Midwest Motorcyclist(tm), January 2018 issue

Page 1

January 2018 • FREE midwestmotorcyclist.com

Happy New Year!


We’re clearing out 2017 apparel and accessories!

BLOW OUT SALE on all in-stock apparel and accessories!

January 15-20, 2018 ONLY ®

2018 Indian Motorcycles Now in Stock!

Indian Motorcycles® keep getting better and better. Better performance. Better style. Better value. Come to our dealership today to see the 2018 Indian Motorcycles®. Your friends are already here.

We still have a few 2017 Indian Motorcycles® in stock! Stop by today to make your best deal!

WE SELL ADVENTURE- READY SIDECAR MOTORCYCLES.

2018 Ural Baikal

The ZERO Electric Advantage Pennies per mile Up to 200 mile range Very low maintenance Zero emissions Fast & Fun

Stop by our dealership to learn about a new kind of adventure. Three wheels have many advantages!

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

2018 Zero SR

on Facebook at www.facebook.com/MotorCityMotorcycles

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


BMW Motorcycles of Grand Rapids 5995 S Division Grand Rapids, MI 49548-5730 616-530-6900 www.bmwmcgr.com TM

Midwest Motorcyclist

3


IN THIS ISSUE…

Columns 5 8 13 16

Thank You, Larry Katkowsky Ask Dr. Cycholl by Patrick Armitage Motorcycle Snapshots by Jason Waechter Motorcycling & Law: HB 4887 - Helmet Adult Choice on ORV; SB 581 Criminalizing Texting & Driving by Dondi Vesprini

Features, News & Reviews cc media publications

This Month’s Contributors: Contributing Editor Patrick Armitage Plus, Blane Kamp, 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

6 7 12 15 18

The Toughest Race in the World by Blane Kamp Penton: The John Penton Story, From the Woods to the World DVD Reviewed by Gene Southard Alaska: Been there or Thinking About Going? by Blane Kamp Four Myths of Adventure Travel from the Live It Right Dream Ride Team by Ray Peabody Oakland County ORV Park Moving Forward by Ray Peabody

Resources 5 13 17

Advertiser Index Event Schedule Michigan Harley-Davidson Dealer Event Schedule

Cover photo: Motorcycles parked outside the Prudhoe Bay Hotel during a tour of Alaka several years ago. Prudhoe Bay is on the north coast of Alaka and is the terminus of the Pan-American Highway. Photo by Jaco Hamman.

JANUARY INVENTORY CLEARANCE SALE We would rather sell it than count it! Leather or Textile

Jackets as low as

$8500 Demin or

How to contact us: 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.

4

25% OFF Saddle Bags & Tour Bags

Leather

Chaps

Vests

as low as

as low as

$7500

$45 00 25% OFF Men’s & Ladies’ Riding Boots The LARGEST, MOST COMPLETE LEATHER SHOP in Southwest Michigan near the Indiana State line.

Retail Warehouse (269) 651-2464

Stocking Helmets by Bell, Fulmer, & Bad Ass

Home of Wild Ride Leathers!

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

www.midwestmotorcyclist.com

January 2018


123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123456789012345 123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123456789012345 123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123456789012345 123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123456789012345 123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123456789012345 123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123456789012345 123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123456789012345 123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123456789012345 123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123456789012345 123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123456789012345 123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123456789012345 123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123456789012345 123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123456789012345 ABATE of Indiana ....................................16 123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123456789012345 123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123456789012345 123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123456789012345 A.B.C. Harley-Davidson ..............17, 18, 19 123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123456789012345 123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123456789012345 123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123456789012345 123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123456789012345 Battle Creek Harley-Davidson....17, 18, 19 123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123456789012345 123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123456789012345 123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123456789012345 123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123456789012345 Baumchen Swap Meet.............................15 123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123456789012345 123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123456789012345 123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123456789012345 BMW Motorcycles of Detroit....................11, 15 123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123456789012345 123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123456789012345 123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123456789012345 123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123456789012345 BMW-Motus of Grand Rapids..................3, 5, 7, 15 123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123456789012345 123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123456789012345 123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123456789012345 123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123456789012345 BMW, SE Michigan. .........................6, 8, 9 123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123456789012345 123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123456789012345 123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123456789012345 Capitol Harley-Davidson .......17, 18, 19 123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123456789012345 123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123456789012345 123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123456789012345 123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123456789012345 Classic MotorSports................17, 18, 19 123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123456789012345 123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123456789012345 123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123456789012345 Cycle Conservation Club .......................5 123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123456789012345 123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123456789012345 123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123456789012345 123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123456789012345 Diamond Gusset Jeans ......................18 123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123456789012345 123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123456789012345 123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123456789012345 123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123456789012345 Gildner’s Harley-Davidson ...........17, 18, 19 123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123456789012345 123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123456789012345 123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123456789012345 Grand Rapids H-D............................17, 18, 19 123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123456789012345 123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123456789012345 123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123456789012345 123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123456789012345 Great Lakes Dual Sporters ..................14 123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123456789012345 123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123456789012345 123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123456789012345 123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123456789012345 Great Lakes Harley-Davidson.........17, 18, 19 123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123456789012345 123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123456789012345 123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123456789012345 Hamilton Harley-Davidson ................17, 18, 19 123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123456789012345 123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123456789012345 123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123456789012345 123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123456789012345 Holeshot Harley-Davidson ................17, 18, 19 123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123456789012345 123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123456789012345 123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123456789012345 123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123456789012345 Hot Rod Harley-Davidson .................17, 18, 19 123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123456789012345 123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123456789012345 123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123456789012345 Jason Waechter, The Motorcycle Lawyer..20 123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123456789012345 123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123456789012345 123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123456789012345 123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123456789012345 Jerry B’s Cycle Works.........................10 123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123456789012345 123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123456789012345 123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123456789012345 123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123456789012345 MI Harley-Davidson dealers ..........17, 18, 19 123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123456789012345 123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123456789012345 123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123456789012345 Michigan Sport Touring Riders.....................7 123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123456789012345 123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123456789012345 123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123456789012345 123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123456789012345 MotorCity Motorcycles............................2, 12 123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123456789012345 123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123456789012345 123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123456789012345 123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123456789012345 Motor City Underwriters ......................10 123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123456789012345 123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123456789012345 123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123456789012345 Motorcycle Solutions, LLC......................10 123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123456789012345 123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123456789012345 123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123456789012345 123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123456789012345 Perry’s Harley-Davidson ..............17, 18, 19 123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123456789012345 123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123456789012345 123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123456789012345 Ray C’s Harley-Davidson...............17, 18, 19 123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123456789012345 123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123456789012345 123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123456789012345 123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123456789012345 Retail Warehouse .........................4, 16 123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123456789012345 123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123456789012345 123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123456789012345 123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123456789012345 Sandy’s H-D ....................................17, 18, 19 123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123456789012345 123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123456789012345 123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123456789012345 Shiawassee H-D ............................17, 18, 19 123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123456789012345 123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123456789012345 123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123456789012345 123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123456789012345 Sport Bike Track Gear ................................6 123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123456789012345 123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123456789012345 123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123456789012345 123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123456789012345 Sweet Trikes ...........................................10 123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123456789012345 123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123456789012345 123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123456789012345 Tecumseh Harley-Davidson ..........17, 18, 19 123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123456789012345 123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123456789012345 123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123456789012345 123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123456789012345 Town & Country H-D........................17, 18, 19 123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123456789012345 123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123456789012345 123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123456789012345 123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123456789012345 Zip’s 45th Parallel H-D...................17, 18, 19 123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123456789012345

