RoadBikeMag.com

Up-And-Comer

admin — Thu, 01 Apr 2010 15:42:22 -0500

by: admin

Description: Here are a few pictures of my 3-year-old nephew, Jason. As you can see, he�s a motorcycle fanatic in the making. He�s already familiar with the basics of biking: ask permission before getting on someone else�s bike; don�t touch the pipes; board the bike from the kickstand side; and readjust every possible switch/knob/button on Uncle Ted�s 2003 Goldwing. His bedroom is entirely decorated in motorcycle milieu, and I�m sure he�d love to include a magazine picture of himself in the decor. So how �bout it? Ted Kalisz Elmhurst, Illinois

Hey Man, Jemez

admin — Tue, 16 Mar 2010 12:31:22 -0500

by: admin

Description: This is a picture of my wife and me with my �02 Yamaha Road Star. We were on a day trip through the Jemez Mountains north of Santa Fe, New Mexico. Although there are many, it is one of the most scenic and fun rides in northern New Mexico. This picture was taken is at the Valles Escaldera National Preserve, home to one of the largest elk herds in the state, and a great place to pull over and watch them gather in this huge bowl, which is a crater from an ancient volcano. I�ve added a few items to the bike, like a new Mustang seat and BUB�s Big Willie exhaust, but have left it mostly stock because it�s such a great cruiser. I hope you enjoy the picture, and I look forward to seeing it published in your great mag. I�ve been a subscriber for a couple of years, and I really enjoy all the features. I�ve learned a lot, so keep those great articles coming. It�s obvious that your writers are knowledgeable and experienced in all aspects of riding, and I, for one, have benefited greatly. Thanks for letting me share my ride with you. Leonard and Carmella Romero

Snowblind!

admin — Tue, 16 Mar 2010 12:29:53 -0500

by: admin

Description: My V-Star doesn�t like the snow. However, Thumper is okay with it. Peter White Perth, ON, CA

Eastbound And Down

admin — Tue, 16 Mar 2010 12:28:26 -0500

by: admin

Description: This is me and my 2007 Suzuki Boulevard M109R on the Kentucky/Tennessee border, on our way to Florida and Mississippi. Yes, you can make your everyday cruiser into a tourer. We covered 3,000 miles on this trip -- and by the way, white is the fastest color. Marco �Chef109� Yamuni Alanson, MI

Ten-Hut

admin — Tue, 16 Mar 2010 12:27:05 -0500

by: admin

Description: I had heard about the murals in Portsmouth, Ohio, from a fellow biker, so I took an all-day ride to go see them. (Like anyone needs a reason for an all-day ride!) Turns out, it�s a floodwall, and all the murals provide a history of the city of Portsmouth, which also happens to be home to the oldest motorcycle club in the country, Portsmouth Motorcycle Club. To my surprise they also had a mural to honor all veterans of 20th century wars. With my grandfather a WWII vet, my father a Vietnam vet, and myself a Persian Gulf vet, I was touched by this. So I lined my military-themed 2006 Vulcan 900 up for a photo. Of course, while I was there, I had to get a picture of my bike with the PMC mural, too. Pat Cline Ashland, OH

Dragon With A Mean Streak

admin — Tue, 16 Mar 2010 12:25:43 -0500

by: admin

Description: This picture was taken in 2004 while I was taking one of the many curves at the Tail of the Dragon. My bike is an �02 Kawi Mean Streak 1500, purchased new in 2003. I call her Excalibur because she has brought me through some tenuous riding moments over the past few years, kinda like the real Excalibur did for King Arthur! The color is Candy Goldspark. She has a Thunder kit with a K&N cone filter, Cobra Pipes, TFI fuel/rpm unit, drag bars, and other assorted accessories, much to my wife�s dismay. I�ve been riding since 1998. My name�s Tony, but they usually call me �Mean Ol� Fart� -- oops! Can you print that? Tony Gulla Cumming, GA

