Motorcycles and Automobiles

• Motorcycle Safety and MSF Training
• Advanced / Performance / Racing Schools
• Racing Associations, Race Tracks, Clubs
• General Motorcycle Links
• Trips, Locations, Travel stories
• Motorcycle Helmets
• Motorcycle Tires
• Motorcycle Vendors: Parts and Accessories
  
• Motorcycle Newsgroups and Mailing Lists
  
  
• Honda CBR600F4 Reviews and Notes
  
• Honda CBR929RR Reviews and Notes
  
  
• Automobile Safety and Training
  
  
• General Automobile Links
  
  

Motorcycle Safety and Training

Motorcycle Safety Foundation: http://www.msf-usa.org/

I recommend that anyone who is interested in riding and those of you who know how to ride take a Motorcycle Safety Foundation riding course. (800-446-9227).

The MSF's "Motorcycle Rider Course." is for those who don't know how to ride or are not that experienced. The "Experienced Rider Course." are for those who've been riding for a while. Whichever course you take will definitely improve your riding and survival skills.

If you are riding with just a motorcycle permit and your "cage" driver's license, or no license at all, I suggest that you take the time and get your motorcycle endorsement. In many states, including New York as of August 1996, if you successfully pass the Motorcycle Safety Foundation's "Motorcycle Rider Course." you will get a waver for the DMV road test. Essentially, If you pass the MSF course you get your license. I wish this was the case in New York when I took the MSF course back in 1994.

You can also get the following free brochures by calling 800-833-3995: Prepare to Ride, What to Buy, How to Finance, and How to Insure.

Motorcycle Association of New York State:

MANYS.'s Mission:
" To reduce motorcycle and motorcycle related crashes, fatalities and injuries on the streets and highways of New York State through training, education and awareness."

This site has a list of New York State based MSF training centers. http://www.manys.org/

Motorcycle Safety School, Inc.

MSF Motorcycle Rider Course (MRC) and Experienced Rider Course. Courses are taught at Yonkers Raceway. http://www.motorcyclesafetyschool.com/

Trama's Motorcycle and Auto School

MSF Motorcycle Rider Course (MRC) and Experienced Rider Course. Courses are taught at State University of NY, Farmingdale. http://www.tramas.com/

Accident Scene Management:

A talk by Slider Gilmore at a motorcycle safety instructor conference in Rochester, MN, 10/11/1992. http://www.cygnus.com/~crash/accident.html

Hurt Report Summary:

Information from the International Motorcycle Safety Conference '90 that you can use right now. (Motorcyclist Magazine February 1991) http://www.cs.wisc.edu/~john/vfr/hurt.html

Motorcycle Riders Foundation:

Protecting Your Rights in our Nation's Capital. Contains US Motorcycle laws, MRF's guide to Political and Research sites, Information about the 1997 highway bills, MRF Reports. http://www.mrf.org/

Motorcycle Tips and Techniques:

These things are not the stuff of a MSF class. These are the things that experienced riders share with each other. Over 100 articles. http://www.msgroup.org/TIPS.html

Countersteering (Tip 48)
New Tires - Need to GROW before you stress them (Tip 112)

National Highway Traffic Safety Administration:

NHTSA is responsible for reducing deaths, injuries and economic losses resulting from motor vehicle crashes. This is accomplished by setting and enforcing safety performance standards for motor vehicles and items of motor vehicle equipment, and through grants to state and local governments.
Check out, Testing Results for vehicle compliance testing and Buying a Safer Car. Safety Problems include databases with data on recalls, technical service bulletins and consumer complaints. http://www.nhtsa.dot.gov/

• Traffic Safety and Occupant Protection
• National Center for Statistics and Analysis
• Motorcycles: Traffic Safety Facts 1995

Norfolk Advanced Motorcyclists:

This Advanced Motorcyclists Group was formed in Norfolk (UK) in 1984 to raise riding standards among motorcyclists and to promote road safety, but above all to enjoy riding. How good a rider are you? Find out in our practical Guide to Motorcycle Control. http://www.nam.mu2.co.uk/

Leathers and Helmets - the wearing thereof:

Here are some exercises in imagination (a.k.a. "The biker's friend"). You will need to be wearing jeans for some of these exercises. http://www.calweb.com/~trouble/stuff.html

Bureau of Transportation Statistics, US DOT:

BTS is primarily an analytical organization, assembling and interpreting information on the extent, use, condition, performance, and consequences of the transportation system. http://www.bts.gov/

Motorcycle: Advanced / Performance / Racing Schools

California Superbike School by Keith Code

818-246-0717     Operating states: AZ, CA, CO, GA, KS, NH, NY, OH, WA, WI, PA
http://www.superbikeschool.com

