Monday, October 31, 2005

Morality, Mannequins, Biker Gangs in Tehran


Tehran, from Reuters. Hard to tell whether the news here is that a morality campaign somehow directed at biker gangs should involve rounding up mannequins, or that there are biker gangs in Tehran!

Mannequin round-up in Tehran

Another story on this topic from TV New Zealand.

New Motorcycle Jump Record


Kent, WA- from NBC4.TV. Ryan Capes broke the world record for motorcycle jumping by hitting one for 310 feet and living to tell about it. The old record of 277 feet was held by Trigger Gumm.

New Jump Record story link

The news site has a link to a video of the jump.

Sunday, October 30, 2005

Jesse and Sandra Star in Monster Bedroom

I apologize to those expecting leading edge, respectable journalism, but, it seems, inquiring minds want to know this stuff. This one's from Yahoo!Entertainment-

Jesse, Sandra Baby Maybe?

This is about all I can say on the subject. Go to the original story for the lurid details. Or not.

Eric Bostrom Bike For Sale on eBay



From CycleNews Online- OK. It's not the superbike you had in mind, but it's pretty special. And awesome gas mileage.

Eric Bostrom Bike On Sale on eBay

Ridden once by Eric Bostrom.

Went to the eBay page. The bike is up for auction through Nov. 7 and the current high bid is a mere $2,175 (dirt cheap just for the bike). I expect it will go up A LOT at the end of the auction period.

Link to eBay item page


Monster for Motorcycle Careers

From PRWeb- If you or someone you know is looking for a job in the motorcycle industry, here's a new website they might want to bookmarks-

Cyclecareers.com

It's like monster.com for motorcycle jobs, put together by CycleNews Online. Job seekers post resumes and employers post positions, and the website manages lists matching seeker skills with available positions.

Saving Africa One Motorbike At a Time

Virgin Air's Richard Branson recently announced a plan to help address major health issues in Africa through a program operating largely through distribution of health goods and services by motorcycle.

This week, from JEFFREY KLUGER, MICHAEL BRUNTON / LONDON, SIMON ROBINSON / JOHANNESBURG of Time Online, we get a story about Barry and Andrea Coleman-

Motorcycle Riders

The Colemans both have a motorcycle background, and working with Save the Children, are training motorcycle drivers and mechanics and helping to improve the supply chain of medicines and supplies to remote villages.

There are a few times when writing about motorcycles is not all about how fast you can go or how cool it is to ride one. It is humbling to realize and appreciate the value motorcycles represent as a humanitarian tool in a place where nothing else will quite fit the bill.

ATTN Parisians: Depardieu Back On The Streets!


Paris, from Reuters- Gerard Depardieu Ends Film Career

We hope Mr. Depardieu does not decide to pursue motorcycle racing. In fact we hope he takes up fly fishing. For those not acquainted with Mr. Depardieu's life beyond film, he has a dark side that expresses itself when riding motorcycles. He's had more accidents on the roads of France in recent years than most NASCAR drivers. To be fair, the man's been in more than 170 films, mostly French. He might argue that risk-taking and speed were simply what was required to get from one film set to another. And we all know how hard it is to read film scripts while driving anyway...

Darwin Award Candidate Biker Caught in Phoenix


As if there weren't enough adrenaline pumped up at 120+mph, some people feel the need to add that extra little edge- like teasing the local highway patrol. This guy had this game going for two weeks!

Here's this month's story on insane real-life riders, from Phoenix via San Diego's NBC4.TV.

Oh, yeah. The Phoenix Highway Patrol (they get their own???) caught the guy. One Sean Robertson has been booked on four counts of evading police, aggressive driving and reckless endangerment. Go to link to see a video of the police chase, or one of them.

Stay tuned. There will doubtless be follow-up stories on this guy.

Serious PR Issues at Mid-West Choppers


Galesburg, IL- from Kevin Sampier of the Journal Star-

Mid-West Choppers motorcycle shop of Galesburg filed for bankruptcy recently. Mid-West is a manufacturer of custom choppers in Galesburg. Owner Chip Miyler had been taking orders for bikes and collecting deposits on motorcycles priced from $25,000 to $50,000.

While the shop is under investigation by local authorities and the FBI, no charges have been filed. 26 complaints from customers total $840,000.

PJStar.com story link

Link to a 2004 article in motorcycle-usa.com during better times.

