Midwest Motorcyclist(TM), July 2018 issue

July 2018 2018 •• FREE FREE January

midwestmotorcyclist.com midwestmotorcyclist.com

Tested:

2018 HarleyDavidson Fat Bob The Dyna is dead, Long Live the Softail!

Also in this issue:

» » » »

The Russian Girl I Used To...

Women’s Motorcycle Month Flight 93 Memorial and Rolling Thunder Tested:

2018 Zero FXS, Electric Fun

Spring Specials Continue into Summer

2018 BMW F 800 GS Adventure

Make the BMW of your dreams come to life.

Call Jeff or Audrey for particulars.

5 Mile Rd

Now Open Thursdays Until 8 p.m.

He lm

St

N Sheldon Rd

BMW Motorrad Dealer of Excellence BMW Motorcycles of Southeast Michigan 14855 N. Sheldon Rd., Plymouth, MI 734.453.0500 www.bmwmcsem.com

“Redefining your motorcycling lifestyle” SM * See Audrey or Jeff for details. Always ride safely and wear proper protective gear.

Selective D r

HUGE INVENTORY OF MOTORCYCLES IN STOCK

From these manufacturers - priced and ready for sale!

Plus, a nice line up of pre-owned motorcycles

Indian® Chieftain®

Indian® Roadmaster®

Stand Out From The Crowd

Fully Loaded For The Road Ahead

UPCOMING EVENTS

OPEN HOUSE

Saturday, July 21 Special Pricing Storewide Don’t miss it!

WE SELL ADVENTURE- READY SIDECAR MOTORCYCLES.

Victory Motorcycle Club's National Meet Thursday, July 19 thru Sunday, July 22, 2018 at the Ramada Grayling Hotel and Conference Center in Grayling Michigan, (989) 348-7611.

The ZERO Electric Advantage Pennies per mile Up to 200 mile range Very low maintenance No emissions Fast & Fun

Stop by our dealership to learn about a new kind of adventure. Three wheels have many advantages!

1765 S. Telegraph Road, Bloomfield Hills, MI One mile north of Square Lake Rd. on the east side of Telegraph Rd.

248.920.2000

•

www.RideMotorCity.com

2018 Zero FXS

on Facebook at www.facebook.com/MotorCityMotorcycles

* Indian® and Indian Motorcycle® are registered trademarks of Indian Motorcycle International LLC. Always wear a helmet, eye protection and protective clothing and obey the speed limit. Never ride under the influence of drugs or alcohol.

TM

Midwest Motorcyclist

3

IN THIS ISSUE… Columns 8 15 18

\Women’s Motorcycle Month by Jason Waechter Random Ramblings of a Rare Bird: I Usewd to... by Mike Mekinda the Preacher Speaks About... Flight 93 Memorial and Rolling Thunder by Franz Hoffer

Features, News & Reviews

cc media publications

This Month’s Contributors Contributing Editors: Mike Mekinda Franz Hoffer Plus Dean Smith, Gene Southard, Jason Waechter

6 7 9 10 14 20 20 21 21

Tested: 2018 Harley-Davidson Fat Boy - The Dyna is Dead. Long live the Softail! by Ray Peabody Tested: 2018 Zero FXS Supermoto - Electric Fun by Ray Peabody Carbureted Cycles Repairs the Older Cycles Dealers Won’t The Russian Girl by Dean Smith Book review: The Unlikely 1 by Gary Ilminen, Reviewed by Gene Southard CRUZTOOLS Rolls Out Triumph-Specific Tool Kit Jerry B’s Cycle Works Adds Textiles, Helmets 2018 Royal Enfield Classic 500 Motorcycle Now Standard With ABS Indian Motorcycle Confirms Production of FTR™ 1200

Resources 12 Michigan Harley-Davidson Dealer Event Schedule

Get Ready for Summer Riding NEW SHIPMENT Men’s & Ladies’

Ray Peabody publisher@midwestmotorcyclist.com rpeabody@sbcglobal.net

Closeout, One-of-a-Kind

Ray Peabody publisher@midwestmotorcyclist.com rpeabody@sbcglobal.net

Leather & Textile Jackets $85 to $150 Valued at $22500

Cover Design Julie Kirkendoll

How to contact us: 709 Fall Street Spring Lake, Michigan 49456 (810) 923-8738 www.midwestmotorcyclist.com Copyright 1998-2018 cc media. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, photocopied, or electronically transmitted without the expressed written permission of the publisher. Advertisers, their agents, contributors of event information, free-lance contributors and/or editorial contributors will defend, indemnify and hold cc media and RTP Enterprises, Inc. harmless in any claims of libel, copyright or trademark infringement, plagiarism, violation of local, national, or international privacy laws and any other claim or suit that may arise subsequent to publication of said advertisement, stories, event information, and/or editorial. Submission of material for consideration for publication in Michigan Motorcyclist, Midwest Motorcyclist, American CycleRider either solicited or unsolicited, constitutes agreement to these terms. Except for the Publisher and Managing Editor, all writers are free-lance contributors. Any and all opinions expressed are those of the authors, and don’t necessarily reflect those of the publisher.

4

16 Event Schedule

Large cover photo: The 2018 IHarley-Davidson Fat Bob during a rest in the test. Photo by Ray Peabody. Small cover photo: The fun, fast 2018 Zero FXS, Photo by Ray Peabody.

Publisher/Managing Editor

Advertising Sales/ Web Master / Distribution

5 Advertiser Index

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July 2018

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1234567890123456789012345678901212345678901234567890123456 1234567890123456789012345678901212345678901234567890123456 · Open to all British motorcycles, 1234567890123456789012345678901212345678901234567890123456 A.B.C. Harley-Davidson ..........................12, 13 1234567890123456789012345678901212345678901234567890123456 including café racers, customs, etc.

1234567890123456789012345678901212345678901234567890123456 1234567890123456789012345678901212345678901234567890123456 · Judged by a panel of experts 1234567890123456789012345678901212345678901234567890123456 1234567890123456789012345678901212345678901234567890123456 Battle Creek Harley-Davidson.................12, 13 · Only bikes in this class are eligible for 1234567890123456789012345678901212345678901234567890123456 1234567890123456789012345678901212345678901234567890123456 1234567890123456789012345678901212345678901234567890123456 (3) Best in Show awards!

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Day of event: 1234567890123456789012345678901212345678901234567890123456 CLASSES 2-20 ELIGIBLE FOR 1234567890123456789012345678901212345678901234567890123456 Capitol Harley-Davidson .........................12, 13 1234567890123456789012345678901212345678901234567890123456 - Only votes submitted by 1 p.m. will PARTICIPANTS’ CHOICE AWARDS, 1234567890123456789012345678901212345678901234567890123456 8 a.m. to 12 noon 1234567890123456789012345678901212345678901234567890123456 1234567890123456789012345678901212345678901234567890123456 including best in class (1 st , 2 nd , 3 rd ) count!

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Judges’ Awards for Best in Show 1234567890123456789012345678901212345678901234567890123456 1234567890123456789012345678901212345678901234567890123456 Gildner’s Harley-Davidson ......................12, 13 2b. Modern Classics (Bonneville, T100, 1234567890123456789012345678901212345678901234567890123456 bonus coupon for $5 OFF on a 1234567890123456789012345678901212345678901234567890123456 Thruxton, Thunderbird, Thunderbird 1234567890123456789012345678901212345678901234567890123456 Battle of the Brits T-shirt FOOD AND BEVERAGES 1234567890123456789012345678901212345678901234567890123456 1234567890123456789012345678901212345678901234567890123456 Sport, Trident. etc.)

Grand Rapids H-D.....................................12, 13 1234567890123456789012345678901212345678901234567890123456 Available throughout the day 1234567890123456789012345678901212345678901234567890123456 3. Triumph and BSA Triples 1234567890123456789012345678901212345678901234567890123456 1234567890123456789012345678901212345678901234567890123456 SHOW REGISTRATION FEES Trident and Rocket 3 (1969-76) Great Lakes Dual Sporters ..................8 1234567890123456789012345678901212345678901234567890123456 1234567890123456789012345678901212345678901234567890123456 4. Triumph Oil-in-Frame Twins METRO TRIUMPH RIDERS STORE 1234567890123456789012345678901212345678901234567890123456 Motorcycle entries: 1234567890123456789012345678901212345678901234567890123456 1234567890123456789012345678901212345678901234567890123456 650 and 750 (1971-88) Great Lakes Harley-Davidson.................12, 13 $10 per bike Visit the red MTR trailer to purchase 1234567890123456789012345678901212345678901234567890123456 1234567890123456789012345678901212345678901234567890123456 5a. Triumph Oil Tank Unit Bonnevilles 1234567890123456789012345678901212345678901234567890123456 a variety of club and show items 1234567890123456789012345678901212345678901234567890123456 + $8 Camp Dearborn entry fee at gate all 650 twin-carb models (1963-70) 1234567890123456789012345678901212345678901234567890123456 Hamilton Harley-Davidson ................12, 13, 15 1234567890123456789012345678901212345678901234567890123456 5b. Triumph Oil Tank Unit Other 1234567890123456789012345678901212345678901234567890123456 1234567890123456789012345678901212345678901234567890123456 Swap-meet spaces: ACCOMMODATIONS other 500 & 650 models (1963-70) 1234567890123456789012345678901212345678901234567890123456 Holeshot Harley-Davidson .....................12, 13 1234567890123456789012345678901212345678901234567890123456 1234567890123456789012345678901212345678901234567890123456 6. Triumph and BSA Pre-Unit Twins $40.00 for first space Camping is available on site!

1234567890123456789012345678901212345678901234567890123456 1234567890123456789012345678901212345678901234567890123456 all pre-unit twins 1234567890123456789012345678901212345678901234567890123456 (15’ wide x 40’ deep) Rental cabins are also available!