Portrait Studio

admin — Tue, 16 Mar 2010 12:24:27 -0500

by: admin

Description: I saw the call for pictures in RoadBike and thought I�d send one along. I wanted a �portrait� of my Kawasaki Vulcan 900 LT Classic, but couldn�t fit it into my home studio -- so I took the studio out to it. I�ve had the bike about 18 months. Added lots of chrome and little things here and there like lights and highway bars, flags and chrome trim around the windshield. Got a lowering kit from one of your advertisers and lowered it 2". I added a lot of LED brake and taillights. Folks don�t have a problem seeing me, that�s for sure. I�m 61 years old, was out of riding for about 35 years, and started again with the purchase of this bike. I strongly agree with your position on training for old riders like me. I took the MSF course and loved it. Got more from that course than I had in all my years on a bike. I have 12 grandchildren and I�m not going to send you a picture of any of them! Not even a picture of my wife�s two poodles. Just the bike. Keep up the excellent work. Howard �Scoot Coot� Blackburn Umatilla, FL

Okie Dokey

admin — Tue, 16 Mar 2010 12:23:12 -0500

by: admin

Description: Just wanted to say your mag rocks -- it�s the only one that I read. This is a photo on me on my 2003 Honda VTX 1800 Retro, coming down the South Grade Road (the tight side) on Palomar Mountain. I bought the Retro after a 35-year-break from riding; sure felt good to get back in the saddle. I�m 58 years young and loving it. I belong to the California VTX Riders; our motto is �Fast, Fun and Friendly.� Keep up the good work. Bob Milican, aka �Okie Bob� San Diego, California

Bunny Hop

admin — Tue, 16 Mar 2010 12:21:59 -0500

by: admin

Description: Here�s a picture taken of my �Best Half� this summer in Sedona, Arizona -- part of our 2,200-mile trip covering all of Arizona (except for Phoenix ... too many cagers there!). Parked in front of this beautiful model is our 2003 Yamaha Road Star, The Black Widow -- 48K and still running strong. Metrics rock! The drive between Flagstaff and Sedona on US 89A is absolutely the most incredible piece of blacktop I have ever had the privilege to run two wheels over. Stunning country! Thanks for the great magazine. We read it cover to cover and look forward to each and every issue. Mark & Bunny Stone

Buffalo Chip

admin — Tue, 16 Mar 2010 12:20:31 -0500

by: admin

Description: Great story on the Iron Butt ride (Jan/Feb �09). All of us in Buffalo really enjoyed it; nice to see something positive about our town. I�m writing to let you all know that next time any of you are in western New York we�d love to have you stop at our dealership, Buck�s Motorsports/Triumph of Buffalo (www.BucksMotorsports.com). As the local RatPac leader for Buck�s, I made sure to notify my �pac� (almost 100 of us) that Trish made the ride on a Tiger. Always nice to see good press on a bike we move -- several customers have Tigers, and they just love �em! Anyway, we all enjoy your magazine and the different areas you cover. The stories on bikes, rides, and products are always quite well done, without the biases that seem to be in other publications. I�ve attached a picture of me on a �07 America in Pennsylvania. As you know, the riding there is fantastic, and we get there several times a year. Thanks again for a fine magazine. I read mine cover to cover the very day it arrives. Jim Morabito RatPac leader, Triumph of Buffalo Buffalo, New York

Where�s Doc And Sneezy?

admin — Tue, 16 Mar 2010 12:19:15 -0500

by: admin

Description: Here�s a photo of me with faithful my sport tourer -- an �03 Kaw Voyager -- working the Dragon Tail. Bob �Grumpy� Usalis Cincinnati, Ohio

Ural Crazy

admin — Mon, 15 Mar 2010 14:38:25 -0500

by: admin

Description: Thank you for David L. Hough�s review of the Ural Gear Up in the October issue. I�ve been riding a Ural Patrol for two years. In over 40 years of riding, the Ural is my favorite. The �industrial� transmission, which Hough mentions clunks just like the antique BMWs, smoothes out at after about 1,000 miles. My wife and I have made several trips on the Ural with no trouble. Retro is in! Jeri and Richard �Mitch� Behringer Hill City, South Dakota

