$6.99 can summer 2011
for the harley-davidson enthusiast since 1916 ®
canadian edition
The touring issue The rich history of the Harley-Davidson Motor Company / A course in obstacles — proper road reactions A litte TLC — how to keep your Harley® bike in tip-top shape / Riding Stories — stories from the road / $100 Rides
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LIGHT BACKGROUND
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©2011 H-D. Harley, Harley-Davidson and the Bar & Shield logo are among the trademarks of H-D Michigan, LLC. *Bike shown with Harley-Davidson® Genuine Motor Accessories. Actual delivery time may vary based on demand and when the order was placed at a Harley-Davidson® Retail Store. With the purchase of any new Harley-Davidson® model from an authorized Canadian Harley-Davidson® Retailer, you will receive a free, full one-year membership in H.O.G.® Always ride with a helmet. Ride defensively. Distributed exclusively in Canada by Deeley Harley-Davidson® Canada, Richmond and Concord. Deeley Harley-Davidson® Canada is a proud sponsor of Muscular Dystrophy Canada. ©2011 H-D.
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YOU SAY YOU WANT TO RIDE. NOW SAY YOU WILL!
™
$10,000
A little bit of Freedom for under See your authorized Canadian Harley-Davidson® Retailer today or visit us online at harleycanada.com.
With the purchase of any new Harley-Davidson® model from an authorized Canadian Harley-Davidson® Retailer, you will receive a free, full one-year membership in H.O.G.® Always ride with a helmet. Ride defensively. Distributed exclusively in Canada by Deeley Harley-Davidson® Canada, Richmond and Concord. Deeley Harley-Davidson® Canada is a proud sponsor of Muscular Dystrophy Canada. The Bar & Shield logo, Sportster, SuperLow, Harley and Harley-Davidson are among the trademarks of H-D Michigan, LLC. ©2010 H-D.
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Departments 7 8
Editor’s Note One Company, One Team, One Direction.
BackStage From the Vault.
10 Intake Letters from Members. 13 15
Front Shop
News Harley-Davidson supports Bikes over Bagdad in Qatar.
16 Backstory That’s Odd: Weird, Wild, Wonders in Milwaukee. 18 Gallery A bit of everything from HOG ® Magazine Canada readers. 22 Rally Rides 2011 Canadian and H.O.G.® Rally updates.
37 38
Back Shop
Pitstop How to react when your path is not clear.
40 Preparing for a long haul is a matter of mind, body, and motorcycle. 42 A little TLC — How to keep your Harley® bike in tip-top shape. 44 12 reasons to love your air-cooled engine. 52 Ultimate Rides ABCs of Touring: A unique opportunity for H.O.G.® members.
For more on the art of keeping your harley bike in tip-top condition go to page ®
42 ↓
52 Riding Stories Riding adventures through Canadian country. The cover photo was captured on the Trans Canada highway on July 17, 2010 near Villeroy, Quebec, after a short thunderstorm gave way to a beautiful sunset. The bike is a 2010 Harley-Davidson® CVO™ Ultra Classic® Electra Glide® motorcycle. Photograph by Konstantin Egorov: konstantin.photoshelter.com/
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Enthusiasts Riding Family Jacobek: Ontario family catches the riding bug.
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Exhaust Dialing it in: Experienced mechanic tweaks motorcycle for “best of both worlds.”
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contents /
june 2011
Features 30 cactus run One H.O.G.速 member describes how a road trip can strengthen friendships and create memories that will last forever. By Lyon Chapter, France 32 Deeley Motorcycle Exhibition A look back at the rich history of the Harley-Davidson Motor Company that drives your passion today By Brent Cooke
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Roadside Assistance = $100 value Touring Handbook = $50 value Safe Rider Skills Program = $50 value HOG Magazine = $30 value Renewal Patches & Pins = $10 value Mileage Program = $10 value per level reached ABCs of Touring = $10-$50 value ®
(depending upon prize level)
Membership Service Centre— Toll Free 1-800-668-4836 Million Mile Monday H.O.G. Website — members.hog.com ®
Theft Reward Program H-D Authorized Rentals Special H.O.G. rates for Motorcycle Shipping —1-800-667-4175 ®
®
Best Western Rewards — Sign-up at 1-888-292-2453 Pin Stops Rallies & Events Worldwide Coordination and Travel Support of Regional Directors Production of the Canadian National Rally Support for Regional & Provincial Rallies Production of the Chapter Handbook Chapter Support Member Support Retailer Support Production of Chapter Officer and Rally Coordinator Training (HOT and HRCT) Liability insurance and coverage for Chapter officers and Chapter activities. HOG Magazine Canada e-Newsletter ®
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Editor’s note / june 2011 Riding the Great White North ...what could be better than that?
One Company, One Team, One Direction In the spirit of this new mantra from the Harley-Davidson Motor Company, we have been working very hard as their partner on the global stage to represent the true spirit of Canada with passion and pride, as well as sharing our own special and unique love for the Brand and riding from here in the Great White North. Our Canadian uniqueness was on clear display at the H.O.G.® Officer Training (HOT) event held in Buffalo, New York, this past April. With 133 Chapter representatives from Canada, including impressive attendance numbers from our Retailers, it was interesting to see the integrated dynamics from both sides of the border. To start off the event, there were two areas of focus presented for H.O.G.® Chapters this year, which has been a big component of HOT worldwide: SIMPLIFY — Strip out all of the fluff and unnecessary meetings and focus more on what you love to do the most: ride and have fun! GROW — Welcome new people who are curious about the Harley-Davidson® lifestyle and show them how great and fun it is to be a part of H.O.G.® and a Chapter. Most of us know someone who rides a motorcycle that may not be our preferred brand, and more often that not, we have ribbed them about when they are going to get a “real” bike, like a Harley® bike! Deep down they may aspire to own an H-D® bike, but for some reason they just haven’t yet taken that step. I would love to hear ideas from our members on ways in which we can better help make this connection for them, or tell us your story on how you may have converted a lost soul to get on the best Brand in the world. Send us your riding stories, photos and letters as well, so that we can share them with the rest of your H.O.G.® family across the country. You never know when you may spark the need for a similar adventure in someone else. In an effort to encourage you to share your thoughts and ideas, we have also included a special survey in this edition of HOG® Magazine Canada (page 11). We would love to get your feedback on the new look and feel of the magazine — what you want to see more or less of, what current H.O.G.® benefits you use, what you would like to see added, how you are enjoying your overall experience with H.O.G.®, and what would make you consider staying on as part of the family. Regardless of why you are a member, riding a motorcycle on the open road has to be one of the most invigorating and liberating experiences in the world. Riding a Harley-Davidson® motorcycle multiplies that feeling by 10. Have a safe journey and fun ride! Gina McNeil
Manager, Enthusiast Services
HOG® magazine Canada features some content from the US edition of HOG® Magazine and European editions of Hog® magazine.
The Canadian edition is published by: Gina McNeil Editor, Hog® Magazine Canada Scott Clark Production Teresa Colussi Communications Chantele Cumberbatch assistant editor Fran Moore Senior Manager, Marketing Operations Dom Bovalino Marketing Director Production & Design & Sales by www.bkmedia.ca
HOG® magazine Canada is published by the harley owners group® canada
send us your contributions to: editor@hogcanada.ca
Gordie Bowles Production Lisa Thé Design don cameron copy editor Mark Kristofic Sales Alana Richter Sales coordinator Please direct any advertising inquiries to mark@bkmedia.ca
We care about you. Ride safely, respectfully and within the limits of the law and your abilities. Always wear an approved helmet, proper eyewear and protective clothing and insist your passenger does too. Never ride while under the influence of alcohol or drugs. Know your Harley® motorcycle and read and understand your owner’s manual from cover to cover. HOG® Magazine Canada is published quarterly by the Harley Owners Group® Canada. Due to various circumstances, some information in this issue is subject to change. Harley-Davidson, Harley, H-D, H.O.G. logo and the Harley-Davidson logo are among the trademarks of H-D Michigan, LLC. No part of this publication may be reproduced for any reason without written consent from the editor. By sending your submissions, you are giving Harley-Davidson Motor Company, Harley-Davidson Owners Group® of Canada Ltd., and their affliates, the unrestricted right, permission, and authority to use and publish your name and city of residence, any photograph or image of you, including any statements you make, for publication in HOG® Magazine
Canada or for posting on members.hog.com, without consideration or compensation of any kind whatsoever. You further hereby irrevocably release and waive any right, claim, or cause of action you may have against Harley-Davidson Motor Company, Harley-Davidson Owners Group® of Canada Ltd., and their affiliates, for compensation, libel, or invasion of privacy, or any other liability whatsoever. Harley Owners Group® reserves the right to edit stories for content, length and clarity. With the purchase of any new Harley-Davidson® model from an authorized Canadian Harley-Davidson® Retailer, you will receive a free, full one-year membership in H.O.G.® Always ride with a helmet. Ride defensively. Distributed exclusively in Canada by Deeley HarleyDavidson® Canada, Richmond and Concord. Deeley Harley-Davidson® Canada is a proud sponsor of Muscular Dystrophy Canada. To find your local authorized Canadian Harley-Davidson® Retailer, visit www.harleycanada.com today. ©2011 H-D. All rights reserved. Printed in Canada.
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BACKSTage /
june 2011
from the vault Harley-Davidson Motor Company’s 849,000 square-foot Pilgrim Road Powertrain Operations facility in Menomonee Falls, Wisconsin, is home of the “Big Twin”. Pilgrim Road employees produce engines and transmissions for the final assembly plants in York, Pennsylvania, and Kansas City, Missouri, for Touring, Softail® and Dyna® model families. Engines and transmissions are also produced for sale through HarleyDavidson® Genuine Motor Parts and Accessories business.
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intake / june 2011 letters from our members.
$6.99 can spring 2011
for the harley-davidson enthusiast since 1916 ®
canadian edition
THE RIDING ISSUE THE HEART OF A HARLEY-DAVIDSON® MOTORCYCLE / BLACKLINE™ MAGIC — SLEEK NEW RIDE / 2011 H.O.G.® RALLY DATES SHARPER EDGE: SPORTSTER® XR 1200X™ / V-ROD® MOTORCYCLE MAKES SCREEN DEBUT / JILLIAN MICHAELS: RIDE TO BE FREE
Dream come true ... my first motorcycle Jeff Hewitt’s comments in the last edition reminded me of events from last year. After many years of dreaming of one, I finally bought a motorcycle in February 2010. My choices were a new, smaller metric or a slightly used 2007 Sportster® XL 1200L motorcycle. Once I sat on that Harley-Davidson® motorcycle, I knew that I wasn’t going to waste my time buying an intermediate bike. I bought it, signed up for lessons, and a month later got my licence. My reason for buying the bike was to get out and meet new friends, and what better way to do that than on a HarleyDavidson® bike? That spring, I came across my local H.O.G.® Chapter at a swap meet and I quickly realized that I wanted to be a part of what they had. I got my H.O.G.® membership and signed up with the local Chapter. That was the beginning of the best year of my life so far. Later that summer, I went on my first out-of-town trip to Gold River on Vancouver Island, where we went on a day-long boat trip. As we were cruising
the waters, I noticed that there was a single-lady biker on the trip enjoying the beautiful British Columbia weather. As we pulled up to the dock, I invited her to hang out with us (even though she was a metric rider). She spent the day with us and when we got back to Gold River she joined us for dinner. At the end of the evening her comment to me was that we had changed her perception about Harley® riders — we really are nice people. I received a similar comment from another metric rider whom I introduced to our Chapter a few months later. So yes, Jeff, we are the ones who will drive people into the Harley-Davidson® world. I truly live to ride, ride to live. —Greg Huot
Memorials and Heroes While touring through Europe on my way to Italy last June, I met up with a few friends at a H.O.G.® Rally in Luxembourg. After a walking tour of the Rally site, we took our spots around a large table under an open tent. Someone asked where I was headed and why I was going there. I explained that I’d always wanted to visit Ortona, Italy and the Moro River Canadian War Cemetery. Ironically, a colleague of mine had told me about his uncle (his father’s brother) who was killed during the Battle of Ortona and was buried there — all the more reason to visit! Michel, the Director of the Liège Chapter told us how their Chapter had adopted the graves of two American soldiers and visit regularly. Other people had stories of stopping at little-
visited memorials to pay their respects and perhaps reflect. Throughout Canada there are many memorials that riders might come across while riding through some of the smaller towns and communities. One that comes to mind for me is the Aubrey Cousins V.C. Memorial Bridge, off Highway 11, in Latchford, Ontario. Just off the highway on the north side of the bridge, spanning the Montréal River, is a nice little rest area with a plaque denoting the exploits of Sgt. Cousins who was born in this small community about 130 km north of North Bay. If you are heading to the Biker’s Reunion H.O.G.® pin stop, drop by the Sgt. Cousins Memorial. Thinking back to my conversation with Michel, I thought again how cool it is that a H.O.G.® Chapter would do what the Liège Chapter has done. I also wondered if any of the Chapters in Canada do this. If so, I salute you. If you know of a cool memorial or come across one in your travels, send H.O.G.® Canada a picture with a description and perhaps it will get published. —JK
Maple, Ontario
Part of the family Family reunions are a time of sharing smiles, stories and laughter. They give people a chance to reconnect with family members they haven’t seen in a while and even meet some distant relatives they haven’t met before. These gatherings are unique because, while everyone is different, they are
all connected by a common name in their bloodline. The same can be said of another family, H.O.G.® No matter where you travel worldwide, the H.O.G.® crest is always recognizable and will bring you a smile and a handshake from another member of the family. Stories and laughter are sure to follow after meeting distant relatives, which can often lead to lifelong friendships. Like many families, you take vacations together, enjoying the open road, and the mixture of personalities are sure to keep things interesting and help make memories that will last a lifetime. As a H.O.G.® member, I have been able to meet “distant relatives” who have gone out of their way to make me feel welcome. After spending a week at H.R.C.T. with other members of the family, it confirmed my reason for being a H.O.G.® member. This family is about making every moment enjoyable, even if you are lost on the road, stuck in a downpour of rain, or soaking up the sun while travelling on a beautiful stretch of road. You stick together, and later on, you laugh about the events of the day. There is no other family like H.O.G.® Most family reunions don’t attract 100,000 members and have local people waving flags and lining the streets welcoming you home. The best part is the name we all have in common in our bloodline and that name is “Harley-Davidson”. —Chris Valentino
Windsor, Ontario
We welcome all letters and feedback to HOG® Magazine Canada. Letters should be 100-150 words. E-mail your feedback to editor@hogcanada.ca and put “Intake” in the e-mail subject. Include your name, telephone number and e-mail address. We reserve the right to edit submissions for length and clarity.
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WIN GRE PRI
Com our Sur cha a $5 Dav Gift Com sur Aug and into bird dra Mer Gift wor
your ride. your life. your magazine.
WIN GREAT PRIZES! Complete our H.O.G.® Survey for a chance to WIN a $500 HarleyDavidson® Gift Card! Complete the survey before August 1, 2011, and be entered into our early bird prize draw: A H.O.G.® Merchandise Gift basket worth $150.
