Midwest Motorcyclist(TM), April 2017 issue

April 2017

FREE Celebrating

19 Years

midwestmotorcyclist.com

NZ: More Curves Than Sheep

Also in this issue: Electric Noob

Mama Tried Super Hooligan Races

XR400R Lightweight Adventure Project Update

Swap Meets & Lane Splitting

New Season! New Bikes! 2017 BMWs are here!

Whether you’re fast, adventurous, long-distance, or retro in your riding, BMW offers a 2017 model that is perfect for you. Stop by our dealership today to see, test ride, and buy a new 2017 motorcycle.

2017 RnineT Racer

2017 RnineT Pure

2017 S 1000 RR

BEST PRICING EVER

We have a few 2016 S 1000 XRs, R 1200 GSs, and K 1600 GTs remaining in stock. They’re selling fast but our showroom is full and we need more space. If you’ve been waiting for the best prices, wait no longer. Seriously, these are the lowest prices you’re likely to ever see. So low, you’ll have to call or visit.

Don’t lose out. Stop by our dealership today!

2016 S 1000 XR

2016 R 1200 GS

2016 K 1600 GT

5 Mile Rd

He lm

St

N Sheldon Rd

BMW Motorrad Dealer of Excellence

Selective D r

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

“Redefining your motorcycling lifestyle” SM * Subject to credit qualification through BMW Financial Services. $4,000 retail incentive is on the 2016 BMW K 1600 GTL Exclusive. Strong retail incentives also available on other 2016 models. Offer ends 4/1/2017. Visit BMW Motorcycles of Southeast Michigan for details. Always ride safely and wear proper protective gear.

All of the 2017 Indian models are currently in our showroom.

Stop by and check these beauties out. We also have a few 2016 models - Scouts, Springfields, & Roadmasters - in stock and priced to sell. The riding season is coming fast.

Don’t wait until spring to buy your new Indian Motorcycle®.

Stop by our dealership today.

Take a legendary ride when the

Demo Truck visits MotorCity Motorcycles on May 19-20, 2017.

Riders must have a motorcycle endorsement, helmet, eye protection, jacket, long pants and boots. Don’t miss this opportunity to test ride the new American icon.

The new Indian motorcycles are getting lots of attention from motorcyclists around the country because of their quality, style, and performance. Don’t miss your chance to ride any of the 2017 Indian motorcycles.

Three 2017 Victory® Octane® Motorcycles Still Available That’s right. We only have three 2017 Victory® Octane® motorcycles remaining in stock and they’re priced to move. If you’re wondering whether buying a Victory® is a good idea, remember this: the warranties on every new Victory® are valid and will be honored, the company has committed to producing parts for Victory Motorcycles® for at least 10 years AND the price is right. Stop by our dealership today to make the best deal possible.

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

Indian® and Indian Motorcycle® are registered trademarks of Indian Motorcycle International LLC. Victory® and Victory Motorcycles® are registered trademarks of Polaris Industries Inc. Always wear a helmet, eye protection and protective clothing and obey the speed limit. Never ride under the influence of drugs or alcohol.

TM

Midwest Motorcyclist

3

IN THIS ISSUE…

Columns 5 9 17 19 20 21

cc media publications

This Month’s Contributors: Contributing Editors Patrick Armitage Franz Hoffer Mike Mekinda plus

Larry Janssen, Gene Southard, Dondi Vesprini, Jason Waechter

Publisher/Managing Editor

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

Advertising Sales/ Web Master / Distribution Ray Peabody publisher@midwestmotorcyclist.com rpeabody@sbcglobal.net

Cover Design Julie Kirkendoll

To Our Readers Random Ramblings of a Rare Bird: Electric Noob by Mike Mekinda How to Use Legal Jiu Jitsu Against Drivers who Hit Motorcyclists by Jason Waechter Ask Dr, Cycholl by Pat Armitage Motorcycling and Law: SB210 re: Online Database of Road Construction by MDOT

by Dondi Vesprini The Preacher Speaks About... Swap Meets and Lane Splitting by Franz Hoffer

Features, News & Reviews 6 8 8 10 13 18 18

New Zealand: More Curves Than Sheep by Gene Southard Jared Mees Captures Victory for Indian Motorcycle Racing inAmerican Flat Track Season Opener at Daytona TT DirtDaze Adventure Bike Rally Sign-Up Starts March 1, 2017 Update: 1999 Honda XR400R Adventurization Project by Ray Peabody Super Hooligan Race Kicks Off Mama Tried Motorcycle Show by Larry Janssen Bike Show, Swap Meet Take Center Stage at Vintage Rally 2017, Anamosa, Iowa Scout FTR750 Available for Purchase, Indian’s Premier 750cc V-Twin Flat Track Race Bike Available for $50,000

Resources 5 16 21

Advertiser Index Event Schedule Michigan Harley-Davidson Dealer Event Schedule Cover photo: Gene Southard on the Springvale Suspension Bridge (built in 1925) over the Rangitikei River. Photo by Gene Southard.

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Jackets 709 Fall Street Spring Lake, Michigan 49456 (810) 923-8738 www.midwestmotorcyclist.com Copyright 1998-2016 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, free-lance 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.

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www.midwestmotorcyclist.com

April 2017

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Harley-Davidson ............21, 22, 23 123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123456789012345 123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123456789012345 123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123456789012345 123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123456789012345 123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123456789012345 Battle Creek Harley-Davidson....21, 22, 23 123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123456789012345 123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123456789012345 123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123456789012345 123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123456789012345 123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123456789012345 BMW-Motus of Grand Rapids.........10, 11, 17, 20 123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123456789012345 123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123456789012345 123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123456789012345 123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123456789012345 123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123456789012345 BMW, SE Michigan. .........................2, 8, 9 123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123456789012345 123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123456789012345 123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123456789012345 123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123456789012345 Bubba’s Birch Run MC Swap Meet........18 123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123456789012345 123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123456789012345 123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123456789012345 123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123456789012345 123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123456789012345 Capitol Harley-Davidson .......21, 22, 23 123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123456789012345 123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123456789012345 123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123456789012345 123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123456789012345 123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123456789012345 Classic MotorSports...............21, 22, 23 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Advertiser Index

TM

Midwest Motorcyclist

It happened. After more than 12 years of riding without a breakdown, it happened again. The day was sunny and warm, especially for a February day. The motorcycle ran great for the first hour or so.

The bike was stable and the engine purred like a welltuned machine should. Then something changed.

The engine coughed and sputtered but kept running. I turned towards home and tried modulating the throttle to keep it running. That strategy worked for a short distance but the engine resisted my efforts.

When the engine finally stalled, I coasted a short distance further. As luck would have it, the traffic surged with school buses and parents picking up their students. I always like to have an audience while attempting a roadside repair.

I checked the fuel and found plenty. Check.

Confirmed that the petcock was positioned in the “On” position to allow fuel to flow. I even turned it back and forth from “On” to “Off” several times because that always helps resolve the situation.

Check. I blew out the fuel tank vent hose to ensure that it wasn’t clogged. Check. (All of these actions resulted from my thinking that what I had was a fuel problem.) Then, I pulled the spark plug cable and pushed it back on hard to ensure that my problem wasn’t a bad connection.

Everything seemed to be as it should be for the engine to run. An attempt at a restart seemed to be in order. One kick and it started. Yeah! I was feeling especially smart and took my time gearing up for the rest of the ride home. I mounted up, snicked into gear, and pulled into traffic. The bike ran fine for maybe 100 yards before the sputtering returned. My temporary brilliance was giving way to self doubt and disappointment. Fortunately, the motorcycle continued to run - albeit roughly - until it stalled again about a quarter mile from home. I pushed it the rest of the way home.

Business and other commitments have kept me from troubleshooting the problem. I’m convinced that the problem is related to fuel - a clogged petcock screen, bad gas, improperly vented gas tank, or maybe even a carburetor in need of a rebuild.

Something else could be causing the problem.

Fortunately, my attitude towards mechanical challenges has changed from the days of my youth.

Instead of throwing tools, I use them to fix things.

Amazing how much more effective this new way of doing things is. I can fix this.

This month we have a variety of articles for your reading pleasure. Gene Southard is a guy who does something many of us only dream about. He regularly travels to some far-distant country to go riding. Last year, it was Thailand. This year, he took February off from his Peoria, Illinois motorcycle shop and traveled to New Zea land for some inspired riding and warmer temperatures. In this issue, he reports on the first leg of his adventure down under.

Check out his article to get his views on riding on the other side of the earth.

Our friend and contributor, Mike “Rare Bird” Mekinda returns this month with his a story about his first ride on a Zero electric motorcycle. Mike’s experience is similar to that of other riders who try an electric for the first time. Mike is a terrific writer so don’t miss his review.

Hopefully, you saw the cover photo of pro flat track racer Morgan Monroe and her father, Jonathon, on our February issue. That awesome picture was taken by motorsports photographer Larry Janssen. We liked his work so much, we asked Larry to cover the Mama Tried indoor flat track races and

motorcycle show in Milwaukee for us. He delivered with a story about the new Super Hooligan race as well as a separate story about the Memorial Race for Charlotte Kainz at the same event. (Kainz died in a racing accident at the year-end National Championship race last September.) The Super Hooligan race report is included in this issue and the Kainz story will run in the May issue. Be sure to read both.

