CONTENTS ___
FEATURES
Delmarva Bike Week Iron Angel Customs 2010 Kawasaki Voyager 1700 Bill Bateman’s Bike Night
10 22 28 36
Women’s World Motorman’s Test Ride Craven Moorehead Motorman’s Mean Streets CMA
13 18 39 44 46
___
Columns
__________
DEPARTMENTS Page 3 Girl News Hottest Bike Nights BTR Kids Rides,Runs and Destinations
3 4 15 46 47
REPORTS
____________
Sturgis Bike Rally ABATE Shop Talk On The Run H-D Baltimore Ladies Only
7 8 41 42 45
ON THE COVER
_______________________
Iron Angel Customs (410) 684-3003 www.IronAngelCustoms.com
Start Born To Ride TV and Magazine in your city! Call 888-795-5779
The information contained herein is provided by Born To Ride Magazine or by its advertisers. BTR makes every effort to present accurate and reliable information in the issue. Born To Ride Magazine does not endorse, approve, or certify such information, nor does it guarantee the accuracy, completeness, efficacy, timeliness or correct sequencing of such information throughout this magazine. Use of such information is voluntary on your part, and reliance on it should only be undertaken after your independent review. Reference herein to any specific manufacturer, company, commercial product, process, or service by trade name, trademark, service mark, or otherwise does not constitute or imply endorsement of or recommendation of said by Born To Ride Magazine.” “Born To Ride Magazine (including its employees, contributors and agents) assumes no responsibility for consequences that may result from the use of the information herein, including the use of the information oabtained at www.borntoride.com and it’s linked sites, or in any respect for the content of such information, including (but not limited to) errors or omissions, the accuracy or reasonableness of factual or scientific assumptions, studies or conclusions, ownership of copyright or other intellectual property rights, and the violation of property, privacy, or personal rights of others. BTR Magazine is not responsible for damages of any kind arising out of use, reference to, or reliance on such information. No guarantees or warranties, including (but not limited to) any express or implied warranties are made by BTR Magazine with respect to such information contained throughout the site.” No part may be copied without written permission of the publisher, Born To Ride, Inc. P.O. Box 3021, Brandon, FL 33509. 888-795-5779, Fax 813-689-2996.
btr 2 | borntoride.com
Issue #4 august 2010
A dvertiser I n de x
Action Insurance 38 Atlantic Bike Week 1 Bikers Point 33 Bill Bateman’s Bistro 37 Blue Collar Cycles 38 Boomers Sport’s Bar 20 Brunson Custom Concepts 17 Budweiser 14 Cancun Cantina 24 Charm City Choppers 35 Delmarva Bike Week BC DJ Joe 20 Dragon’s Lair 41 Eagle Riders 35 Eastern Performance IBC East Side Chop Shop 12 Girdle Tree Poker Run 20 GK Construction 33 Great Scott Broadcasting 9 H-D Baltimore 44 Iron Angel Customs FC Jeff’s Tap Room 26 MCS LED Lighting 26 Loaded Gun 17 McAvoy’s 35 McCullough Custom Cycles 21 Oasis Bar 34 Pete’s Cycle 29 Renegade Classics 20 Resort Motorsports 48 Ride 4 Life 16 Rider’s Insurance 26 Sex Style 38 Skin Image Tattoo 16 Speed FX 43 SpeedWerks 34 The Stone House 48 Thurmont Poker Run 27 Trader Lees 48 Turnbull Law 16 Twinings Lobster Shanty 17 TY’s Cycle 33 Verizon Wireless IFC Viridian Energy 40 Zoellers Cycles 20
Letter from the publishers This has been another great month for Born To Ride magazine. We have attended many events including the Baltimore Bike Bash and Outlaw Jam. We appreciate all the support we have gotten from our readers; and we’ll continue to work hard to bring you the best coverage of the motorcycle lifestyle in the Delmarva area. Our first ever bike night sponsored by Born To Ride has been a huge success. Join us every Tuesday from 6-10pm at Bill Bateman’s Bistro in Golden Ring Plaza. We would also like to thank all the local B.O.N. Members, MC Groups and Clubs for their participation; many thanks to Charm City Choppers and Harley Davidson of Baltimore for their continued support. Coming soon, two more great bike nights—Boomer’s Sports Bar on the 1st and 3rd Monday’s and McAvoy’s starting Aug 19th. Boomer’s first bike night was last Monday and it was a great turnout and we look forward to watching it grow. If there are any vendors who wish to participate in the Bike nights please contact Steve at 410-497-RIDE. Cancun Cantina had another great turn out at their Monthly bike show. The Amish Outlaws rocked the house with some great music. It was 150 degrees outside that day; at least it felt that hot, but it was still fun times had by all. We would like to thank Cancun Cantina and all their staff for your continued support! Checkout all the pictures from these events in this issue and issues to follow. Watch for us at any of these events. You may even see your smiling face in the next issue of Born To Ride. Check our website at www.BornToRide.com for all event coverage and photos. YES GUYS AND GALS! It’s that time again DELMARVA BIKE WEEK in Ocean City, MD is back and better than ever! Call and reserve your hotel room now because they are selling out fast! Check out this issue for all your pre bike week news and events. Make sure you pick up a copy of September’s issue as soon as you get to bike week, inside will be an event guide, maps and plenty of vendors that will be selling anything you are looking for. We will be there and we hope to see everyone there as well. Finally special thanks for all our business owners who continue to support us every month. We will continue to work hard to help you grow your business. We want to urge all of our readers to please reach out and support all the Business’s that help to bring you this great publication month after month. Please be sure to mention Born To Ride when you stop in to buy your next beer, burger, helmet, or leathers; when you get your motorcycle repaired or if you buy a new motorcycle!
born to
harley-davidson offers three new models for 2011
Plus New PowerPak Touring Combo and Available ABS for Softail® models MILWAUKEE (July 27, 2010) – HarleyDavidson introduces the new SuperLow™, XR1200X and Road Glide® Ultra models with its expansive line of 2011-model-year motorcycles. With 32 models including urban brawlers, long-haul touring machines, contemporary customs drenched in chrome, dark retro-style bobbers, exhilarating sport roadsters and inviting standards, Harley-Davidson offers a motorcycle to match the desires of almost any street rider. Each rolls to the sound track of the American road, a syncopated V-Twin cadence that is the pulse of every Harley-Davidson® motorcycle. Highlights of the 2011 Harley-Davidson line include: • The new SuperLow combines revised front end
geometry, new wheels and tires with a reshaped seat and handlebars to achieve well-balanced handling and comfort that will inspire confidence in new riders and exhilarate those with experience.
• The qualities of a frame-mounted fairing and luxury touring accommodations come together in the new Road Glide Ultra. Powered by a Twin Cam 103™ engine, this long-haul beauty comes equipped with a King Tour-Pak® luggage carrier, vented fairing lowers, ABS (anti-lock braking system), HarleyDavidson Smart Security System, cruise control, and a four-speaker, 80-watt Harman/Kardon Advanced Audio System. • The new XR1200X is Harley-Davidson Sportster® performance honed to its finest edge, with adjustable front and rear suspension, floating front brake rotors and the surging power of a high-compression
Steve Baldwin & Mitch Jordan
btr 4| borntoride.com
Check Out The All New Events Page at BornToRide.com
ride news 1200cc Evolution® V-Twin engine.
