I was disappointed to find that my last BMW, a 2007 335i, would go to limp mode 1 (a seeming loss of about 50 hp) after just two or three laps on track, then lose power with each successive lap due to cooling issues, something my ‘01 325i never did even in a 25 minute track session. Whether it’s from Germany or the…

One of the saddest things about modern cars. Leather is hot and sticky in the summer and cold in the winter, plus it wears poorly in in-out seating applications. The amazingly durable cloth (probably nylon) interior that came with my’82 Supra was comfortable summer and winter and looked virtually new after seven years…

I see your Yamaha powered X1-9 and raise you a Mazda 3-rotor powered Fiat 124 (the noise is unbelievable!):

Thanks for an interesting piece. When this model came out in 2014, I traded a 7-year old 335 which was on its third fuel pump and was just starting to exhibit electronic instability. You’re quite correct that it’s not a “BMW fighter”, but a car with a similar mission, to give the owner driving enjoyment while offering…

Recently I saw a new Ford pickup parked next to a mid-70's F150. It is bizarre to me that both vehicles are designed around the same load-carrying capacity, yet the “modern” pickup is huge by comparison; nearly 18" longer and 3" higher. Some of the additional length may be for crash protection, but the 10" greater…

I gave it NP, even as it’s pricey. If it was done right, an E30 with 300+ horsepower and beaucoup torque would be a sweet ride!

I trust you bought the Buell with the Rotax motor; the earlier ones were decent bikes equipped with rather agricultural drivetrain...

I had a friend who in the early ‘80's bought a beautiful Dino with only 14,000 miles. Although it was a great investment, the time and money spent in protecting it made it look like the kind of investment I didn’t need. I’m quite happy to drive a 13 year-old S2000 which, while I love it, is relatively easy to replace.…

Watched Parnelli Jones decimate an SCCA club race in Tucson in 1967, effectively demonstrating what separates “pro” from “amateur” racers.

I’ve watched Rossi’s entire career and noted that a part of his talent is to make his closest competitors think about something other than riding. It didn’t work with Lorenzo, nor with Marquez, so he created a “conspiracy”. I was thrilled to see Rossi close last year, but it was obvious that he didn’t get there…

Nice piece, Sean - as a 30 year rider, I don’t mind riding in the rain when properly geared up, but the rain means we no longer have quick braking and maneuverability advantages which we have when it’s dry, and the bike simply won’t stop as quickly. The “stopping quickly” has been a skin-saver for me on many…

I love the Ducati sound as well, and could certainly enjoy a Monster of any size for their (street) usability, torque and looks. For a daily driver and occasional track weapon, however, I find all of the modern Ducati sportbikes far too heavily compromised toward “track”. The ridiculously short steering angle, and…

I suspect I’ll get flamed for this, but even the current crop of liter bikes are well beyond the performance ability of the 98th percentile rider. From the standpoint of safety and enjoyment, performance enhancement to this class of motorcycle should start with the rider. I love fast bikes, but after riding for more…