Midwest Motorcyclist(tm), March 2017 issue

March 2017

FREE Celebrating

19 Years

midwestmotorcyclist.com

Tiger’s Last Run Also in this issue: Building Skills, Going Fast at the California Superbike School Polaris Slingshot Review Get Your Body Ready to Ride

All In-Stock Victory Motorcycles®

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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.

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

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* Plus tax, set-up & licensing fees. Hard parts not included in this offer. 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.

Exceptional Prices on New, In-Stock 2016 Models We’re offering need to go

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“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.

TM

Midwest Motorcyclist

3

IN THIS ISSUE…

Columns 5 17 20 21

To Our Readers Lane Splitting: What Midwest Motorcyclists Need to Know by Jason Waechter Motorcycling and Law: Bills That Might Decrease Uninsured Driving by Dondi Vesprini The Preacher Speaks About... Polaris Slingshot by Franz Hoffer

Features, News & Reviews cc media publications

This Month’s Contributors: Contributing Editors Franz Hoffer plus

Blane Kamp, Dean Smith, Gene Southard, Dondi Vesprini, Jason Waechter

6 8 8 9 9 9 9 10 13 14 15 18

Tiger’s Last Run by Dean Smith Toronto SPRINGSHOW Kicks Off 2017 Riding Season 10th Annual Custom Bike Show & Expo at Gibraltar Trade Center Erik Buell Racing Ceasing Operation Again It’s Alive Super Hooligan National Championship Flat Track Series Launched 2017 Cycle Conservation Club of Michigan ORV Trail Directory is Out How an AMA Supercross is Designed & Built Giant Loop’s Mojavi Saddle Bag Now Available in Five Colors Building Skills, Going Fast at the California Superbike School by Blane Kamp Get Your Body Ready to Ride by Ray Peabody Tested: Motochic Ladies’ Lauren Backpack/Tote by Gene Southard

Resources 5 16 21

Advertiser Index Event Schedule Michigan Harley-Davidson Dealer Event Schedule

Cover photo: Tiger’s Last Run into the clouds in the Great Smoky Mountains. Photo by Dean Smith.

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

CHECK OUT OUR CLEARANCE DEPARTMENT RACKS & RACKS OF

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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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March 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 Motorcycles of Detroit....................16 123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123456789012345 123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123456789012345 123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123456789012345 123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123456789012345 123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123456789012345 BMW-Motus of Grand Rapids............10, 11, 14 123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123456789012345 123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123456789012345 123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123456789012345 123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123456789012345 BMW, SE Michigan. .........................3, 8, 13 123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123456789012345 123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123456789012345 123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123456789012345 123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123456789012345 123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123456789012345 Bubba’s Birch Run MC Swap Meet........18 123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123456789012345 123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123456789012345 123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123456789012345 123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123456789012345 123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123456789012345 Capitol Harley-Davidson .......21, 22, 23 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123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123456789012345 123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123456789012345 123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123456789012345 123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123456789012345 Elkhart Indian Motorcycles............................5, 7 123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123456789012345 123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123456789012345 123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123456789012345 123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123456789012345 123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123456789012345 Gildner’s Harley-Davidson ...........21, 22, 23 123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123456789012345 123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123456789012345 123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123456789012345 123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123456789012345 123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123456789012345 Grand Rapids H-D............................21, 22, 23 123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123456789012345 123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123456789012345 123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123456789012345 123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123456789012345 Great Lakes Dual Sporters ..................9 123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123456789012345 123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123456789012345 123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123456789012345 123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123456789012345 123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123456789012345 Great Lakes Harley-Davidson......21, 22, 23 123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123456789012345 123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123456789012345 123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123456789012345 123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123456789012345 123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123456789012345 Hamilton HarleyDavidson ................21, 22, 23 123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123456789012345 123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123456789012345 123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123456789012345 123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123456789012345 Holeshot Harley-Davidson ................21, 22, 23 123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123456789012345 123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123456789012345 123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123456789012345 123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123456789012345 123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123456789012345 Hot Rod Harley-Davidson .................21, 22, 23 123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123456789012345 123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123456789012345 123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123456789012345 123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123456789012345 123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123456789012345 Jason Waechter, The Motorcycle Lawyer..24 123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123456789012345 123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123456789012345 123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123456789012345 123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123456789012345 123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123456789012345 Jerry B’s Cycle Works.........................12 123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123456789012345 123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123456789012345 123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123456789012345 123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123456789012345 MI Harley-Davidson dealers ..........21, 22, 23 123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123456789012345 123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123456789012345 123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123456789012345 123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123456789012345 123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123456789012345 Michigan Sport Touring Riders.....................9 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123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123456789012345 123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123456789012345 123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123456789012345 123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123456789012345 123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123456789012345 Perry’s Harley-Davidson ............21, 22, 23 123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123456789012345 123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123456789012345 123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123456789012345 123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123456789012345 Ray C’s Harley-Davidson...............21, 22, 23 123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123456789012345 123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123456789012345 123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123456789012345 123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123456789012345 123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123456789012345 Retail Warehouse .........................4, 20 123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123456789012345 123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123456789012345 123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123456789012345 123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123456789012345 123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123456789012345 Sandy’s H-D ....................................21, 22, 23 123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123456789012345 123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123456789012345 123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123456789012345 123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123456789012345 Shiawassee H-D ..........................21, 22, 23 123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123456789012345 123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123456789012345 123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123456789012345 123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123456789012345 123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123456789012345 Spartan Cycle............................................18, 24 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Advertiser Index

TM

Midwest Motorcyclist

The 2017 riding season is off to an early start and we’re ready with the March issue. The event schedule is filling up fast as is our section on industry news. The Motorcycle Lawyer, attorney Jason Waechter, addresses the issue of lane splitting both in California and here in the Midwest. Regular contributor Gene Southard, who is currently touring New Zealand, reviews Motochic Ladies’ Lauren Backpack/ Tote for this issue. Motorcycling & Law columnist, Attorney Dondi Vesprini, reviews several bills in the Michigan State Legislature that would help reduce the number of uninsured motorists on our roads.

Our feature stories include Dean Smith’s article, Tiger’s Last Run, about the last ride on an aging motorcycle. Dean is a talented writer and this article is a terrific read. Franz “The Preacher” Hoffer reviews the Polaris Slingshot for us this month. Franz, a die-hard Harley enthusiast, seems to be considering an alternative ride for his retirement. Say it isn’t so, Franz!?!

Blane Kamp reviews his training at the California Superbike School and previews the next school he’s planning to attend on Memorial Day weekend at Barber. Finally, we offer suggestions for getting your core muscles in shape for more stable, comfortable rides this year. This article is slightly outside our typical subject matter but our experience shows us a strong core contributes to safer, more enjoyable rides. Try these exercises and you will too.

We hope you enjoy this issue. Thank you for reading and supporting our advertisers. They are essential to the health of this magazine. Have fun. Ride safe. Watch for distracted drivers and those not ready to see motorcyclists this early in the season.

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See you on the road,

5

Tiger’s Last Run Words and pictures by Dean Smith I believe that machines have souls.

Somehow, all of the steel, aluminum, copper, rubber, and different types of plastic that go into making a machine – especially a motorcycle – come together in a way that gives the machine its own sense of purpose. Even better, machines react to the way we treat them and go on to develop their own unique personalities. Regular preventive maintenance and maybe a few kind words seem to give our machines the will to work hard and do more than should reasonably be expected of them.

I’ve always been fortunate with my machines. They seem to last longer and run harder than machines owned by others. Sometimes they even talk to me.

For the past nine years, my daily rider has been a 2007 Triumph Tiger 1050. The Caspian Blue Tiger, because it replaced a White Triumph Tiger 1050, is known as “the Blue Tiger”. During its nine year, 80,000 mile run, the Blue Tiger has only once failed to deliver me to my intended destination.

Even then, a minor mechanical failure created a four day, 1,600 mile “demo ride” in the Smoky Mountains. It was almost as if the Blue Tiger said “hey, I need a couple days off. But we’ll set you up.”

