From RPM Supermoto
VANCOUVER, BC -- Just two rounds remain after an action-packed start to the 2008 RPM Supermoto Championship. Riders will battle for every last championship point as round five takes them to Quesnel in British Columbia’s interior and round six draws the region’s best to the Fraser Valley to compete for the title of CMA Canadian Supermoto Champion.
Round five takes place Sunday, Aug. 10 at the Quesnel Kart Track. The race will be supermoto’s debut in British Columbia’s interior and organizers hope the event will bring out a flood of dirt bike riders both to the race track and to the stands.
Round six is the final race of the RPM season and also the CMA Canadian Supermoto Championship. The CMA championship is a stand-alone championship round held Sunday, Aug. 24 at Tradex Trade and Convention Centre in Abbotsford. Both the RPM points championship and the CMA Canadian championship will be decided that round.
After four rounds of racing, the championship standings are as follows:
Expert 450
1) Glenn Nixon, #77, Yamaha, Mission, BC
2) Nik Burroughs #45, Yamaha, Langley, BC
3) Scott Edwards, #4, Yamaha, Victoria, BC
Expert Unlimited
1) Glenn Nixon, #77, Yamaha, Mission, BC
2) Nik Burroughs #45, Yamaha, Langley, BC
3) Scott Edwards, #4, Yamaha, Victoria, BC
Intermediate 450
1) Kyle Hammerquist, #156, Honda, Vancouver, BC
2) Rick Zadvorny, #331, Suzuki, Calgary, AB
3) Tom Fayle, #26, Honda, North Vancouver, BC
Intermediate Unlimited
1) Rick Zadvorny, #331, Suzuki, Calgary, AB
2) Ryan Busto, #177, Yamaha, Surrey, BC
3) Dave Klassen, #65, Kawasaki, Williams Lake, BC
Novice
1) Tom Jorgensen, #53, KTM, North Vancouver, BC
2) Kevin Hay, #147, Kawasaki, North Vancouver, BC
3) Greg Wardrope. #18, Yamaha, Abbotsford, BC
Womens
1) Holly Suggitt, #75, Yamaha, Vancouver, BC
2) Carol Fisher, #7, Honda, Victoria, BC
3) Kimberley Reid, #76, Yamaha, Maple Ridge, BC
The 2008 RPM Supermoto Championship is organized by British Columbia Riders Promoting Motorsports, a group of volunteer supermoto enthusiasts and racers.
Thursday, July 31, 2008
"EASY RIDER San Remo, Italy, Jun 17 After dining with friends, Keanu Reeves dodges overeager fans on his motorcycle"
Photo taken from July 7, 2008 People magazine.
My post title quote came directly from their photo.
I first of all must say, I did not even know Keanu was a biker.
Secondly, I think he looks like a total F'n dork in the suit with helmet and bike. Maybe that's why it looks like some of the girls in the back ground are laughing at him.
I know, I know, giddy with exitement. (BARF).
Thirdly.... Don't get me wrong here. I own a Sportster, and love Sportsters, but for a star of his calibur, a "stock" Sporty???? WTF???
I saw this and thought it was interesting.
Just food for thought.
MV Augusta returns to the International Motorcycle and Scooter Show
The MV Augusta F4
MV Augusta importer, Moto GB has confirmed it will be showing MV Augusta motorcycles at this years forthcoming International Motorcycle and Scooter Show at the Birmingham NEC, as well has exhibiting it's other brands of Benelli, Cagiva and Keeway scooters.
Great there will be some Italian exotica to drool over!
Ride safe.
Jon Booth
Email: webmaster@inter-bike.co.uk
Blog: http://inter-bike.blogspot.com/
Swicki: http://motorcycling-swicki.eurekster.com/
End of an era for Royal Enfield
The longest surviving production motorcycle in the world, the Royal Enfield Bullet Classic 350cc has reached the end of the line as far as British bikers are concerned. Stocks in the UK are down to the last 100 units and no more will be imported, killed off by ever more stringent European emissions regulations, the 1950's engine cannot be adapted to meet the new regulations.
So its a sad farewell to the Royal Enfield Bullet Classic!
Ride safe.
Jon Booth
Email: webmaster@inter-bike.co.uk
Blog: http://inter-bike.blogspot.com/
Swicki: http://motorcycling-swicki.eurekster.com/
Wednesday, July 30, 2008
Gibernau tests Ducati again
From Marlboro Ducati
Sete Gibernau finished a two-day testing session he was taking part in at Mugello together with official testers Vittoriano Guareschi and Niccola Canepa on Wednesday that will continue Thursday for the final day.
The Spanish rider, back in action for the third time after retiring almost two years ago, kept up an excellent pace, lapping consistently in around 1:50.5 with race tire. Despite the difficult climatic conditions, with scorching air and track temperatures, Gibernau clocked an impressive fastest lap time in 1:48.9 with qualifying tires.
A crash around the end of the day, luckily without consequences, brought an early end to the test for Gibernau.
"It has been great trying again a qualifying tire after almost two years," said a smiling Gibernau, "but the most important thing is that the feeling with the bike in race trim was perfect almost straight away. Despite the crash it has been a very positive test. I wish to thank again Ducati for the chance of riding again the MotoGP. We will see together whether and how there will be the chance to continue our cooperation.
"Today I have experienced again the 'thrill' of a crash and I'm fine. I have decided together with Filippo [Preziosi] not to ride tomorrow just because we are satisfied already with the good job we did in two days."
The testing session will end Thursday with Guareschi and Canepa, who has been very quick and consistent also. Today he didn't try qualifying tires but concentrated on the bike in race attire with which he lapped several times under 1:51 with a personal best lap time of 1:50.2.
Sete Gibernau finished a two-day testing session he was taking part in at Mugello together with official testers Vittoriano Guareschi and Niccola Canepa on Wednesday that will continue Thursday for the final day.
The Spanish rider, back in action for the third time after retiring almost two years ago, kept up an excellent pace, lapping consistently in around 1:50.5 with race tire. Despite the difficult climatic conditions, with scorching air and track temperatures, Gibernau clocked an impressive fastest lap time in 1:48.9 with qualifying tires.
A crash around the end of the day, luckily without consequences, brought an early end to the test for Gibernau.
"It has been great trying again a qualifying tire after almost two years," said a smiling Gibernau, "but the most important thing is that the feeling with the bike in race trim was perfect almost straight away. Despite the crash it has been a very positive test. I wish to thank again Ducati for the chance of riding again the MotoGP. We will see together whether and how there will be the chance to continue our cooperation.
"Today I have experienced again the 'thrill' of a crash and I'm fine. I have decided together with Filippo [Preziosi] not to ride tomorrow just because we are satisfied already with the good job we did in two days."
The testing session will end Thursday with Guareschi and Canepa, who has been very quick and consistent also. Today he didn't try qualifying tires but concentrated on the bike in race attire with which he lapped several times under 1:51 with a personal best lap time of 1:50.2.
A Visit to Orange County Choppers - Road Trip
The regular monthly gathering of Chapter NJ-F (F Troop) of the Gold Wing Road Riders Association (GWRRA) was held at the Empire Diner in Freehold, NJ on July 27, 2008. After the gathering, many members and guests rode to the Orange County Choppers (OCC) headquarters in Newburgh, NY.We rode in three groups, each with a leader and drag rider. Most members communicated via CBs to keep the groups together and informed.
I had seen the guys from OCC in June, 2004 when I was at the Americade Rally in Lake George, NY. At that time they were becoming well known through their TV show, American Chopper.
The motorcycle community was split as to whether they were amateurs who got lucky or genuine biker craftsmen who knew how to create a masterpiece chopper. I think that most were amazed that they caught on so fast and made a bundle of money doing what backyard mechanics had already been doing for 30 years.
Sometimes when I attend a motorcycle rally, something unexpected happens. At Americade 2004, I found out that the Orange County Chopper (OCC) cast from the Discovery Channel's American Chopper (now on The Learning Channel), was going to be in the area. This was not an official Americade event. It was thought up by the town fathers of Bolton Landing, a town 10 miles north of Lake George. They felt that they needed to do something to attract some of the 60,000 or so Americaders and get them to spend some money in their town. Turns out that a few emails and a phone call did the trick and the whole cast of Orange County Choppers (OCC) showed up for a 4-day run to meet with their fans and sell a few autographed T-shirts.
