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Harley-Davidson Q1 2017 earnings “First quarter U.S. retail sales were in line with our projections and we remain confident in our full-year plan despite international retail sales being down in the first quarter,” said Matt Levatich, CEO, Harley-Davidson. “We are very pleased with our continued growth in U.S. market share and the progress our U.S. dealers made in reducing their inventory of 2016 motorcycles in the quarter.” First quarter worldwide Harley-Davidson retail motorcycle sales were down 4.2 percent compared to the same period in 2016. In line with the company’s expectations, Harley-Davidson retail motorcycle sales in the U.S. were down 5.7 percent compared to the year-ago quarter, with the overall U.S. industry down for the same period. Harley-Davidson’s U.S. market share for the quarter was 51.3 percent in the 601cc-plus segment, up compared to the first quarter in 2016. Harley-Davidson’s international retail sales decreased 1.8 percent compared to the same quarter in 2016. “We recently announced our plan to build the next generation of Harley-Davidson riders globally. We are energized by our focused strategy, and we believe our powerful brand and commitment to excellence will position us to drive demand for our products and grow our sport,” concluded Levatich.
Quote of the Month “Sometimes you find yourself in the middle of nowhere and sometimes in the middle of nowhere you find yourself.”
2017 Ducati Scrambler Cafe Racer Ducati had no plans to create a café racer. But then, you asked for it. The Icon flew off dealer floors (it’s Ducati’s best selling model by far), and many of you used it as a base model to create café racers in droves. Forums and Pinterest boards are full of them. Instagram accounts are dedicated to them. The trend has lost some steam, but people sure do love to ride them. The Café Racer is an interesting move for the Scrambler brand, and part of the difficulty with understanding the brand
comes from the Italian to English translation. Ducati say the Café Racer is an extension of the Ducati Scrambler Classic, and that it’s more of a new bike than an accessorized version of the base Icon because of the new wheel size, rubber, and geometry. Ducati also consider the Desert Sled a new model that comes as an extension of the Scrambler Urban Enduro, which Ducati is discontinuing. Which leads me to wonder why it calls the Café Racer an extension of the Scrambler Classic in-
stead of the Scrambler Full Throttle, and if that decision is leaving room for something it’s yet to unveil. When looking to create a café racer, Ducati had to look no further than its own history for the blueprint. The 1980 900SS, with its black-and-gold paint scheme is a bike so beautiful, even our own Peter Egan owns one and says it takes his breath away every time the lights in his garage come on. Ducati scramblers have some racing history as well. Bruno Spaggiari used a continued on PG. 03
May 2017, The Motorcycle Times – 2
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The GL1800BG GL1800ADE ports.com $ $ * * $ * * of $ 15,600 $ 803cc L-twin lb.-ft (Airbag) 2016 TRX420FM2 389 89 and its 75 hp/50$599 13,969 issauga 9tank, 869* 8 24,169* $ $ * torque are the same. The frame, 7,199* HRS2164PDC DC 29,169 HRR2169VVKCC HRRX2175HYC 19-4116 2.99%/36 MTHS. PURCHASE FINANCING! headlight, instruments, and brake ro*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 AUGUST 31, 2016. DOWN PAYMENT OR EQUIVALENT TRADE-IN ON PURCHASE FINANCING MAY BE REQUIRED All 2015-2ADMINISTRATION All 2015-2016 tors calipers carryovers. EvenINC. SALE PRICE ONAllTHE 2015-2016 016 BASED and ON APPROVED CREDIT are FROM HONDA FINANCIAL SERVICES FREIGHT AND P.D.E., ECRF, LICENCE FEE AND OMVIC FEE. FREIGHT & PDE ($50/$50/$65/$65/$65/$65/$75/$75/$50/$50/$600/$600), ECRF ($0/ *Vehicle LicenseADMINISTRATION fee (where applicable) and MotorcycNEW MOTORCYCLES INCLUDES Motorcycles $0/$0/$0/$0/$0/$0/$0/$0/$24.86/$24.86) LICENCE ($0/$0/$0/$0/$0/$0/$0/$0/$0/$299/$299) ARE ALL EXTRA ON THE FOLLOWING Mo ONtorTHE /TRX420FA6/ cyclesOTHER PRODUCTS: 2.3DK2SCHC/WB20XK2C/EU2000IT1/EG5000/HRS2164PDC/HRX2175HYC/HRR2169VKC the Termignoni exhaust AND is borrowed les HST are extra. Vehicle(s) and accessories TRX420FM2). PRICING OF THE POWER EQUIPMENT MAY INCLUDE A LIMITED TIME REBATE CBR300RTA $800/CTX1300A $5,000/ GL1800BG $1,000/ come witAND come with 60 $1,300/CBR500R $1,100/VFR800 $3,500/CBR1000S $1,000/CBR600RA come with 60 h 60 DISCOUNT AND THE MOTORCYCLES/ATV’S AS FOLLOWS: from the Scrambler Full Throttle.$900. DEALER ORDER/TRADE MAY * MODELS. $ SHOWN ARE FOR *ILLUSTRATION $ TO CHANGE WITHOUT * GL1800ADE $3,500/TRX420FA6 $1,750/TRX420FM2 OF INVENTORY OF SELECTED VEHICLE(S) AND ACCESSORIES PURPOSES ONLY. OFFERS SUBJECT shown are for illustration purposes only. monthBE NECESSARY, IF WE RUN OUT$ mo mo nth nth SP SP SP P P P What is FOR new the 17-inch wheels, NOTICE, SEE US FULLare DETAILS. Pricing includes factory incentives as Pirelli Diablo Rosso II tires,follows: clip-on (TU250Xhan$300/DRZ400S $750/ dlebar, radial-mount front master cylin- $400/VZ800 SV650SA $1000/AN400ZAL6 All 2015-2016 All 2015-2016 All 2015-2016 der, and suspension. $1,200/GSX-R750 $1400). All 2015-2016 Mo Mo Motorcycles tor tor cyc cyc les les WWW.READYKAWASAKI.COM • 430 HENSALL CIRCLE, MISSISSAUGA • 866-819-4112 www.readysuzuki.com The suspension has been reworked Motorcycles come with 60 months SPP come with 60 come with 60 com $ * monthe with 60 $ for430 sport duty, Ducatiincluded. going See uson for fulltodetails. Offers good Hensall Circle,with Mississauga 4YR. * mo mo nth nth SP SP SPP $ * P P K until April 30,to2017. say that it’s used stiffer springs sure INC.! PP Sales Direct: 866-819-4114 up the ride. On top of that, there’s new styling 2015 NINJA 2015 NINJA 2015 2015 2015 2016 2015 VULCAN 900 NINJA touches like seat VERSYS VAQUERO ULTRA LX Sale Price on *Vehicle Licence fee (if applicable) and HST extra on all310offers. 300 bar-end mirrors, a 650 CUSTOM ZX6SE ABS 1000LT (NON-ABS) (ABS) theward New1700 Motorcycles and P.D.E.,JETSKI ECRF, Licencefrom Administration The smaller wheels make for a slight(-2.2 degrees and .7 inches). andincludes 6.9freight inches down the cowl, number plate, shorter front fend$ * $ * $ * $ * $ * $ Fee and OMVIC Fee. Pricing * $ include a limited time* rebate of: of the following and sharper package than the The bike weighs a little over four stock Icon bar, too. er, and a headlight that’s been lowered ly shorter www.readykawasaki.com • 430 Hensall circle, mississauga • 877-297-7446 KLX110All $0/Versys X300 $0/Z800 $1,000/VN900DGF $500/ZX6SE ABS $300. Icon. Wheelbase comes 56.5 inches pounds heavier than Icon, atSALE 379 inMOTORCYCLES all, outside of the forward-cantslightly. TheFEE color is called “black *VEHICLE LICENCE (IF APPLICABLE) AND HST EXTRA ONcofALL OFFERS. OFFERS CANNOT BE COMBINED WITHin ANYat OTHER OFFERS, PROGRAMS OR DISCOUNTS AND ARE GOOD UNTILthe AUGUST 31, 2016. PRICE ON THE NEW INCLUDES FREIGHT AND P.D.E., ECRF, Motorcycle(s) and accessories shown are for illustration purposes only. rake, Actual 2016 vulcan 900 LICENCE ADMINISTRATION AND OMVIC FREIGHT & PDE ($650) AND LICENCE ADMINISTRATION ARE ALL EXTRAtrail ON THEare ULTRA 310LX PRICING OF THE FOLLOWING TIME REBATE OF: EX300AFF $1,100/EX650EFF $1,100/VN900CFF $1,000/ZX636FFFA (-.35 inches), while($299) rake and pounds (dry), and itINCLUDE has aA LIMITED 15mm higher ed riding position and decreased fee” and both theFEE logo andFEE. tank badges 2017 2016 colours depending on availability. Dealer trade or Factory Order may be $1,400/KLZ1000BFF $900/VN1700KGF $0/JT1500MFF $1,000. 48 MONTHS KAWASAKI PROTECTION PLAN IS INCLUDED AT NO CHARGE ON THE 2015classic ULTRA 310LX JETSKI. MOTORCYCLE(S) AND ACCESSORIES SHOWN AREmay FORvary ILLUSTRATION PURPOSES ONLY. ACTUAL COLOURS MAY 2016 klX110 21.8 degrees and 3.7 inches respectively seat. The handlebar is 6.1 inches are new. ZX6SEABSfor- it feels like a Scrambler. versys X300 2016TOZ800 VARY DEPENDING ON AVAILABILITY. DEALER TRADE OR FACTORY ORDER MAY BE NECESSARY. OFFERS SUBJECT CHANGE WITHOUT NOTICE, SEE US FOR FULL DETAILS. necessary. Offers subject to change without notice, see us for full details. Offers vn900dgF $ * $ * cannot be combined with any other offers, programs or discounts and are good $ * $ * $ * until April 30, 2017.
