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Motorcycle Safety Month – The SEE System

Mon, 11 May 2009

May is Motorcycle Safety Awareness month so we here at The Sidecar and Motorcycle.com want to make you AWARE! The lovely folks at Motorcycle.com have posted an interesting article on the SEE system. Search, Evaluate and Execute.

Aprilia’s Banned AD [Pics and Video]

Fri, 08 May 2009

The Italian motorcycle company Aprilia withdrew this advert following complaints from the Women’s Institute of Spain, whose advertising monitoring wing considered it to be sexist. Tag translation: “The Arrecife Range: Now several sizes smaller”, I thought Europeans were hip to this kind of thing… Check out the uncensored photo and a controversial Aprilia TV AD after the jump. Not so bad.

Captain Kirk Prefers Wheels on his Motorcycle

Fri, 08 May 2009

Captain Kirk either loves or hates vintage rides. One moment he’s sending a vintage convertible over a cliff side, the next moment he’s riding a motorcycle with two wheels when he could clearly be riding a hover bike much like the cop who was chasing him. Hover bikes must not be manly enough for him.

Buell On Ice

Thu, 07 May 2009

Get the Flash Player to see this player. About 2.7 million years ago a meteorite crashed into Hälsingland, Sweden creating the Dellen lake system, which only freezes over once a year. On March 4th with temperatures at -10C, Craig Jones, riding a Buell 1125R complete with a nitrous oxide kit (an estimated extra 50bhp), reached a top speed of 148.7mph on a 1.1km run over the frozen Lake Dellen.

Paddock Girls of MotoGP – PART 1 [Video!]

Thu, 07 May 2009

Yes, be excited.  This is a MULTI-PART posting of MotoGP Paddock girls from around the world.  What’s a “Paddock Girl”?  As far as I can tell they stand around and look pretty while holding an umbrella. And that’s all they really need to do… *sigh* HUH?!  Oh sorry, I kind of spaced out there. Now the boys over at MotoGP don’t like people embedding their YouTube videos so unfortunately I can’t stick the video right on the page.  BUT, just for you guys, I’ve gathered up some links and created a few thumbnails  to make a nice list of MotoGP Paddock Girl Videos ( Part 1!

Circuito de Jerez: Track Facts

Thu, 07 May 2009

Stay up to speed with the 2009 MotoGP season – Get full race coverage as the Grand Prix of Spain waves the checkered flag with MotoGP: 2009 Jerez Results. As Motorcycle.com continues to cover all the 2009 MotoGP racing news, The Sidecar stays focused on the tracks of this years GrandPrix season. Track map Lap Video Get the Flash Player to see this player.

Yamaha XJ Series: New Online Campaign [Pics and Video]

Wed, 06 May 2009

Yamaha Motor Europe has just posted a video up on YouTube to promote their new XJ-Series bikes.  The XJ6 and the XJ6 Diversion. And the XJ6 Diversion: Virtually every feature on this attractive new 600 has been designed to ensure that the new XJ6 Diversion delivers all of the style, fun and ease of use that today’s middleweight rider is looking for. Its newly-developed 600 cc liquid-cooled 4-stroke inline 4-cylinder engine has been designed to deliver a smooth band of easy-to-handle power, making the XJ6 Diversion an ideal machine for new and experienced riders.

RoboScooter

Wed, 06 May 2009

A team of nine from MIT won the Buckminster Fuller Challenge with their Sustainable Personal Mobility and Mobility-on-Demand Systems, this full-scale working concept won the group $100,000 for their efforts. The RoboScooter is a lightweight, folding, electric motor scooter. It is designed to provide convenient, inexpensive mobility in urban areas.

Fully Modified Yamaha ATV Giveaway is Easy and Educational!

Wed, 06 May 2009

Our sister site, ATV.com, has started up a contest to give away a Fully Modified Yamaha Raptor 250.  The 3 easy steps are: Signing up for the contest Follow along on ATV.com with the articles on the modified build of the Raptor 250 Take a survey at the end of it all to enter and win. I did some research into the Raptor 250 to see what it’s all about: BASE MSRP is $4,499.00 but the one they are giving away is fully modified AND you get riding gear! You, the readers, gave it 4 1/2 and 5 star ratings in everything.

Harley’s Behind the Scenes at The Art of Rebellion

Wed, 06 May 2009

On February 7th, 2009, at the Robert Berman Gallery in Santa Monica’s Bergamot Station Arts Center, Harley-Davidson gathered 11 of today’s most relevant and exciting artists to present their take on the theme of rebellion. Because the event was so popular, The Art of Rebellion one-night only event quickly became a month long showing. Artwork was for sale and the proceeds were donated to Art Matters, a foundation that assists socially and aesthetically groundbreaking artists.

