This week we recap our stellar record in predicting the results of the Cycle World Top 10. We are then joined by Chris Harr while we talk about Suzuki’s triumphant “return” to the U.S. market, Gladiator Rio’s review of the Super Tenere and an iPhone app called TripCast from Jeep. That’s right, Jeep. We close it out with a great conversation about Mr. Harr’s very drool-worthy Aprilia RSV4.

• Links
  • Cycle World’s Top 10 (again)
  • 2011 Suzukis start to brake cover
  • Motorcycle USA’s Super Tenere review
  • TripCast by Jeep
    • iTunes Link
  • Ogio No Drag Backpack
• Opening music by KunK

We’ve got it all this week. Boots that keep water in, Barney the Dinosaur and even bigger Bavarian beasts. Then we’ll talk about unidentified things in the woods, something neither of us cares about, electric bikes that might be affordable, and a fleet of electrics from the tuning fork company. Someone can’t count, we’ll bring you the latest installment of Aerostich: Genius or Madness and if you’re keeping score, Chris and I are tied at one each.

• Linkage
  • BMW K1600GT and GTL
  • New Triumph Adventure Bikes
  • 2011 Kawasaki ZX10R
  • Big Dog
  • Electric Motorsports Native S
  • Yamaha goes electric
  • Dispelling 4 (or maybe just 3) Myths About Electric Motorcycles
  • Genius or Madness?
  • Cycle World’s 10 Best of 2010
• Music
  • KunK

*I completely changed my post production workflow this week. Please let me know how it sounds.

This week we are joined by our friend Nagi. Nagi is from India and has spent the last 10 years in the United States. We discuss the differences between being a motorcyclist in the USA and being a motorist in India. Nagi helps us understand how 2-wheeled travel is just a way of life in India, vs. the apparent “toy” or recreational nature of motorcycling in the USA.

Nagi also points out the differences in long-term ownership here and abroad, and how small-displacement engines are the norm in India, compared to the big, powerful machines we typically see here in the US. Before moving to America, Nagi rode bikes typically in the 125cc range, whereas here in America, Nagi is riding a Suzuki GSXR750 and a Honda Shadow VLX 600.

The Pace Podcast’s theme music is No Way by Kunk.

This week’s additional music is from California rock band Sundial Project. The band maintains a Facebook Fan Page as well as an iTunes Store page.

Manufacturers info in India:

http://www.automobileindia.com/two-wheelers/manufacturer/

http://headlinesindia.mapsofindia.com/cars/top-car-manufacturers.html

Other links:

Vespa.com – the premiere scoot!

Foursquare – social/location networking

This week Chris and I talk about the VFR1200F’s new (over priced) high-tech (over priced) dual clutch (over priced) transmission (it costs a lot). We also cover Ducati’s rumored run at Mr. Max’s power cruiser crown, the Sprint ST’s continued existence and Kawasaki’s newest Ninja.

We’ll give you a peak at a gizmo that will keep your iPhone out of harm’s way as long as you have one of those ancient 3G or 3GS models and we’ll talk about a CEO that actually rides what he builds. Then there’s a very large gathering of R1 and R6 riders at The Tail of the Dragon including one very well equipped Mr. Chuck Graves. Yep, that Chuck Graves. Alice in Chains, Stone Temple Pilots and many other get their festival Mojo working in Sturgis. We wrap it all up with the shocking revelation that California does not feel the love for loud aftermarket pipes.

Links

• Bikes
  • The VFR’s DCT
  • Ducati’s potential power cruiser
  • 2011 Triumph Sprint ST
  • Kawasaki Ninja 400R
• Gear
  • Magellan ToughCase
• Other Really Interesting Stuff
  • BMW’s CEO Rides Morocco
  • Yamaha’s invade the Dragon
  • The Rock N Rev Festival in Sturgis
  • California votes on epa-stickered exhaust systems
• Music
  • KunK
  • The Five Jacks

We’re sorry folks but we just couldn’t get an episode in this week. We should be on track for next week. Please check back then.