Franz “The Preacher” Hoffer writes about two subjects for his column this month: Swap meets and lane splitting. Both are interesting subjects on which Franz offers his personal perspective. Enjoy!

We’re also offering the latest update on our Honda XR400R adventurization project. We added some pieces with more to come. The XR provides a solid foundation for such a project and the bits we’re adding are turning it into the lightweight adventure tourer we imagined. There’s more work to do but we expect to be ready for our planned test trip in early May. Stay tuned.

Informative articles from our two legal experts - Jason Waechter and Dondi Vesprini, industry news, and an expanding event schedule fill out the rest of this issue.

Thank you for reading. We hope you enjoy this issue. If you enjoy this magazine, please buy from our advertisers. They provide the money that enables us to continue publishing but that funding continues only as long as their ads in these pages bring in customers. Thank you patronizing the businesses that help us pay the bills.

Have fun. Ride safe. Watch for distracted drivers; they’re everywhere. See you on the road or at an event in the near future,

5

Are there more curvy roads in New Zealand (NZ) than there are sheep? Well, I lost count after the first 15 minutes, but I can tell you both sheep and curves are plentiful.

A change in plans had me traveling solo on my two-month trip to the small country just off the Australian coast. My nephew saw the prices and decided not to come along. Yes, New Zealand is pricey, but you get a lot for your US dollar. The US dollar is strong in many countries around the world—not as strong as I saw in Thailand last year, but one US dollar exchanges to one and a half NZ dollars. Despite the exchange rate, planning this trip on a budget was a challenge. I found that airline tickets were $1,100 cheaper if I flew the first week of February instead of the first week of January.

Fortunately, February is really the best month for riding in New Zealand because our winter is their summer.

Motorcycle rental is always one of the largest expenses. “$3,000 to rent a bike for two months?” I asked the Auckland dealer. “You could buy one cheaper,” he replied. So that’s what I did.

The BMW dealer in Auckland said if I purchased a used machine from him, he would sell it for me after my ride. Most of the dealers in New Zealand list their used machines on BuyMe. It’s similar to eBay or Craigslist in the States. Buying a machine sight unseen could have been perilous but they did include a six-month guarantee, registration, license and WOF (Warranty Of Fitment). For $4,200US, I picked out a F650GS BMW thinking that I might do a little dual sport riding while I’m there. The GS came with hard bags known as panniers in NZ. The first leg of my trip started with a layover in Los Angeles so I decided to spend a couple of days with my niece and her husband before catching the flight to NZ.

6

New Zealand: More Curves than Sheep Words and pictures by Gene Southard

After the 12-hour flight from LA to Auckland, I spent a day getting over the jet lag.

Getting out in the sun and walking works most of the time. Auckland is 18 hours ahead of Michigan.

The next day I picked up the BMW. The motorcycle was in excellent shape with an Ohlins shock, good tires, and lots of storage space in the bags. The GS has served me well so far.

After leaving the bumper-to-bumper traffic in Auckland, I headed east toward the Coromandel Peninsula. In trying to keep on some sort of budget, I planned to stay in B&Bs, holiday campgrounds, and backpacker hostels. Some of the hostels are nice and others are not. The hostel at my first stop in Thames was pleasurable with friendly travelers. Very few Americans vacation there—mostly Europeans and people from the UK. The next day was spent riding a loop around the Coromandel Peninsula with a short cut thru the center on some challenging gravel roads.

The gravel roads here are called “metal” roads, referring to a gravel mine or quarry. The return journey down the east side of the peninsula has lots of curves. This section would make Deals Gap look like an easy cruise. Some of the sport bike riders come to

www.midwestmotorcyclist.com

this area to practice their cornering techniques. Two that flew by me were down on their knee pucks.

There was too much traffic in that section for me to get too crazy, but the little Beemer was holding its own in the corners—not bad for 90% road, 10% offroad tires. By the way, the Thunder Bay Motorcycle Rally is held in that area every November.

Rain started falling the next day and continued off and on for about a week. The locals said they sure needed the rain, but I was not as thankful and went shopping for better rain gear.

The next stop was the small town of Atiamura on SH1. On the way, I passed through Paeroa where the Battle of the Streets is held every February. Unfortunately, I was a week early to attend the annual road races. In Atiamura, I stayed with Nigel and Helen in the Beez Neez Backpacker and Pub. They made me feel right at home.

Atiamura is located in the Pureora Forest and provided miles of excellent dual sport riding on the logging roads along with a day spent at the National Motocross races just outside Rotorua. New Zealand has lots of motorsport activities. The loops out of Atiamura included rides on the Gorge Road and Toe Toe Road by the Ohida Dam. I stayed at each stop for about four days doing loops on the scenic back roads and then returning each night.

After a ride around the west side of Lake Taupo, my next stop was in Taihape where I found a backpacker hostel called The Rusty Nail. I have had a tetanus shot so I pulled in and was not

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April 2017

Continued from previous page

disappointed. Jenni, the owner, was a welcoming hostess and had just earned her motorcycle learner’s permit. She was full of questions about what kind of gear to buy along with which starter bike to purchase. On the last day there, we went to Palmerson North to purchase her riding gear and look at new bikes. Some of the rides around Taihape were astounding with lots of curves and breathtaking scenery. I had to stop every 10 minutes for a photo. If I was still using 35mm film, the developing bill would be big money.

The Taihape-Napier road took me to the next stop of Napier. This iconic road is a local motorcycle favorite. It is called the Gentle Annie and is 150 kilometers of nothing but curves, hills

and sheep with not a cop in sight. I took a break at the Springvale Suspension Bridge for a picture. This historical bridge was built in 1925 over the Rangitikei River.

I did not like the looks of the backpacker hostel I had reserved in Napier so I stopped at the Moto Market in downtown Napier for a suggestion of a place to stay. Shane, the owner, offered me his spare bedroom. Along with great Kiwi hospitality, Shane knows all the good roads around Napier. The ocean views from Ocean Beach and Waimarama were some of the best in Hawk’s Bay and the East Coast. The ride back to Napier on the Okaihau and Maraetotara roads included several miles of gravel but the views were worth it.

Spring is Coming...

Time to get your American V-Twin

READY to RIDE

Napier has several motorcycle clubs including an American-British club and an all girls club called the Hawk’s Bay Litas. They also have a vintage club and I met some of their members on the ride over Gentle Annie. The stay in Napier would not have been complete without a visit to the World’s Largest British Car Museum with over 400 cars. More Austins and Morris Minors than you can count. On the last day in Napier, Shane and I rode to the top of Mount Te Mata for a view of Hawk’s Bay. As I continued north, I enjoyed the warmer weather of the East Coast. So far, my trip to New Zealand has not disappointed. Lots of friendly people, great serpentine roads and fabulous views on every hilltop.

In the next installment, I will review my trip up the East Coast with stops in Wiaroa, Gisborne, Tokomaru Bay and eventually returning to Auckland.

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Midwest Motorcyclist

7

UPCOMING EVENTS Saturday, March 25, 2017

BMW National Spring Event New 2017 Models including the S 1000RR, RnineT Pure, and RnineT Racer • Demo Rides • Storewide Savings RnineT Racer

RnineT Pure

Thursday, April 27, 2017

NEW DATE

Annual Charity Fashion Show to Benefit Last Day Dog Rescue http:// www.lastdaydogrescue.org/ info/index

Newest rider styles from BMW, KLIM, Rev’It, Schuberth and more.

Hors d’oeuvres and refreshments. Good time for a great cause.

Motorcycle Industry News Jared Mees Captures Victory for Indian Motorcycle Racing inAmerican Flat Track Season Opener at Daytona TT Armed with the Indian Scout FTR750, America’s First Motorcycle Company Makes Triumphant Return to Flat Track Racing Taking 1st and 2nd Place Podium Positions DAYTONA BEACH, FL. (March 17) – After a 63-year hiatus, Indian Motorcycle returned to flat track racing in grand fashion, as Jared Mees outclassed the field to take top honors at the Daytona TT American Flat Track season opener. Mees’ dominating performance was complimented by a 2nd place finish from Indian factory rider and 2016 Grand National Champion Bryan Smith.

Visit our Facebook page for details.

Annual Spring Open House This is the BIG one!

Monday, May 22, 2017

Spring Track Day at Grattan The Grattan Raceway track day costs $165, which includes track time, class room instruction and lunch. All makes and models of bikes are welcome to attend our track events! To register, please call Caitlyn at (734) 453-0500 BMW Motorcycles of Southeast Michigan 14855 N. Sheldon Rd., Plymouth, MI 734.453.0500 www.bmwmcsem.com

8

DirtDaze Adventure Bike Rally Sign-Up Starts March 1, 2017 2nd annual N.Y. Event looks to be considerably bigger

Friday & Saturday, May 19-20, 2017

The best food and refreshments you’ll find at any Open House. (Open House on Saturday only) Demo rides and entertainment. Join us in celebrating the 2017 riding season! The BMW Demo Truck will be onsite from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. both days.

the evening’s first two heats. The main event began with Mees taking lead in lap 1 heading into the first turn, and the three-time Grand National Champion never looked back.

