Everyone’s got a favorite book on motorcycles. Also, thanks to audio
books and Bluetooth communicators, there’s nothing stopping you from
listening to a story as you ride. Have you ever ridden that stretch of
I-40 from Tucson to Tucumcari? One of these books would have made the
ride better. Here’s five books every motorcyclist should read.
Hell’s Angels: The Strange and Terrible Saga of the Outlaw Motorcycle Gangs by Hunter S. Thompson
In the mid-60s, the father of gonzo journalism spent nearly two years
riding and reveling with the notorious Hell’s Angels. Thompson paints a
vivid portrait of the era, when foreign wars and counterculture
movements were gripping the nation and dividing generations.
Better, Thompson’s first book (published in 1966) is not a
made-for-television family drama. While Hollywood was using melodrama to
popularize and demonize the biker lifestyle, Thompson was documenting
the scene with an exuberance and verve that would ultimately become his
trademark style and, some say, the voice of a generation of writers.
Best, it’s a kick in the head to read.
Sample Quote: “California, Labor Day weekend…early,
with ocean fog still in the streets, outlaw motorcyclists wearing
chains, shades and greasy Levis roll out from damp garages, all-night
diners and cast-off one-night pads in Frisco, Hollywood, Berdoo and East
Oakland, heading for the Monterey peninsula, north of Big Sur…The
Menace is loose again, the Hell’s Angels, the hundred-carat headline,
running fast and loud on the early morning freeway, low in the saddle,
nobody smiles, jamming crazy through traffic and ninety miles an hour
down the center stripe, missing by inches…like Genghis Khan on an iron
horse, a monster steed with a fiery anus….”
Proficient Motorcycling: The Ultimate Guide to Riding Well by David L. Hough
Yeah, I know: reading a book to learn how to ride is like watching a
circus to learn how to juggle. Still, there’s a lot to be gleaned from
those who have been there and done that. And few have been further and
done more than legendary motojournalist David L. Hough.
Culled from his renowned column of the same name that ran for years
in Motorcycle Consumer News, the lessons in this book make for a
thorough primer for the beginning rider.
If you’ll indulge me an anecdote: When I first started in motorcycle
journalism, as an assistant editor at a national magazine (with regional
distribution; go figure), a copy of Proficient Motorcycling was one of
the first items of swag I was gifted. As my colleagues were trying on
brand new gear and planning sponsored trips to exotic locales, “Oh
goodie,” I remember thinking. ”A book.” Here I was, stuck in the cubicle
with a copy of Proficient Motorcycling and the only demo the boss
would, at that point, let me ride: a 250cc cruiser. Yet, between that
bike and others, I became a pretty good motorcyclist that summer.
Granted, there’s likely nothing in here an experienced rider
shouldn’t already know. But, if you’ve got a newbie on your Christmas
list, here’s a fine, fine gift idea.
Sample quote: “Personally, I’m not willing to gamble
my life that the blind curve ahead isn’t blocked by a fallen tree,
logging truck, or wandering horse.”
Ghost Rider: Travels On The Healing Road by Neil Peart
If you’re a music fan and you’re reading RideApart, then you’re probably
familiar with the heartbreaking story of Neil Peart, the drummer and
lyricist for legendary Canadian prog-rock trio Rush.
In a 10-month period, Peart’s 19-year-old daughter, Selena was killed
in a car accident and his wife Jackie died of cancer. In an attempt to
sort out the tragedy, he set out on his GS from his home near Toronto
for a head-clearing ride to Alaska.
Problem was, by the time he arrived his head was (understandably) still
muddled, bitter and angry. So he kept riding and writing, down the
western half of the U.S., through Mexico to Belize and back again. Ghost
Rider is the moving, heart-rending document of that trip.
The story has a happy ending; Peart is still the drummer for Rush,
but is also now the author of several books and hosts a rather
entertaining (strictly FFO) website, NeilPeart.net.
Unlike most other classic rock bands who every other year seem to trot
out yet another “farewell” tour, Rush is still playing and recording
original music.
Sample Quote: “I used to think, ‘Life is great, but
people suck.’ But now I’ve had to learn the opposite: ‘Life sucks, but
people are great.’”
