2008 ICON Motorcycle Clothing Update

ICON Clothing has released their 2008 product catalog. We got a sneak peak of the stuff about a week ago, when ICON management picked us up by Limo, put us on a plane and flew our staff to South Korea, where much of the product is manufactured. After a very late night of karaoke, kimchee and OB beer at the hotel, we got down to business the next day to check out the product at a remote warehouse in the Korean countryside.

We do dug it then in Asia and we dig it now back in the States. The design chemists and social psychology artists at ICON know how to mix the perfect blend of violence, military themes, hard core sex and speed into a lifestyle clothing package that seems just right for our times. At least, it should remind us that we're not just a bunch of stuttering conservatives. Very American. Very Street. If only we Americans could live up to the imagery we create, instead of leaving it only to fantasy and movies.

From Page 2 of the 2008 ICON Fall Catalog: "Darkness has descend upon upon the urban sprawl. Cryptic text messages confirm the location- industrial, nondescript, and pork free. Lit by the surreal arc of H7 bulbs, they engage in choreographed mechanical violence. Balance points and body english are the native language of these lands. Here the laws of polite society are ignored, replaced only by the painful laws of physics. The curtain opens to a choking cloud of rubber infused smoke. Gyroscoping wheels arc ballistic trajectories across the tarmac slab. Tortured rotors endure the hydraulic embrace of rapidly withering brake pads. Ruptured fork seals and nitrogen charged reservoirs vent furiously, consuming the punishing blows. And then, as quickly as it began, the performance is over. Barking shorty pipes fall silent. Cast alloy blocks tick a rhythmic cooling chant. Plastic fan blades whirl frantically in an effort to soothe the worked hyper-beast. All that remains are the discarded rubber autographs of the night's underground heros."

CRASH CAUSATION STUDY

MOTORCYCLE SAFETY FOUNDATION CALLS FOR COMMENCEMENT OF MOTORCYCLE CRASH CAUSATION STUDY
Urges Motorcyclists and Drivers to Work Together to Reduce Rider Deaths on Nation's Highways

IRVINE, Calif., Aug 14, 2008 (BUSINESS WIRE) -- In response to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration release of the 2007 Traffic Safety Annual Assessment - Highlights, the Motorcycle Safety Foundation today urged that a planned national Motorcycle Crash Causation study begin as soon as possible. Last summer the industry committed $2.8 million in funding through the Motorcycle Safety Foundation to the Oklahoma Transportation Center for the new Motorcycle Crash Causation Study. The Motorcycle Industry Council committed another $200,000 soon after. The $3 million commitment compares to the approximately $2 million being provided in federal funding.

The Foundation stated that there is a tremendous amount of theory and speculation from many concerned parties for motorcycle safety as to why there has been an increase in motorcycle fatalities and crashes over the past 10 years. But there is no concrete data.

MSF President Tim Buche reiterated that, "We hope that this new field research, the first definitive crash causation study to be done in the United States in almost 30 years, will shed new light on the causes of crashes on our nation's highways. Knowledge gained from this study may help all of us concerned with rider safety to develop even more effective countermeasures to enhance the safety of motorcyclists everywhere. But we won't know until the study, which will be a long and thorough process, has been conducted. For the safety of motorcyclists, we need this federal study to be of high priority, and move forward as soon as possible."

Fuel prices are prompting even more Americans to choose motorcycles for their transportation needs due to their higher fuel efficiency and lower cost of ownership. For first-time riders, an approved motorcycle rider training course is the best first ride, and training providers are responding to the sudden increase in demand by increasing their training capacity. This year, an estimated 430,000 people will take an MSF RiderCourse. Visit www.msf-usa.org for more information.

The Foundation also is reminding all riders and motorists that they each have an important role in helping to reduce the number of motorcycle crashes on America's roads and highways.
"The overwhelming number of motorcyclists who wind up in single-vehicle crash statistics are there because they aren't following basic but important safety precautions when riding," said Buche. "And fewer than half of all riders have taken any kind of formal training course. We also know that car drivers and other motorists are at fault a majority of the time in multiple-vehicle crashes that involve a motorcyclist. We have life-saving messages for everyone, whether they are behind the handlebars or behind a steering wheel."

