The Motorcycle Times - June 2016 by The Motorcycle Times

volume 7 | issue 05

JUNE 2016

Canada’s

Sprockets

Most

Read

Motorcycling

Community

Newspaper

FREE take one

MOTORCYCLE NEWS

Victory Will Compete In Pikes Peak And TT Zero Competition Victory Motorcycles is preparing two all electric motorcycles to compete in the Pikes Peak hill climb and the TT Zero race on the Isle of Man this year. The racer for Pikes Peak will be a modified version of the company’s street legal Empulse TT. “Victory Racing serves as an international R&D development program and test bed for future products, and since Pikes Peak is arguably the most challenging race in America –it’s exactly where we need to be,” says Alex Hultgren, Director of Marketing for Victory Motorcycles. Pikes Peak is ideal for electric vehicles because their performance does not fade as altitude increases the way combustion engine powered machines do. The 12 mile long course rises more than 4,700 feet from start to finish. Driver Don Canet says he’s “very optimistic” about their chances with the electric bike. “Pikes Peak is an ideal venue for an electric powered bike to showcase its performance potential,” he says. The company is also bringing and all new Victory RR electric motorcycle to the TT Zero competition on the Isle of Man this year. It will be ridden by William Dunlop and is a development of last year’s race machine. The bike’s motor was developed in cooperation with Parker Hannifin and is called the Parker GVM. It make 170 peak horsepower from a motor that is only 8 inches in diameter and 5 inches long. The battery for this year’s racer is more powerful and has a higher energy density. The package of battery and motor is more than 97% efficient. “Compared to the electric motor we used in the TT Zero event last year, this year’s version features an even further optimized winding configuration based on the data gathered from last year’s bikes. Coupled with the increased energy on board in the battery, William Dunlop will have access to more of the power available from this motor than in 2015,” Victory Racing’s team manager, Brian Wismann said. It was only a few years ago that electric racing vehicles were considered impossible. The pace of development in the world of motorcycle racing is rapid and may well have a spillover effect on electric car technology.

Mix - 0/35/85/0

30%K

Harley-Davidson XG750R Flat Track Bike Harley may be waking up from a long slumber. Brand new Harley Davidson XG750R looks like Harley just remembered it used to race and win. Makes you think Harley performance is coming back – Nice! No doubt about it, something is definitely going on inside the Motor Company and I like it. Take a look at this new liquid cooled flat tracker, the XG750R. That is just a great looking bike! No excuse necessary, if appearance alone won races, this would be on the podium right now. I love it. Of course, it’s a brand new bike and it takes a lot more than looks to win, but it seems Harley is investing their resources

with the intent of attracting younger customers to the Harley Davidson brand. Put something like this out an a dirt track and get the young guys fired up. The engine is a modified version of the 750cc Revolution X™ V-Twin engine designed for the Harley-Davidson Street® 750. Vance & Hines put this machine together so we’re likely looking at a bike that will evolve into a winner. If the introduction of the Roadster wasn’t enough to make you think there’s some fresh thinking inside Harley, this should be enough to convince you. Maybe some engineers went rogue, maybe they retired some managers, I don’t know what hap-

pened, but the Motor Company is showing signs of life. Whatever it is, they need to keep it up. Press Release MILWAUKEE (May 26, 2016) – A newgeneration Harley-Davidson® flat-track motorcycle is ready to race. The HarleyDavidson® Screamin’ Eagle® Factory Team is unleashing the XG750R, its first allnew flat track race bike in 44 years, to battle in fierce, adrenaline-filled competition on dirt ovals across the U.S. The XG750R will make its official competition debut Sunday, May 29, at the AMA Pro Flat Track Springfield Mile in Illinois. CONTINUED ON P.03

June 2016, The Motorcycle Times – 2

RIDE HARD. RUN COOL.

™

www.amsoil.com Quality is our reputation. Premium synthetic motorcycle oils, filters, fork oil, chain lube and performance products.

Harley-Davidson XG750R Flat Track Bike

Rush of Red event!

Powered by the fuel-injected, liquidcooled Harley-Davidson Revolution X™ V-Twin engine, the XG750R will be raced 2015 Honda tranSFEr gEnErator by Factory Team rider Davis Fisher on the puMp 2015 CBr300rF 2015 CrF250l 20015 Vt750C2BF grom g MSX125F AMA Pro Harley-Davidson GNC1 pre$ * $ * Hp trackBF9.9H Hp $ * $ * 2015 trX420Fa6 sented by Vance & HinesBF2.3H flat series. $ * $ * , $ * The new XG750R motorcycle $ * is$strictly* for race competition and will not be offered for sale at this time. The new flat tracker is powered by the 2014 2014 2015 CBr600raF 20 2014 CtX1300a 20 750cc Revolution X™ V-Twin engine degl1800BE g – F6B gl1800adE signed for the Harley-Davidson Street® $ * $ * $ * $ * $ * $ * 750, a motorcycle built for maximum (airbag) 2016 trX500Fa7 urban maneuverability with rebellious $ * $ * Dark Custom™ attitude. Tuned for the track, this modified Revolution X engine 2.99%/36 MtHS. PurCHaSe FinanCing! will power the new XG750R as it fights to *Licence fee (if applicable) and HST extra on all offers.Offers cannot be combined with any other offers,programs or discounts and are good untilApril 30,2016.Down payment or equivalent trade-in on purchase financing or lease offers may be required based on approved credit from Honda Financial Services Inc. Sale Price on the New Motorcycles includes freight and P.D.E., be to the finish line. ECRF,first Licence Administration Fee and OMVIC Fee. Freight & PDE ($50/$50/$65/$65/$65/$75/$75/$50/$50/$600/$600), ECRF ($0/$0/$0/$0/$0/$0/$0/$0/$0/$24.86/$24.86) and Licence Administration ($0/$0/$0/$0/$0/$0/$0/$0/$0/$299/$299) are all extra on the following on the other products: 2.3DK2SCHC/9.9DK0SHC/WB20XK2C/EU2000iTC/HRS2164PDC/HRX2175HYC/ The race-modified X enHRR2169VKC /TRX420FA6/TRX500FA7). Pricing Revolution of the following include a limited time rebate and discount of: 2.3DK2SCHC $220/9.9DK0SHC Special Price/WB20XK2C $110/EU2000iTC $300/HRS2164PDC $0/HRX2175HYC $130/HRR2169VKC $60/ MSX125F $400/CBR300RF $1,300/CBF250FL$400/VT750C2BF $1,500/CBR600RAF $1,500/CTX1300A $4,000/GL1800BE Harley-Davidson Screamin’ Eagle Fac- Baker might switch to the new bike.” gine and a racing frame for the XG750R racing manager. $3,500/GL1800ALSF $3,500/GL1800ADE $3,500/TRX420FA6 $1,500/TRX500FM5 $1,000.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. Fisher, in his first season racing with tory Team rider Brad Baker, 23 years old Check Harley-Davidson.com for a full were developed by Vance & Hines Motorsports. Vance & Hines also is the part- the Harley-Davidson Screamin’ Eagle and the 2013 AMA Pro Grand National listing of this season’s races; also folner for the factory Harley-Davidson® Factory Team and a rookie in the GNC1 Champion, will continue to race aboard low Harley-Davidson on Facebook for Screamin’ Eagle®/Vance & Hines drag series, will be the first racer aboard the the proven Harley-Davidson XR750 mo- racing updates. Be sure to also check out Baker and racing program where V-Rod® mo- XG750R. The 18-year-old racer from War- torcycle while Fisher races the XG750R Fisher competing next week, June 2, durtorcycles have won eight of the past ren, Ore., won the 2015 AMA Pro GNC2 through its developmental stage. “The XG750R has shown great poten- ing the ESPN X Games Austin Harley12 NHRA Pro Stock Motorcycle drag championship. 2015 ninJa 2015 ninJa 2015 2015 2015this Davidson® 2015Flat-Track Racing 2015 event. In “We wanted a young rider with plentyVulCan 900 tial in testing and racing championships. ninJa the first few races VErSyS VulCan 1700 ultra 310 lX 300 650 season,” saidzX6SE Schoonover. “But as with its second year as an X Games medaled “After decades of flat-track racing suc- of raw ability for the XG750R program,CuStoM aBS 1000lt VoyagEr JEtSki (non-aBS) (aBS) cess behind the Harley-Davidson XR750 and Davis proved himself in the GNC2 any new racing motorcycle, there will event, Harley-Davidson Flat-Track Rac* Schoonover. $ “We* are excited$ to be *work to $do. We’re *excited to $continue * ing will$ feature * top motorcycle $ * racers flat track motorcycle, we knew it was time $ class,” said www.readykawasaki.com to develop the next-generation Harley- have the opportunity to bring an emerg- testing the XG750R in real world competi- from around the world going head-totion, thees includes head *Vehicbest le Licence feeing (if applictalent able) and HSTlike extra onDavis all offers. Offersupcannottobethe combinedGNC1 with any otherseoffers, programs or diand scounts as and arewe goodmake until April 30,our 2016.way Sale Pricethrough on the New Motorcycl freight andon P.D.E.,the ECRF, Licchallenging ence Administration Fee andCircuit OMVIC Fee. Freiof ght & the PDE Davidson to compete in one of the 430 Hensall Circle, Mississauga ($650) and Licence Admi nistratitoon develop ($299) are all extrathe on the new Ultra 310LXbike Pricing ofalongside the following include an a limited timseason, e rebate of: EX300AFF $1,100/VN900CFF $1,000/ZX636FFFA $1,400/KLZ1000BFF $900/VN1700BFF $1,300/JT1500MFFchasing $1,000. 48 Months Protection ries we $1,100/EX650EFF will evaluate the performance Americas half-mile anKawasaki X Games spectator racing sports out there today,” 905-896-1600 toll Free: 1-855-896-0430 Plan is included at Noexperienced Charge on the 2015 Ultra champion 310LX Jetski. Motorcycllike e(s) andBrad accessoriesBaker.” shown are for il ustratioof n purposes y. Actual coland ours mayour vary dependi ng on avairiders lability. Dealerto tradesee or Factory may be necessary. Offers subject to change without notice, see us for full details. theonlbike factory if Ordergold medal. said Kris Schoonover, Harley-Davidson

419

9799 2,999 999

www.readyhondapowersports.com 430 Hensall Circle,Mississauga

1099

WB20XK2C

EU2000iTC

3,630

4,079

5,530

8,369 7,599

12,979

16,165 16

220,669

29,169 10,199

9,465

12,815

15,215

laWnMoWEr

389 89

5999

Sales Direct:905-896-9996 HRS2164PDCDC

HRR2169VVKCC

kaWaSaki Spring SalES EVEnt!

4,985

8869

HRRX2175HYC

7,765

19,365

One StOp ShOpping: the Only FactOry authOrized retailer in OntariO tO OFFer hOnda, KawaSaKi, KtM, SuzuKi and yaMaha all under One rOOF! Spring roll-out EvEnt! 5,345

www.readyyamaha.com• 430 hensall circle, Mississauga 905-896-1600 1-855-896-0430

15Hp

yamaha pressure 2015yamahar3 2013yamahaV-Star 2013 yamaha 2013 yamaha 2014 yamaha 2013 yamaha 2014 yamaha grizzly generator transfer/Waterpump Washer EF2000iS $ * 250ccCruiser V-Star 650 Custom Fz8n r6 1300cc Stryker 3000pSi/2.8gpM EF3000iSEB 550EpS yF55gpEl yp20gy Black Coloured $ * $ * $ * $ * $ *$ * $ * $ * * $ $ * * $ , Body add 100

4 895 6,399 7,999 11,970 11,099 9,449 1,000 2,715 399

outboard Motors

3,088* 4Hp

1,490*

829

*Vehicle Licence (where applicable) and HST extra. Sale Price on the New Motorcycles includes freight and P.D.E., ECRF, Licence Administration Fee and OMVIC Fee. Freight & PDE ($550/$75/$75/$50/$50/$850/$60/$60), all extra on the following on the other products:YF55GPEL/EF2000iS/EF3000iSEB/YP20GY/PW3028/VX1100BMB/ F4CMHA/F15SMHA). Pricing of the following include a limited time rebate and discount of: (R3 $325/XV250D $250/V-Star 650 Custom $800/FZ8N $1,500/R6 $900/XVS13C $1,000/YF55GPEL $550/EF2000iS $225/EF3000iSEB $150/YP20GY $200/PW3028 $0/VX1100AMB $750/F4SMHA $50/F15SMHA $100). In addition, the following is extra on the YF55GPEL: $299 Licence Administration Fee & $24.85 ECRF. Dealer order/trade may be necessary, if we sell out of our inventory. Vehicle(s) and accessories shown are for il ustration purposes only. Offers good until April 30, 2016 and are subject to change without notice, see us for full details.

www.readyktm.com 430 Hensall Circle, Mississauga 905-896-1600 • Toll Free: 1-855-896-0430

pOwerSpOrtS

OVER 65 UsEd

MMOTORCYCLEs IN-sTOCK! 430 Hensall Circle, Mississauga www.readypowersports.com 905-896-1600 toll Free: 1-855-896-0430

Suzuki Spring Suzuki CoMpany VEHiClE/ Motorcycle Sale! dEMonStrator MotorCyClE SalE!

Plus Get a 5 Year Warranty!

*Vehicle License Fee (where applicable) and HST extra. Some of the prices include limited time Factory Incentives: 390 Duke $400/250 SX-F $1,500/690 Duke $0/350 EXC-F $0/690 Enduro $0/Super Duke R $1,500.Offers good until April 30,2016.

2015 2016 plus get V-StroM 1000GSX-R600 a5 3,901Km$

year * W ar ra * nty! /bw

11,700129

HSTHST & Licence* @ 9.9% forfor 60 60 months $781.25 Inc. & Licence* @ 9.9% months $781.25Down Down

2015 390 dukE

2014 250 SX-F

2013 - 690 dukE

2016 350 EXC-F

2016 690 Enduro

2014 1290 SupEr dukE r

5,920* $8,200* $9,599* $12,369* $12,995* $18,265*

2015 V-StroM650XEXp Plus Get

a 5 Year 4,023Km

plus get a 5 year * Warranty!

9,200

Warranty $ !

2016 2015 plus get a 5 year GSX-R750 gSX-r600 3,824Km Plus Get

129 9,900 $*/bw

HST & Licence* @ 9.9% for for 60 60 months $1,798.23 Inc. HST & Licence* @ 9.9% months $1,798.23Down Down

plus get 2015 2016 a 5 year GSX-S1000 tu250XlS

1,$176Km Warra*nty! $ * /bw

Warranty!

