Fantastic Site - BikeExif.com

This site is full of beautiful motorcycles and it seriously reminds me of why I love motorcycles and why I'm sure they will always be a passion of mine. If you think these bikes are cool then you should bookmark and/or subscribe to BikeExif.com's feed.

Here are some of my favorite posts:

Thursday 12th February, 2009

Firestarter Garage Moto Guzzi

Since 1998, Firestarter Garage has been turning out fine custom motorcycles from its workshop on Italy’s eastern Adriatic Coast. ‘Ottanta’, this delicious Guzzi 1000 SP cafe racer, caught our eye—but Firestarter boss Filippo Barbacane has just sold it for $13,000. The lucky new owner gets a bike with a reworked tank, seat, tail, front fender and exhaust system. If you like the style, check out Filippo’s other creations here.

Canon EOS 30D | 1/10s | f/1.8 | ISO 100 | Focal length 50mm

Friday 30th January, 2009

Harley-Davidson XR750

The coolest Harley of all time was unfortunately a track machine, but what a track machine it was. The XR750 is best known outside the USA as Evel Knievel’s weapon of choice, but this motorcycle is one of the best dirt track race bikes ever made. It won the AMA Grand National Championship in its first year, and it’s still winning races more than thirty years later. Milwaukee, finally, has recognised this priceless part of its heritage and created the overweight XR 1200 in homage. The Storz SP 1200 Sportster is better, though. [Via Chico Moto]

Sunday 25th January, 2009

Mr Martini Triumph Super Cooper

According to Sideblog, Mr Martini “might just be the world’s best modifier of Hinckley Triumphs”. And after checking the motorbikes on his website, we’re inclined to agree. We’re especially taken with the Super Cooper cafe racer, Mr Martini’s creative reinterpretation of the Triumph 900 Adventurer. His real name, by the way, is Nicola. [Via Visual Gratification]

Nikon D1X | f/8.0 | Focal length 120mm

Dustin Humphrey

Most fashion photography featuring motorcycles is a clichéd rehash of the whole biker chick thing. But this ad campaign, shot in Bali for Australian clothing label Insight, is genuinely creative. The man behind the camera is star surf photographer Dustin Humphrey: he’s conjured up a set of technically brilliant and strangely compelling images, redolent of the pre-WWII surf counterculture. There’s a video to go with the campaign too, and it’s even weirder. In a good way.

Wednesday 14th January, 2009

Cagiva Elefant

The Romanian website motoflash has posted speculative images of a new Cagiva Elefant. Cagiva is now owned by Harley-Davidson, and Milwaukee has hinted at the return of the cultish dual sport classic. The images are by designer Oberdan Bezzi: in the colorway shown, there’s a nod to the original Elefant 650—which, incidentally, used a Ducati engine. Bezzi has created a super ‘Lucky Strike Explorer‘ version too.

Monday 29th December, 2008

LSL Clubman W 740R

The German accessory firm LSL has rebuilt the Kawasaki W650 twin into a high-tech cafe racer. Too many parts to list here, but highlights include customized 43mm Öhlins forks and shocks, twin 300mm Galfer brake discs with a Brembo master cylinder, and a tweaked 733cc engine pumping out 65bhp. The cost? Around US$29,000 …

Friday 3rd July, 2009

1983 BMW R80 Bobber

This amazing BMW was reportedly built by a fellow named Rodney Aguiar, who has worked for Roland Sands. It’s a BMW R80 given the bobber treatment, and the detailing is exquisite—from the blacked-out boxer engine and mechanicals to the way the coil of the monoshock matches that signature BMW yellow paintwork on the tank. It’s strange, but it all hangs together somehow: it reminds us of the work of Deus in Sydney. Information about this bike is scant, but if you know more, drop us a line in the comments. [Via Bubble Visor, with thanks to Mitch Alison.]