TELL US WHAT YOU THINK! $6.99 can spring 2011
for the harley-davidson enthusiast since 1916 ®
canadian edition
the riding issue the heart of a harley-davidson® motorcycle / blackline™ magic — sleek new ride / 2011 h.o.g.® rally dates sharper edge: sportster® Xr 1200X™ / v-rod® motorcycle makes screen debut / jillian michaels: ride to be free
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Complete our H.O.G. Survey. Chime in about the magazine’s design, photos and articles and give us feedback on your overall H.O.G.® Experience! ®
www.harley-promos.ca/hogmag or members.hog.com hog® magazine canada
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Harley_OwnersGroup_Ad_Nov2010_PRINT_ENGLISH.pdf
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Ca
for y ll now to w our chan in a Harl ce jacke ± ey ® t!
Are your precious metals covered? There are some things in life you just can’t plan for. At Aviva*, we want to make sure you’ve got exactly the coverage you need to enjoy the open road. That’s why with our broker partners, we’ve gone the extra mile to really get to know our customers. You can count on our expertise and experience to understand your unique needs and provide the right insurance for you and your ride. As one of Canada’s largest motorcycle insurance providers, we make sure you’re covered. To find out about how we can protect what matters to you, and for your chance to win a Harley-Davidson® jacket, call us toll-free today at 1-866-687-4348.
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±No purchase necessary. Contest ends September 1, 2011. Skill-testing question required. Odds of winning depends on number of entries received. Complete contest rules and regulations are available at www.homeforchrome.com/avivacontest *Aviva and the Aviva logo are registered trademarks of Aviva plc and used under license. Motorcycle insurance is underwritten by Elite Insurance Company, a member company of Aviva Canada Inc. Harley-Davidson and H-D is among the trademarks of H-D Michigan, Inc.
4 11:41 AM
front shop/
june 2011
news
Harley-Davidson supports Bikes over Bagdad in Qatar
backstory
That’s Odd: Weird, Wild, Wonders in Milwaukee
gallery A bit of everything from HOG ® Magazine Canada readers
rally rides
2011 Canadian and U.S. H.O.G.® Rally updates
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front shop / june 2011 news • backstory • gallery • rally rides
Beating the Winter Blues with the Canadian Cowboys Racing, in all its forms, has always had a firm place in the history of Deeley Harley-Davidson® Canada. Once again, in 2011 the exclusive Canadian distributor of Harley-Davidson® motorcycles is supporting Canadian alpine ski racing, particularly the men’s “Canadian Cowboys” team. In addition to a head-gear sponsorship for Manuel Osborne-Paradis — which unfortunately came to a premature end due to a season-limiting injury that took place at the World Cup events in Chamonix, France — the 2011 alpine ski racing project includes an online auction in conjunction with SMedia, featuring a custom painted Harley-Davidson® VRSC™ V-Rod Muscle® motorcycle,
designed by Extreme Measures and featuring the stylized and iconic logo of the Canadian Cowboys. Following its first appearance at the Rockstar Ski Cross Grand Prix (part of the FIS Freestyle World Cup) hosted at Blue Mountain in Ontario on February 11, 2011, this unique Harley-Davidson® VRSC™ V-Rod Muscle® motorcycle, which embodies performance, was showcased at various private and public clubs in Collingwood, for the duration of the auction. All monies raised through the online auction on www.snowsportsculture.com will directly support the Canadian Cowboys team. We thank all our readers for their generous support!
Harley® on Screen Harley-Davidson® FXSTS Softail® Cross Bones® motorcycle in Hawaii Five-O, TV series
1983 Harley-Davidson® FXR Super Glide® motorcycle in The Adventures of Buckaroo Across the 8th Dimension, 1984 Harley-Davidson® FLSTC Heritage Softail™ Classic motorcycle (’88) in The Rookie, 1990
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Top: Ric Rowan
Harley-Davidson® Ultra Classic® Electra Glide® motorcycle in King of California, 2007
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Darren James ramps up for two race series
H.O.g. backs hoka Hey challenge ®
On August 5, 2011, hundreds of Harley-Davidson® riders will embark on one of the world’s greatest long-distance motorcycle rides, the second Annual Hoka Hey Challenge. This year, riders will trek from Phoenix, Arizona, to Nova Scotia, Canada. Along the way, they will pass through all 48 contiguous United States and several Canadian provinces and territories. More than 10,000 kilometres later, all participants will have accomplished the trip of a lifetime and the top riders will be eligible to collect cash prizes. This year, in addition to the Harley-Davidson Motor Company being a sponsor of the event, the Harley Owners Group® will reward the top eligible H.O.G.® member finisher with a new 2012 Harley-Davidson® Custom Vehicle OperationsTM motorcycle. An additional $19,000 in prizes will be given to the eligible second through fifth place finishers. For details and rules of the H.O.G.® Contingency Program, visit members.hog.com. For entry information or to monitor the event’s progress, visit www.hokaheychallenge.com.
The ABCs of Success
Congratulations to the winners of the 2010 H.O.G.® ABCs of Touring contest:
104
88
TM
United States
Canada
85
177
141
Darren James, Racing Manager for Deeley Harley-Davidson® Canada and motorcycle racer No. 29, has been making use of the Canadian winter months to fine tune details of the longawaited new Harley-Davidson® XR1200® Series in Canada. Together with the established Floridian Racer No. 123, Dave Estok, James will be competing in two classes this year — the Harley-Davidson® XR1200® Series and the Pro Sport Bike Class. The two-rider team will be racing on Harley-Davidson® and Buell motorcycles, respectively, prepared by Ruthless Racing Inc. “To see this XR1200® series kick off in Canada is a dream coming true,” said James. “I have wanted nothing more than to make sure we start with a full grid, so it’s amazing to see the level of enthusiasm of riders wanting to participate in this new racing series.”
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1st place 104 points Bill Kelso of Sussex, New Brunswick
1st place 177 points Larry Telling of Belleville, Michigan
2nd place 88 points Dave & Anita Unger of Fingal, Ontario
2nd place 88 points Jim Clark of Corpus Christi, Texas
3rd place 85 points Kevin Lewis of Winnipeg, Manitoba
3rd place 85 points Thomas Imes of Bixby, Oklahoma
Log on to members.hog.com to download your 2011 ABCs of Touring contest entry form.
Pin Stops ...
Top: Courtesy of Bell & Ross
Top: Ric Rowan
harley-davidson amps up support for Bikes over baghdad in Qatar Fresh on the heels of the latest Bikes Over Baghdad tour to Iraq and Kuwait last December, Harley-Davidson Motor Company continues its support for the BMX stunt team that has been sweeping U.S. military bases overseas with its highadrenaline, high-action stunt shows. Bikes Over Baghdad, an American team made up of some of the world’s best BMX athletes travelled to Qatar near Saudi Arabia to perform at Al Udeid Air Force Base, with support from Harley-Davidson .
H.O.G.® members can pick up a free commemorative pin and chat with H.O.G.® staff at selected motorcycle events. You must be a National H.O.G.® member with a valid membership card and visit our pin distribution area during the stated hours of the event. Next Stops: Bikers Reunion New Liskeard, Ontario — July 1-3, 2011 Wharf Rat Rally Digby, Nova Scotia — August 31 to September 5, 2011 For those registered, pins are also available at the 16th Canadian National H.O.G.® Rally in Kamloops, B.C. from August 25 to 27, 2011.
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front shop / June 2011 news • backstory • gallery • rally rides
that’s odd
Here’s an interesting vacation idea: Make your way to Milwaukee, Wisconsin to see an exotic collection of motorcycling oddities in their natural habitat at the Harley-Davidson Museum . Weird Wild Wonders will showcase an amazing array of treasures from the Harley-Davidson Motor Company archives; from secret prototypes to fantastic folk art creations to “What were they thinking?” contraptions. If you’ve never imagined it was possible, chances are that somebody else did, and there’s a good chance you’ll see it here in this special exhibit. In this photo, members of the Forty & Eight Club, a veterans’ service organization formerly associated with the American Legion, piloted this zany Harley-Davidson® Servi-Car at a convention in Oregon in 1952. TM
Weird Wild Wonders will be on display from June 11, 2011 to August 21, 2011. For more information, visit www.h-dmuseum.com.
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Photographs courtesy of the Harley-Davidson Motor Company Archives. Copyright H-D.
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front shop / june 2011 news • backstory • gallery • rally rides
members gallery
Darrell & Sharon LaFosse in Tucson, Arizona
Brenda Enskat Between New Denver and Kaslo, B.C.
Noel Peters and son Vacationing in Riveria Maya, Mexico
Hilary Montbourquette Drumheller, Alberta
Dennis Leclair
Young boy reading HOG® Magazine Canada with his Grandpa Fredericton, New Brunswick
PHOTO SUBMISSIONS: Please send minimum 2 MB files at 300 DPI resolution to: editor@hogcanada.ca 18
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Ivan Andrews and granddaughter 11th Western Region H.O.G.® Rally 2010
Scott Morrison Harley-Davidson® Jamaica shop in Montego Bay
Marlene Storry
Prince George Chapter Ladies of Harley™ event
Marcel Dumont Future Harley® Riders Gaspé, Quebec
Bruce Tiernay Favourite breakfast spot Durham Chapter
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front shop / june 2011 news • backstory • gallery • rally rides
members gallery
Dusty Larocque Backyard wedding of Josee and Mitch Mitchell
Jolanda Zwijnenburg En route to Las Vegas from Southern Alberta
Inter-Chapter Ice Breaker Event 2010 Sudbury, Ontario
Kent & Rhonda Ringheim On the way back from Alaska
Eric Ryan Roads of Zion
Ray Best, Ejna Best, Jim Hickey & Linda Hickey in
front of the Chatanooga Train on location at the State Rally in Tennessee
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Sylvain Boucher Cayo Largo, Cuba
Brett and Debbie Schafer Rockies Tour Rogers Pass Glacier National Park, B.C.
Freedom Chapter For the Love of Patches
Payten ... on Grandma’s Harley® bike Ottawa, Ontario
Robert Peterson 2010 Hoka Hey Rally
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The Canadian National H.O.G.速 Rally thunders into Kamloops, British Columbia, in 2011. Known for its diverse landscape, wide open grasslands, rugged mountains and forested valleys, Kamloops makes an ideal vacation and getaway destination. Come join the festivities and
THUNDER IN THE VALLEY! IMPORTANT REGISTRATION DATE: REGISTRATION ENDS: July 16, 2011
Registrations between June 1 to July 16, 2011 do not have guaranteed Rally packages. Packages will be given on-site on a first come, first served basis. Limited quantities available.
HOW TO REGISTER:
1) Call H.O.G.速 Canada at 1-800-668-4836 today! 2) Online at members.hog.com
FEES:
EARLY BIRD REGISTRATION CLOSED ON MAY 31, 2011 REGISTRATION RATE Adult (16+) $90 CDN Children (10-15) $55 CDN Children (under 10) FREE! They need to register, but they will not receive a Rally package.
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EVENT SCHEDULE Date/Time Activity Location Wednesday, August 24, 2011 5 pm - 8 pm Registration Open for Pre-registered Guests Only, Information Desk, Hospitality, H.O.G.® Mall
Kamloops Towne Lodge
Thursday, August 25, 2011 9 am - 6 pm
Registration, Hospitality, hog.com, Kamloops Towne Lodge Information Desk, H.O.G.® Mall
8 pm - 10:30 pm
Opening Ceremonies
Kamloops Towne Lodge
9 am - 6 pm
Registration, Information Desk, Hospitality, H.O.G.® Mall
Kamloops Towne Lodge
10 am - 11 am
Show ’N Shine Registration
Kamloops Towne Lodge
11 am - 1 pm
Show ’N Shine Judging
Kamloops Towne Lodge
3 pm - 4 pm
Biker Bingo
Kamloops Towne Lodge
7 pm - 11 pm
Kamloops Harley-Davidson ® Party Kamloops Harley-Davidson ®
Friday, August 26, 2011
Saturday, August 27, 2011 9 am - 12 pm
Registration, Information Desk, Kamloops Towne Lodge Hospitality
9 am - 10 am
Parade Staging
McArthur Island Sport and Event Centre
10 am
Group Photo
McArthur Island Sport and Event Centre
10:30 am
Parade Launch
McArthur Island Sport and Event Centre
11 am - 12 pm
Field Games Registration
McArthur Island Sport and Event Centre
12:30 pm - 3 pm
Field Games
McArthur Island Sport and Event Centre
5 pm
Doors Open
Tournament Capital Centre
6 pm - 7 pm
Closing Ceremonies
Tournament Capital Centre
7 pm - 8 pm
Dinner
Tournament Capital Centre
8:15 pm - 12 am
Entertainment
Tournament Capital Centre
All times and events are tentative and subject to change.
