Damon Powell

Jonathan Handler take you to the South of France where Jonathan got to ride the local roads on the all-new, redesigned Triumph Rocket 3<\/a>. The Rocket comes in two flavors: the Storm R model, and the Storm GT version. The two-and-a-half liter engine puts out a claimed 180 horsepower and a tarmac-shredding 166 ft\/lbs of torque. Jonathan talks to us about his experiences of the local roads riding the beast, and whether the Rocket 3\u2019s astonishing numbers result in a well-tamed muscle-machine, or if it is completely unmanageable.<\/p>\n<p>Have you ever tried riding at the drag strip? In our second segment this week, Teejay Adams chats with tuner and racer, \u2018Shorty\u2019 Cruz, owner of <a href=https://ultimatemotorcycling.com/author/damon-powell/'https:////www.facebook.com//p//Shortys-Performance-100035393156577//'>Shorty/u2019s Performance in North Hollywood, California<\/a>. \u00a0Shorty and his amazing daughter Gisela both regularly ride at <a href=https://ultimatemotorcycling.com/author/damon-powell/'https:////irwindalespeedway.com//irwindale-dragstrip//'>Irwindale Dragstrip<\/a> where they test their bikes and reaction-times inexpensively and in a safe environment. Going to the raceway doesn\u2019t necessarily need a Top Fuel multi-million dollar dragbike; you ride whatever you like\u2014fast or slow\u2014and see if you\u2019re able to hone your skills and improve your technique, no matter what machine you\u2019re on. According to Gisela and Shorty, it\u2019s a fun, helpful community of like-minded people and it might just appeal to you to see what you can achieve on your bike. If you\u2019re interested in tuning your bike check out <a href=https://ultimatemotorcycling.com/author/damon-powell/'https:////www.facebook.com//p//Shortys-Performance-100035393156577//'>Shorty/u2019s Performance on Facebook<\/a>. \u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>Here\u2019s a quick reminder to leave us your comments on our social media\u2014we\u2019re on all the usual platforms at Ultimate Motorcycling. We love hearing your feedback\u2026 so good or bad, please let us know what you think. If there\u2019s something in particular you\u2019d like us to cover, we\u2019d love to hear those ideas too! Anyway, from all of us here at Ultimate Motorcycling, we hope you enjoy this episode.<\/p>\n<p><em>We love your feedback! Please comment or suggest:<\/em><\/p>\n<p>\u00a0 <a href=https://ultimatemotorcycling.com/author/damon-powell/'https:////www.instagram.com//ultimatemotorcycling//'>@ultimatemotorcycling/n

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\u00a0<a href=https://ultimatemotorcycling.com/author/damon-powell/'mailto:producer@ultimatemotorcycling.com'>producer@ultimatemotorcycling.com/n","author":"Motos and Friends by Ultimate Motorcycle","date":"June 19, 2024","link":"https:\/\/motosandfriends.podbean.com\/e\/2025-triumph-rocket-3-storm-shorty-and-gisela-cruz\/","src":"https:\/\/chrt.fm\/track\/AD6DG5\/mcdn.podbean.com\/mf\/web\/qy4hcgrmj9p5hmwm\/S4_Triumph_Rocket_3_Storm_Shorty_and_Gisela_Cruz6xzq1.m4a","featured":"https:\/\/ultimatemotorcycling.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/2025-triumph-rocket-3-storm-lineup-review-19_jwynw4-768x768.jpeg","featured_id":282120,"mediatype":"audio","categories":[],"duration":"01:39:22","episodetype":"full","timestamp":1718794168,"key":"3997d100628f98de125dfe957eefc920","fset":"https:\/\/ultimatemotorcycling.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/2025-triumph-rocket-3-storm-lineup-review-19_jwynw4-768x768.jpeg 768w, https:\/\/ultimatemotorcycling.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/2025-triumph-rocket-3-storm-lineup-review-19_jwynw4-300x300.jpeg 300w, https:\/\/ultimatemotorcycling.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/2025-triumph-rocket-3-storm-lineup-review-19_jwynw4-1024x1024.jpeg 1024w, https:\/\/ultimatemotorcycling.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/2025-triumph-rocket-3-storm-lineup-review-19_jwynw4-140x140.jpeg 140w, https:\/\/ultimatemotorcycling.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/2025-triumph-rocket-3-storm-lineup-review-19_jwynw4-150x150.jpeg 150w, https:\/\/ultimatemotorcycling.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/2025-triumph-rocket-3-storm-lineup-review-19_jwynw4-696x696.jpeg 696w, https:\/\/ultimatemotorcycling.