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I have come to the conclusion that being a mid-grade club racer, that building your own bike is not the way to go. There are people who every year need to have the latest equipment and after the season is over, those bikes need to go.

Going back two months ago, decided that I wanted a ‘07 or ‘08 GSXR1000. The ‘08 GSXR1000 is the better choice as I will be able to win some Suzuki money. But the reality is, that is a far stretch, so I did not make that a top priority with me. I just wanted the current generation hardware, knowing full well that Suzuki will be brining out a new GSXR1000 for

I am at the half way point in my 2008 road racing season. I am enjoying the racing and with the summer break, I am getting back into the mood to race again.

Earlier this year, I had a chance to pick up a deal on a 2005 GSXR1000. The bike was basically bone stock, but the price was about half of what a similar bone stock bike was. Alas, as all things that are to good to be true, this one had some issues. After waiting two months, the paperwork of the bike never got cleared up. Soon the bike’s “Owner” had it up on eBay, looking for a home where someone did

I commuted with a couple younger guys from work today because we all made a dealership run for our lease vehicles.  It was rather funny to listen to these twenty-something ‘kids’ talk about street bikes.  It was if I had stepped back in time to my first couple of years riding.

Everything they talked about was “fast this” and “speed that” and “wheelie there”.  It was quite funny and for the most part, all I did was sit back and listen.  I listened to cop chase stories, I listened to having a ‘moment’ stories, and of course I listened to the bench racing.

Top speed was a topic of discussion, as if it directly correlated to penis size.  “I got my bike

This morning would have been nice for a ride if it weren’t for the high humidity and hot temps.  We got rain last night which make for awesome traction…and I never miss that.  Well, up until this morning.

Last night was a guys night out - a night at the local drag races followed by a wet t-shirt contest then followed by a pole dancing contest.  I haven’t done this kind of stuff since the college days and it seemed like it would be a good time.  It was fun indeed, but it was also a bust.

We watched some cool drag racing, but the festivities afterwards didn’t start until 1:30 AM!!!  What’s wrong with people.  That’s wayyy past my bed time. 

Sunday night, July 20, at 9:00 pm I will be interviewed on HogRadio. HogRadio is a one-hour weekly radio show emphasizing customs, V-Twins and Harley-Davidsons. Hosted by Walt Fletcher and produced by Steve Johann, HogRadio is heard every Sunday night at 9 pm on TriRockRadio.

Previous guests include Craig Vetter, Genevieve Schmitt, Jay Ridley, and Dave Nichols. You can download previous shows at HogRadio.

I hope that you will check it out.

…for a bike that I just bought.

Back in November of 2007 I bought a 2006 YZ450F for about $4k, and I shopped the hell out of it.  The bike was used but overall in good shape.  Who knows how many hours were on it, but it was not one of those “never ridden” machines.

Today, for giggles, I check craigslist to compare prices.  Ugh.  Seems that people are dumping toys faster than Jesse Jackson can cut the nuts out of…  Ah forget it, lets just say people are dumping their toys. 

I saw my same bike for “$3500 obo”.  I saw a 2007 for “4500 obo MUST SELL”.  With any motorcycle, you never know the true condition until you inspect in person,

Thank you proper equipment!

We have been experiencing rain for the past couple of days and that means a dust-free desert with peak traction.  That plus 100F+ temp and high humidity makes for an interesting ride.  Lots of water taken in during the ride and lots of water sweated out.

Its been since Memorial Day since I last rode, and overall I did pretty well.  We had a newb tag along this time and he was tortured, even though we tried to stay to the easier trails.  Given his experience level, he did pretty well too, but I don’t think we will be getting a call any time soon to go again - “I can’t take much more of this” and “none

SuperbikePlanet.com is reporting HarleyDavidson’s intent to purchase a couple Italian motorcycle icons. This news comes from a Harley Press Release, so obviously, it has merit.

http://www.superbikeplanet.com/2008/Jul/080711b.htm

As SkidLid pointed out awhile back, Harley needed to find a way to get back in the game.

http://motorcyclebloggers.com/2008/01/20/a-word-to-the-wise/

In the Comments section, I recommended they team with a more modern up and coming manufacturer (Hyosung was my particular recommendation).

So it seems Harely has realized that can’t keep selling the same old tired design forever and be market viable. Good for them!

Now the question becomes, is this really a good fit? Personally, I think it’s a bad decision doomed to failure. But hey, I’ve been wrong before.

Rhino

This topic has strangley came up several times this month - twice at work, once through email, and once with my brother.  I remember browsing through the Guinness Book of World Records as a kid (the book was yellow and I believe the edition was 1976).  I remember three records very disctinctly from that book:

1. Fastest roller coaster - Screaming Eagle (edit - just confirmed it)
2. Most cigarettes smoked at one time - 110 by a guy named Scott I think (edit - don’t ever, ever question my memory )
3. The heaviest twins - the McCrary brothers

I’m not going to go dig up links to each one of these folks, but the picture that is famous of the McCrary twins just

I spent this past week or so visiting friends and family in my home state of Michigan.  My brother had a family barbeque on one of the nights and I invited a buddy that I met through riding.  I hadn’t seen the guys in six months and he lives close to my bro’s house.

I’m not a hugger.  Not with anyone other than my wife.  Not with my parents, brother, or any other family member.  But I have two riding buddies that get a hug upon arrival and departure since I moved away almost seven years ago. 

This is nowhere near the kind of hugh I give my wife where one hand always slips down to grab a butt cheek.  It’s not