Meanwhile, Smith ran the majority of the main event in the fifth position before catapulting from fifth to 2nd over the final five laps, joining Mees on the podium After such an impressive showing by the new Indian ‘Wrecking Crew’ in Daytona, it’s clear that Indian Motorcycle Racing will be a force to be reckoned with in 2017.

“With such a storied history of success in flat track racing, it was imperative that Indian bring every possible resource to bear to be successful, and to be atop the podium in Daytona is the ultimate validation for us,” said Gary Gray, Product Director for Indian Motorcycle. “This season is more a marathon than a sprint, and this is merely the beginning. While we’re proud to get off to such a great start, our eyes are fixed on a championship.”

Indian Motorcycle Racing, backed by Allstate Insurance, will look to stay on top as American Flat Track heads to the Atlanta Short Track on March 25.

Trophy girl, Bryan Smith, Steve Menneto (President of Motorcycles of Polaris), Jared Mees, and Henry Wiles

All eyes were on Indian heading into the season opener after assembling a team featuring three of the sport’s most decorated riders and armed with Indian’s state-of-the-art Scout FTR750. The season-opening victory brought dramatic validation to Indian’s bold re-entry into the sport it had once dominated, reigniting the Indian Motorcycle vs. HarleyDavidson rivalry that had carried the sport throughout its glory days.

“Carrying the torch for the return of one of motorcycle racing’s most iconic and historic brands, makes this victory truly special for me,” said Mees. “We knew we had a special bike this year that would give us a real shot at every race this season, and to start off on top is huge. But this victory isn’t mine alone. The entire team was critical to this victory, and I couldn’t be more optimistic about our prospects for the remainder of the season.”

Piloting Indian’s new state-of-the-art Scout FTR 750, Mees finished first and third in

www.midwestmotorcyclist.com

February 23rd, 2017: Sign up for DirtDAZE?, the adventure bike rally in Lake Luzerne, NY, is about to open.

The event is a fun, adventurous, and educational multi-day festival for dual--sport and adventure motorcycles in northeastern NY. Guided rides and rider training sessions are known to sell out, so secure your seat before they’re all gone!

“We heard many great things from last year’s attendees,” said Christian Dutcher, DirtDaze’s creator. “This spring’s rally is going to be about twice as big, and we’ve got several great rides planned.”

Dirt Daze is held on a private, 53 acre adventure bike oasis. The bike rally offers great adventure bike rides roads through the mountains of the Adirondacks and Vermont, factory demos, obstacle courses, onsite camping and world class rider training.

Details are available at http:// dirtdazerally.com/ and 518-798-7888. There are some volunteer positions available and prospective volunteers are encouraged to contact sue@americade.com.

April 2017

Random Ramblings of a Rare Bird

Electric Noob

by Mike Mekinda I finally had an opportunity to ride an electric motorbike, and it was... electrifying! I know, I’m way behind the curve on this one, but I just couldn’t wrap my head around a battery as fuel, and a distinct lack of “filling” stations while riding. I’m all for clean energy fun, but like a cordless drill that dies on the last hole, I’ve felt full-electric bikes (and cars) will let me down when I’m nearly there.

Several manufacturers have made big advances in electric power, and technology is quickly proving my current (ha- get it?) mindset outdated. A ride would give me a chance to see if electric still seems more compromised than I might like.

I accepted an invitation to ride from Zero Motorcycles (zeromotorcycles.com) and Cleveland Moto (clevelandmoto.com), and pointed my VFR toward Cleveland on a cold, sunny NE Ohio day.

Cleveland Moto is the local Zero dealer, as well as being well established as THE scooter and vintage bike specialist in Cleveland. When I parked, their small parking lot was filled with Zero motorbikes, and a fantastic UJM cafe racer in Gulf Porsche colors peeked out from the service doors. I wasn’t even off my bike before being met by Cleveland Moto owner, the wildly enthusiastic Phil Waters. I hadn’t gotten to the Zero sign-in table, and we had already discussed electric, vintage, and several favorite bikes we’ve had in common through the years. It was a bit like talking to myself, with the energy turned to 11! As I signed the requisite legal papers, Zero’s Chuck Schram rapidly schooled me on electricity, motorcycles, and Zero’s products. I’d love to impress with all my new tech knowledge, but I’m just going share feelings here instead - like WOW, just (insert your favorite expletive) WOW! Zero makes beautiful bikes, and nothing screams “electric” at first glance - ‘til one notices there’s no exhaust, and some minor differences become noticeable. My first ride was on a Zero SR, their “Max Performance” bike, followed by a DSR “Dual-Sport”, a taller adventure-style bike. I was told suspension settings were soft enough for street,

yet aggressive enough for twisties, and geometry was an hour, swapping bikes for comparison. Low near-sportbike sharp. Brakes, wheels, tires and speed maneuvers in an empty parking lot suspension are all top-notch, with no signs of going highlighted the light weight again, as well as the cheap anywhere. For the go-bits, a button on the fluid nature of the rheostat-for-throttle electric switchgear offers three different computer “maps” motor. Several S-turns in a single parking spot(!) made (displayed on the informative digital display) me think these would be terrific training bikes. controlling inputs from the normal twist-throttle to With no motor noise for instructors to talk over, the motor. Eco-mode covers the most ground on a paired with the ability to program performance charge by reducing power, while map 2 is a fun limits for different skill levels, electric bikes could compromise between power and distance. Map 3 is be a terrific training tool. The only downside I see, user customizable, and today it was full torque and specifically with the Zeroes, is the lack of clutch/ power. Who cares about mileage? All else was shifter to train for the more common “normal” (mostly) standard motorbike and I just wanted to ride, motorcycles - though as scooters and DCT’s become so it was time to flip the more common, this may become switch and start the bike. less of an issue. Thoroughly ...OK... Switch impressed by the Zero electric flipped, nothing. No sound, bikes, my views have been no fury, no indication dramatically altered. But could I do beyond instruments and all electric, all the time? lights - incredibly Riding a Zero for commuting, disconcerting. Zero uses with electricity at both ends of the clutchless direct-drive with trip, would be a nearly ideal belt final drive, so no clutch situation. At about 150 miles per to pull, no neutral to find, no standard, overnight charge, I could Credit: Zero Motorcycles shifting. The bike is on, but do about three days before nothing happens until the throttle is twisted - at which recharging. But I ride for much more than just point, things can happen very quickly, depending on commuting, and a day of riding can easily exceed a twist. Electric motors have full torque available full-charge. While the charging infrastructure is immediately, so there’s a bit of “buffer” built-in to improving, this still puts electric at a (workable) keep the bikes from looping on take-off. Once disadvantage to gasoline. 150 miles is about 3-4 moving, the pull is seamless, and SILENT! Very hours of riding, and IF one finds a “level 2” strange when the only noises are new belt whine, tire charging station, you’d still need at least a 1-2-hour noise, surrounding traffic, and wind. Stopping at a break, compared to 15 minutes to grab gas AND light, you’ve got to remind yourself the bike has not lunch. Overnight charging is no issue while touring, stalled, and will move again as soon as throttle is but the necessary charge enroute could seriously rolled on. Cool thing is, conversation at stops is impact a long ride, though it would force a more slightly hindered only by our full-face helmets, not relaxed pace! This will improve as electric becomes engine noise. more widespread, but how? Perhaps battery “swap At speed, these bikes ROCK! Eco-setting is stations” for those without time to charge? quick and fun, though noticeably down on power.

Universal motorcycle-battery sized “spare tank” Custom setting, however - 40mph, roll on, and the swaps, good for another 20-50 miles? Ideas like front tire gets light instantly! Following Phil down these might tilt technology for traveling, changing through the valley, the light weight of these bikes my views again. (around +/- 400 lbs., depending) makes riding nearly In one short morning, I learned a great deal effortless. Direction changes seem as though about electric motorcycles. My attitude was commanded by thought, not physical input. With just adjusted, my mind opened to possibilities. I had a the subtle whine and noise of the wind, I had grinlot to think about on my ride back home, and one inducing visions of riding a Light Cycle from the thing kept interrupting my thoughts. Even with the original Tron in my head - too fun! We rode for about stock exhaust on my VFR, this thing sure was noisy!

Pre-Owned Motorcycles

1999 BMW R 1100 S, 822 miles, $9,999

2002 BMW K 1200 RS, Blue, 62,000 miles, $4,999

2016 BMW R 1200 GS,

Racing red, 90 miles,

$18,000

2015 BMW F 800 GS Adv,

White/Black, 5,000 miles,

$12,999

2012 BMW F 800 ST,

Blue, 2,000 miles,

$6,999

2012 BMW K 1600 GTL,

33,000 miles,

$14,999

2012 BMW R 1200 RT,

Beige, 45,000 miles,

$9,999

2008 BMW K 1200 GT,

Blue, 3,950 miles,

$8,999

2003 BMW K 1200 GT,

10,000 miles,

$6,750

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!