Hot Rod Harley-Davidson ........................12, 13 1234567890123456789012345678901212345678901234567890123456 7. Triumph and BSA Singles 1234567890123456789012345678901212345678901234567890123456 Additional spaces: $30 each Go to www.campdearborn.com 1234567890123456789012345678901212345678901234567890123456 all singles, unit and pre-unit 1234567890123456789012345678901212345678901234567890123456 1234567890123456789012345678901212345678901234567890123456 Jason Waechter, The Motorcycle Lawyer..24 or call (248) 684-6000 + $8 Camp Dearborn entry fee at gate 1234567890123456789012345678901212345678901234567890123456 8. Norton Commando 750 1234567890123456789012345678901212345678901234567890123456 1234567890123456789012345678901212345678901234567890123456 all 750cc models (1968-73) 1234567890123456789012345678901212345678901234567890123456 1234567890123456789012345678901212345678901234567890123456 Jerry B’s Cycle Works.....................6 9. Norton Commando 850 SPECTATOR ENTRY FEE 1234567890123456789012345678901212345678901234567890123456 1234567890123456789012345678901212345678901234567890123456 all 850cc models (1973-77) 1234567890123456789012345678901212345678901234567890123456 $8 per vehicle 1234567890123456789012345678901212345678901234567890123456 MI Harley-Davidson Dealers ...................12, 13 1234567890123456789012345678901212345678901234567890123456 11. BSA Unit Twins 1234567890123456789012345678901212345678901234567890123456 1234567890123456789012345678901212345678901234567890123456 A50, A65, etc.

1234567890123456789012345678901212345678901234567890123456 Area offers great roads and many points of interest nearby! 13. British 1234567890123456789012345678901212345678901234567890123456 MI Supermoto.............................................18 Open/ Vintage 1234567890123456789012345678901212345678901234567890123456 1234567890123456789012345678901212345678901234567890123456 Ariel, Enfield, Velocette, Vincent, etc.

1234567890123456789012345678901212345678901234567890123456 1234567890123456789012345678901212345678901234567890123456 14. British Competition 1234567890123456789012345678901212345678901234567890123456 Michigan Sport Touring Riders.....................14 1234567890123456789012345678901212345678901234567890123456 1234567890123456789012345678901212345678901234567890123456 track bikes, scramblers, racers 1234567890123456789012345678901212345678901234567890123456 1234567890123456789012345678901212345678901234567890123456 15. British Café Racers MotorCity Motorcycles............................3, 22 1234567890123456789012345678901212345678901234567890123456 1234567890123456789012345678901212345678901234567890123456 including Triton, Norbsa, Norvin 1234567890123456789012345678901212345678901234567890123456 1234567890123456789012345678901212345678901234567890123456 16. British Choppers/Customs 1234567890123456789012345678901212345678901234567890123456 Motor City Underwriters ......................14 For more information, go to: 1234567890123456789012345678901212345678901234567890123456 FOR MORE INFORMATION GO TO: 1234567890123456789012345678901212345678901234567890123456 mild, wild, weird, and wacky 1234567890123456789012345678901212345678901234567890123456 www.metrotriumphriders.com www.metrotriumphriders.com 1234567890123456789012345678901212345678901234567890123456 17. Italian 1234567890123456789012345678901212345678901234567890123456 Motorcycle Solutions, LLC......................10, 14 1234567890123456789012345678901212345678901234567890123456 call 586-944-7456 or emailor metrotriumphriders@ymail.com Ducati, Moto Guzzi, MV, Aprilia, etc.

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1234567890123456789012345678901212345678901234567890123456 Ray C’s Harley-Davidson.........................12, 13 1234567890123456789012345678901212345678901234567890123456 Harley-Davidson (pre-Evo), Indian, etc.

1234567890123456789012345678901212345678901234567890123456 1234567890123456789012345678901212345678901234567890123456 1234567890123456789012345678901212345678901234567890123456 1234567890123456789012345678901212345678901234567890123456 Retail Warehouse .................................4 16 1234567890123456789012345678901212345678901234567890123456 1234567890123456789012345678901212345678901234567890123456 Battle of the Brits Pre-Registration Form 1234567890123456789012345678901212345678901234567890123456 1234567890123456789012345678901212345678901234567890123456 Name: ___________________________________________________________________ Phone: ________________ Ride to Sturgis................................................19 1234567890123456789012345678901212345678901234567890123456 1234567890123456789012345678901212345678901234567890123456 1234567890123456789012345678901212345678901234567890123456 Address: ____________________________________________________________________City: ________________ 1234567890123456789012345678901212345678901234567890123456 1234567890123456789012345678901212345678901234567890123456 Sandy’s H-D ............................................12, 13 State: _________ Zip: ______________________ Email: ________________________________ 1234567890123456789012345678901212345678901234567890123456 1234567890123456789012345678901212345678901234567890123456 1234567890123456789012345678901212345678901234567890123456 1234567890123456789012345678901212345678901234567890123456 Year Make Model Class 1234567890123456789012345678901212345678901234567890123456 Shiawassee H-D .....................................12, 13 1234567890123456789012345678901212345678901234567890123456 Number of vendor 1234567890123456789012345678901212345678901234567890123456 1234567890123456789012345678901212345678901234567890123456 1234567890123456789012345678901212345678901234567890123456 spaces required Sport Bike Track Gear ................................6 1234567890123456789012345678901212345678901234567890123456 1234567890123456789012345678901212345678901234567890123456 1234567890123456789012345678901212345678901234567890123456 Number of bikes x $10 1234567890123456789012345678901212345678901234567890123456 1234567890123456789012345678901212345678901234567890123456 Tecumseh Harley-Davidson ....................12, 13 1234567890123456789012345678901212345678901234567890123456 Vendor spaces x $40 1234567890123456789012345678901212345678901234567890123456 1234567890123456789012345678901212345678901234567890123456 1234567890123456789012345678901212345678901234567890123456 Additional spaces X $30 1234567890123456789012345678901212345678901234567890123456 The Ton-Up.........................................................20 1234567890123456789012345678901212345678901234567890123456 1234567890123456789012345678901212345678901234567890123456 Total Enclosed _____ 1234567890123456789012345678901212345678901234567890123456 1234567890123456789012345678901212345678901234567890123456 Mail check or money order in U.S. funds only, please, to: 1234567890123456789012345678901212345678901234567890123456 Town & Country H-D..................................12, 13 1234567890123456789012345678901212345678901234567890123456 1234567890123456789012345678901212345678901234567890123456 Metro Triumph Riders, P.O. Box 700521, Plymouth, MI 48170 1234567890123456789012345678901212345678901234567890123456 1234567890123456789012345678901212345678901234567890123456 Z94.3 Ride to Sturgis............................19 1234567890123456789012345678901212345678901234567890123456 1234567890123456789012345678901212345678901234567890123456 1234567890123456789012345678901212345678901234567890123456 1234567890123456789012345678901212345678901234567890123456 1234567890123456789012345678901212345678901234567890123456 Zip’s 45th Parallel H-D..............................12, 13 1234567890123456789012345678901212345678901234567890123456 1234567890123456789012345678901212345678901234567890123456 1234567890123456789012345678901212345678901234567890123456 1234567890123456789012345678901212345678901234567890123456 1234567890123456789012345678901212345678901234567890123456

Advertiser Index

36

Annual

Battle of the Brits Motorcycle & Car Show and Swap Meet

Motorcycle Classes

Sunday, 9, 2018 BattleSeptember of the Brits 10 a.m. - 6 p.m.

Camp Dearborn

1700 General Motors Road, Milford, MI

Battle of the Brits

An AMA-sanctioned event.

Be there, Rain or Shine!

____ ____ ____ ____

BE SEEN

TM

Midwest Motorcyclist

Wear Hi Viz Riding Gear 5

Tested

2018 Harley-Davidson Fat Bob The Dyna is Dead.

Long live the Softail!

by Ray Peabody For 2018, Harley-Davidson ended the Dyna line, long a favorite of Harley purists who liked the stripped-down look and minimal suspension. The company didn’t similarly end the models in the Dyna line but instead coverted the Dyna models into Softails. Softails use a hidden rear suspension system with the appearance of a hardtail but offer a comfortable, bump-absorbing ride. Since I’m not a Harley purist, this move is, for me, brilliant.

The Dynas, much like the Sportsters, were visually appealing motorcycles, but on Michigan’s deteriorating roads, the ride is similar to what I imagine it would like to ride a hard-tail down a washboard section of dirt road. It’s painful and almost uncontrollable. W ith the conversion to Softail rear suspensions, the formerly Dyna models retain their classic styling while also offering a comfortable ride. W in – Win. The desire to ride one of these new beauties has been building since the conversion was first announced last summer. My first motorcycle upon returning to motorcycling in 1995 was a 1984 FXSB Low Rider. (That motorcycle was not a Dyna model since the Dyna designation wasn’t

JERRY B’S

introduced until 1991.) The LR was powered by the last of the Shovelhead V-twins. The styling - long, low, and black with drag bars - was gorgeous. Unfortunately, the FXSB also had some gremlins – an unpredictable electrical system that left me strand several and a ride so stiff that I needed a kidney protector any time I rode it. If not for those issues, I might still have that motorcycle. That’s why I was so interested when The Motor Company decided to change up the suspension in the Dyna line for 2018. During a recent conversation with Mike Moakley, owner of Battle Creek HarleyDavidson and President of the Michigan HarleyDavidson Dealers Association, I mentioned my desire to ride one of these new models. He offered his 2018

Fat Bob demo for the test ride.

The new Fa Bob is a beautiful machine – simple but muscular - with styling queues that look like a combination of hot rod roadster and laid-back cruiser. The big tires - 150/80-16 up front and 180/70B16 in back – enhance that image of power.

The Fat Bob comes equipped with either the a 107 cubic inch or the optional 114 cubic inch Milwaukee 8 engine. The Milwaukee 8, introduced in 2017, is the ninth generation of Harley-Davidson V-twin engines. The most significant changes are the addition of two valves per cylinder for eight

Continued on page 19

Parts, Accessories & Service

CYCLE WORKS

NOW IN STOCK Textile Jackets For Your Harley- Davidson

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HELMETS

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assortment of Men’s & Large assortment of day & night riding Women’s riding gloves - 1/2 finger, glasses & goggles - Maxx, Global Vision, KD's, transitional, sparkle, studs, no studs, mesh, flame even with bi-focals to see the dash! stitching. Warm & Cool riding gloves.

586.773.BIKE (586.773.2453) Located at 25430 Harper in St. Clair Shores

6

Two blocks north of 10 Mile Road on the East Side Check us out on Facebook at Jerry Bs Cycle Works www.midwestmotorcyclist.com

July 2018

Tested

2018 Zero FXS Electric Fun

Supermoto is to motorcycling what nudity is to sex; the former isn’t essential to the activity but it makes the latter a lot more fun.

