Midwest Motorcyclist(TM), May 2015 issue by Midwest Motorcyclist

SPRING OPEN HOUSE Saturday, May 2, 2015 Join us for our Spring Open House as we kick off the 2015 riding season. We’ll have: Special Pricing Storewide Food & Refreshments Demo Rides

Don’t Miss It!

Store Tours and much more!

Victory Demo Truck On Site! May 12-13, 2015 You have wanted to ride a Victory, that other American motorcycle, and here is your chance. For two days in May, you can test ride any of the Victory motorcycles in the line-up. Whether you are into touring and want to ride the Vision® Tour or prefer stripped down, hot rod cruisers like the Hammer 8-Ball®, here is your chance. All you need is a motorcycle endorsement on your license, a helmet, gloves, eye protection, long pants and boots to go for a test ride. This is your best opportunity to test ride the full line of Victory motorcycles. What do you do when opportunity knocks? Don’t miss it!

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

248.920.2000 • www.ridemotorcity.com

on Facebook at www.facebook.com/MotorCityMotorcycles

You’ve always wanted a BMW... Get started with one of these pre-loved beauties!

K 1600 GTL

S 1000 RR

R 1200 RT

R 1200 GS

3 to choose from

2 to choose from

4 to choose from

2 to choose from

Plus many more pre-owned BMWs YEAR 2014 2014 2013 2013 2013 2012 2012 2012 2011 2011 2010 2010

MODEL R1200GSA R1200RT F800GS S1000RR S1000RR K1600GTL K1600GTL K1600GTL R1200R R1200RTP F800ST R1200GS

COLOR OLIVE GREEN EBONY BLUE RED/WHITE BLACK MINERAL SILVER ROYAL BLUE MINERAL SILVER BLACK WHT/BLUE CHAMPAGNE GRAPHITE

MILES 10,700 13,800 5,538 9,200 9,400 18,700 32,400 35,940 66,000 5,600 12,600 14,403

Price $17,990 $17,990 $10,990 $12,990 $12,990 $19,490 $18,490 $17,990 $8,490 $17,490 $7,990 $13,490

Already a BMW Rider? Ask about our Referral Incentive Program!

YEAR 2010 2009 2009 2008 2008 2007 2006 2006 2005 1999 1997

MODEL S1000RR R1200GSA R1200GS K1200LT R1200RT K1200GT K1200GT R1200RT F650GS R1100RT R1100RT

COLOR THUNDER GREY GRAPHITE SILVER BLACK BLUE MET BLUE MET BLUE MET GRAPHITE BLACK BLACK GLACIER GREEN

MILES 6,000 18,000 10,900 11,000 36,400 25,000 19,000 19,500 30,600 58,000 48,500

Price $11,990 $14,000 $12,490 $13,990 $9,990 $11,990 $11,990 $9,990 $3,490 $3,990 $3,490

Don’t miss our

2015 SPRING OPEN HOUSE Saturday, May 30, 2015

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

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

Midwest Motorcyclist

Columns 5 5 10 14 15 18 19 cc media publications

This Month’s Contributors: Contributing Editors Nicole Espinosa, Emily Flinkstrom, Pedro Gregorio, Franz Hoffer, Mike Mekinda, Jay Wilgus

20 21

IN THIS ISSUE…..

To Our Readers Readers Letters Live It Right Dream Ride: Gear Review, Part 1 by Jay Wilgus The Skinny On... Breaking In by Pedro Gregorio Random Ramblings of a Rare Bird: New Gear by Mike Mekinda Motorcycling and Law: Bahri Decision by Dondi Vesprini Open Terrain - Exploring the World and Soul by Motorcycle: Worldschooling & the New World Wide Web by Nicole Espinosa Vehicle Drivers: Are You Motorcycle Aware? by Jason Waechter The Preacher Talks About... Brakes by Franz Hoffer

Features, News & Reviews 22

Grand Opening Set for Ray C’s Harley-Davidson

Resources 5 8-9 21

Advertiser Index Event Schedule Michigan Harley-Davidson Dealer Event Schedule

plus

On www.MidwestMotorcyclist.com

Vincent Cardinale, Dondi Vesprini, Jason Waechter

The 13th Annual Port Dover (Ontario, Canada) Motorcycle Rally by Vincent Cardinale

Publisher/Managing Editor

Michigan State Police announce giveaway of 9,000 high-visibility vests for motorcyclists

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

Cover photo:

Pedro’s new Triumph Tiger at Deal’s Gap during his break-in trip. Photo by Pedro Gregorio.