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Midwest Motorcyclist

9 I’ll Until next time, be seen, ride smart, stay safe and see you on the road! -mike

Project

1999 Honda XR400R Adventure Conversion Update

By Ray Peabody Before proceeding with the update, several people - readers and friends - have asked why I would invest the time and money into converting an eighteen-year-old motorcycle to adventure travel. Some suggested that a motorcycle that old might be risky; a breakdown might be more likely.

Heck, the XR is so old, it uses a carburetor rather than fuel injection. The transmission only has five gears. Only one cylinder. It doesn’t even have electric start, fer gosh sakes! (My jokester friends tell me that I’m too old to kick start a motorcycle.

Ha, I say.) Others suggested that using a small displacement engine (397cc) for long-distance travel would require a lot more time to reach any destination. Most thought the decision was naive and that I was dumber than a box of rocks. While most of those suggestions are true or would be difficult to disprove, the decision was actually well considered.

The XR400R was a good choice BECAUSE of its single-cylinder, carbureted, kick-started, 397cc, 30 horsepower engine. That engine is relatively simple to tune and repair while also considered by many riders to be nearly bullet proof (as are most of the Honda XRs). The lack of a battery means one less thing to go wrong. (If my leg tires from kicking too many times, I can always bump start it.) While the bike won’t break any freeway speed limits, cruising along at 60 mph is plenty fast enough for two laners. We motorcyclists frequently brag about

how riding a motorcycle puts us in the environment - or “in the wind” as some would say - as opposed to a steel and glass, air-conditioned cage.

Unfortunately, we sometimes travel through the environment at speeds so fast, we can’t enjoy our surroundings.

The XR isn’t fast enough to make me forget where I am. Finally, by the time the project is complete, the total budget for the project, including the XR, will be significantly less than $3,000. Considering how much of a cheapskate I am, that’s a good deal for a motorcycle that will allow me to explore paved and dirt roads not to mention some challenging trails.

Solid progress has been made on the project since the last report. The 30mm Tusk handlebar risers required approximately 15-20 minutes to install. Gotta love a solution that is both cheap ($25) and easy. The bars are now tall enough that I can stand on the pegs and control the XR without having to bend 45 degrees at the waist.

Standing on the pegs provides better control when riding off-road, expecially in gravel, loose dirt, and sand. Rated: 5 stars (on a 1 to 5 scale where 1 is

terrible and 5 is awesome.)

A Devol skid plate was selected for engine protection. The XR came stock with a tubular protector that would likely have protected the engine when hopping over a log but the gaps between the tubes were wide enough for a rock to sneak through to bust open the engine case. Several skid plates (also know as bash plates) were considered but the Devol was chosen because cut outs in the front and on the sides allow air to flow around the engine. Since this engine relies on air flow to keep from overheating, the Devol seemed like the best solution offering both protection and air flow. Approximately $115.

The value of the skid plate won’t be fully known until I land on something that could do serious damage without the skid plate. For ease of installation, the Devol gets a 5 (20-25 minutes installation including the removal of the tubular protector. Rating functionality will have to wait until its tested. (No, I’m not going to intentionally crash it on rocks so I can rate it.)

Continued on next page

Don’t miss our

The BMW G 310 R. Good genes. Good looks.

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10

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April 2017

worked as well as I had hoped as a solo mirror. The second mirror should provide better visibility to the right side and rear of the motorcycle.

As for the headlamp, I installed an Acerbis off-road model that I purchased a couple years ago for my XR650L supermoto project and never used. It’s not bright enough for night riding and will have to be replaced. Once these last items are mounted, the XR should be ready for a shakedown trip in early May. Honestly, I couldn’t be happier with the XR. It weighs in at only about 250 pounds so it’s easy to maneuver. It’s a solid runner with what I hope is only a minor hiccup (see my To Our Readers

Continued from previous page

The yet-to-be-completed plan includes the installation of a tail rack, one additional mirror for the right side of the handlebar, and a replacement headlight. The rear seat and fender support aren’t strong enough for heavy loads and the rack will bolster that part of the frame.

I’ll be mounting some Giant Loop saddlebags (that I already have) over the back of the seat. The rack will support lighter camping gear including a tent, sleeping bag, air mattress, and a tarp.

The single mirror mounted on the left side of the handlebar, hasn’t

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column in this issue) in the months since I’ve owned it. The conversion has been relatively simple, slowed only by my research for the parts that will best match the purpose of the bike. Stay tuned.

For information about membership, meetings, events, or rides, contact Augie Fernandes at Membership@MSTRiders.com or Info@MSTRiders.com www.MSTRiders.com • On

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April 2017

Super Hooligan Race Kicks Off Mama Tried Motorcycle Show Words and pictures by Larry Janssen The dictionary defines “hooligan” as “a person who treats others violently or roughly, especially for hire. A delinquent, hoodlum, hell raiser, rowdy, and ruffian.” The definition doesn’t mention motorcycle racer or motorcycle enthusiast but those are the hooligans I found at MaMa Tried’s “Flat Out Friday” Super Hooligan Race at the BMO Harris Bradley Center in Milwaukee on the evening of February 17, 2017.

The Roland Sands Design Super Hooligan Championship Series, sponsored by Indian Motorcycles, offers “the fun of motorcycle competition in a less structured environment.

Combining the craft of custom motorcycle building with racing, the Super Hooligan rules are loose and limit the bikes to 750cc and up twins in stock frames with dirt track tires and no front brakes.” The Milwaukee race was the second in the inaugural series.

Before the chaos began, I spent some time with Super Hooligan racer, Cameron Brewer (#24).

Brewer is also the part-time coordinator of the Super Hooligan class and full time project manager for Roland Sands Design, based in Los Alamitos, California. His sales pitch for the event almost had me wanting to get a bike and give it a try. He said the rules are simple and only a few pages long. To demonstrate, he paged through it showing me the limited restrictions. Frames had four restrictions.

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Midwest Motorcyclist

The frame must 1) be from a stock 750cc or larger displacement motorcycle; 2) have no geometry changes that are bolted on; 3) not be fabricated in any way to change the neck angle, to move the swing arm pivot location, plus no cutting off sub frames or changing upper shock mount locations unless it is a bolt-on modification; 4) no front brakes are allowed except for TT races. Tires must be 19" flat track racing or 17" wet/rain road racing tires from any manufacturer. Engine modifications are wide open as long as you start with a 750cc or larger displacement twin cylinder engine. Brewer stated that racers can make all the horse power they want but they will find it harder to control with more power. Other restrictions on the bikes included the exhaust system, coolant and fluid containment, lights, handlebars and controls. Safety is the reason for most of the rules and are designed to keep cost down for the competitors.

Then, with great excitement, he handed me the 2017 10-round, 12-race schedule that he helped put together. Going through each race date, he described with pride what each event entailed. He said the Super Hooligans will also be running at several AMA Pro Flat Track events but he was still ironing out some of the details.

A significant number of Super Hooligans showed up to race their custom Harleys, Indians,

Continued on page 14

13

Continued from page 13 - Super Hooligans BMWs, and Ducatis as well as other brands. Name a brand and it was being manhandled through the corners on the track coated with Dr. Pepper syrup.

As many as twelve bikes charged into turn one with the throttle twisted wide open and the riders hoping their tires would stay underneath them.

Tires were prepped by filing or given a wire brush rub down before the race to help the tires hold the racer’s line through the corners. The tire preparation worked for some but others slid off track or violently bumped into their fellow competitors through the turns.

The Mama Tried race started with eight heats of six Super Hooligans. The winner qualified for the Indian Motor Cycles main event and Dash for Cash. The winner of each of those two races received $1,000 from Indian Motorcycles.

Heat #1 saw last year’s event winner go down in turn one with two other bikes including the aforementioned Cameron Brewer. The turn one melee allowed Chris Wiggins (#9) walk away with the win.

Jeremy DeRuyter (#62) finally makes the pass on Danny Mischler (#77)

14

Heat #2 also had some bumping and banging. Benny Carlson (#45), riding a stock Harley-Davidson XR1200, took the win.

Heat #3 proved to be the most exciting race of the night. Danny Mischler (#77) had the hole shot and built up a good lead only to be slowed by lap traffic. Jeremy DeRuyter (#62) caught Mischler. The two raced side by side for the last three laps until Mischler slid wide on his exit from turn four and DeRuyter pushed his tire in front for a photo-finish win.

Heat 4 second-place finisher Jason Bender

Heat #4 saw the winner of the October Flat Out Friday race, Mark Atkins (#22), suffer some damage to his bike as all six bikes tried to claim the inside of the corner at the same time. Mikey Virus (#963) came home first with Jason Bender (#35) following to a close second.

From my position on the infield of the track, I was amazed how the nearcapacity crowd noise rose each time there was rough riding or hay-bale jumping.

They roared so loud it drowned out the noise from the race bikes.

In Heat #5, Terry Vestal (#27) raced to the hole shot and went uncontested to the checkers.

Heat #6 offered more mayhem as bikes were bouncing off each other allowing Andy Dibrino (#14) of Tualatin, Oregon to sneak through and go the distance in the lead.

Chris Hanson charged to the hole shot in Heat #7 and held off a late charge from Jordan

www.midwestmotorcyclist.com

Jake Mataya (#29) using the high line to pass.

Graham (#41) to win the heat.