The Teutuls: Paul Sr, Paul Jr, and Mikey have to choose carefully their visits to rallies to allow them time to build the theme bikes required on their TV show. They skipped Laconia that year and instead did Bolton Landing where they brought 20 of their most popular theme bikes. Here's a picture of Paul Jr signing my OCC T-shirt. My wife, Jane, stood in a long line to get these shirts signed.The Teutuls were just getting started then. They still had a small shop but millions of fans were watching them on TV every week to see that next theme bike being built and to hear the yelling and screaming as Paul Sr and Paul Jr clashed.
Years passed and they built a bigger and bigger reputation. Now they were in a huge building in Newburgh, NY that contained a showroom of their merchandise and products. Tucked in the back of the building is a small factory where their choppers are built in the glare of TV lights and multiple cameras taping everything going on in the creative process including the antics of the Teutuls and their employees.
Many motorcyclists now visit the facility. It's almost a motorcycle mecca. In fact, our group from New Jersey was only a small part of the riders present that day.
I took a few pictures of the new digs for OCC. The place is quite impressive. I have written descriptions and captions for each picture. Take a look.
If you'd like to know more about choppers, take a look at my Choppers article, my Chopper Gallery, and my Choppers subject. I also wrote a book review, Orange County Choppers: The Tale of the Teutuls - A Motorcycle Book Review.
If you decide to take a trip to Orange County Choppers, you won't be disappointed. Just don't expect to see any of the Teutuls there on Sunday, the day we chose to visit.
First picture ©2008 Jane Ann Kern; second picture ©2004 Walter F. Kern
Parkes goes for three in a row
From Yamaha Racing
Yamaha World Supersport Team rider Broc Parkes has been racking up record laps and pole positions this season but in the approach to the Brands Hatch round he will be going for three in a row in the most valuable contest there is, securing race wins.
For the past two seasons Parkes has won the World Supersport race at Brands Hatch and this year, having already notched up a race win at Qatar, he has already proved that his new YZF-R6 is up to the job once again.
In the most recent rounds Parkes has scored five poles in a row but each time an unexpected development on raceday itself has seen Parkes not quite able to secure more race victories to add to his Qatar triumph.
Joining Parkes for the Brands and Donington WSS rounds, substituting for the injured Fabien Foret is local rider Karl Harris. No stranger to the WSS paddock, Harris normally rides a YZF-R1 Superbike in the BSB series but has been drafted into the top Yamaha WSS team to make best use of his vast Brands Hatch experience, and of course to help Parkes in his championship challenge.
In the championship table, after eight rounds have been completed, Andrew Pitt leads on 133 points with Josh Brookes on 101 and Parkes, overall third, on 100.
"I just want to do my thing and get a good result at Brands because we will have one month off immediately afterwards," Parkes said. "We have five races remaining in the championship and we are 33 points behind. I wasn't happy with the result at Brno so I want to have a really good race result in the UK this weekend. I have won for the last two years in a row, so I'm out to make it three.
"Brands is a special track because you can hear the fans sometimes, they are really enthusiastic and so close to you. It's not a very long track but it is one of the most flowing and the data tells us that the corner speeds are generally high. Our bike seems to work very well there, its character seems to suit the race track."
A sixth place finish for Michele Pirro (Yamaha Team Italia Lorenzini by Leoni) at Brno sees him fifth overall going into Brands, still the leading Yamaha Superstock 1000 FIM Cup rider at present.
Loris Baz (YZF Yamaha Junior Team) continues his personal duel with Honda rider Patrick Vostarek in the European Superstock 600 class, now seven points ahead with four rounds to go.
Yamaha World Supersport Team rider Broc Parkes has been racking up record laps and pole positions this season but in the approach to the Brands Hatch round he will be going for three in a row in the most valuable contest there is, securing race wins.
For the past two seasons Parkes has won the World Supersport race at Brands Hatch and this year, having already notched up a race win at Qatar, he has already proved that his new YZF-R6 is up to the job once again.
In the most recent rounds Parkes has scored five poles in a row but each time an unexpected development on raceday itself has seen Parkes not quite able to secure more race victories to add to his Qatar triumph.
Joining Parkes for the Brands and Donington WSS rounds, substituting for the injured Fabien Foret is local rider Karl Harris. No stranger to the WSS paddock, Harris normally rides a YZF-R1 Superbike in the BSB series but has been drafted into the top Yamaha WSS team to make best use of his vast Brands Hatch experience, and of course to help Parkes in his championship challenge.
In the championship table, after eight rounds have been completed, Andrew Pitt leads on 133 points with Josh Brookes on 101 and Parkes, overall third, on 100.
"I just want to do my thing and get a good result at Brands because we will have one month off immediately afterwards," Parkes said. "We have five races remaining in the championship and we are 33 points behind. I wasn't happy with the result at Brno so I want to have a really good race result in the UK this weekend. I have won for the last two years in a row, so I'm out to make it three.
"Brands is a special track because you can hear the fans sometimes, they are really enthusiastic and so close to you. It's not a very long track but it is one of the most flowing and the data tells us that the corner speeds are generally high. Our bike seems to work very well there, its character seems to suit the race track."
A sixth place finish for Michele Pirro (Yamaha Team Italia Lorenzini by Leoni) at Brno sees him fifth overall going into Brands, still the leading Yamaha Superstock 1000 FIM Cup rider at present.
Loris Baz (YZF Yamaha Junior Team) continues his personal duel with Honda rider Patrick Vostarek in the European Superstock 600 class, now seven points ahead with four rounds to go.
Haga and Corser eye more Brands success
From Yamaha Racing
Noriyuki Haga and Troy Corser (Yamaha Motor Italia WSB Team) are no strangers to the podium in the World Superbike Championship, Corser having taken 122 career top three finishes and Haga 82. As their winning records show, each of Yamaha's lead 2008 riders has a special affinity with Brands Hatch, having scored seven race wins between them at the sinuous and flowing English circuit.
Corser is sitting in overall third in the point standings after a Brno race weekend that placed him second and then fourth. Corser's pre-Brands confidence is boosted by the fact that he is currently only 12 points behind the second place rider, Max Neukirchner.
Haga is only eight points behind Corser despite a tough weekend at Brno last time out. With four race wins to his credit this season already, and four previous WSB victories at Brands Hatch, he is one of the favourites for more podium glory at one of his favourite racing venues.
Brands Hatch, despite its small paddock and pit garages, is not just a popular location with Corser and Haga and the rest of the World Superbike riders, it's a real festival of motorcycling for the fans. More than just a race weekend, it's become an annual 'must do' for racing fans from all over Britain and beyond.
The 3.703km circuit is undulating and generally fast, with what feels like many more than its six right and three left hand corners, plus a main straight that is anything but straight. Almost every corner entry or apex is taken blind and the approach and eventual drop down Paddock Hill is one of the classic corners in all of motorcycle racing.
"Brands Hatch is one of my favourite circuits and last year, in the second race, I was doing well, and I enjoyed fighting with James Toseland," Haga said. "Second position was kind of OK. This year I'm trying for a double win there. I like the atmosphere very much at Brands Hatch; it's a great England track. I always do well in England and I will be thinking positive again."
On top of Corser's enviable racing history at Brands, he also has family links to the UK.
"It's kind of like a second home race for me with my wife Sam's family there," the Aussie said. "The track's good, I like the layout, although the fences are a bit close on some places at the back of the circuit. But all in all, a good place.
"Atmosphere wise it's the only place like it, the spectators are so close, you can see and hear them a lot more easily than at most circuits. It's always a good track to go to with the atmosphere and the crowd. I always get plenty of support there so it's one of the best ones."
Shinichi Nakatomi (Yamaha Team YZF) enters Brands in 19th place while David Checa (Yamaha GMT94) remains tied on seven championship points with his teammate Sebastien Gimbert. They share 23rd place overall.
Noriyuki Haga and Troy Corser (Yamaha Motor Italia WSB Team) are no strangers to the podium in the World Superbike Championship, Corser having taken 122 career top three finishes and Haga 82. As their winning records show, each of Yamaha's lead 2008 riders has a special affinity with Brands Hatch, having scored seven race wins between them at the sinuous and flowing English circuit.
Corser is sitting in overall third in the point standings after a Brno race weekend that placed him second and then fourth. Corser's pre-Brands confidence is boosted by the fact that he is currently only 12 points behind the second place rider, Max Neukirchner.