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*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: (XV250D $400/R3 $500/FZ7 $160/XVS13C $1,000/FZ-10AHG $0/R6 $900/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 ILLUSTRATION PURPOSES ONLY. OFFERS GOOD UNTIL AUGUST 31, 2016 AND ARE SUBJECT TO CHANGE WITHOUT NOTICE, SEE US FOR FULL DETAILS.
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3 – The Motorcycle Times, May 2017
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May 2017 , The Motorcycle Times – 4
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scott macdonald EDITOR
Knowing When to Draw the Line The other day while travelling the QEW corridor between Burlington and Hamilton – and I’m using the term travelling loosely – along the shoulder, two bikes buzz by, one with a young female passenger on the pillion. I get that no one likes to wait in stop and go traffic, and as tempting as it is to pull onto the shoulder and smoke past everyone who’s virtually stopped, the vast majority of us on bikes and in cars don’t. Not is it only illegal, but now you’ve just pissed off every single car, truck and biker you just buzzed by. Even though this is not the U.S. where every yahoo can and does carry firearms, it’s not a wise move to taunt and infuriate that many people all at the same time, you just might find yourself at the receiving end of a good ol’ fashioned skull thumping at your next Timmies stop. And what about that female on the back? No visible protection other than a light jacket and a helmet, while the rider is in full leathers? Who is not thinking here? If she was a girlfriend I’d be questioning his real feelings towards her cause he clearly doesn’t care if she gets hurt otherwise she would have leathers too. And what is going through her head? Have a look at the guy you are entrusting your life too, does the fact that he is wearing leather from head to toe not raise any ques-
tions sweetheart? Guess not. Here’s the thing, if you are riding alone and you feel like taking a quick right turn off the top of the Burlington Bay Skyway, suit yourself, but don’t subject anyone else to potential unnecessary risk, make sure they are protected while on the back of your bike. Don’t do stupid things like ride the shoulder in rush hour traffic, it’s just not a healthy decision. Having said all that about consideration of a passenger and making stupid decisions, I find it harder each day to keep my blood pressure in-check with all the moronic motorcycle videos people post on facebook and other forms of social media. For a long while I thought us Canadian riders were immune to the antics on social media, but with more and more new reports of riders here in our own backyards either mimicking what they see on YouTube and the like, have some respect for your sport and fellow riders, keep the bad press about bikers to a minimum. After all, mainstream media does a good enough job of it. It’s only a few morons who risk their lives by pulling up a front wheel on the 401 or choose to split lanes in heavy traffic. I really don’t wish anyone harm, but sometimes I find myself rooting for Karma and more often than not she shows up in all her glory.
At the end of the day, we do need to watch out for each other. Every season there seems to be a growing number of fatalities with motorcycles involved and it may not have had to end the way it did. Keeping safe and staying alive to ride another day is not just a saying bikers use, it’s really about making sure we all stay vigilant and remember to not tempt fate by making bad decisions. For the large percentage of riders, we all understand the risks and choose to minimize those risks by wearing the proper protection, taking courses and repeated practice of our defensive skills. Knowing when to draw the line or being truthful about one’s skill level is sometimes a difficult thing to know or admit. Too many riders especially new riders are easily influenced by fellow riders or when in groups and get coaxed into doing things they are not ready to do, unfortunately when that happens and things go haywire, all too often the cost is way too high. …and my doctor wonders why I have high blood pressure. It’s not the salt in my diet, he is not asking me the right questions, not once has he queried if I ride a motorcycle or not, maybe he doesn’t really want to know why. Stay safe this season
Scott MacDonald Amanda Primeau Michal Mellon Laura MacDonald
Editor Art Director Circulation Manager Distribution Manager Advertising Manager
Contributing Writers Mark Stanisz Scott Jackson Charlie Ambrose David Rusk Johnny Hawkins Kiril Lazarevski Mike Wolfe
Brent Wakeford David Heron Paula Benoit Ben Apedaile Marissa Baecker Scott Hooper Bill Coach
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What Moves Your Soul?
May 2017, The Motorcycle Times – 6
MotorcycleNews Mix - 0/35/85/0
Diagnostic Tool Polaris Industries Introduces 2 New Indian Motorcycles With For Harleys Flourishes of Victory Styling Motoscan Adapter Turns Your Smartphone Into A Diagnostic Tool For Harleys A new plug-and-play adapter has hit the market that can turn a smartphone into an on-board diagnostics device for Harley-Davidson motorcycles. Claiming to be the first of its kind, the Motorscan adapter connects to the diagnostic ports found on 2001 and newer Harleys. The adapter sends information to a app, relaying trouble codes, and other diagnostic information to a Bluetooth-enabled Android or Apple device. Trouble code reports can saved or shared via email, so owners can have their own copy or send it to a mechanic.
“We created the Motorscan OBD adapter so that Harley-Davidson owners can easily diagnose their bikes themselves and see what is wrong if the check engine light comes on,” says Alex Leonov, Managing Partner at Smart Vehicle Diagnostics LLC. “You can save time and money on unnecessary shop visits, but you will also know when you actually must visit your mechanic.” The Motorscan adapter is small enough that Leonov says it can be left plugged in to a bike. “A lot of diagnostic tools are bulky, but we wanted to make a tool that can be left in a bike and used every day,” says Leonov. “We ended up reinventing the OBD adapter when we created the world’s smallest diagnostic device for powersports with a patentpending design that is guaranteed to fit snugly into a bike’s diagnostic port. To ensure software compatibility with a wide range of HarleyDavidson models, we partnered with EOS Srl, makers of professional motorcycle diagnostics equipment. The end result is an easy-to-use tool to monitor your bike’s health daily.” The adapter is available in two versions, a four-pin adapter for older models with Delphi engine control units and J-1850 OBD connectors or a six-pin adapter that works with the CAN-Bus connectors found on newer Harleys. The Motorscan adapter is available online at MotorscanTools.com, for $299. The app is free to download on iTunes and the Google Play store.
The power-sports vehicle manufacturer finally gives us something other than product recalls to talk about. Polaris Industries (NYSE:PII) recently offered a nice change of pace when it issued a press release that wasn’t about another vehicle recall. Rather, it was the unveiling of two new Indian-brand motorcycles that serve up surprising styling elements: flourishes from the company’s Victory brand. The power-sports vehicle maker may have decided to retire Victory and focus its full attention on Indian, but apparently that didn’t mean it wouldn’t continue to use some aspects of what it’s learned from the former big-bike brand. Like a boss The Indian Chieftain Limited and Chieftain Elite are two new premium baggers that bring the motorcycle’s 2017 model-year tally to 12, a prodigious output that shows Polaris is moving full steam ahead on building up the nameplate. First off, both bikes come with Indian’s massive Thunder Stroke 111-cubic-inch engines, “infotainment” and navigation systems, and lots of chrome. According to Polaris, “The new offerings represent a bold evolution of the Chieftain line.” Indeed, gone are Indian’s classic “valance” front fenders in favor of a sawedoff open style that exposes the new 19inch contrast-cut cast-aluminum wheels that replace the traditional spoke wheels of the past. There are also a lot more fancy graphics painted on than you’re accustomed to seeing. Those are design flairs you would have seen on Victory motorcycles, which Polaris decided to shut down after 15 years. Those muscle baggers, such as the Victory Cross Country, also had lower profiles like these Chieftains do, making it easy to see these aren’t previous years’ Indians. Still plenty of tradition Yet Polaris didn’t completely abandon the Indian look. For example, on the front fender, it kept the distinctive bottom flared contour, and while that was
a nod to the past, the overall design of the fender was necessitated by choosing to go with the bigger front tire. Much as Polaris has done as it introduced new models each year since 2014, when it first brought back the iconic motorcycle brand, it looked back for cues on what to do while moving forward. The two bikes aren’t just rebuilt from old plans, but include modern updates -- in spades. Beyond the infotainment system with Bluetooth capabilities, both also feature keyless ignition, remotelocking saddlebags, and power-adjustable windshields. These new Chieftain baggers also constitute another stab at Harley-Davidson’s (NYSE:HOG) heart. You don’t just throw a pair of saddlebags onto a bike and get classified as a bagger (though the term does get thrown around a lot); instead you have to design bikes that are good for a little bit more than a trip to the local motorcycle club. These are touring bikes, built for long-distance comfort, and seek to take on Harley’s best. Taking on the biggest and baddest The touring segment is home to Harley-Davidson’s biggest sellers, accounting for 40% of total sales, or more than 107,400 of the 262,200 bikes it sold it 2016. Sure, that’s down from the nearly 115,000 touring bikes it sold the year before, but these bikes are the heart of Harley’s profit center, which explains why it put its new powerful Milwaukee Eight engines on them first. Unfortunately, Polaris doesn’t release nearly as much data about its motorcycles as Harley does (in fact, it releases barely anything at all, except generalized numbers), but we can see the Chieftain line is becoming a well-rounded component for the bike maker. Their new styling sets them completely apart. The Indian brand may be the path Polaris Industries has taken with motorcycles, but these latest bikes show the lessons it learned with Victory haven’t been forgotten and will continue to reveal themselves with a flourish in the future.
30%K
2 Smart Gloves
We can’t tell if these are genius or crazy – it might just be both! These new Turnpoint gloves currently up for funding on Kickstarter take a bizarre – but possibly genius – approach by kind of combining all three. Using a Bluetooth LE device that interacts with your iPhone GPS and fits to the back of an especially adapted glove, the Turnpoint makes use of ultra-bright LEDs to notify a rider of the right time
to make turns, the general direction for a rider to head in and the distance until the next direction change is needed. Making use of fingertip controls that allow the rider to interact with TurnPoint, in theory the rider never needs to remove their hands from the motorcycle; by touching your thumb and index finger together, you can check the distance to the next turn and which direction to go. The gloves that come with the unit don’t look particularly motorcycle suitable… There not exactly Knox Handroids when it comes to the safety department, but that’s potentially remedied pretty quickly, and we’d hope the developer finds a way of incorporating some safety elements in them before hitting market. But as an idea for a device that takes the non-nagging approach of a scrap of paper taped to a tank and merges it with the accuracy of Google Maps, we’re quite intrigued. Maybe these ‘Smart Motorcycle Gloves’ might be for you. Helping illuminate a riders’ intentions, these signal light gloves can be triggered in a couple of clever ways. Clicking your thumb and forefinger together will illuminate the lights on the rear of the glove, or twisting your wrist. But the reason they’re being crowdfunded is to allow the makers to complete production of a neat little SignalBox that connects to your existing bike lights and enables the gloves to indicate at the same time as your repeater lights.
