Yamahammer 2 at Jennings Gran Prix Raceway

The Yamaha XS650. A simple and reliable motorcycle that oozes character with enough rough edges to remind you that you're riding a true classic. It's motor has such a simple and robust design, very brutish and almost bauhaus with it's external oil line, cam end and valve gear covers. Jewel like acorn nuts adorning it's head gives the very unassuming and humble motor a very powerful and commanding presence without making it seem crude and frankensteinesque. The firing rhythm of this 360� twin in street trim can lull you into a thick liquid trance at low revs, calmly loping, chugging and massaging your body into a relaxed state. Yet in race trim the motor is capable of flooding your nerve ends with high voltage once the rev's go beyond 7,500 rpm. The vibrations transmitted through the frame and the angry growl emenating from the exhaust will keep adrenaline surging through your body and not let you relax for an instant until you finally pull into the pits and shut her down after which your mind feels as though all synapses had been scoured with a scotch-brite pad... stressed, tired and numb. Yet you can't wait to push her back into life.

I have a deep appreciation for many twins, past and present be they from Bavaria, Berlin or Bologna, Meriden or Milwakee. But Yamaha's XS650 is by far my favorite all around package for either street or track. For me it's THE only motorcycle to own if you want one that can do almost anything... and do it well.

I roadraced primarily Yamaha XS650s and Honda 175/200s. During that time I've designed, developed and fabricated all kinds of parts for both makes/models and am proud to say that a few of my designs caught on with fellow racers and have proven themselves as both simple and reliable solutions to common model-specific ailments. For 6 years of my life, building and racing vintage motorcycles was my riason d'etre. If I wasn't at work making money to pay bills, I was either in my garage fabricating parts and building my bikes or at the track testing out my designs. So it was with trepidation, yet at the same time with great relief, that I decided to retire from racing. I had some incredible years and experiences as a builder and racer, assistant director, webmaster and applications developer for WERA Vintage... but I am so glad to be able to turn the page and continue on with a new chapter in my life. I now have the time to dedicate to both music and riding my fixed gear bikes.

Yamahammer Mk1 and I at Road Atlanta

Yamahammer Mk1 and I at Talladega Raceway

Yamahammer Mk1 and I at Jennings Gran Prix Motorsports Park

Yamahammer Mk2 and I at Summit Point Raceway

Yamahammer Mk3 and I at Barber Motor Speedway

Yamahammer Mk3 and I at Jennings Gran Prix Raceway

The last incarnation of Yamahammer (MkIV) just before I retired.

Racing a 1980s BOTT contender... a Yamaha Virago 920

My '72 Honda 175 twin... 14,000 rpm from a dinosaur motor... not bad.