Commentary - The Motard Chasm

The following article caught my attention hyping the new Morini 1200cc Motard - http://www.asphaltandrubber.com/bikes/spy-shots-moto-morini-1200cc-motard/

I have a few thoughts on whats happening here:

It seems like the chasm of 'upright bikes' continues to widen. On one hand, the popularity of small bore canyon carving thumpers continues to rise. Bikes like the WR250X, DRZ400SM, Husky 510/610, KTM 690, and so on.






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Meanwhile manufacturers continue to introduce more motard-like bikes with more and more power (and more weight.)

Some say that the evolution of motorcycles is like the evolution of man...continually more upright as we progress. However, this new class of big-bore twins reminds me more of a bodybuilder - good at few things, but can't really move around.

People love Horsepower - it's very American, but the funny this is that most people a) never use the power and b) don't consider the relationship of power and weight. Don't get me wrong, there are benefits to high-HP (thus larger) bikes...easier highway passing, longer distances, more comfortable, (sometimes) less maintenance.

But, the little thumpers of the world often get overlooked due to their 'lack of power.' If you haven't already, give one of these little fellas a try, you'll be surprised at 1) how much fun they are 2) how much faster you turn 3) how cool you feel when you pass a 180HP gixxer in the twisties.

Just something to chew on.

King of the Idiots

On any given weekend in the Santa Monica canyons, there are a host of photographers that capture the thrills and spills of the Los Angeles weekend warriors. Pretty much every weekend there is one crash that is captured - almost always attributed to a rider riding beyond his/her ability in order to capture that perfect photo. I usually peruse the photos the following week to see myself, people I know and the crash de jour.

This one was caught my attention, and for reasons you soon shall see, I have hereby anointed this guy "King of the Idiots."

His session begins with a low speed crash where it looks like he blew the turn:

Thankfully, he manages to ride away with only a busted headlight.

In a desperate attempt of ego recovery, he makes it clear that he'll be back.

For his gran finale, he decides to pull out all the stops for the camera, busted headlight and all:


Only to be humbled by the Gods of Showboating:

Bow down sir, for you have earned your title "King of the Idiots"

Coffee, Tea, Shopping, San Quentin

In case you're ever in the SF area for an extended stay...

Only in America do you get a thoughtful review of the San Quentin Prison store (called the Canteen) on Yelp.

In one very well thought out review, the author provides:

- an explanation of how he scored the store only 1 star

- a historical pricing analysis of products at the store

- advice on bargaining in prison

- a threat to a worker, very heartfelt

- an nod to the corruption in our prison system, all tied together with a zinger finish

I am proud to be an American!

View The Link Here