Midwest Motorcyclist(TM), March 2018 issue by Midwest Motorcyclist

March 2018 â&#x20AC;¢ FREE

midwestmotorcyclist.com

2018

AMA Also in this issue:

Harley-Davidson Engine History Motorcycling & Law Industry News

Ice Racing Championship

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Midwest Motorcyclist

IN THIS ISSUE… Columns 7 8 13 17

Motorcycle Theft: What You Need to Know About Insurance and the Law by Jason Waechter Ask Dr. Cycholl by Patrick Armitage House Bills 5517 & 5523 Call for No-Fault Law Repeal by Dondi Vesprini The Preacher Speaks About Harley-Davidson Engine History by Franz ”The Preacher” Hoffer

Features, News & Reviews cc media publications

This Month’s Contributors: Contributing Editors Patrick Armitage, Franz Hoffer Plus, Dondi Vesprini, Jason Waechter

5 9 10 15

Hot Racing at the 2018 AMA Ice Race Grand Championship by Ray Peabody Get to Work! Your Motorcycle Can Pay for Itself By Ray Peabody Dark Side of the Moon: Motorcycle Deaths Linked to Full Moons Introducing Harley-Davidson’s 2018 AFT Factory Team

Resources 4 14 17

Advertiser Index Event Schedule Michigan Harley-Davidson Dealer Event Schedule

Large cover photo: Racers charge around turn 4 on their way down the front straight at the 2018 Ice Race Grand Chamipionship in Cadillac, Michigan. Photo by Ray Peabody. Small cover photo: Jeremiah Sherman, organizer and promoter for the 2018 Ice Race Grand Chamipionship, power sliding through turn 4 in his heat race on Saturday. Photo by Ray Peabody. 1234567890123456789012345678901212345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123456789 1234567890123456789012345678901212345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123456789 1234567890123456789012345678901212345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123456789 1234567890123456789012345678901212345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123456789 1234567890123456789012345678901212345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123456789 1234567890123456789012345678901212345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123456789 1234567890123456789012345678901212345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123456789 1234567890123456789012345678901212345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123456789 1234567890123456789012345678901212345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123456789 1234567890123456789012345678901212345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123456789 1234567890123456789012345678901212345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123456789 1234567890123456789012345678901212345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123456789 1234567890123456789012345678901212345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123456789 Hot Rod Harley-Davidson .................17, 18, 19 ABATE of Indiana ....................................14 1234567890123456789012345678901212345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123456789 1234567890123456789012345678901212345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123456789 1234567890123456789012345678901212345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123456789 1234567890123456789012345678901212345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123456789 Jason Waechter, The Motorcycle Lawyer..20 ABATE of Michigan, Region 11......................18 1234567890123456789012345678901212345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123456789 1234567890123456789012345678901212345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123456789 1234567890123456789012345678901212345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123456789 1234567890123456789012345678901212345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123456789 Knee Dragging Daddy / Vince Ursini.............5 A.B.C. Harley-Davidson ..............17, 18, 19 1234567890123456789012345678901212345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123456789 1234567890123456789012345678901212345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123456789 1234567890123456789012345678901212345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123456789 1234567890123456789012345678901212345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123456789 1234567890123456789012345678901212345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123456789 MI Harley-Davidson dealers ..........17, 18, 19 Battle Creek Harley-Davidson....17, 18, 19 1234567890123456789012345678901212345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123456789 1234567890123456789012345678901212345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123456789 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1234567890123456789012345678901212345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123456789 Motorcycle Solutions, LLC......................10 Bubbas’s Birch Run Swap Meet...........12 1234567890123456789012345678901212345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123456789 1234567890123456789012345678901212345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123456789 1234567890123456789012345678901212345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123456789 1234567890123456789012345678901212345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123456789 Perry’s Harley-Davidson ..............17, 18, 19 Capitol Harley-Davidson .......17, 18, 19 1234567890123456789012345678901212345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123456789 1234567890123456789012345678901212345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123456789 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.......................14 1234567890123456789012345678901212345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123456789 1234567890123456789012345678901212345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123456789 1234567890123456789012345678901212345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123456789 1234567890123456789012345678901212345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123456789 Sandy’s H-D ....................................17, 18, 19 Gildner’s Harley-Davidson ...........17, 18, 19 1234567890123456789012345678901212345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123456789 1234567890123456789012345678901212345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123456789 1234567890123456789012345678901212345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123456789 1234567890123456789012345678901212345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123456789 Shiawassee H-D ............................17, 18, 19 Grand Rapids H-D............................17, 18, 19 1234567890123456789012345678901212345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123456789 1234567890123456789012345678901212345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123456789 1234567890123456789012345678901212345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123456789 1234567890123456789012345678901212345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123456789 Sport Bike Track Gear ................................5 Great Lakes Dual Sporters ..................8 1234567890123456789012345678901212345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123456789 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1234567890123456789012345678901212345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123456789 Town & Country H-D........................17, 18, 19 Hamilton Harley-Davidson ................17, 18, 19 1234567890123456789012345678901212345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123456789 1234567890123456789012345678901212345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123456789 1234567890123456789012345678901212345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123456789 1234567890123456789012345678901212345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123456789 Zip’s 45th Parallel H-D...................17, 18, 19 Holeshot Harley-Davidson ................17, 18, 19 1234567890123456789012345678901212345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123456789 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Advertiser Index

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

How to contact us: 709 Fall Street Spring Lake, Michigan 49456 (810) 923-8738 www.midwestmotorcyclist.com Copyright 1998-2018 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.

