Single Track Mind 2011 Photo Gallery

First dog Bo Obama gets a cameo referral in this month's Single Track Mind.

This picture of Fred Walmsley and Frank Melling was shot right after we peeled Fred's fingers from around Frank's neck for busting up the Matchless.

Portrait of a $16,000 engine

You'd better work your charm on Fred, Melling. He's the only one who can return the G.50 to its pre-crash glory.

Fred Walmsley built it once, and fortunately has the skills and patience to rebuild the Matchless once again.

Fred Walmsley inspects the damage to Melling's precious Matchless G50.

Mahindra is one of India's largest industrial groups with a strong automotive department, but as of 2009 it has branched out to the two-wheeled market.

Danny Webb will enter his fifth 125GP season aboard Mahindra after finishing 10th during 2010.

Danny Webb and Marcel Schrötter (right) posing outside of Mahindra's headquarters in Mumbai, India.

Danny Webb and Marcel Schrötter with Arnaud Mahindra (second from left).

Riders Danny Webb (left) and Marcel Schrötter will participate in India's first attempt in the MotoGP Championship

With winter's frost being broken by an early warm-up in England, the G.50 was taken out for a nice stroll at Anglesey.

In order to take full advantage of the good weather, a trip with the Suzuki V-Strom was also arranged throughout the Welsh hills.

After a lackluster start by Valentino Rossi in the 2011 MotoGP Championship, many were left scratching their heads about the Rossi/Ducati deal.

On the other hand, Casey Stoner seems to be worth every penny that Honda paid after seizing the opening round at Qatar.

Rossi in adoration - Qatar 2011

Steady Eddie on one of his hulking Kawasaki racebikes, the high bars cranked over and spinning the rear around the bend.

The Aerostich suits weren’t around back in the day... Riding gear was a make-do affair.

Easyrider – acid + motocross = our Memorable Motorcycles correspondent circa 'the 60s.'

Wes Cooley, one of the greats, on his Suzuki. The American won the AMA Superbike Championship in 1979 and 1980.

A series of recent 'spy shots' of Honda's new crosstourer reveal that careful planning and a skillful photographer were on hand.

Honda's New Mid Concept

Spy shot of Honda CBF prototype

Triumph's recent advertising strategy for the Tiger 800 is another example of how months of planning go into 'spy pictures.'

In today's motorcycle industry many professionals who run marketing departments have little to no riding experience.

While working in the industry knowing little to nothing about motorcycle riding is more than bad business, it's plain dangerous.

634447862076966622634374433824117980Lorenzo-lead-Qatar-2011.jpg

With fan attendance shrinking and general excitement over MotoGP disappearing, our columnist presents his advice for putting the premier motorcycle event back on course.

634447864832500600634445302099751643Le-Mans-Lorenzo.jpg

The first step to fixing the MotoGP lies in recognizing it as a show that is dependent upon fans being content with its overall presentation.

There should be little concern how MotoGP technology advances superbike performance and sales since the vast majority of these machines cannot be handled properly, or legally, on the street.

634447878354320650634445960564599529Hayden-2011-Assen.jpg

Sales data shows that the bike industry is surviving off a public that is gradually aging and valuing more user-friendly models.

One of the top priorities in fixing MotoGP rests with limiting ECU functions.

MotoGP testing should be banned on circuits which are included in the normal racing schedule because its costly and adds to admission prices.

634447889670059854634151573577542416rossi-fans-mugello.jpg

The majority of MotoGP fans are not wealthy doctors, lawyers and business men. As such, they should not be charged VIP prices to enjoy a day of racing.

The MotoGP paddock especially needs to be made available to kids so they can meet riders and raise awareness for the next generation.

After playing with his G.50 at the Bikers Classics event in Belgium, our correspondent caught a glimpse of the general motorcycling public in his travels through central and sourthern Europe.

Struck by the absolute perfection that is the Honda CBX, this girl won't accept any substitute.

Tourers-and-Adventure-bikes-rule-the-roost-in-Europe---2.jpg

There are few sport bikes to be seen in the heart of Europe. Instead, adventure models like BMW's GS lineup are the norm.

"Can someone please find me one like this, please?"

Very-wet.-but-still-sparkling-girlfriend-in-the-Isle-of-Man-with-the-CBX.jpg

In an hour of need, our man is desperately calling on the help of MCUSA readers to hunt down a Honda CBX.

Tourers-and-Adventure-bikes-rule-the-roost-in-Europe.jpg

In addition to big touring bikes, our correspondent was also shocked by the average riding age in central europe, which appeared much higher compared with riders in the United States.

