The Backroads Report October 26th, 2024 #339

Published: Sat, 10/26/24

Updated: Sat, 10/26/24

Welcome to the Jungle

Gearing Up... or is that down?

Make Your Bike's Gear Ratio Fit Your Riding

Years ago, I bought a 2002 KLR 650. I had ridden one up in Alaska and fell in love with its easy to ride, do anything ride-attitude. The KLR is like a great utility ball player that can play every position except pitch (unless it is one of THOSE games).

But the more you spend with something (or someone), little things that were once overlooked, tend to rise to the top – and then it is all you can think about.

Anyone in a serious relationship knows this. Some things cannot be changed, but others can be well, maybe, modified a bit.

Welcome to the Jungle

Welcome to the Jungle proudly brought to you by

Law Office of Paul Gargiulo, P.C.

Bimota Returns to WorldSBK

https://www.worldsbk.com/en/news/2024/FIRST%20PICTURE%20OF%20NEW%20BIMOTA%20a%20new%20era%20begins%20as%20the%20KB998%20is%20revealed?j=986727&sfmc_sub=68052371&l=97_HTML&u=60923491&mid=100010275&jb=25010&sfmc_c=0037U00000CmdtEQAR

The first look of the new Bimota is here as the Bimota by Kawasaki Racing Team take to the track at the Spanish venue

The first day of 2025 testing for the MOTUL FIM Superbike World Championship is here and it’s given the world a first glimpse of the Bimota KB998. Powered by a Kawasaki engine, Italian brand Bimota are returning to WorldSBK with the new bike with test rider Florian Marino taking it for a spin around the Circuito de Jerez – Angel Nieto on Day 1 of the test. Check out the first images of the bike in the gallery at the top of this page!

WSBK

How Hot Wheels Are Made

https://www.motor1.com/features/736561/how-are-hot-wheels-made/?utm_source=US%20Motor1%20Insider%20Newsletter&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=US_M1_202401008_InsiderNL_403&_kx=E1L5uTllf5N_nSSr1qHory8W-GT_kKku57Yn_3Ov07E.QWPKxN

An Inside Look...
From the initial design to final production, we visited Hot Wheels headquarters in Los Angeles to see how America's favorite die-cast cars are made.

There's a monster in the back of the Mattel design center in Los Angeles. It's a two-foot-tall lizard that eats Hot Wheels while rolling around, storing them in its belly. When it stands upright, the monster roars like Godzilla, transforming into a ramp from which you can launch your favorite 1:64 automotive icons. It is a toy of epic proportions, light years more advanced than the Hot Wheels playsets I had as a kid.

Inside Hot Wheels

Guide to Common Lubricants

https://www.familyhandyman.com/list/a-guide-to-the-most-common-automotive-and-household-lubricants/?_cmp=diytipshintsnl&utm_audience=&_mid=726889&ehid=402d3ac6fb1d80295fe0f417cb70babfcd2e60d8&_PermHash=6c515e9a7440282e8fd88a4e7e49d3939c84ff90bab9a9e68bbf5c9c383152f8&tohMagStatus=NONE

Here's everything you need to know about automotive, household and shop lubricants like white lithium grease...

Used to be there was oil and there was grease. Then penetrating oil came along. One day, WD-40 showed up. Then silicone spray lubricants. Add in lithium and marine greases and the aforementioned specialty lubes for things like garage doors and motorcycle chains, and the choices can be a bit overwhelming. Use the info below to determine which lubricant you’ll need for the job you’re about to tackle.

Common Lubricants

https://www.atlasobscura.com/articles/is-there-a-demon-cat-in-the-us-capitol?mc_cid=60bc6da472&mc_eid=568804ebbf

We have been using Spectro Oils exclusively for years - finding their product to be superior, long-lasting, and offering a wide variety of lubricants for just about any application.

They have a promotion right now where you can win free oil for three years, wall clocks and bar stools.

Just scan the QR code to enter...

Spectro Oil

It's October...

Time for Cursed Objects

https://www.atlasobscura.com/articles/spooky-curses-urban-legends?mc_cid=ede607ea28&mc_eid=568804ebbf

Maybe it’s best to just steer clear of white lighters, medieval books, and Robert the Doll.

Sometimes a cursed object is easy to spot. Take, for instance, Robert the Doll. With his beady eyes, pitted face, and sailor suit, it’s easy to understand why so many find this century-old plaything unsettling, even malevolent. But, as these six Atlas Obscura favorites show, creepy legends also attach themselves to things you would never expect: a beautiful gemstone, an everyday lighter, or a simple number.

Cursed Objects

Wings & Wheels

Van Sant Airport

Tomorrow!

Sunday, October 27th Van Sant Airport in Bucks County, Pennsylvania will hold a stellar event.

Last year the array of aircraft, automobiles and motorcycles was truly amazing - and we know this year will be a great day as well.

Hope to see you there...

Van Sant Airport

What? You Don't Read

Backroads Magazine?

Some of you just get The Backroads Report

but you really need to read the magazine...

All Issues Available Here!

Backroads Magazine Current Edition

Progressive

Bluebird of Bitterness

Foot Techniques for Better Riding

Police Motor Training with Quinn Redeker

RIDER Magazine's Quinn walks you through the benefits of engaging your feet when making direction changes on the motorcycle.

If you have never seen this man ride... watch closely!

Quinn Redeker

The Escape of the Week

https://www.facebook.com/groups/381466272881683/

The Scarecrows

Branchville, New Jersey

Each year the quaint town of Branchville, New Jersey has a "Scarecrow" contest, and many of the homes in this Sussex County Town have some of the most creative scarecrows on display.

You can find a map on their Facebook page, and it makes for a fun and very seasonal day's ride!

Enjoy!

Branchville Scarecrows

Presents

Song of the Week

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e9FLUcpMdm0

Bubbles Up • Jimmy Buffett

From Jimmy's last album, Equal Strain on all Parts, Bubbles Up will make you feel both inspired and melancholy. While he may have been a Chicago Cubs fan, this song should be listened to by ALL Mets fans to remind them of how wonderful the 2024 season was and to look forward to 2025.

Bubbles Up

On the Backroads Now ...

The November Issue of Backroads!

At Shops & Mailboxes This Week...

November 2024 Edition of Backroads!

Ride cross country with us as we put the Harley-Davidson Pan America CVO to the test. We'll visit the D-Day Memorial in Bedford, Virginia and spend some time in Milwaukee at the H-D Museum and a nifty We're Outta Here too!

Ride far, Ride smart...Ride the Backroads!

Backroads