Event Listings are FREE www.midwestmotorcyclist.com

March 2018

Hot Racing at the 2018 Ice Race Grand Championship by Ray Peabody

Cadillac, Michigan – The 2018 American Motorcyclist Association (AMA) Ice Race Grand Championship was held on Lake Cadillac on the shore of Mitchell State Park on February 2, 3, and 4, 2018. The weather for the races was nearly perfect with temperatures in the teens to low 20s. Competitors in the Championship included kids as young as four years old to senior citizens. Both genders compete. The machines they race run the spectrum from mostly stock 50cc minis to purpose-built race bikes (the foundation of which are dirt bikes), with home-made sidecar rigs and ATVs included in the mix. (The ATVs were considered support / exhibition classes for this event.) Most of the machines race on tires studded with razor-sharp screws with a few classes for motorcycles and ATVs running rubber only – without studs. On Friday, ISDE racer Jeff Fredette was presumably the first ice racer to ever win a race while riding an electric motorcycle. Jeremiah Sherman, owner of Sherman Motorsports and organizer for this Championship, put together a smooth running event. The oval track was approximately a quarter-mile in length.

Midwest Motorcyclist

Racers were staged and ready to enter the track as soon as the previous race finished. Events like this are more enjoyable, especially in the cold weather, when the delay between races is minimized. Two trucks and two ATVs with plow blades cleaned the track every four or five races. These race bikes (with the studded tires) get excellent traction on the ice but snow can disrupt handling, especially at high speeds. The plows are essential. The racing was both exciting and entertaining. The Pee Wees ran half the laps of all of the other machines. While most of these youngsters – some as young as four - are not especially fast, they are fun to watch. Some are already demonstrating their racing skills and strategy as they race to the checkered flag. Step up to the 65cc class and the racing between the seven to 11 years olds gets fast and competitive quickly. These kids are jamming for the inside line

through the curves and racing wide open down the straights. Who knew these 65cc and 85cc race bikes could be so fast? Once the 250cc and 450cc machines get on the track, the racing gets serious. It’s similar to NASCAR in the way the racers force their way to the inside of the curves for the shortest route around the track. There’s bumping, banging, and more than a little paint shared. The sidecars and ATVs also took their turns on the track. The sidecars look like homemade steel platform rigs bolted to the side of the bikes. Most of Continued on page 6

Continued from previous page the passengers remained seated on the saddle behind the rider throughout the races rather than move onto the sidecar to counterbalance the shifting weight of the sidecar. Only one passenger actually rode on the sidecar and he didn’t move around much. The machines are slow through the corners but are fun to watch. The ATVs with the studded tires are fast and exciting. Despite the studded tires, the machines can powerslide through the curves. The ATVs without studded tires are slow to get going but once up to speed they are also competitive. They do, as you might imagine, tend to slide out of control more easily than their studded-tire brethren. Overall, the 2018 Ice Race Grand Championship provided an exciting show. The action was fast, furious, and competitive. After having been canceled due to warm weather last year, the 2018 was a welcome experience for those of us suffering from a lack of time in the saddle this winter. (Editor’s note: We apologize for not including the play-by-play and the final results from the races. The results, including racer names, their numbers, and where they finished in each heat and race were not available by press time. You should be able to access the official results online at https://www.facebook.com/ AMAIceRaceGrandChampionship2016/. We hope you enjoy the pictures from the event that accompany this article.)

One of the Pee Wee racers pushing his race bike through turn 4 before heading down the front straight.

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These ATV racers are using un-studded tires; slow getting up to speed and hard to stop once they did.

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Continued on page 12

March 2018

Motorcycle Theft: What You Need to Know About Insurance and the Law by Jason Waechter, Esq. Motorcycle theft is a worry that’s never far from motorcyclist’s minds, and for good reason, too. The National Insurance Crime Bureau (NICB) reported that motorcycle theft rose 2 percent in 2016 to 46,467 incidents. However, the report also noted that, overall, motorcycle thefts are down 30 percent from 2006, when they totaled 66,774. Not surprisingly, most motorcycles are stolen in warmer months than in the colder ones. The NCIB’s report showed that August and July had the highest number of thefts in 2016, whereas February had the lowest number. This makes sense, considering the fact that many motorcyclists keep their bikes in storage or in their garages during the colder months, so they’re less accessible to thieves. The location of the states and the cities where the most motorcycle thefts occurred was also available in the report. The top five states that saw motorcycle thefts in 2016 were California, Florida, Texas, South Carolina, and North Carolina. The top five cities for motorcycle theft were New York City, San Diego, Las Vegas, Los Angeles, and San Francisco. The thieves also seemed to target certain makes. The NCIB report concluded that the top five makes stolen in 2016 were American Honda Motor Co., Yamaha Motor Corporation, American Suzuki Motor Corporation, Kawasaki Motors Corp., and Harley-Davidson Inc. What does the law say? The legal punishment for motorcycle theft depends on where the crime is committed. For example, in Indiana, auto theft is considered a level 6 felony and includes up to two and a half years in prison and a $10,000 fine. If the person who stole the bike has a prior conviction, it’s automatically treated as a

Level 5 felony and the punishment is imprisonment up to 6 years and a $10,000 fine. What does insurance say? Most comprehensive insurance policies cover motorcycle theft, regardless of where it happens. They usually will cover anything stolen from your bike, like mirrors, helmets, or a radio. Be sure you check with your insurance company to determine what kind of policy you have and what, exactly, that policy covers. If you don’t have comprehensive insurance, you may want to consider getting it. Comprehensive insurance covers damage to your motorcycle not caused by a crash. The damage in these scenarios could be from natural disasters, vandalism, and theft. If you find that your motorcycle has been stolen, you need to let the police know as soon as possible so they can begin to file a report on it. You will also need to notify your insurance company about the theft. Your insurance company may require that you wait a set amount of time before they finalize your claim.

steal. The idea is to make your bike so frustrating and time-consuming to steal that the thief moves on to another bike. First, always lock your steering. Second, consider using a motorcycle cover to deflect attention from your bike. If it’s under an unappealing cover, it’s less likely to attract attention from would-be thieves. Finally, use high-quality disc locks and a strong chain and anchor. Combining these security measures keeps your bike safer and makes it more difficult for thieves to take. 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.

