The glorious weather sealed it on May 4 for the 5th Annual Quail Motorcycle Gathering in Carmel– another great one!

Full story below, with pics

Go to link for a look at our recent tour of Electric Motorcycle Manufacturer Zero Motorcycles.

An evening with Andrew Wheeler Moto GP photographer. Starts 6pm

Aerostich comes to the City by the Bay.

Nine Days Only – March 16-24, 10am to 8pm daily.
655 Bryant Street (next to Embarcadero Auto)

Expert Fitting by Aerostich Factory Reps.
Try on Aerostich Gear – Including ALL NEW Suits.

Daily Themed Events, Activities and Door Prizes.

Event Nights 5:30pm-8pm, details in UM Calendar.

Meet Mr. Subjective and make some new friends.
Aerostich Riding Gear, Camaraderie, Fun (and No Snow)!


(Check out the new 2013 Aerostich Catalog)

CALLING ALL MOTORCYCLES! Become an Entrant!

THE QUAIL MOTORCYCLE GATHERING
Celebrating 5 Years

2013 Special Feature
20th Anniversary of the Ducati Monster

2013 Celebrated Classes -
Antique
American
Competition
Custom/Modified
European
Japanese
Off Road
Superbike

General Admission: $65 per person
Includes awesome bikes on the lawns, epic barbecue lunch buffet, parking, gear valet, and a day of sunshine wandering the greens with friends.

DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. (March 8, 2013) - The Daytona 200 remains the cornerstone of Daytona’s historic Bike Week festivities and will once again feature the stars of AMA Pro GoPro Daytona SportBike (DSB) in a grueling 200-mile battle pitting man and machine as they take on the traditional 3.51-mile, 12-turn speedway road course. The 72nd running will provide another chance for one rider to claim victory and stamp their name in the record books alongside some of the biggest names in the history of the sport.

In 2012, fans witnessed a 57-lap shootout come down to a photo finish as Joey Pascarella (Riders Discount Triumph) edged out previous defending Daytona 200 champion Jason DiSalvo (Team Latus Motors Racing/Triumph) by a mere .048 seconds to take home the win. Cameron Beaubier (Yamaha Extended Service/Graves) and eventual 2012 GoPro Daytona SportBike champion Martin Cardenas (Yoshimura Suzuki Factory Racing) were also less than a second off the lead as the cluster of superstars crossed the finish line for the final time.

MotoGP Stories with Scott Jones
January 24 at 6:00pm in PST
Dainese D-Store San Francisco in San Francisco, California, 131 South Van Ness, San Francisco, California

This weekend in Oakland is guaranteed to be exciting and interesting, despite the chill in the air and threat of precipitation. Will the Villopoto ball start rolling again? Can anyone kick it up a notch to derail RV's growing confidence? Will Millsaps be able to finish far enough toward the front to retain that red plate for yet another weekend? Or will Reed -- or possibly even Stewart -- be able to kick it up and be a factor in the points race? Stewart won last year, but can with his knee injury can he maintain the speed for the WHOLE race?

Going to Auz Subculture Racing Party
Benders Bar and Grill San Francisco
Help Wade and Team USA go down under to race. $5 beer ticket gets you beer till the keg goes dry, $5 raffle tix gives you a chance to win cool prizes, Subculture Racing, Merchandise & Art, Swag. Grand Prize, Raffling off a cherry Mini Bike. Be there, Support team USA.

2012

SAN MATEO (November 12, 2012) – The Progressive International Motorcycle Shows steers the Ultimate Builder Custom Bike Competition, an elite-level custom motorcycle builder competition, into the San Mateo County Event Center, Friday November 16 to Sunday, November 18. Bay Area bike builders are encouraged to enter custom motorcycle creations for a chance to win a piece of the $90,000 cash purse, more than any builder competition in the world. Five cash prize winners will be chosen in San Mateo, leading up to the United States Championship finale set to take place at the end of the tour. With more than 500 custom-built bikes on display across the country, the J&P Cycles Ultimate Builder Competition sets itself apart as the world’s largest traveling custom bike competition.

The J&P Cycles Ultimate Builder Competition will host five competitive classes, including Freestyle, Modified Harley, Retro Mod, Performance Custom and, new this year, Modified Street. The custom bikes will be judged by the competitors themselves, as well as industry veterans, with the top builders in each class receiving awards. A ceremony will take place at each show where winners will receive cash prizes and trophies followed by a short interview so attendees can learn the story behind the award-winning bikes

Space at each J&P Cycles Ultimate Builder Custom Bike Competition is limited. Interested custom builders should log on to www.ultimatebikebuilder.com or call 919/450-5060 for more details.