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front shop / june 2011 news • backstory • gallery • rally rides
8th Alberta Provincial H.O.G.® Rally July 6 – 9, 2011 From Grande Prairie to Medicine Hat, Alberta
Hotel, and a stop at the Harley-Davidson® / Buell Grande Prairie Retail Store. On Thursday morning we’ll ride off, down the scenic mountain highway towards Edmonton, the capital city of Alberta. We will make our way down the highway towards the one and only Harley-Davidson® of Edmonton, which just celebrated 30 years in the industry. We will stop there for a light snack and to catch up on the day’s ride. Be sure to pay close attention as you ride along, so that you will be able to answer the observation sheet questions in order to receive a prize at the end of the ride on Saturday. After staying overnight in Edmonton, we will attend a breakfast at Heritage Harley-Davidson® and will have the opportunity to take a look around at their newly opened Retail Store. By the way, the Best Western chain of hotels has offered us some excellent rates for your nights’ rooms. After breakfast, we will travel out of Edmonton to Red Deer for lunch and another Retailer visit. Next is a ride to the famous Drumheller, Alberta, to pet the dinosaurs — if you can spot one. We’ll then head to the city of Calgary and stop at Kane’s Harley-Davidson® Calgary for an evening gathering, and meal (overnight stay in Calgary). The Friday morning breakfast will be at Calgary Harley-Davidson®. Thanks to the great team of H.O.G.® Chapter members and Retail Store staff for their hospitality! Then, we’ll be off to Lethbridge along the scenic Cowboy Trail and past the well known town of Vulcan, something that can’t be missed. We’ll have a lunch stop there before heading on to Medicine Hat — our final stop — for our steak and lobster dinner, and party ride. Getting together, meeting fellow H.O.G.® members from around the world, and sharing your riding experience with others over dinner or coffee are all good times. We want everyone to leave with a positive feeling, so that you’ll plan to come for the next Rally, wherever it may be. Now, there is a lot more going on, but you will have to be on the ride to truly understand what kind of fun you might miss. We don’t have enough space in HOG® Magazine Canada to share everything with you. There are a lot of good people who have helped to make this ride a success; all the way from Grande Prairie to Medicine Hat. The $100.00 pre-registration fee and 300 H.O.G.® members only limit are part of what makes this ride very unique. If you miss this one, there’s always another time to catch a riding Rally; however, this one is at full capacity, so we’ll miss you. Thanks to everyone who helped to bring this together! TM
Exploring alberta: The riding rally As we travel across the national highways of Canada, exploring and discovering each roadway, meeting new friends, feeling the wind, and just enjoying the journey of riding our Harley-Davidson® motorcycles, we wonder: is there more to it, are we missing something, is this all we have to offer our H.O.G.® members? We haven’t even touched the surface of discovering this country’s back roads, historical locations, and points of interest to truly know what we have to offer those travellers from afar who come to see our country’s beauty and landscape. There seem to be a lot of Canadian H.O.G.® members riding and experiencing the different unique roads and rides our neighbours in the United States have to offer. While our neighbour to the south is a bit larger than Canada and has more destinations to visit, I truly believe that we are unique and have a lot of great riding destinations that are just waiting to be discovered. The idea came to us to start creating a different type of ride and H.O.G.® Rally for our members to be a part of and enjoy. As we all know, the U.S. has a few named rides that encourage group participation from one location to another, and then to another, and so on. The groups stop at various Harley-Davidson® Retailers along the way to enjoy the local hospitality. They also stop at historical points and ride on famous highways that would seem to take a rider back in time. These rides and stops continue over five to eight days, stopping overnight at a hotel to rest for the next day’s journey. Now, I said to myself, “Self, why don’t we do our own riding event like that, but in our own way?” Say hello to the 8th Alberta Provincial H.O.G.® Riding Rally! This will be the first ride for 2011, so we want it to be a memorable event for all who are able to attend. We hope that those who partake in this journey will have a great time because that is what it is all about. The ride will start on Wednesday, July 6, 2011 with a meet-andgreet and Rally package pick-up at the Best Western Grande Prairie
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Brad Carvery, Prairie Regional Director www.albertahogrally.com
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20th Atlantic Regional H.O.G.® Rally July 13 – 17, 2011 Sydney, Cape Breton
the cape breton heritage tour The 20th Atlantic Regional H.O.G.® Rally will once again be held on the beautiful island of Cape Breton in the downtown area of Sydney, Nova Scotia from July 13 to 17, 2011. When the Cape Breton Chapter, in conjunction with Ramsay’s Cycle & Sport, learned that they had been selected to host this year’s Rally, the members of the Rally Committee went to work on planning and organizing for the event. The host activity site selected for this year is the Joan Harris Pavilion, situated on the waterfront, and just seconds from the host hotel, the Delta Sydney. The Joan Harris Pavilion is home to the world’s largest fiddle, which will make for some unforgettable memories and pictures. The facility is fully equipped to handle all events and includes its own coffee shop, banquet kitchen, gift shops, museum, and outdoor stage. The theme of this year’s Rally is “The Cape Breton Heritage Tour”. In keeping with this theme, Rally attendees will be immersed in Cape Breton’s heritage. Every element of the Rally’s events will explore the island’s diverse culture and heritage. Local entertainment will be provided at every venue, daily rides will take you to historic parks and sites, the opening ceremony will make you laugh with local entertainers, and the closing ceremony will make you cry as the island’s heritage is explained. It has been promised that when you leave Cape Breton Island you will feel as though you
have been a part of the island all your life. “This Chapter is always ready to go to work and create an event that will please the masses,” said Andy Tonet, Chapter Director and Rally Coordinator. “We have a very unique opportunity here on Cape Breton Island; not only do we, as Harley-Davidson® riders, love to welcome others to our island, but the residents of Cape Breton also love to hear that the H.O.G.® Rally is coming. The entire population embraces the Harley-Davidson® lifestyle and wants to be a part of the events. Cape Breton Island is a very motorcycle friendly environment.” If you recall, the Cabot Trail was featured in the August issue of this magazine and was rated the “number one ride” by voters. This ride will be part of the Rally events and will take H.O.G.® members on some of the best riding in the world. Where in the world, other than Cape Breton Island, can you ride your HarleyDavidson® motorcycle with the mountains on one side of you, the Atlantic Ocean on the other, have everyone waving at you, and then eat a lobster at the side of the road? For complete Rally details and a schedule of events, go to www.capebretonhog.com, or contact Andy Tonet anytime by phone at 902-549-3595 or by e-mail at atonet@hotmail.com.
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front shop / june 2011 news • backstory • gallery • rally rides
23rd Ontario Provincial H.O.G.® Rally July 28 – 30,2011 Thunder Bay, Ontario
thunder in the bay! Attention all H.O.G.® members, significant others and guests! This year’s 23rd Ontario Provincial H.O.G.® Rally is being held in beautiful Thunder Bay. We want to invite you all to “Thunder in the Bay!” It is sure to be a fun and enjoyable three days filled with the roar of engines, the gleam of chrome and the warm, welcoming faces of all in attendance. Everyone is encouraged to attend, not only for the events and activities that take place here, but because your trip to, and around, Thunder Bay will be an enjoyable experience in and of itself. Many riders travelling to our city will enjoy one of North America’s premier scenic riding venues — The Circle Tour — around magnificent Lake Superior in Southern Ontario. Once here, you will enjoy the beautiful scenery landscapes, and rides that Thunder Bay has to offer. Thunder Bay is known as the Gateway to the West and offers touristic locations that are second to
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none and amongst the most panoramic in Canada, such as Kakabeka Falls, Ouimet Canyon, Sleeping Giant Provincial Park, Mount McKay, the Nor’Wester Mountain Range, and the Terry Fox Lookout. Thunder in the Bay will host a variety of events guaranteed to please everyone in attendance. Prepare to rendezvous as the “voyageurs” once did in this fur trade capital of yesteryear and take in the Biker Games, Poker Run, Show ‘N Shine, parade, and a few surprises being planned by the Rally Committee. Once here, you can enjoy local experiences and delicacies, such as world famous Persians, or Finn pancakes at the Hoito. The Thunder Bay Chapter, City Council, the community and local businesses look forward to your arrival and will strive to make your visit a memorable one. So, saddle up in July and come to the playground of Northwestern Ontario. We’ll be expecting you! www.ontariohogrally2011.com
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schedule of events 15th Quebec Provincial H.O.G.® Rally Saint-Jean-sur-Richelieu July 28 – 30, 2011 Thursday, July 28 Exploration Ride On-site Exhibit Tour of the Forts Opening Night Friday, July 29 Poker Run Exploration Ride Retailer Dinner On-site Exhibit Martin Deschamps Concert Saturday, July 30 On-site Exhibit Show ‘N Shine Motorcycle Skills Games Parade Though Town Closing Banquet Michel Pagliaro Concert
Conquest of the valley of the forts The Montérégie Chapter and Leo Harley-Davidson® will host the 15th Quebec Provincial H.O.G.® Rally at the Royal Military College Saint-Jean campus, from July 28 to 30, 2011 With the support of the Haut-Richelieu Tourism and Convention Bureau and the city of Saint-Jean-sur-Richelieu, we are offering a range of activities that are sure to please. You will enjoy riding through the magnificent valley of the Richelieu River and the Montérégie mountains that give the region its name. These tours will help you discover our history (Fort Chambly, Fort Lennox, Maison nationale des Patriotes) and the secrets of our land (Mont Saint-Grégoire, Lac Brome, Dunham). At the main rally venue, you will be able to visit our exhibitors’ kiosks and participate in a multitude of interesting activities. Starting Thursday evening, the Chapter Challenge will get underway with a special surprise competition that will bring out the community spirit and camaraderie of all participants. A revamped Chapter Challenge, with a new way of counting points that will give all Chapters in attendance, big and small, a chance to take home the prize. Don’t miss the “Show ‘N Shine” and the Saturday motorcycle skills games along with our “Slow Race”, “Straight Pipe” and “Pan Head” events,
not to mention concerts by Martin Deschamps and Michel Pagliaro that will leave you wanting more. In order to fully experience the rally, we suggest that you remain on the site or take advantage of the courtesy shuttle service offered every morning and evening between the major accommodation sites and the Royal Military College main activity site. The Montérégie Chapter will donate all profits from the 15th Quebec Provincial H.O.G.® Rally to the Fondation Le Renfort Grande Ligne. The Foundation’s mission is to raise funds in order to improve the quality of life of persons with intellectual disabilities or pervasive behavioural disorders. The Montérégie Chapter and the entire Leo Harley-Davidson® team look forward to seeing all of you at this event. For more information, contact us at inforally2011@hogmonteregie.com or visit our website at www.leoharleydavidson.com/pages/hograllyequebec.html.
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front shop / june 2011 news • backstory • gallery • rally rides
2011 canadian H.O.G.® rallies 8th Alberta Provincial H.O.G.® Rally July 6–9
Rally Rides Various locations Contact: Darlene Elias darlenee@telus.net 20th Atlantic Regional H.O.G.® Rally July 14-17, 2011, Sydney, Nova Scotia Contact: Andy Tonet atonet@hotmail.com 23rd Ontario Provincial H.O.G.® Rally July 28-30, 2011,
Thunder Bay, Ontario Contact: Susan Macey rally2011@tbaytel.net
15th Quebec Provincial H.O.G.® Rally July 28-30, 2011,
Montérégie, Quebec Contact: Jean Beauchemin rallyehog@leoharleydavidson.com
16th Canadian National H.O.G.® Rally August 25-27, 2011, Kamloops, British Columbia Contact Info: H.O.G.® Canada 1-800-668-4836 members.hog.com
2011 H.O.G.® Chapter events SOUTHERN MANITOBA CHAPTER June 4th-5th Spring Ride July 9th Poker Derby August 28th Show ‘N Shine September 10-11 Fall Ride gilsth@mts.net
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YORKTON CHAPTER June 5th Summer Poker Run September 11th Fall Poker Run September 25th Toy Run Terry: 306-783-1999
FREEDOM CHAPTER June 11 Fun Run for the Children’s Wish Foundation September 24 Charity Dance and Silent Auction rg@affinityproductions.tv
HURONIA CHAPTER June 5th Samaritan House Poker Run harry.gauthier@rogers.com
COTE-NORD CHAPTER June 11 Annual Crab Party Hogcote-nord9169@hotmail.com
NIPISSING CHAPTER June 18 Motor Cycle Ride for Dad thewatershop@on.aibn.com CALGARY CHAPTER June 21 Solstice Ride/Director’s BBQ June 26 Twin Butte Ride July 20 - 23 L.O.H.™ Ride to Montana State Rally
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2011 H.O.G.® Chapter events (continued) WINDSOR CHAPTER July 1 - 2, 2011 18th Heritage Rally October 1st, 2011 Annual Toy Ride for The Windsor Home Coalition (Toys for Kids) www.windsorhog.com
August 6 -7 Overnight ride (TBD) August 14 Family Picnic September 3-5 L.O.H.™ Weekend Ride September 7 Pig Roast & Group Photo December 3 Annual Christmas Party cpedlar@telusplanet.net
WINNIPEG CHAPTER July 1, 2011 Canada Day Poker Run 204-989-3900
REGINA CHAPTER June 25, 2011 Katepawa Poker Run November 5th, 2011 Annual Dance giesinger@src.sk.ca SCARBOROUGH CHAPTER June 25, 2011 Scarborough Mystery Ride www.scarboroughchapter.ca
OLD STRATHCONA CHAPTER July 22 - 23rd Montana Overnight Run August 19-21 British Columbia Overnight Run rick@oshog.ca
Eastern ONTARIO OTTAWA CHAPTER August 13, 2011 The Breast Ride Ever stempleton@sympatico.ca NIAGARA CHAPTER August 14th, 2011 Summer Poker Run Lenny.Evans@century 21.ca DRUMMONDVILLE CHAPTER September 10, 2011 Observation Run info@becancourharley.com
LONDON CHAPTER September 17, 2011 London Toy Ride www.londontoyride.ca LETHBRIDGE CHAPTER September 24, 2011 2nd Annual V-Twin Motorcycle and Custom Car Show ‘N Shine Eric: 403-320-1903 PETERBOROUGH CHAPTER September 25, 2011 Annual Toy Ride Arla: 705-743-0553
MILTON CHAPTER September 11th, 2011 Annual Erinoakkids Poker Run ann.gabriel@primus.ca
2011 U.S. State H.O.G.® Rallies Whether they’re around the corner or across the country, U.S. State H.O.G.® Rallies provide unique opportunities to enjoy new experiences as you travel the United States Minnesota Alexandria June 17-18
Wisconsin Two Rivers June 24-25
Wyoming Cheyenne July 14-16
Utah Washington to Las Vegas June 21-24
Idaho Boise July 7-9
Montana Bozeman July 21-23
New York Geneva July 7-9
Maryland/ Delaware Salisbury July 28-30
Arkansas Hot Springs June 23-25 Connecticut Danbury June 23-25 Virginia Petersburg June 23-26
Ohio Cuyahoga Valley July 14-16 West Virginia Charleston July 14-16
North Dakota Grand Forks July 29-30 Maine Bethel August 4-6
Rhode Island/ Massachusetts Warwick August 11-13 New Hampshire/ Vermont Lebanon August 18-20 North Carolina Hickory August 18-20 Pennsylvania Gettysburg August 18-20 Michigan Boyne Falls August 25-27
Missouri Osage Beach August 25-27
Oklahoma McAlester October 6-8
Washington Olympia August 26-28
Florida Destin/ Fort Walton Beach October 19-22
Georgia Hiawassee September 8-10 New Mexico Red River to Santa Fe September 8-10
Mississppi Southaven October 27-29
New Jersey Seaside Heights September 22-23
Dates, locations, and event details subject to change. For a complete 2011 schedule, log on to hog.com/calendar.