Advertiser Index

Thank You, Larry Katkowsky Attorney Larry “Katmanâ€? Katkowsky died columns were well written, informative and on November 11, 2017 at the age of 75. Many longunanimously well received. time readers will remember Larry as an attorney, a I didn’t stay in contact with Larry after our Harley-Davidson rider, a motorcyclist rights paths diverged. Yes, there was the occasional email. I advocate, a supporter of ABATE of Michigan, a continued to let him know when the latest issue had guitar builder / player, and an advertiser and longbeen posted to the website. When his email changed, time columnist for this magazine. He was obviously he asked me to begin using the new address. I also much more than this, but, to those of us in the saw his Facebook posts about his guitars or motorcycle community, we knew Larry through performances. He had been busy in his “retirementâ€?. these activities. I have always appreciated what Larry did I knew Larry for more than a few years, for this magazine and still do. Thank you, Larry. Rest beginning in the late 1990s through to his retirement in peace. from practicing law in the early 2010s. He didn’t fully retire at that time. Instead, he went to school somewhere out east to N O N - C O M P E T I T I O N • MAINTAINED TRAILS learn how to build guitars. • ORGANIZED EVENTS I would like to say we were friends but that wouldn’t be accurate. We • FAMILY FUN didn’t hang out or socialize together • ALL LEGAL (although I met his lovely wife, Natalie, on several occasions). Saying that we were simply acquaintances wouldn’t be accurate either. I admired Larry immensely. He was a leader and a “doerâ€?. His knowledge and experience in the motorcycle industry was extensive and he willingly shared what he knew. He was a straight shooter – no beating around the bush; he didn’t suffer fools but also wasn’t mean. When talking with Larry, his message and intention were clear – no spin or obfuscation. He started advertising in Michigan MotorcyclistÂŽ in July 1998, our No place to ride? Michigan is home to the largest organized network of first issue. He continued running his ads off-road trails in the world - more than 3500 miles of marked, maintained until he retired in (I think) 2011. The ORV trails for the entire family to enjoy! Since 1968, The Cycle Conservation money he spent with us helped keep the Club of Michigan has led the charge to assure continued access to public magazine operating when we were still in lands for motorized recreation by working closely with state and federal our startup phase. He continued to government. Membership in the CCC offers organized trail rides, a map CD of advertise for more than a decade after that the entire trail system, a subscription to the Great Lakes TrailRider Magazine first issue. and a host of other member benefits! Call us today at 517-781-4805. Larry’s Michigan MotorcyclistÂŽ The Cycle Conservation Club of Michigan column also started running in that first PO Box 486 t $PMEXBUFS .* t XXX DZDMFDPOTFSWBUJPODMVC PSH issue. His topics covered a wide range of legal issues affecting motorcyclists; especially Michigan motorcyclists. Based on feedback from our readers, his

Let’s Go Trail Riding!

Pre-Owned Motorcycles 2017 BMW R 1200 RT, 2017 H-D Tri Glide Ultra, 2017 BMW F 700 GS, 2016 BMW R 1200 RS, 2014 BMW R 1200 RTP, 2013 BMW F 800 GS, 2013 BMW F 800 GS, 2013 BMW K 1600 GTL, 2013 BMW F 800 GS, 2013 BMW K 1300 S, 2013 BMW $ 1200 RTP,

Blue, 3,500 miles, Red, 4,021 miles, Black, 1064 miles, Grey/Black, 4,100 miles, Black, 37,255 miles, Kalamata, 18,000 miles, Blue, 19,754 miles, Red, 21,000 miles Alpine White, 14,000 miles, Red/Black, 21,659 miles, Black, 23,440 miles,

$18,999 $31,199 $8,999 $14,950 $9,999 $8,250 $8,950 $13,999 $8,999 $8,999 $9,750

2012 BMW R 1200 GS Adv, 2011 Kawasaki Versys, 2011 BMW K 1300 S, 2008 BMW R 1200 RT, 2007 BMW R 1200 RT, 2007 BMW K 1200 GT, 2003 BMW R 1150 RT, 2003 Honda VFR800, 2002 BMW K 1200 LT, 2002 BMW R 1150 RT, 1999 BMW R 1100 RT,

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

Midwest Motorcyclist

Largest Inventory of pre-owned BMW Motorcycles in the Midwest! Magma Red, 54,000 miles, Red, 3,000 miles, Red, 20,421 miles, Blue, 7,901 miles, Silver, 29,357 miles, Grey, 41,000 miles, Blue, 122,000 miles, Red, Silver, 60,000 miles, Blue, 35,000 miles, Graphite, 87,785 miles

