Sturgis Motorcycle Rally Celebrates 70 Years

The Granddaddy of them all - Sturgis Motorcycle Rally celebrates 70 years!
Here are just a few of the things that are on tap, including cold beer!

Made famous by "Big Daddy Rat" Karl Smith
The 22nd Sturgis Rat's Hole Bike Show at Buffalo Chip.

The Rat's Hole will also be serving the ONLY draft beer at the Buffalo Chip and you can purchase a Rat's Hole thermo mug that commemorates Sturgis 2010 and holds 3 cans worth of beer at a discounted price all week - perfect for concerts.

The Sturgis Rat's Hole Bike Show is Thursday, Aug. 12th - staged near the Michael Lichter Exhibition Hall and immediately followed by an Ozzy Ozborne Concert.

Michael Lichter Presents "Eternal 30 In The Wind"

The 10th Motorcycles as Art exhibit entitiled, Eternal Combustion - 30 in the Wind will be on exhibit for 7 days at the Buffalo Chip - featuring 30-custom bikes from top builders alongside the largest single exhibit of Michael's photography, Celebrating Michael's 30th year photographing Sturgis.

Admission is Free, open 10 a.m. to 10 p.m.

August 7th to 13th, 2010

Lichter Exhibition Hall at Buffalo Chip, Sturgis SD

The exhibit showcases Arlen Ness, Paul Yaffee, Carl Olsen, Matt Olsen, Dave Perewitz, Jody Perewitz, Brian Klock, Donnie Smith, Eddie Trotta, Todd Silicato, Gard Hollinger, Satya Kraus, Jerry Covington, David Covington, Kirk Taylor, Brian Schimke, Athena "Chickie" Ransom, Laura Klock, Gary Maurer, Ron Finch, Counts Kustoms and Sugarbear and more.

Master Bike Builders Ron Finch, Mondo Porras and Bob McKay will join the IMBBA Hall of Fame, Sunday, August 8th at Broken Spoke Campground. Registration for the IMBBA Bike Show is 10 a.m. - The Bike Show awards are at 7pm and the IMBBA Hall of Fame Ceremony is 8pm, immediately followed by a .38 Special Concert at Broken Spoke Campground.

The Legends Ride - Monday the 9th

The escorted ride through the Black Hills will again be one of the highlights as 350 bikes parade from Historic Deadwood to the Legendary Sturgis Buffalo Chip for a star-studded reception and ZZ TOP concert that raises funds for the Sturgis Motorcycle Museum & Hall of Fame, and for children's charities. Last year, the ride raised more than $60,000. www.legendsride.com.

The Horse 4th Annual Sturgis Bike Show is Monday, Aug. 9th at Full Throttle Saloon in downtown, Sturgis. Registration is free and open from 9 to 11 a.m. with lots of great prize giveaways to bike builders and the audience. Click flyer for details.

STURGIS RALLY IN THE 1950's.....

Don't miss the Sturgis Motorcycle Museum's Hall of Fame Breakfast, at 9 a.m. Aug. 11th.

The AMD - World Championship of Bike Building, Aug. 11th at Champions Park

The Kids & Chrome Ride - Mud Racing - Pro-Hill Climb, Machine Gun Shoots and Nightly Concerts at The Legendary Buffalo Chip.

David Uhl's Sturgis Commemorative Collection at the Legends Gallery - Dirt Track Racing, Limpnickie Lot Bike Builders, International Master Bike Builders, Nightly Concerts and Tattoo Mania at the Broken Spoke Saloon & Broken Spoke Campgrounds.

Russ Darnell

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Russ Darnell was one of the early stars of American motocross racing. His most famous win came in the prestigious Grand Prix at Corriganville (later known as the Hopetown GP) in 1964. Darnell was one of the star riders who bridged the gap between the "rough scrambles" days of the 1950s and ‘60s to the time when motocross became firmly established in the United States by the early 1970s. The bespectacled racer was also one of the first Americans to compete in Motocross Grand Prix and International competition in 1969 and 1970.


