American Motorcyclist 06 2013 Street version (preview)
Father, Son Road Trip: Western Adventure
Intelligent Transportation Systems: Can Cars See Motorcycles?
Photo Melissa McClain Photography
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NAVIGATION
Navigation Photo
A “monkey” gets a worms-eye view of the Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course track in Lexington, Ohio, during sidecar racing action at last year’s AMA Vintage Motorcycle Days. This celebration of all things vintage is set for July 19-21 this year. More information: www.amavintagemotorcycledays.com.
Photo: David Stanoszek/M5 Racing
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 2013. Printed in USA. Subscription rate: Magazine subscription fee of $10 covered in membership dues; $15 a year for non-members.
Postmaster: Mail form 3579 to 13515 Yarmouth Dr., Pickerington, OH 43147. Periodical postage paid at Pickerington, Ohio, and at additional mailing offices.
June 2013
Volume 67, Number 6
Published by the American Motorcyclist Association 13515 Yarmouth Dr. Pickerington, OH 43147 (800) AMA-JOIN (262-5646) www.americanmotorcyclist.com
12. LETTERS
You write, we read.
14. ROB DINGMAN
Will “smart cars” be smart enough?
16. RIGHTS
AMA hosts E15 “Fuel for Thought” Capitol Hill Lobbying Day June 19.
22. RIDING
It doesn’t get any better than this: Summer in America and all the motorcycling nirvana that comes with it. Go ride!
42. HALL OF FAME
A Crocker motorcycle, and Hall of Famer Miny Waln.
46. HIGH-TECH CAR TECH: WATCHING FOR MOTORCYCLES
Do new crash-avoidance technologies in cars see bikes? We find out.
52. GO RIDE
What to do, where to go.
62. JOHN CIRIBASSI
New beginnings.
High Adventure. No Hassle.
The best routes, roads and twotrack, mapped by local experts. A great challenge with like-minded riders. A full weekend’s activities, with camping, campfires, food and prizes. For more information visit AmericanMotorcyclist.com/Riding.
Imre Szauter, Government Affairs Manager - On-Highway
INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY
Rob Baughman, Network Administrator
John Boker, Developer
Dave Coleman, Network Architect
Amy Hyman, Senior Programmer/Analyst
Bill Miller, Web Architect
MEMBER SERVICES/DATA ENTRY
Lori Cavucci, Member Services Representative
Deb D’Andrea, Member Services Representative
Linda Hembroff, Member Services Representative
Darcel Higgins, Member Services Manager
Kimberly Jude, Member Services Representative
Angie Miller, Member Services Representative
Tiffany Pound, Member Services Representative
Jessica Robinson, Member Services Representative
FROM THE PRESIDENT
Will ‘Smart CarS’ Be Smart enough?
The information contained in this month’s feature story entitled “Watching for Motorcycles” represents yet another example of why the AMA is so critical to the future of motorcycling. There are some really exciting advances in automotive technology headed our way. But the utilization of “intelligent transportation systems,” or ITS, in cars, SUVs and trucks without consideration of its impact on motorcyclists could have dire consequences on the safety of motorcyclists—or even on the very existence of motorcycles.
By Rob Dingman
For motorcyclists, ITS means more than just automated highways and hands-off driving. ITS includes everything from automated toll collection to collision-avoidance systems to heads-up displays, “black boxes” that track your movements and more.
The AMA has been speaking up about how motorcycles will figure into the ITS mix for many years. In the 1990s when I was the AMA Washington representative, we worked closely with congressional leaders to get language incorporated into transportation bills to ensure that federal ITS research considered the needs of motorcyclists. We were heavily involved in the ITS issue then, and we continue to be a leader in that area for motorcyclists today.
We want motorcyclists’ voices to be heard. If ITS is developed with riders in mind, we will not only negate disadvantages but we will also see benefits.
For example, there is talk of highways of the future being automated so that the highway regulates the speed of the cars and trucks, and may even steer the vehicles. How would motorcycles and their riders be accommodated by such an automated highway? My best guess is they wouldn’t. We motorcyclists would need our own lane. And we don’t want to hand over control of our bikes to the “intelligent” highway.
Collision-avoidance systems on cars could be good for motorcyclists. If the car radar systems are able to detect motorcycles, then maybe some car-bike crashes could be avoided. A “smart” system would be able to detect all those motorcycles that these drivers don’t see and stop cars from entering our path of travel. For such crash-avoidance technology to be effective, it would need to “see” around curves, and it would need to alert drivers of approaching motorcycles so the drivers don’t make left turns in front of them.
However, we have numerous concerns. If collision-warning systems are beeping every time vehicles gets close, car drivers may be tempted to ignore or disable the audible warning system. And, if drivers already don’t see motorcycles, will they see warning lights on their own dashboard or mirrors signaling the presence
of motorcycles? Would drivers become complacent and overly dependent on this safety technology, leading to more carmotorcycle crashes?
