Midwest Motorcyclist(tm),April 2015 issue

We’re Moving Out 2014 Models!

With these prices, it’s no surprise the 2014 models are selling fast. However, we need more room for the 2015s.

Stop by our dealership today to get your best deal on a 2014 Indian or Victory motorcycle. Don’t wait! Once these motorcycles are sold, the prices are gone, too.

2014 Indian Vintage Demo, Red, 2,005 miles, 5 year warranty,

2014 Indian Vintage - New, Blue/Cream, 11 miles, 5 year warranty, Special price: $1,500 off MSRP

Special price: $2,500 off MSRP

2014 Indian Classic

2014 Indian Chieftain - New, Red, 11 miles, 5 year warranty, Special price: $1,500 off MSRP

New, Blue, 11 miles, 5 year warranty,

Special price: $1,500 off MSRP

2014 Indian Chieftain - New, Red, 11 miles, 5 year warranty, Special price: $1,500 off MSRP

2014 Victory Cross Country 2014 Victory Vegas 8 Ball - New, 2014 Victory Vision - Demo, Nuclear Sunset, 432 miles, Demo, Gold, 313 miles, Black, 11 miles, 2 year warranty, 2 year warranty, 2 year warranty, Special price: $2,500 off MSRP Special price: $2,500 off MSRP Special price: $1,000 off MSRP

1765 S. Telegraph Road, Bloomfield Hills, MI One mile north of Square Lake Rd. on the east side of Telegraph Rd.

248.920.2000 • www.ridemotorcity.com

on Facebook at www.facebook.com/MotorCityMotorcycles

BMW MOTORCYCLESOF GRAND RAPIDS 5995 S Division Grand Rapids, MI 49548-5730 616-530-6900 www.bmwmcgr.com

TM

Midwest Motorcyclist

3

Columns 5 6 7 10 14 17 cc media publications

This Month’s Contributors: Contributing Editors Patrick Armitage, Nicole Espinosa Emily Flinkstrom, Franz Hoffer, Mike Mekinda, Jay Wilgus plus

Dondi Vesprini, Jason Waechter

Publisher/Managing Editor

Ray Peabody publisher@midwestmotorcyclist.com rpeabody@sbcglobal.net

Advertising Sales/ Web Master / Distribution

20 21

IN THIS ISSUE…..

To Our Readers Safer Riding: Time to Stop Riding by Patrick Armitage Motorcycling and Law: Home & Vehicle Modifications by Dondi Vesprini Random Ramblings of a Rare Bird: Old School, New Tech, & a Strip Off Season by Mike Mekinda Live It Right Dream Ride: Even Birds Have Nests by Jay Wilgus Open Terrain - Exploring the World and Soul by Motorcycle: The Touratech Empire by Nicole Espinosa Big Changes in the 2015 Michigan Motorcycle Safety Program

by Jason Waechter The Preacher Talks About... Motorcycling in Michigan Book Review

by Franz Hoffer

Features, News & Reviews 8 9 13 15 16 18 22

Ride to End Polio Now: From Prudhoe Bay to the Florida Keys

by Ray Peabody Book Review: Head Check, What It Feels Like to Ride Motorcycles by Jack Lewis Review by Ray Peabody Hi Viz Riders Launch “BE SEEN” Campaign New Product: Giant Loop Tracker Packer for SPOT Spartan Cycle Now Selling Indian & Victory Motorcycles Motorcycle Expeditionary Forces Set Sights on Wisconsin New FXRG Jacket & Vented Sportswear From Harley-Davidson

Resources 5 18 19

Advertiser Index Event Schedule Michigan Harley-Davidson Dealer Event Schedule

Cover photo: The rear view of Wayne Koppa’s BMW G 650 GS somewhere along the route of his coast-to-coast trip - the long way - to benefit the end of polio campaign. Photo by Wayne Koppa.

Ray Peabody publisher@midwestmotorcyclist.com rpeabody@sbcglobal.net

Cover Design Julie Kirkendoll

Dave Bowman Inc. Tech-Care Suspension Small Displacement Motor Sports www.tech-care.com - shop@tech-care.com (248) 666-4651 6971 Highland Rd. Waterford, MI 48327

Your complete motor sports service center How to contact us: 709 Fall Street Spring Lake, Michigan 49456 (810) 923-8738 www.midwestmotorcyclist.com Copyright 1998-2015 cc media. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, photocopied, or electronically transmitted without the expressed written permission of the publisher.

Advertisers, their agents, contributors of event information, freelance contributors and/or editorial contributors will defend, indemnify and hold cc media and RTP Enterprises, Inc. harmless in any claims of libel, copyright or trademark infringement, plagiarism, violation of local, national, or international privacy laws and any other claim or suit that may arise subsequent to publication of said advertisement, stories, event information, and/or editorial. Submission of material for consideration for publication in Michigan Motorcyclist/Midwest Motorcyclist, American CycleRider either solicited or unsolicited, constitutes agreement to these terms. Except for the Publisher and Managing Editor, all writers are free-lance contributors.

Any and all opinions expressed are those of the authors, and don’t necessarily reflect those of the publisher.

4

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www.midwestmotorcyclist.com

April 2015

12345678901234567890123456789012123456789012 12345678901234567890123456789012123456789012 12345678901234567890123456789012123456789012 12345678901234567890123456789012123456789012 12345678901234567890123456789012123456789012 12345678901234567890123456789012123456789012 12345678901234567890123456789012123456789012 12345678901234567890123456789012123456789012 12345678901234567890123456789012123456789012 12345678901234567890123456789012123456789012 The motorcycle world 12345678901234567890123456789012123456789012 12345678901234567890123456789012123456789012 12345678901234567890123456789012123456789012 received some sad news this week.

12345678901234567890123456789012123456789012 12345678901234567890123456789012123456789012 Details are still sketchy, but 12345678901234567890123456789012123456789012 ABATE of Indiana .....................................6 12345678901234567890123456789012123456789012 12345678901234567890123456789012123456789012 apparently Larry Klein, owner of GT 12345678901234567890123456789012123456789012 A.B.C. Harley-Davidson ...............21, 22, 23 Motors, died recently while 12345678901234567890123456789012123456789012 12345678901234567890123456789012123456789012 Battle Creek Harley-Davidson ......21, 22, 23 vacationing in the British Virgin Isles.

12345678901234567890123456789012123456789012 12345678901234567890123456789012123456789012 12345678901234567890123456789012123456789012 BMW Motorcycles of Detroit................13, 16 Not having taken a vacation in many 12345678901234567890123456789012123456789012 12345678901234567890123456789012123456789012 BMW of Grand Rapids..........3, 5, 6, 18 years, Larry accepted an invitation 12345678901234567890123456789012123456789012 12345678901234567890123456789012123456789012 12345678901234567890123456789012123456789012 BMW, SE Michigan..... .........8, 9, 11, 14 from friends to sail around the 12345678901234567890123456789012123456789012 12345678901234567890123456789012123456789012 Brighton Harley-Davidson .......21, 22, 23 Caribbean. He was swimming when 12345678901234567890123456789012123456789012 12345678901234567890123456789012123456789012 he suffered from some kind of health 12345678901234567890123456789012123456789012 Bubba’s Tri City Cycles.........................22 12345678901234567890123456789012123456789012 12345678901234567890123456789012123456789012 C & S Harley-Davidson ...........21, 22, 23 issue.

12345678901234567890123456789012123456789012 12345678901234567890123456789012123456789012 Many knew Larry as a Moto 12345678901234567890123456789012123456789012 Capitol Harley-Davidson ..........21, 22, 23 12345678901234567890123456789012123456789012 Guzzi dealer and book seller based in 12345678901234567890123456789012123456789012 Classic MotorSports........,.........21, 22, 23 12345678901234567890123456789012123456789012 12345678901234567890123456789012123456789012 Lansing, Michigan. He could 12345678901234567890123456789012123456789012 Cycle Conservation Club ..........................7 12345678901234567890123456789012123456789012 frequently be found selling books at 12345678901234567890123456789012123456789012 Dave Bowman MS...........................4, 16, 18 12345678901234567890123456789012123456789012 12345678901234567890123456789012123456789012 swap meets and vintage motorcycle 12345678901234567890123456789012123456789012 Diamond Gusset Jeans ...........................14 12345678901234567890123456789012123456789012 events in the region. At his store, 12345678901234567890123456789012123456789012 Giant Loop........................................12 12345678901234567890123456789012123456789012 12345678901234567890123456789012123456789012 visitors had to navigate on pathways 12345678901234567890123456789012123456789012 Gildner’s Harley-Davidson ........21, 22, 23 through piles of papers and books.

12345678901234567890123456789012123456789012 12345678901234567890123456789012123456789012 Grand Rapids H-D................. ...21, 22, 23 Off to the right, a variety of 12345678901234567890123456789012123456789012 12345678901234567890123456789012123456789012 Great Lakes Dual Sporters ...................7 12345678901234567890123456789012123456789012 12345678901234567890123456789012123456789012 motorcycles, mostly Italian including 12345678901234567890123456789012123456789012 Great Lakes Harley-Davidson........21, 22, 23 Moto Guzzi, Moto Morini and 12345678901234567890123456789012123456789012 12345678901234567890123456789012123456789012 Hamilton’s Harley-Davidson ....15, 21, 22, 23 12345678901234567890123456789012123456789012 12345678901234567890123456789012123456789012 Ducatis, were lined up along the wall, 12345678901234567890123456789012123456789012 Harley-Davidson dealers ..............21, 22, 23 covered in dust. The room reflected 12345678901234567890123456789012123456789012 12345678901234567890123456789012123456789012 Hot Rod Harley-Davidson .............21, 22, 23 an organized chaos but Larry seemed 12345678901234567890123456789012123456789012 12345678901234567890123456789012123456789012 12345678901234567890123456789012123456789012 Jason Waechter, The Motorcycle Lawyer..24 to know where to locate an item when 12345678901234567890123456789012123456789012 12345678901234567890123456789012123456789012 Jerry B’s Cycle Works .......................12 he needed it. Later, he opened the 12345678901234567890123456789012123456789012 12345678901234567890123456789012123456789012 book store across the street that 12345678901234567890123456789012123456789012 Kelley & Sons Trailers ............................5 12345678901234567890123456789012123456789012 12345678901234567890123456789012123456789012 Motor City Harley-Davidson .........21, 22, 23 gradually filled with stuff like the 12345678901234567890123456789012123456789012 12345678901234567890123456789012123456789012 motorcycle shop had.

