Brian's World

One More Reason to Own a Motorcycle (Ha!)

noreply@blogger.com (Brian A. Hopkins) — Mon, 08 Mar 2010 03:39:00 +0000

The New Moto Digs at Road's End: Interior

noreply@blogger.com (Brian A. Hopkins) — Thu, 04 Mar 2010 18:09:00 +0000

Just a few photos of what's been happening in the interior of my shop. It's slow going, since I'm working mostly alone (except for the day Danny came over to help me hang drywall on the office ceiling -- thanks, Danny!). Still a lot of work to do, but it's coming along nicely...

All my street bikes lined up nice and happy in their new digs. (l-r: Triumph Tiger, Honda CBR1000RR, BMW F650GS Dakar, BMW R1200GS, Ducati Hypermotard, Kawasaki ZZR1200.) This section of floor will have a gray epoxy coating, but it needs to warm up more before I can put it down.

Corner where I'm sure I'll be spending most of my time. Tools, bike lift, stereo ... what more does a guy need? That corkboard thingy on the back wall, currently blue, needs recovered in a red fabric. (It's on my list.) Extension cord stretched across the floor is temporary. Window (one of four; the others are to the right of the office door) looks in on the office, which I haven't completed.

A place for everybody and everybody in their place!

Security is important. No keys required.

Check that temp before you ride off into the elements. Don't forget to turn on the alarm system.

Tire Change Central. No more busting my knuckles and wearing out my knees on the garage floor!

In case I forget my own URL, it's on the overhead door. (This photo taken back during the last ice storm, hence the ice coating the door.)

The New Multistrada Goes Offroad

noreply@blogger.com (Brian A. Hopkins) — Thu, 04 Mar 2010 03:43:00 +0000

The first reporting I've seen on how Ducati's new 1200cc Multistrada handles in an off-pavement situation is at Hell For Leather. Check it out here. About what I expected -- honestly, not much better or worse than the big GS (with the exception of the wheels and tires sported by the Duc) -- and I'm still intrigued. The bike's looks are really appealing to me. Price is liable to be a problem, though ... maybe I should trade in my Hypermotard?

And a Video....

noreply@blogger.com (Brian A. Hopkins) — Fri, 26 Feb 2010 02:56:00 +0000

Revealed: Yamaha Super Tenere

noreply@blogger.com (Brian A. Hopkins) — Fri, 26 Feb 2010 01:21:00 +0000

Will it measure up against the GS? I'm not sure. Other than the absence of a beak (and to think I once thought those beaks were fugly!), I'm digging the looks, though.

Specs:

ENGINE
Type: Liquid-cooled, 4-stroke, DOHC, inline 2-cylinder, 4-valve, fuel injected, twin spark engine
Displacement: 1199cc
Bore x stroke: 98 x 79.5 mm
Compression ratio: 11.0:1
Firing intervals: 270- and 450-degree points
Max. Power: 80.9kW (110PS) @7,250rpm
Max. Torque: 114.1 Nm (11.6kgf･m) @6,000 rpm
Lubrication system: Dry sump
Fuel supply system: Fuel Injection
Clutch type: Wet, multiple-disc diaphragm spring
Ignition system: Twin spark
Starter system: Electric
Transmission system: Constant mesh, 6-speed
Final transmission: Shaft
Throttle system: Yamaha Chip-Controlled Throttle (YCC-T)
Yamaha D-MODE: 2 modes, Sport (S) and Touring (T)
Traction control: 3 modes, TCS1, TCS2 and OFF
Exhaust System: 2-into-1

CHASSIS
Frame: Steel tube backbone
Front suspension: Upside-down telescopic fork, 43 mm inner tube, adjustable preload, compression and rebound damping
Front wheel travel: 190 mm
Rear suspension: Monoshock, adjustable preload and rebound damping
Rear wheel travel: 190 mm
Front brake: Hydraulic Twin 310 mm wave discs, ABS/Unified Brake System
Rear brake: Hydraulic Single 282 mm wave disc
Front tyre: 110/80/19
Rear tyre: 150/70/17

DIMENSIONS
Overall length: 2,250 mm
Overall width: 980 mm
Overall height: 1,410 mm
Seat height: Adjustable 845-870 mm
Wheelbase: 1,540 mm
Min. ground clearance: 205 mm
Wet weight: 261 kg (includes full oil and fuel tank):
Fuel capacity: 23 litres
Oil capacity: 4.2 litres

Yamaha Continues to Tease Us

noreply@blogger.com (Brian A. Hopkins) — Mon, 18 Jan 2010 15:15:00 +0000

Another cool video, but dammit I want to see the bike in the flesh already!

