Friday Afternoon Moto News of a New Sort

Well, we already knew this as well, but it a new study has confirmed it further - riding a motorcycle is good for your brain in many ways. Not only does it help to improve hand-to-eye coordination and bring serious levels of dopamine and other chemicals derived from the excitement of riding, it also builds new brain pathways and improves knowledge absorption. Just have a read about the study and you will know why you are smarter than your cage-bound friends and family.

http://tinyurl.com/ycyh3so

American Honda has also commemorated Mike Traynor by planting a tree - as a living memorial - and placing a plaque honoring him on the campus of their Torrance, California, HQ. Traynor worked very closely with the people in that office while managing his Pediatric Brain Tumor Foundation's Ride for Kids.

http://tinyurl.com/yerwhxr

And, the last part of this post will be a video of Ducati engineer Massimo Capanna. In the video he explains the importance of motorcycle ergonomics to a race bike. He was the person responsible for converting the Troy Bayliss Ducati 1098Rs to Larry Pegram for his 2009 AMA Pro Racing effort. It's a good watch.

http://tinyurl.com/y8p8rqn

Wednesday Afternoon Moto News - RFK, Sturgis and TTXGP

A new press release from the Pediatric Brain Tumor Foundation's Ride for Kids lets us know that even the tough economy did not keep the generous spirit of motorcyclists from doing what they do best - earning money for the cause. In 2009, the charity raised over US$4.4 million. They have also added another event for 2010. To learn more, click the link.

http://tinyurl.com/ygcvozg

The Sturgis Rally will turn 70 years old in 2010 and the Sturgis Motorcycle Museum and Hall of Fame is getting ready for the celebration. So, take the link and learn about what to expect if you are heading to the event in 2010.

http://tinyurl.com/yl5otw6

There is news that another team has signed up to ride in the 2010 TTXGP series - 666 Road Racing Limited. They will be campaigning a Mavizen TTX02 eSuperbike with co-founder Nick Potts piloting the machine. They have even provided a video for your viewing pleasure.

http://tinyurl.com/y8rmxza

The New Year's Eve Afternoon - News from the Moto World

Yep, even more news on this 31 December 2009...

English Triumph dealer Jack Lilley has now finished his usual custom line-up for us. With this one, he took a 2009 Triumph Bonneville SE and Scrambler and painted and upgraded them for sale to the public. The paint on these machines is worth the extra £, which is not much anyway. He has also changed items like the exhaust, tires, seats, and much more. Really, you should take the link.

http://tinyurl.com/yaplv3f

And, there is another custom (featured before on this blog) which Roland Sands will be donating for the PBTF as he does every year. This one is a CBR1000RR (Fireblade in the rest of the world) Streetfighter which he has chopped, cut and painted to look just spectacular. It even maintains its huge power characteristics. You will see it up for auction in 2010.

http://tinyurl.com/yby3vl6

There is also news from the TT organizers, the Auto Cycle Union, and the Isle of Man Department of Tourism about the Isle of Man in 2010. There are plenty of events lined up - enough to even make you miss the races - for 2010, so make sure to make your arrangements yesterday - well, as soon as you are able!

http://tinyurl.com/ydm4o3n

And, to finish off this post we have a look into the Honda Collection Hall at the Twin Ring Motegi in Japan. The author was fortunate enough to get a chance to see it while in Japan for the press introduction of the 2010 VFR1200F. It's worth a visit and, if you cannot get there anytime soon, a read.

http://tinyurl.com/yd8g9lm

Long Distance Ace Eddie James Died Last Sunday

He was known very well by the BMW owners in the US, and among Iron Butt participants as well. He participated in many long-distance competitions and usually was in the top 10 - which is rather good. There is much more that he did in his life for motorcycling. He worked at the AMA, he worked with the Ride for Kids, and he has left behind many people who will miss him very much...please take the link and read about him. (Unfortunately, this forum post is the only decent information I can find.)

http://tinyurl.com/ygzpybq

American Honda Honored by Pediatric Brain Tumor Foundation

PBTF has now created a Legacy Giving Wall at their Asheville, N.C., headquarters and American Honda is the first to be honored with their name on that fixture. It is all part of the new initiative, PBTF’s Greatest Return, where donors whose gifts will support the long term health of the organization will be written. American Honda has done a great deal for PBTF and they continue to do so...

http://tinyurl.com/yhgbvfy