August 27th, 2008
Front brake lock-ups have been the cause of many a catastrophe for motorcyclists - particularly beginners or those who have done little post-license training in how to manage today’s powerful brakes in a panic situation. Still, when the TCB brake system first hit my desk I’ll admit it seemed like an incredibly stupid idea.
The basic principle of the device is that it replaces one of the banjo bolts in your hydraulic brake system. The head of the TCB bolt contains a sealed air pocket, which is separated from the brake fluid by a high-strength but flexible membrane. Thus, when the brakes are on hard in a panic situation, that membrane is able to flex a little because air compresses when brake fluid can’t. In theory, this helps the brake pads not to grab onto surface irregularities on the discs - which can cause tiny pressure spikes that can initiate a tyre slide.
Um, isn’t that just spongy brakes?
So my first question to the system’s inventor Mark Lipski was: dude, doesn’t this just give you spongy brakes like you get if you don’t bleed them regularly? Wouldn’t it have the exact opposite effect to the steel braided lines many of us put on our bikes to remove any flex from the lines? I’ll reproduce the entirety of his response at the end of this article, but in edited form, he replied: (more…)
Posted in Modifications | 3 Comments »
August 25th, 2008
Honda’s 1975 GL1000 Goldwing was the first of the great touring bikes and opened up a new market sector - indeed a new long-distance lifestyle - for many riders as it evolved into the 1800cc light-footed juggernaut that still rules the touring roost today.
But with its shaft drive and horizontally-opposed four cylinder engine, you’d hardly think of the original ‘Wing as much of a streetfighter or custom build base… That is, until you see what some of the blokes over at NakedGoldwings.com have been making out of them.
Walking the line between bobbed choppers and brutal bulldog musclebikes, here’s a selection of some of my favourites. There’s lots more over in the forum galleries. Goldwing streetfighters. Who woulda thunk it? (more…)
Posted in Custom Bikes | 1 Comment »
August 25th, 2008
Nick Dagostino is one of a new breed. For decades, insecure men with money to spare have been able to gain themselves attention at biker meets by spending inordinate sums on a shedload of performance and aesthetic mods, gaining them credibility as ‘bling kings’ whether or not their riding ability is up to the mark. But it seems that disposable dollars have become so plentiful in the U.S. that you can drop 10 grand on custom sparkly bits and extended swingarms, and *still* feel like your precious snowflake-mobile isn’t unique enough. (more…)
Posted in Custom Bikes | 3 Comments »
August 21st, 2008
The Suzuki V-Strom is, right off the factory floor, a hideously ugly motorcycle. Highly functional, I’ll agree, and I wouldn’t hesitate to own one as they’re a joy to ride, but a disproportionate, front-heavy monstrosity nonetheless.
It would have taken this chap some serious thinking to work out how to make the DL1000 look any worse, but I think it’s fair to say he’s achieved that goal in spades. Presumably this is in the name of safety through high visibility - but I’d be more worried about car drivers running me down on purpose to make the pain go away. (more…)
Posted in Custom Bikes | 5 Comments »