Circling Back

Some 30 years ago I had a bit of a summer riding with a group that had some interesting “rules.” Although all seemingly nice individuals, they had a ‘thing’ against machines from any other nation than Milwaukee. They never said that directly, and the feeling I got was, “Hey we like you (sorta), but not your bike so much.”

At the time I was on a Kawasaki Ninja 600R.

One of their bylaws specifically states that no machines under 750cc, of any make, was not invited or allowed to join their club. I took it as a bit of snobbery.

Okay, we know some Harley riders might argue this point – but I call them the way I see them. And that is what I saw.

We have never been one to simply accept that anything is the way it is…. So, when I was telling Shira about this rule she simply asked, “Why don’t you start your own club?”

“Superbike: An Illustrated Early History,” written by Kevin Cameron with photography by John Owens, grew in part from a black-and-white photo essay published 35 years ago in American motorcycle magazine Cycle.

“The Look of Speed” featured Owens’ thought-provoking images of Yoshimura Research and Development of America founder Hideo “Pops” Yoshimura and former magazine editor and 1977 Daytona Superbike race-winner Cook Neilson, among other tuners and riders.
 

                                            Bethel, Maine

Turns out you can see the world without ever leaving Maine.

 Non-Mainers might be be rightfully confounded by this sign outside Lynchville, which asserts that Paris is a mere 15 miles away.

How could Naples and Denmark possibly both be located 23 miles from this roadside outpost? And surely the distance from Lynchville to China must be greater than 94 miles!

The explanation is that the sign’s destinations aren’t far-flung nations. They are all towns in Maine. 

Saturday, January 13, is officially Electronics Day at Morton's!

Come check out the latest offerings in Cardo communication products, plus BMW Connected Ride Cradle and Navigator, and the new Connected Ride Smartglasses!

Special guest and longtime Morton's friend Jeff Harig of Big Ear will be on hand, creating custom-fitted earplugs while you wait!

Make plans now to join us for some great information and fun!
 

We all need to know "Useless Knowledge" and we here at Backroads are full of it... useless knowledge that is.

Each week we will add a bit more to your brainy brain... 

Then onward to Jeopardy!

3-Day ADV Ride • June 7-9, 2024

Come explore the Endless Mountains in Pennsylvania's Northern Tier. This is an inaugural event. The rally will be free (except for the cost of lodging) and will be based at Hills Creek State Park near Mansfield, PA. There will also be camping options at a nearby private campground, Tanglewood. And for those wanting a bit more civilization, there are two hotels close by in Mansfield.

The goal is to share the beautiful forest roads, overlooks and small towns that dot this area of PA. This is not a technical ride. It is suitable for ADV bikes of all sizes. There may be a few technical options thrown in but, by-in-large, this ride will be great for new riders.

For full details and RSVP…

Organized by John Ciribassi

Emmaus MotoTours • emmausmoto@gmail.com
 

The shape of the 2024 grid following Rea’s shock Yamaha switch...

Seats are filling up fast for the 2024 season and Yamaha has become the latest to lock in their line-up after announcing Jonathan Rea’s arrival…

The 20234 MOTUL FIM Superbike World Championship is just setting up, and the  2024’s grid is taking shape. From futures hanging in the balance and at a crossroads to the majority of the field looking to strike a deal for next year, we summarise the situation with what we know so far.

SIGNED. DEAL. DONE DEAL: Rea, Razgatlioglu headline MAJOR shake-up to factory line-ups.