Music: ‘No Way’ by KunK provided by Music Alley

• Gear
  • Coocase Review
• News, Opinions and barely intelligible ramblings
  • New maximum Bandito for the U.K.
  • Scooters recommended by CNN’s Headline News
  • Oil spill in the Gulf
  • Piaggio’s CEO is officially “The Man”
  • Riding in India
• Music provided by Music Alley
  • Opening music: ‘No Way’ by KunK
  • Additional music by The Ugly Beats

• Skype interview with Reuben Bakker, product manager for New Enough
• 1Q sales down, industry wide.
  • First quarter motorcycle sales data from the Motorcycle Industry Council shows a 22.7% drop compared to 2009. The estimated sales figures, compiled by the MIC from participating manufacturers, show a drop across all segments for the first three months of 2010.
  • http://www.motorcycle-usa.com/4/7033/Motorcycle-Article/Motorcycle-Sales-Down-First-Quarter-2010.aspx
  • http://www.webbikeworld.com/motorcycle-news/statistics/motorcycle-sales-statistics.htm
• Pee Wee Herman opens Sturgis festivities at The Buffalo Chip. Seriously.
  • http://www.motorcycle-usa.com/4/7027/Motorcycle-Article/Pee-wee-Herman-To-Kick-off-Chips-Sturgis-Party.aspx
• Kawasaki announces new 2011 models, but they’re all dirt bikes. But what’s more surprising is what’s missing from the lineup:
  • Vulcan 1600, fully replaced by the Vulcan 1700 models.
  • Vulcan 500 and 750, fully replaced by the Vulcan 900
  • Vulcan 2000 only has one trim package now
  • Ninja 500 is gone
  • Contrasting Yamaha and Suzuki, Kawasaki only has ONE 600cc and ONE 1000cc fully clad sport bike
• Honda PCX for 2011
  • http://www.motorcycle-usa.com/695/4631/Motorcycle-Article/Honda-PCX-Scooter-First-Look.aspx

Music

• Theme music, No Way by Kunk
• Additional music by Ellis Ashbrook and is provided by Music Alley

• News and Rumors
  • Honda’s Sportster Shadow RS
  • Triumph Sprint GT
  • Buy ans R1 get a free Akrapovic exhaust (at least in the U.K.)
  • MCN is looking for Monster owners to test the new 796
• Gear
  • Chris’ new top box from Coocase
  • RF1100 review from James
• Music provided by Music Alley
  • Opening music: ‘No Way’ by KunK

• News, Rumors and Reviews
  • BMW to build a water cooled Boxer?
  • Tour Master Transition 2 jacket review
  • First Gear Contour jacket a heckuva deal
  • Alpinestars Tech Air race suit
  • Aerostich Cantilever Wheel Balancer

• Other Stuff
  • Location based social media
    • foursquare
    • Gowalla
    • Loopt
  • Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month
    • Pennsylvania’s Live Free/Ride Alive campaign
    • MSF: Top Five Rules Riders Should Remember
  • Road tax politics in the U.K.
  • Chris’s gear closet reduction sale

• Music provided by Music Alley
  • Opening music: ‘No Way’ by KunK
  • Additional music: ‘Im On’, ‘The Theme from Atomic Suplex’, ‘Diamond Skull’ and ‘Atomic Suplexed by a Girl’ by Atomic Suplex

Topics:

• Alternative fuel bikes: diesel and electric.
  • We’ve discussed the increased availability of electric bikes in particular.
  • Do we see these becoming viable in the future, or remaining a small and “nichey” part of the market place?

• Does shifting define a “bike” vs. a scooter?
  • More and more bikes are blurring the line between what we think of as a “big boy” motorcycle and a scooter.
  • Is it time to erase that line?

• Tech Days: benefits vs. risks.
  • What happens if someone working on your bike totally screws it up?
  • Should he pay for it?
  • What risks do you take?

• ABS and other safety options
  • Let’s discuss apparent effectiveness vs. the potential for government mandates
  • What about the increased costs?
  • Comment on the current choices (or lack thereof) in the market place.

• Forced downtime while touring
  • You break down or have a no-injury crash.
  • What are your best options?

Links

• Colleen – http://dantesdame.com/
• John – http://www.smacksboosters.110mb.com/
• Prubert – http://motocast.libsyn.com/

Music

• Courtesy of http://www.musicalley.com/
• Theme music, No Way by Kunk
• Additional music by Justin Gordon

I am traveling on business this week. Wayne sits in from The Swanson Skunkwerx for an open discussion on the Yamaha FZ1 and on his cross country trip with Chris.