Too many in our community don’t take issues like these seriously enough, saying, “Oh, that will never happen.” But believe me, this is just one of a number of threats happening all around us. And by that I mean the gradual erosion of our right to ride motorcycles. We have seen it with the ban on the sale of youth-model motorcycles and ATVs under the guise of protecting our kids from the dangers of lead poisoning. We have seen it with a circumvention of public input into processes that have led to increasingly restrictive public land management intended to exclude off-highway vehicle use. We have seen it with a singling-out of motorcyclists for roadside inspections and special taxes that were originally intended to support motorcycle safety programs—only to have the revenue diverted to unrelated purposes. We have seen it with onerous exhaust system labeling requirements targeting solely motorcycles. And we are seeing it with the rushed introduction of fuel into the marketplace that isn’t even suitable for motorcycles.
The AMA’s early involvement in ITS has helped ensure consideration of our needs, but even now the perceived value of this technology in the automotive world can easily eclipse our interests if we are not persistent. ITS technology is already available in a variety of cars. Make no mistake, even more ITS technology will soon be available on cars sold all over the globe. We continue to work closely with our counterparts in other countries to share information and provide input regarding the public policy concerns that we have.
There is a lot of ITS research going on, and you can read about some of it beginning on page 46. While we have many concerns that have yet to be addressed, let’s offer a tip of the hat to companies like Honda and BMW that are incorporating motorcycles into their ITS research and product development. In a way, the future is now, and we are already guinea pigs on the road to the intelligent transportation systems of the future. The AMA remains committed to guarding the interests of motorcyclists in this area, now and in the future.
Rob Dingman is the AMA president and CEO.
Photo Kevin Wing
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Summer Riding Protection- A Smart Idea
By Ken FReUnD
Popular long-time moto-journalist Ken Freund checks out the Bohn Bodyguard System
With summer coming, we’ll soon be faced with the usual dilemma of what to wear while riding in warm weather.
Although I enjoy riding with my friends on their Harleys through the hills over to the coast on a hot day, I do get tired of being the butt of their jokes about me riding with full protective gear.
It’s really tempting to ride wearing T-shirts and jeans like they do, especially around town, when temperatures are up around three digits.
I’m a safe rider with hundreds of thousands of riding miles behind me, but as I get older I don’t think I’m invincible like we all did in our teenage years.
Don’t get me wrong, I’m not some risk-averse pansy, but I was an EMT, and know what can happen to even the best riders.
We used to say “hope for the best, but prepare for the worst.”
We’ve all heard the stories of animals running out in the road, fuel spills, sand, you name it. Today there are so many driver distractions, with seemingly everyone texting or talking on a cell phone. Even if you’re the world’s best rider, things can go terribly wrong in a heartbeat.
As a result, I just won’t ride unprotected.
A Good Solution
I recently found out about Bohn’s flexible hidden armor which can be worn beneath riding jerseys and jeans. After hearing about them from several riders I finally got some. They’re even made here in the U.S. of A.!
The Invisible System Your Friends Are Using STEALTH PROTECTION
shoulders, plus arm/elbow and a flow-through back pad. Made from a mesh material like that of athletic jerseys, you can wear them as a lightweight jacket, or under your old favorite jacket.
be very breathable, so you’ll hardly notice you have them on. You can also get these in CoolAir mesh if heat’s your issue. These items are well made, should last for years, and are versatile. Washing’s easy in a machine or sink.
option for extreme heat.
Bohn’s Bodyguard System -armored undershirts and pants, combine comfort with protection and they are cool. Now you can have comfortable protection that looks casual.
Bohn Shirts include armor in the
I’d seen the ads and heard good things about Bohn’s Adventure Pants - you wear them under your jeans. There’s armor in all the places you might land on in a fall. I initially thought they’d be too hot in summer, but found them to
You can also get spare “shells” in mesh or heavier winter material. Sounds a great idea for tours and vacations.
A lot of sensible Harley riding women, riders and passengers, wear Bohn gear too. There's very generous savings with a Combo Deals for a shirts and pants. And even a tremendous 90-day satisfaction guaranty, so it’s says something about Bohn’s confidence they’ll work out for you.
Give ‘em a try!
Ken Freund
PS: I meant to add that most people can’t tell I’m even wearing this stuff!
Do New Crash-Avoidance Technologies In Cars See Bikes? We Find Out. HIGH-TECH CAR TECH:
Maybe you’ve heard of these: Forward Collision Warning System. Blind Spot Information System. Adaptive Cruise Control.
Car people call these systems installed on their vehicles “driver assistance features.” At the AMA we call them “crash avoidance warning systems” and we want to make sure that car manufacturers take motorcycles into account when they design their safety systems, now and in the future.
