Born To Ride News

Zemke to Jordan Suzuki

By Steve Atlas

Wednesday, December 30, 2009 

Following nine years on Hondas, Jake Zemke will make the switch to Jordan Suzuki according to our sources. It appears fan favorite Jake Zemke will have a ride for 2010 after all. And a good one at that. With who? Jordan Suzuki.

You heard it here first! Reputable sources tell us that Aaron Yates has re-signed to ride the No. 23 machine while his teammate on the No. 54 Jordan Motorsports bike will be Zemke, with previous rider Geoff May no longer on the team. This comes as somewhat of a surprise considering the relationship the team has had with May. Regardless, they are getting a talented and always popular rider in Zemke.

The 2008 Formula Xtreme Champion has a host of AMA Pro Racing wins to his name, though most on a 600cc machine, including five in FX and one in Supersport during his championship season. He does have three Superbike wins to his credit, two coming for Erion Honda at Brainerd International Raceway and Mid-Ohio, while the other was for the factory Honda squad at Miller Motorsports Park aboard the previous generation CBR1000RR in the midst of the Mladin-Spies era, proving to be one of the only riders to break their dominate win streak. This is important as out source tells us Zemke will be riding in American Superbike on a Suzuki GSX-R1000. Also of note, Zemke has a Daytona 200 win to his name, coming in ’06 for the Erion team.

The Paso Robles, California native makes the switch to Suzuki after nine years aboard Hondas, something that could prove to be challenging for the versatile rider. Though with a team as solid as the Gemini-run Jordan group behind him, one would think the 34-year-old veteran will quickly be on pace.

No word yet if National Guard has re-upped as the title sponsor of the team or if Zemke will run under Jordan colors. Either way, it’s good to see a few more deserving names getting riders for next season. We will keep up updated as more info becomes available…

Retrieved December 31, 2009; from http://www.motorcycle-usa.com/748/5397/Motorcycle-Article/Zemke-to-Jordan-Suzuki.aspx

MX vs. ATV Reflex Game Review

By Richard Sultan  

It has been a while since the last game in the MX vs. ATV series came out, and gamers are treated to a complete overhaul from the ground up. The key feature of this new game, and the title itself, is “Reflex”.

Plenty of Bar to Bar Supercross action with Dirt Bikes or ATVs.

Reflex has been added to give more control over rider positioning as you race the Dirt Bikes and ATVs. This new system allows you to take corners a bit sharper and adds a level of realism to the series. There is a learning curve with this new system but after some practice it becomes second nature. Despite my poor thumb coordination I was able to yield some close wins. With this new reflex system comes a new system for tricks as well. Gone are the days of mashing buttons and moving your arrow keys in a frantic mess to do a trick. You now have a button to push while in the air and then moving the Reflex joy stick in combinations of directions to perform the trick.

Game play is fairly quick paced, as is expected from off-road racing. Reflex offers many styles of racing to choose from to satisfy the needs of any dirt racing enthusiast. The racing styles ranges from the traditional motocross/supercross racing, off-road point to point, freestyle, and the mash of everything called omnicross. Each style of racing allows gamers to choose the type of vehicle to race. Most events are limited to just ATV/UTV and Dirt Bikes but there are select maps that allow Baja trucks and buggies. If a track is too difficult for the first choice, players can switch to a different vehicle. When starting the race again everyone will be racing the same style of vehicle as you. Trucks and buggies are a different sort of experience, mostly because they are pretty much indestructible and rarely do you find our self in a situation where you can’t get out of. In Omnicross trucks and buggies tend to dominate and it seemed rare for an ATV or dirt bike up front due to how much larger and powerful the trucks are.

MX vs. ATV Reflex delivers a good selection of outdoor tracks to choose from and more air than you can shake a stick at.

Overall the game plays well, looks great and for the most part has many of the features players expect out of a game of this caliber. Those looking for more customization will be rewarded with different color options for just about every piece of dirt bike gear imaginable even down to wearing a neck brace or chest protector. Rest assured gamers can have a unique look all your own with the amount of options at your finger tips.

