Brian's World

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

2009-11-19T16:44:00.002-06:00

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

2009-11-18T09:06:00.003-06:00

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...

2009-11-16T10:26:00.002-06:00

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

2009-11-15T23:14:00.004-06:00

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?

2009-11-11T14:08:00.004-06:00

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...?

2009-11-09T18:32:00.003-06:00

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

2009-11-08T21:42:00.002-06:00

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?!?!

2009-11-08T08:56:00.000-06:00

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

2009-11-07T20:15:00.004-06:00

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!

2009-11-05T23:05:00.000-06:00

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

2009-11-05T22:49:00.003-06:00

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!

2009-11-05T22:27:00.004-06:00

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?

2009-11-05T22:14:00.000-06:00

Obstacles

2009-11-03T09:12:00.001-06:00

Another safety vid from Downunder, this one featuring racing legend Mick Doohan.

A Ducati You Can Eat!

2009-11-02T01:35:00.001-06:00

Believe it or not, that's a cake. Full story is here.

Ever Wonder What to Do With Your Old Shoes...?

2009-11-01T01:28:00.000-05:00

Multistrada 1200: Maybe Not as Ugly as Spy Shots Indicated...

2009-10-31T10:00:00.004-05:00

Ducati has a new website counting down the days to the unveiling of the new Multistrada 1200. The website features a short teaser video in which what little we can see of the bike indicates that it might not be as ugly as the original spy photos indicated. I can't wait to see this latest contender for the GS's adventure throne.

The website is here.

More from Australia

2009-10-22T02:31:00.000-05:00

You'll probably never see commercials like this in the U.S., but you definitely should. Wear your gear!

Even on a scooter.

Australian Safety Video

2009-10-22T01:25:00.000-05:00

I think the point they're trying to make is that motorcycling is dangerous. Of course, you don't have to ride like a wreckless dick either.

No doubt about it ... that's gonna leave a mark.

Yamaha Super Tenere

2009-10-21T20:02:00.006-05:00

Oh, PLEASE tell me this bike will be brought to the States ... 1200cc parallel twin, shaft drive, ABS. Another direct competitor for the R1200GS's throne ... but you know Yamaha is going to do it right.

This is a concept revealed at the Tokyo Motor Show. Yeah, it's just a lot of chrome wrapped in cloth (resembling the Dakar Rally logo, if you ask me), but you can imagine Yamaha's existing Tenere 660 growing up to be something to rival the GS, something just barely hidden by that clever wrapping.

::lustful sigh::

Gimme! Gimme! Gimme!

Here's Yamaha's website for the concept: Super Tenere, the Lord of Yamaha Adventures.

Edited to add the following Youtube video:

Ghost Town: Fallis, Oklahoma (Part LAST)

2009-10-17T20:44:00.002-05:00

Fallis Community Center. No more community, though...

The vines they creepeth forth to reclaim their own...

Lots of junk left behind.

But still no lunch for our weery adventurer ... or the ghosts of Fallis.

Oh my god, they left Leo behind! On vinyl no less!

Ho, ho, ho.

Leftovers.

The old ivories.

A couch on which you could make out with your sweetie.

And a parting shot.

That concludes my exploration of the Oklahoma ghost town Fallis. Why did the town die? Where did all the people go? Why did they leave so much behind?

The ghosts aren't talking...

Addendum: Just a few followups, compliments of Google...

This link will take you to an excerpt from the book Ghost Towns of Oklahoma by John Wesley Morris (source of the material I excerpted from the Abandoned OK website). It tells a bit more about Fallis, but still doesn't clarify the reasons for the town's demise.

Wikipedia has some brief information and census data for Fallis (pop. of 28 in the 2000 OK census).

Ghost Town: Fallis, Oklahoma (Part 6)

2009-10-17T19:41:00.001-05:00

Ruin.

This door kept banging in the wind the whole time I was inside ... in the dark ... totally creeped me out. Kept thinking someone was coming in behind me to get me. LOL.

The wall was blackened by the old floor heater, except where portraits of loved ones once hung on the wall. Do their ghosts haunt these old abandoned homes?

If so, they're smokers. And they like orange soda. Another Zenith television. Does Zenith even exist anymore?

Another empty refrigerator. They're hungry ghosts if they haunt these abodes.

Again, the ghosts of old portraits and paintings haunt the walls.

You can almost imagine someone still sitting in that rocker, can't you?

What significance, the red door?

The Leaning House of Fallis.

I would not advise lingering beneath that old chimney stack.

This one's too far gone.

Ghost Town: Fallis, Oklahoma (Part 5)

2009-10-17T19:17:00.002-05:00

Home sweet home ... at least it once was to someone.

Flotsam and jetsam.

Decay.

Just another crapper. Had to be a bitch in the middle of a cold winter night.

Sorry. Can't resist opening the doors on these things and looking inside.

No lunch here.

Detritus.

I think we're going to need one of those new digital converters...

You have to scout the woods to find these old foundations.

Possibly predates the other buildings in Fallis...?

Oil change and a tune up, and she's probably good to go.

If these walls could talk... (Addendum: It's funny how only later, reviewing the photos, do I notice things like that pink garment hanging in the closet. Why didn't I see it at the time? Was I too focused on the bed itself? Now I wonder what else is in that closet.)

Indoor plumbing!

No lunch here either.

Ghost Town: Fallis, Oklahoma (Part 4)

2009-10-17T18:54:00.001-05:00

The Dakar in downtown Fallis on a hopping Saturday night (well, Saturday afternoon anyway).

No school today.

And the bus driver isn't here.

We can remedy that real quick. Where ya wanna go?

Standing room only.

And don't mind the birds.

Obviously, the Fallis kids swiped this puppy from Wellston one Friday night after the big game.

If this was in my backyard, I could probably turn it into something really neat. Hmmmm....

Ghost Town: Fallis, Oklahoma (Part 3)

2009-10-17T18:34:00.000-05:00

Knock before entering...

...and don't mind the mess. The maid was off today.

Monday's work shirt is clean and pressed.

But Mother Hubbard's cupboard is a bit bare.

Somebody's been enjoying the peace and quiet in Fallis.

Another home fades into ruin.

Watch your head (feet too, as the floors of most of these homes aren't in much better shape and might just go out from under you!).

Windows haven't been washed in quite some time.

And that sofa probably needs a good scrubbing, too.