American Motorcyclist December 2015 Street (preview version)
Photo Terry Clark
On Sept. 25-26, Ernée, France, hosted the 2015 FIM Motocross of Nations. The U.S. team of Cooper Webb (No. 9), Jeremy Martin and Justin Barcia battled valiantly against the best MXGP riders in the world, finishing second behind France. Next year’s race will be at the famed Maggiore, Italy, circuit—the stage for a spectacular U.S. victory in 1986.
NAVIGATION
STREET COVER Motorcyclists are some of the most charitable souls on Earth. Get an update on three AMA-chartered groups that keep giving on pages 20-22.
American Motorcyclist magazine (ISSN 0277-9358) is published monthly by the American Motorcyclist Association, 13515 Yarmouth Dr., Pickerington, OH 43147. Copyright by the American Motorcyclist Association/American Motorcyclist 2015. Printed in USA.
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December 2015 Volume 69, Number 12
Published by the American Motorcyclist Association 13515 Yarmouth Dr. Pickerington, OH 43147 (800) AMA-JOIN (262-5646) www.americanmotorcyclist.com
PAGE 23. Motorcycle films are either really, really bad or really, really good. Here are some good ones.
DIRT COVER Riding schools not only teach you how to ride faster, but they make you safer. We look at several for both on-road and off, starting on page 32.
PAGE 20. Steve Koretoff wanted things to be better for off-highway riders in California. So, he did something about it.
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Jeff Kardas
IT’S IN THE DETAILS.
You know every inch of your bike. Not just the engine size, or the color code of the paint. It’s the special details that only you know about. Like the way the exhaust opens up just right at 3,200rpm. Or that scuff on the footpeg you picked up while riding through Deal’s Gap.
It’s the details that make your bike unique, and no one knows this more than GEICO. With GEICO Motorcycle insurance, you’ll get coverage specific to your bike, and a team of people who love motorcycles as much as you do.
When it comes to insurance, it’s the little things that make a big difference. Trust the details to GEICO Motorcycle.
Jim Williams, Vice President, Industry Relations & Business Member Programs
DISTRIBUTION/FACILITIES SERVICES
John Bricker, Mailroom Manager
Heida Drake, Copy Center Operator
Bill Frasch, Mailroom Clerk
GOVERNMENT RELATIONS
Sen. Wayne Allard, Vice President, Government Relations
Nick Haris, Western States Representative
Rick Podliska, Deputy Director
Steve Salisbury, Government Affairs Manager, Off-Highway
Elizabeth Starek, Staff Assistant
Casey Wright, Government Affairs Manager, On-Highway
STATE CHAPTERS
Marie Wuelleh, State Chapter Manager
INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY
Jennifer Kirkpatrick, IT Director
Dave Coleman, Network Architect
MARKETING
Amanda Donchess, Membership Marketing Manager
Kaitlyn Sesco, Marketing Manager
MEMBER SERVICES
Jeremiah Hassler, Call Center Manager
Christina Dolin, Member Services Representative
Tiffany Pound, Member Services Representative
Troy White, Member Services Representative
75th annual DAYTONA BEACH BIKE WEEK
March 4 – March 13, 2016
America’s
officialbikeweek.com
The year just ending has been a busy one for those of us working on our common mission to promote the motorcycle lifestyle and protect the future of motorcycling.
Government officials and regulatory agencies from small-town councils to the U.S. Congress continued their assaults on riders, pressing for laws, rules and regulations that would infringe on responsible motorized recreation, on-highway and off.
At the same time, though, motorcyclists and all-terrain-vehicle riders can celebrate victories in several areas where—through grassroots action—our collective voice made a difference.
As explained more fully in an article elsewhere in this magazine, the major issues addressed by the AMA this year included: higher ethanol blends in your fuel supply, lane-splitting legislation, access to public and private lands for motorized recreation, distracted driving and vehicle-to-vehicle technology.
Developments in 2015 included:
• Nearly 30,000 people signed a petition showing support for AMA objections to proposed Renewable Fuel Standard mandates, which would force higherethanol blended fuel into the retail market, risking damage to 22 million motorcycles and ATVs not designed for its use.
• More states enacted legislation to augment the penalties for drivers who
WINS AND LOSSES
Year In Review
cause injury or death due to distracted driving, and increase protections for vulnerable road users.