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Cactus Run
One H.O.G.® member describes how a road trip can strengthen friendships and create memories that will last forever By The Storyteller, Lyon Chapter, France
On a journey, there are always some exceptional moments that you’ll remember for the rest of your life, as if they were yesterday, and there will remain a special indefinable bond between you and the people with whom you’ve shared those special moments. My friend Pascal and I spent long winter evenings preparing for this new expedition, an adventure that was to add several outstanding pages to our scrapbook of memories. Our Cactus Run 2010 project consisted of a 5,600-kilometre loop from Las Vegas and back via the great classic runs: Grand Canyon, Moab, Monument Valley, the Navajo, Hopi and Zuni Reserves, South Arizona, Route 66, the Mojave Desert, and Death Valley. We’d decided to travel on just two bikes with our wives. Apart from the start and the finish, we made no accommodation bookings so that on each day we could look for rustic motels, which are plentiful in any American West township. Some high spots included Route 12, connecting Bryce Canyon and Moab, via Capitol Reef. With an early morning start in beautiful light, we enjoyed what is recognized as one of the most spectacular routes in the whole of the 30
USA. The looks we gave each other spoke volumes about our pleasure at riding together again in this fantastic American West — the land of freedom. You have to experience this to realize just how much we’re restrained on European roads; we’re channelled, monitored, regulated, and soon we’ll be forced to wear yellow jackets! We also met some really nice people, especially when riding on the tribal roads through the Navajo country. What will undoubtedly remain as the most exciting experience was our ride offroad. Near Mexican Hat on the Monument Valley road, we had spotted a famous loop across the Valley of the Gods desert. The fact that this 27-kilometre section was not paved had added a bit of spice to our preparations for the run. The off-putting and even discouraging replies to our questions on forums left us perplexed and questioning whether it was possible to gobble up this tempting morsel of land on a motorcycle. We agreed to make a decision about it when we got there. And that’s how we found ourselves in the suffocating midday heat at the start of the desert trail that had found its way into our winter evening fireside dreams; just
one glance exchanged with the “Big ’Un” and then, “let’s go!” The first kilometres were easy for our fully laden Electra Glide® bikes, and the trail was gritted as we had anticipated. We kept to a low 20 to 30 kilometres per hour. Very quickly we were onto corrugated iron and everything on the machine was vibrating to death, even my glasses. I couldn’t see the instrument panel – it was like a scene in the film The Wages of Fear. Speaking of which, did the fellows in the film have a trick up their sleeves? Yes, indeed! They had to ride at a minimum
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speed so as not to feel the bumps, so I daringly sped up to between 65 and 80 km/h. It worked just like in the movie and was the perfect technique for transporting nitro-glycerine! The trail became winding, with more ruts and stones, and we had to slow down. We stopped for a while about halfway through and turned the engines off. Now that the stress of the ride was reduced, we finally discovered the majestic scenery around us. Nobody dared to break the silence, we were completely blown away. In simple terms, the scenery of the Valley of the Gods is like a
smaller version of Monument Valley, without the crowds and the visitor centre. Further on, a big trench crossed the trail — it was a “wash” (a dry river most of the time). In fact, these were what caused the real problems, as we came across four very deep washes where violent storms had carried away the trail for several metres and the bare rock had the same rugged appearance as the mountains. The truck-like torque of the 1,580 cc engine lifted the 550 kg of machine out of the hole every time. Our best travelling companion was a 3.8-litre
CamelBak, which provided all the hydration we needed. During the run, our average consumption was comparable to that of the Milwaukee V-Twin motorcycle. On several occasions the thermometer on the instrument panel was stuck at 50° C. Our bikes eventually found a surface that was more in keeping with what they were used to, and our female passengers found their voices! It’s not always easy to stay composed in these conditions. We rejoined the paved road on the US163 a few kilometres east of Mexican Hat and we’d done it, just like we’d
dreamed, and without too many difficulties! I received one more surprise on that trip: while relaxing by the Death Valley hotel swimming pool, I met an old biking friend whom I hadn’t seen for years. It’s during bike rides that you experience the deepest emotions and strongest feelings of friendship; my wish is for everyone to experience this excitement with as much intensity. A big thank-you to our machines for their reliability in some tough conditions, and to our passengers, Isa and Isa, for accompanying us on this adventure! hog® magazine canada
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The 2011 riding season has finally arrived in Canada. As your gear comes out of winter storage, plans for this year’s adventures are being made. If you have put Vancouver, British Columbia and the Deeley Motorcycle Exhibition on your must-visit list, you won’t be disappointed. All motorcycle enthusiasts share a great passion for riding, but most of us don’t really know the history that led to this hugely popular activity that we enjoy today. Here’s a small sample of what you’ll find when you come and see the “Made in America” exhibit, which launched last December.
Destination:
bike sales until the release of the 1931 models. That year, Excelsior and Henderson ceased production, leaving only Indian and HarleyDavidson in the market. In 1953, Indian Motorcycles closed its doors and Harley-Davidson became the only major motorcycle manufacturer in the USA. • In 1965, Harley-Davidson made its first public stock offering and American Machine & Foundry (AMF), ultimately bought in. By then the Company had serious quality control problems due to worn out machinery, and AMF invested millions of dollars to replace it. Had they not done so, it’s unlikely that the Company would have been able to carry on or flourish as they have since then.
The thrill of twisting a throttle and experiencing a little speed is well known to motorcycle riders. Speed, as in racing, is also a feature at the Deeley Motorcycle Exhibition where the rich, colourful and often dangerous history of many forms of bike racing is displayed. It’s been said that the first motorcycle race probably occurred the very first time back at the rich history of the Harley-Davidson Motor two motorcycle riders happened upon each other while out on the Company that drives your passion today By Brent Cooke road for a spin. Board track races began in 1909 on oval race courses. These race • In the first 13 years of the 20th century, U.S. course tracks were made of steeply banked, twomotorcycle production went from nearly zero by-four inch pieces of lumber set on edge. By 1921, to more than 76,000 units per year, supplied by board trackers were averaging over 100 mph on more than 100 bona fide motorcycle factories. machines with no brakes and throttles locked on. The largest manufacturer was producing The bikes were meant to run flat out at full speed the “Indian motorcycle” in Springfield, for the entire race. Not surprisingly, there was a Massachusetts, and was building 32,000 bikes huge public outcry over race fatalities, so smaller in 1913. The second largest manufacturer at the engine classes with national championship status time was Harley-Davidson, which only produced were developed out of this outcry. 13,000 motorcycles. Much smaller numbers Harley-Davidson sponsored their first rolled off the lines at Excelsior, Henderson, Pope, Factory race team in 1914. By 1928, the Flying Merkel, Cleveland, and Pierce. deteriorating board tracks were considered • By 1914, Henry Ford doubled the wage of auto to be too dangerous to race on, and this plant workers to $5 a day and, as a direct result, chapter of American motorcycle racing ended. many motorcycle companies couldn’t compete However, racing was, and still is, a major focus at that pay rate and had to shut down their in the industry, and two machines that didn’t production plants. disappoint in their performance are the 1998 • By 1924, Harley-Davidson was the American Buell Lightning® motorcycle and the VR 1000 motorcycle, both of which are included in the motorcycle sales leader. However, when the price “Made in America” show. of a new Ford Model T car dropped to $285, well Come see us and learn more about below the going price for a motorcycle with a motorcycling and its history at Canada’s best sidecar, competition for transportation buyers motorcycle museum, the Deeley Motorcycle ensued. Exhibition, currently showing “Made in America”. • By 1928, Indian’s motorcycle production slowed As a bonus, enjoy the sights and sounds of the to only 5,000 units a year, while Harley-Davidson open road while en route to Vancouver on the still made more than 20,600 bikes that year. West Coast of beautiful British Columbia. • The 1929 stock market crash had little effect on
Deeley Motorcycle A look
Exhibition
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1912 Model 8
1912 – Harley-Davidson® Model 8
A new frame design and “full floating” seat suspension greatly improved the handling and control of the 1912 “Silent Grey Fellow”. While the V-Twin bike, made by Harley-Davidson, used pushrod-activated intake valves, the single still employed an earlier style and outmoded atmospheric technology. Belt drive was standard on the single as was the pedaloperated cycle style coaster brake on the rear wheel.
1926 – Harley-Davidson® JD
1926 H-D® – JD
Board track racing was very dangerous, often resulting in deaths of racers and spectators alike. As well, the tracks were very expensive to maintain. By the mid 1920s, motorcycle racing on the splinter track was finished. Harley-Davidson abandoned racing in 1922 and stopped building the 8-valve Factory racer, so privateers began race-tuning the F-head JD bike. This dirt track race replica has a 1926 JD engine, single-speed chain drive and no clutch or brakes. Bikes were pushed or towed to start their engines. The riders then formed a moving line across the track and were sent off to a flying start.
1929 – Indian Scout 101
1929 Indian Scout 101
The original Scout bike was introduced in 1923 and underwent a complete transformation to become the 101 Scout model for 1929. Enthusiasts agree that it was the best all-round machine of its day. With a long, low chassis the 101 Scout bike soon became a favourite with amateur flat track racers. The Hendee Manufacturing Co. name was changed in 1923 to Indian Motocycle Co. The “r” in motorcycle was dropped to avoid potential lawsuits over patents.
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1933 – Harley Davidson® VLE
Motorcycle sales plummeted during the Great Depression and production in 1933 was the lowest since 1910. Only a series of drastic cost-cutting measures and sales initiatives kept HarleyDavidson from suffering the same fate as Excelsior suffered in 1931 — closure. Mechanically, the 1933 VL model was little changed from the previous year; however, the new standard two-tone colour scheme and art deco graphics gave the bike a fresh, new look.
1933 H-D® –VLE
1935 – Harley-Davidson® “Peashooter”
In 1925, the AMA introduced a smaller 21-cubic-inch race class intended to make board track racing safer by lowering speeds. The new class did not rescue the board track, but did produce a formidable new dirt track racer. The overhead valve engine’s efficient, Harry Ricardo-designed cylinder head gave the “Peashooter” plenty of punch, and with its light weight it was capable of nearly 100 mph in racetune. Racer, Joe Petrali, joined the Factory race team for Harley-Davidson and won all 13 national dirt track championships in 1935 aboard a “Peashooter”.
1965 – Harley-Davidson® Electra Glide®
The most dramatic change for Harley-Davidson in 1965 was the addition of an electric starter, which mandated a new name — Electra Glide®. Other changes included 12 volt electrics, a larger battery, a leak-free cast aluminium primary case to house the new starter motor, and a new frame design. Also, 1965 was the last year for production of the “Panhead” motor; the 18-year veteran was replaced by the “Shovelhead” engine in 1966.
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1935 H-D® – Peashooter
1965 H-D® Electra Glide®
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1997 – Harley-Davidson® VR 1000
The VR 1000 model was designed and built in the U.S. by Harley-Davidson, specifically for AMA Superbike racing. Its engine, a liquid cooled, fuel-injected 60° V-Twin engine with dual overhead cams and four valves per cylinder, produced 135 horsepower at 10,000 rpm. By the 1999 racing season, it was producing 170 horsepower, but it was still underpowered for the Superbike class. Miguel DuHamel and Pascal Picotte achieved impressive individual results aboard the VR 1000 motorcycle before the program was dropped in 1999.
1998 – BuellTM Lightning®
On August 7, 1998, Shane Kenneally rode this Team Deeley Buell S1 Lightning® motorcycle to a 1,350 cc Production-Push Rod Class land speed record of 150.022 mph, but the record did not come easily. The engine had suffered serious damage while being tested on the dynamometer the day before. Although this was a setback, the team was able to rebuild the engine and test the bike in the Trev Deeley Motorcycles parking lot right before it was loaded onto the trailer for the 22-hour trip to the Salt Flats.
1997 VR 1000
1998 Buell™ – Lightning®
TM
2007 – BuellTM XBRRTM
The Buell XBRR model is a limited-edition production racing motorcycle based on the Firebolt® XB12R model. It was reworked at the Factory, making it the bike for closedcourse track competition. There are a number of interesting features on this bike including the fuel tank, which is located in the frame, and the oil tank, which is located in the swingarm. Deeley Harley-Davidson® Canada sponsored Darren James and Steve Crevier who won many races on this bike. TM
TM
2007 Buell™– XBRR™
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Celebrate Father’s Day For a limited time, buy a Harley-Davidson® Grilling Apron & receive a $15 Harley-Davidson® Gift Card absolutely free!* A must-have for the barbeque season, this cotton canvas apron includes a built-in bottle opener and a waterproof pocket designed to hold a nice, cool beverage on those hot summer days. The front pockets and loop help carry the necessary tools for a delicious day at the grill. Forget the ties and sweaters this Father’s Day. Your local Harley-Davidson® Retail Store has all the great gifts for Dad.
Limited quantities are available, so don’t wait to visit your participating authorized Canadian Harley-Davidson® Retail Store. *Offer valid from June 6, 2011 to June 19, 2011. Only available while quantities last at participating authorize Canadian Harley-Davidson® Retail Stores. No rain checks available. The MotorClothes logo, Harley, Harley-Davidson and Sportster are among the trademarks of H-D Michigan, LLC. ©2011 H-D.
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june 2011
Pit stop
How to react when your path is not clear Preparing for a long haul is a matter of mind, body, and motorcycle A little TLC — How to keep your Harley® bike in tip-top shape 12 reasons to love your air-cooled engine
$100 ride
Comedian roars through Boston on epic adventure
ultimate rides ABCs of Touring: a unique opportunity for H.O.G® members
riding stories Riding adventures through Canadian country
enthusiasts
Riding Family Jacobek: Ontario family catches the riding bug
exhaust
Dialing it in: Experienced mechanic tweaks motorcycle for “best of both worlds”
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A course in obstacles
How to react when your path is not clear
By Becky Tillman, Rider’s Edge® Regional Manager, Harley-Davidson Rider Services
of lanes on the highway, that sort of thing. Have you left yourself a space cushion? Complicating the situation is that all of these factors need to be analyzed in an instant. The good news is that by thinking ahead and riding actively (not passively) you can greatly increase your chances of circumventing a tragedy.
Imagine yourself gliding down the highway, without a care in the world, when suddenly, without warning, a large chunk of concrete (board, dead raccoon or that big overdue library book you’ve been looking for) emerges from between the rear wheels of the vehicle in front of you. What should you do? Stop quickly? Swerve to avoid the obstacle? Hold steady and “ride it out”? The answer depends, of course, on other variables in the situation. Speed, following distance, the number
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First Things First The best way to deal with an unexpected obstacle in your path is to never have an obstacle in your path. Well, duh, right? You’re probably thinking, “I’m not a psychic — the only way to make sure that I never find an obstacle in my path is to never get on my motorcycle!” True enough. Just remember the quote above; safe riding is all about risk reduction, not risk elimination. So let’s start by going back to some of the very basics — because it’s impossible to overemphasize the fundamentals! If you’ve taken a basic rider training class, you may recall that much emphasis was placed on “S.E.E.” — which stands for Search, Evaluate, and Execute. This three-step concept boils down to actively looking for potential hazards and dangerous situations that may develop, analyzing or evaluating what you see and deciding how to react, and then reacting. Let’s go back to the situation described at the beginning of this article. It doesn’t take much searching to see that there’s a truck in front of you. But what does that mean? Among other things, it probably means that your visibility — how well you can see the road ahead — is compromised. That’s the first step in evaluating the situation. The next is deciding what to do about it. You have several options. The first choice would probably be to ease off the throttle and increase your following distance, buying yourself a little more reaction time if and when that obstacle appears. Remember the two-second rule: You should leave a minimum of two seconds between your motorcycle and the vehicle ahead of you. It’s okay to leave more if the situation calls for it. Another good option would be to change your position in relation
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to the truck. If you’re on a multi-lane road, consider changing lanes and getting out from behind it, but maybe there’s a lot of traffic and no place to go. In that case, try to leave an escape route; that is, some open space to one side or another, and behind you, that you can move into quickly if needed. If the road has two lanes, passing is an option, but only if you do it safely! We’ll save those details for another article. If the road is twisty, making passing difficult, and you’re not in any kind of a hurry, which you never really should be on a motorcycle, consider just slowing down and letting the truck get farther ahead of you. You could even pull off the road and take a short break while the truck continues a few kilometres down the road. Do whatever it takes to get some space and lessen the chance of being taken by surprise. In other situations, use your Search and Evaluate skills to pick out situations that may present a hazard, and then Execute your plan of action. The Nerve to Swerve Now let’s assume you tried (or at least considered) all those things and still find yourself face to face with an obstacle in your path. Your first choice is often to swerve to avoid the obstacle if you can do so safely. Again, the space cushion comes into play. If you’re fully in tune with your riding situation, you’ll already know, or at least have a good idea if, for instance, there’s room in the lane to your left for
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Up and Over Sometimes, depending on the type of obstacle you’re facing, your best choice is to simply ride over it or “surmount” it. Personally, I don’t think that I know of anyone who’s had a two-by-four unexpectedly drop into their path, but this is the example always used in books and in Rider’s Edge® classes. It’s an easy one to practice. So, if you ever find yourself with a two-by-four type object in your path that you can’t avoid: First, slow down as much as traffic will allow and do your best to approach the obstacle at a 90-degree angle. Lift yourself off the seat slightly and keep your knees bent. Hold on firmly (but again, without introducing excessive tension into the situation), shift your weight to the rear, and roll on the throttle slightly just before you make contact. This will help the front wheel absorb some of the impact and “lift” it over the obstacle. Roll off the throttle on contact and, while continuing to look forward, let your knees flex to absorb the blow as your motorcycle rolls forward over the object. When executed properly, you may be surprised how well this manoeuvre helps you surmount obstacles — even ones that are bigger than a two-by-four. Stop if You Can Finally, if you can’t swerve around the obstacle and don’t think you can safely go over it, an emergency stop may be your best option.
