedom that 64 | SPORTBIKESINCMAG.COM

comes with getting on your two wheeled motorcycle. A lot of us also deal with worried family members that believe we will get hurt or even worse, killed, while riding our motorcycle and not make it back home to them. We can’t always control what happens out there on the road because 90% of all motorcycle accidents involve another vehicle, but the things we can do to make our ride a little bit safer or ensure that we make it back home to our loved ones, we should absolutely do. Let’s ride without distractions!

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THE STRAIGHT LINE

Images: Courtesy of Brice Lloyd

STAGED: RIVALRIES

WORDS: WILL TORRES IMAGES: J.T. NORTON//ASPHALT & OPPORTUNITY

) n u o n ( : Y R L A e RI-V h t r o f n o i t i t e p r Com o e v i t c e j b o e e h sam t n i y t i r o i r e p for su . d l e fi same G

iants versus Cowboys. Coke versus Pepsi.

Nike versus Adidas. Follow any form of competition and a rivalry you shall find. Compete long enough and you will almost definitely develop one of your own. Google “Why we compete” and get endless results of reports, studies, and surveys. At the end of the day, it is part of our build up. We practice, prepare, and perform. The problem is, so is the other person.

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No one is just going to give you the win. Almost every competitor I know can immediately spit out the name of the person they love to beat and hate to lose too. More often than not, they are one in the same.

Arguably two of the best ambassadors of the sport are Terrence Angela and Joey Gladstone.

At the tops of their game, these two go back

RICHARD GADSON

and forth more times than politicians during an election year. They are currently first and second in the IDBL Orient Express Pro Street point series (at the tie of publishing). Did I mention they are also teammates? Pushing each other to the max, they celebrate in each other’s success and feel the pain of each other’s short comings. Fortunately for these two, defeat is rarely a reality.

Jeremy English’s Plain Jain and Spencer

Crawford’s Bud Light Lime have been in the grudge race game for a minute. Big builds and fast bikes with crazy money on the line. Piloted by Jeremy English and Richard Gadson respectively these rivals have gone head to head several times. Jeremy speaks about the rivalry, “I love racing against Gadson and Bud Light Lime. I know I have to be on point with mine. But they know they have to be on theirs, too.”

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THE STRAIGHT LINE: STAGED

Images: Courtesy of Brice Lloyd

TERRENCE ANGELA AND JOEY GLADSTONE

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JEREMY ENGLISH

I’ve said it before... I find those that excel at what I want to do and learn from them. Last week at a regular TNT (test n tune) night, my good buddy Robert Parker (currently #2 IDBL Crazy 8’s) reminded me just how much I still have to improve.

Although I was able to “tree” him, his 60 foot was almost a full 2/10ths faster than mine. That launch damn near had me looking at his taillights before I shifted to second gear. I will continue to improve and am looking forward to the day that

I can call him my Crazy 8s rival. Knowing what I know of Robert, he’ll welcome the challenge.

Be it your best friend or worst enemy, rivalries make us better. Rivals force us to improve upon our skillsets. They ensure we continue to push our limits. Not doing so means we accept being second and like the saying goes “Aint nobody got time for that!”

SPORTBIKESINCMAG.COM | 69

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Richard Gadson 2015 Street ET Winner

Jeremy Teasley 2014 Crazy 8’s Champion

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SPORTBIKESINCMAG.COM | 71

THE REV LIMITER

THE MAIN POINTS

WORDS: DENA SODANO IMAGES: RICHARD CONTRERAS

JEFF NORMAND Y

ou’ve probably seen him tearing it up on his Harley; you really can’t miss it. Former northerner and freestyle rider, Jeff Normand, has gone from coast to coast riding wheelies wherever his heart is content. With an awesome start into the world of two wheels from his grandmother, he has continued to stick with his passion for them straight up to today.

DS: How did you get involved with motorcycles in the first place?

JN: Starting back when I was around six years old, my Grandmother used to take me out with her on her Shadow 1100, half face helmet and neon glasses. I would ride all over the place with her. I feel this is where my love of two wheels started.

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THE REV LIMITER: THE MAIN POINTS

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DS: Who were your inspirations?