Darnell was born in Santa Cruz, California, in 1947. He likes to say he was riding motorcycles before he was born since his dad would take his mom on rides on his Triumph while she was pregnant with Russ. Russ’ father, George, was a leading desert racer of the 1940s and ‘50s. Russ got his first motorcycle, a pre-war Royal Enfield 175cc two-stroke, and later a BSA Bantam, when he was 6 years old.


Darnell began going on desert rides with his father when he was 7 and began to hone his skills as an off-road rider from an early age. At 9, he entered his first race, a 100-mile hare scrambles. Darnell loved the camaraderie and competitive nature of desert racing. By the time he hit his teen years, Darnell was already a formidable veteran among the desert rats, as the desert off-road racers like to call themselves, and had already earned dozens of victories. He earned his AMA expert license while still in high school. He also branched out and competed in nearly all forms of motorcycle racing, from TT to observed trials, scrambles, drag racing, hillclimbs, enduro, flat track, speedway and road racing.


Darnell’s first job was working as a gofer/parts washer and later mechanic at Nick Nicholson’s motorcycle shop in North Hollywood.

Darnell’s biggest victory came relatively early in his racing career. The Grand Prix at Corriganville was one of the biggest off-road races of the 1960s. The track setting was idyllic. A challenging seven-mile circuit set in the scenic hills of a 1,600-acre movie ranch in Simi Valley, California, owned by movie actor Ray "Crash" Corrigan. The ranch was later bought by Bob Hope and renamed Hopetown and the race renamed the Hopetown GP.


Corriganville brought out all the best off-road riders from across the country. Even some of the top AMA Grand National riders were regular participants. That race was a predecessor of what would later become motocross.
In 1964, Darnell was one of the top riders in the 250cc expert class entered in Corriganville. The race featured a huge field with 25 to 30 rows and 20 riders across, all starting en masse.
“Everyone was cheating, trying to move forward for a better starting position,” Darnell recalls. “Steve McQueen was the starter the year I won and he walked out in front of all those guys and picked up the flag. He was going to do something fancy with the flag but as soon as he touched it we were gone. He had to run for his life.”


... Read more





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Accident avoidance...To brake or to swerve?

We all have been in some tight situations when it comes to avoiding a accident and we automatically brake or swerve without thinking.  Some of us have made the wrong decision on whether to brake or swerve, hopefully you are never in that position again but unfortunately as a rider we are always in that position  after reading this article hopefully it will help you to make a better informed decision on to brake or swerve to avoid an accident.

The purpose of this article is solely for information purposes. It is not the intent of this article to encourage or recommend any type of maneuver.  When a rider is confronted with a sudden obstacle ( be a car pulling in your line, a deer crossing the road etc. etc.) you have to evaluate the situation and decide how to react. Your primary options are to attempt to brake to a stop or swerve around the obstacle.

Which decision is more likely to result in avoiding the accident is based on physics of movement (kinematics).  Based on experimental data and published accident investigations we can plot the required distance to brake and the distance to swerve.

As braking distance increases by the square of the speed, we draw the following conclusions:

If traveling from 0 to 50 MPH (give or take 5 miles depending on road conditions and rider skills) braking is the best option.  Traveling in excess of 50 MPH the braking distance increases exponentially and swerving becomes the best option.

Since both braking and swerving are maneuvers based on the law of physics, we can conclude (in general) at “lower” speeds, braking is the better accident-avoidance maneuver, while at “higher” speeds, swerving is the better one.

The Texas Vintage Racing Club

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TEXAS VINTAGE RACING CLUB. Established 1988.

is a social Network for all the motorcross lovers
Be sure to check out the official Texas Vintage Racing Club website at:
www.TVRC.org

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Riding Skills Series: Throttle Control How And When To Get On The Gas

Here is another great article by Andrew Trevitt who writes for Sport Rider.  Throttle control is one of if not the most important thing to learn on a motorcycle.  How much you give the on the Throttle will determine how fast or how slow you go.  How much you give on the Throttle will determine if you end up in the back of a car, etc or end up with a wheelie.