The heat #8 excitement started with Jason Clemons (#91) getting the hole shot and building a sizeable lead while the others were beating and banging on each other behind him. Jake Mataya (#29), on his Roland Sands Indian, did not let his bad start keep him down. He raced ahead, passing several racers on the outside. Mataya was the only racer able to keep his wheels under him taking the outside line around the track all night. He used the high line to reel in Clemons and pass him on the final lap for the win.

The top rider in each race went on to the main event and the others went to race the semis. In the semis, racers needed to win the race to make the main. Second place wasn’t good enough.

In Semi #1, the first lap was a lay’em down lap as five bikes landed on the sticky concrete and brought out the night’s only red flag. Once all of the competitors were JJ Flairty back on two wheels, before he the race was restarted high sided with only eight of in Semi #2 the original 12 bikes.

Nick Hanson (#97) raced to the turn one hole shot and went from the green light to the checkers for the win, advancing to the main event.

Von Adams (#49), the only female rider in the class, raced in Semi #2 aboard her modified Harley-Davidson Sportster. JJ Flairty (# 101) grabbed the hole shot but gave up his lead shortly thereafter to #96 when he high sided in turn four. On the last lap, a hard

Continued on page 15

April 2017

Continued from page 14 - Super Hooligans As he and Carlson gathered themselves, DeRuyter snuck under both of them and they Terry Vestal went three wide into turn one. With no room winning the for all three of them, Carlson and Vestal went K & N $300 down allowing DeRuyter to take over the hole shot. lead. DeRuyter slipped in turn four coming to the white flag and Andy Dibrino was ready to make his move. He claimed the $1,000 Dunlop Tires cash.

For intermission there were some real hooligans - the Milwaukee Mad Max gang - on the track. Cormac Kehoe lead his ruffians to the middle of the BMO Harris Bradley Center and put on quite a show. The group was not listed on the card for the night, charging Mark Atkins (#22), “The Rust so their performance was a complete surprise.

Butcher”, took the lead in turn one and, The Indian Motorcycle’s Winner Take with the win, made his way back to the All $1,000 Main Event had riders from several main. states. It was up to the six Wisconsin Super Semi Hooligans to A little three wide Super Hooligan hoodlum hell #3 saw defend their raising sent two bikes to the Dr Pepper sticky pad.

Mischler turf. The K & N rocket off the $300 hole shot line to get the was won again hole shot and

by Vestal. run fast from Vestal lead until green to lap five when checkers. On West Bend, lap three, Wisconsin’s Jordan Benny Carlson Graham (#47) passed him lost it coming going down the out of turn back stretch. Carlson had one close call in two and the fall sent him and his bike lapped traffic but took his Suburban Motors sliding down the entire back Harley-Davidson 750 to the top spot on the straightaway. Once again the crowd podium. Dibrino and Vestal completed a noise could be heard in the infield over Harley-Davidson’s sweep claiming the the roar of the hooligans and their screaming race bikes. remaining two podium spots, respectively.

The Hooligans earned points that Andy Dibrino (#14) takes advantage of DeRuyter’s (#62) slip to win the Dash for Cash accumulate thru the 12-race season with the overall points leader being awarded a race-ready FTR750 Factory Indian Scout AMA GNC bike. The FTR750 is the same bike that will be raced by the recently The Winner Take All Dunlop Tires $1,000 Dash for Cash was action packed as demonstrated by the crowd jumping their feet several times. The K & N $300 hole shot was won by Vestal.

Unfortunately, Vestal could not hold the lead position as Benny Carlson ran him high in turn four.

Carlson (yellow) starts his lap five pass of race leader Terry Vestal.

22th Annual

VINTAGE MOTORCYCLE SHOW & SWAP MEET Bikes 25 years old and older

Sunday

June 11, 2017 Rain or Shine!

8 a.m. to 4 p.m.

GILMORE CAR MUSEUM 6865 Hickory Rd, Hickory Corners, MI Midway between Kalamazoo, Battle Creek, Lansing and Grand Rapids Registration info at:

GilmoreCarMuseum.org MotorCity Motorcycles Actively Supports Our Veterans Donation Drive for Veterans in Need Help support the men and women who have served in the U.S. Armed Forces on our behalf. The local Veterans Administration office tells us that there are a significant number of local area veterans who need a variety of basic items, including coats, hats, gloves, underwear, deodorant, toothbrushes, toothpaste, socks, t-shirts, etc. Our dealership, MotorCity Motorcycles, is accepting these items on behalf of the local VA from now through the end of the year. Please be generous.

Our veterans deserve our support.

Up to $1,000 OFF for military, police and fire on NEW Indian or Victory motorcycles in tock.

www.facebook.com/MotorCityMotorcycles announced “Indian Wrecking Crew” made up of “Flyin” Bryan Smith of Flint, Michigan, 1765 S. Telegraph Road, Bloomfield Hills, MI Brad “The Bullet” Baker of Dryad, One mile north of Square Lake Rd. on the east side of Telegraph Rd. Washington, and three-time AMA Grand National Champion, Jared “The Jammer” 248.920.2000 • www.RideMotorCity.com Mees, also from Michigan, on the AMA Pro Flat Track Series. The next stop for Super Hooligans is April 22nd at the Hippy Killer Hoedown in Perris, California.

TM

Midwest Motorcyclist

15

Events Events do change.

Please call ahead.

Michigan March 31-Apri1 1 Mid-Michigan Motorcyclist 28th Annual Pigfest 2017 Ramada Lansing Hotel & Conference Center (formerly Holiday Inn West) Hospitality Pool Party Saturday 1 p.m. to 5p.m.

Pigfest starts at 6 p.m.

Pre-registration event only!

Just $35.00 per person, $50.00 with Souvenir t-shirt (U.S. Funds only) For information contact Scott & Monica, PigFest Directors at (517) 316-1337 Visit www.harleyrider.net for flyer!

April 1 ABATE Region 20 Annual Awareness Ride in support of the â&#x20AC;&#x153;Look Twise, Save a Lifeâ&#x20AC;?

Billboard on I-75 southbound near Flushing Road Party begins a 6 p.m. $10/person Bancroft Town Hall 120 Warren Street, Bancroft, MI (810) 423-8711 April 9 37th Annual Grand Rapids Motorcycle Swap Meet Deltaplex Arena 2500 Turner Ave., Grand Rapids, MI $8/ adult (800) 800-6034

â&#x20AC;˘ MAINTAINED TRAILS

April 15 Easter Open House Easter Egg Hunt MotorCity Motorcycles â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Indian 1765 S Telegraph Rd. Bloomfield Hills, MI ph: (248) 920-2000 April 15 BMW G310R Open House + Bob Burns 89th Birthday Party BMW Motus Motorcycles of Grand Rapids 5995 S. Division Grand Rapids, MI (616) 530-6900 April 15 14th Annual Cadillac Motorcycle Swap Meet Wexford Civic Center 3120 North Mitchell Street, Cadillac, MI $7/ adult, children under 12 are free (800) 800-6034 April 22 9th Annual D-Frost Run & Party benefiting the Penrickton Center for Blind Children $20 / person includes ride, patch (while 350 lasts) prizes, dinner, & after-ride party $10 / person includes dinner and after-ride party $5 for after-ride party only Rain or Shine; Reg. 10 a.m. to noon UAW Local 387 Hall 24250 Telegraph Road, Flat Rock, MI d_frost_run@outlook.com www.penrickton.com April 23 Michiganâ&#x20AC;&#x2DC;s Biggest & Best Motorcycle Swap Meet Birch Run Expo Center April 29 ABATE Region 20 Annual Awareness Ride Reg 10 a.m. to noon Top End Cycle G-3360 Dort Highway, Burton, MI (810) 423-8711

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Letâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Go Trail Riding!

No place to ride? Michigan is home to the largest organized network of off-road trails in the world - more than 3500 miles of marked, maintained ORV trails for the entire family to enjoy! Since 1968, The Cycle Conservation Club of Michigan has led the charge to assure continued access to public lands for motorized recreation by working closely with state and federal government. Membership in the CCC offers organized trail rides, a map CD of the entire trail system, a subscription to the Great Lakes TrailRider Magazine and a host of other member benefits! Call us today at 517-781-4805.

The Cycle Conservation Club of Michigan PO Box 486 t $PMEXBUFS .* t XXX DZDMFDPOTFSWBUJPODMVC PSH

April 30 16th Annual Blessing of the Bikes Gates open 10 a.m.

Blessing at 3 p.m.

Donation: $5.00 per bike / vehicle Ottawa County Fairgrounds 1286 Ottawa Beach Rd Holland, MI May 5- 6 Zero Motorcycles Demo Event Demo a High Performance Electric Motorcycle Come over and demo the 2017 Zero motorcycles!!

Lunch and refreshments will be provided! The future is here !

Boondox Motorsports 9952 Cherry Valley Ave, Caledonia, MI (616) 891-9900 May 7 All Clubs Ride & Swap Meet Meet at the Stockbridge Town Square in the Gazebo at 10 a.m.

Swap Meet 10 a.m. to 3 p.m Vendor space: $10 per space (517) 851-7437 May 7 Muskegon Motorcycle Clubâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s 97th Annual Spring Run Gates open at 8 a.m.