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

Cover Design

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

Julie Kirkendoll

Your complete motor sports service center We Do It All from Old to New How to contact us: 709 Fall Street Spring Lake, Michigan 49456 (810) 923-8738 www.midwestmotorcyclist.com Copyright 1998-2015 cc media. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, photocopied, or electronically transmitted without the expressed written permission of the publisher. Advertisers, their agents, contributors of event information, freelance contributors and/or editorial contributors will defend, indemnify and hold cc media and RTP Enterprises, Inc. harmless in any claims of libel, copyright or trademark infringement, plagiarism, violation of local, national, or international privacy laws and any other claim or suit that may arise subsequent to publication of said advertisement, stories, event information, and/or editorial. Submission of material for consideration for publication in Michigan Motorcyclist/Midwest Motorcyclist, American CycleRider either solicited or unsolicited, constitutes agreement to these terms. Except for the Publisher and Managing Editor, all writers are free-lance contributors. Any and all opinions expressed are those of the authors, and don’t necessarily reflect those of the publisher.

Specializes in:

Motocross-Cross Country– Enduro-Street--Custom-Touring-Sport Bikes-Restorations-Fabrications Powder Coatings-Ceramic Custom Paint-Custom Parts-Stock Parts-O.E.M. Parts Complete Motor and Chassis Restoration-Cylinder Boring-Valve Jobs-Carbonator Restorations and Fuel Injection Mapping and Programming We can build or service your bike or ATV. Call us today for your needs.

Brakes • Oil Change • Tires

WHILE YOU WAIT Give us a call to reserve your time and ride out to beautiful Waterford. Lots of terrific roads and nice curves around nearby lakes. We’ll get your work done while you wait and you’ll still have time for a nice ride. Call today.

Small Displacement Motorsports 6971 Highland Road (M-59), Waterford, MI (248) 666-4651 • www.tech-care.com www.midwestmotorcyclist.com