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/2025-triumph-rocket-3-storm-lineup-review-19_jwynw4-1068x1068.jpeg 1068w, https:\/\/ultimatemotorcycling.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/2025-triumph-rocket-3-storm-lineup-review-19_jwynw4-420x420.jpeg 420w, https:\/\/ultimatemotorcycling.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/2025-triumph-rocket-3-storm-lineup-review-19_jwynw4.jpeg 1080w","fratio":1},"ppe-8917-3":{"title":"2024 Yamaha MT-09 + Daniel Blancgonnet","description":"<p>Hello everyone and welcome to Motos and Friends, brought to you by the Editors at Ultimate Motorcycling. \u00a0My name is Arthur Coldwells.<\/p>\n<p>This week\u2019s first segment is the <a href=https://ultimatemotorcycling.com/author/damon-powell/'https:////ultimatemotorcycling.com//2024//05//18//2024-yamaha-mt-09-review-14-fast-facts//'>2024 Yamaha MT-09<\/a>, one of the highest performing naked upright sportbikes out there. Senior Editor Nic de Sena recently returned from the launch of the all-new three-cylinder Yamaha, and it seems he was impressed.<\/p>\n<p><em>Motos and Friends is brought to you by <\/em><a href=https://ultimatemotorcycling.com/author/damon-powell/'https:////www.araiamericas.com//'>Arai helmets<\/em><\/a><em>. <\/em><em>If you\u2019re into Dual-Sport, then you\u2019ll want to check out the new <\/em><a href=https://ultimatemotorcycling.com/author/damon-powell/'https:////www.araiamericas.com//xd-5-variation'>Arai XD-5<\/em><\/a><em>. It\u2019s a completely redesigned helmet, and as with everything from Arai, every improvement is made with a priority for protection. One of the major changes is the new VAS-A visor system, derived from the one originally developed for the Corsair-X. The new visor is designed to maximize surface area to glance off impact energy whilst at the same time offering easy installation and removal of the visor and peak.\u00a0<\/em><\/p>\n<p><em>Arai is obsessed with every detail\u2014even those unseen. There is such a thing as \u201cThe Arai Difference\u201d. \u00a0\u00a0For instance, if your experience has been that helmets are hard to get on, then try the <\/em><a href=https://ultimatemotorcycling.com/author/damon-powell/'https:////www.araiamericas.com//contour-x-variation'>Arai Contour-X<\/em><\/a><em>, designed with a wider bottom opening for easier on\/off.\u00a0 Once on, you will be impressed at the amazing comfort of the Contour-X, especially if you\u2019re into long-distance touring. <\/em><\/p>\n<p><em>So get to your local dealer and try out the full range of Arai helmets. You will be instantly amazed at the fit and all-day comfort of any Arai helmet. You should also check out <\/em><a href=https://ultimatemotorcycling.com/author/damon-powell/'https:////www.araiamericas.com//'>AraiAmericas.com to learn more.<\/em><\/p>\n<p>In our second segment this week, Teejay Adams chats with national-level Moto Trials rider and GasGas engineer Daniel Blancgonnet. Trials is an interesting discipline as although it is without doubt the slowest of all motorcycle sport, it is also arguably the hardest one to be really good at. Daniel gives us his interesting insight into what the sport is about, why he finds it so challenging, and what he really loves about it. Doing that while also working for the Pierer Mobility Group and GasGas at the same time just might be the perfect motorcycle career! \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>So, from all of us here at Ultimate Motorcycling, we hope you enjoy this episode.<\/p>\n<p><em>We love your feedback! Please comment or suggest:<\/em><\/p>\n<p>\u00a0 <a href=https://ultimatemotorcycling.com/author/damon-powell/'https:////www.instagram.com//ultimatemotorcycling//'>@ultimatemotorcycling/n