Top 10 Motorcycle Safety Tips

Tue, 05 May 2009

Holy crap!  Yes, that is a crash test dummy on the motorcycle above, but I still feel sorry for it! For those who’ve had to pack their bike away for the cold winter months, spring is an exciting time.  The warmer weather, the budding flowers, the longer evenings.  All that is begging you to get out riding again. But let’s not be too hasty!  We know you want to ride but let’s not forget: Safety First.  Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month is in May for just that reason.  People are anxious to get out of their cooped up houses and get on the road but they may get too excited to remember some basic motorcycle safety practices.

Motorcycle Renaissance

Mon, 04 May 2009

This creative painting is the work of Alan MacDonald, born in Malawi, Central Africa; he studied fine art at Duncan of Jordanstone College of Art in Dundee, Scotland and at the Cyprus College of Art in Paphos, Cyprus. MacDonald currently lives and works in Carnoustie, Scotland and has exhibits coming to the U.S. this year at the Stewart Gallery at the International Art Fair, Pasadena, Los Angeles and next year at Corcoran Gallery, Washington DC.

Community Tip: How-To Remove Motorcycle Grips the Golfer Way

Mon, 04 May 2009

Webb26 from the 600rr.net forums has posted his method for changing the grips on your motorcycle. I like this method because it gives me a peace of mind(coming from golf work shop background) that the grips wont budge once dry. This method also allows for great tuning options in that the amount of tape dictates how thick the grips will feel.

Motegi: Track Facts

Mon, 04 May 2009

As Motorcycle.com continues to cover all the 2009 MotoGP racing news, The Sidecar stays focused on the tracks of this years GrandPrix season. Read more about the results of the MotoGP at Motegi on Motorcycle.com – MotoGP: 2009 Motegi Results. Track Map Lap Video Get the Flash Player to see this player.

New: Zero Gravity Screens

Fri, 01 May 2009

These saucy screens are the newest addition to the Zero Gravity range, the founders of the first double-bubble screen. The screens have remarkable strength and flexibility, thanks to the finest acrylic plastic. There are three different screen variations to choose from, the standard replacement, double-bubble and the sports-tourer.

American Chopper Welcomes Sarah Palin

Thu, 30 Apr 2009

TLC’s American Chopper will be featuring Sarah Palin airing tonight at 9pm.  The Orange County Choppers crew has decided to dedicate tonight’s show to celebrate the 50-year anniversary since Alaska became a state by building a custom chopper to honor the special occasion. Paul Teutul Sr. claims he was initially nervous before the interview but felt Palin was “a real down to earth person to talk to”.

International Female Ride Day Is May 1st

Thu, 30 Apr 2009

International Female Ride Day is May 1 and organizers are seeing a groundswell of participation with more women riders and more countries participating than expected. Women motorcycle clubs from all over the United States and Canada are getting together to ride and show their support for women motorcyclists. The “female ride day” fever is spreading all over the world as women riders events are now planned in Israel, Australia, France, Poland, and Italy.

Ducati Hypermotard Help Destory Mankind [Video]

Wed, 29 Apr 2009

Did you know those killer motorcycles in the new Terminator Salvation movie (out on May 21, 2009) are Ducati Hypermotard bikes?  I guess the Ducati designers around the time of judgment day decided they should go for a more scary and human-destroying look. Or the Italian Ducati designers were killed by Italian terminators, and then the machines took over designing the new bike…  I don’t think I’m a fan of their creative concept. Ducati Motor Holding have just uploaded a video on Youtube tooting their own horns, proud that these life destroying vehicles are really Ducati’s at heart.

Losail Circuit: Track Facts

Wed, 29 Apr 2009

This year’s MotoGP is back in the swing of things for the 2009 calendar. We’ll be keeping up with the latest race news on Motorcycle.com (See: MotoGP: 2009 Motegi Preview).  While you’re here, check out a few details and a video of the Losail Circuit.  Enjoy. Track map Lap Video Jeffery de Vries drives a 2007 Yamaha R1 at Losail Circuit.

Community Tip: How-To Replace your Chain

Wed, 29 Apr 2009

The How-To’s keep on coming! conesweeper from the Kawiforums made an awesome post about changing your own chain.  It seems a little complicated and only for the hands-on but still looks like a fun projec to tackle. Tools/supplies needed: Dremel Eye protection Chain breaker/riveter kit (purchased mine from ebay for $50 shipped) Rear stand New chain w/ master link Latex Gloves Hit the jump for a few pics of the project and head over to the thread to get the details and see what others have to say about it.

Xcite Bike

Wed, 29 Apr 2009

At first look, I couldn’t figure out how exactly this contraption worked but after doing some research it looks like you ride it like a skateboard and control speed, braking and direction with the long pole that’s attached. The Xcite Bike can go up to 28mph with its 49cc engine, weighs in at 265lbs, comes with a 30 day warranty and costs $999, ouch! Is it exciting?

