European Motorcycle Diaries

Video: Ducati 1199 Panigale Dyno!

2012-01-19T15:47:00.005Z

The first Ducati 1199 dyno testing video thanks to Motociclismo on a pre-production Panigale.

Awesome.

You can never, ever get too much Panigale.

To view on YouTube, click: HERE

Ducati 1199 Panigale: Lust at First Sight

2012-01-16T17:06:00.001Z

I've read more articles about Ducati's new Panigale Superbike than I can count, or even care to remember.

I've studied the engine. Memorized the specs. Posted multiple blogs about its greatness. Plastered photos on every device I own as wallpaper.

Only one small problem. I had never actually seen the Panigale. Well, other than in photos, which doesn't count.

So, when I discovered that the International Motorcycle Show was traveling to Washington D.C. over the weekend, and that Ducati would be there, there was no way I was missing the event on the chance that they'd be bringing the 1199 Panigale with them.

And they did. Front, center; it was the first bike I saw when I walked into the room.

Lust at first sight:

The bike is beautiful. Pictures do not come close to doing it justice. Diminutive, sleek, sex on wheels.

There isn't a corner, angle, or detail that has been overlooked or appears out of place. It is moto perfection.

The MV Agusta F3 was 15-yards away and it looked dowdy in comparison.

Dowdy. But only when compared to the 1199 Panigale. This bike is still hot!

Again. Sick exhaust styling. Except for... the Panigale.

I'd still be happy if this were in my imaginary garage.

Before the Panigale, I never thought I'd use MV Agusta and dowdy in the same sentence. Well, unless I was describing how the F4, and now the F3, renders all the other bikes.

It was the same with the EBR 1190RS. Another of my favorite motorcycles.

No way was I passing on a chance to sit on an EBR 1190RS. Who says Americans can't produce sportbikes?

BMWs red/black/white S1000RR? Suzuki's newly revamped GSX-R750? The KTM RC8R? So what?

The new livery is a serious head-turner. Looks very good.

I was watching my moto icons fall one by one, and I didn't care, because the Panigale was just that stunning.

Not to say that I didn't wander around to admire the other bikes. In between stops at Ducati.

There were some great motorcycles on display, including ones I had wanted to see like the F3, Triumph Tiger Explorer, Norton's modern-day Commando, and Moto Guzzi's V7 Racer.

Toss in a few vintage motos and a race bike or two, and I was a very happy camper.

But I kept going back to that Ducati 1199.

It is Ducati's Universe now and the Panigale reigns King.

15% Off Dainese Motorcycle Gear SALE – Saturday & Sunday ONLY

2012-01-14T17:05:00.000Z

This just in - 15%off all Dainese motorcycle gear! Yes, Dainese, the company that proves Italian style, safety, and function are not mutually exclusive. I had a great post with photos, but I'm on the road and my iPad ate the post. So no photos or witty text today. The sale lasts only this Saturday and Sunday (Jan 14/15). You can check out styles here: Http://www.dainese.com/index.php/us_en/motorbike Megan at Ducati Forza/Triumph of Pompano Beach can help you order anything you want and need: Megan@atlcmotorcycles.com or 954-788-9550 Cheers!

Video: Moto-Drifting vs. Auto-Drift

2012-01-13T14:27:00.003Z

Two Triumph Speed Triples. One V8 Cop Edition Ford Mustang. And the Icon Crew.

One seriously sick video: High Plains Drift 2

Sometimes life is good. Sometimes, its even better.

For the original article, click: HERE

Royal Enfield. Cafe Racer.

2012-01-13T01:07:00.000Z

There are two things I believed I would never see in my lifetime. The first, a modern cafe racer as sleek and yet still industrial utilitarian as its 1950s and 60s English predecessors. And second, a Royal Enfield that I would be happy to buy, and ride, daily.

Yet, this morning, I opened the Hell for Leather homepage and what greeted my still sleep-burred eyes? A modern cafe racer that does justice to its heritage, with a Royal Enfield emblem on the tank, and Ohlins rear shocks reassuring my kidneys that it would indeed be a rewarding ride.

Next thing I know, there will be peace in the Middle East and Casey Stoner will say something nice about, well, anyone.

Okay, maybe Stoner being nice is a bit radical.

But the fact remains, Royal Enfield introduced a ready-to-ride cafe racer "prototype" at the India Auto Expo, that is sexy, entirely not a cafe racer knock-off, and appears rideable.

And not the sort of rideable that is its 500 Bullet, on which I spent four vertebrate crushing, knuckle busting, weeks touring central India last year. But fun, maneuverable, and reliably rideable.

Royal Enfield claims the bike is still in its concept stage, despite every indication that its stage is very much near-production. When questioned by HFL, Royal Enfield CEO, Dr. Venki Padman called it a "work in progress" but did say that it could be set for release next fall.

I'd buy a lottery ticket (never thought I'd win the lottery in my lifetime either), but if Royal Enfield does move forward with its first wholly new design in five decades, its like I've won already.

Cheers!

For the original article, click: HERE

Best Foot Forward; Ducati Performance Puma Footwear

2012-01-09T19:36:00.002Z

When you give the world a Multistrada 1200 that wins the 2012 Pikes Peak International in stock form and the sinfully alluring and diabolically fast Diavel within a year’s time, you just might be able to claim the Universe as your own.