Subculture Racing is now Team North America, we're going racing at Phillip Island, in Austrailia. So, we're having a Auzzieland Party,
---> this Sat. Nite 5 - 10 at 1355 Minna St. S.F.. The Bunker
----> Bring a Smile*
Its a supporters Party, with beer, music & good friends, & a raffle.
We'll be shipping the race equipment out Nov. 9th - & The race is Jan. 26-27th
Its The 20th Annual Classic - We are taking our F1 Sidecar & a CBR400RR - The Joey Dunlop Bike at TT Racer,. its a new adventure for us, & we hope to make it a habit.
The last sidecar to go there from the USA, was more than 35 years ago.
Its a Vintage Event - & WB is still looking for a 1982 or older bike to race in the Main event of The Classic, in case anyone has one, & wants to go.
So if you can, show up & have some fun at our party, & root us on,
---> Go Subculture Racing Go!!**

When the Law Tigers AMA Pro Flat Track Finals thunders into action Saturday, October 13th at the Fairplex in Pomona, it will mark the start of the biggest battle of the season. The points are close and the competition will definitely be intense as America’s top flat track racers go for the coveted title.
Leading the charge for glory is Jared Mees. Hailing from Clio, Mich., Mees holds a 12 point lead and is eager to take the title. A harder charger from beginning to end, Mees has put his Harley-Davidson into victory lane once this season and on the podium nine times.
“I finished fifth at Pomona last year and ended the year in second overall,” he says. “This time out I want to better my finish and take the title.
However, Sammy Halbert of Graham, Wash., has a totally different scenario. Trailing Mees by just 12 points, Halbert is equally as determined to take the coveted title. So far this year, he has scored four wins, the most of any rider in the series, and four podium finishes.

There's no Calistoga this year, make it to the first Santa rosa Mile in 42 years. Some of us missed Sacramento Mile, because of the date conflict with Moto GP back in July, so no excuses this time, get out there for some Great Mile Flat Track Racing. Saturday district 36 Short Track racing, Art -Wine event. Go to link to their website for details. Some of your local shops have tickets available.

Don't miss this week's night show...Wednesday Sept 5th. See some awesome bikes at Barnabys Machine Shop Santa Clara. Legends of Flat track racers scheduled to appear, Donny Castro, Joe Leonard, Jimmy Plain, and more. Free event. More info in callendar.

Wade and Christine tackle the second oldest race in the U.S. Click on the link to read about their race.

Fan Fest pics, Motorcycle racing pics , Subculture sidecar racing pics are up (story shortly) The car crash that was ALL over the News, http://www.youtube.com/watch?NR=1&v=FJXYxaF9hi0&feature=endscreen

We barely caught are breath from Pikes Peak, but are off to Monterey, for Mazda Raceways Rolex Reunion and the Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance. The Marque this year for the Rolex is the Cobra, and with Carroll's passing this year, this should be a fitting tribute. Ford un vailed a tribute vehicle Friday.We will be roaming the pits in search of old motorbikes hidden about. The Pebble event turns 62 years old this year. The Motorcycle Marque this year is German Bikes. A couple auctions not to be missed, MidAmerica, with 100 rare bikes for sale, Bonhams with 30 of S.F's own Eddie Rickenbackers motorcycles and Mecums one lot sale of Mr Kohs 71 MV motorcycles Saturday at the Hyatt. And lets not forget Concour's d" Lemons in Seaside, usually a motorcycle or two among the oddball cars.

Those that didn't catch Wade's Pike Peak Preview piece ( Race was to be on 7/8 until the Waldo fires postponed it to August 8th) here's the link again. He's on the road already, I'll be motoing out Monday. At Ducati Island, Mazda Raceway, MGP, Ducati had three of their racebikes on display.

Its been a MGP tradition for myself to camp the extra night at Laguna Seca, avoid the traffic, go to Seaside and pick up the Monterey Herald to see their excellent coverage of their local event. I think this year's ride back should join the tradition. Monterey was especially foggy and wet at night. It even set back the race schedule on Sunday. So the ride up Highway 1 on Monday was surprise, foggy. Going up the hill on Hwy 17 brought sunshine, yes! I took Rt 9 north. Lack of car traffic was a delight. I came up on a local, he was driving spirited in a Ford Explorer. He was doing a good clip, some good lines. Up the hill he relented the lead, even my overloaded Suzuki Wee Strom is quicker. Boulder Creek was the only time I got stuck behind a slow poke. This was a mini p/u, with a lot of Santa Cruz stickers on it. Half the time they couldn't get up to the speed limit. Too much of the good old Mountain herb for those two? Soon I was caught up by 3 bikes on H35, I latched them and we rode together, till they pulled off for the vista. At Alices's restaurant I found a healthy group of bikes for a Monday. Most of these riders were not the usual Sunday crowd. Lots of out of state plates, most all i'm sure were returning from MGP. The three riders parked next to me and were from British Columbia. I left with them north on H35, soon we pulled up on a flagman, shoulder work being done. A brief follow of the pilot truck, but unfortunately in that section there were some fun corners we ended up missing. We rode together and split ways at Interstate H280. I had a appointment with Gassers photo at 12, otherwise I would have enjoyed staying at Alices longer and probably would of rode to La Honda. A new twist on the tradition is born on my annual post GP ride home. Until next year.

Casey Stoner of Repsol Honda managed his tires to claim the victory at Mazda Raceway in front of 52, 000 fans. He chose the soft compound rear while his rivals chose the harder compounds. Lorenzo was on the pole, led many laps, but couldn't hold back Stoner, and had to settle for 2rd place. Dani Pedrosa kept his long run of podiums going (9 of 10 races). Yamaha factory racing's Jorge Lorenzo led until lap 11, when Stoner took the position. Valentino Rossi had his first DNF of the season, crashing on the next to last lap. Americans score card; Nicky Hayden finished 6th, Colin Edwards 13th. Ben Spies crashed out, making 2 crashes in 2 days (in yesterdays crash he injured his heel and got a bit of a concussion). Spies reported"We had a technical failure in the swing arm." Steve Rapp was just shy of making the cut as a wildcard on his Attack Performance CRT Machine (they will be contesting Indy too).In the end it was Stoner first, Lorenzo second, Pedrosa secured the last spot on the podium in third. In the e-power-TTX race Michael Barnes on the Barracuda Lightning bike won, Icon Brammo teammates Steve Atlas and Eric Bostrom finish 2nd and 3rd respectively. In the Superbike Race, Monster Energy Graves Yamaha Josh Hayes won, thus keeping his winning streak alive. Blake Young finished second, Josh Harrin third. Cameron Beaubier won the Daytona Sportbike class. James Rispoli won the Supersport class.

