Rob Brooks

LIVING WITH AN INDIAN

Posted by Rob Brooks | Oct 11, 2019 | Bikes & Gear |

Ever since the stunning debut of Indian’s flat track dominating FTR750 racer in 2016, riders have been clamoring for a street version. By the end of 2018, Indian delivered, unveiling the street FTR 1200 to much fanfare across the motorcycle industry. As their phrase declares, “Born in the Dirt; Built for the Street”, The FTR 1200’s DNA is clearly bred in racing. Tall suspension, tight wheelbase, flat tracker handlebars, trellis frame, even ADV on/off road rubber on cast aluminum rims, the bike screams hooligan, with a huge shout-out to its championship-winning 750 sibling.

MotoAmerica at Barber Motorsports

Posted by Rob Brooks | Sep 23, 2019 | Industry & Racing |

The MotoAmerica road racing season concluded at Barber Motorsports Park in Birmingham, Alabama this past weekend, under sunny skies, warm temps, and atop fresh blacktop. And the racing was dramatic.

Road Dirt Promo Clip

Posted by Rob Brooks | Sep 20, 2019 | Ride Life |

Rob’s daughter Kelsey creates a cool Road Dirt intro/promo clip for the media brand. We think it’s quite cool.

2019 9-11 Ride to Remember

Posted by Rob Brooks | Sep 11, 2019 | Rides & Roads |

Mike Newell holds vivid memories of the day mass terrorism struck our shores on September 11, 2001. He felt a deep kindred spirit with those who lost their lives in New York, Washington DC, or the fields of Pennsylvania. Like all of us who recall that day, Mike remembers where he was, what he was doing, and the feeling of shock and horror as the reality of what unfolded sank in.

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.