“The AMA has been active for more than a decade trying to ensure that motorcycles are included in the design of crash avoidance systems, and that car sensors and radars can pick them up,” says Rick Podliska, AMA deputy director of government affairs. “Now that these technologies are making their way onto vehicles, we’re asking car manufacturers point-blank how they considered motorcycles when designing their safety systems.”
The AMA sent letters to more than a dozen car makers to find out whether blind spot sensors, forward- and rear-looking sensors and other safety technologies in their cars detect motorcycles.
“Reducing traffic crashes involving motorcycles and decreasing the number of motorcycle operators and passengers injured or killed each year remains a priority of the AMA,” Wayne Allard, AMA vice president for government relations, said in the letter. “Through a comprehensive approach of promoting rider education, the use of personal protective equipment, and unimpaired motorcycle operation, the association seeks to enhance motorcycle safety for use in transportation and recreational activities.
“The AMA is not opposed to the use of proven technologies and would encourage such use if it protects the safety of all road users,” Allard wrote. “However, with the proliferation of advanced technologies in passenger vehicles and light trucks, the AMA is concerned that vehicle operators will become increasingly dependent on these devices and complacent with regard to their own vehicle operation proficiency because of the mindset that ‘technology will rescue me from any bad decisions I make.’
“Advanced crash avoidance warning systems technology used in motor vehicles must not supplant an operator’s responsibility to travel in a safe and responsible manner,” Allard wrote. “Safe operation of a motor vehicle should remain the operator’s highest priority, while technology can, and should, enhance the actions of the operator to maintain control of his or her vehicle.”
Existing Technologies
Crash-avoidance systems installed on some models of cars today include what the manufacturers call the Forward Collision Warning System, Adaptive Cruise Control, Blind Spot Information System, Cross-Traffic Alert, and Collision Mitigation Brake System.
Forward Collision Warning System: This system warns drivers of possible hazards in front of them to help them react earlier, hopefully to avoid a crash. A radar sensor monitors the area in front of the car. If the vehicle approaches an obstacle but the driver takes no action, then a warning alarm sounds and a warning light appears on the windshield.
Adaptive Cruise Control: A vehicle with adaptive cruise control adapts to the speed of traffic. How? A radar or laser on the front of the car senses the distance and speed of vehicles in front of it. The system controls the car’s throttle and brakes to maintain a speed and/or distance set by the driver or to adapt to the speed of traffic.
avoid a collision. American Honda Motor Co. Inc. says its system senses a vehicle ahead of the car. When the car gets too close to the vehicle ahead, a warning beep sounds, braking force is applied and the front seat belts tighten.
Honda Efforts
Of the four car manufacturers that responded to the AMA request for information and said their systems detect motorcycles, two of them also produce motorcycles: Honda and BMW. (Manufacturers that did not respond to the AMA’s request were Chrysler, General Motors, Hyundai, Kia, Mazda, Nissan, Toyota, Volkswagen and Volvo.)
“Honda does have a unique perspective when it comes to [a] relationship between rider and driver safety,” writes James Jongkind, manager of product regulations and safety at American Honda Motor Co. Inc. “It is most certainly our ability to collaborate and readily share information between our motorcycle and automobile R&D centers that has helped us achieve significant advancement in this regard.”
Jongkind notes that, concerning Honda’s Forward Collision Warning System on the 2013 Accord and the Collision Mitigation Braking System that has been offered on Acuras for several years, “the overall concept for these types of driver-assist systems is that they should alleviate some of the burden on the driver to enable the driver to be more aware of traffic and other conditions...
Blind Spot Information System: This system has front and rear radar that “sees” when a vehicle enters a car’s blind spot. When that happens, a warning light on the corresponding side-view mirror lights up.
Cross-Traffic Alert: Through the use of radar, this system warns if another vehicle is approaching when a driver is backing a car out of a parking spot. Ford Motor Company says its system can detect a vehicle moving at least 5 mph within a 45foot range—or five parking spaces—from either the left or right side of the vehicle. When cross traffic is approaching, three warnings are given: an indicator lights up in the corresponding outside mirror, an audible alert is sounded and a message center warning is displayed.
Collision Mitigation Brake System: This system applies a car’s brakes to
“To that end, we take steps to engage the driver in the act of driving, as opposed to allowing them to focus less on their primary responsibility of safely operating the vehicle,” he writes.
“These driver-assist systems, similar to other related systems, were developed for the best overall balance of performance in real-world conditions, considering the many types, sizes and frequency of vehicles and objects that are encountered on the roadway,” he says.
Actual testing includes motorcycles of varying sizes and in various traffic scenarios, he adds.
Jongkind also says that Honda wholeheartedly agrees with the AMA that “advanced crash avoidance warning systems technology used in motor vehicles must not supplant an operator’s responsibility to travel in a safe and reasonable manner.”
BMW Says…
The BMW Group told the AMA that it shares the AMA’s concerns when it comes
to the safety of motorcycle riders.