12345678901234567890123456789012123456789012 Motor City Underwriters ......................12 12345678901234567890123456789012123456789012 This was the paradox that 12345678901234567890123456789012123456789012 Motorcity Motorcycles.................2, 9, 15 12345678901234567890123456789012123456789012 12345678901234567890123456789012123456789012 was Larry. Unlike his work space, his 12345678901234567890123456789012123456789012 Motorcycle Solutions, LLC......................12 12345678901234567890123456789012123456789012 mind was sharp and uncluttered. He 12345678901234567890123456789012123456789012 MC Sport Touring Association..........7, 13 12345678901234567890123456789012123456789012 knew motorcycles and some of the 12345678901234567890123456789012123456789012 12345678901234567890123456789012123456789012 Perry’s Harley-Davidson ..........21, 22, 23 12345678901234567890123456789012123456789012 most important players in the 12345678901234567890123456789012123456789012 Ray C’s Harley-Davidson..........21, 22, 23 industry. If you wanted to know what 12345678901234567890123456789012123456789012 12345678901234567890123456789012123456789012 12345678901234567890123456789012123456789012 Retail Warehouse .........................14, 17, 18 12345678901234567890123456789012123456789012 was happening in the motorcycle 12345678901234567890123456789012123456789012 Rocky’s Outdoors......................................24 industry in Michigan, Larry knew the 12345678901234567890123456789012123456789012 12345678901234567890123456789012123456789012 12345678901234567890123456789012123456789012 Sandy’s Harley-Davidson ...........21, 22, 23 details. He was an impressive source 12345678901234567890123456789012123456789012 12345678901234567890123456789012123456789012 Shiawassee Harley-Davidson ....21, 22, 23 of information but he didn’t suffer 12345678901234567890123456789012123456789012 12345678901234567890123456789012123456789012 Sport Bike Track Gear ............................ 10 fools. He could be abrupt.

12345678901234567890123456789012123456789012 12345678901234567890123456789012123456789012 12345678901234567890123456789012123456789012 Sweet Trikes ...........................................12 I first met Larry at his shop 12345678901234567890123456789012123456789012 12345678901234567890123456789012123456789012 Tecumseh Harley-Davidson .....21, 22, 23 when he was still selling Guzzis. He 12345678901234567890123456789012123456789012 12345678901234567890123456789012123456789012 12345678901234567890123456789012123456789012 Town & Country H-D................21, 22, 23 was an occasional customer of ours.

12345678901234567890123456789012123456789012 12345678901234567890123456789012123456789012 Zip’s 45th Parallel H-D..............21, 22, 23 He often shared stories and insights 12345678901234567890123456789012123456789012

Advertiser Index

BE SEEN

Wear Hi Viz Riding Gear

about people and businesses in the industry. He introduced me to a variety of people, many of whom later became subjects of stories in this publication. One of my first ever rides

on a Moto Guzzi came when Larry offered to let me ride one of the new (at the time) models – a V11 Café Sport – for a review article.

I don’t know if Larry would call us friends. Probably not. But we had semi-regular conversations, the The advertisers in this magazine last few of which were impromptu help us bring a quality publication meetings in his book shop. He always had interesting information to share. to you. Please remember to buy Those conversations often lasted an their products and use hour or more; probably more time than either of us could spare but their services. worthwhile nonetheless. At least a year had elapsed since we last talked but that was typical. Some of the best relationships turn out to be sporadic Ce meet ups where the people involved le pick up right where they left off. ou brati r2 ng Despite the time gaps between ye 3rd conversations, I enjoyed those ar! conversations and hope Larry did as well.

I’m quite certain that many people have similar stories about their FOR relationship with Larry. I am equally 1- and 2-place RENT certain that he will be sincerely motorcycle missed. Rest in peace, Larry.

We’re truly happy to bring trailers for you this issue. We have a nice variety of stories from the tale of Wayne sale or rent Rentals Koppa’s Coast to Coast - The Hard Way Ride for Polio Eradication that starting took him from Prudhoe Bay, Alaska at $30 a Aluminum to The Florida Keys in seven days to day!

Pat Armitage’s announcement that he 1 & 2 place will stop riding to Mike Mekinda’s off season visit to a resort community to trailers the latest update from the Live It Right Dream Ride team to two book SPRING FOR reviews (Head Check by Jack Lewis and CLEARANCE! Motorcycling Across Michigan by SALE William Murphy) to news about changes to the 2015 Michigan skelley@kelleytrailers.com Motorcycle Safety Program to Nicole Espinosa’s profile of the Touratech empire to our event schedule and (734) 783-6464 more news. There’s a lot here and we 12620 N. Telegraph hope you enjoy every bit.

Carleton, MI Thanks for reading. Please support our advertisers. See you on Mon thru Fri 9 to 6 • Sat 9 to 3 the road or at an event,

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BMW Motorcycles of Grand Rapids, 5995 South Division, Grand Rapids, MI (616) 530-6900 www.bmwmcgr.com TM

Midwest Motorcyclist

5

Safer Riding

Time to Stop Riding

By Patrick Armitage

I started riding motorcycles at 16 years old in 1972. In 1989, I trained to be an MSF (Motorcycle Safety Foundation) instructor. I taught more than 2,000 people to ride over 20 years. I taught MSF courses at Macomb and Oakland Community Colleges, Schoolcraft College, the Palace of Auburn Hills for Anderson’s Sales and Service (now Motor City Powersports) and, finally, Rider’s Edge for Motor City Harley-Davidson. Teaching people to ride was rewarding and fun; it was a highlight of my life. I have ridden, by my estimation, more than 200,000 miles without a serious crash and in 49 states on a motorcycle.

In 1998, I discovered this magazine and found an appeal from the publisher, Ray Peabody, asking for interesting motorcycling photographs. Ray published a photo collage from my trip to

Americade that year and asked if I could write. I told him my teachers would have said “no,” but I would try. To my great surprise, I have been writing for this magazine since not long after its inception, doing Safer Riding, Tour Journals, Ask Dr Cycholl, and many others. You may have recently followed my three part-series ”The Bucket List Tour.”

At some point, all of us will face a time when, for various reasons, we should face the fact that it is time to stop riding motorcycles. As you might have guessed already, for me, that time is now. A few years ago, I began noticing small coordination problems with my left hand. At first, I tried to rationalize that it was nothing; it would go away. I knew, though, that I was fooling myself. I saw several doctors and finally found a neurologist who confirmed what I thought I already knew. I have Parkinson’s Disease.

For those of you who do not know, Parkinson’s is a treatable but incurable progressive neurological disorder effecting the brain. It causes weakness and coordination problems primarily on one side of the body. For me, my left hand and foot do not have the dexterity or strength I had. I can still manipulate the clutch and shifter but my overall control ability is noticeably less than what it was. One day, probably in the not too distant future, I won’t be able to get my left foot to the ground fast enough; the probable result is predictable. My years of training and practice had allowed me to achieve an ability to handle a Goldwing very well.

Losing this capability and, consequently, my confidence is a difficult thing for me to accept. As I

write this, I am 58 years old. I had hoped to be able to ride five, 10 or more years.

As hard as it is to do, the smart thing is to admit that this is not going to get better; it is time to quit riding motorcycles before something bad happens. Friends have suggested a smaller bike, a sidecar or a trike but I know this only delays the inevitable. Motorcycling has been a big part of my life for 42 years. As hard as it is to admit, I need to sell my beloved Goldwing.

Somehow, I am mostly OK with it. It has been a great ride. Through riding motorcycles, I have had great times, been to many interesting places, met lots of people, and taught many others to enjoy riding. I introduced my Wife to longdistance motorcycle touring and, in this magazine, I first became a published writer and photographer. I have since been published in several national magazines. I have been trained by superb police motorcycle instructors to a previously undreamed of level of riding skill. I competed in and won some riding competitions. What a great ride! I may not be able to continue riding but I will still remain active as long as I can. Maybe I will take the proceeds from the sale of the Goldwing and buy a pontoon boat or a convertible sports car. Maybe both!

At this point, I have known I have had Parkinson’s for about eight years. When I was first diagnosed, I thought “I know how this story ends.”

I watched my Dad spiral down after he was diagnosed with this condition. But my own progression has been minimal and, because of this, my neurologist thinks that there is reason to believe that this may be as bad as it gets. I will remain hopeful. In any case, I have little to complain about. Many of my friends, family members, and acquaintances have much worse problems than me.

I hope that, when you face a similar situation, my openly discussing my situation will, in some way, make it easier for you to face your situation, too.

I will continue to contribute to this magazine as long as I have something to say and the magazine agrees it 2015 still has value.

SPRING TRACK DAY @ Grattan Monday, June 1, The day costs $170, which includes track time, class room instruction and lunch. All makes and models of bikes are welcome to attend our track events! Call our store to reserve your space today.

Ride safe and long, Pat Armitage

5995 South Division Grand Rapids, MI (616) 530-6900 www.bmwmcgr.com 6

www.midwestmotorcyclist.com

Patrick Armitage is a veteran touring rider, riding motorcycles since 1972. He had been certified to be a Motorcycle Safety Foundation Instructor in 1989, and a certified Harley Davidson “Rider’s Edge” Instructor from 2000 to 2009. He estimates that he has taught more than 2000 people to ride or, to ride better. As of 2009 he no longer teaches MSF or Rider’s Edge. His current ride, now for sale, is a 2003 GL1800A Honda Goldwing. Comments: parmitage@att.net

April 2015

Motorcycling & Law

Home & Vehicle Modifications

Sport Touring is Our Middle Name!

We Ride!

by Dondi Vesprini As part of my representation and advocacy of injured motorcyclists, I often have the pleasure to travel across our great State to speak and give presentations to various motorcycle organizations, motorcycle clubs, and motorcycle rights groups regarding a wide range of topics including a motorcyclists legal rights if they are involved in an accident. As I give these presentations, it is always astonishing to me (although not always surprising) how many injured motorcyclists were not receiving all the No Fault benefits they may otherwise be entitled to, because the insurance company failed to advise them of the total package of benefits available.

I am finding that one of the most common medical-related benefits that catastrophically-injured motorcyclists are not aware that they may claim are home or vehicle modifications.

Michigan No Fault law allows a motorcyclist who is injured in an accident involving a motor vehicle to recover “[a]llowable expenses consisting of all reasonable charges incurred for reasonably necessary products, services and accommodations for an injured person’s care, recovery, or rehabilitation.� These types of benefits are sometimes more commonly referred to as “medical benefits.� While this category includes the obvious benefits such as medical bills and prescription expenses, it also includes expenses related to modifications to an injured motorcyclist’s home or vehicle that are reasonably necessary for the rider’s care, recovery or rehabilitation from injuries sustained in the accident.

Some common modifications to a home may include providing a wheelchair ramp, modifying doorways to accommodate a wheelchair, and reworking bathrooms and kitchens to make the fixtures more accessible to meet an injured person’s needs. Some common vehicle modifications are installing a ramp so a wheelchair may access the vehicle and modifying the steering or driving

mechanisms on the vehicle so the person may operate the vehicle in light of his or her injuries.

In years past, injured motorcyclists were claiming and receiving new homes or new vehicles which came with modifications to accommodate their injury. A couple years ago, our Supreme Court clarified that the insurer is only responsible for the costs of the modifications, as opposed to the entire cost of a new home or vehicle. For instance, in the context of a vehicle modification, the insurer is only responsible for the cost of the wheelchair ramp needed to access the vehicle, as opposed to purchasing a brand new vehicle that includes a wheelchair ramp. The thought is that if the person was never injured he/she still would have used a vehicle to travel. It is only the necessary modification to said vehicle after the accident then that is necessary for the person’s care, recovery, or rehabilitation due to the accident.

Nonetheless, I am finding that many motorcyclists who are injured such that they need modifications to their home, vehicle or motorcycle are left unaware by the insurance company that they are entitled to claim the cost of such modifications as a No Fault expense. Given the costs that such modifications can entail, it is a valuable benefit to be mindful of.

As always, if anyone has any questions or if I can be of legal assistance to you or anyone you know who has been injured in a motorcycle accident, please don’t hesitate to contact me as I deal with these types of issues and motorcyclist rights issues on a daily basis on behalf of motorcyclists statewide.

