Entries for December, 2007

December 3rd, 2007

The Motorcycle Museum Needs A New Director

 

The Sturgis Motorcycle Museum & Hall of Fame recently had a new director. She is a North Dakota woman who is a Rapid City native. Christine Paige Diers is the newly appointed person for the position and she started her duty last Monday.

She has been serving lots of communities for more than ten years and she also has the experience of working with non-profitable organization. She served in community based ambassadorships particularly in the University of North Dakota Center for Innovation, a business incubator on the campus of UND.

Moreover, she also managed to operate her own association management company assisting two professional news association on their daily operations. She also experienced working at the Public Information Center of the city of Grand Forks, where she learned dealing with flood protection and disaster recovery after the 1997 flood.

"The entire board is looking forward to a period of continued and renewed growth at the museum, and we're confident that Christine's leadership will take us to the next level in that growth," Francie Ruebel-Alberts museum board president said.

Her new duty is to oversight the daily operation of the museum which also includes community, government and public relations, fundraising, working with the Kids & Chrome charity, board relations and staff oversight. I’m pretty much sure she needs more than the Acura CL control arm for her daily travels.

"The museum is truly a treasure in the Black Hills," Paige Diers was quoted on a news release. "We have so much to offer to visitors year-round. I look forward to continuing to add to the collections and bring in new and exciting exhibits so the museum will be appreciated by first-time visitors and returning visitors alike."

Posted by roadprincess at 06:42 PM | Add a Comment

December 7th, 2007

Bono's Bike Sold

If you like bikes and U2, then you must be interested on this post.  Bono, U2's frontman (which of course, you know already) recently donated his rare Ducati 916 bike to Riders fore Health. The bike was then auctioned and the proceeds will go to charity.

The bike is so rare not only because it was signed by Bono but it was also formerly owned by other rock stars.  Bono's band mate Adam Clayton used to won the bike and so does the late INXS singer Michael Hutchence. In fact, Bono signed the bike  'For Michael, Bono".

According to London Bikers:  "The sale of the Ducati came at the culmination of an exciting auction which took place on the Blackhorse Stage at the International Motorcycle and Scooter Show at Birmingham’s NEC."  Bono's bike was sold for 11,500 pounds and in total, the event raised nearly 20,000 pounds.

"During a frenetic hour’s bidding the lots sold included a one-off race helmet signed by a host of motor racing legends including Lewis Hamilton, Damon Hill, Stirling Moss and Carl Fogarty, and a set of biking leathers signed by MotoGP star John Hopkins," continued the report.

Finlay McAllan, managing director of MCIE, the folks behind the NEC Bike Show where the auction was held said: "I am really delighted that Riders for Health chose the NEC Bike Show as the location for this historic auction. It has been a great success both for Riders and for the Show with thousands packing in and around the Blackhorse Stage to watch the bidding and help raise money for a great cause."

Riders for Health CEO Andrea Coleman said:  "It's fantastic that we have been able to raise this much money for our work. Riders for Health is helping save lives in Africa because of the support of British bikers, we simply couldn’t do this work without their support. We would also like to thank the NEC Bike show, as well as Arai, Shark, Alpinestar and all of the riders that donated lots to the auction."

Posted by roadprincess at 06:40 PM | Add a Comment

Motorcycle Radiation May Lead To Cancer

Motorcycles are too damn cool! Talk about Harleys, Choppers, R6 and Ducatis, wow… I’ve been riding my motorcycle for three years now, and I find it so convenient and cool because I can pass through heavy traffics in the city and it’s fast as a bullet. That’s why I love driving my bike, and I guess all motorcyclists do! But I was alarmed when I read the news from The Auto Channel that says riding motorcycles can lead to cancer. I was a bit scared and went on reading to investigate the reasons why. My first guess was, the radiator is the possible cause of these hazards.

According to my source, the newest published book entitled the “Black Plague” elucidates the theory why motorcyclists have the possibility in getting cancer from motorcycle radiation.

Here’s Randall Dale Chipkar, the author of the book “Black Plague”, to explain the theories:

"Unsuspecting riders may have a higher risk for cancer development from electromagnetic radiation shooting up right between their legs," says Chipkar. "Is it a paradox that thousands of motorcycle riders participate in fundraiser rides for cancer awareness when the event itself may be causing cancer?"

"Various types of electromagnetic energies have been linked to cancer. I have met countless avid motorcycle riders diagnosed with similar forms of cancers and disorders. All of these riders had a type of extremely low frequency (ELF) electromagnetic field (EMF) radiation shooting up from their motorcycle seats," continues Chipkar.

"The motorcycle industry needs to further investigate this EM danger and implement protective measures to minimize rider radiation exposure. Consumer safety is priority. An ELF EMF radiation shielding seat can provide riders with peace of mind," Chipkar says.

"ELF EMF radiation at close exposure is unnatural and over time may have devastating biological consequences. People should not have to gamble with their health because they love riding motorcycles," the author expresses.

