What’s that hump on your back?
I was over at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway Hall of Fame Museum offices last week to pick up some forms for the new Indiana special-recognition Hall of Fame Museum motorcycle license plates. I figured if I was going to get special plates for the bikes, I might as well support the folks out on West 16th Street with the group fees.
After Greta took care of all the paperwork, her curiosity got the best of her and she had to ask what the hump was on the back of my leathers. Oh, yes, I do suit up with all the protective gear whenever I’m on two wheels as I was this day. After she had broken the ice, several other gals in the office also added their inquiry about “the hump,” to Greta’s curiosity.
In past editions of “The Experience,” I’ve shared with you my position on always wearing the right riding gear whenever I swing a leg over a motorcycle seat. Yes, I do get a lot of curious looks, but it’s also amazing how many people appreciate the purpose of the right gear. Remember my soap box?
Well, Greta’s inquiry about “the hump” on the back of my leathers is probably the most asked question I get from people.
In just over two weeks, the Red Bull Indianapolis GP will be making its debut at the Brickyard. For only the second time in 100 years, motorcycles will be laying down rubber across that Yard of Bricks on the new GP course at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway.
Rider equipment has changed significantly over the past 100 years. Back in 1909, rider safety gear consisted of a leather jacket, leather pants, gloves, lace-up boots and a leather “helmet” with goggles. At 80 mph, even the thought of bailing off must have been pretty painful.
The advancements in motorcycle technology have been equally matched in rider safety equipment. A bail-off at 150 mph speeds or more with today’s protective gear usually results in not much more than a few bumps and bruises. Today’s leather road race suits are chock full of protective padding, armor, ventilation, hydration and aerodynamics. Several manufacturers are even working to integrate airbag technology into the suits to protect today’s racers.
So then, what is that “hump” on the back of my riding suit that so many people ask about?
The “hump” actually serves several purposes. First and foremost, it provides a lot of upper spine protection to the rider in the event of a fall. It also limits how far the rider’s helmeted head can snap back in a tumble. From a performance standpoint, the “hump” acts as an extension of the rider’s helmet to smooth out the airflow over his back, reducing air drag and helmet buffeting. A more recent innovation has added a water bladder inside the hump with a sipper tube for rider hydration during endurance events. 1993 500cc World Champion Kevin Schwantz talks about rider gear in his “MotoGP 101” video from the MotoGP test this July at the Brickyard. Kevin also addresses a question from the press group about the “hump.”
Greta, I hope this answers your question about the “hump,” and I look forward to seeing you all next week at redbullindianapolisgp.com.
Greg
Will spring ever come?
Being a motorcyclist this time of year in central Indiana can be a very frustrating experience. It has been three or four months of snow, sleet, rain, bone-chilling weather and short, sunless days. When March rolls around with April just around the corner, the glimmer of spring is in the air, and the siren song of two wheels begins to tempt the senses for the first ride of a new season.
One of the rituals of the impending new season is the annual Dealer News Powersports Expo at the Indiana Convention Center in Indianapolis. This is one of the largest gatherings of all things motorcycles in North America. If you are lucky enough to get an entry pass to this powersports dealer-only industry event, there are treats to tempt every facet of the motorcyclist experience.
Last week I shared with you my experience visiting the Hayden family compound in Owensboro, Ky., to pick up Nicky’s 2006 MotoGP championship-winning motorcycle. This very special machine spent the following weekend in the Indianapolis Motor Speedway’s exhibit at the Dealer News Powersports Expo, along with a KTM 125 GP bike from the Red Bull AMA U.S. Rookies Cup and a very special Indian from the IMS historic vehicle collection. Motorsports legend Army Armstrong shared some of his life experiences with up-and-coming Red Bull Rookie rider Jacob Cunningham while visiting the exhibit.
This event provided a great forum to share the plans for the September 2008 Red Bull Indianapolis GP with North American motorcycle and powersports dealers. Over the course of three days, thousands of Expo guests visited and experienced the IMS and Red Bull plans for this very special event kicking off the 
celebration of 100 years of racing in Speedway, Ind. One of the more notable motorcycle racing legends to visit the exhibit was 1993 World Champion Kevin Schwantz.
Now if only the spring weather would make its way to Indianapolis with some 50-degree-plus days, I will finally be able to get out of my four-wheel cage and back to the ride.
See you all next week on redbullindianapolisgp.com
Greg