If the Blue Tiger was a football player, it would be a linebacker – strong as any lineman, but lighter and with the explosive power and agility of a running back. For me, the Blue Tiger has been the ideal travel partner. It will cheerfully run long distance on the interstates – so long as it gets to take time out to play on twisties somewhere along the way. The Blue Tiger is happiest in the mountains or

6

Beautiful old Studebaker for sale on winding country roads but it tolerates city riding: perhaps it knows that’s where our travel money comes from.

Over the years, the Blue Tiger has carried me on several cross-country trips and on many shorter jaunts - sometimes alone, sometimes as part of a group. The Blue Tiger says “c’mon, let’s go” and we head off on another adventure. It’s been so much fun that I never really even thought about how – or even if – things might end. But the Blue Tiger is getting old. The suspension, once taut, now sags and the ride is a little less precise. I’ve also gotten old. My suspension sags and I’ve gotten soft.

One mid-October evening, I poured a cup of coffee and headed out to my workshop. The week had been a hectic and I wanted to spend some time “puttering”. But more than anything else, I just wanted some quiet time with my machines. I looked over at the Blue Tiger and started thinking.

Everything is worn out – tires, brakes, drive chain, springs. During cold weather, mischievous electrical gremlins play tricks on me. And then there is that oil consumption issue – a quart every 1,000 miles.

Never bad enough to make me want to tear into the engine, but just enough to make me question the sanity of doing major maintenance on other parts. As I tallied up the costs to return it to “like new” condition, I began to wonder about its future. I had a brief “flash forward” to a scene in which the Blue Tiger and I had both been pushed into a dark corner where we would spend the rest of our days together, forgotten and

www.midwestmotorcyclist.com

leaking fluids. Not a happy thought.

After rejecting the thought of a major rebuild, I began to consider other options for the Blue Tiger. I could use the wheels and fuel injection system for one of my project bikes. Other pieces could be sold on E-Bay to help finance other projects. A plan was forming. Then, the voices returned.

“C’mon, let’s go! I can do it. You know I can.” It was the Blue Tiger. Just like an aging athlete, well past his prime but with some game left, the Blue Tiger wasn’t ready to call it quits. I thought about all the good times we’ve had and agreed “OK. One last run.” I was scheduled to be in Nashville, Tennessee during the first week of November and promised the Blue Tiger that if the weather looked even a little bit ok, we would go together to Nashville.

November 2 arrived. The skies weren’t totally unfriendly, the rain was light, and it was unseasonably warm. I did a quick pre-flight, topped off the oil, tossed another quart in the saddlebag, packed up, got on my old friend and headed out. We rode in the rain through Chelsea, Michigan where we picked up US-12. A few minutes later, just as we reached the Irish Hills, the weather cleared up. A good sign. We (the Blue Tiger and I) stopped for a quick break at The Prehistoric Forest, a place that I first visited 25

The Prehistoric Forest years earlier with my children. Good memories.

At Jackson, Michigan, we headed south on US-127 and past some of the USA’s most productive farmland. In Michigan, most of the corn had been picked and the fields disked. Because of the rain

Continued on next page

March 2017

Continued from previous page - Tigers Last Ride that had recently passed through, my nose told me that many of the fields had also been fertilized. As we rode further south into Ohio, past the gigantic man-made Grand St. Mary’s Lake, corn was still standing and the distinctive smell of organic fertilizer gradually faded. There was no hurry so we continued mostly on US-127, passing through Oxford, Ohio – a college town that looks like it belongs in Connecticut — and finally stopped for the night along the Ohio River in Lawrenceburg, Indiana. The Wishing Well motel was cheap, outdated, and perfect for a budget-minded (cheapskate) traveler. Even better, the diner next door was also cheap, but the food was excellent. It was a good day for the Blue Tiger. I had fun, too.

After a hearty breakfast (I had coffee, eggs, and French toast while the Blue Tiger sopped up a few dead dinosaurs), we left Lawrenceburg and spent a relaxing morning riding along the Ohio River. We passed through some pretty little villages and, somewhere near Switzerland, even found a few spots where I could let the Blue Tiger Madison, Indiana

Crossing the Ohio River

play a bit. We had fun. At Madison, Indiana, we crossed the Ohio River – an interstate highway from a bygone era – and headed toward I-65, an interstate highway from my era. Play time was quickly coming to an end. Time to hit the freeway and make tracks. Nashville was calling.

Once business in Nashville concluded, it was time to go back to Detroit. As I packed up for the return trip, the voices came back. “C’mon, let’s go to the mountains. I can do it. You know I can.” I thought to myself “Ok, it’s our last run, let’s make it a good one” and called my wife and let her know that the trip might take a couple more days than planned. We hopped onto I-40 and headed east.

East, toward the mountains. As we rode, a plan formulated and something unusual happened.

About half-way between Nashville and Knoxville, the terrain slowly changes from mostly flat to somewhat hilly. It was there that I noticed a change in the Blue Tiger. It seemed like I needed less and less throttle to hold speed on the uphills, the suspension got tighter, and even the turn signals blinked a bit quicker. The Blue Tiger knew that the mountains were getting near! By the time we got to Alcoa, Tennessee, the Blue Tiger was almost a selfdriver. We stopped for fuel, added oil, and the engine started before my thumb even touched the starter button. We were on US-129 and the only

Spring is Coming...

Time to get your American V-Twin

READY to RIDE

thing between us and North Carolina’s Highway-28 was the Dragon. We ran up and over the mountain – third gear, no brakes – made a brief stop at Deal’s Gap Resort, and headed down North Carolina-28.

The Blue Tiger, no longer old and tired, fell into the rhythm of the road and the thirty-minute ride to Bryson City was over before we started. We turned around and made the run from the opposite direction. Same road, new turns, same fun. The Blue Tiger was happy.

Entering Deal’s Gap

After coming down off the Dragon, we headed up US-321 through the low-mountains past Gatlinburg, Pigeon Forge, and Sevierville and just took in the scenery. The trees had already begun losing leaves but the dry summer had caused the remaining leaves to be more colorful than I have ever seen. Absolutely beautiful! Little did I know at the time that this would be the last time I would see some of these trees. The horrible Smoky Mountain fires had already started and, within a week, much of the forest would be gone. Perhaps when the Blue Tiger said “take me to the mountains”, he knew it was his last chance to see them. I’m glad we took the extra time to visit the

Continued on page 18

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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.

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Midwest Motorcyclist

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UPCOMING EVENTS Toronto Motorcycle SPRINGSHOW Saturday, February 25, 2017

Final Saturday Seminar for 2017

GS Off-Road Riding Saturday, March 25, 2017

BMW National Open House New Models • Demo Rides • Much More RnineT Pure

RnineT Racer

Thursday, April 13, 2017

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.

Visit our Facebook page for details.

Kicks off the 2017 Riding Season

Toronto, Canada - Set your sights on Toronto, Canada, for the weekend of March 25 & 26 when the Toronto Motorcycle SPRINGSHOW takes place at the International Centre. This 27th Annual Edition, sponsored by Riders Plus Insurance, has grown to over a quarter million square feet and is recognized as the established Motorcycle Show Opener to kick off the riding season. Featured at this year’s Show are the New 2017 model motorcycles including touring and cruising bikes, street bikes, classic bikes, off-road bikes, scooters, and production customs. For great deals on non-current models, buyers can browse the giant Used Bike Clearance Sale. The expanded Used Parts ‘Pickers Market’ will have many people hunting for those missing parts and accessories among the vendors offering used and NOS (new old stock) parts for every type of motorcycle classic, as well as used riding gear, rare literature and even motorcycle memorabilia. Stage events include Leather Fashion Shows, racer autograph sessions, the EDDY awards and the Motorcyclist of the Year presentation.

With riding season right around the corner, shopping for all the great bargains on helmets, boots, gloves and riding apparel becomes a very popular SPRINGSHOW activity. Prices are unbeatable and the US

dollar is worth about 30% more in Canada, so grab those bargains while you can. Over 50 motorcycle Clubs and Associations will have displays at the SPRINGSHOW, with club members showing their bikes and sharing information about this summer’s upcoming events including local and national races, rides and rallies. The classic ‘Bikes on the Red Carpet’ display will feature vintage, classic, specials and modern classics brought in on an invitational basis. The Showbike Builders Competition features top customs competing for over $20,000 in cash and awards with $5,000 going to the “Best Bike in Show”.