"Historically, organizations claimed 'inconclusive proof' concerning electromagnetic health issues. However, inconclusive proof does not mean that something is safe. Governments need to reassess their position on EM health issues for public safety. Science proves electromagnetic danger. Now that a type of motorcycle ELF EMF has been exposed, I hope denial is not going to be considered as a solution," concluded Chipkar.

Posted by roadprincess at 11:42 PM | Add a Comment

December 11th, 2007

Another Motorcycle Accident

The net is filled with daily news about motorcycle accidents and early this morning two new motorcycle accidents popped out from the spreadsheet and it never surprised me.

In Clemson, Ralph Pinnock a student and a Columbian native got caught up in a motorcycle accident. The 21-year-old guys were reported to lose control over the motorcycle last Saturday afternoon and collided with a pick up near the Walhalla. There were several rescuers concerned about Pinnock but he was found dead after the motorcycle accident.

Pinnock was a senior majoring in chemical engineering.

The visitation is Tuesday from 6pm to 8pm:
Duckett-Robinson Funeral Home
Central-Clemson Commons Hwy 93
Clemson, SC 29631

His remains are laid at the Bostick-Tompkins Funeral Home in Columbia. And the funeral will be on Friday at 2:30pm. The burial will be on Saturday in Virginia.

Another motorcycle accident happened in Madison Count where a man was reported injured in a motorcycle crash at Thomasville, Ga. The man was injured after crashing on the road trying to avoid crossing deer. There were several reported incidents about it and I even made tips on how to avoid this type of accident.

The accident happened last 6:10 p.m., Saturday. Farris George, 52, was driving his motorcycle home down the Highway 90, west of SW Anastasia Way when deer came across his way, the Florida Highway Patrol reports. The motorcycle parts like the kind that are as quality as Acura CL fuel injectors were also seen damaged in the crash.

Because George tried to avoid the deer, he lost control of his driven motorcycle which caused the crash. The vehicle fell over and slid 107 feet before hitting the deer. George was also ejected out of the motorcycle 68 feet away. It was a good thing he was wearing a helmet.

George was taken to the Tallahassee Memorial Hospital.

Posted by roadprincess at 04:53 PM | Add a Comment

December 14th, 2007

Motorcycle Ice Racing Now Open

 

I'm sure this is one among the greatest shows on earth that you've been longing to see. Well, I cannot deny that Motorcycle Ice Racing is really famous and for those who want to witness the event, tickets are now available for you to purchase. Motorcycle Ice Racing at the Memorial Coliseum is goind to be held at the Rose Quarter on Dec. 15, 2007 at 8 p.m.

This only means that I have to fix my Acura CL master cylinder to be able to reach the place and be one among the lucky viewers to see the motorcycle race on ice.

I have found the Rose Quarter Web site and I learned more about the event. The website also sells tickets for the event.

“International Championship Events/ICE boasts that the Pacific Northwest produces some of their toughest World Championship ICE Racing competition of the year. Round 2 of the 32nd annual World Championship Ice Racing Series will take place Saturday, Dec. 15, at the Memorial Coliseum,” KPTV.com mentioned in their story about this event.

All the potentials racers coming from the US will be battling up on World Championship Points to be able to take home the prestigious victory. There are five divisions to complete and throughout the event, the manufacturers will also join the Manufacturers World Cup Motorcycles. Defending World Champion Jared Mees from Clio, Mich., and two-time major ICE event winner Joe Kopp from Mica, Wash., are expected to head up this thrilling class of racing.

Posted by roadprincess at 05:27 PM | Add a Comment

December 17th, 2007

The B-King

 

From the name itself, it already signifies superiority, tenacity and power! You wouldn’t dare ask for more from an exceptional bike like the Suzuki B-King. The 2008 B-King from Suzuki is styled with immense sophistication along with its big E to the G and O reputation. Packed with a 1340cc, 4-stroke, four-cylinder, liquid-cooled, DOHC, 16-valve, TSCC engine, the B-King is so fast it can crush your brake boosters in a snap. Sounds absurd, but try to see for yourself what the B-King can do on the road.

Try to check out its complete specifications courtesy of Suzuki.com:

Specs

  • Engine: 1340cc, 4-stroke, four-cylinder, liquid-cooled, DOHC, 16-valve, TSCC
  • Bore Stroke: 81.0 x 65.0mm
  • Compression Ratio: 12.5:1
  • Fuel System: Fuel Injection
  • Lubrication: Wet sump
  • Ignition: Digital/Transistorized
  • Transmission: 6-speed, constant mesh
  • Final Drive: #530 chain
  • Overall Length: 2220mm (87.4 in.)
  • Overall Width: 800mm (31.5 in.)
  • Overall Height: 1085mm (42.7 in.)
  • Seat Height: 805mm (31.7 in.)
  • Ground Clearance: 120mm (4.7 in.)
  • Wheelbase: 1525mm (60.0 in.)
  • Dry Weight: 235 kg (518 lbs.) CA Model: 236 kg (520 lbs.)
  • Suspension Front: Inverted telescopic, coil spring, fully adjustable spring preload, adjustable rebound damping and adjustable compression damping
  • Suspension Rear: Link-type, gas/oil damped, fully adjustable spring preload, adjustable compression & rebound damping
  • Brakes Front: Dual hydraulic disc
  • Brakes Rear: Single hydraulic disc
  • Tires Front: 120/70-ZR-17
  • Tires Rear: 200/50-ZR-17
  • Fuel Tank Capacity: 16.5 liter (4.2 gal) CA Model: 16.0 liter
  • Color: Gray/Silver, Black/Matte Black
Posted by roadprincess at 05:58 PM | Add a Comment

Best Bike

The Supertest World Association recently handed the Ducati 1098 the distinction of being the Best Bike of the Year for 2007. This is yet another accolade for Ducati which is already known across the world as one of the most high-performance bikes.