Haga is only eight points behind Corser despite a tough weekend at Brno last time out. With four race wins to his credit this season already, and four previous WSB victories at Brands Hatch, he is one of the favourites for more podium glory at one of his favourite racing venues.
Brands Hatch, despite its small paddock and pit garages, is not just a popular location with Corser and Haga and the rest of the World Superbike riders, it's a real festival of motorcycling for the fans. More than just a race weekend, it's become an annual 'must do' for racing fans from all over Britain and beyond.
The 3.703km circuit is undulating and generally fast, with what feels like many more than its six right and three left hand corners, plus a main straight that is anything but straight. Almost every corner entry or apex is taken blind and the approach and eventual drop down Paddock Hill is one of the classic corners in all of motorcycle racing.
"Brands Hatch is one of my favourite circuits and last year, in the second race, I was doing well, and I enjoyed fighting with James Toseland," Haga said. "Second position was kind of OK. This year I'm trying for a double win there. I like the atmosphere very much at Brands Hatch; it's a great England track. I always do well in England and I will be thinking positive again."
On top of Corser's enviable racing history at Brands, he also has family links to the UK.
"It's kind of like a second home race for me with my wife Sam's family there," the Aussie said. "The track's good, I like the layout, although the fences are a bit close on some places at the back of the circuit. But all in all, a good place.
"Atmosphere wise it's the only place like it, the spectators are so close, you can see and hear them a lot more easily than at most circuits. It's always a good track to go to with the atmosphere and the crowd. I always get plenty of support there so it's one of the best ones."
Shinichi Nakatomi (Yamaha Team YZF) enters Brands in 19th place while David Checa (Yamaha GMT94) remains tied on seven championship points with his teammate Sebastien Gimbert. They share 23rd place overall.
Lewis triples in Quebec
From Team Evolve Moto
COATESVILLE, PA – Team Evolve Moto/AxiomTV’s Johnny Lewis headed to Quebec for the Supermoto X-Fest Mecaglisse last weekend and brought home three impressive wins. Riding a close-to-stock Yamaha YZ450F from H. Grégoire Yamaha with supermoto tires, Beringer Brakes and his RG3 Suspension, Lewis cleaned house.
“This was the best race weekend I ever had,” said Lewis. “I rode for H. Grégoire Yamaha from Quebec using the personal bike of co-owner Louis Desourdy and had the support of my personal sponsor NSS Footwear. Louis and the entire dealership staff were very good to me all weekend. It was a super, awesome track, the fans were so appreciative of the show we put on, and it was a ton of fun.”
The second annual Supermoto X-Fest Mecaglisse was held in partnership with the Supermoto Quebec Association. Two Canadian TV shows will later air the event. More than 100 motorcycle and ATV racers participated vying for a $3,000 purse that included supermoto, superquad, mini MX bike stunts, and trials. The fans saw great racing action, took motorcycle demo rides and watched contests like the Supermoto Bike Drift.
Competing against many Canadian supermoto regulars on the unfamiliar Mecaglisse track with more than 1,000 spectators in attendance, Lewis stole the show. He finished third in his heat race and won the SMX Pro Open Final convincingly.
In the Super Final Prestige, which combined the top three finishers from Open Pro, 250 Amateur and Vet +35 main events, Lewis got the holeshot and led the entire race, despite starting at the back of the grid.
The Supermoto Bike Drift Contest was judged by fan applause as to which rider had the coolest drift. During his first run, Lewis overshot the corner. On his second run, Lewis drifted around the entire corner, leaning over so that his pegs touched the ground, after coming in very hard on the bike. The fans overwhelmingly voted for him by applause.
Lewis’ next stop will be round two of the XTRM Networks AMA Supermoto Championship on Aug. 9 for Doug Henry’s New England Supermoto Grand Prix in Stafford, CT.
COATESVILLE, PA – Team Evolve Moto/AxiomTV’s Johnny Lewis headed to Quebec for the Supermoto X-Fest Mecaglisse last weekend and brought home three impressive wins. Riding a close-to-stock Yamaha YZ450F from H. Grégoire Yamaha with supermoto tires, Beringer Brakes and his RG3 Suspension, Lewis cleaned house.
“This was the best race weekend I ever had,” said Lewis. “I rode for H. Grégoire Yamaha from Quebec using the personal bike of co-owner Louis Desourdy and had the support of my personal sponsor NSS Footwear. Louis and the entire dealership staff were very good to me all weekend. It was a super, awesome track, the fans were so appreciative of the show we put on, and it was a ton of fun.”
The second annual Supermoto X-Fest Mecaglisse was held in partnership with the Supermoto Quebec Association. Two Canadian TV shows will later air the event. More than 100 motorcycle and ATV racers participated vying for a $3,000 purse that included supermoto, superquad, mini MX bike stunts, and trials. The fans saw great racing action, took motorcycle demo rides and watched contests like the Supermoto Bike Drift.
Competing against many Canadian supermoto regulars on the unfamiliar Mecaglisse track with more than 1,000 spectators in attendance, Lewis stole the show. He finished third in his heat race and won the SMX Pro Open Final convincingly.
In the Super Final Prestige, which combined the top three finishers from Open Pro, 250 Amateur and Vet +35 main events, Lewis got the holeshot and led the entire race, despite starting at the back of the grid.
The Supermoto Bike Drift Contest was judged by fan applause as to which rider had the coolest drift. During his first run, Lewis overshot the corner. On his second run, Lewis drifted around the entire corner, leaning over so that his pegs touched the ground, after coming in very hard on the bike. The fans overwhelmingly voted for him by applause.
Lewis’ next stop will be round two of the XTRM Networks AMA Supermoto Championship on Aug. 9 for Doug Henry’s New England Supermoto Grand Prix in Stafford, CT.
AMA action resumes at Mid-Ohio
From Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course
DUBLIN, OH – Completing two back-to-back weekends of motorcycle madness, Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course will welcome the AMA Superbike Championship Series to its Lexington, OH facility this weekend during the Honda Super Cycle Weekend presented by Dunlop Tire.
An anchor to the Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course schedule for 26 years and featuring two Wiseco Superbike 100 races, the event will pit the dynamic Rockstar Makita Yoshimura Suzuki duo of Ben Spies and Mat Mladin against the rest of the paddock, as the two have won all 12 races thus far in the 19-round season.
While the AMA Superbike Championship Series season opened with Mladin going three-for-three, Spies followed up with a record-breaking seven consecutive victories.
The 24-year-old Texan, however, is recovering from an emergency appendectomy after feeling feverish and nauseous at Laguna Seca earlier in the month. Spies is slated to race at Mid-Ohio, owing in part to his determination to become the series’ champion for the third straight year.
Spies, no stranger to competing with injuries, will look for his eighth win of the season at Mid-Ohio, and his first at the racetrack since 2006.
Spies’ hunt for an eighth win will be hotly contested by teammate Mladin, who swept the doubleheader last year at Mid-Ohio. Mladin is coming off another whirlwind weekend at Laguna Seca where he upped Spies, cutting the championship margin to 36 points. Mladin also owns the title of spoiler, as he broke Spies’ seven-race win streak in early June. The Aussie will look for his ninth career win on the 2.4-mile, 15-turn Mid-Ohio circuit.
The American Honda stable is looking for its first win of the season on its home track, and Brit Neil Hodgson looks the most poised to do so. Hodgson, who has finished in the top-five for nine of 12 races this season, is currently only two points behind Monster Kawasaki’s Jamie Hacking in fourth place. In each of the two 26-lap showdowns this weekend, Hodgson will be gunning for the top podium spot along with teammate and Honda veteran Miguel Duhamel.
Also on the hunt for that elusive win this weekend is Eric Bostrom whose victory in 2005 on a Ducati makes him the last non-Suzuki to win a Superbike race at Mid-Ohio. Since then it’s been straight Suzuki domination, a feat which Bostrom would love to quash on his Yamaha YZF-R1.
Bostrom and teammate Jason DiSalvo are no strangers to victory at Mid-Ohio either, both having captured first place in their respective Formula Xtreme and Superstock races two years ago.