Model Cafe

admin — Mon, 15 Mar 2010 14:34:35 -0500

by: admin

Description: After reading your November/December issue I wanted to let you know how much I enjoyed the Flipside article on page 59 (�Caf� A La Mode�). I have an interesting bike and story as well. After a career in road racing in AAMRR [Association of American Motorcycle Road Racers], I bought a new Suzuki 1982 GS1100E. About that time, I started a business making model airplane supplies, and rode very little as my business grew and became a full-time job. Last year I downsized my business and started riding regularly, but my mufflers had rotted through after 26 years. Taking advantage of technology developed for model airplanes, I used the same carbon fiber resin and cloth to repair the mufflers. It worked well, so I made a starter cover, chain guard, and Monoposto-type seat. The seat was made of wood and covered with fiberglass. I�ve also built a polishing bench and hand-polished many of the aluminum parts. I did all the paintwork myself. I tried to capture the caf� look of the �70s and �80s. My bike seems to draw a crowd at a local Cruise Night, and with 18,000 original miles, this one-owner still makes me feel young riding it or just looking at it in a sea of modern sportbikes. �Windy� Urtnowski

Triumphant

admin — Mon, 15 Mar 2010 14:33:34 -0500

by: admin

Description: I finally had a chance to get a photo of me with my bike. Funny -- ya never think about how when you�re taking photos, you�re not in them! Anyway, this photo was taken with my cellphone on the Richard B. Russell Scenic Highway near my home. My bike is a 2007 Triumph America 865 with added chrome goodies and BUB pipes. Don Cleveland, Georgia

A Bomb In A Bull

admin — Mon, 15 Mar 2010 14:32:21 -0500

by: admin

Description: The picture was taken in Ranchita, California. My ride is a 2002 Honda Shadow Sabre 1100 with a carb kit, K&N air filter, and Cobra pipes. It�s my first road bike and I�ve been having a blast with it. I do need a new a saddle though, so a Mustang seat is next. I�m planning on a ride to the Grand Canyon next year. Paul Rios Valley Center, California

You�re Cool, Too

admin — Mon, 15 Mar 2010 14:31:03 -0500

by: admin

Description: Here�s a picture of my 1984 Honda Nighthawk and me. This bike had been in a garage for the last 10 years when I found it; I worked on it for one year and this is the result. I think it looks like a new bike! Your magazine is very cool. Patrick Fournier Qu�bec, Canada

Wild and Crazy

admin — Mon, 15 Mar 2010 14:29:59 -0500

by: admin

Description: Our road trip in Sedona, Arizona, has to be these �wild dogs�� favorite ride to date. This is Brion Adams and his �04 Suzuki Intruder, Jeff Brown and his �05 VTX 1300, and Bob Hilliker and his �06 Mean Streak. Bob Hilliker

RoadSides

admin — Mon, 15 Mar 2010 14:26:43 -0500

by: admin

Description: Hey RoadBike, these are our dogs Sage (on the black 2002 Honda VTX 1800C) and Louie (on the red 2003 VTX 1800C). These dogs love to ride and do, putting on more than 10,000 miles per year. They ride in special Pooch Pouch harnesses on full leather tank bibs we had custom made for us. They have been all over the Midwest and Pacific Coast. They enjoy it so much, we�re making a web site for them so they can show their adventures to the world. We call them our CrusinK9s. Nick and Mick Micheli Spreckels, California

Leisure Suit Lary?

