What's the attraction to these things?
OK, maybe I should rephrase that question: What's the attraction for a motorcyclist to these things?

I can't figure it out, yet plenty of other Web-a-zines and mags have done ride reports and tests as if they're legitimate bikes.
News flash—they have three wheels. That's three—as in one more than a motorcycle.
Would you ride one instead of a GSX-R1000? What if it was free?

Seems like Tattoos and bikes go hand in hand. Do you have any?

The topic came up at lunch of how much a tattoo cost. What do you pay? Would you get one?

I use Carl at A-town Tattoo. He's been good to me and does a dope ass job finishing up my sleeve. It's a modern interpretation of the day of the dead. (714-534-8784)

Our semi-longterm R1 has finally been chased up by Yamaha, but it was only a matter of time till they remembered it...

We'll be sad to see it go!

Mods we did: Supersprox +2 rear sprocket, Lockhart windscreen, Graves fender eliminator and flushmounts, GYTR slip-on pipes.

What would you do to it if it was yours? (be realistic)...



pic: Brian J Nelson

I want to send a big thanks to the crew at Vance&Hines for graciously opening its doors for us yesterday. Now having seen the world-class facilities and meeting the top-rate staff, I have no doubt it’ll soon be a force in our industry.

While the name V&H may spark memories of its more recent Harley-powered racing endeavors, its racing lineage is nothing short of amazing.

For those too young to remember the good ol’ pink and yellow Yamadogs of the early 90s or the V&H Ducati 916/996/998s that dominated in the early 00s, V&H wants to let the sport-bike community know that its back in a big way.
It was dope touring the factory and witnessing the various stages of an exhaust system’s evolution from conception to completion. Nothing short of amazing, the entire process is done in-house in Santa Fe Springs, CA. by a mix of high-tech automated machines and a skilled labor force. When I say everything, I mean from raw materials all the way to the finished product—ok, so maybe they don’t do their own chroming, but that’s about it.
Along with seeing the facilities we also got a sneak peak at some of their new systems for the Busa, R6 and CBR1000RR. If you’re considering a new system for your bike, peep www.vanceandhines.com for more info and check back here for more updates.

With the new Gladius out soon it leaves the SV650 looking a little...lame.

That's just my opinion of course, but the Gladius looks a lot fresher (though perhaps a little bit too Euro-ish for the US market?)
But where do the masses stand on this matter? Well...you tell me.

I recently had a chance to travel to the other side of the world. I was invited by the Tourism Malaysia to do the a motorcycle tour of the country from Malaysia Motorcycle Getaways. Wow what a trip.

Most Americans don't even know where Malaysia is, much less anything about it. Having been there now, it's a lost hidden secret to Americans. Picture Hawaii with Mexico prices. The roads are awesome and the women are beautiful. Everything is inexpensive and everyone speaks english. Watch for the upcoming article.

www.ridemalaysia.com.my

I was able to get out for some serious miles yesterday, but of course it didn't go incident free.

During our 200 mile SoCal sweep we  came across some extremely random cop stakeout spots.
Seriously—hiding behind trees, signs...you name it.
We were even stopped on the way home because the bike cop wanted to make sure we weren't "some 19-year old, fresh out of the service."
What the hell is that supposed to mean?
Ridiculous.

Is this Desmosedici styled Tundra your style or too much of a good thing?

Obviously it's a gimmick project, but the truck has some potential if it was dialed back a notch or three. With 500 supercharged horsepower the big Toyota will certainly hustle...but would you pay for it?

How cool is the new Ducati Streetfighter?

Though the Monster range was arguably just that, the new Streetfighter takes performance up a notch with a liquid cooled 155 hp motor, Ohlins suspension and even traction control.
Nice!

The dude obviously can race a car, and Michael Schumacher apparently is pretty handy on a bike too (though maybe not in this classic snapshot).

He's faired so well at his "hobby" that Honda Europe has offered Schumi a ride in the WSB championship on a CBR1000RR.
Wow—talk about natural talent.

Our love affair is over...

After eight months, 9,000 miles and many mods Suzuki came askin' for its bike back.
She's been good to me though and has hauled my ass all over California. Heck, more than 1,000 miles a month isn't too shabby ya know.
I'll miss this bike for sure as it did everything well: commuting, canyons and two-up.
Goodbye my beloved 'Busa!

The incredible (looking) RC8 has been given some boost...

The RC8R has an 1195cc engine—45cc more than the RC8 and with 10 extra horsepower. It looks pretty bad ass, though the only thing visibly different is the paint scheme. But hey, paint can make a bike faster right?
There's not much info available yet, but the bike probably won't be available in the US anyways. If it was, would you want one?

I'm fresh back from Japan after sampling the new ZX-6R, and it's got some exciting aspects...

The midrange power has definitely had a bump in power, while the big piston fork (BPF) is shockingly (haha) responsive and well sorted.
Look for the full report in the next issue where we'll go in depth on all the new bits and pieces that make the new bike a serious contender as best 600.