May 2015

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Harley-Davidson ...............21, 22, 23 12345678901234567890123456789012123456789012 12345678901234567890123456789012123456789012 Battle Creek Harley-Davidson ......21, 22, 23 12345678901234567890123456789012123456789012 12345678901234567890123456789012123456789012 12345678901234567890123456789012123456789012 BMW Motorcycles of Detroit................13, 16 12345678901234567890123456789012123456789012 12345678901234567890123456789012123456789012 BMW of Grand Rapids..........8, 9, 11 12345678901234567890123456789012123456789012 12345678901234567890123456789012123456789012 12345678901234567890123456789012123456789012 BMW, SE Michigan..... .........3, 5, 17 12345678901234567890123456789012123456789012 12345678901234567890123456789012123456789012 Bubba’s Tri City Cycles.........................6 12345678901234567890123456789012123456789012 12345678901234567890123456789012123456789012 12345678901234567890123456789012123456789012 C & S Harley-Davidson ...........21, 22, 23 12345678901234567890123456789012123456789012 12345678901234567890123456789012123456789012 Capitol Harley-Davidson ..........21, 22, 23 12345678901234567890123456789012123456789012 12345678901234567890123456789012123456789012 12345678901234567890123456789012123456789012 Classic MotorSports........,.........21, 22, 23 12345678901234567890123456789012123456789012 12345678901234567890123456789012123456789012 Cycle Conservation Club ..........................18 12345678901234567890123456789012123456789012 12345678901234567890123456789012123456789012 12345678901234567890123456789012123456789012 Dave Bowman MS...........................4, 15 12345678901234567890123456789012123456789012 12345678901234567890123456789012123456789012 Diamond Gusset Jeans ...........................14 12345678901234567890123456789012123456789012 12345678901234567890123456789012123456789012 12345678901234567890123456789012123456789012 Giant Loop........................................12 12345678901234567890123456789012123456789012 12345678901234567890123456789012123456789012 Gildner’s Harley-Davidson ........21, 22, 23 12345678901234567890123456789012123456789012 12345678901234567890123456789012123456789012 12345678901234567890123456789012123456789012 Grand Rapids H-D................. ...21, 22, 23 12345678901234567890123456789012123456789012 12345678901234567890123456789012123456789012 Great Lakes Dual Sporters ...................17 12345678901234567890123456789012123456789012 12345678901234567890123456789012123456789012 Great Lakes Harley-Davidson........21, 22, 23 12345678901234567890123456789012123456789012 12345678901234567890123456789012123456789012 12345678901234567890123456789012123456789012 Hamilton’s Harley-Davidson ....20, 21, 22, 23 12345678901234567890123456789012123456789012 12345678901234567890123456789012123456789012 Harley-Davidson dealers ..............21, 22, 23 12345678901234567890123456789012123456789012 12345678901234567890123456789012123456789012 12345678901234567890123456789012123456789012 Hot Rod Harley-Davidson .............21, 22, 23 12345678901234567890123456789012123456789012 12345678901234567890123456789012123456789012 Jason Waechter, The Motorcycle Lawyer..24 12345678901234567890123456789012123456789012 12345678901234567890123456789012123456789012 12345678901234567890123456789012123456789012 Jerry B’s Cycle Works .......................12 12345678901234567890123456789012123456789012 12345678901234567890123456789012123456789012 Kelley & Sons Trailers ...........................19 12345678901234567890123456789012123456789012 12345678901234567890123456789012123456789012 12345678901234567890123456789012123456789012 Motor City Underwriters ......................12 12345678901234567890123456789012123456789012 12345678901234567890123456789012123456789012 Motorcity Motorcycles.................2, 6 12345678901234567890123456789012123456789012 12345678901234567890123456789012123456789012 12345678901234567890123456789012123456789012 Motorcycle Solutions, LLC......................12 12345678901234567890123456789012123456789012 12345678901234567890123456789012123456789012 MC Sport Touring Association..........13, 18 12345678901234567890123456789012123456789012 12345678901234567890123456789012123456789012 12345678901234567890123456789012123456789012 Perry’s Harley-Davidson ..........21, 22, 23 12345678901234567890123456789012123456789012 12345678901234567890123456789012123456789012 Ray C’s Harley-Davidson..........21, 22, 23 12345678901234567890123456789012123456789012 12345678901234567890123456789012123456789012 12345678901234567890123456789012123456789012 Retail Warehouse .........................9, 16, 19 12345678901234567890123456789012123456789012 12345678901234567890123456789012123456789012 Richmond Cycle...................................16 12345678901234567890123456789012123456789012 12345678901234567890123456789012123456789012 12345678901234567890123456789012123456789012 Rocky’s Outdoors...................................6, 24 12345678901234567890123456789012123456789012 12345678901234567890123456789012123456789012 Sandy Corley Memorial Run..................7 12345678901234567890123456789012123456789012 12345678901234567890123456789012123456789012 12345678901234567890123456789012123456789012 Sandy’s Harley-Davidson ...........21, 22, 23 12345678901234567890123456789012123456789012 12345678901234567890123456789012123456789012 Shiawassee Harley-Davidson ....21, 22, 23 12345678901234567890123456789012123456789012 12345678901234567890123456789012123456789012 Sport Bike Track Gear ............................ 10 12345678901234567890123456789012123456789012 12345678901234567890123456789012123456789012 12345678901234567890123456789012123456789012 Sweet Trikes ...........................................12 12345678901234567890123456789012123456789012 12345678901234567890123456789012123456789012 Tecumseh Harley-Davidson .....21, 22, 23 12345678901234567890123456789012123456789012 12345678901234567890123456789012123456789012 12345678901234567890123456789012123456789012 Town & Country H-D................21, 22, 23 12345678901234567890123456789012123456789012 12345678901234567890123456789012123456789012 Zip’s 45th Parallel H-D..............21, 22, 23 12345678901234567890123456789012123456789012 12345678901234567890123456789012123456789012