Saturday, October 29, 2005

Movie: "Faster"

Danger rides on two wheels in documentary 'Faster'


Review from Mark Hinson of the Tallahassee Democrat on Mark Neale's documentary on MotoGP racing.

Fabulous Fake- Brazilian Model Gisele Gets a Tattoo

Gisele Gets a Tattoo, Sort Of

If you think they look pretty real, you're not alone. They are not even temporaries. In fact, a team of artists took four months superimposing the tattoos on photographs of the model.

Mayor Hick Back on His Scooter


From T.R. Reid of the Washington Post-

A Mayor on a Vespa, and Other Ways to Set Energy Examples

John Hickenlooper distinguished himself from the pack of mayoral candidates a few years ago by incorporating images of the tall lanky man buzzing around Denver on the back of a tiny red Vespa. He went on to win the election and has been one of the more popular mayors in recent Denver history.

The red scooter, that disappeared right after the election, is back, as the mayor takes his energy conservation message on the road.

T.R. Reid discusses how elected leaders around the country have responded to the surging energy prices this year.

Brooklyn Scooter


Maybe FEMA will buy a bunch of these things for the next flood disaster.

Singin' and Scootin' In the Rain

Rider and passenger make their way through a flooded street following some intense rains in the northeast last week.

Honda Zoomer in London


from T3- Honda Zoomer andwhat they're doing to the things in London.

Pimp My Honda Zoomer

Here's an accessory site-

Zoomerzine.com

Friday, October 28, 2005

Palo Alto's Scooter Artist

Samuel Yates is a performance artist on a mission. He's been buzzing around Palo Alto taking pictures of every lot and building. When complete he's combine them all to come up with "The Color of Palo Alto".

MercuryNews story with scooter references, no pictures.

Palo Alto Weekly article from July, also with no pictures.


Thursday, October 27, 2005

Just in Time for Christmas- Big Boys Toy Show


from Bill Hutchens of the News Tribune. If you want to send your wife somewhere that she can pick up just about anything that will do fine for a Christmas gift, direct her to the Big Boys Toy show.

Big Boy Toy Show

Not cheap, but then big boy toys generally aren't.

Picture is a $30K Merlin Roadster. But it does get 35 miles per gallon!

Rucker Performance Cycles in the News



PRWeb 10/27 News Release on Rucker Performance's 2006 Line

When I ran across this press release from Rucker Performance Cycles, as interesting as the concept of a chopper built on a carbon fiber frame is (Assassin shown in pic), I had this sense that there was something I should be recalling about this company. When I saw the picture of Bill Rucker, it came back.

Bill Rucker was involved in a motorcycle accident last year, his daughter Erin, 24, took over operation of the company and has apparently been doing a great job of keeping things moving forward.

Dallas Morning News 10/23 Story

When I run across some reviews of the new models, I'll post the links. The other detail I recall about Bill Rucker was that he helped establish American Ironhorse before starting up Rucker. That says quite a bit.

Rucker Performance Cycle website

BMW, KTM Work on New Design for Spine Protection


from Rubber Magazine- BMW Motorrad Accident Research, in collaboration with KTM, is working on new motorcycle armor that will more effectively guard against injury to the cervical area and collarbone. The prototype features extensive use of light-weight yet tough carbon fiber.

BMW, KTM Design Better Armor

Burt Munro: World's Fastest Indian


Last year it was "Motorcycle Diaries". This year's indie motorcycle hit is "The World's Fastest Indian", a documentary dedicated to the efforts of Burt Munro, an aging motorcycle enthusiast, to take a shot at the motorcycle world speed record.

Munro made his run with a modified Indian motorcycle, on the Bonneville Salt Flats in the late 60's. The film stars Anthony Hopkins as Munro and is directed by Roger Donaldson.

The link goes to one of the more comprehensive reviews of the film. Since Donaldson is a New Zealander, the film got extensive showing there.

TVNZ's Review- World's Fastest Indian

Wednesday, October 26, 2005

Wild Turkey Takes Out CA Biker

Wild Turkey Hit By Biker

Kentwood in the Pines, CA- From San Diego.com- A rider was knocked off his Harley when he hit a wild turkey that went airborne in front of him. I've seen stories on motorcyclists hitting bears and moose; it was just a matter of time before this would happen. The take-away from this story is that you can't trust those turkeys in California.

