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Sunday, May 31, 2009

MV Agusta 250B

MV Agusta 250B, MV Agusta, classic motorcycle
This classic MV Agusta 250 bicilindrica (B) followed the twin ARNO 166, and was followed itself by the 350 bicilindrica. This bike is the sports model, there was also a 250 GT model.

More about this motorcycle [via] classic motorcycle.

Saturday, May 30, 2009

AGV Helmet

AGV Helmet, helmet,


AGV Helmet, helmet































AGV Helmet, Valentino Rossi helmet in Moto GP Valencia 2005.

Friday, May 29, 2009

Memphis Shades Phenomenal Customer Service


Memphis Shades Phenomenal Customer Service

Mediocre service is easy to find these days and poor service is all too common. I work in the customer service industry and I know. I am very aware of customer service and I recognize good service when I see it and I don’t mind bragging about or tipping well, when I receive it. This is a story about phenomenal customer service.

So, there I was in the fast lane, heading home at warp 8 a month or so ago, when I notice my Memphis Shades windshield is vibrating a lot. Well, it was windier out than the campfire scene in Blazing Saddles anyway. Then I noticed the left side of the windshield appears to be flapping more than the right side. Now I’m starting to get concerned and wondering if something is wrong.

I get to my exit and stop for the light. Yes, I actually do stop on occasion. I reached up with my clutch hand, the one on my left for you non motorcyclists, and grabbed the left side of the Memphis Shades windshield and pushed and pulled on it. The whole left side was loose. I decided I would investigate further when I got home, hoping it had just come loose.

I rode into the driveway, dismounted, and inspected the windshield and how it mounted to the bike. As it turns out, the left side upper hardware that mounts the windshield to the bracket on the bike is completely missing. I torqued the remaining hardware noting ironically the use of ASE Hex head screws on my metric bike. So, I headed inside to see if I could locate some replacement hardware online.

I went straight for the Memphis Shades website. I looked up the model I had and found the hardware kit including a picture. Next, I fired off an email to Customer Service explaining my predicament. I told them of the fact that I bought the bike used with the windshield already on the bike. I informed them I was willing to purchase the missing hardware if they could direct me in the right direction. I included all the part numbers and the diagram from their website. After all, it was negligence on my part that caused it to be missing any way. Now I waited for a response.

The next day I had my email answer from Mary in Customer Service, who stated simply, “ok i will get these out.” Three days later a package arrived in the mail from Memphis Shades. I opened it and to my surprise there was two of everything I needed to repair my windshield. I also did not find any billing information, even for the shipping. I went immediately to the garage and installed the missing spacer, nut and bolt. Everything worked flawlessly and Mistress was complete once again with her Memphis Shades windshield nice and tight.

I went back inside and fired off another email to Mary at Memphis Shades Customer Service letting her know I had received the package and asked how much money I owed them. She replied back the next day to the email, “Hi Torch, you dont owe me anything. Thanks, Mary.” I was shocked, literally. Memphis Shades had just knocked my socks off with jaw dropping, eyebrow raising customer service. I was indeed wowed. It is rare that you come across that kind of customer service anywhere, anyplace, any time.

This post is to say thanks to Mary in Customer Service and to Memphis Shades for making such a fine product and going over and above in standing behind their product and in helping someone out even when they did not have too because it definitely was not a product issue.

Ride on,
Torch

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Buell Ulysses XB12X

Buell Ulysses XB12X,





















With long-travel suspension, generous 171mm ground clearance, and aggressive Pirelli Scorpion Sync tyres, the Buell Ulysses XB12X can carry its rider over dirt, gravel and other unpaved road surfaces. On smooth pavement, the XB12X is a high-performance sport motorcycle, ready to blitz through the twisties.

Wide Supermoto style handlebars gives the rider extra leverage and control behind wind deflectors and a two-piece windscreen designed to limit buffeting. The broad, torque-laden powerband of the 94-hp Buell Thunderstorm 1203cc V-Twin engine gives the Ulysses the ability to proceed at lower speeds over unpaved roads with less gear shifting, and the power to bomb down paved backroads.

more about buell XB12X [via] buell motorcycle

Thursday, May 28, 2009

Piaggio MP5 - classic motorcycle

Piaggio MP5 - classic motorcycle, Piaggio MP5, Piaggio, scooter, classic motorcycle





















Before the Vespa, Piaggio had a scooter called "Donald Duck" (MP5), manufactured and tested in several versions. Later the project was shelved, and never went into production.

