Vincati - Dads and Sons and Their Motorcycles

I just saw this article in my Google Alerts. It's actually a review of a new book, "Big Sid’s Vincati: The Story of a Father, a Son, and the Motorcycle of a Lifetime," by Matthew Biberman. The article is on the Opinion page of the New York Times and written by Stanley Fish. It's thought provoking and even involves motorcycles. If you ever read Pirsig's, "Zen and The Art of Motorcycle Maintenance," you'll be even more interested in the article. If you never heard of Pirsig, read the article and then go get a copy. It's easy reading but deeply involved in philosophy too.


Here's an excerpt from the article, "Fathers, Sons and Motorcycles":

"What is it about motorcycles? I have never been on one for the same reason that I don’t go on roller coasters or other amusement-park rides. I’m terrified. Yet every so often motorcycles come into my life. When I met my wife in the middle ’70s her primary mode of transportation was a motorcycle (a small Honda). She specialized in terrifying situations. She rode it to and from work in South Philadelphia and was once robbed at an intersection while waiting for the light to turn green. She took the bike onto the Baltimore Beltway, where I felt nervous driving a car. She says now that she got it because something was missing from her life. And she bought it immediately after having read Robert Pirsig’s "Zen and The Art of Motorcycle Maintenance: An Inquiry Into Values" (1974)." -- Stanley Fish

Now, read the complete article and don't forget the comments at the end.

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Welcome to the wild side of Honda, The FURY

Features:

* High-mount steering head complements the raked-out front end.
* “Hard-tail” styling.
* Long, slim 3.4 gallon seamless fuel tank mounts high on the frame for a true custom look.
* Slim radiator is mounted unobtrusively to accent the Fury’s clean lines.
* Color-matched bodywork, frame and swingarm. (Matte Silver has a Black frame.)
* Minimalist front and rear fenders complement the Fury’s chopper styling.
* Control lines and cables are specially routed for a clean, custom look.
* New low-maintenance slim-profile driveshaft provides smooth operation with no need for chain or belt guards and covers.
* Integrated handlebar-mounted chrome housing features a speedometer, an odometer/A&B tripmeter and indicator lights for the turn signals, high beam, neutral, oil pressure, coolant temperature and clock.
* Electric speedometer with easy-to-read numerals uses an electronic transmission speed sensor, which eliminates the front-wheel-mounted speedometer cable. This contributes to a clean, uncluttered look.
* Passenger seat and rear passenger pegs are easily removed to yield a clean, solo look.
* Maintenance-free battery.
* Transferable one-year unlimited-mileage limited warranty; extended coverage available with a Honda Protection Plan.
* Engine/Drivetrain
* 1312cc liquid-cooled 52-degree V-twin delivers strong low-end and mid-range torque, with ample power for passing and relaxed cruising. Unique dual exhaust offers throaty exhaust note.
* Powerplant features a single-pin crankshaft to accentuate the engine’s character.
* Programmed Fuel Injection (PGM-FI) incorporates a single 38mm-diameter throttle body (see 2009 Technology Section).
* Three-Valve Dual-Plug Combustion Chamber (see 2009 Technology Section).
* Five-speed transmission for exciting roll-on performance.
* Chassis/Suspension
* All-new rear suspension system gives a clean uncluttered appearance.
* Single rear shock with adjustable rebound damping and five-position preload adjustment features an advanced internal valve system for a comfortable ride, and provides 3.7 inches of wheel travel.
* Large-diameter 45mm extended front fork provides 4.0 inches of plush, responsive travel.

Honda Genuine Accessories

* Leather Accessories: Custom Rider Seat (multiple designs), Custom Passenger Seat (multiple designs), Leather Front Pouch (Fury logo).
* Backrest: Low Sissy Bar, Passenger Backrest Pad.
* Chrome Accessories: Rear Fender Panel, Chrome Allen Bolt Inserts (5, 6, 8mm).
* Billet Accessories: Master Cylinder Cover, Oil Dipstick, Clutch Cover, Timing Cover, Upper Fork Bolt Cover, License Plate Frame.
* Additional Accessories: Braided Steel Lines for Brakes, Throttle and Clutch, Front Spoiler (color matched), Front Spoiler LED Light Kit, Boulevard Screen, Outdoor Cover.
* (Accessory availability and specifications subject to change without notice.)

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Supershow Snags Honda Canada

On the heels of a recent announcement that Canadian Kawasaki Motors will be participating in only one Toronto-based motorcycle show this winter, the North American International Supershow reports that Honda Canada will also be returning to the popular consumer show held at the Toronto International Centre in Mississauga from January 6-8, 2012.

In a recent press release from the North American International Motorcycle Supershow, the organization notes that Honda Canada is finalizing arrangements to once again exhibit at the show. According to the press release, the Honda Corporate Booth will be located in Hall 3 and will feature the Honda motorcycle and ATV 2012 line-ups, including the best selling CBR250R, plus their extensive line of Honda Power Equipment.

According to Nick Pollice, of Honda Canada, "The Honda Canada booth will be the booth to visit this year at the North American International Motorcycle Supershow 2012. We look forward to seeing you there!"

The recent move calls into question the future of the upcoming Toronto Motorcycle Show being held at the Metro Toronto Convention Centre from December 9-11, 2011. With the December show traditionally the venue for manufacturers to launch their latest product to the Canadian market, the question remains whether other manufacturers will also see the North American International Motorcycle Supershow as the premiere venue to launch new product offerings. In today's economy, consolidating a number of trade shows in one market certainly makes fiscal sense.

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Australasian Safari Day 3 Results 2011

The 2011 Australasian Safari competition marched on during Monday with riders covering 326km of competitive stages. After three days of racing Todd Smith remains in the lead by more than 10 minutes ahead of his brother, Jacob Smith. Todd Smith recorded the fastest time during the third leg by nearly five minutes ahead of Shane Diener. Rod Faggotter, Jacob Smith and Damien Grabham rounded out the frontrunners during the day as Frenchman Cyril Despres dropped more than 40 minutes behind the leader.
“It was fun today,” said Despres. “I was a bit faster, although I was expecting it to be like yesterday. There was some sliding – it was quite fun. Some parts were really fast. I’m still having difficulty with the course notes, it is very different to what I am used to and I’m not sure I can learn it in a week. I saw some big animals today including 1.5 meter lizard!”
Brothers Todd and Jacob Smith are helping each other along the way.
“Jacob caught me and we raced each other most of the way, and we also worked together to open and close gates,” said Todd. “The stages were flowing nicely - it was fun.”
Damien Grabham, who broke his leg in the competition two years ago, said it was a relief just to finish the day. Damien is currently fifth in the overall timesheet after winning the first stage during Day 3, and is five minutes ahead of Despres in the overall charts.
“Today was mentally challenging,” Damien said. “I just cruised and took it easy. It was good.”
Meanwhile Ben Grabham suffered mechanical difficulties in between stages and was unable to compete in the second half.
Tomorrow the course will stay around Laverton with a looped course that begins and ends in the gold mining town. It features a massive 660km circuit spread out over three separate stages.

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