JN: For stunt riding I have always looked up to Chris McNeil, Bill Dixon and Jason Pullen. These riders have a fast aggressive style that always stuck in my mind every time I would get on a bike.

DS: There are so many different years and models of motorcycles out there as far as making one a complete stunt bike. What is your ideal bike to ride?

JN: I think I’m on my ideal bike; maybe the same build just newer. This one has seen better days.

DS: What is a favorite trick or move you have? I know you have one!

JN: Drifting and burnouts. I love hanging the bike out sideways with a hand full of throttle. There is no better feeling then going fast and wide at full steering lock.

DS: What kind of setup do you use on that bike?

JN: My bike is a 1989 Harley Davidson Sportster with a 1994 1200cc stock engine. I got this bike pretty close to how it is set up from Jason Pullen and 97% of the parts are all stuff he dreamed up and made himself.

DS: Would you find it easier to work on and set up the usual street bike to be stunt ready or a sportster?

JN: A sport bike is easier in all aspects for sure. There aren’t any companies making parts for the H.D. Sportster so it can be turned into a lot bike. Everything has to be designed, built and tested by the few that ride them. Also these bikes break alot.

DS: You used to live in the Northeast. How has moving to California changed as far as your riding and the riding atmosphere itself? What did you do during the winter months in the Northeast?

JN: California is awesome for riding year round; that was the whole reason I picked up and left. The riding scene out here is a bit more spread out than it was back home. Takes a little more travel time to ride with bigger groups like we did in the East. We used to ride all winter. We just had to SPORTBIKESINCMAG.COM | 75

THE REV LIMITER: THE MAIN POINTS

“Starting back when I was around six years old, my Grandmother used to take me out with her on her Shadow 1100, half face helmet and neon glasses...”

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THE REV LIMITER: THE MAIN POINTS bundle up a lot.

DS: What’s in store for you and the rest of 2015?

JN: This is a tough question. 2015 is more than half over but I’m hoping to be able to get out a bit more and travel around, maybe NLB if the timing is right. And to obviously keep progressing and making my own style on the Harley.

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THE REV LIMITER: ON THE COME UP

Images: Courtesy of Dale Sutton

GAGE SUTTON

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NAME: Gage Sutton HOMETOWN: Shelbyville, IN AGE: 12 ASSOCIATION/AFFILIATIONS/SERIES: Fast50s, 50 Mafia, Kevtek, Tactical Mindz, Stunt Addict Art. GOALS: To be a pro stunt rider and entertain people with my skills.

ACCOMPLISHMENTS: Doing around 10 shows a year, most of the time with pros. Getting to hang out and ride with a lot of my role models.

DEFINE YOUR PASSION IN ONE SENTENCE: My passion is to be able to ride my own style and to keep pushing myself to the next level and to advance to a 600 sportbike by age 14.

CONTACT:

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THE LIFE: FEATURED CLUB

Images: Courtesy of Hurricane Biker Girls M.C.

HURRICANE BIKER GIRLS M.C. Rocker interpretation: Affectionately known as HBG, the club’s name “Hurricane” and the “H” logo originally began as a concept for a clothing line for female riders. It clearly was destined to be more than that and quickly blossomed into the motorcycle club that it is today, representing strong and independent women that embrace sisterhood and riding.

Club history: The mother chapter of the club was founded in San Diego, CA in 2002 as a riding club before transitioning into a full fledged motorcycle club. The Pittsburgh chapter of HBG came into existence in December of 2011, adhering to the same strict selection process for potential members. It is required that their members are a cut above the rest of the riding community in terms of how they present themselves and how they represent the club.

Other desirable qualities found in members are

CHAPTER: Pittsburgh, PA FOUNDED: 2011 MEMBERS: 15 ELECTED OFFICIALS: PRESIDENT/FOUNDER: Pied Piper VICE PRESIDENT: Bee Legal SECRETARY: Not2Day SERGEANT AT ARMS: 2Tatt’d TREASURER: 2Muuch

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the affinity for the thrill of the ride, true mental strength as well as appealing physical presence and personalities.

Club milestones/memorable moments: The Pittsburgh chapter of HBG recently raised over $800 for the Children’s Sickle Cell Foundation and raised awareness of the disease with a charity ride that they hosted.