This showroom demo bike won the 2012 race to the top of Pikes Peak

Ducati Diavel: Hellishly Irresistible Power.

When you unleash the 1199 Panigale, a two-wheeled revolution redefining Superbike, you can declare that the universe is yours:

And everyone will agree.

Toss in the Monster 1100Evo, Hypermotard 1100S SP, and Streetfighter 848, dominate World Superbike racing, and you might as well name the universe after yourself. Everyone will be calling it that anyway.

Carlos Checa helps Ducati celebrate its 300th World Superbike Victory in 2011

It’s not just Ducati’s universe there these days, it is Ducati Universe.

Which begs the question: What footwear does one wear when strolling through Ducati Universe? Or careening through its streets, Ducati-style (and Ducati-fast)?

Ordinary kickers just will not do. Old school chucks? Go find a vintage Triumph or Beemer. Tennis shoes or hiking boots? Are you riding a Harley? Basic black boots? Boring. Race-ready foot gear? Better have that extra Ducati-performance.

Whether you’re strolling or racing through Ducati Universe, you had better be Ducati-cool. And the best, or only, some would say, way to do that is with Ducati footwear and gear. Courtesy of Puma, the trendsetting and performance footgear manufacturer of choice.

Without your ride, but want to show you know your way around the Ducati Universe? These Ducati Puma sneakers and shoes belong to the true Ducatisti:

Ducati Puma GP 11 Replica Sneakers

Ducati Testastretta III Shoes

Casual riding? Café hopping? Looking good and protecting small, vulnerable bones in your ankles and feet does not have to be mutually exclusive:

Ducati Puma Testastretta II Mid-Boots Red/Black

Ducati Puma Testastretta II Mid-Boots White/Black

The view other riders will have of your mid-boots when riding.

If you ride and race on the best, wear the best - the Ducati 1000 V3 Race Boots:

Never more at home than when perched on a Ducati Superbike

Seen here on the Ducati Forza race 848; CCS #899

Like what you see? All of these hot Ducati 2012 styles are available now through Pure-Ducati.com. Or give Megan of Ducati Forza a shout (Megan@atlcmotorcycles.com; 954-788-9550). Megan can help you find what you want, fill you in on the details, and make sure you have the best shoes for your Ducati riding style.

It is, after all, the Ducati Universe. Travel it in style.

Cheers!

Hi-Viz, S'il Vous Plait

2012-01-09T15:13:00.003Z

If you live and ride in France, plan to ride in France, or will be passing through France on a motorcycle, be prepared to invest in a second motorcycle jacket.

Don't worry if you're uncertain what color jacket you would like. The French government has kindly taken the burden of decision-making on for you.

In a remarkable display of Blame-the-Motorcyclist, French officials have decreed that, since French drivers appear incapable of paying enough attention to notice a normally dressed rider sharing the roads with the cagers, riders must now shell out the Euros for mandatory Hi-Viz clothing that they may or may not wish to wear or own:

Ooo-la-la! Bet this looks great on a... Ducati?

Wouldn't want them to address the issue of errant-minded, distracted, and lousy French drivers instead.

So, hope you like neon yellow, pepto pink, nuclear green, and construction orange. Because if you ride in France, you'll be donning the newest in mandatory hi-viz gear.

For the original MCN article, click: HERE

Runny Nose Riding; Emergency Tips for Cold Weather Excursions

2012-01-06T17:51:00.001Z

First, and I would really like to know the answer to this: Does anyone know why the nose becomes an olfactory snot machine extraordinaire when the temps drop past chilly and into cold?

Seriously. I was out riding in less-than-toasty climes the other day, attempting to keep the fuel in the 848Evo's tank from turning to sludge and the battery from becoming an expensive doorstop, and it took all of 60-seconds for my sinuses to kick into overdrive and my nose to start running. Profusely.

This is extra fun with a full-face helmet. And not wearing one with a wind-chill of arctic is a non-negotiable. But its a virtual impossibility to reach past the chin bar and wipe the snot away. Its awesome.

But, while gross and annoying (and, according to my mother, a borderline inappropriate blog topic), the runny nose is the least of your issues should you get caught out riding in the cold unprepared.

When you are prepared, you have wind-blocking fleece, waterproof jumpsuits, glove warmers (or even better, heated grips!), balaclavas, wool socks, and toasty thermal undies to keep you and vital body parts warm.

20-below and still smiling: sheep are always prepared for inclement weather!

When you neglect to check weather.com, find yourself trapped by a freak hail storm, or forget that ambient air in the mountains is 20-degrees colder than the valley below, you find yourself knocking on the door of Stage I Hypothermia.

Still not fun, but these riders look like they watched the Weather Channel before setting out.

And hypothermia is a serious buzzkill on your riding enjoyment.

Ever feel as frozen is this poor moto looks?

But not all riders have the discretionary funds to invest in a full complement of gear for every season and weather pattern.

And every rider who spends enough quality time on a motorcycle will find herself inexplicably riding in sleet while her gear of choice that day predicts "high of 60; clear skies and no wind."

