Posted in news, sportbikes on Sep 9th, 2009
High performance cars (like the Ferrari with auto clutch) made the shift some time ago from standard gearboxes to electronically controlled clutches and paddle shifters (sans clutch pedal). Is this the future of motorcycles also? What’s interesting about the video is that (at the end) it shows the performance implications for the dual [...]
Posted in sportbikes, time waster on Sep 6th, 2009
If you aren’t out riding, here’s a nice set of videos test driving the 2009 Ninja ZX6… It’s not the most coveted motorcycle, but to the world at large, “Ninja” is synonymous with “sportbike.” And for good reason. They’ve been making great, solid sportbikes and race bikes for years. Sure everyone has their favorites, but [...]
Posted in how-to, sportbikes on Jul 23rd, 2009
Superfluous Ducati video
You don’t have to watch the video for this, and I don’t think I’ve seen anything else by this reviewer, but the way he put on his helmet is affecting his riding position (especially if you jump ahead to 4:10 when he’s talking). When I took the MSF, I think I vaguely remember [...]
Posted in how-to, sportbikes on Jul 1st, 2009
The summer riding season is in full gear and that means TRAFFIC. And for city sportbikers (and some chopper riders) that also means back ache, wrist ache, and general questions of “am I too old for this?” For sporty bikes equipped with low “clip on” handlebars, the problem is that the forward lean is nice [...]
Posted in Uncategorized, sportbikes, time waster on Nov 3rd, 2008
Ducati has decided to unleash it’s newest monster a few days after Halloween. Only it’s not a “Monster” this time…it’s a buck naked 1098. The people who invented the naked sportbike have jumped into the fray once again with the king of the hill streetfighter. (Click here for the teaser video)
Is it just [...]
Posted in misc, moto-shopping, motorcycle safety, sportbikes on Sep 9th, 2008
This might be of interest to only a few citybikers, but it’s too cool not to mention: Yamaha’s 2009 R1 will have a “big bang” engine. “Um okay” you say as your eyes glaze over getting ready for a technical discussion. The Big Bang engine is a regular inline four cylinder engine that [...]
Posted in misc, motorcycle, scooter, sportbikes, time waster on Aug 20th, 2008
I’ve heard different accounts of what it’s like to ride a motorcycle in Italy but the basic story that this video seems to confirm is: “You can be scraping pegs up a windy road going as fast as you think humanly possible, patting yourself on the back…and some kid from the neighborhood who rides the [...]
Posted in motorcycle, riding tips, sportbikes on Aug 5th, 2008
This is for more advanced riders: if you already have a good grasp of basic body position (see “Finding the Right Position“) and have a good grasp on the idea and purpose of shifting your body’s weight in corners (see “Body Positions: Hanging Off”) are really ready for a more advanced approach, this video is [...]
Posted in misc, motorcycle, motorcycle safety, sportbikes on Jul 1st, 2008
Today is a heavy traffic day. And it’s hot… And there are a lot more trucks than usual. And did I mention the temperature? But every time I think it’s too hot to wear a jacket or too difficult riding a sportbike I think of this guy… See video.
There’s another guy, [...]
Posted in how-to, motorcycle, riding tips, sportbikes on Jun 25th, 2008
Here’s a quickie that applies to all types of street riding, but is especially effective on lighter motorcycles and scooters… When you’re making a turn the right way (figure B), where should you put your weight? In the inner foot (the right foot in the diagram) or the outer foot?
Most people put their weight [...]
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