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ASK Dr. Cycholl Q&A Column For Your Questions Relating to Motorcycle Safety, Riding Techniques and Touring By Maurice “Moe” D. Cycholl

Dear Dr. Cycholl, I recently received a speeding ticket in the City of Livonia. Thinking I could potentially get the charge reduced, I took it to court. I have a good record and drive a company car. Because of this, I was hoping to get the charges reduced to a non-moving violation with no points. I received a letter in the mail setting the court date and took the day off. While sitting in the outer waiting area with several other people apparently also waiting for their cases, people were being called into a side office to talk with a magistrate. When I was called, I went into the office and sat in front of the Magistrate. He looked over the case record and offered to reduce the charges from 10 mph over to 5 mph. I said, “So you are able to negotiate the charges?” He said “No, I am offering only the 5 mph reduction. If you don’t want to accept the offer, you will have to make another court date.” I already took this day off, I didn’t want to take another. Also, going into court they will know I turned down the previous offer. I feel like I was scammed by the city. P.Oed Dear POed, I agree. You were scammed. It used to be that your right to contest traffic tickets in court was respected and you had a reasonable chance of winning or getting the charges reduced if you had a good case or a good record. Not any more. Government has discovered traffic tickets are big revenue generator. You will

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Dear Dr. Cycholl, Do you think today’s traffic is more or less dangerous than in the past? My son is wanting to ride and I am less than enthusiastic about it. Roshonda Willis, Inkster MI Dear Roshonda, I began riding in 1972 and my Mom had her concerns, too. Traffic was dangerous then but in the following years it has become more dangerous for many reasons. The traffic itself was less congested than today. There were no cell phones, texting or MP3 music players. It was comparatively rare by today’s standards to see outright reckless driving by car drivers or motorcyclists. There are things on the plus side though. Tires and brakes are much improved. ABS is available on increasing numbers of models, eliminating many braking errors that caused many crashes in the past. Today, there are classes to teach new riders proper riding techniques, unlike how I had to learn. Provided a rider takes training and practices seriously, much of the risk can be greatly reduced. I have ridden for 42 years without a serious crash. I attribute this to my training and practice. The risks can’t be eliminated, but everything that is fun is dangerous. 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

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find there are no minor, inexpensive tickets and there usually is a fee tacked on for the State. The courts have found it is easy to mislead and intimidate us into accepting a small offer of reduction in charges often without a reduction in the fine. Yes, it is a money grabbing, lucrative scam that is far easier than raising taxes. I fell prey to a similar scam. I was heading westbound on I-94. I exited at Ecorse Road. At the Ecorse/Inkster Road intersection, I entered a light-controlled, left-turn lane. When the light turned green, I made my left turn and was promptly pulled over. The Cop said I had made an illegal left turn. (1000 feet back, on the Exit ramp there is a sign that says “No left turn at Inkster Road”) I asked for a reduction in at the scene and the cop was nice enough to write the ticket for “Obstructing Traffic, no points / $150.00 fine.” I took photos of the lone “No left Turn” sign so far away from the intersection that from the sign, the intersection is almost totally impossible to see. I also took photos of the intersection engineered to facilitate left turns with left turn lanes and left turn lights in all directions. I took all of this to Court. Before my case was called, I spoke with the Officer that issued the ticket. He told me that he had never seen more thorough documentation for this offense. But, he said, “No one wins this. If you take it into the Court Room, the original Prohibited Left Turn charge will be reinstated with points and a higher fine. But, it is up to you.” I doubted the change in charges was legal, but I am no lawyer and this was intimidating. I opted to pay the $150.00 fine for obstructing traffic. Before I paid I asked the Officer, “Do you feel good about issuing tickets like this at that intersection?” He replied, “I just enforce the law.” I said, “Yes, but do you think this is right?” Again he said, “I just enforce the law.” I bet they write this same ticket all day and night. Cha Ching! $150.00 over Men’s and over, and remember, he Concealment said, “No one wins this.”

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March 2018

Get to Work! Your Motorcycle Can Pay for Itself By Ray Peabody Yes, there are companies that rent motorcycles, EagleRider being the most prominent. They rent most brands of motorcycles and make a good sum doing so. They offer mid-week late-model motorcycle rental deals as low as $79 a day but the price can range $149 per day or higher for other packages. Now, Twisted Road has developed an online meeting place where motorcycle owners can offer to rent their bikes and motorcycle renters can find motorcycles to rent in destinations they’re planning to visit. At last check (2/11/2018), 315 motorcycles were available to rent. The models available to rent include most brands including Aprilia, BMW, Ducati, Harley-Davidson, and Triumph as well as all of the Japanese brands for prices ranging from $75 to $200 a day. (Rates could be higher or lower. The rates we quote are from a brief review of the available motorcycles on Twisted Road.) How to rent your motorcycle to someone else:

1. List your motorcycle on the Twisted Road website (www.twistedroad.com/). You decide the daily rate for renting your motorcycle. 2. Approve the rental. Twisted Road will have gathered information about the renter including name, address, driver’s license number, a history of the motorcycles (makes and models) the renter has ridden, how long the renter has been riding, and a copy of their insurance card. Twisted then reviews the renter’s motor vehicle report to confirm whether he or she has a motorcycle endorsement and any traffic violations. 3. Meet your rider. You decide whether you want to rent to that person. 4. Get your motorcycle back. The renter or his/her insurance company is responsible for any damages to the rented motorcycle. 5. Get paid. You receive 70% of the rental fee through PayPal within 15 days of the return of the motorcycle. How to rent a motorcycle from someone else: 1. Find a motorcycle on Twisted Road. 2. Book the motorcycle you want. Review the list of restricted uses for any motorcycle you rent on the Twisted Road website. 3. Pick up the rental motorcycle. 4. Ride the world. 5. Fill the gas tank and return the motorcycle

BMW-Motus Motorcycles of Grand Rapids

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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 November 14-15, 2018 The price is $2,750 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.