Their charity efforts will continue this Fall as they support a breast cancer awareness walk.

Future of the club: The Hurricane Biker Girls M.C. is poised to expand their club’s mission and philosophy. Most noticeably, they want the contributions of female bikers across the globe to be acknowledged and appreciated. At home, they are actively planning the construction of a club house. “We’d like to have a fly, welcoming space for fellow bikers from near and far to come kick their boots up, relax, chill and party!”

Want to see your club featured here?

Drop us an email!

SPORTBIKESINCMAG.COM | 85

THE LIFE

THE LION’S DEN: CRUISE CONTROL WORDS AND IMAGE: LION JAMES

B

oys and girls, I know this is “Sportbikes,” Inc. Magazine but I want to deviate from the normal curriculum today and talk about something a little different. Many people I know through the two wheeled community know that I have wanted to get a cruiser lately and I have talked about it often but what many might not know is that I got my two wheel start on a cruiser. I haven’t ridden my cruiser since 2006 but I have wanted to get back on one for quite some time now. In my effort to find the right cruiser for me and to get reacquainted with cruising, I have spent several hundred miles in the saddle of a cruiser over the past couple of weeks. I’m not sure how many cruiser riders have ever spent time in the saddle of a sportbike but I would imagine that most sportbike riders who have gotten behind the bars of a cruiser will agree with me when I say there’s something very relaxing about riding a cruiser. What a difference! That different feeling I got from riding a cruiser was immediate and obvious.

There was a very real and not just perceived alleviation of the kind of pressure I feel when atop my sportbike.

Perhaps it’s the knowledge that this motorcycle cannot accelerate as quickly as my other motorcycle or perhaps it’s the more upright riding posture offered by a cruiser but there is definitely more enjoyment riding at low to moderate speeds on a cruiser than I experience on my sportbike. Come to think of it, due to the engine noise and lack of a windscreen, I submit that it’s more fun to ride a cruiser at low to moderate speeds than it is to crack triple digits. As different as night is from day, riding a cruiser may be from riding a sportbike but both offer an unmatched enjoyment to the rider.

From mile one to the last mile on the loaner cruiser, who I named “Miss Right Now,” I had the pleasure of putting thru its paces was fun, relaxing and unexpectedly gave me that new rider feeling that I haven’t felt in many, many years. It took me much less time to get comfortable with the bike and its different riding posture; forward controls feel so alien to someone used to rearsets, and the throttle response of that loud rumbling V twin engine. I discovered that despite the motorcycle’s loud exhaust system, deafening air cooled growl and intimidating presence one takes on when riding a loud cruiser, riding one is much less 86 | SPORTBIKESINCMAG.COM

aggressive than riding a sportbike. When I ride a sportbike, I feel compelled to ride much faster than necessary to get from where I am to where I want to be. When riding a sportbike, I feel the need to be nimble and maneuverable as a self preservation technique and defensive measure.

When I ride a sportbike, I delight in exaggerated lane changes, severe lean angles when turning and speedy acceleration from a dead stop. None of these things are the case when I ride a cruiser. There’s no pressure to perform to the motorcycle’s capability or satisfy the bike’s race origins.

There’s no concern for loss of stability or control at low speeds like when on a sportbike. When riding the cruiser that elusive “wave” from the cruiser crowd was all of a sudden offered up by everyone on a bagger whose path I crossed. “The wave,” if you are a motorcyclist you should know what “the wave” is, is rarely offered from those on cruisers to those of us on sportbikes. One of my recent rides on a cruiser was with a group of eight and in the group was a combination of sportbikes, cruisers and touring bikes.

After that ride I really don’t understand why cruiser and sportbike riders don’t intermingle more. There’s this invisible line drawn in the sand that keeps the two

types of motorcyclists from enjoying the company of one another on the road but really there is no good reason that there should be a “them” versus “us” mentality.

Sure, there are many differences between the two types of rides and riders and the type of attention one receives when riding a cruiser is very different than that of a sportbike rider but again these are superficial

reasons to segregate as a motorcycle community. If it has two wheels, then I am a fan of it and I am eager to reacquaint myself with the cruiser.