$11,500 $3,999 $8,999 $7,999 $7,499 $5,950 $3,500 $2,999 CALL $4,450 $2,999

(616) 530-6900 www.bmwmcgr.com 5


The Toughest Race in the World by Blane Kamp The Dakar Rally pits man and machine against Mother Nature, mountains, desert, and dunes. The beauty of Peru, Bolivia, and Argentina is spectacular but can be deadly for the competitors in that monumental race. Lives are lost, but the competitors recognize the dangers and are living life to the fullest. The 40th edition of the Dakar Rally in South America is starting in Lima, Peru on January 6, 2018 and ends on January 20 in Cordoba, Argentina; a race of more than 5,000 miles. It’s limited to the best racers from all over the world. The race has five classes – motorcycles (167 entries), quads (54 entries), cars (110 entries), UTVs (14 entries), and trucks/chase vehicles (45 entries). It starts with five days of sand dunes, then climbs through an extremely difficult mountain environment, into deep canyons with some fast sections in between. Racers will experience every kind of weather and track condition: heat, cold, sunshine, rain, snow, sand, mud, and hard pack. It continues for 14 days with one day in the middle to repair the race machines or catch up on some much needed rest (if the racer has a team to work on his or her machine). Privateers usually spend this day working on their bikes. At least two women - Laia Sanz and Rosa Romero Font - will be competing in the 2018 event. The four Americans running in the motorcycle division are Ricky Brabec (#20, Honda),

Andrew Short (#54, Husqvarna), Mark Samuels (#64, Honda), and Bill Conger (#105, Husqvarna). Conger is the focus of this preview. Paul Azar and I took a two-day off-road class at the BMW Performance Training Center in Spartanburg, South Carolina. Conger was one of the instructors for that class. He is a great teacher and we learned many new techniques on how to handle a 500-pound off-road motorcycle (BMW R 1200 GS) in a variety of off-road conditions. He is also an accomplished motorcycle and car racer. Bill was able to get a Husqvarna 450 Rally for the 2018 Dakar

and, with some help from his friend Petr “Angelo” Vicek aka “Wolfey” and Tema Klymciw, was able to get add-ons to make his bike close to what the factory racers will be running. Wolfey, out of the Czech Republic, will also be running in the Dakar (Husqvarna, #82). Bill got his acceptance letter in July of this year and has been training hard to be able to endure this grueling race. (Check out Bill’s blog at BC2Dakar.) He competed in the Dakar race once before in 2012, but his bike broke to the point of being unrepairable. We’re hoping to have Bill up in mid-summer to teach a two-day off-road school right here in Western Michigan. (Watch these pages and our website – www.bmwmcgr.com - for details.) The Dakar is an amazing race. Google MZ 5309RR or Iveco Powerstar to see a couple of the support trucks that will be racing. BMW teamed up with Mini to make one of the leading vehicles in the car division. Racers will be riding over sand dunes reaching an altitude of 11,500 feet and mountains taller than that. Just consider the impact those altitudes have when a person is walking. Then imagine the impact on the human body when racing hard in those same conditions. These guys and girls are tough as nails. Best of luck, Bill. Visit www.dakar.com to find out more. You can follow the race on Facebook (www.facebook.com/dakar), Twitter (@ Dakar), and Instagram (@dakarrally). The race will be broadcast on NBC Sports in the U.S. and Red Bull TV and TV5 Monde worldwide. For a quick teaser, go to www.dakar.bfgoodrich.com.

Upcoming Events

Saturday Seminars Beginning January 13 Specific seminars to be annonced. Check our web site and Facebook page for details about these popular events.

Bus Trip to the

International Motorcycle Show in Cleveland Saturday, January 27, 2018 Only $60 per person includes bus ride to and from the show, show admission, and a sandwich with refreshment on the return trip. Call now. Space limited. BMW Motorcycles of Southeast Michigan 14855 N. Sheldon Rd., Plymouth, MI 734.453.0500 www.bmwmcsem.com

“Redefining your motorcycling lifestyle” SM 6

www.midwestmotorcyclist.com

January 2018


Penton: The John Penton Story From the Woods to the World A DVD review by Gene Southard The John Penton Autobiography DVD is a well-produced, polished production that you will enjoy watching. It is narrated by the singer Lyle Lovett. Lyle also does background singing in this heart-warming story. I have talked to John several times over the years and have always found him to be personable and down to earth, so when I saw that John and his son, Jack, were promoting a DVD about John’s life, I had to purchase a copy. The DVD starts at John’s birth in 1925 in Amherst, Ohio, into a family that would total eight kids. After his father’s death, John’s brothers got their Dad’s Harley running and soon John started riding it when the brothers where away. This was his first exposure to motorcycling; his first enduros where on a Harley. When WWII started, John joined the

Merchant Marines and then moved into the Navy. In ’49, while working in the family business, he entered his first Jack Pine enduro. The next year he rode a lighter European bike, a B33 BSA. His personal life was looking up when he married his first wife, Katherine. This marriage would give him three sons and would be the start of the Penton motorcycle dynasty. In 1954, his brother, Bill, won the Jack Pine Enduro. But John’s personal life took a serious blow when Katherine passed in 1958 leaving him to raise three boys by himself. His trauma did not discourage his enduro riding, however. That year he started riding an NSU, winning five national enduros in a row. About that time, John also set a long distance endurance record riding from New York to LA in 52 hours on a BMW twin. In 1960, he married

A Local, Non-Affiliated MotorcycleEnthusiast Club Seeking

New Members Sport Touring is Our Middle Name!

We Ride! ...All Makes of Bikes ...All Over the Country ...On Back Roads ...On Racetracks ...At Novice-Advanced Levels Our members come from all across Michigan 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 Augie Fernandes at Membership@MSTRiders.com or Info@MSTRiders.com www.MSTRiders.com • On

: Michigan Sport Touring Riders TM

Midwest Motorcyclist

again, bringing Donna’s three children into the Penton dynasty. That year, John’s popularity brought him the honor of the AMA’s most popular rider. In 1960, John and his brothers opened a BSA dealership in a re-purposed chicken coop, later moving to a new shop in 1962. About that time, John started riding a R25 BMW converted to offroad and used this machine to continue winning. John entered his first ISDE in ’62. Although he participated in that race many times and never won a gold, he was close many times. My experience with the Penton organization began when I was working at a Penton/Husky/BSA dealership and started attending Penton Service School in Ohio. I was impressed by how family orientated the Penton organization was, with many family employees. One of my favorite memories of the Penton organization happened when I picked up several new Pentons at their warehouse, a re-purposed skating rink on the edge of town. During the employees lunch hour, all the crated Pentons were moved to the middle of the rink and the employees started racing their bikes around the rink. Where else could you ride in the middle of winter in Ohio? Upon returning home, I was assigned the job of assembling new motorcycles in the dealership’s warehouse. As you can guess, after assembling two 100cc minibikes, the employees started racing around the warehouse. My boss took a very dim view of all the rubber marks left on the floor. While on one of John’s trips to Europe to

Continued on next page

Join us in celebrating

Phil Mann’s 85th Birthday Saturday, February 17, 2018 • 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Phil’s 85 years young and still riding. Come join us and meet “Buffalo Phil”. He’s one of the legends of motorcycling out of Michigan. Phil owns the record for the longest distance traveled in a 6-month period: 113,000 miles! He has also run the Iron Butt competition 3 times and lead it twice. Unfortunately, he had an encounter with a Buffalo that took him out of first on one of these. He has raced in pretty much every category of motorcycling over the years. Stop in and have some cake with us as we wish him well.