• Select Touring models gain power and technology with the new Harley-Davidson PowerPak, which bundles the Twin Cam 103™ engine with ABS (antilock braking system) and the H-D® Smart Security System. PowerPak is a standard feature on the 2011 Road King® Classic, Electra Glide® Ultra Limited, and Road Glide® Ultra models, and will be available as a factory-installed option on the 2011 Street Glide® and Road Glide® Custom models. • 2011 Harley-Davidson Softail models except Cross Bones® are newly available with optional ABS. New hand controls add features, convenience and cleaner styling. • The 2011 VRSC™ power-cruisers are available with a new Security Package option, which bundles ABS with a Smart Security System for greater value. Michelin® Scorcher™ tires and new colors and graphics round out changes to the Night Rod® Special and the V-Rod Muscle™. • The four 2011 Dyna® models project pure attitude. Built with the rawest styling of all the Big Twin motorcycles, Dyna models are a customizer’s dream. Each is offered in new colors. Harley-Davidson Custom Vehicle Operations (CVO™) offers four premium, limited-production motorcycles
for 2011.
• The new CVO Road Glide Ultra features a Road Tech® zumo® 660 GPS navigation system, upgraded Harman/Kardon Advanced Audio system with BOOM! Bagger speakers and an 8GB iPod® nano® and dock, and a two-up suspended touring seat with dual heat controls. • The CVO Street Glide rolls on a new 19-inch Agitator™ front wheel, and new ventilated fairing lowers house two of the six speakers that are part of a 100-watt-per-channel audio system that incorporates an 8GB iPod nano with dock. • The CVO Softail Convertible has a new audio system that integrates 3.5-inch speakers and a 20-wattper-channel amplifier into a redesigned inner fairing. Music is delivered by an 8GB iPod nano stored in a protective pouch. Also new is a 1.25-inch welded mini-ape handlebar, Electronic Throttle Control (ETC), cruise control, keyless ignition and ABS. • The CVO Ultra Classic® Electra Glide® has a new suspended, heated, two-up seat with leather inserts. Dual mufflers feature new chrome billet end caps with black spears, and new mirrors are finished in mirror chrome.
Check out the new H-D Motorcycles at HarleyDavidson of Baltimore, 8845 Pulaski Hwy., Baltimore MD 21237 • 410-238-2003 • See Their Ad on Pg.44
BORN TO RIDE Delmarva Magazine 209 Eastern Blvd. Essex, MD 21221
National PUBLISHER Born To Ride Inc. Ron Galletti rgalletti@borntoride.com
Delmarva PUBLISHERs Mitch Jordan mitch@borntoridedelmarva.com Steven Baldwin steve@borntoridedelmarva.com
ASSOCIATE EDITOR Susan Hurst
EDITORIAL DIRECTOR Jesse Williams content@borntoride.com jwilliams@borntoride.com
EDITOR AT LARGE Scott Odell
ART DIRECTOR
Nick Betlow nbetlow@borntoride.com
ART DEPARTMENT
Nick Betlow, Frankie Schell, Chip Deitrick and Mitch Jordan - art@borntoride.com
Director Of Photography Jesse Williams
CREATIVE CONSULTANT Jim Miller
WEB MASTER
Nick Betlow info@borntoride.com
BTR KIDS DEPARTMENT Tyler Baldwin
Contributors
Neale Bayly, Paul Garson, Rouge, Craven Moorehead, Jim Miller, GearBox Greg, Chip E. Fresh, Eileen Katrick, Sunnie Murphy & Drivetrain Jane
Photographers
Steven Baldwin, Mitch Jordan, Chip Deitrick, Neale Bayly, TJ Morgan, Scott Odell, Debra Kinnear and Kristen Elsasser
Sales Department
Cara Bien - National Sales Cathy Gootee - Eastern Shore Chip Deitrick - Delmarva Crystal Rollins - DC / Alexandria Debra Kinnear - SE Baltimore Eileen L. Katrick - Mid Maryland Eric Price - Southern Maryland Jessica Floyd - Eastern Shore Shelly Lane - Sussex County / Delaware Jim Naecker - Western Maryland Vinnie Maimone - Southern Maryland
Main Sales Office: CALL: (410) 497-RIDE FAX: (410) 686-2427
Born To Ride Inc. Corporate Office
CALL: (888) 795-5779 FAX: (813) 689-2996
www .borntoride. com
Send in your News to content@BornToRide.com
borntoride.com | BTR 5
Sturgis Biker Rally
1-866-LAW-FRAN - www.LawFran.com
borntoride.com| btr 7
Since you are reading this article it means you must have some interest in motorcycling. Since you must have an interest in motorcycling maybe it is time you take an interest in helping to protect and enhance your riding rights. Here’s how, and it’s real easy. VOTE!
Not only must we vote but we must vote smart. This is an election year and that can have quite an effect on your right to ride. There are more than a few changes in the future for the Maryland General Assembly and you can help make these positive changes for motorcyclists. There are Delegates who have never supported motorcyclists rights who are trying to move up and get elected to the Senate, there are Senators who have been consistent supporters of motorcyclist’s rights who are retiring, and there are other elected officials who have supported or opposed motorcyclist’s rights who have strong competition for their seats in the General Assembly. While ABATE of Maryland does not support or endorse any candidate or elected official we will be happy to let you know if that person supports or opposes motorcyclist’s rights. If you haven’t had any exposure to elected officials you may be surprised, or even shocked, at the anti motorcyclist’s rights position that some of your elected officials have and how they work to
btr 8 |borntoride.com
prevent you from seeing an improvement of your rights. Many of these “public servants” would like to see an even greater restriction of your rights than already exists. We as motorcyclists need to try to see as many friendly legislators as possible win or retain seats in the General Assembly. If you are unsure as to which candidates support motorcyclist’s rights, and which don’t, there are several ways to find a candidate’s stance on motorcyclist’s rights. The first is to ask them. At election time the candidates are not hard to find. You may see them standing on street corners waving signs, hanging out at the local stores, and even going door to door. If you see candidates for office ask them if they will support your right to ride and ride without undue interference from government restrictions. Remember what they say and let your fellow motorcyclists know how that person stands. You can contact your ABATE chapter and ask them how the candidates for your district stand. I hope that you will understand that some of the chapters have a very large number of candidates in the districts they cover and not every candidate will respond to inquiries and that not every candidate can be contacted. If you are fortunate enough to get in touch with a candidate that your chapter representatives have been unable to reach let them know the results of your contact.
Another way to find out is to call or e-mail them and politely ask them how they stand on motorcyclist’s rights. The contact information for every candidate is public record and can be found on this site: http://www.elections.state.md.us/elections/20 10/2010primarycandlist.pdf While motorcyclist’s right may not be the most important issue to some when they cast their vote it may be the tiebreaker if someone is not sure about which candidate gets their vote. By you letting that voter, and fellow motorcyclist, know about a candidate’s stance on motorcyclist’s rights you may just be the influence for that one vote we need to get that one elected official in office who can make the difference. Please don’t be one of those riders that sit back and complain about their rights being restricted and yet do nothing about it. Make a difference. VOTE! Steven Strohmier
State Legislative Representative
ABATE of Maryland, Inc. 71 Franklin Street P.O. Box 1733 Annapolis, MD 21404 410-263-9185
Check Out Born To Ride.com to read more ABATE Articles.
Q: How do you feel about partnering with BTR?
the large crowds in Ocean City and Salisbury after Labor Day, giving visitors the chance to avoid lines and have a good time. Delmarva businesses are the perfect evening compliment to the five-star motorcycle event put on during the four days. And bikers get to actually RIDE their bikes as part of the event and not just bar-hop.
A: Born To Ride magazine fits nicely with
Q: What does it mean to the city?