Luckily, there are options. You might not win any beauty contests, although you could make an interesting entry for Project Runway. And most importantly, you won't miss a turn because your frozen solid hands couldn't pull in the clutch and brake levers.

First, you need to remember, no matter what the ambient temperature, it is the wind that brings the chill to your bones and sucks the warmth from your core like my current moto-project vacuums money from my wallet.

Worse, if you’re soggy, or even just a little damp, the effect of the wind is amplified like sunbeams through a magnifying glass.

(Yes, you, the rider, are the ant in this analogy, about to meet certain popcorn-crackling doom.)

And, because (most) motorcycles move, you are guaranteed wind. Your most important goal: block the wind. The second, and only slightly less important goal: Stay dry.

Wind is relentless. It seeps through zippers, snakes up jacket sleeves, and, when cool enough, will freeze dry even a full-face helmet-protected face.

Chap stick can help stop the chaffing, but doesn't keep the cold out. It also fails to prevent wind-induced red, puffy "Hello, Officer. No my helmet has not been doubling as a Rastafarian fishbowl" eyes.

A bandanna, on the other hand, when folded into a triangle, worn bank-robber style under the helmet, with the bottom tucked into the neckline of your jacket, blocks the wind and keeps the cheeks warm:

Warning: be prepared for adverse and paranoid reactions at gas stations and when approaching ATMs

Bandannas can also tie pieces of your moto together or keep gear attached to it. Double as an emergency tourniquet, splint and sling. And protect your neck from painful road debris, mop up sweat, clean up dirt, and even sop away snot.

Bandannas, along with zip ties, duct tape, and safety wire, are items you should NEVER RIDE WITHOUT.

Windbreakers and raingear do more than keep you dry. They block the wind. So what if its not raining? Forgot the liner to your perforated jacket? Wear the windbreaker or raingear under your jacket. Or over. Your choice. It works either way.

And think beyond the moto-gear. Even if it hasn't been branded by Honda or Harley, there's no reason why your North Face fleece, Under Armor running pants, or Burton snowboarding socks and gloves won't work on two-wheels.

Maybe the windproof climbing shell doesn't have the extra give at the arms you would normally find on a jacket made for crouched-over sportbike riders, but don't leave it at home simply because it doesn't say Alpine Stars. Always better to have something rather than nothing.

This works both ways. The armor in my Triumph Explorer Sympatex jacketwill be very useful while snowboarding this season:

If you're desperate and without either moto- or camping wear, you need to consider the raw material, not a finished product.

Newspaper and magazines can make for good insulation. Do not attempt if there is even a hint of rain unless you are planning to paper mache yourself a body cast.

Just as rubberized rain gear keeps the water and wind at bay, plastic is that much better.

Ziplock bags as socks; over the dry, under a pair of wet ones. (Note: keep anything wet as many layers from your skin as possible.)

No water in this zip lock

Trash bags wound around legs and arms, worn like a tunic over your torso, and held in place with duct tape, is armor against the wet and cold.

Plastic can also dress a motorcycle. It is particularly helpful if you are clueless enough to take a month-long trip through New England, the timing of which corresponds exactly with a very late season Nor'easter, on a motorcycle with neither windscreen nor front fender:

Don't ask. Seriously.

Duct tape seals off zippers, vents, and other small openings that can feel like huge gaping holes for the wind to come blasting through.

Ziplocks, tape, saran wrap, and trash bags, are all available at any gas station or convenience store. If pathetic and miserable looking enough, these may be provided to you free of charge by cagers, truckers, or the hostess at a roadside restaurant.

Now, I'm sure a few of you out there are thinking to yourselves, "What sort of idiot gets stuck in the snow in a perforated jacket?"

Or: "Is it possible to find yourself in the middle of nowhere, sopping wet, in 50-degree weather, three-hours from home?"

It is. Which is why I can truthfully tell you that families on roadtrips have spare ziplocks and plastic grocery bags. O

And if you travel by moto enough, you will someday walk out of your hotel room along the Ohio-West Virginia border to discover the temperature has unexpectedly dropped 30-degrees and rain has appeared where forecasters had predicted blue skies just 24-hours earlier.

So pack some duct tape under the seat cowl, wrap a bandanna round your neck, and keep a spare pair of mechanics gloves in every jacket pocket. It may not be pretty, but you will make it to your destination.

Happy riding!

Love it? Hate it? Suggestions or ideas? Leave a comment or email Ann at: Ann.Daly.07@gmail.com

Video: Ducati Superquadretta Engine in Motion

2012-01-05T15:28:00.001Z

The engine at the heart of the the Ducati 1199 Panigale. In motion.

Beautiful from parts to completion no matter how many ways you look at it.

Magnifico!

To watch on YouTube: Click Here

Love your Teeth; Wear a Full-face Helmet

2012-01-05T14:55:00.000Z

There are a lot of reasons to wear a full-face helmet. Winged creatures, road debris, and errant rocks from poorly-covered dump trucks are just a few.

The sound of a locust or stone cracking against the visor or chin bar? Just think about what this would have done to your face.