Shop Class as Soulcraft: An Inquiry Into the Value of Work by Matthew B. Crawford
There’s an anecdote in Matt Crawford’s paean to skilled manual labor
where he tells the story of a guy with a leaky faucet. The man calls a
plumber and, when the hulking giant gets on his hands and knees and
sticks his head under the sink, sure enough the infamous plumber’s
buttcrack appears. The man and his wife joke about it — until they get
the repair bill.
“Everyone laughs about plumber’s crack,” Crawford writes (and I
paraphrase). “But amid all the laughter, no one stops to think about why
this supposed cretin makes eighty bucks an hour.”
For anyone who’s ever felt hustled first to college then into the
cubicle, Shop Class as Soulcraft seeks to restore the honor of the
manual trades. Those of us who sit in an office often feel a lack of
connection to the material world, and find it difficult to say exactly
what we do all day.
Crawford points at the advent of the assembly line in the early 20th
century and the separation of Thinking from Doing — or, as he puts it,
“the work of the hand from that of the mind” — and explains how, because
each is reliant on the other, that division saps individual
accomplishment from the work being done.
If it sounds convoluted, it can be; at times the book admittedly
reads like a Master’s Thesis. But here’s the best part, Crawford is a
motorcycle mechanic, and he uses examples based on his own experience to
illustrate his points.
Shop Class As Soulcraft changed the way I think about work, and I’m
guessing it will for anyone who’s wrenched in the garage till long after
midnight and still dreads going to the office in the morning.
Sample Quote: “We’re not as free and independent as
we thought. Street-level work that disrupts the infrastructure (the
sewer system below or the electrical grid above) brings our shared
dependence into view. People may inhabit very different worlds even in
the same city, according to their wealth or poverty. Yet we all live in
the same physical reality, ultimately, and owe a common debt to the
world.”
Jupiter’s Travels by Ted Simon
If you haven’t red this yet, you should now. In a world filled with
boastful around-the-world-on-a-bike books, Jupiter’s Travels was among
the first and remains one of the best.
In it, Simon recounts 78,000 miles through 45 countries on a 1973,
police-spec ,Triumph Tiger T100P, traveling down the length of Africa,
north through South and Central America to California. Then he went
around Australia and rode overland from Singapore to Europe, planting
rugged dreams in the minds of two-wheeled travelers everywhere. You can
ask Ewan and Charley: without Jupiter’s Travels, there would have been
no Long Way Round/Down.
Since first being published in 1978, the book has sold nearly 500,000 copies and spawned the Ted Simon Foundation, a non-profit organization that supports the adventures of overland travelers through resourcing and assistance.
Sample Quote: “I am learning, as I make my way
through my first continent, that it is remarkably easy to do things, and
much more frightening to contemplate them.”
First published on rideapart.com
Showing posts with label motorcycle. Show all posts
Showing posts with label motorcycle. Show all posts
Thursday, November 14, 2013
Best Winter Mid & Base Layers
If you want to stay warm on your bike this winter, you’re going to
need to invest in some quality base layers. Heated gear is a great
option, but if your bike doesn’t support it or you want to buy some gear
that will keep you warm while off the bike as well, you’ll want to pick
up something off of this list.
Sub Sports COLD Men’s Thermal Compression Base Layer Long Sleeve Top ($37) and Sub Sports COLD Men’s Thermal Compression Base Layer Leggings / Tights ($36)
Camping and cycling base layers are a wonderful place to look if you don’t want to spend the big bucks on motorcycle branded gear. While the gear from these segments aren’t necessarily designed with keeping your body warm while exposed to the elements at freeway speeds, sometimes you can pay 50% of the price while getting something 80% as good as dedicated gear. These layers from Sub Sports were designed for playing cold weather sports and to keep your body warm while moving. They are moisture wicking, and the extra compression fit helps keeps blood and oxygen circulating throughout your body, which also helps improve warmth.
WarmSkin Thermal Wind Break Shirt w/Zipper ($89.99) and WarmSkin Skinny Pants ($49.99)
We’ve worn these under full adventure gear while riding through snow-covered mountains and under a simple leather jacket for a chilly night out. The chest panel is made from a material they call Stormgear, which is both windproof and waterproof, while the rest of its construction is a thick microfiber. The off-center zip helps keep the zipper (usually the easiest entry point for cold air) protected, while also making the Wind Break Shirt look really cool when worn solo. The sleeves are extra long and have those nifty little thumb holes, ensuring no cold air ever gets in under your cuff. After a year or so, our only complaint is that ours is starting to pill and we’re going to need another one soon.