Nicky Hayden got to testing his Ducati for next year and it looks pretty slick...

Stars and stripes all the way here. Hayden mentioned that it would take some time to get it set up, but he's got plenty of time before next season.

In 2004 a dude from MN got nabbed for doing 205 mph on his Honda RC51, a bike that tops out at about 175 mph...

I spoke with him back then and he thought it was rather funny
for the most part, as did anybody who has a clue.

How do you get a ticket for doing something that's impossible?

There is a new limited edition Ducati Hypermotard. It's the all new Neiman Marcus edition.

The limited production motorcycle is featured in the Neiman Marcus Fall Men’s Book and can be ordered through the Neiman Marcus website.
 
The Neiman Marcus Ducati Hypermotard features a Termignoni full exhaust system with performance ECU, Ducati Performance race seat, a specially designed “Tricolore“ color and graphics package and an array of carbon fiber accessories – all conceived and executed by Advanced Motorsports, one of the premier Ducati dealerships in North America.

www.ducatiusa.com

Would you make a spot for this in your garage?

Perfect for a quick run to the store for smokes or a jug of milk, or even a carefree and shiftless commute to work, the Suzuki Burgman 400 is an underestimated workhorse.
But would GSX-R inspired styling make it that much better? I think so...

Have a watch and decide for yourself...

You tell me if the cop in "pursuit" is endangering the public...he nearly has several head on collisions—one with another bike!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W2PBMGmUjTE

Aftermarket parts provider, Lockhart Phillips USA, is looking for up and coming stunters and custom bike builders trying to get some exposure.

The Phillips Motorsport Group’s LP Bike Night division is after talent to feature in the 2009 LP Bike Night catalog. All you have to do is send LP a short and sweet bio. Include your contact info and age and explain in your bio what sets you apart from the rest, as well as what events or bike nights you’ve attended or showcased your talents at.
Also send a hi-res photo of yourself pulling off a wicked stunt or a shot of the tricked out custom sportbike you’ve built.
 Once all submissions are received, LP will select the people we feel best represent the future of the stunt and custom sportbike industry and showcase them in the 2009 LP Bike Night catalog. The top stunt rider and custom sportbike builder will each receive a $500 credit to spend in the LP Bike Night catalog.
All submissions must go to marketing@lockhartphillipsusa.com by December 1, 2008.

Have you been thinking of heading south to pull stunts in the land of sun and hurricanes?

You might want to make other plans before crossing the state line on the rear wheel. The proposed bill that’s had freestylers scratching their 12 bars in despair has been passed. Essentially, if a copper nabs you pulling either wheel off the ground you’re facing a $1000 fine for the first offence, $2500 and a year’s suspension for the second time, and a ten-year ban and $10,000 fine for the third offence.
These same draconian punishments apply to any motorcyclist exceeding the speed limit by 50mph or to bikes without visible plates.
Keep those wheels on the ground, plates visible and speeds under control…or just make it Georgia’s problem.

We've got more info on the new Gixxer...

Sometimes you have to lose to win, and the big Gixxer’s mighty motor now has a 1.7mm-shorter stroke along with shortened downdraft intake manifolds—both reductions are said to increase high rpm power.
For the all-important midrange, bore has been increased by 1.1mm while cam profiles have been altered as well. Overall, these changes have decreased the motor’s physical size while improving power output.
Some more good news for purists—gone is the problematic hydraulic clutch. A cable set up returns and will hopefully clear up some of last year’s sloppiness in the left bar.
MSRP is $12,199 at www.suzukicycles.com.

LeoVince USA has announced it's accepting sponsorship applications for all forms of motorcycle and ATV racing.

This includes Road Racing, Motocross,
Supercross, Arenacross, GNCC, Supermoto and all other forms of competition.

Interested riders should visit sponsorhouse.com to apply.

The cat's outta the bag—here's the new 2009 GSX-R1000.

What do you think?
It's not as radical as we'd hoped, but there are some cool updates.
Styling is still distinctly GSX-R-ish, and the motor has heavy updates.
Will it be enough to reclaim the top spot from the CBR1000RR? We'll see soon enough...

It's the most wonderful time of the year!

Here's the latest and greatest hot from the Kawasaki Dealer Convention.

First off the ZX-6 has been completely revamped.

- New leaner physique with a major reduction in weight and improved power delivery offer more precise control, lighter handling and better acceleration

Also released was the all new ER-6n Streetfighter!

Somewhat of a mix between a Versys and Ninja 650 it's cool, lightweight and affordable!

Watch for both coming soon.

For more information visit www.kawasaki.com.

Here's an "official" pic of the new RSV4 roadbike...

Though there's not a lot of detail on it including price and sale date, we can make the obvious assumptions based on the pic: high end suspension, V4 motor, lightweight wheels...
Apparently the rear passenger pegs fold in flush to the subframe (if you were wondering).