BMW-Motus Motorcycles of Grand Rapids 5995 South Division, Grand Rapids, MI (616) 530-6900 • www.bmwmcgr.com 7


Continued from previous page

Dear Dr. Cycholl,

ASK Dr. Cycholl

My wife has taken and passed a Motorcycle Safety Foundation Basic Rider Course. She is looking to buy a bike but many she likes are a bit too tall for her. Is there a way to lower most motorcycles?

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

Juan Garcia Dear Juan,

By Maurice “Moe” D. Cycholl

Dear Dr. Cycholl, I have a few friends that own motorcycles but nearly every time I call them to invite them for a ride, I get a string of reasons why they can’t go. I find myself riding alone or with a passenger most often. I am OK with local day rides like this but I am getting the wanderlust for long distance travel. I am reluctant to do a long trip solo. What do you suggest? The Lone Rider Dear Lone Rider, If you really want to ride with others on day rides or on longer trips I suggest you join a riding club. Harley-Davidson does this better than most with their “Hog Chapters” in every or nearly every dealership. If you don’t ride a Harley you can join a group like the non-brand specific MSTA. I had the same problems with my “Riding Buddies”. It seems there are a lot more enthusiastic motorcycle owners than enthusiastic riders. Personally, I am not big on joining riding groups. I learned to appreciate riding solo. There are no personality conflicts, no restaurant problems, no route, speed, or scheduling issues. (Unless you have a passenger and even then they are far fewer than in a group) I have ridden more than 250K miles and been in every state but Alaska on a motorcycle. Most of the time with a passenger (my Wife) and no others. We tried touring in groups of 4-5 bikes with passengers but the conflicts in groups cause too many problems. We started doing tours with just us and found we like it better that way. Thank you, Dr Cycholl

Congratulations to your wife for taking proper training and having passed her course. There are models from several manufacturers designed for just this purpose. I know Harley Davidson and BMW both are pursuing this market. Look at both as well as their competition and ask about what they might be able to do. Most bikes can be lowered by various means. Thinner seats can be bought or custom made. Front suspension can be lowered by moving the fork tubes in the triple clamps. Be sure to do both sides equally. Understand that if you don’t lower the rear suspension the same amount you will alter the steering geometry and may cause twitchy (er) or less stable steering. The rear suspension can be lowered by installing a shorter shock or shocks or sometimes changing a suspension link. Don’t forget you will need to shorten the side stand and center stand, if so equipped. Be aware that this will lessen cornering clearance which may or may not be a problem. Thank you, Dr Cycholl Dr. Maurice D. Cycholl is a world-renowned expert in Motorcycle Safety, Riding Techniques and Touring. In addition, while he is not a recognized expert in motorcycle mechanics, he does possess a fair degree of knowledge in the area of mechanical, and electrical systems found on many motorcycles. He welcomes your questions on these subjects. While you may submit questions on any subject, his advice on other subjects may, or may not be, as reliable. Please submit your questions via email to: askDrCycholl@hotmail.com or via snail mail to: Dr. “Moe” D. Cycholl, c/o CC media, 709 Fall Street, Spring Lake, MI 49456

compete, he visited a small motorcycle and scooter manufacturer called KTM and convinced them to start manufacturing the first Penton motorcycles. After a small run of only ten prototypes, Penton Motorcycles was off and running. 1975 was the year that Penton Motorcycles first competed in the ISDE. John also started taking his sons to Europe to compete, and they did very well. During his many trips to Europe, John started importing riding accessories under the name HI Point. These accessories included the first Alpinestar boots and Spectro Oil. John also started his own newspaper to let riders find out what was happening in the dirt bike world. This newspaper would eventually end up being Cycle News East. In 1972, KTM started manufacturing their own engines, doing away with the Sachs engine and its many transmission problems. As the US dollar weakened in Europe and the Japanese dirt bikes became cheaper and more competitive, the Penton Motorcycles became less desirable. In 1975, KTM started importing machines directly to the West Coast; Pentons were sold only east of the Mississippi. Sadly, 1978 was the last year that Pentons were imported although Hi Point Accessories continued until ’87 when it was sold to Malcolm Smith Racing. Today, KTM riders and all dirt bike riders owe John Penton a big “Thank You” because he was influential in developing their machines. John can be found in Ohio working on his farm and visiting family. He can also be found visiting with riders at the Ohio GNCC that carries his name.

Pr e-Owned Motor cycles Pre-Owned Motorc

2007 BMW R 1200 RT, Beige, 86,000 miles, NOW $6,000

1993 BMW K 1100 LT, Green, 32,000 miles, ONLY $3,499

2017 BMW R 1200 RT, 2017 BMW R nineT Scrambler, 2016 BMW S 1000 XR, 2012 BMW K 1600 GTL, 2012 BMW R 1200 R, 2010 BMW K 1300 S, 2007 BMW R 1200 RT, 1999 BMW R 1100 S, 1993 BMW K 1100 LT,

799 miles, Demo Silver, 55 miles, Red, 3,000 miles, Silver, 26,100 miles, Red, 67,000 miles, Orange, 56,000 miles, B rown, 86,000 miles, 822 miles, Green, 32,000 miles,

Pricing $11,000 $15,000 $14,999 $6,999 $7,999 $6,000 $9,999 $3,499

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

January 2018


0% APR Interest* • $0 Down** 90 Days until the 1st Payment is Due** on all new 2016 & 2017 model BMW motorcycles. If you’re buying a new 2016 or 2017 R 1200 GS or R 1200 GS Adventure, existing incentives still apply in addition to these new incentives.