admin — Mon, 15 Mar 2010 14:25:20 -0500

by: admin

Description: This is a picture of my 2003 Victory V92C standard cruiser and me at the Hell�s Canyon Overlook in Northeast Oregon. I�ve added a few modifications to my bike, but really like it stock. I own two Hondas, one Kawasaki, and a Ural sidecar rig. I�ve been riding motorcycles since I was 12 years old, and I�m now 53. The first bike I terrorized the streets on was a 1967 Honda 305 Scrambler. Lary Hay Kennewick, Washington

Hut, Hut

admin — Mon, 15 Mar 2010 14:23:06 -0500

by: admin

Description: It�s football time!!!! Ray Hancock Rockett, Texas

Cool Kid

admin — Mon, 15 Mar 2010 14:21:50 -0500

by: admin

Description: I love your magazine and have learned so much from reading it. I�ve attached a picture of my husband, Joe, son Kana, and my husband�s Honda 919. Well, part of the Honda anyway -- and part of my husband. Okay, maybe it�s truly just a picture of my son, but we thought it was still a pretty cool bike pic. My husband has been riding for close to 20 years now, and he works so hard to support his family. His early morning weekend rides charge him up for his long workweek. This pic might not fit in with your Roadsides section, but I thought I would send it anyway, just in case. Thanks, Krista Cappelletti Frederick, Maryland Don�t worry, Krista -- it fits in just fine with our new and improved Letters format. Looks like Kana�s got his biker scowl down pat already. And while we�re on the subject, we invite all of our readers to submit photos of themselves, their kids, and their rides to Letters@RoadBikeMag.com.

11_08RS4

admin — Fri, 16 Jan 2009 09:27:56 -0600

by: admin

023

admin — Fri, 16 Jan 2009 09:27:55 -0600

by: admin

Joshua and Lee Williams

admin — Mon, 11 Aug 2008 10:42:33 -0500

by: admin

Description: �Damn you, Dad!� Those were the words Joshua Williams used to explain his frustration at having been bitten by the MC bug while not being able to do a thing about it. Josh was serving with the Air Force in the Middle East when he unleashed on his old man, who had been sending him a variety of bike mags to whet his whistle. Presumably, the one rag that got Josh stoked was none other than the fine publication you have in your hands. At least, it better have been. Anyway, immediately upon his return home, Josh and his dad, Lee, headed straight to Iron Horse Motorcycles in Monroe, North Carolina, and picked up this �98 Honda 750 Shadow Ace, identical to Lee�s ride. Then they hit the road, and they haven�t been heard from since. �Joshua and Lee Williams, Charlotte, North Carolina

Roger Baribeau

admin — Mon, 11 Aug 2008 10:40:53 -0500

by: admin

Description: If ever there was a dude who looked like a man of few words, Roger Baribeau is it. Most RoadSiders can�t stop carrying on about their sleds, but Roger isn�t like most people. �To whom it may concern,� our man so generously writes. �A picture for your consideration. My �99 Kawasaki Vulcan 1500 Classic. I also send my love, Roger B.� Okay, maybe we made up that last part. �Roger Baribeau, Windsor, Ontario, Canada

L. Blakemore

admin — Mon, 11 Aug 2008 10:39:06 -0500

by: admin

Description: While it�s certainly something we�ve heard before, we�ll let L. Blakemore have his say, clich� though it may be. �Life should not be a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in a pretty and well-preserved body, but rather to skid in broadside, thoroughly used up, totally worn out, and loudly proclaim, �Damn, what a ride!�� Along the way, L. try to keep the shiny side up on your �99 Road Star. �L. Blakemore, somewhere, hopefully not skidding in broadside...

