The Motorcycle Times - June 2017 by The Motorcycle Times

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volume 8 | issue 6

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INDUSTRY NEWS

Harley-Davidson reveals plans for 100 new motorcycles

A couple of years ago, Harley-Davidson drummed up excitement about electric motorcycles, offering rides on its Livewire prototype. We were told at the end of that project that there would be an electric Harley eventually, but details were scarce. Now, the company tells Drive that it has plans for 100 new motorcycles over the next 10 years, and an electric bike is definitely part of the plan. Sound is playing a key role in the development of the electric Harley, says Bill Davidson, Harley-Davidson Museum President and great-grandson of company founder William Davidson. Noting the unique sound of gas-powered Harleys, he says the company wants to set its electric bike apart in the same way. “We have studied our competitors, and we understand what they are up to, and we did not want a normal-sounding electric motorcycle. We wanted something that plays into that look and sound formula. It is something really cool. I often refer to it as sounding like a jet fighter.” Davidson says the company doesn’t have a definite timeline for the electric motorcycle’s introduction, but the project is “progressing well” and that it will launch the bike “eventually.” Davidson declined to say whether the company would produce a range of multiple EV motorcycles. Davidson also says he believes autonomous driving could have a positive effect on Harley-Davidson sales, but not because the technology will make its way into motorcycles. Quite the opposite, he thinks riding could attract new buyers from the enthusiast community as driving becomes more automated. “Society has become driven by so many factors and we are all now in touch 24/7 as we’re surrounded by electronics,” says Davidson,” and I think riding a motorcycle lets you break free of that and enjoy nature and have fun.”

Engineering the Revival of an Icon

Amongst the most advanced British motorcycles ever built, Norton’s latest “superbikes” were designed in record time thanks to innovative use of the latest engineering software. Speed is what Norton motorcycles are all about and the latest machines from the iconic British company. Edging past 200mph is no problem for either the Norton V4 SS or V4 RR machines introduced to the public at the Motorcycle Live event at the NEC in Bir-

mingham at end of October last year. The reasons include the powertrain for both bikes – the company’s new 1200cc, 200bhp V4 engine – and a weight of just 179kg, making them lighter than the TT machines from which they are derived. Other aspects of their specifications are equally impressive. The chassis of the V4 SS, for instance, features a 3.1kg swing arm CNC machined down from a billet originally weighing 70kg, whilst both machines feature a Kevlar-reinforced

carbon fibre fuel tank cleverly positioned under the seat in a way that both helps provide a narrow profile overall and enables its underside to form the upper part of the airbox. In fact the machines are siblings differentiated from each other by their respective materials, production processes – machining for the SS and casting for the RR – and features such as the titanium exhaust system for the SS rather than their fundamental continued on PG. 03

June 2017, The Motorcycle Times – 2

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Engineering the Revival of an Icon

geometries or systems, such as suspensions or electronics, which are identical. Nevertheless when the bikes are released to customers – probably towards the end of 2017 – those differences will show up sharply on their price tags. Whilst the performance of both machines puts them firmly in the ‘superbike’ category, there is another way in which speed is the dominant factor in the equation: namely the short timespan in which the new machines were developed. According to Simon Skinner, head of design for the company, the bikes went from a sheet of paper to public demon(see ready PowersPorts.com For details) strations in just 12 months. Indeed, the actual design time, he said, was much was “right first time” and did not require processes. He conceded that they could pure surface data by simply dragging less – “six to seven months” – because the any reworking. be used to see what an intended injection points around on-screen. All 2015-2016 All 2015-2016 company still had to go to *Vehicle tooling This part might look like but “that In fact License and fee (where applicable) and also had implications for costs as moulded Motorcycles the procedure was so straightMotorcycles make the first pre-productionHSTmachines. are extra. Vehicle(s) andwell accessoriesas timings. “A whole suite of tool- wouldcomcost even bigger bucks to tool up forward come with 60 that he actually did a lot of the e with 60 $ can be and * have $ * $ * shown are with for illustrationing purposes Moreover this was all achieved for the carbon fibre bodywork a 16-week leadtime.” work month SPPinvolved at home “at the dining month SPP only. Pricing includes factory incentives minimal resources in terms of people: produced in a couple of months he said. An equally fundamental role was room table” using a laptop device after as follows:people (DRZ70 $0/TU250X $300/ a team of barely a dozen other In contrast the outlay for a clay model played by the design system used for the which the data was turned into full 3D SV650SA $1000/AN400ZAL6 $400/ within the company split 50-50 between might well run Creo package and spe- modelling All 2015-2016 information back at base in All 2015-2 016 into six figures and even projectAll 201: 5-2PTC’s 016 VZ800 $1,200/GSX-R750 $1400). All design and engineering, translating the Mo Mo Momain tor tor torcycles Creo system. cyc cyc then “might not be right.” As it is, he concifically its Freestyle module for creating the les les www.readysuzuki.com 2015-2016 Motorcycles come with 60 come with 60 come models. com geometry into manufacturingmonths processes. wit h 60 firmed, “everything is first go.” surface “It completely changed Moreover $ * monthe with 60 though the $ engine design * SPP included. See us for full 430 Hensall Circle, Mississauga month SPP Skinner added monthwe SPP did things,” said Skinner. “If was SPP $ that the the * way So how was this accomplished? Interestingly outsourced to engineering consuldetails. OffersSevergood until May 31, 2017. Sales Direct: al factors were866-819-4114 involved explained Skin- rapid prototyping techniques that might we had used conventional design and tancy Ricardo, Skinner pointed out that ner, one of which was that the project seem to suggest themselves as ideal tools surfacing techniques we would only that particular operation is located “just entirely dispensed with physical model- in this scenario would, in fact, be of little have been taking the bikes to the NEC 15*Vehicle Licence fee (if applicable) and HST facilitated extra on all offers.very Sale minutes away”, which ling. Instead the project went “straight use because the carbon fibre shapes in the this year.” He explained that the mod- close Price oncooperation. the New Motorcycles includes freight and ECRF, every Licence “I was inP.D.E., there Administration Fee and OMVIC Fee. Pricing of the followingthe includeengine a limited to tooling” machined from aluminium final bikes cannot be replicated easily in ule effectively allowed him “to play with day,” he said. “We packaged www.readykawasaki.com • 430 Hensall circle, mississauga uga • 877-297-7446 time rebate of: KLX110 X300 $0/Z800 $1,000/VN900DGF $500/03 in just a couple of further months, which the polymer materials used by additive ideas and sketch them” and then create alongside continued on PG. the $0/Versys chassis

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*Licence fee (if applicable) and HST extra on all offers. Offers cannot be combined with any other offers, programs or discounts and are good until May 31, 2017. Down payment or equivalent trade-in on purchase financing may be required based on approved credit from Honda Financial Services Inc. Sale Price on the New Motorcycles includes freight and P.D.E., ECRF, Licence Administration June 30,2017. Fee and OMVIC Fee. Freight & PDE ($65/$65/$65/$65/$65/$65/$65/$600), ECRF ($0/$0/$0/$0/$0/$0/$18.50) and Licence Administration ($0/$0/$0/$0/$0/$0/$0/$399) are all extra on the following on the other products: WB20XK2C/EU2000iT1/EG5000//EU7000ISC/HRS2165PKC/HRR2169PKC/HRX2174HYC/TRX420FA6). Pricing of the power equipment may include a limited time rebate and discount and the Motorcycles/ATV’s as follows: PCX150 $400/CBR300R $500/CBR500R $1,500/CB500X $1,000/CBX500H $0/CRF1000LARG $0/CBR1000S $1,000/GL1800BG $2,000/TRX420FA6 $500. 0.9% Conventional Purchase financing for 24 month term applies to all 2014-2017 New Honda Motorcycle’s. Financing Examples: $8,000 @ 0.9% per annum for 24 months equals $336.47 per month C.O.B. is $75.28 Total Obligation $8075.28. Dealer order/trade may be necessary, if we run out of inventory of selected models. Vehicle(s) and accessories shown are for illustration purposes only. Offers subject to change without notice, see us for full details.

*Licence fee (if applicable) and HST extra on all offers. Offers cannot be combined with any other offers, programs or discounts and are good until May 31, 2017. Down payment or equivalent trade-in on purchase financing may be required based on approved credit from Honda Financial Services Inc. Sale Price on the New Motorcycles includes freight and P.D.E., ECRF, Licence Administration Fee and OMVIC Fee. Freight & PDE ($65/$65/$65/$65/$65/$65/$65/$600), ECRF ($0/$0/$0/$0/$0/$0/$18.50) and Licence Administration ($0/$0/$0/$0/$0/$0/$0/$399) are all extra on the following on the other products: WB20XK2C/EU2000iT1/EG5000//EU7000ISC/HRS2165PKC/HRR2169PKC/HRX2174HYC/TRX420FA6). Pricing of the power equipment may include a limited time rebate and discount and the Motorcycles/ATV’s as follows: PCX150 $400/CBR300R $500/CBR500R $1,500/CB500X $1,000/CBX500H $0/CRF1000LARG $0/CBR1000S $1,000/GL1800BG $2,000/TRX420FA6 $500. 0.9% Conventional Purchase financing for 24 month term applies to all 2014-2017 New Honda Motorcycle’s. Financing Examples: $8,000 @ 0.9% per annum for 24 months equals $336.47 per month C.O.B. is $75.28 Total Obligation $8075.28. Dealer order/trade may be necessary, if we run out of inventory of selected models. Vehicle(s) and accessories shown are for illustration purposes only. Offers subject to change without notice, see us for full details.