For those not familiar, a superrmoto bike is a dirt bike powered by single cylinder engine. It uses 17” street tires – sometimes slicks on the race track – for precise high-speed handling on pavement and a large 320mm front rotor for maximum braking when entering tight curves. It is designed for use on both pavement and dirt. (The typical supermoto racetrack combines 70% pavement with 30% dirt including jumps.)

Because of the street tires, traction suffers somewhat in the dirt but the handling advantage on the street makes the lack of good traction in the dirt worthwhile. Supermoto is the most fun you can have on two wheels.

This background provides the reason I was so so excited with Jeff Bottrell, Sales Manager at MotorCity Motorcycles – Indian, Zero, and Ural, offered to let me ride the Zero FXS. The FXS is Zero’s version of a supermoto bike, the difference being that it is powered by

an electric engine instead of a singlecylinder internal-combustion engine.

The ZF3.6 version produces 27 horsepower at 4,300 rpms, 78 ft/lbs of torque at 106 Nm, has a range of 50 miles (city), and weighs 251 pounds, about the same as purpose built supermoto bike. The ZF7.2 produces 46 horsepower at 4,300 rpms, 78 ft/lbs of torque at 106 Nm, has a range of 100 miles (city), and weighs 293 pounds, 42 pounds heavier than the ZF3.6.

The FXS offers riders three riding modes - Sport, Economy, Custom.

The Sport mode provides fast acceleration and top speed. The Economy mode preserves battery life by slowing acceleration. The Custom mode allows owners to set top speed, maximum torque, maximum electricity regenerations, and maximum braking regeneration through a smartphone app. It might not be as much fun but the more the rider controls acceleration, sustained top speed, and hard braking, the longer the battery charge will last. If

Is your bike too "old" for the dealers to work on? We can fix it!

Call us! We specialize in Cycles, ATVs, & Sleds.

Carbs are welcome!

(810) 459-1806 TM

Evolution of S 1000 RR Display the last week of July in our dealership Celebrating the history of the BMW S 1000 RR, we will have a selection of the RR superbikes over the years PLUS a Limited Edition, $78,000 HP4 Race in our showroom.

The HP4 Race will also be on display at the 40th Annual Concours d’Elegance of America on Sunday, July 29 at the Inn at St. John’s in Plymouth, Michigan. Stop by either location to see the exhilarating new HP4 Race superbike.

Continued on page 11

Carbureted Cycles

Midwest Motorcyclist

UPCOMING EVENTS

Monday, August 27, 2018

Summer Track Day at Grattan The Grattan Raceway track day costs $165, which includes track time, class room instruction and lunch. All makes and models of bikes are welcome to attend our track events! To register, please call Raina or Audrey at (734) 453-0500

BMW Motorcycles of Southeast Michigan 14855 N. Sheldon Rd., Plymouth, MI 734.453.0500 www.bmwmcsem.com

7

Women’s Motorcycle Month Honoring Those Who Paved the Way

by Jason Waechter, Esq. For several years, there has been a significant increase in the number of women who ride, more than doubling between 2003 and 2014. Women motorcyclists are quickly becoming a force to be reckoned with, both on the roads and on the track. They are riding safe, doing their own maintenance, gaining international recognition, and breaking world records. But it may surprise you to know just how long women have been riding.

Founding Females Born in 1912, Dot Robinson is widely considered to be the First Lady of Motorcycling.

Her father was an amateur racer and sidecar designer, so it comes as little surprise that she helped blaze a trail for women riders, everywhere. At just 18 years old, she won the Flint 100-mile endurance run with a perfect score. A year later, she met her husband, Earl, and they proceeded to set several records together, the first in 1935 when they rode cross-country from Los Angeles to New York City in 89 hours 58 minutes. In 1940, she and Linda Dugeau founded the Motor Maids, America’s ‘oldest women’s motorcycle club,’ touting the objective to promote safe riding habits, meet new people, and travel across North America.

The club started with just 51 members, but that number has since grown to over 1,200. Robinson became the first president of the organization and held that seat for 25 years. In the 1950s, she became known for her trademark pink leathers and bike, a choice she made when she noticed all the bad press for bikers in black leather, courtesy of the film industry. Robinson had knee surgery in 1998 and, unfortunately, could no longer ride. That

If you’re looking for fantastic dualsport riding and the company of great friends, join us. Check out our website at www.gldsmc.org to learn about our group, our events and much more. Only $10 to join!

same year, however, she was inducted into the AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame.

And then, there’s Bessie Stringfield. Born in 1911 in Edenton, NC, she created an alternate version of her life, claiming to have been born in Kingston, Jamaica. To this day, no one knows the whole truth, for certain. What we do know is that she was the first African-American woman to ride cross-country, by herself. During World War II, Stringfield was a civilian courier for the US Army and had no less than eight cross-country tours, even riding into the deep south at a time when racial prejudice was very severe. In the 1950s, she moved to Miami and founded the Iron Horse Motorcycle Club. She became known as “The Motorcycle Queen of Miami” and, rumor has it, she tossed a penny over map and rode wherever it landed. Ultimately, she covered all the lower 48 states. In 2000, the American Motorcycle Association created the Bessie Stringfield Memorial Award, to recognize outstanding achievement by a female motorcyclist.

She passed in 1993 but, in 2002, was posthumously inducted into the AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame.

Going Strong

At 92 years old (93, this year), Gloria Tramontin-Struck has been riding for over 75 years.

Born behind her parents’ motorcycle shop in 1925, she had always felt she was too shy to ride and adamantly avoided it until she was 16 years old.

That was when her brother, Arthur, finally convinced her to give it a shot. According to her, it changed her life. She promptly acquired her first bike: an Indian Bonneville Scout. Struck joined the Motor Maids in 1946 and, in 1950, she rode The Great Lakes Dual Sporters to Canada for her first is a like-minded group of offsolo motorcycle tour. road motorcyclists who enjoy The 1952 issue of Harley-Davidson riding Michigan’s vast two-track Enthusiast featured the trails and back roads. All done story of that tour, and using a street legal dirtbike also she quickly gained known as Dual Sport. notoriety in the biker community. Her first

Times Have Changed Although women riders are widely accepted now, it wasn’t always that way. These three amazing women are just a few who have made it possible for modern-day riders like Jenny Tinmouth, who holds the Guinness World Record for fastest average lap speed (119.945 mph, Isle of Man TT, 2010), Maria Costello, who was the first woman to stand on the podium at the Manx GP (3rd Place in 2005) and Kayla Yaakov, a ten-year-old phenom with 12 championship wins under her belt. Thankfully, times have changed, and women riders are no longer facing the same sort of prejudices as their predecessors. As the number of women on two wheels increases, there is hope that awareness of all motorcyclists on the road will increase, as well.

Attorney Jason A. Waechter is a national attorney specializing in the areas of motorcycle and motor vehicle injury litigation. Mr. Waechter has collected millions of dollars in settlements, awards and verdicts for his motorcycle clients over the past 20 years. Jason feels a duty to give back to his community. A portion of each case settled goes to educational resources for bikers, funds to help bikers while their cases are being litigated and our motorcycle accident prevention campaign. Call Attorney Jason Waechter toll free at 1-877-BIKER LAW. Or visit www.TheMotorcycleLawyer.com Legal disclaimer: The law is very fact dependent and there are many nuances and exceptions depending on your particular circumstances. Therefore, given the limited space, it is impossible to cover everything. Do not rely on the short article to protect your rights.

WE ARE NOW OPEN UNTIL 8 P.M. ON THURSDAYS BMW Motorcycles of Southeast Michigan 14855 N. Sheldon Rd., Plymouth, MI 734.453.0500 www.bmwmcsem.com

www.GLDSMC.org 8

love was travel, though, and she dreamed of touring Europe. “I remember in 1950, people did not even tour the United States! Today, of course, touring is second-nature with motorcyclists. My European trip was my goal, my dream.” In 1999, that dream was finally realized when Struck and her son took their motorcycles to Europe to ride the Alps. She even rode the Passo dello Stelvio, well known to be the most challenging pass. She was 74 years old. A year later, they returned, and rode over 4,000 miles in eight different countries.

Struck still rides, and has logged over 700,000 miles touring to rallies in Sturgis, Daytona and Motor Maid conventions from New Jersey to California. Like the previous ladies mentioned, she has been inducted into the AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame, and also the Sturgis Hall of Fame. Last year, she published a book recounting her adventures, “Gloria - A Lifetime Motorcyclist: 75 Years on Two Wheels and Still Riding,” and enjoyed a different sort of tour to promote the book. “I think I inspire,” she says. “So many people tell me that. That word always seems to come to their mind: inspiration. I am enthused about my life and how I live it.” Her next goal is to ride across the country on two wheels when she is 100 years old.

www.midwestmotorcyclist.com

July 2018

Carbureted Cycles Repairs the Older Motorcycles That Dealers Won’t Linden, MI – Dave Duprey, owner of MI Supermoto track days and racing, announced that he is opening a motorcycle – ATV – snowmobile repair shop intended to serve those enthusiasts who can’t get needed repairs done at the dealership.

Most dealerships will no longer work on machines older than 10 years.

“The idea for Carbureted Cycles came from what I perceive to be a need in the motorcycle industry,” said Mr. Duprey.

“Motorcycle sales have declined to half of what they were just 12 years ago. As a result, the number of dealers is also down by about the same percentage. That’s the situation here in Michigan – fewer motorcycle shops but nearly the same number of motorcycles when you consider both new sales and those already in the market. My shop will help fill the service and repair void created by dealerships unwilling to work on motorcycles more than 10 years old. We’ll repair those machines correctly the first time!”

Mr. Duprey graduated from the Motorcycle Mechanics Institute (MMI) and has worked as a mechanic on thousands of motorcycles in several dealerships in Michigan ever since. He was a pro AMA Superbike racer in the 1990s and even raced against Nicky Hayden. After that, he launched MI Supermoto, a business that is still operating today.

For more information about Carbureted Cycles or MI Supermoto, Call Mr. Duprey at (810) 459-1806.

