Cult of Dualsport

Jesse James in Alaska

Did you see the June 14 episode of "Jesse James is a Dead Man"? I didn't, and SpikeTV doesn't have any clips of Mr. James riding a "treacherous Arctic Ice Road [in] negative 60-degree temperature ... [on the] BMW R 1200 GS."

Clutch and Chrome and Motorcycle USA ran articles about the show before it aired, and the purple prose was flying!

For this perilous journey, a BMW R 1200 GS Adventure motorcycle was outfitted to fight the frozen north with a multitude of modifications, including studded tires and custom flame paint in typical Jesse James fashion. The BMW R 1200 GS Adventure motorcycle is coveted around the world as the only motorcycle that can tackle any terrain, from the African Desert to the Tibetan mountains, and come back for more.

That does it. I must have one. But only if I can see Jesse ride his flame-painted version first.

Update: Watch this video. The Alaska footage starts around 16:50.

United Motors DTF 200

Haven't heard of United Motors until now, and I wouldn't buy their DTF 200 dual sport bike. But they do have credibility -- as if my proclamation makes any difference. I'm just taking note...

In 2005, UM signed an agreement with one of Korea’s largest powersports manufacturer and completed its product line with the addition of a line of street bikes with larger displacement engines (650 cc) thus expanding UM’s lineup of engine choices for street bikes from 250 to 650cc and upcoming products with a 450cc liquid cooled engine. The result was that UM became the first full line manufacturer in the powersports industry in almost 30 years and are now celebrating their 10th anniversary. Today, UM offers Street, Dual Sport & Off Road Motorcycles, Scooters and ATV’s in displacements from 49cc to 650cc, combining a variety of models for every industry market segment and powersports enthusiast.

Maui Dual Sport closed

Not sure when they closed, but it was sometime after August 31, 2008. Best wishes to the owner. Hope they can open again soon.

... Maui Dual Sport is not in operation at the moment. It is possible that we will reopen for business, but that date is yet to be determined. It was a pleasure doing business with you, and hopefully we will have another opportunity in the near future to make your stay in Maui a memorable one.

New book on Dual Sport suspension setup

Do you have trouble setting up your bike's suspension? If so, this e-book from Dual Sport Riding may help. It's only available as a PDF download, and it's only $15.

From an email to the Cult announcing the book:

When I teach clinics, the most common questions are about suspension. Everyone knows how important good suspension is, but the certainty stops there. Most riders don't know whether their suspension is working well, nor how to adjust it, nor even what clues they should be looking for.

Hearing these questions from students led me to look for a system that could allow people get the best from their bike. For help, I turned to James Siddall of Super Plush Suspension, and formerly of several factory race teams. James has spent the last 10 years setting up suspension for some of the world's best riders, and reading their data to learn what is happening behind the sensations they feel. I asked questions, James answered them, and together we made a book that we think will help you understand your motorcycle better, and get the best from it.

From the DS Riding web site:

If any of these conditions describe your ride, there are improvements to be had:

• If you struggle to initiate a turn, or hold a line through a corner, or finish the turn as you want, suspension and chassis setup can help.
• If you lack confidence in a straight line over rough or loose or soft terrain, and feel like your bike is always trying to get away from you, suspension setup can help.
• If you bottom very frequently or almost never, your suspension is not set up right.
• If you involuntarily wince when you approach a certain type of obstacle on the trail, your suspension is not set up right.

Damn it, Jim! I'm a Doctor AND a Dual Sport rider!

Doc Mike sent an email to the Cult about a July 12 ride, and I'm passing it along to you. Here's a thread on AdvRider if you want to hook up with the Doc and his crew.

Mark your calendars; July 12th (Sunday) is the 3rd installment of our CNY 2009 dual sport ride series. Round three is going to be a fun filled ride taking us through three counties with over 140 miles of off-road single and double track, seasonal/dirt roads and some abandoned railroad sections. We will have three hosts for this ride, each guiding us through three different segments of the ride. I’ll start off guiding through the first 3rd of the ride; Barry and Todd have agreed to guide the middle and final sections of the ride.  You won't be disappointed, this ride will take us through some of the nicest off road riding in CNY. We will have something for everyone... Mild fire roads, old enduro course single track, Abandoned RR beds, pipe line runs and even some optional hero sections that will test your riding skills and keep your adrenaline pumping. As always plan on a full day of riding with stops for fuel, rest and food.

Rawhyde 2009

Motorcycle USA has video of the Rawhyde Adventure Rider Challenge. I would have embedded it, but the iFrame code didn't work here and it was too wide anyway...  Check out this article, too. Who said riders couldn't write? The dude quotes Poe.

Can we call this the BJ450?

Tim Prawdzik over at the Examiner has an article on an ENV (emissions neutral vehicle) motorcycle. I'm not sure what to make of it, but the lone comment brings forth some titillating possibilities about Mr. P. While you check that out, I'll provide some of the questionable details noted by Tim:

The ENV motorcycle can move along at about 50 mph with the same noise as a laptop computer. On one fuel cell, the ENV can last more than 4 hours of continual use without any need to re-fuel. Currently in the works, is a fuel cell capable of more than double these capabilities.

What's the saying? Loud pipes save lives? If that's true, the BJ450 is a killa.

Each fuel cell is a multi-layered sandwich of plates and MEA’s (Membrane Electrode Assemblies), in which the MEA acts as a catalyst during an electro-chemical reaction, producing water and electricity from hydrogen and oxygen.

This water by-product is so safe; it can be drained from the unit and consumed by anyone who is thirsty.

Perhaps the commenter, one Ms. Lovelace, just couldn't help herself.

Harley Dual Sportster?

Not sure about this ... check that. I'm sure I I would NOT want to ride this on the trail.

Roost: Motorcycle Picture of the Day.

2010 Suzuki RMX450Z

Motorcycle USA has a review. 1.6 gallon tank? That's a joke. Cycle News takes note of the hinged airbox. I like the fuel injection. Lots more on this model, but no pricing yet. Check this Google search.

Fallen officer memorial motorcycle rally

From an email to the Cult. See www.papolicek9.com  and www.ppcarally.com.

John. A. Ayello fallen officer memorial motorcycle rally, August 29th 2009 at 09:00am Hermys BMW Port Clinton, PA.

This event will start at Hermys BMW in Port Clinton, PA with approximately 200 motorcycle riders that will be directed/guided through the entire rally to Fernwood Music Camp Hazelton, PA.

• Ride A. Will be for street type motorcycles.
• Ride B. Will be for BIG G.S. Adventure sport type motorcycle.

At this time we are looking for vendors, sponsors, and associations, corporations who can provide the following:

• Food vendor or associations
• Door price sponsors
• Clothing/leather vendor
• Motorcycle parts vendor
• Motorcycle dealers