Spot Motorcycles » Ken

Some Love For One Of Our Neighbors

Ken — Fri, 10 Dec 2010 20:38:59 +0000

I recently had a chance to talk with Mike, who runs RoadCarvin.com. It's always great to check out another bike site, and Mike's definitely got a pretty cool one going on. If you're looking for some new sites to add to your reading list, check it out and let me know what you think.

P.S. Search around a bit over there, and you might even stumble on a guest post that we did recently!

Rocket Cycles – Past, Present and Future

Ken — Tue, 11 May 2010 15:27:53 +0000

From crazy Germans of the 1930's to record-breaking speed-demons of today, motorcyclists have always had a fascination with rocket-powering their engines.

And who can blame them? Feeling the rush of the extreme acceleration while seeing the smoke and flames burst from the tailpipe is a high that few of us have experienced, yet all of us have imagined.

Here we provide the first comprehensive guide to rocket cycles past, present and future. See thrill-seeking Germans as they kick-start the sport, champion daredevil Evel Knievel point his rocket cycle skyward, and Hollywood visionaries dream of a somewhat-goofy rocket-powered future.

Part I: Rocket Cycles of the Past
Assassination attempts, the Human Fly and the God of All Things Daredevil

Part II: Rocket Cycles of Today
Diehard rocketeers and jet engines gone mainstream

Part III: Rocket Cycles of the Future
Artists imagine a bizarro future filled with Rocket Cycles

Rocket Cycles of Today | Diehard Rocketeers and Jet Engines Gone Mainstream

Ken — Tue, 11 May 2010 15:27:48 +0000

These days, rocket cycle enthusiasts have broadened their horizons to experiment with many different types of jet engines. Relatively speaking, today's jet-powered bikes are safer, more affordable, more fuel-efficient and generate less heat than yesterday's rocket engines.

Yeah, I know that's not saying much since those rockets were dangerous, expensive, gas-guzzling firebombs. Don't worry, we'll show off updated models of those as well.

Move Over Human Fly, Here Comes Spiderman

Some of the fastest motorcycles on the planet, Dragbikes burn pure rocket fuel to produce some incredible results. Nitromethane, or "Top Fuel" is the propellant of choice for these 1300hp monsters.

Eric Teboul broke the Dragbike World Record in 2009, covering a quarter mile in 5.27 seconds. That's 251 mph if you don't feel like doing the math. See Eric's record-breaking run below.

Larry McBride, pictured below, is another top racer and former World Record holder. And he's got a sense of humor about it, too, donning a spiderman suit all the while. Might that just be an homage to The Human Fly, mentioned in Part I? Nah, probably not.

That's Spanish for "This Thing Gets Hot!"

Juan Manuel Lozano Gallegos has lived, breathed and dreamed rockets since his teens. He built a jet-powered go-cart in 1974 at the age of 19 but went back to rockets when he found the jets to be lacking in power. That's my kind of guy!

To call Juan a Do-It-Yourself'er is a bit of an understatement. He's happy to show you exactly how he produces his rocket gear, but don't get any ideas of copying his technique — his end-results are awe-inspiring.

In addition to providing the technology behind Eric Teboul's World Record-holding Dragbike, Juan also built the world's fastest bicycle. Naturally, it was rocket-powered.

These days, Juan will put a rocket in just about anything but his top-priority is building a commercially-viable jetpack. Can't say I blame him.

The Bigger the Engine, the Smaller the Bikini

Leading the charge in the all-important Smoke & Fire Division, we have the Mad V8 Jet Bike. Boasting a 3,800 hp jet engine, this baby can light up the night sky. Last time I checked, it had never actually been ridden anywhere, so I guess we'll have to wait on the speed specs.

Australian owner Ron Laycock knows he's got a good thing going, and he's not afraid to share. Ron's also got a healthy respect for the traditions of his sport, here showing off his ride in the name of some good ol' fashioned T&A. Won't somebody please get that poor girl a jacket?

Only $175k? I'll Take Two, Please

Proving just how mainstream these types of reaction engines have become, MTT has made a jet engine-powered, production model bike called the Y2K Turbine Superbike for about a decade.

Theirs was the first street-legal, turbine-driven bike and its 320hp engine topped out at about 225 mph. At the time, Guinness called it the most powerful production motorcycle ever made. Unfortunately, they also called it the most expensive production motorcycle ever made.

Below is the Streetfigher, a more current model from MTT, which can be yours for a mere $175k.

Somewhere in Germany, Fritz von Opel is rolling over in his grave.

So who would buy one of these puppies? Jay Leno is a self-proclaimed member of the "More Money Than Brains Club", so it's no surprise you can see him testing one out below.

The Jet Bike For the Rest of Us

So what is an aspiring jet-biker to do if he's got more time than money?