Omnicross can be more demolition derby than race as trucks lose body panels and vehicles swap paint.

Reflex has a fairly extensive list of tricks you can perform including the Hart Attack.

One feature that could have been added is a “rewind” feature to correct a big mistake during a race, similar to the feature encountered in DiRT 2. While the rewind feature is more of a luxury, it has become almost standard in many recent racing games and would have saved a lot of early frustration as I got used to the reflex feature. There is a vehicle reset but it you have to hold a combination of buttons rather than a quick push of a single button to get yourself back on the track. I tended to find myself stuck in situations where the game wouldn’t automatically reset me to the course but left me to flail till I could find a way out or wander off course enough to force it to put me back. While this can be irritating, eventually gamers start to play with this in mind and ride a bit more carefully to avoid these situations (easier said than done considering how hectic races can get).

The long list of tracks and unlockable events will keep players racing for a good long time. With online play and online mini games available you can keep racing in the off season of your favorite two or four-wheeled racing series.

All told, the updates made in Reflex create a solid platform for the MX vs. ATV series to grow from. So for those searching for a dirt bike or off-road racing game, look no further than MX vs. ATV Reflex.

Retrieved December 29, 2009; from  http://www.motorcycle-usa.com/395/5372/Motorcycle-Article/MX-vs–ATV-Reflex-Game-Review.aspx

Three Combinations of Casual Comfort

MILWAUKEE (Dec. 2009) – Highlighted by three wearable combinations, iconic styling and an attention-grabbing color, the new women’s Silver Springs 3-in-1 Jacket (P/N 97542-10VW, $150) from the Harley-Davidson^® MotorClothes^® Spring 2010 line is destined to be a favorite. The 55-percent cotton/45-percent nylon twill outer jacket is matched by a removable, full-sleeve French terry fleece hoodie that can be worn separately. Four pockets, zippered cuffs and embroidered graphics complete the package. It’s available in sizes XS-3W, as well as Tall and Petite sizes.

The Silver Springs 3-in-1 Jacket will be available in February 2010 at most
Harley-Davidson dealerships.

For additional information on Harley-Davidson MotorClothes products, see your local Harley-Davidson dealer or visit harley-davidson.com. To find a dealer near you, call 1.800.LUV.2RIDE in the U.S. or Canada.

Highest-Quality Features and Subdued Skull Graphic

MILWAUKEE (Dec.  2009) – The new men’s Rushmore Leather Jacket
(P/N 97188-10VM, $450) from the Harley-Davidson^® MotorClothes^® Spring 2010 line delivers classic looks, high-quality features and a unique skull graphic printed on the back. Constructed from midweight leather with a poly-mesh lining, the jacket offers pre-curved sleeves and power-stretch panels for riding comfort. Zippered vents allow custom airflow control, while pockets at the elbows and shoulders accept FXRG^® accessory body armor. Seven additional pockets provide extra storage capacity, and 3M^® Scotchlite^® Reflective Material adds extra visibility. Available in S-5XL and Tall sizes.

The Rushmore Leather Jacket available in February 2010 at most Harley-Davidson dealerships.

For additional information on Harley-Davidson MotorClothes products, see your local Harley-Davidson dealer or visit harley-davidson.com. To find a dealer near you, call 1.800.LUV.2RIDE in the U.S. or Canada.

Distinctive Style and Functional Features

MILWAUKEE (Dec. 2009) – Make a bold, feminine statement with the new Colorblocked Functional Jacket (P/N 97248-10VW, $175) for women from the Harley-Davidson^® MotorClothes^® Spring 2010 line. Built from water-resistant nylon and loaded with embroidered and printed graphics, this stylish jacket features pre-curved sleeves, zippered cuffs and adjustable buckle waist tabs for flattering looks. Four zippered air vents deliver customized cooling, four zippered pockets provide usable storage, and accessory FXRG^® body armor can be added at the elbows and shoulder pockets. Available in XS-3W sizes.

The Colorblocked Functional Jacket will be available in February 2010 at most Harley-Davidson dealerships.