Further, if you would like to have me come out to your motorcycle organization or club to speak or give a presentation on the legal rights of an injured motorcyclist or on any specific topic that your organization or club may be curious about, please don’t hesitate to give me a call at (248-569-4646) or shoot me an e-mail at Dondi@buckfirelaw.com. I give presentations State-wide and there is never a charge associated with having me out. I enjoy having the opportunity to come out and meet motorcycle enthusiasts from all parts of our State!

...All Makes of Bikes ...All Over the Country ...On Back Roads ...On Racetracks ...At Novice-Advanced Levels ...In Our Sleep!

Our members come from all across the Midwest (and beyond) and we ride many makes of street bikes - including: • Aprilia • BMW • Buell • Ducati

• Harley-Davidson • Honda • Kawasaki

• Suzuki • Triumph • Yamaha ....and brands in between

We travel to great riding destinations close by and far away. We learn to be better riders. We share camaraderie and a common passion: The Passion To Ride!

For information about membership, meetings, events or rides, contact the MSTA group in your state: In Indiana, contact: Donald “Moose� Parish mooseparish@sbcglobal.net

In Kentucky, contact: Gary Dehner g.dehner@insightbb.com

In Michigan, contact: Gregg Mitchell mi_hsta@voyager.net In Ohio, contact: Doug McPeak coach-mac@columbus.rr.com

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Midwest Motorcyclist

7

Ride to End Polio Now: From Prudhoe Bay to the Florida Keys

by Ray Peabody Some of the worst ideas happen in bars. A person has a few drinks, maybe gets a little loud and then makes commitments he or she later regrets. However, not all commitments made in a bar are bad ones.

Several years ago, Wayne Koppa was at Spike’s Keg O’ Nails, a local Grayling pub, with some friends when he made the claim that he could ride from Grayling to Alaska and back in seven days. A guy at the pub told him that if Koppa could accomplish that goal, the guy would buy him a fish dinner - the two-piece dinner, not the three piece.

What started as a somewhat wild bar claim became a plan undertaken a couple years later. Before Koppa left, he and the President of the local Rotary Club agreed to turn the trip into a benefit for PolioPlus, the campaign to eradicate polio.

While polio has been eliminated in the U.S. and most other countries since the second half of the last century, it is still a scourge in Nigeria, Afghanistan and Pakistan. Polio is a highly contagious viral infection that can cause paralysis, respiratory problems and even death. In the first half of the 20th century, many Americans were afflicted with polio including Franklin D. Roosevelt, our 32nd President. In 1988, more than 1,000 people a day came down with polio worldwide. That number was down to 254 new

cases, mostly children in poverty-stricken countries, in 2013. Progress is being made but, considering the fact that an effective vaccine is available, it’s not fast enough.

Koppa succeeded in in making the round trip in seven days. The Rotary raised $3,250 for PolioPlus for his efforts. (No word on whether the bar patron paid up on the two-piece fish dinner.)

Considering the success of that first adventure, the Rotary leadership asked Koppa whether he had any other similar trips in mind and, if so, would he consider doing it as a fundraiser. Koppa accepted the challenge and began plotting his route.

He was looking for something dramatic, something that would get attention and generate significant donations for the cause. He ultimately decided on a coast-to-coast trip from Prudhoe Bay, Alaska to Key West in the Florida Keys. The plan would require that Koppa spend 12 to 15 hours a day in the saddle to complete the 5,200 mile trip in seven days. That timeframe and mileage didn’t include the ride from Grayling to Prudhoe Bay nor the return trip from Key West back to Grayling.

Koppa named the trip “Coast to Coast - The Hard Way Ride for Polio Eradication.”

Readers might think that the best motorcycle for such a trip would be a multicylinder touring motorcycle capable of high-speed touring with sufficient luggage capacity for every conceivable possibility. Readers would probably be right. But that’s not what Koppa was thinking.

Instead, he used his 2013 BMW G 650 GS for the trip.

For those not familiar with this GS, it’s powered by a 652 cc single-cylinder, fuel-injected engine. It’s considered a lightweight (452 pounds wet) adventure bike with a reported top speed of 110 to 115 mph. He added a small windscreen, handguards and a solo saddle with a gel insert for added comfort. Koppa said he didn’t carry much gear; only a few clothes, some tools and a credit card. He would be traveling fast with few breaks.

His route would follow mostly two-lane paved highways but early in the trip he would have to ride plenty of dirt and sand in Alaska, including

the Haul Road. The Haul Road is dirt - slippery mud when wet - that is coated with calcium chloride to keep it smooth and reduce the dust.

Koppa departed Deadhorse, Alaska on the Prudhoe Bay on June 15, 2014. The Haul Road was a muddy mess. He encountered some rain most days.

Once he reached the paved roads, he could cruise easily at 80 miles per hour. He replaced his tires three times during the trip. He completed the trip 175 hours and 5,875 miles later in Key West. By the time, he made his way back to Grayling, Koppa had spent 20 days on the road and had ridden 13,170 miles. He said the most dangerous parts of the trip occurred during his return while riding through Atlanta, Cincinnati and Dayton where he ran into heavy traffic.

Pre-Owned Motorcycles 2009 BMW R1200GS, 2006 BMW K1200GT, SILVER / SILVER, 10,900 METALLIC BLUE / SILVER, miles, Excellent condition, 19,600 miles, Excellent $12,490 condition, $10,750

2013 BMW S 1000 RR Red/White/Black, 9,000 miles, Excellent condition, $12,990

2008 BMW R1200RT Metallic Blue/SILVER, 38,000 miles, Excellent condition, $9,990

2015 BMW F800GT, Dark Graphite Metallic / Silver, $13,890 2015 BMW R1200RT, San Marino BlueMetallic / Grey $22,950 2014 BMW R1200GSA *DEMO*, Racing Blue Matt / Black, $22,045 2013 BMW S1000RR, RED/WHITE / BLACK, Sale Price: $12,990 2012 BMW G650GS Sertao, White/Blue/Black, $7,250 2012 BMW K1600GTL, MINERAL SILVER / SILVER, $19,990 2012 BMW K1600GTL, ROYAL BLUE METALLIC / SILVER, $18,490 2011 BMW R1200GSA, GRAPHITE / BLACK, $16,490 2010 BMW R1200GS, Graphite, $12,990 2009 BMW R1200RT *LOW*, BLACK / SILVER, $10,990 2009 BMW R1200GS, SILVER / SILVER, $12,490 2008 BMW R1200RT, BLUE METALLIC / SILVER, $9,990 2006 BMW R1200RT, GRAPHITE / SILVER, $9,990 2006 BMW K1200GT, METALLIC BLUE / SILVER, Sale Price: $10,490

Continued on page 17

BMW Motorcycles of Southeast Michigan 14855 N. Sheldon Rd. Plymouth, MI 734.453.0500 www.bmwmcsem.com

We take motorcycles of all brands and models as trade-ins. Bring us your bike when you’re ready to buy!

8

www.midwestmotorcyclist.com

April 2015

Book Review

Head Check: What It Feels Like to Ride Motorcycles

By Jack Lewis Reviewed by Ray Peabody Winter is the perfect season for reading motorcycle books. Since riding isn’t often an option during the winter months here in the Midwest, the next best thing is reading about motorcycles until the sun warms the earth anew.

Once we get into the riding season, it’s… well… time to ride.

Last year, the subject of motorcycle books I read leaned more towards outlaw bikers, gun running, drugs and inter-club violence. Having not read about the 1%er lifestyle since Hunter S. Thompson’s Hells Angels: The Strange and Terrible Saga of Outlaw Motorcycle Gangs, I enjoyed two books on the subject last winter.

This year, motorcycle riding and adventure books provided the theme for my reading list. The first, No Thru Road by Clement Salvadori, offered tales of international motorcycle travel from the time the author first started riding around Europe in his teens. An entertaining read, the book described places and adventures in the world most riders will not likely experience.

Most recently, I read Jack Lewis’ latest book, Head Check: What It Feels Like to Ride Motorcycles. Some readers might recognize Lewis’ name as a columnist for Motorcyclist magazine.

That’s where I first read his work. Others, especially military veterans, might recognize his name from his book, Nothing in Reserve: True Stories, not War Stories and his contribution to Homecoming: Iraq, Afghanistan and the Home Front.

Head Check is a collection of There’s much more to enjoy in this book.

Lewis’ Motorcyclist columns from a Lewis shares experiences about riding a Harley in the few years ago with at least one from Middle East, a trip to Alaska and back aboard a Suzuki his blog at www.jaxworx.com. The 650 V-Strom (two stories about this trip, actually), and author is laugh out loud funny, teaching his daughter to ride. In another story, he frequently self deprecating, describes his experience of taking his wife and his sometimes somber / reflective but Grandfather’s ancient Winchester Model 70 to always honest and energetic. I had a Boomershoot, a high-powered gun enthusiast event hard time putting Head Check down (complete with explosions) aboard a well-worn Ural and, when I wasn’t reading it, I was hack. thinking about the next time I would Lewis seems to be quite a character in be able to addition to a pick it up. “… I had progressed to the third stage of tequila: talented I first writer. He I was rich, good looking and bullet proof.” opened Head paints clear, – Author Jack Lewis, from the Classic Rock Check at a descriptive Motel 6 in Flint, chapter in Head Check pictures with words Michigan after a long day and metaphors that help the on the road. The first two stories, reader visualize what’s happening in the story. I Comes Around and Crashing Vashon, enjoyed every page of this book, without exception. pulled me in and had me laughing so Lewis’ columns in Motorcyclist are always enjoyable loud I’m certain my neighbors in the and Head Check has confirmed my thinking that he is room next door were wondering whether I was at the top of any list of motorcycle writers currently crazy. producing. If anyone is better, I haven’t read his/her The next story, Riding Home, is reflective work. That’s not hyperbole. and the longest in the collection at 28 pages and Available on Litsam, Amazon and select has appeared in various forms in several other motorcycle stores and book stores. publications. It is the story about Lewis picking up his BMW R69S – “Honey” – ® TM upon his return from military service in the Middle East and taking the long way home.

Another story, What Kills Us, about motorcycle training and safety, is directed at active duty service people who ride.

Readers might not understand some of the military acronyms but will still get the message.

UPCOMING EVENTS Spring Open House - May 30, 2015 This is the BIG one. The best food and refreshments you’ll find at any Open House. Demo rides and entertainment. Factory test rider Nate Kern will be here. Join us in celebrating the 2015 riding season!

Track Day - Monday, June 1, 2015

The 2015 Indian Roadmaster

Trike

Accessories include: Roadsmith trike kit, steering kit, electric reverse, performance sway bar, upgraded wheels, and chrome bumper.

You’ve been looking for a trike but want one that’s unique. This is it. Stop by our dealership today to see the uniquely beautiful Indian® RoadmasterTM Trike.

The day costs $175, which includes track time, class room instruction and lunch. All makes and models of bikes are welcome to attend our track events! Factory test rider Nate Kern will join us. To register, please call Audrey at (734) 453-0500

BMW Motorcycles of Southeast Michigan 39933 Ford Road, Canton, MI 734.981.1479 www.bmwmcsem.com TM

Midwest Motorcyclist

1765 S. Telegraph Road, Bloomfield Hills, MI One mile north of Square Lake Rd. on the east side of Telegraph Rd.

248.920.2000 • www.ridemotorcity.com 9

Old School, New Tech, and a Strip Off-Season...

by Mike Mekinda Sometimes you just have to let the pictures tell the story, even if the quality is less than amazing...