In addition to the two Wiseco Superbike 100 races, Honda Super Cycle Weekend presented by Dunlop Tire will offer plenty of other on- and off-track action. AMA Supersport, Superstock, Formula Xtreme and the new AMA Red Bull U.S. Rookies Cup will compete, while off-track more than 120 motorcycle dealerships from six states will converge on Mid-Ohio for the 18th Annual Mid-Ohio Dealer Ride on Sunday.
DUBLIN, OH – Completing two back-to-back weekends of motorcycle madness, Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course will welcome the AMA Superbike Championship Series to its Lexington, OH facility this weekend during the Honda Super Cycle Weekend presented by Dunlop Tire.
An anchor to the Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course schedule for 26 years and featuring two Wiseco Superbike 100 races, the event will pit the dynamic Rockstar Makita Yoshimura Suzuki duo of Ben Spies and Mat Mladin against the rest of the paddock, as the two have won all 12 races thus far in the 19-round season.
While the AMA Superbike Championship Series season opened with Mladin going three-for-three, Spies followed up with a record-breaking seven consecutive victories.
The 24-year-old Texan, however, is recovering from an emergency appendectomy after feeling feverish and nauseous at Laguna Seca earlier in the month. Spies is slated to race at Mid-Ohio, owing in part to his determination to become the series’ champion for the third straight year.
Spies, no stranger to competing with injuries, will look for his eighth win of the season at Mid-Ohio, and his first at the racetrack since 2006.
Spies’ hunt for an eighth win will be hotly contested by teammate Mladin, who swept the doubleheader last year at Mid-Ohio. Mladin is coming off another whirlwind weekend at Laguna Seca where he upped Spies, cutting the championship margin to 36 points. Mladin also owns the title of spoiler, as he broke Spies’ seven-race win streak in early June. The Aussie will look for his ninth career win on the 2.4-mile, 15-turn Mid-Ohio circuit.
The American Honda stable is looking for its first win of the season on its home track, and Brit Neil Hodgson looks the most poised to do so. Hodgson, who has finished in the top-five for nine of 12 races this season, is currently only two points behind Monster Kawasaki’s Jamie Hacking in fourth place. In each of the two 26-lap showdowns this weekend, Hodgson will be gunning for the top podium spot along with teammate and Honda veteran Miguel Duhamel.
Also on the hunt for that elusive win this weekend is Eric Bostrom whose victory in 2005 on a Ducati makes him the last non-Suzuki to win a Superbike race at Mid-Ohio. Since then it’s been straight Suzuki domination, a feat which Bostrom would love to quash on his Yamaha YZF-R1.
Bostrom and teammate Jason DiSalvo are no strangers to victory at Mid-Ohio either, both having captured first place in their respective Formula Xtreme and Superstock races two years ago.
In addition to the two Wiseco Superbike 100 races, Honda Super Cycle Weekend presented by Dunlop Tire will offer plenty of other on- and off-track action. AMA Supersport, Superstock, Formula Xtreme and the new AMA Red Bull U.S. Rookies Cup will compete, while off-track more than 120 motorcycle dealerships from six states will converge on Mid-Ohio for the 18th Annual Mid-Ohio Dealer Ride on Sunday.
Your speed...
Click on the picture to enlarge it.
Thanks to those of you participated in my scientific study from the "How Fast Did You Say?" post on thursday July 24th!
http://01mrmotorcycle.blogspot.com/2008/07/how-fast-did-you-say.html
LOL!
Thanks to those of you participated in my scientific study from the "How Fast Did You Say?" post on thursday July 24th!
http://01mrmotorcycle.blogspot.com/2008/07/how-fast-did-you-say.html
LOL!
Tuesday, July 29, 2008
Suzuki trio ready for Brands
From Team Alstare Suzuki
Team Suzuki Alstare riders Fonsi Nieto and Yukio Kagayama together with Alstare Suzuki rider Max Neukirchner will be going all out to score as many points as possible this weekend at the World Superbike round at Brands Hatch.
The Kent circuit is one of the most spectacular and fan-friendly circuits on the calendar and its undulating layout has been the scene of many epic World Superbike battles in the past. Last year, Briton James Toseland delighted the home fans with a double victory, which set him well on course for the title.
Kagayama did not finish the first race, but took fifth in the second, while Nieto (racing for Kawasaki) ended up 12th in race one and 13th in race two. Neukirchner took a pair of 10ths on his Suzuki Germany GSX-R1000.
"Brands Hatch is a special track and it's great to see and hear the fans because that doesn't happen very often," Neukirchner said. "It is in a great setting and it is a track that often favours the home riders, though I would like to change that this weekend.
"I want to put pressure on [Troy] Bayliss and see if I can close the gap on him this weekend. He has a big points advantage but anything can happen in racing, so I will be doing my best to score as many points as possible and hopefully leave with a couple of podiums for sure."
Team Suzuki Alstare riders Fonsi Nieto and Yukio Kagayama together with Alstare Suzuki rider Max Neukirchner will be going all out to score as many points as possible this weekend at the World Superbike round at Brands Hatch.
The Kent circuit is one of the most spectacular and fan-friendly circuits on the calendar and its undulating layout has been the scene of many epic World Superbike battles in the past. Last year, Briton James Toseland delighted the home fans with a double victory, which set him well on course for the title.
Kagayama did not finish the first race, but took fifth in the second, while Nieto (racing for Kawasaki) ended up 12th in race one and 13th in race two. Neukirchner took a pair of 10ths on his Suzuki Germany GSX-R1000.
"Brands Hatch is a special track and it's great to see and hear the fans because that doesn't happen very often," Neukirchner said. "It is in a great setting and it is a track that often favours the home riders, though I would like to change that this weekend.
"I want to put pressure on [Troy] Bayliss and see if I can close the gap on him this weekend. He has a big points advantage but anything can happen in racing, so I will be doing my best to score as many points as possible and hopefully leave with a couple of podiums for sure."
Monday, July 28, 2008
Suzuki second at Suzuka; Honda wins
From Team Suzuki
Yoshimura Suzuki with Denso's Daisaku Sakai and Atsushi Watanabe raced their GSX-R1000 to second place at the Suzuka 8 Hour World Endurance third round in Japan Sunday as last year's winners Yoshimura Suzuki with Jomo's Yukio Kagayama and Kousuke Akiyoshi finished fourth after recovering from a crash.
The event was led from start to finish by Dream Honda Racing's Ryuichi Kiyonari and Carlos Checa, who finished with 214 laps, the same number as the Yoshimura team, as third place went to Team HARC. Pro Honda four laps behind.
"We were fast and strong for 214 laps but could not quite catch Honda," Watanabe said. "We had a good plan for the race but winning and finishing is a big difference, but I'd like to win next year."
After three hours the winning Honda led the #34 Yoshimura Suzuki of Kagayama and Akiyoshi by a minute but the Suzuki men took a brief lead following a sudden rainfall; Kagayama pulling a 10-second lead on Checa.
But disaster stuck on the 91st lap when Kagayama hit a pool of water in heavy rain and crashed heavily, ruining their chance of victory.
"I really thought we had a realistic chance to beat Honda but then heavy rain began to fall," Kagayama said. "I was pushing hard but within the safety margins and then I hit a large pool of water and crashed. I feel sorry for my teammate and all the Yoshimura and SMC staff that we didn't win."
Reigning World Champions SERT had a difficult race, but still remain in the World Endurance Championship lead. In a team knocked down to just two - after fastest rider Vincent Philippe was injured in qualifying, Mathieu Lagrive and Julien Da Costa finished in 14th place on 202 laps.
In the SST class, young Japanese rider Masahiro Sinjo was drafted into the Qatar Endurance Racing Team, finished second in class, and kept the team's championship lead intact.
Results
1. DREAM Honda Racing Team 11 - R.KIYONARI/ C.CHECA - 214 laps
2. YOSHIMURA SUZUKI with DENSO - D.SAKAI/ A.WATANABE - 214 laps
3. Team HARC. pro Honda - Y.KONISHI/ T.TAKAHASHI - 210 laps
4. YOSHIMURA SUZUKI with JOMO - Y.KAGAYAMA/ K.AKIYOSHI - 209 laps
5. YAMAHA Racing - Y.SATO/ K.NAKASUGA/ Y.TAKEDA - 209 laps
6. MORIWAKI MOTUL Racing HONDA - T.YAMAGUCHI/ C.CRUTCHLOW/ J.OHALLORAN - 208 laps
7. PLOT FARO PANTHERA SUZUKI - Y.KONNO/ K.TERAMOTO - 207 laps
8. MotoMap SUPPLY SUZUKI - Y.HATANO/ H.OGATA/ T.NAMEKATA - 205 laps
9. Team SAKURAI HONDA 10 - C.KAMEYA/ L.HASLAM - 205 laps
10. Team SAKURAI HONDA 71 - K.TSUDA/ J.BROOKES - 204 laps
Yoshimura Suzuki with Denso's Daisaku Sakai and Atsushi Watanabe raced their GSX-R1000 to second place at the Suzuka 8 Hour World Endurance third round in Japan Sunday as last year's winners Yoshimura Suzuki with Jomo's Yukio Kagayama and Kousuke Akiyoshi finished fourth after recovering from a crash.
