I can't decide whether this ad is very cool, or very lame.
I'd like to know your opinion....
Cool motorcycle ad? Or lame one?
I can't decide whether this ad is very cool, or very lame.
I'd like to know your opinion....
Hard Scrabble
I can appreciate the skill needed to do this, but I have no desire at all to try it.Read more about this very tough type of racing...
Kelly Bundy Explains Motorcycles
In this clip from Married With Children, Kelly Bundy explains the appeal of motorcycles to her parents.
Great Motorcycle Ad
The female rider applies make-up. Instead of a mirror, she uses her reflection in the air filter cover on her Harley Davidson Dyna.
The text of the ad sums up her attitude.
"Do this. Do that. Don't do this. Don't do that. Blah blah blah."
I'm tired of doing what folks tell me to do. I'm going to ride.
This ad resonates with its audience, and evokes the classic "Wild Ones" motorcyclist-as-rebel aura. It also shows that motorcycle riders can be feminine.
Reading Spark Plugs
Each spark plug tells a story. Learning to read the spark plug can help you tune your bike. This article gives a great overview.
Test Drive: Harley-Davidson V-Rod Muscle
Friend and former coworker Bob recently test drove the Harley Davidson V-Rod Muscle, and had this to say:
The V-Rod Muscle is a bad-ass bike.
One thing I noticed is that when you're on the bike, you can't see much of it.
The seating position is odd -- I kind of felt like an ape sitting on it.
In the riding position the parts you can see don't look that cool. But it sounds cool. At stop lights it has a very pleasing rumble and vibration - like a dragster ready to rip through a quarter mile.
My bike [The Magnaceptor -- Ed.] is smooth as butter at idle. Sometimes I can't tell it's running. Boring! The V-Rod has a low, mean growl at full throttle, and plenty of torque.This bike surprisingly had great brakes (dual rotors out front, single rotor in rear). It was heavy and not nearly as nimble as the Magnaceptor. I found it hard to swerve, and different to turn due to the low, drag-style handlebars. This is a good bike in a straight line.
I loved it, but would like it to be more nimble. Its a great cruiser, and would make a nice commuter.
That V-Rod muscle was BAD, but the $19000+ wasn't.
The V-Rod Muscle is a bad-ass bike.
One thing I noticed is that when you're on the bike, you can't see much of it.
The seating position is odd -- I kind of felt like an ape sitting on it.
In the riding position the parts you can see don't look that cool. But it sounds cool. At stop lights it has a very pleasing rumble and vibration - like a dragster ready to rip through a quarter mile.
My bike [The Magnaceptor -- Ed.] is smooth as butter at idle. Sometimes I can't tell it's running. Boring! The V-Rod has a low, mean growl at full throttle, and plenty of torque.This bike surprisingly had great brakes (dual rotors out front, single rotor in rear). It was heavy and not nearly as nimble as the Magnaceptor. I found it hard to swerve, and different to turn due to the low, drag-style handlebars. This is a good bike in a straight line.
I loved it, but would like it to be more nimble. Its a great cruiser, and would make a nice commuter.
That V-Rod muscle was BAD, but the $19000+ wasn't.
| About The Author | |
|---|---|
| Bob has been riding, fixing, and modifying motorcycles since his youth. He has ridden a variety of bikes over the years. Last year he whiled away the winter months by transplanting the motor from a Honda Interceptor into his Honda Magna. He calls the new creation "The Magnaceptor". This is his first contribution to "The ATGATT Rat" |  |
Test Drive: Buell 1125R
Friend, former co-worker, and moto fiend Bob test drove the Buell 1125R, and filed this report:
The 1125r was super powerful and had a mean full throttle growl. This thing would absolutely scream given the proper idiot! They didn't warn me about the 2 finger brakes, but I learned very quickly.
I hit the brake so hard the first time (slow speed) I thought the back end was coming over my head. These brakes are ridiculously potent.
Also, the front wheel lifted several times during the ride - a neat surprise.
The bike got really hot near the back of my legs once it warmed up. That was annoying. I hear the 1125cr is the same way. The seating position was terrible, making the bike useful for quick trips only. It handled like nothing else I've ever ridden though. I was able to make very tight turns at slow speeds. Wow - if the thing was more comfortable to ride...
I need to ride the 1125cr.
More about The Magnaceptor.
Photos courtesy Buell.com
The 1125r was super powerful and had a mean full throttle growl. This thing would absolutely scream given the proper idiot! They didn't warn me about the 2 finger brakes, but I learned very quickly.