Coyote from day 4

• FZ1OA forum
• The ArcPosse cross country road trip log
• Wayne’s trip log
• Music provided by Music Alley
  • Opening music: ‘No Way’ by KunK
  • Additional music: ‘Take Me Down’, ‘You Got Me Bad’ and ‘Devils On The Phone’ by Mickey and The Sins

• News
  • Moto Morini may be sold
  • NOS Nortons and more going to auction
  • 2010 Ural ST
  • Honda EV-Neo
  • T-Bird SE and T-Bird 1700
  • Driver jailed for blocking and injuring passing rider
  • Avon Tires answers your questions via MCN
  • Mötley Crüe at the Buffalo Chip
• Reviews
  • Joe Rocket Alter Ego
  • Chris’s modified tire changing rig
    • HF Tire Changer
    • No-Mar Spoon Bar
    • No-Mar Yellow Thing
    • No-Mar XtraHand Clamps
    • Mojolever
    • Mojoblocks
• Feedback
  • Why we don’t do racing
• Opening Music provided by Music Alley
  • ‘No Way’ by KunK
  • Other music from The Gypsy Nomads
    • Harry Callahan meets Josey Wales
    • Tall Tales From The Tavern
    • Yes! I’m French
    • It’s OK

Episode 25 – Mostly black and kind of steep

Mfg news:

• Harley donates bikes to Haiti relief - http://www.motorcycle.com/news/hd-donates-bikes-to-haiti-relief-effort-89176.html
• 20 years of Triumph under John Bloor - http://www.motorcycle.com/news/triumph-celebrating-20th-anniversary-89330.html
• Bennche Motorcycles of Texas - http://www.motorcycle.com/news/introducing-bennche-89291.html
  • Megelli is a UK-based “European motorcycle company”. What’s that mean, exactly?
  • Megelli is the distributor for Blata motorcycles.
• Harley pulls out of Myrtle ralley - http://www.usridernews.com/2010/03/23/north-myrtle-rally-hits-the-ditch/

Bike model news:

• 2010 Indian Chief Review - http://www.motorcycle.com/manufacturer/2010-indian-chief-vintage-review-89344.html
  • $35,499
  • 750lbs
  • 45 employees, hand building bikes, 2 per day. Initial run of 500 Chiefs
• 2010 Honda Shadow Phantom review - http://www.motorcycle.com/manufacturer/honda/2010-honda-shadow-phantom-review-89325.html
• 2010 Mana GT is coming to America. Review - http://www.motorcycle.com/manufacturer/aprilia/2010-aprilia-mana-850-gt-abs-review-89210.html

Gear and other news:

• Safety classes not effective? - http://www.usridernews.com/2010/03/31/anti-lock-brakes-better-than-safety-class/
  • “According to the report, which was funded by the insurance industry, riders younger than 21 have a claims rate 10% higher in states that require them to take training courses, compared with states that do not require such courses.”
  • “The same study found that antilock brakes on motorcycles play a significant role in reducing crashes. The group says bikes with antilock brakes are 37% less likely to be involved in fatal crashes than those without them. Motorcycle models with antilocks also have 22% fewer damage claims per insured vehicle year (a “vehicle year” refers to one vehicle insured for one year).”
• Exhaust aftermarket parts for the Honda Fury – The beginning of the aftermarket catching on to “factory custom” choppers? –  http://www.usridernews.com/2010/03/25/new-exhaust-for-honda-fury-from-rush/
• Book: Weird Pennsylvania
• American Chopper returns, with a twist - http://www.nypost.com/p/entertainment/tv/hog_brawl_DGIaJp3YxntDfDynaIrtbL?sms_ss=twitter
• Lee Parks DeerTours - http://www.leeparksdesign.com/eshopprod_cat_530-3637_product_33204.DeerTours_Tan.htm

Music:

• Theme music, No Way by Kunk
• Additional music by The All Mighty Whispers, provided by MusicAlley.com