I don’t know if the nautical vacation was named after the style of motorcycle or if the motorcycle class was named after the vacation but cruisers are appropriately named. It really has been like a motorcycle vacation throwing a leg over this thing. I literally lean back and take it slow. I am less worried that some two wheel injury will befall me or that I will be run off the road by

some slovenly motorist in a cage. I am content to watch cars and other motorcyclists blast by me as I pleasantly putter along, often times riding the speed limit or slightly under it. I am reassured by the notion that I am both easier to hear and easier to see when I ride a cruiser than I am when on my sportbike. For all these reasons and more, I definitely want another cruiser. Now let me be clear (in my Presidential voice), my desire to get another cruiser is in no way a declaration that I will be hanging up my full face helmet for a beanie style lid or trading in my favorite Sidi boots for a pair of chaps and fingerless leather gloves.

No. No. No. I just believe that despite the availability of performance cruisers and sporty standard motorcycles out there like the Yamaha Vmax, Triumph Speed Triple, Suzuki Boulevard M109 or Ducati Diavel, the only way to truly have the best of both worlds is to dwell in both worlds. There’s no one tool to fix it all. If you want a leisurely cruise, then get yourself a cruiser and if you want race replica performance, get yourself a sportbike, simple and plain.

I want to ride in both worlds. I want the exhilaration of the race and the leisure of the cruise.

I’m still narrowing down my choice in a new cruiser and have not yet found the right one for me but I am preparing for my vacation by going on demo rides, researching different models and enjoying this ride until it’s time to strap on the protective gear and gauntlets once again to go out for a blast.

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*Fuel economy estimates are based on US EPA exhaust emission certification data obtained by Yamaha. Your actual mileage will vary depending on road conditions, how you ride and maintain your vehicle, accessories, cargo, and operator/passenger weight. Professional rider depicted on a closed course.

Dress properly for your ride with a helmet, eye protection, long sleeved shirt, long pants, gloves and boots. Do not drink and ride. It is illegal and dangerous. Yamaha and the Motorcycle Safety Foundation encourage you to ride safely and respect the environment. For further information regarding the MSF course, please call 1-800-446-9227. Pre production model shown. Specifications subject to change. ©2014 Yamaha Motor Corporation, U.S.A. All rights reserved. • YamahaMotorsports.com

Fi n d yo u r fa v o rit e loc al de ale r on w w w.t a w p e r f or m a n c e .c om / d e a le r s SPORTBIKESINCMAG.COM | 89

FEATURED THE LIFE FEATURED LIFE:RIDER FEATURED RIDERS RIDERS

Atticus Phansa LOCATION: Philadelphia, PA OCCUPATION: Marketing Coordinator and Freelance Artist.

YEARS RIDING: I decided to learn four years ago, but really started riding for the past two years with 5000 plus miles year to date.

RIDING STYLE: Street. I use my bike for commuting and long rides. I would like to get on the track with my 250.

BIKE/S OWNED: “Psylocke” is my 2009 Kawasaki Ninja 250R. “22” is a project 2014 custom moped or noped 125cc scrambler. “Trigger” is a 82 Honda CX500 project bike in the near future.

FAVORITE BIKE MODIFICATION/ACCESSORY: I do love the Two Bros on the 250 it makes her sound great. I love opening up in tunnels and under bridges. What a fun sound.

FAVORITE PIECE OF RIDING GEAR: My yellow open face helmet with smoke mirror bubble visor, with my freehand drawn art that is clear coated.

MOST MEMORABLE RIDE: 8 hours of riding from Baltimore to Virginia, and back with the riding group, Mohawk Ryders. We rode all riding back roads to the Luray Caverns. Route 211 was pretty amazing.

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Kyle Feez LOCATION: Carlisle, PA OCCUPATION: Machinist.

YEARS RIDING: Riding since I was 3. I still have my original Yamaha PW50.

RIDING STYLE: Street and strip.

BIKE/S OWNED: 2013 BMW S1000RR. FAVORITE BIKE MODIFICATION/ACCESSORY: BrenTuning Standalone Tuner.

FAVORITE PIECE OF RIDING GEAR: Sedici one piece leather suit and boots MOST MEMORABLE RIDE: Shut the City Down 2015 in Philadelphia was the craziest ride I’ve ever been on. A two hour caravan with 30 bikes to Hooters in King of Prussia, then surrounded by a thousand bikes through Philly... Amazing. We truly shut the city down. Even the police stopped traffic for us.