Pulled out the old-school ‘Wing on a cold, sunny day for a head-clearing ride into the (not too distant) distance. It was all about The Ride, nothing more. I should have known better than to leave my camera, though. Heading east, I eventually rolled through Geneva-OnThe-Lake, then turned back in to park for a bit. On any summer day, this strip is full of life. Bikes line the street, families walk the sidewalks, and hotrods cruise up and down along the lakefront. Summer days, the noise of engines fills the air, as does the cacophony of crowds filling the arcade, the kiddie rides, the open-air restaurants and the bars. On that day, the cusp of NE Ohio winter, the strip was mostly shuttered and empty, only the muted sounds of the wind and the waves of nearby Lake Erie foiling a total silence. With the sun shining on buildings built in a much simpler era, I was struck by how quaintly beautiful this little stretch of history really is, and stunned I’ve never noticed. Amazing what’s visible when folks are erased

from the image.

“Ohio’s oldest beach resort” began as a family picnic area on the shore in 1869, then ebbed and flowed like the lake with which it shares the shore. Also like the lake, the Geneva strip has been calm and inviting as often as it’s been stormy and dangerous. Bikers and bars share space with families and spas. Classy weddings at the Lake Lodge coexist with Thunder on the Strip, yet the old charm, somehow, prevails over all.

Over the past several years, the family atmosphere has (mostly) returned to the strip, and with that, crowds from all walks of life. On that day, the lake was cold, yet calm and inviting, and the strip was serene. The crowds were gone, the buildings shuttered for winter, and the rides were quiet. Felt like only ghosts walked with me, enjoying that early winter day and the wonder of an empty strip - ghosts laughing at a photog without a camera. But they’re old ghosts, unfamiliar with new tech and the camera on my trusty Blackberry. I only wish the phone could capture their images as well.

Ride often (don’t let the cold stop you!), ride smart, stay safe and I’ll see you on the road!

-mike

Dr Cycholl is selling his Goldwing!

2003 GL1800A Honda Goldwing, Candy Orange paint with a silver hand painted flame pinstripe job. About 55K miles.

More than $7000.00 in functional accessories, too many to list. Everything works. This was the top of the line model in 2003. Factory equipment includes ABS brakes, cruise control, intercom, electric reverse, stereo with input for mp3 player. Battery new last year, tires good. This bike needs nothing, is ready to do a tour anywhere with no issues. This bike is my prized possession, it would never be for sale if not for a medical condition limiting my ability to continue riding. It is a spectacularly good motorcycle. Smooth, powerful, very reliable. 100 hp, 100 ft lbs torq from the stock unmodified motor, with no vibration and legendary reliability. I have owned it since new.

Asking $13,000

Call 586.707. 0525 10

www.midwestmotorcyclist.com

April 2015

2015 Models Ar riving Daily!

Stop by our dealership today to see the top-of-the-line adventure and touring motorcycles from BMW.

2015 BMW K 1600 GTL Exclusive Base MSRP: $29,995 Including ABS

2015 BMW R 1200 GS Adventure Base MSRP: $18,340 Including ABS

Tarmac, offroad, stones and sand: These are the challenges the new BMW R 1200 GS Adventure is longing to master with its easy and agile handling. A machine for those who want to test their limits and go beyond them. Or to put it briefly: A motorcycle for riders who are seeking real adventure and don’t want to miss out on a great deal of riding pleasure in the process.

Touring all inclusive: the K 1600 GTL Exclusive.

When dynamic performance meets luxury, the result is always exclusive and sensational. BMW Motorrad presents the K 1600 GTL Exclusive – a high-class touring bike that takes technology and visual styling to the extreme. This GTL makes all 6-cylinder dreams come true.

Amazing values on the remaining 2014 models in stock.

Stop by our dealership today!

BMW Motorrad Dealer of Excellence BMW Motorcycles of Southeast Michigan 14855 N. Sheldon Rd., Plymouth, MI 734.453.0500 www.bmwmcsem.com

“Redefining your motorcycling lifestyle” SM * For qualified buyers. Visit BMW Motorcycles of Southeast Michigan for details. Always ride safely and wear proper protective gear.

TM

Midwest Motorcyclist

11

SWEET TRIKES Trike Conversions & Kits Offering all Harley-Davidson FLs and Softails, Honda VTX1300, VTX1800, Gold Wing and Valkyrie Trikes and Trike Kits.

Call for more information.

Viet Nam Vet Owned & Operated

Honda VTX 1800 Honda Gold Wing

H-D Softail

H-D Sportster

3371 Whisper Ridge Drive, Lapeer, MI 810.357.2515

www.sweettrikes.com

Jerry B’s CYCLE WORKS Is the OEM part you’re looking for OBSOLETE?

Give us a try!

We stock a large inventory of parts and accessories no longer in production by The Motor Company. Stop by our store or give us a call to find the OEM parts for your H-D project! * Order from us and get

10% OFF SPECIAL ORDERS

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Call or stop by our office for a free quote: 32743 Woodward Avenue, Royal Oak, MI 48073 (248) 549-4300

Toll free (800) 400-8564

residents only

from: Drag Specialties, Kuryakyn, Custom Chrome, Mustang Seats, Hot Topper Kits, Biker’s Choice, S&S and many more

* Sorry, no discounts on Genuine H-D stuff

* LARGE SELECTION of Cool Riding Glasses: Maxx Rider Hi-Def Global Vision Fitovers KD’s Transitionals Assorted Goggles for day & night riding

* BIKE BRIGHT in stock Spray, 1/2 gallon & 1 gallon

We have leather swat vests with pistol pockets in stock!

586.773.BIKE

(586.773.2453) Located at 25430 Harper in St. Clair Shores Two blocks North of 10 Mile Road on the East Side

Now on Facebook at Jerry Bs Cycle Works

Hi Viz Riders Launch ”BE SEEN” Campaign Lansing, Michigan – Hi Viz Riders is launching its inaugural “Be Seen” motorcycle safety campaign in conjunction with the May 2015 Motorcycle Awareness Month. The campaign, which promotes the use of Hi Viz motorcycle apparel featuring bright yellow or orange neon colors and reflective properties, is a national effort promoting motorcycle rider safety.

“Motorcycle Awareness Month is an effective vehicle for encouraging car and truck drivers to watch for motorcyclists while driving,” said Augie Fernandes, cofounder of Hi Viz Riders. “Our campaign encourages motorcycle riders to take the next step in enhancing their own safety by wearing bright, colorful protective gear that makes them more visible to other users of the road. Hi Viz riding gear grabs their attention.”

Scientific research provides the foundation for launching the “BE SEEN” campaign. According to Motorcycle rider conspicuity and crash related injury: casecontrol study by Susan Wells, Bernadette Mullin, et al (www.bmj.com/content/328/ 7444/857.full), motorcycle riders “wearing reflective or fluorescent clothing had a 37%

BMW Motorcycles of Detroit 34080 Van Dyke Ave. Sterling Heights, MI, 48312 (586) 274-4000 www.bmwdetroit.com

lower risk of crash-related injury than those who were not wearing such materials. When stratified by ambient illumination, the protective association seemed to increase with falling light levels…” The researchers concluded that “Low conspicuity may increase the risk of motorcycle crash-related injury. Increasing the use of reflective or fluorescent clothing, white or light colored helmets, and daytime headlights are simple, cheap interventions that could considerably reduce motorcycle crash-related injury and death.”

Once the Hi Viz Riders have established their 501c3 non-profit status, the founders plan to use a variety of tools to help promote the use of Hi Viz apparel including in-store post cards, a website, social media, static cling stickers for dealership doors, reflective stickers for motorcycles, news releases, industry articles, videos contrasting the visibility of riders wearing dark, low conspicuity apparel with that of bright, highconspicuity apparel and events. In order to fund these products and activities, the organization will be soliciting donations.

For more information, contact Hi Viz Riders at (810) 923-8738, visit their website at www.HiVizRiders.Homestead.com or visit their Facebook page.

Now in West Michigan

This club is like none other - no politics, no B.S. We travel to great riding destinations close by and far away. We learn to be better riders. We share camaraderie and a common passion: The Passion To Ride!

JOIN US Disclaimer: This ain’t your mamma’s pokey bar hoppin’ motorcycle club. It also isn’t a squidly club. We ride and we ride well. You are expected to ride within your limits.

You are expected to wear appropriate safety gear, ride a safely maintained machine, and follow reasonable group riding etiquette. We welcome riders of all skill levels, ages, genders, and marques. You will likely find like-minded members who ride at your level of skill. The MSTA and Michigan MSTA assume no responsibility for your safety, state of mind, average lean angle, or degree of rockin’ fun that you’ll experience with us. Just motorcycle enthusiasts getting together to ride.

Check us out on Facebook @ MSTAWestMichigan or send an e-mail to banjobart@aol.com for more information.

The Live It Right Dream Ride

Even Birds Have Nests

By Jay Wilgus Enjoying the back roads of Colombia

Kim is a writer. She’s also a worldtraveler. In May 2012, she and her husband left a comfortable life in Oregon to scratch an itch that had been bothering them for some time: the 9-5 routine, the cubicle, the humdrummery of life in the “real world.” They’ve now been on the road for almost three years backpacking through the U.S., the Himalayas, Patagonia, the Galapagos islands, and countless places in between. A while back though, Kim shared something on her blog that took me by surprise. ”I’m done traveling,” she said. The road had taken her far enough and she was ready to return home. She had been struggling with this for a while, but didn’t have the words to admit it until a walk on the beach led her to this: “Even birds have nests,”

she realized, and a weight began to lift off her shoulders.

Like Kim, Emily and I have come to realize that we’re ready for Volcan Cotopaxi a nest again as well. We’ve Ecuador been on the road for nearly a year. We’ve travelled more than 16,000 miles through 13 countries and have gotten a healthy spoonful of adventure. We’re now ready to come home.

On April 16th, we’ll board a flight from La Paz, Bolivia to LAX. We’ll be in the U.S. for 5.5 months while we recharge, wait out the Patagonian winter, and replenish our savings account. Our adventure is not over, but it is approaching an important intermission.

We miss home. We miss family.

We miss having pillows of our own.

Adventure travel is great, but it gets tiring to be on the move all the time. We’ve had experiences on this trip that others only dream of, but along the way we’ve been reminded that there’s another side to the coin of self-indulgence.

It looks something like this: First, the grass is always greener on the other side. We know from talking to folks that many would love to be in our position.

Traveling the world, doing something new every day, enjoying the freedom to go nearly anywhere we want. Well...what those folks don’t realize is that we’d be happy to trade places with them sometimes.

Although exploring new places is wonderful, so is sitting in a nest of your own with Netflix at the ready, preparing for another day of meaningful work.

Continued on page 18

Jacket Liners

G-3 Microwire Gloves Ultralight Gloves Heated

Socks All controls & accessories now in stock!