That's easy... study the DIY'ers. They build their own jet engines from scratch and then document it all meticulously so that others can join in the fun. A bunch of them hang out at the DIYTurbines Yahoo Group, so that's a great place to start.

Pictured at right is a late model Honda Magna modded to fit a Boeing T-50 jet engine. It recently sold on eBay for less than ten grand. The video below is of a home-built gas turbine engine from Australian DIY master John Wallis.

Does it Come With a Kick Stand and a Basket?

Finally, in the Skinny Tire division, we have Bob Maddox carrying on the age-old German tradition of strapping jet engines to bicycles (you remember Herr Richter from Part I, don't you?)

Bob's gotten quite good at attaching pulse jet engines to two-wheelers and then polishing 'em up to look like production models. He even sells his engines to hobbyists, so you can get a quick start on your new obsession.

Bob reckons one of these will take your bike up to 75 mph, but he's been too chicken to open it up all the way.

OK, I was kidding about the "chicken" comment. In fact, Bob once had the crazy idea to strap one of those pulse-jet engines to himself! Yes, you read that correctly, and there's a picture below to prove it. These days, though, Bob is working on a pulse-jet motorcycle (yes, please) and a TV show documenting his exploits.

Continue to Part III: Rocket Cycles of the Future

Rocket Cycles of The Past | From Crazy Germans To Evel Knievel

Ken — Tue, 11 May 2010 15:27:41 +0000

You had to be a little bit nuts to strap a rocket to your bike back in the 1920's. Or 1970's. Or even today, come to think of it. But, behind every crazy idea is a man just bold enough to reach for glory. Either that or a rich kid with too much time on his hands and a buddy standing next to him saying "Dude, I dare you."

Our glorious rocket cycle-deprived ancestors had their fair share of both.

Forerunner to the Hindenburg?

When Adam Opel founded the Opel Company in 1863 to make sewing machines and bicycles, he had no idea that grandson Fritz would inherit his entrepenerial spirit. He was probably rolling over in his grave, though, when 21-year old Fritz decided to marry rockets with Opel's motor vehicles.

Lucky for us, though, that's exactly what Fritz von Opel did. Fritz planned to set a landspeed record by bolting six booster rockets to his 22hp one-stroke, dubbed "The Monster".

Fritz and his cronies at the Opel Motorcycle Club managed to squeeze in a few trial runs in 1928, one of which is pictured here. But once President Paul von Hindenburg got wind of his plan, he shut Fritz down in the name of safety.

Strange then, that Hindenburg would have no problem with Opel switching gears and focusing on cars. Fritz enjoyed some spectacular success with his rocket-powered cars.

No doubt emboldened by these triumphs of transportation engineering, the Germans green-lighted a giant Zeppelin bearing Hindenburg's name just a few years later. Let's not blame that one on Fritz, though.

Just a Friendly Neighborhood Bike Race. With Rockets!

When the German government put the kibosh on Fritz von Opel's rocket cycle (see above), they should've known that someone else would pick up the ball and run with it.

But let me ask you this... when your government tells you that rocket-powered motorcycles are too dangerous, does it make any sense at all to attach your rockets to a bicycle instead?

I guess it does if you're a bike racer. Racers Oskar Tietz and Max Hahn, pictured below, took on the challenge in 1929 in Berlin.

Not to be outdone, an engineer by the name of Richter took his shot two years later, in 1931. Ricther's ride didn't go so well, but at least he had the presence of mind to abandon ship before reaching maximum velocity.

His Bike Nearly Got Him Assassinated

Archibald Low was one of those guys who could never stop inventing stuff. And his list of inventions is quite impressive.

Among other things, Archie invented a pre-cursor to the automatic transmission, a radio-guided missile system and a whistling egg-timer. He also demonstrated an early version of television, nearly thirteen years before it was "invented."

All this brainpower nearly got him killed, though, as the pre-WWI Germans saw him as a quite a threat. After two failed assassination attempts, the Germans wised up and realized that they could put Archie's inventions to good use in their own war effort. They left him pretty much alone after that.

Archie was something of an eccentric. He liked to be called "Professor" though he'd never held a position in academia. And he took it upon himself to boost interest in British road racing by showing off a rocket-powered motorcycle.

Ninety thousand fans at Wembley Speedway witnessed Archibald's rocket-powered cycle scream around the track in 1946. Champion rider Bill Kitchen gave the bike rave reviews, praising its smooth acceleration.

The First Insect to Jump 27 Buses

Rick Rojatt, AKA The Human Fly, had a colorful backstory to explain his cloaked appearance. I'll give you a hint... it very closely resembled the backstory of a certain Marvel Superhero of the day, also named "The Human Fly". Something about breaking every bone in his body and then retraining himself to crawl, walk, climb and run with the super-human strength of a scaled-up fly.