Wednesday, May 27, 2009

Husaberg FE 650

Husaberg FE 650, Husaberg, supermoto, motorcycle





















Husaberg is a young Swedish company that, according to their website, was founded by "racing freaks". They specialize in supermoto and enduro motorcycles.

Nowadays, Husaberg motorcycles are manufactured in their mother company (KTM) but the development department is still in Sweden.

Husaberg FE 650, Husaberg, supermoto, motorcycle


























Husaberg FE 650 photo taken [via] Paris Motorcycle Show 2007.

Tuesday, May 26, 2009

Husqvarna 250CR

1974 Husqvarna 250CR por The Yankee Guido, from huskyclub

Husqvarna 250CR, husqvarna, motocross, motorcycle














1974 was again a milestone year for the leader of motocross competition motorcycles. The "Mag 250" was Husqvarna's ability to market to the public a true "works" caliber motorcycle. The "Mag 250" had an all magnesium engine case, reed valve intake, new swing arm with shocks moved foward, built in silencer on the expansion chamber, + more. This bike is still one of the most sought after AHRMA competition motocross bikes. It is both strikingly beautiful and quite a performer in the Sportsman classes.

Husqvarna 250CR, husqvarna, motocross, motorcycle













This MK series Husky was the first year for the magnesium alloy, reed valve 250 engine. This model was an immediate success in the hands of privateers. Light and powerful, this model was more along the lines of of a true ultimate works motocross model that had been exclusive to 63-68 models. Mag 250 had the shock position on the swing arm moved foward, a newer generation expansion chamber with built in silencer, white plastic fenders, Akront alloy rims, and small front hub.

Monday, May 25, 2009

BMW R1150RT

BMW R1150RT - White

Motorcycle, BMW Motorcycle, BMW R1150RT















BMW R1150RT - Red

Motorcycle, BMW Motorcycle, BMW R1150RT















BMW R1150RT - Blue

Motorcycle, BMW Motorcycle, BMW R1150RT

Song of the Rolling Sirens

Song of the Rolling Sirens

It was a dark spring morning and a blanket of ominous clouds hovered low in the sky making the air thick with humidity. I started the V-Star and her 1063 cc’s of v-twin power roared to life as I hit the garage door opener button to close the garage. It was 6:00 am and I was hoping my neighbors did not hate me and my Cobra exhaust as I turned out of the driveway and started on my commute to work.

Passing the local Waffle house on my way to the freeway the odors of waffles, eggs, sausage, and bacon, beckoned me to stop and eat. I sighed at what was not to be as I approached the light downshifting twice to turn onto the access road to get on the on-ramp to the two lane freeway. Three quarters of the way up the on-ramp my left turn signal was on as I shifted into third. I have decided that this was the most fun part of any ride, the acceleration to get up to speed, after all, there are no laws that limit how fast you can get up to the speed limit.

In no time I’m at the end of this stretch of highway as it makes a graceful right hand turn and merges with another section this time three lanes wide. Tending to run faster than the other traffic I again apply my left turn signal and change lanes twice double checking the lane next to me each time before changing lanes. In the fast lane I pulled in right behind another motorcyclist traveling slightly faster than me possibly on a Harley-Davidson by the sound of the engine.

I sped up a little to keep up with the other motorcyclist. Traffic is usually not too bad this time of the morning as long as you do not get stuck behind a row of vehicles all traveling the same speed so that you cannot get by in the fast lane. Some people will just not change lanes even though slower traffic is supposed keep right. Just about then is when I started to hear the Song.

An eighteen wheeler was in the middle lane and I was passing on the left tracking in the left hand side of my lane. As I drew closer the sound of their Song got louder. I glanced at all those wheels, each one almost half as tall as me. These Sirens are calling to me, luring me to look at them. I try to look away. Mistress, my bike, says, “Watch where we are going.” We were approaching a left hand curve on the highway.

I move lane position to the right side of my lane in preparation of the curve doing the outside, inside, outside track thing like I don’t really know how tight the curve is. This places me right next to the leviathans’ rear trailer wheels. I glance over and the Sirens Song is sweeter, louder, calling me closer as I strain to look away. “Look away, don’t stare at the beast,” I say to myself, probably out loud.