Kevin Schwantz Suzuki School (KSSS)

Run by Kevin Schwantz, 1993 World 500cc Grand Prix champion at Road Atlanta. 800-849-RACE.
Low student/teacher ratio (three to four student per instructor).
Three-day camp and one day schools.
See review in Sport Rider, December 2001, p. 52 http://SchwantzSchool.com/

CLASS Motorcycle Schools

805-933-9936     Operating states: CA, GA, KS, OH, MI, NH, OR, WA, WI, PA
http://www.classrides.com

American Federation of Motorcyclists (AFM) Race School

510-796-7005     Operating states: CA
http://www.afmracing.org

Ed Bargy Racing School

770-745-7809     Operating states: AL, GA, MI, OH, TN
http://www.mindspring.com/~ebrs/

CRA New Road Racers School

612-332-4070     Operating states: MN

dP Safety School

805-772-8301     Operating states: CA

Freddie Spencer's High Performance Riding School

702-643-1099     Operating states: NV http://www.fastfreddie.com/

FasTrack Riders

562-699-2305     Operating states: CA

Learning Curves Roadrace School

414-461-0116     Operating states: IL, MI

MARRC Road Racing School

301-933-2599     Operating states: WV

Penguin Roadracing School

508-339-4673     Operating states: FL, NH, NY, OH
http://www.penguinracing.com/

Team Suzuki Endurance Advanced Riding School

909-245-6414     Operating states: CA, CO, FL, GA, IN, MI, OR, PA, TN, TX, WI

Vision Sports Rider's School

414-594-3883     Operating states: KS, MN

WERA New Racer's School

770-924-8404     Operating states: AL, GA, IN, IL, MI, OH, TN, WV
www.wera.com

WSMC New Racers School

805-256-1234     Operating states: CA
http://www.race-wsmc.com/serv01.htm

Racing Schools road racing page:

Drag Racing, Road Racing, Driver Training, Sponsorship School, Kart Racing, Sprint Car Racing, Motorcycle Racing, Stock Car Racing, Off Road Racing. http://www.racingschools.com/road.html

Racing Associations, Race Tracks, Clubs

Team Pro-Motion

Offers members an opportunity to experience the thrill of riding their own motorcycles on a racetrack, which is designed to hone existing skills and build new skills further enhancing the riding experience. http://www.teampromotion.com/

Reduc Sportbike Association

Back in the summer of 1992, in search of a safer alternative to the usual "Sunday Ride", Reduc Sportbike Association was born. The objective of the organization was: to provide a controlled environment in which Sportbike riders could explore the capabilities of both their machines and riding abilities with the highest degree of safety available. http://www.Reduc.com/

MotoSpeed Racing

Track days for all skill levels. Usually the last or 2nd to last Thursday of the month at Pocono Raceway, PA
718-736-0700
PO Box 640325 Oakland Gardens, NY 11364-0325

NESBA: Northeast Sportbike Association

http://www.NESBA.com/

Loudon Road Racing Series information site:

This is where you should go if you are interested in getting involved in road Racing in the Northeast USA. http://www.lrrsracing.com/

New Hampshire International Speedway (NHIS):

Located in Loudon, NH, 03301. http://www.nhis.com/

Pocono Raceway:

PO Box 500, Long Pond, PA. 18334-0500 http://www.poconoraceway.com/

Carolina Motorsports Park

3662 Kershaw Highway, Kershaw, SC 29067. (803) 475-2448. http://www.cmpracetrack.com/

Rausch Creek Motorsports Park

978 Gap Street, Valley View, PA 17983. Phone - 570.682.4600. Fax - 570.682.9051. http://www.rauschcreekracing.com/index.php

Virginia International Raceway

1245 Pine Tree Road, Alton, VA 24520, telephone: 804 822-7700. fax: 804 822-8033. http://www.virclub.com/

Road Atlanta Motor Sports Center

Nestled in the rolling foothills of the north Georgia mountains sits one of the world's most beautiful racing facilities, Road Atlanta. More than 30 years in racing proves Road Atlanta to be one of the best road courses around.

Its 2.54 mile, 12 turn circuit hosts many motorcycle and sports car races every season.
5300 Winder Highway, Braselton, GA 30517, 770-967-6143 / 800-849-RACE RoadAtlanta.com

General Motorcycle Links

Magazine Articles Database:

I've developed a database of magazine articles that can be used to find articles instead of having to thumb through the actual magazines. Here is a sample list.