Builders Class entries have consistently stepped up their game each year. Wild creations from top Canadian and American builders will be vying for the many awards and prize money.

The Motorcycle SPRINGSHOW is on from Saturday, March 25th from 9am to 9 pm and Sunday, March 26th from 9 am to 5 pm.

The International Centre is located at 6900 Airport Road. Admission is $18 for adults; $5 for youths under 12 and free for children under 6. Parking is free including VIP Motorcycle Parking at the front entrance.

Visit www.motorcyclespringshow. com for more information and to download a discount coupon or purchase online tickets at special advance pricing.

Friday & Saturday, May 19-20, 2017

Annual Spring Open House This is the BIG one!

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.

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

10th Annual Custom Bike Show & Expo at Gibraltar Trade Center CELEBRATING 10 YEARS!! Come out and see some of the most radical custom bikes on display in TWO bike class competitions with $7,000 in total prize money and trophies awarded, a mixture of vendors selling all kinds of motorcycle related products and accessories.

In a continuing effort to promote the best show of motorcycles in Michigan, Gibraltar Trade Center in Mt. Clemens will hold its 10th Annual Custom Motorcycle Show & Expo on Saturday and Sunday, March 25 and 26th, 2017. The show hours are Saturday 10:00 a.m. to 8:00 a.m. and Sunday from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 P.M.; with trophy and awards ceremony starting on Sunday at 4:30 p.m.

Gibraltar Trade Center in Mt. Clemens is expecting some of the most radical custom built motorcycles in the Midwest competing in two bike class competitions with $7,000 in total prize money and trophies awarded. The judges are legendary bike builder and artist Ron Finch – Finch’s Custom Styled Cycles;

www.midwestmotorcyclist.com

Gary Mauer – Kustoms, Inc.; Rob Gallo – Detroit Choppers, Inc, and Paul Richards – Native Custom Baggers, LLC. Interested bike registrants can register through Friday, March 24, 2017.

There will be plenty of great food, a full bar and vendors selling everything from bike parts, trailers, chrome accessories, leather gear, riding apparel, bike services and so much more. There is also a Bikini Contest Sponsored by Gibraltar Trade Center and The Horse Backstreet Choppers magazine, on Saturday, March 25 and Bike Awards on Sunday, March 26. Admission is $7.00 with $2.00 off coupons at www.gibraltartrade.com.

March 2017

Erik Buell Racing Ceasing Operations - Again.

For Now. EBR Motorcycles, LLC (“EBR”) located in East Troy, Wisconsin will continue to operate in East Troy to honor warranties and provide technical and parts support to current dealers and riders who bought motorcycles manufactured by EBR. EBR will begin a wind down of production operations. EBR will continue to review strategic alternatives with interested investors regarding production operations.

The limited production of remaining 2017 and 2016 EBR motorcycles are currently available from EBR’s top dealers.

Publisher’s note: Personally, I was disappointed when Harley-Davidson shut down its Buell operations. I rode several models beginning with the S-1 and always had a blast on Buells. The EBRs never were as exciting.

It’s Alive?

I thought the Excelsior-Henderson brand died of over exposure and $100 million in wasteful investments in 1999. Apparently not. According to a press release dated February 13, 2017 and distributed by Excelsior-Henderson (E-H), the company has hired Aaron, Bell International “to seek a strategic relationship for the reintroduction of the brand to the marketplace.

The release doesn’t say who currently owns the company, the rights to the E-H brand, or who hired Aaron, Bell. A listing on Wikipedia indicates that Hanlon Manufacturing Company still owns the intellectual property related to E-H and are still selling E-H-logo apparel on the their website. The brand’s Facebook page is occasionally updated.

According to the release, Ralph Bellizzi, founder and president of Aaron, Bell International said, “it’s impossible to overstate the unique opportunity this presents. An offering like this is extremely rare. An entrepreneur or investor can essentially pick up where the previous company left off, bypass the most difficult barriers to entry, and build upon the established success of this heritage-rich brand in a highly lucrative industry. It’s literally a once-in-alifetime opportunity.”

Sure it is. They might have trouble finding anyone to invest in the company if Hanlon plans to be the operating manager. Hanlon spent $100

million to build about 1,950 motorcycles. If I recall correctly, more money was spent on the company’s headquarters than on the production of motorcycles. Hardly a successful manager.

Despite what Mr. Belliizzi says, this isn’t a turn key operation. Considering how ugly the Super X was, any new motorcycle coming out of that factory would require a complete re-design.

Motorcycle Industry News

Super Hooligan National Championship Flat Track Series Launched Super Hooligan Series Champion Awarded a Factory Indian FTR750

professional GNC flat track race bike at final round.

www.GLDSMC.org TM

Midwest Motorcyclist

2017 Cycle Conservation Club of Michigan’s ORV Trail Directory is Out!

Roland Sands Design is proud to bring America the “thrills and spills” of Street Bike Flat Track Racing, with the 2017 Super Hooligan National Championship Series (SHNC).

We’ve selected the best events in the The Trail Directory was published in the country to be part of the series, which aims to January 2017 isssue of Great Lakes TrailRider, the establish the frightening, yet rewarding craft of CCC’s monthly newsletter. The Directory is a piloting street bikes at break-neck speeds around tracks of dirt and concrete. The riders are the stars “complete listing of all of the State-designated and comprised of a unique and diverse background trails and riding areas in Michigan.” It’s an of every type of rider, from washed up Champions excellent resource for all trail riders. Available to to plumbers, crusty flat trackers and roadracers as members of the CCC and at select motorcycle well as everyday Joes, Nine-to-Fivers, Stunt and retail shops and State Welcome Centers. Join the Motocross riders, and everything in between.

CCC at cycleconservationclub.org.

It’s a no-holds-barred battle to the stripe on 500 lbs. of fury. With A Local, races across the country ranging from specialty Non-Affiliated bike shows and concerts Motorcycleto pro American Flat Track events and beachEnthusiast Club side racing, the diversity Seeking promises a unique experience at each event.

Indian Motorcycle has generously offered up its crown jewel, the FTR750 Factory Indian Scout Sport Touring is Our Middle Name!

GNC-ready race bike as the championship prize.

Dunlop Tires, Motul

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.

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!

Oils, K&N Filters and Bell Helmets are also involved in a big way, bringing generous contingency checks to the competitors, rewarding heroic rides and top finishers. Watch Out America… this is Super Hooligan!

About Super Hooligan: The spirit of hooligan racing comes from a simpler time, when you raced – and could ride home on – any bike you owned. With its roots in Southern California motorcycle culture, today’s flat track hooligan racing category is rapidly gaining in popularity with riders of all ages and experience levels across the nation by offering the fun of motorcycle competition in a less structured environment.

Combining the craft of custom motorcycles and racing, the Super Hooligan rules are loose but limit the bikes to 750CC and up twins in stock frames with dirt track tires and no front brakes.

New Members

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

9

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 10

How an AMA Supercross Track is Designed and Built Monster Energy AMA Supercross is coming to Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis on Saturday, March 18 & Ford Field in Detroit on Saturday, March 25 need to allocate 24 hours for covering and creating the track. If the weather does not cooperate, completing the task in that 24-hour timeframe can be difficult. Astonishingly, the crew never misses a beat in ensuring that the track is safe and ready for action.

Fun Facts: A Monster Energy Supercross track represents the ultimate evolution of the sport. Among the many obstacles riders must negotiate every lap are whoop sections (brutal washboards where riders skim along the tops of the bumps), rhythm sections (irregular series of jumps with a variety of combination options), and triple jumps (three jumps in a row that riders normally clear in a single leap of 70 feet or more). Many of the turns have banked berms, but some are flat.

It takes roughly 500 truckloads of dirt to make up a Supercross track. Soil conditions can be hard-packed, soft, muddy, sandy, rutted, or any combination thereof. Average riders would find it impossible to even do a lap on a Supercross track, let alone race at high speeds.