“Currently for the U.S. market, BMW offers three warning systems under its ‘Driver Assistance Package’ as optional equipment: Lane Departure Warning, Forward Collision Warning, and Blind Spot detection,” writes Samuel Campbell, department head for safety engineering and intelligent transportation systems at the BMW Group.
“The simple answer to your questions whether our systems are able to detect motorcycles is yes,” he writes. “These systems do not distinguish between cars and motorcycles and, therefore, have no issues detecting the presence of motorcycles.
“However, during our system validation process, motorcycle scenarios are considered. One of BMW’s philosophies when it comes to crash avoidance technology is to keep the driver in the loop. The idea is not to have drivers rely on the technology, but to provide sufficient warnings so the driver can react to lessthan-ideal or critical situations,” he says.
Ford’s Perspective
Steven Kenner, global director at the Ford Motor Company’s automotive safety office, tells the AMA that safety is a top priority at the company.
“We have introduced a variety of driver assistance features including Forward Collision Warning, Adaptive Cruise Control, Blind Spot Information System with Cross-Traffic Alert and Active Park Assist,” Kenner writes. “These features, if used properly, will provide the driver with additional information to help them drive more safely. However, these technologies are intended to assist the driver, not be a substitute for driver responsibility.
“As part of our design process, which includes real-world validation, we evaluate our sensor technologies to determine their capability to detect other vehicles, including motorcycles,” he says. “While all sensor technologies have limitations, we design and validate our systems to detect motorcycles within the capabilities of the sensor technology.”
Mercedes-Benz USA Responds
“Accident avoidance is the top priority for Mercedes-Benz,” writes Julian Soell, general manager of engineering services at Mercedes-Benz USA. “Driver assistance systems are, therefore, becoming increasingly important factors when it comes to improving road safety. Like the Mercedes occupant protection systems, they have been adapted based on real-life accident findings and the knowledge
The new LaneWatch feature available on the 2013 Honda Accord can help drivers view cyclists or other vehicles in their blind spot.
acquired through accident research as well as the analysis of accident statistics.
“They, therefore, reflect the ‘reallife safety’ concept championed by Mercedes-Benz,” Soell says. “Put another way, the sophisticated assistance systems involve the car in the ‘thinking’ process, giving it the capability to look ahead, assist the driver and prevent accidents. Beyond protecting the occupants inside a Mercedes, other road users are protected by these systems as well.
“To your specific question, our current and future radar as well as camera-based driver assistance systems are designed to recognize a wide range of vehicles, including motorcycles,” he says.
Where Do We Go From Here?
Transportation policymakers and industry leaders worldwide are hard at work to make transportation safer today and in the future.
The challenge for motorcyclists is
EUROPE LOOKS TO THE UNITED STATES
Intelligent Transportation Systems Concern Riders Worldwide
John Chatterton-Ross, a former British police offi cer who has been involved in motorcyclists’ rights eff orts for decades, is currently FIM director of public aff airs. Jesper Christensen, director of the FIM Public Aff airs Commission and general secretary of the Swedish Motorcycle Association, has also been fi ghting for the interests of motorcyclists for many years. We asked ChattertonRoss and Christensen about intelligent transportation systems and the dangers that motorcyclists may face. Here’s what they had to say.
American Motorcyclist: What is your reaction to car manufacturers saying that they consider motorcycles in their safety research?
John Chatterton-Ross: I am pleased if they say that, but we don’t really know [until we motorcycists do our own testing]. I know for sure some are looking carefully at how their technology will work to sense other road users because I have spoken to them and seen some of the equipment. Jaguar for one, which has looked into some night vision aids that work well detecting others, not just cars but pedestrians, cyclists and
two-fold, says Rob Rasor, AMA director of international affairs.
“First, motorcyclists need to make the point to car and truck manufacturers that they need to make motorcycle protection and safety part of their car and truck safety systems,” Rasor says. “Every time they propose a motor vehicle safety advancement, the manufacturers must ask themselves whether motorcyclists would be affected and, if so, must strive for motorcyclist safety.
“Second, motorcyclists must remain on guard so that bureaucrats and others don’t force so-called safety technology onto motorcycles that we don’t want or need,” he says.
“It’s important that we all work together globally on these issues,” Rasor adds. “It’s also important that representatives of motorcycling groups around the world share information and work together through the Fédération Internationale de Motocyclisme.”
The AMA is the sole U.S. affiliate to the FIM, which is the worldwide motorcycle
motorcycle riders too.
sanctioning body based just outside Geneva, Switzerland. The FIM is made up of almost 100 national organizations, called federations, from countries around the world. Besides enforcing racing rules and calendars for all types of international competition, the FIM is involved in monitoring motorcycling legislation and lobbying for riders’ rights.
The FIM also deals with international motorcycle touring activities.