For additional information on Harley-Davidson MotorClothes products, see your local Harley-Davidson dealer or visit harley-davidson.com. To find a dealer near you, call 1.800.LUV.2RIDE in the U.S. or Canada.

American John Hopkins is set to be back in MotoGP for 2010 

Steve Atlas

MotorcycleUSA.com

Hopkins, seen here this year in World Superbike, will be back in MotoGP for 2010 aboard the new FB Corse team. American John Hopkins is set to be back in MotoGP for 2010. Announced by the newly-formed FB Corse team, the Ramona, California native will make his return to the premiere series after a year hiatus. The team reported the signing in a release today.

While details are few and far between, Hopper will be riding a motorcycle that is essentially the triple-cylinder prototype originally developed for BMW’s short-lived attempt to gain access into the Grand Prix world. Hopkins is set to be in Milan, Italy on January 21st for the team’s official announcement.

Hopper, who endured an injury-ridden 2009 season in World Superbike aboard the now defunct Stiggy Motorsport Honda team, recently overcame a massive concussion and several broken body parts. The American sensation originally burst onto the GP scene straight from winning AMA races at a young age. Hopkins always showed signs of raw talent and eventually found himself on the podium aboard the factory Suzuki a couple years back. But a downsizing team, loads of injuries and off-track drama saw him exit the GP pits at the end of the 2008 season, in which he rode for Kawasaki.

Hopper will now ride for the Italian FB Corse team on a brand new and unproven machine; his work will be cut out for him no question. He will also be joined on the team by Simone Gorztkyj, who will ride in the Moto2 class. The team is reportedly set to test both the MotoGP and Moto2 machines for the first time in January.

Retrieved December 22, 2009; from http://www.motorcycle-usa.com/749/5362/Motorcycle-Article/Hopkins-Back-in-MotoGP.aspx

La Palma, CA- Performance Machine, the leading manufacturer of forged wheels, disc brakes, and accessories for motorcycles recently announced the introduction of Team PM, a unique sportbike marketing program for the 2009-2010 season. Performance Machine chose three of the nation’s top custom sportbike builders/retailers to showcase PM’s products on their custom builds as well as helping in the development of innovative, new products. TEAM PM consists of three of the top custom sportbike builders/retailers in the nation including Robert Fisher of Roaring Toyz, Jonathan Reed of Sport Chrome and Mike McCoy of McCoy Motorsports. Mark Finnie, President of Performance Machine added, “We carefully picked our new marketing “partners” based on the accomplishments and reputation of their organization and the character of the people involved.  They have earned the support of our company and its people and we look forward to creating a successful marketing “partnership”.

 Summer Sands, Vice President of Sales and Marketing at Performance Machine explained, “We have developed a dynamic advertising, marketing and PR plan to back this program. Each TEAM PM “Partner” is building a custom sportbike with Performance Machine and RSD products and will be featured in our marketing materials including ads, PR Releases, website, and social media to promote our new “partnership”. We will use our TEAM PM “Partners” to showcase our company, our products and our emerging technologies.  It is a pleasure to be working with the best in the industry” In addition, each partner has chosen to incorporate Team PM into their individual marketing programs.  Each partner will receive a wheel design of their choice that will be sold exclusively through their company. 

Robert Fisher, President of Roaring Toyz stated, “We are very excited that Performance Machine chose our company to be part of their new sportbike program and have developed our marketing program to work hand-in-hand with theirs.” Robert’s custom sportbikes have been featured in dozens of national and international magazines and a season on the television show “Metric Revolution” garnered him national attention among the masses. His customers hail from all over the world and include such notables as recording artist Ludacris, boxing champion Jeff Lacy and Tampa Bay Buccaneer Michael Pittman. Robert has quite a diverse motorcycle background, began roadracing in 1995 and has earned literally hundreds of wins. He has raced the legendary Daytona 200 and now competes with Team RightsForBikers.com in AMA Pro Racing’s SunTrust Moto-GT series. “His racing experience is invaluable in the future development of our racing series of wheels”, stated Finnie. Robert’s latest custom creation was unveiled on July 4th at Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca: a custom Suzuki GSX-R1000 built to promote 6-Time AMA Superbike World Champion Mat Mladin’s new Australian based business…Bike Gear Warehouse.

