2007 KTM Super Duke
Finally, A Bike Comes Straight From The Crate Ready To Rock The Streets Without Any Setup Needed.We've all seen the promotional video of KTM's Super Duke killing the streets in some unnamed European city. The vid was pretty controversial as it essentially glorified breaking every traffic rule imaginable, but after about 30 seconds on-board the Super Duke, you'll understand just how accurate its portrayal is.
If you feel like you're teetering on the edge of losing your license at any moment on your Gixxer Thousand, then this might not be your bike. Riding it is basically a steady practice in self-control, as it was seemingly designed to wheelie and stoppie-in that order.
Pulling away in first gear without lifting the front wheel is almost impossible, while short-shifting into second and third has pretty much the same result. By the time you make it to fourth gear, some sort of obstacle will have (be it a car, stop sign or corner) popped up, which means the front touches back down and the rear comes up. Two fingers on the brake lever automatically hoist the rear for some of the easiest controlled stoppies imaginable.
This thing is truly a hooligan's dream bike, and in the hands of a proper stunter, it could be a serious weapon. One word on the handlebars, though, when pushing stoppies-they're rubbermounted and flex quite a bit-enough to make us doublecheck that they weren't actually loose. It's a bit unnerving, but once you know they're there, it becomes...tolerable.
Getting to the twisties might be a bit of a chore on the highway, but anything under 70 mph is simply motorcycling madness at its best. There aren't a lot of bikes that make us literally laugh inside our lids, but this truly does. If you're thinking of a second bike, you absolutely need to check out the Super Duke. Just keep your license and insurance handy because you'll be showing it frequently.
The hefty price tag might spook some of you away, and at $13,998, it might be a bit steep. For more info check out www.ktmusa.com.
DVD Of The Month
Ftp 5-A Decade Of Chaos
Simply put, the StarBoyz are streetbike freestyle. For more than 10 years they have been rocking the streets and setting the definition of street stunt riding. Their latest video is the fifth installment in the infamous FTP series, and it continues to progress in the production quality that's helped keep them at the forefront of the video market.
One apparent departure from the previous videos can only be attributed to helmet, bike and jacket sponsors, as the footage of riding ratty bikes in T-shirts is missing. FTP 5 features the Starboyz fully geared up and riding freshly painted bikes. The music crosses all genres, and the footage varies from handheld to on-board and even helicopter shots.
FTP 5 continues the Starboyz' decade of chaos and is why the originators of the sport have been able to stay on top of the stunt game while others have vanished.
www.starboyz.com
Cinematography: * * *
Music: * * *
Lifestyle: * * *
Rider or enthusiast: both
50 Nuts 3-Bust a Nut
Several years ago, 50 Nuts set the standard for all motorcycle-enthusiast videos. The second installment in the series forgot that there was supposed to be riding in a motorcycle video and concentrated more on the girls. But the third release, 50 Nuts 3-Bust a Nut, is back in full force.
Each scene is a combination of action, racing, lifestyle and ladies set against a good soundtrack. Though mostly pit-bike dirt action, even the most hard-core street riders will identify with the lifestyle. The video footage is also highly polished and uses the latest in video equipment. Celebrity appearances include Mike Metzger, Jeremy McGrath, Drew Pitre, TJ Russel and many others.
www.impactvideo.com
Cinematography: * *
Music: * *
Lifestyle: * * * *
Rider Or Enthusiast: Both
Bikestyles Inc: Rock The Streets
It's time to hit the streets with Bikestyles Inc. Chubb Fresh is back and brings with him a crop of new- and old-school riders hitting the backstreets and freeways across the country. Scenes include Officer Khashabi handing out stunt tickets, the West Coast connection killing the streets as only they can, break dancing and lots of tattoos.
The 1980s speed-metal soundtrack is difficult to tolerate, and the mute button was hit more than once during our viewing. Other tunes include hip-hop and rock that were more palatable, though.
Rock the Streets is the perfect title, as most of the scenes feature a mixture of highway footage and behind-the-scenes lifestyle at motorcycle events. Hard-core riders and enthusiasts will appreciate the raw feel, while others will just recognize it as raw.
www.impactvideo.com
Cinematography: * *
Music: *
Lifestyle: * * *
Rider Or Enthusiast: Rider
Submissions
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Where Are They Now?
It was just one year ago that wild man Patrick Stephens rocked the cover on his Honda CBR929RR. SSB hung out with one of the freestyle community's most ovable lunatics and discovered what a true hangover is.
What's he up to these days? Stephens is dating adult-film star Sunrise Adams and collecting traffic tickets as usual while performing stunt exhibitions across the globe.
You Tube Video Of The Month
During our hours wasted surfing the Web at work, we came across a pretty slick video showing some Icon riders doing their thing. Check it out:www.youtube.com/watch?v=zUoFMZkLXoA