129 4,499

a 5 Yea * rrantyr! Wa

HST & Licence* @ 9.9% for for 60 60 months $2,250.00 Inc. HST & Licence* @ 9.9% months $2,250.00Down Down

2015

2015 2015 1000 GSX-S750A 1000 GSX-S750A *Vehicle License fee (where applTU250XLS icabl2015 e) plus get V-STROM plus get SFV650A pl plus get V-STROM RM-Z450 us ge 3,901Km t 5,054KM 3,901Km 5,054KM 2015 2015 2015 3,804KM 1,176KM 2015 2015 and HST are extra. Vehicle(s)$ and $ $ * $$ * * $ $ * a 5 year 10,198 a 5 year * $ * 7,389 7,389 ar 7,099* SFV650a a 5 year 10,198 ggSX-S750a Waar5 $ye6,899 Vz800 on rM-z450 www.readysuzuki.com accessories shown are for il ustrati4,499 dl650al5 W W www.readysuzuki.com ar arranty! ra W nt y! PluPlussGetGet rantPluy! s Get sGet Plus Get Plus Get Get 5,054Km 3,804Km arranty! aPluaPlu44sYea 2,353Km purposes only. Pricing includes factory 3,419Km aa44Yea Yearr a 4 Year a 4 Year a 4 Year Year r 430 Hensall Circle,Circle, MississaugaMississauga incentives. See us for full details. Offers Warra Wa rranty 430 Hensall Warranty! Wa Warra nty!! $ * Warranty! $ * Warranty! $ * $ * rranty nty! ! $ * good unti l APRI L 30,2016. *Vehicle License fee (where applicable) and HST are extra. Vehicle(s) and accessories shown are for illustration purposes only. Pricing includes factory incentives. The 2015 models advertised are Company Vehicle/ Demonstrator vehicles. The 2016 models are brand new. 2016/2016/2016/GSXR-600/GSX-R750/GSXS1000/9. Sales direct: 905-896-9996

Sales Direct: 905-896-9996

7,800

7,300

7,000

9%/9.9%/9.9%/months:60/60/60/# of Payments:130/130/130/DownPayment $781.25/ $1,798.23/$2,250/C.O.B.$3,589.78/$3,589.76/$3,589.53/Totalpayments $16,770/$16,770/$16,770. See us for full details. Offers good until June 30, 2016.

7,299

3 – The Motorcycle Times, June 2016

CONTINUED FROM COVER

June 2016 , The Motorcycle Times – 4

TwoCents Mix - 0/35/85/0

30%K

The Motorcycle Times is published 11 times a year from Feb thru December. Motorcycle Times distributes 15,000 free copies for pickup throughout Ontario from our network of Dealerships, Motorcycle related retailers, Motorcycle friendly locations and Subscribers. For more information about becoming a retail associate of The Motorcycle Times email the circulation Department.

Scott MacDonald Richard Ackroyd Amanda Primeau Michal Mellon Laura MacDonald

scott macdonald

Contributing Writers

EDITOR

Is the cost too high? This year like many others seems to have started on a sad note. Tragic news has been coming to our attention once again this year of riders being involved in fatal collisions before the riding season has really begun. Most recently we got word that Rob Harris, Founder and Editor of CMG online had passed do to a collision while on an adventure ride. Rob was not an average rider, seasoned with many years and thousands of miles to his credit, his skills were well above average, yet he was as vulnerable as any new rider can be. As I took to my bike the other day I got to thinking about all the safety measures our industry preaches, the skills we are required to learn and the steps we take mentally to be ready for a safe ride, but somehow it seems all for not when you hear of tragic news. Taking steps in the hope we don’t encounter a situation on the road that we can’t handle or react to is all well intentioned, but that’s where it all stops. Sure there are campaigns throughout

the season aimed at four wheel drivers to be aware and look for us on the road, but do they really take heed of that message or do they ignore it with the usual “it doesn’t apply to me” contemptuous attitude and continue on their way in their little bubbles of existence, unaware of the reality that exists around them because they are all too focused on doing everything else other than driving and paying attention to their surroundings. One of the biggest problem is that we live in a society now which is ‘me’ centered. Technology has not brought us together, it has separated each of us into our own little electronically controlled worlds. Nobody gives a shit about the next guy until or unless it somehow affects them in one of two ways – emotionally or financially. My wife and I recently travelled by car to the southern US for our annual vacation. I thought that distracted driving in Canada was bad until we crossed the border. During our three-day interstate adventure to reach our destination

we were cutoff many times, nearly side-swiped several times and had to apply emergency braking on a regular basis all because some moron in another vehicle was either texting or had their phone to their ear. We even passed a driver who was doing a crossword puzzle while travelling at 75 mph (approx. 120 kph). And in many of those states, wearing a helmet is optional. Optional?! As much as I would like to feel the wind through what’s left of my hair, it’s a chance I don’t think I will take these days. I don’t have any answers here, just posing the question and hoping you’ll think about things for a bit. We all know the risks, and with the ever increasing number of distracted drivers something needs to be done to combat the problem and soon. The technologies of today have enabled drivers to treat driving as a secondary concern and not a priority while behind the wheel. Keep the rubber side down and your eyes wide open this season, don’t become another statistic that I have report about.

Subscriptions Payment Info Please print clearly

Name:________________________________________________

$15 = 1 Yr -11 issues

Address:______________________________________________

VISA

MasterCard

$30 = 2 Yr -22 issues Cheque

Richard Ackroyd Brent Wakeford Scott Jackson David Heron Tim Shamess

Mark Stanisz Marissa Baecker Bob Paterson Charlie Ambrose Paula Benoit

Contacts Circulation/Subscription/Distribution: circulation@themotorcycletimes.ca Editorial/Story ideas: editor@themotorcycletimes.ca Events/Skid Marks/My Garage: readers@themotorcycletimes.ca Advertising Information: laura@themotorcycletimes.ca Ad Submission: production@themotorcycletimes.ca Accounting Department: accting@themotorcycletimes.ca

2O16

Subscriber Info Please print clearly

Editor Art Director Assistant Editor Circulation Manager Distribution Manager Advertising Manager

CASH

_____________________________________________________

Make Cheque payable to: Advantage Media

City:__________________________________________________

Name on Card,(if different):_______________________________

Prov: ONTARIO

Card Number:__________________________________________

Postal Code:___________________________________________

Expiry Date: ___________________________________________

Phone Number_________________________________________

(What’s this? 3 or 4 digit number on reverse of card) CVV Number: __________________________________________

Email: ________________________________________________

Cardholder Signature: ___________________________________

Digital Subscriptions are always FREE! www.themotorcycletimes.ca facebook.com/motorcycletimes Articles, photographs and all advertising material published within The Motorcycle Times is protected under Ontario Copyright. Every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of any dates, prices, addresses etc of any material published in The motorcycle Times at time of publishing. Any and all prices, dates, addresses etc may change without notice at any time and The Motorcycle Times will not be held liable. Any reproduction without written permission by The Motorcycle Times or the Publisher is strictly prohibited. Opinions and comments are not necessarily those of the publisher/editor. Comments and submissions of editorial should be addressed to the Editor. All submissions to The Motorcycle Times become the property of The Motorcycle Times and will not be returned.

By signing this subscription form you acknowledge and release fully The Motorcycle Times as responsible or liable for incorrect mailing information provided to TMT. Please ensure the accuracy of all information prior to sending. Unreadable entries can not be processed - Please print clearly. Subscription includes Ontario HST.

Mail to: 105 West 25th Street, Hamilton ON L9C 4X3

105 West 25th St., Hamilton ON. L9C 4X3 905.962.1890

Some people like a lot of chrome on their motorcycles; others, the strippeddown, edgy look offered by blackedout styling. Polaris Industries is betting there is a growing number of bike buyers looking for the latter, as it just unveiled its latest addition to its minimalist motorcycles, the Indian Chieftain Dark Horse. New for 2016, the blacked-out hardbagger adds a second bike to the Indian Motorcycle lineup that began with the Chief Dark Horse. You’ll be hardpressed to find any chrome on this selfproclaimed “bad ass” bike beyond the headers, exhaust pipes, and a little bit of trim -- even the classic War Bonnet is black -- but if even that is still too much chrome for you, Indian is offering accessories that make virtually the entire motorcycle even more stealthy, including air cleaners, performance cams, and slip-on exhausts. This indicates that Polaris is finding success with this new line, one that follows the styling cues first laid down several years ago by Harley-Davidson when it launched its retro Dark Custom line, first with the Iron 883, and more recently with its Street 500 and 750 models. It’s probably no coincidence the Streets are among Harley’s most popular bikes, bringing new riders and buyers to the brand. Harley estimates 70% of Street bikes sold in the first year went to first-time Harley riders. Polaris jumping on this trend makes

tom. Priced below $22,000, making it just slightly cheaper than the standard Chieftain, it’s designed, Polaris says, with “an aggressive attitude that demands attention for all the right reasons.” Powered by Indian’s massive Thunder Stroke 111 air-cooled, V-twin engine, and blacking out the fenders,

profit dollars soared 79%, even though its Victory brand suffered yet another period of falling demand. That was largely a result of Indian’s newfound popularity and the surprising success of its three-wheeled Slingshot. In just three years, Polaris has catapulted itself into the No. 2 position of

fairing, fuel tank, and saddle bags, not to mention the forks, mirrors, handlebars, and turn signals, it’s a chance for Polaris to also make a statement itself about its intentions. Unfortunately, the bike maker doesn’t break out unit sales, so investors are left reaching for some meaning to the meteoric growth it says the Indian brand is achieving. Motorcycle sales in 2015 were up 33%, and gross

motorcycle manufacturers, and though the Indian Motorcycle nameplate remains just a speck in Harley-Davidson’s rearview mirror at the moment, it has been cobbling together a series of motorcycle introductions that may yet allow it to get close to its rival, if not one day overtake it. Decidedly dark bikes like the Indian Chieftain Dark Horse may be just the vehicles to help push it higher.

Whether you’re new to the powersports industry or an old-timer, Klotz is one name you can trust. Driven to perform at the highest levels, we race-test every product to make sure it meets the most stringent demands. You can trust Klotz with your favorite bike or ATV and be confident that we’ll take better care of it than any other brand.

Visit us at www.klotzcanada.com Ask for it at your local dealer, Find a local dealer or You can order right online.

5 – The Motorcycle Times, June 2016

Indian Looking to Steal More Harley Buyers

sense, but by blacking out the Chieftain, it signals it is aiming straight at Harley-Davidson’s core customer, the middle-aged male looking for a bike that pulls double-duty as both a cruiser and a touring bike. Harley’s massive market share was built making motorcycles for this demographic, which it acknowledges gives it the vast bulk of its sales. And among riders 35 and older on bikes bigger than 601 cubic centimeters, it owns 55% of the market. For eight straight years, it has been the top bike seller to this group. Lately, though, Harley has been focusing more of its attention on what it terms “outreach” customers: women, Hispanics, African-Americans, and firsttime riders. Polaris Industries is betting Harley’s core customer wants an alternative, undoubtedly a contributing factor in the drop in sales Harley has experienced the past two years. Primarily because those middle-aged white males aren’t buying its bikes in the same numbers they were, U.S. bike sales in 2015 were down 3.4%, worse than the 1.6% decline it experienced the year before. And first-quarter U.S. sales are down 0.5% from the year-ago period -- hardly an auspicious start to 2016. Certainly, the Great Recession knocked a lot of potential buyers out of the market, but Harley-Davidson has also been the victim of its own success. Its bikes are so ubiquitous that it’s difficult to make a statement when everyone is essentially saying the same thingwith thier rides. Enter the Indian Chieftain Dark Cus-

June 2016, The Motorcycle Times – 6

MotorcycleNews Mix - 0/35/85/0

Has Honda Patented an Air Conditioning System for Motorcycles? Nightmare

The U.S. Military Is Getting Serious About ‘Stealth’ Motorcycles The U.S. military has been talking about “stealth motorcycles” for years. As of this month, two tech outfits have what seem to be viable prototypes that will both be funded for another revision. Trotted out at the Special Operations Forces Industry Conference in Tampa, Florida, the Logos Technologies “Silent Hawk” and LSA Autonomy “Nightmare” are both basically multifuelelectric hybrid two-wheel-drive dirt bikes capable of running as quietly as 55 decibels—about the volume level of an indoor conversation. These bikes are the answer to a challenge the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency put to the defense industry about a year ago. Top speed on both is said to be around 80 MPH, but the bikes are still range-limited in quiet-running electric mode. The SilentHawk is listed at “two hours” electric runtime and the Nightmare can reportedly make it 60 miles. “With a skilled rider you can get basically anywhere on the planet,” SilentHawk lead engineer Alex Dzwill told The Washington Post. But since you’re not getting all that deep in two hours or 60 miles, both bikes have ancillary liquid-fuel powered engines to feed the motor once the liquid cooled lithiumion batteries are depleted. At least those charging-engines are versatile; apparently capable of burning the military’s ubiquitous JP-8, Jet A-1, gasoline, propane, diesel or kerosene if necessary. Even lipids like olive oil would work “theoretically,” according to what Dzwill told reporters at the conference. Neither Logos or LSA have published specifics on how power and efficiency are affected by the various fuels. But a report in Foxtrot Alpha from last year, when the Nightmare was a proposal as opposed to a prototype, said the Logos bike was basically a RedShift MX electric motocross bike fitted with

a generator. Army AL&T explains that the generator is a multifuel Wankel rotary engine set up to recharge the electric system. Yes, that’s the same architecture as the engine used by Mazda in the RX-7, RX-8 and a few other road cars. As to differences between the bikes: “The Nightmare weighs in at about 400 pounds, compared to 350-pound Silent Hawk,” DefenseOne reports. “Both bikes feature a front-wheel motor and rear motor but the Nightmare boasts a larger horsepower, 17 in front and 135 in back. The Nightmare averages around 13 kilowatts in generated power, versus 7.5 kilowatts for the Silent Hawk. Both have the ability to run external devices, too.” That report went on to explain that the DARPA has “funded both to phase two development under a small business innovative research award, essentially two non-competing grants to develop the technology.” And that explains why both Logos and LSA have been somewhat cagey regarding the specifics of their vehicles—much has yet to be decided. Final price and the potential for a civilian version are also unanswered questions at this point. I’ve reached out to each company to try and find out exactly what they have planned in terms of specific innovations and a timeline for this second round of funding, and will update if we hear back. In the meantime, we’ll just have to speculate on the feasibility of an electric motorcycle in combat. For general lightweight quick-transportation of ground troops, I think more traditional ATVs would be the more practical option, at least as far as today’s technology is concerned. But I can imagine the quiet bike could be invaluable when stealth is needed for a limited number of troops over a significant distance.

Honda has patented a design for what looks like an AC unit for bikes. The AC unit comes with a fan blower and rechargeable battery There has been no confirmation from Honda on the development of the unit It looks like Honda is planning to make summer rides easier as the Japanese bike manufacturer recently filed patents for a new air conditioning system for motorcycles. An AC unit, which till date has been something car owners brag about to bikers could soon be a reality on Honda bikes or at least a similar version of it. As per the patents filed, the air conditioning unit is a stand-alone tank bag that doubles up as a piece of luggage and needs to be mounted on the fuel tank. The bag has a zip liner in place, which opens to a storage space inside where a small blower unit and a rechargeable battery have been accommodated. Interestingly, the mechanism in pretty simple with the air being sucked from the mesh at the sides of the bag and blown through flexible vents towards the chin of your helmet. If the day gets any hotter, a separate flap underneath the tank’s bag lid is accessible and allows you to store an ice pack or bag of ice, in order to make sure that the AC unit blows cool air. Now, that’s innovative thinking on Honda’s part, but there is little information on what the bike maker is planning exactly and how does it plan to incorporate the same on its future motorcycles. While it will bring a breath of fresh air (Literally!) for riders in the scorching summer heat; it’s effectiveness remains questionable at triple digit speeds. It also needs to be seen if Honda is indeed building a gadget as shown, or is it just a sketch that has made it to the patents office in its early versions. In either case, it would be interesting to see rider comfort on motorcycles being improved, air conditioning or not.