Mr. Fly made his name by wing-walking on a low-flying DC-8 at about 250 MPH, but the stunt that interests us more was his 1977 rocket-powered motorcycle leap over twenty-seven buses. His bike boasted 6,000 hp worth of thrust, and was capable of hitting 300 mph in a quarter-mile.

Rick was pretty tight-lipped about his exploits, and in fact disappeared into obscurity shortly after his rocket jump. But the designer of that bike has spilled all. Read more about that here. Lots of great anecdotes in that piece, but here's a teaser: "I stood there, witnessing the crash of all crash landings right before my eyes, and a hush fell over the crowd, as we all feared the worst. It looked like nobody could have possibly survived such a crash landing."

All Systems Fail. OK, We're Good to Go!

Evel Knievel... is there any name more synonymous with "Rocket Cycle"? I don't think so. Is there any name more synonymous with "perform outrageous stunt, crash to the delight and horror of thousands of onlookers, sustain major injuries, then do it all over again"? Certainly not.

Evel became the greatest daredevil of all time by refining that formula to perfection. He figured it was okay to mix in a few failures with some spectacular successes, provided he had the cojones to survive and do it all over again.

Evel's 1974 rocket-cycle jump over the Snake River Canyon certainly fit that description. Years in the making, Evel pushed forward even in the face of likely disaster. His rocket cycle failed all of its pre-flight tests and his landing plan consisted mostly of crossing his fingers. But Evel was undeterred.

When the jump did happen, the force of the thrust knocked Evel out cold, thereby releasing his hand from the emergency parachute deployment lever. That stopped the cycle dead in its tracks. Amazingly, the cycle probably would've made it over the canyon without that mishap.

Evel's eject mechanism also failed, trapping him inside the sky-cycle. He landed just a few feet from the raging river at the floor of the canyon. Had he landed in the water, certain death awaited.

Evel walked away with minor injuries and, true to form, started working on his next stunt shortly after. Ever heard the term "jumped the shark"? Evel invented that one by — you guessed it — jumping over a shark.

Want to read more on Evel's incredible career? Check out our comprehensive interactive infograhic.

Enough With the Jumping, I Just Wanna Go Fast

Australian Rosco McGlashan survived the 70's without catching the bug to jump over things on his motorcycle. Strange, when you consider that the road to fame and fortune for thrill-seeking young bikers of that era was clearly marked: hurtle your body successfully (or unsuccessfully) over trucks, cars or sharks and the the riches will follow.

But Rosco just wanted to go fast. And go fast he did. Competing on clutchless V8 monsters, rocket-powered screamers and 250 mph go-carts was just the beginning for Rosco. That rocket-powered screamer, pictured here, was banned by the Australian government in the name of safety before it ever got a chance to hit top speed. If that reminds you a bit of Max von Opel's story, you're not alone.

Rosco graduated to pursuing land speed records in high-tech rocket cars and nearly accomplished his dream in the mid-90s. He's still at it today, nearly forty years removed from his original V8. Good luck Rosco, let us know how it works out! I just hope you've graduated to more up-to-date headgear.

Continue to Part II: Rocket Cycles of Today

how to text ex girlfriend backhow to make wife jealous Get My Ex Back Fast we just spoke after breaking up what nexthow to get back your ex boyfriend

Rocket Cycles of Tomorrow | Hollywood Visionaries Show Us the Way

Ken — Tue, 11 May 2010 15:27:24 +0000

Predicting the future is a tricky thing. I myself have correctly predicted three stock market crashes, the rise and fall of two major civilizations, as well as the winners of 38 of the 44 Super Bowls. Alas, when it comes to predicting the future of Rocket Motorcycles, I defer to the professionals.

And who is more qualified to predict the future of technology than Hollywood movie producers? I can think of no-one. If they can dream it, surely it's just a matter of time before the engineers can build it.

So, without further ado, let's see what the LA-LA Land Dreamers have to say about how our Rocket Cycle Future will progress.

Why Do Bird-Men Need Flying Motorcycles?

Other than its campiness, Flash Gordon was loved (by me, anyway) for its modest view of the not-too-distant and not-too-high-tech future.

Take this rocket cycle, for example. Built by a race that has no clear need for it (the Hawkmen), it has no way of aiming its main weapon without also turning the bike itself.

The Hawkmen also forgot to install a GPS, which becomes clear to the viewer when rider Flash exclaims "Mayday! Mayday! I'm flying blind on a rocket cycle".

I'm assuming these guys worked for the government?

Quibbles aside, I once owned a jet ski that was more advanced than this puppy, so I sure hope we're not headed in this direction. Oh, and Flash, I just love those pants.

Luke, I am Your Motorcycle

As saddened as I am by the prospect of a future that includes Hawkmen Rocket Cycles, I am equally as excited about getting my hands on a 74-Z Imperial Speeder Bike.

These babies accelerate from a standstill to 300 mph in about 1.5 seconds. They turn on a dime and come equipped with an optional light blaster cannon.

