The Supermoto Itch

As you might guess, speaking with "the public" day in and day out, that cranky, paranoid, talkative and sometimes enlightening gang, you end up talking with a colorful bunch by the end of the day. Yesterday, was no exception. I picked up the phone and the conversation went something like this:

Me: deep in thought about what a dumb shit Sarah Palin sounded like in that Couric interview, then the phone rings "...Strano, Can I help you?"
Patron: "Yea, is this Motostrano?"
Me: "Indeed it is is Sir, to whom am I speaking with and how can I help">
Patron: "Oh man. Motostrano. Listen up. My buddies said I needed to call you see."
Me: "Great, what's on your mind?"
Patron: "Check it out, see. Yesterday, me and my homies were down at our local track you know. Me and my buddies, we all ride big bikes you know, R1, Gixxer, RC51. Anyway, me and my boys we're having fun down at the track you know and all of the sudden we see this guy, this little kid, this...you know, and he shows up with this little 250 little dirt bike, you know. And we're lookin at him like "what's up little man?", you know. Anyway, my homies and me... we're all in our leathers and got our liter bikes and we go out for a few laps, you know and we think we're not going to see much of little supermoto man, you know. but, sure enough, little motard midget guy shows up and starts playing with us you know and before you know it, little motard man is passin us. but this guy just ain't passin us. he's PASSIN all of us. He's PASSIN us in the turns, he's PASSIN us in the straight aways, he's PASSIN us in the esses. We all basically got our asses handed to us that day by a little 250 supermoto and we was all pissed off.

So, I get online and i start digging in you know. I'm at Supermotojunkie and I'm checking shit out, you know. They all said to call you up and find out. Anyways, sure enough. I bring my bike today down to my local dealer. It's for sale man. That thing is for sale and I'm gettin a supermoto. Thing is I ain't no dirt guy, i'm a street guy, road race guy. I like the twisties, I live for the turns, you know. I need power, speed. What do I get dude? What should I do? My dealer where I'm selling my bike says I should check out the Suzuki. That guy's not my usual guy you know, he left the dealership you know, so my boy ain't there and he's telling me about this DRZ and it's looking to me like it's a little soft, you know?"

I, of course, steer the guy in the right direction and hope to hear about the street legal CRF450 that he stumbles on some day. The conversation left me in stitches, even though I've heard it a few times before. This one had grace, elegance. A great call for sure.

Scorpion EXO-400 Dogfight Helmet Goes on Close-Out

Just got the word today that the venerable Scorpion Dogfight Helmet has had it's price tag lobbed off a few inches. Motostrano has this great helmet on sale right now for a little over 100 bones.

Besides the militaristic imagery and bullet holes, the features of the 400 include:

The EX-400 Helmet from Scorpion features an advanced Polycarbonate Composite Engineered Shell: Quiet, aero-tuned design for wind-tunnel tested comfort. EPS-lined chin bar for additional protection.
SpeedShift quick-change shield system (patent pending): Easy, secure tool-less faceshield changes in ten seconds or less.
EverClear no-fog faceshield: Optically-correct shield with state-of-the art fog-free technology and anti-scratch hardened coating.
KwikWick moisture-wicking helmet liner and cheek pads: Breathable, easily removable and washable.
Ventilation system: Adjustable, indexed front and rear vents with aero-tuned rear spoiler reduce lift, create vacuum and maximize airflow through helmet.
Breath-deflector: Enhanced fog-free performance.
Custom liner and cheek pad kits: Available in hot colors and wild patterns.
Snell/DOT Certified. Size 3X DOT Certified Only

Available at Motostrano.com

We Won! From Dave Arnold

Dave is our racer up in Canada. For those of you who don't know about Canada, it's the other country that shares an international border with Alaska, just like Palin describes.

Subject: We Won!

Good Morning Friends,

I have some good news to share; we are once again the holders of the #1 Plate in Canadian Supermoto.