Ride begins at 11:30 a.m.

Everyone Welcome Mt. Garfield 5803 Lake Harbor Rd Muskegon, MI

Indiana April 2 ABATE Region 1 Marshall County Spring Fever Motorcycle Swap Meet 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.; $5 / person Indiana National Guard Armory 1220 W. Madison Street, Plymouth, IN (574) 341-2105 April 2 ABATE Region 12 Easter Egg Hunt Free to everyone Riley VFW on IN-159 (812) 877-1676 April 15 ABATE Region 12 Daviess County Tourney Journey Sign in 11 a.m. to 12 noon Ride leaves at Noon $10 / bike; $5 / dart player Angle Inn Business 50 W, Washington, IN (812) 787-0095

April 22 ABATE Region 7 Bartholomew County Spring Fling Reg 10:30 a.m. to Noon Gates open 10:30 a.m to 8 p.m. $20 single; $30 couple Kids under 12 free VFW Post 1987 215 N. National Road, Columbus, IN (812) 603-6523 April 22 ABATE Region 11 Marion County Battle fo the Bands $5 / person; must be 21 yo 11 a.m. to Midnight The Thompson House 711 S. Thompson Rd., Indianapolis, IN (765) 426-6438 Apr 28- 29, 2017 Zero Motorcycles Demo Days Demo a High Performance Electric MotorcycleIndian Motorcycles of Lafayette is hosting the Zero Demo Days event. Come meet the Zero representative and demo a 2017 Zero motorcycle. We guarantee you will come back with a smile on your face!

Indian Motorcycles of Lafayette 1165 South Creasy Lane, Lafayette, IN 765.449.7122

Ohio July 22 2017 Run to the Ohio Wall Vets Helping Vets REg 9 a.m. to 10 a.m.

First bike out at 11 a.m.

Free Pancake & Sausage Breakfast & Motorcycle Ride Kent American Legion Post 496 1945 Mogadore, Kent, OH Pre-Registration at www.RuntoOhioWall.org

Wisconsin June 10-11 2017 AMA National Adventure Riding Series 2017 Ride for Research Wisconsin Dual Sport Riders Wabeno, WI www.widualsportriders.org/ September 23-24 2017 AMA National Adventure Riding Series 2017 Big Woods 200 Wisconsin Dual Sport Riders Wabeno, WI www.widualsportriders.org/

The Great Lakes Dual Sporters is a like-minded group of offroad motorcyclists who enjoy riding Michiganâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s vast two-track trails and back roads. All done using a street legal dirtbike also known as Dual Sport.

If youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re looking for fantastic dualsport riding and the company of great friends, join us. Check out our website at www.gldsmc.org to learn about our group, our events and much more. Only $10 to join!

www.GLDSMC.org 16

www.midwestmotorcyclist.com

April 2017

How to Use Legal Jiu Jitsu Against Drivers Who Hit Motorcyclists

by Jason Waechter, Esq. Even after 22 years of litigating serious motorcycle injury and wrongful death cases, I’m still amazed at what defense attorneys will say to try to skirt fault and reduce the amount of money their client should pay for hitting a motorcyclist.

When these types of defenses come to light, I like using a method I term “legal Jiu Jitsu” to leave them in shreds. My knowledge of Jiu Jitsu is firsthand. I’ve trained in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu for eight years, and I’ve come away with a deep understanding of the principles of the discipline – one of which applies directly to my law practice.

This principle of Jiu Jitsu states that you should use your opponent’s weight and momentum against them. For example, if you push your opponent backwards, their response will naturally be to push back. At that point, you stop pushing against them and instead propel them the direction they’re pushing while flipping them over your hip.

When I litigate my cases, I use this very principle against the lawyers and insurance companies for at-fault drivers that injure or kill motorcyclists and leave their defenses in shambles.

The most common defense I hear is “I just didn’t see them.” The defense likes to argue that motorcycles are hard to see so their client shouldn’t be deemed at-fault. At this point, I start to use my legal jiu-jitsu and force the driver to admit what he must admit.

For example, when every driver goes through driver’s education and takes the test at the Secretary of State’s office, he was taught to keep a lookout for motorcycles. He or she knows there is an obligation to watch the road around him.

I then ask him to agree with me that as a licensed driver he has a duty to keep a careful eye on the road around him. I then encourage the driver to agree that watching the road TM

Midwest Motorcyclist

is important, not just to his safety, but to the safety of others on the road as well.

At this point, the driver agrees.

With that agreement, I continue moving him in the direction I want him to go. I ask him if he would expect other drivers to follow the safety rules, and if he believes it would be wrong to break the safety rules. Most drivers will agree that they expect other drivers to follow safety rules. It would be foolish for them not to.

They wouldn’t seem credible if they disagreed.

My years of successfully litigating motorcycle injury and wrongful death cases have taught me much about dismantling the defense’s case. I have heard every defense argument before, and I have painstakingly crafted responses to counter the arguments. This is where my legal Jiu Jitsu comes into play. I look to see where I can convince the defense to move in the direction I want and then use their argument against them.

We want to hear from you!

Find us at www.Facebook.com/ TheMotorcycleLawyer to weigh in; send us an email at clerk@lawyerforlife.com; or visit www.TheMotorcycleLawyer.com to learn more!

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 1-877BIKER 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.

TRIFECTA! California Superbike School, Barber Vintage Motorsports Museum, Motus Factory Tour...

ALL IN ONE WEEKEND! Memorial Day Weekend May 27-29,2017 On the morning of Saturday, May 27, Motus President Lee Conn will take us on a personal tour of the Motus factory.

Later that same day, we’ll visit the Barber Vintage Motorsports Museum.

On Sunday and Monday, May 28 and 29, we’ll be riding and training on the track at Barber Motorsports Park with the California Superbike School.

JOIN US! If you would like to join us for this motorsports trifecta, call Jenny at California Superbike School (800-530-3350) and tell her you’re with the BMW Motorcycles of Grand Rapids group. If we get 10 or more people participating, we get 10% off. It’s $490 per day with your own bike or $690 with an S1000RR. We have reserved a block of rooms at the Hotel Highland at $109 per night. The Hotel is located downtown close to good food, bars, etc.

BMW-Motus Motorcycles of Grand Rapids 5995 South Division, Grand Rapids, MI (616) 530-6900 • www.bmwmcgr.com 17

Motorcycle Industry News Bike Show, Swap Meet Take Center Stage at Vintage Rally 2017, Anamosa, Iowa National Motorcycle Museum in 28th Year

Sponsored by Michigan Motorcyclist®

“LOOK TWICE, SAVE A LIFE” MOTORCYCLES ARE EVERYWHERE 18

If you have not been to the National Motorcycle Museum out in Anamosa, Iowa, here’s a special reason to visit; the Museum is opening two new motorcycle exhibits and presenting Vintage Rally 2017. On this one day, June 10th, they also take the show outside and go live with a vintage bike show and a swap meet.

Headlining the Vintage Rally is a big vintage motorcycle and bicycle show for all machines through 1988 with a special class for any form of dirt bike or two-wheel off-road machine. As before, any customs, choppers and bobbers through 2017 have a special class.

The new DIRT RIDING USA exhibit presented by J&P Cycles will hold about 35 select motocross, trials, enduro and cross country motorcycles, a desert sled or two. In the case of bikes with a rider history, visitors get the story on the bikes and the people, the places and times, and there is apparel and off-road poster art to round out the show. This new exhibit, not open to visitors until late May, will bring total motorcycles on display in the Museum to around 475!

BARN FIND is a new permanent display at the Museum also opening in late May. Staff located salvaged barn lumber, will construct the corner of a barn in the Museum. They brought in the rusty, dusty and crusty motorcycles and parts you might find if you got lucky in your explorations about anywhere in rural America.

Attend the Vintage Rally Motorcycle Collecting panel discussion in which six experts who collect, buy and sell old bikes share their wisdom, even past mistakes and help you make smart decisions for what you surround yourself with and keep into the future.

Motorcycle collecting, restoring and stewardship is bigger than ever. But as with many pursuits, there are potential pitfalls. Attend this session and you’ll get pointers on how to avoid them.

Polish up a couple of your best 1988 and older motorcycles or bicycles and bring them to the Vintage Rally Bike Show; you make the show.

www.midwestmotorcyclist.com

Arranged on the concrete show range by country of origin, judges will carefully review all entries and make their choices; about 40 trophies, sponsored by Motorcycle Classics magazine, will be awarded. Preserved/ unrestored motorcycles will be judged for the Hagerty Motorcycle Insurance Preservation Award. For 2017, all dirt bikes through 1988 are welcome. Here’s all you need to know to enter your bike.

Parts, memorabilia and motorcycles are all on display in the Swap Meet. Unpredictable as the weather in what might be on a table or tarp, swap meets are a great place to make a few bucks selling what you no longer need, or maybe finding something for a current project. You can sign up for your own swap meet space at Vintage Rally 2017.