2018 MSRP starting at $18,895

UP TO $1,750 INCENTIVE* on 2017 F 800 GS & F 800 GS Adventure 2017 BMW F 800 GS Adventure

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 * Offer good through 12/31/2017. See Audrey or Jeff for details. ** For buyers qualified through BMW Financial Services. Offer valid through 12/31/2017.Some restricitions apply. See Audrey or Jeff for details. Always ride safely and wear proper protective gear. TM

Midwest Motorcyclist

9


SWEET TRIKES We also have kits for Victory & Indian motorcycles. Call for details.

Trike Conversions & Kits

Honda Gold Wing

Honda VTX 1800

Offering all Harley-Davidson FLs and Softails, Honda VTX1300, VTX1800, Gold Wing and Valkyrie Trikes and Trike Kits. Call for more information.

3371 Whisper Ridge Drive, Lapeer, MI 810.357.2515

www.sweettrikes.com

H-D Softail

Baby, Baby, It’s It’s Cold Cold Outside. Outside.

KKeep ee p Warm War mWith With T hese Gr Deals” ea t Deals ... These Great

20% OFF

Viet Nam Vet Owned & Operated

All In-Stock Leather, Jackets, Vests, Chaps & Gloves

Parts, Accessories, & Service For Your HarleyDavidson

HOLESHOT!

Large Selection of Angel Bells in Stock!

Get the J ump on Jump the Competition

ϯϱϭϵ :ĂĐŬŵĂŶ ZĚ͘ ŝŶ dŽůĞĚŽ ϰϭϵͲϳϮϬͲϰϯϭϯ

MOTOR CITY UNDERWRITERS, INC.

Motorcycle, Dirt Bike & ATV Parts, Service & Sales Helmets, Apparel

10

Insurance Agency Motorcycle and Auto insurance for 53 Years! • Motorcycles • Homeowners • ATVs • Personal Watercraft • Motorhomes • Snowmobiles • Boats Serving • Autos Michigan Call or stop by our office for a free quote: residents 32743 Woodward Avenue, Royal Oak, MI 48073 only (248) 549-4300

Toll free (800) 400-8564 www.midwestmotorcyclist.com

January 2018


TM

Midwest Motorcyclist

11


Alaska: Been There or Thinking About Going? By Blane Kamp Come to BMW Motorcycles of Grand Rapids on January 20, 2018 and let the stories begin. All bikers are welcome. We don’t care what you ride. This is just an event to get rid of the winter blues and BS about your adventures. Sometimes the best stories are about the worst or most difficult of times. We have had this event in the past and heard some great ones. Here are just a few of the tales told at previous events. I remember Nigel telling us about getting chased by a wolf on the Haul Road and he didn’t even know it. An Indian couple was following him for a few miles. When he pulled into town and stopped for a break, the wife let him have it. She said, “You don’t tease animals like that up

here!” She thought he knew the wolf was behind him the whole time. According to her, it had been chasing him for almost a mile. The truth is every time Nigel got traction, so did the wolf. When the wolf got ready to pounce, Nigel sped up. Crazy, but true.

Blane Kamp at the Alaska Oil Pipeline

Photo by Jaco Hamman

Photo by Blane Kamp

George was up in Alaska camping on a trail a little ways off the road to get some solitude. It turned out to be a Moose trail. He woke up in the morning to find a moose sow and her two calves outside his tent. Now George enjoys the wildlife, but this was a little too close for comfort. A sow with calves can be one of the most dangerous animals in Alaska. With only some tent fabric in between George and the sow, I’m sure he was

Pre-Owned Motorcycles

thinking this could be the day and not in a good way. Obviously, he made it out, but he’ll be a lot more careful where he sets up his tent in the future. Even Phil Mann has a great story about riding the Haul Road in one of the Iron Butt Competitions. He was returning from Prudhoe Bay with Chuck,another Iron Butt Rider who rode a Gold Wing, when they ran into a rain storm.

Continued on page 14

FEATURED MOTORCYCLES 2016 Indian® Scout®, Silver Smoke, 4,641 miles, $10,999 OUT THE DOOR!!!

2015 Indian Chief® Vintage, Willow Green/Ivory Cream, 2,762 miles, $16,999 OUT THE DOOR!!!

2014 Indian Motorcycle® Chief® Classic, Springfield Blue, 11,441 miles, $14,999 OUT THE DOOR!!!

2016 Indian® Springfield™, Indian Motorcycle® Red, 10,553 miles, $17,999 OUT THE DOOR!!!

2016 H-D Tri Glide® Ultra, Black, 1,625 miles, $32,999 OUT THE DOOR!!!

2015 H-D Electra Glide® Ultra Classic®, 15,564 miles, $19,999 OUT THE DOOR!!! 2013 H-D Electra Glide® Ultra Classic®, 23,256 miles, $15,999 OUT THE DOOR!!! 2012 Yamaha V Star 950 Tourer, 5,257 miles, $5,249 OUT THE DOOR!!! 2011 Kawasaki Vulcan® 900 Classic SE, 11,014 miles, $5,249 OUT THE DOOR!!! 2011 Suzuki Boulevard M109R, 25,051 miles, $7,999 OUT THE DOOR!!! 2011 Yamaha V Star Custom, Black, 11,183 miles, $3,999 OUT THE DOOR!!! 2010 Kawasaki Vulcan® 900 Custom, Black, 23,968 miles, $5,249 OUT THE DOOR!!! 2010 Triumph Speed Triple 15th Ann., Black, 14,302 miles, $7,749 OUT THE DOOR!!!

2011 H-D Electra Glide® Ultra Limited, 40,356 miles, $13,999 OUT THE DOOR!!!

1967 Honda 150 Dream, White, 2,890 miles, $3,499 OUT THE DOOR!!!

2010 Triumph Street Triple, Black, 14,302 miles, $5,999 OUT THE DOOR!!!

2008 H-D Electra Glide® Classic, 27,414 miles, $9,999 OUT THE DOOR!!!

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 12

Photo by Jaco Hamman

2009 Yamaha V Star 950 Tourer, 11,955 miles, $4,999 OUT THE DOOR!!! 2007 H-D Night Train™, 23,646 miles, $8,499 OUT THE DOOR!!! 2006 Honda® ST1300, Black, 46,700 miles, $5,999 OUT THE DOOR!!!

on Facebook at www.facebook.com/MotorCityMotorcycles

www.midwestmotorcyclist.com

January 2018


Motorcycle Snapshots by Jason Waechter, Esq. As the weather grows colder in the north, many people will head south to sunnier shores. If you’re one of those who will be packing up and traveling during the holidays, be sure to look for interesting motorcycles or bikes and share them with me at Jason@themotorcyclelawyer.com. I get to travel a little, and I always enjoy taking pictures of the rare and interesting motorcycles or motorcycle-related things I see.