“…safe riding is all about risk reduction not risk elimination.”
you to move into. Or perhaps it’s the road’s shoulder on your right. In either case, the point is to make a quick change of direction to avoid the obstacle and then turn back to resume your original direction of travel. This is a swerve. A swerve is nothing more than two quick counter steers in opposite directions. You may recall that a “counter steer” is a turn to the left or right made by pushing on the handgrip on the side you intend to turn towards. This may seem counterintuitive because you’re essentially turning the handlebar in the opposite direction you want the vehicle to go. This really does work because of the gyroscopic physics of your motorcycle’s rapidly spinning wheels: the bike will lean and turn toward whichever handgrip you push on. It is absolutely crucial that you understand this in an emergency situation. Remember: Never combine swerving and braking. It’s very important to separate these two actions. This is a good skill to practice in an empty parking lot. Remember to keep your muscles loose and let the motorcycle move underneath you. The more tension you have in your body the less smoothly your bike will respond to your inputs.
Here’s a quick summary: 1. Don’t panic! 2. Apply both brakes smoothly and firmly. 3. Pull in the clutch and downshift. 4. Check what’s happening behind you (very important!). 5. Bring your motorcycle to a quick, safe stop. 6. If necessary, accelerate away from potential additional danger. In Summary Remember: If you can, keep yourself out of situations where obstacles may suddenly appear in front of you. Learn to expertly swerve to avoid them if you must. Practice “surmounting” obstacles so you can do it properly when you have to. Know how to bring your bike quickly and safely to a halt if you must. And take the fear of encountering unexpected obstacles out of your riding experience. Sources: Harley-Davidson® Rider’s Edge® and the “Motorcycle Safety Foundation’s Guide to Motorcycling Excellence”. Do you have a topic you’d like us to address? Let us know by writing to: editor@hogcanada.ca.
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going the distance
Preparing for a long haul is a matter of mind, body, and motorcycle By Chris Carr Endurance rider, Chris Carr (not to be confused with Chris Carr the dirt track racer), has made a name for himself by riding very long distances in very short periods of time. In 2008, he had the record for a run from Dead Horse, Alaska to Key West, Florida well within his grasp until mandatory hurricane evacuations in the Keys cut his trip short. Most recently, Carr successfully completed the first Hoka Hey Motorcycle Challenge (an endurance run from Key West to Homer, Alaska) on a Harley-Davidson® XR 1200X™ bike — not exactly considered the ideal touring motorcycle. Chances are that most of us are never going to race across the far reaches of the North American continent. Nonetheless, there is much to be learned from Carr’s adventures that can benefit us mere mortals, even if your idea of an endurance ride might mean having to gas up more than once in the same day. Serious Saddle Time Riding 18, 24, or even 30 hours straight is not for everyone. In fact, I don’t even recommend it except under very special circumstances, and only following a lot of training and preparation. But that’s a typical day in the saddle for me when I’m in the midst of an endurance ride challenge. Notice that I referred to my rides in terms of hours, not kilometres. When most people talk about their longest ride in a day they’ll say they rode 500, 600, 700 kilometres or whatever. And that’s fine, but what makes a ride challenging has more to do with time spent than kilometres covered because riding 30 kilometres through a congested city at rush hour can be far more fatiguing than riding 100 kilometres on the open road, and it may well take the same amount of time! That speaks directly to good planning, which is one of
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the most important aspects of a successful long-distance ride, even if you’re not trying to break a record. Planning When I rode my Buell Ulysses® motorcycle from Dead Horse to Key West, I knew in advance every place I was going to stop for gas along the way. From that you can infer that I also knew my precise route and had also timed my riding to avoid rush hour traffic in urban areas. That sort of attention to detail may seem extreme, but a practical application might be this: If you’re planning to stop for the night in, say, Atlanta (a city notorious for bad traffic, and my hometown), then find a hotel on the far side of town. If it’s late, it may be tempting to stop on the near side, but you’ll regret that decision in the morning when you’re faced with riding through the city at rush hour. Better to breeze through town the night before and breeze out again in the morning. Even though it can be fun to explore, if your goal is to cover a lot of ground, it’s best to have your route nailed down as much as you can ahead of time. GPS is a wonderful tool; I use it whenever possible (and when allowed by the rules of the competition I may be riding in). After all, getting lost just slows you down. TM
Packing Another big question I ask myself when faced with a long-distance tour is what to pack. Contrary to what you might think, I actually pack very light for long-distance rides. While it’s smart for most people to pack a few spare parts and supplies, I don’t when I’m competing. If you’re riding just for pleasure, it certainly makes sense to be more prepared for an emergency with a basic tool kit.
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I also don’t pack as much clothing or gear as you might think. Since I don’t stop a lot, I don’t change clothes very often, if ever, so there’s really no need. But I do make sure that I have several pairs of gloves, of varying weights, and I wear clothing that breathes well, that is, polyester-type materials that wick moisture away from the body. One of the biggest mistakes that I have seen people make at the Hoka Hey Motorcycle Challenge: over-packing. Over-packing slows you down by making it harder to unload and reload, and find stuff you need quickly. Making the bike heavier than it needs to be will also negatively affect your gas mileage. The Motorcycle Many people are surprised to learn that the bikes I ride in my endurance challenges are pretty close to stock. I don’t use a lot of accessories. The main reason is that more accessories mean more things that can break, and it’s more taxing on the battery and electrical system, especially when the bike is running for so many hours straight. One concession that I do make is to be sure the bike has a good, powerful headlight. This is because I do a lot of my riding at night, and I want to make sure I can see as far ahead as possible, and can be seen easily, as well. Riding at night, especially when it’s hot, is easier on both bike and rider, and traffic is usually lighter, which makes for easier going. It’s important to balance that, however, with the relative safety of riding in daylight, as well as your desire to watch the passing scenery. Another important consideration is a good seat. For many people, especially on a Harley-Davidson® Touring model, the stock
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mentally and physically ready to take on a long-distance ride. The first step is to be in reasonably good physical shape. The healthier you are, the better your body will respond to the stresses you subject it to on a long ride. That means eating right, both in general and during the ride. I don’t like to stop to eat while I’m riding, but I keep a lot of high-energy foods with me on the bike. One favourite is fortified milk or the gel packs that runners use. I also like to mix sports drink powder into bottled water at gas stops. While a lot of riders rely on “energy drinks”, caffeine, or other stimulants (I even met one guy who substitutes caffeine pills for his morning coffee when he’s in a hurry to get going!), I take the opposite approach. I avoid such stimulants completely. I find my mind stays clearer and sharper this way and I never become dependent on them. Passing the Time One final challenge is keeping your mind occupied for hours at a time. As exciting as it is to ride a motorcycle, there are times on long trips when you just get bored. I personally find there’s a bit of a “life cycle” to my mental state. I start out invigorated, and then after some time hit a bit of a “wall” where I start to feel like I can’t ride any farther. But once I push through that, I catch a second or even a third wind and I am good to go for many more hours. For getting through those rough stretches, listening to music on my iPod has become a big help. Other times, I simply try to stay focused on the goal that I’m trying to achieve: on wanting to not disappoint my friends, family, and other supporters. Or I’ll actively engage with my surroundings and try to find something interesting
“Listen to advice from more-experienced riders and learn from your mistakes… and your successes!”
seat is just fine, but Harley Davidson Motor Company also offers a wide variety of custom seats. Finding one that fits your backside well and suits your riding style is important for eating up the kilometres. Wind protection: a good windshield or fairing is also crucial for long-distance success. While it can be very invigorating to ride with your face in the wind, hour after hour of riding this way can be brutal on your face and neck. Another key is to shift your position from time to time. Cruise control or a throttle lock allows you to relax your hands more, and highway pegs give you more flexibility in your leg position, and also let you shift your weight in the seat more easily. Nutrition & Hydration An often overlooked aspect of long-distance riding is your body. In fact, one of the most common rookie mistakes I see is not being
around me to think about and focus on. And occasionally, I’ll get into a sort of Zen state while riding. I’ll get into a zone where my mind will drift off and take me somewhere else, completely away from my ride. I can’t say this is the safest mental approach, but it certainly helps the hours slip by more quickly. Getting Started My final piece of advice is simply to start slowly! If you’re not used to taking long trips, or spending long days in the saddle, work your way up to it. Start with shorter trips with shorter days and then gradually extend your rides as you start to get more comfortable. Listen to advice from more experienced riders and learn from your mistakes, and your successes! Keep your goals reasonable and before you know it, you’ll be eating up the kilometres like a pro, and maybe even setting your own personal endurance records.
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a little TLC
Keep your Harley® bike in tip-top condition all year round! Here are a few tips to help…
CLEANING LEVERS Clean and inspect levers
To purchase quality cleaning products designed specifically for your H-D motorcycle, shop at your local HarleyDavidson Retail Store. ®
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It’s often said that a clean bike runs better. Just as often, this revealed wisdom is dismissed as a rationalisation of the vain; an excuse for people who love seeing their Harley-Davidson® motorcycle glisten after spending more time washing it. There is some truth to this time-honoured axiom; however, Chris Tribbey, Manager, Service Marketing & Retail Capabilities for Harley-Davidson Motor Company says, “For one thing, when you clean the grit out of places like the hand levers and brake discs, you can improve their performance and extend their life.” He emphasizes, “But more importantly, washing your motorcycle presents the perfect opportunity to perform a thorough ‘T-CLOCS’ inspection.” T‑CLOCS is the acronym used by the Motorcycle
Safety Foundation to guide riders through a proper pre-ride inspection of their bike. “When you wash your bike, you’re touching and handling a lot of parts you might not otherwise get so close to,” Tribbey says. “It’s easy to see if something is loose, like a shift lever or foot peg. When you’re cleaning your chrome you may feel some damage to a heat shield. Washing your tires and wheels is a great time to detect a loose spoke, excessive tire wear or a missing valve cap.” These are just a few examples of how cleaning your bike can not only help it run better, but also prolong its life. The list of what you can find is nearly endless, but the bottom line is this: If you see it or touch it while you’re washing it, you should inspect it!
the basics of a T-clocs inspection Tires and wheels: Tread depth, wear, embedded objects, loose spokes Controls: Pedals, cables, hoses, throttle Lights: Headlamp, brake/tail lamps, turn signals, lenses, reflectors Oil and fluids: Levels, leaks, faulty seals Chassis: Frame, suspension, belt Stand: Cracks or bends, spring tension For complete information about pre-ride inspections, consult your owner’s manual.
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BATTERIES
Keep the spark alive When is a battery problem not a battery problem? When the real issue is with the charging system; namely, the voltage regulator or stator. Fortunately, it’s pretty easy to tell the difference. Since autumn is when it seems like riders are either putting their bikes away for the winter or gearing up to start their real riding season in the cooler weather, it’s a great time to conduct a couple of simple tests. All you need is an inexpensive DC voltage meter. First, check your battery with the bike turned off. Put the meter’s black lead on the black/negative terminal of your battery and the red lead on the red/positive terminal. Ideally, you should get a reading of just over 12 volts. For the new Harley-Davidson® AGM batteries, the reading should fall between 12.5 and 12.7 volts. Next, start your bike, keep it running at idle speed, and check the voltage again. You should see an increase to about 14 volts (VGM batteries: 13.8 to 14.2 volts). Now, twist the throttle until the engine reaches about 3,000 rpm and look for a reading between 14.5 and 15.5 volts. Generally, the level should not exceed 15.5 volts. If it goes higher, it means your charging
system is not operating properly and may be overcharging your battery, which will eventually lead to failure and a potentially dangerous situation. If your voltage readings are too low, your battery is not charging properly, which will eventually lead to a dead battery situation, even if your battery is fine right now. Before you assume that your charging system is damaged, check the following points to make sure that: • The battery leads are securely connected • The battery leads are clean • The grounding lead is securely connected to the chassis If the above points are alright and you’re still getting low readings, the problem is likely a bad voltage regulator or stator. If you’re not inclined to make these repairs yourself, don’t hesitate to take your bike to an authorized Harley-Davidson® Retail Store. The Retail Store will have the specialized equipment and personal expertise needed to further diagnose and repair any issues. By keeping an eye on your bike’s battery and charging system, you can head off potential problems before they cause a breakdown, and keep your spark alive for years to come.
1. Completely sealed, valve-regulated maintenance- free design eliminates acid spills and corrosion damage. 2. Re-engineered vent system is specially designed to minimize leakage. 3. Exclusive moulded terminal design increases strength and durability. 4. Unique positive post-brushing resists vibration damage and retards acid leaks and corrosion. 5. Heat-sealed cover prevents electrolyte leakage and improves reliability. 6. Larger diameter through-partition welds direct more power to the starting motor. 7. Heavy top lead improves plate-to-lug adhesion for vibration resistance and long life. 8. Plates are lock-bonded together, reducing vibration damage for longer life. 9. Exclusive calcium/calcium alloy grids provide the highest cranking amps and lowest self-discharge. 10. Full-frame power path design directs more power to the terminals for quick, sure starts. 11. High-density oxide provides maximum power-per- sound or dependable “high cycling” service. 12. Tear resistant Absorbed Gas Mat separators protect plates, ensuring a long battery life. 13. Exclusive demineralised electrolyte improves service life. Metered addition of electrolytes means no excess acid. 14. Positive terminal protector (not shown) protects against short circuits and sparks. 15. Stainless steel terminal bolts (not shown) won’t rust or corrode. 16. Distinguished Harley-Davidson® Bar & Shield logo is moulded into the case for quick, confident recognition.
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12 reasons to love your air-cooled engine Twist the throttle on a Harley-Davidson® motorcycle and you instantly know you’re on a Harley® bike. The signature sound, the immediate low-end torque, the tingle up your spine… It’s all due, more than anything else, to the air-cooled, V-Twin engine that has defined H-D® motorcycles for the past 100 years. Yet, while the essential air-cooled V-Twin architecture has remained in place, the technology within the engine moves forward rapidly. In an age when increasingly strict, worldwide regulatory emission requirements shape the motorcycle world, the venerable air-cooled V-Twin engine remains at the heart of many Harley-Davidson® models.There are lots of good reasons to love your air-cooled Harley-Davidson® engine. Here are just a dozen:
No.1
They’re Smart
Since 2007, all H-D® engines have utilized Electronic Sequential Port Fuel Injection (ESPFI) instead of carburetors. The ESPFI system controls fuel/air delivery based on air density, throttle position, engine temperature, and exhaust oxygen sensors. The engine control module monitors these sensors, adjusting the fuel delivery for optimal engine operation. In addition to controlling the fuel/air mixture, H-D® engine management systems control ignition timing based on engine temperature, air temperature, load on the engine, and RPM.
No.2
They’re clean
During the past decade or so, meeting ever-more-strict exhaust emission requirements around the world has become a primary influence on engine development and calibration. Harley-Davidson Motor Company must achieve emission compliance in the more than 50 countries in which it sells motorcycles, which often requires unique calibrations or equipment for various markets.