For motorcyclists, the MSF has five critical messages:

Get Trained and Licensed - Take an MSF RiderCourse(SM) and obtain the appropriate rider's license from your state.

Wear Protective Riding Gear - All the gear all the time; most importantly a helmet made to meet the standards of the Department of Transportation.

Don't Drink and Ride - Ride unimpaired; never drink or use other drugs before getting on a motorcycle.

Ride Within Your Limits - Stay within your personal limits; never ride faster or farther than your abilities can handle.

Be a Lifelong Learner - Return regularly for refresher riding courses.


The Foundation's key messages for car drivers are:

Please Look for Motorcyclists - Use your eyes and mirrors to see what's around.

Focus on Driving - Hang up and drive, put down the food, the pet, the personal grooming gear, the CD, and the reading material and save it for later.

Use Your Turn Signals - Signal your intentions. It's also the law.

Give Two-Wheelers Some Room - Don't tailgate or get too close side-by-side.

Keep it in the Car - Don't throw trash and cigarettes out the window, and securely lash down cargo that can fall out on the road and be a deadly hazard.

"All of these are all doable, real-world actions that will cut down crashes and fatalities right now," Buche said. "Above everything else, it's about the human element, the attitude, the mind-set that motorcyclists and motorists have, and the choices they make out there on the road."

Since 1973, the Motorcycle Safety Foundation has set internationally recognized standards that promote the safety of motorcyclists with rider education courses, operator licensing tests, and public information programs. The MSF works with the federal government, state agencies, the military, and others to offer training for all skill levels so riders can enjoy a lifetime of safe, responsible motorcycling.

The MSF is a not-for-profit organization sponsored by BMW, BRP, Ducati, Harley-Davidson, Honda, Kawasaki, KTM, Piaggio, Suzuki, Triumph, Victory and Yamaha. For RiderCourse(SM) locations, call 800.446.9227 or visit www.msf-usa.org.

Race Report: Team DNA Energy Drink

Team DNA Energy Drink/AxiomTV/Shea Racing
finishes second and tenth in MISuperMoto X

Team has largest contingent at event while also participating
in pre-event autograph session at metro Detroit hotspot



Clio, Mich. (August 19, 2008) – Team DNA Energy Drink/AxiomTV/Shea Racing became the heavy hitters at the inaugural MISuperMoto X in Clio, Michigan this past weekend with all three riders competing. With impressive results and the largest private transporter in the pits, the team received significant attention throughout the weekend. Team athlete Johnny Lewis finished second and was on the pole for the supermoto final, while Thomas Bordelon finished tenth. Third rider Mike Ingle competed but was unable to finish the event.



The MISuperMoto X included pro and amateur supermoto racing along with rally cars and dwarf cars, all competing on the same course separately. The supermoto layout was an 80/20 asphalt/dirt split that included a 17-degree banked turn, a large tabletop and triple-tabletop combo in the dirt section, and an infield uphill where riders would jump on the pavement. Fifteen pros competed, many from the national XTRM/AMA Supermoto Championship. According to the promoter, approximately 1,100 fans turned out.



Lewis won his heat race in commanding fashion and was on the pole for the 15-lap Supermoto Final. He holeshot the race and led for the first five laps, even after crashing in the dirt section. In the dirt, Lewis made a mistake and crashed. He was able to keep the bike running with the clutch pulled in, hopping back on it from the rear like a cowboy jumps on a horse, and re-passing two riders for the lead. This feat got a big roar from the crowd. Danny Casey would eventually overtake Lewis but he never left him alone finishing only one second behind. Even though this was not a national championship round, Lewis’ ride was impressive with nearly 10 national pros competing on various sizes of bikes.