The only concern I have is that they seem to be a bit too quiet. When I'm going that fast, I want people to know I'm coming. I guess I'll just have to wait for a set of after-market loud pipes before commuting on my new Speeder Bike.

Despite the advanced technology, you'll no doubt be surprised to hear that pre-orders for this model are now being accepted. Send $9,000,000 USD in small unmarked bills to this website and expect delivery in late Winter of 2175.

Just Throw a Set of Whitewalls on There

San Francisco based artist Norio Fujikawa is not a Hollywood special effects designer, but he might as well be. No doubt drawing inspiration from the Imperial Speeder Bike featured above, Norio brings us one step closer to reality with this flying Jet Bike.

Norio's job is to dream big, and we're here to speculate about what the future might bring, so we'll cut him some slack. But it seems to us that, if you came back to earth just a touch, and added a few tires to this thing, it might just be a viable production concept.

Or... we can keep dreaming and imagine this one hitting assembly lines in 2090.

I love that Norio can imagine a flying bike, but can't imagine we're going to do away with the honkin' huge tailpipe. See that little white button on the dash? That's the turbo button for setting off the rockets.

Feathered Hair Not Required

OK, it's time to come back to reality and see what Hollywood thinks might be accomplished in the not too-distant future on this planet.

When you're producing a low-budget TV show that has very little chance of being renewed, you've got to make due with what you've got. Street Hawk — a blatant ripoff of Knight Rider — was that show, and the cycle of choice certainly showed its 1984 economy-class lineage.

Don't get me wrong, I'd drool for its rocket-powered Hyperthrust engine capable of hitting 300 mph. I'd put a down payment tomorrow on a standard weapons system that included laser cannons and rocket launchers. And I'd sleep out overnight to be the first guy on my block with a 'Compressed Air Vertical Lift System'.

It's just that I want my future rocket cycle to be something a little snazzier than a Honda dirt bike.

Rockets? We Don't Need No Stinkin' Rockets

Of course, not all Hollywood dreamers see our motorcycle future as being rocket-laden. Shame on them but, in the interest of competitive analysis, we need to at least examine one of the leading contenders to replace rocket cycles as the futuristic commuter vehicle of choice.

As a kid, I drooled over the Light Cycle from Tron, but as an adult I now see its limitations. Sure its acceleration is unrivaled, its looks are to die for and it can make a ninety-degree turn at extremely high speed.

But I see two major problems with this bike in comparison the rocket cycles above. First off, it creates an impermeable wall of light behind it. I'd like to knock off that obnoxious tailgater as much as the next guy, but this seems a little extreme. And secondly, it lacks the ability to run outside of a pre-constructed electrical grid. What's up with that? I'm told that this problem will be fixed in Tron Legacy, but you know how technology works... the promises of Version 2.0 never live up to the dreams of the early adapters.

I'll stick with my rocket cycle, thank you very much.

Amazingly, someone actually designed a current-day concept bike around the Tron cycle. French maker Enzyme has been known to turn a concept into reality on occasion, so who knows? Maybe our rocket-cycle future will be pre-empted before it ever really gets started. I'm banking on not.

Back to the Introduction: Rocket Cycles - Past, Present & Future

Let the Baboon Drive, Dammit!

Ken — Wed, 11 Nov 2009 06:32:38 +0000

The World's First Comprehensive Guide
to Commuting on a Motorcycle With a Pet

Commuting with your pet on a motorcycle? That just might be the holy grail for any serious biker. And yet most novice riders have no idea how to achieve this lofty goal.

Worry no longer. Here at SpotMotorcycles, we've put together the definitive guide to transporting your animal on your motorbike.

We've scoured the interwebs for pictorial examples of experienced riders doing things the right way... and the wrong. When we were unable to find evidence of proper technique, we commissioned an award-winning artist to provide the sketches we needed.

The guide is divided into one section per animal. Click on any sketch to see a larger version.

He'll Eat You Only If He Has To

Fig. 1: Does This Bear Look Happy to You?

Bears and motorcycles make an excellent pairing. Providing you don't let them drive, of course

Bear of Very Little Brain

That bears can drive motorcycles is a well-known fact. See the picture at right for just one such example.

What's not so well-known is that bears have very little interest in the rules of the road. Bears have been known to speed in school zones, to change lanes without signaling, and to honk in front of hospitals.

Do not be lulled in to the false sense of security a bear can provide when he first hops in the saddle. You're better off designating yourself the driver.

Fig. 2: A Hungry Bear is a Scary Bear

Omnivorous Bears Only

The only downside to transporting a bear on the back of your bike is that he may get hungry. A hungry bear will reach out for most convenient tasty morsel he can find which, in this case, is likely to be you.

This problem is easily solved, though. Simply give the bear a sticky, gooey snack that will take him some time to work through. A big pot of honey is a good choice, as is a tub of peanut butter or lard. You should refill his snack periodically, of course, lest he get to the bottom of it and start looking around for dessert.