Saturday 20th June, 2009

Mule Web Surfer

Richard Pollock of Mule has a knack for building classy, beautifully balanced custom motorcycles. Everything is in proportion, from the looks to the mechanical components chosen. Pollock’s background as a surfer probably has something to do with this: his recent ‘Web Surfer’ creation is a nod to the waves, with a painstakingly crafted balsa wood seat base. The bike is running a modified Sportster frame, Ducati 900SS/SP forks and Kawasaki wheels. If you like the Mule tracker style, check out the ‘Madonna Bike‘ we featured four months ago. And if you love the Mule style, Pollock has a bike for sale right now: the NYC-Special has a Buell motor, Ducati 916 forks, and rare Sundance Magnesium wheels. It’s yours for $26,000.

Monday 15th June, 2009

Big Moon Yamaha XS650

Big Moon’s Yamaha SR400 wowed us a couple of months ago, but the guys at the Okayama-based shop have just gone one better. This street tracker based on Yamaha’s iconic XS650 is just perfect, from the curve of the bars to the tiny low-set indicators, and the seat sitting just inside the frame at the rear. There’s no sign of full specs, but we suspect that bhp has been raised from the usual mid-50s. If you added disc brakes and a mini-fender to the front, it’d make the ideal commuter bike. [Via Speed Junkies.]

See also: the Yamaha SR500 tracker shot by Randall Cordero.

Tuesday 2nd June, 2009

BevelTech Ducati Desmo

It’s difficult to improve on the aesthetics of a 1970s Ducati bike. But Australian specialist Tony Hannagan of BevelTech has done it. The engine on his latest creation is from a 900SS: it’s been rebuilt with Cosworth pistons, polished rods, ported heads and magnesium valve covers. It sits in an 860 GT frame that’s also been heavily revised, again using belt-drive SS parts. The bodywork is carbon fiber, the magnesium race wheels are from Marvic, and the exhaust runs inside the frame rails for protection. Doing justice to this extraordinary bike is an image from leading Australian photographer Phil Aynsley. Later this year, Phil’s releasing a book called 30 Years of Ducati Photography—and we’ll be first in the queue to buy it. [Thanks to Adam Zerbib.]

Canon EOS-1D Mk II | 1.0 sec | f/16.0 | ISO 100 | Focal length 90mm

Thursday 7th May, 2009

Sucker Punch Sally’s Fender Triumph

This fine piece of Brit iron is a Triumph Thruxton overhauled by the Arizona custom shop Sucker Punch Sally’s. It’s a collaboration with Fender Custom Guitars, and we love the distressed old school look. Much of its charm comes from the paintjob by leading hot rod artist Sara Ray, who relocated a few weeks ago to become a permanent part of the SPS team. It sounds like Ray will not only be painting the bikes, but also controlling the company’s artistic direction. [Sara Ray noticed on the new blog of Danish artist Cay Brøndum, who is also a Wrenchmonkees collaborator.]

Canon EOS 5D | 1/50s | f/2.8 | ISO 100 | Focal length 51mm

Tuesday 28th April, 2009

Ducati Sport1000 racer

This beautiful machine started life as a stock 2006 Ducati SportClassic, and ended up in the 2008 Rev’It! catalog. But Thunderduc is no show pony: it’s a hardcore racer. Since this picture was taken, top rider Chris Gorel has developed his bike even further, with way too many modifications to list here. Öhlins, Yoyodyne, Brembo and AirTech components feature prominently; Zard twin megaphones provide the aural finishing touch. Fantastico! [Image by Gregor Halenda at Pocono Raceway.]

Hasselblad H1 | Ixpress 132C Digital Back | 1/125s | f/8.0 | ISO 50

Sunday 26th April, 2009

Yamaha SR500 street tracker

Randall Cordero is one of America’s top motorcycle photographers, and his shots of this ‘bumblebee’ Yamaha caught our eye. This 1978 500cc thumper is owned by veteran rider Russ Somers, an art director for Simpson Race Products. It’s packing a White Brothers cam, a flatside carb and a SuperTrapp muffler. Appearances are taken care of via a Drag Specialties Wave headlight, plus an XR500-style tank and tail section from Omar’s Dirt Track Racing. Cordero has captured the look perfectly: see more of his wonderful work here. [Via Speed Junkies.]