Honda adds motorcycles to massive airbag recall Honda has added approximately 2,700 motorcycles to the millions of vehicles it is recalling to replace potentially dangerous Takata airbags. The 2006 Gold Wing Airbag touring bike was the first motorcycle to feature the safety device, but those built through the 2010 model year used the type of non-desiccated

inflator module that has been found to be the cause of several airbag ruptures which have been linked to at least 10 deaths in automobile accidents. According to Honda, there have been no reported ruptures involving the motorcycles. Owners of the affected 2006-2010 models will be notified about the recall

within 60 days, but replacement parts amd repairs aren’t expected to be available until the fall. Honda began developing its motorcycle airbag system in 1990. The single-airbag unit is designed to deploy in a severe headon crash. The current Gold Wing Airbag has a starting price of $30,599.

30%K

Motorcycle rates rising with severity, number of claims Riding is now a pricier proposition for some as insurers seek to cover costs, which almost equal rates. Matt Grassie and Lynette Wallace shared a shock when they opened their motorcycle insurance renewal letters earlier this year and found their rates had soared for no apparent reason. “My 2009 Harley Heritage Softail has been with TD and it went from $1,160.00 to $1,720.00 a year,” said Wallace of Mulmur, Ont. “I have never had an accident and have been driving a car for 44 years.” Meanwhile, Peterborough resident Grassie said premiums for his 2003 Kawasaki Nomad 1500 went up to $1,040 from $640. They’re among hundreds of riders seeing massive jumps in their motorcycle insurance rates despite being ticket- and accident-free. Front and centre on the current round of increases is Ontario’s most popular motorcycle underwriter, TD General Insurance. Together with subsidiary Primmum Insurance, the firm filed for rate increases in 2014 of 9.16 per cent and 9.14 per cent respectively, and in 2015 they were granted further increases of 25 per cent and 24.59 per cent. Also increasing rates for riders was Certas Home and Auto Insurance Company, part of Desjardins Insurance, which bumped up premiums a significant 42.27 per cent last year. The other big gun, Intact Insurance, raised its rates 9.73 per cent in 2014 but just 0.52 per cent last year. Insurance Bureau of Canada spokesperson Steve Kee says carriers continue to lose money on motorcycles and have to adjust their books. Industry numbers show they paid out 96 cents for each dollar of motorcycle premiums they earned from 2010 to 2014. “There’s almost a 14 per cent increase in the number of bikes on the roads since 2010 and while the number of claims are flat, costs per collision are up 51 per cent while average premiums have increased 8 per cent since 2010,” said Kee pointing to industry data showing the average claim has shot up to $51,074 in 2014 from $33,796 in 2010. A spokesperson for the Financial Services Commission of Ontario (FSCO), which regulates and approves insurance company rates, says that between 2011 and 2014, rates for motorcycles increased by an average of about 4.3 per cent each year, but 2015 rates rose an average 21.4 per cent. “Motorcycle insurance generally costs more than automobile insurance because injuries from motorcycle accidents are usually more severe than automobile accidents, given that motorcycle riders have less protection than someone in a car,” said Malon Edwards. For its part, TD says the increases are the result of higher claims costs. “Our motorcycle pricing reflects a significant increase in the number and severity of claims in Ontario related to motor-

7 – The Motorcycle Times, June 2016

cycle accidents,” said Crystal Jongeward, manger of corporate communications at TD Insurance. “Our rates nevertheless remain competitive.” However, as part of the deal with the government to reduce auto rates 15 per cent, the rules were rewritten to benefit the insurance companies, says personal injury lawyer Brian Goldfinger. “Attendant care benefits were slashed to $36,000 from $72,000, caregiver benefits have been eliminated along with housekeeping benefit under standard auto policies while statutory deductibles in case of auto accidents were increased to $36,540 from $30,000,” he said. “It’s now harder for innocent accident victims to recover compensation. It’s a one-way street and the industry is controlling all the traffic lights.” More changes are coming as of June 1 which will see rehabilitation and care limits for those with the most severe injuries cut in half, to $1,000,000 from $2,000,000, while raising the bar on what defines coverage, especially for those suffering from brain injuries, Goldfinger said. The soaring price of insurance has the motorbike industry worried too, said Bob Ramsey of the Motorcycle and Moped Industry Council (MMIC). “We’re hearing a lot from our dealers and they’re hearing from customers,” said Ramsey, noting that the MMIC has been doing some digging of its own. “State Farm had a significant rate increase too and now TD.” MMIC has expanded its Open Road Insurance Program which gives riders access to three impendent quotes from a broker at www.openroadprogram.com . “The best thing is to shop around with a broker,” said Ramsey noting the industry is concerned if insurance climbs too high sales will falter. Still, it’s the kind of sticker shock that has made some riders question their passion for two wheels. Jason Douglas, 67, of Fergus, Ont. sold one of his two motorcycles after he was faced with a rate increase. “Certainly I got rid of my second bike, the Suzuki DRZ400 because they wanted $818,” said Douglas. Grassie, who works as a firefighter in Toronto, also changed his ride from a high performance Suzuki Hyabusa to cut costs. “The lady told me if I rode less than 2,000 km a year I could get a break,” said Grassie. “But I commute to Toronto from Peterborough. If you rode less than 2,000 km at those rates it would cost $27 a ride, it wouldn’t be worth it.” Over at Oshawa insurance brokers Mitchell & Whale Inc., president Adam Mitchell says his office has been flooded with desperate riders looking for quotes. “Normally we might get one call a day from riders looking for quotes and suddenly in January we had 30 or 40 calls a day coming in,” he said. “We had so many leads we couldn’t keep up with them with a backlog of 1,000 calls. Most of them were coming from TD. These folks were getting slammed with 45 per cent increases for no reason.” As an independent broker, Mitchell was able to shop around and placed many of those riders with Wawanesa. “The worst of it was that these were mostly Harley riders, mature with no tickets or claims,” he said. “They’re upset and they’re looking to move their house and cars and cottage. It’s a windfall for us as a broker because we’re winning new business.”

CAN-AM SPYDER RT-S ®

NO MOTORCYCLE NO LICENSE REQUIRED MOTORCYCLE LICENSE REQUIRED

FOR A LIMITED TIME, GET 3-YEAR COVERAGE ON 2016 MODELS† †† FORREIMBURSED A LIMITEDFOR TIME, 3-YEAR COVERAGE ON 2016 MODELS† GET THE GET 10-HOUR CAN-AM SPYDER COURSE

VISITCAN-AM US TODAY!SPYDER COURSE†† GET REIMBURSED FOR THE 10-HOUR VISIT US TODAY!

Visit one of these Authorized Dealers for more information. Bennett Powersports 701Brock St North, Whitby 905-430-6360 or 866-430-6360 www.bennettpowersports.com Revs Full Throttle Powersports 42 Darte Drive, Welland 905-732-7529 or 866-774-0909 www.revsfullthrottle.com

Uxbridge Motorsports Marine 3 Douglas Road Uxbridge - 905-852-5884 DEALER IMPRINT GOES HERE www.uxbridgemotorsports.com

DEALER IMPRINT GOES HERE Northland Recreation Limited 1007 Cowan Park Road Utterson - 705-769-3671 www.northlandrecreation.com

Factory Recreation 347 Cranston Cres. Midland - 705-526-2248 www.factoryrecreation.com Team Vincent Motorsports 1148-2 Northumberland St., Ayr, 519-632-8810 or 800-221-4360 www.teamvincentmotorsports.com

©2016 Bombardier Recreational Products Inc. (BRP). All rights reserved. ®, ™ and the BRP logo are trademarks of BRP or its affiliates. Offers valid in Canada, from June 1 to 30, 2016. 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.† GET 3-YEAR COVERAGE WITH FREE ROADSIDE ASSISTANCE: Eligible units are select new and unused 2016 Can-Am Spyder models. The buyer of an eligible unit will receive the 24-month BRP Limited Warranty plus 12-month B.E.S.T. coverage. The buyer of eligible units will also receive 36 months of FREE Roadside Assistance. B.E.S.T. service contract is subject to a $50 deductible on each repair. For complete details, please see the BRP limited warranty and the B.E.S.T. agreement at an authorised BRP dealer near you. †† CAN-AM SPYDER RIDING COURSE REIMBURSEMENT UP TO $489: From February 1, 2016 to August 31, 2016, at the purchase of a new and unused 2013 to 2016 Can-Am Spyder at your Can-Am Dealer in Ontario, BRP will reimburse the cost of the 3-wheel riding course (up to $489). 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. 611268 ©2016 Bombardier Recreational Products Inc. (BRP). All rights reserved. ®, ™ and the BRP logo are trademarks of BRP or its affiliates. Offers valid in Canada, from June 1 to 30, 2016. 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.† GET 3-YEAR COVERAGE WITH FREE ROADSIDE ASSISTANCE: Eligible units are select new and unused 2016 Can-Am Spyder models. The buyer of an eligible unit will receive the 24-month BRP Limited Warranty plus 12-month B.E.S.T. coverage. The buyer of eligible units will also receive 36 months of FREE Roadside Assistance. B.E.S.T. service contract is subject to a $50 deductible on each repair. For complete details, please see the BRP limited warranty and the B.E.S.T. agreement at an authorised BRP dealer near you. †† CAN-AM SPYDER RIDING COURSE REIMBURSEMENT UP TO $489: From February 1, 2016 to August 31, 2016, at the purchase of a new and unused 2013 to 2016 Can-Am Spyder at your Can-Am Dealer in Ontario, BRP will reimburse the cost of the 3-wheel riding course (up to $489). 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. 611268

June 2016, The Motorcycle Times – 8

Friday the 13th in Port Dover

Space Tight?

July 2012 17

road Dover Thunder Apparel celebrates 13 years rash of business

day 13th clothing. Using such Norfolk businesses as Truckin’ T-shirts for silk screening and Quick Stitch Embroidery as well as various graphic designers, Margit’sCONTRIBUTING Dover WRITER 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 daughters. Admitting the business is a bit nerve Limited Edition Dual Ride-Up wracking because it issetsoupon weather With spring firmly us Idepensup- no idea there were things called Laverda, SRL Stand-Up™ Motorcycle Trailer Shown dent and requires substantial financial in- MV August, Moto Guzzi and the like. pose this is where the usual rants about vestment and physical work setting up tents, bike prep and being cautious start. There They seemed so exotic; the 2010 stuff one strives Margit at the October Friday the Margit lovesbeen Friday 13th major in Portcrashes Dover. in- to ascend to. Many still hold a very special has already some 13th. “I’vemotorcycles met people from all over thehasn’t world. place in my heart, the vintage MV Augusta volving and the season angeI with a cowboy graphic is a popular I’ve met people started who have flown theirdon’t bikes racer really officially yet. I really was able to throw a leg over, imagchoice of some men. feel the need to say much more about this ining myself hammering around the Isle in from the U.K. and people who have arKey Features & Benefits: Kendon Standup trailers Women often go for butter yellow other please make sure your TT will course. Ah… I will never for-or • Patented Eliminator Torsion Axle, removable rived then by limo. A lot of people come bike back of Man maximize not only your trailering spindle and SuperLube from Tie Down cactus theysound are looking someisevery safe year and and ready forfor the sea- get that green, feeling.if The of big for Ducatis look myupcoming clothing. They needs but your storage needs too. • Exclusive torsion bar suspension system son, and be seen, be safe. Don’t end up thundering that v twin melody is a sound thing different than black. Shoppers enjoy get to know you. It is a lot of fun,” she said. When not in use, the folded trailers • Double mounting brackets another statistic. We all know the usual incomparable. the quality and unique designs that Marfoot print is minimized and can be Margit employs about 20 people for the • Triangulated round tube steel frame, similar to a spring routine. But that was nothing compared to meetgit’s Dover Thunder Apparel offers. stored virtually any garage. race car chassis She sets up Thursday and takes Margit Wamsley, right, and friend Connie Prime showcase some of Margit’s event. Strangely enough, it’s at this time of year ing Ifthe great came from all you misspeople seeing that her on the street, she • Aesthetically beautiful with diamond plated down Saturday. singles, doubles and “Dover Available ThunderinApparel”. when I feel the most unsure, to the point of over decking and powder coating the planet. I’ll never forget Ted from can be reached at wamsley@cablerocket. Every year, Margit enjoys working with even choppers, there is a folding almost sadness, of what the coming riding Texas. Sitting with him and good friend • Superior longevity…Kendon trailers hold their value com different designs. or- and trailer option that’s right for you. and many are still in service Coordinator for over 19 years for Norfolk a Special Events By Donna McMillan season willcolours have inand store. Will theTexas money rally organizer (at that time) Abe County in her regular work day, will once tree allow for some serious riding this Kammerman, at one of the local watering “Dover Thunder Apparel”, specializing again have staff manning two booths that year? At the time of writing, my poor scoot holes. Shots of Jack Daniels kept appearin Friday 13th biker wear is celebrating its feature “Dover Thunder Apparel”. They is sitting in my good friend’s shop waiting ing in front of me until Ted with his classic 13th year of business this year, a year of can be found next to Dover Hairport, near for that money tree drop some funds for Texas drawl asked the bartender, “What three Friday 13ths and expectations that the Dover Dairy Bar and in The Arbor tires. Will employment keep me too busy y’all got fer draft?” It was a long night and for any major rides? Will I be able to at- an even longer morning. I saw Ted a few this July 13th could be the biggest event in parking lot. 1-800-883-8915 tend some of the great events happening more times after that, always wondering Thirteen years ago, Margit started off Port Dover to date. 519-658-5777 this year? Some health issues have even what he would be riding that year. When Owner Margit Wamsley, who works as designing hats and quickly moved to Fri-

tim shamess

Where Have All the Good Times Gone?