Ben Madison

admin — Mon, 11 Aug 2008 10:37:51 -0500

by: admin

Description: Don�t let the disgruntled scowl on Ben Madison�s mug fool you. He�s actually in love � with his �04 Suzuki Volusia Limited Edition, that is. After making some mods (Hoppe Industries fairing, Tsukayu bags, and all the chrome he could find), Ben has what he always hoped for in life. �I now have exactly the motorcycle I�ve wanted,� he crows �I love it, and I got it for a lot less money than some of the other bikes out there.� Then why the sour look, Ben? �Ben Madison, New Castle, Indiana

Alex Suares

admin — Tue, 01 Jul 2008 11:28:48 -0500

by: admin

Description: Oh, yeah. If you�re really sharp, you might recognize this as an �05 Suzuki M50, but that�s where you�d be wrong. This black beast is actually a �BAD ZUKI.� Or, at least, that�s what the license plate reads. And who are we to question? The equally bad (in the coolest way) Alex Suares did all the work himself, including a side-mount tag. �But I got told by an officer and a judge to remove it,� he says. To get on the right side of the law, he then crafted a polycarbonate plate holder and frenched it in. Now, he�s legal, and he�s constantly lit (no, not like that). �My bike�s got 110 LEDs in 15 places.� Does anybody have some really dark shades? �Alex Suares, Stockton, California

Dave Butler and Anne

admin — Tue, 01 Jul 2008 11:27:44 -0500

by: admin

Description: Straight out of e-mail land with no address whatsoever, we have Anne and her V-Star 1100 Custom, and Dave Butler with his Star Stratoliner S. �They�re both the same color,� Dave gleefully notes. What Dave fails to note is his good friend Anne�s last name, or the year of the bikes, or where he and Anne are, or where they�re from. But, really, who�s counting? �Dave Butler and Anne �Whoever,� Cyberspace, 2008

2006 Vulcan Limited Edition

admin — Tue, 01 Jul 2008 11:26:21 -0500

by: admin

Description: Sometimes it�s best to keep it short and sweet. But this woman has really gone too far. It�s unclear whether her name is Sherie, and don�t ask why we don�t know. It seems the pic was sent in by a guy named Gene, but again? The only piece of real information that accompanied this submission was �2006 Vulcan Limited Edition.� Thanks for helping us out, guys. �Maybe Sherie and possibly Gene, who knows where

"Mad" Matt Rood

admin — Tue, 01 Jul 2008 11:25:12 -0500

by: admin

Description: If you think you�ve ever been scared, then you�d better hope you never meet this dude. The stuff that he�s been known to do is truly brutal. Regardless, from time to time, �Mad� Matt Rood can be an awfully nice guy. That is, when he�s not marauding around on his evil-looking �01 Kaw Vulcan 800B. With a machine like that and a look like his, you�re bound to notice him. For your own sake, stay away. Unless, of course, he�s being nice. But you might not know that until it�s too late. �Matt Rood, somewhere in Ontario, Canada

1 comment

Jason Ross

admin — Mon, 09 Jun 2008 15:10:52 -0500

by: admin

Description: Parents, lock up your children! In case you haven�t seen him on various posters and milk cartons, this is Jason Ross, the worst of the worst. Just look at him. He�s bad to the bone and has been hardcore since Day One � Day One of the MSF class, that is. �Two years ago I fell in love with the look of this Honda Shadow Aero 750,� reveals Jason. �That�s when I decided I wanted to start riding motorcycles, so I took the MSF course. After the first day, I went straight to the dealer and bought this bike.� Since then our nefarious hoodlum has racked up over 40,000 miles on the Aero, smoking three sets of whitewalls along the way. The dude is definitely sick. He also might be educating your kids. That�s right, despite all his nasty ways Jason is really just a big-hearted second-grade schoolmarm. Although, he�s quick to add, �Needless to say, I�m the coolest teacher on campus.� And modesty is Jason�s greatest virtue. �Jason Ross, Capistrano Beach, California

Steve Harwood

admin — Mon, 09 Jun 2008 15:09:48 -0500

by: admin

Description: �Is it a Harley?� That�s the question that most aggravates Steve Harwood, the owner of this flaming Honda Valkyrie (year unkown). Steve�s right. That is an annoying question, especially when it�s a Valk. The thing�s got six extremely obvious cylinders for crying out loud. In no way does it resemble a Milwaukee machine. The Valkyie stands alone � in the best way. Steve�s bike was built by his bro Gary. One look at it and Steve knew he had to have it. �Although it�s a work in progress, and always will be, it�s as smooth a ride as the original touring bike it once was,� Steve boasts. Okay, but can you balance a nickel upright on the valve cover while the beast is running? Well, can you, Steve? �Steve Harwood, Ann Arbor, Michigan

