Pricing isn't too bad for the F3 considering all the electronics on it.

http://www.asphaltandrubber.com/bikes/2012-mv-agusta-brutale-675/#more-26155

http://www.asphaltandrubber.com/news/mv-agusta-f3-675-price-msrp/#more-26111

Here is the Fiat 500 Abarth edition

http://automotive.speedtv.com/article/autos-abarth-heats-up-fiat-500

To be honest, you were following too close. At about 4 seconds there is a sign on the right showing the upcoming curve. I could barely count "one thousand one" from the point of where the rider ahead of you passed it to where you passed it. At the indicated speeds you were running, you were too close and ran out of room to maneuver. Also looked like you might have target fixated on something, not sure what because I couldn't see the angle of your head.

The weather was just about perfect. When we left Knoxville in the mornings it was in the 80's with some humidity but as soon as we got into the hills and forests it cools off into the 70's. We did get rained out 2 days though. Light traffic on most of the roads made for good riding. The only law enforcement we saw was on the Tail of the Dragon, and that was only a couple of times.

Translation from the gpone website:
45 minutes of resuscitation desperate to save Marco Simoncelli, scanned by the immobility of the blades of the helicopter standing outside the medical center. The eyes are fixed, a movement of the blades would mean that there is still hope that Mark can do it. All the Italian press, along with other insiders, wait. In the eyes are still images of the terrible accident, Edwards' bike that impacted the body of Sic on the ground. And that of Rossi, who desperately tried to avoid it.

His entire team is crowded around, anxious of news that they are awakening from a bad nightmare, but the mind inevitably goes to the past, the bloody weekend in Suzuka Eight years ago, when he was leaving Daijiro Kato. The looks are low, whispered words with difficulty, with a mixture of respect and fear. Fear that comes, confirmation of what is feared most, that Mark is no longer there.

The whole paddock breathed in unison, while the steps they take are nervous and their hands begin to tremble. Every person who leaves the building turns white where Marco is fighting against death, is being greeted with a mixture of hope and fear. A nod startles, talk about the first of the doctors who are trying to revive him, a desperate attempt. But there is still a possibility and we all cling, the helmet that may have cushioned the blow to his head, however, as happened to others, perhaps there is no reason to worry.

Aldo Gandolfo, his press secretary, shakes his head in disbelief about what happened, unable to come to terms with it. At his side Charles Pernat, the manager of Mark, waiting along with reporters. The notebooks, cameras and microphones want one piece of news that can still do it.

Then all of a sudden that no one would ever wants to hear it is said, Mark is gone, the trauma to the neck was broken in a second of his life. His father Paul comes out of the medical center, his face is frozen and the paddock as it narrows into a hug. 45 minutes have passed since Simoncelli had entered, doctors have attempted the impossible, but this time the miracle was not successful.

Silence fell, broken only by the cries and everybody finds himself alone with his thoughts, his memories, his images of Sic. The official announcement reached the ears like an annoying hissing sound, the time of death, 16:56, gave a cold and useless feeling, you can not change what destiny has decided. The paddock sinks in eerie silence, the noise from the pits of the mechanics who put the bikes in the crates arrive muffled.

The riders are in the office crying for their friend and rival, everyone, without exception, remember Mark with affection and sympathy. The mechanics are trying to stay focused on their work, a way of not thinking about the tragedy, the routine of trying to accept what can not be even thought of. Fausto Gresini remains in his garage with Sic's father, while friends and colleagues tightly wrap them, making them feel the affection and warmth, the only thing possible when words are not needed. Even Andrea Dovizioso arrived, to be close to the team and the family of his greatest opponent.

The evening falls on the Sepang circuit, the eyes are raised towards the sky, looking for a star with the number 58 engraved on it.

Little late in posting this, was in North Carolina for a week from Sept. 17th-24th. First time down there but went with some guys who have been going there every year for the last 10 years.

Unbelievable roads, just amazing how smooth the roads are there. No gravel kicked out in corners, no frost heaves, just billiard table smooth.

Here is a link to photos posted on facebook, this should be open to everyone.

https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.269477683075670.65769.100000403214960&l=031c0b5719&type=1

Here's a video on the tail of the dragon from a Gopro mounted on my KTM. Added some music to it as well. It was getting dark so we took it easy going through there.

Deals Gap 2011

Here are some of the routes we ran, wasn't all of them but some of the big ones. You have to ride Wayah road, 25 miles of the most challenging road you'll ever ride. Elevation changes, switchbacks, sweepers and just when you think you have the road figured out, it throws something new at you.

http://g.co/maps/wkuy6

This route went to Caesars Head state park in South Carolina. The view from the top is amazing, you can see for 100 miles. Its a 375 mile ride from Knoxville, but on the roads we were on its like doing 650 miles here.

http://g.co/maps/8xhw7

This route uses the Cherhola Skyway and goes by the whitewater rafting area they used during the Olympics based in Atlanta.

http://g.co/maps/srqqd

Not sure I even want to ride around here anymore. Went out a week after that and it was just plain boring.

I would like a late 70's, early 80's Honda CB750F Supersport, give it to him and let him go crazy.

My favorite ride was the week I spent in North Carolina two weeks ago riding for 7 days. Roads around here can't even begin to compare with what they have.