HP4 Race Coming to BMW Motorcycles of Southeast Michigan Plymouth, MI – John Horner, owner of BMW Motorcycles of Southeast Michigan, announced that BMW’s ultra-premium HP4 Race superbike will be on display in the showroom of his dealership during the last week of July as part of his history of the S 1000 RR exhibit and also at the 40th Annual Concours d’Elegance of America on Sunday, July 29 at the Inn at St. John’s in Plymouth, Michigan. Only 750 of the hand-built $78,000 limited-edition motorcycles have been built.

“We are excited to have the HP4 Race in our showroom,” said Mr. Horner. “The Race is a completely functional work of art.

It’s unlikely that most people – me included – will have an opportunity to see such a beautiful, highperformance motorcycle up close.

Most motorcycle enthusiasts – and especially road racing fans – will appreciate the craftsmanship and technology built into this machine.”

The HP4 Race is unique for a variety of reasons. Powered by a 215 horsepower in-line fourcylinder engine mounted in a carbon fiber frame running on carbon fiber wheels, the Race weighs in at only 322 pounds (dry). The power-to-weight ratio of this machine - 1.498 pounds per 1 horsepower – is only .12 lb/hp higher than that of the 2004-2006 Honda RC211V MotoGP race bike or .08 lb/hp lower than that of the 2005 BMW Williams FW27 Formula 1 race car.

In addition to the power-to-weight ratio, the Race comes equipped with the same equipment you would find on many MotoGP and World Superbike racing machines, including: · Öhlins TTX 36 GP spring strut - The strut and swing arm work together to offer optimal adjustment options. · WSBK and MotoGP switch unit with Brembo RCS - The

interplay between brake disc, brake caliper and brake pads results in a braking performance at the highest level and are load and temperature resistant. · 6-speed EVO gearbox has shortened shift travels, includes a secondary transmission and is controlled via the HP RACE Shift Assist Pro. · Wheelie control and the maximum engine torque are tuned to the respective riding modes WET, INT, DRY1, DRY2. The modes vary in terms of the progressive mapping of the gears, the relative maximum torque and the specification of the wheelie control.

If you want more information or would like to see the HP4 Race up close and personal, visit BMW Motorcycles of Southeast Michigan located at 14855 N. Sheldon Rd in Plymouth, MI, call the dealership at 734.453.0500 or visit their website at www.bmwmcsem.com.

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BMW Motorcycles of Southeast Michigan 14855 N. Sheldon Rd. Plymouth, MI 734.453.0500 • www.bmwmcsem.com We take motorcycles of all brands and models as trade-ins. Bring us your bike when you’re ready to buy!

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Midwest Motorcyclist

9

The Russian Girl

by Dean Smith I’ve never been much of a romantic but will forever fondly remember the day I fell in love with The Russian Girl. January 17, 2008. It was a typical winter Thursday in Michigan – the temperature was in the mid-teens and it had snowed non-stop for the previous twenty-four hours. The roads were covered with an inch of glare ice and another few inches of slush piled on top, probably just to keep the ice from melting. It was, in a word, nasty. I had been out running errands on my “ice bike” (an old bicycle fitted with studded snow tires) and was stopped at Woodward Avenue waiting for the light to change. I was tired, cold, and only wanted to be home and warm.

Then “She” appeared and my life would never again be the same.

When I think of beauty, I usually think in terms of strength, agility, and a pleasing combination of physical dimensions. But when “She” came busting up Woodward Avenue, absolutely oblivious to the elements, I was so stunned by her awesomeness that all I could do was stand and stare. For the next few weeks, I couldn’t think of anything else.

in my life.

After several weeks, my persistence paid off. I spotted her at a local bar and was completely transfixed. I finally overcame my shyness and went over to make her acquaintance. She did not exude much warmth and up close, she was even less attractive. But it was too late. Love defies logic.

And I was in love with a Ural Sidecar Motorcycle.

Bob Steweart saying goodbye to his Russian ride.

The Russian girl outside her new home

Marking her territory...

I spent all my free time along Woodward Avenue, hoping to catch another glimpse. This was a new feeling for me and nothing made sense. She wasn’t physically attractive, her voice was somewhat annoying, and – even allowing for her sturdy bones – she was definitely overweight. None of that mattered. I was smitten and had to have her

The bad news was that she was in a committed relationship. I respected that and – sort of – kept my distance. Instead, I got to know her partner and we became friends. Bob Stewart is one of those rare people that truly follows the unbeaten path. He is a former police officer and currently a professional photographer. He drives a school bus. And in an odd twist of fate, it turns out that he was also my wife’s photography instructor at Detroit’s College for Creative Studies. Bob is exactly the type of guy that you would expect to trade his car for a Ural and some warm clothes for winter riding. Interesting man. My hero. One night, after a few beers, I told Bob that if he ever wanted to part ways with The Russian Girl, to let me know. I’d like a shot. Time went on. She and Bob moved to Florida and I tried to forget her.

Fast forward a few years and a four-word text message brought back all of those long-buried

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emotions. “You still want her?” Just like that January day ten years earlier, my world was rocked.

There was no turning back. The next few days were a blur. I visited my local Ural dealer (Motorcity Indian / Ural / Zero Motorcycles in Bloomfield Hills, Michigan) and had a long talk with Sales Manager Jeff Bottrell, himself an enthusiastic Ural owner. I got encouragement and the dimensions that I needed to prepare my trailer for a quick run to St. Augustine, Florida.

Next thing I knew, she was mine! Maybe.

An unusual condition of sale is that Bob gets visitation rights – lifetime visitation rights. I think I can deal with that.

On the drive back to Michigan, I felt truly international. I left St. Augustine, Florida – a former Spanish Colony – driving an American-made truck, pulling a trailer that carried a Russian-made copy of a German motorcycle, all while my radio belted out Chinese love songs. It was a great honeymoon! The Russian Girl has moved into her new home and we are getting acquainted. Like any sudden and mostly fantasy-based relationship, some parts exceed expectations and others, well, they will need some time. All I know is that life with The Russian Girl promises to be an . . . . . adventure.

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www.midwestmotorcyclist.com

3519 Jackman Rd, Toledo, OH (419) 720-4313 July 2018

Continued from page 7 - Zero FXS test you only have a 50 mile range, that control is important.

On the road, the FXS (ZF7.2 model) is pure fun. The electric supermoto accelerates from 0-60 within seconds. Even at 293 pounds, it is flickable – which is an important trait to have for a motorcycle dodging potholes and frost heaves on Michigan roads. The suspension is soft enough to absorb the bumps and holes but firm enough to offer precise handling without diving under hard braking.

After 1.5 hours slicing the backroads between Orchard Lake and Milford, I returned to the dealership exhilarated by the ride. There is a joy that comes from riding a fast, lightweight motorcycle that I don’t get from a multi-cylinder bike. It’s difficult to explain precisely why that’s the case but a saying I first heard a decade ago seems to cover it: It’s more fun to ride a small/slow bike fast than a big/fast bike slow. While the FXS isn’t a slow motorcycle (top speed 85 mph), it is a lightweight motorcycle.

After the ride, the FXS ZF7.2 model takes about 9.7hours to get to a

100% charge or 9.2 hours to get to a 95% charge plugged into a standard 110v household outlet. (The ZF3.6 model takes 5.1hours to get to a 100% charge or 4.6 hours for a 95% charge.) The battery in either model is guaranteed for five years and umlimited miles.

While the test didn’t include riding in the dirt or on a track, the FXS has serious supermoto credibility on the street, especially in an urban environment or for short rides. Since most riders don’t ride 100+ miles in an afternoon ride, the FXS has plenty of range for those rides. If you’re doing longer rides in either time or distance, a second motorcycle for those types of rides would be a good option. Considering the cost to operate the FXS – 81 cents to fully recharge (40 cents to recharge the ZF3.6 model), it’s inexpensive compared to the cost of gas.

Thanks for Jeff Bottrell and john Erickson, General Manager of MotorCity Motorcycles, for making the Zero FXS available for this test. For more information about this or any of the Zero motorcycles, visit the MotorCity dealership located at 1765 S Telegraph Road, Bloomfield Hills, MI, call them at (248) 920-2000, or visit their web site at www.ridemotorcity.com.

BMW Motorcycles of Grand Rapids 5995 S Division Grand Rapids, MI 49548-5730 616-530-6900 www.bmwmcgr.com TM

Midwest Motorcyclist

11

Michigan

Harley-Davidson

Dealer Events

For a complete list of Michigan Harley-Davidson Dealer Association Members, see panel >>>> June 29-30 Demo Days Hamilton Harley-Davidson 68951 White School Road US-12 Sturgis, MI (269) 651-3424 June 30 Independence Day BBQ 20% off all licensed red, white, & blue apparel plus patriotic BBQ and MORE! Battle Creek Harley-Davidson 5738 Beckley Road, Battle Creek, MI (269) 979-2233 July 7 Grill & Chill Ice Cream Party We’re grilling and chilling! Enjoy lunch AND get a voucher for FREE Ice Cream from the Cool Mama’s ice cream truck when you make a donation to MDA. Battle Creek Harley-Davidson 5738 Beckley Road, Battle Creek, MI (269) 979-2233 July 13-15 1st Annual Swap Meet Ray C’s Harley-Davidson 1491 S. Lapeer Rd. (M-24 & I-69) Lapeer, MI (810) 664-9261 July 14 Bday Party Free food, Music, Beer & Raffle Hamilton Harley-Davidson 68951 White School Road US-12 Sturgis, MI (269) 651-3424 July 14 SWMVRF Benefit In the absence of the Win98 Ride For Vets this year, we’re holding a South West Michigan Veterans Relief Fund benefit! Food available by donation, military/veteran discount, and MORE! Help us give back to those who protected our right to ride free.

Battle Creek Harley-Davidson 5738 Beckley Road, Battle Creek, MI (269) 979-2233 July 14 Southwest Michigan SPCA Charity Ride Perry Harley-Davidson 5331 S. Sprinkle Rd, Kalamazoo, MI (269) 329-3450 July 14 2nd Annual Nozzlemen Chapter 4 Poker Run Rain or shine! Register and start here at 11:00am. $25 per driver and $10 per passenger!