3 – The Motorcycle Times, June 2017

CONTINUED FROM COVER

June 2017 , The Motorcycle Times – 4

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scott macdonald EDITOR

The Itch Your new-found fascination with motorcycling has you chomping at the bit to get out and ride. Just as soon as you park your bike, you’ll want to do it again. Nothing can come between you and the open road. You’re a beginner motorcyclist, and in your mind, you’ll never grow tired of this passion. But rushing out for a ride without thinking is asking for trouble, or worse, a trip to the hospital or even a permanent dirt nap. There are a bevy of stupid mistakes new riders make in their first six months due to a lack of knowledge, experience or from anticipation, and they’re not as obscure as you might think. Some of the most detrimental mistakes are frequently and easily made, It’s not just new riders who face the biggest risks when riding, experience riders often fall victim to the same mistakes. One of the dumbest things you can do is think you’re “good enough” and you don’t need some lousy beginners course. Here’s where you’re wrong. What you’ll learn in one weekend will teach you the essentials of safe riding. They’ll teach you that your most important safety gear is between your ears. I Want to Ride Everywhere! - Yes, we get that you’re excited. Hell, our pulses still race with the thought of getting out for a putt. But you’re not ready for every riding condition or situation just yet (who is really?). Get your riding practice in ever-increasing levels of difficulty, but only when you’re ready. Don’t start out riding in rush-hour traffic. Ride at your current skill level and then when you’ve progressed in skill and awareness, edge forward. Unforced errors are stupid too. Small Motorcycles are Lame - Don’t expect your first bike is going to be a Hayabusa, or even a big cruiser for that matter. You can get yourself a starter bike and still not lose your dignity. Plus, even though your passions run deep right now,

you may not stay with motorcycling. Seriously consider getting a starter bike and trading up after your skills improves. You can usually recoup the cost of the starter-bike when you re-sell it. Good used smaller displacement bikes tend to sell quickly. Motorcycling is a lot like golf: Don’t start with the Big Bertha driver. Try the irons first and then go for the big guns when you’re convinced you won’t slice onto the next fairway. I’m Too Excited to do a Safety Check - The Gearing Up Training Courses will show you how important this is before you ride. Even seasoned riders ignore this step, but it can be detrimental if your tires are under-inflated or your brake lights don’t work. Also, check the gas tank and make sure you have enough so you don’t look like a loser trying to walk your bike to the next station. Two minutes could save your dignity and your life. Can You See Me Now - Yes, you’ve now reached a new level of coolness, you’ve got the swagger when you walk and your bike has a nice rumble to it, but that doesn’t mean people can see or hear you when you ride. In fact, you should assume you are invisible to them. Always expect that people will cut you off in traffic, pedestrians will walk into your path, and you’ll just plain be ignored whenever the opportunity presents itself. Make sure you wear the right gear, cause if you are not paying attention, Karma will pay you a visit. I Don’t Want to Spend More $$ on Gear Your old man’s half helmet, your old jeans and leather jacket are enough, right? Wrong. The right gear can save your life and prevent more serious injuries. Spend the money to do it right the first time. Of course, nothing out there will totally protect you, but proper riding jacket, boots and gloves, armor, and a full-face helmet, all with high visibility will help you get past your beginner riding days.

I Want to Bring Someone With Me - Yes, taking your girlfriend or your buddy along on the back of your new steed is tempting. Just remember you can both end up as street pizza since you’re in no way ready to take on a passenger. The physics of riding changes, and chances are your friend doesn’t get how to be a good passenger yet either. Heck, they might even want to talk, which adds another distraction this early in your riding experience. Also, don’t think about group riding since you’re still learning how to ride safely on your own. Riding in Traffic is Just Like Driving a Car - If you think riding a motorcycle in traffic is as easy as driving a car, then get off now. Your level of awareness has to increase about tenfold in order to ride safely in traffic. You have to be more aware of how traffic flows, road conditions, pedestrians, expansion joints, railroad crossings and pretty much everything else on and off the road. Not only do you need to see, you need to assume you’re not seen. I’ve got Great Reflexes - It takes your brain 4 seconds to send the signal to your hand to make a move to do something. Keeping your finger lightly resting on both the brake and clutch levers is brilliant. It could mean the difference between life and death, injury and avoidance. It removes one entire step in the reaction process. It’s a good practice that reminds you never to be lazy. I know it sounds like your mother giving you another lecture, but every experienced rider will tell you the same thing. If you are not mentally and physically ready to ride and your bike is not up to snuff or your skills are in some way questionable, then you need to park the bike until all your ducks are in a row. Not everyone can ride a motorcycle, it requires a great deal of physical skill and focused concentration every second you are on that saddle.

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5 – The Motorcycle Times, June 2017

CONTINUED FROM PG.03

Engineering the Revival of an Icon

so that a bike the size of a 600cc bike has a 1200cc engine.” Another factor that was instrumental in achieving the compressed development timescale was the structure and internal communications of the company which, said Skinner, have been revitalised by its current ownership. Despite having a heritage which dates back to 1898, by 2008 the company had become little more than a name and some intellectual residul property when it was bought by entrepreneur and now chief executive Stuart Garner. Early the following year Skinner became the first recruit following an interview that he mordantly recalls took place in near darkness because in the relaunched firm’s newly-leased HQ “we could not find the light switch.” The point, though, is that Garner and Skinner work closely together without any supervisory board so that key decision-making is the result of their direct personal interaction. In fact, adds Skinner, where product design issues are concerned “Stuart often just leaves it to me.” Since then the company has, Skinner says, come to employ some 130 people and built around two thousand machines – mainly its Commando and Dominator road bikes though it also now regularly

goes to the Isle of Man TT races with bikes that carry an ‘SG’ title. But those racing forays are not an add-on to its mainstream design and manufacturing operations but a “key development tool”. As such he confirmed that the company’s 2016 TT bike the SG5 provided a lot of input in the form of know-how about such factors as weight distribution and aerodynamics to the SS and RR machines but stressed that the latter are nevertheless distinct new machines.

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The total cost for the development project for the SS and RR machines was £4m of which £4m came from UK government grant support though Skinner is keen to point out that that public money went into the “supply chain” rather than Norton. Appropriately the new machines are “80 per cent British by part count”. Right now the company is carrying out testing on pre-production machines and gearing up to start production through the commissioning of new CNC machin-

ing facilities. But more immediately two modified SS machines – “slightly lighter and with 240bhp” – will be racing as SG6 bikes at this year’s TT from 27 May to 9 June. Undoubtedly the experience will then feed into future development projects for which the underlying objective will, Skinner confirms, be to produce motorcycles that aim first of all sustain a reputation: “We want to make bikes that are true to Norton and then see how many can we sell.”

June 2017, The Motorcycle Times – 6

MotorcycleNews Mix - 0/35/85/0

Former MotoGP BMW to Offer OnStar-Like System champion Nicky Hayden dies after cycling accident Former MotoGP champion Nicky Hayden, died five days after the American was hit by a car while cycling in eastern Italy, his Honda World Superbike team said in a statement on Monday. “It’s with great sadness that Red Bull Honda...has to announce that Nicky Hayden has succumbed to injuries suffered during an incident while riding his bicycle last Wednesday,” “Nicky passed away at 19:09 at Maurizio Bufalini hospital in Cesena. His fiancee Jackie, mother Rose and brother Tommy were at his side.” The 35-year-old had been in intensive care with severe brain damage since he was struck by a car while training on his bicycle along Italy’s Adriatic Coast. The force of the impact shattered the car windscreen. MotoGP promoters Dorna joined in tributes from across the world of motorsport for the ‘Kentucky Kid’ who won the 2006 world title for Honda. “A true Champion on/off track, Hayden will be deeply missed,” they said. “Hayden will be deeply missed by the paddocks he has graced throughout an incredible career, his millions of fans around the world, and by all those closest to him.” The last medical bulletin from the hospital, dated May 20, said Hayden remained in a critical condition. The hospital had said he had suffered serious brain damage in the accident and was in critical condition. Hayden last raced in the MotoGP championship in Spain in September 2016 as a stand-in for injured Australian Jack Miller at the privately-run Marc VDS Honda team. He started in 216 races between 2003 and 2015, winning three. “Although this is obviously a sad time, we would like everyone to remember Nicky at his happiest - riding a motorcycle,” said his brother Tommy in the team statement. “He dreamed as a kid of being a pro rider and not only achieved that but also managed to reach the pinnacle of his chosen sport in becoming world champion. We are all so proud of that.” Italian newspapers reported on Monday that investigators had found video of the accident from a camera on a house overlooking the road. They said the images suggested Hayden had failed to stop at an intersection and was hit full on by the passing car. There was no immediate confirmation of the report from the investigators.

Automatic emergency alert system could save your bacon after an accident. While cars surround their occupants with carefully-engineered safety cages of metal, motorcycle riders are basically dependent on the clothes they wear to keep them safe. Enter BMW’s newest motorcycle safety creation, available on European motorcycles starting in 2017. Dubbed Intelligent Emergency Call, it’s similar to the system with the same name offered in BMW’s cars—but customized for the unique circumstances that surround a motorcycle accident. IEC uses a system of sensors to measure acceleration and lean angle to detect not just if your motorcycle wipes out, but how badly it does so—and tailors its response to match. If the bike detects a severe accident, it alerts the authorities immediately; if the accident isn’t too bad, it delays the call for 25

seconds, giving the rider a chance to manually override it if no assistance is required. In either case, the system uses GPS to pinpoint the bike’s location, passing that to first responders to help them lock onto the accident site. Like similar automotive systems, the motorcycle version of IEC includes a microphone and speaker, so the rider can communicate with the operator or emergency personnel. It also includes a separate button that actively triggers the call, which BMW says is meant to allow riders to call in any accidents they stumble across. Systems like IEC can cut emergency response time by as much as 60 percent, which in turn saves lives. And not to be too cynical, but let’s face it—every BMW bike rider who survives an accident thanks to this feature is a rider likely to buy another BMW motorcycle.