Taking it to the next level. How much stuff can the Moto Photo Journalist pack on his Wee Strom? The last two years the list consists of tent, bag, mattress, Three to Four days of clothes, A bit of food and drink, Camera, flash, 18-105, and 400mm lens ( not looking forward to packing, or buying the huge 500 pro lens ) Lots of chargers, and for the first time now a lap top. If you like the pics, spread the word. Photos by Glen Coddington

Dainese Sponsored Racer Nicky Hayden will be paying a visit to the Dainese Store in San francisco on Wednesday 7/25 at 4pm, prior to the Red Bull Grand Prix at Mazda Raceway. Come show your support of the American side of the Ducati Team, Rossi's team mate. More info in Calendar Section.

If you want to see one of the coolest video's shot in San Francisco in years, here it is. Starts on the Bay Bridge and ends on Twin Peaks. They even got Pastrana to make an appearance. Its amazing and awesome the city allowed this. Who says we shouldn't be allowed to have some sort of sanctioned AMA road race along the Embarcadero or in some other part of the city on surface streets.


http://blog.sfgate.com/cityinsider/2012/07/10/rally-car-driver-races-through-s-f-streets-video/

3rd annual Rider Appreciation Day. Live music all day, Industry Show, Shop tours and more.

Another year, another cool Nevada race. Previous event at the Grand Sierra was amazing event, awesome course design, at a great Hotel/Casino. With Live fast and Supermoto USA, expect more of the same. What you may not know is Virginia City is no stranger to racing, from Auto hillclimbs, to MX, but this is a first for Supermoto. Not to be missed. Note the 6 mile canyon race is a non event, next year?

Ride to Work Day is Monday, June 18th. We hope you will ride to work, ...or just for fun, ...or for your errands. Please tell all of your riding friends about the event. Any ride from A to B is important. All riders can help increase awareness about the benefits of riding. Your support and participation will help make a positive difference.

Some ideas: Organize a local breakfast or lunch gathering. Arrange for special parking at your workplace. Offer people who've never been on a bike a ride. Contact a local newspaper, TV or Radio station news department. Have fun!

Click link below for story on the event.

Counting down, now less than a month before the Pikes Peak Race. Wades Pikes Peak Preview Piece is at the link below. Be there at Benders on Sunday, for brews, swag and more. Rumor has it one of his competitors going to bring his plated sidecar racer. Party is from 3 to 6pm.

Again a Grand display of cars of all kinds, and don't worry the bikes weren't left out. At this time 12 are registered, a couple are from Scott Dunlavy's collection. Food , music, vendors, I recall some beer available to purchase last year...

Karryll Nason's excellent work is gradually being added to the new Scooterphile heading on Urban Moto's website. First thing up is the story and pictures from the Petersen Museums amazing exhibit "Scooters: size doesn't always matter"

For the third year and counting, Werkstatt Motorcycles was voted "Best Motorcycle Shop in the Bay Area" by the San Francisco Chronicle's SFGate Best of the Bay List. They're terribly proud of it and they're having a big party to show their appreciation!"So whether you've been racing with us for years, or your bike just happened to break down at 17th and Capp St, we want to thank you from the bottom of our adrenaline-fueled hearts. Now we'd like to return the favor by having a party! We couldn't have done it without our loyal friends and customers. Please join us next week on Saturday, June 9th for a celebration of Beers, Bikes, Bratwurst and a Dyno Contest! For more info on the contest that will award a track day to the winner and other party perks go to the link below!

ZERO MOTORCYCLES LAUNCHES ALL-NEW 2012 ZERO DS POLICE MOTORCYCLE – CUSTOMIZED
TO MEET THE NEEDS OF TODAY’S LAW ENFORCEMENT OFFICERS

-- Electric Zero DS Requires No Fuel and Offers a Silent Tactical Advantage --

SANTA CRUZ, Calif., (May 21, 2012) – Zero Motorcycles, the global leader in the electric motorcycle industry, today announced it has launched a new version of the highly popular 2012 Zero DS developed specifically for police and security agencies. Named the Zero DS Police Motorcycle, it was developed to address the increasing interest from law enforcement and police departments on a global level. For the past two years police, security and military agencies have been testing Zero’s product line in the field. Zero continues to work directly with a variety of international law enforcement and military agencies. This new model is the result of these collaborative efforts.

“We are honored to have the support of so many different police and law enforcement agencies. During the process of building out the 2012 Zero DS Police Motorcycle, we worked closely with police officers and suppliers to ensure that our final product met the demands of enforcement agencies. Police officers put their lives on the line every day to protect and serve, so our goal was to give them all the tools necessary to allow them to be successful. The resulting Zero DS Police Motorcycle opens up new patrolling possibilities,” said Mark Cummings, Manager of Fleet Sales, Zero Motorcycles.

