The SR 500 was designed by Atsushi Ishiyama. He says: “Our choice was to design the new SR 500 with a strong family image and a strong link to our first four stroke, the XS 650 twin, which was also inspired by British design at first.” The SR 500 was going to become a legend as one of most reliable and easy-to-maintain motorcycles ever built. Full details on Wikipedia

To follow is a bit of a rant, but seeing as I’ve learnt so much on the route to buying this bike I thought it’d be valuable to share.

My love of two wheels has taken many forms, but in the motorised department it was firstly a Gilera Runner (which was stripped of all parts and then stolen a week later, I did live in Peckham London at the time) and then a rather battered Vespa T5… (which I still have, alas in the UK). Anyhow the return to two wheels is inspired by the realities and expense of running two cars (my wife’s and mine), inefficient public transport, lack of parking + expense of parking if you resort to a lockup in town (which I do). Sure I can cycle, and I have in the past, but carrying laptops and change of clothes and whatnot… it’s not that convenient.

On top of my ‘justification’ and ‘rationale’ is the ‘rebirth’ of the cafe racers lead by the smart people at Deus Ex Machina… and beneath a lot of those amazing bikes is generally a SR400/500.

I came to the conclusion all I needed was the base bike and then the modifications can happen over time. Deus mainly imports SR400, Yamaha stopped production in 2008, so they’re almost new – not that it matters as the bike’s haven’t really changed since 1978. You’ll pay around $9k + ORC and they have good financing. I couldn’t afford that… I’m supposed to be saving money with the bike… not spending the same as a car. Plus there are lots of additional costs that you need to factor, locks, helmet, clothing and gloves… it all adds up and I don’t want to break the bank.

There had to be another way. So the search began, literally, I ran a dedicated search on eBay, Google BlogSearch and captured the RSS feeds on Reader. When appropriate I tagged site url’s ‘caferacers’ on Delicious.

Anyhow I happened upon a GB400 TT (Tourist Trophy) on eBay (example pic below). It turns out the TT (which also comes in 500/400cc also) was a tribute to Honda’s consistent wins at the Isle of Man TT races. The great British bikes like Norton, Triumph and BSA inspire its design. I thought the bike looked great, as it was… polish it up and you’re good to go… anyway the seller was Scotts Motorcycles and this is where I found gold.

Side note: Japan has some regulation that requires bikes to be 400cc. Hence the 500/400, but the thing to remember with the Yamaha or the Honda – it is the same bike – same build and everything just the engine has been bored to 400.

Turns out Scotts import more than just GB’s they also source 80’s SR’s and other gems from Japan. After much deliberation between the Honda GB400/500 and the Yamaha SR400/500 I finally settled on the SR. The reason being the SR’s have been modified for years in Japan and there is so much choice when it comes to custom parts, Deus stock a lot of parts… but I also found Vanem who stock everything from alternative seats to styled indicators and dials – check out Kedo and eBay to.

The shots included in this post show my bike fresh out the cargo container from Japan. It now needs to be registered, cleaned and polished, new tires, engine service etc. So I’m expecting delivery at the end of the month. The guys at Scotts have been a great help, especially with my constant questions… many thanks to Luke and a shout to Nikki and Tim who I met properly on the weekend.

My SR is around $6,500 as it stands, but once the on-road service and registration is done it’ll be around $7,500. For me it works out better than Deus, it’s an older bike, but I’ve managed to get the original 500 version… which means it will hold its value. It’s still a substantial investment but today it looks pretty cool as it is… but overtime I can tweak it to perform better and look how I want.

Sites of note: I found these gems along the way Pipeburn for photos and all things cafe racer, Bike Exif for more of the same, Wrenchmonkees Copenhagen based garage putting out some amazing bikes.

One day, it may even look like this…

I got Wed. Yes indeedy… Rachael and I are now one, well two/three, there’s Kiko too.

Anyhow we’re yet to sort the wedding photos, but here’s a view of the honeymoon. Two and a half weeks exploring Italy… we loved it. Now we’re back, doing our best not to burst the bubble.