Certain motorcycle events are a must attend ... Delmarva Bike Week is one of them. Born To Ride Delmarva sat down with Bruce Bennett (Delmarva Bike Week promoter) to ask a few questions about the history of the event and what is in-store for party goers.
Delmarva Bike Week ®. The Delmarva edition has quickly demonstrated its Florida bloodline rings true in the Mid-Atlantic area with a great balance of bike news, event coverage and cutting edge technical advice. Like Delmarva Bike Week ®, Born To Ride Delmarva gets right to what the riders want without the flash, smoke and mirrors other events and magazines rely on.
Q; How many years has this rally taken place? A: This will be the 10th year for Delmarva Bike
Week ®. The Delmarva area can easily accept
btr 10 |borntoride.com
A: Delmarva Bike Week’s ® impact is spread
throughout the region. Ocean City can handle 300,000 people in the summertime so it’s perfectly suited as a base for the event. But as the event has stretched its legs from Seaford and Harrington, Delaware, to Salisbury and Crisfield, MD, and parts of Virginia to the South, the riders have discovered the enjoyment of a riding event that has centralized event locations. It makes for the best of both worlds, a wide variety of motorcycle activities and actual riding around the Delmarva area. The Delmarva area
fits nicely with the riding public. Q: Why does H-D sponsor every year? A: Harley-Davidson of Ocean City, MD and
Harley-Davidson of Seaford, DE are very key to the event happening: without those two sponsors the event wouldn’t be half its size or offer half its attractions. Those two key dealerships are the straw that stirs the drink and like all of our sponsors, we hope riders remember that when they make their motorcycle buying decisions. These two dealerships sacrifice quite a bit to make this event a success, and we hope people across the country keep that in mind when they visit for Delmarva Bike Week® or come back at other times of the year.
Q: What are some of the main attractions going on this year? A: The five locations are the main attraction:
Harley-Davidson of Ocean City, Harley-Davidson
Check out Born To Ride Magazine Online to read more Motorcyle Event Coverage
of Seaford, Seacrets Nite Club in Ocean City and the two locations in Salisbury at Winter Place Park and Shorebirds Stadium. There are thrill shows, bike builders and all the support vendors a rider could even need. And Delmarva Bike Week ® partnering with CTM Customs out of Easton, MD, has given us the chance to give away a new custom motorcycle free. It’s not a raffle, it’s just a drawing. The same deal goes for the enclosed trailer from Truckin’ America and the Cruzin Cooler from BC Cycles. Just a little extra thanks these key vendors have given up to thank the people for choosing Delmarva Bike Week® as one of their events to attend in this difficult economy. Other attractions include the Cruzin The Coast Pin Run with a jackpot over $2,000, the Wall of Death, the return of the Globe of Death and the demo rides from corporate manufacturers Yamaha and Victory motorcycles. There are major aftermarket companies like Kuryakyn, Performance Machine and Mustang Seats at Harley of Ocean City and Rush Mufflers at Harley of Seaford to name a few, making
each location a must-visit on everybody’s list. This doesn’t even touch the more than 100 vendors and live concerts at Winter Place Park, or the live music at H-D of Seaford’s Enchanted Forrest. And don’t forget the fact that Seacrets is the best themed bar on the entire east coast; you really need more than four days to soak this all in. Q: What will H-D’s involvement be? A: Our sponsors Harley-Davidson of Ocean City
and Harley-Davidson of Seaford, besides behind key locations for you to start your Delmarva Bike Week ® experience, are also pulling its new and used motorcycle inventory together in one location at Shorebirds Stadium. This gives the visitors the chance to buy from the local dealers who sponsor this show and adds another large motorcycle presence next to Yamaha and Victory at Shorebirds Stadium. The local staff is stretched much too thin to offer demo rides, but maybe the Harley-Davidson Motor Company will see Delmarva Bike Week ® in the future
Did you know: The Delmarva Peninsula is a large peninsula on the East Coast of the United States.
as importantly as Yamaha and Victory does this year and as Suzuki, Kawasaki and Can-Am have in the past. Q: Is anything else that you want the readers to know about the event?
A: Make sure you support the people who are making this happen when you come to town. Don’t get caught up in the bootleggers, get the official T-shirts to support the event and visit the official locations so you aren’t snookered by any tagalongs. Our law enforcement agencies work closely with us to make it a safe event, so watch your speed and remember the No Wake zones as it gets later in the evening. Come make our tenth year as exciting as the first and don’t miss out, visit all 5 official locations and support the 12 stops on the Cruzin The Coast Pin Run. Let’s make sure number 11 is even better than this year. See you the second Thursday after Labor Day, Sept. 16-19, 2010.
borntoride.com| btr 11
Women’s World
Jean Davidson
What would your life be like if your grandfather was one of the four founders and first president of Harley-Davidson? I had the opportunity to ask that question – and others – with Jean Davidson, granddaughter of Walter Davidson! Jean is the daughter of Gordon Davidson. Gordon’s dad was Walter Davidson. The history of this family is rich, eclectic, and totally aweinspiring. When I asked Jean what the most memorable thing she could think of growing up, she said, “Riding behind my dad on the motorcycle. Dad had a Harley with a side car. When mom and my sister wanted to ride, I got to ride behind my dad. I was very close to my dad.” Jean began riding a Harley at the age of 12. She also was the owner of the largest Harley-Davidson dealership in Wisconsin. “We bought the dealership in 1967 and opened it up to the public in 1968. At that point in time what was considered large isn’t large anymore. In 1979 I divorced my husband and gave him the dealership.” Jean remembers vividly the different times
in her young life when there would be wellknown Harley racers in the kitchen just sitting around the table talking and visiting. “I remember just looking at these handsome racers. It was so neat looking back at times like that and having the opportunity to be in the same room with these guys!” For those of you reading this article, you may know of a well-known Harley dealer from Daytona Beach named Joe Robison. “I grew up with Joe. When I’ve been to Daytona, I always made it a point to go and visit Joe and his wife Angie.” Jean is the proud mother of five children and seven grandchildren. “My children still ride today. Motorcycles that have been in the family over the years are still road worthy today. During Harley-Davidson’s 105th Anniversary Parade, our 1935 knucklehead was a part of the parade. Those bikes are just beautiful works of art.” Due to hip replacement surgery, Jean prefers to be a passenger when out at various events and rallies. “I love to ride as a passenger!” While interviewing Jean for this article, I noticed that she was an excellent story teller when she was talking about certain events in her life. “I’ve always been a teacher and a writer. I
Check out Womens World at Born To Ride.com for more women’s issues and videos.