Cement City Harley-Davidson 18655 US-12, Cement City, Michigan 517-547-3333 July 14 Ride with Rob Ride with Rob Stone from 99.5 WYCD and be entered to win a NEW 2018 Fat Bob. Ride is limited to the first 100 riders,

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so preregistration is strongly recommended. Ride leaves @ 11am and returns to ABC H-D ABC Harley-Davidson 4405 Highland Road (M-59) Waterford, MI 248.674.3175 July 20 Bike Night Music by Plain Jane, Food by Lazy Man BBQ, Silent Auction Perry Harley-Davidson 5331 S. Sprinkle Road, Kalamazoo, MI (269) 329-3450 July 21 Customer Appreciation Day & Silent Auction Perry Harley-Davidson 5331 S. Sprinkle Road, Kalamazoo, MI (269) 329-3450 July 21 Christmas in July Holiday treats, Christmas music, Elves on the Shelves, and MORE Battle Creek Harley-Davidson 5738 Beckley Road, Battle Creek, MI (269) 979-2233 July 26 Crazy Like a Fox Bike Night 5:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.

Grand Rapids Harley-Davidson 2977 Corporate Grove Drive Hudsonville, MI (877) 596-6387 July 26-28 30th Annual Sandy Corley Memorial Run Live Entertainment, Ride-in Bike Show, Field Events, World Famous H.O.G. Auction, Self-Guided Tour through West Michigan, Motorcycle Raffle and More All the funds raised go to the Johnson Family Center for Cancer Care.

Double JJ Resort 900 S. Water Road, Rothbury, MI (231) 924-3020 July 28 Dog Days of Summer ROAR Fundraiser Adoptable pets onsite, refreshments, and MORE! Make a donation and we’ll give you a BCHD gift card!

Battle Creek Harley-Davidson 5738 Beckley Road, Battle Creek, MI (269) 979-2233 July 28-29 US131 Harley Drags sponsored by Perry Harley-Davidson Perry Harley-Davidson 5331 S. Sprinkle Road, Kalamazoo, MI (269) 329-3450 August 29 - September 2, 2018 HARLEY-DAVIDSON® 115TH ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION IN MILWAUKEE Roll into Milwaukee Labor Day Weekend 2018 and join the celebration. No matter what you ride, or even if you haven’t started yet, all are welcome to join. https://www.harley-davidson.com/us/ en/milwaukee-115th.html

Michigan Harley-Davidson Dealer Association Members 1. Battle Creek

12. Muskegon

BATTLE CREEK HARLEY-DAVIDSON® 5738 BECKLEY RD, BATTLE CREEK (269) 979-2233, www.battlecreekharley.com

HOT ROD HARLEY-DAVIDSON® 149 SHORELINE DRIVE, MUSKEGON (231) 722-3653, www.hotrodhd.com

2. Bay City

13. Sturgis

GREAT LAKES HARLEY-DAVIDSON® 3850 S. HURON ROAD, BAY CITY (989) 686-0400, www.greatlakeshd.com

HAMILTON HARLEY-DAVIDSON® 68951 WHITE SCHOOL ROAD, STURGIS (616) 651-3424, www.hamiltonharley-davidson.com

3. Birch Run

14. Tecumseh

SHIAWASSEE HARLEY-DAVIDSON® 11901 N. BEYER ROAD, BIRCH RUN (989) 624-4400 www.shiawasseeharley-davidson.com

TECUMSEH HARLEY-DAVIDSON® 8080 MATTHEWS HIGHWAY, TECUMSEH (517) 423-3333

4. Cement City

15. Traverse City

TOWN & COUNTRY HARLEY-DAVIDSON® US 12 & US 127, CEMENT CITY (517) 547-3333, www.cementcity-harley.com

CLASSIC MOTOR SPORTS HARLEY-DAVIDSON® 3939 S BLUE STAR DRIVE, TRAVERSE CITY (231) 943-9344, www.classictc.com

5. Fremont

16. Waterford

SANDY’S HARLEY-DAVIDSON® SPORT CENTER 11940 N. MAPLE ISLAND RD, FREMONT (231) 924-3020 www.sandysharley-davidson.com

A.B.C. HARLEY-DAVIDSON® 4405 HIGHLAND RD (M-59), WATERFORD (248) 674-3175 www.abc-harley-davidson.com

6. Gaylord

17. West Branch

ZIP’S 45TH PARALLEL HARLEY-DAVIDSON® 980 S WISCONSIN AVE., GAYLORD (989) 732-8000, www.zips45thhd.com

GILDNER’S HARLEY-DAVIDSON® MOTORCYCLES 2723 S M-76, WEST BRANCH (989) 345-1330, www.gildnershd.com

7. Hudsonville GRAND RAPIDS HARLEY-DAVIDSON® 2977 CORPORATE GROVE DR., HUDSONVILLE (616) 896-0111, www.grandrapidsharley.com

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8. Kalamazoo

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PERRY’S HARLEY-DAVIDSON® 5331 SPRINKLE ROAD, KALAMAZOO (269) 329-3450 www.perryharley-davidson.com

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9. Lansing CAPITOL HARLEY-DAVIDSON® 9550 WOODLANE DRIVE, DIMONDALE (517) 646-2345, www.capitolhd.com

10. Lapeer RAY C’S HARLEY-DAVIDSON® 1491 S. LAPEER ROAD, LAPEER (810) 664-9261, www.raycsh-d.com

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www.midwestmotorcyclist.com

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11. Mt. Pleasant HOLESHOT HARLEY-DAVIDSON® 4741 E PICKARD, MT PLEASANT (989) 772-5513 www.candssportcenter.com

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July 2018

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Midwest Motorcyclist

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Book Review

The Unlikely 1

By Gary Ilminen Reviewed by Gene Southard

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Have you ever wanted to see what your motorcycle would do flat out? With no speed limit, no traffic and no cops? Gary Ilminen, like many of us, always wanted to take his bike to the Bonneville Salt Flats and “see what she would do”. In The Unlikely 1, Gary tells the story of his trips to Bonneville to run his vintage motorcycles.

After purchasing a 1984 V30 Honda Magna that had not run in several years, Gary tells of what it took not only to get this “barn find” running but the requirements to get it ready for competition at the Salt Flats.

Competing at Bonneville can become addictive, Gary says. After competing in 2009 and reaching a top speed of 104 mph with his V30, Gary purchased a ’74 CB350F Honda for his return trips to Bonneville in 2010, 2012 and 2014. In stock configuration, the CB350F can run in the Production/ Classic Production class. On his fourth trip to Bonneville, he set a speed record of 82.102.

The Unlikely 1 can be used as a beginner’s guide to preparing your bike for tech inspection at the race track. Gary also writes about the many helpful

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We travel to great riding destinations close by and far away. We learn to be better riders. We share camaraderie and a common passion: The Passion To Ride!

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people he met along the way to his record breaking run. After his successful runs at Bonneville, Gary returned his vintage bikes to street use and can be seen riding around town. The Unlikely 1 shows that anyone can go to the Bonneville Salt Flats and “see what she will do” on a budget.

The Unlikely 1 is published by Touchpoint Press and can be purchased from many of the online book stores for around $20.

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July 2018

Random Ramblings of a Rare Bird

I Used to…

by Mike Mekinda I used to have a regular column here at Midwest Motorcyclist, and, at least in my opinion, it seemed to have been halfway decent. I dabbled as a writer a long time ago, and I’m grateful to Ray, publisher of this periodical, for giving me space to write for an audience again. For several years, I had regular columns, and he kept an open space for those words. It was a great situation, and I was loving the opportunity. Then the economic downturn left a month without space for my column. No problem, I started to write every other month - for a while. I’d love to blame the slowing motorcycle industry, but I realized the truth was I had nothing more to say. It wasn’t the dreaded writer’s block, or a “dry spell”- I really had nothing of interest to share, and I wasn’t about to waste reader’s time with mindless prattle. I had no idea what had changed. I was still riding many miles a year, still rotating bikes through the garage, and still teaching motorcycle safety. How could I have absolutely nothing I felt was worth sharing? It took far too long, but the painful revelation finally hit me. I was riding as transportation and leaving the joy of riding on a shelf in the garage.

Age-wise, I left the half-century mark behind several years ago and was allowing myself to be bogged down in the day-to-day needs of family and future. I was still buying, restoring and selling a variety of neglected bikes, which always kept a motorcycle beneath me, but I had allowed it to become a chore. Most of the bikes were fun in their own way, but they were no longer bikes I’d coveted through the years. Add to the lackluster bikes, my children were in college or had moved on, and PrettyWife’s latest promotion limited our leisure time- and, without passengers, I was passing on exploration. “This new situation is OK,” I nearly convinced myself. There will be time when work slows, when both kids have graduated college, when the mortgage is paid-off, when the extra hours working have supplemented the retirement fund enough… Then I realized I was the same age as a cousin who passed of a surprise heart attack a few years back, and I was beginning to lose friends only a few years older than me. I know tomorrow is not a given, so what was I thinking? I had always embraced the wonders of a relatively short life, and now I was allowing life to pass me by. It took mere moments of introspection to realize something had to change, and that change had to be drastic!

I sat a while and thunk (yeah, not a word- but it feels right!). I wrote some notes, and I thunk some more. Then it hit me. I have a good job that pays the bills, but I love to ride to unusual places, take pictures, and write- and in that moment RideLocalDreamGlobal.com was born. It’s likely I will never ride ‘round the globe, and decades happily married to flight-phobic PrettyW ife greatly reduces chances of leaving the North American continent as a couple. But that’s alright – I’ve found a niche, and I’m good with it.

I’ve discovered there’s a world in my TM

Midwest Motorcyclist

backyard that folks want to learn more about, and the travel writing/ photography brought joy back to my riding.

Time for Craigslist to clear the garage of bikes lacking emotional gravity and make room for the bike of my dreams.

I’ve wanted a Victory Vision since I first rode one in 2008. The polarizing Jetson styling is, IMO, a modern interpretation of the 40’s streamlined future, and the ride is a crossbreed of a Harley and a Goldwing. Problem was price, near $25k new, still well over $10k used.

Fortunately, diligent searching found a 2011 in need of TLC for nearly half the going price- and a fair amount of hidden problems to go with it (a story for another day). Nearly sorted, I now have the bike of my dreams, a plan and a website to share my dreams, and my mojo has returned.

In case you hadn’t guessed, this is a cautionary tale, complete with a moral to the story.