While Gary Nixon was extremely rough around the edges, our contributor had the pleasure of learning and working with the racing giant, who sadly passed away.

Gary Nixon passed away at the age of 70. Some of his racing accomplishments included back-to-back AMA Grand National titles in 1967 and 1968 and the U.S. National Road Racing Championship on a Kawasaki in 1973.

Frank Melling: "He [Claudio Castiglioni] was a wealthy man but blessed with a touching modesty and humanity. In 2003, he rode a classic MV Agusta at our Thundersprint event and was as helpful, easy going and enthusiastic as the clubman riders arriving with their bikes on $100 trailers."

Six--times-World-Champion-Jim-Redman-with-Claudio-Castiglioni-at-Thundersprint-2003.jpg

Six-time World champion Jim Redman with Claudio Castiglioni at Thundersprint in 2003.

Jorge-Lorenzo-takes-note-of-Mellings-ligjhtly-tinted-visor.jpg

Jorge Lorenzo takes note of Frank Melling's lightly tinted visor in order to see tiny imperfections on the track.

Jorge Lorenzo tests Yamaha's 1000cc project for the second time during a post-race test at Misano.

In recent years motorcycles have become easy targets for 'safety' legislation.

Riders need to look no further than the defeat of the lead ban on youth model ATVs to see how important their vote is.

How would you like it if the government required you to wear a high visibility vest in order to ride a motorcycle?

Some of the new measures being looked into throughout Europe include tamper proof designs which can only be altered by manufactures. Kiss your own modifications goodbye!

"In parallel with rider action, we have to have a trans-national organization funded by manufacturers which will lobby politicians in every country in the world."

Since much of the community is against bikes and bikers it has become increasingly easy for politicians to pass anti-motorcycles policies.

Following a non-existent summer this year in Britain, motorcycle sales were bolstered by a warmer autumn.

Turning to sailing for a new hobby, Frank Melling experienced the thrill of being a newbie again.

Frank Melling: "I was allowed to ‘captain’ the boat right from the moment we left shore and so the fun started immediately. That’s an important lesson for us in the bike industry to learn: let learners begin with a smile."

With so many die-hard motorcycle enthusiasts out there, why isn't there more effort to recruit new riders?

The Matchless G.50 Prophet, Frank calls upon all riders to do their part proselytizing the two-wheeled creedo.

634599910104867305634445256503566011Estoril-Start-MotoGP.jpg

As MotoGP enters the 1000cc era many fans are questioning the introduction of Claiming Rule Teams.

634599910265398508634541994793768925DoviHayden-2011-Misano.jpg

The gap between factory bikes and CRT entries in 2012 may lead to a new level of boredom for fans come race day.

Success in today's MotoGP field has come down to advanced electronics, which many CRT entries can't afford.

634599910563995906634542025839536354Edwards-2011-Motegi.jpg

Colin Edwards: "Everything at the moment is being held up by electronics. You can’t ride a bike if you turn the throttle and nothing happens - or if you barely turn the throttle and get everything."

According to recent tests, the gap between factory teams and the CRT field could be as much as three laps.

634599911044497466634463384133682059634454633145911730Rossi-Mugello.jpg

The safety of riders is also being questioned by CRT opponents due to the drastic differences in lap times.

As our man Melling points out - the world of racing is never short of surprise finishes.

Refusing to keep silent, one of MCUSA's oppressed contributors voices his opinion on the Best of 2011.

634617832111164364634445258220880059Stoner-2011-Estoril.jpg

Casey Stoner is so fast and skilled on the Honda RCV12 that his true talent can only be revealed with the help of a high speed camera.

The best new discovery of 2011 has been achieved by NASA after its Kepler telescope stumbled upon the 'Goldilocks Planets'.

Don't be surprised to see Mr. Melling lingering around the tailpipe of his G.50, which is said to elicit a lovely perfume of burnt race fuel and baked castor oil.

634617844091841546Gilera-4-cylinder---1957---portrait-5.jpg

Few things have inspired our Memorable MC columnist more than the throaty acoustics of the Gilera Four.

Bridgestone has done an excellent job with driving tire technology in MotoGP, which in turn has led to better options for everyday riders.

Ducati's new powerplant housed in the 1199 Panigale is a true work of art from every angle.

Regarded as one of the top athletes to grace the sport of motorcycle racing, Mike Hailwood's legendary comeback in the 1978 Formula TT was truly an awe-inspiring event.

Mike Hailwood was a true racer at heat but struggled when it came to the development of a competitive motorcycle.