Converting a professional baseball or football stadium into a 4,000yard Monster Energy Supercross track is a delicate process that requires a collaboration effort. The track requires a minimum of four days to construct. On average, 20 crew members work on the track while nearly 500 full- or mid- sized semi-trucks drop dirt. Before any dirt can be dropped onto the stadium floor, more than 5,000 sheets of plywood or plastic product are laid down onto the stadium floor to guarantee proper preservation of the venue’s sacred turf or grass.

After 26 million pounds of dirt are dumped, track crews

www.midwestmotorcyclist.com

• •

• • • • • • • • • • • • • • •

70,000 square footage of racing surface 9 structures that must be built on-site: finish line, team manager tower, scoring tower, holeshot structure, starting gate, AMA finish-line scoring tower, FIM/AMA observation tower, and video wall.

More than 500 Truckloads or 26 Million Lbs. of Dirt 6800 Sheets of plywood 60 hours – Team of 100 to build (6,000 Hours) 30 Pieces of heavy equipment Dozers, Loaders, Skid Steers, forklifts, excavators, man lifts.

The “Beast” stands 32’ high The “Dragon” shoots 100’ flames 702 Tuff blox line the track 10 different shapes and sizes 62 Tractor Trailers 11 Production Trailers 2 Television Trailers 2 Merchandise Trailers 46 Race Team Semi’s 215,000 Miles traveled in a season.

March 2017

The BMW RnineT Racer. Unwavering. Dynamic. Air-cooled.

The R nineT Racer lets you relive the era of legendary superbikes. Far removed from obsessive retro romanticism, but rather on a customizable bike with innovative technology and in customary BMW Motorrad quality. Crouched behind the striking half fairing, both hands tight on the low-slung handlebar grips, you can feel the powerful boxer work, you hear its unmistakable roar. And you already know: only a strong character can hold the racing line. On the road, as in life.

Join us for the BMW Motorcyclesâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; National Spring Open House on Saturday, March 25, 2017 BMW - Motus Motorcycles of Grand Rapids 5995 South Division Grand Rapids, MI (616) 530-6900 www.bmwmcgr.com Š2017 BMW Motorrad USA, a division of BMW of North America, LLC. The BMW name and logo are registered trademarks.

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11

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March 2017

Giant Loop’s MoJavi Saddlebag Now Available in Five Standard Colors 2017 Update of Pioneering Horseshoe-Shaped Minimalist Motorcycle Saddlebag in Yellow, White, Gray, Orange, Black (BEND, OREGON USA) Giant Loop says motorcyclists should enjoy freedom of choice! In response to the popularity of Giant Loop’s motorcycle soft luggage colorways, the adventure proof packing and gear systems innovator now offers its pioneering horseshoe-shaped minimalist saddlebag, the MoJavi Saddlebag, in all five color options: yellow, white, gray, orange and black. Riders can choose a color that matches or compliments their motorcycle’s color scheme, or they can select a color for conspicuity or any other personal preference.

First introduced in 2010, Giant Loop’s MoJavi Saddlebag improves rider endurance and comfort by taking the weight out of a backpack and putting it on the motorcycle or snow bike.

Specifically designed to carry just the essentials needed for a day trip or trail ride, the MoJavi Saddlebag is the slim, trim bag for inner tubes, tools, fluids and other save-a-ride necessities. It straps on and stays on no matter what. ”Probably the best additions were the Giant Loop ‘MoJavi’ saddlebags, which is where we stuffed all of our heavy items. Our shoulders thanked us. With the weight off our backs and secured to the bikes, we could ride twice as long without getting tired,” wrote Quinn Cody, multiple Baja 1000 winner and top 10 Dakar Rally finisher, in Dirt Bike magazine. The MoJavi Saddlebag also is

used by competitors in international rally racing, as well as by medical support riders at events and races.

Other 2017 updates include new sewn-on molded rubber graphics and new options for adding components to expand the MoJavi Saddlebag’s capacity. To protect against exhaust heat, the MoJavi Saddlebag includes a Giant Loop Hot Springs Heat Shield kit. MOLLE-style lash points on the MoJavi’s top/center allow mounting of additional gear or modular expansion options, such as Giant Loop’s Possibles Pouch or Klamath Tail Rack Pack.

The MoJavi Saddlebag’s packable volume measures 12 liters (two 6-liter side pockets). With a flexible mounting system - quick adjusting fender hooks and webbing anchor strap included - the Mojavi straps on or off virtually any bike in seconds.

Made in USA with military-spec materials and construction, the MoJavi Saddlebag is backed by Giant Loop’s limited lifetime warranty. USA MSRP is $199.

The MoJavi Saddlebag is available at Giant Loop’s showroom in Bend, Oregon, online at www.giantloopmoto.com and from powersports dealers across the USA via Tucker Rocky Distributing, as well as from international distributors around the world. Giant Loop is a rider-owned company that designs and tests products for powersports and outdoor adventure in Bend, Oregon. For all the details, go to www.giantloopmoto.com.

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2001 BMW R 1150 GS, Blue/White, 105,411 miles, $5,500

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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

13

Building Skills, Going Fast at the California Superbike School

By Blane Kamp

Four of us - Howie Tjiong, Jim and Andrew Wertz , and I - headed down to Virginia International Speedway for the California Superbike School (CSS) with high expectations. The school costs approximately $475 with your own motorcycle or $675 per day to rent their BMW S1000RR. The price varies depending on which track you go to. We all decided to rent the S1000RRs. The temperature was 80 degrees and the sun was shining. We couldn’t wait to get out there.

Our original expectation was that we were going to be in a room with a bunch of younger wannabe racers. That was not the case. The youngest rider was 14-year-old RJ riding a KTM 390 and the oldest was 70-year-old Ted riding a Suzuki V Strom 1000. RJ wants to become a racer, but he wasn’t overly intimidating on his 390. With any luck, we’ll hear about him down the road.

There were three women in the class, all good riders. We also had two guys from Canada, one with 18 months experience and the other had a V Rod as his main ride. The range of skills was from beginner to expert and the instruction varied depending on what each rider personally needed help with.

The CSS coaches started us out easy, just using fourth gear and no brakes on the S1000RR. This forced us to really think when heading into a corner. Riding with these restrictions is safer and allowed us to learn the track. Coaches discussed developing the best line for the turn, adjusting body position throughout the curve, and keeping our

eyes up looking through the curve for the next apex.

Staying in control while increasing your speed safely is the key.

Many of the ideas coaches covered in class have been around for a long time, but they explained the why and how the bike reacts to specific rider inputs. One tip was when doing a wheelie, whether on purpose or not, and the front tire comes down crooked, let the gyroscopic effect of the front wheel take over and the bike just straightens out. In other words, relax as you come down and the bike should straighten itself out. Of course, there is a point of no return when it comes to a crooked landing.

Knowledge is power when it comes to motorcycles, too. Learn the track or road you like to ride most. Try taking different lines in the corners

needed to control a motorcycle. To ensure the smoothest operation possible, CSS coaches teach students what the bike wants from the rider. This allows them to go faster, smoother and safer. The more the rider relaxes, the better the bike responds.

The Virginia International Raceway is located along the Virginia//North Carolina border. It’s a beautiful area with a ton of southern hospitality. CSS has four BMW levels of schools that anyone can take. At 199HP, the BMW S 1000 RR can be quite a S 1000 RR hand full, but these bikes have a number of track bikes ready to ride safety devices that can help riders out when they are in over their heads. CCS had five track drills, five classroom sessions, and one offor walk the track/road. You never know track exercise per day for each level. when a deer is going to run out in front of Our total cost for the two days was $1350 you. What would you do? This preparation including lunch and refreshments throughout the gives you options. The best GP riders in the day. Not cheap, but we all agreed that it was well world usually run a scooter around the track worth the money. We are already planning on before they ride to see and get a better feel for trying to do CSS Level 3 & 4 training at Barber in the whole track in case they do run off line.

