RoadRUNNER July/August 2008
Shamrock Tour
Shamrock Tour®: Gainesville, FL
It's a long, slow process squaring off a touring motorcycle's tire. As the wheels rotate, asphalt constantly gnaws at the radial's vulnerable contact patch. Like legions of amoebic strip miners, this aggregation of incisors attacks my ebony hoops—digging, grinding, and belching away a microscopic vapor of polymer that settles unseen upon the grasses...
National Tours
The Catskills
Angry clouds unleash a summer storm worthy of the evening news, toppling power lines and causing flash floods. I'm on an Aprilia Tuono (Italian for thunder, ironically), protected by a gas station canopy in Masonville, New York. I'm not alone though, as other riders have sought shelter here in the only dry place for miles. I set off when the storm subsides,...
Southwest Oklahoma
Karen and I can hardly wait to begin this tour on our Honda ST 1300. The land to cross is part of the vast Great Plains that stretch from North Dakota through Texas. And because we have lived on the east coast for years, many of the stops planned along our route represent the first time either of us has returned since the carefree days of our youth....
Grand Canyon Suite
We leave the North Rim of Grand Canyon around five o'clock, hesitating for a moment about missing the sunset on the Painted Desert, but realizing that would put us on the road after dark. As we turn northeast at Jacob Lake, we're delighted by the twisty, curvy trail through the rocks. Christa picks up the pace, and I float down the mountain, the Ninja...
International Destinations
British Columbia
In the late 1800s a gold rush engulfed the interior of southwestern Canada. However, to be worth the assayers' valuations, the precious metal and other mined commodities had to reach the Pacific coast. Great mountain ranges and deep river gorges stood in the way, and at that time, building the Kettle Valley line proved to be the most difficult and cost-intensive...
From Mongolia to China
A broad band of tracks lines the sand of the vast valley, but soon the ruts converge until only two of them are left. I am traveling on my BMW F 650 GS/PD in the Altai Mountains of Mongolia. A barely discernible path leads over the highest pass here, the Buraatyn Davaa, which is the sole route from west to east in southern Mongolia....
Riding Impressions
2008 BMW R 1200 RT vs. 2008 Moto Guzzi Norge
Each of these machines is powered by a twin-cylinder engine of similar displacement, and a quick perusal of the spec sheets indicates how very similar these sport-tourers are in other respects too. Both machines are built in the shadow of the Alps: Munich to the east and Mandello del Lario to the south. And both were built with the same task in mind—to...
2008 Buell Ulysses XB12XT
The introduction of the Ulysses XB12X in 2006 marked an obvious departure from the Buell Motorcycle Company’s high-performance, track-bred roots. They put aside their knee pucks, toe sliders, and pristine pavement for dual-sport boots, hand guards, and the oft-graveled (or worse) road less traveled. For 2008, the departure theme has struck again for...
2008 Suzuki Boulevard C109/C109RT
On March 9, 1862, the first "modern" naval battle took place off Sewell's Point, Virginia, between the ironclads USS Merrimack and CSS Virginia. On the previous day, the Virginia had pummeled the wooden-hulled ships of the Union fleet until the Merrimack arrived to defend them. The confrontation eventually proved inconclusive because neither ship's...
2008 Honda FSC600A Silver Wing
As I rattled over the fir-plank bridge to Westham Island, a vast flock of snow geese swept overhead, darkening the sky and filling the air with surround-sound honking. In the filtered sunlight, their feathers took on a lustrous gray color, almost silvered. Silver Wing. What a great name for a scooter, I thought....
Chronicles
The 2008 Triumph Urban Sport Models
It’s not often that motorcycle manufacturers choose to debut their latest models on the east coast. So when Triumph asked if we’d be interested in joining the coming-out party for their latest Urban Sports models in the Great Smoky Mountains, our response was immediately affirmative....
The Centenary Isle of Man TT
In the film It's a Wonderful Life, George Bailey says the three most wonderful sounds in the world are "airplane engines, train whistles and anchor chains." You won't catch me arguing with that sentiment, but of course I need to add one other sound that intimates a promise of places unknown: motorcycle engines. And while I'm at it, why not hoof clops...
The Production of An Aluminum Case
How starting out small with just one valid idea became a big success story....
Ride Like a Pro
An often neglected motorcycle riding skill is fine low-speed control. You know, what we need to do in parking lots or on narrow streets where we have to make a U-turn in 20 feet. But due to lack of practice, most of us just aren't comfortable with these maneuvers and learning by trial and error is hard on the chrome and paint. So how does one acquire...