Continued at the bottom of page 10

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

Midwest Motorcyclist

Dark Side of the Moon: Motorcycle Deaths Linked to Full Moons Findings Show How Small Distractions Can Have Outsized Effects ϯϱϭϵ :ĂĐŬŵĂŶ ZĚ͘ ŝŶ dŽůĞĚŽ ϰϭϵͲϳϮϬͲϰϯϭϯ

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PRINCETON, N.J.—Distracted drivers, like those who text behind the wheel, are a danger to themselves and to others. Even a brief, momentary glance away from the road can result in life-threatening consequences. Research published Dec. 11 in The BMJ points toward another potential distraction for motorists: the full moon, gracing the sky with its brightness around 12 times a year, and the dazzling supermoon, which comes into focus around once a year. The researchers found that on nights illuminated by a full moon, fatal motorcycle accidents increased by 5 percent compared to nights without a full moon. On evenings when the supermoon decorated the sky, this increased to 32 percent. The study included data from the United States, the United Kingdom, Canada, and Australia. While this observational data cannot prove any firm conclusions, the researchers warn drivers of the risks of seemingly minor distractions, urging constant attention while driving at all times. “Drivers face a number of distractions behind the wheel — from texting, to phone calls to road obstructions and more,” said study co-author Eldar Shafir, the Class of 1987 Professor in Behavioral Science and Public Policy and professor of psychology and public affairs at the Woodrow Wilson School of Public and International Affairs. “Our study adds to the literature that small distractions can sometimes lead to life-altering consequences.” “Glancing at the full moon takes the motorcyclist’s gaze off the road, which could result in a loss of control,” said the study’s lead author Donald Redelmeier, professor in the Department of Medicine at the University of Toronto. “The average ride on a motorcycle is more dangerous than a drunk driver with no seatbelt traveling the same distance. Because of this, we recommend riders and drivers orient their attention, ignore distractions, and continuously monitor their dynamic

surroundings.” Redelmeier and Shafir hypothesized that people’s attention may be naturally drawn to a full moon, thereby potentially contributing to fatal motorcycle crashes. To test this, they analyzed data from the official United States registry of motor vehicle crashes from 1975 to 2014, during which time 494 full moons and 65 supermoons appeared. They calculated the number of fatal crashes on full moon nights compared to nights with a quarter moon (one week before and after the full moon). The researchers defined a full moon as the one night each month when the entire facing surface of the moon was illuminated. They also included the rare occasions in which two full moons appeared in the same month. They studied a 16-hour time frame, which they labeled as nighttime motorcycle activity, which fell between 4 p.m. and 8 a.m. The overall study duration spanned 40 consecutive years. They found 4,994 fatal crashes occurred on the nights with a full moon, which is equal to 9.10 crashes per night. In contrast, a total of 8.64 fatal crashes per night occurred on nights without a full moon. Fatalities increased further under a supermoon, amounting to a total of 703 fatal crashes, or 10.82 fatal crashes per night. This means that for every two full moon nights, there was one additional fatal crash. Under the supermoon, this increased to two additional deaths. Overall, there was a total increase of 226 additional fatal crashes on nights with a full moon during the entire study period. “While these figures might seem low on the surface, they are quite significant,” Redelmeier said. “All of these deaths could have been prevented completely by small differences in behavior.” The typical motorcyclist was a middle-aged man riding a street bike with a large engine in a rural location, who experienced a head-on front impact. Less than half were wearing a helmet.

Continued from previous page - Twisted Road www.twistedroad.com/. 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 10

to the owner. That’s it. Think of Twisted Road as the AirBnB of the motorcycle industry. You have an asset and you want to make money from it. The renter, his/her insurance company, and Twisted Road are responsible for any damage to your motorcycle. You get paid for renting something you already own. For more information, visit the Twisted Road website at

www.midwestmotorcyclist.com

(FYI, we have no financial relationship with Twisted Road. The company isn’t an advertiser with us nor have they paid for this article. We thought this was an innovative idea that might be of interest to our readers. We’re not sure whether we would actually rent one of our motorcycles this way but it might be worth considering. If you decide to rent your motorcycle or if you rent a motorcycle from some other owner through Twisted Road, let us know how it goes.)

March 2018

BMW Motorcycles of Detroit 1301 S. Rochester Road, Suite B Rochester Hills, MI 48307 (248) 402-4013 www.bmwdetroit.com

Midwest Motorcyclist

UPCOMING EVENTS Thursday, April 27, 2018

Annual Charity Fashion Show to Benefit the Thin Blue Line of Michigan

Continued from page 6 - Ice Races This was the only team in which the passenger rode on the sidecar.

https://www.tblofmi.com/

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.

Saturday, May 19, 2018

Annual Spring Open House This is the BIG one! The best food and refreshments you’ll find at any Open House. Demo rides and entertainment. Join us in celebrating the 2018 riding season! BMW Motorcycles of Southeast Michigan 14855 N. Sheldon Rd., Plymouth, MI 734.453.0500 www.bmwmcsem.com

This young racer was wicked fast, dominating his class.

A race to the finish. That’s Larry Schmidt , long-time AMA District 14 ice racing and flat track starter, with the flag.

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March 2018

Motorcycling & Law

extended period will be forced to file for bankruptcy.