The New Moto Digs at Road's End: Complete!

noreply@blogger.com (Brian A. Hopkins) — Fri, 25 Dec 2009 20:09:00 +0000

Sorry ... people have been asking if I ever got a roof. The shop's been finished for a while, I just haven't had time to post about it. Here's a photo of it taken this morning. Yeah, we did get some snow in Oklahoma!

Now I'll be working on the inside of the shop for a while.

Merry Christmas!

The New Moto Digs at Road's End: Phase 4 (continued)

noreply@blogger.com (Brian A. Hopkins) — Sat, 12 Dec 2009 00:33:00 +0000

Let's get that other side wall up...

...then do the back and the front (loading up that insulation so the motos don't freeze their calipers off!).

With all four walls up, the building really needs a roof...

...but it's getting late and only a couple pretty Hawaiian Blue (honest, that's the name of the color) panels make it from the pile to the roof.

Stay tuned...

The New Moto Digs at Road's End: Phase 4

noreply@blogger.com (Brian A. Hopkins) — Thu, 10 Dec 2009 22:04:00 +0000

We have progress!

It's always a smart idea to start the "skinning" process by putting up one wall to block the wind -- especially when the morning started out at 9 degrees. Brrrrrrrr!

Before we skin ourselves into a corner, a door sounds like a good idea...

...and a window would be nice!

To be continued...

Super Tenere: Yamaha Teases Us a Bit More While Revealing Very Little

noreply@blogger.com (Brian A. Hopkins) — Thu, 10 Dec 2009 07:41:00 +0000

The New Moto Digs at Road's End: Phase ... 3.1?

noreply@blogger.com (Brian A. Hopkins) — Wed, 09 Dec 2009 22:56:00 +0000

Well, we have materials on site for the rest of the job. This damn sure is taking longer than I'd hoped, though. ::sigh::

The New Moto Digs at Road's End: Phase 3

noreply@blogger.com (Brian A. Hopkins) — Thu, 03 Dec 2009 19:54:00 +0000

Call it a building skeleton...

The New Moto Digs at Road's End: Phase 2

noreply@blogger.com (Brian A. Hopkins) — Thu, 19 Nov 2009 22:44:00 +0000

At last: Progress!

I've got concrete. Right after Thanksgiving, I should have a building being framed. This is exciting!

New Video of BMW's Concept 6

noreply@blogger.com (Brian A. Hopkins) — Wed, 18 Nov 2009 15:06:00 +0000

I'm not sure yet what I think of the looks, but I know I'd like to ride it. The inline 6 cylinder motor will be an absolute torque-monster. Gonna be interesting to see what BMW does with it. I say put it in a K1300S frame and send me a test model.

(Photos courtesy of Two Wheels Blog.)

Now This is a Sad, Sad Photo...

noreply@blogger.com (Brian A. Hopkins) — Mon, 16 Nov 2009 16:26:00 +0000

I've never cared for Buell motorcycles and would probably never own one (I say probably, because with their demise the bikes are so damn cheap right now that it's almost tempting), but this is one sad effing photo indeed. That's the dumpster out behind the factory.

(Photo courtesy of Hell for Leather.)

Cycle World International Motorcycle Show, Dallas

noreply@blogger.com (Brian A. Hopkins) — Mon, 16 Nov 2009 05:14:00 +0000

As usual, the show was a lot of fun, with lots of bargains to be had in gear and accessories and lots of nice new motorcycles to drool over (though BMW was noticeably absent).

The F800GS seemed to be a favorite platform for aftermarket companies to model their wares. This absolute dream of an 800 was tricked out with everything imaginable from Wunderlich (as was the R1200GS Adventure beside it). Didn't think I cared for the 800 in gray until I saw this beauty. What a gorgeous machine!

I was particularly impressed with Wunderlich's clever expanding tail rack. Whenever I finally get an 800, I know what's going on the ass-end of the bike. In fact, I wish I'd bought one of these for my 1200 (I just recently installed a different rack).

Here are a couple other nice 800s used as platforms for Twisted Throttle and Givi products. Love that new-for-2010 orange one!

I sat on a lot of new machines, like this Can-Am Spyder...

