Well Ducati's new Panigale has been around long enough now to start seeing ride reviews popping up. We're still waiting for Ducati to send us our own Panigle test mule here, however, it might be a very long wait. In the meantime you can check out Visordown's First Ride report here and below you can ride along with Troy Bayliss as he take the Panigle for a lap around the track.
Best Motorcycle Dealership Winner Cool Spring Powersports Interview(s)
Sunday, 12 February 2012 19:26
Written by Brandon
At the close of 2011, we had received several nominations for the Best of 2011 reader's poll and in January we posted the results of the voting. Cool Springs Powersports won Best Motorcycle Dealership (non-Harley) and also Best Dealer Service Department. Recently I went out to their location in Franklin to present the awards to them. While I was there I was able to spend some time with Chris Holbrook, General Business Manager and Director of Development, and asked him why he felt that our readers had voted for their dealership. I also was able to speak with J.P. , their service manger and Rodney McIntyre, one of the sales staff, and asked them the same thing. The video below is what they had to say about their workplace.
As 2011 was winding down, Johnny and I had the opportunity, thanks to our friends at Castle Powersports, to take out a 2012 Triumph Bonneville T100. These Bonneville's that Triumph has been putting out for the past several years are truly modern classics. While looking the part of a classic motorcycle from decades gone by, the current Bonnie's have modern brakes and electrics as well as a cleverly disguised fuel injection system. If you want the look of a machine from the sixties and the reliability of a modern motorcycle, one need look no further.
At this year's EICMA show, Husqvarna showed off the new Concept MOAB. A mix of nostalgia and modern technology that together make for a classically styled yet start of the art performing "scrambler" style motorcycle. The styling is either love or hate in my opinion and I love it. It certainly comes from off-road bike influences but at the same time, rolls on 17" rubber with dual purpose tires. The big 650cc single should be more than enough to handle street/highway duty while getting one to their favorite un-paved "playgrounds". Check out the video below to see and hear the MOAB underway.
(warning, this video suffers from a little to much "concept" and not enough "motorcycle" -ed)
I always have and still do love Volkswagen's. I've had three of them so far in my life and they are always fun to drive cars and they often have some pretty good marketing campaign's as well. The commercial below is no exception as they laughingly put a stick in our eye while advertising a Jetta.
Sidecar Racing Team Interview from the Barber Vintage Festival
Thursday, 24 November 2011 07:49
Written by Brandon
One of the highlights of the Barber Vintage Festival is sidecar racing. If you’ve never seen sidecar racing it is one of the most unique and exciting types of motorsport you’ll ever see. Drivers have to unlearn the riding techniques they are accustomed to on a motorcycle as they deal with a machine that doesn’t lean (well to some degree anyway) as a normal two-wheeled bike would.
The passenger, or “monkey”, is constantly climbing around on the rig to get their weight as far to the inside of the turn as possible to keep the machine on track. They are also trying to hang on and not be thrown onto said track while all this action is happening. It’s grueling and dangerous for the team but as much for them as it is for those watching.
While Johnny and I were at the Barber Vintage Festival this fall, Johnny was able to talk to one of the teams about this unique and exciting sport. Hit the video below to see the interview with Hannah Mathews and Dale Lavender as they discuss being a “monkey”, a driver, and how their rig was made.
The Barber Vintage Festival Experience - Teaser Video
Wednesday, 26 October 2011 15:17
Written by Brandon
Over two weeks ago Johnny and I headed down to Brimingham, AL for the Vintage Bike Festival at the Barber Motorsports Park . While we were there we took lots of photos, shot quite a bit of video, and got in a few interviews were we could. Our intent is to put together our first Cars Suck Special Episode that will focus almost entirely on the Vintage Bike Festival experience. While we're working on that though, we've got a teaser video you can view right now!
Video "Quick Look" at a JIS Screwdriver for webBikeWorld
Friday, 21 October 2011 13:31
Written by Brandon
Below is a video "quick look" Johnny and I did for webBikeWorld.com on a JIS or Japanese Industry Standard screwdriver. Are these screwdrivers a miracle or are there abilities just a myth. Play the video below to find out. You can also read the entire review over at webBikeWorld.com.