House Bills 5517 - 5523 Call for No Fault Law Repeal by Dondi Vesprini In November of last year, I wrote about the then most recent attempt by the insurance industry to pass legislation in Lansing to cut benefits owed to injured persons under Michigan’s No-Fault Act. It was House Bill 5013, announced by Detroit Mayor Michael Duggan, and House Speaker Tom Leonard and introduced by Insurance Committee Chair Lana Theis. As you are likely aware, under Michigan’s current no-fault law, persons injured in an accident involving a motor vehicle are entitled to payment of no-fault benefits which includes unlimited medical expenses, medical mileage, and payment for assistance rendered to the injured person for personal care (attendant care) and also three years worth of wage loss and payment for assistance with tending to the person’s household chores while injured. Under House Bill 5013, among other damaging provisions, the insurance industry was calling for a cap on attendant care and a choice of caps on medical expenses which would have bound a motorcyclist to the cap choice made by the motorist who injured the motorcyclist! Fortunately, on the bill was defeated in the House of Representatives by a tally of 63 votes against the bill versus 45 votes for the bill. In that article, I warned for folks to keep on eye on things in Lansing because the trend over the past several years has been for the insurance industry to continue to periodically introduce bills aimed at cutting away or significantly limiting an injured person’s entitlement to no-fault benefits after being injured in an accident. Well, it didn’t take long for the insurance industry to introduce a new package of bills after the defeat of House Bill 5013. On February 6, 2018, House Bills 5517 – 5523 were introduced in Lansing. These bills go much further than calling for caps or limitations on

benefits available under the no-fault law as they have done in the past. These bills essentially call for a complete repeal of nofault benefits altogether! I have gone over the bills and wanted to point out some of the major damaging points of the bills. 1. After December 31, 2019, a motor vehicle insurer shall not issue or renew an auto insurance policy that provides for payment of no-fault benefits. Under Michigan’s No-Fault law, a person involved in an accident with a motor vehicle is entitled to unlimited lifetime medical expenses, attendant care benefits and medical mileage reimbursement and three years maximum of wage loss and household services. These benefits are owed to the injured person regardless of who was at fault for the accident. More times than not, these benefits are paid without issue by the insurance company and it provides the injured person with timely income and source to pay their medical bills while they are dealing with the injuries from the accident. Further, if an injured person required wage loss and/or household services beyond the 3 year cap, these excess economic benefits could be claimed against the at-fault driver. THESE NO FAULT BENEFITS, INCLUDING ANY EXCESS ECONOMIC CLAIM, WILL ESSENTIALLY BE REPEALED FOR THOSE INJURED PERSONS INVOLVED IN ACCIDENTS WHERE THE INVOLVED MOTOR VEHICLE HAD AN INSURANCE POLICY THAT WAS ISSUED OR RENEWED AFTER 12-31-19. This will leave everyone to their own financial resources regarding paying medical bills and obtaining necessary attendant care and/or replacement services. It can be expected that if the bill passes, health insurance premiums will skyrocket and many injured persons will be forced to apply for Medicaid/Medicare. Also, without any wage-loss benefits, injured persons who are out of work for a significant period without the financial capabilities to go without an income for an

2. The Catastrophic Clains Association has no liability for accidents occurring under insurance policies issued or renewed after December 31, 2019. Under Michigan’s No-Fault law, when someone is involved in an accident that involves a motor vehicle, the injured person is entitled to payment of his/her no-fault benefits as explained above. Once the auto insurer has paid over $555,000.00 in medical expenses on a person’s claim, the insurance company is reimbursed by the MCCA for any medical payments it makes over and above that amount. In HB 5517, as it calls for an essential repeal of no-fault benefits where the involved insurance policy was issued or renewed after 12-31-19, it follows that the Catastrophic Claims Association will likewise have no liability for benefits in this situation. 3. As of December 31, 2019, auto insurers of out-ofstate residents are no longer required to provide nofault benefits to their insured’s who are injured in an accident in Michigan. Under Michigan’s No-Fault law, an insurance company that does business in Michigan is required to file a certificate that it will provide Michigan No-Fault benefits to an insured who resides out of state if they are involved in an auto accident in Michigan. For example, let’s suppose an Ohio resident is involved in an auto accident in Michigan. If the Ohio resident is insured by an auto insurer who does business in Michigan, he/she can claim Michigan’s No-Fault benefits. In HB 5517, as of December 31, 2019, such insurers are no longer required to provide Michigan no-fault benefits to an out of state resident involved in a Michigan accident. 4. Michigan’s motorcycle helmet law is modified as to eliminate the requirement that operator or passenger carry $20,000 worth of medical coverage on his/her motorcycle insurance in order to ride legally without a helmet. Under the current version of Michigan’s motorcycle helmet law, one may legally ride without a helmet if he/she is 21 or older; and have

Continued on page 16

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Midwest Motorcyclist

Events Events do change. Please call ahead

Michigan February 25 Detroit Area Motorcycle Swap Meet Suburban Showcase Collection 46100 Grand River Ave,Novi, MI $8 / person; 12 and under free www.hugeswapmeet.com March 9-11 Women’s Expo at the Devos Place Stop by our booth at the show and say “hi!” BMW Motorcycles of Grand Rapids 5995 S. Division, Grand Rapids, MI (616) 530-6900 March 17 G310GS New Model Introduction BMW Motorcycles of Grand Rapids 5995 S. Division, Grand Rapids, MI (616) 530-6900 April 14 Bob Burn’s 90 th Birthday BMW Motorcycles of Grand Rapids 5995 S. Division Grand Rapids, MI (616) 530-6900 April 22 Bubba’s Tri-City Cycle’s Birch Run Motorcycle Swap Meet 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. $8 admission Birch Run Expo Center 11600 North Beyer Road Birch Run, MI (989) 893-5187 bubbastricitycycle.com April 27 Charity Fashion Show to benefit the Thin Blue Line of Michigan BMW Motorcycles of Southeast Michigan 14855 Sheldon, Plymouth, MI (734) 453-0500 April 29 Lakeshore Blessing of the Bikes Ottawa County Fairgrounds

