In this week’s episode of Stealth Rider Jason Britton visits Rodeo Drive Beverly Hills, Disney Concert Hall, Staples Center, LA Live, Mann’s Chinese Theatre, El Capitan Theatre, Hollywood Blvd!
New episodes of Stealth Rider and Intersections premiere every Wednesday 8P EST and 10pm EST respectively on SPEED!
A few days ago a friend of mine stopped in to show me the 2006 Victory Kingpin motorcycle he had recently purchased. I was anxious to get a closer look because until then I had only seen the Kingpin from a distance. After spending some time with the motorcycle I would have to say I was really impressed. I liked the overall appearance of the motorcycle and found the riding position to be extremely comfortable. The v-twin delivered plenty of power and the six speed transmission is a real plus. If I am ever in the market for another cruiser I would certainly give Victory a close look. Have any of you had any experience with the Kingpin or Victory motorcycles in general? I would love to hear your opinion.
Specifications
On June 11th, I wrote a post entitled “What a way to go!” , about a man named Warren, who was planning to be buried on his motorcycle and sealed in clear vault. Warren is alive and kicking and continues to fine tune his project. The video below shows another man who had a similar wish. This clip was shot in a funeral parlor somewhere in Puerto Rico. Evidently, this hombre was an avid sport bike rider and had made it clear to his family and friends that he wanted to be buried on his bike in the event of his death. I am not certain if he was buried on the Repsol, but at least he got to ride it at the viewing.
From 1989-1998, Honda produced the ugliest motorcycle ever built; the Pacific Coast. I am a huge fan of Honda, and usually love their motorcycles, but not the PC. During the nine years that the Pacific Coast was produced, over 14,000 units were sold around the world, but today the bike has an iconic following. I have had the opportunity to ride these bikes and have to admit they are comfortable and fun to ride. My only advice is you either ride it under the cover of darkness or in a full faced helmet with a dark shield so your neighbors don’t recognize you.
On Friday, a friend of mine dropped in to see me and he was riding his Pacific Coast. The bike you are about to see was involved in accident sometime back and actually cut a deer in half. My buddy rebuilt the fairing and… well, you just have to see it. (Note; in the video I mistakenly refer to the bike as a 1988, I meant to say 1989.)
Jackass Flats holds one of the largest weekly bike nights in the country. On any given Wednesday you may see nine hundred to several thousand bikes roll on to the sprawling grounds, it’s quite a site to behold.
Once parked I usually light up a cigar and leisurely stroll up and down the rows looking at the motorcycles. The majority of the bikes are Harley Davidson’s, although in the past couple of years there has been a noticeable increase in sport bikes and some old school stuff. I find this trend very refreshing.
After looking through half of the rows of chrome and skulls, my BMW brain needs a break, so I head over to the vendors aisle to peruse the latest high tech gizmo’s, try on some new shades, look at the colorful patches, or pick over some dew rags. I do this every time I am there, but as I think about it; I have never purchased anything (you know what they say about BMW bikes; “the cheapest thing on them is the rider!”). After twenty minutes or so, I am ready to resume my sight seeing tour of the remainder of the machines.
Visiting the “Flats” is a nice way to spend a Wednesday night, so if you happen to be in the area on hot and muggy, summer evening, let me know, I will be happy to give you a cigar and show you around.
Hey, it’s not so bad though, it smells like motorcycles, has wireless internet, music, and a comfy chair, what more could a guy want?
Well, as I was saying, I attended the Open House for Holt BMW, a small motorcycle store with a large reputation. The store began as a restoration shop for old BMW’s and added the sales side some time later. This Open House is one of the favorite stops on my riding calendar for two reasons…
1. Holt BMW is inconspicuously situated in the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains and has some of the best riding roads in Ohio. Getting there is a blast!
2. For some reason they service a very unique cliental. People from all walks of life come from all over the country to be part of this day. You never know what kind of conversations you will find yourself getting into. The motorcycles are secondary when you are at Holt (puff on cigar).
This was my first planned trip of the season and although just a short jog I made a couple “first ride of the season mistakes.”
1. I failed to put my back rest on the RT. When traveling solo for any distance I always add my backrest. When riding two up I remove it to give my passenger a little extra saddle space.
2. I forgot to remove my quilted liner from my riding pants. Talk about a hot seat (puff on cigar).
Well this Cuba Libre is just about gone and I guess I need a shower.
Keep The Rubber Side Down!
Here’s a five minute video of just a few of the bikes there. I especially like the new S1000RR.
In the words of Irving Berlin; “Blue skies, smilin’ at me nothin’ but blues skies do I see.”
Saturday and Sunday my saddle time was under the bluest skies so far this year, at times it was breathtaking! I know they were a brilliant blue because on Sunday I spent a lot of time looking up.
Late Sunday afternoon I made a stop at Grimes Field, a small airport located in Urbana, Ohio. The airfield was hosting several B25 bombers from WWII, as they celebrated the anniversary of Doolittle’s Raid.
These beautiful bombers from the early 1940’s have been painstaking restored to perfect working condition by a band of hardworking volunteers. I was pleasantly surprised by the gorgeous “Yellow Rose” coming directly at me.
A special thanks goes out to those at Grimes Field for making this wonderful day happen.
One of my favorite videos from the 2009 Isle of Man TT. These guys are crazy fast!