Heading into the weekend it worked out (through an abbreviated schedule, rain outs and prior race results) the championship was down to two guys with a mathematical chance; current champ KTM's Maxime Sylvestre and myself. Winner of the day takes home the plate.

The qualifier was a battle between all four past and present National Champions and no one was more than two bikes apart for the whole deal. Maxime came from fifth riding like a madman and systematically picked off each one of us. However a lap after getting the lead he lost the front end in a high-speed sweeper and went off the track in a heap. Doug Beattie won, and I grabbed second.

In the final I yanked a killer holeshot and stretched out a four-bike length lead, which I held until just past the halfway mark. Then I started to make small mistakes, which allowed the battle raging behind me to catch up. With three laps to go 2004 Champ Doug Beattie slipped by when I spun on the face of a jump and I hugged his tire until the checkers. I knew there was at least one rider between Maxime and myself so the championship was secure and there was no way I was going to risk a crash trying to be a hero.

That was the easy part of the email to write, this is more of a challenge, in a good way.

Racing is business and you’re not going to hit it off with everyone, not everybody operates with the same ethics and not everyone is interested in being your friend. To some you’re just another resume, only as good as your last race, which is just part of the game. On the bright side, over the years it became very obvious there were a few who genuinely cared, who always had a kind word of support ready and who were always in my corner interested in what I had going on.

If you are one of the eight names who received this email this championship is for you!

Many times this summer I battled myself trying to decide what to do based on a myriad of factors. How many races could I afford to do? Would my beat up Jeff Ward 2005 TLD Honda do the job one more time? When is my injury number going to come up again? Etc.

In the end, when the season got shortened to a point where I could see finishing it with (more or less) the resources I had, I made up my mind I was going out on top, going there to win it for the people who always believed in me, and to prove to the people who have talked a lot of shit about me…they were full of it.

I don’t know what the future holds for SM in Canada and in turn for me. This may be the last National Championship Series held for a while. History may have it that I came in as the first champion and went out as the last, time will tell.

Either way it’s been a great ride and I wanted to let each of you know, aside from the products, it was your personal touch, kind words, boot in the ass, get well card, smiles and warmth that made all the difference. It motivated me every year to keep going because I knew I had my crew I could count on, you eight really stood out and the times we shared are something I’ll never forget.

Thank you so much!

Dave Arnold
Team Machine Racing Troy Lee Designs

2008 Canadian Supermoto National Champion
2008 Canadian Supermoto Vet +35 National Champion

TwoWheelSteals.com Has The Goods, Cheap

Launched just a few months ago by the wizards at Motostrano.com, TwoWheelSteals.com sells great motorcycle products at enormously discounted prices. In other words, the site sells lots of stuff, cheap. Twowheelsteals is a “deal a day site” times 100. Limited list of products. All in stock. All products sold at the site are discounted lots, like 20 to 80% off. All products are in stock, ready to ship. No waiting, no haggling, no “report a lower price”. Prices are rock bottom.

Motorcycle enthusiasts, some with tattoos, some with long manes of hair and a select few with neatly sculpted facial hair, will find great products at TwoWheelSteals on a daily basis when they fire up their web-enabled phones and high speed access computers and click over to the web site over there. Products are updated daily.

A sampling of recent deals: A $1400 supermoto brake kit by Magura sold for $500. A $300 Ducati rotor recently sold for just $100. A $48 Thor MX woman’s casual hoody sold for $16. Great products, even better prices.

Sign up for the Email Blasts. Check the site daily. Great deals are to be had, really.

