Rob Brooks

Don’t Panic!

Posted by Rob Brooks | Sep 4, 2019 | Nuts & Bolts, Ride Life |

My friend Steve came over to help me with an old bike I was working on, a 1969 Triumph T100. After we got the tune dialed in, we decided to ride it a few miles. I let Steve take the T100 first, and he handed me the keys to his 2003 BMW K1200RS. I had never ridden a Beemer before, so I had to familiarize myself with the German “cockpit” as we pulled out of my driveway and down the long, winding road by my property. With Steve behind me on the Triumph, we set off out through the countryside…

Flat Tracking the Peoria TT

Posted by Rob Brooks | Aug 22, 2019 | Industry & Racing |

Road Dirt contributing photographer Dean Phelps was on hand to snap all the race action at this past weekend’s 73rd annual Peoria TT in Illinois. Part flat track racing, part motocross, the Peoria TT is a unique and legendary race. Hosted by the Peoria Motorcycle Club, the TT has been held consecutively since 1947, the longest running dirt track race in the world.

Ride Cool in the Summer Heat

Posted by Rob Brooks | Aug 19, 2019 | Bikes & Gear, Nuts & Bolts |

We enjoy living in the South for its relatively mild winters, but that means we have to endure some brutal summer temperatures! We’ve certainly experienced some scorchers in July and August so far. These tips can help you keep cool while out riding in the hot Southern sun. We’ve tried these ourselves, and can testify that they really work.

Conquering the Fear Factor

Posted by Rob Brooks | Aug 16, 2019 | Nuts & Bolts |

FEAR- it can paralyze you, or propel you forward. Fear can cause a life of timidity, or create a life of adventure. Everyone faces fear, but not everyone overcomes fear. As motorcycle riders we inherently deal with fear almost daily, and have found ways to conquer it, or at least manage it. Otherwise, we wouldn’t ride, would we?

Taking the Long View

Posted by Rob Brooks | Aug 9, 2019 | Nuts & Bolts, Ride Life |

One of the skills we riders must consciously and constantly hone to stay sharp on our bikes is our situational awareness. Keeping focused while riding through ever-changing scenarios, constantly scanning our surroundings for potential threats, maintaining a “360 degree” awareness, are all vital street skills… Yet there are moments while riding that we can still experience a brief lapse in attention, or lose focus and perspective for a moment in the saddle.

After The Fall

Posted by Rob Brooks | Jul 26, 2019 | Nuts & Bolts, Ride Life |

There is a common saying among motorcycle riders- “It’s not a question of ‘if’, but ‘when’, you’ll have a crash.” Some 18 years ago, I experienced two firsts in my life, at the same time. I was involved in my first street motorcycle accident, and broke my first major bones as well. I checked both boxes at the same time, thereby joining the ranks of the “when” crowd.

Clutch Cable Adjustment & Replacement

Posted by Rob Brooks | Jul 22, 2019 | Nuts & Bolts |

The three most common types of motorcycle clutch actuation setups are cable, hydraulic, and most recent, ride-by-wire. Since the majority of clutches, past and present, are cable-actuated, we here at Road Dirt thought a tutorial on clutch cable adjustment, or replacement, might be in order.

Riding Laconia

Posted by Rob Brooks | Jul 16, 2019 | Ride Life, Rides & Roads |

Lloyd Clement is Road Dirt Associate Editor Phil Gauthier’s cousin, and lives up in beautiful New Hampshire. He recounts a day of riding to Laconia Bike Week last month, and the breathtaking routes found up in the White Mountains of New England. We hope you enjoy his recollections here.

On Track

Posted by Rob Brooks | Jul 11, 2019 | Nuts & Bolts, Ride Life |

It had been a dream of mine for some years to 1. own a sport bike, 2. ride it on the track at Road Atlanta, and 3. “hit the ton”, i.e. ride over 100 mph (legally of course). On a weekend in July of 2013, I achieved all three.