Forcefield Tornado+ Shirt ($119) and Forcefield Tornado+ Pants ($89)
Forcefield makes some of the highest quality armor available, so we were very interested when we saw the Tornado+ shirt and pant. They’ve come up with their own windstopper material for the outside and paired it with Thermolite, which they say will keep you warm even if it get’s wet. It’s also anti-bacterial and utilizes flat seams and a soft lining to ensure the most comfortable fit possible. Look for more in-depth reviews in the future.
Dainese Map Windstoper Shirt ($139.95) and Dainese Map Windstopper Pants ($119.95)
Looks like Dainse has been paying attention to the praise we’ve given Schampa, releasing their own line of windstopper base layers. The Map Windstopper shirt and pant utilize a windstopper front with the same Thermolite as the Forcefield base layers. The one big thing we noticed about these layers from Dainese is that they seem to have paid extra attention to the cuffs, ensuring all the tech of the product won’t be wasted by cold air getting underneath.
Aether Space Hoodie 60 – $265
Our good buddy Steve, creator of Wilderness Collective, spent a solid half hour the other night singing the praise of this seemingly simple hoodie. After the adventures that guy has had, and as a former “guy who puts together those lists of cool gear for men’s sites,” we trust his judgment. The Space Hoodie has a microfiber ripstop and shell and is filled with 60 grams of Primaloft insulation. The Space Hoodie looks beautiful and packs down incredibly small, so small that Steve says he leaves it folded into its own pocket and then just tosses the tiny roll in his day bag so it’s always available should the weather change. This will definitely find its way onto our Christmas list.
First published on rideapart.com
Sub Sports COLD Men’s Thermal Compression Base Layer Long Sleeve Top ($37) and Sub Sports COLD Men’s Thermal Compression Base Layer Leggings / Tights ($36)
Camping and cycling base layers are a wonderful place to look if you don’t want to spend the big bucks on motorcycle branded gear. While the gear from these segments aren’t necessarily designed with keeping your body warm while exposed to the elements at freeway speeds, sometimes you can pay 50% of the price while getting something 80% as good as dedicated gear. These layers from Sub Sports were designed for playing cold weather sports and to keep your body warm while moving. They are moisture wicking, and the extra compression fit helps keeps blood and oxygen circulating throughout your body, which also helps improve warmth.
WarmSkin Thermal Wind Break Shirt w/Zipper ($89.99) and WarmSkin Skinny Pants ($49.99)
We’ve worn these under full adventure gear while riding through snow-covered mountains and under a simple leather jacket for a chilly night out. The chest panel is made from a material they call Stormgear, which is both windproof and waterproof, while the rest of its construction is a thick microfiber. The off-center zip helps keep the zipper (usually the easiest entry point for cold air) protected, while also making the Wind Break Shirt look really cool when worn solo. The sleeves are extra long and have those nifty little thumb holes, ensuring no cold air ever gets in under your cuff. After a year or so, our only complaint is that ours is starting to pill and we’re going to need another one soon.
Forcefield Tornado+ Shirt ($119) and Forcefield Tornado+ Pants ($89)
Forcefield makes some of the highest quality armor available, so we were very interested when we saw the Tornado+ shirt and pant. They’ve come up with their own windstopper material for the outside and paired it with Thermolite, which they say will keep you warm even if it get’s wet. It’s also anti-bacterial and utilizes flat seams and a soft lining to ensure the most comfortable fit possible. Look for more in-depth reviews in the future.
Dainese Map Windstoper Shirt ($139.95) and Dainese Map Windstopper Pants ($119.95)
Looks like Dainse has been paying attention to the praise we’ve given Schampa, releasing their own line of windstopper base layers. The Map Windstopper shirt and pant utilize a windstopper front with the same Thermolite as the Forcefield base layers. The one big thing we noticed about these layers from Dainese is that they seem to have paid extra attention to the cuffs, ensuring all the tech of the product won’t be wasted by cold air getting underneath.