Harley-Davidson introduces artist series of motorcycles globally

Keeping in mind the increasing demand of customisation on motorcycles, American motorcycle manufacturer Harley-Davidson has partnered with Sailor Jerry to provide rolling canvases on the new 2017 Harley-Davidson street bikes for the USA and few other international markets. A report on Digital Trends says that 22 hand painted Harley-Davidsons will tour at various places across the company’s dealerships and other regional events to market the rolling art and display them.

Various artists are working on HarleyDavidson Iron 883s, 2017 2017 Harley-Davidson Forty-eights, and 2017 Harley-Davison Roadsters. Many tattoo artists have also shown interest in taking part. Many members of Harley-Davidson stying and designing team have also been working on creating new desgins. The report also claims that so far 9 out of 22 motorcycles have already been painted. The company has not shared any information on the sales of these 22 motorcycles.

Bosch Is Developing V2V Communications for Motorcycles

Bosch Mobility Solutions has announced a prototype vehicle-to-vehicle communication system that it describe as a “digital protection shield.” They predict it could prevent one-third of motorcycle accidents. Vehicle-to-vehicle (V2V) is a technology that allows vehicles to communicate important data to each other. For example, every new Cadillac CTS sedan is equipped with V2V; as a result, each one can talk to other CTS sedans within a radius of about 1,000 feet. When one car comes across a hazard that requires hard braking, it can communicate that information to other cars, so the driver knows about it before they see it. This technology could be extremely advantageous to motorcyclists, for whom visibility is a big issue. Far too many motorcycle accidents occur as a result of a driver in a car not seeing them. A V2V system on a motorcycle that communicates with V2V-

equipped cars can emit a notification saying something to the effect of, “Hey, there’s a motorcycle nearby. Don’t hit it.” But how does the V2V system send a notification to the motorcyclist when they need it? Bosch demonstrates that the system can talk to the rider through an in-helmet headset, presumably via Bluetooth. So if you don’t have audio in your helmet or if you’re “too cool” to wear a helmet, you might not get much out of this system. The new Bosch system uses ITS G5, which is the public wireless local area network standard. This ensures that it can communicate with multiple types of existing and future V2V systems, not just other Bosch systems. With the Bosch system, parked and idling vehicles can also transmit data. These can present as much or more of a hazard as a moving vehicle, so this will likely be advantageous for both cars and bikes in preventing accidents.

30%K

Husqvarnas’ 2018 Enduro Range

Adding a significant benchmark to its timeline for 2018, Husqvarna Motorcycles has introduced the next generation of 2-stroke machines – the all-new, fuel-injected TE 250i and TE 300i. Offering unprecedented advantages in terms of performance, rideability, fuel consumption, ease of use, the introduction of fuel-injection by Husqvarna Motorcycles is a new step into the future of off-road motorcycling. Together with the fuel-injected 2-strokes, Husqvarna Motorcycles present a heavily updated range of TE and FE machines for 2018. With feedback from top-level competition and combining it with extensive research, the brand’s engineers ensured that the 2018 TX 125, FE 250, FE 350, FE 450 and FE 501 remain true to Husqvarna Motorcycles’ commitment to offer premium motorcycles across their enduro range. The new fuel-injected TE 250i and TE 300i machines feature engine technology that revolutionizes the field of 2-stroke enduro motorcycles. Featuring a pair of fuel injectors positioned at the transfer ports, the new system delivers the perfect amount of fuel into the engine at all times, across all conditions. Offering a significant reduction in fuel consumption and emissions, it also provides a smooth and clean power delivery on both machines. With the injectors delivering the fuel mixture downwards into the transfer port, the system ensures a much more efficient combustion. Carefully placed at the rear of the cylinder, a special tube relays intake pressure data to the new ECU. Gathering information from the throttle position sensor, the air and intake pressure sensors, together with the crankcase pressure and water temperature sensors, the ECU automatically compensates for temperature and altitude changes eliminating the need to modify carburetor jetting. Vital for internal engine lubrication, the 2-stroke oil is stored in a separate tank thus eliminating the need for pre-mixing. With its filler tube running through the frame, the 0.7 lt tank contains oil for five full tanks of fuel depending on conditions. Controlled by the EMS the oil pump delivers the ideal amount of oil reducing waste as well as excessive smoke. Combining the most advanced engine technology with a series of dynamic upgrades, all Husqvarna Motorcycles 2-stroke and 4-stroke machines set the benchmark in terms of handling, power, weight and aesthetics. Developed by WP Performance System the front forks are designed for enduro riding. For MY18, the forks feature new outer tubes offering improved flex characteristics and reduced friction. A stiffer setting also provides extra sensitivity and improved bottoming resistance. Also new for MY18 are the Magura front and rear brake systems. Featuring a similar layout to the design used on previous model Husqvarna enduro bikes, each system features optimal sensitivity and a progressive feel while retaining the highest level of performance. Second to none in terms of functionality and style, the new ProTaper handlebars feature class-leading fatigue resistance while adding minimal weight. The new Husqvarna MY18 enduro range will be available worldwide from July 2017 onwards at all authorized Husqvarna Motorcycles Dealers.

7 – The Motorcycle Times, June 2017

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Al Royer. Was it at a track where he impressed you with his fierce talent and sportsmanship? Or maybe you met him on some twisty road up north as he closed the gap and flew wingman waiting and watching, deciding. Matching my every move I realized later that Al contemplated me, not simply when to pass. He never bragged or used his abilities to impress but instead a reserved expert who was quick to smile and offer advice and welcomed you into friendship. At its pinnacle our group consisted of twenty mature and skilled friends full of trust and deeply bonded with whom Al and a shy woman found a home. Remember his name because one warm summer evening Al Royer was added to the list. We decided to go but later I would wish I hadn’t. Normally our meet was joyful and filled with laughter as we talked of possible routes. Animated descriptions of escapades in their absence, each new arrival was greeted like a brother or sister. Not so this time. Just two of our group stood quietly staring at their boots as I realized no words were needed, we buttoned up and left. Breaking free onto the open road seemed anticlimactic and as we headed north our familiar playground segued to a pale imitation. The sun cast deep shadows on the 507 and as I watched my mirrors for a mate who would never appear we carved one of Al’s most revered roads. Twisting through Ontario’s cottage country this fabled jewel is rife with blind corners that offer thick forest or unforgiving rock as run off. Add wildlife to the mix and you understand why so many of us have been judged there. A full run to Gooderham complete we turned back south and with our normal competitiveness absent we flashed through the shadows finding solace in the very thing that caused our grief. We rode to mesh life and death and bring our world back to balance. Three moved as one and like brothers we flowed together. Leading Lee raised his left arm followed by Grant and we were there, the corner where our friend was added to the list. Something was very wrong with that spot, so many likely suspects rode with aplomb just to crash in such an easy turn. A horror found him that evening and like so many of our lost no one will ever know why, except maybe one. I mentioned Al’s girlfriend and forgive me, so many years on I’ve lost her name. A quiet girl yet competent on her mid sized standard trailing behind her much faster man but more on that later. Haunted by a ghost I stood facing the rock cut as Al raved about his new 954, shattered black and silver plastic spoke his words to me. The pieces were so small and

The List

it was then I realized engine internals lay half hidden in the beautiful roadside grass. I can’t print the words that came. Marked by where his rear tire stopped followed by the front I saw where it all went wrong in those black marks and curse my imagination for drawing it all for me in my mind, like a slow motion movie I saw my friend die. The realization and sharp inhale as the chain snatched wildly. The huge eyes and a scream choked down to a grunt as muscle memory tries to save it all. The sublime violence of energies breaking free from control and finally the acquiescence a moment before the end. Turning Lee’s eyes meet mine from the ditch, were tears brimming there? He motioned to something in his hand and focusing closer I understood. He turned in the morning sun, stepped to the rocks face and gently placed Al’s broken glasses above a horrible scar made by a prized Honda 954. In unison multiple and well timed downshifts brought a group of sport bikes to us and seeing our’s on the roadside they must have thought the worst. In full gear the group paused behind dark visors waiting for news. Without words how do you say “We’re fine but our friend died here”. I couldn’t figure it out either so I flashed a thumbs up and with a nod our brethren left. The leader paused before feeding clutch and fuel and fixed a look on me, that pilot knew. He sensed the wrongness in that place. Motionless Lee and I listened to the forest replace revving engines and returned to our surreal journey. A journey that was about to take us to an unforeseen edge. Grant stood abreast of the rock on asphalt that was damaged and raw, the evidence of a wreck thrown back onto the road. Lee joined me and as we reached our friend his wild eyes told me a thousand words and yet nothing at all. Grant pointed to our feet. Individually we had wondered if Al’s girl was with him that terrible evening. Grant knew the answer and as Lee and I stared in disbelief that summer morning was consumed and death was left to answer. Boot prints, tiny girl sized boot prints were cast in dried blood encircling where her broken man had laid on his favorite road. Visions overtook me then and I saw through her eyes the headlight illuminate her nightmare. I felt her breath hitch as the light swept up her smashed lover. I saw him move for the last time trying to touch her and I heard her scream into the gathering darkness. I felt her break when she realized that she was alone. The forest watched and offered beauty and respect as three brothers again shared the passion in hopes of understanding The List. I just have one more thing to tell you. Every time you venture out remember your penciled in.

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9 – The Motorcycle Times, June 2017

ALL FOR LESS THAN YOU THINK.