Harley Skateboard Trick – Awesome Motorcycle Jump

Tue, 28 Apr 2009

Everything needs to be jumped over with a skateboard at some point in human history.  People, benches, cars, cats, senior citizens, conclusions, ships, …. I’m getting a little metaphorical here…  Why not motorcycles?  Let’s jump some motorcycles on a skateboard and let’s make them Harley-Davidson motorcycles to boot. Harley is on fire with releasing “viral video” to promote their Dark Custom line and have now released this interesting video of a “modded” skateboard with fireworks strapped to it flying over some bikes.  Personally, I think it  looks like the guy is hanging from a wire when he crosses over those bikes.

Rocking Choppers

Tue, 28 Apr 2009

After moving from L.A. to Salt Lake City, Doug Premo, a general contractor, found that there just wasn’t much construction opportunity in Utah so he decided to change his career and start making wood toys after being inspired by the Orange County Choppers TV show. The handmade rocking motorcycles range from $350-$450 and can be purchased though his etsy.com page.

New SBK: Superbike World Championship ’09 Screens

Fri, 24 Apr 2009

IGN.com just received a bunch of SBK: Superbike World Championship 09 screenshots from Milestone, the developer. Milestone has developed many SBK games in the past for PC and game consoles.  Let’s hope they can bring the excitement of moto racing in 2009. Milestone also worked on MotoGP ’07 and MotoGP ’08 which we did a review of right here.

Community Tip: How-To Clean your Motorcycle Helmet (thoroughly)

Thu, 23 Apr 2009

-Gman-, a member of the Kawiforums has posted a great how-to for cleaning your helmet on the cheap.  It’s hard to impress the ladies with a smelly helmet under your arm.  It looks like an easy job to do using regular household items: Shampoo (more delicate than dish detergent, says the author), a bucket of water, and a rack to dry it on.  Don’t forget to wash the pads on the gentle setting in your washing machine! Hit the jump for more pics and head on over to the Kawiforums to read the how-to and see what others had to say. Your helmet smells bad.  Head to -Gman- ‘s post on how to clean it.

Man Builds Sidecar from Bathtub

Thu, 23 Apr 2009

Back in 1997, an unusual motorcycle appeared on the front page of the Bristol Evening Post. Unable to afford a costly traditional sidecar, bus driver Alan Iles of Bedminster opted to build his own, using a bathtub. Twelve years later, the 1959 650cc BSA is still going and has been ridden all over Europe to help raise money for Cancer research and various charities, for which he has raised thousands of British pounds.

Motorcycle Ambulances

Tue, 21 Apr 2009

A motorcycle and sidecar are put to wonderful use in Southern Sudan by providing a free ambulance service for pregnant woman.  Southern Sundan has one of the highest maternal mortality rates in the world with only 10% of all deliveries being done by skilled health workers. Using a motorbike instead of a heavier four wheeled vehicle will be cheaper to run, easier to maintain, and can easily find new routes around roads that are flooded, muddy, or in very poor condition. The five $6,000 USD motorcycles were donated by Unicef as a pilot project but will be expanded to other remote parts of the country if it is successful.

Cool Cycles Ice Cream

Mon, 20 Apr 2009

John Gibson had a vision 15 years ago to sell ice cream from a motorcycle sidecar, inspired while running as he listening to motivational guru, Tony Robins. After years of experimenting with different bikes and setups, including using the Russian made Ural (he once owned a Ural dealership), Gibson, finally settled on the Honda 750 Shadow and the Harley-Davidson 883 Sportster. The Cool Cycles Ice Cream Company is open for business, the headquarters are located in Tacoma, WA where they will start selling franchises within a 100 mile radius, the Los Angeles area will be next and Las Vegas to follow.

Lawn-Mowing Motorcycle

Mon, 20 Apr 2009

I can’t count how many sunny Saturdays in my adult life I have spent lamenting the fact that yard work took precedent over being able to spend the entire day out riding my motorcycle.  Well, instead of wasting time dreaming, a farmer and motorcycle enthusiast managed to find a way to fix this problem by converting an old worn out ride on lawnmower into a chopper that actually, chops. Powered by a 17.5 HP Briggs and Stratton motor, the bike was constructed with the help of an old bed frame, an aluminum running board and parts from two old bikes. Now instead of choosing between going riding or doing yard work, this ingenious inventor can do both!

Long Moped Wheelie

Fri, 17 Apr 2009

Thanks to StuntYourMoped for sharing this video with us on YouTube.  If the title didn’t clue you in enough, it’s a video of a long moped (although I believe it’s a scooter) wheelie.  Check it out! If you have any interesting videos on youtube, share them with us!  They brighten our day and we’ll try to share them on the blog for everyone to enjoy. Get the Flash Player to see this player.