“This was a fun track to ride and it was also one of the safest tracks of the year,” said Lewis. “With the exception of a couple regular AMA Lites riders, this was basically a national event and I was happy to get second riding my back-up bike. After the heat race, my front tire needed to be replaced and we didn’t have time to change it before the main so we threw on my rain slick that was already on a wheel. While not ideal to run on dry asphalt, we made the best of it and held on for second. The promoter Dave Duprey and his crew did an awesome job all weekend keeping things safe and providing an exciting track for fans.”



Lewis is currently ranked second with 40 points in the three-race Doug Henry Hard Charger Award, presented by Yamaha. He is five points out of first place and five points ahead of third. The final event is round three of the AMA series this Sunday, August 24.



Bordelon started towards the back of the grid in the final and ended up crashing in the dirt section. But he didn’t give up. Dead last, Bordelon picked off four riders to finish tenth in the main providing another show for fans to watch.



“After having an electrical problem with my bike, I didn’t know what to expect or if I would even ride,” said Bordelon. “Thanks to a local rider we were able to make a quick fix and run the race. It was awesome to come to Michigan and put in a good showing for the team. With this being my first full season in supermoto, all the race time I can get with other pros is invaluable.”



Ingle flew in from his home in Texas to compete in the MISuperMoto X. Riding his KTM560 against many 250cc machines on the tight track he finished well in his heat race. Ingle started towards the back in the main and ended up pulling off after a mechanical.



Team Manager Tim Shea said, “It made sense to participate in the MISuperMoto X and put it in our budget, being between the Connecticut and Wisconsin AMA rounds. We want to support supermoto and it provided our team significant exposure among the Michigan fans not only at the track but also during the autograph session Johnny and Thomas participated at in Royal Oak.”



Prior to the MISuperMoto X, both Bordelon and Lewis signed autographs at metro Detroit hotspot, Memphis Smoke restaurant. With the race bikes inside and the team transporter and trailer on Main Street, it provided more exposure for the event, supermoto, the riders, and the team. That night more than 300 sport bike riders were out in Royal Oak during their weekly Sport Bike Night.



The next stop for Team DNA Energy Drink/AxiomTV/Shea Racing is round three of the XTRM/AMA Supermoto Championship at USA International Raceway in Shawano, Wis. on Sunday, August 24. Fans be sure to stop by the team truck for Citrus-flavored DNA Energy Drink and check out videos on the
flat-screen TV.



About Team DNA Energy Drink/AxiomTV/Shea Racing

Team DNA Energy Drink/AxiomTV/Shea Racing is a motorcycle race team dedicated to building a championship-winning formula and setting new standards for independent teams with an extensive marketing program. Athletes Johnny Lewis and Thomas Bordelon compete in the Lites Class while Mike Ingle and Tim Shea are in the Unlimited Class of the XTRM/AMA Supermoto Championship. The team is made possible by DNA Energy Drink, AxiomTV, Dubach Racing Development (DRD), Fly Racing, NSS Footwear, Shoei (Johnny Lewis), Utopia (Johnny Lewis), Ogio, Gaerne, RG3, ProTaper, Beringer Brake Systems (Johnny Lewis), Silkolene (Johnny Lewis), Twin Air, Acerbis, Ride Engineering, Wiseco, Maxima Racing Lubricants, Kicker, Pro Moto Billet/Fastway, Vortex Sprockets, Pit Posse, Out Law Racing, East Coast Wheels, Motostrano, Fluidyne PowerSports, PowerBar, Moto Option Clothing, ASV Inventions, Scott Power Sports (Johnny Lewis), Victory Circle Graphix, Regina Chains, Motion Pro, Universal Engineering, Supermoto Pro, Engine Ice, V.I.O., Dunlop, JM Racing, Access Media Lab, Park Tools USA, VPE Racing (Johnny Lewis), Pro Graphicsinstall.com, Pro Clean 1000, Bonehead Graphics, and Fitness Anywhere, Visit us at www.evolvemoto.com to participate in our monthly fan giveaway and receive AxiomTV movie download discounts.



