We have a new Associate Editor this month. Everyone, welcome Matt Ayhan to the world of Ultimate Motorcycling! This month, Matt reviews the new Alpinestars Tech-Air 5 Plasma airbag, and you’ll be seeing much more from him, as we’ve already sent him to Portimão in Portugal for some bike testing.
To give you an idea of who Matt is, I have a Q&A session with him for my Editor’s Letter this month. He was hired by President Arthur Coldwells, so I’m getting to know Matt along with you. I think you’ll like what you read.
Don Williams: When did you first become aware of motorcycles?
Matt Ayhan: When I was five years old, my father took me on a short ride on his friend’s BMW K 100. I remember it like yesterday. When we made our first turn and leaned with the motorcycle, it felt so amazing I didn’t want to get off!
DW: What first inspired you about motorcycles?
MA: My father, a motorcycle nut like me, would bring home motorcycle catalogs and magazines. I was completely hypnotized by them, memorizing every spec, line by line, and cutting the pictures to decorate my walls. It also didn’t help that ’90s Japanese bikes with those fuchsia, green, and purple colors were completely mesmerizing.
As a kid, all I wanted to know was, “How fast does it go?” Once I realized motorcycles could easily reach speeds of 180 mph, and yet I don’t have to part with any of my kidneys to be able to afford one, I was hooked!
DW: When did it seem possible you would ride a motorcycle?
MA: My mom didn’t mind motorcycles and trusted me after taking a couple of rides on the back as a passenger. She would rent Vespas for me when I was 14, just so I could cruise around town with my friends.
When I was 15, my dad bought a Yamaha Virago 535 but told me I could only ride it once I received my driver’s license. Those were the two longest years of my life—I kept going to the garage regularly to warm up the bike, dust it off, and even wax it every month.
The day I got my license, my dad sold his bike. I’m not joking. It was probably the biggest trauma of my life. He was being protective because the traffic in Turkey is extremely dangerous.
When I made the decision to move to the US for college, I purposely chose California for its year-round riding weather. My parents came with me to help me settle here, and right after they returned to Turkey, I sold the car they bought for me and purchased my first motorcycle—a 1998 Kawasaki Ninja ZX-9R. My dad didn’t speak to me for six months, but I still don’t regret it.
DW: What has been your favorite motorcycle?
MA: Oh, tough question. I’ll pick three: The ZX-9R for being my first bike ever, the 2005 Suzuki GSX-R1000 for the first bike I put my knee down at Willow Springs, and the 2008 Ducati 1098 for its exotic feeling and telepathic handling.
DW: Which motorcycles do you own currently?
MA: I have a 2024 Ducati Panigale V4R and a 2023 KTM 450 SMR Supermoto. I do need a street bike since I recently sold my Triumph Street Triple Moto2 edition. Any recommendations?
DW: What other jobs have you had in the motorcycle world?
MA: I’ve been coaching with Reg Pridmore’s CLASS School since 2018. When I first rode with them as a student, I came to a sudden realization that I lacked bike control and smooth riding. Between my time there as a student and a coach, I’ve learned a lot from Reg and the other coaches and grown significantly as a rider.
DW: Do you do your own motorcycle maintenance?
MA: Yes, I’m a certified level 2 YouTube mechanic! I do my own oil changes and can install exhausts, fender eliminators, etc. I haven’t tried any valve adjustments or engine rebuilds yet, and I’d rather not, to be honest.
DW: Do you follow any motorcycle racing?
MA: I’m a huge fan of intense rivalries—Schwantz vs. Rainey, Edwards vs. Bayliss, Mat Mladin vs. Ben Spies, Valentino vs. Biaggi, Gibernau, Stoner, and Lorenzo. In the past few years, I’ve been fortunate enough to watch [two-time World Superbike Champion] Toprak Razgatlıoğlu closely in person. We met at Laguna Seca and immediately hit it off, becoming good friends. Now, when I go to watch his races, he takes me into his box and paddock. However, my favorite place to be is by the Corner Marshals, watching the action up close. He is arguably the most entertaining rider of this era, and his rivalry with Rea, Bautista, and Bulega in the World Superbike series has been epic.
DW: How did you come to know Arthur?
MA: One of the fellow coaches from CLASS, Brett Frank, was having a chat with Arthur about an opening position at Ultimate Motorcycling. Brett texted me about it, and initially, I thought he was considering the position for himself. I was super jealous, but him being a great guy, I said “What are you thinking about?”
Once Brett clarified that I was his candidate, I couldn’t contain my excitement. I counted the days to introduce myself to Arthur. We met at the Rock Store that very Sunday, and I received a warm welcome from Arthur and [Associate Editor] Teejay [Adams].
For the last five years, I have been visiting Europe every chance I get and occasionally rode on a few tracks like Mugello and Autodromo Most, which made me daydream about a permanent move to Spain or Italy—an impossible dream, though, since my wife and daughter wouldn’t be ready for such a change.
Still, now I will be invited to ride the newest motorcycles overseas. This opportunity was the answer to my prayers to motorcycle gods— don’t stop believing and manifesting!
DW: What’s your favorite thing about motorcycles?
MA: It doesn’t matter what kind of day you’re having—once you put on your helmet and ride, nothing else matters. Motorcycles, tires, and riders are always evolving, making it an indefinite feature. We’ll never be stuck by any boundaries.
DW: Is there anything you don’t like about motorcycles?
MA: I don’t like breaking bones—shocker, huh? Small crashes are okay, though. I feel lucky to have learned from those mistakes.
DW: What interests do you have outside of motorcycles?
MA: Traveling with family. My wife and 5-year-old daughter both love road trips. I’m also a basketball (Lakers) and soccer (Galatasaray) fan.
Well, there you have it. After reading that, I’m sure you’ll be as excited to have Matt Ayhan on the Ultimate Motorcycling team as I am. Great job, Arthur!
