02 Honda Shadow Ace on 2040-motos

Moto blog

Buying countless tatty bikes. And that Marquez fella

A South African friend of mine called Trevor Binder told me last weekend I’m quite obviously in the advanced stages of a terrible disease. He recognises the affliction because he admits to suffering from the same condition for many years and so far hasn’t found a cure.  He says he can’t stop collecting bikes and while I didn’t think I had a problem, last weekend he pointed out I should be careful as I’m starting to acquire bikes at an alarming rate. I wasn’t really worried about spending a modest amount of cash an old KTM 125 race bike, a 350 LC and a Fizzy over the past six months but Trevor says I’m on a slippery slope.  He says it always starts with bikes that have some sentimental value but then swiftly moves on to buying any old tat.  Trevor is a wealthy man with dozens of nice bikes in his collection but more recently has been on Gumtree bidding for £150 Solex front wheel drive step - thrus, and doesn’t know why.  Closer to home, James Whitham has recently confirmed he may also have these symptoms and is actively seeking therapy.  I’ll be monitoring the situation from now on but in the meantime if anyone hears of a reasonably priced Raleigh Wisp for sale please let me know.

Stoner explains the tank slapper

Casey Stoner looked all set to win at Motegi, after translating his pole position into an early race-lead. But coming over the crest on the back straight his bike momentarily lost control in a tank slapper. Regaining composure the championship leader was forced to pump his brakes to get the pads back in place, with the rear-wheel bouncing in the air he ran out of time and space to make the 90 degree right hander and was forced to run into the gravel.

Rossi runs special Simoncelli tribute helmet

During the 10 o'clock trial laps today, Valentino ran with a new helmet dedicated to his friend Marco Simoncelli. To demonstrate how much Valentino was affected by the tragedy that hit the Honda rider, Valentino's helmet will be divided in half: the front part of the AGV GP-Tech will be exactly like Marco Simoncelli's, with its red and white motif and ever present number 58, while the back will maintain the colours Valentino used throughout the 2011 season. Vale will use the helmet for all of Valencia's weekend.