And ladies, its not like we can grow strategically placed sideburns or a goatee to camouflage the damage. If we get smacked in the face, all we have is a thread of hope and crossed fingers that the encounter doesn't leave a scar.

But a small scar is nothing to a broken jaw, missing teeth, or the almighty road rash. Picking multitudes of pebbles out of your cheek? Just one is bad enough. There ain't nothing sexy about road rash.

And it turns out, road rash from a highside-inspired face plant, as well as a future of bank account-crushing dental bills, is the most likely end to a motorcycle crash.

Want proof? Here's the visual, provided by Dietmar Otte, of Hannover University's Accident Research Unit, via the guys at Hell for Leather:

The top of the head has only a .4-percent chance of connecting with the pavement. The crown of the head around the very top, when divided into four segments, has a less than 2-percent chance per segment of impact.

The back of the head doesn't fare quite as well. Although the numbers still come in at the 5- to -8-percent range. Not great chances, but not that high, either.

The top and back of the noggin' are protected by a 2/3s helmet, and (sort of) a skid lid. But the big numbers are up front. Your jawbone is particularly at-risk. Followed by your forehead and nose.

Pretty nasty stuff. But no one ever said motorcycle riders were nasty stuff-adverse. We all know bad things happen. The trick is to ensure we can ride again afterward.

One way to do this is the full-face helmet. A good one. Less than five years old, never in a crash, and fairly dropped-off-the-bike free.

And while safety is the most important thing, you need to like it well enough that you are going to wear it. I'm a fan of glitter and flowers, found on certain Suomy's Spec1r helmets:

Not your thing? There's also Drudi Performance graphics:

Aldo Drudi brings back retro-cool graphics on this very modern Arai helmet

Sadly, not all of us are so lucky to have a custom designed Aldo Drudi helmet, but you can see George Mayer's exclusive Arai Corsair V Mayer edition at Ducati Forza:

George claims the helmet dropped two seconds off his race lap times. With Drudi Performance, I believe it!

So cool! And I am so jealous!

There's also solid colors - electric and stealth:

Feeling Arai Blue?

AGV's Ducati-Branded Dark Helmet

A solid-colored AGV T-2 for the less flamboyant rider

Replicas:

AGV's Rossi Faces Limited Edition Replica

Suomy's Vandal Troy Bayliss replica

Arai Corsair V Nicky Hayden Replica Helmet

And Brit-flagged and Italian Tri-coloured:

Arai Quantum UK Flag Helmet

Arai RX-Q Italian Flag Helmet

Thinking what I'm thinking? Time for a new helmet? Its a great way to kick off the new year.

You could even make it a retroactive resolution. Tell the significant other its a safety issue, which it is. (No rules saying that safety can't be Rossi cool)

Warning: Rossi replica helmets may not result in Rossi replica racing skills

Luckily for you, I know where the best (and hottest) helmets are.

I spent my holiday break down in sunny south Florida, hanging with the crew at Ducati Forza Racing and their partners at Pure-Ducati.com. I walked into the shop and lo and behold, an entire wall of helmets:

A wonderwall of helmets

That Arai Vector 2, middle row, second from the left, has my name on it...

Arai, Suomy, Shark (on clearance!), AGV, and more. Every sort of design, color, and Rossi replica.

Ducati-branded. British-flagged. Italian-striped All sizes. All shapes.

A rainbow extreme of full-face helmets!

Check out Pure-Ducati.com and peruse the AGV and Rossi replicas. Order to your heart's content.

See a style you like in the Helmet Wall photo above but not online? Want something else altogether? Have a question?

Give Megan of DFR a shout (megan@atlcmotorcycles.com or 954-788-9550) and she'll have you set up with that perfect full-face helmet before your next ride.

Cheers!

The Real Reason BMW S1000RR Rocks

2012-01-04T20:13:00.001Z

Meet the man behind the design for BMW's S1000RR: Ola Stenegard

The guy who gave us the BMW S1000RR

Seriously. He designed the HP2 Sport too.

Not what I expected from a BMW designer (think sterile, humorless Deutsche efficiency) but it certainly explains why BMW was able to meet, exceed and break all the rules the first time out with the S1000RR. And do it all over again for 2012.

There's no way a man who thinks the Norton Manx is the most beautiful production bike ever built, can name the legendary Triumph Trophy 650 as his first "serious" motorcycle, and rides a bike he built in his garage while donning a pair of Chuck Taylor sneakers, could ever produce a dog.

My hero!

Read more: http://www.bikeexif.com/ola-stenegard#ixzz1iWOW2Opv

Introducing the Pure Triumph Facebook December Bike of the Month!!!

2012-01-03T20:12:00.001Z

You can always tell when a motorcycle is loved. Despite the inevitable high mileage (Because when you love your moto, you ride it. Anytime and anywhere you can), beloved motos look brand, spanking, showroom new.

No rust. No dirt. No kinks in the chain. No dry rot on the tires. This is someone's baby.

But just because the bike looks as though it could have rolled off the assembly line that morning, it rarely follows that it actually resembles its stock, assembly line brethren.

The beloved moto is rarely stock for long, as its owner adds, subtracts, and makes all the little changes and mods that make a bike unique, and uniquely theirs.