The AMA has several staff members involved with the FIM including Rasor, who is an FIM vice president and sits on the FIM board, AMA President and CEO Rob Dingman, who is the FIM North America president and an FIM board member, and AMA Government Relations Deputy Director Rick Podliska, who is on the FIM Public Affairs Commission.
The FIM Public Affairs Commission defends the rights of motorcyclists as citizens and consumers, deals with the safety of riders on the road and advises FIM management, particularly in relation to international and European Union law
Our big hope has to be that companies like BMW and Honda that develop and manufacture both bikes and automobiles will take the lead. Manufacturers are frequently very slow to let the public in on what they are doing. We do now see more of this talked about and displayed at events than we did before.
Jesper Christensen: There is no doubt that I´m happy as a rider that the car manufacturers care about us riders. I´m also quite convinced that their research will surprise them about the number of riders around the cars. It is important that they do the studies in diff erent traffi c environments. Imagine in Rome, Italy, where you have a daily traffi c fl ow of 600,000 bikes going in and out of the city.
I spoke with car industry people in Sweden recently who told me that it is getting very popular to buy the diff erent safety options with new cars. The customers want these options, where monitoring and warning systems can detect motorcycles.
AM: What are your thoughts related to intelligent transportation systems?
JCR: I think the vehicle manufacturers are not the real concern. I believe they will come up with compatible technology, vehicle to vehicle. More of a concern is the infrastructure, the road systems, and any technology on them that links to vehicles. That is where we will get forgotten if we are not careful and keep on seeking a seat at the table.
If you take this issue at its widest, it includes all the stuff people do today with their iPads, smart phones, etc.
Distracted driving is a huge issue— folks searching for routes and restaurants while on the move, chatting on cellphones. Then there’s the wide belief that “hands free” equals safe.
I don’t believe it does.
My other big concern is that if we do not constantly press to stay involved, things will happen and then down the road we will find that the highway is OK for trucks and cars only. Bikes get excluded.
Photos Christensen: Joachim Sjöström; Chatterton-Ross: William Fielde n
Jesper Christensen John Chatterton-Ross
affecting motorcycling. It also supports the FIM continental unions and national federations, and riders in dealing with national governments and agencies.
Some keys to intelligent transportation systems that engineers and officials hope will make travel safer in the future are vehicle-to-vehicle communication and communication between vehicles and different parts of a road system, known as Car-to-X communication.
BMW explains it as networking vehicles and infrastructure with one another electronically, enabling a direct exchange
of information between both the vehicles and the traffic infrastructure, such as traffic light systems.
Engineers and others envision a future where technology would warn a motorcycle rider of obstacles ahead, bad weather, approaching, emergency vehicles and more.
The bike would communicate with traffic signals so that the bike rider would know to go a certain speed to hit all green lights, and the bike would “talk” to cars to warn drivers not to turn left in front of the approaching bike.
The AMA was the first organization I know of to take intelligent transportation systems seriously and I am glad you are staying involved.
JC: No system shall by law be forced to take control of the rider’s bike. You make your bike stable by throttle control and partly by steering it, and that’s the task of the rider—so far I have not seen any electronic system doing that!
Riders fear that our freedom of riding will be stolen from us by intelligent transportation systems.
My definition of ITS is “telematics and all types of communication in and between vehicles, fixed locations, some parts gives you information and others takes control.”
A GPS is ITS. We had an involved discussion about GPS on bikes just a few years ago. Some said they were never going to buy one because it would take the freedom away to find new roads. Today, these riders have GPS meetings where they share routes and discover new opportunities by their computers, so it became the opposite of what they expected.
Anti-lock brakes are brilliant. Three out of four bikes sold in Sweden have ABS. Sales have exploded the last two years because riders now accept and demand the benefits [of ABS].
AM: Should motorcyclists fear that governments may force technologies on bikes that motorcyclists don’t want?
JCR: Yes. Automatic speed control can now be done. I have driven prototype cars with this fitted. This technology may
“The AMA was the first organization I know of to take intelligent transportation systems seriously and I am glad you are staying involved.”
—John Chatterton-Ross
work with a car but there are doubts about how safe it would be fitted to a motorcycle. Then there are issues about whether the driver is or is not “in control” when in a system like this.
There is a whole discussion to be had about “advisory” systems that just let you know if you are speeding, and others that prevent you from speeding at all, or in some cases slow you down.
Road trains—linking cars together electronically for a time on a long stretch of highway—are now possible. How is that going to affect whether we are allowed on the same roads? If those controlled-vehicle ideas come along then those vehicles need to be restricted to a particular lane so the non-controlled vehicles can still travel the same route.
JC: Yes, absolutely. Lets face it, we see a range of trustworthy specialists, without any knowledge of motorcycles,
While technology may make riders safer, it also could introduce Big Brother into our lives. Officials could know how fast we ride and when, when we brake, accelerate, where we travel and more.