I’m slightly behind the rigs two sets of double tires now and nearing the apex of the curve. The muscles in my legs and arms tighten up and get stiff as the sirens voices start screaming louder at me as I fight to avert my eyes and turn my bike away from our deadly track. All I need to do is pull back slightly on the right handlebar and Mistress will respond leaning left and turning left out of that outer track but I find myself fighting the Sirens hypnotic Song. The Sirens Song is a screaming crescendo now pulling at Mistress and trying to make us crash against the mighty Leviathan.

My pulse has quickened and my breathing has almost stopped as I try to force her to turn left fighting against the handle bars that feel like hard taffy. She does not respond to manhandling and awaits the gentle counter steer command. The bike is at the apex of the curve now and we are sliding slowly closer into the mouth of the deadly Leviathan.

We are being drawn in, pulled by the voices of the alluring Sirens. Then, Mistress’s soothingly soft sultry voice cut through the panic brought about by the Song of the Sirens telling me, “Look away from the beast and look to where you want to go.” This was said not as an order, but in a matter of fact, common sense kind of way.

Nodding in agreement I hear her and obeyed, ignoring the Sirens command I forced my eyes to look away and into the far left track of the lane I’m traveling in. I relax my arms and gently push the left handle bar forward while pulling slightly back on the right. Mistress responds with a purr and immediately leaned left and headed into the left track out of the deadly path of the stampeding Leviathan. I blocked out the compelling Song of the Sirens and speed by the eighteen wheeled monster right as the corner ends.

Breathing once again my pulse starts to slow as I take the exit to get to work. Once at work and calmed down, I had time to reflect on what had just transpired on my normal boring commute. Call it what you want, Target Fixation or the Song of the Siren, your bike will go, maybe subconsciously, where you look. Is Target Fixation just an excuse, a Myth, or an Urban Legend? Having first hand battled it and won, I think not. So, glance at obstacles just long enough to recognize them for what they are and then look back where you want to go. If you don’t, you may succumb to the call of the Sirens, and smash into the very obstacle you are staring at, and trying desperately to avoid.

Ride on,
Torch
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Sunday, May 24, 2009

Piaggio MP3 - motor cycle

This is Piaggio MP3 , its performance is not at all bad.

Piaggio MP3, scooter, motorcycle























Piaggio MP3 exceeds the one of some high end scooters, the Piaggio MP3 can lean up to 40° (most scooters can’t go farther than 35°) without compromising safety, grip is very good on twisty streets and roads, it's very stable and its braking capabilities are especially good.

Piaggio MP3, scooter, motorcycle

















see other scooter [via] motorcycle picture

Saturday, May 23, 2009

Ducati Sport 1000 - Yellow

Ducati Sport Classic 1000

Motorcycle, Ducati, Ducati Sport 1000, Classic Motorcycle















Ducati Sport Classic 1000 - front view


Motorcycle, Ducati, Ducati Sport 1000, Classic Motorcycle















Ducati Sport Classic 1000 monoposto (2006), open clutch and open belts.


Motorcycle, Ducati, Ducati Sport 1000, Classic Motorcycle















Ducati Sport Classic 1000 - viewed from behind

Thursday, May 21, 2009

HUSQVARNA SUPERSCOOTER 400

best motorcycle picture, husaberg 650, classic motorcycle, motorcycle accessory, Honda, Yamaha, Suzuki, Aprilia, BMW, Buell, Ducati, Harley Davidson, Kawasaki, KTM, Triumph, MV Agusta, husqvarna supermoto, supermoto, motocross, motorcycles, helmet

















HUSQVARNA SUPERSCOOTER 400, scooter from husqvarna.
www.flickr.com/photos/14417974@N06

Wednesday, May 20, 2009

May 2009 Proclaimed Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month


2009 MOTORCYCLE SAFETY AWARENESS MONTH NEWS RELEASE

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: 5/20/2009
CONTACT: Torch

Midlife Motorcycle Madness Promotes “Sharing the Road” with Motorcycles by Joining Efforts with State and Federal Partners


May 2009 Proclaimed Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month.

Bedford, Texas – Motorcyclists fatalities have steadily increased over the past decade. In fact, in 2007, there was a seven percent increase in fatalities from 4,837 in 2006, to 5,154.