Gettin Started in Motorcycling
Motorcycling used to be just another way of getting around, but now it's one of a growing number of "powersports" that may also lay claim to major portions of your discretionary spending: ATVs, personal watercraft, snowmobiles, and any number of four-wheeled and water-based diversions. However, for me, motorcycle touring is still much closer to bicycle...
Product Reviews
Cortech Sport Saddlebags and Tail Bag
The Cortech Sport Saddlebags, coupled with the Cortech Sport Tail Bag, constitute versatile and capacious traveling companions – 17 liters per side for the saddlebags, 16 (expandable to 18) liters for the tail bag. The saddlebags straddle the pillion and have separate straps which easily loop around a part of the frame and buckle into the saddlebags...
Sidi Women's Jasmine Rain Boots
Jasmine Rain Boots are lined with Tepor membrane, a water-resistant yet breathable barrier to keep the elements from a rider's feet, and go on and off easily with a zipper and Velcro® closure system. They have elastic material at the calf for a comfortable, snug fit, and come with a removable arch support to accommodate different foot shapes. Sidi...
Triumph Sympatex Pantha Jacket and Riding Pants
My last two rides have involved rain, and I'm glad they also involved Triumph's Sympatex® Pantha Jacket and Riding Pants. At a recent press event intermittent heavy showers did their best to test the rain-proofing ability of the German-engineered Sympatex® polyester-based inner membrane and, thankfully, Triumph's claims about its water-shedding...
Rev'It! Pearl Jacket
This is a fashionable and functional four-season touring jacket designed for women riders. And with all of the high-quality construction and protection specifications of the men's Shade jacket, the Pearl represents the best of both worlds. The outer layer, with double zippers, sports two large front pockets, one inside chest pocket, and one pocket located...
Rev'It! Allure Jacket and Marryl Pants
As soon as you touch Rev'It!'s Allure jacket and Marryl pants you'll be pleased to learn that they feel as soft as they look. The lightweight jacket, made of leather and SPICA fabric (super-flexible, elastic yarn), is quite durable, abrasion resistant, water repellent and breathable. It features two small pockets in the front and one on the inside....
Victory Platinum Jacket & Pants
Victory is competing aggressively for the disposable income of cruiser riders with both their hardware and software products. Of particular note on the software front is the Platinum Jacket and Pants touring duo.The jacket outer shell is constructed of 500-Denier Cordura and contains both elbow and shoulder armor. Reflective piping underscores the jacket's...
KBC FFR Modular Helmet
The added convenience of open-face access combined with full-face safety is truly a winning combination. Until recently though, modulars only seemed to be appearing in solid colors. That is until I saw KBC's website, which revealed a variety of colors and several graphic options. And when the FFR helmet with the Envy graphics arrived, I was just as...
Bell Apex Helmet
Years ago, my first helmet, a 1970s super-deluxe, sparkle special from a Hecht's Department Store was replaced by a real helmet. It was a Bell Moto III, an honest to goodness racing helmet. Back then, it seemed that the Bell logo could be seen in every racing photo. During a recent press event, I had a chance to try their new Apex street model. It felt...
Shoei X-Eleven Helmet
Shoei's top of the line motorcycle helmet reflects the culmination of the many technological advances the company has made over the years to its line. With an intricately designed system of intake and exhaust vents and airflow channels through the helmet liner, the X-11 produces a high rate of air circulation and rider comfort. But, unlike many other...
Troy's Story DVD
Almost every motorcyclist appreciates a fast-paced tale, and few of them move faster than Troy's Story. This DVD chronicles the life and racing career of two-time World Superbike champion Troy Bayliss. Narrated by Long Way Round's Ewan McGregor, this award-winning documentary reveals all of this Australian working-class champion's gritty determination....
Motorcycle Journeys Through the Alps and Beyond
Exploring Europe's Alpine twists and hairpins is the dream of nearly every motorcyclist, and with a little help from John Hermann's latest edition of Motorcycle Journeys Through the Alps and Beyond, planning that once-in-a-lifetime ride may not be as difficult as imagined. Packed with great color photographs and new maps (with mountain relief backgrounds),...
Triumph Hard Carbon Gloves
Before pulling on Triumph's Hard Carbon Gloves, I expected the solid carbon-fiber protectors to bind and irritate my knuckles. At first there was a bit of pressure, but by the end of the day, the supple leather had broken in and that concern was a dead issue. Once the gloves mold to your hands, the feel on the levers is top notch, making these gloves...
Ride Atlas of North America
If a bite from the journey bug has you itching to hit the road, then you may want to check out the new Harley-Davidson® Ride Atlas of North America® by Rand McNally. This special anniversary edition road atlas, commemorating the motorcycle maker's 105th anniversary, is filled (336 pages) with information any motorcyclist will appreciate. This...