The moral is, DON’T WAIT. Take that ride, make it a trip. Buy the motorcycle you’ve always dreamed of, even if affording it means buying one well-used, and wrenching on it to make it right. The time and blood invested will pay you back the first time you need to make roadside repairs- and you know your bike like no other. All the reasons slowing you now will simply morph into new reasons as time passes- and time will never stop passing. Even without potential health threats, we still get older,

our reflexes slower, our abilities dulled. I’ve been moving things to “the back burner” for far too long, and the waiting has nearly consumed the fun pieces in my life I prefer to define me.

DaringDaughter recently took her travels global with a month in New Zealand and Australia, and SkippySon is standing on an edge, organizing an exciting career leap into the great unknown. I used to know how to take chances and make things happen when I was young, but somewhere along the way I started calling complacency “being responsible” and quit leaving the comfort zone. It’s not lack of play that makes mikey a dull boy, it’s lack of challenge - and I had definitely fallen headlong into that trap. We only grow older, so this is a perfect time for me, for all of us, to take a lesson from the young and take a few chances in life, stop putting things off. With that thought, I gotta’ go. There are two wheels in the garage waiting to take me around the block- and off to new adventures!

Be seen, ride smart, stay safe and I’ll see you on the road!

-mike

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Events Events do change.

Please call ahead

Michigan June 28 Sturgis Fest Bike Night downtown Sturgis, MI Live music, Beer garden http://sturgisfestmi.com/thursday.htm June 29 Ladies First Track Day Grattan Raceway, 7201 Lessiter Rd, Belding, MI July 7 2018 Lucas Oil Pro Motocross at RedBud RedBud MX 13638 N. RedBud Trail, Buchanan, MI https://redbudmx.com/tickets/ Jul 14 ABATE Region 6 Memorial Run / Membership Drive Roadside Inn 2241 N. Huron Road, Pinconning, MI (989) 493-9004 July 20-22 ABATE Region 3 Summer Bash Weekend $25 / Person; $35/couple Free camping on primitive sites Live entertainment, Tattoo contest, Best bike, Games 21 and older West Way Campground 7381 Rapid City road, Rapid City, MI (231) 409-8933

July 18-22 Muskegon Bike Time (7/19-22) Hot Rod Harley-Davidson 4800 S. Harvey Street, Muskegon, MI (231) 722-000 Rebel Road to benefit the Child Abuse Council of Muskegon (7/18-22) Western Avenue, Muskegon, MI (231) 722-0282 July 22 American Legion Riders Post 253 4th Annual Memorial Poker Run $20/rider; $10/Passenger Registration begins at 10 a.m.

Rain or Shine American Lesion 253 1505 N. Main Street, Royal Oak, MI (248) 546-0490

County Park 1100 West Saddle Club Lane, Paoli, IN (812) 666-6520

Bike Show Trophy Categories ($10 to enter): Best Brit Best Japanese Best American Best European Best Cafe Best Small Cafe Best 2 Stroke Best Original/Non-restored Most Altered Best Moped People’s Choice

July 16 Jesse’s Warriors Ride $20 rider; $15 passenger Kickstands up at 11 a.m.

Elkhart Indian Motorcycle 3016 Brittany Ct., Elkhart, IN (877) 856-4326

July 7 ABATE Region 11 Hogs for Hounds Reg starts at 9 a,m, Ride leaves at noon $15/person; $25/couple (317) 250-2843

July 14 Elkhart Bike Night Also: BEER, FOOD, VENDORS, BANDS (full list 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. coming soon), RAFFLE Downtown Elkhart, IN

July 26-28 30th Annual Sandy Corley Memorial Run Live Entertainment, Ride-in Bike Show, Field Events, World Famous H.O.G. Auction, SelfGuided Tour through West Michigan, Motorcycle Raffle and More All the funds raised go to the Johnson Family Center for Cancer Care.

Double JJ Resort 900 S. Water Road Rothbury, MI (231) 924-3020 July 29 ABATE Region 15 4th Annual American Legion Mystery Ride & BBQ $15 person; $25 couple Entertainment, Car Friendly, Games Reg. Starts at 10 a.m.

First bike out at 11 a.m.

American legion Post 200 11800 Michael Street, Taylor, MI (313) 613-4703 August 12 9th Annual Ton-Up Motorcycle &

Music Festival All bikes are welcome and it is FREE to all.

Come to ride, shop, eat, drink, ogle, mingle, rock out, and win prizes. If you have a custom, vintage, rare, beautiful-brand-new, or any bike you think (hope? pray?) is trophy-worthy, enter it in our bike show for a chance to win a hefty (and frankly, expensive) custom trophy, such as these from last year: https://www.facebook.com/thetonup/posts/ 10156586298109992:0

”Like” The Ton-Up on facebook and make sure to click on “Get Notifications” to stay up-to-date on all the happenings.

NOTE: this is an all-ages event BUT anybody under the age of 21 must be accompanied by an adult.

Arbor Brewing Company 720 Norris Street, Ypsilanti, MI September 9 36th Annual Battle of the Brits presented by the Metro Triumph Riders Camp Dearborn 1700 General Motors Road, Milford, MI www.metrotriumphriders.com

Indiana July 1 Wounded Heroes Freedom Ride All proceeds go towards taking wounded veterans on an all-expense paid hunting excursion Reg. 10 a.m.; Kickstands up at 12 noon Food & Entertainment after the ride $20/rider; $10 Passenger American Legion, Edinburgh, IN July 6-8 ABATE Region 8, Old Hippy’s Run $10/admission Gates open at noon on Friday Family fun event, Live musicBike show, Run Run, DJ, field events, Orange

July 19-21 ABATE of Indiana Boogie!

Lawrence County Recreational Park 99 Moore Lane, Springville, Indiana. Located 15 miles south of Bloomington, Indiana.

July 23 Great American Summer Cookout Elkhart Indian Motorcycle 3016 Brittany Ct., Elkhart, IN (877) 856-4326 July 28 ABATE Region 3 1,000 Miles in 24 Hours Starts & ends at Brandt’s Harley-Davidson 1400 North Cass Street, Wabash, IN Sign in 5 a.m. to 6 a.m.; Ride starts at 6 a.m. $50 minimum donation for the ABATE Biker’s Care Fund.

Admission includes food, ride-t-shirt and patch for your rocker (260) 403-2379 July 28 Super Saturday Beer-Bikes-Bands Hoosier Harley-Davidson 720 Bristol Street, Elkhart, IN (574) 262-2735 July 29 Z94.3 FM’s 2nd Annual Ride to Sturgis Helping raise awareness for our local veterans Come take a ride with us to Sturgis, Michigan!

We’ll head to wings Etc.for food and drinks and after to McDaniel’s Harley-Davidson for live music, Also, enter for a chance to win a classic Harley-Davidson Softail Deuce. www.z943radio.com

NOW STOCKING The thinest, lightest DOT helmet on the market! We are the only dealer in Michigan stocking their helmets!

Retail Warehouse (269) 651-2464 Fax: (269) 651-8767 1640 S. Centerville Road (M-66 South) , Sturgis, MI

Also stocking Bell & Fulmer helmets!

We accept all major credit cards

August 10-12 9th Annual Hog Daze Motorcycle Rally & Music Festival in Marion, Indiana brought to you by the Indiana Motorcycle Preservation Society.

Thousands of your friends celebrated with us last year. It is only $10.00 for the entire weekend. That gets you in the gate and a primitive campsite. Bring your tent and simply throw yourself on the ground.

All the profits go to two local children’s charities and it is a small donation that is easily cheaper than a drinking and driving charge. You can also bring your RV for a little bit extra. Come and enjoy the region’s best music, featuring Saliva, Billy Don Burns, and Alex Williams. We also have a classic pin-up contest, bike show, challenge your riding skills at the rodeo, a burn out competition, swap meet, and browse the food and merchandise vendors. Do not let the weather keep you home either, we have a gigantic entertainment tent to keep you dry. Check us out at www.hogdaze.com and on Facebook, search Home of the Hog. Bring your party attitude and we look forward to seeing you!!!

August 18 17th Annual Angel of Hope Memorial Garden Benefit & Ride 2801 Riverside Drive, South Bend, IN Ride reg. From 9 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.

Ceremony at 11:30 a.m.

60-mile ride departs at 12 noon $10 per person Food, entertainment, door prizes, & more (574) 993-2733 September 4-9 16th Annual Bean Blossom BikerFest Daily live music, Food, Vendors, Bike show, Contests, Field events’ Charity ride, Ridege Runners Juke Joint Bar, 1st Responders Salute, & more Must be 21 or older to enter No pets Bill Monroe Music Park & Campground www.bbbikerfest.com Check us out on Facebook

Ohio June 30 Indian Motorcycle Lima Half Mile Flat Track Races Opening Ceremonies at 6 p.m.

2750 Harding Road, Lima, OH (386) 492-1014

BE SEEN Wear Hi Viz Gear

Call (269) 651-2464 now or visit our on-line store at www.ridewild.com

16

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July 2018

BELL HELMETS LAUNCHES 2018 SEASONAL TWO LINE WITH LIMITED-EDITION CULTURE, STREET AND MOTO HELMETS New Line Features Collaborations with Industry Leaders and Brand Ambassadors Including Chemical Candy and Brad Binder SCOTTS VALLEY, Calif. (June 12, 2018) – Bell Helmets, an industry leader since 1954 in helmet technology and innovation, today unveiled its latest graphics from its 2018 Seasonal Two line. All-new graphics include collaborative designs with motorcycle lifestyle brand Chemical Candy, as well as Bell Helmets’ ambassador, and former Moto3 world champion, Brad Binder.

The Seasonal Two line features updates on Bell’s iconic culture helmets, the Bullitt and Moto 3, which will feature a new Boost Matte Black and Chemical Candy flames graphic, respectively.

On the moto side, new designs will be available for the Moto9 FLEX, Moto-9 MIPS and MX-9 MIPS, all of which are equipped with one of Bell’s advanced, state of the art protective MIPS or FLEX technologies. For the street, the Seasonal Two line is rounded out with updates to the SRT and industryleading Star MIPS, which is designed as a replica to the helmet worn by Brad Binder on the Moto2 circuit.

“While our focus is always grounded in protection and performance, we never lose

angular impacts, uses a slip-plane system that moves inside the helmet, mimicking the brain’s own protection system. This system allows the head to slide independent of the helmet during the most critical milliseconds of impact, thus reducing the violence to the brain which significantly reduces the risk of a serious brain injury.

