HRC 600RR + Easy Rider

The fall motorcycle shows always get my romantic motorcycle vision in 20/20. Ignoring the local darkness and rain, I go back mentally to my teenage years and simultaneously to next summer -- a fantasy land where I'm super excited to be outside in the sunshine riding fast things from Japan. This year is no exception.

This week, give me a:

2013 Honda CBR600RR in HRC red/white/blue

And an Easy Rider replica leather jacket

Biker Jackets

It's been a running theme for the past 20 years of my life -- this love for leather biker jackets. It doesn't matter if they're black, white, or any color in between.

Biker jackets have several defining features.

Biker jackets have ridiculously huge collars. The collars are so big they require snaps to keep them from flapping in the wind. Cool.

They have lots of zippers. There's a big not-quite-vertical one for getting in the jacket and shorter ones for lots of pockets set at all different angles. And, of course, there are zippers for making the sleeve ends become fitted at the wrists.

Lots of these jackets have a tiny exterior pocket with a single snap. These little pockets are perfect for carrying a Zippo lighter or something else small in size and of social value.

Leather is probably the best feature about these jackets as it is a natural sustainable substance that conforms to the owner and looks and feels better over time. I've no objection to pleather biker jackets. There are some great ones out there.

Really, this week's obsession is about really nice biker jackets. Not $100 jackets. $1000 jackets. Oh, please, universe, get me one. Get me three!

Lewis Leathers Twin Track Bronx No. 440

Lewis Leathers
Twin Track Bronx No. 440

Aero Leathers Type J106

Aero Leathers Type J106

Future bike: 2014 Husqvarna TR 900 ADV

What adventure motorcycle has a 105hp 900cc parallel-twin engine with a 315-405 degree firing order (just like a Harley Davidson; already in production on the 2013 Husqvarna Nuda 900) and does not exist yet? It's the Husqvarna TR 900. While I've made-up the name, the bike is coming -- probably in the U.S. as a 2014 model. It's yet to be officially announced, but I know I'll just have to have one. Hopefully, it'll look like its little brother but with a bit more weather protection, the just released 2013 TR 650 Terra. I'll have to have one of those too.

2013 Husqvarna TR 650 Terra - foreshadowing the 2014 TR 900 ADV!

Just listen to the Nuda 900's engine!

KTM 690 Enduro R with Rally Raid EVO2 Adventure Kit

Oh, I cannot stop thinking about this obsession - this one is starting to take over. It's a modified KTM 690 Enduro R with a Rally Raid EVO2 Adventure Kit.

The bike itself has been in production for years. It weighs 313 pounds and has a fuel-injected stroked KTM LC4 engine with around-the-world credentials to its name. Basically, it's a huge dirt bike with lights but with a rational engine tune (6,200 mile valve check intervals)... and 66hp with 50lbs of torque. Yes, I'll take it.

But dirt bikes are for the trails. I want something to take on highways and forest roads, as well as my local unpaved alleys. What the standard machine needs is weather protection, more fuel capacity, and uber cool looks. That's where Rally Raid comes in. They're making a rally-style kit with an additional 11 liters of fuel capacity and a tall rally-spec windscreen/shield that's good for mounting GPS units, rolls charts, and ride computers. Perfect.

I'd put it all together, paint it Ferrari red, and ride everywhere with it.

2012 KTM 690 Enduro R | Quick Look

Almost-KTM 690 Adventure R - OneWheelDrive

 

(Stock) 2012 KTM 690 Enduro R

 

Rally Raid EVO2 Adventure Kit installed

Yamaha XT1200Z Super Tenere

It's big. It has no beak. But it is a proper adventure motorbike. The best part about this bike is the engine. It's a parallel twin with a 270-degree crank that mimics the sound and feel of a 90-degree v-twin -- 1200ccs worth. And I love the snarly sound of a good v-twin.

I've been dreaming of it. And this machine is clearly my obsession this week. It's amazing. I just might have to have one -- seriously.

Adventure Stunt with a Super Tenere video:



AltRider's Jeremy LeBreton on the Super Tenere video:

Triumph Daytona 675

Gimme the bike in red -- a 2009 to 2012 model.

Give me a Zero Gravity Racing clear Corsa screen.

Give me the HeliBars.

Give me the Wild Hair Accessories Foot Peg Lower Kit in the 50mm variety.

I will shred with it.