Steve-Wynne-was-a-good-racer-as-well-as-a-brilliant-tuner.jpg

Steve Wynne: "To be honest, it was just another TT. You were always late for the TT and you always wanted another week to prepare but there was no sense of history being made because Mike [Hailwood] was the most laid back, relaxed person in the world."

Hailwood experienced unprecedented success with MV Agusta and Honda throughout the 1960s.

Despite his immaculate record, Hailwood was turned down by Honda when he approached them for a ride during the 1978 season.

Mike Hailwood was so eager to compete that season he signed a contract with Sports Motorcycles for a sum of just $1500.

Mike Hailwood with his Manx Norton at Aberdare Park in 1958.

After catching and eventually passing Phil Read during the famed race, Hailwood's bevel gear broke just as he crossed the finish line of the 226-mile contest.

Steve Wynne eventually sold Hailwood's Ducati 900SS for $7500. In 1998 the Duc once again traded hands, this time selling for more than $150,000.

The-T500-handled-better-than-any-road-bike-could-be-expected-to.jpg

Back in 2000 our British correspondant got the chance to race Daytona aboard a custom Suzuki T500 Production racer.

Eric Kalamaja of Sundial Motor Sports made minor modifications to prepare the T500 for Daytona. These adjustments included new exhaust, a new fuel tank and clip-on bars.

As capable as the T500 is, it was primarily a road bike at heart.

AHMRA-tech-tries-to-make-sense-of-a-road-bike-racing-at-Daytona---2.jpg

AHMRA tech inspectors were left scratching their heads when it came time to enter the T500.

British classic racer Les Trotter allowed Melling to follow him around the circuit to learn the ropes.

Gliding around Daytona at more than 130 mph, the T500 was performing much better than expected.

A grape-sized hole in the left-hand piston could have brought a swift ending to Melling's Daytona glory. Lucky for him Eric Kalamaja and Les Trotter were on hand to avert the near disaster.

Melling-battles-through-the-field-whilst-breaking-in-the-T500-piston.jpg

Once the T500 was back up and running our correspondent encountered noticeably less power. But the new piston was just warming up...

Daytonas-high-speed-banking-had-done-for-the-piston.jpg

Eric Kalamaja had the cylinder head off the bike in seconds to reveal the damage caused by Daytona's high speed track.

Frank Melling (right) and Eric Kalamaja at the 2000 Daytona race.

Eric-toils-on-the-T500-to-get-Melling-back-on-the-track.jpg

Eric Kalamaja was hard at work trying to get Melling back out on the track.

MCUSA using Instagram

The patented Melling Explodo-log, a creative way for the amateur racing mechanic to bring shop odors inside the domestic confines and heat the home.

The Bonneville Salt Flats stretch for over 159 square miles.

Racers recognized the potential of Bonneville as early as 1896 when W.D. Rishel attempted to organize a carriage and bike race.

The salt at Bonneville is sticky and the consistency of rice pudding.

Heading into one of the most awe inspiring natural landscapes America has to offer.

Joe Francis is a 14 year-old rider who has won every championship he's contested.

Joe-Francis---Aprilia-Superteen-champion---portrait.jpg

Joe Francis may be Britain's brightest hope for Grand Prix success.

Joe Francis is superb on a bike and is charming, modest and intelligent off the bike.

Frank Melling enjoying a brief stint aboard a 250cc Honda 4.

3-million-of-supercars-line-up-outside-the-Hotel-de-Paris.jpg

Outside the Hotel de Paris in Monaco, supercars worth millions of dollars line the streets.

These German professionals were rich enough to have their bikes shipped from the north country to the Alps.

An interesting bike attraction at Susten Pass in Switzerland.

Melling found that many commercial enterprises cater to motorcyclists during his recent Europen grand tour.

Count-the-million-yachts---and-not-a-superbike-in-sight.jpg

Yachts worth millions little the bay in Monaco, and there's not a superbike in sight!

Some of the few bikers Melling saw during his European grand tour, at the Petit San Bernadino pass.

Some middle-aged bikers enjoying the High Alps.

Mike Hailwood on a 125 Honda circa 1961.

Mike Hailwood on the 500 MV Agusta, one of the most talented motorcycle racers of all time.

Charming though the ladies are, keep things mainstream if you want to attract the widest possible customer base.

You might not get Lorenzo for your first event but any celebrity brings in the crowds.

Kids love bikes. Make them welcome.

Make sure that you have as wide a range of bikes on show as possible even they’re not your personal favourites. Scooters appeal strongly to non motorcyclists.