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FEATURED THE LIFE FEATURED LIFE:RIDER FEATURED RIDERS RIDERS

Johnnie Jackson AKA Storm LOCATION: New Castle, DE OCCUPATION: MSgt, USMC, Retired.

YEARS RIDING: 9 years.

RIDING STYLE: Street.

BIKE/S OWNED: 2013 Kawasaki ZX14R. FAVORITE BIKE MODIFICATION/ACCESSORY: I love my EVIL Swing Arm and my painted rear tire hugger.

FAVORITE PIECE OF RIDING GEAR: Speed & Strength SS1300 “Live by the Sword, Die by the Sword” Helmet and Alpinestars SMX 1 Boots.

MOST MEMORABLE RIDE: A few years back, my club, Final Destination M.C., took a ride from VA to CT for the weekend. We were on the NJTP about to go through the toll booth and I noticed a NJ State Trooper had been following us. He passed us to go through the toll booth and waved us to the side of the road. He jumped out of his car and started asking us questions before he told us the reason he stopped us. He was about to get off work and wanted to know if he went home and got his bike if he could ride with us.

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Jamie Pinto LOCATION: Conshohocken, PA OCCUPATION: Rock Star YEARS RIDING: 8 years.

RIDING STYLE: Street rider.

BIKE/S OWNED: 2003 Yamaha R1.

FAVORITE BIKE MODIFICATION/ACCESSORY: Custom Taylor 33mm tire rim tape.

FAVORITE PIECE OF RIDING GEAR: Dainese Evo Jacket.

MOST MEMORABLE RIDE: Attending the California Super Bike School.

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SPORTBIKESINCMAG.COM | 95 Spools / Axle Sliders

IMPROVE YOUR SKILLS

A PICTURE CAN SPEAK 1000 WORDS WORDS: ERIC WOOD IMAGES: LANCE LAU

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any years ago at Penguin we made a discovery. This was not a new revelation in the science of motorcycle riding, but instead an affirmation of the fact that different people learn and are motivated in different ways. We had a new photographer at an event and he had a beautiful trailer outfitted with eight flat screen TVs where he displayed his photos. We brought students into his trailer to examine what they were doing out on the track and found the results to be extraordinary. The photos were a great teaching tool as many students could actually see the progress that they made from the morning to afternoon. Many of them left with some great photos and newfound confidence to boot.

During the course of the day, a student we had taught many times made the biggest impression. He was a nice guy, but he was one of those riders who could replicate everything you wanted him to do in the pits and then get out on the track and immediately revert back to pushing the bike down beneath him and upsetting the chassis.

When he first saw the photos of himself, the response was really funny. “That’s not me,” he flatly stated after looking at the photo.

“That guy is all twisted on the bike.” “Do you ride a red CBR600?”

I asked. “Yes.” “Do you have black leathers and a red helmet?” “I do,” was his sheepish reply as he realized that he did not have the Rossi like riding form he thought he did. This incident proved to be a pivotal moment in his development, as he finally had the motivation needed to change his technique. We repeated the lessons he had previously learned but this time there was significant improvement and our friend reported that during his final session his bike handled better than he ever thought possible. Who knew?

For many riders there is much to be learned by looking at a photograph. In this article we will discuss three areas that every rider should examine when using these photos as a learning tool.

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IMPROVE YOUR SKILLS: A PICTURE...

We will also point out the types of photos that are often best to use when seeking out these key points. We may not all be able to carry the speed of Josh Hayes or Roger Hayden, but every rider can ride with proper technique and mimic these stars (minus a few miles per hour and a couple degrees of lean angle). With each of these checkpoints, riders should be looking for shots that are mid corner at the point of your highest lean angle. These are the places where body position and inputs are the most critical and if you have these spots right most everything else tends to fall in place.

CHECK POINT 1: UPPER BODY POSITION

The best photo to see upper body position is one shot head on.