So, keeping this in mind, I am pleased to introduce to you the Pure-Triumph December Facebook Bike of the Month - a 2003 Triumph America that looks dealer-delivered yesterday, except for that way-cooler-than-stock, blue flamed, sparkling chromed visage:

Congratulations, Karla. Outstanding motorcycle!!!

Whether its the rat badge on the seat:

Modified air filters and chrome cam cover or head-turning white-hot blue-on-blue tank flames:

And did I mention the the chrome foot control bar, tach kit, chain guard, head light visor and sprocket cover? Or that great finishing touch that is the chrome capped brake reservoir?

Yep, no doubt about it, this America is all dressed up and ready to take on the new year and any terrain the day's ride has to offer:

For the advice, pieces and parts to make your own beloved America, or any favorite Triumph moto, exactly and uniquely your own, its all available and waiting just for you and your bike at Pure-Triumph.com.

If you can't find what you want, give David a shout. He'll get you and your motorcycle hooked up: David@pure-triumph.com; 954-788-9550.

And for a chance to have your Triumph featured as the Pure-Triumph Bike of the Month and win a $100 Pure-Triumph gift certificate, check out Pure-Triumph Facebook, post a photo on the Wall, and tell us why your Triumph moto deserves to be the next Bike of the Month.

Again, congratulations, Karla! Happy riding this 2012!

Triumph's Speed Triple R-is-for-Racing

2012-01-02T19:05:00.002Z

When Triumph slaps an "R" to one of its bikes, you know you're getting a great deal on upgraded suspension and braking. An exclusive color scheme may be used to spice up the package as well:

The D765R sports Brembo Monobloc brake calipers, Ohlins suspension, and that really cool red subframe.

But if the particular Triumph model in question borders on the iconic and represents more than 12-percent of the company's sales, Brembo braking and Ohlins suspension, while absolutely necessary, just aren't enough for the "R".

And to which of Triumph's motos am I referring? As if you need to ask:

The venerable and venerated Speed Triple. And the imminent Speed Triple R, expected to invade streets and tracks near you this Spring.

So what does Triumph do, beyond the obvious Brembo/Ohlin upgrades, to make one of the most fearsome streetfighters on the roads today even better? And truely worthy of the R-is-for-Rocket?

Well, you could always start with ultra-lightweight forged alloy wheels. And Pirelli Super Corsa SP tires.

Not only does the S3R enjoy supernatural grip, but the weight shaved from the bike's unsprung mass (.7kg and 1kg, front and rear wheels, respectively) means reduced inertia and even better agility.

A first for any Triumph motorcycle, the Speed Triple R-is-for-Riviting includes: Switchable ABS. Not to mention a fully revised gearbox, which sees most of its internals redesigned for crisper engagement.

And finally, the R-is-for-Red, means a distinctive (and hot) red subframe, carbon fiber bits and parts, and a tapered, black annodized handle bar.

R is for Badass.

Cheers!

Introducing the Pure-Triumph Facebook November Bike of the Month!

2011-12-16T17:58:00.002Z

The Triumph TR6C Trophy, aka Desert Sled, is legendary. Built specifically for desert racing battles, dune navigation, and jumping dried ravines, the TR6C was the bike of choice for the most hard core dirt racers, including one, very well-known, rider, Steve McQueen.

Really, would the King of Cool ride anything other than a Triumph?

Production of the Triumph TR6C Trophy ceased in 1973 when it was replaced by the larger 750cc, TR7 model, but its storied racing heritage, long list of victories, and starring role in movies such as McQueen's Great Escape, ensured that the Desert Sled would live on in our imaginations (What young future rider didn't pretend to be Steve McQueen when jumping dirt ramps on a Schwinn bicycle?) and on our roads, in resurrected vintage and modern replica form.

So what makes a true Desert Sled, worthy to claim its dirt racing lineage?

The importance of British heritage cannot be overstated. (But it doesn't have to be vintage; the charm of electronic fuel injection also cannot be overstated.)

It must not just ride in the dirt, but embrace it.

A true Desert Sled must be ready for anything, able to take abuse on a short track and over the long haul.

An ammo box never hurts.

Attitude. Attitude. Attitude.

And so, dear readers, I present to you, the Pure-Triumph November Facebook Bike of the Month winner and a modern day Desert Sled - Congratulations, Vincent!!!

Rumor has it that it used to be a 2009 Scrambler 900. Vincent had other ideas for it, however, when he mounted its great escape from the previous rider, who had failed to tap into the Scrambler's inner McQueen.

Starting with a completely stock Scrambler, Vincent equipped his Scrambler with all that it would need, inside and out, to survive and thrive in the desert dirt:

Triumph Tachometer Kit
Triumph Headlamp Grill
Norman Hyde Skid Plate
Triumph Anodized Front Brake Reservoir
Triumph Retro Mirrors
Triumph TOR Mufflers with tune
Renthal StreetFighter Bar
Custom "skull" grips
Bullet Style 1" round Brushed Aluminum Turn Signal (front and rear) Lucas Style Tail Lamp

And a custom painted skull on the front fender, to cover a scratch from the previous owner:

Don't know about you, but I'm suddenly thinking I could use some desert with my riding.