I hit the brake so hard the first time (slow speed) I thought the back end was coming over my head. These brakes are ridiculously potent.
Also, the front wheel lifted several times during the ride - a neat surprise.
The bike got really hot near the back of my legs once it warmed up. That was annoying. I hear the 1125cr is the same way. The seating position was terrible, making the bike useful for quick trips only. It handled like nothing else I've ever ridden though. I was able to make very tight turns at slow speeds. Wow - if the thing was more comfortable to ride...
I need to ride the 1125cr.
| About The Author | |
|---|---|
| Bob has been riding, fixing, and modifying motorcycles since his youth. He has ridden a variety of bikes over the years. Last year he whiled away the cold months by transplanting the motor from a Honda VFR750F into his Honda Magna. He calls the new creation "The Magnaceptor". This is his first contribution to "The ATGATT Rat" | |
More about The Magnaceptor.
Photos courtesy Buell.com
Helpful Links
Sites I have found helpful in my foray into the world of motorcycling:
Getting Started |
| Motorcycle Safety Foundation |
| Motorcycles.About.com |
Gear |
| New Enough.com |
| Fast Company - Home of Draggin' Jeans |
Magna-Specific |
| SabMag |
| Magna Owners Of Texas |
Hard-to-find parts |
| Old Bike Barn |
| BikeBandit.com |
| CycleGadgets.com |
| Loud Fast Ugly |
Clutch Repair |
| The Clutch FAQ |
| Clutch Rebuilding |
| KellerMann |
Throttle Repair |
| BluepoofBikes Motorcycle Adventures Wrenching |
| Throttle Play |
| Lubricate Cables |
| The Cable FAQ |
Sonrunners
Not a blog, but actually a website for a church's motorcycle group.
My last church had a motorcycle group. Maybe I need to start one in my current church.
15 Motorcycles You Should Drive At Least Once
Here's a list of bikes we've ridden and reviewed:
* Buell 1125R
This bike could've gone on to win races and change the world.
* Buell Lightning
This bike went as far into Sport Bike territory that Buell could go while using a Sportster Engine. Hint: It's pretty far!
* Buell Ulysses
This bike was a world class adventure touring bike. It could've settled into a number 2 spot under the BMW GS, given time and proper corporate support.
* Harley Davidson Dyna Street Bob
This is classic Harley Davidson "factory custom" which has the look and feel of a customized bike, but is straight from the factory. It's a concept they've invested in heavily, and there are lots of happy folks buying customized-from-factory bikes like this.
* Harley Davidson Dyna Super Glide
This entry level Dyna is an underspoken Harley. It has classic Harley look and feel, but it has comfortable mid-mounted controls, a low seat height, and all the modern features. It's the practical beauty I bought for my wife.
* Harley Davidson Night Rod Special
Harley takes a core bike like the V-Rod, darkens the frame, and the motor, paints the bike in flat black, and calls it a Night Rod Special. I call it variations on a theme.
* Harley Davidson Nightster
Take that metaphorical "Can Of Blackness" and apply it to the Sportster, and you get the Nightster. A sheep in black sheep's clothing.
* Harley Davidson V-Rod Muscle
A truly revolutionary bike, based on Harley's innovate water-cooled, German engineered V-Twin engine. Plenty of power.
* Harley Davidson XR1200
Rearset pegs and high cornering clearance on a Harley Davidson. It was originally only sold in Europe, but is doing quite well here.
* Honda Gold Wing GL1100
Honda invented the true "Touring Motorcycle" and you should experience one of the originals. The Original Wing was sold Naked, with aftermarket bags and fairings which could be added. Honda listened to the marketplace, and created their first custom-built dedicated Touring Motorcycle.
* Honda Interceptor
Honda believes in the V4 engine, and placed into its showcase platform for new technology, the Honda Interceptor.
* Honda Magna VF750C
Knowing the wonderful V4 engine had a broader appeal, and broader capabilities, than just sport bike riding, they transplanted the V4 into a cruiser frame, and the original "Power Cruiser" bike was born, the Honda Magna. Unlike other bikes who claim the title "Power Cruiser", this one is affordable, comfortable, and the power is where you can use it.
* Victory Kingpin Tour
I think it's great that America has competition for the role of "America's Bike Manufacturer". I am impressed with the fact that they built these bikes from the ground up with new technology; not encombuered by tradition or history. As a result, they've built smart looking, good riding motorcycles. They've garnered a loyal following. Will they ever enjoy the legendary brand loyalty that Harley Davidson does?