No Time For a Cat Nap

Fig. 1: Your Cat is NOT Evel Knievel

Above all else, cats are fickle. One minute they're craving the wind in their hair and the joy of the open road. The next minute it's nap time.

You'll need a well-thought out strategy to ensure a pleasant and safe ride for your feline friend.

Born to Be Wild

Many riders, like the one pictured at right, opt to let their cat have access to the elements and free range on the bike.

This poses two potential problems:

First off, your cat may see something interesting on the side of the road as you race by and feel the need to jump off. This can really can slow you down if you're in a hurry, adding minutes of cat-retrieval time to your daily commute.

Second, your cat will have no way to transition gently into the sleep he so desperately needs.

Fig. 2: Happy Kitty

Let Your Cat Be a Cat

At left, observe the proper way to transport a cat on a motorcycle.

Note that Fluffy is safely tucked in to a child seat with five-point restraining harness. This allows him to experience the feeling of freedom cats so often crave, while remaining safe, secure and, most of the time, asleep.

And never, I repeat never, succumb to the temptation to put your animal in one of these. Illegal? Maybe. Major ridicule from your friends? Definitely.

Preventing Mad Cow

Fig. 1: Incensed

Cows may seem somewhat docile. But search the news for "Mad Cow" and you'll be surprised just how frequently incidents have occurred.

I Need to Lie Down

Transporting a cow on a motorcycle is a risky proposition. If you can keep the cow happy, you should be just fine. But make that cow mad and you're in for a rough time.

Take that cow pictured at right, for example. Does she have room to lie down if it's going to rain? Does she have her daily ration of grass within easy reach? No and No.

Driver beware, that cow is about to be mad.

All Cows Eat Grass

The cow below, on the other hand, is quite content. She's been given room to stretch out, has an ample supply of food nearby, and has an unobstructed, 360-degree view of the scenery as it rolls by.

To top it off, should that cow become mad for some unforeseen reason, the driver has ensured that she'll be at a safe distance from the unhappy heifer.

Fig. 2: Looks Like Rain

Baa Baa Biker Sheep

Fig. 1: Wool May Be Scratchy to Some Bikers

As in the wild, sheep need to be herded, organized, and given strict instruction in order to be successfully transported on a bike.

What am I, an Airbag?

Bikers may assume that sheep, with their fluffy wool coats, make excellent pillows and/or protective gear. And yet, nothing could be further from the truth.

First off, no safety-conscious biker should position a soft cushion between him and his brakes. Sleep would be way too tempting on a long journey.

Second of all, sheep do not make good safety gear. Sure, they may be fat and squishy, but their wool can be itchy and does little to prevent road rash in case of an accident.

Fig. 2: Click to go to the movie (after a brief ad)

Crackin' Sheep, Gromit!

The correct way to transport a sheep, or an entire flock for that matter, is mostly a matter of organization. Just as sheep need shepherding in the wild, so too should you strive to reduce chaos in your ovine biker gang.

Check out the movie at left (following a brief ad) to see just how it's done. If Wallace & Gromit can pull off a daring rescue of a dozen sheep on nothing more than an underpowered street bike, then you ought to have no problem if you simply follow their lead.

Man's Best Friend

Fig. 1: Welcome to the Dog & Pony Show

Dogs have just two simple requirements when on a motorcycle: to be near their owner and to have their tongue flapping in the wind.

Don't Break My Wind, Man

The dog pictured at right may look happy enough, decked out in his Harley gear. But note how he's been tasked with piloting this Hog without his owner. You can be sure that this dog is one lonely dude.

Furthermore, should his owner choose to join him on the front of this bike, our hero will be unable to access the glorious jet stream of wind that bike-riding dogs desire.

Can you say pooch faux pas?

Fig. 2: Right On!

More Wind Drag Means More Fun for Fido

A happy dog, such as the one at left, will be properly situated on your bike and will sport proper safety equipment.

In this case, Rex's responsible owner has taken all the necessary steps to ensure a fun-filled ride for both owner and canine.

Note the addition of safety goggles, a must if you're serious about preventing cataracts in your dogs eyes as he stares intently into the wind.

Yes We Have No Bananas

Fig. 1: A Good Mind Wasted

A monkey's mind will start to race if you don't give him something interesting to do. Let him be a bike racer instead.

Monkey Business

Next to humans, monkeys are the most intelligent creatures on this planet. What's that you say? Dolphins? Please... Ever get stuck behind one on the New Jersey Turnpike at rush hour? Don't waste my time.

The problem with monkeys, of course, is that they can't keep their clever little minds from dreaming up all sorts of crazy tricks. That's the last thing you want when you're trying to get home to the wife and kids in time for dinner.

Instead, why not put the little guy to work doing what monkeys do best?