I know when I first went from a Katana 600 to the Suzuki 1000 I discovered real quick about Throttle control and the different in each motorcycle.  The Throttle holds the power of it all and you must learn how to control it so I hope that you will get some good tips by reading Andrew Trevitt's article.  Enjoy

Most riders look at the throttle simply as the "go-fast" control: open it to go faster, close it to slow down. But in fact the throttle is much more than that. Because the engine affects the motorcycle's dynamics so much-especially in the middle of a corner-the throttle can be used as a tool to help your bike's chassis work better. When the motorcycle is under power, there are several factors that work in your favor. The chassis is more stable as the engine's spinning internals add more gyroscopic effect to the mix. There is less load on the front end, allowing the suspension and tire to work better as well as reducing the risk of a front-end crash. And opening the throttle brings the rear-end squat characteristics into play as well, improving the suspension action and tire grip at the rear end as well. If you've ever found a false neutral in a turn or experimented with coasting down a twisty hillside, you'll know how much the engine can influence the chassis. With no power applied, both the steering and suspension work differently and can cause some tense moments midcorner. (And no, we aren't recommending that you coast down a twisty road to try this)

It's important to know that the act of opening the throttle doesn't necessarily mean you will speed up. The initial application of power is usually not enough to overcome the friction and aerodynamics involved, and the motorcycle will continue to lose speed. In faster corners, data shows that the throttle needs to be as much as 20 percent open before the bike will begin to pick up speed. Expert-level riders know this and have the throttle open well before the apex of a turn, while the motorcycle is still slowing down. This is one aspect you can experiment with: On a straight stretch of deserted road, practice closing the throttle and then smoothly opening it just enough so that you are still slowing down but you can feel the slack taken out of the drivetrain.

When you are braking, you should be gripping the tank with your knees to take the weight off your arms; keep your elbows bent, and this will give you better control of the brake-to-throttle transition. Release the brake gradually as you lean into the turn and the cornering forces take over. Once you've completely released the brake lever but before you reach full lean is the time to open the throttle. You want to keep the time you are coasting with no brake or throttle applied to a minimum, and how you open the throttle initially is just as important as when. In Reg Pridmore's book "Smooth Riding the Pridmore Way" and at his CLASS riding schools, Pridmore advises leaving the index and second fingers on the brake lever and using just the third and fourth fingers to apply the throttle. This is an advanced technique, but can significantly reduce the downtime between braking and throttle application.

In a long sweeping corner, hold the throttle open just enough so that you maintain a constant speed, and avoid the temptation to grab a handful of gas if you think you are going too slow. It's better to smoothly and gradually apply the throttle for two reasons: One, you won't have to abruptly close the throttle when you end up gaining too much speed, wasting all the hard work up to that point. And two, this is the area where the chance of a highside crash is greatest. Be smooth with corrections, and avoid closing the throttle completely if possible.

The smoother you can apply the throttle at this point, the better. Ideally, you want just enough power applied to take up the slack in the drivetrain and unload some of the weight from the front wheel, while still reducing speed as you near the apex of the turn. Another benefit of having the power on at this point is that you unsettle the chassis less at the apex if your bike has notchy throttle response-the abruptness will have occurred while the bike was a bit more upright and not as affected. Smoothly roll the throttle on so that you reach your minimum speed right at the apex of the turn and can add speed from there. Note that this is easier practiced on longer, faster turns, where you have more time available and quite a bit of power is necessary to overcome the aerodynamics before acceleration can actually begin.

With the throttle already open at the apex, the slack taken out of the drivetrain and the suspension settled and ready for acceleration, you will get a much better drive out of the corner than you would otherwise. This pays dividends all the way down the next straight with more speed. With practice, you'll find that getting on the gas smoothly and early pays off in many aspects, allowing you to ride quicker on the racetrack and more safely on the street.

Iron Cowgirl Missy On The Road To Sturgis

Iron Cowgirl Missy rocked her hometown, Jackson, Michigan on July 24th as a warm-up for her "dream gig" at The Legendary Buffalo Chip during the 70th Anniversary of Sturgis Motorcycle Rally.

Her tour is named after one of her many original songs, "Heart Of Steel."

Missy has been on a motorcycle since she was 8 years old and has ridden across the country. She has also ridden a horse across Michigan.

You can learn more about this talented young musician "chasing her dreams with a fury" at http://www.ironcowgirlmissy.com/ - She will be broadcasting LIVE "On The Road To Sturgis." Here's the link to UStream.TV.