May 4-6 BMW Battle Creek Club’s Mini Rally NEW LOCATION Circle Pines Center, 8650 Mullen Rd. Delton, MI May 12 H.I.M. Blessing & Bob W iles Memorial The ride starts at Retail Warehouse 1640 South Centreville Road in Sturgis. Registration and other activities start at 9:45 am. Motorcycles go out at 12:45 pm. There is no charge for the ride. The 50 mile ride will go on the local country roads. At the end donations will be accepted for hot dogs and chips. For more information call (269) 689-9351 May 13 38 th Annual Mother’s Day Swap Meet & Bike Show Sponsored by Bubba’s Tri-City Cycle 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. $5 admission; Children under 12 free Midland County Fairgrounds 6905 Eastman Ave., Midland, MI (989) 893-5187 bubbastricitycycle.com

Indiana February 16-18 Indiana Motorcycle Expo Indian State Fairgrounds 1202 E. 38th Street Indianpolis, IN $14 – Adults $12 – Seniors (60+) $8 – Children (6 – 12) FREE – Children (5 & under) 2 Day Tickets: $22.00 March 4 ABATE Region 1 Elkhart County Swap Meet 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM. Price: $5 per person - Everyone Welcome - Open to the public Music. Food available on site. Motorcycle parts & accessories. Leather goods. Jewelry. Men’s & women’s apparel. Kids Korner. General swap meet items. Many vendors & activities. Gear up for the upcoming riding season. Northern Indiana Event Center / RV-MH Hall of Fame 21565 Executive Parkway, Elkhart, IN 574-202-6217 or 574-596-7266 March 17 St. Patty’s Day Lunch Elkhart Indian Motorcycle 3016 Brittany Ct, Elkhart, IN (877) 856-4326

www.midwestmotorcyclist.com

March 17 ABATE Region 3 Spring Bash $5 per person. Kids 15 and under are free. VFW Post #1152, 920 N Washington St., Kokomo, IN 765-452-1521. For more information contact Brett Anderson 765-631-7636. March 24 ABATE Region Laporte County Cabin FeverAmerican Legion Post 83, 228 East Lincoln, LaPorte, IN 46350. 6:30pm - 11:00pm. $10 per person or $15 per couple. Minimum Age 21. No membership required. Open to the public. Get out and enjoy the night. Great party to just come out and enjoy, sit back and relax before the season starts. Hope to see everyone there! 219-916-6159. or (219) 898-1078 March 24 ABATE Region 7 Swap Meet American Legion Annex (400 W. 2nd St., Seymour, IN 47274). Admission: $5.00 per person. Swap Meet: 8:30am - 4:00pm. RideIn Bike Show: sign-in starts at 9:00am, judging starts at Noon. Kitchen Open for Breakfast: 7:00am - 10:00am. Lunch: 10:00am 3:00pm. For Bike Show info contact Terry Zornes 812-767-2182. Vendors contact Tony Ruddick 812-522-2988. For event information contact Kenny Harris 812-614-2979 or Tony Ruddick 812-522-2988 April 21 Bikers Exposed “Intro to Motorsports & Bikers Life” Elkhart Indian Motorcycle 3016 Brittany Court Elkhart, IN (877) 856-4326

Ohio March 11 Walneck’s Motorcycle Swap Meet 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. Admission $8 Clark County Fairgrounds 44012 S. Charleston Pike (Exit 59 off I-70) Springfield, OH (630) 985-2097 June 3 Walneck’s Motorcycle Swap Meet 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. Admission $8 Clark County Fairgrounds 44012 S. Charleston Pike (Exit 59 off I-70) Springfield, OH (630) 985-2097

March 2018

Introducing Harley-Davidson’s 2018 AFT Factory Team The Harley-Davidson Factory Flat Track Racing Team will combine veteran savvy with youthful potential in a three-rider effort contesting the 2018 American Flat Track (AFT) Twin series. Returning rider Brandon Robinson will be joined by seasoned pro Sammy Halbert and rising star Jared Vanderkooi on the Harley Factory squad for the coming season. The team was announced to the HarleyDavidson dealer network during meetings held today in Nashville. The Harley-Davidson Factory Team will engage in flat track battles aboard all-new HarleyDavidson XG750R competition motorcycles on the 19-race AFT Twins series and at the HarleyDavidson Flat Track Racing event at ESPN’s X Games Minneapolis. The racing season opens during Daytona Bike Week at the March 15 AFT Daytona TT on a new, enlarged course constructed inside Daytona International Speedway. “American Flat Track has new energy behind the sport and fans responded. They’re heading to the track to see the action live and tuning in from around the globe to the catch the racing broadcasts,” said Scott Beck, HarleyDavidson Director of Marketing. “Harley-Davidson made an investment to help build AFT and we are excited to see this growth in a truly all-American motorsport.” Entering its 65th consecutive season, American Flat Track is the most historic form of American motorcycle racing. Preparing for what promises to be one of the most competitive flattrack seasons ever, Harley-Davidson and its

Factory Team partner, Vance & Hines Motorsports, devoted this off-season to extracting more performance from the team’s Harley XG750R race bikes. The XG750R flat tracker used by the Factory Team is powered by a race-modified, liquidcooled, fuel-injected 750cc Revolution X™ V-Twin engine, an engine originally engineered for the Harley-Davidson Street® 750, a motorcycle built for maximum urban maneuverability with rebellious Dark Custom™ attitude. The racemodified Revolution X engine and a racing frame for the XG750R were developed in collaboration with Vance & Hines Motorsports. The XG750R flat tracker motorcycle is not a production model. The Revolution X engine was designed and engineered at the Willie G. Davidson Product Development Center in Wauwatosa, Wis. The 750cc XG Revolution X V-Twin engine is for sale through Harley-Davidson dealers today and can be modified for racing use by aspiring dealers and privateers. Sammy Halbert (National #69) Sammy Halbert brings his veteran experience to the Harley-Davidson Factory Flat Track