The event was led from start to finish by Dream Honda Racing's Ryuichi Kiyonari and Carlos Checa, who finished with 214 laps, the same number as the Yoshimura team, as third place went to Team HARC. Pro Honda four laps behind.
"We were fast and strong for 214 laps but could not quite catch Honda," Watanabe said. "We had a good plan for the race but winning and finishing is a big difference, but I'd like to win next year."
After three hours the winning Honda led the #34 Yoshimura Suzuki of Kagayama and Akiyoshi by a minute but the Suzuki men took a brief lead following a sudden rainfall; Kagayama pulling a 10-second lead on Checa.
But disaster stuck on the 91st lap when Kagayama hit a pool of water in heavy rain and crashed heavily, ruining their chance of victory.
"I really thought we had a realistic chance to beat Honda but then heavy rain began to fall," Kagayama said. "I was pushing hard but within the safety margins and then I hit a large pool of water and crashed. I feel sorry for my teammate and all the Yoshimura and SMC staff that we didn't win."
Reigning World Champions SERT had a difficult race, but still remain in the World Endurance Championship lead. In a team knocked down to just two - after fastest rider Vincent Philippe was injured in qualifying, Mathieu Lagrive and Julien Da Costa finished in 14th place on 202 laps.
In the SST class, young Japanese rider Masahiro Sinjo was drafted into the Qatar Endurance Racing Team, finished second in class, and kept the team's championship lead intact.
Results
1. DREAM Honda Racing Team 11 - R.KIYONARI/ C.CHECA - 214 laps
2. YOSHIMURA SUZUKI with DENSO - D.SAKAI/ A.WATANABE - 214 laps
3. Team HARC. pro Honda - Y.KONISHI/ T.TAKAHASHI - 210 laps
4. YOSHIMURA SUZUKI with JOMO - Y.KAGAYAMA/ K.AKIYOSHI - 209 laps
5. YAMAHA Racing - Y.SATO/ K.NAKASUGA/ Y.TAKEDA - 209 laps
6. MORIWAKI MOTUL Racing HONDA - T.YAMAGUCHI/ C.CRUTCHLOW/ J.OHALLORAN - 208 laps
7. PLOT FARO PANTHERA SUZUKI - Y.KONNO/ K.TERAMOTO - 207 laps
8. MotoMap SUPPLY SUZUKI - Y.HATANO/ H.OGATA/ T.NAMEKATA - 205 laps
9. Team SAKURAI HONDA 10 - C.KAMEYA/ L.HASLAM - 205 laps
10. Team SAKURAI HONDA 71 - K.TSUDA/ J.BROOKES - 204 laps
Breast Cancer Ride at Walton
From motosformoms.ca
GUELPH, WALTON, ON - An unlikely partnership between two contrasting groups of athletes is helping to raise the awareness of breast cancer survival and wellness.
Back by popular demand, dragon boaters and motocross riders are coordinating a second-ever Motos for Moms: Living Life after Breast Cancer. Motos for Moms is a team and individual endurance ride Sept. 27 at Huron County's Walton track, the most popular outdoor motocross track in Canada, and home of the Walton TransCan Grand National Championship race.
The occasion will directly benefit the BreastStrokes Dragon Boat Racing team of Guelph, ON and its outreach programs. The breast cancer survivor team's goal is to train and participate in activities to promote the value of total fitness and upper body strength. This helps survivors cope with rehabilitation and life during and after breast cancer diagnosis. Breaststrokes is a registered Canadian charity.
Walton track owners, Judy and Chris Lee are once again donating their world-class facilities. Two Wheel Motorsport in Guelph, as well as a number of other organizations, are working with BreastStrokes to make the event a success. As Chris Lee is also a cancer survivor, this event is important for him to show that wellness is a possibility after a cancer diagnosis and treatment.
Motos for Moms Chairperson, Beverlie Nelson of the BreastStrokes team said her son Graeme, a motocross rider since the age of 12 suggested this unique collaboration.
"It seemed clear that other riders also have women in their lives who may be affected by breast cancer. Riders will tackle one of the most challenging tracks in Canada to help us reach our goals," she said.
Nelson and Chris Lee say they expect 100 four-person teams and 100 individual "iron-man" riders to register for the endurance ride. Each team or individual rider is committed to ride four hours.
"It will be an exciting day for everyone," said Lee. "People will be giving their personal best to help others."
Teams and individuals will be invited to register on-line at: http://www.motosformoms.ca/. Registration is $125 per person.
By obtaining sponsorships for the ride, individuals will be eligible for top prizes. A Kawasaki KLX110 off-road bike will be presented to the rider obtaining the highest dollar amount of pledges.
GUELPH, WALTON, ON - An unlikely partnership between two contrasting groups of athletes is helping to raise the awareness of breast cancer survival and wellness.
Back by popular demand, dragon boaters and motocross riders are coordinating a second-ever Motos for Moms: Living Life after Breast Cancer. Motos for Moms is a team and individual endurance ride Sept. 27 at Huron County's Walton track, the most popular outdoor motocross track in Canada, and home of the Walton TransCan Grand National Championship race.
The occasion will directly benefit the BreastStrokes Dragon Boat Racing team of Guelph, ON and its outreach programs. The breast cancer survivor team's goal is to train and participate in activities to promote the value of total fitness and upper body strength. This helps survivors cope with rehabilitation and life during and after breast cancer diagnosis. Breaststrokes is a registered Canadian charity.
Walton track owners, Judy and Chris Lee are once again donating their world-class facilities. Two Wheel Motorsport in Guelph, as well as a number of other organizations, are working with BreastStrokes to make the event a success. As Chris Lee is also a cancer survivor, this event is important for him to show that wellness is a possibility after a cancer diagnosis and treatment.
Motos for Moms Chairperson, Beverlie Nelson of the BreastStrokes team said her son Graeme, a motocross rider since the age of 12 suggested this unique collaboration.
"It seemed clear that other riders also have women in their lives who may be affected by breast cancer. Riders will tackle one of the most challenging tracks in Canada to help us reach our goals," she said.
Nelson and Chris Lee say they expect 100 four-person teams and 100 individual "iron-man" riders to register for the endurance ride. Each team or individual rider is committed to ride four hours.
"It will be an exciting day for everyone," said Lee. "People will be giving their personal best to help others."
Teams and individuals will be invited to register on-line at: http://www.motosformoms.ca/. Registration is $125 per person.
By obtaining sponsorships for the ride, individuals will be eligible for top prizes. A Kawasaki KLX110 off-road bike will be presented to the rider obtaining the highest dollar amount of pledges.
Saturday, July 26, 2008
Motorcycle Pictures of the Week - Jimi
Here are my Pictures of the Week as displayed on the Motorcycle Views Website. These are taken from the Moto Pic Gallery.See Jimi with his 2005 Harley-Davidson Ultra Classic. Jimi is shown with his daughter. For details, see Motorcycle Pictures of the Week.
If you'd like to see your bike as Picture of the Week, submit a picture of you and your bike along with a description of the bike.
Friday, July 25, 2008
Australias best motorcycle roads - Alpine National park
Whilst most riders know of the Great Alpine Road that runs more or less from Bright to Omeo Victoria there are some notable good roads to ride in the areas adjacent.The Great Alpine Road is a superb ride and the valleys that lie to the south of Omeo are every bit as enjoyable to ride as the mountains north. However to the north and east of the top of the Great Alpine Road lie three other good
Steve McQueen Métisse Desert Racer
A thing of motorcycling beauty the first new replica Steve McQueen Métisse Desert Racer was shown at the recent Motorcycle World Show at Beaulieu, England, home of the National Motor Museum. You can read all the details here.
