World Travelers at Zen Moto

Here at Zen Moto, we've had the privilege of helping a number of world travelers as they make their way around the globe on their motorcycles. Many thanks to all those on the forums that recommend us for a shop stop in the Phoenix area. We're always happy to help. 

We recently had the pleasure of meeting Andi Delis of New Zealand, half of the Two Moto Kiwis husband and wife team currently on their way through Mexico, headed for South America and beyond. Andi was in the process of getting his newly acquired KTM Super Enduro sorted out and geared up for the trip south. While the acquisition of that bike turned out to be a financial headache for him, it seems that they are back on track and on the road to continue their adventure. We wish Andi and Ellen the very best in the journey ahead and were glad we could help them get their new steed mechanically sorted.

Be sure to take a look at their website at twomotokiwis.com and follow along on their trek. Any donations to help offset their costs I'm sure would be greatly appreciated. It's good karma for when you decide to take up an adventure like this yourself!

Giant Loop Now Offers a Lifetime Warranty

Via MotorcycleUSA.com & Giant Loop

Adventure motorcycle soft luggage innovator Giant Loop has extended its warranty coverage to span the product’s lifetime. The new limited lifetime warranty protects the original purchaser against product defects in materials or craftsmanship and was prompted by the proven high quality of the company’s made-in-USA products.

“When we started Giant Loop in 2008, we didn't really know what to expect,” says Harold Olaf Cecil, Giant Loop’s co-founder and owner. “Then, we were concerned that dirt bikers would thrash our bags and demand a warranty replacement.”

“As it turns out,” Cecil explains, “Giant Loop products have proven to be durable and defect free to the point that our return rate is less than 0.1%.”

The new warranty policy states, “Giant Loop provides to the original purchaser a limited lifetime warranty against defects in materials or craftsmanship if purchased directly from a Giant Loop authorized dealer. This warranty covers defective materials and craftsmanship only, and does not include damage due to normal wear and tear or misuse. Failure to comply with the included instructions for this Product will void the limited lifetime warranty. If defects in the materials or craftsmanship of the Product exist, notify Giant Loop immediately of the defect. Giant Loop will provide for repair or replacement of the Product, after Giant Loop has determined, in our sole discretion, that a defect is present. Proof of purchase is required to utilize the limited warranty provisions.”

If a problem occurs with a Giant Loop product that is not the result of a defect in materials or craftsmanship, or is otherwise outside of the scope of the limited warranty, then Giant Loop offers repair service for a fee.

“Our goal is to treat Giant Loop customers as we want to be treated ourselves,” says Cecil. “We want to exceed our customers' expectations with quick, friendly, responsive service that sets right any problem.”

Made in USA, the Giant Loop line of super rugged, ultra lightweight, high performance motorcycle soft luggage fits a wide array of adventure, sport, dual sport and dirt bike makes and models, requiring no special racks, mounts or braces.

Giant Loop products are available from international distributors and from a network of dealers throughout the USA. For all the details, go to www.giantloopmoto.com, or visit the “Go Light, Go Fast” blog at giantloopmoto.blogspot.com.

Dakar 2013 is about to begin!

For all of you who love to watch the action of Dakar every year, it's nearly time to start the mayhem once again! This year should prove to be yet another great test of endurance, though it appears we won't be treated to the bike battle we witnessed last year with Marc Coma's withdrawal due to a shoulder dislocation. That said, I'm sure Cyril Despres and the rest of the field will still provide us with some great racing.

Here's an article and video to get you primed for another great year of Dakar:

A CLEAR PATH TO SANTIAGO FOR DESPRES?

Via DAKAR.com

All the usual reference points around the bike event came crashing down at the same time as Marc Coma did in the 3rd stage of the Morocco Rally. Despite his best efforts and intensive use of the Coué Method, the Catalan rider has been unable to overcome his dislocated left shoulder injury. So the traditional duel between him and Cyril Despres will not take place in the Dakar 2013. The two KTM riders have not only shared the championship between them since 2005, (4-3, “advantage France”), they have also won 43 of the 90 special stages! The most logical – but also most simplistic – analysis leads one to think that Despres has an easy ride to get ahead and increase his list of triumphs by winning his fifth title in Santiago. Cyril does not share this point of view, being very aware of the hazards of the event, and he is not counting his chickens about the ‘clear road' that has opened up before him: “Marc's Dakar came to an end on a lump of camel grass, one of the thousands we come across. When people tell me I'm on my own now I can't resist a little smile: we're going to have to deal with loads of camel grass, stones, climbs and descents”, he says. Despres could also benefit from a star adviser in the bivouac: “Marc has told me he will be in Lima, and if he stays on for the rally it will certainly be advantageous in terms of strategy, preparation of the road-book, etc.”

Accustomed to mainly focusing his energies on his own performance, Despres also points out that “several riders will now fancy their chances of a podium finish”. Coma's withdrawal could well have a liberating psychological effect on all the competitors who have previously finished behind them! Indeed, if the ‘rebellion' of the other riders gains momentum there are several possible candidates for the title. Some who have already savoured a place on the podium have good reason to feel optimistic: Francisco ‘Chaleco' Lopez, 3rd in 2010, has an opportunity to win in the Chilean capital, and he has always done best on his home territory (4 stage wins in Chile); David Frétigné, 3rd in 2009, returns to the Dakar with Yamaha and a strong ambition; the Portuguese rider Helder Rodrigues, who has just left Yamaha for Honda, was the first rider on the heels of Despres and Coma in 2011 and 2012, while David Casteu, present on the last podium in Dakar in 2007, is still in with a shout.

The Dakar 2013 could also mean a ‘generation handover' in the class. People who seemed to be waiting for their moment to come might think it is now time to knock the top riders off their pedestals. In this respect, and despite Coma's absence, the Catalan ‘clan' is still well represented. His “water carrier” in recent years Juan Pedrero, will not be on his leader's bike, handed over to the American all-terrain star Kurt Caselli, but he will still try to make the most of the gap left by coma. The unobtrusive Jordi Viladoms, 4th in 2012, might also come out of his shell and grasp a potential opportunity. Above all, Joan Barreda has done brilliantly in the last two years, and at 29 years of age should show the maturity to fulfil his excellent promise. He was also the closest rider behind Despres during the Morocco Rally. Fewer than seven minutes separated the two men at the finish, i.e. much less than anyone could lose due to an inner tube problem or fuel line problem or a small navigation mistake… or a lump of camel grass! In any event, Despres will also need to keep an eye on Verhoeven, Gonçalves, Przygonski and company. His experience will help him to maintain his concentration.