Iron Cowgirl Missy's Heart of Steel tour bus pulls out Sunday, and they will be meeting up with riders all along the way... on the road to Sturgis. When she returns to Michigan with pictures and stories, she will be attending the Porcupine BASH 2010, Aug. 27 to 29th in Chatham, MI.

She is coming to BASH 2010 because she believes in "Paying it Forward" and that is what she has been doing all along the road of chasing her dreams... Supporting our troops, American Cancer Society, Salvation Army and many other worthwhile causes with her energy and music.

I hope everyone has a safe and fun journey to this year's Sturgis Motorcycle Rally, Aug. 8 to 15th!

2010 AMA Motocross Washougal Results

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By Matt Davidson via : www.motorcycle-usa.com

Celebrating its 30th year of hosting an AMA National Motocross, the Washougal organizers of the event decided to kick it old school. Fans and riders alike were encouraged to break out their vintage duds to mark three decades of pro racing in the Pacific Northwest. Although some of the outfits in the crowd were tired, the racing was anything but. All day the racers had to contend with constant changes from bright sunlight to dark woods at the legendary track. Ryan Dungey and Trey Canard kept the winning streaks going at the retro-themed National. Both riders swept the motos with perfect 1-1 victories while Andrew Short and Christophe Pourcel took solid 2-2 second-place overalls in their respective 450 and 250 classes.

Suzuki's Ryan Dungey captured his seventh overall victory of the '10 season at the Washougal Retro National.

Once again taking a page out of Mike Alessi’s playbook, Short grabbed the holeshot in Moto 1and tried to break free from the pack. In hot pursuit was his stand-in teammate, Kevin Windham, followed by Brett Metcalfe and Dungey. TLD Honda’s Ben Townley experienced a difficult day after crashing during the opening lap in the whoops and injuring his shoulder, putting a quick end to his Washougal experience. Just five laps in Dungey made a hard charge to secure the lead ahead of Short and Windham, while GEICO Powersports Honda’s Metcalfe made an impressive push toward the front of the pack to take third at lap six. Josh Grant moved up to fourth as K-dub began his slow decent back to a ninth palce finish. With just five minutes left Dungey crashed entering a turn, but managed to quickly recover and went on to earn his sixth consecutive moto win. Rounding out the Moto 1 podium was Short followed by Metcalfe.

Brett Metcalfe had to fight back through the pack in the second moto to earn his third place overall finish.

In Moto 2 the #29 bike of Short once again snared the holeshot while Dungey took an inside line to secure third-place. During the opening laps Short received tremendous pressure from Windham while Dungey rapidly approached the veteran from behind. Just a few laps later Dungey successfully passed Windham and began working on the five-second gap separating him from Short in first place. With the overall victory on the line, Dungey shot around Short for the lead on lap eight and instantly pulled away. The championship leader eventually took the win by more than 17 seconds, and earned his seventh straight overall victory in the 450 class. Rockstar' Energy's Tommy Hahn put on an impressive ride as he charged from sixth to third. Short rounded out his day behind Dungey with two second-place finishes and was followed by Metcalfe, who was third in the overall results after his 3-5 score.

After getting another of his trademark holeshots, Andrew Short took second in both motos to finish in second-place behind Dungey.

With his latest win Dungey has now increased his lead to a monstrous 95 points ahead of Short who trails in second.

"The second moto I had a good start. Then over in the back section they watered the back side of a tabletop, and I lost the back end," said Metcalfe about his difficult second moto. "I came from 25th, and all I could think about was riding aggresive and hard as I could."

"Dungey is pretty far gone I think. There's a pretty good battle for second," said Short about the points race. "Metcalfe is right there behind me, so i still have a lot of racing and a lot of points to take advantage of." ... Read more



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Two Wheel Thunder’s Johnny Lange Comes to BASH 2010

By MJ Reynolds


Johnny Lange and the Strip Club Choppers Roadhouse Tour have been traveling all season with Michele Smith and Jay Barbieri, filming episodes of “Two Wheel Thunder” for Discovery Channel’s Motorcycle Mondays on HD Theater. He will be heading to the Porcupine BASH 2010 in Michigan, directly from the 70th Anniversary of Sturgis Motorcycle Rally.