Before there was Harley or Davidson....

From Smithsonian Online, November 2005

This Month in History

November anniversaries—momentous or merely memorable
120 YEARS AGO: IT'S A GAS
Internal-combustion engine maker Gottlieb Daimler demonstrates a pedal-less, gas-powered bicycle—arguably the first modern motorcycle—in November 1885. Daimler's son Paul takes the first spin, six miles down a rural road in Cannstatt, Germany. It's no easy ride: the bike, fitted with a four-stroke, one-cylinder engine, has a chassis made mostly of wood and iron-banded wooden wheels. Daimler concentrates his subsequent efforts on automobiles, founding the Daimler Motor Factory with Wilhelm Maybach (designer of the Mercedes) in 1890. Gottlieb Daimler dies in 1900.

2006 Yamaha R6- Now Fly By Wire


2006 YZF-R6: The Art of Aerodynamics

Here's some PR collateral, a few statistics and facts on the new, third generation R6. With the "fly by wire" technology, Yamaha may have officially established itself as the industry's technology leader. I wish they would catch up with BMW, though, on standard anti-lock brakes.

Illinois House Votes to Lower Legal Age for Tattoos

Illinois House Votes to Lower Legal Age for Tattoos to 18

The House voted 91-24 to lower the age for getting a legal tattoo from 21 to 18. The vote overturned the veto of Governor Rod Blagojevich, who believes that kids who are responsible enough to man tanks and planes and lay down their young lives in answer to their nation's call are somehow not mature or rationally competent to make a decision regarding a personal tattoo. As silly as this sounds, if we were to pursue this logic, then the legal drinking age would be lowered nationally to 18, but that's another article. Until the Senate passes the proposal, kids younger than 21 will require parental consent.

Tuesday, October 25, 2005

Attention Motorcycle Airbag Investors...

In case you got suckered into that San Bernardino deal, but have a little cash left and still think it's a really cool idea, you're in luck.

Ananova, a British news site, has a story about a company in Santiago, Chile that's advertising an airbag for motorcycles that comes disguised as an ordinary jacket.

Ananova link - I tried to find any substantiating information on this but wasn't that lucky. If you're persistent and know Spanish, you may be able to find something out.

Just In Case You're in Alberta, Visit the Motorcycle Show

Life and Times of the Motorcycle

If you're around over a weekend in the next month, be sure to catch the lecture series-

Press release on lecture series going on Sundays through November 27.

Remember that Great Inflatable Vest Idea?

Airvest Promoters Sentenced

San Bernardino, CA- from ConsumerAffairs.com- John Duhamell and Toni Duhamell were sentenced in San Bernardino County Court for "30 felony counts of securities fraud and grand theft, as well as five counts of tax evasion".

Mr. Duhamell represented himself to potential investors as a son of very rich guy Kirk Kerkorian, and claimed that the company enjoyed the financial backing of the Harley-Davidson Motor Company. Neither of these claims was true.

Over 200 investors gave the Duhamells at least $5.6M which was spent supporting a luxurious lifestyle. Most of the investors were from San Bernardino County.

Link to the Airvest website

Monday, October 24, 2005

Autumn 2005 ACEM Info


Here's a link to the latest issue (pdf) of the European Motorcycle Industry-

Autumn 2005 ACEM Info

The issue contains some interesting articles and good links. For those new to the Euro press, PTW or P2W stand for "powered two-wheelers" which is a nod to the prevalence of small displacement motorcycles and scooters on the continent.

Pollutant Emissions of PTWs- While scooters and motorcycles have long been recognized for their relative fuel efficiency, they have been vulnerable to the charge that they are, for the displacement size of their engines, environmentally dirty. This reputation has driven municipalities in a number of European cities to actually propose measures to limit PTW use (notably Paris) in crowded cities.

PTW pollutant emissions have been curbed by standards adopted by the EU since 1999, bringing them down to levels comparable to those of 2005 automobiles.

- PTW's contribution to total road NO2 emissions is less than .5% globally.
- PTW's contribution to total CO2 emissions, globally, is less than 1% of total road emissions.
- PTWs account for 1% of the fuel consumption for individual passenger vehicles.