Jamaican Billboard

It’s pretty non-descript, and it was likely a cheaper option for the department. If all the officers need the scooter for is getting through crowds and navigating the local area, then I guess it works. Now, compare the police scooter in New Orleans to the motorcycle I found in Beverly Hills. The bike below is my favorite one. It looks so much sleeker and more imposing than the police scooter.

John Mellencamp’s Motorcycle, Rock ‘n Roll Hall of Fame When I visited the Rock ‘n Roll Hall of Fame in Cleveland, Ohio, I got to see John Mellencamp’s Honda CL77 motorcycle, which he got in high school.

One of the more interesting signs I saw on my travels was the billboard below.

What’s the most interesting thing you’ve seen? There isn’t a helmet law in Jamaica, but the government leaves its position on the issue very clear. Another interesting thing I learned while I was in Jamaica was that it’s illegal to buy or sell a motorcycle at 600cc or more. In fact, there’s a Harley Davidson store in Ocho Rios, but all it sells is Tshirts and other apparel. However, due to Harley Davidson’s continuous lobbying, the Jamaican government does allow people to rent faster bikes.

Police Transportation: New Orleans vs. Beverly Hills

Do you have pictures of a really interesting bike you saw on your travels? What about a story to go with it? Email them both to me at Jason@themotorcyclelawyer.com.

This bike is a BMW police motorcycle with an AR 15 mount. It was parked with the AR 15 rifle locked into the holster, which was mounted to the rear of the bike.

The next group of pictures I found really interesting because they show the very distinct differences between police forces and their transportation styles. I took the picture below in New Orleans. It seems they use police scooters in the Big Easy.

BE SEEN

The front of the bike had another holder that contained two poles or baton-like items. I couldn’t clearly identify what they were. Do you know? Email me at Jason@themotorcyclelawyer.com if you do. TM

Midwest Motorcyclist

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.

Wear Hi Viz Riding Gear 13


Events

Continued from page 12 - Alaska The weather was so bad that they each went down four or five times. For those of you who have never been on the Haul Road, it’s built Events do change. on the tundra which keeps sinking. The road Please call ahead crews keep adding gravel as the road sinks; the Michigan Indiana gravel elevates the road. Well, Phil is February 16-18 January 28 Indiana Motorcycle Expo riding along in the 38th Lansing Motorcycle Swap Meet Indian State Fairgrounds Lansing Center rain storm and slides 1202 E. 38th Street 333 Michigan Ave., Lansing, MI off the road and 10 Indianpolis, IN $6 / person $14 – Adults 12 and under free feet down to the $12 – Seniors (60+) www.hugeswapmeet.com tundra. This wasn’t $8 – Children (6 – 12) FREE – Children (5 & under) even a crash, but Phil February 2-4 2 Day Tickets: $22 2018 AMA Ice Race Grand scrambled up to the Championship road in the mud just Mitchell State Park Ohio 6093 E. M-115 in time to see Chuck Cadillac MI pass by on his Wing. http:// January 26-28 www.americanmotorcyclist.com/ Phil ended up Progressive International racing/ice-racing Motorcycle Show stopping two cars I-X Center and five guys helped February 25 Cleveland, Ohio Detroit Area Motorcycle Swap Meet Adults: $16 / person him get his bike back Suburban Showcase Collection Kids under 11 free up on the road. This 46100 Grand River Aven., Novi, MI www.motorcycleshows.com/ $8 / person; 12 and under free city/cleveland-oh is in pouring rain www.hugeswapmeet.com and in the mud. The February 10-11 folks in Alaska are 2018 Easyriders Bike Show Illinois Tour ready to help out a stranger - no questions asked. Greater Columbus Convention February 9-11 They also told him that Chuck had laid down his Center Progressive International bike a half mile down the road, so he wasn’t too 400 N. High Street Motorcycle Show far ahead. Phil passed Chuck and they decided Donald E. Stephens Convention Center Columbus, Ohio www.easyridersevents.com/ Chicago, IL not to ride together because they were both going bikeshow-2018-columbus.php Adults: $18 / person; Kids under 11 a different speeds and needed to focus on the free www.motorcycleshows.com/city/ road. Well, Phil decided to stop at around 2:30 in chicago-il-0 the morning. It had stopped raining but there was no place to stop, so he laid his sleeping bag down along side the bike in the middle of the road and slept next to the bike. The first vehicle to come upon S. Avon Road him in the morning was Chuck on his Wing. The beauty of N BMW Motorcycles of Detroit getting there is another GPS Coordinates: reason to go. A group of us 42.662600 - 83.132355 W E went up through Montana

BMW Motorcycles of Detroit

S

S. Rochester Road

OPEN FOR BUSINESS in ROCHESTER HILLS

in 2007 along the Rockies. The mountains were majestic and the terrain ever changing. As you ride through British Columbia, the Yukon and then into Alaska, the views just keep changing with each province/state uniquely different. I’d go up again in a minute. Hell, I think Phil’s been up there seven times!

Photo by Jaco Hamman If you want to get up and tell your story to the whole group, we’ll have group discussions throughout the day. Just call or email Andrea Chappell at andrea.kamp@bmwmcgr.com or call her at 616-530-6900 to tell her about your story and the times you will be available. We don’t care if you did it on your H-D or Gold Wing. We just want to hear what was the best or most memorable part of your adventure. You’ll also get a coupon for 20% off any one accessory for sharing your story. Every biker that’s been to Alaska gets a free hat embroidered with “To Alaska and Back” in German with outlines of Michigan and Alaska. They turned out real nice last time and I’m hoping they will be even better this time. We will be having appetizers with an Alaskan theme all day long. Even if you’re not going to Alaska, stop by and enjoy the stories. It’s a good reason to get out of the house and talk bikes. The event will be held from 10 a.m. until 3 p.m.

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

E. Hamlin Road

South to M-59 BMW Motorcycles of Detroit new location is a few miles north of M-59 and just south of Rochester on the Rochester Hills Chrysler Jeep campus. Many nice riding roads in the area. Stop by our dealership and say “Hi!”