June 2017, The Motorcycle Times – 10

RealWorld Mix - 0/35/85/0

30%K

All to See a Moose scott jackson we returned. I’m just full of good in-

CONTRIBUTING WRITER

She wanted to see a moose. I don’t know where the idea came from. I don’t know where a lot of female ideas come from. And as usual, I didn’t ask. Did it really matter? Maybe because she is a city girl, and had never seen one. Perhaps one of her girlfriends had recently seen one. Truth is, she could have wanted to do most anything. I just need to figure some way to do it on my motorcycle. It was the Saturday on the May long weekend, and we hadn’t yet been on a real ride in 2017. Oh sure, we had been out for a short scoot here and there. A few miles to some friends, or out for a coffee, but not on a real ride. So at the speed of light, maybe a couple minutes, I rolled the possibilities through my melon, and pronounced, “for sure we can see a moose in Algonquin”. The sun was shining and the thermometer was moving in the right direction. We still had to put on a couple of layers of clothes but it was really only the wind that was cool. She packed a bag with some water and snacks to bring along; all the things that I would never think of, but later would wish I had. Straddling GG, I made a mental note that she needed a bath and vowed to make it happen when

tentions like that. After filling up with high test, we made our way over to the 400 north. WTF. It was around 10 am and clogged with cages as far as the eye could see. I had hoped that everyone had taken off for the cottage Friday night. Probably everyone else had had that same expectation. The temptation is often too much to resist. You know what I’m talking about; the idea that the other lane is moving faster; the thought that the car in front of you is moving way too slow. But I fought the urge, mostly putting along in the same lane. All the while, cursing the guy in front of me, and any driver who dared to operate their vehicle, like I was fighting myself not to. It continued that way for the next hour. Not until passing by Barrie, did we finally get into a sustained 5th gear. The ride was cool, but if felt like scratching an unreachable itch. We zipped up highway 11, all the way to Huntsville. Thinking there was probably a nice little café or restaurant in the old downtown, we aimed the front wheel in that direction. It was like we had rode into the Garden of Eden. The Huntsville May 2/4 Craft Beer Festival! All along the water there were tents and tables set up with brews like, “Flying Monkey”,” Barnstormer” and “Sawdust City”,

to taste and/or indulge. A couple were excellent. A couple, to be polite, were not to my taste. There was also live music and we found a great spot to sit, sip and people watch. It wouldn’t have been difficult to stay the whole day. Maybe get a decent buzz on and find a local place to sleep for the night. If my buddies were accompanying me, it may very well have ended that way. But soon enough the words, “I thought we were going see a moose”, were bringing me back to the mission at hand. Highway 60 takes you right through the lower half of Algonquin Provincial Park from west to east, and that was the plan. A few kilometers east of Huntsville, we started to see signs warning of moose on the road and her anticipation was growing. Algonquin is the oldest provincial park in Canada, (1893) and is known far and wide as an awesome place to see wildlife, camp or go canoeing. If you are going to use the facilities, swim, picnic or hike, you have to pay a fee, but to ride through – no charge. Within minutes of entering the park, we could see a number of cars off to the side of the road, and people pointing cameras. For sure, a moose. Slowing down to a stop, both of us scanning the tree line, we were notified, “it took off’. Oh well, there’s sure to be more,

right? Another 10 kilometers or so, and the same scenario, – cars on the roadside, cameras out. “You just missed it, guess he got scared of all the people”. Crap! “For sure there will be another”, I opine to my partner, but I can see she isn’t quite as certain. In the meantime we stopped and climbed some rocks, and took some pics of some beautiful little lakes, all while fighting the blackflies. But soon enough, “think we are going to see a moose”. Still another 15 kilometers or so to go before the east end of the park. Plenty of time, right? Those 15 were speeding by fast. We slowed down. I’m sure she can sense my urgency. Cars were piling up behind us, because there is little opportunity to pass. Knowing they would understand if given the chance to explain, I just continued ever slower and waved them around whenever given the chance. I could feel my own doubt creeping in. Hold on. Up ahead are two of the cars that had earlier passed us, pulled over to the side. Either they were going to throw something at me for slowing them down for so long. Or, could it be that they had found a moose? Right there, so close to the road, was a big female. My girl was off the bike, camera in hand, getting way too close to it, before I had even put the kickstand

11 – The Motorcycle Times, June 2017

in place. Apparently they lick the salt from the highway after the winter, but this one was just munching some little shrubs. Within minutes, more vehicles were stopping and the big girl slowly sauntered back into the woods. Now it was my turn to say to those late arrivals, “dude, you just missed it”, with a snicker. Back on the bike I can feel her behind me, looking at her photos, maybe texting them off to

who knows where. Her confidence in me has been restored. Coming out of the park at Whitney, we thumped along in a southeast direction through Bancroft, and then hooked into highway 28 toward Peterborough. We made a quick stop at Burleigh Falls to view the rapids. While stopped we filled up the gas tank, and downed a quick coffee, knowing that this was likely the last break before home. It

wasn’t that late, but I had promised a barbeque and beer to some friends for later that night. Skirting around Peterborough, we made fast time on the 115 and 401 highways back to Toronto. It was a long ride for the first real ride of the year, and I was pretty sure there would be a couple of aching body parts in the morning. But a great ride, and we all know that if you have a happy girl, chanc-

es are you have a happy world. She had gotten her pics, and seen her moose. Life was good. I just have to keep doing the Suduko and crossword puzzles in the paper. Yep, I need to continue to work on keeping the brain sharp. So the next time she has an idea on where to go, or what to do, it can be quickly turned into another chance, for another motorcycle ride.

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June 2017, The Motorcycle Times – 12

Friday the 13th in Port Dover

Space Tight?

July 2012 17 the road of thatbusiness Dover Thunder Apparel celebrates 13 years never ends day 13th clothing. Using such Norfolk businesses as Truckin’ T-shirts for silk screening and Quick Stitch Embroidery as well as WRITER various graphic designers, Margit’sCONTRIBUTING Dover Thunder clothing line includes men’s and ladies’ t- shirts, hats, crests, kids apparel, and both long and short sleeve choices. Margit, who has lived in Port Dover for the past 35 years, is the mother of two daughA popular ADV joke is that the top mod that smoothens out throttle ters. farkles for your bike areisVisa, Admitting the business a bit Masnerve snatch and is super easy to install. BeterCard and American Express and fore you consider other engine mods Limited Edition Dual Ride-Up wracking because it is so weather depenSRL Stand-Up™ Motorcycle Trailer Shown it’s not far from the truth because dent and requires substantial financial in- in an attempt to fine tune your ride, there’s nothing like the promise of try a low cost throttle tamer first. vestment and physical work setting up tents, Margit at the October 2010 Friday the an adventure to empty the wallet. Margit loves Friday 13th in Port Dover. 13th. Once the Touratech catalogue ar3) Cruise Control “I’ve met people from all over the world. rives, it’s easy to lock your target Sometimes, it’s the smallest things I’ve met people who have flown their bikes ange with a cowboy graphic is a popular fixation on big ticket items like bash that can make the biggest difference in from the U.K. and people who have ar- choice of some men. 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Shoppers enjoy When not in use, the folded trailers get to know you. is a lot of fun,” sheback said. buster makes athan • Double mounting brackets something thatIt screams, “Just big difference on long the quality and unique that Marfoot print is minimized and can be Margit employs about 20 people for the days in the saddle by designs • Triangulated round tube steel frame, similar to a from Attawapiskat.” providing full stored virtually any garage. git’s Dover Thunder Apparel offers. race car chassis Sheyou setsspend up Thursday andmontakes throttle control while reducing faBefore all of your Margit Wamsley, right, and friend Connie Prime showcase some of Margit’s event. • Aesthetically beautiful with diamond plated If you miss seeing her on the street, she down Saturday. Available in singles, doubles and ey on those sexy new aluminum tigue and cramping. Best of all, this decking and powder coating “Dover Thunder Apparel”. can be reached at wamsley@cablerocket. Every year, Margit enjoys working with even choppers, there is a folding hard cases you can’t wait to sticker simple product offers easy, no-tool • Superior longevity…Kendon trailers hold their value com trailer option that’s right for you. and many are still in service for over 19 years different coloursthese and 5designs. Texaslow or- installation, check-out low-tech, eliminates throttle creep a Special Events Coordinator for Norfolk up, By Donna McMillan County in her regular work day, will once budget farkles that focus on improv- and doesn’t lock the throttle on. “Dover Thunder Apparel”, specializing again have staff manning two booths that ing the ergonomics of your bike. 4) Hand Guards in Friday 13th biker wear is celebrating its feature “Dover Thunder Apparel”. They Since ADV riding is more athletic and covers more varied terrain than ADV riding requires thinking 13th year of business this year, a year of can be found next to Dover Hairport, near road riding, setting up your cockpit about protection from the elements three Friday 13ths and expectations that the Dover Dairy Bar and in The Arbor properly will allow you to ride lonmaking hand guards a must have acthis July 13th could be the biggest event in parking lot. 1-800-883-8915 ger, more comfortably and with more cessory since body parts risk coming 519-658-5777 Thirteen years ago, Margit started off Port Dover to date. control. Start with this list and nail into close contact with rocks, trees, Owner Margit Wamsley, who works as designing hats and quickly moved to Friwww.ontariotrailer.com a proper bike set-up, before blow- fence posts, lions, tigers and bears. ing your brains out buying ALL the Plus, ADV riding means “whatevswag. Then take all the money you er the weather,” so hands will spend just saved not buying titanium GPS more time exposed to wind, snow mounts and get yourself a nice KLIM and rain, which can create uncomAdventure Rally jacket. fortable digits sooner than you think. Being miles away from shelter with 1) USB Power Hub cold cramping hands is a serious Its 2017. The days of riding analog world of suck. FOR The Can-Am RT and if RS roadsters. With a unique, are long gone Spyder and even The Can-Amyou’re Spyder RT ridand RS roadsters. With a unique, three-wheeled stance and intuitive, rider-focused features, three-wheeled stance and intuitive, rider-focused features, ing an old KLR donkey it’s time to it’s everything you need to become one with the road. 5) Anti-Vibration Pivot Risers MOTORCYCLE it’s everything you need to become one with the road. It’s riding. Reinvented. Discover what thousands of riders Installing anti-vibration pivot risget wired-up. Living in the connectIt’s riding. Reinvented. Discover what thousands of riders already know at can-am.brp.com. already your know at can-am.brp.com. INSURANCE ed age means keeping devices ers is a relatively simple mod that The Can-Am Spyder RT and RS roadsters. With a unique, all of your devices charged, no mat- any rider with a basic toolbox and three-wheeled stance and intuitive, rider-focused features, ter howit’sfar you roam. opposable thumbs should comforteverything you need to become one with the road. It’s riding. Reinvented. Discover what thousands of riders A USB power hub supplies power ably be able to handle and will posialready know at can-am.brp.com. for up to 3 USB devices that you keep tively change the ergonomics and in your tank bag. For ADV riding, I comfort of your cockpit more than much prefer consolidating wiring any other mod. and device storage to create a tank Pivot risers move the height of your bag charging station, more than hav- handlebars up 2” and pivot forward ing multiple pieces of satellite gear and backward, so that your bike fits scattered all over my body and bike. you; not the other way around. Why A USB power hub is an affordable, is increasing the height of your hanVEHICLE dlebars STABILITY SYSTEM a SEMI-AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION DYNAMIC POWER STEERING easy to install mod thatVEHICLE keeps your good thing? ItPOWER makes ridSTABILITY SYSTEM SEMI-AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION DYNAMIC STEERING system No clutch or foot shifter here. required Adjusts required effort through An automotive-like systemAn automotive-like No clutch lever or foot shifterlever here. Adjusts effort through cockpit clean and ensures that your while standing on pegs integratinging stability, traction Your leftand thumb youryour acceleration, and steering integrating stability, traction Your left thumb shifts up yourshifts up and acceleration, speedfoot andspeed steering braking forshifts an down. forefinger shifts down. Withangle reverse. angle comfort data. Moreand comfort and and anti-lock braking for and an anti-lockforefinger With reverse. data. More confident (Manual available) improvedstarters. control. electronics are always ready go.ride. incrediblymuch more comfortable, for incrediblyto confident (Manualride. available) improved control. Unlike road riding, ADV’ing is an STABILITY SYSTEM SEMI-AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION DYNAMICover POWER STEERING athletic pursuit and riding rocks, 2) Throttle Tamer VEHICLE An automotive-like system No clutch lever or foot shifter here. 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©2011 Bombardier Recreational Products Inc. (BRP). All rights reserved. ®, ™ and the BRP logo are trademarks of BRP or its affiliates. Always ride responsibly and safely and observe applicable laws. Remember that riding and alcohol/drugs don’t mix. ©2011 Bombardier Recreational Products Inc. (BRP). All rights reserved. ®, ™ and the BRP logo are trademarks of BRP or its affiliates. 610376 Always ride responsibly and safely and observe applicable laws. Remember that riding and alcohol/drugs don’t mix.