The entire 2018 Seasonal Two line is now available at select retailers and online while supplies last. For more information on the helmets please visit www.bellhelmets.com.

sight of the importance of aesthetics and developing dynamic looking helmets that command attention from riders and for riders,” said Brett Conley, Bell Helmets Brand Marketing Manager. “We’re incredibly fortunate to have incredible partners like Chemical Candy and Brad Binder that reach directly to the core of our industry, both on and off the track. The power of these partnerships is reflected in the quality and creativity of these new designs.”

Bell has a long history of offering riders helmets that combine state-of-the-art performance and protection technology with innovative graphic designs that continually raise the industry standard. Many of the new designs are for helmets featuring Bell’s exclusive FLEX and MIPS technologies. In 2014, Bell introduced FLEX, which features Bell’s exclusive “progressive layering” technology, composed of three different materials, each designed to protect against specific impact velocities. Combining these three materials at varying densities creates an unparalleled energy management system that protects against low, mid and high-speed impacts.

MIPS, Multi-Directional Impact Protection System, is a technology that was first used by Bell in its bicycle helmets before being introduced to powersports helmets last fall. MIPS, which is designed to manage energy from rotational and

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Light White, 9,781 miles, $8,950 Red, 2,287 miles, $13,950 Light White, 2,052 miles, $9,450 Light White, 100 miles, $16,950 Frozen Blue, 18,067 miles, $15,950 Blue, 4,622 miles, $9,500 Royal Blue, 17,000 miles, $13,450 Royal Blue, 36,000 miles, $12,950 Carbon Black, 32,779 miles, $8,450 White/Blue/Red, 23,110 miles, $6,450

2011 BMW K 1300 S, 2009 BMW K 1300 S, 2009 BMW R 1200 RT, 2008 BMW K 1200 LT, 2007 BMW K 1200 GT, 2005 BMW F 650 GS, 2005 BMW R 1200 RT, 2003 BMW R 1150 RT, 1998 BMW R 1200 C,

BMW-Motus Motorcycles of Grand Rapids 5995 South Division, Grand Rapids, MI TM

Midwest Motorcyclist

Largest Inventory of pre-owned BMW Motorcycles in the Midwest!

Red, 20,421 miles, Tri-Color, 8,800 miles, Brown, 42,091 miles, Blue, Grey, 41,000 miles, Yellow, 55,000 miles, Red, 95,000 miles Blue, 122,000 miles, Ivory, 36,806 miles,

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(616) 530-6900 www.bmwmcgr.com 17

The Preacher Speaks About...

The Flight 93 Memorial and Rolling Thunder

by Franz “the Preacher” Hoffer Great Memorial Day trip to the Flight 93 Memorial off Highway 30 in Stoystown, PA and then on to Washington DC for Rolling Thunder. It was the 3rd such trip for us over the past 15 years and each one seems to take on a flavor or tenor all its own.

We headed out on Friday, May 25th in the afternoon.

On the trip and riding was my son Eric, good friend (now a better friend) Dave, my wife and sister-inlaw (in a chase car) and yours truly. Our destination on the first afternoon was Butler, PA on the way to the Flight 93 Memorial. Butler is about 89 miles from Stoystown. I quickly learned that the GPS unit on my 2017 Road Glide Ultra leaves a few things to be desired. This was the first long trip I was taking this motor - only picked it up in January of this year.

Anyway, the GPS does provide speed, time, or miles to the next action you have to take. It then tells you to take an exit with little or no time to react; especially if you have two motors and an automobile following you. I ended up utilizing WAZE on my I-Phone (had a gripper on my handle bar) in conjunction with my GPS. They both gave me the same route, but the WAZE gave me my speed, the speed limit, indicated how many miles to the

next action, and gave me more advance notice before having to get off at exits. Hopefully, HarleyDavidson will get the message and put a real quality GPS product out there.

We arrived in Butler around 7:00pm, took a little snooze then headed to a restaurant for dinner. The ride to this point had been pleasant and uneventful. The next morning, Saturday, we covered the 89 miles to Stoystown in a couple of hours. Pennsylvania has to be one of the prettiest

Flight 93 Memorial

Marker indicating the exact spot where Flight 93 hit the ground.

states to ride through.

We passed through quaint picture-book towns, up and down hills that seemed like roller coasters, and around curves that brought memories of “The Needles Highway” in South Dakota and the “Tail of the Dragon” on the Tennessee/North Carolina State line. We arrived at the Flight 93 Memorial a little before noon. They’ve done a nice job of building it up, but not overdoing it. The hall is full of emotional stories, exhibits, and memorabilia that brings

back memories of the day that America was attacked by terrorists; who can forget where they were and what they were doing when those planes were hijacked. According to the Park Ranger, 92% of the human remains are still in the crash site; it is, in effective, a cemetery. You can view the site from a distance but it is only accessible to family members and park personnel. It was eerily quiet even though there were quite a few people there; a nice sign of reverence for a brave group of people who wouldn’t allow the hijackers to carry out their plan. If you are ever in the area, it’s definitely worth the stop.

After about 90 minutes at the Memorial, we mounted our steel ponies and headed off to Washington, DC. Our rooms were actually in College Park, MD, some 160 miles away. The ride was uneventful but we found ourselves dodging raindrops for the last half of the trip. We had a few sprinkles but it seemed that the rain was either ahead of us, to the left or right of us, or just behind us. We rode on wet roads but I’ll take that anytime over being rained on. As we got closer to College Park, the traffic got heavier and once again, the absolute stupidity, selfishness, and bad driving skills of so many in Cages was evident. Talk about a lot of people texting; just get on I-270 around DC and you’ll think you’re in a “texting zone”. It’s that

Continued on page 22

The Midwest’s #1 SuperMoto Series 2018 20 01 PRACTICE & RACE DATES AUTO CITY SPEEDWAY, MI PRACTICE 4/15 4 / 15 5/6 6/17 7/15 7/22 8/19 9/9 10/7

1-4 pm 1-4 pm 12-3 pm 1-4 pm 12-3 pm 12-3 pm 1-4 pm 1-4 pm

SUPERMOTO RACE*

CHAMPIONSHIP RACING** 4 pm

3 pm 3 pm 3 pm 4 pm 4 pm

* SuperMoto Races - three points races, three classes and two mains for each class **Championship Racing - three rider change (minimum of two riders), 60 minutes

MISUPERMOTO.COM

18

www.midwestmotorcyclist.com

July 2018

Continued from page 6 - Fat Bob Test valves total and the use of counterbalancers to minimize vibration from the engine. The Fat Bob we tested came equipped with 114 cu in engine.

Producing 118 foot pounds of torque at 3,500 rpms, the 114 launches the 676 pound (wet) Fat Bob with G-force thrust. Hold on tight with both hands if you hit the throttle hard or you’ll be rolling off the back. Out on the road, the Bob is equally comfortable cruising the two laners at 55-60 mph or speeding down the freeway at 80. The counterbalancers effectively reduce the vibration that was so prominent in earlier Harley V-twins. Awesome engine.

The real story about the Fat Bob and the other models built previously under the Dyna flag is the feature mentioned earlier- the change from the twin rear shocks to the Softail configuration. This upgrade changes not only the ride but also the handling and appearance. Where the ride was once harsh and sometimes jarring, it is now plush. Where the handling was previously erratic on bumpy roads, it is now precise regardless of whether the road surface is pock marked with holes or uneven with frost heaves or new asphalt smooth. Where the appearance had looked a motorcycle with older, less

TM

Midwest Motorcyclist

effective technology, it now offers a clean, modern style.

The saddle, raised at the rear to support the rider and discourage slouching is especially comfortable. I am personally not a big fan of forward foot pegs and controls (shift lever and rear brake pedal), the 28” saddle height helped make the reach to the pegs less of a stretch.

The test ride had me traveling on two lane roads to the east and south of the Battle Creek Harley-Davidson. The roads were mostly smooth with some rough stretches. The views from the saddle were mostly picturesque farm land with a few lakes. I mostly cruised around in third or fourth gears with bursts of speed. This is the kind of riding I would typically do. The Fat Bob, while heavy at 676 pounds, is a couple hundred pounds less than the touring models in the H-D line-up. Those couple hundred pounds are significant to the ride.

The Bob is well balanced and easy to move around on the road or balance at stops; it doesn’t feel that heavy.

The braking system consists of twin disk brakes with four-piston calipers up front and a single disk brake with a two-piston caliper in the rear. The 114 standard equipment includes ABS. The

brakes are effective in bringing the motorcycle to quick controlled stops even in emergency braking situations.

I thoroughly enjoyed my ride on the Fat Bob. It’s fun to ride and visually appealing. If you liked the look of the Dyna models line but wanted a motorcycle more comfortable to ride, the new Dynas like the Fat Bob might be a good choice.

Base MSRP for the 114 cubic inch Fat Bob with standard ABS and security system is $19,099 not including accessories. The test motorcycle was accessorized with brass-colored exhaust pipe covers, hand grips, foot pegs, and gas cap plus S&S slip-on mufflers, red calipers front and rear, a passenger backrest – rack combination, and a W indsplitter windscreen.

Thanks to Mike Moakley for making the Fat Bob available for this test. For more information about the 2018 Fat Bob or any of the other motorcycles in the Harley-Davidson line-up, visit Battle Creek Harely-Davidson at 5738 Beckley Rd in Battle Creek, MI, give them a call at (269) 9792233, or check out their website at www.battlecreekharley.com/ . The Fat Bob is available at all Michigan Harley-Davidson Dealer Association member dealerships.

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CRUZTOOLS Rolls Out Triumph-Specific Tool Kit Applicable to Bikemaker’s Full Range June 12, 2018 – Tool kit specialist CruzTOOLS today announced the RoadTech TR2 for Triumph Motorcycles.

Triumph models span from adventure to classic. Despite the broad portfolio, fastener sets are generally standardized across models and have unique needs. To address these requirements, CruzTOOLS bolstered its popular RoadTech series with addition of the TR2 for Triumphs.

Standard RoadTech contents of combination wrenches, hex keys, precision mini ratchet, sockets, and star wrenches are provided, but only sizes found on Triumphs. A special 22mm x 27mm combination wrench coupled with a 17mm hex adapter covers front and rear axles. Also included are roadside staples such as a 6-in-1 screwdriver, adjustable wrench, locking pliers, tire pressure gauge, and more.