There are two key points here that work together. Your head should always be on the inside of the motorcycle, and your inner arm should always be bent more than your outside arm. This checkpoint helps to ensure that you are helping the motorcycle turn and that you are not supporting your weight with your inside hand. If you find yourself with what we call “wrong side head”, the solution is simple. First, position your head over the inside fork tube. Next, lock onto the tank with your outside leg. Finally, let your inside arm and shoulder relax and point towards the apex. 

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CHECK POINT 1: UPPER BODY POSITION

CHECK POINT 2: TANK SEPARATION

For this check, we like to use an isometric shot from the side of the motorcycle from a position above the racetrack. The main thing that you are looking for is separation between your torso and the gas tank. This separation both helps ensure that the support from your lower body translates into the ability to relax your arms and aids in the ability to roll the bike from side to side effectively. When you sit too close to the tank, it creates a “reverse curve” on your lower back. This extends your ab muscles (as opposed to flexing them) and essentially disconnects your upper and lower body. In addition, when the torso is separated from the tank, it allows riders to use their legs to move their hips from side to side and “glide” across the seat.

The simple check is to sit on your motorcycle and note how much of the back of the seat is visible when you are in a mid corner position and up against the tank. You can then compare that amount of seat to the amount in the photo. Second, you can check the curvature of the lower back to ensure that your back is rounded from top to bottom. 

CHECK POINT 2: TANK SEPERATION

CHECK POINT 3: LOWER BODY POSITION

There are many photos that show this effectively, but my favorites are those shot either from the back or the top. The three main points here are the angle of the hips and the position of the inside and outside knee. Riders should do all that they can to give themselves the best leverage to support their body weight. Ideally, a vast majority of SPORTBIKESINCMAG.COM | 99

IMPROVE YOUR SKILLS: A PICTURE...

AVOID THE “REVERSE CURVE”

your weight is carried between your outside leg against the tank and your inside leg on the ball of your foot. First, your spine should be parallel with the axis of the motorcycle. With your head roughly over the inside fork tube, this will typically leave you with one cheek on and one cheek off the seat. Your outside leg should be firmly locked against the tank at about mid thigh. Watch for an outside leg pointing off into space as this is a common problem. Finally, your inside knee should be roughly symmetrical with your outside leg and pointing into the inside of the corner. When your inside knee is tucked in towards the fairing, it takes away all of the leverage of your inside weight to support your body from falling off the bike. In this case, where does your weight typically go? It goes to your inside arm (go back to CHECK POINT 1).  Photos can be a great source of information. At the Penguin school, we use them at many of our events to help identify places for improvement and then demonstrate ways to make improvements.

With this information, riders not only have a visual reference that motivates them to learn but they also have a tool that they can use on their own for many years to come. The next time you see a photo of yourself, take a few minutes and see what it tells you about your riding. The lessons learned can help you ride faster, with more confidence and with less risk.

Until next time... Ride fast, ride safe!

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BODY POSITION CHECK POINTS: • CHECK POINT 1: UPPER BODY POSITION • CHECK POINT 2: TANK SEPERATION • CHECK POINT 3: LOWER BODY POSITION CHECK POINT 3: LOWER BODY POSITION

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FRICTION ZONE ZONE:: ERIK BUELL SBI AT FIVE YEARS

THE ELECTRIC HORSEMAN: ADVENTURES AT THE STATE FAIR WORDS: MICHAEL LAWLESS IMAGES: STEVE KOLETAR

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FRICTION ZONE: ERIK ELECTRIC BUELL HORSEMAN ZONE: THE SBI AT FIVE YEARS

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felt like I was surrounded by pirates! Squeezed in the staging area for the first practice session I realize the racers around me are all grizzled veterans on purpose built race bikes with real race tires. Me? I’m on my street bike I ride to work, on DOT street tires. The track is lined with concrete walls and steel guard rails, a real bull ring.

What was I thinking? I watched a racer get spit off the high side landing face down, not moving. It takes ten minutes for the EMTs to get him off the track. To me, courage is going ahead and doing something even if you are aware, dare I say, afraid of what can happen. The solemn faced marshall looks me in the eye and waves me on. I drop the clutch in second gear and charge ahead. My first time on a clay surfaced race track...