wrote the school curriculum and was even asked to write the state school curriculum.” Jean took those two attributes and with the passion and knowledge of her family history, started writing books. Two well-known books are “Growing up Harley Davidson – Memoirs of a Motorcycle Dynasty” and “Jean Davidson’s HarleyDavidson Family Album.” The first book is the personal story of the history of Harley-Davidson motorcycles. The second book is 100 years of the world’s greatest motorcycles in photographs. “It took five years to write the first book. I wanted to find all unknown stories no one had heard before. After the first book came out, the publisher wanted a second book!” Jean didn’t stop there. She has even written children’s books! “Riding Back in Time – On My Daddy’s Harley-Davidson,” “My Daddy Makes the Best Motorcycle in the Whole Wide World,” “Color Me Harley-Let’s Go For a Ride!” and, “Fun and Games with Harley-Davidson.” There was a huge turning event in Jean’s life. Jean lost her four-year old grandson, Ryder. “One day he was playing with the neighbor boys. One was Ryder’s age, and the other was eight years old. They were playing near a ditch filled with water. Ryder and the other four year old boy fell into this water-filled ditch. The eight year old boy didn’t yell. He got scared and ran home. If he would have yelled, Ryder’s dad could have saved both the little boys because he would have heard the yell.” Jean turned this tragic event into a viable charity called, the Davidson Yell and Tell Foundation. “This is a charitable foundation set up to teach young children what to do when they observe a dangerous situation. Many times this child will run away or be quiet because he/she doesn t want to get into trouble or be called a tattletale. Sometimes the child is so afraid, he/she is too scared to do anything. The Yell and Tell program teaches children how to take action and be a hero.” Some of the most dangerous situations that this program covers are: Pools, Rivers/Lakes, Fire, Poison, Guns, and Child Enticement. Currently, Jean has reached over 30,000 children with this program; 32 children have used it to save someone. This program is also tied in with Harley-Davidson. Jean goes into schools discussing this life-saving program as well as participates in local motorcycle rides. “Money that is raised on the motorcycle awareness rides stays in the community where the ride is taking place.” I was very happy to have been able to talk with Jean Davidson. She is a formidable person and one that has a vision and purpose in life. I’m glad that I could bring Jean Davidson to the faithful readers of Born To Ride! Thank you, Jean! Who: Web:
Susan Hurst Jean Davidson www.jeandavidson.com
borntoride.com| btr 13
Hottest BIKE NIGHTS
M O N DAY
Boomer’s Sport Bar
(1st & 3rd Monday of the Month)
Featured bike night Bill Bateman’s Bistro
Middle River, MD • 121 Earls Rd. • 410-335-7770
T U E S DAY
Bill Bateman’s Bistro
Rosedale, MD • 8620 Pulaski Hwy. • 410-574-9464 Trader Lees
West Ocean City, MD • Rt.50 & Rt.611 • 410-213-2000
W E D N E S DAY Smitty McGee’s Raw Bar
Selbyville, DE • 102 Bayville Shopping Ctr. • 302-436-4716 Hooters
New Castle, DE • 194 South Dupont Hwy. • 302-326-2526 Cheesburger In Paradise
(2nd Wednesday of the Month)
Pasadena, MD • 8026 Ritchie Hwy. • 410-761-1003
T H U R S DAY Hooters
Rockville, MD • 1584 Rockville Pike. • 301-230-2134 Hooters
Waldorf, MD • 360 Crain Hwy. • 301-638-9464 The SportZone
Smyrna, DE • 235 Stadium Dr. • 302-223-1808 Jeff’s Tap Room
Bridgeville, DE • 416 Market St. • 302-337-8602 Freddie’s of Bel Air
(3rd Thursday of the Month)
Bel Air, MD • 660 Boulton St. • 410-803-4860 McAvoy’s
(Aug 19th)
Parkville, MD • 2531 Putty Hill Ave. • 410-882-0500
F R I DAY Cactus Club
Salisbury, MD • 200 Columbia Dr. • 410-546-3599
S AT U R DAY Hooters
Laurel, MD • 14707-B Baltimore Ave. • 301-362-5668 Ram’s Head Tavern
(3rd Saturday of the Month)
Svage Mill, MD • 8600 Foundry St. • 301-604-3454
S unday Buck’s Store
Princess Anne, MD • 33594 Dublin Rd. • 410-957-6518 Oasis Bar & Grill
Whaleyville, MD • 7539 Old Ocean City Blvd. • 410-641-2100 The Ice Lounge
Dover, DE • 1036 Lafferty Lane • 302-678-8069
Get your bike night listed! ADVERTISE WITH BORN TO RI D E
Call 410-497-RIDE
Bill Bateman’s Bistro Golden Ring is the Hottest bike night in the Baltimore area. Sponsored by Born To Ride magazine, Harley-Davidson of Baltimore and Charm City Choppers. This is the place to be on Tuesday nights— Great food, Outside DJ, Vendors, Raffles, Roll-in Bike Show and more. Come out and check out the bikes and meet some great people. Check out their ad on page 37. borntoride.com | btr 15
MOTORMAN’S TEST RIDE
For 2010, Honda has added yet another midsize bike to their 750 line up, the 750 RS. Unlike the other bikes in the 750 segment, the RS is not a straight up cruiser, but, in my opinion, a cross between a cruiser and a standard ... much like Harley’s Sportster. In fact, many people will undoubtedly mistake the RS for a Sportster, as its’ styling is quite similar. Honda said the RS is geared toward the rider who wants a sporty handling nimble cruiser. In fact, with a wheelbase of 61.5” and a 32 degree rake, the RS wheel to wheel figure is 5” shorter than either the 750 Aero or the Spirit 750. The pegs on the RS are set higher as well. The seat height is 29.4”. While that might seem a bit much since most midsize cruisers are between 24.5” and 27.5” off the ground, the RS is narrow so even shorter riders won’t have a problem flat footing this bike. In addition, with its 2.8 gallon tank full of fuel, the RS comes in at only 500 lbs. That’s a good 50 to 150 lbs lighter than its competitive models and those figures add up to a very sporty handling motorcycle— Honda obviously accomplished its goal. There’s nothing high tech going on with the RS’s suspension that make it handle so well. Up front, there’s a 41 mm fork with 4.6” of travel. Out back, dual shocks with 3.5” of travel do the trick. The fact is, high tech isn’t needed with only 500 lbs
btr 18 |borntoride.com
of motorcycle to haul around. And since Honda didn’t slam this bike as low to the ground as possible, excellent lean angles and lots of fun on a winding road are just a handlebar push away.
“Everything you need is right there and there’s nothing there that you don’t need.”
The Shadow RS has a 745 cc liquid cooled 52 degree V-twin. This motor is a SOHC 3 valve per cylinder unit and is fuel injected. It is also a
single pin crank and is rubber mounted to quell vibrations. Chain drive is used to transfer power to the rear wheel via a smooth shifting 5-speed transmission. Brakes consist of a single 296 mm disc with twin piston calipers up front and a rear drum brake. Both are easy to modulate and stop the RS in short order. The cable operated clutch has a wide progressive action and an easy pull. Shifter action is also very smooth. The upright riding position and the wide handlebars with just the correct amount of pullback guarantee all day riding comfort. The rather large speedometer with white numerals is mounted on the risers and is easily read without taking your eyes off the road. You can toggle through the odometer trip odometer and a clock. The usual warning lights are easily seen as well. Honda did a good job with the simplistic styling of the RS. Obviously, the stylists were harking back to a simpler time and place in history. Everything you need is right there and there’s nothing there that you don’t need. The motor is blacked out and contrasts nicely with the chrome air filter cover and cylinder heads and two into two shotgun exhaust. The bike comes with classic wire wheels and 100/90-19 tire up front and a 150/80-16
Check Out Born To Ride Magazine Online to read more Motorcyle Reviews
2010 Honda 750 Shadow rs out back. Upon hitting the starter on the RS, I was pleasantly surprised with the throaty sound of the exhaust. As I let the clutch out and twisted the throttle, I was again surprised with the effortless way the 750 motor had me hustling down the road. The first three gears offer plenty of pull to leave most any cager well behind at the stoplights. Once into the wider spaced 4th and 5th gears and up to highway speeds, the RS settles down to a nice smooth cruise. Every bike has its sweet spot and this one seemed to find 68 mph to 70 mph its ideal sweet spot. By that I mean you can accelerate quickly without a downshift to pass slower traffic yet not be searching for a higher gear. You can get up to 80 mph before any kind of vibration becomes noticeable. The rider seat is quite comfortable and believe it or not, the speedometer does a good job of blocking the wind at highway speeds so I didn’t wish for a windshield. I was wearing a ¾ helmet with a face shield ... that’s all I needed. Off the interstate and through the stop and go traffic, the 750 was a real pleasure to maneuver in and around slower traffic. Its lightweight and short wheelbase is just the thing for that type of riding.