If you would like to provide your Scrambler, Thruxton or Bonneville, with the same sort of performance, grit, and attitude, check out Pure-Triumph.com.

If you can't find what you want, give David a shout. He'll get you and your motorcycle hooked up: David@pure-triumph.com; 954-788-9550.

And for a chance to have your Triumph featured as the Pure-Triumph Bike of the Month and win a $100 Pure-Triumph gift certificate, check out Pure-Triumph Facebook, post a photo on the Wall, and tell us why your Triumph moto deserves to be the next Bike of the Month.

Again, congratulations, Vincent! Outstanding motorcycle!

Cheers!

CCS Racing: Homestead, Miami. The Finale.

2011-12-13T16:41:00.009Z

The Ducati Forza Racing 848 was running just as well Sunday morning as it was the day before. Not that you would expect the motorcycle to dismantle itself overnight, but in racing, you just never know.

George Mayer and the Ducati Forza Racing 848, CCS #899

I had three races for the afternoon. Middleweight SuperSport: The Warm-Up Race. SuperTwins: The All-Important, Only-One-that-Matters Race. And the Middleweight Superbike: the Go-out-have-a-Blast-because-its-not-SuperTwins Race.

The only thing left to do was wait for the grids to post and see what the SuperTwin competition would be…

Disappointing.

The grids posted and I would have only two competitors for the SuperTwins race: the racer currently sitting 15-points behind me for the championship, and a random. The economy has been tough on racing the past couple of years.

Doing some quick math, I realized all I had to do was place one position behind the second place rider. Easy right?

Sure. Except, nothing is easy in racing. Because ANYTHING CAN HAPPEN. You’d think I’d remember that by now.

So really, I should have been less than surprised, when coming on to the front straight, running so strong as to be top-10 in a Middleweight SuperSport Race, the clutch started slipping.

Hmmmmm… Strange.

Give the 848 some gas. Clutch still slipping.

Not good. And maybe not that strange after all.

Still dealing with the now-wholly uncooperative clutch, I remembered that two weeks earlier, when practicing launches, Charlie and I had noticed the clutch was smoking a bit. Not exactly what you want from your race motorcycle.

We had determined that it looked okay upon cursory inspection, which in retrospect, may not have been the best decision possible.

Smoking clutch eventually becomes burned-out clutch. The day of the Most Important Race. With just two races to get it fixed.

Yep. That’s racing. Back to the garage bay...

The bike was so hot, Charlie’s mechanic’s gloves melted on contact. Smoke poured out of the opened clutch. Lucho, a fellow racer and Ducati Forza Technician, ran over from the neighboring bay to lend a hand.

I still can’t believe how fast these two pros pulled apart the clutch, figured out what was good and what was trash, and started replacing the bad parts with the spare kit.

And extra bit of luck, the second race was red flagged due to a blown engine. That’s racing too. It may taketh away, but it giveth back as well.

Time was running out however for Team DFR. Charlie and Lucho buttoned up the faring just as second call for SuperTwins came on over the speaker system. The clutch itself was fixed, but they hadn’t had the time to bleed it.

Squishy, maladjusted, ineffective clutch. Minor detail. Couldn’t even get the bike into gear when rolling up on the grid.

This wasn’t “testing for next season” mode, and we were certainly beyond “race to win” mode. This was full-on “just finish the thing” mode, and hope that I could coax the clutch into enough performance to keep me just behind the second place rider.

As crazy as it was, I could still win the SuperTwins Championship. That’s racing.

The race began and I entered Turn One right with my competition. This would have been great had that been the beginning and end of the race. Except I had to brake into Turn Two, upon which I discovered the clutch lever was jutting out much further than normal.

Pulling in the clutch would require actually letting go of the bars in order to reach the clutch lever.

Um, yeah. Let’s just leave it at that this little maneuver was messing with my brake points. As in missing them altogether. Awesome.

Unable to push the bike at all, I settled in to the back of the pack, determined to finish what was quickly becoming my longest, most arduous race ever.

I finished the race, minus clutch, clutch lever and brake points. But there are no moral victories in racing. Rolling back into the bay, I forced myself to ask Charlie what had happened between my two competitors.

Pause. Taking an eternity to answer. May have to consider firing him for a day or two when we return to Ducati Forza.

And then he confirmed…

We got it!!! After such a difficult race season, missed opportunities, family tragedy, and the fiasco that day, we still cobbled together enough points to take the SuperTwins championship.

I couldn’t believe it. And yet I could. After all, that’s racing.

The last race was simply amazing; the perfect way to finish the season. Charlie had the time to properly bleed the clutch, and the Ducati Forza 848 was back to working perfectly. Figures.

It was great start (a season nemesis for me) and I had a blast battling it out within the top ten. It was almost like the 848 was telling me: “Don’t worry, we got this, just wait until next season, we’re going faster than you ever thought possible.” I finished 9^th with a grin on my face that just might last me until the start of next season.

There is no better way to spend a Sunday afternoon than racing a motorcycle right up to your limits and then racing it harder, further, faster still, and knowing that someday, you just might be the fastest one out there.

And February, the start of a whole new season, is just around the corner. See you then!

Cheers!
George

Click the links for more information on the Ducati Forza 848 racebike and Ducati Forza Racing.