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\u00a0<a href=https://ultimatemotorcycling.com/author/damon-powell/'mailto:producer@ultimatemotorcycling.com'>producer@ultimatemotorcycling.com/n","author":"Motos and Friends by Ultimate Motorcycle","date":"May 29, 2024","link":"https:\/\/motosandfriends.podbean.com\/e\/2024-yamaha-mt-09-daniel-blancgonnet\/","src":"https:\/\/chrt.fm\/track\/AD6DG5\/mcdn.podbean.com\/mf\/web\/6b232eiza6hef4w6\/S4_Yamaha_MT-09_Daniel_Blancgonnetab4z0.m4a","featured":"https:\/\/ultimatemotorcycling.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/2024-yamaha-mt-09-review-2-1536x1024_pcrhki-768x768.jpeg","featured_id":277908,"mediatype":"audio","categories":[],"duration":"01:25:22","episodetype":"full","timestamp":1716986215,"key":"6f6a2234da326bd5ccd2b36d97dc4449","fset":"https:\/\/ultimatemotorcycling.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/2024-yamaha-mt-09-review-2-1536x1024_pcrhki-768x768.jpeg 768w, https:\/\/ultimatemotorcycling.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/2024-yamaha-mt-09-review-2-1536x1024_pcrhki-300x300.jpeg 300w, https:\/\/ultimatemotorcycling.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/2024-yamaha-mt-09-review-2-1536x1024_pcrhki-140x140.jpeg 140w, https:\/\/ultimatemotorcycling.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/2024-yamaha-mt-09-review-2-1536x1024_pcrhki-150x150.jpeg 150w, https:\/\/ultimatemotorcycling.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/2024-yamaha-mt-09-review-2-1536x1024_pcrhki-696x696.jpeg 696w, https:\/\/ultimatemotorcycling.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/2024-yamaha-mt-09-review-2-1536x1024_pcrhki-420x420.jpeg 420w, https:\/\/ultimatemotorcycling.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/2024-yamaha-mt-09-review-2-1536x1024_pcrhki.jpeg 1024w","fratio":1},"ppe-8917-4":{"title":"2024 Husqvarna Svartpilen 801 + Austin Rothbard, Founder of Twisted Road","description":"<p>This week\u2019s first segment is brought to you by editors Don Williams and Nic de Sena.<\/p>\n<p>Don recently returned from Spain where he rode the new <a href=https://ultimatemotorcycling.com/author/damon-powell/'https:////ultimatemotorcycling.com//2024//05//06//2024-husqvarna-svartpilen-801-review-a-dozen-fast-facts//'>2024 Husqvarna Svartpilen 801<\/a>. Performance comes in many forms, and certainly the Svartpilen has a unique take on things while delivering amazing speed. It\u2019s a premium motorcycle with lots of high-end features and a unique, almost steampunk look to it that makes it a real standout. It\u2019s fast and user-friendly, and if doing things a little differently appeals to you, then Don\u2019s take on the new Husqvarna will be of interest.<\/p>\n<p><em>Motos and Friends is brought to you by <a href=https://ultimatemotorcycling.com/author/damon-powell/'https:////www.araiamericas.com//'>Arai helmets<\/a>. Arai is obsessed with every detail\u2014even those unseen. There is such a thing as \u201cThe Arai Difference\u201d. \u00a0\u00a0For instance, if your experience has been that helmets are hard to get on, then try the <a href=https://ultimatemotorcycling.com/author/damon-powell/'https:////www.araiamericas.com//contour-x-variation'>Arai Contour-X<\/a>, designed with a wider bottom opening for easier on\/off.\u00a0 Once on, you will be impressed at the amazing comfort of the Contour-X, especially if you\u2019re into long-distance touring. <\/em><\/p>\n<p><em>If you\u2019re into Dual-Sport, then you\u2019ll want to check out the new <a href=https://ultimatemotorcycling.com/author/damon-powell/'https:////www.araiamericas.com//xd-5-variation'>Arai XD-5<\/a>. It\u2019s a completely redesigned helmet, and as with everything from Arai, every improvement is made with a priority for protection. One of the major changes is the new VAS-A visor system, derived from the one originally developed for the Corsair-X. The new visor is designed to maximize surface area to glance off impact energy whilst at the same time offering easy installation and removal of the visor and peak.\u00a0<\/em><em>So get to your local dealer and try out the full range of Arai helmets. You will be instantly amazed at the fit and all-day comfort of any Arai helmet. You should also check out <a href=https://ultimatemotorcycling.com/author/damon-powell/'https:////www.araiamericas.com//'>AraiAmericas.com to learn more.<\/em><\/p>\n<p>If you\u2019ve ever found yourself away from home and pining for a motorcycle ride, then <a href=https://ultimatemotorcycling.com/author/damon-powell/'https:////www.twistedroad.com//'>Twisted Road<\/a> might be the answer. In this second segment, Teejay Adams chats with Austin Rothbard, creator of the App that he describes as \u201cthe Airbnb of motorcycling\u201d. Although your first take might be skepticism that anyone would want to rent out their precious motorcycle, it turns out that there are plenty of people not only willing to do so, but who are doing it regularly. The App has been around since 2017 and so it\u2019s an idea that seems to be well evolved. Interesting!<\/p>\n<p><em>We love your feedback! Please comment or suggest:<\/em><\/p>\n<p>\u00a0 <a href=https://ultimatemotorcycling.com/author/damon-powell/'https:////www.instagram.com//ultimatemotorcycling//'>@ultimatemotorcycling/n

