Cay's Blog

Hey all. I've been out of the loop lately, what with Thanksgiving travel and temp jobs and all but here I am-firmly back in the loop. Wanted to mention a great blog: Cay Broendum Spare Time. Cay is an uber talented Danish artist and bike guy. Especially check out his pen and ink bike art. This stuff is great and I'd love to see these done as fine art posters. You'd definitely see one or two on my wall.


In other news, the Rover project has stalled a bit as I've pulled the Sporty out to install some accordion fork boots. I'll get back on the Rover soon as there isn't much left to do. Clean carpets, reinstall sunroof weatherstripping, carpets and back seat and finish off the stereo. Then a nice buff job to make her shine again. Should be sweet. Photos of both Rover and Sporty to come. Until then, laters!

Moto Guzzi V12 Trio

 

 

Hot on the heels of the beautiful V7 Clubman concept bike, Guzzi have also announced a trio of bikes based on a single platform. Designed by Pierre Terblanche and dubbed "V12," the trio share drivetrain and differ in bodywork, wheels, suspension, bars, and other choice parts. Terblanche is often vilified for what he did at Ducati (namely the 999 and 749) but I really don't think the hatred is completely warranted. My opinion is that he's mainly hated for not being Massimo Tamburini. Mr. Terblanche, you are redeemed. Laters.

New Ducks

Today Ducati announced the new 1198R Corse. Upgrades include the special Corse paint scheme, aluminum fuel tank, Termignoni exhaust and bike stand making the bike well worth what I'm assuming will be an astronomical price tag. Then again, what price can you place on beauty? MSRP hasn't been announced yet but if you have to ask, you can't afford one.

Also announced (to my extreme satisfaction) is the return of the Dark! The 848 Dark to be precise. MSRP is a quite reasonable (if you're not a Japanese bike guy) $12,995.

Which brings up a point I'd like to make. Ducs are really only expensive if you compare them just to their Japanese counterparts. Fast yes, but no Japanese bike even remotely approximates the feel and character of an Italian. To me the Japanese bikes are refined to a fault while Italians still have that indescribable I don't know what. And good luck getting a Harley that will perform like the 1198 for around $15K. Or even $30K. You can park it in the barn next to your unicorn. Not a fair comparison? How about an Aprilia? MV? Triumph? That new BMW has a shot but damn is it ugly. And how many people honestly possess the skills required to wring every last bit of performance out of a bike such as these? I'm not putting any of these bikes down. Every bike has it's own mojo that I'm more than happy to experience. But if you're going to own just one bike it really ought to be one that not only makes your adrenaline pump but one that speaks to your soul as well. For some it's a Ducati or BMW, while others it's a Yamaha or Honda. I've always had problems settling with just one and that's fine by me. I appreciate all for what they are and look forward to the next. I've learned not to poo poo until I've experienced it for myself. Even then I'm willing to admit I can see why others might like it even if it's not right for me. Whatever your poison is, I'd like to hear about it. Comment or email motoanimus@gmail.com and tell me about your ride of choice and why you love it. And anyone that says my Mom has a good ass kicking coming their way. Laters.