“We have to stay on top of the research on all levels and continually hammer away at the need for researchers to include motorcycles in their safety efforts,” Dingman says.
“We also have to ensure that governments don’t force what they beieve are technological safety solutions on us that aren’t really solutions at all,” he says.
passing ordered research results combined with problem-solving proposals to politicians who then take the easy route claiming they are saving society the costs of motorcycle accidents. That’s why riders have to support their freedoms with membership in the AMA and FIM because we are bringing common sense to the decision makers.
AM: How has the international motorcycling community, working through the FIM, protected riders in the area of intelligent transportation systems?
JCR: It was the AMA that first drew attention to this issue and that was a long time back. [The AMA’s] Sean Maher, I recall, has been involved with some interesting research. The U.S. leads in intelligent transportation so I guess the U.S. is the place we need to look to.
In the United Nations meetings I attend for the FIM there is a strong push to ensure this issue of “driver/rider” being in control is looked at in the international treaties. We were discussing this in March of 2013 again. The insurance industry is very nervous about this issue.
We are trying to keep the discussions in Geneva with the U.N. and in Brussels with the European Union coordinated.
JC: We are all like the AMA—quite active in the advocacy in this matter by talking to the industry, researchers, universities, politicians and governments in Europe with the European Union. One of the strengths of being part of the FIM is our global network, which is very efficient.
Engineers and others envision a future where technology would warn a motorcycle rider of obstacles ahead. The bike would communicate with traffic signals so that the bike rider would know to go a certain speed to hit all green lights, and the bike would “talk” to cars to warn drivers not to turn left in front of the approaching bike.
your AMA membership in 2013 and you could
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1
Don’t miss the season opener of the AMA Pro Racing Hillclimb National Championship Series June 2 in Jefferson (York County), Pa., followed by the second round on June 9 in Freemansburg, Pa. The 10-round series concludes on oct. 13 at oregonia, ohio. For the full schedule, see page 56.
2
For a rockin’ good time in a family-friendly atmosphere, head off to the Thunder in the Valley Motorcycle Rally in Johnstown, Pa., June 20-23. The event is an AMA National Gypsy Tour and attracts thousands of riders. Information: www.johnstownthunder.com.
3
There’s plenty of MotoTrials action for trials fans this month. The AMA SWM NATC MotoTrials National Championship Series gets under way with rounds 1 and 2 June 15-16 in Cayuta, N.Y. Rounds 3 and 4 are set for June 22-23 in Swanton, Vt. For the full schedule, see page 57.
4
The USA Four Corners Tour is running through Dec. 31. Imagine the adventure and break-into-a-broadsmile satisfaction of visiting San Ysidro, Calif., Blaine, Wash., Madawaska, Maine, and Key West, Fla., in 21 days. Information: www.usa4corners.org.
5
Are you looking for some real adventure on your adventure-tourer? How about a good time on your dual-sport machine? The AMA Yamaha Super Tenere National Adventure Riding Series has you covered with several rides in June: June 1-2 in Mill Hall, Pa.; June 8-13 in odell, ore; and June 9-13 in Atlanta, N.Y. The AMA Husqvarna National Dual-Sport Series, presented by FMF, features rides in Mill Hall, Pa., Bixby, Mo. And Custer, Mich., June 1-2; Wabeno, Wis. June 8-9; odell, ore. June 8-13 and Matthews, Ind. June 29-30. For the full schedules, see page 59.
6
Americade, a mega-gathering of motorcyclists that is also an AMA National Convention, is set for June 1-8 in scenic Lake George, N.Y. This is one of the largest road-riding rallies on the planet, and is billed as a great motorcycling vacation. Info: www. americade.com.
CoMING UP one of the greatest motorcycling weekends in the United States is just around the corner: AMA Vintage Motorcycle Days, July 19-21 at Mid-ohio Sports Car Course in Lexington, ohio. The event is an AMA National Rally and features the largest motorcycle swap meet in North America, vintage racing, vendors, new bike demos and more. Info: www. amavintagemotorcycledays.com.
