Posted in sportbikes, time waster, Uncategorized 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 me, [...]
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 works like [...]
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, Nick Sanders, who’s [...]
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 [...]
Posted in moto-shopping, motorcycle, new york, sportbikes on Jun 16th, 2008
One thing you’ll notice about Ducati’s new entry level air-cooled Monster is that no one tells you the price up front… Everyone mentions the $70k+ price tag of the Desmo RR and the discount prices of leftover 999′s – but you practically have to grab a reviewer by the ear in order to get the [...]
Posted in how-to, misc, moto-shopping, motorcycle, motorcycle safety, new york, sportbikes on Jun 11th, 2008
Hey we’re in the middle of the motorcycle theft season… So if you have a type of bike that’s often stolen (in NY that’s most sportbikes…) then you always want to make it a little more difficult for would-be thieves… My usual practice is…when I park my bike on the street over night I’ll usually [...]
Posted in motorcycle, newbie, sportbikes, time waster, useless info on Oct 5th, 2007
There are a few common (and understandable) misconceptions both new and old riders tend to have about our favorite pastime…ahem, I mean, responsible means of transportation… Here, the first in our mini-series is the question of engine size… “How Big is Your Engine?” Pop quiz: True or False A 650cc motorcycle is faster than a [...]
Posted in misc, motorcycle, sportbikes, time waster, useless info on Oct 4th, 2007
Ah…the age old question: Which is faster, a car or motorcycle? Here are two takes on this… Ducati v. Lamborgini Porsche Carrera 4 v. Yamaha R1 (with snarky comments from the Top Gear host)
NY Alerts!!