About MotoPR

Detroit, Michigan-based Moto Public Relations, LLC (MotoPR) brings best practice public relations and marketing to action sports to increase public interest and corporate support for supermoto and motocross athletes, teams, events, and other properties. Our integrated services include public relations programming, sponsorship acquisition and management, media relations, media training, promotion development, and event management. Visit us online at www.motopr.com.



FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

CONTACT: Bryan Peckinpaugh

313.575.1245

bryan@motopr.com

Supermoto Conversion Kits are Great

Motostrano has been suppling parts for and building supermoto bikes for a little over six years. Over the years, sourcing the parts, fitting the parts and doing the R&D for what works best for the road or the track has required constant feedback from customers and racers.

Supermoto, for better or worse, still lives in a realm very akin to custom bike building. It's not usually a matter of fabrication, as you have in the chopper world, but it does relate in as far as creating the perfect supermoto bike, keeping track of what parts fit what model bikes and knowing what parts work best with what bikes.

Due to the relative simplicity of the bikes themselves, most folks are able to do their conversion work at home as part of a DIY project.

Motostrano's supermoto conversion kits have evolved over the years to really represent the best long term value for your supermoto dollar. We look at things like year round availability of parts, of replacement parts, of part longevity, overall performance, cost and ease of installation. We try to supply our kits with all required parts and mounting hardware, but even in our kits, end users are still required to supply occasional bolts and shims required for a perfect conversion.

Our kits include wheels that have a longer life span than other less expensive wheels on the market. They are absolutely not the "cheapest out there". The Excel/Talon wheel combo is the defacto leader in Supermoto street or race. Yes, there are other less expensive options out there and we will flat out tell you that you are wasting your money with them. We think you're better off spending a few hundred dollars more for your parts than to have to simply buy whole new parts in short amount of time. Simple elementary school math can be used to calculate the better path there.

Motostrano's kits are usually priced as a bundled value that is less expensive than buying the kit parts separately. Further, we've found that our kit parts simply work well together. You'll see hundreds of bikes on the road or the track who've taken advantage of our kits. Many customers use our kit parts list as a starting point for a parts list that include many other parts.

Six years ago, riders and racers used to have to scrape, dig and modify all kinds of stuff to convert a bike to supermoto. At the time, there were few options out there for brakes, tires or wheels. The sport has evolved a lot in a short amount of time.

Matthew Barber race result update

This was another great weekend at the races. I finished with two wins (UL superbike, LW sportsman) and one second place finish(Supermotard). Thanks to all for the support and encuragement though out the year. The next race weekend will be the 30th and 31st. It will also be my first weekend stepping up to the ameteur class, so wish me luck and I'll send a report the week after. MSB#878

Alpinestars Warranty

we sell a lot of alpinestars. so, you can bet we've come up with warranty issues. our experience has been that astars has one of the best warranty policies and procedures in the business. having a warranty is one thing. being able to deliver on it is entirely another. alpinestars will pretty much repair or replace any defect with your product within a reasonable amount of time and use. within reason, they'll do it at no cost, usually. alpinestars operates their own repair facility in los angeles and sending them your stuff for repair typically takes about 2 weeks to turn around and get back to you (expect a longer wait in the heat of summer).

Places to Find Motostrano.com on the web

In the age of "social media" it's good to know you can get in touch with your favorite motoshop in a variety of spots along the web. Some of them include:


The Motostrano Outlet Store offers a real-time view of products that are in stock and ready to ship. We don't have our entire store up there just yet, but it's a secondary place for you to shop.

Motostrano has a Facebook page where we update folks with news and info.

Twowheelsteals.com is our 'ten deal a day site'

Yelp - is a place where you will see reviews from past customers, both good and bad. Some day, there will be the equivelent service for business to review customers.

Motostrano sponsors a few popular discussion forms. Our two favorites include the Bay Area Riders Forum and Supermotojunkie .

Motostrano has a MySpace Page, but honestly we don't update it much.

You buy Motostrano casuals at Zazzle