• Five states considered legislation that could make lane splitting legal. While none passed, three of the bills are pending and will be taken up during the next legislative session. The case in favor of lane-splitting was bolstered by research from the University of California at Berkeley’s Safe Transportation Research & Education Center that showed that lane-splitting riders were less likely to be rear-ended by other vehicles and were less likely to suffer head injury, torso injury or fatal injury.
• Legislation was introduced in Congress to prohibit federal funding for motorcycle-only checkpoints and to ban federal agencies from lobbying states to further misguided highway safety programs.
• U.S. Forest Service officials reopened nearly 30 miles of off-highway-vehicle trails in the DeSoto National Forest in Mississippi after they had been “temporarily” closed for more than 20 years.
Nevertheless, motorcyclists still face significant challenges as we roll into the new year.
The Obama Administration and some members of Congress continue their efforts to create more national monuments and inappropriate Wilderness designations that restrict motorized access, often by sidestepping Congress and ignoring the wishes of local stakeholders.
The antics of urban OHV riders and sport-bike stunters hurt all motorcyclists by harassing citizens, creating law-
enforcement headaches, tying up traffic and damaging public property.
Zoning boards and town councils seem to have a higher regard for neighborhood biases than for solid scientific studies when it comes to dirt-bike riders on private property.
The AMA will continue to represent its members and other motorcyclists everywhere a challenge arises.
But we need your help.
Sign up for AMA Action Alerts (www. americanmotorcyclist.com/rights/ issueslegislation) and respond when we ask for your help.
Get to know your local, state and federal officials and share with them your concerns about the issues that affect you most as a rider.
Maintain your AMA membership, and convince your friends, family and fellow riders to join or renew. Let them know about the AMA’s efforts on their behalf, as well as all the member benefits that are available.
And, finally, keep in touch with us. We need your input. Tell us when unfavorable legislation appears. Tell us about a new law you think we should help support. Ask us for help as soon as you identify an issue that you and other riders believe is important. We’ll help you get involved.
You are the AMA. There is strength in numbers. Join with all your fellow motorcyclists in our resolve to make 2016 an even better year for riders across our great nation.
Wayne Allard is AMA vice president for government relations.
By Wayne Allard
• More Amp hours for more accessories • Factory activated, AGM, maintenance-free • Large heavy-duty flush terminals with multiple connections and built in brass nuts (GYZ32HL, GYZ20H, GYZ20HL)
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Central Florida Cruisers
Inc. is hosting a toy run on Dec. 5 in Leesburg, Fla. Info: www. centralfloridacruisers.org
A few of the AMA-sanctioned events this month, listed on the following pages.
5Baltimore County Trail Riders Association is hosting an indoor short track race in Timonium, Md., on Dec. 12 and also on Dec. 19. Info: www.bctra.com
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2
On Dec. 13, Jimmy Weinert Riding Park is hosting a motocross race in Maysville, N.C. Info: www.jwtfmx.com
In Amherst, Wis., the Kettle Moraine Sport Riders are hosting a short track on Dec. 31. Info: www. kettlemorainesportriders.com
COMING UP
The drawing for the 1986 Honda CR250R raffle bike will be held at the AMA Championship Banquet in January 2016. Raffle tickets are available for a donation to the AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame, a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization. You can receive one ticket for a $5 donation or five tickets for a $20 donation.