Did you know: At its peak in 1982, Honda manufactured almost 3 million motorcycles.
On your favorite winding road the RS really shines. I was able to achieve some serious lean angles before touching the pegs down. You’ll easily leave bigger, heavier machines in your wake with this bike. Overall, with its great handling, smooth motor and compliant suspension and more than adequate power, I couldn’t find a single fault with the new Shadow 750 RS. Honda has a real winner on its hands. The RS is available in Pearl White or Metallic Gray for the measly sum of $7,799.00. For a closer look, drop by You can do so at Pete’s Cycle Co. located at 7511 Belair Rd., Baltimore, MD (410) 663-8556. Tell ‘em Born To Ride sent ya. Jerry “Motorman” Palladino
Copyright 2010
borntoride.com| btr 19
Let’s face it, it’s no secret women have taken a back seat in the motorcycle industry, literally and figuratively speaking. But times, they are a changing and women are finally getting their due respect in the motorcycle industry. Four years ago Dawn and Chris Morris set out to do just that—offer women a motorcycle that feels right. The best way to get potential motorcyclists out and riding the roads, or a sidekick off the back seat, is to create a bike that is comfortable and non-menacing. The Iron Angel has landed and she’s heading your way! btr 22| borntoride.com
Iron Angel Customs was incorporated in 2006 and is now celebrating its fourth successful year in motorcycle custom design. The shop is located in Hanover, Maryland at 7148 Ridge Road. You can reach them by phone 410-6843003, 443-865-5190 or visit them on the web www.ironangelcustoms.com. Initially Chris and Dawn began building custom motorcycles exclusively for women. The original design had a lower seat frame with custom seats made specifically to fit a woman. The goal was to offer women endless
options and design possibilities; a custom design motorcycle built to fit the customer perfectly— creating an ultimate ride for women. The design blueprint began with input from women riders, and continues to adapt and grow with input from their expertise today. The business has grown to provide all customization and repair services for all, both male and female riders (guys need love too). Their services include but are not limited to routine maintenance, ThunderMax installation, wide tire transitions, high performance modifications and
“Look For Our Angel At The Top Of Our Lane To Guide You To Our Shop!”
powder coating. If you are a Harley person they sell new and used Harley-Davidson parts; and if they don’t have it in stock they’ll get it for you! Iron Angel’s store and website has a large selection of helmets, apparel and motorcycle accessories at great prices. Iron Angel Customs is proud to say their business has been successful due to quality service and customer satisfaction as shown by their incredible customer referral network. Whether you are in need of exhausts, wheels, engine enhancements, custom paint job, or routine repair stroll in and speak with Chris or
Dawn; their Customization Experts will love the opportunity to help you find some unique and exciting ideas. But don’t just take our word for it stop over yourself; look for the angel at the top of the lane to guide you to the shop. When you stop in tell them Born To Ride sent you. Iron Angel Customs
7148 Ridge Road Hanover, Maryland 21076 410-684-3003 or 443-865-5190 www.ironangelcustoms.com borntoride.com | btr 23
R
iveted in the moment, breathing slowly, trying to absorb the intensity of Mother Nature while buzzing on my man made mechanical steed, I have attained my own motorcycle nirvana. Rolling out of Lone Pine, California, as the sun lights the gleaming white snow on Mount Whitney two miles above us, I’ve found it. I’ve found the perfect speed and mental attitude to fully appreciate the new 2010 Kawasaki Voyager as we head south through the majestic Owens Valley. Riding for the past couple of days from Irvine, California, to the Alabama hills, and then into Death Valley with photos and video in mind, in this moment I find the big Kawasaki touring rig’s sweet spot. The work all done, this is a pure pleasure cruise, and rumbling down the picturesque highway I don’t want it to end. With the tachometer reading right around twenty five hundred rpm, and the speedometer needle somewhere between 67-71 mph, the throttle is barely cracked. Sat comfortably in the broad, sculptured saddle, the engine simply purrs, and the full touring fairing is deflecting the cool air as we effortlessly roll down the two-lane highway. It’s like being on a giant conveyor belt with some gentle vibration and a light breeze programmed in for physical stimulation, while the sensory department gets stunning, postcard perfect mountain backdrops to enjoy. To my right, the Alabama hills provide a golden base for the snow-capped mountains of the Sierra Crest, as
btr 28 | borntoride.com
vivid blue dry salt lakes shine brightly to my left. Low flat land rolls up to a softer mountain range that pushes up into the cloudless sky, and the air at this altitude is refreshing and energizing. Turning on the sound system, I decide to overstimulate my highly engaged grey matter with a little music from my iPod. I missed the press intro for the Kawasaki Voyager 1700 when it was released in 2009, so while the new 2010 is essentially the same machine with some minor revisions, it’s new to me. Replacing the venerable Vulcan 1600 with an improved 1700cc power plant, the new 52-degree V-twin now kicks out 108 ft-lbs of torque at 2750 rpm, which is about a 15% increase. It’s also making 20% more horsepower and this peaks at 5,000 rpm, with the rev limiter kicking in a thousand rpm beyond this point. Compression ratio for the large 102 mm pistons is 9.5:1 and they run in a 104 mm stroke. These figures are a little different to the other models on this platform, with the Voyager being the mildest of the bunch. A single overhead camshaft opens and closes four valves per cylinder; while two 42 mm throttle bodies feed fuel and air into the big cylinders thanks to the digital fuel injection. An electronic valve provides the perfect cocktail by reading the throttle position, its load, and the air pressure and temperature. Making for near perfect fueling anywhere from idle to red line, there were a couple of times when the system
felt like it was not performing just as it should. Coming off a long straight road where I had been running on a constant throttle, the bike did some minor coughs after the stop sign when I came back on the throttle. The only problem was it happened after filling the gas tank in Death Valley, and I can’t say it wasn’t a case of some bad fuel as it only happened that significantly on the one occasion. At other times it felt like we experienced a brief lean condition, which could have been the wind pushing the big rig around. For the rest of the time it performed flawlessly, and when in its sweet spot the bike’s is as good as it gets on two wheels. Power is taken to the rear wheel via a sixspeed transmission and belt drive. Cleaner and more efficient than the old shaft drive system Kawasaki has seemed fond off, it uses the top two gears as overdrives. This makes for a very relaxed ride at highway speeds. Realizing this corresponds to the bike’s peak torque output explains why rolling down the road around 70 mph is so effortless. The engine uses twin counter balancers, so the vibration from the single pin crankshaft is minimal until the engine starts approaching the red line where it starts to let you know it’s there. Acceleration on the big Kawasaki is measured and predictable, and the bike responds better to planned inputs when overtaking. Visually, the big V-twin engine is a real looker. Masquerading as an air-cooled lump, it is liquid cooled with finned cylinders
Did you know: In 1960 Kawasaki completed construction of a factory dedicated exclusively to motorcycle production.
