Updated Jan 20, 2023 ...
Number 28 (P1)
Listen in as Maggie Dean chats with Madison area superbike racer Sam Kok about all things track. Otis McDonald. Download our feed here.
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The Gist
It's been almost a year since our last episode, so ... uh ... Robin is still in New Mexico carving the curves of the lovely 152 and treacherous 52/59. Tim is gettin' frickin' married! The Burleson twins are two and can count to ten.
Our interview features the incredible Sam Kok, a road racer from Madison, WI who competes primarily in the Midwest. He's won national and regional races on a superbike clocking speeds up to 180 mph. This interview is a two-parter! For round one, Sam discusses the heavy technical science behind both low and high speed performance.
Listener questions are a lot of fun this round. The trio goes toe to toe with "new, innovative" and unnecessary (overpriced) technology that is cornering ABS. Then, we advise a well informed friend about bike lifts vs. handy tables.
Announce, Acknowledge & Correct
People, some dude rode 100,000 miles in 100 days. That's 1000 miles per day, minimum. Respect. More on that here: His Name Is Chris Hopper
Guest Interview
When meeting Sam Kok for the first time, one might not suspect he races a superbike with surgical accuracy. Moreover, his kind, thoughtful and safety-minded demeanor offers wisdom to not only advanced-level track day aficionados but new would-be riders as well. In this first of two conversations, Mrs. Mags explores the science behind skills needed for high speed safety (and thrills).
Updated Site Features And Developments
The new beta is almost ready! There are still a number of important steps to be taken before its introduction but we're beginning to see the fruits of our labor. Bugs? Of course. Simpler? Much gooder, yes. More soonerer.
Model Focus
Surprisingly lightweight, this mid-sized (or as Robin would argue, "appropriately sized") sport tourer is already flying off the showroom floors before it even arrives. Let's hope they manufacture enough to answer the needs of one Travis Burleson.
Kit We're "Blatantly Pushing You To Buy"
Enjoy an extra 1-3/8 inches of leg room with these high quality, US made foot pegs. Hard black anodized, with our Sidetrax tread pattern. This tread has a comfortable grip similar to that of your stock pegs. These foot pegs fit Yamaha FZ1 models 2001-2005. Easy installation: Remove your stock foot peg, mounting pin, and spring. Install your new foot peg with your stock foot peg pin and spring. Check brake and shift lever height for access and comfort after installing foot pegs.
Listener Questions
Kevin Butler asks ...
"Should I ignore cornering ABS technology in my next motorcycle purchase? It seems most bikes after 2010 have ABS, which is great. But with most specs or features being almost equal (displacement, electronic features, bhp, etc.) do I, the risk adverse 1998 Honda Nighthawk owner, need cornering ABS on a bike? Consider the Versys 1000 LT CycleTrader sample prices: 2018 at less than $11,000 + $900 for 28 liter hard bags. 2019 at $15000. That's only one example but cornering ABS comes in a $3000 price tag? Will I actually use it? I've Never been on a racetrack, rarely ride in the rain, etc. Maybe I'm just talking myself out of the latest and greatest to opt for the slightly older model and cash savings?"
Mel Boldt asks ...
"I can't find a compelling argument for a motorcycle lift table vs. a big blue Jack that goes to the same height. Table is twice as much and not at all portable. I did find a handy lift that's about 350 cheaper without the vise. I have a condor stand that will work with it though. To get an oil pan under the Harley or triumph it has to be up in the air a couple inches at least. That puts me back on the ground with my craftsman jack for basic maintenance or spending another $200 for a Jack that works on the table. Any input?"
Should you have any motorcycle-pertinent questions you'd like answered, email them via our contact form or by calling (224) 358-3010.
Did We Miss Anything?
Sixty percent of the time, we're right every time. What would you add to the conversation and why? Your input is invited. Leave a comment!
Comments
My take on the Slimey Crud Run:
If the weather's nice, you get a huge amount of bikes, from a large area (including Chicago, Minnesota, etc.) coming in for this. New, old, common, rare, restored, beat up, etc. There will be a decent number of bikes there even when the weather is complete crap. I would say "prime viewing" in Pine Bluff is probably around 10:30 am. "Prime viewing" in Leland is probably around 2:30pm. There are a decent number of back roads in the area, should you want to do some wandering. Sadly, sometimes someone (or more) gets in over their head and crashes. With even a med-flight or death now and then. If you're going to do a ride, stick with some friends that you know will ride their own ride. Find some new odd-ball locations to check out. Find some small town food joints.
Just hit one meet-up, or both, or neither. Nothing's official. Nothing's set in stone.
Make your own day of it.
Hi, Gary!
We spoke further about the Slimey Crud Run but there wasn't enough time in this episode to keep it.
Truth is, we agree with your take. Completely. Though, this site's demographic is angled more toward the curve carving crowd (which has its place in the wandering lot, I know).
"If you're going to do a ride, stick with some friends that you know will ride their own ride."
Funny you should mention, as Sam Kok (this episode's interview) rode The Bucky for the first time this year. I told him to look for podcast co-host and Bucky photographer Tim Clarke, as he knows a lot of the riders. Sam did in fact find Tim, who then pointed him toward a safe, sensible buddy of his to ride with.
Perfect for anyone new to that environment.