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No.3
They’re efficient
The long-stroke/small-bore, two-cylinder, low-rpm design of H-D® air-cooled engines has inherently low frictional power losses.
No.4
They’re powerful
the front cylinder, thus cooling off the rear. To improve heat dissipation, cylinder-cooling fins on the Twin Cam engines are wider than on the Evolution engine. TM
No.6
They’re balanced
The counter-balancers on the
Twin Cam B engines used in the Softail® family cancel 100 percent of the primary imbalances of the engine, eliminating the need for rubber mounting. Significant engineering produced a balanced engine, of which outside appearance is nearly identical to the nonbalanced Twin Cam engines by having the balancer drive within the cases.
This H-D design also produces its signature strong torque at low and midrange engine speeds, where most people ride most of the time.
No.5
They beat the heat
Achieving emission compliance has required leaner fuel/ air mixtures, which in turn can produce a hotter-running engine during long periods of idle. Harley-Davidson made the Engine Idle Temperature Management System (EITMS) available, beginning with certain 2007 models. At idle, when the engine reaches a certain temperature, EITMS shuts off fuel to the rear cylinder, leaving it to idle only on
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tion of precise, electronically controlled spark timing and fuel delivery with 02 feedback, efficient intake systems and camshafts, and three-way exhaust catalysts, H-D® engines meet or exceed current emission requirements.
No.9
They’re streamlined
In addition to their aesthetic appeal, air-cooled engines are inherently simple without the radiator, water pump, and plumbing required of liquidcooled engines.
No.10
They’re durable
All Harley-Davidson® engine designs are subjected to rigorous durability testing that includes dynamometer testing for hundreds of hours and thousands of kilometres.
No.7
They sing
The signature sound of H-D® air-cooled V-Twin engines is primarily the result of a narrow 45-degree bank angle, bore-to-stroke ratio, and precise intake and exhaust tuning. Over time, regulatory noise requirements have presented a significant challenge to preserving the iconic sound. Intake, exhaust, and mechanical noise together represent the majority of the bike’s sound footprint. To
promote higher levels of legal exhaust sound, other sources are engineered to be quieter. Cylinder fins are cut and shaped, gear teeth are ground and honed, covers and cases are shaped and formed. All are analytically modeled and tuned to minimize mechanical noise output. Other refinements, like a hydraulically tensioned roller chain cam drive system and a mechanically tensioned primary drive system, have been designed to create a superior engine sound quality.
The end result is a legendary orchestra of sounds that continues to rumble along.
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No.8
The 45-degree, inline V-Twin has been a hallmark of H-D® engine design since 1909 and the introduction of the Model 5-D.
They stand the test of time
In the mid-1970s, the consensus of many within the motorcycle industry was that air-cooled engines would soon be “dead” because of their inability to meet emission regulations. Today’s engines defy that notion. Thanks to the combina-
They’re historic
No.12
They’re beautiful
What other motorcycle company makes the engine the centrepiece of its design?
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custom dreamin’
Quebec butcher puts together his dream ride … in less than ten minutes By Gordie Bowles and Chantele Cumberbatch It all started with a vision, a dream — along with over 8,000 Harley-Davidson® Genuine Motor Parts & Accessories options — and in less time than it took to finish your morning coffee, it ended with a motorcycle masterpiece. The Harley-Davidson Motor Company recently launched their H-D1™ factory customization program, which is now available to Canadians through Harley-Davidson® in Canada. This program consists of several components, including an online motorcycle customizer called Bike Builder located on the website www.harleycanada.com/hd1bikebuilder, which lets you build a 2011 H-D® Sportster® 1200 Custom motorcycle with Factory-and Retailer-installed options and preconfigured collections to fit a variety of styles and personalities. Canada’s first-ever H-D1™ Customer, Richard Chartier, a 49-year-old butcher, has landed the bike of his dreams. After a painless process of customization with the competent staff at Leo Harley-Davidson® in Brossard, Quebec, Chartier was able to build a fully dialled-in 1200 cc motorcycle that is not only road ready, but also a real head turner. Having heard about the H-D1™ Program at a motorcycle show Chartier did some preliminary Internet research of his own and decided to embark on a stripping down and custom styling process that took less than 10 minutes. He did this at the Retail location and was able to design and configure a Harley-Davidson® motorcycle worthy of show and tell. The grandfather of one said that he’s going to “recommend it to everyone”, including family and friends. On the following page, HOG® Magazine Canada walks you through the process to customize your journey and to make a truly one-of-a-kind ride.
Richard Chartier Age: 49 years-old Family: Married for 28 years with four children and one grandson Profession: Butcher Occupation: Owner of a butcher shop
windshields handlebars
Sportster 1200c intake seats
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Build your bike, build your freedom The H-D1™ program let’s you design your very own Sportster‰ 1200 Custom motorcycle
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FIT A good fit is like your favourite pair of jeans – the better you fit your motorcycle, the better the ride. The right fit is crucial for maximizing comfort and getting the most out of every ride. Once you’ve chosen your Harley® motorcycle, take the time to custom fit your handlebars, seat, foot controls and suspension. STYLE With a Harley-Davidson® motorcycle, your custom style possibilities are endless. Have an overall plan to maximize installation efficiency and minimize your time off of the road. Style: custom paint, details, custom seat, custom wheels.
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FUNCTION Decide how you want to roll. Solo and stripped down, two-up and fully loaded, or anywhere in between; you can tailor any H-D® motorcycle to meet the demands of the highways and byways. If you crave maximum storage capacity and on-road versatility, detachable accessories can be changed in seconds.
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PERFORMANCE Let’s talk torque, horsepower, brute force and speed. Whether you’re into aggressive riding or need to haul a heavy load, you will find the H-D® motorcycle proven on the track and engineered for the streets that will fit your wants and needs.
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BEING A CANADIAN MEMBER has its own rewards
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The Harley-Davidson Owners Group® of Canada Ltd. recently launched the second edition of the HOG® Magazine Canada E-news. Some of the features include: Updated event information in each region • Local Harley-Davidson® Retailer news • Additional articles and photos • H.O.G.® member benefits news and updates •
If you have not yet received the HOG® Magazine Canada E-news, call 1.800.668.4836 or email HOG@harleycanada.com with your name, CD membership number and email address for delivery. hog® magazine canada
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Introducing Women’s Rider Comfort System - the next generation of Harley-Davidson ® MotorClothes ® riding gear. When you’re out there riding, it’s you versus Mother Nature. The new system comprises a base layer, mid and outer layer options that work together to put you in total control of your climate and your comfort in any riding condition. So now, nothing can come in the way of you and your road. Not even the weather.
Maintains ambient body temperature.
Provide warmth and insulation.
Protect you from the elements.
Visit harleycanada.com or your local Harley® Retailer to find out more.
© 2011 H-D. Harley, Harley-Davidson, MotorClothes and the Bar & Shield logo are among the registered trademarks of H-D Michigan, LLC.
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Earn 1 Genuine Rewards point for every $2 in qualifying net retail purchases‡ 2,500 Genuine Rewards points = $25 Harley Chrome® Cash Use Harley Chrome® Cash toward purchases of MotorClothes® Merchandise, Genuine Harley-Davidson® Motor Accessories, service — even a Harley-Davidson® motorcycle.
Learn more about the Harley-Davidson® MasterCard® credit card today. Visit www.creditrsvp.com or call toll-free 1.877.428.6060a Monday – Friday 9 a.m.– 9 p.m., Saturday 10 a.m.– 6 p.m. Eastern Time. Please quote priority code CLID. ‡These are the highlights of the MBNA Canada Harley-Davidson Credit Card Rewards program as it pertains to this credit card. Complete terms and conditions describing eligibility of the program, periodic drawings for new Harley-Davidson Motorcycles, Harley-Davidson Genuine Rewards points accrual, redemption of Harley-Davidson Genuine Rewards points and other important conditions, limitations, and restrictions will be sent with your card. Some restrictions apply. Please read the terms and conditions upon receipt. a By telephoning to apply for a Harley-Davidson MasterCard credit card you consent to the collection, use and processing of information about yourself by MBNA, its affiliates and any of their respective agents and service providers, and to the sharing or exchange of reports and information with credit reporting agencies, affiliates and service providers in relation to processing your application and, if approved, administering and servicing your account. You also acknowledge that the account, if approved, will not be used by any third party other than a third party specifically designated by you, and then only in accordance with MBNA policies and procedures then in effect. © H-D 2011. All rights reserved. Harley-Davidson, H-D, Harley, the Bar and Shield logo and Harley Chrome are among the trademarks of H-D Michigan. LLC. MBNA, MBNA Canada, MBNA Canada Bank, MBNA Platinum Plus, and the MBNA logo are trademarks of FIA Card Services, National Association, used by MBNA Canada Bank pursuant to licence. MasterCard is a registered trademark of MasterCard International, Incorporated, used pursuant to licence. hog® magazine canada 51 ©2011 MBNA Canada Bank AD-03-11-0160
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ha-ha-ha By Jimmy Dunn
“Were you shot out of a cannon tonight?” the comedian asked as I entered the room. It was a pretty funny line considering that I was carrying a red, white, and blue helmet that looked like something out of Evel Knievel’s wardrobe. The room was Mottley’s Comedy Club in downtown Boston, the third comedy club that I had visited that evening and the third stage on which I would be performing. I make my living as a stand-up comedian. Most nights I drive a Ford Mustang to work, but that night was so beautiful that I decided to ride my new 2010 HarleyDavidson® Fat Boy® Lo motorcycle. It started with a 30-minute ride to the Kowloon Komedy Club in Saugus, Massachusetts. The Kowloon is a New England landmark, a giant temple of pupu that has been cranking out late-night Chinese food to millions of New England residents for decades. Most people end their Friday night there, but mine was just getting started. As you ride down Route One, the smells from the different restaurants hit you in waves; garlic from the Prince, fried clams
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from Kelly’s, flame-broiled steak from the world-famous Hilltop. By the time I reached the parking lot at the Kowloon, my stomach was growling louder than my motorcycle, but there was no time to eat; I was up next. The crowd was great, laughing in rhythm with the jokes while simultaneously drinking from giant scorpion bowls, and chomping on fried ribs and crab rangoon. It’s a weird dynamic, but somehow it all works without anyone needing the Heimlich manoeuvre. My next stop was just a few miles up Route 1 at Giggles Comedy Club, one of the longest-running clubs in New England and one of the best. Behind the club, some of my comic friends were hanging out, smoking cigars as I roared in. They hadn’t seen my Harley® bike before, and I was very happy to be showing it off a bit. “Dunn, you’re up next!” the emcee yelled out the kitchen door, interrupting my fun. It was time to go to work. “You mugs stay away from my bike.” Twenty minutes later I was back on my Fat Boy® Lo motorcycle on Route 1 headed into the city where the smells hit me again;
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* garlic, clams, steak, and the landmarks passed by in a blur — the tower of pizza, a giant plastic cactus, the big orange dinosaur. Then, as I rode over the Tobin Bridge, the city lights looked like a postcard. I had seen this view a million times, but never from this perspective. I cut through Boston’s North End, passing the statue of Paul Revere. If he had made his historic ride on my new bike, I thought, it would have been a significant upgrade from his one horsepower. Zipping through downtown Boston was a blast. It was Friday night at 10 pm and the city was buzzing. It was hard to watch the road and not the ladies in their clubwear and high heels trying to navigate the cobblestone sidewalks. Mottley’s is the newest comedy club in the city, and the late show is the place to be. After working the other clubs, many comedians stop in to see the late show and have a few drinks. I bought a round of beer for my friends, sat back and watched some of the freshest, funniest people in the business. I closed out the show with a 20-minute set and was officially off the clock;
another tough night at work in the books. Riding a motorcycle in the city of Boston at midnight on a Friday requires full concentration. Partying college kids step into traffic like it’s a game of Frogger and cars drift out of their lanes as drivers text, tweet, and Google. Let’s see Paul Revere navigate this mess, I thought, as I passed his statue on my way out of town. Back on Route 1, the smells hit me again. I would be home shortly, but first I was getting something to eat!
The $100 challenge If you have a $100 ride story to share, we want to hear it. If it appears in HOG® Magazine Canada, we’ll even foot the bill — in the form of a $100 Harley-Davidson® gift card. Keep your story to 750 words or less, including a list of your expenses. We also need hi-res photos of your adventure, including a photo of you. E-mail your submission with “$100 rides” as the subject line to editor@hogcanada.ca.
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H.O.G.® Fly & Ride now offers more locations and greater flexibility than ever. We’ve teamed up with HarleyDavidson® Authorized Rentals to make this popular benefit available at more than 300 Dealers around the world, with more models to choose from, the freedom to ride as many days as you want, and more. In other words, more of everything you ride for. To find a participating worldwide Authorized Rentals location, visit www.h-drentals.com. For more information, log on to members.hog.com or call 1-800-CLUBHOG (1-800-258-2464), Monday-Friday, 8AM-4:30PM CST, for assistance. To find H.O.G.® Fly and Ride & Authorized Rentals locations in Canada, please go to www.harleycanada.com. Canadian Locations include: Trev Deeley Motorcycles – Vancouver, BC Ph. 866-510-2911 Calgary Harley-Davidson® – Calgary, AB Ph. 403-250-3141 Kane’s Harley-Davidson® Calgary – Calgary, AB Ph. 403-269-8577 Gasoline Alley Harley-Davidson® Red Deer County, AB Ph. 403-341-3040 Harley-Davidson® of Toronto– Toronto, ON Ph. 416-445-4647 Rocky’s Harley-Davidson® – London, ON Ph. 519-438-1450 MotoSport Plus – Kingston, ON Ph. 613-544-4600 The Shop Harley-Davidson® Sudbury, ON Ph. 705-682-4463 Harley-Davidson® of Ottawa – Ottawa, ON Ph. 613-736-8899 Freedom Harley-Davidson® – Nepean, ON Ph. 613-228-9449 Eldridge’s – Saint John, NB Ph. 506-635-1223
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ABCs of Touring — A reason to Ride
If you need a reason to ride, the ABCs of Touring Program gives H.O.G.® members the exclusive opportunity to win prizes while accumulating kilometres By Peter Scott For those of you who have not entered the program before, here are the basics. ABCs of Touring runs throughout the year and you can take part on your own, with riding buddies or a passenger, at any time during the calendar year. The core objective is to visit a town or village beginning with each letter of the alphabet over the course of the year. Finding each of those destinations alone would give you 26 points (the minimum for entry), although some are much easier than others. If you live in Ontario, for example, there are very few towns that begin with Z or X. Points are awarded for taking a picture of your bike at a destination. You must first find an official sign (not a direction sign) — most towns have them when you enter the town or
village boundary, then ride your bike (no bikes on trailers please!) to the sign and take a photo of your bike in front of the sign with a copy of the 2011 edition of HOG® Magazine Canada and you have your first point! Once you have the first point, the next 20 or 30 are fairly easy and we will give you an award and your name in lights (well, your name published in HOG® Magazine Canada, at least) for those who get our top Canadian points. Remember that you need to appear in at least six of the photos for them to count. Points are awarded for more than just villages and towns, so don’t worry if you can’t find them for all 26 letters of the alphabet — get the minimum 26 points by scoring in other sections. You can accrue bonus points for every county you visit;
this also includes recognized game reserves, named parks, or passes. You can also get two extra points for each recognized H.O.G.® Rally you attend. Another new feature for 2011 is an extra point for every Harley-Davidson® Retail Store you visit. Make sure to include a comp slip, business card or receipt from the Retailer. A trip abroad can bring a glut of extra points for countries and yet more Retailers. For 2011, you can use a bike from the Harley-Davidson® Authorized Rentals Program. This is a new feature and means that you can pick up more valuable points by renting a bike for a day or more when travelling for business or pleasure. If you are lucky enough to get to the USA, you’ll get bonus points for visiting US states as well as the six named
Harley-Davidson® facilities, four of which are in Milwaukee, including the must-see HarleyDavidson MuseumTM. For the Harley-Davison® facilities, you don’t need to feature the bike, so get over to Milwaukee and check out the Museum! Before long you’ll have passed the 36 or even 46-point mark and then the whole thing becomes addictive. Extra prizes are awarded at each level through 55 and 66 points, and then you’re looking at cash prizes for the top three places, a plaque for the top 10 runnersup, plus that place in HOG® Magazine Canada. While you’re at it, make sure you are enrolled in the Mileage Program too. Talk to your Retailer about validating your start mileage so that they’ll have a record of you and your bike(s).