AGV Stealth Helmet

For those busy work days when you have to look a little bad-ass and low key, when you have to do the whole "I'm the guy in the Matrix movie" get-up, it's gotta be a matt black helmet with a dark shield. The AGV Stealth helmet is about the best helmet you can get for the dollar right now, particularly at the price Motostrano is letting them go for. TECHNICAL FEATURES Shell ACF2 Kevlar construction. 2 Shell sizes Ventilation System Dynamic system with air intakes and rear extractors Liners Fully removable and washable. Cool Max with hygienic treatment fabrics. Comfortable "Easy Fit" Shield Clear, anti-scratch polycarbonate Race visor Retention System Double D Ring Shield Mechanism XQRS (Extra Quick Release System): shield replacement without tools in few seconds Certification DOT/BSI 6658 TYPE A

Motostrano Clearance Sale

Our FALL Clearance Sale has kicked off with amazing deals posted on our
three web sites, motostrano.com, motostrano.net and twowheelsteals.com

And you're free to call us and to check on our 'secret pricing' for deals
we just can't advertise.

Check out our goods. Prices are blow-out rock bottom and very cheap.

Prices are subject to change. Limited availability. Act now!

Supermoto coming to Laguna Seca

The SupermotoUSA series is joining the Corona AMA Superbike Finale weekend Sept. 27-28 at Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca.
Advertisement

Originally developed during the late 70's for ABC's Wide World of Sports, Supermoto was a way to familiarize Americans with motorcycle racing.

Supermoto is a fusion of dirt track racing, motocross and road racing.

The SupermotoUSA racecourse will be a mix of asphalt and dirt, incorporating both left and right hand turns and jumps. The rules are kept simple, as are the classes.

The weekend includes the 2nd Annual Supermoto USA women's only races, featuring the Fast Girls Invitational.

Race tickets are available for the Corona AMA Superbike Finale Race by calling (800) 327-7322; www.laguna-seca.com.

Source: The Californian

Alpinestars F1 Shoes - Fast Walking Shoes

Alpinestars has released a killer set of walking shoes that are sure to be a hit in all the swanky fast-boy hangouts around the globe. The new Alpinestars F1 Shoes are a light pair of laced thin sole walking shoes. A lot like a driving shoe. Synthetic layer. Even available in a brave chrome gold color. These shoes will be all the craze in Japan, that, I'll guarantee you.

This makes 3 in a line of casual shoes from the leader in motorsports footwear.

New Boot From Sidi: SIDI Vortice

SIDI has released news about their latest and greatest full race boot available in the Fall of 2008.
The latest in technology combined with the great skill and workmanship of Sidi’s Italian based factory technicians’ blend in a whirl of fresh solutions to satisfy a rider’s desire for safety and comfort. The Sidi Vortice is an excellent synthesis of the years of experience of Sidi and its designers who conceived its features keeping in mind that the Vortice is the main and essential point of juncture between the bike and the rider.
All parts of the boot can be replaced.


CE certified the Vortice will be available in the USA in December ’08. The Vortice is priced at $475 and is available in a non-vented version in black, white, red or blue or a fully vented version in black or white. Metric sizes from 39 to 48 (6 to 13 USA) are available.

Features:

The Vortice is constructed of Lorica and is lined with Teflon vented mesh. The lining in the toe area is in Cambrelle, a soft yet strong lining. Only Sidi goes to trouble and expense of creating a multiple liner boot system in its racing boots. Lorica® is a composite micro fiber material created from strands that are so fine, each one is less than one thousandth the thickness of silk. When injected with special resins, these fibers act like natural leather skin, but with the addition of better strength, softer texture, lighter weight and better moisture protection. Lorica is also highly resistant to abrasion – yet it still breathes – with more than three million pores per square centimeter. Easy to maintain, Lorica doesn’t stain and can’t be scratched and offers reduced weight, more flexibility and more feel than leather racing boots. Teflon: is a special treatment to protect textiles. This fabric protection process prevents water or sweat from being absorbed. The boot dries quickly and does not form mould.

Sidi has added a small elastic panel to aid in a smooth zipper operation as it allows a bit of movement via the elastic as the zipper passes over the rider’s ankle ball.

The rear upper part of the boot is made up of the following mechanisms: TECNO CALF TENSIONER, TECNO SHIN TENSIONER and ANKLE SUPPORT SYSTEM. This group of features ensures a precise fit and maximum protection.