As with all CruzTOOLS products, tools are professional grade and lifetime guaranteed. The RoadTech TR2 – part number RTTR2 – retails for $89.95. ”Triumph’s impact on the Powersports industry continues in all categories,” stated Dan Parks, President of CruzTOOLS. “So it was an easy decision to develop a special tool kit for the venerable bikemaker.”

CruzTOOLS provides highly functional tools and tool kits for motorcyclists, musicians, and pilots that are sold through retailers and wholesale distributors worldwide. For more information, contact CruzTOOLS at PO Box 250, Standard, CA 95373 USA, phone 888-909-8665; or visit www.cruztools.com.

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Jerry B’s Cycle Works Adds Textiles, Helmets St. Clair Shores, MI – Jerry and Michelle Battaglia, owners of Jerry B’s Cycle Works, have announced that they have added Z1R Textile Jackets and the Solaris Modular Helmet among other items to their product offering.

The addition of the new jackets and helmets is intended to expand the market segments they serve.

“Our customers are requesting different options when it comes to riding gear,” said Michelle Battaglia. “We listened and looked for products that would better serve their needs. We figured that if our customers wanted these types of products, other riders who are not currently our customers might want these products as well.”

The new textile jackets in inventory include the women’s Z1R Zephyr. The jacket offers a polyester shell with ballistic fabric in the shoulders, elbows, and side panels with removable CE-level 1 armor on the elbows and shoulders. Included are reflective piping for better nighttime visibility and two zippered vents on the back for cooling air flow in hot temperatures. It also comes with a removable moisture-wicking mesh liner. The men’s Korazo textile jacket is a breathable jacket with armor in the elbows and shoulders.

Also new to the store are newer style

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leather jackets with softer leather, longer waists, zip in/ zip out liners, larger pockets for gun carriers, and, for the ladies, contoured for the ladies in all the right places.

The owners have also added two full-face helmets to their store’s inventory. The Z1R Modular helmet “has an injection molded polycarbonate shell and easy to remove scratch resistant polycarbonate shield. Closable chin and top vents and rear exhaust vent allow increased air flow. The polyester moisture wicking liner and cheek pads are fully removable. The Z1R Solaris modular helmet is DOT and ECE approved.” The second full face helmet is a basic model with vents.

In addition to the jackets and helmets, the owners have also added gloves with knuckle protectors available in full leather and mesh for warmer riding. They also carry a large assortment of men’s & women’s riding gloves, 1/2 finger, studs, no studs, mesh, flame stitching and gloves for either warm or cool riding conditions.

For more information about these or any of the other products or services offered at Jerry B’s, visit their shop at 25430 Harper Ave, St Clair Shores, MI, call them at (586) 773-2453 , or visit their Facebook page at Jerry Bs Cycle Works.

July 2018

2018 Royal Enfield Classic 500 Motorcycle Now Standard With ABS New Color Options, Starting at $5,599 MSRP Milwaukee, Wis. (May 30, 2018) — The new 2018 Royal Enfield Classic 500 motorcycles have been updated and are better than ever. Now standard with antilock brakes, rear disc brakes and a passenger pillion. The motorcycles feature a fuel-injected 500 cc engine with modern classic styling that’s sure to turn heads. The 2018 Classic 500 will be available in June at Royal Enfield dealers across North America.

“The Classic 500 is currently the most popular motorcycle in our lineup, and we are excited to offer improvements to an already fun, accessible and affordable motorcycle,” said Rod Copes, president, Royal Enfield North America. “The addition of antilock brakes is confidence-inspiring for new and experienced riders alike, and the new colors are a great addition to the Classic lineup – including the new flat-black Stealth with a blacked-out engine and exhaust. The base model Classic 500 starts at an attractive MSRP of $5,599.”

All 2018 Royal Enfield Classic 500 motorcycles will come standard with ABS, rear disc brakes

and a passenger pillion and will be available in the following colors: Standard Colors – Black and Lagoon – $5,599 Military Colors – Battle Green, Desert Storm and Squadron Blue – $5,699 NEW Gun Metal Gray – $5,699 NEW Stealth – $5,799 Chrome Colors – Black, NEW: Green, Graphite – $5,799 The Classic 500 update is the latest of several planned new model introductions for Royal Enfield North America this year.

In addition to expanded offerings for the Classic 500, the lineup also features the Bullet 500 and the recently launched and highly anticipated adventure-touring model – the Himalayan. The Classic 500 Pegasus limited-edition model that was recently launched in Europe and India will be available in North America later in the year.

For more information about Royal Enfield North America, please visit www.RoyalEnfield.com/ USA..

Indian Motorcycle Confirms Production of FTR™ 1200 BIARRITZ, FRANCE – Indian Motorcycle has put months of public speculation to rest. Today, at the Wheels & Waves festival in France, the iconic American motorcycle company confirmed that an FTR 1200, inspired by Indian’s storied history in flat track racing, will be going into production.While a formal release date has not been set, plans point toward the bike going on sale in 2019.

In addition to announcing production intentions, Indian also announced a sweepstakes where riders can enter to win one of the first bikes to come off the assembly line. Riders intent on owning the new Indian FTR 1200 can visit www.indianmotorcycle.com/en-us/ftr1200/ for a chance to win the highly anticipated new model.

“When we unveiled the FTR1200 Custom at EICMA, we said we’d listen to feedback from riders around the world,” said Steve Menneto, President, Indian Motorcycle. “Riders definitely have spoken and the response has been overwhelming. We’re proud and excited to announce that we will be putting the FTR 1200 into production.”

Visit www.indianmotorcycle.com to sign up for a chance to win one of the first FTR 1200’s off the production line and to stay informed as more information about the full specification of the production bike and the official launch date becomes available.

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2015 BMW R1200RT, Blue Metallic, 25,155 miles, $14,500

2015 BMW F700GS, White, 1,880 miles, $7,999

2014 BMW S1000RR, Black Metallic, 475 miles, $12,499

2011 BMW R1200R, Apple Red Metallic, 18,491 miles, $8,400

BMW Motorcycles of Detroit 1301 S Rochester Rd, Suite B, Rochester Hills, MI

(248) 402-4013 • www.bmwdetroit.com TM

Midwest Motorcyclist

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Continued from page 18 - The Preacher bad!

Well, we made it OK, arriving at our hotel around 5:30pm. We headed into Baltimore and ate at a place called “Carolina Kitchen”. Good food and great service. Nice to have the chase car along as we could take the car to dinner and enjoy some lively refreshments that we wouldn’t even consider if we were on our motors.

We headed into DC at 7:30am in the morning on Sunday. The parking lots at the Pentagon opened at 7:00am. The sooner you arrive, the sooner you get out. The ride starts at noon and fully 940,000 people, including riders, passengers, and onlookers, were there for Rolling Thunder. Most estimates put the number of motorcycles at just shy of 400,000 staged in five parking lots. It was blistering hot in those parking lots and there was nothing resembling shade anywhere to be seen. The DC Fire Department dispatched a truck to douse the frying participants with cold water, but no matter how wet you got, you pretty much dried off in about 10 minutes; it was that hot. They were giving away free

2016 Indian Motorcycle® Roadmaster®, Springfield Blue & Ivory Cream, 6,019 miles, $23,499 OUT THE DOOR!!!

2013 H-D Electra Glide Ultra Classic, Black, 23,256 miles, $15,999 OUT THE DOOR!!!

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2005 Honda® VTX™ 1300 R, Red, 47,464 miles, $4,499 OUT THE DOOR!!!

1765 S. Telegraph Road, Bloomfield Hills, MI One mile north of Square Lake Rd. on the east side of Telegraph Rd.

248.920.2000 www.ridemotorcity.com on Facebook at www.facebook.com/MotorCityMotorcycles 22

water but I counted at least 4 ambulance runs with people succumbing to the heat. Finally, noon arrived and DC was rumbling as those bikes - probably 90% Harley-Davidson - started to exit the parking lots and head from the Pentagon to the Nationals Mall.

We also had a visit from a distinguished guest. On May 24, 2018, President Trump awarded the Medal of Honor to Master Chief Special Warfare Operator (Sea, Air, and Land) Britt K. Slabinski, U.S. Navy, Retired, for conspicuous gallantry. It was an honor to see him and to see the Medal of Honor hanging round his neck.

The ride through Washington DC was incredible starting with the traditional salute from Marine Tim Chambers as you leave the parking lot....he’s stands there and salutes for more than four hours. I couldn’t believe how many people lined the streets to support those on motorcycles as we were all supporting our fallen

www.midwestmotorcyclist.com

Dave and The Preacher at the Pentagon

heroes and reminding people that there are still POW’s/ MIA’s from every war the United States has been in. It was a great day.

We were so glad to be part of the 31 st annual Rolling Thunder demonstration ride.

On Monday morning, we got an early start back to Michigan, pulling out of the hotel parking lot at 7:00am. It was overcast with a slight drizzle but our luck held out; no real rain. We did run into some fog big - deal but the key was no rain! We made great time and found ourselves on the Ohio Turnpike 30 miles east of Toledo at around 3:30pm. We stopped at an Oasis to gas up, hit the john, and get something to drink. We anticipated being home by 6:30pm.

As we went to get back on the motors, we noticed that the Turnpike was backed up well past the Oasis. What happened?

We went into the Oasis and asked the information officer. He told us that about 15 minutes prior on the east bound turnpike. A semi had overturned and caught fire. There was a fatality and law enforcement had shut down the turnpike in both directions while they investigated and cleared the accident.

When the turnpike shuts down, you are essentially trapped until it opens again as it is a limited access highway. At least we were in a rest area with an air conditioned building, food vendors, restrooms, and chairs to sit in as opposed to being “trapped” on the turnpike on our motors on the side of the road in the blistering sun. Three hours later, the turnpike reopened.

We pulled into the driveway at home at 9:00pm.

1,228 miles covered since Friday.

Tired but safe. I’ll take that anytime! Till next time, ride safe.

July 2018

BMW Motorcycles of Detroit 1301 S. Rochester Road, Ste B Rochester Hills, MI, 48307 (248) 402-4010 www.bmwdetroit.com

TM

Midwest Motorcyclist

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