Ride safe.
Jon Booth
Email: webmaster@inter-bike.co.uk
Blog: http://inter-bike.blogspot.com/
Swicki: http://motorcycling-swicki.eurekster.com/
Harley-Davison 2009 product line-up
Following on from Buell and Triumph's 2009 model announcements, Harley -Davidson also announced their 2009 model line up, you can read the details on www.inter-bike.co.uk here.
Again we have some pic's of the 2009 Harley's for you to see, before they are available in Harley dealers.
2009 Harley-Davidson FLHTCU
2009 Harley-Davidson FLHTCU
2009 Harley-Davidson V-Rod Muscle
2009 Harley-Davidson V-Rod Muscle
2009 Harley-Davidson V-Rod Muscle
2009 Harley-Davidson FLHX
2009 Harley-Davidson FLHX
2009 Harley-Davidson XR1200
2009 Harley-Davidson XR1200
2009 Harley-Davison XL1200N
2009 Harley-Davison XL1200N
Ride safe.
Jon Booth
Email: webmaster@inter-bike.co.uk
Blog: http://inter-bike.blogspot.com/
Swicki: http://motorcycling-swicki.eurekster.com/
Again we have some pic's of the 2009 Harley's for you to see, before they are available in Harley dealers.
2009 Harley-Davidson FLHTCU
2009 Harley-Davidson FLHTCU
2009 Harley-Davidson V-Rod Muscle
2009 Harley-Davidson V-Rod Muscle
2009 Harley-Davidson V-Rod Muscle
2009 Harley-Davidson FLHX
2009 Harley-Davidson FLHX
2009 Harley-Davidson XR1200
2009 Harley-Davidson XR1200
2009 Harley-Davison XL1200N
2009 Harley-Davison XL1200N
Ride safe.
Jon Booth
Email: webmaster@inter-bike.co.uk
Blog: http://inter-bike.blogspot.com/
Swicki: http://motorcycling-swicki.eurekster.com/
Thursday, July 24, 2008
With a Little Help From Friends
After a lot of searching the net and local dealerships with a lot of dithering about what I really wanted in a motorcycle, fate jumped in and I now have a new ride.
Introducing the new to me, 1983 Goldwing GL 1100 Interstate previously owned by Deon and Cory of Edmonton Alberta.
I was really torn about whether I should buy a touring bike or go for one of the snazzy next to new cruisers. But in the end when I saw the ad for Deon's bike on the Internet, the deal was done.
I came home for lunch on Monday, sat down to check the latest motorcycle listings on Kijiji and spotted the bike which had only been posted in the last hour.
Breathless and excited I phoned the number and inquired about the bike and asked a bunch of silly questions and laid out a few scenarios on how I could make it to Edmonton (I live three hours away) before the bike was sold, and if we could load it into the back of my truck. The seller, Deon was very patient and tried to answer all of my breathless questions as I was starting to dither bad and was unsure what to do next.
Deon told me that when I finally decided what I was going to do to phone him back.
I paced furiously about the house trying to decide if it was worth the effort to race up to Edmonton to look at the bike, only to have my hopes dashed if someone closer decided to buy it before I could get there.
Dinner was on the table, but all I could think about was the bike. And if you have seen my girth, you would soon notice I haven't missed many dinners. Dinner would have to wait.
It was a no-brainer, this was the bike I had wanted, I would take a chance and jump in the car and head to Edmonton.
I phoned Deon back told him I was coming and much to his credit Deon told me others were coming later in the day to look at the bike but if I was to take the three hour drive to look at the bike, he would wait for me.
I told him I was only going to stop at the bank, grab the cash and maybe have to stop for gas somewhere along the road but I was on my way.
I must have smoked twenty cigarettes on the way to Edmonton constantly fretting about whether the bike would be there when I arrived or if some one else would snatch this Goldwing from my grasp.
Deon gave me some great directions over the phone as I neared his house, and when I walked up his driveway and into the garage I was sold. Deon was there and the bike was there.
Asked if I wanted to take it for a test drive I could only blurt out that if the bike started, I would buy it. Deon cranked the Wing to life and the deal was consummated.
Last week I lamented on the fact that buying a bike should be easy, and so it was, with the help and kindness of the seller. Deon waited for me to make the three hour drive to look at the bike while his phone was ringing off the hook from other buyers, he made it easy for me, for which I am grateful.
I had more help the next day as friends postponed a trip to their Mothers birthday lunch, to drive me up and pick up the bike. I wanted to buy them dinner when we arrived back at Castor but another friend who was happy that I had finally bought a Goldwing fed us for free.
Deon wasn't there when we arrived to pick up the bike, but his wife Cory was and with her help we put on my plate and I was ready to ride. Deon was a half hour away but I was so excited to get on the bike I never waited to thank him again for his help and kindness.
Its a great bike at a great price but the best part is the great people who helped me to be back in the saddle again.
Kidd to lead US flat track
From AMA Pro Racing
DAYTONA BEACH, FL - AMA Pro Racing has hired Mike Kidd to lead the growth and development of the AMA Flat Track Championship.
Kidd has had a long and successful career in motorcycling, first as a racer and then as a promoter. He began his 12-year professional motorcycle racing career in 1972 and earned factory support from a variety of manufacturers over that span. He was sponsored by the U.S. Army in 1979-80 and won the coveted AMA Grand National Championship title in 1981.
After retiring from professional racing in 1983, Kidd immediately became a motorcycle race promoter. He was named AMA's promoter of the year in 1984. Kidd went on to build and operate Boyd Raceway, which produced weekly flat-track motorcycle races from 1984-1990.
Kidd also created the highly successful AMA National Arenacross Series in 1985. He later sold his company to Clear Channel Motor Sports and worked for Clear Channel as a vice president from 1997-2004.
He served as AMA Flat Track manager in 1992.
"Under the leadership of Mike Kidd, with his background, proven track record, and strong passion for flat track, we feel the right choice has been made to lead our flat track efforts," said Roger Edmondson of AMA Pro Racing.
"In many ways I feel my entire motorcycle career has gotten me to this point for a reason," Kidd said. "Once the premier motorcycle series in the U.S., flat track has lost its place. This is going to be a great opportunity for myself and flat track racing to have the expertise, staff and backing of AMA Pro Racing."
Now that the AMA Board of Directors has approved the final agreement regarding the sale of certain of its AMA Pro Racing properties to Daytona Motorsports Group (DMG) based in Daytona Beach, DMG will now do business as AMA Pro Racing.
Under the terms of the sale, DMG owns the sanctioning, promotional and management rights to AMA Pro Racing. The sale does not include the rights to the AMA Supercross and AMA Arenacross Series, which are held by Live Nation and will continue to be sanctioned by the AMA.
DAYTONA BEACH, FL - AMA Pro Racing has hired Mike Kidd to lead the growth and development of the AMA Flat Track Championship.
Kidd has had a long and successful career in motorcycling, first as a racer and then as a promoter. He began his 12-year professional motorcycle racing career in 1972 and earned factory support from a variety of manufacturers over that span. He was sponsored by the U.S. Army in 1979-80 and won the coveted AMA Grand National Championship title in 1981.
After retiring from professional racing in 1983, Kidd immediately became a motorcycle race promoter. He was named AMA's promoter of the year in 1984. Kidd went on to build and operate Boyd Raceway, which produced weekly flat-track motorcycle races from 1984-1990.
Kidd also created the highly successful AMA National Arenacross Series in 1985. He later sold his company to Clear Channel Motor Sports and worked for Clear Channel as a vice president from 1997-2004.
He served as AMA Flat Track manager in 1992.
"Under the leadership of Mike Kidd, with his background, proven track record, and strong passion for flat track, we feel the right choice has been made to lead our flat track efforts," said Roger Edmondson of AMA Pro Racing.
"In many ways I feel my entire motorcycle career has gotten me to this point for a reason," Kidd said. "Once the premier motorcycle series in the U.S., flat track has lost its place. This is going to be a great opportunity for myself and flat track racing to have the expertise, staff and backing of AMA Pro Racing."
Now that the AMA Board of Directors has approved the final agreement regarding the sale of certain of its AMA Pro Racing properties to Daytona Motorsports Group (DMG) based in Daytona Beach, DMG will now do business as AMA Pro Racing.