Honda's Gold Wing Airbag System- Honda Motor Co. has been busy recently on automobile and motorcycle safety initiatives. Some of these innovations were revealed last week at the Tokyo Motorcycle show in some concept vehicles. An innovation on target for Spring release in the American market is the new motorcycle airbag system, which will be available on the 2006 Gold Wing. The airbag system, the first in the industry, represents 15 years of research. The "report" fails to discuss the conditions under which the airbag would deploy and conditions under which it's deployment is likely to do the rider some good.

BMW Motorrad- Nice story on the BMW Motorcycle division.

Want a New Bike? It's All About the WAF

This one is from Don Fernandez of the Atlanta Journal-Constitution who demonstrates an acute intellectual grasp of the dire predicament faced by the male of the species. While many of us have had an intuitive grasp of the fundamental facts here described about the relationship between the sexes regarding purchasing decisions, Fernandez applies statistics.

WAF:Wife Acceptance Factor

I'm a little embarrassed that I've missed this term and theory. Here's a 2004 article from Kimberley Blanton, boston.com (Boston Globe) on the phenomenon-

Men learn to listen to their spouses on big purchases

Answer to the Intersection Sensor Problem

From Street Beat column of the Richmond, VA Times Dispatch-

Link to article

MOTORCYCLE UPDATE: Last week, I wrote about motorcycles not triggering the sensors to change traffic lights. I knew some merchants sold gizmos they said would help trip the signal. I didn't mention them because I did not know if they worked, but several readers have told me they do.
"The traffic light changers are nothing more than strong magnets," James said. He said you can get the same effect by placing "any other really strong magnets at a low point on the frame. I don't have one of the pre-fab motorcycle magnets. I have a veterinary magnet used for getting metal out of the stomachs of cows. I know other riders who use the magnets out of computer disk drives."
I think I'd prefer a chick magnet to a cow magnet, but whatever works.
A bicycle rider told me he would lean his bike over by the edge of the groove where the sensor is buried. Often that would trip the signal.
And Jenni Smith of the Virginia Department of Transportation passed along this information: "The motorcyclist should roll the throttle on and off a few times, revving the engine. The added power may be sufficient to disrupt the electrical field. If not, turn the motorcycle off and restart it. The electrical field created by the starter should disrupt the sensor field and trigger the sensor."

We've all been there. Sitting there at an intersection waiting for a green light that we know will never come. The sensors planted in the ground are just not picking up on the presence of the motorcycle. If our theory has to do with weight triggering these things we bounce up and down in the saddle or back up and roll around on the pad. The best strategy much of the time is to cool your heels and pray for a car to come up behind or next to you.

Admittedly I didn't know about the magnet mechanism or that people might be out there selling triggering gizmos. In fact that whole deal about the veterinary magnet was a rude and kind of disgusting shock. Somehow doesn't seem like something that should be mounted near the gremlin bells.

I will definitely remember to try the "rev the engine" trick next time I get stuck.

Sunday, October 23, 2005

UK, Home of the TT, Names "Ultimate Biker"


Dunlop "Ultimate Biker"

The competition sounds like the "Iron Man" of motorcycling. 2000 entrants reduced to 24 competitors who are pretty much all stars in their fields within motorcycle racing. The winner is Christian Iddon and not Andy Carlile, who's the implied winner in the first article. A second article, link is here, from motorcyclenews.com, claims that Supermoto star Christian Iddon won.

OK. Tracked down the official website. MCN got it right; it was Iddon! Sorry, Andy.

Branson's "Heavens Angels" in Africa

US News (usnews.com) - Washington Whispers 10.10.2005

"From Harley Hogs to Heaven's Angels- The most famous Harley-Davidson rider in the Senate, John Kerry, could soon be traveling to London or Africa to help Virgin's Richard Branson launch his latest idea: using motorcycles to deliver medicines to Africa's rural areas. "It's a great idea," says Kerry of the Brit's plan. "He may force me to do it." Branson, who discussed his "Heaven's Angels" plan with the former--and likely future--Democratic presidential hopeful, said he plans to raise money at a London motorcycle parade in November that will help fund the program. When told of Kerry's semicommitment, Branson eagerly encouraged us to publish it as a way of pressuring Kerry to join him. "If he said that, write it up, write it up."

link to article

Central France on a BMW


Motorcycle Tours in Central France

From USA Today- Nice story on a company that sets up motorcycle tours around France.

Guidebook: "Motorcycling Across Michigan"

From the Detroit Free Press- William Murphy of East Lansing offers a guidebook for motorcycle touring in Michigan.