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\u00a0<a href=https://ultimatemotorcycling.com/author/damon-powell/'mailto:producer@ultimatemotorcycling.com'>producer@ultimatemotorcycling.com/n","author":"Motos and Friends by Ultimate Motorcycle","date":"May 15, 2024","link":"https:\/\/motosandfriends.podbean.com\/e\/2024-husqvarna-svartpilen-801-austin-rothbard-founder-of-twisted-road\/","src":"https:\/\/chrt.fm\/track\/AD6DG5\/mcdn.podbean.com\/mf\/web\/96mur9knbp5g5zm2\/S4_Husqvarna_Svartpilen_801_Twisted_Road-Austijn_Rothbard9p819.m4a","featured":"https:\/\/ultimatemotorcycling.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/2024-husqvarna-svartpilen-801-review-23_3jdv73-768x768.jpeg","featured_id":277553,"mediatype":"audio","categories":[],"duration":"01:38:45","episodetype":"full","timestamp":1715774012,"key":"716472103ea59e14cceb192b64f21cdd","fset":"https:\/\/ultimatemotorcycling.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/2024-husqvarna-svartpilen-801-review-23_3jdv73-768x768.jpeg 768w, https:\/\/ultimatemotorcycling.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/2024-husqvarna-svartpilen-801-review-23_3jdv73-300x300.jpeg 300w, https:\/\/ultimatemotorcycling.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/2024-husqvarna-svartpilen-801-review-23_3jdv73-140x140.jpeg 140w, https:\/\/ultimatemotorcycling.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/2024-husqvarna-svartpilen-801-review-23_3jdv73-150x150.jpeg 150w, https:\/\/ultimatemotorcycling.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/2024-husqvarna-svartpilen-801-review-23_3jdv73-696x696.jpeg 696w, https:\/\/ultimatemotorcycling.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/2024-husqvarna-svartpilen-801-review-23_3jdv73-420x420.jpeg 420w, https:\/\/ultimatemotorcycling.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/2024-husqvarna-svartpilen-801-review-23_3jdv73.jpeg 973w","fratio":1},"load_info":{"loaded":4,"displayed":2,"offset":0,"maxItems":152,"src":"f26da16fba5f59ff31357ff8b9c89399","step":2,"sortby":"sort_date_desc","filterby":"","fixed":"","args":{"imgurl":"https:\/\/ultimatemotorcycling.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/Motos_Friends_Logo_3rs94y-768x768.jpeg","imgset":"https:\/\/ultimatemotorcycling.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/Motos_Friends_Logo_3rs94y-768x768.jpeg 768w, https:\/\/ultimatemotorcycling.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/Motos_Friends_Logo_3rs94y-300x300.jpeg 300w, https:\/\/ultimatemotorcycling.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/Motos_Friends_Logo_3rs94y-1024x1024.jpeg 1024w, https:\/\/ultimatemotorcycling.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/Motos_Friends_Logo_3rs94y-140x140.jpeg 140w, https:\/\/ultimatemotorcycling.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/Motos_Friends_Logo_3rs94y-1536x1536.jpeg 1536w, https:\/\/ultimatemotorcycling.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/Motos_Friends_Logo_3rs94y-150x150.jpeg 150w, https:\/\/ultimatemotorcycling.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/Motos_Friends_Logo_3rs94y-696x696.jpeg 696w, https:\/\/ultimatemotorcycling.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/Motos_Friends_Logo_3rs94y-1068x1068.jpeg 1068w, https:\/\/ultimatemotorcycling.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/Motos_Friends_Logo_3rs94y-420x420.jpeg 420w, https:\/\/ultimatemotorcycling.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/Motos_Friends_Logo_3rs94y.jpeg 1816w","display":"lv3","hddesc":0,"hdfeat":0,"oricov":"https:\/\/pbcdn1.podbean.com\/imglogo\/image-logo\/10714790\/Motos_Friends_Logo_3rs94y.jpeg","elength":18,"episodes":"","slist":[],"elist":[""],"catlist":[],"gridcol":3}},"rdata":{"permalink":"https:\/\/ultimatemotorcycling.com\/author\/damon-powell","fprint":"f26da16fba5f59ff31357ff8b9c89399","from":"feedurl","elen":18,"eunit":"","teaser":"","title":"Motos and Friends from Ultimate Motorcycle magazine"}}">