and nice chrome accents on the cam covers and lower end of the engine. These are further accentuated as the rest of the engine parts have a matte black finish, which really helps make the chrome parts stand out. Holding the big motor in place, the Voyager uses a double cradle steel frame with a box section single tube backbone. A beefy looking conventional 45 mm hydraulic fork lives up
btr 30 | borntoride.com
front and has 5.5 inches of travel. It holds a sixteen-inch front wheel with a 130/90 series tire. Braking duties are taken care of by a pair of 300 mm rotors that get squeezed by four piston calipers. The version of the Voyager here in the pictures comes with ABS, which is an $1100 option at time of purchase. Using what Kawasaki calls K-ACT, the linked braking system is also used on the Concours 1400, and applying the
rear brake activates one of the front discs. Pulling the front brake lever works both the front discs in a conventional manner. Pressure sensors on the master cylinders read the bikes’ speed, and make necessary adjustments to the front/rear brake bias accordingly. The system is also disabled at speeds under 12 mph, and the ABS at 4 mph. This makes U-turns a lot easier when you have to rely solely on the rear brake to make the maneuver. Having used the system on a skid pad, while testing the Concourse, it really is a fabulous safety feature and hopefully one you’ll never need. Air assisted shocks are used in the rear, and a 170/70 series tire wraps around another sixteen-inch rim. The shocks are adjustable for rebound damping and provide a very compliant ride. The front fork is typically cruiser soft, so it’s a good job the brakes don’t work it any harder. During my time on the big cruiser we got to experience a wide variety road surfaces and I have no complaints about the way the suspension dealt with them. Start pushing the Voyager on a twisty road and its 886-pound weight makes itself known, but handling is super light and responsive thanks to the comfortable wide bars at sensible speeds. Besides, hustling along canyon roads is not what this motorcycle is about. Coming with a 5.3 gallon tank, you have close to a 200 mile range before looking for fuel, and the sophisticated on-board computer tells you how many miles you have left before fill up time.
Call Pete’s Cycle Motor Sports to get you Kawasaki Voyager Call (410) 663-8556
Sitting comfortably in the pilot’s seat, the initial view inside the fairing is pure old school. Good sized round analogue dials rimmed with chrome read engine and road speed, while a slightly larger multi-function LCD display in the middle gives a plethora of information to keep the savvy traveler on course. Featuring a gear position indicator, remaining fuel range and average fuel consumption indicators (over 40 mpg for my bike during the trip) and dual trip meters, odometer, and additional fuel gauge you are not going to be in need of in flight information on the Voyager. There is also a traditional fuel gauge to the left of the speedometer and a temperature gauge to the right of the tachometer. Over on the right handlebar is the switch for the cruise control. There are no surprises with the way this works, and touching either brake puts you instantly back in control of the throttle. The old fashioned looking radio not only does FM/AM duties, but handles Satellite radio, your iPod and the on-board CB radio. This is a neat feature that is apparently making a return, and by simply installing a headset system provided by Kawasaki before we left Irvine, we were easily able to communicate with each other as we rode. A simple system that cuts out the music when someone starts speaking, it will be a great asset to those traveling with their fellow Voyager riders, or those wanting to communicate with truckers and other CB users. We had a lot of fun with the system and the headphones gave great in-helmet sound when listening to the radio
or my iPod. The sound system also allows you to listen to music through the bike’s speakers located in the fairing, and this didn’t quite offer the same quality of sound. Not that it was bad, but the headphones just do a better job. The sound system can be operated with buttons on the radio, or by a series of switches on the left handlebar. These are a tad complicated to get right, and some familiarization before hitting
Did you know: Kawasaki is one of the world’s major motorcycle manufacturers.
the road will make them a lot easier to use, as there are a lot of different choices you can perform. You don’t want to be learning them on the move. You can even listen to music when you are off the bike by putting the ignition switch collar to the ACC position, and also still use the accessories. This is a nice feature when you are pulled over admiring the view and want a little music to compliment your experience. For the distance rider the full fairing has a large windshield that offers plenty of protection. Frame mounted, the bike is more stable in high winds than if it were mounted to the handlebars. This also helps contribute to the light steering. The leg shields have adjustable vents to allow you to control airflow and the bike has better heat protection for the rider than the ’09, according to Kawasaki’s PR man. Luggage capacity is ample, and the large trunk can take two fullface helmets, or 13.2 gallons of whatever you take with you on trips. There is an additional 20 gallons of storage space available between the two side cases, and these have a refreshingly easy top opening system and, like the trunk, are fully lockable. The Kawasaki Voyager is traditionally styled, and the bike exudes quality with deep luster paint and liquid smooth chrome. It’s available in a choice of Metallic Diablo Black and Metallic Imperial Red, or Metallic Midnight Sapphire Blue and Metallic Moondust Gray. The price for the non-ABS version is $17,299, and with ABS it’ll run you $18,399. It comes with Kawasaki’s traditional 36-month warranty and is available at dealers. Priced competitively, with a number of sensible upgrades from last year’s model based on customer feedback, Kawasaki has done a great job with the Voyager if you are looking for a bike in the heavy duty touring category. Sophisticated, with its modern conveniences and safety features, it is still capable of giving the raw, visceral experience long-distance touring riders are looking for, and it has a truck load of looks and personality to go with it. Neale Bayly Photos by Adam Campbell
borntoride.com |btr 31
btr 36 |borntoride.com
Check out Born To Ride Magazine Online to read more Motorcyle Event Reviews
borntoride.com | btr 37
CRAVEN MOOREHEAD
“Read at Your Own Risk!”
“Not For The Squeamish!” “Industrial
Strength Insanity!”
It’s the end of the world as we know it! (and I feel fine!)