BASH 2010 is a full weekend of music and biker-friendly camaraderie "Saluting Our Military" veterans and active service men and women. Gifts for veterans in VA homes and hospitals will also be collected at the event, and are being collected at sponsoring businesses in Michigan and Wisconsin.

“I also want to commit to help entertain the veterans on Sunday by bringing one of my Strip Club Choppers over to the veterans home,” said Johnny, whose parents met during WWII when his father was stationed with the US Air Force in London. His grandfather was a member of the Royal Engineers UK Air Force in WWI and WWII. “I was never in the military, but I give them all my respect for their service to God and country.”

Johnny Lange’s friendship with the co-host of the “Two Wheel Thunder” show goes back to Sturgis, six years ago. “I look a little bit like Kid Rock and I was there with a big fuchsia colored bike with green wheels, and everybody thought I was Kid Rock, although I kept telling them, ‘No, I’m not Kid Rock.’ That’s when this guy came up to me and started telling me that he liked my honesty and that he was going to come back tomorrow for a film interview.” It turned out to be Jay Barbieri, who was filming episodes of “American Thunder” on the SPEED Channel, the longest running motorcycle TV show in history.

The story, with photographs of their meeting at Sturgis is one of many stories they wrote together in the  Bikers Handbook: Becoming Part of the Motorcycle Culture , now in its third printing and available at Amazon.com.

Johnny opened Strip Club Choppers in 2004, and Jay Barbieri became his business partner. “This season, we have filmed at Mazatlan Bike Week in Mexico, The Virginia Beach Classic, Thunder Beach in Panama City and of course Daytona Beach Bike Week.”

Two Wheel Thunder's Mexico Bike Week episode aired July 26th as part of Discovery Channel’s “Motorcycle Mondays.” The Strip Club Choppers Roadhouse will be featured in upcoming episodes filmed with Michele Smith and Jay Barbieri at The Virginia Beach Classic, and episodes filmed with Jay at Thunder Beach Rally in Panama City, Florida. The trio kicked off the season together at the 69th Annual Daytona Bike Week. New episodes and previous episodes are scheduled to air almost daily.

Check the Discovery HD Theater Two Wheel Thunder TV Schedule.

Smith and Barbieri previously hosted “American Thunder” on the Speed Channel but after 14 years, and despite high ratings, SPEED decided not to bring the show back. The new “Two Wheel Thunder” show was quickly picked up for “Motorcycle Mondays” on Discovery’s HD Theater and began airing episodes in June 2010.

Michele has been riding motorcycles since 1994 and is considered the “First Lady of Motorcycling” by millions of enthusiasts.

Barbieri is not only hosting the show this season but is also the Executive Producer. Barbieri has been riding a Harley for over 25 years, has hundreds of thousand miles under his belt and has attended countless motorcycle rallies across North America.

This season, Johnny Lange and the Strip Club Choppers Roadhouse freightliner have played a big role in the “Two Wheel Thunder” show, providing a 400 square foot VIP lounge area, complete with sofas, tables and chairs for the audience at motorcycle rallies and other events. “I really enjoy the crowds of people,” said Johnny. “We sign posters and encourage people to hang out with us in our area, enjoy a beer and listen to some music or share some rally stories.”

The Strip Club Choppers Roadhouse, complete with VIP lounge and world famous Strip Club Chopper “pole” bikes will be rolling into Chatham, MI for the Porcupine BASH 2010, Aug. 27 to 29th – to “Salute Our Military” and help provide gifts and needed activity funds for veterans.

Combining his love of strip club dancers and beautiful motorcycles, Johnny built his first strip pole chopper and landed a spot on the Jay Leno Show.

His one-of-a-kind strip pole chopper and bagger motorcycles will be on display at BASH 2010. Grab your camera because you are welcome to take pictures with the bikes.

“When we were in Virginia Beach together, Michele interviewed me from the pole! I don’t know if they will edit my comments. I said something like, ‘Coming out of retirement’ when I introduced her,” laughed Johnny in an interview from the road, July 27th.

“When we travel from rally to rally together there is never a dull moment,” Jay said in an earlier interview. “Thank God for editing, and I say that with a smile.”