Retail Warehouse BMW Motorcycles of Southeast Michigan 39933 Ford Road, Canton, MI 734.981.1479 www.bmwmcsem.com 14

www.midwestmotorcyclist.com

Phone: (269) 651-2464 Fax: (269) 651-8767 1640 S. Centerville Road (M-66 South) , Sturgis, MI

We accept all major credit cards Call (269) 651-2464 now or visit our on-line store at www.ridewild.com

April 2015

NEW PRODUCT:

Giant Loop Tracker Packer™

Ruggedized Holster secures SPOT Gen3 to Rider or Vehicle Portion of Gross Sales to Kurt Caselli Foundation (BEND, OREGON USA) Adventure proof packing and gear systems innovator Giant Loop has introduced the Tracker Packer™ ruggedized holster for the SPOT Gen3 GPSenabled location tracker and emergency beacon. Giant Loop worked in conjunction with four-time Baja 1000 winner Quinn Cody and the Kurt Caselli Foundation to develop the Tracker Packer to help keep off-road racers and riders safer. A portion of all Tracker Packer sales will be donated to the Kurt Caselli Foundation (www.kurtcaselli.com).

The super rugged and secure Tracker Packer firmly attaches the SPOT Gen3 device to the rider’s arm, backpack shoulder strap, handlebars, fork tube, or many other locations.

Redundant closures and multiple connection and tether points help prevent the SPOT from becoming separated from rider or bike, even in the roughest, most extreme riding conditions. The Tracker Packer enables riders to follow best practices by wearing the SPOT within reach, in a horizontal position for optimal satellite signal. By keeping the device in a visible, easy-to-access location, anyone on the scene can quickly deploy the SPOT’s SOS signal in the event of an emergency,

sending the GPS location to an international emergency response coordination center.

The Tracker Packer is not just for racing. When traveling beyond cell service, riders can let family and friends know they are OK or send emergency responders their GPS location with the push of a button.

Tracker Packer features include a high-visibility closure printed with “EMERGENCY” and the “Caselli 66” logo, a redundant double hook-and-loop SPOT Gen3 attachment system, a heavy duty hook-and-loop band, Slip-Not grippy backing, foam padding to absorb shock and vibration, reflective trim for visibility, fully bound seams and webbing loops with grommets for additional mounting and tethering options.

Made in USA with militaryspecification components and materials, the Tracker Packer is backed by a limited lifetime warranty. USA MSRP is $40. The Tracker Packer is available bundled with the SPOT Gen3 for $150 exclusively at www.giantloopmoto.com. For more information and to contribute to the Kurt Caselli Foundation, visit www.kurtcaselli.com.

20% OFF

all tires installed by us.

We stock:

Don’t wait! This deal won’t last long!

2015 Harley-Davidson® Heritage Softail ® Classic

We have the full line of 2015 Harley-Davidson® motorcycles - including the Project Rushmore touring models - in stock and available for immediate delivery. It’s cold and snowy now but spring is right around the corner.

The 2015 models have been selling fast. Don’t miss your chance to own your dream bike.

Stop by our store today to find the Harley® of your dreams.

Hamilton Harley-Davidson® 68951 White School Road (US-12) Sturgis, MI

269.651.3424 www.hamiltonharley-davidson.com

Pre-Owned Motorcycles 2011 Harley-Davidson FLHX - Street Glide Mileage: 13,658. Red, $17,999 plus tax & title

2012 Harley-Davidson Tri Glide, 7,627 miles, $26,999 plus tax & title

2013 Harley-Davidson FLSTC Heritage Softail Classic, 22 miles, $15,999 plus tax & title

2007 Harley-Davidson VRSCAW - V-Rod, Black, Mileage: 12,791, $9,999 plus tax & title

2008 Harley-Davidson FLHTCU Ultra Classic Electra Glide, 49,865 miles, Upgraded to CVO Specs & Beyond. Over 90 line items of upgrades. 6 speed trans with reverse. Heavily upgraded audio with XM & GPS. Engine upgraded & refreshed with dyno of 94HP. Heated seats and grips. $15,999 plus tax & title

1765 S. Telegraph Road, Bloomfield Hills, MI One mile north of Square Lake Rd. on the east side of Telegraph Rd.

248.920.2000 • www.ridemotorcity.com TM

Midwest Motorcyclist

2006 Suzuki C50 2007 BMW R 1200 R, Boulevard, Black, SILVER, 72,357 16,300 miles, miles, $5,999 $3,799 plus tax & title plus tax & title

2012 Honda CBR 250R, Red, 1,163 miles, ONLY $2,999 plus tax, title

2007 Harley-Davidson FLTR Road Glide, 3,479 miles, well over 25K invested. Some highlights include: Chrome 21" front end with Custom wheels, rotors, and calipers.

DayMaker LED lights. Electronically operated opening custom saddlebags.

Diamond Cut Engine. Chrome everything!

Custom Paint. You must see this one! $18,999 plus tax & title

on Facebook at www.facebook.com/MotorCityMotorcycles 15

Spartan Cycle Now Selling Indian & Victory Motorcycles

Continued from page 8 - Koppa Polio Benefit

Completing the ride in about seven days was a standalone success. When you consider that Koppa raised more than $100,000 for PolioPlus ($34,000 that he raised, $15,000 from an anonymous donation in the name of Bob Gandolfi, past governor of Rotary District 6290 who died one month prior to the bginning of the trip, and matching funds from the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation), the effort was incredibly successful. Additionally, in September 2014, the Rotary Charities of Traverse City approved a $250,000 grant to help eradicate polio. It’s clear that, through these efforts, progress in this fight is being made. It’s not enough, but it’s a huge step.

Koppa, who was previously the Camp Commander at Camp Grayling, praised the help BMW Motorcycles of Grand Rapids provided him in preparation for the trip. He was also grateful that the dealership organized an Open House in support of his ride.

When asked about future charity rides, Koppa indicated that talks are progressing but no specific plans have been set. To see pictures from Wayne Koppa’s Coast to Coast - The Hard Way Ride for Polio Eradication trip or make a donation, go to www.tinyurl.com/razoo-coasttocoast.

Mount Clemens, Michigan – Spartan Cycle has announced that they have begun selling the full line of Indian and Victory motorcycles. The dealership, which opened for business in April 2014, has been selling used and custom motorcycles as well as providing service and repairs on all American-made motorcycles in its 10,000 square foot facility.

“Taking on Indian and Victory has been part of the plan from the beginning,” said Sales Manager Gary Latessa. “Since Polaris acquired Indian several years ago, they introduced their own V-twin engine and improved the quality of the products overall.

The Victory motorcycles are also well built with styling traits provided by Arlen Ness.

Polaris has done a great job with both brands.”

In preparation for bringing in the new brands, Spartan has remodeled their showroom including new lighting, flooring, and displays. The showroom has been filling with new motorcycles over the last couple weeks.

For more information about Spartan Cycle, visit the store at 44701 Gratiot Avenue, Clinton Township, Michigan, call the store at (586) 684-3372 or visit their website at www.spartancycle.com.

SPRING OPEN HOUSE Saturday, May 9th, 2015 • 10am – 4pm

Join us to celebrate the beginning of the 2015 riding season!

Kendon Stands Out In 2015 Stand-Up Trailer & Lift Company Under New Ownership Anaheim, CA - January 27, 2015 - Kendon, the originator of the Stand-Up™ trailer concept, is standing tall in the new year.

New private equity ownership and plenty of new products in the works, including the expansion of the innovative line of Ride-Up Trailers, have the Southern California company standing tall! ”The first objective is to increase our production so supply will meet the demand,” says company President Frank Esposito. “Kendon is pleased to announce that it has established a funding source.

This will allow the brand to react to an ever-increasing demand for Kendon StandUp Trailers and accessories.”

Back in 1991 Ken and Tina Thurm started Kendon with a vision of building the best motorcycle trailer on the market and throughout the years they’ve worked side by side growing Kendon. While Tina will leave the company to pursue other professional and personal interests, Ken Thurm will continue to consult on future Kendon products.

Thurm revolutionized the concept of a totally portable trailer that could “stand up” out of the way, freeing up workspace in any garage. Within a few short months, the Kendon Stand-Up™ trailer had created an entirely new category of trailer, and over two decades later, the concept clearly still works. “We are grateful to Ken for his vision and I am very pleased that he will continue to consult with us on product design and manufacturing.” ”Through the efforts of many, we are well poised to respond to the everincreasing demand from our customers,” concludes Esposito. “This marks my seventh year with Kendon and I can say with utmost confidence that there is a very bright future Kendon in 2015!”

USED MOTORCYCLES & ATVs 1983 CB 1000 CUSTOM, All Stock, 52,800 Miles, Well Maintained, Very Clean, $1,495 2007 VTX 1300, 2,600 Miles, All Stock, Windshield, Backrest, $4,995 2010 CRF 250R, FRESH TOP END, FRESH VALVES, RG3 BLACK TRIPLE CLAMPS, HARD COATED FORKS, SET UP FOR 160lB rider, 4.1 with powerbomb Header, CV4 HOSES, $3,995

• Food and refreshments • Demo rides (weather permitting, 11 a.m. – 3:30 p.m.)

• Much more!

BMW Motorcycles of Detroit

2005 ROYAL STAR 1300 VENTURE, 65,000 Miles, CB Intercom System, Aftermarket Exhaust, Comes with a matching trailer for an additional $800, $5,995 2009 V-STAR 1300 TOURING, 7,500 Miles, Saddle Bags, Windshield, Sissy bar, Like New, $6,795 2005 BOULEVARD C50, 24,000 Miles, Saddle Bags, Windshield, Runs Great, $3,495

34080 Van Dyke Ave., Sterling Heights, MI (586) 274-4000 • www.bmwdetroit.com 16

www.midwestmotorcyclist.com

6971 Highland Road 248-666-4651 Waterford, MI 48327 www.tech-care.com

April 2015

Open Terrain: Exploring the World and Soul by Motorcycle The Touratech Empire

by Nicole Espinosa You won’t find a throne decorating the leader’s office of a company that’s sitting at the top of a niche industry today. Instead, you’ll find royalty spread out evenly amongst the employees and distributors in a collaborative effort while the founder and CEO checks any ego at the door. This is just a sampling of what Herbert Schwarz has done to build the empire of his top-running adventure motorcycle aftermarket business, Touratech. You’ll also find the company’s strong foundation built upon forward thinking innovation that challenges today’s engineering standards. This innovation is dialed into every new product they produce in order to satisfy needs that aren’t otherwise being met in the marketplace. And to stay at the top of the heap of this growing sector, Herbert has exercised strong business and engineering savvy and high expectations of their gear, all the while keeping a finger on the pulse of the market by pushing the limit through his own world travel.

The Schwarz family in New Zealand

that will keep the growing family sector of our adventure motorcycling industry on the road with more style and comfort.

Thanks to my bike catching on fire last summer, my jacket and helmet took a beating with hot melted side-bag fallout. To my delight, Touratech came to the rescue asking me to test their Companero high-tech motorcycle suit and new Aventuro helmet. Because of his experience as an adventure rider, Herbert knows the incredible demands gear must endure on long journeys. It was of utmost importance to him to design a riding suit and helmet that addresses all seasons, environments, and riding conditions. In the end, both lines are modular and expand into three products for the price of one top-quality item.