CCS Racing: Homestead, Miami. The Practice.

2011-12-13T15:40:00.007Z

Thrilling, unpredictable, mind-blowing stomach-dropping exhilaration, pushing-you-beyond-the-limits-you-thought-you-had, all rolled into a high speed chase on a short track to where you started. Destination: the checkered flag.

George Mayer on the Ducati Forza Racing 848, CCS #899

That’s racing. You never know what’s coming at you next. And just as anything can happen during a motorcycle race, there are all sorts of different ways to win one.

I’m not talking about the moral victory either. Find me a racer who doesn’t want to finish with a trophy and everyone else sucking his bike’s exhaust fumes behind him, and I’ll show you a guy who is lying. But winning, especially over the long CCS racing season, isn’t always a straight forward as it seems.

This season has been a tough one for me and the Ducati Forza Racing team. Technically: the Ducati Forza 848 missed two races due to issues with completing a series of upgrades added during the off-season. And personally: I missed two races because of a difficult loss in the family.

Given the four-race loss, heading into the final CCS race at Homestead, Miami, you’d be forgiven if you thought DFR was in “testing for next season” mode.

But it’s racing. And anything can happen. Including arriving at Homestead to discover that I am still sitting in first place for the SuperTwin class championship. By 15-points. With the Homestead finale race worth double points.

Screw “testing for next season” mode. We were in this one to win it all!

George Mayer on the Ducati Forza Racing 848, CCS #899

It’s impossible to complete a race weekend at Homestead without some rain. Luckily, the weather sorted itself out early, raining on the Saturday morning practice only.

The shortened practice run meant using the first half of the second session to work though the normal warm-up kinks and make sure that the 848’s suspension, braking, and engine were all set and functioning exactly as needed. Of course, with resident genius, Charlie Stratton, in charge, it was hardly a surprise that the 848 was already in top shape. By the end of the day, I was lapping just under race pace.

Can’t ask for more than that.

Well, other than watching the latest MotoGP documentary, Fastest, that night. Which I did. Really can’t ask for more than watching the fastest racers on the planet battle it out the night before the biggest race of my own short racing career.

George

Click the links for more information on the Ducati Forza 848 racebike and Ducati Forza Racing.

Best Biking Roads in Europe - G681 to Tossa de Mar, Spain

2011-12-12T19:50:00.000Z

Oh well, the long dark wet days of winter are finally here. Still riding time gives way to editing time. And a chance to reflect on some fine riding times in the sun. Here's one we rode earlier.

For the full story see: European Motorcycle Diaries on Tour 3

Stunting a Ducati Diavel: The Video

2011-12-08T21:22:00.000Z

Ducati Diavel. Stunt Bike Extrodinaire.

2011-12-08T21:19:00.000Z

So maybe its really not a cruiser after all...

Courtesy of Ducati News Today. For more, click: HERE

Italian Street Brawler Returns: 2012 Aprilia Tuono

2011-12-08T20:54:00.003Z

Reigning Italian brawler, the Aprilia Tuono, has returned to the streets. And this time, its coming at you with a V4R.

Formidable. Especially when you consider V4R represents two more cylinders, a stampeding 41 additional horses, and 22 fewer pounds.

And knee-shaking formidable when you realize that this new engine is an adapted version of Aprilia's superbike, the RSV4, and also includes throttle-by-wire and an APRC electronics package.

With a bit more street heft thrown in by shortening up the first three gears for maximum torque (82 lb-ft) at 9,500 rpm.

Wow.

The bad boy of Italian motos just got badder. Riders beware.

Original Rider article and more info on 2012 Aprilia models, click: HERE

Not What You Want from your Motorcycle

2011-12-08T20:40:00.000Z

Oops.

A Very Desmo December: Holiday Ducati Gift Ideas

2011-12-03T21:12:00.000Z

Accessories, Apparel, Gear, oh my!

For yours and Santa's Ducati holiday needs, Pure-Ducati has compiled 40 desmo-perfect gift ideas. Thank you Pure-Ducati!

To get started, click: HERE

(Or just forward the link to all your friends and family: http://www.pure-ducati.com/c-4-featured-products.aspx )

All I want for Christmas...

Cheers!

2012 Triumph Street Triple R; The Dirty Down Low Details

2011-12-03T20:05:00.001Z

Triumph's 2012 cat-eyed Street Triple R is out on the roads, wrecking havoc and generating moto-envy in riders wherever it roams.

Looking for you, the 2012 Street Triple R-is-for-racing

Finally unleashed on the unsuspecting public, we now know quite a bit more about the Street Triple R-is-for-racing.

From the stock Pirelli Diablo Rosso Corsa tires, to the steeper rake and high-quality dampening for better front tire feeling, to the radial Nissan braking, this naked performance bike will steal your heart at first wheelie.

And what seals the deal? Other than the stomach-dropping mid-range pull, 104bhp and stock steel braided lines?

The imminently affordable $9,599 price tag that runs circles around other nakeds, just as the 2012 Street Triple R-is-for-racing rides circles around them on the road.

Cheers!

