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Sunday, May 31, 2009
New motorcycle and auto website Modifyrod.com
New motorcycle and auto website in thailand Modifyrod.com.
Rain, Rain Go Away? Or on Second Thought, Stay!
I have not been cycling for the past week due to nonstop rain. But today I finally could not take it anymore: Despite the overcast sky and the morbid forecast, I went. By mid-day, it did rain. And it was great!
Some nice things about cycling in the rain:
. it's good for your complexion
. you can sing in it (and I did!)
. the grass and trees look super green, almost neon
. the lovely scent of flowers really comes out
. you have the cycle paths mostly to yourself
. you have an excuse to wear screaming red and lobsterman yellow!
Above: My empty Apfelspritzer mug, in an empty outdoor cafe -- in the rain. Look how red those geraniums look!
Saturday, May 30, 2009
Motorcycles Modification Contest
Djarum Black Motodify 2009, Indonesian Motorcycles unique and elegant ContestMotorcycle Pictures of the Week - Georgjean and Jared
Here are my Pictures of the Week as displayed on the Motorcycle Views Website. These are taken from the Moto Pic Gallery. See Georgjean with her 1968 BMW R50/2 US. Also see Jared with his 1978 Honda GL1000 Gold Wing. For details, see Motorcycle Pictures of the Week.If you'd like to see your bike as Picture of the Week, submit a picture of you and your bike along with a description of the bike.
The Pashley Princess: How the Choice Was Made
I have been asked by several people now why I chose the Pashley Princess over the Gazelle and other options, so I wanted to describe the process that led to this decision.
First, I want to say that I do not necessarily think that Pashley is "the best" bicycle. It was the right choice for me, and this decision was based on very subjective criteria. In terms of quality, I think that most of the manufacturers profiled here are equivalent, and any differences in preference between them are a matter of personal choice. Please be certain to try out a bicycle before deciding whether or not it is right for you; it is the only way to really know.
My initial choice was between Gazelle, Batavus and Pashley. These were the only models out of the list here that fit all of my criteria and were available locally to try before buying. Gradually, the Batavus fell out of the competition, because it just did not pull at my heartstrings in the same way as the other two, lacking some of the more elegant touches. And so the real choice soon became between Pashley and Gazelle.
Selection factors:
1. Fit: The proportions of the Pashley fit my body just a tad better than the proportions of the equivalently sized Gazelle. Namely, the Pashley felt a bit roomier between the saddle/seating-tube area and the handlebars/front wheel area. Note that the Pashley Princess is available in three different frame sizes. Size "small" is smaller than Dutch bike sizes; sizes "medium" and "large" are equivalent to the 51 and 58 Dutch frames. I tried the Pashley "medium" and the Gazelle 51-size.
2. Getting the Perfect Configuration: To get a Gazelle configured with all the components I wanted (including adding gears, but more importantly, getting both the colour I liked and the brake system I wanted on the same model) would have involved more customisation and more money than Pashley.
3. Aesthetics: The subtle elements of Pashley's design -- including the angles, the curvature, the style of the chain cover and dress guard, the placement of lights, etc. -- appealed to me just ever so slightly more.
4. Je Ne Sais Quois?... : Granted, this is a rather vague factor, but I think it is important if you want the kind of bicycle that you will have a love affair with. The Pashley got to me at the intuitive/emotional level. It whispered "Take me, I am yours!..." in a sweet husky voice. What could I do?
And so there it is. My Pashley Princess Sovereign is now at Harris Cyclery, getting customised with a coaster brake and 7-gear Shimano hub. I also asked for her to be fitted with a drop-down stand and Brooks leather handles. By the time I return to the US, my green beauty will be waiting for me, and oh how happy our union shall be!
But I have a confession to make: I still want the Gazelle!... Yes, in addition to the Pashley... But that's insane, right? I don't need a second bicycle. Right?...
[Edited to add: I have now posted a full review of my customised Pashley Princess.]
First, I want to say that I do not necessarily think that Pashley is "the best" bicycle. It was the right choice for me, and this decision was based on very subjective criteria. In terms of quality, I think that most of the manufacturers profiled here are equivalent, and any differences in preference between them are a matter of personal choice. Please be certain to try out a bicycle before deciding whether or not it is right for you; it is the only way to really know.