This bike is ready to compete for post-vintage motocross glory or simply to show off in your living room. For full rules, see www.motorcyclemuseum. org/rafflebikerules2.aspx. You must be 18 years or older and a resident of the United States to win. Info: www. americanmotorcyclist.com
3
A dual sport ride will take place Dec. 12 in Tucson, Ariz., hosted by Tucson Dual Sport. It’s the final dual sport in the 2015 Beta AMA National Dual Sport Series, presented by Moose Racing. Info: www. tucsondualsport.com
DECEMBER EVENTS
ARIZONA
RECREATIONAL
DUAL SPORT RIDE
DEC 12: TUCSON: TUCSON DUAL SPORT, LLC, (520) 979-8398, TUCSONDUALSPORT. COM
COMPETITION
OBSERVED TRIALS
DEC 6: GLOBE: CENTRAL ARIZONA TRIALS INC, (602) 370-7546, CENTRALARIZONATRIALS.ORG
CALIFORNIA
RECREATIONAL TOY RUN
DEC 13: GLENDALE: ABATE-CA LOCAL 1, (818) 344-4656
COMPETITION
DESERT SCRAMBLES
DEC 12: (Includes ATVs) LUCERNE VALLEY: RACERS UNDER THE SON, INC., (714) 2648570, RUST.ORG FLORIDA RECREATIONAL TOY RUN
DEC 5: LEESBURG: CENTRAL FLORIDA CRUISERS, INC., (352) 396-3239, CENTRALFLORIDACRUISERS.ORG
COMPETITION
MOTOCROSS
DEC 5: JACKSONVILLE: 2 DAY EVENT, WW MOTOCROSS PARK, (904) 509-5696, WWMOTOX.COM
COMPETITION
SHORT TRACK
MARYLAND
UPCOMING EVENTS
MOTOCROSS
May 21: Sacramento, Calif.: Hangtown Motocross Classic
May 28: San Bernardino, Calif.: Glen Helen National
DEC 12: TIMONIUM: BALTIMORE COUNTY TRAIL RIDERS ASSOC., BCTRA.COM
DEC 19: TIMONIUM : BALTIMORE COUNTY TRAIL RIDERS ASSOC., BCTRA.COM
MICHIGAN
COMPETITION
ICE RACE
DEC 12: FLINT: FLINT MOTORCYCLE CLUB, (810) 744-0580
COMPETITION
NEW MEXICO
OBSERVED TRIALS
DEC 6: SAN YSIDRO: NEW MEXICO TRIALS ASSOCIATION, (505) 780-2551, NEWMEXICOTRIALS.COM
NORTH CAROLINA
COMPETITION
MOTOCROSS
DEC 13: MAYSVILLE: JIMMY WEINERT RIDING PARK, (845) 313-6590, JWTFMX.COM
TEXAS
RECREATIONAL TOY RUN
DEC 6: TEMPLE: CEN-TEX ROAD RIDERS ASSOCIATION, (254) 220-5032
DEC 6: HOUSTON: SAN JACINTO HIGH ROLLERS MC-NW CHAPTER, NWSJHR.COM
DEC 13: MIDLOTHIAN: GRYPHONS MC OF ELLIS COUNTY, (972) 754-5496
WISCONSIN
COMPETITION SHORT TRACK
DEC 31: (Includes ATVs) AMHERST: KETTLE MORAINE SPORT RIDERS, (262) 689-2842
June 4: Lakewood, Colo.: Thunder Valley National
June 18: Mt. Morris, Pa.: High Point National
June 25: Blountville, Tenn.: Tennessee National
July 2: Buchanan, Mich.: RedBud National
July 9: Southwick, Mass.: Southwick National
July 16: Millville, Minn.: Spring Creek National
July 23: Washougal, Wash.: Washougal National
The AMA Beta National Dual-Sport Series features the country’s best organized dual-sport rides. Events include miles of well marked, challenging trail connected by scenic backcountry roads. The challenging, national caliber terrain is designed to bring out the best in each rider.
UPCOMING EVENTS
Aug. 13: New Berlin, N.Y.: Unadilla National
Aug. 20: Mechanicsville, Md.: Budds Creek National
Aug. 27: Crawfordsville, Ind.: Ironman National
2016 MONSTER ENERGY AMA SUPERCROSS AMASUPERCROSS.COM
Jan. 9: Anaheim, Calif.: Angel Stadium
Jan. 16: San Diego, Calif.: Petco Park
Jan. 23: Anaheim, Calif.: Angel Stadium
Jan. 30: Oakland, Calif.: O.Co Coliseum
Feb. 6: Glendale, Ariz.: University of Phoenix Stadium
Feb. 13: San Diego, Calif.: Petco Park
Feb. 20: Arlington, Texas: AT&T Stadium
Feb. 27: Atlanta, Ga.: Georgia Dome
March 5: Daytona Beach, Fla.: Daytona International Speedway (note: not a Feld Motor Sports produced race)
March 12: Toronto, Canada: Rogers Centre
March 19: Detroit, Mich.: Ford Field
April 2: Santa Clara, Calif.: Levi’s Stadium
April 9: Indianapolis, Ind.: Lucas Oil Stadium
April 16: St. Louis, Mo.: Edward Jones Dome