Motorcycling Across Michigan (Arbutus Press)

The book features 17 rides around the state ranging in length from about 3 hours ("To Hell and Back") to ones taking three days or longer. The longest is the Lake Superior circle tour that goes for 1445 miles. We'd hope the book includes notes on interesting places to stop and visit, places to stay and resources for recovery when the bike breaks down.

For the record, Murphy rides a 1000cc Kawasaki Concours.

Anti Helmet Rant from South Florida

The American battle over helmet use will continue until the insurance companies decide to flex a muscle and mandate it. Until it becomes a market decision, however, it will be a point of strong moral conviction, with statistics being cited and abused on both sides of the argument.

We will attempt to present viewpoints representing substantive arguments. Note that there are plenty of websites out there dedicated to anti-helmet law legislation and lobbying. What tends to make it more often to the motorcycle or general press are articles citing research on motorcycle safety or discussing the status of proposed legislation related to helmet use.

The current offering is an anti-helmet rant from a rider in South Florida. Rants are to be interpreted as offerings that lack facts or statistics to support the arguments.

S FL Anti-Helmet Rant #1

HD, Gold Wing Drill Team Play Together, Win

HD-GW Drill Team Wins in Nashville

From the East Volusia New Journal Online- As improbable as it may seem, there are corners of reality where Harleys and Hondas live together and thrive. Such a confluence of worlds occurred (perhaps altogether not too surprisingly) in Florida, where a Harley Davidson drill team joined forces with a Gold Wing drill team a year ago. The combined team went forth and won, beating the former world champs in Nashville, last month. I wish they'd have included a video with the story.

SF: Biker Mobile Message Therapy and Computer Repair

SF Biker Does Message and Computer Repair

Probably the perfect guy in SF if single, no matter which way he swings. Not noted in article if there are cooking skills involved.

Saturday, October 22, 2005

Suzuki's Concept 180 HP Stratosphere


from Rubbermag.com- Suzuki Stratophere

More new concepts introduced at the Tokyo Motorcycle Show. Why don't they ever bring the good stuff here?

AP- Carjacker Defeated by Hot Java

Bluffton, SC- From the AP- Carjacker thwarted by coffee-wielding anti-victim

Now cops can report to Dunkin' Donuts for weapons training.

Sydney (Reuters): Dead Man Gets Parking Ticket

Dead Man Gets Parking Ticket

It's been said that nothing's certain but death and taxes. Thanks to the Sydney Police Dept., we're pleased to announce an amendment.

NOLA Tattoos Follow Katrina in New Orleans

Tattoo Boom in New Orleans

My cousin is back in New Orleans and has sprinkled her email about Katrina impacts with "NOLA". I wasn't aware that this was a well-known term of reference and endearment for the city by it's citizens.

Biker Ashes for the Long Haul

Thanks to Doug Moe of madison.com for hunting this one down-

WI company makes burial urns from motorcycle engine cylinders

If you ride a Harley, you really can't pass this one up, although I'm sure they'll be adding some crotch-rocket models to the line. For me, make mine a Ducati!

www.riderslastrest.com

MIC: Motorcycle, Scooter Sales Up for Q3

Motorcycle Industry Council Q3 Report Shows Higher Sales

The Motorcycle Industry Council (MIC) released a few stats on Q3 domestic motorcycle and scooter sales. On-street motorcycle sales were up 16%, while scooter sales were up a sizzling 65%! The numbers represented sales across 12 major brands, so we're probably not counting the ultra-cheap import scooters or that garbage they sell at Pep Boys. Sales are on track to push total sales for the year past the 1M mark for the third year in a row.

The Scotsman: LBDNS

Looked But Did Not See (LBDNS)

According to a study by the Scot Department of Transportation, the third most common reason cited for accidents involving cars is that the driver "looked but did not see" the obstacle collided with.

This story, from the Sunday Scotsman, discusses one theory on how LBDNS may be related to safety-related changes in automobile design. Specifically, widening of passenger compartment pillars, while making the compartment more resistent to crushing in the case of severe impact, may also contribute to reduced driver visibility by presenting an increasingly large blind spot.

To their credit, the DoT is spending some money to investigate this issue.

Free MC Parking in Downtown Toronto May Be Coming

Free parking Downtown Coming for Motorcycles in Toronto

You want to cheer and have one more reason to point to the enlightened Canadians while complaining about how lousy American policitians are. Then you realize that the reason for free parking for motorcycles is due to one of the dumber methods of tracking paid parking ever implemented. Go Canada, eh?