Birmingham, Alabama on May 27-29, 2017. (See ad When watching the road ahead, do you on page 10 if you are interested in joining us.) see the whole picture, a wide screen view, or Learning how to go deeper into the corners, are you just focusing on one area? Only two bank the motorcycle harder and quicker, and then degrees of your vision are used to focus on exit faster with confidence and control was amazing. specific areas while you are riding. You need The personal help from the coaches helped improve to work on your peripheral vision to increase our skills considerably. They would point out our your input. You want the most input to make weakest corners and give us input that we could the best decision. When you switch your focus from work on the next time out. It was a lot of one area to another, there is what is called the saccade information, but the way it was presented and effect where your mind doesn’t process the practiced over and over again made it stick. Of all information. When you move your eyeballs you lose the schools that I’ve done over the years, this one information and your brain doesn’t record it. was the most informative street class I’ve ever taken.

I’ve been riding for 40 years and these classes What a blast! have given me a better understanding of the inputs

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Howie Tjiong at VIR for the California Superbike School

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Mineral Silver, 48,900 miles, Royal Blue, 19,000 miles, Red, 9,950 miles, Magn. Beige, 32,555 miles, Black/White, 22,210 miles, Grey, 41,000 miles, Graphite, 29,834 miles, Blue, 25,769 miles, Yellow, 63,693 miles,

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Get Your Body Ready to Ride

by Ray Peabody “What the Hell?” you’re probably thinking. You thought you picked up a motorcycle magazine, but the title to this article suggests it might be a fitness magazine. You don’t really need to be fit to ride a motorcycle, right? Just hop on, push the magic estart button, snick it into gear, roll on the throttle as you let out the clutch, and you’re off. The motorcycle provides the muscle and you’re just a rider. Before you toss this issue into the trash, consider why this topic is being covered.

Six-pack abs and big muscles everywhere else is not the goal here.

Instead, the goal is to consider how your level of fitness might affect the pleasure you take from riding. This topic might not be as relevant to younger riders as it is to more mature riders who might struggle to sit upright, maintain balance, and hold the bike up at stops. Or maybe it is. You will have to decide for yourself.

Before getting into the meat of this article, perhaps a look into the thinking behind its premise might be helpful. I’m turning 60 this year and have had back problems – arthritisfused upper back and neck – for several years. I’m quite active and mostly fit so

ignoring my inflexibility and pain was my strategy for dealing with my condition. That and a whole bunch of ibuprofen.

About four years ago, I dropped the Tiger as I came to a stop in a parking lot. My embarrassment knew no bounds. So much so that this is the first time I’ve publicly written about it.

For the remainder of the riding season that year, I felt uncomfortable and offbalance at slow speeds and stops. My riding confidence slipped. The reality is that my spine is out of alignment and my core muscles (stomach, lower back, butt and legs) were not strong enough to offset my crooked spine. I realized that one of two things had to happen. I either had to solve this balance issue and the resulting lack of confidence or quit riding. The thought of no longer riding was unacceptable so I had to solve my problem. Never one to get excited about sit-ups and crunches (they’re bad for your back), I looked for alternative ways to strengthen my core and improve my balance. I found a variety of core-strengthening exercises through online research and work with two physical therapists. These exercises

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.

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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

Continued on page 19

Pre-Owned Motorcycles 2012 Victory Cross Roads, Sunset Red, 9,632 miles, $10,499 OUT THE DOOR!!!

2010 Victory Vegas® 8-Ball™, Black, 16,891 miles, $7,499 OUT THE DOOR!!!

2013 Harley-Davidson® FLTRX - Road Glide® Custom, Black Denim, 9,494 miles, $16,999 OUT THE DOOR!!!

2011 Harley-Davidson FXS Blackline, Black, 3,254 miles, $11,249 OUT THE DOOR!!!

FEATURED MOTORCYCLE 2009 H-D Street Glide®, Black, 17,840 miles, $14,999 OUT THE DOOR!!!

Check out these latest additions to our Pre-owned Motorcycle list!!!

2011 Yamaha V Star Custom, Black, 3,065 miles, $3,999 OUT THE DOOR!!!

2004 Harley-Davidson® Screamin EagleSoftail Deuce, Yellow, 22,151 miles, $12,749 OUT THE DOOR

2010 Kawasaki Vulcan® 900 Custom, Black, 23,968 miles, $5,249 OUT THE DOOR!!!

2008 Suzuki Boulevard M50, Two tone paint, 12,569 miles, $3,999 OUT THE DOOR!!!

2005 Suzuki V-Strom 1000, Black, 16,881 miles, $4,499 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 TM

Midwest Motorcyclist

2012 Honda Shadow Phantom, Black, 4,725 miles, $5,249 OUT THE DOOR!!!

2012 Kawasaki Vulcan® 900 Classic, 4,038 miles, $5,499 OUT THE DOOR!!!

1998 Yamaha Royal Star Tour Deluxe, Black, 62,891 miles, $4,499 OUT THE DOOR!!!

2006 Kawasaki Vulcan 2000 Classic, Black, 16,054 miles, $5,999 OUT THE DOOR!!!

on Facebook at www.facebook.com/MotorCityMotorcycles 15

Events Events do change.

Please call ahead.

Michigan March 5 Detroit Motorcycle Swap Meet Lower admission & Vendor fees Suburban Showplace Collection 46100 Grand River Ave., Novi, MI (989) 225-1244 March 19 44th Annual Kalamazoo Motorcycle Swap Meet 3600 Vanrick Drive, Kalamazoo, MI $9/ adult (800) 800-6034 March 24-26 Custom Bike Show & Expo Gibraltar Trade Center 237 North River Road (I-94, Exit 237) Mt. Clemens, MI March 25, 2017 Monster Energy Supercross Ford Field, Detroit, Michigan March 25-26 27th Annual Toronto Motorcycle SPRINGSHOW 2017 at the International Centre, Toronto, Ontario Advance discounted tickets at http://motorcyclespringshow.com/ March 31-Apri1 1 Mid-Michigan Motorcyclist 28th Annual Pigfest 2017 Ramada Lansing Hotel & Conference Center (formerly Holiday Inn West) Hospitality Pool Party Sat. 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 9 37th Annual Grand Rapids Motorcycle Swap Meet Deltaplex Arena 2500 Turner Ave., Grand Rapids, MI $8/ adult (800) 800-6034 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 23 Michigan‘s Biggest & Best Motorcycle Swap Meet Birch Run Expo Center May 19-21 Paragon Rocks the Blessing 45th Annual Baldwin Blessing of the Bikes Baldwin, MI May 21 Walneck’s Swap Meet Monroe County Fairgrounds 3775 S. Custer Rd. (on M-50), Monroe, MI $6 / admission; $40 / vendors (630) 985-2097 May 28 29th Annual Valpo-Fest Motorcycle-Car Show & Swap Meet Porter County Expo Center 215 E. Division Road, Valparaiso, IN $8/ adult; children under 12 are free (800) 800-6034 May 21 Walneck’s Swap Meet Monroe County Fairgrounds 3775 S. Custer Rd. (on M-50), Monroe, MI $6 / admission; $40 / vendors (630) 985-2097 May 21 8th Annual Antique Motorcycle Swap Meet & Vintage Motorcycle Show $5 admission; under 16 free 9 a.m to 4 p.m.

St. Joseph County Fairgrounds 316 East Charlotte Centreville, MI (269) 254-3793 www.wolverineamca.com

Pre-Owned Motorcycles

2008 BMW K1200S, 2003 BMW R1200C, Night Black, 8,493 miles, Phoenix, 33,444 miles, $7,600 $5,500 2015 BMW F800R, Racing Blue, 3,650 miles, $8,150 2013 BMW R1200RT, 90th Anniversary, 3,762 miles, $14,000 2012 BMW R1200RT, Magnesium Beige, 369 miles, $13,000 2012 BMW K1600GTL, Royal Blue Metallic, 5,197 miles, $17,000 2011 H-D FXS Blackline, Black/Orange, 2,930 miles, $10,800 2010 BMW S1000RR, Motorsport, 11,674 miles, $10,000 2009 BMW K1200LT, Night Black, 35,651 miles, $10,500 2007 BMW K1200GT, Grey Metallic, 15,474 miles, $7,500 2003 BMW F650CS, Black, 36,976 miles, $3,500

BMW Motorcycles of Detroit 34080 Van Dyke Avenue, Sterling Heights, MI (586) 274-4000 • www.bmwdetroit.com 16

June 9-11 ABATE of Michigan Field Meet June 10-11 Vintage Motorcycle Weekend June 10: 10th Annual Vintage Motorcycle Ride Open to all vintage motorcycles 25 years and older Register between 9:00-10:00am Ride approximately 70 paved miles through scenic Barry County July 11: 22nd annual Vintage Motorcycle Show & Swap Meet $12.00/person, children 11 and under free 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Rain or shine!

