OK, so a while back I gave a little spiel about how there seems to be an awful lot of contradictory MOTY awards given by various motorcycling publications. Well if you want to call this adding fuel to the fire, so be it, but we at BrenandSven.com are trying to bring some solidarity to what seems to be an unsure world of moto-journalism. So here it is folks, the 2010 BS Motorcycle of the Year awards (and this MOTY is void bull $*!%).

So this is how the BS-MOTY works. 6 categories: Superbike, Sportbike, Standard/Naked, Touring, Adventure, and Cruiser. Each category has one and only one winner and runner up. Wow, could it be any simpler? Cut and dry categories, and no one off categories to make sure all the newest and most expensive bikes get recognition (don’t think we aren’t aware of the game you magazines are playing).

2010 BS-MOTY Standard/Naked Bike: Triumph Speed Triple

What?! No Kawasaki Z1000?! Nope. It is plain and simple as that. Nope. Lets face it, the Kawasaki Z1000 is as much of a Standard/Naked bike as a Honda Rebel being classified as a cruiser. It kinda looks the part but it just doesn’t cut it. It is quite interesting that all the big respected publications gave the Kawi Z1000 the top spot for the category, yet two everyday people of society, whom I had the chance to talk with, picked the Brit Hooligan over the Kawi after giving both a fair shot in test rides. So if A = B, and B = C, then A = Triumph Speed Triple: 2010 BS-MOTY.

The iconic Trumpet, in our book, has opened the American market to the concept of the naked/ standard motorcycle of being just as edgy and sporty as any Superbike or Sportbike, and as raw as any cruiser. The 1050cc inline triple, shoots out 128 bhp and a gnarly 76 ft/lbs. And all that power gets a beautiful delivery with the unique 3 cylinder engine, which blends the horsepower/ torque band in a very seamless manner.

Couple all that power in a sporty yet oddly comfortable riding position, and you can carve out the canyons all weekend non stop. The best bit about the Brit Hooligan is its simplified styling, with the very exposed engine and components and the never mistakable bug eyed headlamps. The Speed Triple set itself apart from the rest and that why it is set above the rest.

A stock Speed Triple will run you $11,299 MSRP but Triumph, along with Arrow Special Parts, has a wide assortment of performance, and aesthetic enhancements to make your one of a kind Speed Triple even more unique.

2010 BS-MOTY Standard/Naked Bike Runner up: Kawaski Z1000

So the Kawasaki Z1000 was given tremendous props, all across the moto-journalism universe. Powerful, sporty, superb ergos, a sportbike it a standard setup, these are all descriptors of what the Kawasaki Z1000 has achieved. And bravo, congrats to Kawasaki for what has been accomplished, but look at it! Does it even look like a motorcycle? No, more like something a 10 year old drew up after seeing his favorite string of superhero cartoons. Not that that is a bad thing, it’s just that if I want a Standard/Naked motorcycle I, well, want a motorcycle that’s NAKED, and will turn heads for all the right reasons.

There’s a ton to like about the Z1000 and plenty to dislike. On a performance standpoint, the 1043cc DOHC inline-4 creates more power and torque than the victorious speed triple. The suspension and ride is perhaps better as well, but just look at it.

People buy motorcycles for emotional reasons, and the Z1000 doesn’t get me emotionally charged as the mystique of the Speed Triple. A majority of standard/ naked riders have gotten over the idea of laying atop their sportbike, but still want the performance. They are young at heart, but want some refinement. The Z1000 still belongs on a 7 year olds sketch pad. MSRP starts at 10,599 which does promise bigger bang for the buck in comparrison to the Speed Triple but we digress.

Check out the remaining awards for the 2010 BS-MOTY

Superbike /// Sportbike /// Standard-Naked /// Touring /// Adventure /// Cruiser

Wow a long lost soul returns. No it’s just Sven. So both Bren and myself, Sven, would like to apologize to you all for the brief hiatus we were on. We know you all have been jonesing for the mind blowing content that is  Bren and Sven.

I know there are no room for excuses in this world, but I had just recently got a new full time job (with sweet benefits). So the last few weeks I had devoted my attention to the training rather than the Bren and Sven universe. And for that, I am sorry. But now that I am off training and have a fairly stable work schedule, Sven is back to devote himself to this wonderful website. So keep a look out for more content coming your way.