ARKANSAS
RECREATIONAL
ROAD RALLY
JUN 17: MARBLE FALLS: MOTORCYCLE TOURING ASSOCIATION, (828) 837-7325, MTARIDERS.COM
CALIFORNIA
RECREATIONAL
DUAL-SPORT RIDE
JUN 1: LAKE HUGHES: VIEWFINDERS MC INC., (626) 926-6077
JUN 8-9: WOFFORD HEIGHTS: 2-DAY EVENT, TEAM DUAL DOGS, (661) 2035652, TEAMDUALDOGS.COM
JUN 22-23: BIG BEAR CITY: 2-DAY EVENT, BIG BEAR TRAIL RIDERS, INC., (818) 3913031, BIGBEARTRAILRIDERS.COM COMPETITION ENDURO
JUN 15: DEVORE: PRAIRIE DOGS MC, (714) 231-6718, PRAIRIEDOGSMC.COM EUROPEAN SCRAMBLES
JUN 8: (Includes ATVs) LUCERNE VALLEY: 2 DAY EVENT, RACERS UNDER THE SON, INC., (714) 606-8046, RUTS.ORG ENDUROCROSS
JUN 8: SACRAMENTO: SOURCE INTERLINK MEDIA, (916) 928-6900, SLEEPTRAINARENA.COM MOTOCROSS
JUN 16: (Includes ATVs) ADELANTO: ROVERS MC, (661) 245-3941
M ay 18: Tallassee, Ala.: ST, Monster Mountain MX Park; Tom Brinkman, Monster Action Sports; (334) 318-8475; www.monstermx.com
May 19: Tallassee, Ala.: ST, Monster Mountain MX Park; Tom Brinkman, Monster Action Sports; (334) 318-8475; www.monstermx.com
May 28: Springfield, Ill.: Mile, Steve Nace, Steve Nace Racing; (270) 442-7532; www.stevenaceracing.com
June 28: Harpursville, N.y.: ST, Square Deal Riders; www.squaredealriders.com
June 29: Harpursville, N.y.: ST, Square Deal Riders; www.squaredealriders.com
July 20: Ashland, Ohio: Half-mile, AMA Vintage Motorcycle Days, Ashland County Fairgrounds; Ken Saillant, AMA; (800) 2625646; www.americanmotorcyclist.com/ racing
Aug. 16: Indianapolis: ST, Mid-America Speedway; Jim Terchila; (317) 871-4392; info@midamspeedway.com
Sept. 21: c u ddebackville, N.y : ST, Ron Edlin, Tri-State MC; (845) 566-4956; www. tristateclub.com
FIM WORLD TR IALS CHAMPIONSHIP TRIA lSTRAININGcENTER.com
May 25-26: Sequatchie, Tenn.: Trials Training Center
FIM TRIAL DES NATIONS fIm-lIVE.com
Sept. 8-9: La Chatre, France
FIM MOTOCROSS OF NATIONS fIm-lIVE.com
Sept. 29: Teutschenthal, Germany
FIM INTERNATIONAL SIX DAYS OF ENDURO fIm-lIVE.com
May 25-26: Wellston, Ohio, East Qualifier: William Depue Jr.; Appalachian Dirt Riders; (740) 384-6379; www.ADROhio.org
June 1-2: Idaho City, Idaho, West Qualifier: Peter Reynolds; Boise Ridge Riders; (208) 384-5141; www.ADROhio.org
Sept. 30-Oct.5: 2013 ISDE: Sardegna, Italy
BUB MOTORCYCLE S PEED TR IALS bUbENT.com
Aug. 25-29: Utah: Bonneville Salt Flats
COOk MOTORSPORTS PRIVATE LAND SPEED SHOOTOUT
SEPT. 12-16: Utah: Bonneville Salt Flats
AMA DUAL-SPORT/ADVENTURE SERIES
AMA H U SQVARNA N ATIONAL D UALS P ORT S E RIES , PRESENTED BY FMF AmERI cA N m oTo R cycl I ST.com
May 18-19: Zaleski, Ohio: Hanging Rock 200, Buckeye Dual Sporters, Bill Kaeppner; (740) 380-3050; www.kaeppnerswoods.com
June 1-2: Mill Hall, Pa.: Durty Dabbers Adventure Ride, Durty Dabbers, Nils Mantzoros; (570) 726-3343; www.durtydabbers.com
June 1-2: Bixby, Mo.: Show Me 200, Midwest Trail Riders Assn., Robert Kaufman; (314) 434-5095; www.ridemtra.com
June 1-2: Custer, Mich.: Whiskey Creek Classic, Great Lakes Dual Sporters, Jeramey Valley; (989) 751-6863; www.gldsmc.org
June 8-9: Wabeno, Wis.: Ride for Research, Wisconsin Dual Sport Riders, John Newton; (920) 350-2030; www.widualsportriders.org
June 8-13: Odell, Ore.: Black Dog Adventure Ride, NW Tour & Trail, Tom Niemela; (503) 681-8881; www.blackdogdualsport.com
June 22-23: Big Bear City, Calif.: Big Bear Run, Big Bear Trail Riders, Robert Burgi; (818) 391-3031; www.bigbeartrailriders.com
June 29-30: Matthews, Ind.: Covered Bridge National Dual Sport, Muddobbers MC, Doug Spense; (765) 998-2236; www.muddobbersmc.org
July 20-27: Gwinn, Mich.: 29th Annual Michael R. Burlingham Memorial Six Days of Michigan, Cycle Conservation Club of Michigan, Lewis Schuler; (517) 416-0126; www.cycleconservationclub.com
July 27-28: Ray, Ohio: Black Bear National Dual Sport, Chillicothe Enduro Riders, Kevin Claytor; (740) 637-2714; www.chillicotheenduro.com
July 31-Aug. 4: Stevenson, Wash.: Dual Sport Northwest, Sound Rider!, Tom Mehren; (206) 329-7808; www.soundrider.com
May 16-23: Ruidoso, N.M.: Golden Aspen Rally: www.motorcyclerally.com
June 23-26: Lexington, Ky.: STAR 2013: www.ridemsta.com
July 11-14: Maggie Valley, N.C.: 2013 RoadRunner Motorcycle Touring & Travel Annual Touring Weekend: www. roadrunner.travel/events/touring-weekend/
July 30-Aug. 4: Stephenson, Wash.: Rally in the Gorge: www.soundrider.com/rally
AMA NATIONAL GYPSY TOURS
AMERICANMOTORCYCLIST.COM
June 8-16: Laconia, N.H.: Laconia Motorcycle Week: www.laconiamcweek. com
June 13-16: Austin, Texas: Republic of Texas (R.O.T.) Rally: www.rotrally.com
June 20-23: Johnsontown, Pa.: Thunder in the Valley: www.visitjohnstownpa.com/ thunderinthevalley
July 31-Aug. 4: Tunica, Miss.: 36th Annual National bikers Roundup: www.
