Tuesday May 1, 2012
If you've read my most recent sportbike reviews, you might have grown sick of hearing me tout the benefits of traction control. From my last three superbike track tests, I dug the confidence inspired by the Yamaha R1 and Ducati 1199 Panigale's electronic systems, and critiqued the latest Suzuki GSX-R1000 for its analog setup.
Ex-MotoGP racer Simon Crafar begs to differ. He illustrates his disdain for electronic aids in this Suzuki GSX-R1000 promotional video, a quick but passionate defense of the latest Gixxer that happens to feature a sweet, slo-mo powerslide featuring the famous blue and white superbike.
"Take the power back," he urges. "Take control. Take responsibility. Riding shouldn't be about electronics. The limit is yours, and yours only."
Do you agree?
Source: Superbike Planet; thanks for the tip, Pete!
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Photo © YouTube
Monday April 30, 2012
Long motorcycle rides often involve healthy doses of pain and pleasure, but a lawsuit filed last week adds an odd twist to that paradigm.
The case put forth by 52 year-old Henry Wolf of San Francisco alleges that a four hour ride that took place on May 1, 2010 resulted in a case of priapism, which Webster defines as "a persistent and painful erection of the penis." But this was more than a fleeting swell; Wolf claims the unwanted tumescence lasted no less than 20 months, or nearly two years. Wow.
This two-wheeled Viagra overload equivalent is being blamed on the "ridge-like" seat manufactured by Corbin-Pacific, supposedly because it was "negligently designed, manufactured and/or installed by defendants." Also cited in the claim is BMW, manufacturer of the 1993 bike (model unknown) which he was riding.
Adding insult to (alleged) injury, the plaintiff's lawsuit claims "He is now unable to engage in sexual activity, which is causing him substantial emotional and mental anguish"-- which, in my opinion, begs the question: is there anything-- warranted or otherwise-- that can't be fixed with a court-clogging lawsuit?
Source: San Francisco Chronicle
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Photo © BMW Motorrad
Monday April 23, 2012
In yet another case of internet enthusiasm invoking the long arm of the law, a 25 year-old rider in British Columbia allegedly posted a YouTube video of his 2006 Yamaha R6 R1 hitting 299 km/h (or 185 mph) on public roads, triggering local authorities to slap his mother, the registered owner of the bike, with a nearly $1,500 fine.
But wait, it gets better.
The rider in question doesn't have insurance or a driver's license, and has already amassed 27 traffic infractions and five license suspensions on his record. But because police forces don't have enough evidence for criminal charges, the rider hasn't faced any consequences from his actions (except, perhaps, the wrath of his mama.) "Someone has to take responsibility for this," says the local police sargeant. "If it's not the rider, then we will take action against the registered owner, the mother."
How did they track down the bike? Read More...
Sunday April 22, 2012
William H. Macy played a bumbling two-wheeled fool in "Wild Hogs", but a piece he recently authored for the New York Times Magazine has me convinced he's
one genuinely cool cat.
Macy documents a journey from Los Angeles to San Francisco alongside fellow "Shameless" stars Steve Howey and Justin Chatwin, and like any good road trip there are moments of comedy and mechanical adventure. But when Macy gets personal, he counterbalances the camaraderie with his pals by describing the trip as a "very singular, private experience. A long ride can become an athletic challenge, but it's lovely to be alone with your thoughts." And yes, he rode a Harley-- specifically, a Heritage Softail Classic.
You can find William H. Macy's piece here on NYTimes.com.
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Photo © Getty Images Entertainment