That’s why Midlife Motorcycle Madness announced today that they are joining with other federal, State and local highway safety, law enforcement, and motorcycle organizations in proclaiming May 2009 as “Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month.” All motorists are reminded to safely “Share the Road” with motorcycles and to be extra alert when driving to help keep motorcyclists safe. Motorcyclists are reminded to make themselves visible to other motorists in case other drivers are not looking out for motorcycle riders.

“As the weather improves, more and more motorcyclists are hitting the roads. And with that in mind, drivers of all vehicles, whether you’re driving an SUV, passenger car or truck, need to be extra attentive and make sure you “Share the Road,”’ said Torch. “Motorcycles are some of the smallest vehicles on our roads, often hidden in a vehicle’s blind spot so everyone needs to really look out for them.”

It’s crucial that motorists always make a visual check for motorcycles by checking mirrors and blind spots before entering or leaving a lane of traffic and at intersections.

“Motorcyclists have responsibilities, too,” said Torch. “They should follow the rules of the roadway, be alert to other drivers, and always wear a DOT-compliant helmet and other protective gear.”

Torch said that motorcyclists are much more vulnerable than passenger vehicle occupants in the event of a crash. He said that research shows that per vehicle mile traveled, motorcyclists are about 37 times more likely than a passenger car occupant to die in a traffic crash.

Torch offered several tips for drivers to help keep motorcyclists safe on our roadways:

* Remember the motorcycle is a vehicle with all of the rights and privileges of any other motor vehicle on the roadway. Always allow a motorcyclist the full lane width—never try to share a lane;

* Always make a visual check for motorcycles by checking mirrors and blind spots before entering or leaving a lane of traffic and at intersections;

* Always signal your intentions before changing lanes or merging with traffic;

* Don’t be fooled by a flashing turn signal on a mo­torcycle – motorcycle signals are often not self-canceling and riders sometimes forget to turn them off. Wait to be sure the motorcycle is going to turn before you proceed;

* Allow more following distance, three or four sec­onds, when behind a motorcycle, so the motorcyclist has enough time to maneuver or stop in an emer­gency. And don’t tailgate. In dry conditions, motorcycles can stop more quickly than cars.

Torch said motorcyclists can increase their safety by:

* Avoid riding in poor weather conditions.

* Wearing brightly colored protective gear and a DOT-compliant helmet;

* Using turn signals for every turn or lane change, even if the rider thinks no one will see it;

* Combining hand and turn signals to draw more attention to themselves;

* Using reflective tape and stickers to increase conspicuity; and

* Positioning themselves in the lane where they will be most visible to other drivers.

Our message to all drivers and motorcyclists is: make this the first year in recent years when motorcycle fatalities do not increase. Help to share in the responsibility and do your part by safely “Sharing the Road.”


Ride on,

Torch
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BMW K1200 GT

best motorcycle picture, husaberg 650, classic motorcycle, motorcycle accessory, Honda, Yamaha, Suzuki, Aprilia, BMW, Buell, Ducati, Harley Davidson, Kawasaki, KTM, Triumph, MV Agusta, husqvarna supermoto, supermoto, motocross, motorcycles, helmet
















Bike Portrait with 2006 BMW K1200 GT in front and 2004 BMW K1200 LT in back.
www.flickr.com/photos/elitephotoart

Tuesday, May 19, 2009

Honda Varadero - Blue

best motorcycle picture, husaberg 650, classic motorcycle, motorcycle accessory, Honda, Yamaha, Suzuki, Aprilia, BMW, Buell, Ducati, Harley Davidson, Kawasaki, KTM, Triumph, MV Agusta, husqvarna supermoto, supermoto, motocross, motorcycles, helmet


















A great bike for touring and commuting. This motorcycle feels comfortable on highways as well as in back roads.
More Honda motorcycles here www.flickr.com/photos/worldwidemotorcycles

Monday, May 18, 2009

1972 Husqvarna 450WR

best motorcycle picture, husaberg 650, classic motorcycle, motorcycle accessory, Honda, Yamaha, Suzuki, Aprilia, BMW, Buell, Ducati, Harley Davidson, Kawasaki, KTM, Triumph, MV Agusta, husqvarna supermoto, supermoto, motocross, motorcycles, helmet


