The clip got me thinking. Story writing comes to life through a variety of mediums. A book, allows you to get inside the head of the characters, get direct access to their internal thoughts. TV, stories can be told through interpersonal relationships. And film, due to its longer format and cinematic delivery, often explores the human condition and delves into bigger questions. Of course there are many types of books, TV shows and films that break these rules – but ultimately this is what the mediums afford the writer to get their story across.

An interactive/digital narrative remains un-defined in how to lead a user through a story or stories. Often ego-driven, whereas I the user am in control, but can the talents of writers and directors come to life in these new channels?

In the internet only ‘Where are the Joneses’, the 2007 interactive comedy, is still the only example I can think of that tries a new method of story creation, where viewers/users help create and steer the story from a simple idea. The traditional role of a writer, as storyteller, is removed and the idea of them as ‘nurturer’ and ‘guide’ directs the story writing via forums and wiki’s.

The TV series LOST deployed cross-channel narratives. The ARG allowing fans to delve deeper, yet the primary story still lives out in the episode-by-episode format. The Dark Knight, Cloverfield etc. have all deployed ARG’s to create hype around launch and expectation. But it doesn’t actually become the story – it remains peripheral content that draws you to the primary storytelling medium.

The above-mentioned film and TV examples are for a certain type of audience – one that wants to delve deeper, to crack the code, unveil the clue and so forth. Perhaps its mobile, in the context of the shared clip, that provides us with a real opportunity to create a new type of storytelling?

Jen talks about screens, the 1st Cinema, 2nd TV, 3rd Computer and the 4th Mobile. Each screen providing the user a different experience, the first and second, sit back – the third, lean forward – and the fourth, mobile, a truly personal experience. However, does it mean we have to stay within the screen?

In the last few days IBM and OgilvyOne London launched an Android app for Wimbledon 2009. Amongst other things the app allows visitors to Wimbledon to get information on everything in their proximity. Simply point the phone and the onboard GPS, compass and camera identifies what you’re looking at. Superimposing the scores from centre court, restaurant and other location information on its screen. [see it in action here]

Forget tennis for a minute and observe how that environment is bringing a deeper experience. In the case of storytelling the environment could set the scene – and then the user explores the space to bring in pieces of the story – choosing a narrative path.

Augmented reality activated by environment throws up a world of possibility. Imagine pointing your device at the wall, you see characters whispering – the floor, a body lies motionless – you then search the rest of the space for the story. Every room, building and environment now has the opportunity to truly share its story – or one that we wish to bring to a space.

Writers and directors should be ablaze with ideas at the possibilities ‘augmented storytelling’ throws up. Whereas for me and the rest of the digital marketing world let us see how clients can fund these experiments so we can push this new and exciting space.

More…
35 augmented reality examples on Bannerblog

Right now you can watch the trailer, view an eight minute featurette on the making of Lucky Country (worth the time if you have it), you can get to know the characters and the actors. In the not so distant future expect blog posts from Kriv Stenders (the director), Andy Cox (the writer) and members of the cast and crew. We’ve an abundance of behind the scenes footage that will be shared also – so if you’re into film (and in particular westerns set in 1902 Australia) – get the lowdown on this one.

Watch this short film (10mins) in HD. It’s with great pleasure that I finally share Rachael’s film ‘feeling_lonely?’ which she wrote and directed.

feeling_lonely? : Rob is “the man who has everything” (and everyone). But when 45-y-o ‘Mother Manchester’ catches his eye online, he gets more action than he bargained for.

I’ve been fighting with Vimeo to get the clip to display correctly (16:9 rather than 4:3) – note to Quicktime Pro users: click options in export and choose the dimensions you wish (1280×720 HD in this case) then select ‘Deinterlace Source Video’. When Vimeo receives the file it maintains the aspect ratio.

I’m sharing my photos not the location. A piece of heaven in the countryside. Wood burning stove, my lovely lady, uninterrupted views, dancing birds and chilled out baby cows. Keep it special – don’t go there.

The gate

Moon tree

I kayak on the harbour a few times a week. Love the way the morning light magnifies the colour on the kayaks.

Kayak shed

Rachael gave me a Nikon D90 as an engagement present (which rocks). Two shots from a stroll to Bronte and back.

Bronte swimmers

Tamarama bodies

Tyson’s timing couldn’t be better – I’ve just come back from lunch at Google where I saw a demo of the gPhone – in particular seeing how the camera, Google Maps, and wiki content can be integrated as the user aims the phones camera at different buildings. The possibilities are very apparent.