• News and Opinion
  • Gov. Schwarzenegger endorses Zero Motorcycles
  • Norton delivers first bike from Donington Park
  • New MV Agusta F4 for 2010
  • MCN reviews Suzuki’s GSX1250F
  • Rider Magazine reviews Honda’s VFR1200F
  • Arizona may legalize lane splitting
  • Rider covers modular helmets in the May 2010 issue

• Review
  • Cruiserworks Boots

• Music provided by Music Alley
  • Opening music: ‘No Way’ by KunK
  • Additional music: ‘Countach’, ‘Crampbone’, ‘We Goin Now’ and ‘Monkeyshine Pantsuit’ by The Cassettes

• News and Opinion
  • Ducati and Piaggio sitting in a tree…
  • Middle weight monster?
  • Full specs on the Yamaha FZ8 in the U.K.
  • Honda CB1100 for Asia only
  • Star’s new Stratoliner Deluxe
  • BMW’s S1000RR to contest the Isle of Man TT
  • 2010 Hyosung ST7
  • Tail of the Dragon closed due to a rock slide
  • ThermaHelm brain cooling helmet

• Music provided by Music Alley
  • Opening music: ‘No Way’ by KunK
  • Additional music: ‘Ooolin Poolin Oy’, ‘Road Hazard’, ‘Mermaid in Japan’ and ‘Dyer Moon’ by Blue Wave Theory

Well, we’re taking another week off. We hope to get back on track next week. In the mean time check out the Cycle World Radio podcast and Cycle Torque. This weeks music is a tune called Who’s That Man? from The Royal Hangmen.

• Zero hires top talent from Buell - http://www.autoblog.com/2010/03/05/zero-charges-forward-electric-motorcycle-company-to-hire-top-ta/
• Harley-Davidson “Ride Easy” program. Easy financing. Isn’t this what got them into trouble before?
• Czysz is at it again. $24-42k electric power plant - http://www.motorcyclenews.com/MCN/News/newsresults/General-news/2010/February/feb2710-motoczysz-launches-plugnplaypowertrain/
  • The E1 is the electric setup
  • The C1 is the carbon-fibre frame, I4 gas powered setup.
  • The C1 is featured in the upcoming movie, Wall Street II
  • C1 specs - http://www.motoczysz.com/main.php?area=07C1_tech
• Updated info on Aprilia recall - http://www.cyclenews.com/articles/industry-news/2010/02/19/aprilia-engine-recall-update
  • This recall, reviewed and approved by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), has been given the reference number 10V-029.
  • New replacement engines have arrived at RSV4 qualified Aprilia dealers and the company expects certified technicians to complete all work on RSV4 models in customers’ hands within two to three weeks.
• Super Tenere = 13.5k GBP - http://www.motorcyclenews.com/MCN/News/newsresults/New-bikes/2010/February/feb2610-yamaha-super-tenere-to-cost-13500/
  • Yamaha has confirmed the new ‘first edition’ version of the 2010 Super Tenere 1200 will cost £13,500 in the UK.
  • Comparison: base R1200 GSA = £10,745.00
  • “If you were to spec up a BMW R1200GS to a similar level as the Yamaha Tenere it would take the basic price of £9925 to around £12,200 – just under £1300 less than the Yamaha.”
  • Still no mention of it on the US site and no mention of a US release.
• MCN rides the 1200 Multistrada - http://www.motorcyclenews.com/MCN/News/newsresults/First-rides–tests/2010/February/feb2810-2010-ducati-multistrada-1200-first-ride-update/
• How we Drive - http://www.howwedrive.com/

Mods and maintenance:

• Cleaning up the electricals
  • TechFlex wire sheathing - http://www.whitehorsegear.com/techflex-black-flexo-pet
  • Nylon sheathing from CableOrganizer.com - http://cableorganizer.com/nylon/
  • Split looms for existing wiring - http://cableorganizer.com/wire-loom/colored.html?=recommended
• Tire changer mods, cheap is cheap, but “good enough” can be improved.
  • Harbor Freight tire changer - http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/ctaf/displayitem.taf?Itemnumber=42927
  • Mojo Lever mount/de-mount bar - http://home.comcast.net/~prestondrake/mojoweb.htm
  • No-Mar mount/de-mount bar - http://www.nomar-secure.com/product_p/tc-mdbar-std.htm
  • Video – HF changer & MoJo Lever - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d_J5_sRRiAk
  • Video (Web Bike World – “Chris” in the video is not Chris from The Pace) – Cycle Hill tire changer - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xOlFE_JHCqQ&feature=fvw
  • Cycle Hill tire changer - http://cyclehilltirechanger.com/
  • No-Mar tire changer - http://nomartirechanger.com/