In the wake of two fantastic races at Donington that saw five different riders and four different manufacturers vying for the win right down to the wire, the eni FIM Superbike World Championship is now heading towards the Utah high plains for the sixth of the 14 rounds in this year's calendar. As is tradition, the two races will be held on Monday 28th May, Memorial Day, in honour of the US Armed Forces, so first qualifying will take place on Saturday.


The production-based racing series arrives at Miller Motorsports Park, the safest and most modern circuit in north America. The facility was inaugurated in 2008 and is located around 40 kms from the centre of Salt Lake City, the capital of the state of Utah, not far away from the legendary Bonneville Salt Flats, the scene for the world land-speed record attempts made every year.


World Superbike has been the main event of the year in this area of the USA since its very first edition in 2008. The track measures 4.907 kms and on the long 1.1 km pit straight Superbike machines come close to 320 km/h (200 mph). In fact, the Miller circuit is expecting the 200 mph mark to be exceeded this time around as it has set up a ‘Quest for 200' ticket prize draw competition for the general public. Judging by the astonishing top speed of 339.5 km/h reached on the long Monza straights by Tom Sykes on a Kawasaki, this particular record could quite easily be broken.

It was a weekend full of many professional motorcycle events in Northern California. Stay tuned for all the reports. From one of the major events there is sad news. Nick Hayman co owner of Munroe Motors the San Francisco European motorcycle dealership was involved in a serious racing crash during the AMA SuperSport race at Infineon Raceway. He was airlifted to the closest trauma center. He is hanging in there, but his injuries are severe. They include head trauma. As any racer knows medical bills get astronomically high very quickly and Nick is going to need everyone's help both emotionally and financially to get him through this tough time. Please go to munroemotors.com and click on Nicks Status for the latest update on his condition. A fund is currently set up for medical bills donations. Any help is greatly appreciated. Our thoughts are with Nick and his family at this time.

Careful what you ask for. Last year we complained a bit, when Ken's excellent inaugural Salinas TT went up against Easter, the thinking was it may have drew better on a non holiday. The Good, no more
Easter date. While Cinco De Mayo weekend sounds good, especially with the extra events ( car show, music, food, vendors), now the bad, it goes up against, The Quail Motorcycle Gathering, and Infineon Moto Jam. Tough choices. Or pull the Superman and do the Triple (we are). See you Out there......all listed in the Calendar

The Quail Motorcycle Gathering on the lawn of the Quail Lodge Golf Club in Carmel is an event not to be missed; cool motorcycles, collectors and vendors, friends and enthusiasts, gourmet bbq lunch included with your ticket, musical entertainment, genuine friendly vibe (due to beverages from local wineries and breweries?) and the Bonhams & Butterfield Auction of rare motorbikes at day’s end.

There are two new features to this year’s fourth annual event:
--Superbike Class for 2012. Great group of bikes rooted in racing history, and
--The Quail Marketplace. The new outdoor corral will allow enthusiasts to peruse vintage and modern motorcycles and buy directly from owners without the traditional auction fees ($25 registration per bike on display.) Another way for motorcycle enthusiasts to get together at the event and buy and sell bikes the old fashioned way.

One of this year’s most anticipated motorbike debuts will be the US unveiling of the 1972 Magni Rocket 3 by CEO Giovani Magni of legendary Italian motorcycle builder, Magni Motorcycles. Commissioned by co-owner Jerry Liggett of TripleTecs, renowned BSA/Triumph Triple specialist enterprise, this is the only Magni with a British engine, combining a powerful 930cc BSA Rocket 3 full-race engine with a rolling chassis based on Magni’s MV Agusta race bike experience. Pictured.

Additional key motorcycles on display include:

Be sure and catch these Italian beauties before they go away, exhibit closes in April. Not where you might expect a exhibit, especially the Moto Type, but we here like out of the box thinking....


November 5th 2011 – April 2012


Moto Bellissima: Italian Motorcycles from the 1950s and 1960s




The Italian propensity for artistic design, historically demonstrated in a wide range of manufactured goods, has perhaps never been better exemplified than in the beautiful motorcycles that graced Italy's racetracks and roadways in the 1950s and 1960s. Over the course of two decades, an unprecedented number of Italian firms, many of them lost to history, produced a dizzying array of small-sized motorcycles for a country with a desperate need for mobility after World War II. These machines were created at a time of impoverished resources, but consistent with a characteristically Italian insistence on producing, and demanding, objects of extraordinary design and beauty.

Justice for Astrid--coming soon?
Though it will soon be three years since a drunk driver (with prior DUIs with injury!) hit Astrid Molzow-Gunter as she returned home from a San Francisco Motorcycle Club meeting on her Honda Silverwing Sylvie, resulting in the loss of her leg, the case is still dragging on. The next hearing is scheduled for Friday, February 24, at 9AM at 850 Bryant Street, Room 22 on the Third Floor. The purpose of this hearing is to decide whether the trial will proceed on Tuesday, February 28, or if there will be yet another delay. Some of us have been showing up at previous hearings, and the prosecution believes it makes a strong impression on the judge to see members of the two-wheel community in the courtroom. So if you can attend even a portion of the hearing, show up in gear. You can bring your helmet into the courtroom. Our support is much appreciated, not only by the DA, but by Astrid.

Two poll questions:
1) The unfriendliest and shittiest Bay Area California motorcycle shops?
2) The unfriendliest and biggest poser bars in San Francisco?

