Passion

Sitting at the keyboard putting my thoughts for this column into written words, I am also running through a mental checklist for a planned 30-hour drive to southern California. That will get underway later today, as soon as this latest issue has been put to bed.

Looking at the snow falling outside the window in downtown Calgary, a visit to the sunny south is exciting in itself. Add in three days at Chuckwalla Raceway – complete with coaching from Jason Pridmore and his team of world-class instructors – and this adventure starts to approach ‘bucket list’ status.

While this seems like an everyday, normal trip to me, several of my non-riding friends – when hearing of this epic journey – are quick to vocalize their surprise that anyone would willingly sit in a truck with four other grown adults for a marathon drive pulling a 30-foot trailer up and over cold, icy mountain passes, and then through sweltering desert heat, all the while subsisting on a diet of gas stations snacks and greasy fast food, just to spend a few days on a racetrack.

My simple answer can be summarized in one word: passion. My wife may suggest that ‘obsession’ is a more accurate description. And others may even question my sanity. But they have never had the experience of hitting a perfect apex at a knee-dragging lean angle through a fast sweeper, so we will just agree to disagree.

Passion for motorcycling can take many forms. There are riders, builders, racers, adventurers and many more. There are also those who count on the motorcycle industry for their livelihood, and who we in turn count on to make sure our bikes are prepared for whatever we have in store for them.

Our relationship with these individuals and the companies they work for is one of the most critical, and yet fragile, in the world of motorcycling. Quite simply, there is a mutual dependence on one another. And if one party leaves the relationship, the other is liable to fail.

With this in mind, please take a moment to notice the companies with advertisements in this issue. These organizations are perfect examples of those that are supporting the motorcycle industry and I encourage you to support them, in turn, whenever possible.

Regarding ‘passion,’ how would you like to be part of the team at Inside Motorcycles? We currently have an opening in our sales department and are actively seeking a candidate who is passionate about motorcycles and the people who ride them, sell them, service them and help make the owners’ dreams a reality.

If you like challenges, have desire to work with people, a willingness to be actively involved in the local motorcycle culture and most of all, you like to have fun, please send us your resume to editor@ insidemotorcycles.com. You never know, this could be the start of a whole new chapter.

In the meantime, I need to go check if I packed an extra visor in my helmet bag. IM

Inside Track Communications, Inc.

PO Box 370, Brights Grove, ON N0N 1C0 (Administration) 78 Airdrie Road, East York, ON M4G 1M2 (Editorial) 416-962-RACE (7223) • Fax: 416-962-7208 • www.insidemotorcycles.com

EDITOR

Patrick Lambie patrick@insidemotorcycles.com

SENIOR EDITORS

Colin Fraser colin@csbk.ca

Toni Sharpless tojam39@gmail.com

Jason Thorpe jason@insidemotorcycles.com

Andrew Trevitt andrew.trevitt@gmail.com

Frank Wood motor_mouth43@hotmail.com

David Weber david@insidemotorcycles.com

Lindsey Broad lindsey@insidemotorcycles.com

PRODUCTION MANAGER

James Neilson james@insidetracknews.com

OFFICE ADMINISTRATION

Isabel Weber isabel@insidemotorcycles.com

Ethan Weber admin@insidemotorcycles.com

CUSTOMER SERVICE/ SUBSCRIPTION INQUIRIES

Lindsey Broad lindsey@insidemotorcycles.com

SUBSCRIPTION INQUIRIES subscriptions@insidemotorcycles.com

GENERAL MANAGER

David Weber david@insidemotorcycles.com

TECHNICAL EDITOR

John Sharrard acceltech@sympatico.ca

OFF-ROAD EDITOR

Mark Dzikowski mark.dzik.moto@gmail.com

COPY EDITORS

Andrew Trevitt Elisa Ward

SENIOR PHOTOGRAPHERS

Ed Gatner, Ben Quinn, Tim McGill

Mike Galipeau mike@insidemotorcycles.com

Derek Rockel derek@insidemotorcycles.com

DESIGN & PRODUCTION

Dawn McClintock

Lindsey Broad

SUBSCRIPTION RATES (CANADA)

1 Year (8 issues): $24.99

2 Years (16 issues): $39.99

WHERE TO FIND INSIDE MOTORCYCLES

You can find us at finer news outlets like: Chapters-Indigo Shoppers Drug Mart

Walmart

Loblaws

Alternatively, you can pick up a copy at your favourite motorcycle retailer or insidemotorcycles.com.

Inside Motorcycles is published 8 times a year by Inside Track Communications, Inc.

