How it all got started

Many of us motorcyclists got into the hobby because we were born into it. Many of us got into it because we were denied bikes at one point. Brandon falls into the the latter camp. The rules in his house growing up were clear, “No motorcycles. No Tattoos.” As a college student, owning a motorcycle was a far off dream. Oddly, people would even tell him he looked like a rider though neither of us are exactly certain why that is. Regardless, Brandon obliged his parents wishes through school and those of his wife early into their marriage. But he still wanted that motorcycle. At this point, there’s a few directions these stories tend to go; 1) keep motorcycling as an eternal unrealized dream, 2) just go out and buy a motorcycle, damn the personal consequences, or 3) form a plan and get buy in. Fortunately for Brandon and his marriage, he chose the third path—the smart path. He got buy in from the missus and went full throttle from there. Immediately after taking a class from Motorcycle Safety Foundation, he got his license and started bike shopping. One week later, he was a bonafide motorcyclist, having purchased a 2009 Yamaha FZ6R.

One of the greatest things about motorcycles is how easy it is to make them your own. Brandon soon discovered this as well, equipping his FZ with clip-ons and a full exhaust. The adventures were small to begin with, sticking with grocery runs and sprints up the back roads of Castro Valley, as he built up his skill and confidence as a rider. With his experienced FZ07-riding uncle Lance to help guide him, Brandon was on a quest to learn about technique, frequently soliciting feedback on his riding.

2009 Yamaha FZ6R in blue — Brandon Lee’s first bike, a 2009 Yamaha FZ6R

Time to Upgrade

Like any good uncle, Lance goaded Brandon into an upgrade shortly thereafter. When he randomly showed up with a 2018 Triumph Street Triple, Brandon knew he needed to keep pace. It wasn’t long before he found a Street Triple of his own, a red 2016 model. With 60% more power at the twist of the throttle, an increase in discretion is certainly advisable. Brandon quickly learned that the Street Triple was more than willing to lift the front tire if coaxed. As he did with the FZ6R, he quickly started modifying it, this time with carbon bits throughout and a quickshifter, Brandon was looking forward to getting on track. Unfortunately, after only two years of ownership, his Street Triple was…shall we say, liberated. Receiving a call from a coworker, he rushed down to the spot where his bike was parked only to find it gone. Someone had simply walked into the parking garage, broke the steering lock, and pushed it away. The bike was later recovered and Brandon made a decision he would later regret: inspecting the remains. He described the heartbreak of seeing his beloved bike mangled throughout, the likely result of a brief joyride gone awry. He decided he could no longer go back to the Street Triple formula—a replacement would never be the same.

2016 Triumph Speed Triple red — An upgrade to a 2016 Triumph Speed Triple

Making it His

Like any true motorcyclist, Brandon didn’t let this hold him back for long, within a month he found his current bike, a used (and nicely modified) 2019 Triumph Speed Twin in Silver Ice. Though he appreciated the café style, he didn’t think it would be for him until he test rode the bike and fell in love with it. Turning the tables, Brandon called up Lance and asked if he would check out a bike with him. Of course, he showed up with his brand new purchase. They soon began pouring over the modifications that had been made: a Motodemic LED headlight, bar end mirrors, aftermarket Triumph levers and sump guard, Power Commander V, full Arrow exhaust system, and beautiful tubeless wire spoked wheels from Canyon Motorcycles. The wide rear rim allows fitment of a 180 width tire, up from the stock bike’s 160. Brandon wasn’t through with the modifications, not by a long shot. It still needed to match his vision for what it could be. He has added parts from brands around the world including Rizoma (Italy), BAAK (France), and Thorton Hundred (UK). Rounding out the modifications are some pipe wrap and discrete LED turn signals.

Brandon is far from the only one to sing the praises of the Speed Twin. Motorcycle.com named it the Best Standard Motorcycle of 2019 and for many of the same reasons Brandon appreciates. The 1200’s mesa-flat torque curve makes riding around town effortless, and its 96hp let you pass with ease. On group rides he’s confident setting the pace, but just as comfortable riding sweeper at the back. As with any naked bike, freeway riding is never going to be its strong suit. It is what it is and it is definitely a beauty.

2019 triumph speed twin silver ice — Brandon’s tastefully modified 2019 Triumph Speed Twin 1200

Personal Style

You can tell that Brandon is really into the apparel side of riding as well. He has searched far and wide and picked up some very nice pieces along the way. Never one to sacrifice safety, Brandon always rides with full yet discrete protection. Starting from the top, he has the staple of affordable cafe helmets, the Biltwell Gringo S. True to his style, he has had it custom painted in the style of the Bell Bullitt “Triple Threat” but with colors matched to his Speed Twin and a classic Triumph script logo graphic in back, under the clear coat.

His favorite jacket is an all leather, 3DO-armored Richa Memphis (style discontinued) in light brown which over time has acquired an ideal patina though he’s not so sure he wants to keep all of it. With a chuckle, Brandon tells me, “People tell me its got a great patina; its got oil stains, gas stains, ketchup stains, whatever.” His proportions are not average, being on the stocky, muscular end of the spectrum. He’s tried a lot of other European brands, but for his build, Richa fit the bill. As is his tendency, when Brandon finds something that works, he doubles down. He even bought another Memphis, this time in a darker brown as his backup. If you live in a warmer climate be advised, although well built and attractive, the Memphis has no provisions for ventilation, making it more of a two-season jacket, depending on your particular climate.

Brandon likes the fit and features of his Reax Tasker gloves—again so much he bought two pair. Their unobtrusive knuckle protection and minimalist style are favorite features. Being partially perforated also helps on those hot California summer rides. Coming in either black or brown, they are nice looking, quality gloves at a midrange price point.

Normally he will ride in Bull-It jeans as he has for years, but during our interview, he was wearing some new Pando Moto jeans he has been impressed with. Its angled cargo pockets allow ready access to necessities like credit cards for refueling stops. Cleverly located at the leading edge of the cargo pocket panels is a nearly invisible zipper that provides excellent airflow according to Brandon. For him, sizing seemed to run a bit large in both waist and length.

Stylmartin Ace boots are his choice of footwear. A bit of heel height gives him confidence to nearly flat foot his Triumph, but the key feature for Brandon is the side zipper. As he rightly points out, gearing up for a ride is time consuming and cumbersome. Anything that can be done to simplify the process means more time riding. That is where the zipper, located on the medial side of the boots comes in. While the laces provide the snug custom fit riders need, the zipper allows you to “set it and forget it” as they say. Slide your feet in and with a zip-zip you’re ready to ride.