That’s not all either. Because if the inventors manage to hit $250,000 then they’ll also look to including a GPS signal translator that will feedback a vibration to the gloves, allowing a rider to know when to turn. Whilst manufacturers cautiously move into the new world of electrically powered motorcycles, and toy with ideas such as HUD helmets and other technologies, it’s clear that whilst the basic notion of sitting astride a powered machine hasn’t really changed since the days of saddleback horseriding, the march of technology moves ever forward.
Continental whets the appetite for more in 2017 by releasing four new motorcycle tires. The dynamic quartet assists you whether you are touring a big adventure, cruising on country roads or riding a classical street going machine. Sport touring enthusiasts can look forward to the new ContiRoadAttack 3, a further evolution of the legendary ContiRoadAttack 2 EVO that made some subtly planned progress. This allround tire in the sport touring segment is predestined for what Continental quality stands for: TractionSkin ensures an extremely
like. The pattern design is an all new design. A center tread band on the rear tire without grooves increases mileage and offers directional stability under adverse conditions. A special compound guarantees longer durability while maintaining exceptional handling. ContiLegend and its vintage whitewall design seem to be from a different era. Despite Continental’s MileagePlus technology, a multi grooved pattern design for optimal drainage and consistent performance during tire lifetime, this new rubber roller already looks legendary. Last but not least, the first choice for lightweight and classic motorcycles is the ContiCity. This newly developed Allround / City tire offers outstanding grip on the road due to its triangular pattern design. Cutting edge performance and durability go alongside a memorable, traditional appearance. All new Continental soles are (depending on dimension) available in
the first quarter of 2017. More details on availability of certain sizes and the whole product portfolio from Continental Motorcycle Tires can be found on www.conti-moto.com
Harley-Davidson Offering Rebates
Harley-Davidson Will Offer Rebates on 2016 Motorcycles Harley Davidson (HOG) will begin offering rebates on its 2016 motorcycles to retailers in the U.S. as an incentive to get them to shift a backlog that has limited sales of its latest motorcycles. Dealers are expecting the rare promotion to run until the end of this month and will likely pressure the company’s margins for the first half of the year. Demand for Harley’s in the U.S. has slowed as baby boomers, the company’s most loyal customers, age and competitors offer less expensive options.
SPOILED SPORTS 1898 Baseline Road, Bowmanville 905-436-6487 www.spoiledsports.com
Wheelsport 1390 Youville Drive, Orleans 613-841-9400 or 888-696-2163 www.wheelsport.ca
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APEX CYCLE SPORTS 200 Preston Parkway, Cambridge 519-880-8800 or 888-702-4150 www.apexcycle.ca
*Rebates vary by model and model year. Must purchase a new Victory model between April 1st, 2017 through April 30th, 2017. Terms and conditions apply. **Offer good until May 31st, 2017 While supplies last. Victory or Polaris® dealership employees are not eligible for this offer. Victory reserves the right to modify, cancel or otherwise change the above program at any time at its sole discretion. Victory® and Victory Motorcycles® are registered trademarks of Polaris Industries Inc. Always wear a helmet, eye protection, and protective clothing and obey the speed limit. Never ride under the influence of drugs or alcohol. ©2017 Polaris Industries Inc
7 – The Motorcycle Times, May 2017
Continental Motorcycle Tires presents new products
safe and short run-in time, thanks to a new mold coating technology which eliminates the need for tire-release agents. MultiGrip equips the tire with longer durability and optimized grip in extreme lean angles. ZeroDegree ensures reliable stability at high speed and only a low kickback thanks to a 0° steel-belt construction. A superior wet grip is reached, thanks to RainGrip technology. A newly developed technology called EasyHandling bestows the tire with linear handling even if gyroscopic forces are nominal, e.g. when turning or riding sharp corners. Furthermore, the tire’s accuracy has increased by a clear margin. Fans of big fat rubber who passionately ride their touring or cruising bikes will be astonished as well. ContiTour and ContiLegend are tires that are perfectly tailored to your cruiser, chopper or custom bike. ContiTour demonstrates what an efficient drainage profile should look
May 2017, The Motorcycle Times – 8
Space Tight?
I am an Addict david rusk
CONTRIBUTING WRITER
overrun.popandcrackle@gmail.com
The Snowball Effect
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What is it for you, what helps drive you through the cold Canadian dark, the promise of spring? Or do you need more then just waiting and watching as the feeble sun strains to reach our northern latitudes. For most of my years owning a motorcycle the poor thing was shunned away in a cold garage or abused even more, under covers outside as I waited for spring. Thirtyfive years ago my parents bought my introduction to two wheels and I’m pretty sure they immediately regretted it. They saw the gleam of addiction in my eyes and received more then one call to the ER for a broken or rashed son. Yes they definitely regretted that purchase so Mom, I apologize for the worry and trust me, you do not want to know what I was really up to. As the haunting beauty of bare trees and the hollow sharp sounds that echoed through them became muffled by snow, my young self realized winter had taken on a whole new mindset. One of impatiently waiting for that spring day when I hurriedly installed the battery and pressed the magic button, start. With cold tires on cold pavement I would tip toe through the runoff of the lingering snowbanks and recall my previous love, downhill skiing. Briefly the two mixed as I actually rode to the ski hill with boots bungeed to the pillion seat but soon the joy of teasing gravity weakened. Internal combustion left the slopes behind and thrust me into what would become a life long passion, my addiction. To ease my winter two wheeled cravings I would haunt the local dealerships and pester the staff by sitting on bikes for hours, lost in imagination. My favorite bit of paraphernalia was a used RG 500 at the long defunked Jakes Cycle Ranch out by Lakefield, a village that serves as a jumping off point into the wilderness north of where I live. Where the roads are forced into the curves we crave by water and rock. Day after day I sat on that Gamma while Jake watched inquisitively and I suspect, rather amused. I chased Kenny Roberts on his yellow and black Yamaha OW as the snow swirled outside the shop windows and from the foot of the podium the champagne girls smiled up at me as the PA boomed. “Replacing an injured Barry Sheene for team Suzuki, the 500 grand prix winner is David Rusk” and the crowd went wild. If people knew the craziness spinning inside my head there would be studies undertaken and restraints locked down. And thorazine, lots of thorazine. I bought that Gamma the following spring and it showed me glimpses of my Grand Prix daydreams as the blue haze and power wheelies got rolled up by the snowball effect. In between trips to the shops I would play VHS tapes until they were stretched and blurry. Names like Haslam, Sharron and Roberts or peering through the mashed bugs on Joey Dunlops camera lens in V4 Victory brought the angst and began the process anew. Gathering mass and momentum the snowball smashed into spring and my next race replica melted out, Yamaha’s offering that time. Our cravings when denied are nothing
special to motorcyclists, everyone has a passion like ours but something unique to riding sets us apart. Some hook sunk so far past the barb that it’s never coming out. I think it is the rush of attaining control while exposed and naked to our mistakes, the ultimate high leveraged from the ultimate low. Ask a wing suit proximity flyer why they offer their life and I bet you get our answer. Exploring so close to death that the black cold from the void is allowed to reach for our soul and in doing so births a rebellious explosion of life. We are all addicts and we love it. Fully aware of the dreadful possibilities we gladly accept it all, so strong is the reward. Full on, no turning back. If you’ve been following my words here you know that late last summer I finally bought another motorcycle. It’s special to me because I’ve owned the same model for nine years in a past life and now it’s sibling sits disassembled in my basement as the snowball once again plummets downhill gathering speed. Nudged into motion it started as a thorough cleaning. As the parts came off I realized that key items needed safety wire which sent me to Probolt’s website and before I could stop myself my mechanical mavin was adorned with predrilled titanium goodness from across the pond, wired tight for peace of mind. Roll on you cursed and wonderful snowball, roll on. The snow is especially packy this year. The consistency just right to grow into an unstoppable monstrosity gobbling up parts like a crackhead snowman desperate to feed that corn cob pipe. Be careful with that lighter Frosty but Frosty doesn’t care anymore as a finger melts away. Next to be rolled up is the OEM plastic and tank because a stock red RC51 just won’t do. So off to the painter and the snowball effect has now entered the dreaded full slide mode. Do you hear them? Voices inside your head that start out well within the sensibility zone, calmly discussing things like budgets and priorities. But as the snow starts to fall a leather clad figure waves from the fringes and a few of the less mature hallucinations wander over to listen, just for fun. “You could have so much more” the enticing entity coo’s. “ Look at you all over there, all tight and square on your island of sanity. Don’t you want better handling and brakes? Maybe sexy new paint or how about some carbon fiber heel guards.” From behind it’s mirrored gold iridium visor the siren sings and now a crowd has gathered. “Step over here with me, off your rock of reality.” It whispers. “I promise, together we will halt this avalanche before it buries us in debt so go ahead with that online purchase, its ok.” Dissent grows among the denizens of my mind. “Its not real money you know David, just ones and zeros. Just harmless plastic.” “David ?” from a million miles away. “Mr Rusk ? Wake up.” A new voice. “It’s time for your meds.” “No, I want the titanium! The carbon fiber! Please, just for fun.” Ranting now as delirium takes hold. “Were those nasty voices bothering you again?” soothing tones from the hint of scrubs in the haze. “Just a small prick now and all those voices will be gone.”