Fig. 2: Still Life With Ducati (and Baboon)

Me & My Monkey

Consult our diagram at left for the most successful way to commute with your baboon. Driving a motorcycle is a sufficiently complex task to keep your pet occupied and frees you up for that big-picture thinking that humans do best.

At first, you'll feel tempted to micro-manage your monkey's driving technique. But then you'll realize that he's no worse than all of the other gorillas on the road. Then you'll be able to sit back, relax, and enjoy the ride.

That's the Truth... And I Ain't Lion.

Sure lions are dangerous, but only when they feel threatened. Keep your pet calm and worry-free for a successful commuting adventure.

Threat Level Orange

The last thing you'll want to do when loading your lion on a motorcycle is show signs of aggression. Baring teeth, roaring, and locking him in a cage should all be avoided.

Fig. 2:What Kind of Circus is This?

Note how the lion pictured above has been carefully contained in a steel trailer cage. Think that will contain him when he spies a gazelle or springbok on the side of the road? Think again.

Fig. 2: Yes, it's real. See the original here.

All Signals Green

Give your lion a sense of freedom and respect and he will calmly ride wherever you take him. Amusement park daredevils of the 1930's, such as the one pictured at left, knew this and used it to their advantage.

Yes, I know the driver is in a car and not a motorcycle, but the principle remains the same — treat your lion like a man and he'll treat you like the lazy kitty that he yearns to be. Oh, and as an added bonus, you can save money by ditching the alarm. You're not going to need with Kitty around.

Hamster Dance? I Don't Think So

Fig. 1: Oh, the Embarrassment!

Hamsters are a proud species. Quiet and regal, yes, but proud nonetheless. Your job is to ensure that their pride is not compromised.

Don't Cramp My Style

The hamster at right is mortified.

Check out the look in his eye — this hamster has been emasculated. Hammy should be on the bike, not in the bike.

His need to be in constant motion, coupled with his proud nature, make him a perfect candidate to be a daredevil, not a mere wheel-runner.

Hammy Rides Again

Our recent Hammy Rides Again article illustrates perfectly how hamsters like to roll. Check out our video below to see Hammy in action, defying death in a way that most bikers would be way too timid to emulate.

Where Does He Sit? Anywhere He Wants.

Fig. 1: Doesn't Seem Fair

In many parts of the world, owning a pet elephant is quite common. So we'll look to those parts of the world for the keys to transporting an elephant on a motorcycle.

Working For Peanuts

Elephants are good natured enough pets. Happy to help out with an honest days work, the elephant is a prime example of the pet that pays for itself in no time.

But do not forget that, along with its heft comes a hefty need to sit back and relax once in a while.

The elephant at right is being asked to work too hard. Carrying a man or a motorcycle might be a reasonable request. But both at once, through a river? C'mon man, have a heart!

Fig. 2: Now That's More Like It

Take a Load Off

The simple addition of a sidecar to your motorcycle or scooter can make a world of difference for both you and your elephant. The beast pictured at left is not slacking off by any means — he's resting up for the next session of hard work.

His owner knows he can share the thrill of a bike ride in the country with his hard-working pal, and be repaid many times over in the future.

A Last Word

Did we miss your favorite domesticated animal? It should be obvious how to transport chickens and goats, but snakes and guinea pigs will present special challenges. We'll cover all of these (and more) in future updates.

In the meantime, should you successfully apply any of the techniques described above, let us know how it went in the comments below. If you're unsuccessful, please keep it to yourself. We don't want to disturb the animals.

Hot on a Hog: The 25 Hottest Harley-Riding Celebrity Women

Ken — Tue, 27 Oct 2009 16:46:59 +0000

For over fifty years, Hollywood hotties
have mounted their Harleys for fun and sport.
We showcase the best of them.

Here at SpotMotorcycles, we like to keep an eye on what celebrity bikers are up to. And, since keeping an eye on celebrities can get somewhat tedious, we try to focus exclusively on the ones that look good.

Recently we've noticed a trend. Harley riding celebrity women seem to be getting more and more common. Sure we all know about the old-time biker beauties like Brigitte Bardot, Ann-Margret and Tina Turner. But these days it seems like you can't bat an eye without catching a glimpse of a famous figure posing on her bike.

So which of these nouveau biker babes are legitimate riders and which are merely posers?

We set out to answer that question by compiling a list of The 25 Hottest Harley Riding Celebrities of All-Time. They've been ranked in order of hotness by our discriminating committee. Bonus points given to bikers who are more than just dabblers in this classic American hobby — been spotted sporting a genuine set of Harley boots? That counts.

Click here to see the list

Save Money Commuting by Motorcycle? Not So Fast!

Ken — Tue, 08 Sep 2009 17:55:00 +0000

With gas prices seemingly permanently inflated and "economic malaise" looking more and more like our new reality, who wouldn't jump at the opportunity to save some dough while blasting through traffic on a two-wheeled adrenaline rush?