Crazy how the movies can shape us; I remember Steve McQueen’s movie, “Le Mans,” and the exciting carnival atmosphere of the epic twenty four hour race. The wheel to wheel battles on track. Memories, regrets and romance. Does being on the edge make one live more?

Many years ago when I started riding motorcycles I watched the movie, “On Any Sunday.” The scene that really stood out shows a man in a smart looking business suit walking the streets of San Francisco. The narrator says, “This is Mert Lawwill. He looks like any other professional. His occupation? Motorcycle Racer!” They flash to Mert, sliding a bellowing Harley-Davidson XR 750.

I remember thinking, “Someday I gotta do this.” So the next day I rode to the local motorcycle shop and told them about the movie.

They knew it well and smiled knowingly. But when I asked how to get involved with flat track racing things got blurred. This was pre PC days. They advised to join the AMA and read “Cycle News” magazine for information. I asked about local events but they did not know of any. I asked what you needed to race. They said a tuner and a very specialized motorcycle. What’s a tuner? He is the guy who builds the bike and maintains it. How do you get a tuner? You have to be good enough. I could tell by the conversation that it would have been easier to join the mafia. I spent that next years blasting around on my sportbike, shelving the idea of flat track racing until later.

That’s the cool thing with sportbikes. You can ride around on public roads, go to a drag strip or do a track day. How do you get a bike for flat track and where do you go? Maybe that is why flat track racing is not more popular. But it is interesting that you see plenty of dirt bikes roaming the city streets. I wonder why no one organizes any flat track or short track races on some vacant industrial land in the

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city. I think the inner city dirt bikers are like straight out of a western, colorful cowboys, horse thieves and rogues.

At the end of last season I realized the concrete straightaways were too long on the Yamaha TT short track bike and I was tired of dealing with the hard to start vintage Yamaha 500cc flat track racer, so I sold both of them. My editor mentioned that I should check with one of the manufacturers to see if they would loan me a bike and I could write about my experiences. Nobody makes a purpose built flat tracker and no manufacturer wanted to loan me a bike, knowing I might thrash and crash it. So I did what many do. I did some research and hit Craigslist. I wanted a bike that was faster for short track, with the ease of an electric start and also street legal so I could ride to work. I found a low mileage Kawasaki KLX250s.

In the movie, “Why We Ride,” people wax on nostalgically about the old times when men took off the lights of their motorcycles and raced. Why can’t I do it now? Some people thought I was crazy but AMA Pro, Jake Shoemaker, took it for a ride and said why not? I love the movie, “The Electric Horseman.” Maybe I can relate to the lead character/rodeo star, Sonny Steele. For Sonny, life is beating him down but the horse, Rising Star, gave him direction and purpose.

I found my purpose in my daughter, Olive, and racing flat track. I just need to reach to get it .You know we are all riders whether it is motorcycles or horses. Now I have electric starting so it should be easier.

SBI magazine encouraged me to write about and race flat track. My editor said he wanted to feel my pain. Scary, huh? Well the deeper I got into flat track the more I learned. Turns out there is a local event in Reading, Pennsylvania held in conjunction with the Pennsylvania State Fair. The movie memories of the past came back. I was supposed to go to Indy for MotoGP but the romance of flat track racing at a state fair seemed too good to pass up.

The morning of the race I removed my motorcycle’s head lamp, tail lamp, front fender, front brake, turn signals and mirrors. I mounted number plates then loaded my truck with my bike, cooler and riding gear. Ready for action, we headed off to the state fair.

My goal in the first practice was to stay upright and not get in anyone’s way. After, I was giddy, feeling like a man who survived combat. My second practice session was better. I was getting more comfortable; late in the session drifting out onto the front straight, up against the concrete wall, I got so close to the bike in front of me I could have kissed his back tire. At the end of that straight, I popped SPORTBIKESINCMAG.COM | 107

FRICTION ZONE: ERIK ELECTRIC BUELL HORSEMAN ZONE: THE SBI AT FIVE YEARS

out of the draft and sailed up his inside. With the sun setting, I realized I could have made a forceful pass but this is just practice so I roll off the throttle. Confidence building, I now had a plan. Back in my pit, my daughter is waiting with her friend, Brittney, and her mom.

“Dad! Brittney says the fair is awesome and for ten bucks you can get a pass to do the rides all night!” I smile while reaching for my wallet.