9 – The Motorcycle Times, May 2017
Yamaha Announces Winner Kevin Higney Wins his 2017 Kodiak EPS SE in Yamaha Financial Services Contest. April 7th, 2017 (Toronto, ON) – Yamaha Financial Services is proud to announce the winner of the ‘Win Your Yamaha’ contest is Kevin Higney from Oshawa, ON. Kevin purchased a 2017 Kodiak EPS SE from Asselstine Country in Blackstock, ON. As a result of being selected as the lucky winner, Kevin had his down payment and monthly payments on his 2017 Kodiak EPS SE reimbursed, and the rest of his loan paid off. Kevin also received Yamaha apparel and accessories as part of the winning prize package, but what happened next was really unexpected. Immediately after surprising Kevin of his prize win at Asselstine Country, he immediately forwarded the reimbursement cheque to Floyd Asselstine, dealer principal, as payment on a brand new Yamaha Raptor 90 ATV!
Customers that financed a Yamaha product with Yamaha Financial Services from November 1, 2016 to March 15, 2017 were automatically entered in a draw to win the value of their purchase. The promotion helped celebrate Yamaha Financial Services entry into the retail finance lending market, and reward those who chose Yamaha as their provider. Peter Hastings, president of Yamaha Financial Services commented, “One of our key strengths as both a manufacturer and lender is that we feel we understand the needs of our customers better. This promotion demonstrates some of the flexibility and customer service people can expect from Yamaha Financial Services.” For his part, Higney was very excited to learn he was now the winner of the contest. “I was doing my research and Yamaha kept standing out to me among the competitive brands... As far as financing, it was an easy concept to understand. Asselstine’s was great at explaining the fundamental process; [the process] was straightforward and allowed me to choose the payment options that was best for me.” In July, 2016, Yamaha Motor Finance Canada Ltd. launched its retail finance program. With a vital understanding of motorsport and marine customers, Yamaha Financial Services has now helped thousands of enthusiasts finance units across Canada.
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May 2017, The Motorcycle Times – 10
RealWorld Mix - 0/35/85/0
30%K
Roaring back to the ‘70s
subjects, locations, and associ-
holley gibbson ated events, the first of which was
CONTRIBUTING WRITER
Two wheels and a thundering engine evoke something different for everyone. Motorcycles are a form of art in their own right, from gritty dirt bikes to fully outfitted cruisers. Participation in every aspect of the culture — including the craft behind it in ways both lofty and practical. Bringing bikes to life in the most the unexpected ways. Each have a unique point of view when it comes to laying rubber on the road and keeping the shiny side up. When Joseph Erdelac commissioned artist Shirley Aley Campbell to document motorcycle enthusiasts across the globe more than four decades ago, her lifelong fear of bikes didn’t stop her from respecting and superbly depicting the culture. It took years, but when the commission was finally complete, she’d created an extensive — and historic — visual collection of the people who live to ride. In all, 13 five- by seven-foot acrylic images of different bikers would make up “The Motorcyclists of the Seventies,” from Swedish Grand Prix racers and outlaw biker clubs to pleasure rides and a frantic wartime escape. “He loved art,” recalls Campbell of Erdelac, who owned an AMC dealership on Lorain Road. “That was his passion. He loved automobiles… He had never been on a motorcycle. He said it’s a thing of the future. He thought for certain we would all be driving motorcycles some day. “I had a painting at the May Show she continues. “He said, ‘I love your painting. How much is it?’ I said $2,000. Then I said I need a car because he was a car salesman. I said how about a car for the painting? He thought about it for a good hour, then he said, ‘OK. I’ll go along with that.’ Then he said, ‘so are you ready to do a series for me?’” Erdelac’s employees set up the
in the Flats. It became “The Hillclimb”, and kicked off the series in July 1973. Each painting took one to three months to complete, with her subjects sitting for lengthy periods over multiple days. She worked off the hundreds of sketches she done along with photographs. She composed the images and added details based on the subjects’ personalities and the situations being conveyed. She took into account every detail of the painting. She would also add various materials to provide texture to the pieces. “Sometimes the works are too flat, so texture makes it exciting,” she says, adding that Erdelac was a perfectionist, but she lived up to it. “He said to me you have got to get everything perfect. The wheels have to be perfect, because they’ll be examined. So I had to go look at all these spokes, sketch them, make sure that they were right. He had this group of engineers examine them, and I stood in the background thinking I hope to god I got it right … I spent many evenings going into tire shops, sketching them.” 78th Street Studios owner Daniel Bush, who purchased the entire “Motorcycles” series has been a fan of Campbell’s work for years. “I’ve been collecting Shirley’s work as they become available,” he says. “I knew what an important collection these 13 paintings were… We agreed that the pieces should stay together since they were commissioned as a collection. I’m not sure that anyone else was going to do that, so I bought them as part of the permanent collection of 78th Street Studios. I was really excited to have the opportunity and some big empty walls. I’m astounded at the amount of response they’ve gotten… People are so excited to see these.” The series was on display in Gallery 215 at 78th Street Studios earlier this year and will return in its
entirety later this summer. Four pieces in the second floor hallway leading to the gallery will remain up in the interim. Unexpected angles, composition, cropping and background colors give each of the paintings an element of surprise. In “Championnat D’Europe,” a sidecar racer leans dangerously far over the rigging with a competitor hot on his heels. A group of riders laboriously push their bikes away from the frame in “Imatranajo Sudmen Grand Prix” while a teammate sits calmly on the sideline. Or consider “International Six Day Trial,” in which the grittiness of the pit scene is perfectly contrasted against a surreal lemon gray background. And when Harley-riding Dot Robinson showed up in head-totoe pink, Campbell painted herself into the frame wearing blue to offset the overpowering color. Campbell says that she had a ball painting the series, noting everyone was incredibly accommodating and nice to her — from a successful business suit-clad Hollywood producer riding with his family in “John Burke” to the Russians featured in “Ice Races,” which she had to meet in Holland on account of a Visa snafu. “They couldn’t imagine a woman painting. They’d ask me ‘Why aren’t you with husband at home with children?’” she recalls. “They were racing on ice, and I was underneath looking up at them. I was in the pit, and the ice was falling down on me. Those bikes went fast! I don’t know how they drove those things on ice.” The tire spikes she expertly depicted in the image, however, help to answer that question. Although each person was unique, Campbell says she enjoyed them all. “When you do a load like that, nothing’s your favorite,” she continues. “I like the Hell’s Angels, though. When I had the exhibit, they sat in front of my painting and they had a guard there. They said if anybody touches that paint-
ing they’ll get knifed. But the Hell’s Angels were very nice.” Campbell captured “The Flying Angel” Debbie Lawler, an accomplished motorcycle jumper, who had just suffered a terrible accident prior to her sitting, and was very emotional about being unable to race. She also depicted a Vietnamese family fleeing their homeland with a stark yellow background, although the scene was recreated Stateside. Campbell’s husband helped to prop the motorcycle up so they appeared to be driving. The most difficult piece is perhaps “Abram Drain,” a portrait of a man who had seriously injured his legs racing. An image of a fallen bike on the top of the work shows where Campbell watched a man die. “I’ve never been on a motorcycle,” she says. “I never wanted to get on one. I only observed. I was afraid of it. I saw one guy in one of the races die and that did it for me. I respected them,” she adds. “I thought it was a great thing to be into really, but I would never get on one. Campbell’s extensive body of work, however, is hardly confined to images of people on two wheels. She often compassionately depicts people on society’s fringe, including counter-culture strippers and prostitutes. She was also depicting transgendered people before the term was coined. One of her intriguing subjects included the 1980 murder of Stella Walsh, the controversial intersex Olympic athlete. A 1947 graduate of the Cleveland Institute of Art and a 1986 Cleveland Arts Prize recipient, Campbell’s work has been exhibited at major museums across North America. “The Motorcyclists of the Seventies,” however, has been the most comprehensive project of her career. The 92-year-old still paints everyday in her apartment at an assisted living facility. She also teaches painting to the other residents.
11 – The Motorcycle Times, May 2017
/// 2017
/// 2017
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mike wolfe
CONTRIBUTING WRITER
ADV Group Ride Personalities Thanks to social media, group rides and are springing-up like crazy, making finding and meeting other ADV riders never easier. Group rides are worth attending because you meet new people, get out of your comfort zone by adapting to group riding dynamics and improve your ADV riding skills by shadowing riders better than you. While a basic level of confidence is important to be a safe participant, the real key to enjoying group riding is in navigating the social aspects of coffee stops and lunch breaks. Written with tongue firmly planted in cheek, this satirical guide will help you find your people, make new friends, and keep you coming back for more. The New ADV Fan Easily identified by their new ADV suits, new-to-them European bikes and new stickers plastered on new hard cases, these riders are a wealth of information, possessing an encyclopaedic knowledge of mototouring they’re eager to share. Although initially mistaken as being afflicted with Tourettes for their frequent outbursts of “Touratech..!” these resource-rich ADVr’s know every blog, forum, guidebook, magazine and travel company. They may even write for a blog in their spare time. Want to know where to rent a Royal Enfield in Lhasa to ride the Roof of the World? Looking for an itinerary to ride the Trans Labrador Highway to Happy Valley-Goose Bay? Bob’s your uncle. Even if they actually haven’t been there themselves, they’ve already planned out the trip and are planning to go “some day.” Unlike the “Real Deal” Old ADV Rider who’s been there and done that, the New ADV Rider’s gear still only smells of coffee shops and old donuts. Their bikes, however, always draw a crowd, as they’re farkled to the hilt and usually show a number of interesting ideas to steal; like turning plumbing pipe into a thermos holder, or bolting-on a constellation of miniature Pelican hard cases to hold all manner of electronics and tools. These riders believe that there’s no such thing as frivolous gear – only gear you don’t own yet. Occasionally you’ll catch a whiff of wistful sadness, as they drift off into longing for the $2,000 Klim Rally jacket they can’t afford. The “Real Deal” Old ADV Rider This rider shows-up on a road weary, Bavarian Sturm-und-Drang 1200 with an odo ready to turn back to zero and seeks out groups rides because all of their riding partners have moved on golf, shuffleboard and soft food. Plus, they’re likely retired and have time to spare and literally live to get out and ride – anywhere. Unlike the New ADV Fan, the Old Tourer has actually been there and done that. The stickers on their bikes are faded from trips made long ago and their threadbare gear smells of sweat, nicotine and the scents of distant Pad Thai from that time they crossed the Mae Wang Valley, tamarind spice from the Silk Road and spilled Jäger shots from their climb up the Scheißenhosen Spitze. Recognizable by their smooth, second nature riding skills, these are the riders you want to stay close to in a pack.