The Companero provides a summer suit as Nicole in the Companero the base layer with extensive ventilation and airy high-tech motorcycle suit Cordura AFT material for those riders who choose and new Aventuro helmet to include scorching deserts and intensely humid regions as their adventure playgrounds. Attention out of the helmet, there is an extra long chin strap so to comfort, safety, and aesthetic detail sets this suit the DD ring can remain threaded when removing the above all others. Female sizing and fitment ensures helmet. And with the snug interchangeable padding, that the suit fits my sized frame while keeping all noise is drastically reduced for highway travel. There CE level 2 armor sitting in the proper places for the was a huge difference in weight when it came to utmost protection. This suit can be zipped together comparing this 3.0 lb Aventuro carbon fiber small to and also includes a convenient forearm pocket with my old Arai XD4 at 6.4 lbs. And, I was thrilled to find a windowfor mobile phone and a soft-lined pocket that it came with speaker cavities ready for me to on the upper arm for glasses. A detachable rear plug in my Sena comm system. To keep wind noise pocket is large enough to store the GORE-TEX wind and cold air off the chin, the added chin flap is worth and waterproof over-jacket. This second winter suit its weight in gold. This top quality helmet now sits fits securely over the summer suit to keep the rider at the top of the heap, just like Touratech, with an bone dry in the nastiest of conditions. This outer MSRP of $649. jacket is also great looking and versatile enough to serve as a jacket out on the town when off the bike.

Large selection Riding So far, southern of saddle bags, California skies haven’t Jackets dropped cold rain on any of travel bags, as low as my rides since early fall $ windshield bags, when I got the suit, so I’ve 10000 only been testing the & magnetic tank summer suit with a Warm & bags Safe heated jacket liner underneath for chilly Packin’ Tee 2nd Annual mornings. All in all, the Concealment HOGS in Ministry CHAPS European cut makes both T-Shirt as low as men and women look great Bike Blessing 99 in this suit, and has proven $ 00 May 9, 2015 that the top quality design all sizes, and material of two full suits Free coffee, donuts @ 9:30 a.m. with holster Blessing @ noon in one is well worth the MSRP of $1,495 and $995 for HarleyConcealment the two pants.

VESTS Touratech’s new Davidson Vests as low as Aventuro carbon helmet is $ 00 as low as raising the bar with its 3-in-1 00 modular design addressing $50 $ 50 the dual sport, off road, and street markets with one Ride down and visit the LARGEST and MOST COMPLETE helmet. My favorite LEATHER SHOP in Southwest Michigan near the Indiana State line. selection is the “dual sport” with features that include the no-drag visor that has large pass-through vents, and a (269) 651-2464 Fax: (269) 651-8767 Pin-Lock lens that can be 1640 S. Centerville Road (M-66 South) , Sturgis, MI attached to the face shield to We accept all major credit cards reduce the chance of fogging.

Call (269) 651-2464 now or visit our on-line store at www.ridewild.com For quicker time getting in/

Get a Jump on the 2015 Riding Season

Herbert founded Touratech in the early ‘90s with the help of Jochen Schanz when the adventure motorcycling industry was in its infancy. Through the years, Touratech has branched out into luggage, protection, comfort, and navigation, while adding a wide assortment of other manufacturer’s outdoor equipment and clothing lines. Throughout the company’s growth, Herbert has brilliantly pushed his marketing campaign to include living and breathing advertising by sponsoring many global travelers who are out there giving Touratech products a good thrashing all over the world, and solidifying the name in the process.

In 2006, Herbert was in search of a “woman who likes to suffer” to be the fourth rider for Touratech’s CAN2MEX video that documents the treacherous journey from Canada to Mexico on dirt roads. Ramona Eichhorn jumped at the chance, and proved that she could suffer this endurance test like the rest of the guys. Through the pounding of the journey, Herbert and Ramona fell in love, and have grown into one of our industry’s favorite power couples. As a team, they ramped up their global adventures and launched off to secretly test the unreleased, at the time, F800GS in places like Ethiopia, Scotland, Southeast Asia and East Africa.

Slowing down for a moment to have children gave them a chance to pass on this love of adventure to the next generation as Herbert totes their two boys around in his BMW R1200GS sidecar hack. This gives the company new insight for future products TM

Midwest Motorcyclist

$41

75

JEANS

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Retail Warehouse

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Motorcycle Expeditionary Forces Set Sights on Wisconsin

2nd Annual

HOGS in Ministry Bike Blessing

Motomarathon to circumnavigate state for long-distance, sport-touring adventure May 29-June 1 WISCONSIN DELLS, WI – March 12, 2015 – (Motor Sports Newswire) – The Motomarathon Association will bring its long-distance, motorcycle sport-touring format to the Badger State from May 29 - June 1, with the 2015 Wisconsin Motomarathon™ starting and ending in Wisconsin Dells with overnights in Silver City, Mich., and Hayward, Wisc.

“Our Wisconsin Routemasters have designed a scenic backroad adventure, circumnavigating the entire state through its forests, prairies, rivers, lakes, hills, dales and dells,” said Motomarathon Founder John Metzger. “In our quest to ride America’s

Saturday, May 9, 2015 Free coffee, donuts @ 9:30 a.m.

Blessing @ noon

great motorcycling regions, we’re excited to discover what Wisconsin has to offer.”

For a $50 fee, participants will receive a precisely engineered route for each day, and a copy of Metzger’s book, Motorcycling Through Midlife, which he wrote to help baby boomers manage the dangerous adolescent urges of “midlife crisis” through his personal journey on a motorcycle.

Motomarathon routes and checkpoints are kept secret until the night before each day’s ride. Participants complete a series of self-recorded checkpoints, photographing their badge numbers at designated landmarks. For more information, visit www.motomarathon.com or call John Metzger at 303-641-1062.

Retail Warehouse Phone: (269) 651-2464 Fax: (269) 651-8767 1640 S. Centerville Road (M-66 South) , Sturgis, MI

We accept all major credit cards Call (269) 651-2464 now or visit our on-line store at www.ridewild.com

Continued from page 14 - Live It Right Dream Ride

Second, we need a purpose. Extended travel provides a valuable exhale, but it doesn’t necessarily contribute to the greater good.

We’ve watched from the road as the events in Ferguson unfolded. We took pause when Robin Williams took his own life. We skirted around an area in Mexico where 43 students were abducted and killed by their government for resisting corruption. And we’ve passed by desperate levels of poverty, where many are forced to comb through landfills for their next meal. We’ve been rather silent through all of this, but we can sit idle no longer. It’s time to re-engage. It’s time to contribute so that others might someday enjoy the same privileges that

SPRING FLING OPEN HOUSE Saturday, April 18, 2015 We’re celebrating a new riding season, new models, and great weather. Help us celebrate!

• Demo rides • Storewide specials • Food / refreshments • and much more

we do.

Although our adventure hasn’t been nearly as long as Kim’s, it has led us to the same conclusion. It’s time for a nest. It’s time to stay in one place for a while. It’s time to subject our brains and bodies to some good old fashioned work. We’ll spread our wings again in October.

Until then, check back here for a review of our bikes, our gear, and some additional stories from the road.

To read more about our adventure south, please visit www.liveitrightdreamride.com. While you’re clicking around, please also visit Kim’s website: www.so-many-places.com. She’s a great writer and a valuable resource for turning your dreams into reality. Many thanks to her for reminding us that it’s okay to crave a nest.

Job Opportunities Seeking Service Technicians & Parts Advisors Great opportunity in a small but busy non-franchise facility in Waterford. Requirements include: • 5 years experience • Solid work ethic • Tools (technician) • Good driving record • Motorcycle endorsement • Avid motorcycle enthusiast

5995 South Division Grand Rapids, MI (616) 530-6900 www.bmwmcgr.com 18

Call Dave Bowman to set up an interview.

6971 Highland Road 248-666-4651 Waterford, MI 48327 www.tech-care.com

www.midwestmotorcyclist.com

April 2015

Events Events do change.

Please call ahead.

Michigan March 28 Michigan Dressers Motorcycle Club Spring BashAthena Hall, 25650 Gratiot Ave. Roseville, MI 7 p.m. to 1 a.m. $35 per ticket includes buffet dinner, beer, soft drinks, live band, dancing (586) 703-1601, michigandressers@comcast.net or www.michigandressers.8k.com April 2 Ladies’ Garage Party ABC Harley-Davidson 4405 Highland, Road (M-59) Waterford, MI 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.

HEY Ladies!!! Whether you ride, want to ride or just a passenger this fun & informational event about the Harley Lifestyle is for you! Free food, door prizes and free goodie bags! RSVP for a night of guaranteed fun!

(248) 674-3175 April 4 Indoor Tent Event Capitol Harley-Davidson 9550 Woodlane Dr., Dimondale, MI 48821 517.646.2345 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

April 4 Crack on egg to see what you won Gildner’s Harley-Davidson 2723 South M-76, West Branch, MI (989) 345-1330 9am-4pm Stop in on Saturday, April 4th and open an egg to see what you get.

April 11 Fashion Show Capitol Harley-Davidson 9550 Woodlane Dr. Dimondale, MI 48821 517.646.2345 12pm-1pm Check out the new seasonal MotorClothes collection

39933 Ford Road, Canton, MI 734.981.1479 www.bmwmcsem.com April 16th Griffin’s Bike Night Grand Rapids Harley-Davidson 2977 Corporate Grove Drive Hudsonville, MI - (877) 596-6387 April 18 Bacon & Bikes 4405 ABC Harley-Davidson Highland Road (M-59) Waterford, MI Can you ever get enough of FREE Bacon?? Hot breakfast and Ride-in Bike Show. Win awesome door prizes.

- (248) 674-3175 April 18 Helmet Exchange Capitol Harley-Davidson 9550 Woodlane Dr. Dimondale, MI 48821 517.646.2345 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Receive 20% off a new helmet with the exchange of your used one!

April 19 Birch Run Motorcycle Swap Meet Presented by Bubba’s Tri City Cycle & Michigan Motorcyclist® magazine 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Admission: $6 Birch Run Expo Center 11600 North Beyer Road Birch Run, MI Info: (989) 893-5187 or bubba@bubbastricitycycle.com April 25 Polish Palooza ABC Harley-Davidson 4405 Highland Road (M-59) Waterford, MI 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

We’re at it again with FREE delicious Polish Food and inspired entertainment. Door prizes and an awesome fun time! You don’t want to miss this one!

(248) 674-3175 April 25 H-D Demo Days & Ready To Ride Workshops Shiawassee Sports Center 11901 South Beyer Road, Birch Run, MI (989) 624-4400 April 25 Region 20 Awareness Ride Randy (810) 533-6456

April 11 ABATE Region 20 Annual Awareness Party Bancroft Hall 120 Warren Street, Bancroft, MI Begins 7 p.m.; $10 / person For info, Lisa Vail (517) 294-3431 or www.abatemichigan 20.com

April 25-26 13th Annual SPRING OPEN HOUSE Steve Baller will be here again pinstriping bikes, trikes, trailers, helmets, etc.

(Call early and schedule a time slot or just show up & sneak your way in line) Michigan Chrome Shop 69090 N. Main Street Richmond, MI (586) 727-7829

April 15 15th Annual Boot Camp - 5 p.m. to 7 p.m.

Ray C’s Harley-Davidson 1422 Imlay City Road, Lapeer, MI (810) 664-9261 April 15 ABATE of Michigan Legislative Day Capitol Building, Lansing, Michigan 9:30 a.m.

April 17 Charity Fashion Show Newest rider fashions from KLIM, Olympia and BMW. Hors d’oeuvres and refreshments; $25 per person to benefit United Cerebral Palsy Foundation of Michigan.