Tuesday Night Hang

Wanna bench race or meet some folks to ride with? This pack of misfits has a regular bar hang every Tuesday night. The get-togethers typically draw 15-60 riders, even in crummy weather. The hangs are open to all riders on all makes and with any level of experience. It draws everything from wannabe riders to professional racers, locally and from around the world. http://www.magpie.com/nycmoto/hang.html

The Hang is at:

Ear Inn:
326 Spring Street
between Greenwich and Washington St., in Soho
New York, NY 10013
212-226-9060

View a Map or get driving directions.

The festivities start at 8pm and typically last until 11pm or so.

Caveat: be aware that there is construction on the block and that the cops will probably be less friendly about illegal parking.

SportbikeWorld.com

"A community for Sportbike Riders, Run by Sportbike Riders." http://sportbikeworld.com/

International Motorcycle Shows:

New Motorycle Models, scooters, ATV's, Personal Watercraft and Accessories displayed by original equipment manufacturers. Performance products, clothing, and aftermarket accessories available for on-site purchase. 800-331-5706 http://www.motorcycleshows.com/

Motograndprix.com

Get the latest information on the FIM Road Racing World Championship Grand Prix Motorcycle races: Standings, Schedules, Riders, Teams, Interviews, etc. http://www.motograndprix.com/

American Motorcyclist Association:

A 220,000-member organization with an unparalleled 73-year history of pursuing, protecting and promoting the interests of the world's largest and most dedicated group of motorcycle enthusiasts. http://www.ama-cycle.org/

AquaJet Corp.:

"The JetBike brings significant technological advances to the personal watercraft industry. Our proprietary design offers safety and control features, including dual front and rear steering and high draft design. The JetBike's unique ergonomics offer the rider the sensation of riding a motorcycle on the water." http://www.aquajet.com/

BikeNet:

The U.K. and Europe's first all-electronic motorcycle magazine. Jump aboard and cruise through this rich resource, chock full of news, reviews, race results, regular free competitions, links to other biker sites, cartoons, and more! And, don't miss The Ladies' Room, a page dedicated to the female of the moto-species. http://www.bikenet.com

Benelli Tornado 900 Tre:

An interesting looking and designed motorcycle.
"A rule that every designer knows well: if you want to realize a leading-edge Formula One, inspired by aerospace technology, if you want a modern high-performance motorcycle, look to the world of Formula One."
"With the Tornado, the radiator is placed under the saddle, and receives fresh air from two dynamic vents, fed by two narrow vertical openings situated just below the turn lights." http://www.tornadobenelli.com/english/moto.html

Cybercycle Magazine:

http://www.cybercyclemag.com/

Cyclebytel.com:

Online motorcycle purchasing service. Get price quote from dealers on new and used motorcycles. http://cyclebytel.com/

Cycle News On-line:

The on-line edition of America's Weekly Motorcycle Newspaper. http://www.cyclenews.com/

Fault finding chart for motorcycle charging systems

http://www.electrexusa.com/faultfin.htm

Gary Rather Photography:

Photographs of racing action. GRP is one of the official photographers for the AFM, and documents events up and down the West Coast. http://www.got.net/%7Egrather/

Honda Motorcycles:

Official Web Site for Honda motorcycles, in English. http://www.hondamotorcycle.com/

Honda Motorcycle Racing:

Schedules, Race results, Rider bios, Photo gallery. http://www.hondaredriders.com/

Honda Sport Touring Association

The Honda Sport Touring Association was founded in 1982 and is chartered by the American Motorcycle Association. The primary purpose of the club is to bring together riders whose focus is motorcycle sport touring regardless of type or brand of motorcycle.

Check out the "Pace" article in the Safety section. http://www.ridehsta.com/

Interactive Motorcycle:

An "interactive magazine includes feature articles, fiction, product reviews, and strong opinions about motorcycling, motorcyclists, and the world in general. Our fiction and features are provocative and true-to-life, the kind of stuff those of us who have been with motorcycling for a while have probably seen, done, or thought about doing somewhere along the line." http://www.activebike.com/

Motorcycle Consumer News:

Very good articles on safety, riding technique, product comparisons, etc. also check out MCN's Web Links. http://www.MCNews.com/

MotorcycleDaily.com

News, Reviews, Rider reports, etc. http://www.motorcycledaily.com/

Motorcycle Online:

1997 600cc Sportbike Shootout
All About Chains: A Conversation with A Chain Legend, Mr. Longoni.
http://motorcycle.com

Motor Cycle News

News, reviews, etc. http://www.motorcycleworld.co.uk/

MotorcycleWorld.com

News, Bike reviews by the e-zine and users, New and Used bike prices, Image gallery. http://www.motorcycleworld.com/