Typically one of the quieter, unassuming members of the group, they actually have lots of stories to tell if you just ask. Initially vague and cagey, they are genuinely humble, know what they still don’t know and aren’t ones for grandstanding. While not intentionally wanting to monopolize the conversation, every question only takes you deeper down the Wonderland rabbit hole of their experience. Sit with them, get into a good conversation and watch the crowd grow as people listen-in. Note that this rider isn’t too be confused with the Shouty Old Guy, who can usually be found sitting on a Kawasaki Vulcan, loud-talking about his Tail of the Dragon story for the umpteenth time. Dual Sport Weirdo’s Although these riders rarely make group appearances, they are easily identified by their Mad Max Frankenbikes, loner persona and cross-eyed gaze. Like hyenas and sharks, this group tends to be mostly harmless when alone. Cluster them together, however, in a hooting, rooster tailed horde of dust, and you’ll feel the kind of fear reserved for the sudden sight of Gengis Khan’s Mongol marauders. Two or more showing up at your group ride is sure to trigger your “fight or flight” stress response and induce the kind of hysteria typical of a bad 1970’s chainsaw movie. If you do happen to come across them in the wild, be wary, as they’re known for their unpredictable behaviour and fondness for cannibalism. Use your senses and you’ll likely smell the mix of tree sap, swamp foot and chain grease on their clothes before you actually see them. If you do manage to subdue one, they can be a good source of duct tape, cable ties and conspiracy theory. Lonely Sport Tourers Too fast for the Goldwing crowd, too mature for the sport bike crowd, and looking for a riding community to call home, these riders show up clean, pressed and organized on high-powered machines outfitted with hard cases and sometimes even knobby tires. A bit of an outlier among the ADV crowd, this group is like the perpetual bachelor of the ADV world – not yet able to ditch the high-energy nightclub scene of sport bikes, and unable to fully commit to a homely but loyal upright, heavy pig of an ADV bike. Typically an agile rider with confident skills, the Lonely Sport Tourer logs a lot of miles and has owned a lot of bikes. Although that yellow, Japanese disco machine has a detuned liter engine and half fairing, there’s also likely a tent, fly fishing rod packed in a hard case and a GPS loaded with epic rides. Don’t be fooled by appearances - these are Jekyll & Hyde riders. One moment they’re carving up hairpin turns at getaway speed and the next they’re navigating dirt like they were born to gypsy parents on the Al-Can Highway. Lonely Sport Tourers make safe, confident riding partners, always up for a giggle and grateful for company. Any company, actually. Just be sure you’re up to riding at least 8 continuous hours a day before committing to a day out with them.
dave grossman
CONTRIBUTING WRITER
On homage to the first days of motorcycling. This motorcycle appearing in Russia is a delightful throwback to the technology of the 1860’s that would come to inspire steampunk. The uploader, Virtuoso, claims the bike was originally built in 1869, which would make it one of the first prototypes of the vehicle to ever exist. While there are competing claims for the first true motorcycle, this one is a Roper steam velocipede (or at least a very impressive re-creation). The famous bike was built by Sylvester H.
13 – The Motorcycle Times, May 2017
1860’s SteamPowered Motorcycle
Roper, of Roxbury, Massachusetts, who would show off his invention at various fairs and circuses. The velocipede’s technology is old (and stored in the Smithsonian), but it used concepts still found in motorcycles today, like a twisting handthrottle. It had a hand-operated water pump mounted on the left forward side of the boiler housing, while oscillating steam cylinders would pivot on each side of the frame. Piston valves for the cylinders were operated by eccentrics next to their cranks, and the feed-water pump was controlled by the left-cylinder crank. That sizable tubing at the base of the chimney would create exhaust steam, which provided the forced draft. Virtuoso says that parts have been replaced, so it’s hard to know what’s authentic here and what’s not, although it would be shocking for a bike to be in continual operation for that long. Regardless of its true origins, its an impressive homage to the earliest days of motorcycling. Vintage style bikes referencing the 60’s are still in, although these days that’s most like a reference to the 1960’s, not the 1860s.
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May 2017, The Motorcycle Times – 14
RealWorld Mix - 0/35/85/0
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Each to his Own A Wrench in the Works
david heron
CONTRIBUTING WRITER
I am still working on the restoration of Kawasaki Triples but why don’t we talk about something else? Well , in other words, you read and I’ll pontificate. These are my own views so you can disagree but, as I said, these are my views. I
have had my bike licence since 1968 and have seen a huge transformation from the “Wild Ones“ view of people who ride, through the “You meet the nicest people on a Honda” and right to the present day of higher performance, low maintenance machines. I have to concentrate mainly on street bikes because
that is what I have concentrated on. I have done some trail riding and a bit of Moto Cross. I was severely restricted in my pursuit of Motocross because I was a poor student with no money and my Maico dirt bike almost never ran. I did become very good at pushing it home though. Repairs are expensive. Too expensive for me back then. That Maico was retired to my Dad’s garage and finally taken to the dump when he passed away and we had to sell his house. Needless to say, it was a very short career on MX. A few years ago when my Son was about 13, he bought an MX bike from a friend of mine. I was quite excited that he showed an interest in bikes. The little Kawasaki 125 didn’t run so he got it for a song. I managed to get it going fairly quickly but it was never dependable. When this first purchase happened the LSW said that there was no way that her baby boy was going into the woods alone on a motorcycle. I was told in no uncertain terms that I had to buy a dirt bike to so I could go with him. She didn’t have to ask
me twice and within a week, I had an old but running Yamaha 175. It wasn’t pretty but it would start and actually get you home on the same day too. Our first outing was a real eye-opener for me on how the world has changed since I was a kid. We live in a beach setting and are surrounded by miles of old logging roads. I used to tear them up in my youth. Now, they are all posted with “No Trespassing” signs. I don’t know why, because no one drives on these old roads and as long as a kid on a bike does not crash into a tree and break it, there can be little damage done. Maybe it’s just the paranoid fear of law suits if something happens on your land. Anyway, we found out quickly that the endless logging road courses from my youth were no longer available and there were almost no places to ride an offroad bike without stirring up a pile of irate land owners. Anyway, the Boy’s bike rarely ran and he ended up giving up on it and selling it to my daughter’s boyfriend at the time. It ended up seizing on that guy but it was OK because my daughter had broken up with him anyway. CONTINUED TO PG. 17
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15 – The Motorcycle Times, May 2017
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May 2017, The Motorcycle Times – 16
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One of the best ways to meet biker kind of stuff,” he says, “I always wanted clubs and their members is in person at a motorcycle - in high school I remember motorcycle shows. I picked up some info wanting a bike, but I never really did go about a club called the Samsara Saints through the effort of getting my licence.” But when he hit university he figured Riding Club at a show over the winter. VEHICLE STABILITY SYSTEM SEMI-AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION DYNAMICSTEERING POWER STEERING VEHICLE STABILITY SEMI-AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION DYNAMIC POWER a motorcycle would save him cash on I contacted Shawn Zerback - who isSYSTEM in system No clutch or foot shifter here. required Adjusts required effort through An automotive-like systemAn automotive-like No clutch lever or foot shifterlever here. Adjusts effort through integrating stability, traction Your left thumb shifts up and your acceleration, speed and steering integrating stability, traction Your left thumb shifts up and your acceleration, speed and steering gas, parking and insurance compared to his early 40s and Presidentandof the SSRC braking forshifts an down. forefinger shifts down. Withangle reverse. angle comfort data. Moreand comfort and anti-lock braking for and an anti-lockforefinger With reverse. data. More confident available) improved control. incredibly ride. incrediblya (Manual carride.available) so he(Manual picked upimproved an control. old 1983 CBX - which is organized around oneconfident chapter and about 20 members and prospects. “I 550 F. That was his first real bike and VEHICLE STABILITY SYSTEM SEMI-AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION DYNAMIC POWER STEERING from that time forward he never lost don’t really have any hobbiesAnother than automotive-like system No clutch lever or foot shifter here. Adjusts required effort through integrating stability, traction Your left thumb shifts up and your acceleration, speed and steering loveshifts ofdown. biking. He currently rides biking,” he laughs. “The club is really and anti-lock braking for an theforefinger With reverse. angle data. More comfort and a incredibly confident ride. (Manual available) control. black 1993 Suzukiimproved Katana.“It took my life. I devote a lot of time to it and matte our charities and our parties and our me until a little bit later to actually pull members.” It’s become the thing that’s the trigger and get my licence. I wish I’d done it at 16 now - but on the other hand taken over his life in the last year or so. The word ‘samsara’ isn’t a contraction I’m kind of glad that I waited until I had Dealer Imprint of maturity under my belt, those years of a longer phrase, which is whatDealer I at Imprint 14 Regional Road 13, Courtland, ON Goes Here ” he says. first thought it might be. On one of Goes the Here 519-688-3278 Zerback doesn’t really go on long trips green and black postcard pamphlets of says lots of his buddies do rides like the Samsara Saints RC that I picked up but www.lockhartsodyssey.ca Dealer Imprint the ‘Tail of the Dragon’. What they reat the bike show in Toronto, it attributes Here like are challenges such as the ‘canthe noun to Hinduism and BuddhismGoes ally meaning ‘the cycle of death and rebirth nonball’ rides where you go on endurto which life in the material world is ance rides of hundreds of kilometres in bound.’ There are many symbols in their a single day. He’s got a couple of dream rides - one crest including a cross, wings, a ship is to go across Canada on motorcycle and captain’s wheel and more. “A bunch of us used to ride together,” also to South Carolina because he has Zerback says, and they became friends family down that way. He also mentions as a result of riding motorcycles. The a ride to Mexico and says a few guys in group thought they wanted to be a bit the group are talking about doing a trip more serious than just a bunch of guys around Lake Superior this season. Community involvement has been who rode around together once a week for three or four months of the a year. a learning experience. While they had From there they wanted to get to know modest success raising funds last year, each other more and discover who they this year they plan to create their own were. So for a couple years they hung relationship with a local charity. “It’s out, even in the winter months, and important to us that we see the results built up what they like to call ‘the family of the work that we are doing,” he says. So SSRC is now working to help you get to choose.’ Their patch is an earned patch as op- COPE service dogs (you can get more posed to one you just buy. Many of information at copedogs.org). The dogs the members have nicknames but they give people with some limitations the aren’t required in the club and Shawn chance to do more in their lives. “We’re himself doesn’t have a biker handle yet. only going to do more,” Zerback says of From those original six they’ve had fundraising efforts. Another concept the group is worksome great success with new members ing on is doing community cleanups and prospects and continue to grow. SSRC have a big annual event called perhaps even with their vests on so that ‘Party with the Saints’ in August - with people can see the work they are doing live music, cabs for safety and they also for the community. The best way to contact the club is have a St. Patrick’s day party - which they call the ‘Saint’s Paddy’s Party’ that through the Samsara website at Samhelps break up the long winter. They also saraSaints.com - right now it bumps you hold monthly meet and greets where to their Facebook page. The Samsara Saints Riding Club is an new people can come meet the club. “Anyone can ride with us, but member- inclusive club, welcoming both male and female riders, people of all backship is exclusive,” Shawn emphasizes. Zerback’s had a bunch of bikes and grounds and ethnicities and motorcycles has been riding motorcycles for about of all years, makes and models. SSRC hosts a weekly public group 20 years now. Like many bikers he got into it at a young age. He’s got more ride and welcomes new riders to come than 100,000KM on his bike. He jokes out meet them. They ride from roughly that he doesn’t feel old enough yet for May 24 weekend to Thanksgiving Day. a cruiser style bike.“Like any other boy, Their values include honour, integrity, I always played on dirt bikes and that loyalty and respect. ©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
The
es Tim ycle c r o Mot
©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.