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roaming through the country Saskatchewan roads make for a perfect day of meandering By Ron Pawluk
I woke up this morning to a perfect sunny day, threw my leathers on and went out to the garage. After pulling the blanket off the waiting black Harley-Davidson® bike, I checked the oil, did a quick walk-about, turned the ignition on and thumbed the starter to hear her breathe. With my helmet cinched and one quick snap on the throttle, I kicked her down into gear and idled out of the garage. Where to go? It doesn’t really matter as long as I’m riding. I took a slow putt out to Pike Lake. Wow, the colour of the leaves on the trees is spectacular at this time of year. Stretching out on a picnic table looking up at the deep blue sky, I listened to an occasional breeze chasing the falling leaves around as I fell asleep. About 30 minutes later, I awoke to some pre-schoolers who arrived for a picnic at the table next to me. I rolled my head to the side and checked on the bike. The sun gently sparkled across the chrome on the tank and down on the air cleaner. From there, I rode on down the road to Delisle, taking a secondary paved road. Some cattle and horses casually swayed their heads in my direction as I rode by, but some didn’t care to look up. At Delisle, I crossed Highway 7 and continued on another paved road to Asquith. There’s nothing like the smell of harvest on a fall ride. Then I took a quick stop and rode back toward Saskatoon, but took a loop around the city and got on the highway to Blaine Lake. It’s better than the average road with minimal traffic and again there was that smell of harvest in the air. I pulled into the Black Top Diner for coffee. Yes, it was open and I was greeted by the proprietor, Michael Pantermarakis. He must have noticed that I had some time, so over a coffee he told me that his girlfriend from Greece, who had managed a seven-star restaurant, was now the chef here and they would be open seven days a week. There were bottles of wine
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prominently displayed and the menu looked impressive. The place was very clean and looked like it had been freshly painted. I continued on to Blaine Lake and found a general store that advertised “homemade sausages”. Being a sausage connoisseur, I thought I better check this place out. I bought a bottled water and cheezies, but no sausage. As I was paying, the owner said, “Why don’t you try some of my homemade sausages? I moved here from Vancouver and nobody around here thinks that I can make good sausage.” So he gave me a stick to try for free. He was right, it was good. He must have noticed that I had some time, so we talked awhile about the art of sausage-making. He made pretty good ham and garlic sausage. On my way from Blaine Lake, I found a cozy lookout on the
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* north side of the Petrovka Bridge where I stopped to eat my stash. A calming view of the river, bridge, and valley with all of the fall colours vied for my eyes’ attention. I took a few minutes and gave it my undivided admiration. A local biker stopped by and we broke bread, and sat and chatted for awhile. He had been heading down the road to help his brother with the harvest, but thought that it was more important to stop and chat with a fellow biker instead. He must have noticed that I had some time. He was a retired trucker, rode a 2000 Road King® motorcycle that looked well-kept and sounded well-tuned. He said he had two other bikes at home and he had been biking for 30 some years on and off. With the wind on my back during the ride home, the day’s
experiences flooded back into my mind, including all of the great folks with whom I briefly crossed paths. It made my ride a very pleasant one. A couple on a Fat Boy® motorcycle slid into view in my mirror and stayed there until we got to town. We did the wave and nod as we parted at the lights. Approaching home, I tapped the garage door remote and idled the bike back into her resting spot. I washed a few bugs off that had smeared the metal instead of my jeans and threw the blanket over her to keep the dust off until the next ride. This is a true story of what happens in a day, now that I’m retired. I wouldn’t trade it for anything. Life is the choices we make. The places and faces may change, but some things stay the same. We all have a story to tell.
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winter avoidance Nova Scotia couple head south to the desert By Darryl Lafosse With the threat of yet another cold, non-bike winter looming, Sharon and I loaded up the 2009 Ultra Classic® Electra Glide® motorcycle in the trailer and headed south from our home in Cape Breton, Nova Scotia for the warmer parts of Arizona. Six days later on January 5th, after fighting a blizzard through New Brunswick, we arrived in Green Valley, Arizona. With the desert calling and thousands of lonely roads waiting to be explored, we unloaded, dusted off, and prepared to head out. Once I fired up the bike, my first concern was how the residents of our small community — many of them long retired — would react to my new pipes. Certainly having these two hip Canadians disturbing the solitude with the big bad bike was going to be a problem. My worst fears seemed to be confirmed when we returned from our first warm-up trip and parked the bike. Practically all of our neighbours gathered around us and the bike.
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But, I needn’t have worried as the questions came like rapid fire: “Is that the new Harley® bike? Where have you been riding? Where are you going to ride?” Everyone, it seemed, had a Harley® story and it appeared that our new friends revelled in our “Harley lifestyle”. In fact, these folks could feel and somehow experience our freedom simply through our words and conversations. At the end of each ride, my pipes summoned the gathering and a thorough debriefing resulted. We discovered new adventures during our first month with the Ultra Classic® Electra Glide® motorcycle and after stops in such places as Sabino Canyon, Arivaca, and Gates Pass to scout out the best routes, our friends Vern and Angela from New Minus, Nova Scotia, arrived by air. We immediately took them to Harley-Davidson® of Tucson where they rented brand new bikes — a Heritage SoftailTM Classic and a Sportster® 883 motorcycle. The staff there was first rate
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and gave us some great suggestions on how to expand our HarleyDavidson® experience — South-Western style. While watching constantly for open range cattle, cow hands and signs saying “Do Not Enter When Flooded”, we rode to places like Tombstone and Bisbee. Riding dusty streets where legends like Wyatt Earp and “Big Nose” Kate walked gave us unique thrills. Three Harley® bikes driving the Bisbee Road where Doc Holiday was accused of robbing a stage brought back memories of old Westerns. The freedom experience of being alone in the desert with nothing but your “steed” and countless places to visit was not lost on us. As expected, the bikes were fantastic, each one fitting our individual riding styles. Seven days later with heavy hearts, Vern and Angela returned their beasts to the Harley-Davidson® Retail Store and headed back to winter in Eastern Canada, no doubt anxious for an early spring to get their own H-D® bikes out of storage. Sharon and I were fortunate enough to have another month of exploring to do before loading up and heading home. After checking out the Tucson Chapter website, we discovered a ride that the locals called one of the best in the area — the ride up Kitt Peak. After following the route through Ajo to the base of the mountain, we turned and headed for
the summit; 16 kilometres of perfect road and a 1828.8 metre ascent brought us to an area overlooking the Senora Desert. All we could talk about between breathtaking turns and looming Saguaro Cacti was whether we should tell Vern and Angela about the ride they missed. Being the good friends we are, of course we called them immediately. Our twisted sense of humour was well-served when we learned from Angela that Vern was outside shovelling! As long as Sharon and I can swing a leg over our Ultra Classic® Electra Glide® motorcycle, there will be no shovelling snow for us!
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Sportster® 883 Custom bike. I loved this ride and went on many adventures, including an all-girl road trip in which we rode a total of over 6,000 km to Yellowknife, Northwest Territories to Alberta and back. In Red Deer, Alberta we joined a Toy Run and I won the women’s slow drag contest, second place in the Show ‘N Shine and the “longest distance rider” award with my girlfriends. It was the trip of a lifetime! Over the years, my dad and I stripped down my Sportster® bike twice. The first time we painted her with two-tone purple flames and then a few years later it was black with baby pink flames. They were great father-daughter projects! Through those years of riding, I also learned to ride my dad’s decker, a full-out Touring bike. Many of his old school friends reminded me along the way that Sportster® motorcycles are amazing bikes, and there are many men around the world who still choose to ride them. I enjoyed my “Sporty” a lot, but knew that I wanted a bigger bike, as I love going on long road trips! A few years ago, my husband and I went to Las Vegas and rented Harley® bikes. I rented a Heritage SoftailTM Classic motorcycle and never looked back! I found my true love. Three years ago, I bought my own Heritage SoftailTM Classic bike, and am absolutely in love! I am currently the President of our local H.O.G.® Chapter, and was re-elected this year for a two-year term. I love this position and living the “lifestyle”... I really was born to ride. As much as I am in love with my new “bigger” scoot, I still look back on my years on my “Sporty” with great fondness.
memories of the faithful “sporty”
From Sportster® to Softail® classic motorcycles, this enthusiast was born to ride By Tanya Kasteel I was literally “born to ride”. My dad has been riding a HarleyDavidson® motorcycle since he was 16 years old, so I was raised in the biker lifestyle... and loved every minute of it! My young years riding on the back on my dad’s scoot always made me feel like the coolest kid around, and I knew that one day I would ride my own. For the first few years of my older teenage years (when I wanted to hang around my parents again) I rode on the back with my dad to various events. The passion for “the lifestyle” was again heavily fuelled! My dad convinced me to buy a used Yamaha that he found for a great deal. I bought it and took the jokes from everyone I knew about riding a “yama ha ha”. The truth was, I hated it and needed a Harley® bike! At the time, I worked as a radio DJ and didn’t make a lot of money, but I did make the decision to buy a brand new 2006
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Removing stereotypes
Winnipeg rider and friends are changing perception of female riders, one ride at a time By Anne Mersereau Just this morning, an acquaintance who had not seen my 2009 Road Glide® motorcycle before today, asked how I could ride such a big bike. At 5’ 10” (she is 5’ 2”), my Harley® bike doesn’t look or feel big to me. Not long ago, a man who has known me for some time and who has been riding himself for years, asked me if I found the Harley® motorcycle heavy. I replied that I likely would if I had to bench-press it. It’s disappointing that women riders are still on the receiving end of those kinds of remarks, despite being an ever-growing segment of the motorcycle riding community. I started riding when I was 15 and at that time I only knew one other woman who rode a bike — my older sister whom I adore. We had a blast on those little 80 cc bikes and the taste of freedom from the very first moments I rode on my own has never left me. Throughout the years, I’ve often been told about what I can and can’t do. Although I’ve believed some of the limitations, I’ve never doubted my ability to ride a motorcycle. When we first got back into riding motorcycles, after not having done so for 25 years — when life, work and family took priority
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ladies of harley™ — my husband and I spent quite a bit of time at our local HarleyDavidson® Retail Store. We purchased a pre-owned Electra Glide® motorcycle and would take turns driving and being the passenger. The H.O.G.® Chapter we joined shortly after we acquired the Electra Glide® motorcycle used to go on regular Sunday rides and one of us would be up front until we reached our destination for the day and then we’d switch for the ride back. When someone who didn’t ride with us regularly would come out for the Sunday ride, their jaw would drop when we switched, but most of them got over it quickly. It was amusing, especially the double-takes from the people in the metal cages or along the roadways, when I was up front and he was on the back. Eventually, we were able to get a scoot for me, which has evolved over the years from a “metric” bike to a beautiful Heritage SoftailTM Classic bike, then an Electra Glide® bike and now my sleek Road Glide® motorcycle. When we’re going to an event that might involve drinking alcohol, we’ll often just take one bike there and I’ll drive home, since I don’t drink. Since I moved to the Prairies from the East Coast 13 years ago, I have done my best to attend the North Dakota Ladies Run that’s held in July each year. The Run is held in a different small town in North Dakota, South Dakota, Montana, Saskatchewan or Manitoba, depending on the year. This year, it’s in Virden, Manitoba. But regardless of the location, it’s 125+ female riders getting together for a weekend of camaraderie and riding. The founder of the ride, Kathy Enders, says that riding blows the cobwebs out of your mind, and I agree with her. In addition to the fun of riding and socializing during the weekend, it’s more than mildly amusing to see the reaction of the local men and women in those small towns looking at our bikes parked wherever we happen to be gathering. The bikes are all different makes, models, and sizes. One of the most frequent questions we get asked is: “Where are the men who are driving all these bikes?” The person asking the question gets a variety of responses. Needless to say, and all of that is usually followed by a look of suspended belief on their faces when we ride away. Perhaps we’re changing some misconceptions, one ride at a time.
the sound of the open road
From Dyna® Super Glide® to Electra Glide® bikes, the road is music to her ears By Ann Gabriel The open roads beckoned and my heart pounded as I climbed onto my new 2009 Electra Glide® Classic motorcycle. The previous day, I had picked up the white and pewter beauty from Jacox Harley-Davidson®, all prepped and ready to go. With my husband, Hans, who rode his 2003 Road King® Classic bike, I was setting out from Milton, Ontario to ride to the National H.O.G.® Rally in Calgary, as well as a sightseeing trip through the northern U.S. and Western Canada.
I had been considering a new bike for a while; ever since renting a Classic model in California the year before, I had been eager to trade up to a Touring model from my 2004 Dyna® Super Glide® model — my first bike, my baby! A last-minute decision to get a new bike for this trip caused a flurry of research and negotiation. Although I shed a few tears when I left the Dyna® motorcycle behind, my loyalties quickly transferred to my new bike. By the end of the first day, I understood the devotion that Touring bike owners have for their rides. The bikes are easy to handle, have lots of room for gear and best of all, you don’t get a sore butt or stiff shoulders. I rode to the music of John Fogerty for the first few days until I expanded my CD collection. When riding my Dyna® motorcycle I had been a purist — why listen to music when I could listen to the roar of my ride? But now I had both! Twenty-five days and 10,500 km later, we rode back into our driveway after touring along the Mississippi River, through the Black Hills, the Badlands and the Rockies, through Yellowstone and across the Great Plains. We definitely were not ready to park our bikes and return to our real life. From day one, I was game to go anywhere on my bike, but I always worried about long rides. I had loved the two-week trip to the National Rally in Saskatoon in 2005 on my Dyna® motorcycle, even though I was aching and very tired by the end of every day. On my Electra Glide® Classic bike, I know I can easily last as long as we can ride, though I still prefer to take time to see the sights along the way. We are now planning our trip to Kamloops in August for 16th Canadian National H.O.G.® Rally... bring it on!