Show info:

• Feedback to feedback@thepacepodcast.com
• Opening music, No Way by Kunk, provided by MusicAlley.com
• Additional music is by The Twin Cats, provided by MusicAlley.com

Chris and I are taking the week off. Go ride your bike and check in next week. Here’s a little tune called Stars from Lily Sparks courtesy of Music Alley to keep you going until then. The lyrics are a little goofy but I dig the riff at the beginning and the cow bell. It has plenty of cow bell.

• Xtreme Sports Insurance for those engaging in ‘extreme’ activity - http://www.cyclenews.com/articles/industry-news/2010/02/18/moto-insurance
  • Available for nearly anyone
  • covers any and all injuries – pays directly to the insured
  • www.MotoInsuranceNow.com
• AMA (American Motorcycle Association) - http://www.ama-cycle.org/

Opinions

• Useful iPhone / Smartphone apps: You got any? Discussions on the forums.
  • Adaptunes
  • Fuelly
  • Pandora (iPhone)
  • Pandora (BlackBerry)
  • Voice Recorder
  • Units / Convert Units
  • HUD-Plus
  • FTPOnTheGo
  • MyRide

Intro music, No Way by Kunk. Additonal music by Helix and is provided by Music Alley.com

• News and Opinion
  • The Official Motorcycle of Wisconsin
  • The GSXR Turns the Big Two-Five
  • U.S. Highland Motorcycles
• Music provided by Music Alley
  • Opening music: ‘No Way’ by KunK
  • Additional music: ‘Shape Of You’, ‘So Sue Me’ and ‘Django’ by Nina Vox

• News and opinions
  • Massachusetts riders may be eligible for insurance refunds:
    • “may be due a refund, with 6 percent interest”
    • Safety Insurance Company
    • Liberty Mutual Insurance Company
    • Quincy Mutual Fire Insurance Company
    • average refund to be ~$300 with some riders’ refunds in the thousands of dollars
    • rather than using current book values to calculate premiums, the settling insurers calculated premiums for a 1999 Harley-Davidson Road King Classic based on a $20,000 value in each year between 2003 and 2008
    • http://www.Motorcycle-usa.com/2/5736/Motorcycle-Article/MA-Motorcyclists-Get-Insurance-Refunds.aspx

• • Buell interview on Motorcycle-USA.com
    • http://www.motorcycle-usa.com/682/5642/Motorcycle-Article/Erik-Buell-Interview-Exclusive.aspx
  • Rider weight – it’s not always the bike that needs to trim down
    • http://thepacepodcast.com/forums/index.php?topic=50.0
  • Wanna talk about the Swissauto thing? – http://www.motorcycledaily.com/03february10_victoryacq.htm

• Follow up and feedback
  • featured on Zune store
    • http://social.zune.net/podcast/The-Pace-Podcast-»-Podcast/a7cd6d36-be7f-437e-a3c3-72097f66f386

• Intro music, No Way by Kunk. This week’s music, My Baby Up and Left Me, Wrap Yourself in Glamour, Cheap Guitars and Honky Tonk Bars, Cant Be Lovin You by The Blues Vultures. Music provided by MusicAlley.com

• News and Opinion
  • HyperMotard updates from Ducati
  • H-D Sportster 48
  • Japanese motorcycle prices on the climb in Europe
  • MCN’s bike performance index (PDF)
  • Icon Variant Helmet

• Follow up and Feedback
  • Email from Ryan

• Music provided by Music Alley
  • Opening music: ‘No Way’ by KunK
  • Additional music: ‘Cocoanut Grove’, ‘Reap’, ‘She’s So Atomic’ and ‘ProCreative’ by Atomic Bride