HD Theater is a high-definition television network from Discovery Communications, Inc., the owner of the Discovery Channel. It launched nation-wide in 2002 as Discovery HD Theater and is now the most widely distributed basic cable HD network in the United States.


Two Wheel Thunder – Strip Club Roadhouse Tour: STRIPCLUBCHOPPERS.COM

DUCATI ANNOUNCES THE 848 EVO SUPERBIKE FOR 2011 IT'S HOT

  

Here it is and we are only half way through 2010 and the new models are rolling off the assembly line.  The Ducati looks really hot and the write-up on it makes you want to go and get yourself a Ducati.   And the price for the new Ducati is not that bad either.  Suzuki has also announced it's new baby as well.  Check out our next article on the new Suzuki for 2011.  She is hot as well.  Makes me want to trade in my 2008 Suzuki 1000 for the 2011 but I'm not going to do that to my baby she has been good to me:).

New for 2011, the 848^EVO is the year’s most significant middleweight sport bike Cupertino, Calif.

(20 July 2010) –  Ducati proudly announces today the most powerful middleweight sport bike on the market; the 2011 Ducati 848^EVO Superbike. 

The new Ducati 848^EVO is the pinnacle of sport bike engineering, designed to be the leader in the middleweight class. Weighing only 369 pounds and propelled by 140 horsepower and 72 lb/ft of torque, it is the most powerful motorcycle in its category.

The 848^EVO is based upon Ducati’s best ever selling middleweight Superbike- the 848. Along with the “EVO” designation comes a significant amount of upgrades based on AMA Pro Racing feedback and consumer demand.

At the heart of the 848^EVO is the Testastretta Evoluzione engine, significantly redesigned for a higher power output. All new cylinder heads, pistons, throttle bodies and camshafts combine for a forceful output of 140hp @ 10,500rpm and 72.3 lb/ft of torque @9,750rpm. All of this significant engine performance is wrapped in new black cylinder cases.

In addition to the more powerful engine, the 848^EVO’s chassis and braking systems have been upgraded. A cross-mounted steering damper has been added for greater control of the steering system, and the welcome addition of Pirelli Diablo Supercorsa SP tires will ensure maximum grip while delivering every last horsepower to the asphalt.

The 848^EVO receives a massive upgrade to the braking system in the form of Brembo Monobloc calipers. These single-piece calipers are machined from solid alloy and achieve a higher rigidity and resistance to distortion during extreme braking. The resulting increase in hydraulic efficiency not only delivers incredible braking power, but also provides an enhanced and precise 'feel' at the brake lever.

All this combines to form the most potent, powerful and lightweight middle class sport bike available; both for the road or race track usage. For 2011, a special “Dark” version will be available; which unlike “Dark” editions of Ducait’s past will be a truly black bike from front to rear, giving the motorcycle an aggressive look and attitude.

The Ducati 848^EVO Superbike will be available in North American Ducati Dealerships at the end of August, 2010. Impressively, MSRP will remain unchanged from the 2010 848 it replaces: $12,995 for the “Dark” edition, and $13,995 for Ducati Red.

SUZUKI ANNOUNCES SOME 2011 MODELS Sportbikes include the V-Strom 650 ABS and Hayabusa

Read on people the 2011 Suzuki family is looking and sounding good as well.  They have the V-Strom, Hayabusa, Boulevard, ATV models already to ship.

Brea, CA, July 19, 2010 - Suzuki is pleased to announce its first big wave of several new models for the 2011 model year. In addition to the launch of these new motorcycles and ATVs, American Suzuki is also celebrating its 50th anniversary of international racing this summer. "We are excited to launch a significant number of new units for the 2011 model year, while at the same time we celebrate a half-century of racing," said Steve Bortolamedi, Senior Communications Manager at American Suzuki. "Our products are truly the result of time spent on racetracks all over the world," Bortolamedi adds.

Suzuki will soon ship the 2011 V-Strom 650 ABS, 2011 DR650SE, 2011 DR-Z400S, 2011 Hayabusa, 2011 Boulevard S40, 2011 RM-Z250, 2011 RM-Z450, 2011 TU250 and the 2011 Boulevard M109R and Boulevard M109R Limited. In addition Suzuki is also releasing a 2010 RM85 for those up-and-coming motocross riders out there.