Email us editor@urbanmotomag.com. Explanations for your answers are welcome. Results to be published in the March Daytona issue of UM.

Three rounds , three different winners. Should be a exciting race in Oakland, the tours only Nor-Cal Stop. Can't use the weather (last years first trip to Oakland was a little sloppy) as a excuse to miss the action. KTM, yes KTM is leading the points coming into town. Last years winner James Stewart has yet to claim a win this year, can he keep this string of different winners going? Wishing a Speedy Recovery to Trey Canard, and Ryan Morais, who had a nasty coming together in the last round in LA.

DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. (December 2, 2011) - AMA Pro Racing will be working in conjunction with M1 PowerSports for promotion of three exciting new events as part of the 2012 AMA Pro Road Racing schedule. Each of the three events promoted by M1 PowerSports, formally known as M1 Entertainment, will be modeled after the highly successful AMA Pro Road Racing events that the group promoted and grew over a 10 year span at racetracks in the Southeast.

The original Big Kahuna events were known for delivering exceptional entertainment value alongside world-class racing by America's finest motorcycle road racing talent, and fans can expect that same Big Kahuna Show as M1 PowerSports returns to promoting motorcycle road racing with an expanded portfolio of AMA Pro Road Racing events in major Southeastern markets.

Complete 2012 AMA Pro Road Racing Schedule:
March 15 - 17, 2012
Daytona 200
Daytona International Speedway
Daytona Beach, Fla.

April 20 - 22, 2012*
Road Atlanta
Braselton, Ga.

May 4 - 6, 2012
Infineon Raceway
Sonoma, Calif.

May 26 - 28, 2012
Miller Motorsports Park
Tooele, Utah

June 1 - 3, 2012
Road America
Elkhart Lake, Wis.

June 22 - 24, 2012
Barber Motorsports Park
Birmingham, Ala.

July 13 - 15, 2012
Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course
Lexington, Ohio

July 27 - 29, 2012
Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca
Monterey, Calif.

September 7 - 9, 2012
New Jersey Motorsports Park
Millville, N.J.

September 21 - 23, 2012*
Homestead-Miami Speedway
Homestead, Fla.

October 5 - 7, 2012*
NOLA Motorsports Park
New Orleans, La.

Our brother Angel just had his pride and joy, his R1 swiped (11/21/11). If you see a bike like this recently abused or abandoned in the bay area, send a note to us @ editor@urbanmotomag.com. and we'll send a crew out.

As the New Nortons from Derby, England are starting to arrive at dealerships the question is "Which Norton is the right Norton?" As at least two American companies already produce beautiful hand-built retro rides. The US versions seem to be dialed into performance whereas the English version has tradition and price on it's side. Like any good brit bike fans, we are all just waiting to see who's Whitworths are going to fall to the tarmac first.

U.S. Senate to vote on proposal to kill trail funding
November 10, 2011
The U.S. Senate will vote on a bill that would end the dedicated funding for the Recreational Trails Program (RTP), which is considered to be one of the most important and beneficial laws for off-highway vehicle (OHV) riders ever passed by Congress, the American Motorcyclist Association (AMA) reports.
Cont...

The new Formula 1 track in India is called appropriately Buddh Int't Circuit and the track hosted it's first F1 race last week...it's a huge hit with the drivers. New crowned F1 world champion Sebastian Vettel took the inaugural victory. The track is designed to be 5.1 Km long and contains 16 corners. The cars are expected to lap at an average speed of 210 kmph around. The track is one of the fastest in the world, with the cars reaching 320 kmph in the main straight before braking into turn 4.
The designers have taken inputs from the teams’ simulator test runs for refining their track layout and have put the data into good use by modifying turn turn 7 and turn 3 to increase overtaking opportunities.
The state of the art curved roof grand stand, located near turn 10 and 11, has a capacity of 30,000 people bringing the total capacity of the track to a staggering 120,000.

The San Francisco Police Department is investigating reports of an individual getting out of his car late at night and tipping over parked motorcycles and scooters in the North Beach District of the city. The individual drives a brown Volvo model 240 DL. If you have information please contact the SFPD. More information coming when we get it.

Old school Bay Area rider. American Federation of Motorcyclists president for almost 20 years. Friend to many. Joe was riding with a group of friends on Sunday afternoon, 10-23, near Castro Valley on Redwood Rd. when he was killed instantly by an out of control 4 door Honda auto that slid sideways over the double yellow line and collected him, narrowly missing the other riders. The driver of the car was arrested at the crash scene.

We are used to getting emails, good and bad, angry and happy, based on our monthly covers. As most readers know some of our covers can be controversial. Some that come to mind, our Hillary Clinton cover. The bikini priest cover. The Muslim bikini bomber cover. The BMW Nazi cover. The Obama marijuana cover, etc, etc...It's a nice change to find out that one of our covers has been nominated for a national journalism award. Issue number 62, BP Blood for Oil cover and story have been nominated for the NYU Carter Journalism Institute. The award is presented to journalists in any medium that cover under reported stories. The criteria is that the story must be public interest in subject matter. Check out past issue 62 and read the Blood for Oil BP feature. Stay Tuned.

Second year running (this era). Last years Inaugural race was a huge success. Don't wait around to get your tickets. Only one race remains after Calistoga, the Pomona Half Mile. Again a high quality bike show in one of the halls along with the Legends autograph session. Grand Marshals Mert Lawill and Jim Rice. Great venue for Saturday night racing, and not too far from the SF Bay Area. Last chance in Nor-Cal to catch Chris Carr's retirement tour, currently he's in 6th place. Two races back at Knoxville it was a historical race. Jared Mees took a photo finish win over Jake Johnson, and in the Singles, Shayna Texter takes the win.