2 comments

Capt. Jeff Hildebrand

admin — Mon, 09 Jun 2008 15:08:46 -0500

by: admin

Description: Fun and games in Afghanistan. Captain Jeff Hildebrand of the Pennsylvania Army National Guard whacks one skyward in a rare moment of two-wheeled (or make that one-wheeled) joy while serving at the front. Our captain actually sent in some other shots of him and his wife cranking around on their Harley during the Sturgis Rally, but we�ll forgive him for that. After all, Jeff seems to be a metric guy at heart. �I�ve been riding since I was 6 years old,� Jeff writes. �I�ve ridden sportbikes on the street and track, and done a ton of motocross racing.� Clearly, Jeff knows his way around a motorcycle, in this case a Suzuki DRZ400S in tan bodywork. �I knew a guy who knew a guy who let me borrow what he said was a Special Forces dual-sport.� Good luck, Jeff. And keep that front wheel in the air. �Jeff Hildebrand, Mehtar Lam, Afghanistan

Cletus Berkeley

admin — Mon, 09 Jun 2008 15:07:50 -0500

by: admin

Description: Why in the world would anybody need a big old Kawasaki 1600 Vulcan Classic on the tiny, twin-island tropical paradise that is Trinidad and Tobago? The sled is even decked out with some long-haul gear!?! Well, clearly ours is not to question. So, we�ll let Cletus Berkeley, our goateed Caribbean cruiser, off the hook this time. If only because he looks so slick standing behind his baby, or, as Cletus calls it, �My very, very sexy Kaw.� There�s no doubt. Cletus and his bike are on fire. �Cletus Berkeley, Trinidad and Tobago, Lesser Antilles

Patrick Laughlin

admin — Mon, 09 Jun 2008 15:05:14 -0500

by: admin

Description: Brah! Here�s Patrick Laughlin in Corpus Christi, Texas, on a two-week leave from a tour in Afghanistan. By the time Patrick arrived home, he was hoping that his dad would have turned his beaten-down, eBay-purchased Yamaha V-Star 650 into the Slime Green beastie you see here. His intention was to say a quick hello to the folks, then jump on his styling Star and head to the booze-soaked, debauched, Spring Break wonderland that is South Padre Island, Texas. �I was going to ride around and impress all the chicks,� Patrick boasts. Unfortunately, pops dropped the ball, and the Star was still looking heinous. However, that didn�t stop Patrick. It just meant he had to put his rod together himself. Of course, that cut short his time for cruising the island�s famous bikini-clad hotties. But he got there. �Heat, humidity, and hangovers won�t stop this GI,� Patrick claims. Right on, dude. �Patrick Laughlin, Corpus Christi, Texas

Randy Gleason

admin — Mon, 09 Jun 2008 15:04:11 -0500

by: admin

Description: Once again, we have a true Bavarian hero. Randy Gleason was dying to send us pics of his tricked-out Vulcan Nomad and Valkyrie Tourer, but he stood strong and heeded RoadBike�s desperate call to arms. �Okay, I�m answering the call to send in a BMW,� our hero says. �I know you�ve been asking BMW owners to step up, and so here is my �98 BMW K1200RS, painted Dakar Yellow.� Even though the quality of his photo sucks, Randy is outstanding. �Randy Gleason, Missouri City, Texas

Jason Cox

admin — Mon, 09 Jun 2008 15:03:16 -0500

by: admin

Description: Oh, yeah. Jason Cox and his sick �06 Honda Aero 750, complete with classic Trucker Girl tank badges. If nothing else, Jason�s pose speaks a thousand words. Nobody�s cooler. He�s real � so real. In fact, legend has it that he once shot his Aero up to Moose Jaw and laid waste to Fellwock�s HA posse. That�s right. A full take-down of Herbie�s Angels. Ugly stuff. �Jason Cox, Whitehouse, Texas