Haul it, Fold-it and Store -it

www.ontariotrailer.com

popped up and may put me out of joining I first met him he had a Cagiva Allazzurra my fellow bikers for a toot somewhere. It (forgive my spelling please), the last time is frustrating sometimes the way life cuts I saw him he was on a Harley Sportster. A into the more important things in life; kind of evolution I suppose, as riders grow like riding. older the riding position sometimes must I am hopeful however, though old man change. It has been literally decades since I winter did his best to knock me down. saw Ted; I hope he is well and still riding. The desire to ride has not faded, though When a few friends and I took over this weary from the weight of this world on event we realized it was no longer about my shoulders, ®I am ®hopeful as soon as I the roads as much. Riders wanted to be The Can-Am Spyder RT and RS ®roadsters. With a unique, ® The Can-Am Spyderwill RT and RS roadsters. With a unique, they needed constant stimuthrowthree-wheeled a leg overstance my and scoot, things entertained; intuitive, rider-focusedbe features, three-wheeled stance and intuitive, rider-focused features, everything to becomeblown one without, the road.lation. Strangely enough much of what much it’s clearer to you me;need cobwebs it’s everything you need to become one with the road. It’s riding. Reinvented. Discover what thousands of riders Reinvented. Discover what thousands of riders catching up with oldIt’s riding. friends, making they wanted, in my opinion, had nothing already know at can-am.brp.com. know at can-am.brp.com. new ones, seeing® new already places and things. to do so much with bikes and riding as it ® The Can-Am Spyder RT and RS roadsters. With a unique, Fingers crossed. did be more like something to stare at like three-wheeled stance and intuitive, rider-focused features, everything need to become with the road. I missit’s the daysyouwhen Fridayonenight a cell phone. It’s riding. Reinvented. Discover what thousands of riders meant hitting theat can-am.brp.com. road to somewhere, Though the weather was good and the already know anywhere on two wheels. A fist full of roads were calling many seemed to want cash from that week’s pay check in your to sit in a darkened room and watch mopocket meant good food, a tank of gas, a torcycle videos. I kind of get it, but when beer or three. There was always an event, a the weather is good? No man, I’d rather party, someone to go see. Bikes leaning on be riding. We had to have vendors sellkick stands at a fire, cold beer and bench ing crap, food trucks, music, we even had racing, a pretty girl smiling in the golden people who expected us to do something cast of the campfire. Days like that seem to about the cops. It seriously became a very have faded and now it’s the VEHICLE bistroSTABILITY for crab thing, many friendships VEHICLE frustrating STABILITY SYSTEM SEMI-AUTOMATIC DYNAMICSTEERING POWERwere STEERING SYSTEM SEMI-AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSIONTRANSMISSION DYNAMIC POWER system No clutch lever or foot shifter here. required Adjusts required through systemAn automotive-like No clutch lever and or foot shifter here. Adjusts effort through cakes and dill dressing with Ana automotive-like nice (tongue strained, an incredible amount ofeffortand time integrating stability, traction Yourup leftand thumb your acceleration, steering integrating stability, traction Your left thumb shifts yourshifts up and acceleration, speed andspeed steering brakingtaken forshifts an down. forefinger shifts down. With reverse. angle data. Moreand comfort and and anti-lock braking for and an anti-lock forefinger With reverse. angle data. More comfort firmly planted in cheek) Chablis. Leathers was up trying to keep the thing goimproved control. incredibly confident ride. incredibly confident (Manualride. available) (Manual available) improved control. with the proper patch have forced away ing. Everyone had ideas on how and what faded Levi’s. Events with bands that haveSYSTEM we SEMI-AUTOMATIC needed, but none were willing to step VEHICLE STABILITY TRANSMISSION DYNAMIC POWER STEERING An automotive-like system up No clutch help. lever or footAs shiftersuch here. Adjusts required effort through no concept of motorcycles singing about and I have the highest integrating stability, traction Your left thumb shifts up and your acceleration, speed and steering and anti-lock braking for an amount forefinger shifts down. With reverse. angle data. More comfort and whatever it is they sing about. I can tell of respect for those people who incredibly confident ride. (Manual available) improved control. you it sure ain’t Molly Hatchet Flirting organize the many events we can attend. with Disaster. To quote The Kinks, “Where Even a simple bike night can take a huge have all the good times gone?” amount of effort to get off the ground. If For several years I was involved with a you enjoyed an event let the folks runlocal event here in my home town. Hav- ning it know, a little compliment can go Dealerway. ImprintIf there is an issue rather than ing attended this event in one form orDealer an- Imprint a long 14 Regional Road 13, Courtland, ON Goes Goes Here other since it’s inception until its untimely bitching Here a storm up to everyone on the 519-688-3278 demise, I have seen how the average rider planet, let them know as well so changes has changed. This event highlighted rid- can be made. www.lockhartsodyssey.ca ing the nice twisties in the area, bench Dealer Imprint So again, to quote the Kinks, “Where Here all the good times gone?” I suppose racing, and camaraderie and was a greatGoes have place to see the latest bikes from Europe when it comes right down to it, they are and Asia. Early in this event’s history I had out there, you just have to find them.

FEEL A FEEL DEEPA CONNECTION DEEP CONNECTION WITH THE THREE OF OF WITHROAD. THE ROAD.THREE THEM BE TO EXACT. FEEL ATO DEEP CONNECTION THEM BE EXACT. WITH THE ROAD. THREE OF THEM TO BE EXACT.

#1 CHOICE

FOR MOTORCYCLE INSURANCE

1-800-269-2728 www.manthainsurance.com

©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

9 – The Motorcycle Times, June 2016

/// 2016

Yamaha’s

sPRING Yamaha’s

Purchase a new, unused 2016 Yamaha cruiser and get:

Finance rates

roLL oUt

as low as

1.49% 1.49%

sales eVeNt sPRING

roLL oUt

Purchase a new, unused 2016 Yamaha cruiser and get:

Finance rates as low as

Offer ends June 30, 2016. Visit yamaha-motor.ca to view deals on all Yamaha motorcycles.

sales eVeNt

Offer ends June 30, 2016. Visit yamaha-motor.ca to view deals on all Yamaha motorcycles.

CLARE’S CYCLE & SPORTS LTD 799 Highway 20 West, Fenwick 905-892-2664 or 888-663-6135 www.clarescycle.com

BENNETT POWERSPORTS 801 Brock St., Whitby 905-430-6360 or 1-888-430-6360 www.bennettpowersports.com

MOTOSPORT OF TRENTON 114 McCauley Rd., Trenton 613-965-6626 riGht noW at yoUr yamaha DeaLer! www.motosportsoftrenton.com Some conditions apply. See your participating dealer for complete details or visit our website.

Ready Yamaha Powersports 430 Hensall Cir. Mississauga 905-896-3500 or 855-896-0430 www.readyyamaha.com OAKVILLE YAMAHA 615 Third Line, Oakville 905-465-9555 www.oakvilleyamaha.com

*‟No payments for 6 months, no interest for 5 months” also available. Finance rates available from 1.49% (24 months). OAC. Rates subject to change without notice. When financed through the Yamaha Power Finance Loan Program.

riGht noW at yoUr yamaha DeaLer!

/// yamaha-motor.ca

Some conditions apply. See your participating dealer for complete details or visit our website. *‟No payments for 6 months, no interest for 5 months” also available. Finance rates available from 1.49% (24 months). OAC. Rates subject to change without notice. When financed through the Yamaha Power Finance Loan Program.

/// yamaha-motor.ca

June 2016, The Motorcycle Times – 10

RoadTrip Mix - 0/35/85/0

30%K

Port Dover, Friday 13th 2016’s only one

scott jackson

CONTRIBUTING WRITER

You are going to wish you made it to Port Dover in May because you may not realize it but that was the one and only Friday the 13th in 2016. I think by now, anyone who rides a scoot anywhere in Ontario at least, knows about Friday the 13th and Port Dover. The tradition has been going on for almost 35 years, since a group of friends got together at the Commercial Hotel in Port Dover on Friday November 13, 1981. The amigo’s had such a great night, they all decided to get together every Friday 13th and it just kept on snowballing. It now draws in excess of 100,000 bikes when it falls during the summer months, but there are always the die-hards that come no matter what the month or the weather. Port Dover is a summer tourist destination for all kinds, with a sandy beach and lots of little funky shops, but Friday the 13th is huge for the town. It some-

times seems that every local resident is trying to get their share, by renting parking space, selling water and offering overnight camping. Some of the private campsites are awesome, especially if you know a local who can direct you where to go. A couple years ago my local Port Doverite, or however you say it, hooked us up with a campground that included a barn dance featuring Teenage Head. If you are like me, past my best before date, you should remember this Hamilton band that burned up southern Ontario during the late ‘70’s and early ‘80’s. Anyway, we had a great night and a blurry morning on that 13th. But back to 2016. The weather channels were saying there was a chance of rain and thunderstorms, but looking outside Friday morning, I didn’t buy it. Weather guys are 50/50 at best. We fired up the Guzzi and headed out. Phoenix, my partner, was wearing her rain gear, so I was now sure there was no way it would rain. Heading west on the 401 out of Toronto wasn’t so bad but High-

way 6 at Hamilton was clogged as usual. You could tell by this time that I wasn’t the only one that thought this was going to be a great day in Dover. Bikes in ones, twos and then sixes were starting to merge together. By the time we reached Hagersville, a town infamous for a gigantic used tire fire in 1990, the road was stop and start with all shapes and sizes of motorcycles, with the odd car or truck mixed in. I always think the large parades of bikes, combined with the all the rumbling pipes, heading for Dover is one of the best part of the day. Just sit and soak it in. And I’m not the only one. At Jarvis, the last little town before Dover, the childcare centre had a dozen or so little rugrats, all sitting in pint sized lawn chairs out by the road, waving to the bikers. Then, just down the road, the retirement home had the seniors out in their wheelchairs doing the same. For the last couple of kilometers the cops had the main roads blocked for all traffic except bikes. Coming into Dover, gleaming mo-

torcycles are parked on both sides of the road for blocks, like welcoming city gates. People who arrived earlier are taking pictures and videoing the arriving hordes. Again, cops are directing traffic and doing their best to keep pedestrians out of the way. We got there just after noon and after finding a place to park - easier said than done - went to get some chow. Of course, with tens of thousands of hungry bikers in town, the locals have made sure that there is no shortage of quantity or choice of things to eat and drink. It’s difficult to stroll by the barbeque meat tents that are set up everywhere; and impossible to not stop in for a brew at one of the several beer tents. For lunch though we always head to the Terrace Room. According to the sign they have been feeding tourists since 1946 and they seem to have gotten it down to a science. Filing in the back door, you have to line up to get into the place, but the line moves quick. They have plenty of staff on hand so CONTINUED ON P.13

BEST DEALS OF THE SEASON

$1,500 $1,500 PLUS PLUS 55W AYEAR RRANTY YEAR UP TO

UP TO

RETAIL INCENTIVES RETAIL INCENTIVES

ON ALL 2015 – 2017 STREET BIKES

WARRANTY ON ALL 2015 – 2017 STREET BIKES

HURRY IN TO YOUR SUZUKI DEALER TODAY HURRY IN TO YOUR Ready Suzuki TODAY SUZUKI DEALER 430 Hensall Circle, Mississauga 905-896-1600 or 855-896-0430 www.readysuzuki.com

Belleville Sport & Lawn Centre 128 Church Street, Belleville 613-968-4559 or 877-968-4559 www.bellevillesportandlawn.com

Sturgess Cycle 615 King Street West, Hamilton 905-522-0503 or 888-421-3333 www.sturgessonline.com

VISIT SUZUKI.CA FOR DETAILS!

CLARE’S CYCLE & SPORTS LTD 799 Highway 20 West, Fenwick 905-892-2664 or 888-663-6135 www.clarescycle.com

Snow city cycle & marine 1255 Kennedy Road, Scarborough 416-752-1560 or 877-766-9248 www.snowcity.com

Retail Incentives & Additional SPP coverage available on select new and unregistered Suzuki Motorcycles purchased at a participating Canadian Dealer between April 1st 2016 to June 30th 2016. Suzuki Retail incentives are direct-to-dealer incentives deducted from the MSRP. Retail incentives vary from $200 (AN400ZAL6, UH200AL6) to $1,500 (GSX-R600L5) on select models. SPP warranty listed includes 12 month factory limited warranty plus an additional warranty coverage to total listed SPP coverage. SPP warranty coverage from 60 on select 2015 to 2017 street legal models. Warranty and SPP warranty offered has no dollar value and cannot be exchanged or resold for any monetary value. Model may not be exactly as shown. This promotion is time limited and certain conditions may apply; please see your participating Canadian dealer for complete details. Offer cannot be combined with any other special offers, promotions or financing incentives unless specified. MSRP and promotion may change without notice. PDI charges from $110 to $528, freight charges from $165 to $250, taxes, license, insurance, applicable fees and registration are extra dependent on model. Specifications, product features and colours are subject to change without notice. Read your owner’s manual carefully and remember to observe all safety regulations. See your participating Authorized Suzuki dealer for availability and complete details. Suzuki. Way of Life!

VISIT SUZUKI.CA FOR DETAILS!

Retail Incentives & Additional SPP coverage available on select new and unregistered Suzuki Motorcycles purchased at a participating Canadian Dealer between April 1st 2016 to June 30th 2016. Suzuki Retail incentives are direct-to-dealer incentives deducted from the MSRP. Retail incentives vary from $200 (AN400ZAL6, UH200AL6) to $1,500 legal models. 3:14 PM SUZ_TimetoRide_ad _Apr2016.indd 1 (GSX-R600L5) on select models. SPP warranty listed includes 12 month factory limited warranty plus an additional warranty coverage to total listed SPP coverage. SPP warranty coverage from 60 on select 2015 to 2017 street 2016-04-19 Warranty and SPP warranty offered has no dollar value and cannot be exchanged or resold for any monetary value. Model may not be exactly as shown. This promotion is time limited and certain conditions may apply; please see your participating Canadian dealer for complete details. Offer cannot be combined with any other special offers, promotions or financing incentives unless specified. MSRP and promotion may change without notice. PDI charges from $110 to $528, freight charges from $165 to $250, taxes, license, insurance, applicable fees and registration are extra dependent on model. Specifications, product features and colours are subject to change without notice. Read your owner’s manual carefully and remember to observe all safety regulations. See your participating Authorized Suzuki dealer for availability and complete details. Suzuki. Way of Life!

11 – The Motorcycle Times, June 2016

TIME TO RIDE RIDE BESTTIME DEALS TO OF THE SEASON

June 2016, The Motorcycle Times – 12

The

the benoit files

s ime le T c y c or Mot

The Motorcycle Times is looking for a few good writers.

paula benoit

CONTRIBUTING WRITER

Be Careful… We’re Not Alone

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

12-05-30 2:24 PM

Custom Made Motorcycle Insurance

Call or go online for your no obligation quote We Make It Simple!

416-798-8001 or 888-768-8001 www.csib.org Cornerstone Insurance Brokers Limited Oﬃces in Woodbridge, Markham, Barrie and Aurora Monday to Friday: 8 am to 8 pm Saturday: 10 am to 2 pm

Toronto’s only authorized Moto Guzzi, Aprilla, Vespa and Paiggio dealer and service centre New and used motorcycle sales, service parts and accessories.