...this sexy 848 (reminds me that I still haven't ridden Rich's 848 yet!)...

...this limited edition ZX-14 ...

...and even this Harley (you can say you saw it here first!).

Saw my first in-the-flesh Streetfighter...

...and the new, smaller sized Hypermotard.

I was impressed by Yamaha's new 450, shown here with a cut-away view of the (arguably) revolutionary engine...

...and here in a white that has me thinking of selling my Honda (of course, with my penchant for hitting the ground, that white would be stained with good ol' Oklahoma red dirt in no time).

Getting lots of attention this year was the new VFR, which looked much more appealing to me in person than it did in pictures.

The mighty T-Rex 3-wheeler (which sports the ZX-14 motor -- used to be the ZZR1200 motor), an alternative I might consider before a Goldwing ... when/if I ever get that old.

And here's your Ugliest-in-Show winner.

And winner of the "This is Fer-Shure Going in My New Shop" Award.

All in all, not a bad way to spend a Saturday!

The New Moto Digs at Road's End: Phase ... 1.1?

noreply@blogger.com (Brian A. Hopkins) — Wed, 11 Nov 2009 20:08:00 +0000

I suppose this is progress ... of sorts: some lumber dropped off for building the form for the foundation and a couple loads of sand. Dammit, though, I want to see assholes and elbows and my building going up in nothing flat!

At least the dogs find it interesting...

Gracie's just certain that hidden in there somewhere is the biggest gopher on Earth ... and she aims to find it!

Did I Call it Ugly...?

noreply@blogger.com (Brian A. Hopkins) — Tue, 10 Nov 2009 00:32:00 +0000

Then why do I find myself wanting one?

Word is, the new Multistrada 1200 will be priced at about $15 grand ... comparable to the GS. The videos below are intriguing, to say the least, and I admit that the looks are growing on me. Four riding modes: sport, touring, enduro, and urban (explained in the video). 150 hp. Throttle by wire. Keyless ignition. ABS. Traction control. Electronically adjustable suspension. Servo-actuated (slipper?) clutch. An electronic dash that'll tell you everything from your gear position to your chances of getting laid at bike night. And I think it weighs less than my F650GS Dakar. Add to that a face that only a mother could love and, well ... the adventure bike melting pot just got a little sweeter now didn't it?

(Photos courtesy of Bikes in the Fast Lane.)

Photos of 2010 Ducati Multistrada 1200 Leaked

noreply@blogger.com (Brian A. Hopkins) — Mon, 09 Nov 2009 03:42:00 +0000

I admit: it's growing on me. As a replacement for the venerable GS, though...? I dunno. Let's wait and see it in the flesh. See how it performs, on and off road. One thing's certain, though: more adventure bikes in the mix is a good thing.

What the Hell?!?!

noreply@blogger.com (Brian A. Hopkins) — Sun, 08 Nov 2009 14:56:00 +0000

Motorcycle ... check.

Tennis shoes ... check.

Cute little pink riding shorts ... check.

Parking for a hot mocha latte ... uh ... oh shit! Should have sprung for those riding lessons!

The New Moto Digs at Road's End: Phase 1

noreply@blogger.com (Brian A. Hopkins) — Sun, 08 Nov 2009 02:15:00 +0000

For some time now, it's been my dream to have a really nice (and big!) motorcycle shop, to get all the bikes out of my crowded garage, where I can actually maneuver around them and not have to move two or three to get to the motorcycle I just happen to want to ride on any particular day. The misfortune of a home flooding incident this summer led to us refinancing our home and wouldn't you know it, the bank was just dying to loan me more and more money to do some remodeling and build my shop. To wit, I will soon have a 30x60 metal building outside. Today, phase one was completed.

Before (although I had actually done a lot of clearing before this photo was taken; you can even see the remains of some downed trees in the background):

After:

The view looking north:

Stay tuned!

Funniest Damn South Park Episode Ever!

noreply@blogger.com (Brian A. Hopkins) — Fri, 06 Nov 2009 05:05:00 +0000

Okay, you have to be a bit warped to be a South Park fan, I admit, but sometimes they are so spot on with the social commentary. Case in point: the other night's episode, "The F Word," in which they called Harley riders fags (revising the dictionary with the definition that appears below). Fell out of my freakin' seat laughing. If you missed it, try to catch it in reruns or maybe you can download it from Comedy Central's website.

Edited to add this link to stream the show online. Don't miss it!