Aether Space Hoodie 60 – $265
Our good buddy Steve, creator of Wilderness Collective, spent a solid half hour the other night singing the praise of this seemingly simple hoodie. After the adventures that guy has had, and as a former “guy who puts together those lists of cool gear for men’s sites,” we trust his judgment. The Space Hoodie has a microfiber ripstop and shell and is filled with 60 grams of Primaloft insulation. The Space Hoodie looks beautiful and packs down incredibly small, so small that Steve says he leaves it folded into its own pocket and then just tosses the tiny roll in his day bag so it’s always available should the weather change. This will definitely find its way onto our Christmas list.
First published on rideapart.com
Wednesday, November 13, 2013
Officine RossoPuro ‘Eroica’
Most of the leading custom builders work on commission—they get a brief from a client, a direction is agreed upon, and a motorcycle starts to take shape. Compromise is inevitable, whether it’s around budget or aesthetic direction.
But every now and then, as you can imagine, it’s good to get free rein. And that’s how Filippo Barbacane of Officine Rossopuro created this machine—a Moto Guzzi 1000 SP that he effectively built for himself.
“I wanted to make a very classic motorcycle,” he reports. “One that looks simple and clean. A bike that’s both slender and ‘long’.” Filippo wanted the color to look elegant too, so he selected a green hue from Moto Guzzi’s racing heritage.
The 1000 SP arrived in exceptional condition, with only 24,000 km on the clock—an unusually low mileage for a 1982 bike. And with a broad, torquey powerband, little work was required on the engine.
The highlight is the hand-crafted aluminum bodywork, a huge improvement on the somewhat chunky, squared-off standard paneling. The wheels are now spoked, rather than alloy, and adjustable Bitubo shocks are fitted to the rear. The front brakes have been upgraded to twin 300 mm Brembo discs, retaining the excellent standard linked braking system.
The bulky 1000 SP instrument panel has gone, and Filippo has flush-fitted a simple, single analog instrument into the custom headlight. The bowl is painted green to match the new bodywork, and is topped off with a hooded chrome bezel.
And why the name ‘Eroica,’ meaning ‘heroic’? “It’s to remember the past,” says Filippo. “When bikes were ridden by heroes, lying down and stretched out, the chin a few inches from the tank.” An apt name for a long, low machine like this one.
‘Eroica’ is now for sale; interested parties should make contact via the Officine Rossopuro website.
First appeared on Bike EXIF 2013. The world authority on custom motorcycles.
The Impossible Collection of Motorcycles
Offering a look at 100 of the world’s most coveted motorcycles, Assouline‘s The Impossible Collection of Motorcycles pays tribute to the engineering and design breakthroughs that define motorcycle history. The luxurious oversized book looks at the evolution of the iconic two-wheeler, and follows its development from a vehicle merely used for transportation into a sleek symbol of speed, freedom and architectural mastery. Priced at a clean $695 USD, the book is currently available atAssouline.
Recall News
Canada MotoGuide just updated a lost with the last recalls.
Models Involved: 2006-2009 BMW F800S, BMW F800ST
Number of Vehicles: 2,431
Problem: On certain motorcycles, the rear wheel bearing could wear abnormally, which would cause play in the rear wheel assembly. This could be noticed though an abnormal noise or harshness during riding. In some cases, rear wheel speed could be reduced at low speeds while coasting (when clutch is depressed), potentially causing a crash.
Correction: Dealers will inspect rear wheel bearings and replace with an updated design if necessary.
Recall #: 2013369
Models Involved: 2011-2012 BMW K1600GT, K1600 GTL
Number of Vehicles: 283
Problem: On certain motorcycles, a problem with the engine throttle valve control software could cause engine stalling.
Correction: Dealers will update software.
Recall #: 2013360
Models Involved: 2004-2013 Suzuki GSX-R 600, GSX-R 750, 2005-2013 Suzuki GSX-R 1000
Number of Vehicles: 13,112
Problem: On certain motorcycles, corrosion could form inside the front brake master cylinder, which could cause a spongy brake feel.
Correction: Dealers will install a redesigned front brake master cylinder.