34 Futurity Gate, Suite #1, Vaughan 905-760-9933 • www.corsameccanica.com

Living on the river can be very therapeutic. Much the same feeling as when riding your motorcycle. It’s usually very quiet. And on days like today, very relaxing. You can sit in a chair right by the window and watch the water flow along the river, taking little pieces of the connecting islands with it, as they’ve fought a long battle from the harsh winter weather. As I sit here and look to the clouds, they are making it very difficult to allow for any sunlight to brighten up the day. Don’t get me wrong, sometimes a cloudy, rain-filled day is nice to just sit and think, but when you’ve been waiting all winter to pull out your ride, shine it up and rev the engine to wake the neighbours, it can also be a solemn reminder that riding weather is not yet, in full swing. With the bleak winter months, the attempt at cleaning up the remnants left behind by ol’ man winter can do quite a number on our precious rides. The salt and sand not only cause damage to the outer workings of these machines, but they also provide for some pretty unsafe riding conditions. I have found it most tricky at various intersections and curves. I love riding my bike, but I’m not excited about the idea of becoming one with the pavement. Sometimes when I sit here in this quiet tranquility, you can hear the slight hummmm of the water cooler that we have (living where we are, we rely on a well and a septic system). The sounds don’t take away from the reflections I’m often having, of the riders that we’ve already lost this riding season. In some cases, it’s to the detriment of the motorcycle rider and rider carelessness. More often than not, it seems to be from their need for speed (after all, we’ve been cooped up so long, not being able to ride). You get so excited to get on that ride and just go, that you don’t take in the consideration of road conditions. Don’t get me wrong, cagers are just as big a contributing factor to the loss of life that we seem to be experiencing all too often and all too soon this year alone. With cell phones and children as a distraction, plus the fact that some people really should not be driving, it’s a wonder more of us don’t get hurt. I’ll contribute that to the more experienced riders that know how to anticipate the ‘stupid’ among the cagers that ride among us. I’m a strong believer that the more riders that you’re with, the more that you’ll be noticed. However I’ve learned from a personal friend how that can even be a grave mistake. Riding amongst a larger group, he was following all the rider safe rules that we as riders know. However, a car decided to pass the

group, and in doing so, lost control and collided with our friend, sending him flying towards a tree. He was pretty banged up (he’ll never be the same physically or mentally) but a year later he go right back on his ride and still takes part as much as he can. (The accident caused him to have to minimalize his riding activities, all because of an impatient cager that even with what should’ve been a clean pass, showed how much negligence and loss of control can damage a life.) I don’t mean to be a total downer. But I worry about my fellow riders, and I want to make sure that you’re aware of even the simplist actions that can turn tragic in a heartbeat. Amongst my concern, are the riders that are asking the question on whether lane splitting is legal. Why?? Why on Earth would one even CONSIDER lane splitting when folks are out there in their oversized SUV, so distracted by every type of electronic or by their ever needy children that nowadays, these ‘under 25s’ seems to feel an entitlement over the rest of us. (Don’t get mad and start penciling an angry letter now. I’m referring to the common helicopter parent that coddles their child to the point that these ‘adults’ can’t function in a college setting without mommy). These are the ones that are the most dangerous that I’m referring to. Lately, I’ve seen an amazing increase in ridership (especially so in women riders!) And I want each and every one of us to arrive home to our loved ones in one piece. This brings me to group rides. These rides bring awareness not only to the cause at heart, but to show people just how many bikes are on our roads. I read a wise saying the other day. “If parents started teaching their children at a young age to count the bikes on the road or even to play “I spy” while only using motorcycles as their focal point, just think of how you’re actually teaching these future drivers to seriously notice motorcycles all around them on a regular basis.” Just this week, OPP released a report stating that more than half of the motorcyclists who dies on OPP-patrolled roads last year were killed by no fault of their own. With riding season now upon us, and charity rides and rides with friends becoming a more prominent taker of our free time in the summer months, please slow down, enjoy the ride. You wanna race, take it to the track. There’s tracks out there that allow you to rip it up. We all want to get out and enjoy the ride. We all want to get home safe, only to ride again tomorrow. Stay safe, ride safe.

So What are you waiting for?

Port Dover, Friday 13th people are getting seated, served their food and once they are fat and happy, they are out the door to check out what’s happening down the street. Then the next group is shown their table. We always have the perch platter and it sure looked like we weren’t alone. A decent number of lightly fried perch fillets, caught fresh from Lake Erie, with home cut fries and a slab of celery bread would satisfy any biker. Wash it down with your favourite beverage, a cold Canadian in my case, and we were ready to stroll the promenade. Both sides of the main street are jammed with bikes that must have gotten here in the early hours. The rest of the pavement is occupied by people looking at the different scooters and the different people. Just as everyone wants to have an original bike, many people are searching for an original look. And many succeed. Thong man is a regular at the event, often directing traffic, and always available for a picture. Brand new Hondas are parked

by antique rides, while fully customized Harleys lean next to exotic European machines. Many of the scoots are adorned with head turning additions. A skeleton astride a bike is no more out of place than a dog wearing goggles in a sidecar. It’s all good! The parks and side streets are also filled with bikes, people and pop up tents selling everything motorcycle related and of course Friday the 13th T-shirts. After this many years the local service clubs and entrepreneurs know exactly how to market T-shirt to bikers. Always in black, and always lots of extra- large sizes. They also know the kinds of music that our culture appreciates – loud and rockin’. There was music everywhere, although hard to hear over the revving engines. The main beer tent had rock cover bands playing the entire day and night. At one point the tunes were drowned out by what I thought someone was performing a major burnout. Turned out a mobile dyno was set up off the main drag and could be heard tuning bikes. About 2 pm the rain, that had been threatening most of the day, finally came down. Hard. There were nowhere near enough awnings or tents for everyone to duck under. That didn’t seem to matter to many in the crowd. They just continued on down the street, checking

out machines and the people that were concerned they might melt. Thankfully the rain didn’t last long and only dampened peoples clothes, not their enthusiasm or spirit. Heading out of Dover is exactly the same as coming in – in reverse. Hundreds of bikes parading out and hundreds continuing to arrive, slow the traffic to stop and go. Of course, anyone who lives near the greater Toronto area has to be used to

that way of riding. Reflecting back on the day, it is easy to recognize that Friday the 13th has continued to be true to its roots. It’s still used as a time to get together with friends and fellow gearheads. Up and down the streets, in the beer tents and restaurants, bikers are greeting each other with open arms and a “How you been”. No worries. The outgoing and social nature of bikers will ensure that this event will continue for years to come.

Feel the rush, find your ride

Feel the rush, find your ride 2016 CBR500R

FINANCE THE 2016 CBR500R FROM

69 5.9

BI-WEEKLY

FOR 60-MONTHS

Clare’s Cycle & Sports Ltd KW Honda Ready Honda 799 Highway 20 West, Fenwick 465 Conestogo Rd, Waterloo 430 Hensall Cir, Mississauga Motorcycles Canada @HondaMotoCA 905-892-2664 or 888-663-6135 519-746-7900 905-896-3500Honda or 855-896-0430 2016 CBR500R www.clarescycle.com www.readyhondapowersports.com Offers apply to eligible retail purchase agreements for a limited time, while supplies last.www.kwhonda.com Offers are not applicable in Quebec. Offers valid on select new (not previously registered) Honda motorcycle products purchased from an authorized

FINANCE THE CBR500R Honda motorcycle dealer in Canada. Limited time purchase financing provided through Honda Canada Finance Inc. (HCFI), on approved credit. Representative Finance Example: 2016 CBR500RSG with a selling price of2016 $6,699 financed at 5.9% equals $69 bi-weekly for 60 months (130 bi-weekly payments required). Zero ($0) down payment. Cost of borrowing is $1,213, for a total obligation of $8,995. Bi-weekly payment shown includes freight and PDI of $560, dealer fee of $500 (which may vary by region) and applicable fees but does not include PPSA lien registration fee (up to $79.75 in some regions), lien registering agent’s fee ($5.75) which are due at time of delivery. Taxes, licence, insurance and registration fees (all of which may vary by region) are extra. Offers valid from April 1, 2016 to June 29, 2016. Dealers may sell for less. Dealer order/trade may be necessary. See dealer for full details, eligible models and other financing rates. All Offers are subject to change, extension or cancellation without notice and are valid at participating Canadian Honda motorcycle or Honda Powerhouse dealers outside of Quebec. Models and colours may not be exactly as shown. Errors and omissions excepted.

Barrie Honda Powerhouse 74 Mapleview Dr., W., Barrie 705-797-2006 or 800-267-4449 www.barriehonda.com

Honda Motorcycles Canada

69 5.9

* Powersports $ West City Sturgess Cycle %* 676 Dundas St, W., Belleville 615 King St. West, Hamilton BI-WEEKLY FOR 60-MONTHS 613-966-8828 or 888-966-8828 905-522-0503 or 888-421-3333 www.westcitypowersports.ca www.sturgessonline.com

FROM

honda.ca

@HondaMotoCA

Offers apply to eligible retail purchase agreements for a limited time, while supplies last. Offers are not applicable in Quebec. Offers valid on select new (not previously registered) Honda motorcycle products purchased from an authorized Honda motorcycle dealer in Canada. Limited time purchase financing provided through Honda Canada Finance Inc. (HCFI), on approved credit. Representative Finance Example: 2016 CBR500RSG with a selling price of $6,699 financed at 5.9% equals $69 bi-weekly for 60 months (130 bi-weekly payments required). Zero ($0) down payment. Cost of borrowing is $1,213, for a total obligation of $8,995. Bi-weekly payment shown includes freight and PDI of $560, dealer fee of $500 (which may vary by region) and applicable fees but does not include PPSA lien registration fee (up to $79.75 in some regions), lien registering agent’s fee ($5.75) which are due at time of delivery. Taxes, licence, insurance and registration fees (all of which may vary by region) are extra. Offers valid from April 1, 2016 to June 29, 2016. Dealers may sell for less. Dealer order/trade may be necessary. See dealer for full details, eligible models and other financing rates. All Offers are subject to change, extension or cancellation without notice and are valid at participating Canadian Honda motorcycle or Honda Powerhouse dealers outside of Quebec. Models and colours may not be exactly as shown. Errors and omissions excepted.

honda.ca

13 – The Motorcycle Times, June 2016

CONTINUED FROM PG.11

June 2016, The Motorcycle Times – 14

TheOtherside Mix - 0/35/85/0

30%K

Obsession, What Obsession? A Wrench in the Works

david heron

CONTRIBUTING WRITER

Call it a sickness. No, maybe an obsession. How about even a compulsion? What about an addiction ? Call it whatever the heck you want. I’ve got it and I will stand up and shout it to the world. That is, if they will listen. I like, no, I love motorcycles. I always have, even when I went for years without one. They say that an admission is the first step towards a cure. Now that I am able to admit to it, could this be the beginning of my cure? Just who the heck wants to be cured? I love bikes. Unfortunately, I like a whole bunch of different bikes and all for different reasons. So, it’s time to delve into this. The following is a study, let’s even go as far as to call it an analysis of my obsession. Hold on while I lie back on the leather couch, relax, well Doc, it goes like this…. It all carries back to my childhood. Yeah, I know, everyone blames it on their childhood. I had an older brother, still do by the way, who bought a little Honda when he was 16. It was 1964, and no one had a motorcycle that I knew. It was cool, step through frame, automatic clutch and 3 gears. He rode it around North Bay where we lived. Even my Dad would take my Mom out for little toots on it. As they said, “You meet the nicest people on a Honda.” In those days there were no bike licences. Anyone who

could hold up a bike could ride one with their regular Driver’s Licence. Anyway, in 1966 he bought the biggest bike that Honda made, a 305 Super Hawk. This was not a toy like the Honda 50, this was a motorcycle. Like most guys at the time, the baffles were the first thing to go. Bikes had to make noise. Oh, I guess that is still the case today to many. I was 14 and had already been bitten by the bug. I had learned the intricacies of the clutch and a 4 speed transmission riding our Beach Councillor’s Suzuki 80 around the beach roads in exchange for doing his work for him like sweeping the tennis courts and setting up the clubhouse for movie nights. I would sit on the Super Hawk on the few occasions that my Brother would bring it home and dream. At that time, it was also a mystery how you got the gear shift to go up because I had only ridden bikes with the heel and toe type shift. My brother enlightened me in the way only a big brother can, “Well Dummy, use your toe underneath. Whew!” Anyway, I continued to sit, and dream, and usually heard the complaints that the bike was never in neutral when he went to ride it. Well, I had to practice shifting didn’t I? So, let’s get on with it. I got my first bike when I turned 16. I painted a cottage and a boathouse for the heady price of $1.00 an hour and bought a Yamaha 100 Twin Jet. I was off to the races. I actually took over the Hawk the next year

and rode it all over the Province. I have gone over all this before so I will just say that I rode a Kawasaki 500 in 1971 and just had to have one. That happened in 1972. University, travel and boating took over for quite a while so I would always look at bikes but never took the plunge. I call that my festering obsession period. I saw the change in motorcycles. Suddenly you could buy bikes with fairings and low bars right off the showroom floor. Mechanical dependability became the norm. OK, now back to modern times. I was at a friend’s place and he showed me his Norton. It was done up like a desert racer and is still one of the nicest bikes I have seen. This got me to thinking. Way back when I was in high school, a guy in North Bay has about the coolest bike I had ever seen. It was a Norton Commando Fastback which he had cafed with rear sets, low bars and a half fairing. It was done in British Racing Green and the sound from those pea-shooter pipes was pure music to my ears. With these memories in my head, and the permission of my Long Suffering Wife, I set out on my quest to find one for myself. And, I did. It was Fire Orange, sounded just like I remembered, and went like a scared rabbit. This was the beginning, or maybe the continuum. Whatever. I did a little work on the Norton but it was a complete opposite from the metric bikes that I was used to. Push rods, remote oil tanks, oil leaks as stan-

dard, weird special tools, strange sized wrenches and right foot shifting to boot. I thirsted for grease under my finger nails. I felt the need to tune and repair for myself and not be at the mercy of other mechanics. Yes, I needed a project. Enter the Kawonda. I told you about that in depth in an earlier edition. Suffice to say that I got my dose of dirty nails and hands and succeeded in getting it running nicely. That should have been the end but, it turns out to only be the beginning… I had the need. I needed another project. I had to keep busy in the long winter months. To feed the need in people like me, we have that life-saver, yes, Kijiji. I found a Kawasaki 500 in need of my obsession. It would be the object of my passion, my passion to save the past for years to come. It sounds very noble but really it was a good way to keep the need for buying hand cleaner alive. Again, I stripped and fixed and replaced and painted and ended up with a very nice and strong running bike. I also ended up owing my line of credit a bit too much. The stark reality was that I loved to fix and resurrect but I didn’t have the means to keep them and collect them. The truth reared its ugly head and I had to admit that I had to sell something. First out was the Kawonda. It had been my initiation but I felt no real attachment to it because I had never actually put it on the road. It went for a song but it did add something to the home treasury. The