• Links
  • Cafe Racer Magazine

• News and Opinion
  • Official pics of the Yamaha FZ8 and Fazer8
  • New Scorpion helmets
    • EXO 750
    • New colors for the EXO 900
  • University study on the effects of wind noise inside the helmet
  • Tires
  • Cycle World IMS in NY
    • I couldn’t dig up the info I was looking for on the HAs. If anyone remembers the story better then I do feel free to record it as an MP3 and send it in.
    • Visit our Facebook page for pics (more will be added this week)
• Music provided by Music Alley
  • Opening music: ‘No Way’ by KunK
  • Additional music: ‘Dig The Rock N Roll’, ‘Fine Sexy Baby’ and ‘Spend A Real Cool Time In Hell’ by The Stockmen (God I love MySpace. I really wish more bands had MySpace pages. That would be awesome.)
• Links
  • Metric Devil Moto

The Pace Podcast

• News and opinions
  • New Zumo models from Garmin
    • 665
    • 220
  • Scooters: Great commuter vehicles that will not cause your testicles to shrivel up and fall off
  • Harley Davidson selling leisure motorcycles in India
  • Sport bike ergonomics
• Follow up and feedback
• Music provided by Music Alley
  • Opening music: ‘No Way’ by KunK
  • Additional music: ‘Brasil, 1957′, ‘ January’, ‘Pages’, ‘Find The Time’ and ‘The Well-Traveled Gentleman’ by The Blind Eyes (One of the less annoying MySpace pages I’ve had to endure but it’s still MySpace.)

News and opinions

• The new Z1000: B-King light? Definitely a hooligan. And that’s OK! ( http://kawasaki.com/Products/product-specifications.aspx?id=432&scid=6 )
• BMW drops less than other MFGs in the market space.
  • As reported on MotorcycleUsa.com – “BMW announced the news on Monday, January 11, touting sales data from the Motorcycle Industry Council. According to BMW (MIC annual report not yet available for confirmation), the US motorcycle market dropped 41%, to the tune of almost 360,000 unit sales lost. BMW sales dipped 22%, “which was the smallest decline among all motorcycle brands.”
  • As reported by BMW - “Our dedicated dealers were the key to our success this past year,” continued Andersen in the press announcement. “Despite the tough market, they continued serve our customers well and promote our new products like the K1300S and the K1300GT. They were supported by attractive financing programs from BMW Financial Services. While many other dealers struggled to finance their customers’ purchases, BMW dealers never lost access to good financing, and this will continue for 2010.”
  • http://www.motorcycle-usa.com/573/5499/Motorcycle-Article/BMW-Best-Performer-in-2009-US-Market.aspx

Updates on bike shopping? – Chris chose a Buell Ulysses XT ( http://chornbe.com/motorcycles/xt/ )

How to contact us

Music is provided courtesy of MusicAlley.com

• Theme song by Kunk
• Additional music by .22 (Point-22)

• Special Guests: Ken Denton and Jim Kennedy
• News and Opinions
  • Recalls
    • BMW: Poor fuel quality may result in small deposits in the throttle bodies.
    • Kawasaki: The engine case on affected motorcycles may leak engine oil on the rear tire.
    • Buell: Due to a manufacturing issue with a part supplier, the right footpeg mount may not conform to specifications.
  • Dakar
    • Sherco kicks ass on day one
  • Chris goes bike shopping
    • Find a Buell
• Follow Up and Feedback
  • Autocom files for protection from creditors, lays off everyone, restructuring for a return in 2010
    • New distributor: MocoTuA Ltd - 866-951 5550
  • iTunes reviews
• Interview: Part II Ken Denton & Jim Kennedy in the Alps trip
• Music provided by Music Alley
  • Opening music: ‘No Way’ by KunK
  • Additional music: ‘Tranquilizer’, ‘Junkie Luv’, ‘Reincarnation’ and ‘People Turn Me On’ by Mass Assembly

• Special Guest: Prubert (email: prubert01@yahoo.com)
• News and Opinion
  • Kawasaki pulls out of AMA road racing
  • Motorcycle USA “Best of 2009 Awards”
• Follow Up and Feed Back
  • AutoCom
  • iTunes Reviews
• Interview: Part II with Prubert
• Music provided by Music Alley
  • Opening music: ‘No Way’ by KunK
  • Additional music: ‘Groovement Movement’, ‘Taxi Time’ and ‘Lock It Up’ by ‘Groovement’ (Guess what? It’s MySpace!)