Roaring Toyz-Mat Mladin Custom GSX-R1000

Jonathan Reed, President of Sport Chrome also had a bike unveiled at Laguna Seca in the American Suzuki display area on July 4th. Sport Chrome, in collaboration with Gregg’s Customs, were commissioned by Suzuki to build a new customized 10-year anniversary iteration of the fastest production Suzuki available…the Hayabusa. Jonathan Reed stated, “We are proud to have been chosen by Performance Machine to become one of their TEAM PM “Partners.” The 10th Anniversary ‘Busa project went together smoothly and thanks to their great products, added dramatically to the overall finished look.” Sport Chrome’s custom builds have been featured in all of the leading magazines and have appeared on the covers of Cycle World, 2Wheel Tuner and Super Streetbike. This is Jonathan’s fourth custom bike that Suzuki has commissioned him to build and will be featured in PM’s ad campaign. Sport Chrome not only builds some of the nicest custom sportbikes in the world, they also dedicated to making unique quality metal finishes for customers searching for perfection.

Sport Chrome- 10th Anniversary ‘Busa Built for Suzuki

Mike McCoy, Vice President of McCoy Motorsports announced that his latest custom creation will be unveiled early in August…a Yamaha R1. “We’ve designed this bike to incorporate Performance Machine and RSD products into the overall feel of the bike”, stated McCoy. The McCoy Motorsports Team, a family owned and run business has won numerous awards for their custom builds including the prestigious Rats Hole Custom Bike Show in Daytona Beach, FL as well as taking first place out of over a thousand custom builders that were involved with the ESPN2 show called The Metric Revolution. Yamaha has had them build four different custom sportbikes for promotional purposes and they’ve built custom bikes for many celebrities, including an NBA legend, Michael Jordan. McCoy Motorsports custom sportbikes have graced the pages of all of the major sportbike magazines worldwide and have been given the title “Bike of the Year” by both Cycle World and Super Streetbike Magazines.

“With regards to form and functionality, we know that as custom builders, our bikes have to look good, but are equally at home on the show rack or at the track. That’s why we are so excited to be part of TEAM PM…they have by far the best products in the market”, added McCoy. “We are looking forward to working with them on the development of new “trend setting” products for the sportbike market.”

McCoy Motorsports/TEAM PM Yamaha R1

 “This joint marketing venture is not only an integral part of our marketing program, but also a valuable engineering tool that will help us develop new technologies for future use in our aftermarket product line. In many cases, we will give our “partners” access to experimental R&D type products that are still in the development stages”. Finnie concluded.                                                                                                                                                                

Kelli Murrow, Marketing and Sales Manager of Performance Machine concluded, “We are also developing many other new and exciting programs aimed at the various niches found within the sportbike market including, clubs/associations promotions, WERA Sponsorship, professional and amateur stunt teams, track day promotions, Superbike/Roadracing Schools and the support of amateur Superbike teams.” Performance Machine is very serious about their involvement with the sportbike market and will be announcing many other new and exciting programs in the near future.

 For more information, contact: Performance Machine, Inc., 6892 Marlin Circle, La Palma, CA  90623, 714-523-3000 www.performancemachine.com

Unmatched Versatility and Options

MILWAUKEE (Dec. 2009) – Reversibility, zip-off sleeves and a snap-hood translate into 12 wearable combinations for the new men’s Bold 12-in-1 Reversible Jacket (P/N 97527-10VM, $195) from the Harley-Davidson^® MotorClothes^® Spring 2010 line. Its black side is constructed from water-resistant 78-percent cotton/22-percent nylon, while the grey side is 100-percent cotton canvas. Zippered hand-warmer pockets and embroidered graphics on both sides are matched by Rib-knit cuffs and waist. Available in S-5XL and Tall sizes.

 The 12-in-1 Reversible Jacket will be available in February 2010 at most
Harley-Davidson dealerships.

 For additional information on Harley-Davidson MotorClothes products, see your local Harley-Davidson dealer or visit harley-davidson.com. To find a dealer near you, call 1.800.LUV.2RIDE in the U.S. or Canada.