Canon EOS 5D | 1/60s | f/19.0 | ISO 100 | Focal length 100mm | EF70-200mm f/2.8L IS USM

Wednesday 8th April, 2009

Moto Guzzi café racer

This stunning café racer is something of a puzzle. It’s just appeared on the Anima Guzzista website, with a wonderful set of photographs by a gentleman called Alberto Sala. We’re told that the bike is called Brigida, took a year to build, and is part of the ‘Minchions Endurance Racing Team’. If you have a good grasp of Italian or know more about this beautiful motorcycle, please clear up the mystery by leaving a comment. [Spotted by DoubleOhTwo on RocketGarage]

Thursday 26th March, 2009

NCR Mike Hailwood TT

In 1979, ‘Mike The Bike‘ Hailwood swung his leg over a Ducati 900 NCR and won the Isle of Man TT. It was a legendary performance, and NCR has honored the 30th anniversary by producing a stunning replica based on the Ducati Sport 1000. This superlight racer weighs just 136kg, with the titanium frame accounting for only 5kg (11lbs) of that. The exhaust system is also titanium, while the bodywork and wheels are carbon fiber. Power comes from a new NCR 1120cc race engine producing 130hp, over 40hp more than Hailwood’s race-winning machine. Just twelve of these replicas will be built, at a cost of €100,000 ($136,000) each, and they’ll be delivered in six weeks time during the 2009 Isle of Man TT festival.

Bear Market Got You Down?

...go to Santa Barbara. This is from our motorcycle trip last month. I
thought it was kinda funny.

Backyard Shed

I've been meaning to build a backyard shed since last summer. I saw
this one at Lowes yesterday and it reminded me. I don't really know
how exactly to get started. I guess the real problem is that I need to
take a couple trees out first and one of them is bigger than I know
how to deal with.

Norton Ala

Norton Ala’Verda 850



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My Review of REI Shuksan Jacket with eVent Fabric - Men's

REI

An epic climb to basecamp, a rigorous day of alpine touring, a fast push on snowshoes—REI Shuksan jacket with eVent™ fabric provides ultimate comfort.

REI Shuksan Jacket with eVent Fabric - Men's

I was skeptical, but it delivers

TroyOn2Wheels Bend, OR 3/15/2009

 

4 5

Gift: No

Fit: Feels true to size

Sleeve Length: Feels true to length

Chest Size: Feels true to size

Pros: Breathable, Windproof, Lightweight

Cons: Slightly odd fit

Best Uses: Wet Weather, Backcountry snow sports, Skiing/Snowboarding

Describe Yourself: Avid Adventurer

I've only used this jacket once so far, but I'm pretty excited and had to come share my experience.

I enjoy backcountry snowboarding, snowshoeing and snowmobiling (sometimes all in the same outing) and I have a tendency to sweat a fair amount during the more strenuous parts of those activities.

Traditionally, while shoveling and pulling out a stuck snowmobile, or snowshoeing up a ridge with a board on my back, I would frequently get wet from sweating. Today, in 29-35 degree weather, under constant, wet snowfall, and while working pretty hard, i was amazed by the Shuksan jacket. Of course i still sweat and still felt a little wet, the jacket isn't magic, and i'd have felt that way if i wasn't wearing any jacket at all. The thing is, i was definitely less overheated and damp than i normally would be in the same conditions. Also, I dried out very quickly once i moved on.

Several weeks ago, in nearly identical conditions, my jacket completely soaked through due to the combination of wet snow on the outside and sweat on the inside. So today was a great test and really highlighted the difference in performance of the gear.

