Motodisiac

Unbelievably, it has been almost two years since I quit my job to pursue my dream. It was arguably the worst time to start new business from scratch, but here I am, still around and kicking. Of course there are some things that I wish were different, but overall I’m very happy with where I’m at.

Every reputable company is on Facebook these days. I also signed up a couple a weeks ago, and I find it pretty addicting. No, I do not play Mafia Wars or grow my own garden there. I just enjoy sharing my quick thoughts with the world. Check it out for yourself and become a fan here: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Marina-Del-Rey/Beach-Moto/111105122265174

So here’s a little story. I have a friend who’s a surfer. He’s never ridden a motorcycle in his entire life (although he claims he did it successfully once when he was 10, and it was a piece of cake for him). I am obviously a motorcycle rider. Never surfed. The other day he sucked me into this argument about what’s easier to learn - to surf or to ride a motorcycle. I personally think that it’d be easier to be a beginner in surfing than in motorcycling. He of course thinks otherwise.

My reasoning is that motorcycling involves more things to be taken into account as an activity than surfing. Also the situation could change way faster in riding than in surfing. At least beginner surfer has almost zero chance of hurting himself, so that makes it easier. Generally you should progress faster if there’s less fear of getting hurt.

What my friend and a few of his backers were saying that you could teach someone how to ride a bike during a weekend course. And the same could not be done for surfing. Therefore it’s easier to pick up motorcycling.

While we could not find a true measure of complicity or ease of either of the sports we decided on the following. He’ll post this question on a surfer forum he’s a member of to get the feedback from surfers who ride. I on the other hand will do the same on a motorcycle forum to see if there are riders on here that surf who could share their opinions and experience with both sports/hobbies.

Of course we are not talking about professional and/or competitive levels in either of the sports. We both agree that pretty much any sport has virtually the same level of difficulty the closer you get to the top.

So there you have it. Please feel free to voice your opinion. I am not opposed to be proven wrong. It’s just so far I am not too keen on admitting that only because a couple of my friends told me so. They also tell me I am a douche because I ride a motorcycle to begin with, i.e. they can’t be trusted.

Bajaj has been always pretty tasteful and creative in their motorcycle commercials.

Who would have thought that a small Smart Fortwo car is capable of leading a FAST freeway chase. This car comes handy in Europe. Old towns, tiny narrow streets, not a lot of places to park. But out here in Southern California. Puhlease. Freeways everywhere.

Well last night one Smart car driver decided to change this perception of the Smart forever. Per CBS news speeds often reached 90 mph!

Read on here - http://cbs2.com/carchase/Freeway.Chase.Car.2.906656.html .

source: cbs2. com

Well, it seems like Jonah Street’s Dakar is over. I was really rooting for him, and he was delivering mind blowing performances day after day. Competing on nearly stock KTM he was beating factory riders with multi million dollar teams behind them. It seems almost unreal that regular construction worker from Washington could achieve that in the hardest race on the face of planet earth. Talk about talent and heat. I’m sure his racing career is just beginning and somebody will surely notice him. Get well soon!

So I finally got a chance to ride my new track toy, Ducati 749R. The bike is phenomenal. I am not. Let’s start with the list of excuses:

• I haven’t been on the track or a proper sport bike in 5 years
• Brand spanking new leathers that I got before I gained 20 lbs
• Brand new boots
• Extremely cold and foggy conditions, resulting in slippery pavement
• New bike
• New gloves
• New socks
• New back protector
• New everything else
• Old me

It was really cold and wet in the morning, very few people got out for the first session. When I finally got myself together and decided to suit up, it was almost noon. To my surprise the leathers didn’t go on as smoothly as I planned. After some struggling somehow I managed to squeeze in. Boots took another 30 minutes because I wasn’t exactly flexible, every time I would bend I had to hold my breath. When they called my group (intermediate) I tried to throw my leg over the bike, without much luck. When I finally got on the Duck and rode onto the track, I felt like I’m riding with full cast. I couldn’t move at all, feeling frozen at every corner. Bikes that cost 1/10th of my 749R were lapping me with ease and I was blushing with embarrassment. By the end of the day it got a little better, but I still had problems, the bike kept running wide. I assumed it was preload problem but when I got off the bike and looked at my rear tire it became clear that I simply wasn’t leaning it enough. Hey, I’m having the same problems Nicky Hayden was having at recent Jerez test I doubt he has chicken strips though.