Recall #: 2013364
Models Involved: 2014 CVO Breakout (FXSBSE), 2014 CVO Softtail Deluxe (FLSTNSE), 2014 Tri-Glide Ultra Classic (FLHTCUTG)
Number of Vehicles: 145
Problem: On certain motorcycles, the clutch may not disengage fully when the clutch lever is depressed.
Correction: Dealers will replace the clutch plate.
Recall #: 2013365
Models Involved: 2014 CVO Limited (FLHTKSE), CVO Road King (FLHRSE), Electra Glide Ultra Classic (FLHTCU), Police Electra Glide (FLHTP), Street Glide (FLHX), Street Glide Special (FLHXS), Ultra Limited (FLHTK)
Number of Vehicles: 1,583
Problem: On certain motorcycles, the clutch may not disengage fully when the clutch lever is depressed.
Correction: Dealers will replace the clutch plate.
Thanks to CanadaMotoGuide magazine
Recall #: 2013380
Models Involved: 2006-2009 BMW F800S, BMW F800ST
Number of Vehicles: 2,431
Problem: On certain motorcycles, the rear wheel bearing could wear abnormally, which would cause play in the rear wheel assembly. This could be noticed though an abnormal noise or harshness during riding. In some cases, rear wheel speed could be reduced at low speeds while coasting (when clutch is depressed), potentially causing a crash.
Correction: Dealers will inspect rear wheel bearings and replace with an updated design if necessary.
Recall #: 2013369
Models Involved: 2011-2012 BMW K1600GT, K1600 GTL
Number of Vehicles: 283
Problem: On certain motorcycles, a problem with the engine throttle valve control software could cause engine stalling.
Correction: Dealers will update software.
Recall #: 2013360
Models Involved: 2004-2013 Suzuki GSX-R 600, GSX-R 750, 2005-2013 Suzuki GSX-R 1000
Number of Vehicles: 13,112
Problem: On certain motorcycles, corrosion could form inside the front brake master cylinder, which could cause a spongy brake feel.
Correction: Dealers will install a redesigned front brake master cylinder.
Recall #: 2013364
Models Involved: 2014 CVO Breakout (FXSBSE), 2014 CVO Softtail Deluxe (FLSTNSE), 2014 Tri-Glide Ultra Classic (FLHTCUTG)
Number of Vehicles: 145
Problem: On certain motorcycles, the clutch may not disengage fully when the clutch lever is depressed.
Correction: Dealers will replace the clutch plate.
Recall #: 2013365
Models Involved: 2014 CVO Limited (FLHTKSE), CVO Road King (FLHRSE), Electra Glide Ultra Classic (FLHTCU), Police Electra Glide (FLHTP), Street Glide (FLHX), Street Glide Special (FLHXS), Ultra Limited (FLHTK)
Number of Vehicles: 1,583
Problem: On certain motorcycles, the clutch may not disengage fully when the clutch lever is depressed.
Correction: Dealers will replace the clutch plate.
Thanks to CanadaMotoGuide magazine
How To Keep Your Motorcycle Intact In A Crash- from RideApart.com
Laying down a bike is not the wisest of ideas to avoid collision- photo from www.autoevolution.com |
Now, all motorcycles are a little different. While a big ADV bike is going to benefit from huge engine bars and aluminum panniers, those parts wouldn’t fit on a Panigale and, even if they did, they’d look pretty stupid. Let’s go through some of the most common add-on protection parts for road-going motorcycles and examine how they safeguard your bike.
Frame Sliders
The most common protection part for street bikes, frame sliders attach to a motorcycle’s frame, engine block or both with sturdy bolts. Typically made from nylon, the sliders do what the name suggests — they protrude enough that they’re the first part to touch down in a fall, then they’re designed to slide freely along the road surface. Bikes experience more extreme damage when they grip the road and flip over. Your protection plan should start here if you ride a sportbike, naked, sport tourer, tourer or similar road bike.
“Barkbusters”
Like “Kleenex” is used to describe all brands of facial tissue, “Barkbusters” is a specific brand of lever/hand protection products that ends up denoting all such items. Basically, a sturdy aluminum bar bolts to a new bar end weight on the outside, then clamps to the bar on the inside. This may be supplemented by a plastic plate designed to expand the area of coverage (these are killer wind deflectors for winter riding). The idea is to keep your levers from being broken in a crash. Broken levers equal an unrideable bike, so that’s a good idea. Because they is some give in the bar where it clamps onto the handlebars on the inside, it can absorb energy in a crash, possibly saving your bars from being bent or broken too. These typically fit any motorcycle with flat handlebars, but check the specs of the product against your bike to make sure. As good an idea on the road as they are off.