1968 Benelli meets Isle of Man meets Video Camera

2011-12-03T19:27:00.000Z

Check out the rare footage of Dave Roper on a practice run at Isle of Man. Roper is on a 1968 Benelli prepared by Team Obsolete.

Video courtesy of HFL. Cheers!

Ducati Panigale 1199 in the Flesh

2011-11-28T21:24:00.004Z

Not many things would make me drive from Hampshire to Birmingham on an early Saturday morning in November - but The Ducati Panigale 1199 did.

My son-in-law (Ducati Diavel Carbon) and I (Multistrada Sport S) have come up with a cunning plan. First of all I should say that we have completely taken leave of our senses. I blame the Motorcycle News 'Inside Story'. I opened the article with nothing more than a level of curiosity: Did Ducati really intend to take their ill-fated monocoque MotoGP chassis to market in their new flagship sportsbike?

By the time I had read of the extraordinary goals that Ducati had set themselves, the single-minded way they went about achieving them - and the fact that they did. The most oversquare motor in history, the bold almost frameless design - and then the mouth-watering but aggressive looks. Even if I didn't have a bike license I would have to buy one, so Chris & I made a pact. But we had a problem. For some reason the ladies (I think this is an English thing judging by some of my friends in the US) think that motorcycling - like marriage - should be monogamous. You're only allowed ONE AT A TIME!

So as the Diavel and Multi (AKA Dick Dastardly & Mutley) are keepers, we decided to go joint on the Panigale. Then that became an S, and then a Tricolore (by which time we almost might have decided to buy two stock bikes), but there you go, that's lust and bigamy for you. Quite what internecine strife co-owning and track-daying a £24k Superbike is going to create time will only tell. I only hope that it doesn't generate a tale worthy of The Godfather.

So when we realised that we could actually swing a leg over one at the NEC Bike Show, we had to go (apart from anything, give our different shapes and sizes (6 ft and skinny in my case, 5ft 9 and stocky) would it fit us both?

I had heard the Panigale described as 'tiny' so I did wonder. I remember cocking a leg over the 916 not long after it arrived. My best buddy told me I looked like a stick insect on a bicycle and that was it. I quickly got off and decided in my case the 916 was for looking at, not riding. The Panigale is an armchair by comparison. It's small, but it is long (blame the long, long swingarm which means you can actually move around on the seat too).

Brilliant packaging (apparently the Kawasaki ZX10 does this well too - and so I can vouch for does the KTM RC8 - but I'm glad I haven't got a picture of me on the Aprilia RSV4. . .) with - relatively of course - high and wide bars and low pegs means it really does feel comfortable, with none of that super-focused bum-up head-down feel of the 916 (or Triumph's delectable Daytona 675). In fact my knees are much less 'fully scrunched' than they even were on my Speed Triple (allbeit with rear sets).

I had seen a lot of pictures, but I wanted to take a good look at the detail. I though EMD readers might want to as well as most of the official shots go more for the glamour. So here we go - some of the delectable detail on the Panigale, and some of the more interesting other European bikes at the NEC.

I love the way that Ducati have put the more sublime and advanced engineering features on display. But am I the only one who wanted to take the silly plastic cover off as soon as I saw this? There is of course a carbon fibre accessory, but I think it just has to go.

Titanium Termignoni Exhaust System: Trend-setters again. The 916 spawned a whole generation of under-seat exhausts, how many through-the-fairing ones are we going to see now? Genius - and reminiscent of the Dodge Viper.

Note cables for suspension servo motors (just like the Multistrada) on the S/Tricolore.

Adjustable linkage to vary progression rate of suspension for race/road. Threaded adjuster is to re-set ride height to compensate.

Brembos are very very neat. Ducati has an exclusive on these so you won't be seeing them anywhere else soon. Seem to bear a startling resemblance to the Brembos on Stoner's MotoGP-winning bike though (see below).

Now this is what you really want to do: Buy a Stock Panigale and turn in into Superstock race spec. The pics below show some of these mods:

Carbon, Titanium Termignoni and rear-sets.

Carbon fibre exhaust heat-shield and hugger do make the plastic items on even the Tricolore look rubbish - guess that Ducati has to leave you something left to replace. . .

Check out insane short stroke, size of bores and valves.

Nice cut-out to show the Panigale 'frame' - or rather how the headstock is connected to the cylinder heads via the monocoque airbox. Just one amazing example of the Panigale's many part dual-functionality (another is how the the fuel tank doubles as the 'lid' of the airbox.)

I must say - the attention to all details on the Ducati stand was exceptional. . .

I really like the seat on the AMG Diavel - no really. . .

KTM RC8 still has it.

As does new 690 Supermoto.

We liked the new BMW-authored Husqvarna Nuda

Spoken in a Crocodile Dundee accent: 'Call that a brake - THAT's a brake' Check the secondary tubing - looks capable of carrying nothing more than - water? Answers please to this address. And check similarity of architecture to Panigale Brembos above.

Sweet new Triumph Speed Triple - wheels look light

New Triumph GS - sorry - Explorer but with 135 bhp and a similar price-tag

Sorry, not for sale - amazing rotary-engined Norton race-winner from the nineties.

Yes, you can buy this one.

And 'no' don't think so - and 'no- neither do we'. . .