My initial choice was between Gazelle, Batavus and Pashley. These were the only models out of the list here that fit all of my criteria and were available locally to try before buying. Gradually, the Batavus fell out of the competition, because it just did not pull at my heartstrings in the same way as the other two, lacking some of the more elegant touches. And so the real choice soon became between Pashley and Gazelle.
Selection factors:
1. Fit: The proportions of the Pashley fit my body just a tad better than the proportions of the equivalently sized Gazelle. Namely, the Pashley felt a bit roomier between the saddle/seating-tube area and the handlebars/front wheel area. Note that the Pashley Princess is available in three different frame sizes. Size "small" is smaller than Dutch bike sizes; sizes "medium" and "large" are equivalent to the 51 and 58 Dutch frames. I tried the Pashley "medium" and the Gazelle 51-size.
2. Getting the Perfect Configuration: To get a Gazelle configured with all the components I wanted (including adding gears, but more importantly, getting both the colour I liked and the brake system I wanted on the same model) would have involved more customisation and more money than Pashley.
3. Aesthetics: The subtle elements of Pashley's design -- including the angles, the curvature, the style of the chain cover and dress guard, the placement of lights, etc. -- appealed to me just ever so slightly more.
4. Je Ne Sais Quois?... : Granted, this is a rather vague factor, but I think it is important if you want the kind of bicycle that you will have a love affair with. The Pashley got to me at the intuitive/emotional level. It whispered "Take me, I am yours!..." in a sweet husky voice. What could I do?
And so there it is. My Pashley Princess Sovereign is now at Harris Cyclery, getting customised with a coaster brake and 7-gear Shimano hub. I also asked for her to be fitted with a drop-down stand and Brooks leather handles. By the time I return to the US, my green beauty will be waiting for me, and oh how happy our union shall be!
But I have a confession to make: I still want the Gazelle!... Yes, in addition to the Pashley... But that's insane, right? I don't need a second bicycle. Right?...
[Edited to add: I have now posted a full review of my customised Pashley Princess.]
Friday, May 29, 2009
Buell Ulysses XB12X
With long-travel suspension, generous 171mm ground clearance, and aggressive Pirelli Scorpion Sync tyres, the Buell Ulysses XB12X can carry its rider over dirt, gravel and other unpaved road surfaces. On smooth pavement, the XB12X is a high-performance sport motorcycle, ready to blitz through the twisties.
Wide Supermoto style handlebars gives the rider extra leverage and control behind wind deflectors and a two-piece windscreen designed to limit buffeting. The broad, torque-laden powerband of the 94-hp Buell Thunderstorm 1203cc V-Twin engine gives the Ulysses the ability to proceed at lower speeds over unpaved roads with less gear shifting, and the power to bomb down paved backroads.
more about buell XB12X [via] buell motorcycle
Thursday, May 28, 2009
Viennese Cyclists
I have finally gotten up the nerve to go beyond photographing parked bicycles, and to capture cyclists in actions. Here they are, on the streets of Vienna.
These photos were taken over the course of several days, along my normal walking routes.
Looking at these now, I am struck by how distinctly un-picturesque the surroundings are -- something that is actually quite difficult to achieve when photographing Vienna! But the cyclists sure look nice.
I did not have a chance to be selective and pretty much photographed whomever my camera was quick enough to capture. So this is a good sampling of what commuters here look like.
As you can see, the bicycles are mostly hybrids and comfort bikes, fitted with fenders, racks, baskets, etc. Lights are mandatory, so all bicycles here have them.
It is pretty common to see elderly persons cycling, often faster and more skillfully than younger ones.
Bicycles are allowed into most parks and courtyards including inside the Museum Quartier (a maze of court yards where many of Vienna's museums are located, as well as outdoor cafes and small gardens).
So there it is; my first bout of cyclist stealth photography. Granted, cycling culture in Vienna is not as dramatically stylish as in Amsterdam or Copenhagen, but overall still pretty cool -- at least compared to the US, where hunched over lycra-clad cyclists remain the norm.