15 – The Motorcycle Times, June 2016

Kawasaki was a 1975 but I really wanted a 70 because that was the bike I had owned so many years before. I found a 71 for a good price and it was close to being a 70 so, the 75 went on the block. It sold to someone in Germany for a very good price. I now had the where-with-all to complete the 71. I still had the Norton to go with the Kawasaki. It now sounds like I was all set. I had the 2 bikes that I had always wanted. What else could a guy ask for? Again, the vicious truth, I needed another project and I needed the cash to get it. With great regret, the only solution was to sell the Norton. It went to a very nice guy in New Zealand. He obviously wanted it because he bought it by only looking at pictures and had it shipped halfway around the world. It was picked up at my house in July and was delivered to him in February. Quite a wait for something that he wanted so badly. But, with the clearance of the Norton, came the funds to finance the existing project without straining the bank account, or lack thereof. The pattern started again. Strip, sand blast, paint, repair, refurbish, tune, curse, tune some more, smile. Satisfaction at long last. What else did I need? I have come to the realization that as soon as you think you’re done, something else comes along that you are unable to resist. I did mention that I have a bit of an addiction , didn’t I? A 1970 Kawasaki 500 came up for sale at a reasonable price. I had followed its repair and restoration on a thread on the Kawasaki Triples Canada website. I knew the work that had been done and knew that I could bring it back the rest of the way. It was also the bike that I needed to complete my obsession with my past. I hooked up my bike trailer and made the 6 hour drive to pick it up and the 6 hour drive to get it home in a day. My life was complete. The 1970 Kawasaki had a scalloped tank. The 71 did not. Both bikes had new engines from top to bottom. My 71 was running perfectly. The 70, not so much. The 71 had a nice new paint job. The 70, not so much. The 70 had the scalloped tank that I wanted, the 71, not so much. The best solution, considering that the frames and seats were the same? You guessed it, take the poorly painted 70 tank, put it on the 71 and spring for another really nice paint job to make the 71 look like a 70. Yes, it is cheating but all’s fair in bike restoration. I switched the tank and side covers from the 71 to the 70 and sold it. I advertised it as a 70 but with newer tank. I still have to be honest about it. It sold for a low price and I had the cash to pay for the new paint work and to cover the original cost of the bike, almost anyway. You would think that this would be the end. I have the bike I wanted in the first place and it looks really nice with its new paint. But, there is another bee in my bonnet. I found that I liked the extra power of the Kawasaki 750 Triple, the H2. Hmmm, I begin to wonder how I can swing a way to get a 750 too. I mean, how difficult could it be to find one of them? I’m thinking and scheming and the LSW is looking sideways at me and knows that I have something on my mind. Truthfully, I started out writing this with a completely different story in mind, but I guess that one will have to wait ‘til next time….. Well Doc, how am I doing? Is there any cure? Well one that doesn’t involve quitting motorcycles…

THOMBOYS POWERSPORTS & EQUIPMENT 202297 Highway 6 & 21, Owen Sound 519-372-0937 or 888-865-5782 www.tbpowersports.com

WAYNES WORLD POLARIS 29513 Highway 28, Bancroft 613-332-4649 or 613-332-3902 www.waynesworldpolaris.com

SPOILED SPORTS 1898 Baseline Road, Bowmanville 905-436-6487 www.spoiledsports.com

APEX CYCLE SPORTS 200 Preston Parkway, Cambridge 519-880-8800 or 888-702-4150 www.apexcycle.ca

Terms and conditions apply. See dealer for full details. Always wear a helmet, eye protection and protective clothing and obey the speed limit. Never ride under the influence of drugs or alcohol. @2016 Plaris Industries Inc.

S RE IVE SS RE

a c

TRAIN ING

ADVANCED ROAD CRAFT

the club life

PR OG

June 2016, The Motorcycle Times – 16

PR OG

SAFETY

ININ G

ADVANCED ROAD CTake RAFTyour skills to the next level.

Our European inspired course begins by evaluating your current skill level and tailoring our program to meet your needs. Challenging you to take your riding to the next level. Using an advanced riding system as taught by the UK police to their riders.

DO YOU HAVE WHAT IT TAKES... Call or go online to book your course today! www.advancedroadcraft.ca

519-725-1262

advancedroadcraft@gmail.com

helMeTS FoR lIFe

The lightest helmets on The planeT

Carbon

Fibre

Check out our complete line of european inspired helmets

Find a dealer near you at

www.nexxcanada.com

mark stanisz

CONTRIBUTING WRITER

Continuing to Honour our Warriors

A guy tapped me on the shoulder at this year’s Port Dover Friday 13th in May and asked where I got the ‘HHR’ patch on my vest because he wanted to get one. For those who may not know, the Highway of Heroes Ride - or HHR as it’s widely known - began in December 2008, when biker Lou DeVuono found himself on a bridge with hundreds of other Canadians who had come out to an overpass along Highway 401 east of Toronto to pay respects to fallen Canadian soldiers repatriated from Afghanistan. Lou began planning a support ride for all soldiers, fallen and returning, using his contacts and spreading the idea by word of mouth. The first ride in 2009 had 134 bikes and DeVuono had support from spouses of the soldiers, police - all sorts of groups. By 2010 the ride had grown to more than 1,200 bikes and continues to grow. One of the most memorable rides was in 2011 which featured a torrential downpour but also a tidal wave of bikes with an estimated 3,000 motorcycles and 4,500 participants. For 2016, the HHR will be held Saturday, June 4, at 11:30 a.m. sharp and is free to attend. I would advise showing up at least an hour early because spots fill up very quickly and you never know what road construction might be going on in the area. Assemble at CFB Trenton at the National Air Force Museum. The ride has two partner clubs - the Harley-Davidson Riders of Canada (HD-ROC) and Canadian Army Veterans Motorcycle Unit. Many other clubs help out in large ways and small to make this event happen and many motorcycle groups make it a point to attend this event. If you are coming from parts farther you can book a room at the Ramada Inn Trenton which is the official host hotel for the HHR. The destination of the ride has bounced around over the past few years mostly due to local towns not sharing the same vision for the event as participants. This year the end point is beautiful Memorial Park in Port Hope which is about 70 kilometres west of Trenton meaning the ride is a fair bit shorter than last year’s which ended in Whitby. You can also print off a registration form from the official ride website at www.heroshighwayride.com. BACK TO THE COMMUNITIES “I didn’t think ending at the Whitby entertainment centre was the best to end it on, but with the issues I had had with Oshawa a lot of communities were hesitant to get involved because they were misinterpreting the information that was out there,” DeVuono said. That incident involved a ‘bill’ that was disputed and eventually resolved. But the whole episode gave some communities a bad impression which hopefully has now dissipated. “It made me less than enthusiastic about going before a council or something like that and have it happen a second time,” DeVuono says. But Lou felt that a connection was being lost between the troops and the community

and wanted to continue bringing the two groups together. So a friend suggested he contact representatives in Port Hope. Lou went before council to clarify. “Long story short we managed to get over the hurdle - we had a majority of council that did see there would some value in the event,” DeVuono said. You can watch Lou’s presentation to Port Hope council at https://youtu.be/gzinV09GMm8 The original plan was to hold the event on the picturesque downtown main street. If you’ve never been there it’s really a beautiful small Ontario town. So a compromise was worked out where the event will be held in Memorial Park and nearby Rotary Park. Roads will be closed around the town hall so there should be plenty of parking for bikes - and if weather is good DeVuono expects there could be around 1,500-2,000 bikes. As in previous years a group will be joining the rally from Guelph with another group coming from Barrie and some will be coming out from Ottawa and Kingston. He says some people come from as far as the western Canada and the United States. Lou mentioned some town staff that were helpful in getting the ride going along with Port Hope Mayor Bob Sanderson. “He’s been fantastic - he’s very pro-business, he’s very pro-events - he wants to develop events and really make the town a destination,” he says. “Charity isn’t the purpose of the HHR,” DeVuono says. Part of it is there are other groups already raising funds whereas this ride is meant to be free for participants and while there is some fundraising it’s not the focus. Really the goal is to create an impact and show support by bringing together veterans and the Canadian people. But there will be several veteran charities you can donate to at the event, as well as a number of displays by members of the Canadian Forces. Highlights this year include the display of the Poppy Memorial, the Portraits of Honour and a presentation by Trapper Cane of the Canadian Army Veterans Motorcycle Unit. KEEPING BUSY Lou’s also planning a busy year for himself this year. At the time of this writing, Lou was planning to head down to Alabama with some friends to join up with a group called ‘Run For The Wall’ to participate in the Rolling Thunder rally which is a huge event with a similar theme to the HHR. Then he’s heading up to Ottawa for the National Memorial Ride to Beechwood Cemetery. DeVuono, 53, has been married for 15 years, has 30+ years in the transportation industry and has worked coast-to-coast in construction as an operator/supervisor. Lou rides a 2013 Victory Cross Country motorcycle and is also the founder of the Balding Eagles JFSNG club. The acronym stands for ‘Just For Shits ‘N Giggles’. DeVuono hosts a weekly Internet radio show called ‘Kickstands Up’ which you can find online at realityradio101.com

The first mass-produced American motorcycle, the Indian, came out in 1901. Harley Davidson introduced a bike in 1903, and riders headed to horse tracks and high-banked velodromes used for bicycle racing in order to compete. Wooden tracks built specifically for motorcycle and car racing appeared just a handful of years later in 1909, sprinkling California with additions to the landscape and the entertainment lineup. But the high entertainment value came with even higher levels of danger, for both riders and drivers. That led newspapers to refer to the “motordomes” as “murderdomes” beginning midway through the 1920s, when the discipline was already on the decline. Imagine the Talladega Superspeedway turn with twice the banking. That danger came from all around—the speeds, the track surface, the spectator placing and the lack of brakes in the motorcycles. The tracks had high banking that sometimes reached over 60 degrees. For comparison, that’s nearly twice the 33-degree banking in the turns of Talladega Superspeedway. The banking led drivers and riders to shoot up

Racing is inherently dangerous, and that danger presents itself each time a vehicle rolls onto a track. Racing communities, in turn, continually make calls for safer conditions. But motorsport was far more risky in the days of wooden tracks and “murderdome” racing without brakes, and that didn’t last long at all. When the earliest cars and motorcycles rolled off the line, it wasn’t long before they lined up on the track for a test of speed. While both cars and motorcycles participated in the board-track era of racing, motorcycles identified with the discipline more—cars had road courses, streets, ovals, board tracks and the like to race on elsewhere, but motorcycle board-track racing was a spectacle that popped up throughout the U.S. soon after it began.

Rush of Red event! tranSFEr puMp

BF2.3HHp

www.readyhondapowersports.com 430 Hensall Circle,Mississauga

Sales Direct:905-896-9996

BF9.9HHp

9799 2,999 999 * $

419

WB20XK2C

2015 Honda g MSX125F grom $ *

gEnErator

1,099

3,630

EU2000iTC

laWnMoWEr $

389 89*

HRS2164PDCDC

5999*

HRR2169VVKCC

the track as Gaston Chevrolet did in his fatal twocar wreck at Beverly Hills Speedway, a famous board track that was just over a mile in length. Motorcycles could reach over 100 mph on certain tracks as well. But the danger got much more gruesome than that. Crashes were frequent and horrific— riders who went down faced being impaled by splinters—and were often fatal. Spectators shared in the risk: at many motordromes, they peered down from the lip of the track, in harm’s way. On one particularly lethal day in 1912, several observers—from four to six, accounts vary—were killed along with Eddie Hasha and another rider at a motordrome in Newark, New Jersey, when Hasha lost control of his bike and slammed into the crowd. The discipline was popular, though—for about 20 years. There were about two dozen board tracks during its days of popularity. Just look at the attendance numbers at this Beverly Hills Speedway race in 1921, only 10 years after board tracks began their reign in American motorcycle racing —12,000 people showed up to

2015 CBr600raF 20 $

8869*

12,979*

2015 CBr300rF $

4,079*

watch Albert “Shrimp” Burns take the victory: Burns died in a racing crash in Toledo, Ohio later that year. Board tracks lived on for about 10 years after that, but faced a sharp decline at the start of the 1930s. The negative tone toward “murderdomes” in the papers, the attempts by manufacturers to slow down the motorcycles and the closing of some tracks by local governments to the demise of board-track racing. Only four board tracks were left in the U.S. by 1931. As with all things, motorcycle racing evolved from one of its most famous early states to become what it is today. Really, board-track racing was just a blip in history that helped to put motorcycle racing on the map—on several maps, even—at the cost of death and danger. Racing can always be safer, but it’s important to remember how much safety standards have improved since the inception of motorsport. Spectator harm is a rare occurrence in modern racing, and a face full of splinters would only be possible if riders and drivers carried firewood along with them. That doesn’t sound like the best good-luck charm, but perhaps it’s a thing.

2015 CrF250l $ *

20015 Vt750C2BF $ *

5,530

trX420Fa6 8,369 $20157,599 *

2014 gl1800BE g – F6B $ *

2014 CtX1300a 20 $ *

16,165 16

2014 gl1800adE (airbag)

220,669

HRRX2175HYC

2016 trX500Fa7

* 10,199 29,169 * $

2.99%/36 MtHS. PurCHaSe FinanCing!

*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 April 30, 2016. Down payment or equivalent trade-in on purchase financing or lease offers 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 ($50/$50/$65/$65/$65/$75/$75/$50/$50/$600/$600), ECRF ($0/$0/$0/$0/$0/$0/$0/$0/$0/$24.86/$24.86) and Licence Administration ($0/$0/$0/$0/$0/$0/$0/$0/$0/$299/$299) are all extra on the following on the other products: 2.3DK2SCHC/9.9DK0SHC/WB20XK2C/EU2000iTC/HRS2164PDC/HRX2175HYC/ HRR2169VKC /TRX420FA6/TRX500FA7). Pricing of the following include a limited time rebate and discount of: 2.3DK2SCHC $220/9.9DK0SHC Special Price/WB20XK2C $110/EU2000iTC $300/HRS2164PDC $0/HRX2175HYC $130/HRR2169VKC $60/ MSX125F $400/CBR300RF $1,300/CBF250FL$400/VT750C2BF $1,500/CBR600RAF $1,500/CTX1300A $4,000/GL1800BE $3,500/GL1800ALSF $3,500/GL1800ADE $3,500/TRX420FA6 $1,500/TRX500FM5 $1,000. 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.

kaWaSaki Spring SalES EVEnt!

www.readykawasaki.com 430 Hensall Circle, Mississauga 905-896-1600 toll Free: 1-855-896-0430

2015 ninJa

(non-aBS)

(aBS)

300

4,985*

2015 VulCan 900

650

7,765*

CuStoM

9,465*

2015 ninJa

zX6SE aBS

12,815*

2015 VErSyS

1000lt

15,215*

2015 VulCan 1700

VoyagEr

19,365*

2015 ultra 310 lX

JEtSki

19,365*

*Vehicle 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 April 30, 2016. Sale Price on the New Motorcycles includes freight and P.D.E., ECRF, Licence Administration Fee and OMVIC Fee. Freight & PDE ($650) and Licence Administration ($299) are all extra on the Ultra 310LX Pricing of the following include a limited time rebate of: EX300AFF $1,100/EX650EFF $1,100/VN900CFF $1,000/ZX636FFFA $1,400/KLZ1000BFF $900/VN1700BFF $1,300/JT1500MFF $1,000. 48 Months Kawasaki Protection Plan is included at No Charge on the 2015 Ultra 310LX Jetski. Motorcycle(s) and accessories shown are for illustration purposes only. Actual colours may vary depending on availability. Dealer trade or Factory Order may be necessary. Offers subject to change without notice, see us for full details.

One StOp ShOpping: the Only FactOry authOrized retailer in OntariO tO OFFer hOnda, KawaSaKi, KtM, SuzuKi and yaMaha all under One rOOF!