COME JOIN US FOR A DRINK AND AND A FRESH ISSUE OF U.M. SATURDAY OCT.1ST 5 TO 9pm @ "UPTOWN" 200 CAPP ST. S.F.

Click on the link below to see a funny video which Yamaha North America made when it had it's past and present stars in the states for the recent USGP... Even Fabio stars in it. Super Cheese, but cool to see all these guys together goofing around.

On June 11th, 2011 the motorcycle community in general and the Humboldt community in particular lost a bright star. At 6'6 with blond dreadlocks almost down to his waist, he was an imposing figure known for his friendliness and kindness. He was well very loved, by many friends and family.
Steven, 34, was killed by a drunk driver while he was doing what he loved, riding a motorcycle. Godspeed.

On the evening of 8/3 invited guests gathered to see what lurks under the black cover. . As the DJ put the brakes to the tunes, the cover comes off exposing the BRD Motorcycles Electic bike. CEO & Co-Founder Marc Fenigstein spoke at the mike, but not too much was said, so we were left to admire and wonder about this smart looking bike, this one being Supermoto style, other versions in the pipeline. Built right here in SF. We will pass more info as we get it, and look forward to riding one. Zero's test bikes still fresh in our memory, looking forward to compare the two. Can't forget to mention the steady lines leading to the Taco Truck El Tonayense out back, this Truck gets around.

Don't miss the reincarnation of the Sacramento Mile Saturday Night. Your race ticket also gets you California State Fair admission, so make a day (and night) of it. All the big name AMA Racers sure to be there for this one. Sunday more Mile racing with Eddie Mulders Series. See Calendar for more info.

Along with 249 other Journalists we are Monterey bound, the U/M camp holding fort up on the hill to the North. Finally MGP will be making its first of two stops stateside. Very special event happening with Yamaha, they will be celebrating their 50th year in the GPs. Special Retro white and red paintwork (Holland, the only other track to run these). Ben Spies hoping he can win again in these colors. Last years winner and teammate Jorge Lorenzo might have something to say about that. Don't count out the strong Honda Squad of Stoner, Pedrosa, and (hoping to keep the rubber side down)Semoncelli. One of our boys gets a wild card ride, Ben Bostrom will be on a LCR Honda. We'll be pulling for our other American hopefulls, Edwards has shown this year with a 3rd place, he can still be a factor. Hayden (and Rossi) have the new GP11.1, and will have to see which bike is more to their liking. The Yamaha Racers stopped by Yamaha in LA before heading trackside, look for some video, should be up by race end. Another special event, Kenny Roberts to ride around the track. Much happening at the track and don't forget Cannery Row. Round 4 of the KDL Stuntbike Series is doing shows in Downtown Monterey/Depot lot 7/22 & 7/23.

UM columnist Wade Boyd is a racer and like any racer he accepts the the risks involved. But it's a good thing when technology can help reduce those risks. Boyd will be racing the Sacramento Mile this year and would really like to do it with an air fence helping protect riders from some very hard and unforgiving walls.
http://www.EMWCVDTS.myevent.com

Another Quail event has come and gone. Each year the event has grown in multiple ways. Still a few edges to be polished. If you are on the West Coast you owe your self to see it. From being welcomed as you ride in toward the Bike parking (on both sides of the road leading to), the Beautiful location, the fantastic lunch, cloth napkins with heavy silverware, they no how to spoil this biker. Again the north and west sides of the green was lined with booths. Was a bit brisk in the morning, clouds were a little ominous, afternoon was nice. Going into this event you always know you are going to see some nicely restored old bikes, but I like the wild card element, the custom builds. Never no what is going to show up. The old race bikes are a treat, this years theme was "a Century Of Racing at Isle Of Man". The Bonhams Auction, had a couple of attention grabbers. #101 the Steve McQueen owned Husky, sold for $144,500. There was even some very nice old oak furniture of his going to bid on. The Captain America Recreation was another of interest selling for $52,650. The "Woz" was spotted inside, his eye on the Suzuki Rotary. The Rider for Health Rossi replica track bike went for a steal. The bike on the green that grabbed my eye was the skinny custom Beezerker. Chris of Speed Shop Design built a bike that is extremely clean. Might not jump out at you, but the look closely. The clutch, exhaust, rear brake. As many cool features you find, Chris will still point out more you missed. The last element is the who's who of motorcycling. Mert Lawill, Wayne Rainey, Craig Vetter, Mike Corbin and more... Don't miss next years event.

3rd annual Gathering on the greens. A not to miss West Coast event. A couple custom built bikes to make their debut this year. Again Bonham's and Butterfields Auction caps the event, a couple of the stars, a Husky, previously owned by Steve McQueen (on cover of SI in 1971) and Don Emde's project, the Rossi R1 Track bike, sale to benefit Riders For Health. Ticket includes Bike Show, Auction and a superb lunch. This years tribute, Century of Racing isle of Man.