All of this is in store for you at Vintage Rally 2017, June 10 in Anamosa, Iowa. Plan your trip to Vintage Rally 2017, see the National Motorcycle Museum, visit J&P Cycles, just up the road, enjoy riding the roads around the Museum in Jones County, Iowa. Call 319 462 3925 for more information, or check out the website, www.nationalmcmuseum.org.

Scout FTR750 Available for Purchase Indian’s Premier 750cc VTwin Flat Track Race Bike Available for $50,000 MINNEAPOLIS (February 28, 2017) – Indian Motorcycle, America’s first motorcycle company, today announced its premier flat track race bike, the Scout FTR750, is available for purchase for $50,000. This is the same bike currently being run by Indian’s new “Wrecking Crew” in the American Flat Track series.

A purpose-built, highperformance 750cc V-Twin engine powers the Scout FTR750. It features a unique, ultra-light steel frame, large centrally located airbox and sleek lightweight carbon fiber body. Indian’s design and engineering teams approached the bike as the ultimate combination of advanced performance technology and design elements from Indian’s legendary racing models of the past.

For purchasing information on the Scout FTR750 race bike, stop by your local Indian Motorcycle dealer.

April 2017

ASK Dr. Cycholl Q&A Column For Your Questions Relating to Motorcycle Safety, Riding Techniques and Touring

By Maurice “Moe” D. Cycholl Dear Dr. Cycholl, I have read many of your columns where you have preached that all riders need training. I have ridden for 35 years, and I think the idea I need training is BS. I ride great. Why would I need training?

Pete “Viper” Williams Dear Viper, Congrats on 35 years of riding.

You ride great, eh? Then we need you as a trainer. I am skeptical about how “Great” you ride, though. It is my experience (42 years riding, 20 as an instructor) that the truly great riders are all riders who are well trained and always looking for another training opportunity to improve.

You could be a naturally great rider. There are a few, a very few. None of the truly great riders I know think that they can’t be better. Your attitude that you don’t need training is esentially saying that you are so good that you can’t get better. I have a challenge for you. Take a Ride Like a Pro class and see how good you are.

Thank you, Dr. Cycholl

Dear Dr. Cycholl, Why do so many riders ride so close to the centerline?

Bob Sheldon Bob, Most riders you encounter on the road are untrained and believe that they need no training. They don’t know what they don’t know. One of these things is lane positioning. There is no one lane position that works in all circumstances. The main goal for using a particular lane position is visibility to other road users and protection of your lane from other road users.

For example, if you are on a two-lane road, the best lane position for both purposes is the far left wheel track, closest to the centerline. If that same road expands to a four lane road, the best lane position for the left lane is the right wheel track. The best position for the right lane is the left wheel track. If the road is six lanes or more the same logic extends to the far right and left lanes. In the center lanes the best lane position is to vary your position within that lane. The alert skilled rider will be constantly adjusting lane position to suit existing conditions. It is common for untrained riders to be in the wrong lane position most of the time.

Thank you, Dr Cycholl Dear Dr. Cycholl,

Dear Dr. Cycholl, How do you re-psych after a bad crash and get back on a motorcycle?

-Been Down

How do you overcome the tendency for driver to pull out in front of you when they see you roll off the throttle?

- Mark W.

Dear BD,

Dear Mark,

Wow! That is a good question! We all have a natural survival instinct to avoid something that caused us injury or trauma.

I salute you for having the determination and guts to try riding again. The first thing I would ask is: did you have any formal rider training before the crash? If not, the no-brainer answer is to take a beginner riding class from Harley-Davidson Riding Academy or the Motorcycle Safety Foundation. Even if you had training before the crash, it is probably the best way to ease yourself back in with the least mental trauma.

The most important thing to be aware of is the longer you wait, the stronger the mental aversion becomes to repeating the activity that you were doing when you crashed. That old adage of the best thing to do when you fall off a horse is to get back on is true. The sooner you can repeat the activity without a problem, the easier it will be to get past the mental stress. You can do it!

Thank you, Dr Cycholl TM

Midwest Motorcyclist

I have not seen this as a big problem myself. I do see many drivers pulling out in front of motorcyclists regardless of what the rider is doing.

The normal explanation of the driver is one of two things. “I didn’t see the motorcycle” or the famous “It came out of nowhere.”

There are many reasons for this but the main thing a motorcyclist can do is to make themselves more visible. A headlight on high beam during the day helps. Bright colored clothing and a brightly painted motorcycle helps. The single best thing I have found is to install a headlight modulator on your motorcycle. I have ridded with one of these for than 20 years and rarely does a driver pull out in front of me. Look at www.kriss.com for more information on these devices.

Thank you, Dr. Cycholl

PRO GREAT RIDE LIKE A PR O – GREA T LAKES As a Rider do you Fear dropping your bike?

Are you a “Foot Dragger”? Do you “Walk the Dog” at red lights?

Do you know how to pick up a dropped motorcycle?

Do you feel unsteady when riding at slow speeds?

Do you wear out your boots before your tires?

Do you take up 3 lanes of traffic to make a U-Turn?

WE CAN HELP! The RIDE LIKE A PRO program was started by Jerry “Motorman” Palladino, a retired police motor officer living in Florida. Jerry has created an incredible training tool with his series of “Ride Like a Pro” Instructional DVDs! Riders come from all over to take Jerry’s classes in Florida, and you too can learn these same fundamental skills that the motor officers use. Even experienced riders will show a noticeable improvement in their overall riding skills!

These same instructional classes are available here in Michigan!

Visit www.ridelikeapro-gl.com for our 2017 class dates and locations, or contact Gary at: 586-246-4344

gary@ridelikeapro-gl.com

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269.651.3424 www.hamiltonharley-davidson.com 19

Motorcycling & Law

SB 210 re: online database of Road Construction Projects for MDOT

by Dondi Vesprini

that a governmental agency had any notice of the defect before the accident. This is especially the case in late winter/early spring where roads go through a freeze/ thaw cycle where the pavement becomes prone to developing cracks and pot holes over a short span of time.

Interestingly, there is a new bill which was introduced on March 2, 2017 which, if passed, could provide some assistance in exploring the notice element in road defect injury accidents. Senate Bill 210 requires the Michigan Department of Transportation to maintain an online American-made database containing Concealment detailed information on every road repair project underway in the State of as low as Michigan that is funded in 00 any part by State revenue.

00 Included in such informaunder tion is the name of the road; Packin’ Tee Shoulder & Leg Holsters in Stock description of the portion of the road that is the subject Concealment Men’s Ladies’ of the project; number of T-Shirt Belly Lace lane miles applicable to the 99 Band Belly Band project; number of miles applicable to the project; Holster Holster all sizes, required design life be$3350 $3950 with holster tween reconstruction projects; required interval between resurfacing (269) 651-2464 Fax: (269) 651-8767 projects; name and contact information of the project 1640 S. Centerville Road (M-66 South) , Sturgis, MI manager and those responWe accept all major credit cards sible for the construction;

This past January, my column addressed the ever decreasing scope of liability that pertains to governmental agencies for accidents involving road defects. Aside from the issue of what types of road defects qualify as an actionable defect, one of the biggest issues in these types of cases is that the injured person must be able to prove that the governmental agency either knew or should have known of the existence of the defect and had a sufficient time to repair the defect before the injury took place. Such knowledge is conclusively presumed if it can be shown that the defect existed so as to be readily apparent to an ordinarily observant person for at least 30 days before the injury happened. This can be a difficult element to prove as many times there are no witnesses who have personal knowledge as to how long a road defect has existed and a lack of records indicating

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date of completion of the work; and the current condition of the road. The law would also require the Department to update the current status of the road at least once every two years.

This database could provide an added source of information that could be accessed to assist in determining how long before an accident a governmental agency may have known about a road defect that caused the accident. Certainly if the condition of the road is noted to be defective on a given date, and the accident happened subsequent to that date but before any repair work is done, it offers support for proving the notice requirement. This would provide great assistance in overcoming the notice requirement, which is usually the single biggest obstacle in pursuing an otherwise valid road defect claim.

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 claims on a daily basis on behalf of injured motorcyclists statewide.

Further, for those readers who are members of any motorcycle organizations, clubs or groups, if you would like to have me come out to your group to speak or give a presentation on the legal rights of an injured motorcyclist or on any specific topic that your group may be curious about, please don’t hesitate to give me a call at (248-5694646) or shoot me an e-mail at Dondi@buckfirelaw.com. I give presentations statewide 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!

Largest Inventory of pre-owned BMW Motorcycles in the Midwest!

Pre-Owned Motorcycles 2016 Yamaha FZ-07, 2015 BMW G 650 GS, 2014 BMW R 1200 RT, 2013 BMW F 800 GT, 2013 BMW K1600 GTL, 2012 BMW R 1200 GS, 2012 BMW K 1600 GTL, 2012 Ducati Diavel, 2009 BMW K 1200 LT, 2007 BMW K 1200 GT, 1997 BMW R850R,

Black, 2,100 miles, Black, 1,583 miles, Grey, 4,466 miles, Grey, 13,000 miles, Dark graphite, 22,150 miles, Red, 32,000 miles, Beige, 48,900 miles, Red, 10,950 miles, Black, 40,000 miles, Grey, 41,000 miles, Blue, 47,181 miles,

$5,990 $6,450 $14,950 $7,950 $16,500 $11,500 $13,999 $8,950 $8,950 $7,950 $2,999

2000 BMW R 1200C, Burgundy, 3279 miles, $5,950

BMW-Motus Motorcycles of Grand Rapids 5995 South Division, Grand Rapids, MI 20

www.midwestmotorcyclist.com

1995 BMW R1100RS, Yellow, 63,693 miles, $3,500

(616) 530-6900 www.bmwmcgr.com April 2017

The Preacher Speaks About...