I'm tempted to say that it's almost like i wasn't wearing a jacket at all, except that i was protected from wind. I'm sure that's an exaggeration, but it was on my mind today while shoveling... corny or not.

I will probably not buy any more gore-tex gear. I'm completely sold on eVent. Unless today was some kind of fluke and future experiences are not as good (in which case, i'll write another review here).

Other than performance of the material, the jacket is good but not extraordinary. The main zipper is a little hard to operate, maybe more so than other sealed zippers i have. But it's not THAT bad, don't let it stop you from getting the jacket. The chest puffs out a little bit, and the sleeves seem a little small for much layering. It doesn't quite seem to have that slim, athletic cut that really makes a jacket look good. These are the only reasons for not giving 5 stars. Fit is pretty good otherwise.

I really like the shape of the cuffs, that worked great both with light gloves, and with larger gloves with gauntlets. The hood does indeed fit over my helmet (and i wear a XL helmet).

Honestly though, considering the breathability and how comfortable i was today because of it, i hardly even care about the other features.

It's not a cheap jacket, but if you frequently find yourself sweating in the snow, it's probably worth it. The comfort range, without messing with vents, or changing layers, is pretty incredible.

PS - I did not miss pit-zips! (I've never been a big fan of them anyway)

()

Weird Science

Whoa, now this is a bit freaky. Sheep that are 15% human. From Slashdot.org:

"Professor Esmail Zanjani and colleagues at the University of Nevada-Reno have created sheep that are 15 percent human at the cellular level. Half the organs in the sheep are human. The idea, of course, is to harvest those organs to transplant into human patients."

Holy cra-a-a-a-p! Oops, it's already starting, i think i've got a sheep virus!

New Ride

Well, i did it, i broke down and got cruiser! I wanted something comfortable to putz around town on. I decided i don't need all the speed and high-tech features, I just want something that looks good and i'm not that concerned about how well it performs. I'll be slow, but it's all about style and comfort...

Yup, i got a cruiser. It's a Schwinn! Did i scare ya? Haha, not a cruiser motorcycle, just a bicycle. I should probably never say never, but i don't think i'll ever own a full-on cruiser style motorcycle.

I picked it up at Costco for $159; they still have 'em i think. Anyway, the weather hasn't been particularly bicycle friendly for a while (35 degrees and raining right now), but come summertime, i'll be rollin' downtown and to the parks/concerts in style on my beach cruiser. Plus, it's Beaver colors (my alma mater), bonus!

Here's a couple pictures:

Zen, Motorcycles and the education system

I'm about half way through reading 'Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance' by Robert M. Pirsig and i came across a section that i find particularly interesting. Much of the book is philosophical thoughts/ideas and this is one of the more concise ideas. I'm actually just going to type it out word for word. I'm curious about opinions. I think it sounds like an idea with a lot of possible validity.

[His] argument for the abolition of the degree-and- grading system produced a nonplussed or negative reaction in all but a few students at first, since it seemed, on first judgment, to destroy the whole University system. One student laid it wide open when she said with complete candor, "Of course you can't eliminate the degree and grading system. After all, that's what we're here for."

She spoke the complete truth. The idea that the majority of students attend a university for an education independent of the degree and grades is a little hypocrisy everyone is happier not to expose. Occasionally some students do arrive for an education but rote and the mechanical nature of the institution soon converts them to a less idealistic attitude.

The demonstrator was an argument that elimination of grades and degrees would destroy this hypocrisy. Rather than deal with generalities it dealt with the specific career of an imaginary student who more or less typified what was found in the classroom, a student completely conditioned to work for a grade rather than for the knowledge the grade was supposed to represent.

Such a student, the demonstrator hypothesized, would go to his first class, get his first assignment and probably do it out of habit. He might go to his second and third as well. But eventually the novelty of the course would wear off and, because his academic life was not his only life, the pressure of other obligations or desires would create circumstances where he just would not be able to get an assignment in.