BMW Motorcycles of Southeast Michigan TM

Midwest Motorcyclist

April 26 14th Annual Lakeshore Blessing of the Bikes Ottawa County Fairgrounds 1286 Ottawa Beach Road Holland, MI Gates open at 10 a.m.

Bike show for cash prize / trophy Door prizes @ 2:15 p.m.

Blessing at 3 p.m. $5 Donation (Bike or Car)

April 30 Country Bike Night Grand Rapids Harley-Davidson 2977 Corporate Grove Drive Hudsonville, MI - (877) 596-6387 Music, Beer, Food, Bikes & You! May 2 ABATE Region 5 Spring Bash & Membership Party Scott (231) 206-9579 May 3 All Clubs Ride & Swap Meet Stockbridge, MI May 9 nd 2 Annual HOGS in Ministry Bike Blessing

Indiana March 28 ABATE Region 11 Johnson County Golden Oldies GREENWOOD AMERICAN LEGION POST #252, 334 US 31, Greenwood, IN 6:00 pm - Midnight. $15 per person or $25 per couple.

Minimum age 18. Public welcome.

For more information call Lou at 317-4967298 or Robin at 317-457-2513 March 29 ABATE Region 12 Easter Egg Hunt Riley VFW grounds (on Indiana 159).

Time: 1:30pm. FREE to everyone: Open to the public. Children must be accompanied by a parent.

Dave 812-877-1676 April 10-11 ABATE Region 5 Battle of the Bands The Valhalla Room Heorot Pub & Drought House 219 S. Walnut St. Muncie, IN 47303.

Starts 6:00pm. Admission: $3 per person.

For more information contact: Region 5 Director. Tony Brummett 765-808-0534. Delaware Co. Rep. Brian Wormer 765-707-7637.

April 11 ABATE Region 8 Memorial Ride In The Wind call (812) 430-8070.

April 11 ABATE Region 2 Lake County Candlelight Bowl - Family friendly event!

Set Em Up Lanes 135 N. Broad St., Griffith, IN. Starts at 10:00pm. $30 per couple. $20 per individual. $10 for non-bowlers. Food, fun, prizes.

(219) 712-4691.

April 11 ABATE Region 10 Spring Thaw Crawford County 4-H Club Old 37 in Old English, IN. Gates Open: 12:00 Noon, Saturday.

ABATE Members $10.00, Non-members $14.00; Must be 18yrs. to enter Campers welcome Friday & Saturday nights. Free Camping. Live Music.

Silent Auction. Fun Run (weather permitting).

For more information call: Darla 812-5081139, Thom Henderson (Hippy) 812-865-6030. or call (812) 278-8717.

April 12 ABATE Region 1 Marshall County Swap Meet

”The Oldest Meet in North Central Indiana”.

Indiana National Guard Armory, 1220 West Madison Street, Plymouth, IN 46563.

9:00am – 4:00pm.

Admission $5.00 per person. Everyone Welcome. Open to the general public.

For vendor or event information call or text: Dan Perry 574-298-9860, dan4254@yahoo.com.

April 18 Region 7 Bartholomew County Spring Fling 2015 Saturday Ride starts & Ends at: VFW Post #1987 215 North National Road, Columbus, IN Reg. 11am-12:30pm. $20 per person or $30 per couple.

Food & ride t-shirt (all while supplies last), ride, dance with live band, field events and primitive camping. Live Music: Dancing and band ing at 8:00pm.

For more information, Teresa McCrory 812-603-6523. or yamaha650granny@yahoo.com or call (812) 603-6523.

April 25 ABATE Region 10 Orange County Redneck Romp Orange County Park, 1100 Saddle Club Lane, Paoli, IN Gates open at 9:00am. $10 per person. Must be 18 or older.

Located Free primitive camping. Live music For event information contact Vicki Gerkin 812-675-3244 or BettyBoop 812865-6068 or bettyboop13065@gmail.com April 25 ABATE Region 11 Marion County Battle Of The Bands Rock House Cafe, 3940 S. Keystone Ave, Indianapolis, IN 46227 12:00 Noon-12:00 Midnight. $5 per person, minimum age 21.

Maelene 765-426-6438 or hotshotsindiana@yahoo.com April 25 Region 1 Fulton County Shoot bordersbritney@yahoo.com or call (574) 933-3478.

April 25 ABATE Region 13 Davies County Tourney Journey Angle Inn, Business 50 West End of town Washington, IN (.)

Sign-in: 11:00am–12:00 noon Ride leaves at 12:00pm.

Cost: $10.00 per bike on ride. $5.00 per dart player. For information email to wiscaver@att.net or call (812) 257-8785.

April 26 ABATE Region 1 Blessing Of The Bikes @ Stauffer Park, 5 blocks East of SR 19 on US 6 to Summit Street. Go North and the street runs into the park 11:00 AM. For info Wayne Kopec 574-298-3200 or Duane Moneyheffer at 574-773-7067 April 26 ABATE Region 4 Bike Show and Swap Meet Tippecanoe County Fairgrounds, Lafayette, IN 10:00am-4:00pm.. Bike Show $5 entry; cash prizes & trophy classes, judging starts at noon; Tattoo Contest, Fashion Show; Admission only $3.00 per person.

For info Jan Johns at 765-878-4691 or deadheadmom@yahoo.com (765) 878-4691.

April 26 ABATE Region 3 Support our Troops 2015 For info, eagle5rsw@gmail.com or call (765) 437-8341.

Ohio May 9 Fuel Cleveland Invitational Bike Show Clif’s Warehouse 2222 Lakeside Ave E. Cleveland, Ohio www.fuelcleveland.blogspot.com/ June 5-7 Queen City Mods vs Rockers Cincinnati, OH July 17-19 AMCA National Flat Track & Vintage Bike Day

Midwest June 5-7 Rockerbox Motofest Road America N7390 State Hwy 67 Plymouth, Wisconsin June 6-7 Ride for Research A 2-Day Dual Sport Event, which is sanctioned by the American Motorcycle Association. Dual sport is a type of motorcycle riding which is a mix of off road trails connected with the use of roads. Participants of our events are from WI but we also draw participants from throughout the United States. Trails are used with permission and/or permits through the USFS, County forests, and private landowners. Trails range from 2 track, gravel, minimal pavement (as little as we can), and single track sections that are optional- Saturday’s route is usually about 130 miles and Sunday’s route is usually about 80 miles (though miles and routes change often yearly). The motorcycles are street legal motorcycles that are fully off road capable. This event is held in Wabeno, WI. Registration fee includes camping, meals, trail support, t-shirts and two days of great riding through the Northwoods in Wisconsin, riders raise funds to benefit the UW Cancer Research Center in Madison, WI. For more information or to register, visit the Wisconsin Dual Sport Riders website at www.widualsportriders.org/v3/ events.asp June 13-15 Motoblot, Gearheads United formerly Mods vs Rockers Chicago www.motoblot.com July 9-12 Sportbike Rally Revisited Parry Sound, Ontario, Canada

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Big Changes in the 2015 Michigan Motorcycle Safety Program

by Jason Waechter, Esq. In 2015 the Michigan Motorcycle Safety Program will begin the transition to the new Motor Cycle Safety Foundation (MSF) Basic Rider Course (BRC) 2014. The new curriculum will require all sites to be recertified and all coaches to attend a pass/fail Rider Coach Transitional Coach Prep (T-RCP). The new course has a computer home study course called the eCourse. This computer based class is very similar to a traffic safety computer course that covers the basic skills that are taught in a traditional motorcycle safety class the 1st night. The eCourse has a quiz after each section and the student rider must score 80% or better to move to the next section. The sections are Course Introduction, Motorcycle Types, Controls & Equipment, About Basic Operation, Preparing to Ride, Basic Street Strategies, Strategies for Common Riding Situations, Basic Street Strategies, Basics for Emergencies, Special Riding Situations, and Rider Impairments. At the end of the computer course the student MUST print the fi and bring it to class the 1st night. No certificate=no riding. Students will meet in the classroom the 1st night, do the paperwork and take a quiz on the eCourse material.

Grand Rapids Community College, Ferris State University and Schoolcraft College will start with the new course.

The Detroit-Metro program students will be divided into 2 groups and one group will start riding on Friday night.

The 1st riding group will ride for 4-5 hours or till dark and finish Saturday morning. The range exercises in Level 1 range are: Motorcycle Familiarization, Using the Friction Zone, Starting and Stopping Drill, Basic Skill Practice, Pressing to Initiate and Adjust Lean, Stopping More Quickly & Tight turns from a Stop, and Stopping Distance Demonstration. The 2nd group will start riding the Level 1 range exercises while the 1st group will go into the classroom

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www.midwestmotorcyclist.com

and do the Level 2 classroom. The Level 2 classroom consists of group activities and student centered learning. On the next day the 1st group rides the Level 2 range while the 2nd group does the level 1 classroom. Level 2 range consists of Limited Space Maneuvers, Stopping in a Curve, Curve Judgment, Multiple Curves & Lane Changes, Crossing an Obstacle & Swerving, and Skill Practice.

The student riding test is the Rider Skills Test (RST) with a curve added to it. The RST is the state current motorcycle licensing test in Michigan.

“In the fall of 2014 we piloted the new curriculum at Schoolcraft College. We had 2 groups of students in the pilot class: the eCourse group and a group that took the traditional classroom the 1st night. The eCourse students were very well prepared and were better students than the traditional classroom students on the range and in the classroom,” states Vince Consiglio, Regional Coordinator.

Registration for motorcycle safety classes for 2015 has started for most sites. At $25.00 per class these courses are the best deal in motorcycling. In 2012, 58% of motorcyclists fatalities didn’t have a cycle endorsement. In fact, since 1989 Michigan has averaged 40% of motorcyclists fatalities not having an endorsement. A rider can take the cycle riding skills test or complete a safety class to get an Operator Cycle License (OCY).

You may be surprised if you ask to see your riding partners OCY. Let us make 2015 a safer year, make sure you got your OCY and be a friend and check out your buddies.

Attorney Jason A. Waechter is a national attorney specializing in the areas of motorcycle and motor vehicle injury litigation. Mr. Waechter has collected millions of dollars in settlements, awards and verdicts for his motorcycle clients over the past 20 years. Jason feels a duty to give back to his community. A portion of each case settled goes to educational resources for bikers, funds to help bikers while their cases are being litigated and our motorcycle accident prevention campaign. Call Attorney Jason Waechter toll free at 1-877-BIKER LAW. Or visit www.TheMotorcycleLawyer.com Legal disclaimer: The law is very fact dependent and there are many nuances and exceptions depending on your particular circumstances. Therefore, given the limited space, it is impossible to cover everything. Do not rely on the short article to protect your rights.

April 2015

The Preacher Speaks About ...

Motorcycling Across Michigan Book Review

by Franz Hoffer

As I’ve written previously, and as much as it hurts, I am not going to the Sturgis Rally this year. It’s the 75th anniversary and hotel rooms are pretty much double in normal price of around $350 sometimes more - per night. Attendance projections for Sturgis and the surrounding area is about 1 million attendees; the average annual attendance is right around 400,000.