You can have it both ways.
AMA members do it all—long-distance rides, off-road races, cruising main street, vintage dirt track…you name it. To better serve our broad membership base, American Motorcyclist magazine is now published in two versions. The dirt version includes more off-highway and competition content. The street version includes more articles for road riders.
Want to switch? Just call (800) 262-5646, ask for membership services and tell them which version you want. Want to read both versions? Get them online at www. americanmotorcyclist.com/magazine.
nbrkcmo.com
Aug. 5-11: Sturgis, S.D.: Sturgis: www. sturgismotorcyclerally.com
Aug. 30-Sept. 3: Killington, Vt.: Killington Classic: www.killingtonclassic. com
Oct. 11-13: Redding, Calif.: Big Bike Weekend: www.bigbikeweekend.com
AMA SIGNATURE EVENTS
AMERICANMOTORCYCLIST.COM
March of Dimes Bikers For Babies Rides: Nationwide: www.bikersforbabies. org
Rides For Kids Events: Nationwide: www.rideforkids.org
AMA NATIONAL GRAND TOURS, PRESENTED BY SHINKO TIRES AND FLY STREET GEAR
AMERICANMOTORCYCLIST.COM
Jan. 1-Dec. 31: Polar Bear Grand Tour: AMA District 2 of New Jersey; (609) 8942941; www.polarbeargrandtour.com
Jan. 1-May 25: The Big Money Rally: www.bigmoneyrally.com
March 25-Oct. 1: Eddie’s Road and Team Strange Airheads Smoke Chasing Grand Tour: Eddie’s Road and Team Strange Airheads; www.smokechasing.com
April 1-Oct. 31: Tour of Honor Grand Tour: Tour of Honor; www.tourofhonor.com
AMA NATIONAL EXTREME GRAND TOURS
AMERICANMOTORCYCLIST.COM
Jan. 1-Dec. 31: SCMA Four Corners Grand Tour: Southern California Motorcycling Association; www.usa4corners.org.
Aug. 30-Sept. 2: SCMA Three Flags Classic Grand Tour: Southern California Motorcycling Association; www.sc-ma.com.
AMA Trademarks
MARK YOUR CALENDAR!
STEAMBOAT SPRINGS, CO SEPTEMBER 13-15, 2013
TOUR INCLUDES:
» SELF-GUIDED & DEMO RIDES
» APPEARANCES FROM KTM FACTORY RIDERS
» TECHNICAL & RIDING SEMINAR
» FRIDAY BREAKFAST & DINNER
» EVENT T-SHIRT
Make plans to join KTM staff and enthusiasts at the 10th annual KTM Adventure Rider Rally in scenic Steamboat Springs, CO. The KTM Adventure Rider Rally is designed for KTM 640, 690, 950 and 990 Adventure and Enduro owners but is open to all brands of street legal motorcycles.
» SATURDAY BREAKFAST & AWARDS DINNER
» MOTORCYCLE VENDORS
» FUN, GAMES & MORE REGISTER ONLINE AT
PRICING: $150 PRE-REGISTERED (BY SEPT. 6, 2013) OR $175 AT EVENT (DOES NOT INCLUDE BIKE OR LODGING)
LODGING: KTM GROUP RATE FOR 1 TO 3 BEDROOM SUITES AT THE STEAMBOAT GRAND » http://www.steamboatgrand.com/group/ktm.html
QUESTIONS: CALL 951-600-8007 OR EMAIL: EVENTS@KTMUSA.COM