Since there was no degree or grading system he would incur no penalty for this. Subsequent lectures which presumed he'd completed the assignment might be a little more difficult to understand, however, and this difficulty, in turn, might weaken his interest to a point where the next assignment, which he would find quite hard, would also be dropped. Again no penalty.

In time his weaker and weaker understanding of what the lectures were about would make it more and more difficult for him to pay attention in class. Eventually he would see he wasn't learning much; and facing the continual pressure of outside obligations, he would stop studying, feel guilty about this and stop attending class. Again, no penalty would be attached.

But what had happened? The student, with no hard feelings on anybody's part, would have flunked himself out. Good! This is what should have happened. He wasn't there for a real education in the first place and had no real business there at all. A large amount of money and effort had been saved and there would be no stigma of failure and ruin to haunt him the rest of his life. No bridges had been burned.

The student's biggest problem was a slave mentality which had been built into him by years of carrot-and- whip grading, a mule mentality which said, "If you don't whip me, I won't work." He didn't get whipped. He didn't work. And the cart of civilization, which he supposedly was being trained to pull, was just going to have to creak along a little slower without him.

This is a tragedy, however, only if you presume that the cart of civilization, "the system," is pulled by mules. This is a common, vocational, "location" point of view, but it's not the Church attitude.

The Church attitude is that civilization, or "the system" or "society" or whatever you want to call it, is best served not by mules but by free men. The purpose of abolishing grades and degrees is not to punish mules or to get rid of them but to provide an environment in which that mule can turn into a free man.

The hypothetical student, still a mule, would drift around for a while. He would get another kind of education quite as valuable as the one he'd abandoned, in what used to be called the "school of hard knocks." Instead of wasting money and time as a high-status mule, he would now have to get a job as a low-status mule, maybe as a mechanic. Actually his real status would go up. He would be making a contribution for a change. Maybe that's what he would do for the rest of his life. Maybe he'd found his level. But don't count on it.

In time...six months; five years, perhaps...a change could easily begin to take place. He would become less and less satisfied with a kind of dumb, day-to-day shopwork. His creative intelligence, stifled by too much theory and too many grades in college, would now become reawakened by the boredom of the shop. Thousands of hours of frustrating mechanical problems would have made him more interested in machine design. He would like to design machinery himself. He'd think he could do a better job. He would try modifying a few engines, meet with success, look for more success, but feel blocked because he didn't have the theoretical information. He would discover that when before he felt stupid because of his lack of interest in theoretical information, he'd now find a brand of theoretical information which he'd have a lot of respect for, namely, mechanical engineering.

So he would come back to our degreeless and gradeless school, but with a difference. He'd no longer be a grade-motivated person. He'd be a knowledge-motivated person. He would need no external pushing to learn. His push would come from inside. He'd be a free man. He wouldn't need a lot of discipline to shape him up. In fact, if the instructors assigned him were slacking on the job he would be likely to shape them up by asking rude questions. He'd be there to learn something, would be paying to learn something and they'd better come up with it.

Motivation of this sort, once it catches hold, is a ferocious force, and in the gradeless, degreeless institution where our student would find himself, he wouldn't stop with rote engineering information. Physics and mathematics were going to come within his sphere of interest because he'd see he needed them. Metallurgy and electrical engineering would come up for attention. And, in the process of intellectual maturing that these abstract studies gave him, he would he likely to branch out into other theoretical areas that weren't directly related to machines but had become a part of a newer larger goal. This larger goal wouldn't be the imitation of education in Universities today, glossed over and concealed by grades and degrees that give the appearance of something happening when, in fact, almost nothing is going on. It would be the real thing.

Ducatisti

Well, I did manage to do a little riding yesterday, despite the fact that i don't have either of my bikes within 100 miles of me. The local Ducati shop, Bend Euro Moto, is super-cool and has demo bikes. I went by there a couple months ago to check out the DS1000 Multistrada. The weather that day was pretty lousy, but they told me to come back another time and try the bikes out. So yesterday, I did just that.