Stolen 4/24 18th and Folsom in S.F Red VFR 800. One of a kind pin striping("Cary") on front fairing. Micron Exhaust, touring windshield,stickers on tail cowling License 19Z4920 Vin JH2RC4615XM100434 contact SFMC or Urban Moto

1st time Pro TT and Short track at the home of the 100 year old California Rodeo. Many amateur races have been held through the years at the Salinas Sports Complex. They even had a Pro event held in '68, won by Mert Lawill. In 2002 & 2003 there was a Pro/Am promoted by Gene Romereo who had finished Second in the '68 event. Lots of pro talent came from this area. Expect some big names of the past and present to be there. Saturday's the TT, and is joined by the Motorcycle show at the races. Expect Lorin Guy to put together another impressive display as he did at Calistoga. Sunday is the Short track Race. Gates open 9am Lots of vendor booths, Rocky Robinson and Ack Attack Stream- liner on display, visit by the Easter Bunny at this family friendly event. Dont miss this Historic year in California, Featuring TT, Short Track (Salinas), Mile (Sacramento), Half Mile (Calistoga)

Located at 926 Howard st in San Francisco, the big day has finally arrived. I got a preview at a earlier date to see this truely awesome place. Last seen they still were wrapping up some of the tool installations. This building has so much potential. Loaded with just about every imaginable tool, welders, lathes, mills, Laser cutters, sewing machines, much, much more. Membership based, the members have the included use of nearly all the equipment, and classes are available on site. 12:15 Ribbon Cutting. 1pm Adam Savage (Myth Busters) Key note Speech. 2pm to 5pm Demo's and Tours. The popular "Off the Grid" food trucks will be stationed in the adjoining parking lot. What can you dream up in this ideal environment, moto minded ideas welcome.

Check out a video made exclusively for American Federation of Motorcyclists (AFM). You will find what might be the best motor racing inspirational speech in the history of the sport. If my coach would have given me this speech when I was racing I would have won every race! Whether you race karts, motorcycles or Formula 1, it doesn't matter, this speech is a must-listen-to, particularly the last two spine tingling minutes. "You versus second place." You aren't a racer if this video doesn't give you goosebumps.

Kudos to "4 the Riders" who made this video as a thank you to the AFM and all of their supporters. When you get to the page the speech can be found by scrawling down to the video titled AFM BANQUET.

Voice over: John Doman, Versus TV
Music: Apocalyptica and Explosions in the Sky
Video Producer: Joe Salas, 4 the Riders
Video Camera & Editor: Kevin Fanady, 4 the Riders

Spain's Marc Coma took his third Dakar Rally win on his KTM. He finished 15 minutes ahead of Frenchman Cyril Despres also on a KTM. Helder Rodrigues from Portugal finished third on a Yamaha WR450. San Francisco USA team PAI finished 13th overall, with Jonah Street piloting a Yamaha YZF450 instead of his usual KTM. The team managed to win Stage 9 of the historic race.

All 16 rounds are to be televised, either on Speed or CBS. CBS also has a few special shows. The first coming up 12/26 5PM ET(check your local listings,to confirm start times) with the 2011 Monster Energy Supercross Season Preview. 2/27 12PM ET Supercross Legends-The Races and way down the road there will be a Post Race Show. Also don't plan on heading for AT&T for our Bay Area Round, it's to be at Oakland in 2011. Still digging for dirt, why the venue change. Jan. 8th will be the first round at Angel Stadium Anaheim Ca. Mark your calendars.

AMA Supercross 2010 Photo by Glen Coddington

After winning multiple titles with Yamaha, Valentino Rossi began a new era with Ducati at Valencia two days after the end of the season on Tuesday November 8th. Due to what remains of Rossi's contractual obligations to Yamaha he was unable to speak publicly about the Ducati and won't be able to do so until January 1st 2011.
Delayed by morning rain, Rossi left the pits on a black Desmosedici bearing his famous #46 at 12:20 local time. It marked the start of a new adventure in which the Italian will try to become the first rider in history to lift the premier-class crown for three different manufacturers.
Rossi rode for a total of 56 laps, with a best lap time of 1min 33.882sec. That put him tenth out of the 17 riders and compares with his best Yamaha lap from Sunday's race, which he finished third, of 1min 32.970sec. The overall best lap time on Tuesday was 1min 32.012sec, by Rossi's former team-mate Jorge Lorenzo.

The state Senate on Monday voted 21-16 and narrowly passed bill SB43.

The bill modifies the California Vehicle Code to make it a crime to operate a motorcycle manufactured after Jan. 1, 2013, that fails to meet federal noise-emission control standards. Meaning that Motorcyclists whose vehicles lack the proper U.S. Environmental Protection Agency stamp on the stock exhaust can would be subject to a fine of up to $100 for first-time offenders.

"Basic common sense and decency dictates that when a motorcycle drives by and sets off every car alarm on the street, that is too loud," said the bill's author, Sen. Fran Pavley, D-Agoura Hills.

Many people feel loud pipes save live and other anti- bill people feel that there are laws already on the books to deal with the modified exhaust issue. "This is just an extra layer of bureaucracy," said Wayne Harter, an owner of a Harley-Davidson dealership in San Jose. "Our scarce police resources could be better utilized." Harter, who has been riding for more than 40 years, said adequate laws already are in place to deal with motorcycle noise and illegal mufflers.

The bill now goes to Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger to sign or not sign into law. The Gov. is a known motorcycle enthusiast and has several of them. But he is also known as an environmentalist so it is anyone's guess if he will sign the bill or not. Matt Connelly, a spokesman in the governor's press office, said Schwarzenegger has not taken a position on Pavley's bill.