Pre-Owned Motorcycles

Racing Team in 2018. Since his first pro season in 2006, Halbert has won 13 times in Grand National competition. Always a tenacious competitor, he placed third in the Twins championship chase in 2015, scored four wins and finished second in the championship in 2012. He had four wins and a third-place finish, in 2011. Halbert was named AMA “Ricky Graham Rookie of the Year” in 2006 and won his first Grand National race at the 2007 Castle Rock TT. Racing for Estenson Logistics in 2017, Halbert placed fourth in AFT Twins points with five podium results and 14 top-10 finishes. Halbert is 30 years old and lives in Graham, Wash. Brandon Robinson (National #44) Brandon Robinson returns for his second season with the HarleyDavidson Factory Flat Track Racing Team. In 2017, Robinson delivered consistent results with nine top-10 finishes and ended the season in seventh place in AFT Twins. Robinson had a

Continued on next page

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continued from previous page

Continued from page 13 - Vesprini

break-out season in 2013 with seven top-five finishes and three victories, including a sweep of both Twins races on the Springfield Mile. In 2016, Robinson earned his fourth career victory with a win on the Lima half-mile, notched two additional podium results and finished third in GNC1 points. In 2008, Robinson was the AMA Basic Twins class champion. Robinson is 27 years old and lives in Oxford, Pa.

had a motorcycle endorsement on his/her license for at least two years or have passed a motorcycle safety course; and have medical benefits on your motorcycle insurance of at least $20,000.00. HB 5518 would eliminate the requirement to carry the aforementioned medical coverage on your motorcycle insurance. It would appear that this doesn’t do much to significantly alter anything because the insurance requirement appears to be the most difficult for law enforcement to enforce given that unless you have your insurance policy in full view on your motorcycle, an officer would not have any probable cause to pull you over for an alleged violation of the insurance provision. Conversely, if HB 5517 passes and the no-fault law is repealed, it would appear more important for motorcyclists to carry medical coverage on their motorcycle insurance since the person will no longer have medical benefits under the no-fault law. Interestingly enough, while the insurance industry will likely claim that eliminating the no-fault system will decrease auto insurance premiums in our state, I didn’t see any language in the package of bills which guarantees such a reduction. Also, if injured persons were no longer entitled to medical payments from the auto insurers, then health insurance would become more and more important so injured persons have a source to get their extensive medical bills paid after an accident. Thus, assuming there would be some lowering of the auto insurance premium if the bills were to pass, it would appear that any money saved would just get spent on the foreseeable skyrocketing premium that health

Jarod Vanderkooi (National #20) Jarod Vanderkooi (VAN-der-koy) has been a rising star on the AFT circuit since winning the 2015 “GNC1 Rookie of the Year” Award after scoring four top-10 finishes and placing 12th in the points. The 2014 GNC2 Twins champion, Vanderkooi won his first pro event on the Springfield Mile, his first of two victories at Springfield that season. In 2016, he finished 10th in the standings and scored three topfive finishes. Vanderkooi posted eight top-10 results and finished the 2017 AFT Twins season in ninth place as a member of the Richie Morris Racing Team. Vanderkooi is 20 years old and lives in Mount Gilead, Ohio. The Harley-Davidson Flat Track Racing Team is proudly partnered with Vance & Hines Motorsports.

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Leather

$8500

insurers would charge given the inevitable higher demand for health insurance. I don’t know about you, but if given the choice between 1) Continuing to pay current rates for auto insurance in exchange for a lifetime of medical bills and attendant care and three years worth of wage loss and household services and 2) continuing to pay an auto insurance premium and a much higher health insurance premium in exchange for having health insurance (that I hope covers motorcycle accidents), being left to reach into my own pocket for attendant care and household chores and wondering where any income is going to come from while I am unable to work, I think the choice is clear. If House Bills 5517 – 5523 pass, choice number 2 above will become Michigan’s new reality. If anyone has any questions, please don’t hesitate to contact me. 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!

Pet Carriers for Your Motorcycle Now Available!

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.

Chaps as low as

Up to $1,000 OFF

$7500

for military, police and fire on NEW Indian or Victory motorcycles in tock.

Vests as low as

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The LARGEST, MOST COMPLETE LEATHER SHOP in Southwest Michigan near the Indiana State line.

Retail Warehouse (269) 651-2464

Home of Wild Ride Leathers!

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

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

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

www.midwestmotorcyclist.com

March 2018

The Preacher Speaks About...

Harley-Davidson Engine History by Franz “The Preacher” Hoffer I’ve decided in this Ice Age that is enveloping the upper Midwest, specifically Southeast Michigan, to make myself an expert on HarleyDavidson engine development history. I’d like to do the wrenching as well, but, after starting to do it myself, I usually end up putting the motorcycle in a trailer and taking it, with my tail firmly between my legs, to Jerry B’s Cycle works in St. Clair Shores. I’m embarrassed when Jerry looks at me and asks, “What did you do now?” He’s actually very kind to me! When thinking of the Motor Company, we sometimes lose sight of the fact that the company has contributed mightily to the development of the modern motorcycle engine. Not only were they the last major to have exclusively air-cooled engines, they were also the last to go to fuel injection and develop an ABS system. That mentality changed significantly in the last 15 -20 years as competition increased. Every major manufacturer out there has Harley-Davidson square in their sights. They own 53% of the market (motorcycles with displacements over 601cc) and it appears that share is increasing, especially in the allimportant 18- to 35-year-old demographic. Much of the success of the Motor Company rests on engine development. I thought it would be fun and educational (hey, let’s make learning fun!) to look at the history of that development through the years up to Harley’s latest rocket, the Milwaukee 8. F-Head 1903-1929 / Flathead 1930-1948 (45ci or 742cc): In a Fhead/IOE engine, the intake manifold and its valves are located on top of the cylinder above the exhaust in the cylinder head....thus IOE – Intake over exhaust. An F-head engine combines features from both overhead-valve and flathead engines of the day. The exhaust valve opens upward actuated by the camshaft. It was not the most efficient engine, but could be built small enough to fit into the early motorcycle frames. This design was pretty much used by all manufacturers to one extent or another and the Flathead that debuted in the 1920’s was the start of the H-D 45-degree V-Twin. Knucklehead 1936-1947 (60 to 74ci or 990cc to 1208cc): So named because of the TM