…and from another ‘video finding video’ search, I re-found:

Prometeus: The Media Revolution
I’m sure this is on my blog somewhere already, but good to get it on the list. In the way that Googlezon is the view of a possible future – so is this – in the year 2027

Perhaps a bit geeky, but essential in getting the back story, the animation “History of the internet” describes how the internet evolved from 1957 – 2009.

Copyright, who better to explain the importance of Creative Commons – than CC themselves.

One clip lead to the other on PICOL blog

Last year I started teaching the ADMA Digital Certificate in Marketing thanks to an introduction from Mike at Profero.

14 Tuesday nights later, great guest speakers, the marking of 28 exams and presentations – I’m doing it all again.

As you can imagine keeping the course up-to-date is a challenge in its own right. So we’re currently reviewing and updating the content. Seeing as I have an audience of digerati [and my Mum] I felt that you might be able to help. We try to use ‘rich media’ wherever possible, videos, online demo’s, case-studies etc.

To follow is a collection of videos that help explain the opportunity of digital. We’ve shown some before and there’s others that I’ll definitely consider for this semester – but I want to make sure I’m not missing some gems? – all help much appreciated!

ps. any prospective guest speakers out there (search, mobile, usability, email, creative, analytics, databases, social etc.) ? raise your hand!

1. Googlezon, Epic 2015
I believe this dates back to 2004. A view of the future that’s already ahead of time.

2. Did you know?
Jen Wilson sent this round yesterday. Great summation of our insignificance in the emerging world and the significance of embracing new ways now. Certainly gets you pumped for action.

3. The break up
Its and old one, but a classic. Spells out the fact that the consumer has changed.

4. Inspiration, anyone? (the sequel to ‘The Break Up’)
If you work in an ad agency – surely you can relate to this. BIGGER LOGO

5. A short history of marketing
Only recently found this. From the early days of advertising to the sensory overload of today. This animation spells out exactly why marketing has to change.

6. The machine is us/ing
Probably the best explanation of Web 2.0 there is.

7. An anthropological introduction to YouTube
Its almost an hour long but worth the time if you have it.

8. The marketing of Radiohead
Ian Tait put this together. I like it because it shows how he reconsiders Radiohead [who's music he didn't like] based on the way they approached the launch of In Rainbows and the subsequent marketing of the band since they’ve left their record label.

Julian just directed me to this great video on the Single Origin coffee shop in Surry Hills, by Scott Drummond (Scott, if there’s a better link, shout and I’ll change).

This little coffee shop is where I start my working day – everyday. Not only does the coffee get me going… but the energy of Gav, Nick, Carly and the others is infectious and sets you up for anything.

In late 2006, whilst at Host, I had the fun task of working on SingleOrigin.com.au… the site is brought to life with a hand drawn bean stalk that grows from a cup of coffee – and acts as the primary navigation. The site went live back in February 2007 and is still looking good. Mind you I think its time for an upgrade, at least for inclusions of content such as Scott’s video and other spontaneous expressions of Single Origin love…

Graffiti that miraculously appeared prior to the refurbishment over the holidays…

The Gav tribute shirt, modeled by Scott himself…

Note: Single Origin re-opens on Monday, 19th January. So I’ll see you there for smiles and yet more shenanigans in 2009.

I kayaked from Rose Bay to Watsons Bay on Sunday. On the return journey we were approached by this beast… “WTF is that?” my friend and I announced. Batman’s boat it is not… it turns out this is the super boat used for Earthrace.

In June 2008, the amazing Earthrace vessel set a new world record for a powerboat to circle the globe, and she did this with 100% renewable biodiesel fuel, and a net zero carbon footprint. The voyage was over 24,000 nautical miles, and took 60 days, 23 hours and 49 minutes, smashing the old record by over two weeks.

Wow… well done to the designers, crew, backers and everyone involved.

Well I must say it has one hell of a presence when you’re sat in a plastic kayak with only a paddle to get you out of there. The boat is spending time in AU educating people on the pro’s of bio-fuels and the importance of reducing our individual carbon footprint.

Rach thought I was joking at first, but once convinced, a flurry of emotions caused a small tidal wave upon the shores of Lake Birrabeen.