Brittney’s mom says she is happy to watch the girls. I know her family so it’s all good. It’s a relief to have an adult with them, but as a dad I am always concerned.

I see I have a text from my brother, John, “EZ tonight-8/10ths-Stay Upright.” My reply, “Heat race next. Must get 4th or better to make the main-Banzai.”

What a fantastic day. I’m sitting on the bike in the setting sun with a big smile on my face. I was lined up for the start of the race at this real deal Holyfield of a track.

The smell of freshly moved earth, sights and sounds of the fair, I feel like a winner just lining up. I love every lap and manage to come home fourth, making the main race.

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Racing without a front brake is not an issue. I just focus on entry speed, getting good drive and hitting my marks. The real thing is getting a good start. I’m surprised by how much grip the blue groove has on a clay track. Get it right and it feels awesome. Sliding my Kawasaki onto the front straight up against the front wall, I live out that moment in the movie, “On Any Sunday.” I have fun in the main and manage not to come home in last. I’m happy considering I’m on a street bike.

After the race while taking off my helmet, I see one of the tuners walking toward me. He’s not exactly the friendliest guy, but tonight he is smirking, shaking his head. I say hello and he replies, “I can’t believe it. You did pretty good out there!” I was gobsmacked.

After packing up, I headed off to the fair with Olive and Sherry. Yes, Brittney was right. The State Fair was awesome. Good times.

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FRICTION ZONE ZONE:: ERIK BUELL SBI AT FIVE YEARS

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A matter of when...

Words: Jenny Vu Images: Mike Boldt SPORTBIKESINCMAG.COM | 113

FRICTION ZONE: ERIK BUELL WHEN...

ZONE: A SBIMATTER AT FIVEOF YEARS

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he majority of riders during their riding careers will crash. If you didn’t, you probably managed to quit before it happened. The rest of us happened to be pretty damn stubborn.

This August, I attended a track weekend and, unfortunately, I got to experience my first crash.

Some people are lucky to be at a track when they first go down, and I’ll tell you right now, if there’s anywhere to crash, it would be there.

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Racetracks are controlled environments. There are paramedics on scene, the instructors know how to react and what to do, and there aren’t as many outside variables. If you’ve never been to a track, I’d encourage you to go. It’s a life changing experience and it allows you to push your limits and test your skills in an atmosphere that’s much more suitable than the streets.

Before this weekend, I was crash free for five years. Although I can’t be certain why I

crashed, I would presume it was a combination of a dip in the track, running wide and cold tires. I simply lost traction when I ran wide and hit the dip during the left hand corner. All I remember the second I crashed was losing pressure and regaining it, all too quickly, on my left hand while I was counter steering. That was the moment I knew I was shit out of luck.

My body tumbled a couple of times and I ended up on my feet in the middle of the track;

my bike, in the gravel, on the side. I knew I had slid on the inside of my knees a little bit (I remember feeling the pressure) but other than that, I felt nothing else. Thank goodness for leathers.

My first reaction to the incident was anger but after being in the company of friends I realized that it happens to the best of us. It’s always nice to have friends there to get you back on track

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FRICTION ZONE: ERIK BUELL WHEN...

ZONE: A SBIMATTER AT FIVEOF YEARS “After determining my bike was mechanically sound, and with the encouragement of my friends, I hopped back on the bike and finished my track day.”

and laugh it off with you. After determining my bike was mechanically sound, and with the encouragement of my friends, I hopped back on the bike and finished my track day. After all, finding something you love doing means overcoming all the obstacles and challenges that you may have to face.

Although I still can’t believe it, I’ve come to terms with it. Shit happens on the daily; that’s what makes life so interesting. Before this incident I would look at my bike and see a 116 | SPORTBIKESINCMAG.COM

piece of artwork, a masterpiece that someone obviously put a lot of thought and effort into, but when I look at him now I see character, resilience, determination and a heart that just won’t quit. I used to be proud that my bike was beautiful and unscathed, but crashing has changed my whole perspective. I’m honored to say that I’m now among those riders that have been down but not out. This is what being a rider is: we push our limits, we continue to better ourselves, we rise when we fall and we continue to do what we love.

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