Herbie's Angels

admin — Mon, 09 Jun 2008 15:01:19 -0500

by: admin

Description: Now don�t get the wrong idea. These boys may look bada$$, and they are from a little place in Saskatchewan called Moose Jaw (arguably one of the toughest-sounding town names in the world), but they�re really just soft at heart. Generous Moose Jaw-er that he is, Herb Fellwock (center) sent in this shot, but only touted his own ride, a Kaw Vulcan 900 Classic. It seems his two other buddies can just go stew. Be that as it may, Fellwock�s trio are mighty proud of their metrics. �That�s all we ride,� our man says. �No Harleys.� The gang is apparently known as HA, which stands for �Herbie�s Angels.� Awww. Ain�t that cute? �Herb Fellwock, Moose Jaw, Saskatchewan, Canada

Chris Leese

admin — Wed, 12 Mar 2008 10:08:49 -0500

by: admin

Description: Time for a little more gloating. Big, bad Chris Leese crows, �I love your magazine and will renew my subscription for years as long as it stays so relevant. The articles are well-written, and the product reviews are about the best I have ever read. Keep up the good work, folks!� With words like that we naturally hustled Chris right into the mag. A wise man is he. As for his ride, Chris works an �06 Kawasaki Vulcan Mean Streak SE 1600. What a sweet steed, Chris. And you look marvelous on it. Keep up the good work. �Chris Leese, Payson, Arizona

Nancy Myers

admin — Wed, 12 Mar 2008 10:07:17 -0500

by: admin

Description: Well, well, well. Nancy Myers� Great Wave Bike. Just what we were looking for. Apparently, Nancy finds inspiration in this mag, and, as such, has done a fair amount of customizing to her �92 Suzuki Intruder VS800. Her list of what�s been done is quite extensive so we�ll cut to the chase. �I tried all the bolt-on stuff, but it just wasn�t enough. Area 5150 did The Great Wave of Kanagawa paint. My story continues�as any custom bike does. Well, I can look at 401K every day, while others see only financial statements. Hummmm�I�m 58, a mom, a grandma, retired with 32.2 years at Verizon Communications, and volunteer with Special Olympics, and a member of the Dreamcatchers chapter of the Women on Wheels organization. Did I mention that I love motorcycles?� As a matter of fact, Nancy, that might be all you didn�t mention. Good luck with your Great Wave. It�s a standout. �Nancy Myers, Charleston, West Virginia

1 comment

Gary Ilminen

admin — Wed, 12 Mar 2008 10:06:05 -0500

by: admin

Description: Gary Ilminem is a peculiar dude. When reached by phone to confirm the model of his bike, the conversation went like this: �Hello, I�m calling from RoadBike magazine and I was looking for Gary.� �Gary is not here. I�m afraid you have the wrong number.� �Oh, I�m sorry. Did I dial 555-752-9815?� �Yes, that�s my number. This is Gary.� Well then, enough of that. Gary, if that�s in fact who he is, is perched on an �84 Honda V30 Magna, and he�s sporting the Icon Decay riding jacket that he won in a RoadBike caption contest. Or maybe none of that is true. �Gary Ilminen, Lone Rock, Wisconsin

Joe Cuccia

admin — Wed, 12 Mar 2008 10:04:38 -0500

by: admin

Description: Here�s jumpin� Joe Cuccia of Deerfield Beach, Florida. As if it�s not obvious enough, Joe is one cool cat. The cue-ball look, the shades, the flames, the chains, the Chucky Ts, etc. Joe�s got it down. In his neck of the woods, nobody even comes close. And his bike ain�t bad either. Joe bought the 2000 Suzuki Marauder to use as a project. He then turned it into the hot rod bobber before your eyes. If any of you dig it, now�s your chance. This sled is for sale so Joe can fire up the next project. �I love working on them as much as riding them,� our man says. Joe is a worthy dude. No doubt. �Joe Cuccia, Deerfield Beach, Florida