 

Suzuki is also announcing more ATV models for the 2011 model year, including the 2011 KingQuad 400ASi, the KingQuad 400FSi and the new 2011 KingQuad 500AXi. These models come hot on the heels of the previously announced 2011 KingQuad 750AXi and 750AXi Power Steering and 2011 KingQuad 500AXi Power Steering.

A wide variety and range of product is key to a successful business model and nobody does that better than Suzuki. The company will offer several cruiser motorcycles for 2011 including the stylish Boulevard M109R, the entry-level Boulevard S40 as well as the retro-styled standard TU250. The S40 will be available in two new color schemes, orange and black, or white and silver. Suzuki revolutionized the dual sport category and will offer the DR650SE and the DR-Z400S for 2011. Returning for 2011 is the middleweight V-Strom 650 ABS which features antilock brakes as well as a large rear luggage rack with rubber-padded platform to help keep bags and luggage in place. The V-Strom is available in white and black. The king of the Sportbike segment, the Suzuki Hayabusa, also returns for 2011 in Pearl Mirage White or Pearl Nebular Black. And two new updated race-winning motocross performance machines also make an appearance for 2011; the potent RM-Z250, and the RM-Z450, which is based on the current FIM/AMA Supercross championship-winning ride.

 

Suzuki also announces several new ATV models for 2011. The KingQuad 400 models have been revised and both the 400ASi and 400FSi boast a new EFI system and a digital speedometer. The KingQuad 400ASi is offered in black, white, yellow and is also available in Realtree Hardwoods HD enhanced camouflage. The 2011 KingQuad 400FSi is also available in the same variety of color schemes as the KingQuad 400ASi. Suzuki will offer a completely new offering for 2011; a non-power-steering KingQuad 500AXi, which is available in yellow, black, white and Realtree Hardwoods HD enhanced camouflage.

BMW R100/7 scrambler

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via : the Bike Exif


Even the stateliest grand tourer can be turned into a scrambler. This example is a 1977 BMW R100/7 owned by Frank, from Kandel in Germany. He bought the bike in 1983, with just 5,000km on the clock; the BMW is now up to 196,000 km, without any issues apart from a gearbox defect last year. Frank lowered the forks 6 cm, and made a new sub-frame, seat and license plate bracket. He also fitted Tomaselli bars, Koso digital instruments, Dunlop Trailmax tires, a Ducati rear fender, and a fuel-tank from a BMW /5... Read more





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Quebec Rat Shop, "Blade" Wins Canadian Biker Build Off

BLADE by Fred Vaillancourt of The Rat Shop Custom Bikes, Quebec is the new Canadian Biker Build Off Champion.

The 6th Canadian Biker Build Off Competition was judged by the IMBBA, July 23rd, 24th and 25th in Welland, Ontario, Canada. See full listing of results.

Photos by Jack McIntyre, IMBBA staff photographer.

More photos are available in the IMBBA Canadian Biker Build Off Photo Gallery.

The Sunday Movie

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via Billy Weston

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Riding Skills Series: Motorcycle Crashing - It Can Be A Skill

Yes, it can be a skill this is from the April, 2010 issue of Sport Rider 

by Andrew Trevitt, Photography by Gold and Goose

I know you are probably saying this dude is crazy.  Motorcycle crashing being a skill who the heck wants to crash or even think about crashing but we must think about it because it's apart of the ride sometimes, so I rather be prepared than not prepared.  As motorcyclists we need to be pro-active and not re-active. Andrew says it can be a skill, I wish I had read this article before I had my accident.   

One of the sad realities of our sport is that crashes occur more often than we'd like, and those crashes often end with an injury. Rather than avoid thinking about the possibility and what you would do in the event of a tipover, you can help minimize the resultant injuries with some forethought and action during the crash itself. Fortunately or unfortunately (depending on your viewpoint), the Sport Rider staff has plenty of experience in this area, and has learned the skills associated with crashing a motorcycle.

First, however, it can't be stressed enough that your goal-especially on the street-is to stay upright and on two wheels. There is no "badge of honor" or prize money for crashing, and no judges with scorecards. There are far too many immovable objects to hit and an accordingly higher risk of major injury. Things are different on the track, however. Learning skills and improving as a rider means toeing the line occasionally, and crashing is more likely. You've heard it before, but we can't say it enough: If you're going to be pushing your limits, take it to the track.