1972 Husqvarna 450WR, classic motorcycle from Husqvarna.
www.flickr.com/photos/11553771@N08

Sunday, May 17, 2009

bajaj xcd

bajaj xcd, motorcycle
























bajaj xcd
it is the bike which gives a mileage of 109 kmpl for 125 cc DTSSI engine and digital meter.
www.flickr.com/photos/14214325@N06

Saturday, May 16, 2009

Shoei RF-R Helmet


























Shoei RF-R Helmet
size large Shoei helmet, DOT and Snell approved.
www.flickr.com/photos/13210295@N03

Friday, May 15, 2009

Largest Ever Ride To Work Day Expected

Media Release: For immediate use
Date: 05/15/09
Subject: Motorcycle and Scooter Ride To Work Day



Largest Ever Ride To Work Day Expected

Monday, June 15, 2009


The 18th Annual Ride To Work Day is a month away, and this year the weaker economy is causing many commuters to turn to motorcycles and scooters to save money on transportation. These new everyday riders are finding cycles and scooters to be an economical, efficient and enjoyable way to get to work and around town. Because of the world-wide depression, this year is expected to be the largest Ride to Work Day demonstration ever, according to Ride to Work, a non-profit organization.

According to the United States Census Bureau and the Department of Transportation, over eighty million cars and light trucks are used for daily commuting on American roads, and about 200,000 motorcycles and scooters are a regular part of this mix. On Ride To Work Day, the practical side of riding becomes more visible as a larger number of America's 8,000,000 cycles are ridden to work.

Ride to Work Day helps demonstrate how these vehicles make parking easier and help traffic flow better. Studies have shown that across equal distances, commuting motorcyclists reach their destinations in less time than those using automobiles, that motorcycles and scooters consume less resources per mile than automobiles, and that they take up less space on roads. Motorcycle and scooter riders seek improved employer recognition and support for this form of transportation, and more public and government awareness of the positive value of riding.
Changes to the Ride To Work website include new forum areas, and additional free promotional support materials.


Press release also available in Word and PDF formats.






Contact Ride to Work Day, a 501 c4 nonprofit organization, at:
POB 1072, Proctor, Minnesota, 55810 USA
http://www.ridetowork.org/?utm_source=rtw2009_5_15&utm_medium=email
218 722 9806
propaganda@ridetowork.org

Mission Statement:
Advocating and supporting the use of motorcycles and scooters for transportation, and providing information about everyday riding to the public.

Some Affiliated Countries:
Canada, Germany, Philippines, England, Germany, France, Israel, Turkey, Ecuador, United States, and many others.

Newsletter:
Sample issues of 'The Daily Rider' newsletter are available for download at:
http://www.ridetowork.org/the-daily-rider/?utm_source=rtw2009_5_15&utm_medium=email

History:
A brief history of Ride to Work Day is available for viewing at:
http://www.ridetowork.org/ride-to-work-day-history/?utm_source=rtw2009_5_15&utm_medium=email

Fact Sheet:
A transportation motorcycling fact sheet is available at:
http://www.ridetowork.org/transportation-fact-sheet/?utm_source=rtw2009_5_15&utm_medium=email

Photos and Artwork:
Motorcycle and scooter commuting photos, ads, posters, banners, photos, illustrations and other artwork is available at:
http://www.ridetowork.org/signs-posters-cards-propaganda-art/?utm_source=rtw2009_5_15&utm_medium=email

©2009 Ride To Work


Ride on,

Torch


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BAJAJ DISCOVER SPORTZ 135CC






















BAJAJ DISCOVER SPORTZ 135CC
ENGINE
Displacement: 134.2 cc, DTSi
Maximum Power: 13.1 bhp@8500 rpm
Maximum Torque: 1.21 Kg-m@6500 rpm
Bore x Stroke: 58 x 50.8
Compression Ratio: 9.5 : 1
Carburettor: Keihin FIE NCV24
Starting: Kick and Electric Start
Ignition: Digital C.D.I with Load Sensing
Ignition timing: Variable Ignition Maps

CHASSIS
Type: Double cradle
Brakes: 260mm Hydraulic Disc/130mm Drum
Tyres: 2.75 X 17” Tubeless/100x90 X 17” Tubeless