Motorcycle Roadracing Association:

Is a non-profit club dedicated to organizing safe events for competitors of all skill levels in and around Colorado. http://www.mra-racing.org/

motorcycle USA

News, Links (Insurance, etc.), New bike specs., http://www.motorcycle-usa.com/

Motorcycle Yellow Pages:

http://www.micapeak.com/mc/addrs/

New Hampshire International Speedway:

PO Box 7888, Loudon, NH 03301 USA, Guest services: 603-783-4931. http://www.nhis.com/

New York City Motorcycles

http://www.magpie.com/nycmoto/

Roadracing World & Motorcycle Technology:

A monthly magazine for motorcycle roadracers, tuners and serious enthusiasts. It prides itself on being high on content and low on fluff. http://www.roadracingworld.com/

Ronnie Cramer's Motorcycle Web Index:

Links to motorcycle sites on the Net. Covers resources related to 11 different manufacturers, plus 13 other motorcycle-related subjects. http://sepnet.com/cycle/

Sport Bike Web Page:

http://www.sportbike.com

Sportriders of New England:

A club dedicated to the sportriding enthusiast who expects a little more. This site is here to provide local news, technological updating, events and links which we hope will provide our members with accurate information upon which to make informed decisions. http://www.sportriders.com/

Street Bike Magazine On-Line:

http://www.streetbike.com/

Two Wheeled Fun (2WF)

Motorcycle and product reviews, tests, etc. Industry news.  http://www.2wf.com/   

Vegan Bikers

http://www.nildram.co.uk/veganmc/

WheelBase Magazine:

Safety tips, technology briefs, etc. http://www.wheelbase.com

Winter Storage for Motorcycles:

Instructions on how to minimize the bike's exposure to corrosive agents and prolong its life as much as possible. This guide assumes that the vehicle is being stored for more than a month and less than a year. http://www.clarity.net/~adam/winter-storage.html

WiST - Women in Sport Touring 

"Imagine that there was a place you could go any time you wanted to, and in that place was the collective knowledge of every woman motorcyclist in the world. Would you go?"  http://www.users.interport.net/~betenoir/wist/wist.html

Women On Wheels:

http://cpdmp.arme.cornell.edu/WOW

www.moto-directory.com:

Motorcycle E-Zines, Brand-Specific Pages, Clubs & Associations, MROs, Road Racing/Competition, Drag Racing, Off-Road/Moto-X, Shops & Dealers, Collectibles, Literature & Video, Salvage Yards, Aftermarket Parts, OEM/NOS Parts, High-Performance Parts, Riding Apparel, Sidecars/Trikes/Trailers, Motorcycle Touring, Scooters, Motorcycling Events, Services, Motorcycle Newsgroups, Commercial Web Pages, Women Riders, Motorcycle Link Pages, Rider Training/Safety. http://www.moto-directory.com/welcome.htm

Mitchell Motorsports

Dwight David Mitchell in 1997: Won the AMA Amateur Middleweight title… Finished second in the Amateur 750cc Superbike Championship… Finished third in the Amateur 600cc Superbike Championship… Won numerous races in club road racing. http://www.maa-imcs.com/indexb.htm

Yahoo!'s Motorcyle Index

http://www.yahoo.com/Recreation/Motorcycles/

UltraSuperCool.com

Videos, pictures, http://ultrasupercool.com/

Trips, Locations, Travel stories

Jon Kadis' Back Roads Page:

"Over the last few years I've enjoyed collecting motorcycle routes through the back roads of New York, New Jersey Connecticut and Pennsylvania. Please enjoy them and remember that road conditions will always vary." http://www.roadtwist.com/

Cherohala Skyway:

The Cherohala Skyway linking Tellico Plains, Tennessee and Robbinsville, North Carolina was dedicated October 12, 1996. This breathtaking two-lane blacktop ribbon is named for the Cherokee and Nantahala National Forests through which it twists and soars for fifty miles. Designated state highway 165 in Tennessee and 143 in North Carolina, the Skyway joins Tennessee 68 at Tellico Plains and US 129 a mile and a half north of Robbinsville, only 18 miles or so south of the legendary Deal's Gap. This Blue Ridge Parkway-like masterpiece climbs to an elevation of 5,200 feet as it crosses the Unaka Mountains and skirts the Joyce Kilmer Memorial Forest, one of the last stands of virgin timber in the country.

Deal's Gap, N.C.:

On the border of North Carolina and Tennessee, has 318 mountain curves in 11 miles.

Trip Reports by Alan Fleming: The Assault on Deal's Gap I and The Assault on Deal's Gap II.