No regular show this week. We’re taking the holiday week off to enjoy the time with our family and friends. Look for us to be back to a regular schedule next week. The first couple of shows in 2010 will finish up the interviews we started late in 2009 and there’s more great content coming your way.

Thanks all and have a great holiday season!

Music provided by Music Alley:

• theme music – No Way by Kunk
• Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas by The Hollywood Drunks

• Special Guest: Dawn Ventimiglia – Eclectic Dawn Arts
  • Bio – http://eclecticdawnarts.com/about.html
  • The Bobber project – http://eclecticdawnarts.com/450.html
  • Mermie (VLX600 Project) – http://eclecticdawnarts.com/mermie.html
  • The book, “Intimate Nature” - http://www.cafepress.com/eclecticdawn/2839402
  • Motorcycle artwork (helmets and client bikes): http://eclecticdawnarts.com/gallery/motorcycle/Flash01/index.html

• News and opinions
  • Harley recalling over 110,000 bikes - http://www.motorcycledaily.com/14december09_hdrecall.htm
  • AutoCom closes? A small post from an employee suggested he’s out of a job and AutoCom is closed. - http://www.ukgser.com/forums/showthread.php?t=212522
  • School buses – “It’s ok to pass them when they’re not stopped for loading/unloading.”
  • Listener discussion – “how about finding good roads in unknown territory?” — fzmax

• Follow up and feedback
  • Thanks to CowPony for the iTunes review.

• Links
  • Gazetteer - http://shop.delorme.com/OA_HTML/DELibeCCtpSctDspRte.jsp?section=10096&minisite=10020
  • HD Garage Party - http://www.harley-davidson.com/wcm/Content/Pages/women_riders/garage_party_events.jsp?locale=en_US
• Music provided by Music Alley
  • Opening music: ‘No Way’ by KunK
  • Additional music: She’s Telling Lies, Somebody, Rotten Apple by American Heartbreak

• News and Opinion
  • VW buys 20% of Suzuki
  • Still no Suzuki street bikes for 2010
  • Moto Morini shutters its doors

• Follow Up and Feedback
  • Why are 750s considered “beginner’s bikes”?
  • What kind of training is appropriate for a returning rider?

• Special Guests: Ken Denton and Jim Kennedy
  • Tour of the Alps and Dolomites

• Music provided by Music Alley
  • Opening music: ‘No Way’ by KunK
  • Additional music: ‘I Don’t Mind’, ‘Ride With Me’, ‘Non Lo So’ and ‘The Red Shark’ by The Vibro-tones (yep, it’s another MySpace page…)

• News
  • The new VFR gets a price
• Holiday Gift Guide
  • Under $25
    • Light Weight Ski Socks
      • Tilley’s travel socks
    • C9 Technical Clothing
    • Kickstand Foot
    • Accugage w/ Hose
    • Small Dry Bag
    • Aerostich LP Bag
      • REI Flash 18
    • JVC Air Cushion earphones
      • Skull Candy Ink’d earphones
    • Kobalt 13-in-1 Multi Bit Ratchet Screwdriver
  • $25 to $100
    • Slime Compressor
    • CamelBak Classic
    • Quickstand
    • Portable iPod Speakers and Charger
    • Tourmaster deerskin gloves
    • Craftsman 1/4″ ratchet/socket set
    • Leatherman Micra or Squirt
  • The sky’s the limit
    • Timbuk2 Bag in a Box
    • Motorcycle Lift
    • Air compressor and air ratchet
    • Cycle Hill tire changer
    • Heated gear
      • Scorpion Snowmobile Helmet
    • Manfrotto Carbon Tripod
• Music provided by Music Alley
  • Opening music: ‘No Way’ by KunK
  • Additional music because nothing says “Christmas” like hair metal
    • ‘Santa Claus is Coming to Town‘ by Dokken (Caution: Music plays automatically when the page loads)
    • ‘Jingle Bell Rock‘ by Nelson
    • ‘Jingle Bells‘ by Skid Row

• Special Guest: Prubert (email: prubert01@yahoo.com)
  • Rider Training and Education
    • Motorcycle Safety Foundation
      • Find a class
      • Becoming a Rider Coach
  • News and Opinion
    • Yamaha FZ8
      • MCN Link
    • Music provided by Music Alley
      • Opening music: ‘No Way’ by KunK
      • Additional Music: ‘Open Road’ and ‘Hold Me Down’ by Nathan Lee (MySpace)