The company described the 1098 and its sister, the 848 to be "designed by the racetrack". According to the company's site: "The look and stance of the 848 and 1098 were designed by the combination of race track technology, track-derived components and Ducati heritage. Their striking aerodynamic shape naturally embraces a riding position, configured by our racers and test riders for optimum speed and agility. The racing spirit takes form."

When it comes to handling, the company said: "The 848 and 1098 chassis and suspension have received the same detailed study and performance first priority approach to development. The goal was to achieve considerable weight saving while building in strength and rigidity to manage the new high-powered Testastretta Evoluzione engines."

And if you are wondering what Testastretta Evoluzione engines are, here's what the company has to say about it: "The Testastretta Evoluzione engine is the crowning glory of Ducati's development and perfection of the L-Twin engine. World Superbike dominance for almost two decades is the result of continual commitment to twin-cylinder technology."

Added bonus are the controls: "The new Ducati Superbikes feature progressive and consistent race-bred braking performance as standard equipment with a tried and tested formula that includes semi-floating discs, radially mounted Brembo calipers 4-piston." And electronics: "MotoGP-style digital instrumentation is taken from Ducati's Desmosedici GP7. This pure racing, minimalist solution has no switches or buttons to compromise its clean lines."

Surely, anyone who loves bike would want to own one of these bikes. For me, I think I'll take the 848.

Posted by roadprincess at 06:06 PM | Add a Comment

December 29th, 2007

Playground Bike

When it comes to reliable vehicles, the Japanese are tops. Just look at Toyota, Honda and Nissan. These three Japanese automakers are known in the auto industry to be the manufacturers of reliable vehicles which have been the favorite of American car buyers. In motorcycles, Japanese makers are also popular such as Kawasaki.

Recently, the motorcycle manufacturer announced that they will be creating the ultimate playbike. That is what they call a bike which almost anyone can ride. Their creation is the Kawasaki KLX140.

This site gave this bike a glowing description which reads:

"The KLX has all of its controls along the handlebars. You won't find the nostalgic kickstart on the 140, only a push-button electric start and two accompanying on/off switches stand between you and a rollin' good time. Yes, there are two switches, a toggle engine kill switch and an ignition marked by an orange LED. When turning off the machine, the LED stays lit to remind you the electric power is on, but despite the orange glow it's still easy to forget to turn it off because another one is used to kill the engine."

"The heart of the bike comes wrapped in a box-section steel perimeter frame. With bikes this size, the steel is economically more feasible, but Kawasaki helps make up for it by attaching a lightweight aluminum swingarm. The Excel aluminum rims help lighten the unsprung load and can be credited partly for the smooth handling. I rode this bike as hard as I could and was definitely pleased with its strength and durable feel through and through."

This bike is sure to attract more consumers into Kawasaki dealerships around the country.

Posted by roadprincess at 06:55 AM | Add a Comment

December 30th, 2007

Kawasaki Ninja™ ZX 10R

This super bike may look as humble as a sheep but don’t let its looks deceive you! Because deep inside the simple exterior lies a monster ready to explode anytime! The overrated power of Kawasaki Ninja™ ZX 10R can definitely blow a regular car’s radiator for sure. I’m not exaggerating, believe it or not.

Check out the complete spec details of this bike courtesy of Kawasaki.com:

Specifications:

  • Engine Type: Four-stroke, liquid-cooled, DOHC, four valves per cylinder, inline-four
  • Displacement: 998cc
  • Bore x Stroke: 76.0 x 55.0 mm
  • Maximum Torque: TBD
  • Compression Ratio: 13.0:1
  • Fuel Injection: DFI with 43mm Keihin throttle bodies with oval sub-throttles, two injectors per cylinder
  • Ignition: TCBI with digital advance and Kawasaki Ignition Management System (KIMS)
  • Transmission: Six-speed
  • Final Drive Chain
  • Rake/Trail: 25.5deg / 4.3 in.
  • Front Tire: Size 120/70 ZR17
  • Rear Tire: Size 190/55 ZR17
  • Wheelbase: 55.7 in.
  • Front Suspension / wheel: travel 43mm inverted fork with DLC coating, adjustable rebound and compression damping, spring preload adjustability and top-out springs / 4.7 in.
  • Rear Suspension / wheel: travel Uni-Trak® with top-out spring, stepless, dual-range (high/low-speed) compression damping, stepless rebound damping, fully adjustable spring preload / 4.9 in.
Posted by roadprincess at 04:28 AM | Add a Comment
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