Piaggio MP5 - classic motorcycle
Wednesday, May 27, 2009
Husaberg FE 650
Husaberg is a young Swedish company that, according to their website, was founded by "racing freaks". They specialize in supermoto and enduro motorcycles.
Nowadays, Husaberg motorcycles are manufactured in their mother company (KTM) but the development department is still in Sweden.
Husaberg FE 650 photo taken [via] Paris Motorcycle Show 2007.
Motorcycle Accessories: the Personal Touch
I know you shop around for the best deal. I do, too. Comparing prices for motorcycle accessories is a lot of work. And it's not always an apples-to-apples comparison.
When you're comparing prices and features, can you call the company to ask questions like:
"What is the best way to mount a GPS or iPod on my motorcycle?"
"What can I expect when I decide to add a camera or a cup holder to my ride?"
Are you calling a big chain store that specializes in large lot pricing? Or do you want to talk to a real live person who answers the phone quickly and returns calls right away?
We ride and use our products, so we can help you, whether you ride a Harley or a Honda Gold Wing ... or a Kawasaki Vulcan (like me!) or Suzuki C90. Maybe you're a Valkyrie rider, or you're shopping for your wife, who rides a Yamaha V-Star.
We know that bikers value quality, not just price. We like how our bikes look and we want the best parts and accessories that enhance that look. And the old saying really is true: "you get what you pay for"!!
We try to make it easy to find a high quality, solid, dependable and affordable way to mount GPS, digital camera, video camera, cell phone, PDA, iPhone, iPod, and other hands-free accessories for your cruiser. And we're proud to sell the parts that give riders the best results: high-quality, good looking, sturdy, adjustable and easily mounted and removed.
For more details: www.leadermotorcycle.com
When you're comparing prices and features, can you call the company to ask questions like:
"What is the best way to mount a GPS or iPod on my motorcycle?"
"What can I expect when I decide to add a camera or a cup holder to my ride?"
Are you calling a big chain store that specializes in large lot pricing? Or do you want to talk to a real live person who answers the phone quickly and returns calls right away?
We ride and use our products, so we can help you, whether you ride a Harley or a Honda Gold Wing ... or a Kawasaki Vulcan (like me!) or Suzuki C90. Maybe you're a Valkyrie rider, or you're shopping for your wife, who rides a Yamaha V-Star.
We know that bikers value quality, not just price. We like how our bikes look and we want the best parts and accessories that enhance that look. And the old saying really is true: "you get what you pay for"!!
We try to make it easy to find a high quality, solid, dependable and affordable way to mount GPS, digital camera, video camera, cell phone, PDA, iPhone, iPod, and other hands-free accessories for your cruiser. And we're proud to sell the parts that give riders the best results: high-quality, good looking, sturdy, adjustable and easily mounted and removed.
For more details: www.leadermotorcycle.com
The "Fendi Abici Bike" in Vogue Magazine
A friend sent me this great scan from the June 2009 issue of American Vogue:"Girls, go tell the groom that we've found the gift of all gifts to give his bride on the big day. (He does know that one's in order, right?) The Abici Amante Donna city bike now comes fitted with Fendi's luxest Selleria leather accessories. Seat, handles, thermos case, and GPS holder are all cut and sewn by hand. In front, the fully outfitted picnic basket -- which, you might tell him, doubles as a beauty case -- bears the house's signature stamp. There's also a splash catcher (he'll know this isn't its technical name, but "mudguard" is so unsexy) on the back wheel. The course of true love never ran more smoothly!"
The price of the Fendi Abici is $5,900 and the detachable travel case on the front rack is $975 extra.
This is a gorgeous bicycle and a lovely wedding gift, but is the Fendi version worth six times the price of the standard Abici Amante Donna? I guess that is a matter of personal choice and depends on how much you like Fendi. Personally, I'd rather keep the Brooks saddle. The travel case is rather nice though (any idea on the weight?).
[image from abici-italia.it]Pictured above is the standard Abici Amante Donna in cream with original saddle and handles, and without dress guard, racks or thermos holder. I believe the cost is about $1,000 MSRP. Not being a fan of the rod brakes, I prefer Abici's Granturismo model. Still, the Amante is quite beautiful, and I think that Fendi had the right idea to add some dark warm contrasts to all that white.
Tuesday, May 26, 2009
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