610376

dave karlotski

CONTRIBUTING WRITER

There is cold, and there is cold on a motorcycle. Cold on a motorcycle is like being beaten with cold hammers while being kicked with cold boots, a bone bruising cold. The wind’s big hands squeeze the heat out of my body and whisk it away; caught in a cold October rain, the drops don’t even feel like water. They feel like shards of bone fallen from the skies of Hell to pock my face. I expect to arrive with my cheeks and forehead streaked with blood, but that’s just an illusion, just the misery of nerves not designed for highway speeds. Despite this, it’s hard to give up my motorcycle in the fall and I rush to get it on the road again in the spring; lapses of sanity like this are common among motorcyclists. When you let a motorcycle into your life you’re changed for-

see everything in a sweeping 360 degrees, up, down and around, wider than PanaVision and higher than IMAX and unrestricted by ceiling or dashboard. Sometimes I even hear music. It’s like hearing phantom telephones in the shower or false doorbells when vacuuming; the pattern-loving brain, seeking signals in the noise, raises acoustic ghosts out of the wind’s roar. But on a motorcycle I hear whole songs: rock ‘n roll, dark orchestras, women’s voices, all hidden in the air and released by speed. At 30 miles an hour (50Kl for you Canadians) and up, smells become uncannily vivid. All the individual tree-smells and flower-smells and grass-smells flit by like chemical notes in a great plant symphony. Sometimes the smells evoke memories so strongly that it’s as though the past hangs invisible in the air around me, wanting only the most casual of rumbling time machines to unlock it. A ride on a summer afternoon can border on the rapturous. The sheer volume and variety of stimuli is like a bath for my nervous system, an electrical massage for my brain, a systems check for my soul. It tears smiles out of me: a

minute ago I was dour, depressed, apathetic, numb, but now, on two wheels, big, ragged, smiles flap against the side of my face, billowing out of me like air from a decompressing plane. Transportation is only a secondary function. A motorcycle is a joy machine. It’s a machine of wonders, a metal bird, a motorized prosthetic. It’s light and dark and shiny and dirty and warm and cold lapping over each other; it’s a conduit of grace, it’s a catalyst for bonding the gritty and the holy. I still think of myself as a motorcycle amateur, but by now I’ve had a handful of bikes over a half dozen years and slept under my share of bridges. I wouldn’t trade one second of either the good times or the misery. Learning to ride was one of the best things I’ve done. Cars lie to us and tell us we’re safe, powerful, and in control. The air-conditioning fans murmur empty assurances and whisper, “Sleep, sleep.” Motorcycles tell us a more useful truth: we are small and exposed, and probably moving too fast for our own good, but that’s no reason not to enjoy every minute of the ride.

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13 – The Motorcycle Times, June 2017

Season of the Bike

ever. The letter “M” stamped on your driver’s license right next to your sex and height as if “motorcycle” was just another of your physical characteristics, or maybe a mental condition. But when warm weather finally does come around all those cold snaps and rainstorms are paid in full because a motorcycle summer is worth any price. A motorcycle is not just a two-wheeled car; the difference between driving a car and climbing onto a motorcycle is the difference between watching TV and actually living your life. We spend all our time sealed in boxes, and cars are just the rolling boxes that shuffle us languidly from home-box to workbox to store-box and back, the whole time entombed in stale air, temperature regulated, sound insulated, and smelling of carpets. On a motorcycle I know I’m alive. When I ride, even the familiar seems strange and glorious. The air has weight and substance as I push through it and its touch is as intimate as water to a swimmer. I feel the cool wells of air that pool under trees and the warm spokes of sunlight that fall through them. I can

June 2017, The Motorcycle Times – 14

RealWorld Mix - 0/35/85/0

30%K

Dream 2

A Wrench in the Works Redux st ator ..

david heron

CONTRIBUTING WRITER

Better than new

You know, sometimes I really feel that I should be singing a Gospel song or at least the Delta Blues. That darn black cloud seems to just follow me around. It seems that it never lifts. Well, maybe it does for a short time but then it descends even further and blocks the sun. If you can imagine the choir humming quietly in the background, I can start the latest chapter in the struggle to restore this bike, the 1969 Kawasaki H1 500. In a low and plaintive voice at that. Well, let’s start at the beginning. My wife doesn’t understand me nor does she seem to have the vision that I possess. I guess none of you have ever heard that before.

When I got the bike home after picking it up at my office and promptly flipping it off the trailer and having it land upside down on the pavement, she said that it just looked like another of the POS bikes that I bring home. Imagine that. Spending good money on a rusted scratched up 47 year old motorcycle didn’t really instill confidence in my mental state. She does a quick once over and then just nods and leaves when I try to explain that this one is worth a small fortune. The dismissive statement of “ Who to?” is kind of quietly spoken over her shoulder as she turns her back and goes upstairs. She does, however, shake her head as she watches me try

to push it into the garage on a completely flat front tire. I took a few pictures to show on the Kawasaki Triples Canada forum because I know that these are people of like mind, or maybe infirm mind who will understand both the rarity and potential of this bike. It sits in the garage untouched as I complete work on the last project the 71 Kawasaki dubbed Bitsa. I didn’t plan on ever getting a 69 so this windfall is both a pleasure and a surprise. But, when the chance shows itself, you have to jump at it. I wonder if the LSW, long suffering wife ever gets a sore neck from shaking her head at the things I bring home? So, I finally finished the other bike and got a start on the Dream, the 69. Dismantling wasn’t too bad at all because the seller had just pieced it together to make it look like a complete bike in order to take pictures to post on ebay. You know, one bolt where there were actually three and nothing inside. The guts of the engine were in a plastic tub. The crankshaft, transmission, clutch, and pistons were individually gift wrapped in their own newspaper. This did actually make it very easy for me to take out the one engine bolt and lift the empty carcass of the engine up onto the

bench. I thought that all the exercise that I have been doing lately had made me stronger. Reality reared its ugly head when I lifted the tub with all the missing parts in it and nearly gave myself a hernia. It also didn’t take too long to strip the engine down because there was only one head bolt per cylinder and nothing inside. The ebay auction had told of a piece broken out of the upper crankcase so I had to remove everything to be able to take that case for repair. Now, it does pay to know the right people because I did know of a very talented welder. I had to send some pictures to him first so he could appraise the job and then I brought him the case. It was a long drive to his country home but I was assured that the repair would be no problem. As with most repairs done as favours, I was told that it could take some time to get it done. Imagine my surprise and relief when he called me two days later and said that it was ready. Imagine my complete elation when I was told that there would be no charge for this repair. I bought 12 micro brewery beer as a thank you and donated $20 for welding supplies and walked with a weld that was almost impossible to even see. OK, I have to admit that sometimes that previously mentioned black cloud does lift and the sun shine brightly through.