UPDATE 9-28-10 Governor signed the bill Tues 9-28 2010.

My goal is to make you a lifelong motorcyclist. You’ll need to do a lot more than just buy a $20,000 Harley—you’ll need to devote yourself to not only learning to ride, but learning to appreciate the ride. You’ll know you’ve become a serious motorcyclist when you stop riding just because your buddies are taking their bikes out together and you start riding because you can’t wait to feel the freedom of the open road. Hell, you won’t ride because you want to ride; you’ll ride because you need to ride...



From the book, "LET'S RIDE: Sonny Barger's Guide to Motorcycling."
Copyright © 2010 by Sonny Barger Productions.
Reprinted courtesy of William Morrow, an imprint of HarperCollins Publishers.

The Kawasaki Concours 1400 police bike. The California Highway Patrol has contracted for 300 of the units and beat out BMW for the right to supply the police agency. The Corbin factory will be supplying the new police bikes with comfortable seats.

Secret Society Scooter Club is the oldest continuously operating scooter club in the US and is no stranger to throwing a party. This June marked the 24th year that the San Francisco chapter has thrown their signature rally, Scooter Rage.

The usual event typically consists of welcoming riders from all over the US and the world who will bring 200-300 vintage and modern (mostly) Italian scooters for rides and events all over the city of San Francisco and beyond. Events include scenic and sport oriented rides, live and DJ'd music, food and plenty of chances to socialize with fellow enthusiasts. This year the club has decided to add an event to the mix which is unprecedented in the scooter world, a 24 hour time/distance endurance event.

With a bit of obvious inspiration from the legendary Le Mans race the 24 Heures du Rage event allows teams of riders to pit their machines against the clock and the streets of San Francisco. The event will begin on the afternoon if Saturday the 19th and end Sunday the 20th. Teams will consist of three to six riders and there will be a vintage and a modern class. www.secretsociety.org.

For scooter info, check out Karryll Nason's ScooterPhile blog below. And be sure to check out her ScooterPhile column in the UM magazine for a complete calendar of scooter events in the Bay Area.

I always had a fondness for Dennis Hopper. Not only did I feel he did a better acting job in “Easy Rider” than Peter Fonda, but I liked his character of “Billy” in the movie, more than Fonda’s and felt it was semi-autobiographical. It was also pretty obvious non-acting in the one scene in New Orleans when he almost gets into a fight with a guy on Bourbon Street, showcasing his volatile temper.
Besides “Easy Rider” Hopper was also in quite a few of my other favorites, like “Apocalypse Now”, “Blue Velvet”, “Cool Hand Luke” and “True Grit”.
He first came to fame acting with James Dean in “Rebel Without a Cause”, where he and Dean, both being true rebels, became close friends. One of my favorite stories of Hopper’s is when he was doing the movie “Giant”, Dean’s third and final film. On the set of the movie with Dean, during the filming in a very small Texas town, the entire population would come out and watch them shoot each day. Hopper was surprised when he witnessed Dean walk out in front of the crowd of townspeople, whip out his dick and take a piss right there in front of all of them!

Be warned, dirt ride park opponents. Austrian firm KTM will become the first large scale manufacturer to produce an electric bike called the Freeride going into full production in 18 months.

The prototype was unveiled at the Tokyo Motorcycle Show with an enduro and a supermoto version going on sale at under $15,000 dollars.

Of the two versions being made – the supermoto machine will be fully-road homologated. KTM is presenting the enduro version as ‘a new chance for off road riding’ as it can get around the noise issues that have seen so many riding tracks shut following complaints.

KTM sees this as a way that motocross tracks could be moved into urban areas to allow more people to ride – just like BMX or skate parks are in the middle of urban areas.

Both bike essentially share the same architecture. This means a 10bhp power output from the lithium ion battery in a delta box frame with self-supporting subframe. The bike has an overall weight of 198 pounds and KTM claims the low weight combined with the fairly low power output still allows the Freeride to match the performance of an equivalent 125cc internal combustion machine.

"BMW’s stunningly fast S1000RR has defeated all eight of its major rivals on the race track, comfortably annihilating the competition from both Japan and Europe." (MCN news)

Experts took part in the annual Masterbike test at the new Motorland circuit near Valencia, Spain, where all nine 1000cc inline-fours and 1200 V-twin sportsbikes competed head-to-head. The manufacturers were allowed to select from a choice of track tyres to suit their machines, and set suspension up to suit track riding. Each bike was subject to an independent dyno test to ensure the bikes weren’t tuned.

And if you like this story, just wait for Urban Moto's March issue featuring the BMW S100RR - coming soon!

Pictured right, Wade Boyd on the revered Beemer, by Conan Soranno

“Cafe Society” is the first full-length documentary to chronicle the origins, legacy and rebirth of the Cafe Racer subculture. Two years in the making and shot in Europe (mainly England) and the US, this documentary provides an intimate view.
The Cafe Racer Cult had been kept very much alive by events - Rocker Reunions held on London’s Chelsea Bridge, and goings-on at Ace Cafe in London. But very few know about the rich history of the Ton-Up culture and the stories of the men and women who created the first high-performance street bikes. To take you on the city streets wild ride, the film features great rockabilly music as stripped-down as a Bonneville Bobber. A Chet Burks Productions with Mike Seate reporting and interviews.
Pre-order the DVD by at the Cafe Society Website.