It is clear that I need to get back into shape. If I’m able to move freely on the bike my mojo will come back quick as I used to run in the fast group all the time. Since starting my business several months, I spend most of my time sitting in front of a computer, and it takes toll on my body. I think I already found possible solution if not inspiration: http://journal.drfaulken.com/beachbodycom-p90-6-day-fat-burning-express-home-workout-review/

Motodisiac and I have been to this show more than once as visitors. This year is slightly different. Motodisiac will be there as an exhibitor representing REV’IT! and Beachmoto.

He will be at the booth number 2237.  If you are there you won’t miss it. The whole bunch of REV’IT! gear will give him away :). By the way he will have quite a few items from the 2009 collection. Exciting stuff! So if you around then stop by.

Unfortunately I am out of town this weekend. And won’t be able to assist him in his first time ever expo in any possible way other than giving him incredibly useful and insightful advice aplenty :). It is a shame though as it is always nice to watch your friends succeed at what they love doing.

Let us all hope that this expo is a hit for his business. And all the riders that visit this motorcycle show over this weekend hit his booth and give him their business. Good luck!

Video speaks for itself. Enjoy!

As some of you may remember a couple of months ago I picked up 2005 Ducati 749R that I wanted to use for track days. Well, it’s ready to go. I did basic changes that would allow me to have fun at the track day. First came Carbon Composite bodywork, painted in beautiful Krylon red. I spent way too much time getting it ready for painting, hopefully I will not have to do it again.

I have desided to go with Woodcraft rearsets because they are great quality, American made and replacement pegs are readily available.

Any Ducati with the dry clutch must have the open clutch cover, the mechanical sound it produces is pure heaven. Woodcraft makes really nice one, it’s strong enough to protect expensive slipper clutch in case of a fall. It somes with removable sliding block made out of stainless steel.

Since Woodcraft supplied all billet aluminum pieces, I also went with their clip ons, slightly longer than stock for more leverage and the bars are easy to replace in case of a misshap. The gas tank is pure sex.

To make sure my bike is crash worthy I added a set of under the fairing Speedymoto frame sliders. They are way more effective than your average frame sliders since the force is distributed over the fairing. Less chance of a bike flipping in case of a low side….

The last touch was AFAM 520 kit with bigger rear sprocket, theoretically it should help me to get out of the corners quicker and hopefully to keep up with the big boys.

Now if I could get my boot on so I can ride the damn bike!

No, I’m not talking about costs of professional bike racing like Moto GP and WSBK. I’m talking about good old amateur club racing, the one that’s supposed to be affordable.

This weekend I had a pleasure to attend my local club race, WSMC. A friend of mine was debuting in novice race, so I had to support him. During the idle time (his race wasn’t to start until 4pm) we tried to round up the cost of the racing weekend. The final figure was pretty staggering, especially if you compare it with the money I used to spend racing supermoto. Tires alone were almost $700, and that is considering the fact that he raced on tires he used in the morning practice, ideally he should’ve spent another $350 on a fresh set. Add the entry fees, costs of food, gas and service and the price quickly skyrockets way north of $1000. This makes me question whether I can afford racing.

It wasn’t always like this. With costs on everything going up this year the paddock was half empty, and the racing grid wasn’t as full as I remember it. I really hope economy turns around soon, people should be able to do what they like without stressing out about how much money they put on their VISA.