1 comment

Richard Keister

admin — Wed, 12 Mar 2008 10:03:11 -0500

by: admin

Description: Ah, yes. There are few people we at RoadBike respect more than those who �restore a bike�s dignity,� as Richard Keister says. Our man picked up this �82 Yamaha Virago for a paltry $300 after it had spent several seasons soaking up the elements in someone�s backyard. As you can see from the before shot, the old Yami needed some good lovin�. Since Richard prides himself on the fact that he�s never had $30K to spend on a custom, he decided that it would only be right to tart up the Virago and make it his own. To that end, he started by having a friend add 10 degrees of rake to the frame, complemented by 4"-over fork tubes from Forking By Frank. Then came a stretched, one-piece Harley tank that just fit the width of the Yamaha frame. Later, he went with a fiberglass Sumax rear fender and tombstone taillight. The list goes on. Obviously Richard did a lot to his scoot. Three years of toil and $3,500 worth of goods. Not bad, Richard. Now go ride that purple beastie. �Richard Keister, Huntingdon, Pennsylvania

Richard Keister

admin — Wed, 12 Mar 2008 10:02:14 -0500

Carl and Brenda Schwing

admin — Wed, 12 Mar 2008 09:59:14 -0500

by: admin

Description: Carl and his chap-favoring wife, Brenda, have been married for 30 years. Around their anniversary, Brenda mentioned a fantasy ride that would take the two of them and a 2000 Yamaha Royal Star from their hometown of Cape Coral, Florida, all the way to one of the world�s most celebrated holes in the earth. Guess what that might be. Obviously, they had a great time. And they have this to say, �With motorcycling you don�t have to wait until you arrive at your destination to start your vacation. Your adventure begins the moment you climb on your bike.� Does anybody else feel that way? �Carl and Brenda Schwing, Cape Coral, Florida

1 comment

Carl Szaga

admin — Wed, 12 Mar 2008 09:56:10 -0500

by: admin

Description: Ladies and gentlemen, behold the stunning Carl Czaga, a man crying out for a good jab, a specialty here at the headquarters of RoadSides. However, we�re not going to go down that path, for Carl has done the work for us. �[I�m] sending my bike pic as you seem to encourage,� writes Carl. �You also encourage proper riding gear, which I wholeheartedly (and whole-brainedly) support. Too many bikers� idea of gear is a T-shirt, shorts, and sandals. Of course, a lot of people think that�s proper attire for anything: restaurants, funerals, [or whatever]. Part of motorcycling is wearing stuff that would look ridiculous if you weren�t on a bike. While I have technical gear, this is my �designer biker� outfit. The jacket is Calvin Klein, pants are Ralph Lauren, and boots are Hugo Boss. My bike is an �03 Kaw Mean Streak, stock except for the seat, grips, and mini sissybar (I have a wife who�s often on back � I�m not that metrosexual).� Well put, Carl. �Carl Czaga, Willoughby Hills, Ohio

2004 1100 V-Star Classic

admin — Wed, 02 May 2007 12:49:55 -0500

by: admin

Description: '04 Yamaha 1100 V-Star Classic, alive and well ridden in San Clemente, CA. Posted by: modernartifacts on Apr. 17, 2007

1 comment

2004 1100 V-Star Classic

admin — Wed, 02 May 2007 12:49:55 -0500

by: admin

Description: '04 Yamaha 1100 V-Star Classic, alive and well ridden in San Clemente, CA. Posted by: modernartifacts on Apr. 17, 2007

RoadKill's RSV

admin — Wed, 02 May 2007 12:44:30 -0500

by: admin

Description: Posted by: RoadKill on Apr. 18, 2007

1 comment