Can’t tell you how happy we are. Will share a pic or two once I’ve sorted them.

The story, which we wrote together, was born from our combined love of Mad Men and initial investigation I’d made into the Twitter channel that compliments the show (I first wrote about it here). It was great to take something from this blog and grow it to an article for the mag, we even managed to get a few words from January Jones on the topic of her character, Betty Draper, coming to life on Twitter via fans.

The Lives of Others
Well-written characters leave viewers wanting more. And whilst the clever social media strategies behind AMC and Lionsgate hit Mad Men are giving them just that, even they can’t keep up with the user-generated fervour, as Ben Cooper and Rachael Turk discover.

Hit US series Mad Men has created a stir within the sanctioned space of television – both within the show itself and its extended TV life in the likes of the skit ‘Don Draper’s Guide to Picking Up Women’ (viewable in US only) that aired on Saturday Night Live in late October. But online is another world again. All the main characters of the series – Don Draper, Joan, Paul, Pete, Peggy and Sal – exist in the world of social media, short-message service Twitter. On this platform, characters interact and converse in character, with one another and with direct messages from other users. This both extends the story and builds the audience.

The use of Twitter is not in itself new: in online promotion of its series Drive, Fox last year created a Twitterer out of actor Nathan Fillion (Desperate Housewives) – except that it was, in fact, director Greg Yaitanes making the posts, using a Drive publicity photo of Fillion as an avatar. The Wall Street Journal has reported that NBC, CBS, ABC Family and MTV are among several networks playing with the marketing possibilities of Twitter.

Mad Men took a more proactive approach. When a user “tweets” about the series, he might be surprised to find Betty Draper suddenly following him on the platform [though he’s not the only one: she’s following over 6,000 8,540 people with almost as many following her, and has written almost 1,500 updates]. Though being proactive on Twitter isn’t hard – by using Twitter Search to query keywords about a particular topic or subject, the conversations and authors can be easily identified. Mad Men targeted individuals in advertising and marketing and instances of the show being mentioned to build intrigue and engagement.

One blogger, mediaphyter, criticises the fact that Man Men Twitter profiles link directly to the show website of cable network AMC TV instead of continuing the alter reality by going to a Sterling Cooper agency website. However, in our case, the Betty Draper who is currently following does have a LinkedIn profile – confused?

The reason for this becomes apparent when, a day after the first contact is made by the online Betty Draper, another Betty Draper starts following. The first was, in fact, an imposter, a clone. Some users – in their enthusiasm for the show have created their own (and in this case, quicker and more comprehensive) profiles, so much so that they’re doing a better job than the AMC marketing initiative. At last count there were over 75 dedicated profiles acting out and talking about Mad Men. Thus unfolds a parallel, white picket-fence universe. Not to mention a lot of free advertising. It is, at the same time, a relinquishing of control. AMC didn’t take to kindly to Mad Men clones and took the legal high ground, requesting that Twitter remove the profiles. As might be imagined, the web went into a not unwarranted frenzy. Yet within a matter of days it seems that AMC relaxed its stance and the profiles were reactivated.

It’s understandable that AMC wanted to protect the shows assets but by stepping into a social media channel such as Twitter they were naïve to expect the community to abide by their rules. AMC’s online character extensions were smart, even if they didn’t realise it, in the sense that they were so well thought through that, in order to be convincing, clones needed to behave equally as well. The creators of Mad Men bravely stepped into a community of frenzied conversation, stumbled a bit, but ultimately helped enhance the integrity of their characters in a parallel yet complimentary new channel.

Whether you “get” Twitter or not, what matters is that people are talking – about you, your work or something that relates to it. And by taking the time to listen you may find you have something to contribute. As for the “real” Betty Draper, lead actor January Jones says,

“I don’t find out what Betty does until I receive the script a day or two before each shoot, so if someone’s out there planning her day without me maybe they can share their wisdom!”

Of course the whole concept is anachronistic – the series being set in the ‘60s – but the very current desire of fans to interact with these superbly written characters and exist in their world allows the series creators this licence. And if Betty Draper had Twitter back then, we can imagine she and her friends might well have been using it instead of walking to the back fence.

And Pete Campbell would almost certainly have a LinkedIn profile.