Asbury Press: Overview of Tattoos Today

Primer on Tattoos in America: 2005

Nice story by Dan Kaplan of the Asbury Park Press on the current state of tattoos in America. While tattoos are as close as they ever have been to social acceptance, indicated by the estimate of 16% of Americans having one, there are signs of push-back as indicated by the recent Coast Guard policy regarding percent of exposed limb coverage by tattoos.

Creative Identity Thief: Bikes and Boobs in Cape Cod

From the Cape Codder-

Woman goes on a $55,000 Tear

No update on what motorcycle and scooter she put on the charge card. Or what creditors might accept in re-payment for the breast implants.

Stoner Going MotoGP

From Racing and Sports:

Australian Casey Stoner "50-50" chance of moving up to MotoGP next year.

His manager is trying to seal a deal to land the racer on a Yamaha next year.

Motorcycle Vacation in Southwest WI?

Feature on WI Motorcycle Touring coming to a Discovery Channel near you

How many weeks in a year can you even ride a motorcycle in Wisconsin?

Australia: Hoon Laws?

Motorcycles Seized Under Hoon Laws

Who are the Hoons, you ask? Followers of Atoola? And why are they being persecuted through motorcycle seizure (why not just shoot them, for instance)? I wrote Megan Dolling, the author of this story, so get some clarity. She promptly responded with the following:

Tony,
The hoon laws, as they are commonly known in Western Australia, relate to people who are charged by police for being "a hoon". This sort of behaviour includes spinning wheels, driving more than 30 kilometres above the speed limit, doing wheelies on a motorbike or doughnuts in a car (trying to spin the car around by driving really fast on a loose surface and then pulling on
the handbrake). The laws were only introduced about a year ago and give police the power to seize the vehicle for 24 hours in the first instance or longer for repeat offenders, regardless of whether the offender owns the vehicle.
Hope this clears it up for you.
Regards,
Megan Dolling
Editor
Collie Mail

I'm waiting for a response on a second query on the etymology of "hoon". My guess is that it derives from some drunk mutilation of the term "hooligan".

Obi Wan Rides Again, With Law on His Side

Ewen and Jude Do The Pampas

Deep apologies for the pun and the story. Ewen Macgregor, following a looong ride with Charley Boorman last year, is hitting the road again. This time his sidekick will be Jude Law who's recovering from a break-up with somebody.


Honda's DN-01- 680cc Automatic Power Cruiser


Honda introduced a new motorcycle, the DN-01, at the Tokyo Motorcycle Show

"DN" stands for "Dream New". Very cool bike, not sure when we'll see it in the US.

Orlando: Bike Stolen from Crash Scene

Orlando: Motorcycle stolen from crash scene

Tough crowd! There's got to be a special place in hell for anyone who steals a motorcycle from a rider who's just crashed on it and is laying, critically wounded, on the highway.

Nashville Motorcycle Co.


Here's a link to story on a new custom bike maker in Nashville.

Nashville Motorcycle Co. link



European Parlaiment Report on Vehicle Safey

European Public Health Alliance (EPHA) Report on Road Safety

The EPHA released a report on road safety with the stated goal of halving the rate of accidents and deaths. Motorcycles are noted several times in the report, including a recommendation that motorcyclists be considered in future road design.

The following link goes to a .pdf file of the original report.

EU Road Safety Report

Pittsburgh Motorcycle Cops Get Training Wheels

Pittsburgh Motorcycle Cops Get Training Wheels
Maybe this isn't as silly as is sounds and the wheels only pop out when there's some sliding going on or something interesting. Stay tuned... As soon as I run across some pics of these things, I'll post.


Check Your Passenger Periodically for a Pulse

http://www.int.iol.co.za/index.php?set_id=1&click_id=29&art_id=qw1129969084570B241

OK, so the passenger was dead. There are many theories about how this could have come about. If you've ridden any distance with a rider on the back there are countless motives that leap to mind.

Before getting to that, however, the driver has to be given some credit for getting the body tied off so that he didn't lose it on a curve sooner.

My favorite theory....

1. The rider was alive when they left LA and succumbed to routine freeway gunplay. Given the forehead wounds, it may have been a "friendly fire" incident.