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15 – The Motorcycle Times, June 2017

With this repair done I was able to start on the engine. I unwrapped the newspaper covering on the two transmission shafts and laid them in the case. They spun freely in the case and then I noticed that the main shaft fifth gear was chewed up. At this point I must admit that I had never done a transmission repair before. It’s not that I had avoided it but I had just never had to before. I figured that I would just remove everything in order, place them in a row with the part facing right sitting up, replace the bad gear and then immediately put the whole thing back together again. Lo and behold, that is exactly what I did and I was back in business. With the two shafts back together and the one gear replaced, I laid the countershaft in and then tried to lay the mainshaft in. Nuh uh. The middle geras would run into each other and not mesh. I am not as dumb as I look and have shop manuals and parts manuals on my computer. I spent hours studying the blown up parts pictures. I called upon friends with more experience than me and still couldn’t figure out why I was having the problem. The shift forks just would not fit in to the shoulders on the gears and the two gears in the middle kept hitting each other and stopping the shafts from seating correctly. My shift forks were in the right way . This is the point where you start questioning every part. Back to the blow up pictures and after about 3 weeks, it dawned on me, one gear on the countershaft was possibly on backwards. In my defence, I had not taken the countershaft apart. I guess that the seller on ebay had quickly pieced together a transmission because he said the bike was complete and sent it off to me. So, I carefully took the countershaft apart, once again laying everything out in order, flipped the one gear over and carefully put the thing back together. Guess what ? The whole thing laid in perfectly and I was ready for the next step. The good news is that I am no longer worried about doing a transmission. I went back to the tub and unwrapped the crankshaft from its Winnipeg sports page wrapper. I laid it in the case and spun it. I could hear a small noise from one of the centre bearings. I decided to err on the side of caution so I brought the crankshaft to New Hamburg Cycle. They have been doing Kawasaki Triples for 40 years and most of the guys I know with triples bring their cranks there. I left it there with a new set of crank seals that I had bought with the understanding that they would replace bearings and seals and generally check the condition of the crankshaft. Well, swing low black cloud. A couple weeks later I was on the phone to them. When they took the shaft apart to check it out, they found that all three big end bearings and journals were rusted. Since one new rod kit comes in at about $225 US and I needed 3 and one end of the shaft had more rust damage, it was better to replace the whole crankshaft. Luckily, they had a crank that he knew had all good rods so it was actually cheaper for me to use that one. He did the quick math including labour to take that one apart to replace seals and bearings and I gave him the go ahead. What can I say? It was necessary to have a good crankshaft. It was not expected but, let’s just remember that the black cloud hangs there constantly and, it’s only money. You would think that I would now be on Easy Street but CONTINUED TO PG. 17

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©2017 Bombardier Recreational Products Inc. (BRP). All rights reserved. ®, ™ and the BRP logo are trademarks of BRP or its affiliates. Offers valid in Canada until July 31, 2017. The terms and conditions may vary depending on your province and these offers are subject to termination or change at any time without notice. See an authorized BRP dealer for details. † SAVE up to $3,000 on 2016 and prior models: Eligible units are select new, unused and in stock 2016 or prior Can-Am Spyder models purchased from a BRP participating dealer. Rebate amount depends on the model purchased. All models may not be available at all dealers, see your local BRP participating dealer for details or information. While quantities last. † FINANCING OPTION: No Down Payment & No Payment for 12 Months: Eligible units are new and unused 2017 or prior Can-Am Spyder models purchased from a participating BRP dealer. No Down Payment & No Payment for 12 months, then 4.99% for the selected term. This financing offer is subject to DESJARDINS current credit criteria. Other conditions and restrictions apply. All Rates are subject to termination or change at any time without notice. Neither BRP nor its subsidiaries or affiliates shall be held responsible for the loans entered into by DESJARDINS in relation to this offer. See an authorized BRP dealer for details. Some models depicted may include optional equipment. Follow all instructional and safety materials. Always observe applicable local laws and regulations. Always wear a helmet, eye protection and appropriate protective clothing. Always ride responsibly and safely. Always remember that riding and alcohol/drugs don’t mix.

June 2017, The Motorcycle Times – 16

Some of our Favourite Motorcycle Songs When rock and roll was young and its outlaw image still an establishmentthreatening prospect, its songs evoked the same sense of freedom and devilmay-care risk-taking afforded by a motorcycle. Maybe that’s why so much of what still defines biker aesthetics come inextricably connected to the roaring sounds of classic rock. You dig? So pull on your boots and strap on your helmets and lets ride! So here are some great tracks about motorcycle riding! And they are not in any specific order.

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2. Manowar - Wheels of Fire Manowar sing about motorcycles in their own manner.

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3. Montrose - Bad Motor Scooter The song was written by singer Sammy Hagar, and it’s a great legacy left by the great late guitarist Ronnie Montrose. 4. Jimi Hendrix - Ezy Ryder The Band Of Gypsys original was written in 1969, but it was first released on Jimi’s posthumous collection “Cry of Love” in 1971. This great song is a Jimi’s reflection on 1969’s cult biker movie. 5. Meat Loaf - Bat Out of Hell A classic tribute to 1960s “teenage tragedy” songs (usually girls widowed by bike crashes) from the perspective of the doomed rider.

The Motorcycle Times is looking for a few good writers.

6.Twisted Sister - Ride to Live, Live to Ride Dee Snider is an avid biker and he also organizes rides to raise money for charity (he has the annual “Dee Snider Ride to Fight Hunger”), so it’s not surprising that he wrote a song about riding.

If you think you have what it takes to be a part of our team, send in a sample story to: editor@themotorcycletimes.ca Ya never know, maybe there’s a hidden Woodward or Bernstien in you somewhere. ExtraExtra.indd 1

1. Richard Thompson - 1952 Vincent Black Lightning This ballad tells the story about the Black Lightning, a 380-pound bike that made 70 horses, and a redheaded girl.

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7. Motörhead - Iron Horse/Born to Lose This song was an one-off songwriting collaboration between drummer Phil Taylor, roadie Mick Brown and Guy “Tramp” Lawrence, a London Hell’s Angel and pal of the band. On “No Sleep Til Hammersmith,” Lemmy dedicated this song to the Hells Angels, who were Motörhead’s unofficial bodyguards at the time. 8. Saxon - Motorcycle Man Just great song from the NWOBHM legends Saxon from their 1979 second album “Wheels of Steel.” 9. Judas Priest - Hell Bent for Leather Judas Priest has a few songs about riding but this track is so epic that Rob Halford rides a motorcycle on stage during the band’s concerts just to sing it. 10. Steppenwolf - Born to Be Wild Maybe some can call this song “too obvious” and “overplayed,” but “Born to Be Wild” has literally become synony-

mous with biker culture since 1968. 11. Beach Boys - Little Honda “Little Honda” written by Brian Wilson and Mike Love for the Beach Boys. The song pays tribute to the small Honda motorcycle and its ease of operation, specifically the Honda 50. 12. Arlo Guthrie - The Motorcycle Song Silly but still about motorcycles. Released in 1967 on the Album Alice’s Restaurant. 13. Cruzados - Motorcycle Girl Released in 1985 on the self entitled album of Los Angeles rock band the Cruzados. It featured the band’s “classic line-up” of Tito Larriva, Steven Hufsteter, Tony Marsico, and Chalo Quintana. It also featured the band’s best known songs, such as “Motorcycle Girl” “Flor De Mal” and “Just Like Roses”.. 14. Judas Priest - Freewheel Burning On the ‘Defenders of the Faith’ album 1984. Born to lead at breakneck speed / With high octane, we’re spitting flames.” When Judas Priest head out to the highway, they don’t go for slow rides or stop to pick up sweet hitchhikers. Instead, they do pedal to the heavy metal, all blinding chrome and melting rubber, as evidenced by the thrilling juggernaut that is ‘Freewheel Burning.’ After all, Rob Halford’s Harley won’t drive itself onto the stage. 15. Neil Young - Motorcycle Mama 1978 on the album ‘Comes a Times’. Not every motorcycle song has to open the throttle ’til a fuel line explodes. Neil Young’s ‘Motorcycle Mama,’ from his laid-back ’78 album, ‘Comes a Time,’ is a perfect case in point, with Neil and Nicolette Larson trading lines as they leisurely cruise on down the highway. Whatever kind of trouble they get up to, one gets the feeling that speeding won’t be one of them. 16. Roger McGuinn - Ballad of Easy Rider Released on ‘Easy Rider’ (1969) Before it was cut by the Byrds as a single, ‘Ballad of Easy Rider’ was recorded solo by band leader Roger McGuinn to make the deadline for that iconic movie’s soundtrack. But amazingly, the song’s opening lyrics, “The river flows/ It flows to the sea,” were scribbled on a napkin by Bob Dylan, who declined actor Peter Fonda’s request that he contribute a song, but told him to “give this to McGuinn.” 17. The Allman Brothers - Midnight Rider From ‘Idlewild South’ (1970) We can’t really say for sure that the Allman Brothers Band’s outlaw protagonist was actually riding a motorcycle (or a horse, say). But one certainly gets that impression based on Gregg Allman’s forlorn vocal and the subsequent motorcycle accidents that rudely claimed the lives of his brother Duane and bassist Berry Oakley.