SPEEDO CONSOLE:
Analogue Speedometer & Tachometer with Fuel gauge

FUEL TANK
Capacity: 10 litres
Reserve: 2.3 litres, Fuel level indication by Fuel gauge
Useable reserve: 1.5 litres

DIMENSIONS
Length: 2030 mm
Width: 760mm
Height: 1065mm
Wheelbase: 1305mm
Ground clearance: 179mm

WEIGHTS
Kerb weight: 133 kg
Max. payload: 130kg

www.flickr.com/photos/vimal1

Thursday, May 14, 2009

HJC CS-2N Blade MC-5 Helmet Review


HJC CS-2N Blade MC-5 Helmet Review

Last year I needed another helmet just in case I needed to take a passenger with me for a ride. I decided to get another open faced half helmet. I was browsing at Full Boar in Hurst Texas during their Christmas Shoppers Storewide Clearance Sale when one caught my eye. I think it was the interesting flaming skull looking graphic that caught my eye. It was made by HJC and the model was CS-2N and their website calls it the Blade MC-5. It was a half helmet and it was D.O.T. approved. Here is the information from the HJC website:


Thermoplastic Alloy Shell: Lightweight, superior fit and comfort using advanced CAD technology.
Nylex Interior: For added comfort.
Two Forehead Vents: Delivers cooling air.
Aerodynamic Visor: Low-profile design.
Removable “Zip-out” Neck Curtain: Easy to remove. Optional earflaps with speaker pockets.
DOT Approved
SIZES: XS-XXL

I tried several on and the medium size fit me well. The neck strap seemed to land more on my chin than neck which felt much more comfortable than the Vega XT. It also did not feel like it stood as tall on my head, like the Vega Half Helmet. The shape fit my head nicely and CS-2N was balanced well. I made my purchase.

The faux visor is indeed low profile and did not catch the wind as bad as the Vega’s visor did. It offers little shade from the sun, and apparently, is just for looks. For some reason, this Blade already had an Echo Products Quick Connect installed on it, so I did not have to purchase one and install it myself like I did the Vega. Another plus is that along with the standard two D Rings on the Nylon Retention Band, (strap) it has a snap right below the D Rings with a corresponding snap on the end of the long strap for snapping together after the helmet is buckled. This keeps the long loose strap end out of the way. I really like this feature because with the Vega, after it is buckled with the Quick Connect, I had to wrap the long end around the D Rings anyway to keep it out of the way. I guess I’m just too lazy to cut it.

The two Forehead Vents are well hidden under the visor and can only be seen when the visor is removed. Each vent is around 1” wide and ¼” high. They are a lot larger than the vents found on the Vega XT, although they do not have way to close them. It also has a Removable “Zip-Out” Neck Curtain, which I have given a real good workout to this spring taking it on and off as the temperamental Texas temperatures fluctuated cold to hot. It is slightly difficult to get the D Rings and Quick Connect ends through the strap loops on the Neck Curtain.

This Spring I stopped at Cycle Gear and picked up a universal snap on clear face shield, to try and use in the rain, and I found out the Blade does not have snaps to hold the visor on. The MC-5 has two screws on each side and a guide stud in the center to hold it on. For the record, because of the curve of the helmet the “Universal” shield would not stay snapped on the Vega Half Helmet either. Back to the drawing board or invest in a full face.

The HJC CS-2N Blade MC-5 Half Helmet has been my daily wear on my commute to and from work daily. It has functioned for me flawlessly. It is extremely comfortable on my head and I would recommend it to anyone. Torch gives the Blade a M.M.M. Rating of 8 out of 10.

Ride on,
Torch
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aprilia atlantic 500



























aprilia atlantic 500
this maxi scooter is a little bigger than Majesty concerning the cubic capacity, but it's smaller in width, lenght and seats. The windshield isn't as high as on the Yamaha.
www.flickr.com/photos/michaelpreinfalk

Wednesday, May 13, 2009

Honda CR250


















1988 Honda CR250. When this bike came out, that low slung expansion chamber was cutting edge for MX bikes. This was considered a big leap forward in bike design that was soon used by all the manufacturers. It helped to lower the center of gravity, which is very critical to the handling of the bike.
www.flickr.com/photos/cv_dusty