The following is from Yamaha…

Cypress, California, December 17th 2009 – In a year that saw Yamaha riders James Stewart, Valentino Rossi, and Ben Spies capture the perfect “trifecta” of World Championships, perhaps one of the most memorable moments for race fans around the world, was “King” Kenny Roberts’ return ride at the infamous Indy Mile in late August.

As a year end surprise, Yamaha is pleased to offer race fans around the world a video of this monumental occasion. The video features both archival footage from Kenny’s victory in 1975 as well as the events surrounding this recent monumental motorcycling event.

Retrieved Friday, December 18, 2009; from http://www.amadirectlink.com/news/story.asp?id=1617

Roaring Toyz Custom FZ6R Unveiled in Long Beach

If you were at the Cycle World International Motorcycle Show in Long Beach, California, two weeks ago, you probably saw the latest custom from Roaring Toyz: a 2010 Yamaha FZ6R. Robert Fisher unveiled the bike to a crowd of fans and media in the Yamaha booth, where it remained on display all weekend. Fisher won the FZ6R through the Boz Bros Custom Sportbike Show, an annual series of shows produced by Yamaha, with the task of turning it into a one-of-a-kind custom. Now, fans at every International Motorcycle Show can check out the FZ6R in person.

This FZ6R was built with a female rider in mind: the new Roaring Toyz lowering link and kickstand are perfect for a petite rider (or anyone who wants a low profile), and the pink paint scheme adds a definite feminine touch.

It might be pink, but this Roaring Toyz FZ6R is still tough: just check out the Performance Machine Contrast-Cut Mayhem wheels. Designed for the Yamaha YZF-R1, the Pirelli-shod wheels are equipped with a Roaring Toyz conversion kit to fit the FZ6R. An M4 exhaust adds both power and style to cap it all off.

The Yamaha FZ6R lowering link and lowering kickstand are already on sale on the Roaring Toyz website, and the conversion kit for the Performance Machine wheels will debut soon.

New Product: Hustler Universal Grips

Get chrome billet grips without giving up comfort! The Hustler grips are chrome plated, but the inset rubber means you have a comfortable ride so you look good and feel good. Each set comes with an interchangable throttle tube so they can fit any late-model sportbike.

Price: $49.99

Product Number: RTU737JC

Custom 2000 Honda CBR 929RR for Sale

Why buy a stock motorcycle when you can get a custom sportbike for only $12,500? This gorgeous 2000 Honda CBR 929RR has been upgraded with an ’06 CBR 1000RR front end and 954 upper bodywork. It was also featured in both Super Streetbike and 2Wheel Tuner Magazine.

The entire list of mods is too long to fit here, but you’ll get a Trac Dynamics 4-inch over swingarm with a 240 Pirelli Diablo rear tire. The wheels are RC Components Royale, and they are perfectly paired with the brake rotors: Brembo in the front and Galfer Wave in the rear. Even the engine is customized with a Power Commander, Dynojet quick-shifter and a nitrous purge.

Call us at (941) 953-4423 to get this custom CBR 929RR before someone else jumps on this deal. Financing is available with approved credit, too.

Put a Bike in Someone’s Stocking!

If you’ve made your list and checked it twice, but still haven’t gotten around to buying presents, there’s still time to pick up Roaring Toyz stocking stuffers! Snag a die-cast model of the first ever custom Kawasaki ZX-14 or a low, long Suzuki Hayabusa. These minis are full of detail, just like their full-size counterparts.

And don’t forget, we’ve got the Roaring Toyz tee with a Kanji symbol on the front and “Roaring Toyz” across the back.

If you’ve got a lot of riders to shop for (or if you want to stock up on a few Roaring Toyz tee goodies for yourself), you can order ten Roaring Toyz stocking stuffers in any combination, and get the 11th item for free!

Become a fan of Roaring Toyz on Facebook and keep up with the latest news and deals via Twitter!

“The King of Custom Sportbikes”

2171 13th Street

Sarasota, FL 34237

941-953-4423