Rearsets
Aftermarket rearsets allow you to alter the position of your motorcycle’s footpegs. Any stock motorcycle should only be considered an ergonomic starting point, so these help there, but many rearsets also come with strong pegs that don’t fold up. Those work as auxiliary frame sliders, helping to keep the swingarm and bellypan off the ground.
Front Axle Sliders
These pass through the front axle, providing sliders for the front forks and brakes. The added protection isn’t as significant as frame sliders or rearsets or Bark Busters, so start with those first and add these after.
Swingarm Spools/Sliders
Same goes for these, but they double as mounting points for a paddock stand, making it easy to lift your rear wheel to change it or adjust the chain. Added protection is fairly minimal compared to other items on this list.
Engine Covers
Aftermarket generator/clutch/crank covers made from billet aluminum or even composite nylon are tougher than stock cast aluminum items, resisting wear. You won’t put a hole through one of these but they’ll do little to protect the rest of your bike.
Track Fairings
Not only do these cost less than stock fairings, but they’re often made of tougher materials too. Avoid trashing your expensive stock equipment while providing all-over protection for your bike with these.
Tank Covers
Natty little press-on carbon fiber or similar tank covers provide some limited abrasion protection for the exposed sides of your fuel tank, but are more gimmick than function. Invest in a good pair of large, sturdy frame sliders instead.
Engine Guards
These large, sturdy protection bars fit ADV and dirt bikes and provide massive amounts of protection in a topple. But, because they’re designed mostly for dirt crashes, they may grab pavement and topple your bike, actually exacerbating damage. A necessity while riding big, heavy ADV bikes off-road.
Sump Guards/Bash Plates
These cover a motorcycle’s exposed oil filter, downpipes and sump, protecting both against rocks thrown by the front wheel and impacts with obstacles. A very, very, very good idea while riding off-road; a holed sump is no fun.
Luggage
It’s not built to do so, but you’d be amazed how effective both hard and soft luggage can be at protecting a motorcycle in a crash. Particularly the hard plastic and metal panniers that have been popularized by the ADV scene. Because they protrude so far, they provide excellent protection from drops, often keeping the entire motorcycle off the ground. Just be cognizant of how said luggage mounts to your bike, ideally you’ll have failure or stress relief points (ie joints or connections) between the luggage and the subframe, giving energy a place to go other than into your motorcycle.
Exhaust
In addition to making it clear to each and every person around you just how much you have to compensate for, aftermarket exhausts are often cheaper than their stock counterparts. Because of that, replacing one after a crash costs less money. Please don’t use this to justify running a 120dB system on the street.
Those are some things that can help your bike stay intact during a crash or a topple. What aftermarket parts do you swear by?
Originally appeared in Rideapart.com
Norton team up with OSET for family fun day-
Norton have teamed up with electric trials bike manufacturer OSET to hold a kids fun day at Norton's Donington Hall HQ this weekend. It's aimed at kids from 4 to 12, and will run from 12pm at Donington on Saturday 16th November.
Norton are also offering tours of their state-of-the-art production facilities at the Derbyshire base as part of the day's activities.
Dave Horne from OSET Bikes, said: “This event is a real opportunity to cement the relationship between the two companies which started with a conversation at the Isle of Man TT.
We are over the moon to have the opportunity to work with Norton and hold this fun event at such a prestigious location.”
Stuart Garner, CEO and Owner of Norton is passionate about encouraging youngsters into motorcycling. He said: “Encouraging the next generation of riders by putting together a fun event and working with OSET Bikes is something we’re really excited about.”
Riders can sign up on the day from 11am, but are asked to contact Daveh@osetbikes.com or call 07913 576 425 to give an indication of numbers expected.