Even with the 400,000, lines at the gas pumps can be 20 minutes or longer. I can’t imagine what it will be like with 1 million. So for 2015, my gang - my riding buddies - are doing what we are calling a “Pure Michigan” tour on our bikes. I am being tasked with planning the ride so I got a book off my shelf that has been there for a couple of years called “Motorcycling Across Michigan” by William Murphy, an avid rider and author of seven books.

Murphy is a biker with more than 40 years riding experience and a former Marine and Vietnam veteran.

“Motorcycling Across Michigan” is about the people, places, attractions, great roads, and history of Michigan based on his personal experiences. Murphy offers some great advice that can only come from hours on the bike.

The book is 262 pages long with great illustrations, maps, and commentary. It’s divided up into seven sections: Lake Shore Routes; Small Towns, Vineyards, Orchards and Farmland; Historic Routes; The Great North Woods; Great Lakes Circle Tours; Some Good Local Rides; and Desirable Destinations. The appendix is full of handy website addresses, emergency contact info such as County Sheriff, Michigan State Police, motel toll-free numbers, a directory of Michigan motorcycle dealers and repair shops, and a complete listing of Michigan Motorcycle Laws and Regulations. In 2014, Murphy wrote an updated version TM

Midwest Motorcyclist

of the book called “Ride Michigan.” I have chosen to use “Motorcycling Across Michigan” for our summer trek …for no particular reason other than I like it.

I have lived in Michigan since I was in 1st grade.

My family emigrated here from Germany.

Essentially, I consider myself to have lived my entire life in Michigan and thought I knew the State well; both the Upper and Lower Peninsula. I used to travel around the state quite a bit before I got married and afterwards with my wife and family. But this book

by Murphy has so much information of which I was not aware that it seemed as if I was new to the State.

It goes into great detail and gives exact routing on the trips as well as mileage guides. It also provides advice about what to watch out for.

You can meet Murphy at several venues around the state starting on April 14th. He will be at the Local Authors Day event at the Delta Township Library, just west of Lansing, MI from 6:00 to 7:30 in the evening. Later that same week, on Sunday, April 19th, he’ll be at the Birch Run Swap Meet. On May 17th,, Murphy will be at the Baker College Car & Bike Show.

I found the book on both Barnes & Noble and Amazon for $7.35 (used) in good condition (it’s a paperback); new was around $9.00. The reviews on both websites all rated the book with 5 stars.

It’s a must for the serious motorcyclist, resident or out of state tourist who wants a quality ride through Michigan. Murphy has also written other travel books for motorcyclists covering Ohio, Wisconsin and Indiana. Do yourself a favor; get this book.

Next month will see a return of “Tech Talk” with Jerry B and the month after that I plan on taking the Experienced Rider Course from Gary Lewandowski and his organization, “Ride Like A Pro”.

At this writing, the snow is almost gone, spring is in the air…and the Harley is ready to go!

Michigan Harley-Davidson Dealer Events For a complete list of Michigan Harley-Davidson Dealer Association Members, see the dealer locator on page 23.

March 28 11 a.m. - 3 p.m.

Bacon & Bikes Yep... FREE Bacon Breakfast!

Door prizes and more!

ABC Harley-Davidson 4405 HIGHLAND RD (M-59), WATERFORD (248) 674-3175 www.abc-harley-davidson.com April 2 Ladies’ Garage Party ABC Harley-Davidson 4405 Highland, Road (M-59) Waterford, MI 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.

HEY Ladies!!! Whether you ride, want to ride or just a passenger this fun & informational event about the Harley Lifestyle is for you! Free food, door prizes and free goodie bags! RSVP for a night of guaranteed fun!

(248) 674-3175 April 4 Indoor Tent Event Capitol Harley-Davidson 9550 Woodlane Dr., Dimondale, MI 48821 517.646.2345 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

April 4 Crack on egg to see what you won Gildner’s Harley-Davidson 2723 South M-76, West Branch, MI (989) 345-1330 Stop in and open an egg to see what you get.

April 11 Fashion Show Capitol Harley-Davidson 9550 Woodlane Dr. Dimondale, MI; 517.646.2345 12pm-1pm April 15 15th Annual Boot Camp 5 p.m. to 7 p.m.

Ray C’s Harley-Davidson 1422 Imlay City Rd, Lapeer, MI; (810) 664-9261

April 16th Griffin’s Bike Night Grand Rapids Harley-Davidson 2977 Corporate Grove Drive Hudsonville, MI - (877) 596-6387 April 18 Bacon & Bikes 4405 ABC Harley-Davidson Highland Road (M-59) Waterford, MI Can you ever get enough of FREE Bacon?? Hot breakfast and Ridein Bike Show. Win awesome door prizes. (248) 674-3175 April 18 Helmet Exchange Capitol Harley-Davidson 9550 Woodlane Dr. Dimondale, MI 48821 517.646.2345 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Receive 20% off a new helmet with exchange of your used one!

April 25 Polish Palooza ABC Harley-Davidson 4405 Highland Road (M-59) Waterford, MI 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

We’re at it again with FREE delicious Polish Food, entertainment. Door prizes.

You don’t want to miss this one!

(248) 674-3175 April 25 H-D Demo Days & Ready To Ride Workshops Shiawassee Sports Center 11901 South Beyer Road, Birch Run, MI (989) 624-4400 April 30 Country Bike Night Grand Rapids Harley-Davidson 2977 Corporate Grove Drive Hudsonville, MI (877) 596-6387 Music, Beer, Food, Bikes & You!

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Old School

SWAP MEETS presented by

NEW FXRG JACKETS AND VENTED SPORTSWEAR Able to adapt to every riding season, the new FXRG jackets from Harley-Davidson will keep you cool, dry, warm, and comfortable MILWAUKEE (March 2, 2015) – If a rider buys one jacket, make sure it is the most versatile jacket in the market. Available in both leather and textile, the new men’s FXRG® Triple Vent System™ Switchback Jackets from the Harley-Davidson® MotorClothes® line will handle almost anything Mother Nature throws at it. Transforming either jacket begins with the Switchback system of panels on the sleeves and shoulders that zip-off to create a mesh jacket. A removable zip-out fullsleeve waterproof liner complements a zip-out full-sleeve thermal-reflective warmth liner to adapt to varying conditions. The jacket’s Triple Vent System includes three zippered vertical vents on each side that allow customizable airflow that’s unaffected by backrests or passengers. The sewn-in, ultra-lightweight CE Level 1 approved impact protectors at elbows and shoulders offer added protection, while a back pocket accepts optional accessory back impact protectors. A removable, snap-out kidney belt and six zippered pockets complete the package.

The FXRG TVS Switchback Leather (P/N 98095-15VM, starting at $795) is made from a midweight cowhide leather, while the FXRG TVS Switchback Riding Jacket (P/N 98094-15VM, starting at $595) is made from 100 percent 500 denier nylon. Both jackets are available in S – 5XL and Tall sizes.

Look and feel cool with a new Vented Performance shirt from the Harley-Davidson MotorClothes line. To maximize venting and comfort, the performance shirts incorporate mesh panels under the arms, inside back yoke and on the sides that match the vents on H-D Triple Vent System jackets. The men’s Vented Performance Skull Shirt (P/N 99034-15VM, starting at $70) and Vented Performance Flames Shirt (P/N 9903515VM, starting at $70) are made from 100 percent polyester ripstop material with fast-dry, fullwicking properties that keep the body cool, dry and comfortable.

They’re available in S – 5XL sizes.

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1. Battle Creek BATTLE CREEK HARLEY-DAVIDSON® 5738 BECKLEY RD, BATTLE CREEK (269) 979-2233, www.battlecreekharley.com

2. Bay City GREAT LAKES HARLEY-DAVIDSON® 3850 S. HURON ROAD, BAY CITY (989) 686-0400, www.greatlakeshd.com

3. Birch Run SHIAWASSEE HARLEY-DAVIDSON® 11901 N. BEYER ROAD, BIRCH RUN (989) 624-4400 www.shiawasseeharley-davidson.com

4. Brighton BRIGHTON HARLEY-DAVIDSON® 5942 WHITMORE LAKE RD., BRIGHTON (810) 225-2915, www.brightonhd.com

5. Cement City TOWN & COUNTRY HARLEY-DAVIDSON® US 12 & US 127, CEMENT CITY (517) 547-3333, www.cementcity-harley.com

6. Farmington Hills MOTOR CITY HARLEY-DAVIDSON® 34900 GRAND RIVER AVE., FARMINGTON HILLS (248) 473-7433, www.motorcityharley.com

7. Fremont SANDY’S HARLEY-DAVIDSON® SPORT CENTER 11940 N. MAPLE ISLAND RD, FREMONT (231) 924-3020, www.sandysharleydavidson.com

8. Gaylord ZIP’S 45TH PARALLEL HARLEY-DAVIDSON® 980 S WISCONSIN AVE., GAYLORD (989) 732-8000, www.zips45thhd.com

9. Hudsonville GRAND RAPIDS HARLEY-DAVIDSON® 2977 CORPORATE GROVE DR., HUDSONVILLE (616) 896-0111, www.grandrapidsharley.com

10. Kalamazoo PERRY’S HARLEY-DAVIDSON® 5331 SPRINKLE ROAD, KALAMAZOO (269) 329-3450 www.perryharley-davidson.com

11. Lansing CAPITOL HARLEY-DAVIDSON® 9550 WOODLANE DRIVE, DIMONDALE (517) 646-2345, www.capitolhd.com

12. Lapeer RAY C’S HARLEY-DAVIDSON® 1422 IMLAY CITY ROAD, LAPEER (810) 664-9261, www.raycsh-d.com

April 2015

13. Mt. Pleasant C & S HARLEY-DAVIDSON® 4741 E PICKARD, MT PLEASANT (989) 772-5513, www.candssportcenter.com

14. Muskegon HOT ROD HARLEY-DAVIDSON® 149 SHORELINE DRIVE, MUSKEGON (231) 722-3653, www.hotrodhd.com

15. Sturgis HAMILTON HARLEY-DAVIDSON® 68951 WHITE SCHOOL ROAD, STURGIS (616) 651-3424, www.hamiltonharley-davidson.com

Why I Ride a Harley I’ve been riding since I was 15, starting out on a Yamaha. I rode a Sportster for a while and then another Yamaha before switching to Harleys exclusively after my kids were grown. There are lots of reasons I ride a Harley but mostly it’s because of the styling, the sound and the prestige. My current ride is a 2010 Street Glide but I’m looking to move up to a 2014 Street Glide Special. I love the new infotainment system and GPS. Rick Ozello, Battle Creek, Michigan Member, Brotherhood of the Marine Corps Riders Member, National Harley Owner’s Group

16. Tecumseh TECUMSEH HARLEY-DAVIDSON® 8080 MATTHEWS HIGHWAY, TECUMSEH (517) 423-3333

17. Traverse City CLASSIC MOTOR SPORTS HARLEY-DAVIDSON® 3939 S BLUE STAR DRIVE, TRAVERSE CITY (231) 943-9344, www.classictc.com

18. Waterford A.B.C. HARLEY-DAVIDSON® 4405 HIGHLAND RD (M-59), WATERFORD (248) 674-3175, www.abc-harley-davidson.com

19. West Branch GILDNER’S HARLEY-DAVIDSON® MOTORCYCLES 2723 S M-76, WEST BRANCH (989) 345-1330, www.gildnershd.com

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For more information, visit www.mhdda.com TM

Midwest Motorcyclist

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