Danny's Broken Ribs Revisted

noreply@blogger.com (Brian A. Hopkins) — Fri, 06 Nov 2009 04:49:00 +0000

This past Sunday, my buddy Danny and I hit the trails on our dirtbikes. (I also went riding by myself this morning, only to discover a blown fork seal on my 450X -- Grrrrrrrr! -- but that's another story.) While riding Sunday, Danny confided to me that a recent x-ray revealed that I had actually broken not three of his ribs, but FOUR of them!

If you never read the story of how I broke Danny's ribs, here's a link to that blog entry: "Don't Run Over Your Wingman!" It's as funny today as it was back in 2008 when I wrote it. Sorry, Danny. Heh heh.

New R1200GS and GSA for 2010!

noreply@blogger.com (Brian A. Hopkins) — Fri, 06 Nov 2009 04:27:00 +0000

Oh man, Daddy wants. Daddy wants bad (but what else is new, eh?). Complete details -- more horsepower, dual overhead cams, new valve config, new exhaust valve for "manly sound," and so on -- are probably at BMW's website.

I want the yellow. I want the yellow. Oh God, I want the yellow. It's like a big adventure banana, I tell ya...

Edited to add some more photos and specs.

The main features of the 2010 BMW R 1200 GS at a glance:

New, even more dynamic engine now with two overhead camshafts per cylinder and valves in radial arrangement.
Increase in engine output by 5 per cent to 110 hp at 7,750 rpm and maximum torque to 88 lb-ft at 6,000 rpm.
Increase in maximum engine speed from 8,000 to 8,500 rpm offers a wider range of useful engine speed.
Significantly better acceleration and torque.
Electronically controlled exhaust flap for an aggressive muscular sound.
Color variants of the R 1200 GS: Alpine White non-metallic, Magma Red non-metallic, Ostra Greymatt metallic, Sapphire Black metallic.
Optional extras and accessories tailored to the model with BMW’s usual high level of quality.
New additional headlight in LED technology for the R 1200 GS (accessory).

2010 BMW R 1200 GS Specifications

Engine
Capacity 1,170 cc
Bore/stroke 3.98/2.87 inches
Max output 110 hp at 7,750 rpm
Max torque 88 ft-lb @ 6,000 rpm
Configuration Flat-twin
No. of cylinders 2
Compression ratio/fuel grade 12/S 95-98 RON, max output with 98 RON,
optional 91 RON SA
Valve/gas timing DOHC
Valves per cylinder 4
Intake/exhaust valve diameter 1.54/1.30 inches
Throttle butterfly diameter 1.97 inches
Fuel supply BMS-K+
Exhaust management Fully-controlled three-way catalytic converter

Electrical System
Alternator (W) 720 W
Battery (V/Ah) 12/14, maintenance-free
Headlight (W) H7
Starter (kW) 1.1

Transmission/Gearbox
Clutch Single-plate dry clutch, diameter 7 inches
Transmission Dog-type six-speed gearshift
Primary ratio 1.737
Gear ratios I 2.375
II 1.696
III 1.296
IV 1.065
V 0.939
VI 0.848
Rear-wheel drive Drive shaft
Final drive ratio 2.91

Suspension
Frame Tubular steel frame, load-bearing engine
Front wheel control BMW Telelever
Rear wheel control BMW Paralever
Overall spring travel, front/rear 7.5/7.9 inches
Castor 4.0 inches
Wheelbase 59.3 inches
Steering head angle 64.3 degrees
Brakes
Front Dual disc brake, diameter 12 inches
Rear Single disc brake, diameter 10 inches
Optional BMW Motorrad Integral ABS
(semi-integral, on-demand)

Wheels Cast Cross-spoke
Front 2.5 x 19
Rear 4.0 x 17
Tires
Front 110/80 R 19
Rear 150/70 R 17

Dimensions and Weight
Length 87 inches
Width (overall, with mirrors) 37 inches
Handlebar width (without mirrors) 36.6 inches
Seat height 33.5/34.3 inches
Dry weight 448 lbs
DIN (unladen weight in road trim) 505 lbs
Max permissible 970 lbs
Tank capacity 5.28 gallons

Performance Data
Acceleration 0–62 mph 3.7 sec
Top speed 124 +

How Long Before Travis Pastrana Backflips One?

noreply@blogger.com (Brian A. Hopkins) — Fri, 06 Nov 2009 04:14:00 +0000