Midwest Motorcyclist

shape of the rocker boxes, it was also called the OHV for overhead valves. It’s a 45-degree, two-cylinder V-Twin. It was the 3rd basic type of V-Twin used by the Motor Company and it replaced the FHead in 1936 as H-D’s top-of-the-line power plant. It offered more power and was not an oil scavenger but instead an oil re-circulater. Most of the early F-Style engines were oil users; the oil was not recirculated. It’s actually where the term “check the gas and fill the oil” came from. Panhead 1948-1965 (60ci to 74ci or 990cc to 1208cc): In the tradition of the Knucklehead, it received its nickname because of the shape of the rocker boxes. It was two cylinders with two valves per cylinder. This engine replaced the Knucklehead in 1948. It had a resurgence in popularity when Peter Fonda’s Chopper, “Captain America” utilized a Panhead engine as did the “Billy Bike” ridden by Dennis Hopper in the movie, “Easy Rider”. I never get tired of watching that movie! This engine, through some minor adjustments and innovations, afforded better reliability and performance. It is still the choice of many custom motorcycle builders. Shovelhead 1966-1984 (74ci to 82ci or 1208cc to 1340cc): Once again, the nickname for this engine came from the rocker covers that resembled upsidedown coal shovels. This engine used the bottom end of a Panhead engine with re-designed cylinders. The cylinder heads were aluminum and gave a 10% power increase. Otherwise, it was, in most respects, a carryover from the Panhead and didn’t really offer any big or startling innovations. Evolution 1984-1999 (82ci or 1340cc): Known as the EVO, this engine continued the H-D tradition of an air-cooled VTwin. Most motorcycle historians consider the EVO to be the engine that saved the reorganized Harley-Davidson from certain bankruptcy after its 1981 management buy-out from AMF. Those were defining days for the Motor Company; wish I would have bought a lot more stock from them in those days. I wouldn’t be writing for this publication but would own it. Both heads and cylinders were made from aluminum and air cooling was improved.

Continued on next page

Michigan

Harley-Davidson

Dealer Events

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

February 24 Olympic Saturday Celebrate Team USA, Enjoy hot dogs, apple pie, & other American classics Battle Creek Harley-Davidson 5738 Beckley Road, Battle Creek, MI (269) 979-2233

February 24 In-Store Poker Run Top 3 hands win a prize Grand Rapids Harley-Davidson 2977 Corporate Grove Drive, Hudsonville, MI (877) 596-6387

March 10 6 Annual Soup Cook-Off th

Come Join us for our 6th Annual Soup Cook off! Capitol Harley-Davidson 9550 Woodlane Dr., Dimondale, MI 517.646.2345

March 10 Movie Day between 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. Please RSVP, space is limited. Gildner’s Harley-Davidson 2723 South M 76, West Branch, MI (989) 345-1330

March 17 St. Patrick’s Day Event Gildner’s Harley-Davidson 2723 South M 76, West Branch, MI (989) 345-1330

March 24 Wine & Canvas Party Call for details. Capitol Harley-Davidson 9550 Woodlane Dr., Dimondale, MI 517.646.2345 17

Continued from previous page Twin Cam 1999 – 2016 (88ci to 103cu or 1450cc to 1650cc): Air-cooled but some iterations of this engine utilized on the big touring models introduced liquid cooling. It shares a lot of characteristics with the EVO, but major changes were engineered in the push-rods, crank shafts, and connecting rods. The Twin Cam 88 was released for the 1999 model year in September of 1998 and the Twin Cam 96 was released for the 2007 model year. Milwaukee 8 –current (107ci to 114 cu or 1746cc to 1868cc): This is the 9 th iteration of the big V-Twin from Harley and this motor is the state of the art. The 107 features 11% more acceleration from 0-60mph = two to three bike lengths and from 60 to 80 another one to two bike lengths over the Twin Cam 103. The 114 accelerates 8% quicker from 0 to 60 mph and 12% quicker from 60 to 80 mph than the Twin Cam 110. It has a slimmer engine profile and reduced engine vibration due to a single internal counter balance that cancels 75% of the primary vibration at idle. There are three versions of the Milwaukee 8 out there...the Milwaukee 8 107 features oil-cooled cylinder heads and will be found on the Street Glide, Street Glide Special, Road Glide, Road Glide Special, Electra Glide Ultra Classic, Road King and Freewheeler Trike. The Twin-Cooled Milwaukee 8 107 with liquid cooled cylinder heads are mounted on the Ultra Limited/Ultra Limited Low, Road Glide Ultra and Tri Glide Ultra. The top of the line Milwaukee 8 114 with liquid-cooled heads will be on the CVO Limited and CVO Street Glide. Can’t wait to see what comes out next from the Motor Company. It’s almost Spring - four weeks to go. I am jumping out of my skin waiting for riding season as I’m sure you all are; at least those of you in the frozen north.

Michigan Harley-Davidson Dealer Association Members 1. Battle Creek

12. Muskegon

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

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

2. Bay City

13. Sturgis

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

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

3. Birch Run

14. Tecumseh

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

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

4. Cement City

15. Traverse City

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

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

5. Fremont

16. Waterford

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

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

6. Gaylord

17. West Branch

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

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

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

8. Kalamazoo

“LOOK TWICE, SAVE A LIFE”

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

10. Lapeer

MOTORCYCLES ARE EVERYWHERE

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

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

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7 8

www.midwestmotorcyclist.com

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

March 2018

MICHIGAN HARLEY-DAVIDSONÂ® DEALERS ASSOCIATION WWW.MHDDA.COM

Midwest Motorcyclist

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