BMW Motorcycles of Detroit 1301 S Rochester Rd, Suite B, Rochester Hills, MI

(248) 402-4013 • www.bmwdetroit.com 14

If you’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

www.midwestmotorcyclist.com

January 2018


Four Myths of Adventure Travel from the Live It Right Dream Ride Team by Ray Peabody

Many myths begin and progress much the same as a game of telephone. One person tells another about some event. The second person tells someone else and that someone else tells another. Each time the story is told, it’s modified. 10 people down the line, the story is significantly different from its first telling. 100 people down the line, the story is unrecognizable. At the beginning, there is likely some truth to the story; at the end, not so much. This story evolution happens in all things, including international motorcycle adventure touring. Readers will remember the series of stories and photographs that Emily Flinkstrom and Jay Wilgus, the Live It Right Dream Ride team, shared with us all

during their 18-month dual-sport adventure from Ann Arbor to Tierra del Fuego / Ushuaia at the very bottom of South America. Their story was a fascinating combination of beautiful scenery and welcoming people contrasted with rainy, cold weather and unending delays at border crossings. It was truly an adventure. A couple years after the conclusion of their trip, Emily and Jay’s lives are dramatically different. They have settled in Maine, had a baby, and work regular jobs like the rest of us. The time and separation from that trip have given them some perspective that they wanted to share with others who might be considering such an adventure. They put together a presentation about the four biggest myths about their adventure and presented it to a group of about 45 people at BMW Motorcycles of Grand Rapids on Saturday, November 25; two days after Thanksgiving. Myth #1: You must be wealthy to undertake such an adventure. Jay and Emily are not wealthy. But they are disciplined. They calculated that they would need $45,000 – equal to $82 per day while on the road - to complete their journey. They broke the goal down into monthly savings targets but quickly realized that saving that much out of their paychecks in the available time was not possible. To make up the difference, they rented two of the

Continued on page 17 TM

Midwest Motorcyclist

BMW-Motus Motorcycles of Grand Rapids

5995 S. Division Grand Rapids, MI

(616) 530-6900 www.bmwmcgr.com

Join Me at a School Like No Other... California Superbike School at Barber Motorsports Park, Birmingham, Alabama May 26-27, 2018 The cost is $540 with your own bike and $740 with their S1000RR for the 26th for a Single Day School. The 27th is a Super Single Day school which runs $680 with your bike and $875 with their S1000RR.

California Superbike School 2-Day Camp at Laguna Seca Monterey, California June 26-27, 2018 The price is $2750 and can only be done with their S1000RRs. The Laguna Seca schools usually fill up in the first couple of months after the schedule is released, so don’t dilly dally around on this one. This is one for the bucket list for sure with it’s 3-story corkscrew drop! Sign up on line and put BMW Motorcycles of Grand Rapids down as a friend or call Ginny at 800-530-3350 and tell her you’re with the BMW M/C of GR group. If we get 10 or more riders per class, you will get a 10% reimbursement after the school. Go to superbikeschool.com to find the descriptions of the Single Day School, the Super Single Day School and the 2 Day Camp.

15


Motorcycling & Law

HB 4887 - Helmet Adult Choice on ORV SB 581 - Criminalizing Texting & Driving by Dondi Vesprini First off, I would like to wish all readers a Happy New Year! I hope your holidays were bright and that you haven’t broken any of your new year’s resolutions yet! I also hope that this new year brings clear skies and safe roads for the 2018 riding season! There are a couple interesting bills which were introduced in the latter half of 2017. The first would allow operators of an ORV who are over 21 to ride without a lid. The second would criminalize texting and driving resulting in a serious injury. The first bill, being House Bill 4887, pertains to wearing a helmet on an ORV. As we all know, in 2012 the law mandating that a motorcyclist wear a helmet on his/her head was amended to an “adult choice” law allowing those over 21 years old who meet certain insurance and endorsement requirements the freedom to choose whether he/she wants to wear a helmet. As we also know, many motorcyclists enjoy riding ORVs across the various trails and terrains that our great State offers. HB 4887 would have a similar effect as the amended helmet law, but as to riders of ORVs. Currently, Men’s Men’s operators of an ORV must Ladies’ Concealment Concealment wear a helmet and protective Concealment Vests eye-wear. The bill provides Leather Vests Leather or individuals who are 18 years Shirt Denim $5500 or older the freedom to 00 $155 Start at choose whether he/she wants to wear a helmet and eye$4500 Packin’ Tee while operating an Shoulder & Leg Holsters in Stock wear Concealment ORV. Regardless of where Men’s Ladies’ you stand on the helmet T-Shirt issue, it is interesting to see Belly Lace 99 that the issue has been raised Band Belly Band Men’s & Ladies, in the context of operating Holster Holster all sizes, ORVs. 00 50 $33 $39 with holster The second bill of note pertains to an increasingly Americanpresent threat to made motorcyclists on the (269) 651-2464 Fax: (269) 651-8767 Leather roadway, that being people 1640 S. Centerville Road (M-66 South) , Sturgis, MI Holsters who text and drive. All too We accept all major credit cards $3000 frequently, as an attorney under

Concealment

$41

Retail Warehouse

representing injured motorcyclists, I handle cases where a driver whose attention was focused on texting as opposed to driving causes an accident resulting in serious injury or death to a motorcyclist. The frustration is that in these types of cases, many of the accidents were avoidable if the driver simply had been paying ordinary attention to the road instead of to their cell phone. Many motorcyclists have called for stiff penalties for people who choose to text and drive. As the law currently stands, a person is not allowed to read, manually type or send a text message while operating a motor vehicle. A violation is considered a civil infraction and the penalty is a civil fine of $100.00 for a first violation and $200.00 for a second or subsequent violation. If Senate Bill 581 were to have its way, texting and driving which resulted in serious injury or death would be considered a criminal offense. Under the bill, a person guilty of texting and driving which caused serious impairment of body function to another person would be guilty of a misdemeanor punishable by imprisonment for not more than 1 year or a $500.00 fine or both. If the texting and driving caused the death of another person, the violator would be guilty of a felony punishable by imprisonment for not more than 5 years or a fine of not more than $2,000.00 or both. As always, if anyone has any questions or if I can be of legal assistance to you or anyone you know dealing with this issue or 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 (248-569-4646) 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!