• Special guest: Ken Denton
• News and Opinions
  • Brammo Enertia price drop
  • 2010 Ducati Multistrada
• Mods and Maintenance
  • Carrying a laptop
    • Laptop Locker
    • Aerostitch messenger bag
    • Givi top case
    • Ortlieb hard shell case
    • Padded roll top  bag
  • Fuelly.com
• Feedback
• Music
  • Opening music: ‘No Way’ by KunK
  • Additional music: ‘Science Fiction Movie’, ‘Twinkle’, The Little Things’, ‘Breathe’ by The Kill Screens
    • VGO Podcast

We are aware of the download speed issues. The server host is working with us to get this taken care of as soon as possible. The hosting company and we are communicating and steps are under way to resolve this. Please bear with us. Thanks.

• News and Opinion
  • Kawasaki Versys
  • Magazine Reviews

• Mods and Maintenance
  • Tires
    • Pirelli Angel ST
    • Dunlop GT502 (That’s the best link I could find)

• Followup and Feedback
  • C14 correction
  • Coming soon
    • Special guest: Prubert
    • Holiday show

• Music provided by Music Alley
  • Opening music: ‘No Way’ by KunK
  • Additional music: ‘There She Goes’, ‘Push’ and Soccergirl’ by Brother Love

*Chris and I are both in IT. We each had multiple after hours support issues during the week.

• News and Opinions
  • Suzuki in trouble?
  • Yamaha – nothing new in the lineup
  • 2010 Concours 14 – upgrades and improvements

• Mods and Maintenance
  • Winter bike storage prep
  • Dynabeads – snake oil or reality? ( http://innovativebalancing.com/ )
• Followup and feedback
  • from last week – clarification on BRP & Rotax. Rotax is the driveline/engine manufacturing division of BRP. ( http://www.kart-rotax.com/company/history.html )
  • Re: Buell’s sales… info from a Harley insider:
    • Buell’s best selling model is the Blast with almost 25,000 sold!
    • The Uly was a good seller and topped the ranks for 2006 & 2007
• Links
  • Chris’ FZ6 Review (http://thepacepodcast.com/forums/index.php?topic=18.0)

• Music provided by Music Alley
  • Opening music: “No Way” by KunK
    • http://music.podshow.com/music/listeners/artistdetails.php?BandHash=fd8d99d1215e164f0120bd7a04f92282

• • Remaining music: “Piece of My”, “Hands Up – Instrumental Version” and “Employee of the Month” by Atomic Brother
    • http://music.podshow.com/music/listeners/artistdetails.php?BandHash=577a4301db0a4603a2794d58bc0814a6

• News and Opinion
  • BUELL
    • Gone for good or will HD release a rebranded line of bikes?
    • Will Erik stay with HD and then retire?
    • Will he become involved in privateers?
    • Will he start something new?
    • Will HD release the Buell name and licenses/patents?
    • http://www.autoblog.com/2009/10/20/buell-will-be-back-county-officials-throwing-axed-hd-brand-a-li/
  • VFR1200F
    • Next big thing?
    • Is it too little too late?
    • Will the expected price point be too high?
    • Opinions on sales and marketplace reception once it’s “real” in dealerships?
    • Review temporarily removed – http://cmgonline.com/content/view/1836/254/
    • http://www.visordown.com/motorcycle-news-new-bikes/honda-vfr1200f-launch-first-riding-impressions/8565.html
  • Honda’s approach to the US market
    • Is the future of Honda’s offerings just RR bikes and DN-01 style cross-segment machines?
    • Is dropping half the lineup and focusing on a few models alone good enough?
    • Is their heyday over? Are they destined to always leapfrog the other SS/RR bike makers?
    • $27K for a goldwing…? $12k for the RR, $15K for the DN-01, $16k (est) for the VFR… is Honda becoming the next BMW in terms of pricing and perceived value?
• Mods and Rides
  • Powerlet install
    • trouble spots
    • physical placement of the connectors
    • FUSE!!!

Music provided by Music Alley: “No Way” by KunK