610376
The Motorcycle Times is looking for a few good writers. 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
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Each to his Own My Yamaha became my Son’s steed. He had a few small jobs around our beach and he would ride the bike to them. He always wore a helmet but he was not old enough to have a driver’s licence and there was no plate on it. He was limited to the beach only but that was OK. Well, it was OK until there was a rare visit to our more or less private beach by an OPP officer. The said perpetrator, my Son, was riding home from cleaning a boat and passed the OPP guy going the other way. The officer gave chase and stopped him on the road. He did comment that my Son must be a good kid because he actually stopped when told to do so. He said that most kids just took off into the woods to never be found. The Boy was 14 and sitting in a police car for the first time, and scared. Luckily he was right in front of a friend of mine’s cottage who explained that he was indeed a good kid and not deserving of any further hassle. This, couple with the sudden appearance of an attractive blonde friend of the LSW who knew him well, helped persuade the officer to let the desperate criminal youth go. It may also have had something to do with the fact that the attractive blonde had a bikini on and the officer seemed to forget about the scared kid in the back seat of his car that he was teaching a lesson to. As usual, I have gotten off topic. Suffice to say that my Biker Junior hopes never materialized.
and teachers and accountants through the week and then get dressed up and ride on the weekend. We see saddle bags, hard bags and lots of accessories. Again, each to his own. Ok, so let’s get back to my own. I have had a lot of bikes both two and four stroke. Each has its own personality and each its own strengths and weaknesses. Two strokes tend to be a little peaky. They have very little low end power but once they get their revs up, they go like stink. Stink, that’s another thing. Two strokes burn oil to keep the top end lubed. With oil burning comes smoke. Lots of smoke. My Kawasaki 500 Triple has all of the above. It’s docile around town in the lower rev range but when it hits 6000 rpm’s it changes its personality like Jeckyl and Hyde. At six thousand it suddenly kicks you in the chest. You have to hang on tight as it literally jumps ahead. The front wheel becomes very light and, of course, the smoke billows out. This is fun. There are a large number of let’s call it dissatisfied looks as the sewing machine sound and smoke cloud rises behind. But, boy, is it fast and fun. I guess this appeals to my rebellious side. If you remember, I started out with a Honda 305 twin. I like the power and torque of a twin. I later had a Norton Commando which was the ultimate parallel twin. It had great looks, again, in my opinion, and performance to boot. I was completely enamoured by that bike. Looking back, I should have kept it but I was in a frenzied period of restoration and it needed a bit of work so I sold it. After a run of various triples, I decided that push button starting and modern dependability was a good course to follow. I still kept my favourite 500 Triple but when I wanted to simply get on a bike and ride without fid-
dling with carbs and making sure that I had my cell phone to call my LSW if, and when, I broke down, a newer bike was the ticket. I got a Kawasaki 1200 ZRX sport touring bike, more on the sport side than touring mind you. It had gobs of horsepower and electric start and always made it home. You would think that would end it. I had a nice modern performance runner and a classic road burner. What else can a guy ask for? I’ll answer that. A super sport touring bike. Maybe I am just never satisfied. Anyway, I bought a Kawasaki Concours 14. Way too much horsepower, removable hard bags, shaft drive and electric start. Surprisingly enough, I was not satisfied. It was big and cumbersome. It had lots of power and handled pretty well but it wasn’t for me. As it turns out, I had to go to Florida in January 2017 for work and decided to rent a bike there and enjoy a couple extra days of the Florida sun doing something besides shovelling snow. I rented a modern Triumph Thruxton sport bike. A big 900 parallel twin with clip ons , rear set pegs and electric start. Go figure, an English bike that is dependable and doesn’t leave oily DNA on the pavement when parked. It was much lighter than the Concours, my short little legs could easily touch the ground on both sides and it looked about as ‘60s retro cool as anything I had seen. I fell and fell hard for this bike. So much that when I returned home I had to convince the LSW that it was a necessity for my lasting happiness that I have one. And, now I do. At present, I am waiting for the snow to clear so I can go and pick it up. I am like a kid waiting for Christmas. There is some work ahead of me though. I have to sell a couple bikes to pay for a new Thruxton. But, after all, how hard could that be?
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17 – The Motorcycle Times, May 2017
Now, back to the topic at hand. I have always been a street bike type. I would ride distances mainly to see a girlfriend or two. The race bikes were what grabbed my attention. I started to gravitate towards low handlebars and rear set pegs and a bit more engine performance. It doesn’t seem to matter what part of the bike crowd you are in, more performance seems to be a constant. I wanted a bike that would handle while it was going fast. I was there for the chopper craze but they never really captured my imagination. I could never really see sitting back like I was on a couch with my front wheel half a mile in front of me and having a bike that could barely go around a corner. It always seemed to me that there was too much wind pushing on my chest and it was too hard to hang on to the bars. And, hard tailed solid rear ends that pogo-sticked around corners were not conducive to good cornering. Again, please remember that this is only how I feel. A friend of mine did buy a Harley chopper way back then. It also barely ran and when he would ride the 100 miles from Toronto to here, he had to stop six times for gas to fill his little peanut tank. That was about the loudest bike I have ever heard. It was also one of the quietest because it rarely ran. I do remember him having to tow it behind his Mom’s Pontiac convertible to try and bump start it. He would get up to about 30 mph and drop it into second gear and pretty well stop the car. That bike didn’t last too long either. Choppers were not really practical. I remember seeing all kinds of Easy Riders back then. Today, not so much. Today, we see Harleys. Lots of Harleys. And, if it’s not a Harley, it’s a pseudo Harley. We have people all decked out in leather and bandanas who go to their regular jobs as bankers
CONTINUED FROM PG. 15
May 2017, The Motorcycle Times – 18
DoDon’ts Mix - 0/35/85/0
30%K
Good, Better, Best ADV Motorcycling Jackets mike wolfe
CONTRIBUTING WRITER
Every year, more riders catch the adventure riding (ADV) bug because it captures the child-like fun of playing in the dirt with cool toys. The philosophy that comfort enhances riding confidence applies even more to ADV motorcycling as the rider is more physically active on the bike, in more adverse conditions. But, choosing the right ADV gear isn’t just about looking like a cast member in a Dakar documentary. It’s about staying warm and dry and having pockets for more gear than required on the average ice cream tour. Likewise, road-style textile and leather jackets won’t stand up to sand, mud, river crossings, tree branches and rocks. Just try crossing a river in your $900 Italian replica MotoGP jacket and then let me know how that worked out for you. A good ADV jacket is roomy, waterproof, abrasion resistant, padded, layered, washable and may even accommodate extra layers of body armour. ADV jackets are also cut hip length to act as a splash guard on water crossings, so you don’t get swamp water down your shorts. As your ADV trips ultimately get longer, to more isolated destinations where there are no hotels, your jacket is your hotel. All those cool pics you see of people hanging around the campfire in their filthy ADV gear? Yeah. It’s the only thing they have to wear. They might even wear those suits when they crawl into their sleeping bags, so that jacket had better be warm, dry and fit like a second skin. I’ve selected three of my top choices