Under the terms of the sale, DMG owns the sanctioning, promotional and management rights to AMA Pro Racing. The sale does not include the rights to the AMA Supercross and AMA Arenacross Series, which are held by Live Nation and will continue to be sanctioned by the AMA.
Aprilia also wins at Pike's Peak
From Aprilia USA
COLORADO SPRINGS, CO – An Aprilia SXV 5.5 easily outdistanced a competitive field to earn victory in the 86th annual Pike’s Peak Race to the Clouds: America’s most famous, toughest and most spectacular hill climb. The Aprilia SXV 5.5 recorded the best time of any motorcycle.
Aboard the twin-cylinder supermotard rider Davey Durelle surpassed machines with far bigger engines in the 750cc class.
"This is really a great victory for us and would not have been possible without the assistance of members from the Aprilia flat track team, the Aprilia Supermoto team, and the local Aprilia dealer," said Rick Panettieri, Aprilia brand manager. "Davey is a great rider and earned this awesome victory."
Another Aprilia competitor, Paul Thede finished fifth aboard an SXV 4.5 in the Supermoto class, which consisted mostly of highly modified motocross machines.
This historic win for Aprilia was supplemented by an impressive fifth place for Italian rider Andrea Padovani on a stock Aprilia SMV750 Dorsoduro. The latest addition to the Aprilia range, the SMV750 Dorsoduro had no qualms at all about taking on all comers -- including specialist hill climb machines -- over a difficult and slippery course on a bike designed for everyday roads and normal life.
Cristian Lancellotti, riding another Aprilia SXV 5.5, finished in eighth place.
Famed as "The Race to the Clouds," this unique Colorado event and festival of motorcycling is held annually every July and provides a unique test for men and machines. The event attracts all sorts of vehicles from rally cars, open wheel cars and 4x4s of up to nearly 1000 hp, and 3000 hp trucks.
COLORADO SPRINGS, CO – An Aprilia SXV 5.5 easily outdistanced a competitive field to earn victory in the 86th annual Pike’s Peak Race to the Clouds: America’s most famous, toughest and most spectacular hill climb. The Aprilia SXV 5.5 recorded the best time of any motorcycle.
Aboard the twin-cylinder supermotard rider Davey Durelle surpassed machines with far bigger engines in the 750cc class.
"This is really a great victory for us and would not have been possible without the assistance of members from the Aprilia flat track team, the Aprilia Supermoto team, and the local Aprilia dealer," said Rick Panettieri, Aprilia brand manager. "Davey is a great rider and earned this awesome victory."
Another Aprilia competitor, Paul Thede finished fifth aboard an SXV 4.5 in the Supermoto class, which consisted mostly of highly modified motocross machines.
This historic win for Aprilia was supplemented by an impressive fifth place for Italian rider Andrea Padovani on a stock Aprilia SMV750 Dorsoduro. The latest addition to the Aprilia range, the SMV750 Dorsoduro had no qualms at all about taking on all comers -- including specialist hill climb machines -- over a difficult and slippery course on a bike designed for everyday roads and normal life.
Cristian Lancellotti, riding another Aprilia SXV 5.5, finished in eighth place.
Famed as "The Race to the Clouds," this unique Colorado event and festival of motorcycling is held annually every July and provides a unique test for men and machines. The event attracts all sorts of vehicles from rally cars, open wheel cars and 4x4s of up to nearly 1000 hp, and 3000 hp trucks.
Walker returns to World Superbike
From Paul Bird Motorsport
Paul Bird Motorsport has announced the signing of British rider Chris Walker to race for the Vent Axia VK team for the rest of the 2008 Hannspree World Superbike Championship.
The 36-year-old from Nottinghamshire will join existing rider Gregorio Lavilla in the team for the remaining five rounds commencing at Brands Hatch over the weekend of Aug. 1-3.
Walker, four times a runner-up in the British Superbike Championship, has been racing in the World Supersport Championship this season but hasn't enjoyed the best of luck on his Kawasaki so the rider who has 138 WSB races and 12 podiums under his belt is relishing the opportunity of racing a superbike again.
After a successful test at Oulton Park Wednesday aboard the team's recently built 1000cc Honda Fireblade, both Walker and team owner Paul Bird were delighted to shake on the deal which will see 'The Stalker' as the only permanent British rider in the series.
"When I set off on the bike, it very nearly pulled my wig off and it reminded me of just what I've been missing in Superbikes," said Walker. "It's a massive opportunity for me and one which I don't intend to waste. Everyone knows this team has pedigree and they build awesome bikes so I know it will be competitive. I nearly signed for Birdy a few years ago and didn't so now I'm really looking forward to working with the team and also Greg, whom I have a lot of respect for."
"Running a second bike was always in the plan but we felt it best to help concentrate on giving Greg the best package possible," Bird said. "But now we have a couple of races at tracks both he and the team know, the time is right to introduce Chris who like Greg, knows his way round Brands and Donington. The plan thereafter is to go to the final three rounds brim full of confidence and get some results abroad that we know the bike and riders are capable of."
Paul Bird Motorsport has announced the signing of British rider Chris Walker to race for the Vent Axia VK team for the rest of the 2008 Hannspree World Superbike Championship.
The 36-year-old from Nottinghamshire will join existing rider Gregorio Lavilla in the team for the remaining five rounds commencing at Brands Hatch over the weekend of Aug. 1-3.
Walker, four times a runner-up in the British Superbike Championship, has been racing in the World Supersport Championship this season but hasn't enjoyed the best of luck on his Kawasaki so the rider who has 138 WSB races and 12 podiums under his belt is relishing the opportunity of racing a superbike again.
After a successful test at Oulton Park Wednesday aboard the team's recently built 1000cc Honda Fireblade, both Walker and team owner Paul Bird were delighted to shake on the deal which will see 'The Stalker' as the only permanent British rider in the series.
"When I set off on the bike, it very nearly pulled my wig off and it reminded me of just what I've been missing in Superbikes," said Walker. "It's a massive opportunity for me and one which I don't intend to waste. Everyone knows this team has pedigree and they build awesome bikes so I know it will be competitive. I nearly signed for Birdy a few years ago and didn't so now I'm really looking forward to working with the team and also Greg, whom I have a lot of respect for."
"Running a second bike was always in the plan but we felt it best to help concentrate on giving Greg the best package possible," Bird said. "But now we have a couple of races at tracks both he and the team know, the time is right to introduce Chris who like Greg, knows his way round Brands and Donington. The plan thereafter is to go to the final three rounds brim full of confidence and get some results abroad that we know the bike and riders are capable of."
TV Presenter Dominic Littlewood gets a Yamaha MT-03
TV presenter Dominic Littlewood has returned to two wheels having just acquired a new Yamaha MT-03, having sold his gas guzzling Chevy SSR and Plymouth Prowler to get back onto a motorbike again.Completing his motorbike test last April, but having owned in the past a TY50, FS1E and YZ250.
Welcome back to biking Dominic!
Ride safe.
Jon Booth
Email: webmaster@inter-bike.co.uk
Blog: http://inter-bike.blogspot.com/
Swicki: http://motorcycling-swicki.eurekster.com/
Jon Booth
Email: webmaster@inter-bike.co.uk
Blog: http://inter-bike.blogspot.com/
Swicki: http://motorcycling-swicki.eurekster.com/
Buell announce 2009 motorcycles
This week Buell announced their 2009 model line-up including the liquid-cooled Buell 1125CR Streetfighter for 2009, you can read all the details here.
But even better we've got some pics from Buell of some of the 2009 models for you to see until they are in Buell dealers to view in the flesh.
2009 Buell XB12XT
2009 Buell XB12XT
2009 Buell XB12X
2009 Buell XB12S
2009 Buell Lightning Streetbikes
2009 Buell 1125R
2009 Buell 1125R
2009 Buell 1125 CR Streetfighter
.
2009 Buell 1125 CR Streetfighter
2009 Buell 1125 CR Streetfighter
But even better we've got some pics from Buell of some of the 2009 models for you to see until they are in Buell dealers to view in the flesh.
2009 Buell XB12XT
2009 Buell XB12XT
2009 Buell XB12X
2009 Buell XB12S
2009 Buell Lightning Streetbikes
2009 Buell 1125R
2009 Buell 1125R
2009 Buell 1125 CR Streetfighter
.
2009 Buell 1125 CR Streetfighter
2009 Buell 1125 CR Streetfighter
Ride safe.