First I rode the Multistrada 620. The 620 is the little-brother to the 1000, and is not really the one that i'm interested in, but they didn't have a 1000 demo. So Dave suggested i ride the 620 to see how i like the feel of the Multistrada, then ride the GT1000 sport-classic to get an idea of the power that could be expected of the 1000, since it shares the same engine. The 620 was very comfortable and easy to handle/steer at low speeds. However it felt a little nervous at high speeds.

Some bikes--typically the more sport/race oriented sort--are fairly stable and require stronger inputs to the handlebars, these bikes often respond very well to body language input. That is, shifting your position and your weight in order to guide the bike, rather than relying solely on handlebar inputs. This is preferable in my opinion because it offers more stable and smooth high-speed cornering, and also is more fun, because of the increased depth of rider involvement. The trade off--there's always a trade off--is that they are typically more akward handling at very low speeds, like in slow traffic and parking lots. My philosophy is that bikes are meant to be enjoyed carving up the twisty back roads, who cares how they handle in a parking lot! The only other Ducatis I've ridden (996 and 900SS) were both very stable and required heavy bar inputs along with body language--they were also rock solid mid-corner. So I was a bit surprised that the Multistrada was so different.

Of course, all that is in reference to bikes that are mostly spent riding at highway speed, on well surfaced roads. If we're talking about off road bikes, or dual-sports, the rules change. In those cases, it's much more important to have good control at lower speeds and in technical situations, so they typically are much more sensitive to steering input, and easily maneuvered, but at the expense of high speed stability.

Back to the 620, it fell closer to the dual-sport side of the handling spectrum. Which it should; it's meant as a very easy to ride, do-it-all kind of bike, and it's intended to be friendly to novice riders. In those points, it succeeds very well. It's just not what i'm after.

Other points i noticed are that the suspension seemed very stiff over small bumps, transmitting a lot of harshness right into the rider. I was a little surprised by that; given the nature of the handling, i'd have expected a more plush ride. The brakes weren't terribly impressive, but i suspect that could easily be cured with lever adjustments and different pads.

My overall impression was somewhat mixed: the handling was not what I'd expected, although it shouldn't be considered a fault, just a different approach; the controls were not as 'nice' as i'd expected, although this is an entry-level bike, for Ducati. The power was not particularly thrilling, but it's only a 2-valve, air-cooled 620, so i wasn't expecting much there and it actually did better than I'd have guessed. However, it was an excellent seating position, very comfortable and in control, and from what i could tell in such a short ride (not much) the seat seemed to be pretty good. And I love the looks of these bikes. My favorite is the black plastic over a red frame. The transmission shifted very positively and without delay or needing a lot of pressure.

Next i rode the Sport Classic GT1000. While I do think this is a very cool bike--especially after riding it--it's not one that i had been considering buying. The reason for the ride is that it has the same 1000cc dual-spark motor as the Multistrada 1000, so i could get a feel for the power level and engine character.

As soon as I turned the key and hit the starter, I knew this bike had something the 620 was missing--namely, displacement! The larger engine makes itself known immediately. Also, the controls felt much more refined and higher quality. Things seemed to be more in adjustment and the clutch and brakes had much better feel.

It wasn't quite as much of an upright seating position, but close. The seat sloped forward quite a bit though, and was very slippery on my textile riding pants. I wanted to sit back a little bit but just slid right back into the tank the instant i relaxed. I guess that's where i have to sit.

Naturally, acceleration was much better, though still not on par with liquid-cooled sportbikes. I believe this engine is rated at about 95hp; even my 10 year old TL1000S makes 130hp or so from the same size v-twin, but this bike is not meant to compete with the super sports. It's a comfortable and nostalgic ride that still has plenty of oomph for spirited street riding. Aside from that though, the 1000 engine also had an excellent mid-range power delivery that is very smooth and enjoyable. It just runs out of breath as you pass seven or eight thousand RPM.