Call (269) 651-2464 now or visit our on-line store at www.ridewild.com

16

www.midwestmotorcyclist.com

January 2018


Continued from page 15 rooms in their house. They managed a detailed budget and stuck to their plan. Perhaps you remember the picture of their savings thermometer that ran in one of the early articles in this magazine about preparations for their trip. Myth #2: You have to have all of the bells and whistles for a successful trip. The original plan was for the couple to ride two-up on a BMW R 1150 GS for the entire trip. Emily didn’t like the idea of looking at the back of Jay’s head all the way down to the bottom of South America; she wanted to ride her own bike. They settled on two Suzuki DR-650 dual-sport motorcycles; two basic, yet solid, well-built bikes. This choice made it easy since the tools and parts used on one would also work on the other. They also decided to use soft luggage rather than hard bags that locked. They carried any valuables in their pockets. They didn’t use GPS. They didn’t have heated gear. The total weight of the gear they carried was 62 to 64 pounds. Myth #3: Death is imminent at the Mexican border. Yes, Emily and Jay heard all of the warnings. “Traveling in Mexico is dangerous.” “You’ll likely be robbed and possibly killed.” “You’ll have to pay bribes everywhere you go.” Most of the people offering these thoughts were sincerely worried about the couple’s safety and attempting to persuade them not to go. They decided to go anyway. What they found were friendly, helpful people. They didn’t pay a single bribe. The only thing stolen was the throttle rocker off one of the bikes. Even the police and soldiers they encountered – who looked menacing – were actually quite friendly and helpful. Had they heeded the warnings, they would have missed the beautiful scenery, the wonderful people, and their fascinating cultures. The experience was better than they had imagined. Myth#4: It feels like vacation the whole time. It was not like vacation; at least not all of the time. The weather conditions varied from sweltering heat to freezing cold, TM

Midwest Motorcyclist

from sunny and dry to dark with furious downpours, and often high winds that were both unnerving and tiring. Each border crossing took at least a day with one taking up several. They were fortunate in that their DRs suffered no major breakdowns; only some flat tires. They were also fortunate to have no major accidents. However, tip overs in the deep sand were frustrating and tiring. The food was at times great and at other times not so good. They took a risk in eating local food; they wanted to immerse themselves in the culture but were at risk of getting food poisoning. The toilets were often disgusting. One nearly inviolable rule they left with the audience, should anyone undertake a similar adventure: Don’t ride at night. There are too many unmarked road construction areas, hazards or obstacles for night riding to be safe. While their adventure was the experience of a lifetime, both Jay and Emily had things they would have done differently. For Emily, she would have worked harder at living “in the moment” instead of looking ahead. Jay would have preferred to have a more structured agenda; not so structured that they couldn’t visit places, take excursions, or simply take a day of rest on a whim, but structured enough so they could plan to meet up with family and friends along the way. Their unstructured agenda made those meetups virtually impossible. The presentation was both informative and entertaining. If you didn’t make it, you missed an enjoyable, informative presentation.

Michigan

Harley-Davidson

Dealer Events

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

December 30 Farewell 2017 It has been a year for the history books, let’s welcome in 2018! Battle Creek Harley-Davidson 5738 Beckley Road Battle Creek, MI (269) 979-2233 January 6 Holiday Hangover Party We made it through Christmas and New Year’s! Come shake your holiday hangover at BCHD! Battle Creek Harley-Davidson 5738 Beckley Road Battle Creek, MI (269) 979-2233 January 13 Red Wings Hockey Day Let’s celebrate our favorite hockey team! Wear your Wing’s gear, enjoy Little Caesars, and watch the game with us. Battle Creek Harley-Davidson 5738 Beckley Road Battle Creek, MI (269) 979-2233

January 27 Fiesta BCHD No time for siesta; it’s time to fiesta! Tacos, nachos, cervezas, and more! Battle Creek Harley-Davidson 5738 Beckley Road Battle Creek, MI (269) 979-2233 17


Oakland County ORV Michigan Harley-Davidson Park Moving Forward Dealer Association Members

Waterford, MI – The members to Oakland County Parks and Recreation (OCPR) Commission voted unanimously to proceed with the Oakland County ORV Park project. Approximately 300 supporters of the project – motorcyclists, ATV and UTV riders, and full-size fourwheeler enthusiasts – attended the meeting and voiced support for the project. The Park, which has been in the planning stages for several years, is the result of a partnership between the Michigan Department of Resources (MDNR) and the OCPR. The MDNR has already acquired two parcels – 120 acres and 90 acres - behind the Mt. Holly Ski Area Park and east of I-75 and north of Grange Hall Road in northern Oakland County. They are negotiating with property owners in the area north of Grange Hall Road and west of Dixie Highway to purchase other contiguous properties to increase the size of the Park. All of those who spoke supported the ORV Park project. Among the arguments in favor of the Park included the economic benefit to the OCPR and MDNR as well as stores, gas stations, campgrounds, restaurants, motels, etc. in the area. Four-wheel-drive enthusiasts were the majority of those who spoke. They talked about how family oriented their participants are and the significant amount of money they spend on their activity. The opening of the Oakland County ORV Park is planned for the fall of 2018.

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

6

8. Kalamazoo

15

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

17

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

11

5 12

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

3

7 8

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

www.midwestmotorcyclist.com

10

9

16

1 4

11. Mt. Pleasant

18

2

14

13

January 2018


MICHIGAN HARLEY-DAVIDSON DEALERS ASSOCIATION WWW.MHDDA.COM TM

Midwest Motorcyclist

19


INJURED ON A MOTORCYCLE IN MICHIGAN? THE Motorcycle LawyerSM SPECIALIZES!

- Jaso son Waechtter e

He wrote the book

LITIGATING M OTORCYCLE INJURY & DEA TH CASES BY: ATTO RNEY JASON A.

• Handling Injury and Wrongful Death Cases • We also have an Auto, No-Fault & Truck Department

MOTORCYCLE CASE

$1,000,000 ‘WINS’ ALREADY IN 2017: $1,250,000 Million-dollar winner, Attorney Jason Waechter

CALL: 1-877-Biker-Law (1-877-245-3752)

www.TheMotorcycleLawyer.com We have an affiliate office near you!

WAECHTER


Turn static files into dynamic content formats.

Create a flipbook
Issuu converts static files into: digital portfolios, online yearbooks, online catalogs, digital photo albums and more. Sign up and create your flipbook.