17 – The Motorcycle Times, June 2017

CONTINUED FROM PG. 15

Dream 2 david heron

CONTRIBUTING WRITER

wait, the engine story was not over. The bike had been advertised as having only 5100 original miles. That is a little over 8000 kms for you young ‘uns. It was still on its original bores and I had the stock pistons. My plan was to hone the cylinders and, put new rings on the standard original pistons. I brought them into the local machine shop for honing. This guy does nice work and is also a triples enthusiast. Besides a little welding necessary to fix up a couple exhaust studs, I didn’t count on much extra. I should never answer the phone. He did a little clean up of the bores to judge their condition. There were noticeable wear marks and a re-bore was necessary. So, back to ebay and being the cheap SOB that I am, I scoured the ads and found a whole piston set from Wiseco, a good brand, with rings, bearings and even 3 spark plugs for a very good price. Once again, it’s only money and you can’t not finish the job. At present I am waiting for the pistons to arrive so I can bring them to the machine shop and for the crankshaft to be finished then I can button up the engine. In the meantime, I have sand blasted and painted the frame and put much of the electrics back on. I have a nice rear wheel and have installed it along with a new rear sprocket and new brake shoes. I haven’t decided what I will do about the front wheel yet. I have one with a good hub and clean rim but the spokes are rusted. They seem in good shape so I may see how they clean up with my trusty sand blaster. I have new front brake shoes on the way too. It will be nice to be able to take it off the jack and roll it around. Let’s talk a little about the sunny breaks between the dark times when that cloud descends. The Previous Owner did not supply a charging system. I had an old stator in my parts bin that was in absolutely crappy shape. From exploring ebay, I saw that used stators for these bikes are going for about $300-$400 US. These come saying that they are good but there is no guarantee that the seller is telling the complete truth or even of sound moral character. I had had some repairs done at a local auto electric place so I figured, what the heck, I’ll give him a try. He said that he sends stators out to be rewound because it is cheaper than doing them himself and that he would clean it up and install new brushes. Two months later and after a visit to see if he had lost my phone number, he called to say my stator was ready. It came back painted beautifully and ready for use for the grand total of $215 Canadian! One heck of a good deal. The thing looks so good that it will be a shame to actually put a side cover on it. Yes, it’s that nice. Ok, I have to admit, that black cloud isn’t always hovering over me. Sometimes there is sun. It just seems to always be there….. There’s more, a lot more.

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June 2017, The Motorcycle Times – 18

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known by many names such as folklore, legend, myth and even karma. Whatever you call it, superstitions come in all forms and apply to almost every aspect of our lives. Believed to have untold powers, when summoned or ignored they can unleash a wrath of unfavourable results and believe it or not, some even apply to motorcycling. I am not religious and rarely believe in things that I’m told are from another dimension, but there are many who do believe. In fact so strongly, that some riders will simply not ride until their list of superstitious antidotes have been adequately employed. I have looked into this phenomenon and would like to share with you some of the more common myths, superstitions, or whatever you want to call them.

Helmets

Yes, helmets. There is a superstition that involves the dropping of a motorcycle helmet. It has been said that it’s decidedly bad luck for a rider to drop their helmet, even once, from any distance. “As goes your helmet, so goes your head” is the superstitious saying. It falls in line with the popular myth of a rider replacing their helmet if it’s dropped, regardless of the height it falls from or what it lands on.

Blessing of the Bikes

The Blessing of the Bikes is an annual tradition in which riders of motorcycles are blessed by a priest in the hope that it will bring safety for the upcoming months of riding. Following in the ceremonies of sea-going vessels before they’re launched for the first time, many riding clubs hold annual ceremonies to bless motorcycles at the start of the summer before riding season. Although typically non-denominational, it’s a ceremony rooted in Christianity leaving those who don’t practice the faith unable to fully enjoy the event. However,

bikers are a resourceful bunch and after poking around some motorcycle forums, I discovered evidence of clubs using other faiths and beliefs to conduct their own ‘Blessing of the Bikes’.

Guardian Bells

Perhaps the most commonly known superstition is the guardian bell or spirit bell. As with most myths there are several versions of this superstition as well. The most popular states a Guardian Bell is a small metal bell that attaches onto a motorcycle to ward off evil spirits – hence the name ‘spirit bell’. Evil road spirits have been latching onto motorcycles for as long as bikes have been on the road. These spirits are responsible for mechanical problems and bad luck on a journey. By attaching a guardian bell to your bike, the evil spirits will become trapped inside the guardian bell. There, the constant ringing will drive them insane, making them lose their grip until they fall to the ground and die. Regardless, if the above is believed or not, the Guardian Bell is a great first step for bikers coming into the world of motorcycles. Giving a positive outlook on the ideals of the brotherhood generally associated with the two-wheeled past time. To reaffirm this, the tradition states a rider can’t buy their own for good luck, it must be received as a gift in order for it to work. Another version has the tradition dating back to the Jackpine Gypsies Motorcycle Club and races held at Sturgis in the 1930s where, it was said, a bell was given to entrants to pin on their shirt as a token of entry. No to be out mythed, but still another version has the rider using the bell as a commemoration to a fallen friend. A brass bell is hung from the left side of the swing arm of the motorcycle. Each time the bike is cleaned, and the biker is bending down to polish the bell, they are reminded of their lost loved one. Last but not least, I have also read a version where the story goes a Guardian Bell would be given to a rider who has fallen from a fellow rider. Most often this tradition was practiced by riding groups, so that those riders who have not yet fallen or more experienced riders could identify and avoid riding near the

riders with bells who were often newer unseasoned members.

Green Motorcycles

Supposedly, a green painted motorcycle is bad luck. Who knew and has anyone told Kawasaki? This may have found its origins from the large number of messengers who died riding the military green-painted motorcycles during World War 2. If this number was inordinately high, which we can’t confirm, it could be explained away by enemy soldiers trying shoot and stop the riders from delivering their messages. This belief could’ve also come about from all the riders who bought the olivegreen painted WWII-era Harley-Davidson WLA bikes refurbished after the war. The motorcycles were previously used and most likely in rough conditions. Add to this hard ridden vehicle the fact that motorcycles were inherently unreliable during that era of riding it’s not surprising they were known for easily breaking down. But maybe this has nothing to do with motorcycles or facts at all? The color itself is considered by some as unlucky. Words and phrases like “greenhorn” and “green around the edges” are used to refer to someone as unskilled or unprepared. The color also symbolizes jealousy and envy. The phrase, “green with envy” is common today, but hundreds of years ago, William Shakespeare used the expression, “green-eyed monster” to refer to the same thing. As it turns out, the bad luck extended to green motorcycles and to help keep the myth alive and strong you’ll find many examples of riders on the internet and riding forums who are convinced that the troubles they have experienced were due to the colour of their ride.

Riding with Rear Pegs Down

This superstition takes a lot of forms and meanings but is usually brought up for discussion after an older rider tells a newer biker they should only have the rear pegs down if someone else is riding on the motorcycle with them. The most basic superstition has a rider giving the dreaded motorcycle gremlins a place to put their feet while riding along and waiting to cause mischief. This

does lead us to question whether your Ride or Guardian Bell isn’t strong enough to ward off the gremlins before they have an opportunity to get comfortable with your rear pegs. Another version warns a biker invites spirits to ride with them by leaving the passenger pegs down while riding solo. It’s an interesting superstition as riders are asked to do just that if they are involved in a funeral procession for a biker who has passed away. As with humans, bikers should be picky which ghosts they let ride with them it seems. The most humorous response to this superstition are the bikers that tell you the only reason keeping the rear pegs down are bad luck comes from something definitely living. Having your wife or husband ask who they’ve been letting onto the back of their motorcycle seems too much of a curse to let the rear pegs be anything other than up when riding solo.

Never Ride a Dead Man’s Motorcycle

Even if the owner didn’t die on the bike, riding a dead guy’s bike is supposed to be bad luck because wherever he is, you’re on his beloved bike and he’s gonna try to push you off of it. I like to think that not every biker ghost is vindictive and crazy, but who knows?

Final Curse

There are sayings that many will try to spin as superstition, but they’re more advice with the supernatural thrown in for effect. These would be never dismounting a motorcycle from the right side and never hang a motorcycle helmet from the handlebars when not in use.

Biker Karma

The superstition I would like to leave you with is the belief that riding past a motorcyclist in distress without helping will bring on bad biker karma. No one I know will admit to riding past a rider having issues on the side of the road so I can’t definitively prove this one way or another. However, if the riding community is to continue to stay as strong and tightly knit as I believe it is, one would like to think that this myth or superstition is in fact very true.

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19 – The Motorcycle Times, June 2017

What Moves Your Soul?

June 2017, The Motorcycle Times – 20

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2017 Zero DSR Motorcycle Ride jason fogelson

CONTRIBUTING WRITER

I’ve ridden a few electric motorcycles over the years, and I love the technology. Every year, the bikes keep getting better and more sophisticated, and I inch closer to adding one to my garage. The latest candidate was the 2017 Zero DSR. Zero Motorcycles, based in Scotts Valley, California, has been producing electric motorcycles since 2006. They currently produce six models, each designed for a slightly different riding purpose. Pricing starts at $8495 for the endure FX and super moto FXS models up to $15,995 for the “electric hot rod” SR. The dual-sportstyle DSR that I tested had a base price of $15,995. Tax incentives may bring the final cost down a little, depending on where you live. California, where I’m based, currently offers a $900 incentive. Check your local county and municipality, too – some areas offer additional savings. New Zero bikes come with a 2-year basic warranty and a 5-year/unlimited-mile battery warranty. Compared to traditional gasoline-powered bikes, electric motorcycles are both simple and complex. The drivetrain is simple. A Z-Force electric motor draws current from the bike’s onboard lithium-ion power pack, and sends up to 70 hp and 116 lb-ft of torque to the rear wheel via a Poly Chain HTD Carbon belt. There’s no clutch, no gears, no transmission really – it’s direct drive. The motor and drive belt require no regular maintenance, just inspection. The system is air-cooled, so there’s no radiator, no fluid, and there’s no oil. Just treat the battery right, maintain your tires, and an electric bike is as close to a carefree motorcycle as you will find. Operation is nearly silent, with just the whir of the