ADV jackets that represent good, better and best options - from entry-level to god-tier. Although price points, features, functions and fit vary, each jacket ticks the boxes of being fully waterproof, cut in 3/4 length and having multiple layers to provide three season temperature control. GOOD: Icon Raiden UX Waterproof Icon’s next generation of the Raiden series deserves serious consideration as your “good” option because Icon genuinely functional, innovative ADV products, at unbeatable value pricing. Since its introduction, the Raiden jacket has undergone numerous design improvements and the latest iteration - the UX – betters the breed once again. Most notably, the design approach of the Raiden is different than comparable ADV jackets. While many manufacturers have adopted an “expedition” look reminiscent of historically classic brands like Barbour and Belstaff, Icon breaks with tradition with a look borrowed from snowboarding. The UX takes that one step further with the addition of a hood (removable) and high visibility colour options. Unlike most ADV jackets, which are a visual rumpus of pockets, straps, zippers and bangles, the UX presents a clean, uninterrupted profile by keeping pockets on the inside and utilizing a straight, relaxed cut through the body. All venting zippers are hidden along the edges of colour blocks to enhance the minimalist look. Likewise, the simple, generous fit leaves lots of room for four-season layer-
ing, while ensuring range of movement. Although not made from GORE-TEX (which would be impossible to deliver at this price point), the UX is fully waterproof and features taped seams to eliminate potential leakage and comes complete with shoulder, elbow and back protection. Although the UX lacks cinch straps to keep protective pads close to the body, the elbow protection pockets offer three different positions ensure that elbow pads line up correctly to avoid nasty contusions to one’s olecranon. Likewise, Icon has opted for thumb loops instead of full cuffs, which enhances cooling in hot conditions. It’s this kind of ingenious problemsolving and design simplicity that makes the UX a worthy, useful ADV jacket at a bargain price. By changing their design philosophy, Icon spends fewer production dollars on zippers, straps and thingamajigs, leaving more money to invest in quality materials that improve the actual rider experience. This is why the Raiden UX gets tapped for inclusion in this review and why I continue to become a bigger fan of Icon with each passing day. BETTER: REV’IT! Neptune GTX REV’IT! is so hot right now and their Neptune GTX ADV jacket tops the “Better” list because it provides the design, fit and functionality of significantly more expensive brands at a price that’s accessible to the average rider. While many ADV riders would aspire to own a Klim Adventure Rally, the fact is most of us working class schlubs need to keep the mortgage paid and the baby in or-
ganic quinoa puree. Alas, $1,000 jackets are not in the cards for people like you and me, unfortunately. That rarefied air is for internet millionaires and orthodontists named Chad. The good news for the rest of us is that REV’IT! is absolutely killing it, offering terrific designs and quality materials, at mid-level price points within reach of the average rider. The Neptune GTX is a high-quality, versatile ADV jacket that can be worn with confidence for extended days off-road, in environments where temperatures and conditions radically change. Designed by Europeans, for European adventure touring conditions, REV’IT!’s Neptune GTX combines the four-season weather protection of GORE-TEX with the exceptional fit and comfort that REV’IT! is renowned for. REV’IT! has chosen to go with a lightweight GORE-TEX to maximize comfort without sacrificing weatherproofing and that comfort factor is an important consideration because, as I repeatedly say about ADV riding: you’re going to be living in this jacket. Like all REV’IT! jackets, the Neptune equipped with full CE-protection, an abundance of adjustable ventilation panels and lots of reflective surfaces. It also has an adjustable waist-belt to accommodate layering as conditions change. I enthusiastically endorse REV’IT! because their corporate mission is to demonstrate “love for the product” and “value for the money,” and both of those philosophies come shining through in this suit. While the $600 range may induce sticker-shock, after comparing the Neptune to other four-season GORE-TEX
BEST Klim Adventure Rally GTX No review of ADV riding jackets would be complete without the Klim Adventure Rally GTX. Although it’s stratospheric, pave diamond price is beyond most riders, I’ve included it here out of respect for the brand and to demonstrate what superlative design looks like. If you already rock this jacket, it’s likely you’re either an otolaryngologist or a rider who has logged gluttonous miles in the most horror show conditions imaginable, with a deeply visceral understanding about the importance of using the very best gear. ADV riders with lots of epic bad decisions under their belt know their ADV jacket is going to be their home for multiple days and therefore want to live in the safest, most comfortable place on the market. As such, the Adventure Rally GTX is a veritable palace among hovels - one of the few products out there that’s universally recognized as the very best in its class. Klim has designed the Rally GTX to be lived-in; off-road, for months at a time, in faraway places full of dread, bad smells and misadventure. So, what goes into a jacket that breaks the $1,500 mark? Superior design, materials, features and fit, to name just a few things. Design features include 10 external pockets, 3 internal pockets (including a hidden passport pocket), 8 vents, a neck brace compatible collar, an integrated 3-liter hydration system, and a high visibility pocket for emergency information. Rider protection comes from integrated, form-fitting elbow and shoulder armour, as well as a ventilated chest armour collar. GTX stands for Gore-Tex and Klim uses professional grade 3-layer GoreTex Pro Shell material with Armacor. What does that mean, exactly? Pro is the highest level of waterproofing and breathability Gore-text offers; designed for prolonged, stressful use in extreme environments. If you’re a professional mountain guide whose office is Mount Everest, Gore-Tex Pro is your go-to fabric. 3-layers means it’s the thickest laminate Gore-Tex makes. Armacor is the addition of aerospace fabrics like Kevlar, woven into a ripstop pattern for extreme toughness. Like famous French makers of handbags, Klim starts the manufacturing process by hand-picking their materials before cutting and assembly to ensure flawless product. Where Klim really stands apart from the competition, however, is in the fit. All that armour and fabric should feel really, really heavy and when you try on competing jackets it does. Unlike cheaper competitors, the Adventure Rally GTX feels like it’s levitating off your body. You just don’t feel the weight. There’s no sense of bulk or binding. It’s like the Archangel himself made this just for you; hand-sewn with ethereal thread, spun from sunshine and the laughter of children. The fit defies description. And, that is the $1,500 secret that owners of Klim’s Adventure Rally GTX jacket know intimately.
19 – The Motorcycle Times, May 2017
adventure riding jackets, the cost/value comparison starts to make a lot of sense. As with all REV’IT’s product, the Neptune’s fit is excellent, albeit on the long and skinny side, so either check to see if you need to go up a size.
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©2017 Bombardier Recreational Products Inc. (BRP). All rights reserved. ®, ™ and the BRP logo are trademarks of BRP or its affiliates. Offers valid in Canada until March 31, 2017. The terms and conditions may vary depending on your province and these offers are subject to termination or change at any time without notice. See an authorized BRP dealer for details. † SAVE up to $3,000 on 2016 and prior models: Eligible units are select new, unused and in stock 2016 or prior Can-Am Spyder models purchased from a BRP participating dealer. Rebate amount depends on the model purchased. All models may not be available at all dealers, see your local BRP participating dealer for details or information. While quantities last. ‡ GET 3-YEAR COVERAGE WITH FREE ROADSIDE ASSISTANCE: Eligible units are select new, unused and in stock 2016 and prior Can-Am Spyder models purchased from a BRP participating dealer. All models may not be available at all dealers, see your local participating dealer for details. While quantities last. 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 authorized BRP dealer near you. 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.
©2017 Bombardier Recreational Products Inc. (BRP). All rights reserved. ®, ™ and the BRP logo are trademarks of BRP or its affiliates. Offers valid in Canada until March 31, 2017. The terms and conditions may vary depending on your province and these offers are subject to termination or change at any time without notice. See an authorized BRP dealer for details. † SAVE up to $3,000 on 2016 and prior models: Eligible units are select new, unused and in stock 2016 or prior Can-Am Spyder models purchased from a BRP participating dealer. Rebate amount depends on the model purchased. All models may not be available at all dealers, see your local BRP participating dealer for details or information. While quantities last. ‡ GET 3-YEAR COVERAGE WITH FREE ROADSIDE ASSISTANCE: Eligible units are select new, unused and in stock 2016 and prior Can-Am Spyder models purchased from a BRP participating dealer. All models may not be available at all dealers, see your local participating dealer for details. While quantities last. 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 authorized BRP dealer near you. 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.