17 – The Motorcycle Times, June 2016

Early Form Of Motorcycle Racing Died A Fast Death

June June2016, 2016,The TheMotorcycle MotorcycleTimes Times––18 18

FinishLines Mix - 0/35/85/0 Mix - 0/35/85/0

Shannonville at a Glance BMW’s Jordan Szoke has a target on his back, and he knows it. Not quite as fast as he expected early in the program, Szoke was one of only two riders really ready for the opening round, along with archrival Kenny Riedmann on a Kawasaki. You couldn’t really blame the competition – there just hasn’t been much warm, dry running opportunities in Canada this spring, especially compared to recent seasons. Riedmann looked to have the edge with his Scott Cameron-built, brand new ZX10R Ninja heading into Dalton TimmisInsurance Qualifying, but a crash late in the final session probably hurt his chances. While both Riedmann and the on-form Matt McBride aboard his just-delivered Rider’s Choice BMW threatened, ultimately Szoke had the pace to cash the first DTG big cheque. What the opposition most wanted was exactly what happened at the start of the 22 lap Feature, Szoke getting boxed in, forced to play catch-up. But Szoke quickly cleared the busy pack and then hunted down McBride late in the race, earning his eight straight win. The Champ hasn’t lost a CSBK Feature race since July, 2014, and a cynic would argue his ambitious young opposition missed a good chance to break the building streak last Sunday at Shannonville.

Yamahas Out In Force After a strong debut for Alex Welsh in a one-off at the end of last season’s Mopar CSBK at Canadian Tire Motorsport Park with his Hindle-backed YZF-R1M, fans were looking forward to seeing, and hearing, a few new Yamahas at the Shannonville 40th Anniversary festival. Full-time, potential front running Yamaha efforts include riders Kevin Lacombe(Motosport St-Cesaire), Trevor Daley (OneSpeed) and returning former winner Bodhi Edie (TripDub Racing). All the Yamahas looked great, with perhaps the best bike in terms of up-close investigation belonging to returning from injury, rookie Pro Marco Sousa. Definitely the best, or strangest, sounding Yamaha belonged to Daley, with various electronic options operating at different points on the 11-turn circuit. Edie had the edge in the race, running

in the first pack, before the slick conditions caught him out in the final turn, late in the race. HE remounted to net a good ninth. Daley survived an off-course trip to still net a very useful seventh, Lacombe retired early, and Sousa placed 16th. Expect much more from the R1 brigade as they learn to dial-in the electronics of the powerful Yamaha. Steady Scot Holds Forth Ben Young was a talking point during the off season, as he considered a switch from MotoAmerica’s 600cc division to the Feature class in Mopar CSBK. When the former G.P. class star opted for a BMW program with support from Tim Horton’s and Scot Build, discussion switched to the much experienced Young’s potential against the CSBK front runners. Young didn’t get to ride his Scott Cartier built, Willie Vass chassis tuned S1000RR until Wednesday at a Shannonville track day, and the program progressed steadily, and with little drama, from the on. With lots of running, Young was clearly getting comfortable with close to 200 horsepower, while the paddock got use to his aggressively Scottish companions! Fourth on the grid after running fourth best in most sessions, Young showed well in the final, just missing the podium in… fourth. More track time will certainly help the 22-year-old get used to big bike performance, and the tight confines of Autodrome St-Eustache at the end of June will certainly be a fresh challenge. Veteran Leon Shows Pace A front runner in a number of National classes over the past two decades, Michael Leon moved to the Feature Superbike class in Mopar CSBK in 2015, and showed well in his rookie campaign with the Royal Distributing BMW. However the deeper field of 1000cc machines would certainly prove a new challenge for Leon and other regulars in 2016. Leon had a rough debut with his latest BMW at Shannonville, including a crash in the opening, lousy conditions RACE Regional at S.M.P. in mid-May. Still his dedicated small team persevered, and the reward was an outstanding fifth overall in the opener, the fourth BMW in the top five. Did we mention that Leon came very

30%K 30%K

AMA Flat Track Anouncement

DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. (May 31, 2016) – AMA Pro Racing (AMAP) is proud to announce the formation of a subsidiary event promotion company, AFT Events. With a core focus of promoting AMA Pro Flat Track, AFT Events will bring a new level of entertainment and excitement to the sport, ushering in a bright new era for the legendary American sport. The Charlotte Half-Mile, scheduled for Saturday, July 30 at The Dirt Track at Charlotte Motor Speedway, will serve as the company’s debut event. The sport of Pro Flat Track is at the dawn of a global golden era. Interest from motorcycle manufacturers from North America, Europe and Asia continues to rise, a Spanish National Flat Track Championship has been formed, and the attention garnered by the athletes participating in the X Games will attract new, young fans once again this year. Riding the wave of international momentum, AFT Events will bring a fresh perspective to AMA Pro Flat Track’s event experience to capture the attention of a new generation of fans for flat track racing.

Lorenzo and Marquez out for glory as Rossi plans return The Catalan GP has been home to a number of fantastic battles and after the drama of Mugello, 2016 could very well be another. Mugello was a weekend full of excitement, hard battles and daring last lap moves across all three World Championship classes, but the majesty of the final lap of the MotoGP™ race will not be forgotten anytime soon. Jorge Lorenzo (Movistar Yamaha MotoGP) and Marc Marquez (Repsol Honda Team) put it all on the line to try and steal victory, only 0.019 of a second dividing them. It was the closest premier class finish since 2011 and was the Spanish pair’s fiercest battle since 2013. Neither

wants to be defeated at home in Barcelona as Lorenzo looks to make it three in a row while Marquez aims to be back on the top step for the first time since Austin. But it’s certainly not just the two Spaniards who will be in the mix. While Mugello was a glorious weekend for Lorenzo and Marquez, it was a torturous one for Valentino Rossi (Movistar Yamaha MotoGP) who had his bike expire while battling for the lead. For the second time in 2016 Rossi walked away without points, now 37 points adrift of the championship lead. This isn’t the first time Rossi has headed to Barcelona, Lorenzo’s backyard, with a deficit in the championship.

Shannonville...

close to earning his first career National Superbike win at Autodrome S-Eustache last year? Rookie Pros Look Great A very strong field of riders are aiming at the Brooklin Cycle Racing Pro Rookie of the Year Award in 2016, and so far reigning 2015 Magneti Marelli Amateur Superbike Champ Derrick Whyte is living up to his potential. Aboard his earlier model Kawasaki ZX-10R Ninja with backing from Snow City and Lucas Oil, Whyte seems able to handle the big pressure in the Feature class, placing a very impressive eighth overall at the S.M.P. opener. However Whyte’s arch-rival from 2015, Samuel Trepanier, was also in fine form in his Pro debut at Shannonville last weekend. Turning impressive laps aboard his Blysk Racing BeeMm, Trepanier had a big crash in Saturday morning’s session and missed the Dalton Timmis Qualifying sessions. Starting from the back of the grid with patched up leathers and a bandaged arm, Trepanier worked his way up to place 11th best, an impressive result given the circumstances. Things should go better at the St-Eustache doubleheader just North West of Montreal.

19 – The Motorcycle Times, June 2016

Back in 2009 Rossi produced one of his most memorable races, besting Lorenzo on the last corner of the last lap and laying down the law at his home. There’s a lot to play for amongst the top three, but there’s 16 other riders all ready to jump on the podium should the opportunity present itself. Both Maverick Viñales (Team Suzuki Ecstar) and Aleix Espargaro (Team Suzuki Ecstar) started on the front row at the 2015 Catalan GP and will be out to do it again. Viñales has continued to grow in 2016, taking a podium in France and another front row in Mugello, the Spaniard always a threat. Pole setter in 2015, Espargaro has had more of a mixed year and is ready to get back to the top six after a rough weekend in Mugello. The dynamic Ducati Team duo of Andrea Iannone and Andrea Dovizioso will also undoubtedly be threats in Qualifying and in the race. Iannone managed to set a new top speed record in Mugello, hitting 354.9Km/h during the race, a powerful engine an added bonus down the Circuit de Barcelona – Catalunya’s one kilometre straight. In the last three years Iannone and Dovizioso have only once finished inside the top five between them, Iannone fourth in 2015. Bradley Smith (Monster Yamaha Tech 3) was back on form in Mugello, taking the Independent Team victory just ahead of Danilo Petrucci (Octo Pramac Yakhnich). The result, with both Pol Espargaro (Monster Yamaha Tech 3) and Hector Barbera (Avintia Racing) having difficult weekends, has tightened up the standings, 12 points now separating the leading three. Both Loris Baz (Avintia Racing) and Tito Rabat (Estrella Galicia 0,0 Marc VDS) look set to miss the Gran Premi Monster Energy de Catalunya due to injuries sustained in Mugello. Baz suffered multiple fractures in his right foot while Rabat sustained a broken collarbone during practice.

1290 Super Duke R Special Edition RAW, PURE AND BEYOND REASON King of the jungle, beating its chest with a hair-raising rumble. Wild on the face of it, but just as refined as the original within. And packing a knockout PowerParts punch. The result is lightweight and tailor-made, with an Akrapovič silencer howling for more and an exclusive paint job screaming for attention. From you, the boss.

Visit an Authorized Dealer for more details FACTORY RECREATION 347 Cranston Cres., Midland 705-526-2248 or 888-537-0636 www.factoryrecreation.com

ORANGE MOTORSPORTS 6423 Dale Rd., Port Hope 289-252-0693 or 866-288-2712 www.orangemotorsports.ca

WHEELSPORT 1390 Youville Dr., Ottawa 613-841-9400 or 888-696-2163 www.wheelsport.ca

HB CYCLE & OUTDOOR CENTRE 66 McLarens Creek Rd., Cameron 705-328-2453 www.hbcycle.com

GP BIKES 1100 Champlain Crt., Whitby 905-428-8983 or 866-475-7111 www.gpbikes.com

CLARE’S CYCLE & SPORTS LTD 799 Highway 20 West, Fenwick 905892-2664 or 888-663-6135 www.clarescycle.com

READY KTM 430 Hensall Cir., Mississauga 905-896-1600 or 855-896-0430 www.readyktm.com

June 2016, The Motorcycle Times – 20

RealWorld Mix - 0/35/85/0

30%K

The Roadster

Lets Talk Audio Amplifing your System

scott hooper

CONTRIBUTING WRITER

We have spent the past few articles looking at what all the numbers mean when it comes to amplifier ratings. We have given you some pointers on what to look for and look out for when purchasing an amplifier. This article will wrap up the amplifier section by giving you a few other key things you may want to consider when it comes to buying an amp. Plug and Pray or Plug and Play? Installing an amp on your bike does not need to be an overly difficult job. At the end of the day there are some very basic needs that an amp will have. Power, Input signal and Output signal. Power will typically come from your battery and will supply power directly to your amp. Input signal will connect your music source to the amplifier and finally the output will connect your amp to your speakers. If you want the install to be as easy as possible look at manufactures that specialize in motorcycle audio. These companies will often include with their amps premade harnesses that will be complete with factory matching connectors and in some cases will already be cut to length making install nearly fool proof. If you decide to add an amplifier that is not specific to a motorcycle you may be in for a little more work. In these cases you will likely find that there will not be a premade harness for you to simply plug in, in-fact you may not get wiring at all. You may want to consider at this time the need for making certain wire harnesses “quick detach” for things like tour pack or saddle bag mounted speakers. Getting quality plugs for this task will ensure reliable operation down the road and unnecessary headaches. Getting a signal…. Knowing what inputs the amplifier you are considering has available will make it easier to determine if it will work with your radio. The most common method found on

an amplifier will be what’s called an RCA jack. These are used for low level signal and will use an RCA cable to hook from your radio to the amp. RCA cables are easy to find, easy to install, they come in many lengths to suit your needs. The kicker here is most factory radios on a bike do not support them and additional adapters will need to be purchased and installed to make this style of amp work unless it has another option of receiving an input signal. The second method of getting signal into the amp will be what’s called High Level input. This will use the radios speaker wires to send signal into the amp. This method will ensure that the amp is able to be used with any radio that has speaker wires coming from it making it very universal. One final method of getting signal into an amp will be through the use of an auxiliary jack on the amp. This is not a very common input found on an amp but if you do not have a radio on your bike you will most certainly want to find an amp that will support this. An auxiliary jack will typically be a small headphone style connector that will allow you to plug in a phone or other music device to act as the “radio” without the need for an actual radio mounted in the bike. How many channels do you need? The term channel when discussing amplifiers is simply the number of speakers it can control. A 2 channel amp as an example will be able to control two speakers. Often on bikes that have only two speakers from the factory it would make the most sense to simply use a two channel amp. But what if you wanted to expand the system beyond the two factory speakers? Maybe you want to add a tour pack to your bike and wish to add speakers to it? Maybe the idea of a larger speaker mounted in the saddle bag lid giving you more bass intrigues you? In these cases you may want to look at adding in a 4 channel amplifier that would not only drive

the two speakers from the factory but allow you to expand beyond these two speakers to other locations. On bikes that come with four (or more) speakers you may end up with multiple amplifiers on the bike to accommodate all the speakers you wish to amplify. Typically a 4 channel amplifier would be used to start and then additional amps added from there as required. If starting off a little slower is more your style you may want to see how a brand you are interested in allows you to expand your system down the road. Some manufactures have given little to no thought on this and force you to repurchase product should you want to add more speakers and amps. Other manufactures welcome this approach and make expansion very easy. The key to remember here is as you add more and bigger amplifiers to your bike your charging system will be called upon to supply the required power so it would be a benefit to you, your bike and your wallet to try and plan out what your intentions are both now and in the future. Mounting Locations, A final item you may want to consider will be the location you will be mounting your amplifier. Common locations are saddlebags, tour packs as well as inside the fairing. Each location will have pros and cons to consider. Remote locations like the tour pack or saddle bags can pose issues with removal of these components should the need arise unless quick detach harnesses are installed. Additionally both of these spots are typically the only storage you will have on the bike so taking up space with an amp may not be ideal. Inside the fairing can work well as the amp will mainly be out of the elements, it will not take up valuable storage space and it will not affect the on/off ability of things like a tour pack. There can be downsides to this location as well. The most common one would be the need to remove the fairing for any adjustments you need or want to make to the amp.