Gilmore Car Museum 6865 W Hickory Rd. Hickory Corners, MI 269-671-5089 July 13-16 3rd Annual Rebel Road Motorcycle Rally West Western Avenue, Muskegon Michigan Free Admission This year’s lineup will include national entertainment acts, fire performers, bike shows, a tattoo contest, the Bearded Baron contest, the Miss Rebel Road contest, as well as food and merchandise vendors. www.rebelroad.org August 16-19 Great Lakes H.O.G. Rally Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan at Kewadin Casino Tickets available at members.hog.com

Indiana March 4 Daytona Bike Week Pre-Party IndyWest Harley-Davidson 6201 Cambridge Way Plainfield, IN (317) 279-0062 March 5 ABATE Region 1 Elkhart County Swap Meet 2017 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. $5 / person Northern Indiana Event Center RV-MH Hall of Fame 21565 Executive Parkway Elkhart, IN (574) 370-3392 March 18 ABATE Region 3 Spring Bash / Battle of the Bands $5 / person Doors open at 6 p.m.; Bands start at 7 p.m.

Fraternal Order of Eagles 1221 East Lincoln Rd. Kokomo, IN (765) 631-7636 March 18 Spring Open House + St. Patrick’s Day Celebration “Luck-of-the-Irish” Licensed Product Sale: Up to 75% off End-Of-Season Items Wear Green & receive 50 Reward Points Double Reward Points all day Hunter’s Moon Harley-Davidson 225 Progress Drive Lafayette, IN (765) 588-6721 March 18, 2017 Monster Energy Supercross Lucas Oil Stadium Indianapolis, Indiana March 25 Spring Open House Stop in for some food, drinks, and check out the reveal of the 103.9 the Bear’s 21st Birthday Bike that we’re giving away at the end of the Summer

www.midwestmotorcyclist.com

Hoosier Harley-Davidson 720 WEST BRISTOL STREET, ELKHART, IN (574) 262-2735 March 25 ABATE Region 7 Swap Meet / Ride-In Bike Show $5 / person American Legion Annex 400 W. 2nd Street, Seymour, IN Bike show info: (812) 767-2182 Event info: (812) 614-2979 May 6-7 GNCC Limestone 100 Lawrence County Recreational Park 99 Moore Lane, Springville, IN May 28 29th Annual Valpo-Fest Motorcycle-Car Show & Swap Meet Porter County Expo Center 215 E. Division Road, Valparaiso, IN $8/ adult; children under 12 are free (800) 800-6034

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/

Canada March 25-26 27th Annual Toronto Motorcycle SPRINGSHOW 2017 at the International Centre, Toronto, Ontario Advance discounted tickets at http://motorcyclespringshow.com/

Event Listings are FREE March 2017

Lane-Splitting: What Midwest Motorcyclists Need to Know

by Jason Waechter, Esq. During a recent trip to Los Angeles, California, I noticed that some motorcyclists were lane-splitting, which is now legal in that state. As The Motorcycle Lawyer, I spend a lot of time and energy trying to promote motorcycle awareness; so, as a motorist, I go above and beyond to be aware of motorcycles while driving.

That said, I found myself surprised to see riders moving quickly between lines of traffic, and it got me thinking about lane-splitting both in a legal and safety context. I thought I would provide more information about lanesplitting for Midwest riders who may not have seen it first-hand, both to ensure riders are informed about lanesplitting laws in states they might visit, and to provide more information should lane-splitting legislation be proposed or enacted in the State where my readers live.

Before we go any further, lanesplitting is the act of riding a motorcycle between lanes of slowmoving or stopped traffic. It is most often done on highways or freeways as opposed to city roads.

California is the exception in the United States when talking about lane-splitting: in most states, lane-splitting is illegal or not explicitly legal. Lanesplitting is also called “filtering”, “lane-sharing”, or “white-lining”.

In Michigan, for example, lane-splitting is explicitly illegal: “a person operating a motorcycle, moped, low-speed vehicle, electric personal assistive mobility device, or bicycle shall not pass between lines of traffic.” (MCL257.660). In Indiana, “lane splitting” is not specifically stated as being illegal in the Indiana Motorcycle traffic laws. It does state that a motorcycle “may not be driven or operated in a manner that deprive(s) another vehicle of the full use of a traffic lane.” See Indiana Code Sec. 9-21-10-6. In my opinion, if a motorcycle is splitting the lane, other motor vehicles are deprived of their right and ability to use the entire traffic lane and therefore, lane splitting violates Indiana law.

Over the years, there have been many defeated attempts to get lane-splitting on the books in California. Even though they were not successful, there was some benefit to trying and failing to get lane-splitting legalized: it prompted researchers in California to actually study lane-splitting safety, and that research ultimately resulted in pushing lane-splitting legislation through.

In May 2015, the University of California at Berkeley published a study that found lane-splitting motorcyclists were less likely: to be hit from behind by motor vehicles; to suffer from head and/or torso injuries while riding; and to sustain fatal injuries in the event of a crash.

Another surprising (but logical) argument supporting lane-splitting in California, and particularly in Los Angeles, was the environmental argument: Los Angeles has some of the worst traffic in America, and studies have shown that allowing TM

Midwest Motorcyclist

motorcyclists to filter through heavy traffic results in fewer vehicles idling on the roads, which therefore means fewer emissions overall. What I gathered from casual conversation with people in California is that any methods to reduce traffic and/or emissions are being welcomed by California residents, as long as those methods are relatively safe.

After the Berkeley study was published, California Highway Patrol (CHP) published guidelines for motorcyclists and motorists about lanesplitting safety. However, a member of the public felt that CHP was overreaching their mandate and “creating public policy” in publishing these guidelines, and a judge agreed: the guidelines were removed. In response to that citizen’s challenge, a Bill was proposed and passed making lanesplitting officially legal in California. At the time this article was written, CHP had not replaced their guidelines on their website.

Overall, it seems like most motorcyclists, experts, and motorists are “split” on whether or not lane-splitting is a good thing. Some motorcyclists believe lane-splitting is an important tool they can use in crash avoidance, particularly when it comes to being hit from behind or sideswiped by an inattentive driver sitting in traffic.

Others have said they think it’s a “death wish”.

Obviously, these are just anecdotes from other motorcyclists, and not measured safety observations.

For me, as a motorcycle accident injury lawyer, it is difficult to say if lane-splitting offers motorcyclists an advantage or not. It would be difficult for me to speak out against lane-splitting, provided it is done with attention to safety and it is legal in the state where you are riding. That said, a discussion of what is “safe” or “not safe” is nuanced and far beyond the scope of this article.

Motorcyclists are put at increased risk of a crash, injury, or death all the time by distracted drivers. In situations where traffic is moving very slowly, a distracted driver could be more likely to hit a stopped or slower-moving motorcyclist from behind. In situations where traffic is not moving at all, these same drivers could be more likely to be completely tuned out of what’s going on around them as they check their phones, get traffic reports, or plug directions into the GPS. These drivers, in my opinion, could be less likely to be watching for motorcyclists at all, especially motorcyclists moving toward them between lanes of traffic. It takes the whole “I never saw the motorcyclist” excuse to a whole new level.

What is the answer? As usual, it depends. In my opinion, motorcyclists across the United States need to be aware of the laws in the state(s) where they are riding. It is important to get involved and do your part to promote motorcycle awareness, especially in Los Angeles and other major traffic centers where lane-splitting could be a desirable option for motorcyclists.