That's the pitch of many a motorcycle salesperson, but let's analyze it closely before getting our hands on the throttle.

Can a car commuter really save money by switching to a motorcycle?

The answer is Yes.... and No.

How Much Money Can I Save
Commuting By Motorcycle?

Describe your commute to find out.

Need to buy a bike?
Bike Type:
Age of Bike:
Need an MSF safety class?
Willing to do minor repairs?
Bike commute trips yearly:
Car commute trips yearly:	100-149
Miles to work:
Car MPG:
Gas ($/gal):

Gear needed (check all that apply):

Helmet	Pants	Saddlebags
Jacket	Gloves	Rain Suit

Each trip on a bike is certainly less expensive than on a car, but a few complications get in the way of penny-pinching nirvana.

First off, you may need to invest significant up-front costs before saving a dime.

Next, most bike commuters are unable to give up their car entirely, due to weather restrictions or luggage-carrying needs. This means that bike commuting leads to extra insurance and extra maintenance, negating some of the savings.

Finally, saving money on a motorcycle depends on a set of tradeoffs you may not be willing to make. Can you settle for the adrenaline rush of an underpowered scooter, or are you dead-set on the roar of a power-hungry beast? The answer to that question, among others, determine whether you can be one of the few that manage to save money while commuting by bike.

Check out our in-depth analysis below, and then try out our personalized calculator at right to see just how much you can save — or not.

Up-Front Costs

New bike commuters often overlook expenses associated with taking up this hobby. And, while purchasing a bike is the most significant of upfront costs, it's only just one of many.

The Bike

Obviously, the biggest up-front cost you'll face is the cost of the bike itself. And if you're committed to saving as much money as possible, this is the best place to start.

Used vs. New

Buying a used bike is one of the best ways to save money but long-term maintenance costs must be considered as well. A savvy buyer will get the best of both worlds by buying used but demanding a thorough inspection from a trusted mechanic before committing. Keep in mind, however, that a used bike is likely to need immediate repairs in order to make it road-worthy.

Power vs. Fuel Economy

Sacrificing power in the name of fuel-economy is probably the next most important factor in saving money up front. Bikes run the gamut from light, fuel-efficient models that skimp on power and comfort but enable you to recoup your investment as quickly as possible to fast, powerful gas-hogs that will make your heart race, but will probably never pay for themselves at the pump.

Scooters

At the most cost-conscious end of the spectrum, gas-sipping scooters lack some zip, but their cost and fuel economy are hard to beat. A one-year old, lightly-used Yamaha Zuma, for example, with its tiny 49cc two-stroke engine, can be found for around $1,500. Gas mileage can easily reach triple digits. Speed tops out at around 30 mph.

Sport Bikes

A more powerful sport bike — built for speed at the expense of some fuel efficiency and comfort — offers the thrill of riding a "racing motorcycle" and can still be had inexpensively. The Kawasaki Ninja 250, for example, is widely recognized as an easy-to-handle, stylish bike that provides plenty of power without breaking the bank. A recent-year model can be had for under $3,000 and can get up to 70mpg. Sport bikes will raise your insurance premium, though, so be aware of this hidden cost before settling on one.

Larger Bikes

Larger cruiser bikes satisfy the most power-hungry rider, but should not be confused with the fuel-efficient bikes above. The Honda Shadow 750, for example, is reliable and regarded as a good bike for riders new to such power, but at a road-tested 40mpg, it's not necessarily a gas-saver. A two-year old Shadow sells for around $5,000.

Saving money while commuting by motorcycle sounds too good to be true. And, in most cases, it is.

Gear

Being seduced by high-end, snazzy gear is one of the quickest ways to chew up the cost savings of commuting by motorcycle. Of course you'll need a sturdy DOT-approved helmet and a tough, breathable jacket that will provide some measure of safety as well as protection from the elements. Gloves are a must-have as well.

But, beyond that it becomes a tradeoff between safety, style, and cost. Sturdy and comfortable riding boots can limit fatigue on a long journey, but can be quite expensive. Ditto for riding pants. An all-weather riding suit will enable you to commute during cold and rainy months, but can easily cost over $1,000.

A new rider interested in saving money should be able to shop around and find a jacket, gloves and helmet for under $300.

Education

A new rider will want to take a safety course from the Motorcycle Safety Foundation (MSF). Learning effective safety techniques is the best reason to take one of these classes, but a nifty side benefit is that it enables you to lock in a significant discount on insurance. The cost of the course — up to $300 — will be more than offset by the insurance discount.

Ongoing Costs

Most new riders hope to recoup their initial investment over the long-haul as they save tons of money on gas. Mileage is better on a bike, no doubt, but it's only part of the story.