May 2017, The Motorcycle Times – 20
TheOtherside Mix - 0/35/85/0
30%K
Abrasion A wearing, grinding, or rubbing away by friction (merriam-webster) scott macquarrie
CONTRIBUTING WRITER
Not the wear and tear on your tires or brake pads, but what happens when you separate from a moving bike. According to studies, 3 out of 4 motorcycle accidents involve the rider and/or passenger being separated from the vehicle. You may be thrown from it or simply slide together down the road, and that’s when abrasion happens. Most people select their riding clothes with an eye to both the weather and fashion, but protection is even more important. There is impact protection required, which is addressed by helmets and glasses, and weather protection is important, but abrasion is the enemy. While moving, the road is basically a very large belt sander and you’re on it. This is not a problem while the tires are turning beneath you, but if something goes wrong, whatever you’re wearing needs to resist this abrasive force long enough for you to come to a stop or get off the road. Every bit of resistance your clothing provides is less abrasion your skin needs to endure. For the record, your flesh will abrade at about an inch a second at 50kph, which is not good. Besides the risk of having the skin and muscle stripped from your
body (called “de-gloving”), it adds a high risk of infection similar to burn victims. As well, road debris must be removed using a wire brush. Road rash is a cute term for a horrifying injury that can leave you scarred for life or worse. A secondary infection from a large loss of skin can even kill you. In an accident, what you wear is the ONLY thing that can protect you. Unfortunately, nothing can protect you from hitting a solid object at high speeds and nothing can protect you from being crushed by another vehicle. Training, experience, and proper maintenance are your only allies here. However, you can fight back against abrasion. So what actually happens in a motorcycle accident? Thanks to various studies, we know that most motorcycle accidents happen at low speeds (75% are less than 48kph), where protective clothing works best. We know the areas with the most damage are elbows, knees, hips, and shoulders and more injury happens to the lower body than the upper. We also know most of these injuries are abrasion related. Riders need to think about ALL their clothing not just the jacket. Gloves, ankle covering boots and pants are important. Most riders just wear jeans, which is
quite literally leaving your butt exposed to injury. So what happens to your clothing during an accident? There are lots of different materials available from jeans to Kevlar to leather. How do they compare and what provides the best protection? The European Union has developed standards for motorcycle clothing. Their test uses a large belt sander and a hammer like device covered in the test material. The hammer drops to simulate falling from the bike and the time is measured until a tripwire is hit. It includes other tests, stress on seams, but the results of the wear test showed, 3oz leather lasting almost 10 seconds and denim lasting no more than a half second. There is a huge difference between materials. Jeans, new or old, will take you no more than 4 and half feet before they wear through. After that, it’s you up close and personal with the belt sander. Kevlar is excellent, but the best material available is 3oz leather. For myself, I wear a 3oz horse leather jacket and pants from Langlitz Leathers in Portland, Oregon. They were expensive but I will never have to buy another set. They have literally saved my butt more than once. Motorcycling is an exercise in calculated risk. A trained, experienced rider,
wearing proper protective clothing on a well maintained motorcycle is quite safe. However, I seen a female passenger get off the back of a sport bike in a one piece bathing suit, a full-face helmet and nothing else. Even worse, she had to sit directly on the fender and hook her toes around the axial bolt. When I mentioned the risks, the response I got was “I’m not going far”. The rider himself was wearing full leathers head to toe and full-face helmet. So passengers be wise and protect your own hide. Most riders have proper protection on their head and upper body, but forget their lower body. Sneakers and sandals are worthless and jeans will buy 4.5 feet. After that, it’s a date with a steel brush or worse. I implore you to think more carefully about what you’re wearing while riding. Since your body is your second biggest asset (head being the first) protecting it should be a no brainer. Spend some cash now, buy a good quality set of leathers ‘ONCE’, instead of buying cheap, low quality inferior products over, an over an over - you get the picture. You will actually save money in the long run. A little thought now could save you a world of pain later. And in my opinion, sweating is more bearable than bleeding.
Materials Comparison Chart - Distance wear-through at 50 kph Note: Your flesh abrades at a rate of approx. 1 inch (depth) per second at 50 kph New, 100% Cotton Denim Jeans .......................................... 3’ 10” Senior Ballistic Nylon (melts when friction heated)..... 3’ 10” Leather, Fashion Weight, 1.75 oz/sq ft. ................................ 4’ 0” Leather, Lightweight, 2.25 oz/sq. ft. ...................................... 4’ 3”
Two-year-old 100% Cotton Denim Jeans .......................... 4’ 5” Cordura Nylon Type 440 ............................................................18’ 3” Kevlar 29 Aramid Fiber, Style 713 ......................................... 22’ 1” Leather, Competition Weight, 3 oz/sq. ft. ......................... 86’ 0”
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CommunityEvents May 27, 2017 MRFD 2017 - Ontario Starting today there is a ‘Motorcycle Ride for Dad’ event happening in your area. Visit www.ridefordad.ca for dates, times and location near you.You can pre-register online as well as the day off. There is a ride, lunch and door prizes at every event. Help raise money to fight Prostate Cancer. May 27, 2017* Bruce ‘Poppa’ Bigras Ride Templar Knights sponsored event. Registration 9-10:30 at Rocky Mountain House Restaurant 409 Stewart St, Renfrew. All funds raised donated to Renfrew Golden Age Activity Centre. Includes ride, coffee break (compliments of Tim Horton’s) lunch at Renfrew Golden Age Community Centre and door prizes. www.renfrewtkmc.org/ toy-ride-2017.html May 27, 2017 BRO Fallen Riders Awareness Ride Hub ride centering on Queens Park, Toronto. Memorial ceremony starts 1pm. Every year far too many lives are lost due to the carelessness of Ontario Motorists, help ensure those lives are never forgotten. Contact BRO in your area for starting locations or just meet at Queens Park. www. bikersrightsorganization.ca May 27, 2017* Ride for the Future Co-hosted by Choppers Custom Works & Thirsty Mate Restaurant. Registration 9am, Kickstands up 10am. Thirsty Mate Restaurant, 459 Port Maitland Road, Dunnville. $40/rider, $25/passenger (Raise $100 in pledges and individual rides free!) Ride through Haldimand County, perch lunch, generously provided by Minor Fisheries, draws, free event t-shirts, merchandise booths. All proceeds support DHHF’s Endowment Fund and the future of healthcare at Haldimand War Memorial Hospital. Pre-register www.rideforthefuture.ca, info@dhhf.ca, 905-774-2529. May 27 2017 Friend of Youth Ride 9-1pm at Burford Community Centre 14 Potter Dr, Burford. $20/rider. Registration & breakfast from 9-10:30am. Enjoy a 90min guided tour, BBQ lunch and prizes. Coincides with the Optimist Kid’s bicycle rodeo. All funds raised go to support youth based programs in our community. Bring $100 in pledges, ride for free! Contact Matt friendofyouthride@hotmail.com, 519-771-4033. Download a registration/pledge form at https://drive.google.com/open?id=0BxEX1 JeN_12RTjR4OUFpZXk3VkU June 3, 2017 Widows Sons Ride For Camp Trillium and Prostate Cancer Research. Starts 9am-2pm at the Oakland Ontario Masonic Centre - 5 King St. North Oakland. $30/rider. Ride for free with $200 in pledges. In support of Camp Trillium Rainbow Lake in Waterford Ontario and Prostate Cancer Research. Ride through Norfolk and Haldimand Counties. After ride lunch with prizes & draws. Contact Dave at daves4875@gmail.com, 519-7579821. Steven at glanbrooktowing@hotmail. com, 905-921-5393
May 28, 2017 B.A.D. Ride 20 Registration 8am, Ride 9:45am. Party at Markham Fairgrounds 1:15 pm– on. Starts at Dave & Busters at (Hwy 400 & 7), End at Markham Fairgrounds. Every participant must raise a minimum of $75. Supporting the Distress Centres. Join over 1,000 sport bikes, cruisers, tourers, choppers, customs, scooters, trikes and rat bikes on this awesome ride. All wheels welcome! As always, on this signed and unescorted ride, you’ll be enjoying some of the most picturesque backroads in York and Durham. Take a break at our comfort stop, The Lake Simcoe Arms Pub and Restaurant in Jackson’s Point, before winding into the Markham Fairgrounds for an afternoon of partying. After-Ride Party: 1:15p.m. Great BBQ lunch, live music, afternoon entertainment, comedy, silent auction, contests and exhibitions. Visit www.thebadride.com, karen@ torontodistresscentre.com, 416-595-1716 June 16-18, 2017 Ride For Sight - Central Ontario Starting 3pm June 16 - 10am June 18. At Fenelon Fairgrounds, Fenelon Falls. Minimum fundraising of $75. In support of The Foundation Fighting Blindness. Group destination ride, Bike Games, Show n Shine, Burnout Pit, free camping, Live music, silent auction, steak dinner, food truck contest, pancake breakfast. Visit www.rideforsight.com, Deborah 416-360-4200, rideforsight@ffb.ca June 24, 2017 Steve Mesic Memorial Ride Presented by Dorr Enterprises. Rain or Shine! Registration 10am, kickstands up at noon. Start at SBB (Suck Bang Blow - Hwy #20 &Tapleytown Rd.) Live Entertainment, Burnout Contest, Door prizes, Vendors onsite. Ride and Rally are FREE but donations for the CMHA (Canadian Mental Health Association) and Steve’s son Domenik’s education fund are appreciated. Help Stop Profiling and Discrimination by Police. Live entertainment Blake Halladay, The Whole Damn Day and Ray Maurice and the Marauders. Registration forms online. Visit http://rememberingstevemesic.com, rememberingstevemesic@gmail.com June 25, 2017 Bob Probert Ride 9-4pm at Windsor/Essex County. $20/riders, $10/passengers. Cardiac Care Services in Windsor/Essex County. This is a fun 102 km motorcycle poker run that tours Windsor and Essex County. The Ride has raised over $630,000. for Cardiac Care services in our area. Over 1200 bikes ride together to raise funds, awareness and remember an NHL tough guy, Bob Probert. Contact info below, www.probertride.com or Bob Probert Memorial Ride on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. July 1, 2017* Run for Larry Registration 7am, Kickstands up: 9am, Thunder Road Harley Davidson -Huron Church Rd. Windsor, Ont. Parade 10am, Dinner 5pm. Rider & Bike $30, Passenger $25, In support of London Health Sciences Foundation Victoria Hospital-Head & Neck Cancer Research & Education. ALL proceeds donated! Poker Run, Raffles,
23 – The Motorcycle Times, May 2017
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THE ALL-NEW STREET ROD*. Clare’s Harley-Davidson® of Niagara
590 York Rd, Niagara on the Lake 905-684-4647 OR 866-979-7403 www.claresharleydavidson.com
Freedom Harley-Davidson® of Ottawa 1963 Merivale Road, Ottawa 613-736-8899 www.hdottawa.com
Kitchener Harley-Davidson® Pfaff Harley-Davidson® 2255 Kingsway Drive, Kitchener, 519-893-0493 OR 866-803-6837 www.kitchenerharley.com
8779 Yonge Street, Richmond Hill 905-709-1340 OR 866-977-1340 www.pfaffharley.com
Mackie Harley-Davidson®
880 Champlain Avenue, Oshawa 905-434-6550 OR 800-668-5828 www.mackieharleydavidson.com
Barrie Harley-Davidson® 311 Bryne Drive, Barrie 728-5322 OR 888-743-1903 www.barriehd.com
Rocky’s Harley-Davidson® 900 Wilton Grove Road, London 519-438-1450 OR 866-438-1450 www.rockys-harley.com
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