Why Do I Ride?

Ever since Danny Choy and I started Flappy Paddles Heads, I have wanted to write about why I ride motorcycles.  Since I got my license over five years ago, it seemed that I couldn't go a week without explaining my reasons, especially living in a very congested (read: dangerous for motorcycles) city like Boston.  Every time I sat down in front of the computer, I would start typing about feeling the temperature drop as I passed through the shadows of a tree line, the sweet smell of bread as a baker completed a tray of rolls as another is put in the oven, or the sight of a setting sun through my tinted visor as the sun's last warming rays and I parted ways for the short summer night.  Yet, these descriptions, while true, never felt complete.  Now, just over a month since I woke up to an empty parking space and with a 20/20 hindsight, I can finally convey what riding is to me while thanking my departed Daytona for showing me.

2006 Triumph Daytona 675 - stolen August 23, 2011

WWMD: What Would Martin Drive

While most of us read the car magazines and watch shows like Top Gear, Fifth Gear, and The Car Show to get a feel for cars that we'd never have a chance to drive, these shows can't convey how incredible some of the cars really are (or are not) because the people who test the cars never drove the best cars.  Yes, Fifth Gear has genuine race car drivers in Jason Plato and Tiff Needell but Plato is a touring car driver and Needell only has a singular Formula One start under his belt.  To get a completely honest opinion, it needs to come from someone crazy enough (and good enough) to have driven the best of the best year after year, someone like Martin Brundle.

2011 New York Motorexpo

Earlier this week, I found some time to swing by Motorexpo, which was held for a week at the World Financial Center. Shame on me, this was only the first year I knew about this event. But I totally made up for it.

Here are the pictures I took during my trip. And please, click on the pictures to enlarge!

Hope everyone's enjoying an awesome weekend!

eBay Finds: Speechless Edition

There are very few times in life when a person doesn't break their neck as they watch a Ferrari drive by.  There are even fewer times when a Ferrari Enzo doesn't make your jaw drop.  Well, you are one of the lucky ones 'cause you know Danny Chin.  Head over to eBay and you can find one of the most amazing collections of modern automotive machinery in one place.  If you have the means, head down to where that collection is housed, Fort Lauderdale, FL, and pick from a choice selection of seven figure cars.  Read on to see what else they got.

A Salivating Look Inside the Lamborghini Museum

Clash Production just shared these gems on their YouTube channel. A two part wrap-up of their visit to the Lamborghini Museum at the Sant'Agata factory, the first video is in stark difference from the second. While the first exudes heritage, highlighting Ferrucio Lamborhini's majesty, the second video shows Lamborghini's path to insanity by showcasing their many concept cars and experimental machines.

Enjoy the beauties and the beasts!

John McElroy Saved My Runaway Train Of Thought (oh no, not again!)

The automotive industry benefits from being managed as a fashion and entertainment business. The focus should also recognize people's emotional needs and make sure the product echoes the life that people wish to live.

Have You Hooned a Ford Lately?

This week's Frankfurt Motor Show has given fans of the blue oval reason to cheer with the unveiling of two hot hatches, the Focus ST and Fiesta ST concept.  While these two pocket rockets will satisfy sport compact fans who want to take the fight to the Japanese imports, it seems that Ford has missed an opportunity to bring performance to the segment that is most in need of a shot of adrenaline, the midsize segment.  Yes, the Fusion is a very capable car (just ask Kyle) but its not exactly setting the world on fire.  Read on to see how Ford could have rectified this.

Get A Passport.

We've featured the Ebisu race track before but it's hard not to revisit it again. There's something very alluring about Ebisu. While tracks like Monaco and SPA Francochamps are legendary, glamorous, and synonymous to premier auto racing, Ebisu earned our affection for its blue collar background.

It's Not Old... It's Vintage

This past weekend Lime Rock Park afforded me the chance to see cars older than myself turn a wheel in anger at their vintage festival.  While the wheels were old and arthritic and vintage racing is much like the NFL Pro-Bowl where everyone shows up but nobody cares who wins, amusement was still had by all.  That being said, race commentary won't be found here, just the sights of a few old warhorses. 

Click for full size and enjoy!

Death of the DIYer

As a gearhead, I take pride in being able to wrench my own stuff. Since I've been able to drive, I've done a lot of my own repairs on my vehicles. I basically built my 86 Monte SS and I did a lot of work on my 2001 Explorer Sport all through college.

Vincenzo Lancia Rolls In His Grave

The partnership between Fiat and Chrysler was supposed to be a beautiful thing. After a very long absence, Fiat returns to North America making a statement with the blockbuster Fiat 500. In a few months time, we are promised the return of the fabulous Alfa Romeo marque as well.

However, things get ghastly when they're switched around. The new Chrysler 200 convertible, essentially the old Sebring that car enthusiasts love to hate, will soon be sold in Europe as a rebadged Lancia. It's an insult. Whatever the heck happened to the company that was behind the awesome Lancia Stratos long ago?

One word. Tragedy.

1962 Lancia Flavia

A pig's face

Not To Anywhere. Not For Anything.

"When was the last time you just got up and went for a drive? Not to anywhere, not for anything, just for a drive? See, motorcyclists do it all the time, so why don't human beings?" -- Jeremy Clarkson