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BIKE ENVY The local motorcycle parts store always has a few interesting bikes parked out front at any given time. I happened to spot this gem while driving past the shop and decided to pull into the parking lot for a vending machine coffee and a closer look. It's not everyday you spot a vintage Katana in such good condition. Though I was never a fan of the design, examining a pristine example up close definitely started warming my heart. What was this tingling sensation? Heartburn from the deep fried pork cutlet I just ate? Perhaps. Or perhaps this was a case of unexpected BIKE ENVY! Hate it or love it, the first Suzuki Katana was an undeniable watershed moment for motorcycle design and arguably for industrial design in general. Prior to the Katana, most production motorcycles followed a fairly similar style brief and to the non-rider it might be difficult to tell a Honda from a BSA or a BMW - don't believe me, just google-image the phrase "1975 motorcycle" followed b...

When I'm a little hungry, I often rumble over to one of the many convenience stores in my corner of Kobe. Here, I can find cute miniaturized versions of my favorite confections, a tempting new fizzy drink or seasonal ice cream flavor. I didn't expect to stumble upon this gem of a miniature motorcycle at my local Lawson's , but I'm so glad I did. Just look at it. It is magical. It is glorious. A piece of crap? Yes, no doubt. Only in Japan? Of course. Someone's pride and joy? Absolutely. We measure bikes all wrong. Horsepower, torque, weight, dyno charts, lap times. However, If you measure a bike by the sheer delight it can illicit, then you cannot deny the allure of the clapped out, truck sticked mini-bike. Cheap enough to buy, maintain and crash on a any budget, and - this is key - cheap enough to ride like a horseman of the apocalypse. No number can quantify joy, so there is no use in looking at statistics. The charm of this bike truly lives in the details - so let...