La Corona xs650
Barcelona based La
Corona’s first build was an instant hit with the cafe/brat/custom
aficionado scene for good reason; it’s just a very well put together
package with a classy paint job. In fact there’s nothing out of place,
from the cross-hatched stitched flat seat to the black painted engine,
beige wrapped headers, swept-back 70′s style dirtbike bars, flat Bates
headlamp and black rims on trendy Firestones.
The bike is a 1976
Yamaha XS650, built just as the Sex Pistols were tearing-up the rules
in the music business. The Chassis and forks have been left as standard,
although braking has been delegated to top-notch Brembo 4 Pot Goldlines
activated by Radial pump and biting onto a pair of twin 320mm discs,
which should all work together to stop the bike almost as quickly as an
unlit skip on a dark night.
As with La
Corona’s other bikes, the front end is lean and light, with a tiny 60mm
speedo to complement that flat, fork-hugging Bates headlamp. Switches
are by Posh with all the wiring is tucked away inside the bars, while
Domino grips help the rider keep on top of the handling.
Rims are double
wall aluminum reinforced Akront wearing Champion DeLuxe Firestones.
While the seat and frame work are all bespoke to the build and made
in-house, as are the wrapped exhausts, battery box, fender, etc. And
it’s all topped off with very tasteful and timeless paint in white with
metallic bronze flash with black pinstripe and the understated La Corona
tank logo. The bike strikes a perfect balance between being pretty and
rugged, and just begs for a short summer ride to the beach with the
girlfriend on the back.
More on their website lacoronamotorcycles.comand blog Corona motorcycle blog
John XS 650 Cafe Conversion
John Fitzpatrick – 1979 XS650 Special – was bought it with the intention of doing a very nice show bike quality bobber. Something like many of your best builds on here, but the bike was in such incredible original condition I could not stand the thought of cutting it up. The original “Special” look was not my cup of tea so the only logical choice to me was to do a café conversion (which I had been planning to at some point anyway). This is not a show bike, but it is a really decent on frame restoration. I design products and source production for a living, but I also build frame up Off-Road Motorcycles; mostly bored and stroked Honda CRF250’s that I ship to customers looking for a really trick off-road bike to race that looks as nice as the factory bikes, but are more ride-able and built to the customer’s specific skill and needs.
I only put a little over 400 miles on the bike after I bought it (with under 10K miles) and at that point over $1,000 was spent replacing tires, tune-up and little things here and there from that owner. I then took the bike down/apart and started looking for anything else that should be replaced. Mostly it was just rubber parts that got hard. The bike was just in incredible original condition so it was a really easy and nice starting point to get the bike to this point.
The stock motor was running great, but the stock vacuum carbs were the typical XS650 carbs that would not hold an idle and were poor on acceleration with a bog mid-range so I bought some brand new Mikuni 34mm VM Round Slide Carburetors and that took care of that issue. They are smoother and deliver more consistent power everywhere.
The pipes are used but in great shape. The stock tank, front and rear fender, seat, brake and tail lights have all been replaced with new parts to give it the café bike look. The stock wheels have been painted black lacquer with a clear coat finish on them. The new parts are all painted black lacquer with at least five coats of clear lacquer over them.
Here is what is new:
The tank is from 77′ xs650. This year tank in my opinion is the best start for this kind of particular look but it was not enough to leave it stock, so I hand pounded out the knee wells to give it the more traditional café look and feel. The tank has been pushed back 1.5″ and lowered .5”. The gold pin striping is laid out to accentuate the nice curves of the tank and the new knee wells. I tried a few configurations and decided on this look. I think it has a more nostalgic look
The side covers are also from a 77 XS650. Again this tin IMO is a much better choice to give the look and feel of the old Norton’s and Triumphs of the 70’s.
The Café seat and fender combo are new and have a Cateye Tail/Brake lite frenched into it. They are new as well as the license plate holder mounted low and to the side of the bike out of the way.
The handlebar is a really simple clubman bar. Nothing to fancy but works well with the overall look.
I sadly will probably have to sell it as I need to make three long trips to Asia over the next few months and need to either sell some MX motors, MX bikes or this bike. I hope to be able to find another clean low miles XS soon so I can onto my original plan of building a show quality Bobber or Board Track Racer. Thanks for hosting such a great site. I love seeing the really nice bikes, they are inspirational and give me ideas on what works for my future builds.
First appeared in xs650chopper.com
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