The day started off with an early morning scurry though some of the most scenic and twisty canyon roads in Southern California. Even with all the power of the ZX-14 waiting at the twist of the wrist, the Rossos never fought for traction and felt stable and planted despite the cold morning roads. The sense of solid footing was immediate and felt as if the bike was rolling on a Posturepedic mattress with the road conforming to the tire. This was, no doubt, due to the tire's Enhanced Patch Technology that, according to Pirelli, produces the maximum contact patch at any lean angle and is supported by a patented zero-degree steel-belt radial structure.
The street ride concluded at the Streets of Willow in Rosamond, California, to test the Rossos on the track. Though not the ideal machine for a track day, the big ZX-14 is a good machine to test rear grip. With 170 horsepower at the ready there aren't many tires that can win a duel against the pony power. But the tires gripped the track surface as well as they managed on the streets. Muscling a ZX-14 through the tight corners of the Streets of Willow is always a challenge, but despite the bike's size the Rossos performed flawlessly-only giving the slightest hint at wheelspin under lean and full throttle.
The Rosso is marketed for the street, but novice to intermediate riders will be able to enjoy a track day with little worry. After a half-day of abuse at the track, the Rossos hit the freeways and carried the Ninja back home, and have continued to hold up perfectly during cold and sloppy morning commutes. If you're looking for a good all-rounder that's competent for aggressive rides, the new black is this red.
Pirelli Diablo Rosso
Front: from $154.95
Rear: from $206.95
www.pirellityre.com
No More Stunt-Shine State
Bikers Beware! "The Man" Is Looking To Ruin Your Ride.
New legislation has been proposed in Florida to rein in reckless riders. State Rep. Carlos Lopez-Cantera has introduced bill HB 137, which calls for a 10-year motorcycle license suspension, bike impound and the arrest of anyone caught "stunt riding" on public roads.
The face of pure evil.
Ten years? We didn't believe it, so SSB got the story straight from the horse's mouth. Lopez-Cantera reassured us that he realizes: "Some riders have several concerns regarding [this] legislation. This bill aims to address riders of high-performance motorcycles that treat Florida's roads and highways as their own personal stunt track."
The bill is being touted as a tool to promote safety. In the words of Mr. Lopez-Cantera: "The goal of this legislation is to target stunt riding and prevent motorcycle fatalities."
In our inquiry, SSB presented alternatives to the harsh jump in penalties, such as introducing helmet laws or implementing a mandatory rider safety course. If the bill's true focus were safety, wouldn't proactive measures like safety equipment and training save more lives than a reactive posture of arresting people who go fast?
Lopez-Cantera stated very lucidly that: "The amendment will clearly define what is considered stunt riding and require a motorcycle rider to maintain two wheels on the ground at all times."
He sent us this link to a Florida news clip (http://video.nbc6.net /player/?id=188989) that makes the bill look more like a vendetta than a legal remedy. In the video he states: "They actually have to fear the law."
This will get you locked up anywhere. In the U.K. you'll be hanged, while in Florida your license will be suspended for 10 years.
If the bill passes, it'll be time to flip that retractable plate and give her a full twist, right? Nope, they thought of that. Non-fixed/non-visible plates will be addressed in the new law as well, and running may net you real jail time. But evading the fuzz has been the remedy of choice for many riders who have already expressed their views on various forums.
Has the proposal of this bill actually then made Florida's roadways more dangerous? Will motorcyclists now dodge police cruisers at any cost even when not breaking the law for fear of discrimination?