Tuesday, May 12, 2009

Honda CBF 500





















Honda CBF 500
A good standard bike in the low middle sized class from Honda Motorcycles.
www.japanese-motorcycles-only.com

Monday, May 11, 2009

Suzuki RM80



















1995 Suzuki RM80
This is 1995 Suzuki RM80, from suzuki motocross. Although small, these bikes ripped.
www.flickr.com/photos/cv_dusty

Sunday, May 10, 2009

Kawasaki Mojave 250





















1988 Kawasaki Mojave 250
Front side of 1988 Kawasaki 250 Mojave. Great motorcycle from kawasaki.
www.flickr.com/photos/cv_dusty

Saturday, May 9, 2009

Honda DAX 150 DOHC





















2006 Honda DAX 150 DOHC
Double Overhead camshaft engine, 150 cc, liquid cooled, 4 valves, 28 Keihin CV carburator with K&N filter, double open carbon fiber exhausts.
22 Horsepower at 11000 RPM. only 78 kg, Topspeed 140 Km/h.

Look In the Direction You Are Traveling...


Even If it’s Backing Up!

No, this is not an article about Target Fixation.

So far I have helped teach four of my teenagers how to drive an automobile, and only have two more to go. I do have some hair left, but it is rapidly graying. One of the first things I try to drill in their impenetrable, all knowing heads, is to always look where you are going, especially when backing up. They always seem to have a problem with watching where they are going when backing up.

The main problem is not that they don’t initially look behind them before backing, its continuing to look while they are backing. They tend to turn back around while they are still moving backwards, instead of waiting until the vehicle has come to complete stop. And, as you know, all kinds of things can pop up behind you when backing up.

What does all of this have to do with motorcycling? Well, the same principle applies with motorcycles. You need to look in the direction you are traveling at all times, even if it is while backing up. Too bad I don’t always follow my own advice…

After commuting home from work one day I found my ’98 Ford Explorer parked fairly close to the garage door. We try to keep it parked back down the driveway so I can ride around the left side on the grass to get the bike around it and into the garage. I’m sure one of my kids did it. Anyway, I decided to be lazy and get the bike inside anyway.

I pulled around the left side into the yard and this time I pulled passed the explorer and further to the left. I was going to back into the space in front of the Explorer and down into the space in front of my ’01 Windstar, which was parked further down the driveway, and then pull into the garage. I turned the front wheel to the right, glanced behind me and started backing the V-Star 1100 back and to the right. Unfortunately, I was not looking behind me as I was rolling backwards.

In my own defense there is also a small tree to the left of the driveway I had to watch out for. Well, I was slowly rolling backwards, I thought, into the driveway when I heard and felt the crunch. I think I even heard my Mistress, (my 2003 V-Star 1100), yell, “Ouch, you moron, watch where you are going!” The bike had stopped moving and I turned around to see the left rear turn signal stalk had ran into the Explorer’s bumper and had bent the stalk forwards slightly.

After dismounting and inspecting closer the turn signal had bent at an assembly joint and the Star Turn Signal Visor was dented down. I loosened the bolt and straightened the turn signal stalk. Then I just used pliers to bend the visor back into shape as best I could. I was thankful that was all my carelessness caused. Mistress said, “Be more careful and never let it happen again”. I sighed, “Yes, Ma’am!”

What is the moral of the story? Practice what you preach, and look in the direction you are traveling at all times.

Ride on,
Torch


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Friday, May 8, 2009

Husqvarna 610WMX

Husqvarna 610WMX, motocross, motorcycle

















1991 Husqvarna 610WMX
Scan from a sales brochure of a 1991 Husqvarna 610WMX dirt bike. The big 610 four stroke was an absolute rocket! Whack the throttle open on this big dude and you better hang on.
www.flickr.com/photos/cv_dusty

Thursday, May 7, 2009

Kawasaki KX250F



















Kawasaki KX250F
This was taken in the pits at the 2007 AMP'd Mobile Supercross Event at AT&T Park in San Francisco California.
www.flickr.com/photos/cv_dusty

Wednesday, May 6, 2009

Honda C310





















1964 Honda C310 (50 cc), made in the belgium Honda factory, original not restaurated bike, 50 cc 4 stroke pushrod engine, cilinder and head of cast iron, topspeed ~60 km/h
www.flickr.com/photos/9623863@N04