Man, it’s hot outside! Well, of course! It’s summertime and there is no relief from the heat until you get inside. When I feel it’s getting really unbearable from either weather condition, I will leave the sanctity of my redwood deck and retreat back inside the trailer with my dog and beer. It was on one recent retreat that I learned that none of us would be here too long. Or so it seemed to one particular person. I have heard of the internet, but I’m not one of those computer literate sort of folks, so when the ol’ lady got one of these “Laptop computer” things I paid little attention to it. “Hey look at this” she hollers from across the room. “It’s this website for the “Institute for Human Continuity.” “What’s that?” I replied. “It’s this thing about the end of the world, and you can apply for a chance to be a survivor!” After a brief examination I determined that the image on the computer screen was impressive. It appears to be a real site which warns people of the ‘end of the world.’ I dunno, I remember that once I wrote about the internet being only useful for Porn, and that assumption was based on a statement being made by a ‘wise’ man that I met, so I approached the vision of the website with great skepticism. Wow! It did look real, and the ol’ lady was enthusiastic about the impending doom, and was showing me how you could join
a lottery to be included as a “survivor.” It was at this point that I went from skepticism to disbelief. I mean, how can a stupid computer save you, as a person from the end of the world? I just didn’t make sense. But she was adamant that this was real, and went into great detail about what she had read. As little as I know about the computer or the end of the world for that matter, I decided that it was time to do a little ‘research’ of my own. Nothing will cool you off like quick blast on a motorcycle, so I hollered “see ya!” and fired up the bagger and headed down the road to the Gentlemen’s club for some more alcohol, and some ‘in-depth’ investigation! Here’s what I learned… According to the Mayan Indians, ‘doomsday’ will happen on December 21, 2012. It seems that the Mayans constructed a calendar that ends on that exact date. … Hmm, all the strange things happening around the world right now, and then some long dead people from the other side of nowhere mess my day up even worse! Just my luck! Then there’s this dude named Nostradamus who seemed to predict the same thing, but wait, he says it going to happen on the 22nd not the 21st which is not surprising to me! There are other ancient predictors and methods used to calculate such events, but I prefer to use the ‘count the boobies’ method. It’s a simple calculation involving counting the number of boobies you see at the Gentlemen’s
club, multiplying by the number of beers you’ve consumed, adding 1,655 (the amount of dollars it typically costs to pay the fine and costs for DUI) and subtracting 2. My calculation revealed that the world would not actually end in 2012 but somewhere in the area of 2029. This number was based on my unique ability of retroactive clairvoyance, and the probable existence of unobvious boobies being hidden from natural view. I am an expert at predicting things after they already happened, and appear to be a Seer when I approach those that have not already ‘heard the news.’ Postdiction aside, there was a level of disappointment in the ol’ lady’s eyes when I told her that the Institute for Human Continuity was actually not a predictor of the end of the world, but merely a very well constructed website advertisement for the movie ‘2012’ which came out sometime this past November. I also told her that continuous use of the computer could make her anti-social, and just like that teevee, it can make you go blind! She called me a colorful name and said she was going to throw me out of the house. I can’t predict the exact date, because it hasn’t happened yet! Until next month, speed safely and stay tuned for more. …. Editor’s note: Gullibility notwithstanding, more than 11,000,000 people have already signed up for a chance to survive the end of the world. Are they true believers like Craven’s ol’ lady, or are they merely being duped by the entertainment industry? Make your decision by reviewing www.theinstituteforhumancontinuity. org
Check out Born To Ride.com for more articles from Craven . Comment at content@borntoride.com
borntoride.com| btr 39
shop talk Dragon Lair about your store and why they should come in to see you? A: Well, we have been in business for 18 years
Into The Lair with Dragon’s Lair So, you’re at the beach and want to ‘maybe’ engage in some adult fun. It don’t matter if your single, married or married wanting to be single. Dragon’s Lair has adult toys, smoking accessories, gifts and other items that can help bring you happiness. Viewed as one of the most unique shops at the beach, Dragon’s Lair also offers a full-service tattoo shop and piercing studio. This year, even in tough economic times for a lot of people, they are growing. Their second location is now open for business in Lewes, DE, and like the Oak Orchard location is open 7 days a week. I got to pull owner Jen and Tattoo artist “Bones” away for a minute to ask them a few questions about Dragon’s Lair. Q: Hey Jen, thanks for taking the time to talk to Born To Ride for getting Dragon’s Lair more involved with the magazines. Tell our readers all
so we know we are doing something right. We are family owned and operated. Our product line is so diverse. We carry all types of items like Adult toys, vibrators, fetish items, jewelry, drinking games, movies and DVD’s, biker gifts, hand blown glass, water pipes, vaporizers and smoking accessories of all types. But I want everyone to know we take pride in our business and keep it very professional. So come on in and see us. ...
Q: What sets you apart from your competition
in a time when everyone’s money seems to go out quicker than it’s coming in?
A: We had to change the way we market our
customers. We do a lot of radio ads and use media sources like Born To Ride magazine to get the word out. But we are planning to promote a few new ideas to draw in extra business; for example, we are going to be offering any piercing for only $25 and a great idea Bones will be offering is the $100 tattoo sitting. Check out our website for sale info www.dragonslairinc. com.
Check out Born To Ride.com for more Shop Talks visit Born To Ride.com
Q: I know you have a huge bulldog “Bertha” here that loves to ride. Tell us, Do you ride a bike and if so what kind? A: Ah yes! I love to ride. I have a 2003 Heritage
Softail Classic. It’s my favorite vibrator of them all. I love to help with donations for motorcycle charity events and go on poker runs. We are a very biker friendly business. If you come in at the right time maybe you will see Bertha riding up with her goggles on.
Q: Now let me introduce you to the man behind all tattoo’s that come out of Dragon’s Lair. Bones has been the main tattoo artist for Dragon’s Lair about 4 years now. Tell me Bones, How do you describe your tattoo work? A: I try to be unique. I try not to be influence
by the latest trends. I stick to what I like and know. My work is inspired by fine line, detailed tattoo’s. I love black and gray work, but I am a master artist in all forms. If you are looking for a new tattoo, stop in and see me. And please remember to always check out our regular specials. by Chip E Fresh
borntoride.com| btr 41
On The Run with Chip E. Fresh
The Brian “Bert” Succarotti Benefit
It was a beautiful day for a run but no run would take place today. The day was reserved for a benefit to raise money for Brian “Bert” Succarotti. If you see the scar or the garden hose looking pipes holding Bert’s stomach together, you would know he is enduring some serious crap. The Broke Jokers M/C along with the Cactus Club in Salisbury, MD took part in organizing this event to help their brother endure medical costs and maybe ride again. The event was a great success and after talking with Bert he was blown away by all the patronage and he was shocked by all the support he received. btr 42 |borntoride.com
“That’s what the brotherhood is all about and that’s why I want to belong.” Bert said, as his voice became stronger and excited. “I am very grateful to have family like them in my life.” The food was awesome and drinks were being served quickly. Frank, owner of the Cactus Club did a great job and was a great host. The Broke Jokers always throw a great party and I am always glad to be invited. The Benefit had a bike wash with bikini girls. Items were donated by Kenny’s Sports Bar and the Green Turtle as well as other local businesses for auctions to raise extra money. I was glad to see Bert’s
’09 Street-glide brought in as the 1st bike to be washed. It was the first time he’d seen his bike in a while, and I could tell he really wanted to ride. Bikes were lined up for the bike wash and it was a great time. I would like to thank Bert and The Broke Jokers for having me. Check back in next month as I take you on the run with Davey’s Ride 4, August 21, 2010 in Woodbridge, VA. Maybe I will see you there. To have your bike run featured, contact me. Chip@ streetthrottle.com or 302-299-6612 Chip E Fresh
Check Out Born To Ride Magazine Online to read more Motorcyle Reviews
MEAN STREETS Q&A with Motorman I get lots of email from the readers of this column as well as from people that have purchased my Ride Like a Pro video and Book. Here’s a question I get almost daily in spite of the fact that I answer it several times in my videos, book and safety tips ... here it is one more time. Motorman,
Will riding in the friction zone burn out my clutch? When I learned to drive a standard shift car, my father told me to never ride the clutch. Answer: If you follow my simple instructions, you
won’t have a problem. First, you should know the vast majority of motorcycles are equipped with what is called a wet clutch. In other words, the clutch plates are lubricated by oil to keep them cool. There are a few motorcycles such as a few BMW’s and Ducati’s which have a dry clutch like a car. That means their clutches are not lubricated with oil so extra care must be taken. Here’s how to insure a long life for your clutch while practicing proper riding techniques.