Keep the paint up and rubber down. Ride Safe.  -Sven

OK, so a while back I gave a little spiel about how there seems to be an awful lot of contradictory MOTY awards given by various motorcycling publications. Well if you want to call this adding fuel to the fire, so be it, but we at BrenandSven.com are trying to bring some solidarity to what seems to be an unsure world of moto-journalism. So here it is folks, the 2010 BS Motorcycle of the Year awards (and this MOTY is void bull $*!%).

So this is how the BS-MOTY works. 6 categories: Superbike, Sportbike, Standard/Naked, Touring, Adventure, and Cruiser. Each category has one and only one winner and runner up. Wow, could it be any simpler? Cut and dry categories, and no one off categories to make sure all the newest and most expensive bikes get recognition (don’t think we aren’t aware of the game you magazines are playing).

2010 BS-MOTY Touring Bike: Ducati Multistrada S

So Ducati decided to go bold when they revamped its beloved Multistrada. Instead of tweaking a few things, Ducati started from scratch developing a big more powerful sport tourer/ “Adventure bike”. I put the label adventure bike in quotations for a reason, we at Bren and Sven laboratories feel that the Ducati Multistrada 1200 S fell well below the standard. But that’s OK, not all bikes can be as great as a GS (and now twist the dagger). The Multistrada did however turned out to be an exceptional touring bike, and for that it excels.

The ever famous 1198 cc L-Twin Desmo engine cranks out 150 bhp and 87.5 ft/lbs, giving it plenty of that fabled Ducati torque. The big feature of the Multistrada is its ability to change performance specs on the fly. With 4 different modes to choose from, the Multistrada can be tuned for Sport, Urban, Touring, and Enduro applications. Each option alters the engine mapping, electronically adjusts suspension settings, and tunes the D-TC (Ducati- Traction Control) to suit the needs.

A base edition Multistrada will start you at $14,995, but for $19,995 you can get all the touring bells and whistles which make this Ducati the best touring bike for 2010.

2010 BS-MOTY Touring Bike Runner-up: BMW R 1200RT

Aside from making a monstrosity of a superbike and a motorcycle that is built to conqueror the great outdoors, BMW also knows how to make touring bikes. What can’t those deutschers make? It’s no surprise that the BMW R 1200RT is an ideal bike for those long winded trips across the highways and biways. That is the reason that the BMW R 1200 RT is becoming a standard for law enforcement motorcycles in the US.

The R 1200 RT boasts a 1170 cc flat twin “Boxer” engine that is rated for 110 bhp and torques out 88ft/lbs. So aside from the relaxing feel of the Beemer, its got plenty of pick up if you plan on pursuing any one (not that we recommend it). Ergonomics is key to any touring machine, and with BMW’s ever popular low seat customization and option low suspension packages a rider of any shape or size could fit the saddle of the R 1200RT without incident.

Like any good tourer, gizmos and features that make the ride more relaxing is ideal. BMW doesn’t disappoint with a wide range of options and add-ons. Heated grips, on board computer, heated seats, cruise control, option CD player/radio, and Electronic Suspension Adjustment (ESA). Just to name a few. But a fair warning, BMW options come at BMW prices.

A bone stock, but still respectable BMW R 1200RT will start you at $17,000 but surely skyrockets as you add on more creature comforts. But who cares? It’s a sweet Beemer.

Check out the remaining awards for the 2010 BS-MOTY

Superbike /// Sportbike /// Standard-Naked /// Touring /// Adventure /// Cruiser

And He said to man, “I give you barley, hops, wheat, and yeast, go forth and brew”, so we went forth.

As two novices tread a well worn path, recounting the details of this initial journey would honestly be of little interest and would add to the endless sea of brewing information already available on the web. Also given that this was our first time we concede that we are by no means an authority on home brewing, so if you are looking for some excellent instructions on how to home brew then look a little further on your google search. Now if you would like to see some cool pictures of two novices having some home brew fun and read some witty commentary and insight, then hunker down because you have arrived.