April 23: Foxboro, Mass.: Gillette Stadium
April 30: East Rutherford, N.J.: MetLife Stadium
May 7: Las Vegas, Nev.: Sam Boyd Stadium
Feb. 20-21: Tampa, Fla.: Amalie Arena
March 5-6: Omaha, Neb.: CenturyLink Center
March 12-13: Lafayette, La.: Cajondome
April 1-3: Ontario, Calif.: Citizens Business Bank Arena
April 9-10: Salinas, Calif.: Salinas Sports Complex
April 16-17: Tacoma, Wash.: Tacoma Dome
April 22-24: Nampa, Idaho: Ford Idaho Center
May 6-8: Las Vegas, Nev.: Orleans Arena (Amateur National Championship)
PROAM MOTOCROSS EVENTS
Nov. 23-25: Gainesville, Fla.: Gatorback Cycle Park, UnlimitedSportsMX.com, (312) 689-3461
Nov. 26-28: Gainesville, Fla.: Gatorback Cycle Park, UnlimitedSportsMX.com, (312) 689-3461
Dec. 5-6: Buckeye, Ariz.: Arizona Cycle Park, AZopen.com, (623) 853-0750
Dec. 6: Jacksonville, Fla.: WW Motocross Park, WWmotoX.com, (904) 509-5696
PRO FLAT TRACK
Nov. 20: Las Vegas, Nev.: Flat Track Season Finale
Jan. 9-10: Cincinnati, Ohio: U.S. Bank Arena
Jan. 15-17: Baltimore, Md.: Royal Farms Arena
Jan. 22-24: Allentown, Pa.: PPL Center
Jan. 30-31: Greensboro, N.C.: Greensboro Coliseum
Feb. 4-7: Colorado Springs, Colo.: Broadmoor World Arena
Feb. 13-14: Birmingham, Ala.: Legacy Center
ROAD RACE
April 8-10: Circuit of the Americas
April 8-10: Austin, Texas: Circuit of the Americas
April 15-17: Braselton, Ga.: Road Atlanta
May 13-15: Alton, Va.: Virginia International Raceway
June 3-5: Elkhart Lake, Wis.: Road America
June 10-12: Birmingham, Ala.: Barber Motorsports Park
July TBA: Monterey, Calif.: Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca
Sept. 9-11: Millville, N.J.: New Jersey Motorsports Park
OFF-ROAD
GEICO AMA ENDUROCROSS ENDUROCROSS.COM
Nov. 20-21: Ontario, Calif.: Citizens Business Bank Arena
FEATURED SERIES: BIG 6 AMA WEST COAST GRAND PRIX SERIES BIG6RACING.COM
Dec. 5-6: Lake Elsinore, Calif.: Vikings MC
FEATURED SERIES: EAST COAST ENDURO ASSOCIATION (ECEA) - ENDUROS ECEA.ORG
Nov. 22: New Lisbon, N.J.: Pine Hill Enduro, Central Jersey Competition Riders, CJCRmc. org
FEATURED SERIES: EAST COAST ENDURO ASSOCIATION (ECEA) - HARE SCRAMBLES ECEA.ORG
Nov. 14-15: Delaware Hare Scrambles, Delaware Enduro Riders
FEATURED SERIES: AMA KENDA FULL GAS SPRINT ENDURO SERIES FULLGASENDURO.COM
Nov. 14-15: Union, S.C.: Big Buck Farm Sprint Enduro
Jan. 1-Dec. 15: USA Four Corners Tour: SC-MA.com, steve_howe@sc-ma.com, (562) 298-6236
March of Dimes - Bikers for Babies
Road
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The AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame is on the AMA campus in Pickerington, Ohio, and is open 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. seven days a week. Closed: Easter, Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve, Christmas Day and New Year’s Day.
Main Hall: AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame: The main floor of the Motorcycle Hall of Fame celebrates Hall of Fame inductees, the heroes of the track, road, trails and halls of government who have elevated the sport to new heights. Now featuring the 2015 inductees.
Founder’s Hall: Honoring the AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame’s generous contributors.
The Birth of a Hurricane: How AMA Motorcycle Hall of Famer Craig Vetter reimagined BSA for an American market.
Sam Swope: Philanthropist, Motorcyclist: Motorcycles that represent the generous, charitable giving of Sam Swope.
Motorcycle Toys and Collectibles Exhibit: A collection of more than 1,000 motorcycleinspired toys.
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