btr 44 |borntoride.com
While in the friction zone, keep your revs at about twice idle speed. In other words, don’t rev your motor to 3, 4 or 5 thousand rpms as that will surely burn your clutch out very quickly. When dragging the rear brake to help stabilize the motorcycle, use light pressure. Light pressure means about 3 to 4 lbs. To get an idea of what 3 to 4 lbs of pressure is, put the ball of your foot on the bathroom scale while keeping your heel on the ground and press down till it registers 3 to 4 lbs. Remember, the better you get with your clutch and throttle, the less pressure you’ll need on the rear brake. Lastly, after every five minutes or so of practice, breeze out the bike by cruising around the practice area in 2nd gear, out of the friction zone and no pressure on the rear brake. You can even let the bike sit for another five minutes so you can be absolutely sure the clutch plates have cooled. The worse thing you can do is run through an exercise for 20, 30, 40 minutes straight without a cool down period, especially in hot weather. If you follow these simple rules, you should get 100,000 miles out of your clutch. -Ride Safe... Ride Like a Pro Team Jerry Motorman Palladino
www.ridelikeapro.com • Copyright 2010
Check out Born To Ride.com for more Mean Street articles from the Jerry Motorman Palladino
borntoride.com | btr 45
CHRISTIAN MOTORCYCLists ASSOCIATION
How do you feel about a dirty bike? After returning from a 2,700 mile road trip with a friend of mine to the CMA National Rally in Hatfield, AR in June our bikes were downright filthy. Dust from gravel roads and parking lots was ground in, and the bugs collected along the way were caked on, and in some cases quite colorful. Some see a bike like that as having character. Others believe a dirty bike is a ridden btr 46| borntoride.com
bike. I can agree with both but I like riding a clean bike. A clean bike just seems to run better to me. Every time I clean my bike I seem to get a fresh outlook on riding. Please understand I’m not one to clean my bike and keep it as a showpiece in the garage. No, my motorcycle is built for a purpose, to ride; and I will ride it whenever I can. Sometimes our lives are like my motorcycle, pretty dirty. They can appear rather messed up when others look at them. At times they might even look colorful. But there is something special about a person’s life that has been cleaned up and lives for the purpose it was created. You see we all have a purpose. In God’s Word, the Bible, several times it says that our purpose is to praise Him who created us. God has a purpose for every one of us. It’s often that purpose that drives us. When you see CMA at an event someone may hand you a Rag. If it’s me that hands it to you, I’ll probably say something like, “Here is a rag to clean up some small messes in your
life. Inside is a piece of paper that explains how to clean up the big messes in your life.” You see, we all have big messes in our lives that need cleaning up and along with that rag comes some powerful instructions for each of us. The instructions tell us how we can go about having our lives cleaned up through a relationship with Jesus Christ. Our sins can be forgiven and we can be set on the road to eternal life. It is surprising how much better life runs when it’s been clean on the inside. I know because Jesus has cleaned up my life. When I think of what it was before, it reminds me of my dirty bike. Now that it is clean it is ready to accomplish the purpose for which it is made. If you see us CMA members at an event, ask us for one of those Rags we’d love to give you one and talk with you about it. Until next month, God Bless you. Keep those tires on the road and the wind in your face. Whenever you get a chance look up. Ride Safe! I hope to see down the road. For more info you can go to cmausa.org.
Dave (PK) VanderKlay
Check out Born To Ride.com for more articles from CMA.
Rides, Runs, and destinations Delaware Friday, Aug 6 •
Townsend - Swap Meet & Bike Show
- Viet Nam Vets M/C – 5:00pm – (302) 559-8352
sunday, Aug 8 •
Wilmington - Big Al Memorial Sweaty Ball Charity Run – www. fourseasonsmc.com
Friday, aug 27 •
6:00pm – (302) 629-6161
monday, aug 2
Middle River - Boomer’s Sports Bar Bike Night – 6:00pm – (410) 335-7770
tuesday, aug 3 •
Rosedale - Bill Bateman’s Bistro Golden Ring Bike Night – 5:30pm – (410) 574-9464
Sunday, aug 8 • •
Tuesday, aug 17
•
Salisbury - 4th Annual Eddie Sinclair
Ride for Life to benefit SARAH’s House – 10:00am – (410) 912-1555 Darlington - Rally for Race to win the race against abused children – 9:00am – (410) 457-454
sunday, aug 22
•
Rosedale - Bill Bateman’s Bistro Golden Ring Bike Night – 5:30pm – (410) 574-9464 Little Orleans - 7th Annual East Coast Sturgis – August 11th – August 15th – www.eastcoaststurgis.com
Saturday, aug 14 •
Charlotte Hall - 8th Annual Charlotte
Hall Veteran’s Home Poker Run – 11:00am – www.usmvmcsmd.org
Sunday, aug 15
•
Thurmont - 7th Annual Ride to
Thurmont – Pediatric Brain Tumor Foundation – 9:00am – 410) 923-4944
monday, aug 16
•
Middle River - Boomer’s Sports Bar
Animals to benefit Maryland SPCA – 9:30am – (410) 235-8826x104
Rosedale - Bill Bateman’s Bistro Golden Ring Bike Night – 5:30pm – (410) 574-9464
saturday, aug 28 • Essex - 1st Annual Charm City Mods & Rocker Invade East Baltimore Fun Run – 10:00am – (410) 889-5339 • Manchester - Mayhem In Manchester – 10:00am – (410) 2390500 Tuesday, aug 31 •
•
Golden Ring Bike Night – 5:30pm – (410) 574-9464 Queen Anne’s Co. - Annual Labor
Day Party – ABATE – September 3rd – September 5th - (410) 714-0831
saturday, sept 4 •
Prince Frederick - Cards For A Cause-Poker Run – 10:00am – (202) 257-4188
monday, sept 6 •
Middle River. - Boomer’s Sports Bar Bike Night – 6:00pm – (410) 335-7770
Tuesday, sept 7 •
Tuesday, sept 14 • Rosedale - Bill Bateman’s Bistro Golden Ring Bike Night – 5:30pm – (410) 574-9464
Tuesday, sept 16 • Berlin - Delmarva Bike Week – September 16th – September 19th – (410) 629-1560 monday, sept 20 •
Rosedale - Bill Bateman’s Bistro Golden Ring Bike Night – 5:30pm – (410) 574-9464
saturday, sept 11 • Laurel - Hogs and Heroes Poker Run – 9:00am – (240) 832-5148 • Thurmont - Tommy West Memorial Ride - 1st Annual – 9:00am – (301) 241-3765 • Frederick - Tri-County Poker Run – ABATE – 10:30am – (301) 733-5536
Middle River - Boomer’s Sports Bar Bike Night – 6:00pm – (410) 335-7770
tuesday, sept 21 • Rosedale - Bill Bateman’s Bistro Golden Ring Bike Night – 5:30pm – (410) 574-9464 saturday, sept 25 • Baltimore - Bill Bateman’s Bistro Golden Ring Bike Night – 5:30pm – (410) 574-9464 • Rosedale - Ride For Life – Benefitting the Baltimore Child Abuse Center 9:00am – (410) 396-6147 Tuesday, sept 28 •
Rosedale - Bill Bateman’s Bistro
friday, sept 3
wednesday, aug 11 •
Baltimore - 2nd Annual Ride for the
Tuesday, aug 24
•
tuesday, aug 10 •
Rosedale - Bill Bateman’s Bistro Golden Ring Bike Night – 5:30pm – (410) 574-9464
Thursday, aug 19 • Parkville - McAvoy’s Bike Night – 6:00pm – (410) 882-0500
Seaford - Cruise-In HD of Seaford –
Maryland •
Bike Night – 6:00pm – (410) 335-7770
Baltimore - Bill Bateman’s Bistro
Golden Ring Bike Night – 5:30pm – (410) 574-9464
Virginia Saturday, aug 14 • Pamplin - 5th Annual Poker Run to benefit Pamplin VFD & EMS – 8:30 am – (434) 352-2923 Friday, aug 20
•
Parksley - 11th Annual Eastern Shore of VA Motorcycle Rally – August 20th – August 21st – (757) 709-4655
saturday, aug 28 •
Winchester - 2nd Annual Car & Motorcycle Show – 9:00am – (540) 877-98815
Make Sure To Visit BornToRide.com
to submit your events. Let us know what you have going on so that we can let others know what you have going on, HELP US HELP YOU!
This is a FREE listing for the biker community to find out what is going on!
Visit Born To Ride.com To Submit and View More Events! borntoride.com | btr 47
btr 48 |borntoride.com