The key to safer lane-splitting is driver awareness, hands down. Getting drivers to watch for motorcyclists and just pay attention more generally to what they are doing behind the wheel has the potential to significantly reduce the number of motorcycle crashes, injuries, and deaths.

Legislation is important, but in my opinion, awareness is more important… and it starts with all of us!

Have you ridden in California? Share your experiences with us on Facebook, or send an email to clerk@lawyerforlife.com. If you’d like to get more informed and involved with motorcycle awareness, find us at Facebook.com/ TheMotorcycleLawyer, or visit www.TheMotorcycleLawyer.com. We love hearing from our readers and fans!

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

17

Motochic Ladies’ Lauren Backpack/Tote

by Gene Southard

Sponsored by Michigan Motorcyclist®

With the ever increasing number of female riders in our sport, find riding gear specifically designed for the female rider can be difficult.

When my wife saw the Motochic Backpack/Tote at the dealer show, she wanted one. We have been on many rides where she has trouble getting her purse into an already full tank bag. If, during the ride, she wants to purchase something, room to store the purchase is lacking. Motochic has the answer with a backpack that can also be used as a tote.

This high end product is 16" high, 12.5" wide and expands to 5" deep. The main zippered compartment is large enough to hold a 13" laptop. This padded compartment also has four open pockets and one zippered pocket sewn into the motorcycle-themed lining. In the front pocket, a zippered pocket and lanyard with key clip are found.

Contoured padded backpack straps are held in the back compartment and when removed they attach to the bottom of the bag with clips. The backpack straps have a vertically adjustable chest strap to keep the straps from sliding off the user’s shoulders.

Everyone needs a little liquid refreshment so there is a pocket on each side of the bag to hold a drink bottle. At the top of the bag, two 14" leather shoulder straps are neatly stored in compartments with

magnetic closures when the bag is used as a tote.

In case of rain, a hidden compartment at the bottom of the bag holds a rain cover. This cover attaches to the bag with a strap and elastic draw string to hold it in place even when riding at high speeds. The rain cover has a reflective logo to make you visible at night and to let everyone behind you know that you are wearing a Motochic backpack.

Continued from page 7 -Tiger

fluids. He was not happy. The negotiations began. I made a few commitments and pushed the starter.

Nothing. I added another commitment and pushed the starter. The engine spun to life and the voices said “C’mon let’s go! We gotta make tracks and stay ahead of the snow”.

The Blue Tiger then bolted for home. The rest of the ride was fast and uneventful. It is now safely home and waiting on me to fulfill my promises.

The UPS guy is happily delivering boxes of shiny new parts. The last run will have to wait.

mountains. We finally stopped for the night north of Knoxville and checked in at the Lambs Inn Motel. Same story; cheap motel with an interesting name, but this time next to a Mexican restaurant. Another good day on two wheels.

The sun came up on Saturday but the temperature didn’t. Mid-30s and windy. Since snow was scheduled to start falling by mid-morning, we had to get an early start. I finished my coffee, pulled on all of my clothes, and prayed that the layers would help keep me warm.

I threw my leg over the seat, turned the key, and pushed the starter button.

Nothing. Not even a click.

The Blue Tiger knew that this was his last run; that he would soon be pushed into a dark corner, and would spend the rest of his days forgotten and leaking

18

www.midwestmotorcyclist.com

Every woman will not only want something that is functional but is also stylish. The large leather quilted panels on the front and back are fashionable. Not only is this bag the height of fashion but is made of 1000 denier polyester with a water-resistant lining, when you can’t get the rain cover out fast enough.

Debra Chin, CEO of Motochic, has a long history in the fashion industry and her expertise comes thru in the design of this bag. The Motochic backpack/tote retails for $325 and can be ordered with black, red or white leather panels at www.motochicgear.com.

Rest stop at Fontana Lake

March 2017

Continued from page 15 don’t require any equipment or a gym membership and they’re effective. I’m still crooked but I stand up straighter and have better balance because of these exercises.

The simplest exercise was one I learned from a physical therapist. In effect, if you’re having trouble with balance, practice balancing. Begin by standing on one foot. What you’ll notice is that your body will waver but your core muscles will automatically work to bring your body back into balance. The stronger your core muscles, the more balanced you’ll feel.

When one leg tires, balance on the other leg. As your core muscles become stronger, less effort will be required to stay in balance.

Once your balance improves, you can further exercise your core muscles by intentionally throwing yourself off-balance while standing on one leg. Stretch the upraised leg out in front of you a little at first and then extend it out further as you become more stable. Do the same out to the side and also to the rear. Switch legs and do the same. This is a simple, yet effective exercise you can do anywhere at any time.

You have likely heard of planking. This exercise is also quite simple but more challenging than balancing. The high plank position is similar to the push-up position but rather than moving up and down using your arms, you simply maintain the up position with a straight back from shoulders to toes.

In that position, squeeze your stomach, butt, and thighs to hold the position. Try it for a minute the first time (yes, time it) and add time as your endurance improves. The more common plank position is similar but, rather than using your hands to hold you up, use your elbows. In both exercises, push your shoulders down away from your ears. This exercise is more challenging than you might think.

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Midwest Motorcyclist

Most of us did squats in gym class when we were young and they’re still a great exercise. Stand with your feet shoulder width apart and your hands either on your hips or straight out in front of you. Lower your torso until your thighs are parallel to the ground while keeping your feet flat on the ground and toes pointed straight forward. Then raise your torso back up. Repeat 20 times. To add variety, put one foot slightly forward of the other and then switch after one set. Alternatively, you can spread your legs further apart or bring them tight together.

This is a good exercise for strengthening your legs and butt, muscle groups essential for balance.

The last exercise is one that took me awhile to accept despite its effectiveness in improving leg strength and balance. Standing up straight with your feet together, step forward with one foot and take the

27 thANNUAL

knee from the rear foot down until it almost touches the floor. Then bring the foot used in the step forward back to its original position.

Do the same with the other leg.

Repeat 20 times. Not only with this exercise help strengthen your legs, it also improves your balance.

These are the four primary exercises I use to help improve my core strength. (Again, consult your doctor before beginning any exercise program.) I am no expert in fitness training but these are the exercises, learned from people who are experts, that have helped me improve my balance, core strength, and, as a result, my confidence while riding at slow speeds and while stopped. In the end, I am enjoying riding as much or more than I did when I was younger.

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Motorcycling & Law

Bill That Might Decrease Uninsured Driving

by Dondi Vesprini According to a 2014 study published by the Insurance Research Council, 21% of motorists in Michigan were driving without insurance. That is approximately one in every five drivers on the road! That percentage ranked Michigan as number five in the country for most uninsured motorists.

I can tell you that, to no surprise, in my work as a trial attorney I find that the incidence of uninsured motorists is higher among residents of poorer cities or counties versus residents of wealthier cities or counties. In any event, this high rate of uninsured drivers should be concerning to all Michigan motorcyclists because that means that if you are involved in an accident with an at-fault motorist, there is a 21% chance that unless you have uninsured-motorist coverage on your motorcycle insurance, you will not have an insurance company in line to recover your pain and suffering damages from. In this day and age, where it is becoming more and more common to see the purchaser of a car buy auto insurance, simply to allow them to purchase the car and then immediately cancel the insurance policy, it is nice to see a number of recent bills that have been proposed in Lansing which could affect the incidence of uninsured motorists.

The first is House Bill 4041 which would require auto insurers to notify the Secretary of State if a person does not renew or cancels vehicle

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insurance, or if the policy is terminated.

Under Michiganâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s current law, a driver is required to have insurance in order to register and operate a vehicle, but the state has no way of knowing if a person cancels the insurance after paying the annual vehicle registration tax. Perhaps if a driver knows that the Secretary of State will receive notification when their auto insurance is not renewed, cancelled or terminated, that driver will be less likely to operate a vehicle without the insurance on it or face the penalty that goes along therewith.