PRESIDENT: John Hopkins john@insidemotorcycles.com

VICE PRESIDENT: Greg MacPherson greg@insidemotorcycles.com

PHOTOGRAPHERS

Graham Clayton, Richard Coburn, Don Empey, Shelley Gamm, Les Kalman, Rob MacLennan, Tim McGill, John Meaney, Bill Murphy, Outlaw Productions, Paolo Pedicelli, Karolina Pelc, Bill Petro, Bob Szoke, John R. Walker.

MAIL PREFERENCES

We may make our mailing list available to other carefully screened organizations. The material sent to you is reviewed by us before our mailing list is released to ensure the company is reputable and their materials are appropriate. If you would prefer NOT to share your information, write to Privacy, c/o Inside Track Communications, PO Box 370, Brights Grove, ON N0N 1C0 or email: privacy@insidemotorcycles.com.

COPYRIGHT

All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or in part of this publication without prior written permission of Inside Track Communications Inc. is strictly prohibited.

TREASURER: David Weber david@insidemotorcycles.com

EDITORIAL CONTRIBUTIONS

Editorial contributions should be preceded by a query letter. Inside Track Communications Inc. assumes no responsibility for loss or damage to materials. Letters are considered “for publication,” unless otherwise indicated, and may be condensed.

DISCLAIMER

All content within this magazine is provided for general information, educational and resource purposes only. Inside Motorcycles is not responsible or liable for any action that a reader takes in connection with the demonstrated exercises, instructions and riding advice provided in this magazine. Please note that certain activities described in this magazine may be dangerous, especially if proper safety equipment and clothing is not used.

RIDE SAFE

All riders pictured and contributing to Inside Motorcycles are trained riders, riding in safe conditions. Please take care in riding and wear all safety equipment.

RETURN UNDELIVERABLE CANADIAN MAIL TO: PO Box 370, Brights Grove, ON N0N 1C0

ISSN 1480-0187

Publications Mail Agreement #40023793

Harley-Davidson Unveils 2023 Lineup

Harley-Davidson took the covers off of their 2023 lineup headlined by a series of six limited edition models designed to celebrate the company’s 120th anniversary. In addition to the Ultra Limited, Tri Glide Ultra, Street Glide Special, Road Glide Special, Fat Boy 114 and Heritage Classic 114 Anniversary models, the Milwaukee-based manufacturer rolled out an all-new Road Glide 3 combining the frame-mounted Road Glide fairing onto a three-wheeled setup.

Harley-Davidson’s 2023 lineup includes a series of limited-edition 120th anniversary models.

Making its return the H-D lineup after a two-year absence, the Breakout gets a boost in power as it steps up to the 1,923 cc Milwaukee-Eight 117 V-twin engine. The company’s Sport lineup also gains a new sibling with the introduction of a new Special trim level for the Nightster. While the 2023 CVO lineup is currently limited to the CVO Road Glide Limited, based on previous years, additional models will likely be introduced during the season.

Visit www.harley-davidson.com/ca to experience the company’s complete 2023 lineup. IM

Surron Ultra Bee Coming to Canada

The Canadian market for electric off-road motorcycles is growing with the announcement that the 2023 Surron Ultra Bee will be available in Canadian dealerships by May of this year.

Powered by a permanent magnet synchronous motor and a 74V/55Ah lithium-ion battery pack, the Ultra Bee has a claimed maximum range of 140 kilometres and recharges from zero to 100 percent in four hours. Rider aids on the Ultra Bee include three selectable riding modes (Sport, Daily and Eco), traction control and a reverse gear.

Fully adjustable suspension, 19-inch wire-spoke wheels, 240 mm disc brakes and a light curb weight of 85 kg (187 lb) position the Ultra Bee as a true off-road capable motorcycle.

Canadian MSRP will be $7,999. Visit www.surron.ca for more details on the Ultra Bee and the complete Surron lineup. IM

Born in 1927, based in South of France, R AC E R s t r i v e s i n o n e t h i n g : c ra f t i n g exceptional gloves

Ducati Prepares for MotoE

The 2023 FIM Enel MotoE world championship will see Ducati installed as the official bike manufacturer of the series, supplying motorcycles to the 18 racers who will compete in the eight-round series.

With the V21L prototypes set for delivery in mid-February, Ducati’s involvement in this project represents a substantial commitment to both the MotoE program as well as the company’s move towards the development of production-based electric motorcycles as confirmed by Ducati CEO Claudio Domenicali:

“The start of production of the Ducati MotoE is a historic moment for our company, which with this project is thoroughly studying the technologies of the future for the world of motorcycling. It is an important area of experimentation, in which we are investing to build know-how, so that we will be ready when battery technology should allow the creation of an exciting electric road bike with the weight, performance and range that enthusiasts expect from a Ducati. We are therefore embarking on this new adventure with the aim of developing the people and skills within the company to shape what the character of a future Ducati electric road bike might be.“

Following testing at Spain’s Circuito de Jerez in early March and Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya in April, the 2023 MotoE season will commence on May 13 as a support class at the French GP at LeMans. IM

Bridgestone CSBK adds Pro Twins Class for 2023

A new class featuring twin-cylinder motorcycles will be on the grid when the flag drops on the 2023 Bridgestone CSBK season. Operating as a potential stepping stone between the series’ Lightweight classes and Sport Bike and Superbike classes, the new Pro Twins class will initially be run in conjunction with the Liqui Moly Pro Sport Bike class at each of the five rounds of the 2023 Bridgestone CSBK season.