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Softail® BlacklineTM
Ride the latest Harley-Davidson®
motorcycles for 2012.* * Schedule is subject to change. To confirm the demo ride date, contact the authorized Canadian Harley-Davidson® Retail Store directly. Partial schedule shown, for the complete schedule and to find a Retail Store, visit harleycanada.com. ** 2011 model year motorcycles Valid motorcycle licence, DOT helmet and proper riding gear required. British Columbia
Duke’s Harley-Davidson®
Blenheim
Sun. Aug.
Mountainview Harley-Davidson®
Abbotsford
Fri.
9
Goulet Motosports
Hawkesbury
Sun. Oct.
9
Mountainview Harley-Davidson®
Chilliwack
Sat. Sep. 10
** MotoSport Plus
Kingston
Sat. July
9
Harley-Davidson® of the Kootenays Cranbrook
Thu. Sep. 22
MotoSport Plus
Kingston
Sat. Oct.
8
Kamloops Harley-Davidson®
Kamloops
Sun. Aug. 28
Kitchener Harley-Davidson®
Kitchener
Fri.
Kane’s Harley-Davidson®
Kelowna
Sat. Sep.
** Kitchener Harley-Davidson®
Kitchener
Sat. July
Barnes Harley-Davidson®
Langley
Sun. Sep. 11
Rocky’s Harley-Davidson®
London
Thu. Aug. 11
Barnes Harley-Davidson®
Langley
Mon. Sep. 12
Jacox Harley-Davidson®
Mississauga
Sat. Oct. 15
Trev Deeley Motorcycles
Vancouver
Sun. Sep. 18
** Biker’s Reunion
New Liskeard
Thu. June 30
Vision Harley-Davidson®
Repentigny
Steve Drane Harley-Davidson®
Victoria
Fri.
Sep. 16
** Biker’s Reunion
New Liskeard
Fri.
July
1
Harley-Davidson® Rimouski
Rimouski
Thu. Sep. 15
Steve Drane Harley-Davidson®
Victoria
Sat. Sep. 17
** Biker’s Reunion
New Liskeard
Sat. July
2
Shawinigan Harley-Davidson®
Shawinigan
Sun. Sep. 18
Clare’s Harley-Davidson® of Niagara Niagara-on-the-Lake Thu. Aug. 18
Sep.
3
Alberta
7
Aug. 12 9
Mon. Sep. 26
Sherbrooke Harley-Davidson®
Sherbrooke
Thu. Sep. 22
Kane’s Harley-Davidson® Calgary
Calgary
Sat. Oct. 15
Mackie Harley-Davidson®
Oshawa
Thu. Oct.
6
Carrier Harley-Davidson®
St. Hyacinthe
Sun. Sep. 25
Calgary Harley-Davidson®
Calgary
Sun. Oct. 16
Harley-Davidson® of Ottawa
Ottawa
Sat. Oct.
1
Sport Boutin
Valleyfield
Sat. Sep. 24
Harley-Davidson® of Medicine Hat
Dunmore
Sat. Sep. 24
Fox Harley-Davidson®
Owen Sound
Sun. Aug. 14
New Brunswick
Harley-Davidson® of Edmonton
Edmonton
Sat. Oct.
1
** Davies Harley-Davidson®
Richmond Hill
Sun. July 10
J.H. Stewart
Miramichi
Sun. Sep. 11
Heritage Harley-Davidson®
Edmonton
Sat. Oct.
8
Davies Harley-Davidson®
Richmond Hill
Sun. Oct. 16
Toys for Big Boys
Moncton
Sat. Sep. 10
Lethbridge Harley-Davidson®
Lethbridge
Sun. Sep. 25
Motorsport Custom Accessories
Sarnia
Sat. Aug. 13
Gasoline Alley Harley-Davidson®
Red Deer County Sun. Oct.
The Shop Harley-Davidson®
Sudbury
Sun. Aug.
Harley-Davidson® of Toronto
Toronto
Sat. Oct. 22
Windsor
Sat. Aug.
2
Saskatchewan Prairie Motorcycle Ltd.
Regina
Sun. Aug. 21
Redline Harley-Davidson®
Saskatoon
Sat. Aug. 20
Harley-Davidson® of Yorkton
Yorkton
Fri.
Aug. 19
Manitoba
Thunder Road Harley-Davidson®
7 6
Quebec
Prince Edward Island Red Rock Harley-Davidson®
Cornwall
Wed. Sep.
7
Nova Scotia Wharf Rat Rally
Digby
Fri.
Sep.
2
Wharf Rat Rally
Digby
Sat. Sep.
3 4
Bécancour Harley-Davidson®
Bécancour
Sat. Sep 17
Wharf Rat Rally
Digby
Sun. Sep.
Leo Harley-Davidson®
Brossard
Sun. Aug. 21
Privateers Harley-Davidson®
Halifax
Wed. Aug. 31
Ramsay’s Cycle & Sport
Sydney
Wed. Aug. 24
Gaslight Harley-Davidson®
Morden
Sun. Aug. 14
Harley-Davidson® de L’Outaouais
Gatineau
Sun. Oct.
Harley-Davidson® Winnipeg
Winnipeg
Sat. Aug. 13
Harley-Davidson® Laval
Laval
Thu. Sep. 29
Harley-Davidson® Montréal
Montréal
Sat. Aug. 20
Mile 1 Harley-Davidson®
Mount Pearl
Sat. Aug. 27
Atelier de Mécanique Prémont
Québec
Tue. Sep. 20
Mile 1 Harley-Davidson®
Mount Pearl
Sun. Aug. 28
Ontario Barrie Harley-Davidson®
Barrie
Sat. Aug.
6
2
Newfoundland and Labrador
With the purchase of any new Harley-Davidson® model from an authorized Canadian Harley-Davidson® Retailer, you will receive a free, full one-year membership in H.O.G.® Always ride with a helmet. Ride defensively. Distributed exclusively in Canada by Deeley Harley-Davidson® Canada, Richmond and Concord. Deeley Harley-Davidson® Canada is a proud sponsor of Muscular Dystrophy Canada. ©2011 H-D. The Bar & Shield logo, Harley and Harley-Davidson are among the trademarks of H-D Michigan, LLC.
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ladies of harley™
short, feisty… and a great rider!
Motorcycle instructor loves the ride of a Touring motorcycle By Peggy Nelles
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It’s big, it’s black, it’s shiny and it’s all mine. At 5 foot 2 inches I have been riding a Harley-Davidson® Touring motorcycle since 2000. I did not start with a Touring motorcycle — I worked my way up to one. I began my riding career with dirt bikes on the farm, then moved to street bikes, and finally to Harley® motorcycles. My first Harley® bike was a 1996 Sportster® motorcycle. We went everywhere — the 95th anniversary of the HarleyDavidson Motor Company, the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in Cleveland, Sturgis, and the list goes on. My husband suggested that I should move to a larger motorcycle and I realized that I needed to move up. I wanted something bigger and with more comfort. With his support, we started looking for a new motorcycle — and there it was — the Harley-Davidson® FLHT Electra Glide® Standard motorcycle. Redline Harley-Davidson® in Saskatoon lowered it front and back, I had the seat customized, added some chrome and off we went. I had the skills, because I was a motorcycle instructor with the Canada Safety Council. As a current Chief Instructor with Maximum Training Motorcycle
Division in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, the looks from participants are always that of disbelief. When they show up to courses they ask which motorcycle is mine and they don’t believe that I ride the Harley® Touring motorcycle. One participant, who was an RCMP officer at the time, shared the following story with me after he had passed the course. He was on his way to the course when a blonde with a pink banded ponytail on a big, black Harley® bike passed him. When he arrived at the course, there was the same blonde on the Harley® bike that had passed him. To his disbelief she was a motorcycle instructor. He thought, “If she, as a motorcycle instructor and not being very tall, can ride a big Harley® motorcycle then I should be able to ride a motorcycle also.” He told me this story after the course because he did not believe that such a small person could handle such a large motorcycle with the skill and confidence that I demonstrated. As one of the first females in our Chapter to ride a Touring motorcycle, the concept was mind-boggling to some long-time Chapter members. Some of the comments made were: “She can ride better than me and I have been riding Touring motorcycles for 20 plus years”; and, “she does not put her feet down when she rides slow, I am not going against her in the slow race.” And of course: “How does she ride a Touring motorcycle when she is so short?” Yes, I am short, but I have found that with the proper skills and confidence, a supportive family, and a Harley-Davidson® Retailer who knows how to properly fit you to a motorcycle and knows what type of riding you do, anyone can ride a Touring motorcycle.
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Riding family jacobek
Ontario family catches the riding bug and summers will never be the same By Tom Jakobek Our history with Harley-Davidson® bikes actually started at our cottage on Lake Simcoe in Ontario. The lake is beautiful, but often very windy. It is on days like these that you have to become more creative in order to find things for your children to do. Simply watching TV or even playing games did not appeal to me, or my four children. I wanted to do something outside and also to hopefully learn a new skill. This led us to an unplanned visit to a Honda dealership. The kids looked in awe at the array of machines and ATVs that were in the showroom. It was not until I asked my oldest son, Kurtis, to sit on the 50 cc Honda mini-bike that the others realized that this was all for real! Fast forward a few years to 2003 when I managed to score a pair of VIP tickets to the premiere of the Canadian Auto Show in Toronto. I was looking at all of the new cars when my attention was drawn to a Harley-Davidson® exhibit featuring the new 2003 Anniversary Edition V-Rod® motorcycle. I was never a Harley® type man. In fact, I was convinced that they were for overweight, older men who were either part of a gang or pretended they were. I had no idea what a profound impact this machine would have on me, on all of my children and, most importantly, on all of our relationships. I drove my V-Rod® motorcycle primarily on short trips to the cottage and on short day trips from the cottage to destinations further north. My lifetime friend, Dave Lake, had become a bike enthusiast. He sold his Yamaha 1100 and bought his own 2005 V-Rod® motorcycle the day he rode mine. There was always a fight amongst my kids over who would get a chance to hop on the back with me. In 2007, my son Kurtis graduated from high school and was accepted to the University of Berkeley in California. Do not ask me when or how, but I had promised him that if he ever went to school there that the two of us would ride the coast from one end to the other. So in July of 2007, we shipped our three V-Rod® motorcycles: mine, David’s and the new Night Rod® motorcycle that I had purchased for Kurtis at the Harley® Retailer in Marina Del Rey. From there, we drove north to Santa Monica, Los Angeles, Santa Barbara, Carmel, Monterey, San Francisco, and Berkeley. We then drove to Seattle and finally to Vancouver before heading home. We were back all of one week before my middle son, Benjamin, began planning the next tour. Because of his young age, we had to skip the next summer, but in 2009 we shipped all four bikes to Halifax for a 7,200-kilometre trip along the East Coast. This year, the girls will join us on their own Harley® motorcycles for a cross-Canada trip from Toronto to Vancouver!
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dialing it in
Experienced mechanic tweaks motorcycle for “best of both worlds” By Tom Knittig With about three-quarters of a million kilometres on Goldwing bikes, I was ready for a change. In the fall of 2006, I ordered a 2007 HarleyDavidson® Softail® Deluxe motorcycle. My intention was to keep the Wing for the long hauls and use the Harley® cruiser for the shorter rides to mix things up a bit. I got the call in late June that the new bike had arrived. The very next morning was the start of my holidays and the plan was to meet up with friends down in Brownsville, Texas. The Wing was loaded up the night before, so all I had to do first-thing in the morning was jump on the bike and head straight out of the garage! But it didn’t work like that. I looked over at the new Softail® Deluxe model — sparkling and just sitting there with the fresh oil change. The next thing, I knew I was repacking all of my gear onto the Harley® motorcycle. It doesn’t have quite the same luggage space, so some of my “junk” stayed home. About an hour later I was on the road. The route I selected was about 5470 kilometres long. There was no stopping to smell the roses; the ride was all the fun — the feel of the pulse of the big twin, the way I fit on the bike, even the sound. The next day (Friday evening) at about 11 p.m., I arrived at my destination, knocking on my friends’ bedroom window
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and asking if I had missed happy hour. You have to like those U.S. Interstates when you want to make up some time! Now I had the challenge of making the Softail® Deluxe cruiser more touring specific. The local Retailer informed me that some of the Touring components wouldn’t fit on the Softail® frame. I am an auto tech by trade and have the ability to do some fabricating, so I proceeded to pick up parts at swap meets and to buy some new. In the end, I made it all fit. I can convert it back to a cruiser in about 15 minutes, although the reassembly takes closer to half an hour, but now I have the best of both worlds in one bike. It has a CB and intercom, GPS, six-speaker stereo with CD player, and a USB port for a memory stick — no shortage of entertainment! I have been a Harley® bike owner and H.O.G.® member since 2007 and my only regret is that I didn’t make the move sooner! Editor’s note:
Our riders are encouraged to personalize their motorcycles; however, please note that Harley-Davidson Motor Company is not responsible for the safety, quality, or suitability of any non-Harley-Davidson® part, accessory or design modification.
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H.O.G.® yearly packages are sent upon renewal. If you have a July 2011 expiry date for instance, you can renew in January 2011 to receive your pack at the beginning of the season. Your membership will still expire in July 2011, but you will receive your materials sooner — so you don’t lose any months of membership by renewing early! H.O.G.® and H.O.G.® Roadside Assistance are two separate companies, working closely together but with separate enrolment / renewal systems. To upgrade your package or call for service please call the toll-free number at 1-888-443-5896.You must call this number to receive the necessary assistance as per your H.O.G.® membership benefits. Calling another towing service and submitting receipts after the fact is not the proper procedure and will not be reimbursed. Motorcycles must be enrolled in the Mileage Program first before kilometres can be claimed; this applies to all bikes that you want to claim mileage (including rental bikes). Please enrol at your local Retailer, as they are required to sign the form to validate the number of kilometres.
Members receive the year-specific H.O.G.® pins and patches when renewing. In the first year of H.O.G.® Membership, the H.O.G.® (eagle) pin and patch are sent out, not the year specific ones. These are received for the first time on your first year of membership renewal. Free H.O.G.® Membership from a new bike purchase is transferable to an existing full member or associate member. Renewal updates online will be visible within the members only area approximately 10 days after their completion. Online profiles for access to members.hog.com can be created for new memberships within 10 days of your enrollment being processed. For delivery of H.O.G.® materials, please allow 4-6 weeks for delivery as this can vary depending on the local postal service in different areas. TBD - Regional Director Quebec & Atlantic All Chapter enquiries from these regions are to go to: Chantele Cumberbatch 1-800-668-4836 Ext 4153
H.O.G. ® Canada Team
Gina McNeil Manager, Enthusiast Services
Stephan Chantal Membership Services Coordinator
Chantele Cumberbatch Programs & Benefits Coordinator
Vern Wilson Regional Director Ontario
Brad Carvery Regional Director Prairies
Cliff Randal Regional Director Western
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TAKE BACK MONDAY
On Monday, June 27, it’s time to ride. Ride to work. Ride to lunch. Ride wherever, for whatever, with whomever. Just ride. This year, share your passion with other riders of all brands – and show the world what it means to live as part of the greatest motorcycling community in the world. Join the ride at members.hog.com.
Return undeliverable Canadian addresses to: H.O.G.® Canada 830 Edgeley Blvd. Concord, Ontario L4K 4X1 Tel: 1-800-668-4836 Fax: 905-660-3372 members.hog.com
Publication mail agreement No. 40037386
4161505
FPo
Cert no. SW-COC-002868
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