* Victory Vegas 8-Ball
A stripped down verion of the Victory Vegas - a single seat, all blacked out version of their entry level cruiser appeals to me for its simplicity. It ran smoothly, with little vibration. The drive train has an uncharacteristic whine that says, this isn't a Harley Davidson. I suppose it depends on what you're looking for. This one lacked the raw visceral experience of a Harley Ride, but it promised a different sort of ride. Is this the ride you want for yourself?
* Buell 1125R
This bike could've gone on to win races and change the world.
* Buell Lightning
This bike went as far into Sport Bike territory that Buell could go while using a Sportster Engine. Hint: It's pretty far!
* Buell Ulysses
This bike was a world class adventure touring bike. It could've settled into a number 2 spot under the BMW GS, given time and proper corporate support.
* Harley Davidson Dyna Street Bob
This is classic Harley Davidson "factory custom" which has the look and feel of a customized bike, but is straight from the factory. It's a concept they've invested in heavily, and there are lots of happy folks buying customized-from-factory bikes like this.
* Harley Davidson Dyna Super Glide
This entry level Dyna is an underspoken Harley. It has classic Harley look and feel, but it has comfortable mid-mounted controls, a low seat height, and all the modern features. It's the practical beauty I bought for my wife.
* Harley Davidson Night Rod Special
Harley takes a core bike like the V-Rod, darkens the frame, and the motor, paints the bike in flat black, and calls it a Night Rod Special. I call it variations on a theme.
* Harley Davidson Nightster
Take that metaphorical "Can Of Blackness" and apply it to the Sportster, and you get the Nightster. A sheep in black sheep's clothing.
* Harley Davidson V-Rod Muscle
A truly revolutionary bike, based on Harley's innovate water-cooled, German engineered V-Twin engine. Plenty of power.
* Harley Davidson XR1200
Rearset pegs and high cornering clearance on a Harley Davidson. It was originally only sold in Europe, but is doing quite well here.
* Honda Gold Wing GL1100
Honda invented the true "Touring Motorcycle" and you should experience one of the originals. The Original Wing was sold Naked, with aftermarket bags and fairings which could be added. Honda listened to the marketplace, and created their first custom-built dedicated Touring Motorcycle.
* Honda Interceptor
Honda believes in the V4 engine, and placed into its showcase platform for new technology, the Honda Interceptor.
* Honda Magna VF750C
Knowing the wonderful V4 engine had a broader appeal, and broader capabilities, than just sport bike riding, they transplanted the V4 into a cruiser frame, and the original "Power Cruiser" bike was born, the Honda Magna. Unlike other bikes who claim the title "Power Cruiser", this one is affordable, comfortable, and the power is where you can use it.
* Victory Kingpin Tour
I think it's great that America has competition for the role of "America's Bike Manufacturer". I am impressed with the fact that they built these bikes from the ground up with new technology; not encombuered by tradition or history. As a result, they've built smart looking, good riding motorcycles. They've garnered a loyal following. Will they ever enjoy the legendary brand loyalty that Harley Davidson does?
* Victory Vegas 8-Ball
A stripped down verion of the Victory Vegas - a single seat, all blacked out version of their entry level cruiser appeals to me for its simplicity. It ran smoothly, with little vibration. The drive train has an uncharacteristic whine that says, this isn't a Harley Davidson. I suppose it depends on what you're looking for. This one lacked the raw visceral experience of a Harley Ride, but it promised a different sort of ride. Is this the ride you want for yourself?
Mr & Mrs Rat
When it came time to sell the first bike we ever owned, it was a moment worth remembering. Bittersweet, even though the sale was because my wife now owned the bike of her dreams.
ZERO S ELECTRIC MOTORCYCLE
I think this is cool, and I'd like to build one for myself rather than buy an expensive, bizarre-looking, electric motorcycle.
There was a photo and story a few years back, and I'd love to find it and post a link to it, showing how someone had taken a stock Honda Interceptor and installed batteries and an electric motor.
ZERO S ELECTRIC MOTORCYCLE
There was a photo and story a few years back, and I'd love to find it and post a link to it, showing how someone had taken a stock Honda Interceptor and installed batteries and an electric motor.
ZERO S ELECTRIC MOTORCYCLE
Swag's Rant
Another great blog. Swag is a photographer and marketing guy, so he has a beautiful blog with a great feel.
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