Before you even turn a wheel, you should be prepared for an accident. Good gear is a must, as is a motorcycle in proper working order. You definitely don't want to crash because your tire pressures are low, or for any other similarly avoidable reason. And you have to wear your gear (rather than leave it at home) for it to work. Being in good physical shape can help lessen the severity of your injuries in a crash; stretching regularly, and before you ride, can help as well.

Now for the crash itself. Our first instinct in an accident is to tense up and perhaps close our eyes-the completely wrong response. There is plenty to do in a crash, and you want your eyes open to see what's going on. Try to stay alert, and don't simply give up and wait for the sky-ground-sky-ground to stop. That said, one big mistake that many riders make is holding on to the motorcycle well past the point of no return. Racers sometimes get credit for keeping a death grip on the clip-ons, allowing them to get back up and in the race all the more quickly. The reality is that by holding on and staying close to the bike, you are increasing your chances of getting hit or caught up in the flying machinery. Let go once you realize a crash is inevitable, and if possible even push the bike away from you.

With the crash now running its course and the ground rushing up at you, it's important to stay as relaxed as possible and not tense your limbs. In any type of fall, resist the natural urge to try and cushion a fall with your hands; trying to break your fall with an outstretched arm will almost certainly result in a broken wrist. Your gear is padded in strategic places for just this occasion, and it's best to let the padded (and stronger) areas of your body such as the outer portion of your arms, shoulders, and back take the brunt of the impact rather than your hands and wrists-the least-protected (and most fragile) portion of your body. If you can make it past the initial landing without serious injury, chances are good you'll walk away when it's over.

Once you've initially hit the ground, the object is to do whatever possible to avoid starting to tumble. While it's generally good to keep the outer portion of your limbs from flailing about, you need to try and spread yourself out in order to avert tumbling; the more you are tucked into a ball, the more likely you are to tumble-which will almost assuredly result in broken bones and prolonging of the actual fall itself. If possible, orient yourself so you are sliding on your back, hopefully feet first. Your back protector (you are wearing a back protector, aren't you?) makes a nice wide, flat surface to spread the load over, as well as protecting you from localized hot spots and road rash, and the more surface area you can drag on the pavement, the more you'll scrub off speed and the quicker you'll come to a stop. The important part to remember through all this is to remain as relaxed as possible, while still moving parts of your body to avoid additional injury. For instance, curbing at the edge of the racetrack is easy to catch something on, and you want to "surf" over this area as smoothly as you can; by slightly lifting whichever limb is at the forefront of your slide, you can avoid catching something and starting a tumble. Sound impossible? You'd be surprised at what you can accomplish sliding along the asphalt, and how much that effort can save you from pain later on.

Another big mistake made by first-time fallers is to try and get up while they are still moving. This is another recipe for tumbling, and it's worth being certain that you are stopped before attempting to move. A good policy is to count to ten after you think you have stopped, and be sure the crash is over. If you're on the road or racing surface you'll want to extricate yourself if possible; otherwise, take inventory of your body and if anything is unusually painful, wait for help to arrive.  

Even if you avoid serious injury in a crash, there is always the stiffness and soreness to deal with during the days after. Alternate ice and heat on especially hurtful bits, and stretch regularly to avoid having your muscles tighten up. Of course, go to the hospital or see your doctor if something seems amiss. Most importantly, learn from your experience-hopefully you won't have to put that knowledge to use again, but it doesn't hurt to be prepared.

Some iron-man riders can seem to wrestle a crashing bike into submission, but for most of us the best option is to let go and get away from the motorcycle as quickly as possible to avoid getting hit by it.

The initial ground impact during a crash can cause the most injury. Keep your arms and legs as tucked in as possible to protect them, and relax your body as much as possible to prepare for landing.

Once you are on the ground and sliding, try to orient yourself on your back, traveling feet-first. This will let you see where you are going as well as spread the weight of your body over as much an area as possible.

Once the crash is over, evaluate what happened. Not only do you want to consider the cause of the fall, but also what you could have done differently during the crash.