Another bill worth taking a look at is House Bill 4097, which would require a person who buys auto insurance for a term of less than six months to pay for a full yearâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s worth of No Fault insurance. This would decentivize those people who will purchase a seven-day auto insurance policy solely so they can purchase a vehicle or those who will purchase a policy but then cancel it immediately after purchasing the car. This is made especially the case given that the bill does not allow for refunding the premium unless the insured is no longer required to maintain auto insurance or the insured has replaced the policy being cancelled with a policy from a different insurer and is able to provide proof of same.

Finally, House Bill 4098 which would authorize the Secretary of State to issue a temporary registration valid for only 30 days to a vehicle owner if the auto insurance on I T I O N the vehicle has a term of 30 days. The bill would also require every application to renew a registration be

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

accompanied by a proof of insurance that has a term of at least 30 days. This would create incentive for purchasers of vehicles to purchase an auto insurance policy of greater than 30 days or else their license plate will expire after 30 days subjecting them to penalty for driving with an expired plate. If I had my druthers, I would have the bill increase the relevant time period to require purchasers to purchase auto insurance covering greater time periods right from the beginning.

The takeaway from all of this is hopefully if these bills pass, it will create incentive for persons to carry auto insurance on their vehicles to lessen the incident of uninsured drivers in Michigan and in turn lessen the number of injured motorcyclists who go without compensation if hit by an uninsured driver.

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 donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;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 donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;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!

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March 2017

The Preacher Speaks About...

Polaris Slingshot

by Franz “The Preacher” Hoffer My wife Arlene and I were fortunate enough to take a nice twoweek vacation in Ft. Myers Beach, Florida this past year. I considered trailering my Road Glide but thought better of it when I checked my HOG directory and found a big Harley dealer (there really aren’t any small ones anymore) near where we were staying.

So, as is my modus operandi, I planned on renting a Harley when we got to our destination. That plan changed when, as my wife and I were driving our cage around getting familiar with the area, I saw a Polaris Slingshot, the The coolest three-wheeled vehicle I had ever seen. Just a few miles up the road, we found a Slingshot rental facility. I wrestled with it, my friends. I wanted to rent a Harley but couldn’t get the Slingshot out of my mind. I was not about to spend the money to

The Slingshot engine compartment

rent both so… Call me a traitor, a sissy, a wimp, a turncoat if you want but I opted to rent the Slingshot from Gulf Coast Slingshot Rentals (gulfcoastslingshotrentals.com).

We picked up this little red rocket on a Thursday afternoon. The rental agent reviewed the operation of the Slingshot before our departure and was flexible on the time of return and chargeable hours. Included in the rental was a cover for the Slingshot for overnight, two ponchos in the event of rain, a beach towel, and some Maguire Detailer and fiber cloth to clean the windows.

To be honest, I was more impressed Slingshot’s features than I thought I would be. Besides the cool looks, it’s powered by a 2.4 Liter, fourcylinder, 16 valve DOHC GM EcoTech engine. Other features include a fivespeed manual transmission, three-point seatbelts, LED taillights and headlights, electronic power-assisted steering, ABS disk brakes, tilt steering, adjustable seats, lockable storage bins and glove box, Red Pearl Paint, Blade windshield deflector, 4.3”LCD screen, six-speaker audio system with AM/FM, and TM

Midwest Motorcyclist

Bluetooth integration. This beauty was loaded!

The Slingshot was not difficult to get into, even for someone like me.

I’m a little larger than the average dude and, at times, a little on the clumsy side.

Arlene found the entry/exit relatively easy as well. The adjustable steering column and high back seats make it quite comfortable once you get in. The side-view mirrors are good for rear visibility but they are manually adjustable; not electric, remotecontrolled units. You do have to be Slingshot cockpit

careful backing up as the rear end of this motorcycle (that’s right…it’s licensed and registered as a motorcycle) is high so you really must use your side-view mirrors and stretch to see over the middle. The radio and sound system are clear and loud; much better than you would have on your traditional motorcycle.

OK, you have the skinny on the Slingshot. Now let’s review what it was like to drive this thing. To familiarize myself with the Slingshot, I took it out for a solo tour around Fort Myers Beach that first afternoon. Guys/Gals, if you are single, this thing is a people magnet. I got stares and requests for rides up and down the strip. Everyone, it seemed, was watching me. Of course, if you know me, you know I hate attention. (ha, ha!)

Once I was familiar with the Slingshot’s characteristics, I was ready to pick up Arlene and head out. She wanted her turn behind the wheel so she drove it for a while. We spent all day Friday driving around Southwest Florida, mostly on Sanibel and Captiva Islands.

The vehicle handled well and gave us 29 miles per gallon fuel economy from its nine-gallon tank. It was comfortable to cruise in although we did have to get used to the low profile. The difference between the Slingshot and my Harley is that you sit on top of the motorcycle whereas you sit down in the car. It’s a small price to

Michigan

Harley-Davidson

Dealer Events

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

March 4 Ride N’ Shine Breakfast Come and join us for some breakfast Saturday morning! We start serving at 10am 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 March 4 March Of Dimes Fundraiser March us your dimes! We’re collecting all of your loose change for March of Dimes. Bikers helping babies Battle Creek Harley-Davidson 5738 Beckley Road, Battle Creek, MI (269) 979-2233 March 11 Bowling Meet & Greet @ Gaylord Bowling Center Come by the Gaylord Bowling Center for a Meet & Greet hosted by Mustang and Blondie Zips 45th Parallel Harley-Davidson 980 S. Wisconsin Avenue Gaylord, MI (989) 732-8000 March 18 Red Wings Hockey Day It’s the last season at The Joe so let’s celebrate the wings! Wear your hockey attire, watch the game, and enjoy some fun hockey giveaways and food Battle Creek Harley-Davidson 5738 Beckley Road, Battle Creek, MI (269) 979-2233 March 17 St. Patrick’s Day Event Show some Green, save some Green

Gildner’s Harley-Davidson 2723 South M 76 West Branch, MI (989) 345-1330 March 18 Soup Cook-Off Calling all chefs! Join us for our 5th Annual Soup Cook-Off! Register your soup to jill@capitolhd.com Capitol Harley-Davidson 9550 Woodlane Dr. Dimondale, MI 48821 Phone: 517.646.2345 March 20-25 UNITED WE ROLL-Military Heroes Week Week long event honoring our Military. Demo Rides Ray C’s Harley-Davidson 1491 S. Lapeer Rd. (M-24 & I-69) Lapeer, MI (810) 664-9261 March 25 ’Sweet’ Sixteen Pie Day What’s sweeter than the Sweet Sixteen?! PIE! Stop in to watch the games and enjoy some PIE Battle Creek Harley-Davidson 5738 Beckley Road, Battle Creek, MI (269) 979-2233 March 25 1st Responders Appreciation Event Food, Prizes, and all New Milwaukee 8 Motorcycles for viewing and Demo Rides Ray C’s Harley-Davidson 1491 S. Lapeer Rd. (M-24 & I-69) Lapeer, MI (810) 664-9261

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Continued from page 11 - The Preacher

Michigan Harley-Davidson Dealer Association Members

pay for driving this red rocket.

Speaking of red rocket, this thing moves. Just ask the guy in the black Porsche at the light at San Carlos Blvd and Summerlien. I can still see him in my rear view mirrors, probably wondering what the heck that was that just blew him off at the road. I just wanted to see what this little red devil would do.

The controls are easy to operate. Power is delivered from that beast of an engine to the 20-inch single rear wheel by a carbon fiber-reinforced belt. Response to throttle input is immediate and cutting the back wheel loose is effortless.

The power steering makes it easy to turn the two 18” front tires. The sport suspension was stiff enough for precision handling and plush enough for a comfortable ride. Arlene had no problems driving it.

We put 260 miles on the Slingshot in two days in all kinds of road conditions and felt comfortable, secure, and stable at all times.

In the end, I highly recommend renting one of these rockets if you have the chance. The Slingshot is a blast to drive and safe with a stable feel to them. If you are interested in buying one, they retail from $19,000 to $24,000, depending on options. This was a fun vehicle to drive and when that day comes where I start to experience balance problems, the choice between a Slingshot and a Trike will be hard. If I had to make that decision today, some Harley purists might be upset.

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

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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

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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March 2017

TM

Midwest Motorcyclist

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