Gas

This is where the big savings could come in. A scooter that gets 100mpg can save nearly $1000 per year on gas, assuming it's used in place of a 15mpg car for a thirty mile commute 200 days per year at $3 for a gallon of gas. But what happens when you change that to a 30mpg car, 100 days per year of motorcycle commuting, a 10 mile commute and gas at $2.60 per gallon? The savings disappear entirely.

Insurance

Most motorcycle commuters are unable to rid themselves entirely of their cars. Which means that you'll need to pay for motorcycle insurance on top of your car insurance. That's a shame since motorcycle insurance is typically less expensive than car insurance.

Insurance can range from $50 to $300 per month based on a dizzying array of factors including the type of insurance purchased, the bike model, your driving record and age, and the deductible allowance.

Maintenance

Motorcycle maintenance tends to be less expensive than car maintenance. For one thing, many bikers do their own minor repairs, finding the best price on parts and saving all of the labor costs. If you're keeping your car, you'll need to maintain both, of course, but car maintenance costs can be greatly reduced by limiting mileage.

In particular, tire replacement is one of the most significant components of motorcycle maintenance. Many new riders don't realize how quickly tires will wear out on a bike versus a car. Tires can be found online at a discount, though they can be fairly tricky to install correctly.

The Cheboygan County Sheriff's Department pegs motorcycle maintenance at about 10% lower than car maintenance, but that can be further reduced by doing your own minor repairs. Figure on a savings of no more than $200 per year, depending on bike type, miles commuted and whether or not you're willing to do your own minor repairs.

The Bottom Line

Saving money while commuting by motorcycle sounds too good to be true. And, in most cases, it is. A few trial runs with our calculator will convince you that only the most cost-conscious can make it work.

Of course, the calculator doesn't figure in how much fun it is to ride to work everyday. And, for many bike commuters, that's the deciding factor.

Hammy the Hamster Cheats Death, Jumps Harley Over Chasm

Ken — Tue, 05 May 2009 15:39:27 +0000

What's this — a daredevil hamster?! When I heard about Hammy the Harley-Jumping Hamster, I just had to investigate.

Turns out, Hammy is a juvenile rodent from the Pacific Northwest with a bit of a wild streak. That is, if you consider "wild streak" to mean "leaps a Harley Davidson over a chasm roughly twelve times his body length." Even Evel Knievel had trouble clearing an analogous distance consistently, but this hamster seems to laugh in the face of danger.

I admit I was skeptical at first. And I know you will be as well. That's why I've put together this special video presentation of Hammy completing his latest jump. Click on the video below to see for yourself.

No Hamsters Harmed

Luckily, no hamsters were harmed in the making of this extraordinary movie. Hammy announced his retirement shortly after completing this jump but, like many other famous daredevils, may find the lure of the spotlight to be too great to sit on the sidelines for long.

Acknowledgments

That catchy music featured in the video was created by Kevin MacLeod from Incompetech.com. He's got a ton of great stuff like that at his site.

Hammy may or may not, on occasion, work with ~~an accomplice~~ a stunt coordinator named "Mister." Google "Mister Hamster" if you'd like to seek out the services of Mister.

Got something to say about Hammy? Leave a comment below. But please don't ask me why Hammy wasn't wearing a helmet. I'm sure that even this one would not have fit.

Dangerous Diagram: The Jumps of Evel Knievel | Interactive Infographic

Ken — Tue, 21 Apr 2009 16:46:33 +0000

Evel Knievel — the name is synonymous with "Danger" and "Daredevil" but, until now, not so much with "Data Diagram".

We've decided to change that, though, by creating the first ever interactive infographic documenting the career of a modern superhero — a man who captured the imagination of a nation for the better part of two decades.

The infographic illustrates all of Evel's jumps. At a glance you can see when he made each jump, what he jumped over, what bike he used, how far he went and whether or not he sustained any injuries during the jump.

Don't forget to scroll to the right for some of Evel's best jumps, and...

Click on any bike to see details of that jump

Your browser does not support iframes.

Accuracy

For some reason, despite the spell under which he held an entire nation for nearly twenty years, accurate records were not kept of Evel's jumps. As a result, we are left to estimate some of the details. In particular, distances were rarely reported or recorded. However, Evel often made several consecutive jumps that were approximately the same length, so we can make educated guesses.

Acknowledgments

I relied heavily on the research of Stuart Barker to create this living document. Steve Mandich created this comprehensive list of Evel's stunts, which was invaluable in my research. Steve is also the author of an authoritative, yet somewhat hard-to find, biography of Evel.

Feedback

In addition to creating a new way to look at Evel's career, I'd like this document to become as accurate as possible over time. I plan to update it periodically as information is uncovered about Evel's past. If you have any information that you think might help me in my question, please let me know. Thanks!

For a more light-hearted daredevil, check out Hammy the Hamster Cheats Death. But, please, promise me that if you're going to emulate Hammy (or Evel), you're going to get yourself some good safety gear (like this).