There is a certain duality to brewing beer. We quickly learned that to make a good beer, which we feel we did, you must blend the worlds of art and science. Beer is a concoction of intoxicating chemicals who’s method of production spans the technological spectrum from naturally fermented artisan Lambics to mass produced, highly filtered pilsners. We would like to think our beer is some where in the middle. Granted we did use yeast that came in a vile (but if we opened out windows to let the natural Los Angeles air ferment our beer we would have to contact the CDC) and our hops came in little “rabbit food” pellets, but the experience of brewing with a few close friends, watching your bubbly baby grow over several weeks, and tasting your first home made beer is something so primal that it strips away the plastic veneer of our modern world and brings you to the fulfilling realization that, hey I brewed this at home in my laundry room and it hasn’t killed me yet… awesome!

"Ummm... soo all this makes beer?"

An artist has a paintbrush, a musician has an guitar, we have a bunch of miss matched pots!

"Double, double toil and trouble; Fire burn and cauldron bubble."

Bren shaking his money maker... and keep it clean!

Got to keep that yeast happy! Oh and in case you noticed, yes we are skipping the pictures of our primary fermenter... it's a plastic bucket, not that interesting.

It's a big yellow foamy carboy of yummy!

This is why dweeby white guys should not be allowed in the kitchen!

Our Bren and Sven beer army waiting for their fill!

Sven loading his eight shooter!

It's just soo beautifull, row after row of full beer bottles!

It's bath time. The final fermentation period before we get to enjoy the fruits of our labor!

All done and ready for for drinking!

Well there you have it. From bucket to bottle, our first beer brewing experience was a great one, and in case you wanted to know, the beer was freaking awesome! This is just the beginning, so please stick with us and watch our fermenting follies and victories as we amble aimlessly down this brewing path.

Live the journey- Bren

OK, so a while back I gave a little spiel about how there seems to be an awful lot of contradictory MOTY awards given by various motorcycling publications. Well if you want to call this adding fuel to the fire, so be it, but we at BrenandSven.com are trying to bring some solidarity to what seems to be an unsure world of moto-journalism. So here it is folks, the 2010 BS Motorcycle of the Year awards (and this MOTY is void bull $*!%).

So this is how the BS-MOTY works. 6 categories: Superbike, Sportbike, Standard/Naked, Touring, Adventure, and Cruiser. Each category has one and only one winner and runner up. Wow, could it be any simpler? Cut and dry categories, and no one off categories to make sure all the newest and most expensive bikes get recognition (don’t think we aren’t aware of the game you magazines are playing).

2010 BS-MOTY Adventure Bike: BMW R1200GS

Lets face it, if you want to conquer the world and the highway, it is best to do it on a BMW R1200GS. For 30 years, the BMW GS series has traversed the world in places no motorcycle should go. Oddly enough, this big winner didn’t do a whole lot to put it in the #1 spot. Sure there was some upgrades to increase power output from the big boxer engine, like DOHC, and upping the max output to 8500 rpm. The R1200GS also features an electronic adjustable suspension which can be switched on the fly for on an off road uses.

The BMW R1200GS starts at $14,950 stock, but can well soar over $18,000 if you opt for the bigger and far badder R1200GS Adventure Edition. The Adventure model is heavier, but also has a monstrous 8.7 gallon tank for those mad dashes across countries and deserts.

2010 BS-MOTY Adventure Bike Runner-up: KTM 990 Adventure R

Well the name says it all, Adventure. Coupled with KTM’s reputation for building some crazy dirtbikes, the KTM 990 Adventure R has proven itself worthy of being more than capable of venturing off the tarmac. The 999cc V-Twin (71°) cranks out 96 bhp and 73 ft/lbs, more than enough oomph to get the job done for what ever the trail might throw at you.

Despite its rather cumbersome weight (490 lbs dry), the 990 Adventure R feels so nimble and light. It handles almost like a dritbike, making a supreme enduro bike. Not to mention that it does have the odd, unappealing enduro design, but it is all practical. The suspension is pristine for off road performance, offering 10.5 inches of travel for both front and rear end, and is coupled with a full Brembo brake system.

If your looking to conquer the world or try your hand at the Dakar Rally with a KTM, the 990 Adventure R is ready out the box starting at $14,998.

Check out the remaining awards for the 2010 BS-MOTY

Superbike /// Sportbike /// Standard-Naked /// Touring /// Adventure /// Cruiser