Sometimes we forget ourselves around here. With exhausts, flashy helmets and other random "wish-list" items finding their way to our desks almost daily there usually isn't much need to head to the local dealer.
But there's been a recent awakening. A project R1 build that will kick off in SSB soon has required a handful of odds and ends such as bolts, nuts, gaskets and cables that have made visits to the parts counter quite routine. Add to that my obsession with riding dirtbikes and the result is that most of my lunch breaks haven't been spent chomping Big Macs, but instead darting around town in search of random parts.
In the course of calling nearly every shop in the greater L.A. area for parts I've noticed some disturbing trends. Sadly, I've discovered that many of the larger shops and dealerships don't seem too concerned with customer service these days. I don't have enough fingers to count the times arguments over part numbers and applications have popped up, as well as being strung along for weeks waiting for something as simple as a brake caliper bolt to arrive.
The craziest scenario came moments after purchasing a dirtbike (cash) and asking for a crossbar pad that for some reason wasn't included. My ears nearly fell off my head when I was directed to the parts counter to purchase one. It's astonishingly poor treatment, really.
On the flip side, my experiences with the smaller neighborhood shops have been purely positive. The true spirit of sportbiking is still alive with these guys it seems, and they'll happily lend a hand or let you sift through a used bolts bin just to help get you on the road (or dirt) again. It's these small shops that we should support when possible, so try them first when it's a flat tire or leaky banjo bolt holding up your ride. And if the big outlets treat you like a fool be sure to tell the manager why you're taking your business elsewhere.
-Dave Sonksy
2008 Triumph Speed Triple - Updated Streetfighter Ready To Attack
Triumph's Speed Triple has been the quintessential naked mean machine for the past 14 years running, and recent updates should keep it at the top of the streetfighter class once and for all.
The most notable change is an upgrade from Nissin calipers to Brembos, and while adding huge style points should also improve the previous model's rather lackluster stopping performance. Also new up front is a cosmetic cure to the older version's gold forks. Now they've been blacked out, saving owners the time and money of doing the necessary mod themselves. Attached up top is a fat handlebar from Magura that should offer better control (and certainly better looks) than the older Fonzi bars.
Also new and very obvious are redesigned wheels that sport a trick-looking curved spoke pattern. Finishing off the rear is an all-new subframe and clear LED taillight as well.
Look for a first ride coming soon, but in the meantime check out http://www.triumph.co.uk/usa.
Impossible Mission-For Most of Us
For years OEMs have produced "race replica" versions of winning rides. However, the end product is typically anti-climactic since nifty stickers don't equate to quicker lap times. Ducati has blown that lackluster tradition out of the water with its Desmosedici though.
The Moto GP replica Desmosedici RR originally debuted two years ago and its final iteration is ready for delivery. But who can afford the $72,500 Duc? Movie stars, of course.
Maverick looks to be the first on the list to take delivery of the RR in the U.S. Tom Cruise will be the first American to pick up the stunning machine, but as he rides off to his Scientology lair will he throw down 180 stoppies like he did in Mission Impossible?
Likely not-instead look for paparazzi to catch him in his bomber jacket shaking his fists at F-14s.
Stunt Rag
The first issue of Stuntride magazine has been released via Internet and select retail outlets, and the response from the stunting community has been overwhelmingly positive.
Publisher Thomas Evans said: "With the ever-growing popularity of the stunt lifestyle we felt it was time that a smaller magazine could emerge and be a great complement to the larger publications that cover select events. My hope is that the rest of the motorcycle industry will take further notice of the stunt-riding culture and realize there is more out there than what they have been hand-fed on television!"
Is there any wonder who he could be referring to there? Check out http://www.stuntridemag.com for purchasing info.
Scorpion's Bigger Bite
Available now at dealers nationwide is Scorpion ExoWear for female riders. After a full year of researching, measuring, and talking with key women in the motorcycle industry, Scorpion has developed a product line that is not only functional and extremely fashionable but also ergonomically coordinated for the female form. Scorpion's Fem-TECH line includes mesh, textile and leather garments designed for as many different riding styles as there are body types.
For more info or to find a dealer near you check out http://www.scorpionusa.com.