Swap Meets & Lane Splitting

by Franz “The Preacher” Hoffer My son, Eric, his wife, Jackie, and their boys, (my grandchildren, can’t get enough of them!) Mason (5) and Emmitt (3), attended THE LARGEST MOTORCYCLE SWAP MEET IN THE MIDWEST (that’s how the event was billed) at the Suburban Collection Showplace in Novi, Michigan on March 4th and 5th. The swap meet was held in the 95,000 square feet main hall. The facility is relatively new and the advertisements boasted of a swap meet “packed with everything for the biker and bike”. I am a rookie when it comes to swap meets so in actuality, I really didn’t know what to expect. I thought I would see some new as well as used motorcycles but quickly came to realize that a swap meet is not about new bikes. A swap meet is more about used motorcycles, motorcycle painters, customizers, chopper builders, parts vendors selling – new/used parts, accessories, apparel, leather, and lots of T-shirts, too. The ticket prices for an adult were $8, $3 for a child, and children under five free.

It was interesting walking the floor and seeing the array of items to choose from. I enjoyed talking with a lot of the vendors. It was clear to this observer that a lot of transactions were

taking place. I was not looking for anything in particular but was enticed as I wanted see what a swap meet was all about. The only new motorcycle dealer with a booth was Spartan Motorcycles, an Indian Motorcycles dealer located just north of Mt. Clemens. Indian is producing some very nice bikes to be sure.

For me, the highlight was seeing the “motorcycle people” - both male and female - walking around in TM

Midwest Motorcyclist

their old, experienced leather jackets, worn and weather-beaten faces, interesting tattoos, much traveled motorcycle boots, and the satisfied looks of those who had just “got a good deal”. While I didn’t buy anything, being around all that metal, leather, rubber, people, and old/used motorcycles made me impatient for spring; it can’t come fast enough. The Detroit Swap Meet is a bi-annual event so I will be looking to return next spring, if not in the fall. The show was a good indoctrination into the interesting and diverse world of “The Swap Meet”.

So what do you think about lane splitting? Motorcyclists all over the United States are uniting to make motorcycle lane splitting legal across the country. Lane splitting is defined by a two-wheeled vehicle moving between lanes of a road going in the same direction. The opening shot may have been fired as California just legalized it and many people/states look to California to set the example. Motorcyclists in lane splitting states need to be reminded that cars do not see them, to avoid the blind spots of cars and large trucks, and to pay close attention to decrease the chances of crashes or injuries. States currently looking at bills to legalize the practice include Texas, Oregon, Washington, Montana, and Hawaii.

Research from several independent agencies confirms that - no surprise lane splitting saves riders a lot of time.

What really surprised me was the research indicating that lane splitting was safer for motorcyclists than sitting in traffic. It’s actually been proven to work quite well as long as it’s done within certain guidelines and the

Michigan

Harley-Davidson

Dealer Events

For a complete list of Michigan Harley-Davidson Dealer Association Members, see the dealer locator on page 19.

April 1 April Fool The Tax Man No Sales Tax on Licensed Items!

Put that tax refund to good use!

Battle Creek Harley-Davidson 5738 Beckley Road Battle Creek, MI (269) 979-2233 April 1 Rise N’ Shine Breakfast Come and join us for some breakfast Saturday morning! We start serving at 9am and will keep serving until it’s GONE. Great start to your day in the best place in town!

Grand Rapids Harley-Davidson 2977 Corporate Grove Drive Hudsonville, MI (877) 596-6387 April 8 Detroit Tigers Tailgate Baseball season is back! Watch the game, enjoy our tailgate food, and make a purchase for your chance to win Tigers tickets!

Battle Creek Harley-Davidson 5738 Beckley Road Battle Creek, MI (269) 979-2233 April 8 Safety Seminar & First Responders Appreciation Event Add To Calendar Join us for a Motorcycle Safety Seminar presented by the Michigan State Police Safety Division. Enjoy a free lunch and learn! Seminar starts at 11am. Seats are limited, RSVP today! ABC Harley-Davidson wants to show our appreciation for all First Responders. All active or retired Law Enforcement, Firefighters, EMT Personnel, and Military can enjoy a free lunch, gift, and special offers.

ABC Harley-Davidson, Inc. 4405 Highland Road (M-59) Waterford, MI 248.674.3175

April 8 1st Annual Swap Meet Buy, Sell, Trade, Sign up at www.perryharley-davidson.com. $15 for a single space, $25 for a double space. All make parts welcome. NO MOTORCYCLES! Perry Harley-Davidson 5331 S. Sprinkle Road Kalamazoo, MI (269) 329-3450 April 13-15 Spring Fling, Open House Great Lakes Harley-Davidson 3850 S Huron RD Bay City, MI (989) 686-0400 April 15 Easter Egg Hunt It’s our annual Easter egg hunt (*recommended for children 8 and under)! We’ll also hide a few golden eggs in the store and have Easter crafts for the kiddos.

Battle Creek Harley-Davidson 5738 Beckley Road, Battle Creek, MI (269) 979-2233 April 22 United We Roll Season Opener It’s the start of riding season! Check back for more details!

Battle Creek Harley-Davidson 5738 Beckley Road, Battle Creek, MI (269) 979-2233 April 28-30 Spring Open House Discover the Motorcycle, Discover the ride - Time to Kick in the Riding Season with Demo Rides and More Ray C’s Harley-Davidson 1491 S. Lapeer Rd. (M-24 & I-69) Lapeer, MI (810) 664-9261 April 28-29 Roll with Us Season Opening Weekend Kick off the riding season. Join us for a fun weekend and a few prizes.

Perry Harley-Davidson 5331 S. Sprinkle Road, Kalamazoo, MI (269) 329-3450

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Continued from page 11 - The Preacher research indicates that it actually speeds up traffic for everyone else on the road. The guidelines I’ve seen thus far include the restriction that lane splitting can only be done legally when traffic is stop and go. The motorcyclist splitting lanes is limited to going no faster than 5 mph faster than the congested traffic flow. Lane splitting is not allowed when traffic is moving smoothly or by motorcyclists attempting to move up at red lights.

One of the key arguments against lane splitting is that, on the surface, it does seem dangerous. I have to admit the times when I’ve been in my cage and a motorcycle cut down the center line, it surprised me. (It’s still illegal in Michigan.) I slammed on my brakes because it was so unexpected. In that instance, illegal lane splitting seemed like a dangerous practice. Perhaps a lane-splitting motorcycle would be less of a surprise where it’s legal and drivers might more likely expect a motorcycle running between the lanes.

The most common type of accident on the road is a rear-ender where a car runs into a motorcyclist stopped in traffic or at an intersection. This type of accident makes up 40 percent of all accidents in the United States, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. When someone slams into the back of a motorcycle, there’s really no such thing as a minor fender bender. How often have you been stuck in traffic on your motorcycle and you see the clown in the cage behind you texting or otherwise distracted?

By splitting between lanes, riders are able to put a protective shell of slow or stopped traffic around their bikes and protect against the inattention of other road users. In a recent Berkeley study undertaken with the California Highway Patrol’s assistance, 7,836 motorcycle crashes were examined closely, with some 1,163 of these crashes having occurred while the rider was lane splitting. Riders who were splitting at the time of their accident were significantly less likely to be injured in every category than those who weren’t: 45 percent fewer head injuries, 21 percent fewer neck injuries, 32 percent fewer torso injuries, 12 percent fewer arm/leg injuries, and 55 percent fewer fatalities. (source: www.ots.ca.gov/ pdf/Publications/2014MCLaneSplittingSurvey.pdf) My friends, it’s hard to argue with statistics like that and I believe in statistics - always have. Based on the research I’ve read, and my own personal experiences on the road, I will be writing my representative to let them know my strong feeling that lane splitting should be legalized in Michigan. What do you think?

Until next time, my friends, Ride Safe!

BE SEEN 22

Wear Hi Viz Riding Gear

Michigan Harley-Davidson Dealer Association Members 1. Battle Creek

12. Muskegon

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

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

2. Bay City

13. Sturgis

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

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

3. Birch Run

14. Tecumseh

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

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

4. Cement City

15. Traverse City

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

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

5. Fremont

16. Waterford

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

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

6. Gaylord

17. West Branch

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

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

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

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

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

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10. Lapeer RAY C’S HARLEY-DAVIDSON® 1491 S. LAPEER ROAD, LAPEER (810) 664-9261, www.raycsh-d.com

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www.midwestmotorcyclist.com

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11. Mt. Pleasant HOLESHOT HARLEY-DAVIDSON® 4741 E PICKARD, MT PLEASANT (989) 772-5513 www.candssportcenter.com

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April 2017

TM

Midwest Motorcyclist

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