The TECNO SHIN TENSIONER mechanism helps the TECNO CALF TENSIONER close the leg upper on the front part of the boot. The two lateral nylon braces join the ankle joint with two screws that are protected by nylon caps. This system is reinforced with fiberglass, supports the ankle and is easy to replace. This system allows excellent flex movement front-to-back while being firm side-to-side.

AIR VENTILATION SYSTEM, A third brace is positioned on the outer-lower part of the boot and features an air intake that can be operated by an aerodynamic shaped button.

TECNO INSTEP TENSIONER, The Vortice features an additional fastening system on the front part of the foot, on the instep. It consists of a wrap-around fascia which can be precision adjusted by the TECNO INSTEP TENSIONER mechanism that was proved critical in rider safety by the previous model, the Sidi Vertigo Corsa.

SHOCK ABSORBING HEEL CUP, A polyurethane shell holds a shock absorbing insert, visible from the outside through 4 small slits that mark out the look of the heel. The shell is mobile as it’s fixed to the boot by 2 screws that allow 3 mm of impact movement.

SHIN PLATE, The shin plate is made in nylon and it is inserted on a polyurethane frontal support. Both parts are replaceable.

VORTICE SLIDER, The toe slider is made in nylon reinforced with fiberglass. It is fitted with a new air intake and an innovative alloy insert. All pieces are replaceable.

RACING SRS SOLE, The all new sole is constructed of a polyurethane and rubber blend. It features a removable insert in front of the arch area where much wear and tear normally occurs due to sharp metal brake pedals and shift levers. Another patented-exclusive Sidi feature!

GEAR CHANGE PAD. The gear change pad is molded of DuPont Techno-polymers, which ensure that the plastics qualities will not change in high or low temperatures.

The composite inner sole of the Vortice resists side-to-side compression offering greater protection compared to the leather inner soles that many of Sidi’s competitors use. The insole features a removable arch support and will never lose its dynamic characteristics, even after months of intense use; it’s water resistant and is designed to withstand high footpeg pressures.

Motostrano nominated for BayList Best

Motostrano was recently nominated for the "BayList Best" at SFGate.com, the leading news site for the San Francisco Bay Area. The BayList is the place to find the best photos, reviews and contests related to local businesses in The Bay Area.The Baylist highlights great business in the Bay Area. If you'd like to vote for Motostrano visit the Baylist now!

Matt Barber Supermoto Race Update: race update 8/30-31

This was my first weekend as an amateur and I won the first race of my weekend on Saturday in the lite-weight sportsmen division. I was very surprised. The best I had hoped for was a top five, so to get the win was very exciting. Sunday proved to be a much faster and more competitive race day with the strongest competition coming from my pit partner and neighbor who is consistently a front runner. I finished the day with a hard fought 3rd in the super-singles class and a 4th in the motard race. Thanks to all my sponsors. Cyclewise for the help with the power plant. AXO for all the cool gear and banners that make my pit area and me look like a pro rider. DVC graphics for the cool new number plates. Amsoil lubricants, RK chain, and Excel rims for making it go to the front. N-SAYN motorsports and Motostrano for all the advise and help a first year racer could ask for. Thanks everyone and look for one more update at the season finally on the 27-28 of September.

Alpinestars SP-1 Jacket

Alpinestars laid down the law a few days ago by releasing a few killer products that you can now start to salivate over. The new Alpinestars SP-1 Jacket will likely eliminate the guess work about what jacket to buy in the near future. Plain, simple, dedicated and just straightforward. No baggage, it doesn't shout much, or boo at your friends. It doesn't have that air of desperation like other jackets have. No skulls, no patches, no weird looks. Playing it safe, without being more of the same. 3 colors and 8 sizes per color to select from. It's easy. A jacket we can all be proud of, in just about any environment, whether it be on the international stage, a local town meeting, on your favorite back road or tight twisty. You might say it is a jacket with a lot of hope in it. Readily available, shipping now.