There is a GT1000 that rides past me at work every once in a while and the sound as it goes by is absolutely music to my ears. I found it to be just as satisfying while on the bike. The desmodromic valve-train also makes a rather nice sound, a little different than conventional systems.

The handling of this bike is excellent. It was much more in-line with what i'm looking for (compared to the 620). It is a good compromise for an every day bike. Easy enough in the slow stuff, but not twitchy at speed, and it feels very natural to move around on the bike a bit for the curves.

I really enjoyed this bike and would love to have one in the garage. I suspect that if i did, it would probably get ridden more frequently than anything else. It just wouldn't quite be the right ticket for the longer rides, and for carrying a passenger. And something would have to be done about the seat!

Perhaps the best thing about this motorcycle is how the character and soul just shine through the appearance. I love the round fenders and headlight, the horns, dual shocks and lack of windshield. Even though I'm too young to have memories of my own about the motorcycles that the GT1000 harkens back too, it still makes me feel a wonderful nostalgia! It doesn't dissapoint in motion though, with it's modern running gear and quality.

Unfortunately, having ridden the two bikes, i'm still not sure what to think about the 1000 Multi. If it handles identical to the 620, then i'm afraid i'm not interested. However, Dave and Kathy both advised me that the 1000 is significantly more stable and fluid at speed. I'd certainly have to try it before plopping down the cash, but that wouldn't be a problem. They even offered to prep the brand new one they had on the showroom, but I didn't want them to do that until i was ready to make a purchase.

So i'm still a bit unresolved on what to do. I've more or less lost interest in the TLS. If i sell that, and the old GS750, i could get about halfway to the cost of the Multi, which would make for a pretty bearable loan. On the other hand, for the money, i could also pick up an old KLR or Bandit 1200 or something for touring, and a used 600 sportbike for the racier times.

What to do, what to do...

Before I left, i told Dave there was one thing i had to ask, or i wouldn't be able to sleep that night: can i demo the 999? I told him there was no way i'd buy it, but if he was willing to let me ride it, i'd love the opportunity. He did, and i did.

If it's been a while (about 4 months in my case) since you've ridden a full-on sportbike, you forget just how incredible they are. You become easily impressed by lesser machines, and you forget what real acceleration and precision feel like. Well, the 999 was a wake up call! The controls were all perfect, with the exception of the rear brake, which was incredibly stiff and didn't offer much feel. The front brakes were flawless though, and while still very stable, the bike didn't need to be muscled around like the 996.

After a brisk, but not all-out, run up to 5th gear on a rural road, i looked down to see 102mph registered on the display. Hmm, doesn't feel that fast. That is at once, both the wonderful thing, and the tragic downfall of sportbikes. It's wonderful because it's so much fun, but tragic because it's just not usually a good idea on public roads with Johnny Law and the neighbor's dog on the loose.

The result is that once again, i'm doubting the likelihood of being satisfied with just one bike. A man's really gotta have half a dozen or so, now that bikes are so specialized. One bike can not do it all. The multistrada may well be the closest thing for now, for me.

Twenty Years

I'm not sure of the exact date that I began riding motorcycles, but I know that 2007 is my twentieth year. As a passenger, i rode motorcycles both in the womb, and within a month of being born. I'm quite sure that i'll never stop, so long as it's within my power to continue. My grandfather is about 85 years old, and although he had to give up motorcycles a couple years ago, he still rides 4-wheelers.

I don't see myself ever stopping. And today i'm thrilled because I'm going riding for the first time in a few months. It's beautiful blue skies and sunshine. Might even get up to 55 degrees today, which is pretty incredible here for january. Recently it's been snowboarding and snowmobiling for me, but not today!

I'll smoke a wheelie for those of you aren't riding today.