belt and the sound of the tires competing with wind noise. The complexity comes in the technology that manages the engine’s output, the battery and other systems. Because an electric motor has its full torque (twisting force) available from zero rpm, the big challenge for engineers is figuring out how to spool out that force in a usable fashion. Dump all that torque at the start, and you’ll burn tires and pop wheelies. Fun, but very impractical. Dole out the torque too slowly, and you’ll have a bike that performs like a train – very slow out of the station until it builds up a head of steam. The perfect balance lies somewhere in the middle, and requires computer control and algorithmic mathematics to deliver a fun, useable riding experience. The DSR comes with three user-selectable riding modes, accessible via the bike’s dashboard, hand controls or smartphone app (more on that a little later): Eco; Sport; and Custom. The modes allow riders to tweak power output and regeneration parameters for desired performance. Eco also limits top speed to about 70 mph, because higher speeds eat into the bike’s range very rapidly. Back to the app: Download the Zero Motorcycles app to your smartphone, pair the phone to the bike via Bluetooth, and you now have a customizable second dashboard in your hands. You’ll have to add a phone mount to your handlebars to use it safely while riding, but the smartphone display can give you more information and a clearer display than the bike’s dash. Just beware of distraction while riding – you can easily get caught up in the information, and lose track of the road. The DSR is built around an aluminum

spar frame, and makes use of some quality aftermarket components, including Showa suspension with twin cartridge front forks and a single rear shock, a Bosch ABS brake system and Pirelli MT60 tires on 19-inch front/17-inch rear wheels. The wheelbase is compact at 56.2 inches, and seat height is a tall 33.2 inches. The DSR weighs 419 lbs (since there are no fluids, dry weight and curb weight are the same), and has a carrying capacity of 356 lbs. Riding the DSR is a blast. All that torque in a bike that weighs 419 lbs means that the bike feels really fast, especially in urban traffic and on back roads. The seating position is relaxed, a nice middle ground between sport bike crouch and cruiser lean, with mid-set foot pegs, a high but flat bar, and plenty of space. At six feet two inches tall, I was not cramped, and I had no problem getting both feet on the ground at stops. The DSR feels balanced and composed, and changes direction quickly on demand. It takes a few minutes to get used to the twist-and-go throttle – I sometimes reached for a phantom clutch lever when I needed to slow or stop – but the more I rode, the less it concerned me. The brakes also take some getting used to, because the regenerative function destroys any fine linear feel. But this too becomes second nature, and a characteristic of the bike rather than a big flaw. The one thing not conquered yet is range anxiety. The advertised range of 147 city miles/88 highway miles/110 combined miles on a charge can be achieved in Eco mode, but where I live, that means staying off of the highway, because even though the speed limit usually tops out at 65 mph, traffic flow generally exceeds 70 mph, as limited in Eco mode.

You can choose options to help with the range anxiety. There’s a Power Tank, an additional battery that installs in the DSR’s faux gas tank. That can extend your range to 184 city miles/110 highway miles/138 combined miles in Eco mode. You can also choose to add a Quick Charger that allows the use of high-power connections. The Charge Tank is another option. A Level II charge port gets installed in that faux gas tank instead of a Power Tank battery, allowing you to use commercial or residential 220-volt charging stations, which can bring the onboard battery up to 80% charge from “empty” in about an hour. Charging on household 110-volt current takes about eight hours from “empty.” For me, the available range would relegate the Zero DSR to commuting and fun riding duty. I didn’t get a chance to test the off-road chops -- not my thing, and not necessary to get full enjoyment out of the DSR. It wouldn’t work as my only bike or as my sole transportation, because I often find myself needing to jump on the LA’s freeway system for a meeting or event that’s 40 miles distant, and that means that I need to factor in charging time for my return trip, thus defeating some of the convenience of riding a motorcycle. If I had room in my garage, though, a 2017 Zero DSR would be a serious contender. The price of entry is still a little high, but the unique, enjoyable riding experience is very tempting. As more and more electric motorcycles hit the market, prices are bound to decline and range is certain to improve. I’ll wait and watch, and hope for the day when an electric motorcycle works for me.

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CommunityEvents June 3, 2017 Widows Sons Ride For Camp Trillium and Prostate Cancer Research. Starts 9am-2pm at the Oakland Ontario Masonic Centre - 5 King St. North Oakland. $30/rider. Ride for free with $200 in pledges. In support of Camp Trillium Rainbow Lake in Waterford Ontario and Prostate Cancer Research. Ride through Norfolk and Haldimand Counties. After ride lunch with prizes & draws. Contact Dave at daves4875@ gmail.com, 519-757-9821. Steven at glanbrooktowing@hotmail.com, 905-921-5393 June 10, 2017 Ride for the Breath of Life Registration at 9am KSU 10am. Knights of Columbus Hall-145 Dearborn Place Waterloo. $20/rider and $10/passenger. Riders can register online and registrants that raise over 100 online can have their registration fees waived. Poker run with BBQ lunch, music and raffles. Sue at 519-772-2300 or email at shouse@cysticfibrosis.ca June 16-18, 2017 Ride For Sight - Central Ontario Starting 3pm June 16 - 10am June 18. At Fenelon Fairgrounds, Fenelon Falls. Minimum fundraising of $75. In support of The Foundation Fighting Blindness. Group destination ride, Bike Games, Show n Shine, Burnout Pit, free camping, Live music, silent auction, steak dinner, food truck contest, pancake breakfast.Visit www.rideforsight.com, Deborah 416-360-4200, rideforsight@ffb.ca June 17, 2017 Steve Mesic Memorial Ride Rain or Shine! Everyone and all types of vehicles are welcome. Registration starts 10am and kickstands up at noon. Starts at T.B. McQuesten Park, Hamilton (Upper Wentworth, south side of Lincoln Alexander Pkwy).Host Location: Swazzee’s Restaurant & Bar, Waterford. Live entertainment, Door Prizes.Ride and Rally are FREE but donations for Steve’s son Domenik’s education fund are appreciated. Visit rememberingstevemesic.com for updates. “Help Stop Profiling and Discrimination by Police” June 17, 2017 Ride for Dad-Golden Horseshoe Registration 7-8:30am, Ride 9am SHARP at Valley Park Community Centre (970 Paramount Dr. Stoney Creek, ON) Supporting: Prostate Cancer. Come and join us for a funfilled day of riding with lunch, a poker run, prizes and much more all while helping to raise money to fight prostate cancer for our local community. Erin, erinjclifford@gmail. com, 905-818-8824, www.ridefordad.ca June 17, 2017 BCA Ride for Cancer Registration begins at 8:00 am, ride begins at 9:00 am at Currie Heavy Towing, 2 Currie Drive, Midhurst. $35/rider, $25/passenge. Supporting The Canadian Cancer Society. Riders will mount their bikes and take off for a beautiful, sunny ride through Georgian Bay. With participant and sponsor generosity we are hoping to raise over $10,000 for the local chapter of the Canadian Cancer Society. Past BCA President Scott Ward came up with the idea nine years ago, and the event has been a success each and every year since. Monies raised go to those families, in our area, that are battling cancer. To date this motorcycle ride has raised over $53,000. Alison Smith, info@barrieca.com, 705-726-5864, www.rideforcancer.ca

June 25, 2017 Bob Probert Ride 9-4pm at Windsor/Essex County. $20/riders, $10/passengers. Cardiac Care Services in Windsor/Essex County. This is a fun 102 km motorcycle poker run that tours Windsor and Essex County. The Ride has raised over $630,000. for Cardiac Care services in our area. Over 1200 bikes ride together to raise funds, awareness and remember an NHL tough guy, Bob Probert. Contact info below, www.probertride.com or Bob Probert Memorial Ride on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. July 1, 2017* Run for Larry Registration 7am, Kickstands up: 9am, Thunder Road Harley Davidson -Huron Church Rd. Windsor, Ont. Parade 10am, Dinner 5pm. Rider & Bike $30, Passenger $25, In support of London Health Sciences Foundation Victoria Hospital-Head & Neck Cancer Research & Education. ALL proceeds donated! Poker Run, Raffles, Auction Items, Participate in Canada Day Parade, Meals Provided to paying Participants, Touring South Western Ontario Peninsula, Door Prizes, Give Away Items, etc. Helen or Bryan- hwolfe2@aol.com, 519-258-4390, www. run4larry.webs.com July 7-9, 2017 Ride For Sight - Northern Ontario Starting 3pm July 7 - 10am July 9. At Stokely Creek Lodge, Sault Ste. Marie. Minimum fundraising of $75. In support of The Foundation Fighting Blindness. Group ride, bike games, show n shine, free tent camping, live music, vendor marketplace, free breakfast. Visit www.rideforsight.com, Deborah 416360-4200, rideforsight@ffb.ca July 8, 2017 R.O.C.K. The 14th annual Ride 4 Our Cancer Kids (R.O.C.K.) will roll through Niagara on Saturday July 8, 2017. This year is a Yahtzee Run, similar to a dice run but more fun, starting at Clare’s Harley-Davidson (590 York Rd Niagara on the Lake). Registration 9am-10:30, rides roll out between 10 and 11. All proceeds fund research through Childhood Cancer Canada. $390,000 raised to date. Preregister online at www.rockride.com. Minimum $50 in pledges per bike. Free event shirts for first 100 riders, prizes for top ten fundraisers and top 2 yahtzee scores, Club Cup, free bbq, and more. Email bob@rockride.com for more info. CUZ KIDS SHOULDN’T NEED CHEMO!!! July 9, 2017* The NSD Ride Presented by the 1st Canadian Army Veterans Gulf-Kuwait Unit (CAV) Columbus Conference Centre 145 Dearborn Pl Waterloo. Registration 9am, kickstands up 10am sharp. $25 rider, $15 passenger. All in support of The National Service Dogs. The ride will start & end at Columbus Conference Centre (formerly known as Waterloo Knights of Columbus). Morning fresh coffee & snacks. Photographs with our NSD puppies-intraining. A leisurely 180 km ride through the countryside with a refreshment stop half way, then a BBQ lunch followed by the many prize giveaways. Register online before May 1st 2017 & be entered in the Early Bird draw for a chance to win additional prizes. Raise $100+ in donations & ride for free, $200+ in donations ride for free & receive a NSD Ride t-shirt, $1000 in donations & you get

23 – The Motorcycle Times, June 2017

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June 2017, The Motorcycle Times – 24

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