Jon Booth
Email: webmaster@inter-bike.co.uk
Blog: http://inter-bike.blogspot.com/
Swicki: http://motorcycling-swicki.eurekster.com/
Jon Booth
Email: webmaster@inter-bike.co.uk
Blog: http://inter-bike.blogspot.com/
Swicki: http://motorcycling-swicki.eurekster.com/
how fast did you say?
I need you to tell me how fast is the fastest you have ever driven a motorcycle.
I have my reasons.
Me, 110 MPH (Aprox.) but I'll say 110. I was not clocking myself. Someone else said I was doing that.
.
To Mrs. Motorcycle. Disclaimer...If you are reading this, It was a very long time ago, and I NEVER ride like this anymore!
Be honest. No exaggerations.
I'm going to use this in a future post with your permissions of course.I have my reasons.
Me, 110 MPH (Aprox.) but I'll say 110. I was not clocking myself. Someone else said I was doing that.
.
To Mrs. Motorcycle. Disclaimer...If you are reading this, It was a very long time ago, and I NEVER ride like this anymore!
Wednesday, July 23, 2008
Harris replaces Foret for Brands Hatch
From Yamaha Racing
Three-time British Supersport champion Karl Harris has signed up to the Yamaha World Supersport Team for the British round of the 2008 World Supersport Championship at Brands Hatch on Aug. 2. With proven previous Supersport experience and currently riding for the Rob Mac Yamaha British Superbike team, he was a natural choice for the ride.
Harris steps in to replace rider Fabien Foret after the Frenchman suffered a serious crash in qualifying at the Brno round of the championship. Foret cracked the C6 and C7 vertebra in his neck after falling heavily at the Czech circuit. He is expected to make a full recovery but will not be riding for approximately three months.
Harris will partner Australian rider Broc Parkes, currently third in the championship standings on 100 points.
The British rider is no stranger to Supersport, coming fourth in the Hockenheim round of the World Championship in 1999. He won the British Supersport Championship in 2004, 2003 and 2001. In 1999 Harris won the European Superstock Championship.
"I’m over the moon for the opportunity," Harris said. "It’s been an up and down year so it’s brought my spirits back up again. I’m really looking forward to joining the Yamaha World Supersport Team for Brands Hatch. It’s great to be riding Supersport again, especially as I’ve had some success with three previous British Supersport Championship wins."
Three-time British Supersport champion Karl Harris has signed up to the Yamaha World Supersport Team for the British round of the 2008 World Supersport Championship at Brands Hatch on Aug. 2. With proven previous Supersport experience and currently riding for the Rob Mac Yamaha British Superbike team, he was a natural choice for the ride.
Harris steps in to replace rider Fabien Foret after the Frenchman suffered a serious crash in qualifying at the Brno round of the championship. Foret cracked the C6 and C7 vertebra in his neck after falling heavily at the Czech circuit. He is expected to make a full recovery but will not be riding for approximately three months.
Harris will partner Australian rider Broc Parkes, currently third in the championship standings on 100 points.
The British rider is no stranger to Supersport, coming fourth in the Hockenheim round of the World Championship in 1999. He won the British Supersport Championship in 2004, 2003 and 2001. In 1999 Harris won the European Superstock Championship.
"I’m over the moon for the opportunity," Harris said. "It’s been an up and down year so it’s brought my spirits back up again. I’m really looking forward to joining the Yamaha World Supersport Team for Brands Hatch. It’s great to be riding Supersport again, especially as I’ve had some success with three previous British Supersport Championship wins."
2008 Thundersprint Pictures
Just a quick entry to say just added a fantatsic new picture gallery to inter-bike of over 100 pictures from this years Thundersprint taken by amateur photography Gary Edwards and backed with an excellent rock track from 23Kid.
For those of you not familiar with the Thundersprint it is one of Europe's biggest motorcycle events. Featuring motorbike sprint racing in the town centre which normally attracts notable motorbiking celebrities and of course the Thundersprint Cavalcade of Motorbike History. Best of all the event is FREE admission and FREE PARKING. Make a diary note, its held each May in the UK town of Northwich!
Ride safe.
Jon Booth
Email: webmaster@inter-bike.co.uk
Blog: http://inter-bike.blogspot.com/
Swicki: http://motorcycling-swicki.eurekster.com/
Charley Boorman arrives in Sydney!
Charley Boorman completes latest epic expedition BY ANY MEANS with arrival in Sydney
Jon Booth
Email: webmaster@inter-bike.co.uk
Blog: http://inter-bike.blogspot.com/
Swicki: http://motorcycling-swicki.eurekster.com/
Harley-Davidson Introduces the Tri Glide Ultra Classic for 2009 - a Trike
Yesterday, Harley-Davidson introduced its models for 2009. One of them is a motorcycle trike called the Tri Glide Ultra Classic.Harley-Davidson hasn't made a trike since the Servi-Car that started out as a vehicle that could be attached to a customer's car so a mechanic could deliver the car and then use the Servi-Car to return to the garage.
Later the Servi-Car had other uses mainly for police use. Here's a YouTube video of a 1954 Servi-Car now owned by an enthusiast. He shows off the trike with the siren blaring.
Servi-Cars were made from 1932-1973. 35 years have elapsed since then without a trike in the product line -- until now.
The Milwaukee Journal Sentinel has an article by Rick Barrett that gives more details about the new Tri Glide trike. Here's an excerpt:
"There’s a Harley-Davidson coming for those of us seeking more comfort or who have a fear of falling. Harley-Davidson Inc. has introduced a motorcycle for those of us with a taste for comfort or a fear of falling. The Tri Glide Ultra has three wheels and a brand-new chassis design. It retails for $29,000. The maker of Fat Boy and Softail bikes has sized up its customer base and found that many riders would rather be on three-wheelers than two-wheel behemoths that are too tall and too heavy for some people. Starting in the next few weeks, Harley will begin offering three-wheel touring bikes called trikes." -- Rick Barrett
Here's what Harley-Davidson has to say about the Tri Glide in a Press Release on its Website.
It appears that trikes are now more than just kits added to an existing motorcycle. They have attained a new level of acceptance as Harley-Davidson embraces them in its product line and, more importantly, backs them up with Harley-Davidson service.
I've been riding a motorcycle trike for eight years. My wife got hers before I got mine. I wrote an article about her experience in getting her trike.
In the beginning there weren't too many of us out there and we got a lot of attention on the road, in parking lots, and especially at gas pumps. I even wrote an article with standard questions I get and my answers.
I also wrote a How To about learning to ride a trike.
Then I created a Trike Picture Gallery.
Maybe trike riders are becoming mainstream after all. Thanks Harley-Davidson. Let's hope that Harley's 42 year run of Servi-Cars will be surpassed by a 50 year run of Tri Glides.
Picture ©2008 Harley-Davidson
Triumph announce 2009 motorcycles
This week Triumph Motorcycles announced their 2009 model line-up at their Global Dealer Conference, you can read all the details here.
But even better we got pics from Triumph Motorcycles of them all for you to ogle over until they are in Triumph's motorcycle dealers.
2009 Triumph Thunderbird
2009 Triumph Street Triple R
2009 Triumph Sprint ST
2009 Triumph Bonneville SE
2009 Triumph Scrambler
2009 Triumph Speedmaster
2009 Triumph Daytona 675
2009 Triumph America
2009 Triumph Bonneville
2009 Limited edition 50th Anniversary Triumph Bonneville
Ride safe.
Jon Booth
Email: webmaster@inter-bike.co.uk
Blog: http://inter-bike.blogspot.com/
Swicki: http://motorcycling-swicki.eurekster.com/
But even better we got pics from Triumph Motorcycles of them all for you to ogle over until they are in Triumph's motorcycle dealers.
2009 Triumph Thunderbird
2009 Triumph Street Triple R
2009 Triumph Sprint ST
2009 Triumph Bonneville SE
2009 Triumph Scrambler
2009 Triumph Speedmaster
2009 Triumph Daytona 675
2009 Triumph America
2009 Triumph Bonneville
2009 Limited edition 50th Anniversary Triumph Bonneville
Ride safe.
Jon Booth
Email: webmaster@inter-bike.co.uk
Blog: http://inter-bike.blogspot.com/
Swicki: http://motorcycling-swicki.eurekster.com/
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