As at press time, Aprillia, Yamaha, Kawasaki and Suzuki have agreed to participate in the first season of the Pro Twins class with the possibility that other machinery will be considered during the season. For more information go to www.csbk.ca. IM

Canadian Motorcycle Sales Remain Strong in 2022

The Motorcycle and Moped Industry Council is reporting another solid year of motorcycle retail sales volumes in the Canadian market. While total motorcycle sales for the year of 66,132 units is down from the peak year of 2021, it remains level with 2020 and well above the levels experienced in the four preceding years.

Provincially Quebec (20,937 units sold) and Ontario (16,338 units sold) remain the two largest markets in the country followed by British Columbia (11,503 units sold) and Alberta (9,218 units sold). For more information visit www.mmica.ca. IM

BMW Limited Edition 100 Years Models

The R 32, BMW’s first motorcycle, was introduced in 1923, and it is only fitting that the company celebrates the century milestone with two limited edition models, each limited to 1,923 units.

Both the R nineT 100 Years and R 18 100 Years feature the high-gloss chrome surfaces combined with black paint and classic double pinstriping found on numerous iconic BMW models of the last century.

As with the original BMW model, the R nineT is powered by a two-cylinder boxer engine, with the modern 1,170 cc air/oil-cooled version producing 109 horsepower and 85 ft-lb of torque. The use of milled parts from the BMW Option 719 catalogue rounds out the nostalgic look of the R nineT 100 Years.

Already amongst the most unique models in the current BMW lineup, the R 18 receives an additional splash of class in its 100 Years trim, with the overall look complemented by numerous chrome components from BMW’s accessory line including handlebar fitting, gearshift and foot-brake levers, handlebar weights, mirrors, engine casing covers and more. The 100 Years model also takes advantage of modern features like Akrapovic exhaust silencers, adaptive turning headlamp, reverse assist, cruise control and heated grips.

Both models are now available with a $23,830 MSRP for the R nineT 100 Years and the R 18 100 Years retailing for $22,465. Visit www.bmw-motorrad.ca for more information. IM

Much like the issue you are currently reading, ten years ago at the beginning of 2013 the team at Inside Motorcycles introduced their selection for the motorcycle that would be awarded the title of Bike of the Year following a review of the models introduced in the previous year.

Old cover. New cover.

My Nov/Dec issue came today. I unwrapped it and discarded the plastic it came in, and thought I should suggest that they wrap it in paper instead. You can recycle paper, right? I should also tell them I enjoyed the electric BMW scooter article in the previous issue. Maybe if IM ran more electric motorcycle articles they could help pull a few of these young whippersnappers off their electric bicycles and push scooters and onto the big bikes!

But, alas, a glance at the new/old cover and the very first column I read says I’m probably in the minority. Oh well, I guess that’s motorcycling for you. Keep up the good work! Christopher Tindall, Calgary, AB

Hello Christopher, thanks for reaching out. Not sure if we can do much about the packaging of your issues, but we will definitely give it some thought. In the meantime, all of us at here at IM are anxiously following the development of alternate fuel sources and we look forward to continuing to bring our readers the latest news and information as these are implemented in the world of motorcycles; much like our attempts at a new cover design, some will succeed and others will be sent back to the drawing board. – Ed. IM

The 2012 Honda NC700 represented a unique choice for the Bike of the Year title. In a year that saw technological advancements, headlined by the Ducati Panigale 1198, electronics on the NC700 were limited to ABS and the bike’s parallel-twin engine produced less than 50 horsepower. Instead it was the significant initiative on the part of Honda targeted at the creation of an all-around motorcycle capable of attracting a new demographic to riding that delivered the Bike of the Year crown to the NC700. Curious to see what the Bike of the Year looks like ten years later? Turn to 32 to read about our choice for the 2022 winner.

The arrival of MOPAR as the title sponsor of the Canadian Superbike series was making headlines ten years ago. While 2023 sees the introduction of Bridgestone as the series’ main sponsor following MOPAR’s sudden departure prior to the start of the 2020 season, the on track action remains as intense as ever heading into a season that will see Ben Young defend his title against both the young gun Alex Dumas as well as the returning Jordan Szoke, who will look to add another CSBK Pro Superbike title to his collection, just like he did ten years ago. IM