2016 Harley-Davidson Sportster Roadster Indicates a Shift in Thinking - For once, they’re not focusing on the styling While reading Harley Davidson’s latest press release about their new Sportster “Roadster,” I thought of the words from an old Buffalo Springfield song, “There’s something happening here, what it is ain’t exactly clear,” because despite all the talk about styling and “Live Your Legend” marketing something else became apparent, it isn’t the style and legend stuff that they’re focusing on, it’s, performance and handling. Yes, really. Harley performance? Performance? - Now, the styling is, to my eye at least, pretty cool. I like the bobbed fenders and all, but maybe, just maybe, Harley is beginning to realize there’s potential in those younger buyers looking for something that isn’t just about bar hopping or profiling, it might make sense to give those younger guys, and a lot of older guys, too, a bike that’s got some guts and can handle the turns. Now, no one is going to mistake the Roadster for a full on sport bike, but when is the last time you heard something like this from Milwaukee? As the newest member of the Dark Custom lineup, Roadster combines modern performance and retro-inspired styling with premium suspension components, an air-cooled 1200cc V-Twin engine that delivers a strong pulse of mid-range torque and a profile reminiscent of vintage racing motorcycles from the 1950s and 1960s. “We wanted to give the Roadster some DNA from the high-performance KHR models of the mid-50s, and later Sportsters tuned for the drag strip,” said Richards. “Those bikes had fenders cut to the struts, the small fuel tank, and were stripped to their bare essentials to achieve a singular performance purpose.” But wait, there’s more: Roadster’s suspension is enhanced by new 43mm inverted single-cartridge forks with tri-rate springs gripped in robust triple clamps and rear suspension featuring gas-charged emulsion coil-over shocks and tri-rate springs with adjustable pre-load and offers greater suspension travel than any other Sportster model – 4.5 inches in front and 3.2-inches in the rear. Outstanding stopping power is achieved with dual 11.8-inch floating rotors on the front wheel. The Roadster is available with optional ABS brakes. Inverted forks, full floating rotors, adjustable preload, DNA from high performance KHR models, Sportsters tuned for the drag strip? What’s going on? Weren’t a lot of Harley riders the ones who always asked “What’s the rush?” when you talked about performance? Was there a coup in Harley’s marketing and engineering departments? Performance is a part of Harley’s core, remember when the Sportster was the fastest motorcycle? Did someone stumble upon some old literature and all of a sudden say “Hey, what about performance?” Yeah, what about it? If this is the beginning of a recognition and return to performance, I’m all for it. Sure, they had Buell and now that’s gone, but this is going back to the Sportster when it was the real thing, when it had muscle. You can get a Screamin’ Eagle kit for the Roadster with high performance heads, pistons, cams, intake and more, and then you might get something that will surprise a few riders and wouldn’t that be cool? Could it be? Starting at $12,999.

Mix - 0/35/85/0

I don’t see MY ad here...

Chrome at Great Prices

125

neither do our readers.

Always Buying Used Goldwing Bikes, Parts and Surplus Inventory

ONLY

www.goldwingking.com 1-855-WINGKING (946-4546)

Hamilton Bikers Church is hosted at the First Church of the Nazarene. 92 Ottawa Street North

INCLUDES TAXES

Our fellowship meetings start at 6:30pm, Thursday evenings in the downstairs hall.

FULL PROCESS COLOUR

905-870-8584 www.hamiltonbikerschurch.com

905-962-1890

www.beltdrivebetty.com

K_wing-world-ad_bc-size_2011-06-29_ver2.indd 1

30%K

COFFEE STOP FOR BIKERS

11-11-13 5:07 PM

Home of Canada’s ONLY Weekly National Newspaper for Bikers “The Busted Knuckle Chronicles”

Your #1 Source for Motorcycle News, Events, Contests & Rider Friendly® Businesses in Canada!

7:00 pm – 9:00 pm

Every MONDAY Starting May 2, 2016 (weather permitting)

AT THE ROYAL CANADIAN LEGION BRANCH 25

www.beltdrivebetty.com

96 Great Northern Rd. Sault Ste. Marie A great place where motorcyclists can gather for coffee and camaraderie. If popular, we can expand

‘EVEN A USED TRAILER ISN’T WORTH BUYING ANYMORE”

UNBEATABLE PRICING & QUALITY

Call today to become a factory outlet

KANGAROO T

905-634-1205 • 1-85 KANGAROO • Kangaroo Trailers 3385 Mainway, Burlington The Largest and Best Selection of Used Harley-Davidsons

PRIVATE Motorcycle Instruction • Your Bike, Your Location • Choose Your Lessons • One-on-One Instruction • Skills Refreshment • Slow Speed Riding • Emergency Skills • M2 Exit Skills Practice

Great Quality! Great Selection! Great Prices! & Most important Great Service! Start your dreams of freedom and adventure here! Drop by for a visit and experience the difference!

1399 8th Line of Smith, Lakefield

www.usedhd.ca 1-888-292-8305

Note: Proper riding gear required, DOT helmet, leather gloves, boots and sturdy jacket. Gear Not Supplied.

905-975-1890 or privatelessons1965@gmail.com for rates or to reserve your space. Minimum M1 required to qualify.

21 – The Motorcycle Times, June 2016

MarketPlace

June 2016, The Motorcycle Times – 22

CommunityEvents Mix - 0/35/85/0

June 4, 2016 HHR Heroes Highway Ride & Rally Registration opens at 830am. 11:30 am departure from National Air Force Museum 220 RCAF Road - 8 Wing / CFB Trenton. Proceeding along the Highway of Heroes to Memorial Park, Port Hope. FREE - That’s right we have no admittance fee so come and join us in this show of Support for our Troops, although we ask all that attend to please make a voluntary donation and help support the HHR as we continue to support Veteran Charities and their programs. Motorcycle Parade arrives at 12:45 p.m. Displays by Members of our Canadian Forces. 12:45 - 1:15 Arrival of the bikes, 2:30 - 3:00 Official Ceremonies. Our Rally will be held in Memorial Park, beside City Hall because of its beautiful park setting, and great selection of restaurants. Come Support Our Troops, The Toronto Military Family Resource Centre, and the Tony Stacey Centre for Veterans Care. Lots of Fun and great Comradeship !!! Non-Riders most Welcome !!!! Visit www. heroeshighwayride.ca for more info. June 4, 2016 Hit The Road for Habitat Poker Run Poker Run begins at 9am sharp! Rain or Shine!R egistration/Check-in 8-9am at our ReStore located at:17335 Myers Road, St. Andrews West. “Ride” SD&G in support of Habitat Seaway Valley. Poker Run begins at our ReStore, with stops in Stormont, Dundas and Glengarry, ending at the Bonville Lions Club for an outdoor Pig Roast! The Pig Roast will start at 5pm including live entertainment from the“The Highway 401 Band”. There will also be bonfires, prizes, a silent auction and a 50/50 draw! If there is rain the Pig Roast festivities will be held inside the Bonville Lion’s

Club. $20 for “The Run”, $10 for “The Passenger”, $20 for the “The Pig Roast” Limited tickets for the Pig Roast will be available on site. First come, first served! Any participant who raises $100 in pledges can submit their pledges and pledge forms at morning registration to be credited the $20 ride fee! All riders and passengers are required to sign a waiver. www.habitatseawayvalley.org/event/ hit-the-road-for-habitat-poker-run/ June 4, 2016 - Toronto West MRFD - Telus Motorcycle Ride For Dad Ride Registration: 8:00 - 9:00 am. Galaxy Hall, 475 North Service Road East, Oakville - Peel/ Oakville. Join us for a fun-filled day of riding with a lunch, poker run, prizes and much more all while helping to raise money to fight prostate cancer for our local community! Randy Skyba - - torontowest@ridefordad.ca. www. ridefordad.ca June 5, 2016 Hit The Road For Hospice Dufferin Registration 9-10am, Poker Run participants can leave immediately after registration, scenic tour departs at 10:30am. Orangeville Curling Club, 76 Fifth Ave, Orangeville. $30/ per person. Suporting the Hospice Dufferin. Poker Run or Scenic Tour. BBQ lunch included, following the ride. Poker Run Prizes - $500 for 1st, $200 for 2nd, $100 for 3rd. Contact Maureen Riedler, mriedler@hospicedufferin.com, www.hospicesufferin.com June 12, 2016 Quinte Ride For Paws Registration at 10am at 7 Couch Street Trenton Centenial Park. Ride ends 3:30pm. $10./ per person. Supporting non-funded animal

Call us directly for fast to-your-door delivery: 1-877-549-4454

Don’t Be This Guy! Next-Day Delivery • Free Freight

Powersports vehicles need a powerful battery, one built to take the constant pounding that comes with the territory. Whether you ride a metric cruiser, sport bike, scooter or American iron, the staff at Great Northern Battery Systems has the right battery, testers & chargers for your ride. And we can get it to you quickly

visit us at: www.absolutebattery.com MASTER DISTRIBUTOR

June 18, 2016 Steve Mesic Memorial Ride Rain or Shine! Registration at 10:00 am, kickstands up at noon. Start Location: SBB ( Suck Bang Blow) Hwy #20, Stoney Creek. Host Location: SBB (Suck Bang Blow) restaurant & bar. Live Entertainment “starts at registration”. Burnout Contest Door prizes. Vendors on site at SBB call 519.861.0571 to book a free spot. Ride & Rally are Free but donation’s for the CMHA and Steve’s son Domenik’s education fund are appreciated. Visit: www. rememberingstevemesic.com. Help Stop Profiling & Discrimination by Police. June 18, 2016 Ride for Dog Guides 9am registration, 10am start. 152 Wilson Street, Oakville, Ont. $25 registration. A scenic motorcycle ride and poker run from the Dog Guides training centre in Oakville, ending at the Dog Guides breeding and training facility in Breslau (near Guelph). Supporting the Lions Foundation of Canada Dog Guides. Emelia Froom, ride@dogguides.com,

June 18, 2016 - Nipissing MRFD - Telus Motorcycle Ride For Dad 10am-5pm. Canadian Tire, 890 McKeown Ave - North Bay. Join us for a fun-filled day of riding with a lunch, poker run, prizes and much more all while helping to raise money to fight prostate cancer for our local community! Pre-Registration Info Friday June 17, 3–7 p.m. Registration Trailer, Canadian Tire parking lot , 890 McKeown Avenue, North Bay. First 300 riders get a free meal ticket and a gift! Lots of great prizes to be won! Andrea McLellan - 705-752-1904 - andrea.mclellan6@gmail.com, www. ridefordad.ca June 18, 2016 - Niagara MRFD - Telus Motorcycle Ride For Dad Registration 7:00 to 8:45 a.m, Kickstands up 9:00 a.m Sharp, Ride ends 3:30 p.m. Royal Canadian Legion, Branch #124 410 King St, - Niagara. Join us for a fun-filled day of riding with a lunch, poker run, prizes and much more all while helping to raise money to fight prostate cancer for our local community! Jeff Latham - - jeff.steff@sympatico.ca June 25, 2016 Ride for The Breath of Life Registration 8:30 a.m. Ride at 9:00 a.m. Knights of Columbus Hall 145 Dearborn Place Waterloo ON. $20 Rider / $10 for passenger or raise $100. in pledges to waive the fees. Supporting the Cystic Fibrosis Canada. Approx. a 3 hour ride leaving and returning to same location for a bbq lunch. Contact Sue - shouse@cysticfibrosis.ca,519-7722300,www.rideforthebreathoflife.ca

YOUR HONDA MOTORCYCLE DEALERSHIP IN THE HEART OF BEAUTIFUL BELLEVILLE

• Motorcycles • Scooters • ATV’s • Side by Side • Marine • Power Equipment • Accessories • Parts • Service And lots of Apparel

Check out our Pre-Owned Inventory

Call us at toll free: 1-877-549 - 4454 We are Canada’s largest wholesaler of batteries for OEM & dealer requirements

June 18, 2016 BCA’s Annual Ride for Cancer Registration at 8 am, Ride begins at 9 am. The Sarjeant Company, 15 Sarjeant Drive, Barrie. $35 per bike, $25 for passenger. The Canadian Cancer Society. A poker run through the Haliburton Highlands, lunch, tshirt and prizes included. Alison Smith, alisonsmith@ barrieca.com, 705-726-5864, www.rideforcancer.ca

905-842-2891 ext. 226, https://dogguides. com/ride/

We carry a full line of Honda

When life throws you a curve, you can count on us to deliver! Over 70 Years Experience at your fingertips.

organizations. Poker run, BBQ, vendors, music. Facebook Quinte Ride For Paws or e mail: Quinterideforpaws@gmail.com

30%K

Great Northern Battery Systems, 475 Parkdale Ave. N., Hamilton

MASTER DISTRIBUTOR

It’s a one stop shop.

Stop by for a visit and see what we can do for you.

676 Dundas Street West , Belleville 613-966-8828 or 888-966-8828 www.WestCityPowersports.ca

23 – The Motorcycle Times, June 2016

Thanks To a cusTom concepT called ergo-fit™, wiTh opTional handlebar and seaT accessories, and adjusTable fooTpegs, The Vulcan s is The perfecT fiT for any rider. The Ninja inspired 650cc gives you all the confidence and power you need at the same time, and comes with ease of handling you’ve yet to see in this category, Until now, that is.

kawasaki.ca ©2014 Canadian Kawasaki Motors Inc. Always wear a helmet, eye Thanks To a cusTom concepT ergo-fit™, wiTh@CanadaKawasaki of drugs or alcohol. Adhere tocalled the maintenance schedule in your owner’s manual. Professional riders on a closed course. opTional handlebar and seaT accessories, and adjusTable fooTpegs, The Vulcan s is The perfecT fiT for anyBELLEVILLE rider. Sturgess Cycle SPORT & LAWN protection and proper riding apparel. Never ride under the influence

The you all the confidence and power you St. S. Belleville 615Ninja Kinginspired Street 650cc West, gives Hamilton 128 Church need at the sameor time, and comes with ease of handling613-968-4559 you’ve yet 905-522-0503 888-421-3333 or 877-968-4559 www.sturgessonline.com www.bellevillesportandlawn.com to see in this category, Until now, that is.

FasT Track Performance GRAND RIVER POWERSPORTS 3418 Catherine Street. 1264 Colborne St. E. kawasaki.ca Canadian Kawasaki Motors Inc. Always wear a helmet, eye Brantford 519-759-8140 Dorchester©2014 519-268-8429 protection and proper riding apparel. Never ride under the influence www.fasttrackperformance.ca www.grandriverpowersports.ca of drugs or alcohol. Adhere to the maintenance schedule in your owner’s manual. Professional riders on a closed course.

Cycle One 127 Ingersoll Road, Woodstock 519-421-3333 www.cycleone.ca

@CanadaKawasaki

MotorsportS Pickering 3260 Highway 7, Pickering 905-620-1171 www.motorsportspickering.com

CanadianKawasakiMotors

Ready Kawasaki 430 Hensall Circle, Mississauga 905-896-1600 or 1-855-896-0430 www.readykawasaki.com

CanadianKawasakiMotors

June 2016, The Motorcycle Times – 24

BLOW OFF SOME CITY.

INTRODUCING THE ALL-NEW ROADSTER . JUST 1 OF 8 HARLEYS UNDER $13,000. ™

Inspired by nearly 60 years of Sportster heritage, the Roadster’s stripped down design packs low-rise handlebars, an extreme chopped rear fender, and a 1200 cc Evolution engine. Learn more at H-D.com/Roadster. #LIVEYOURLEGEND ®

Clare’s Harley-Davidson® of Niagara

Freedom Harley-Davidson® of Ottawa

Mackie Harley-Davidson®

Kitchener Harley-Davidson®

Davies Harley-Davidson®

Rocky’s Harley-Davidson®

590 York Rd, Niagara on the Lake 905-684-4647 OR 866-979-7403 www.claresharleydavidson.com

2255 Kingsway Drive, Kitchener, 519-893-0493 OR 866-803-6837 www.kitchenerharley.com

1963 Merivale Road, Ottawa 613-736-8899 www.hdottawa.com

8779 Yonge Street, Richmond Hill 905-709-1340 OR 866-977-1340 www.daviesharley.com

880 Champlain Avenue, Oshawa 905-434-6550 OR 800-668-5828 www.mackieharleydavidson.com

900 Wilton Grove Road, London 519-438-1450 OR 866-438-1450 www.rockys-harley.com

Barrie Harley-Davidson® 311 Bryne Drive, Barrie 728-5322 OR 888-743-1903 www.barriehd.com