Advertiser Index

BE SEEN

Wear Hi Viz

her last in Michigan Motorcyclist® / Midwest Motorcyclist™. Nicole is entering the final stages of preparation I hope by now you’ve all had for her round-the-world adventure a chance to get out for that first ride of with her two children – Alana and the year. With the nice weather we’ve Dimitri – aboard Ural side car rig. had recently, I’m guessing you have. In addition to her role as My first ride of the 2015 Managing Editor and then later as season was awesome. It wasn’t Contributing Editor at Adventure especially long; only about an hour. Motorcycle magazine, Nicole has been There wasn’t a whole lot of excitement; an enthusiastic contributor to our no high speeds or strafing apexes in magazine. We have enjoyed reading the twisties. It was an average ride in not only about her adventures but also the area not far from the house. the tips she shared for making the What made it awesome was most out of motorcycle travel. We the fact that it was the first ride of the thank her for sharing her talent and year. Before the ride, my energy and insights with us these last couple years optimism were high. The bike was and wish her, Alana, and Dimitri a ready to go. I already replaced the safe, awe-inspiring journey. battery, aired up the tires and You can follow their confirmed that fluids were at specified adventure around the globe at levels. I pushed the Tiger out of the www.sidecarsafari.com. garage onto the driveway, pulled on the choke and started it up. The triple – Reader Survey Drawing one of the main reasons I enjoy this bike so much – kicked to life. The rpms Thanks to everyone who raced until I closed the choke. While the bike warmed, I pulled on my chaps completed and returned our 2015 Reader Survey. We very much (the air was still a little cool), pulled appreciate your input and will take on my leather jacket, inserted my ear your feedback into consideration as we plugs, pulled on my helmet and plan our future editorial direction. gloves. This routine is simple – The name of everyone who something I’ve done thousands of submitted a completed survey was times over the years - but after a long winter, it all seemed like the opening entered into a drawing for $100. The names were put into a baseball cap, act of what promised to be a mixed up a bit and an independent spectacular show. person selected the winner. The name Out on the road, the rusty coordination sharpened within a mile that was drawn wasn’t actually a person but rather a charity in Lenawee or so. The skills, the vision, and the County to which the winner requested situational awareness reawakened the $100 be donated. A $100 check was after a months-long slumber. I won’t sent to Associated Charities of bore with a description of the rest of Lenawee County based in Adrian. the ride. It would be boring by most standards. But, for the first ride of a new season, it was awesome.

Thanks, Farewell & Good Luck! Unfortunately for us, Nicole Espinosa’s May 2015 column will be

2014 Demo Bikes for Sale We are selling the last few bikes remaining in our 2014 demo fleet: • 2014 S 1000 RR • 2014 F 800 GS • 2014 R 1200 GS • 2014 R 1200 GS Adventure

Thank you for reading. Please support our advertisers. Ride safe and have fun.

Reader Letters In the April issue, columnist,Pat Armitage, announced that he had been diagnosed that he had been diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease and would stop riding. That column generated more comments and feedback than any other article in recent memory. The following letter is similar to many of the comments. - Editor Pat, Saw your latest article. Every time I see something done with your pen, I take the time to read it. You always have something interesting to say....and often bring opinions to read from a slightly different perspective. As is your habit, you’ve announced with great clarity your Parkinsons. While anybody that’s had medical issue could do nothing but applaud your candid discussion and your decision, I/we all know it’s done with great difficulty and a great deal of thought. In the end, the choice you’ve made is the (logically, Mr. Spock) one that makes the most sense. While there is nothing I can personally do to lift the weight of this illness, know that you and your family are in our thoughts and prayers. Hopefully, you will continue to experience a level of interference with this disease that you’ve had....also hopefully there will be a reversal at some point! We also hope that you continue to put pen to paper and give us the benefit of your wit and wisdom. Best regards , Steve and Irmi Burford Greenfield, IN

See you on the road,

2015 Demo Bikes Ready to Ride! Stop by our store today to test the high tech, high performance BMW motorcycle of your dreams. We have the full range of demo models for you to ride. Most other brands won’t let you ride before you buy.

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

These are excellent values on low mileage bikes. Stop by our store today! TM

Midwest Motorcyclist

MOTORCYCLE CAMPING? In addition to a wide selection of both on- and off-road motorcycle gear, we also have compact, lightweight camping gear - everthing you need to go motorcycle camping. Stop by our store before your next trip! Eureka Apex 2 Tent Sleeps 2 Pack Size 5" x 24" Weight 5 lbs 11 oz

Jetboil Camp Stove

Eureka Curvy Low Rider Chair

Kiewa Sleeping Bag Weight 1 lb Stuff sack size 7.5" x 17"

Singlis ST Sleeping Pad Weight 1 lb 6 oz Pack Size 3” x 10”

Rocky’s Great Outdoors is your one-stop shop for all of your outdoor activities. Whether you’re motorcycling, camping, hiking, kayaking, fishing or hunting, come to our store first to check out our huge selection.

Rocky’s Great Outdoors G4014 South Saginaw Street, Burton, MI (810) 742-5420 www.motorcycleandoutdoors.com/

Pre-Owned Motorcycles 2008 H-D Ultra Classic Electra Glide, 49,865 miles, CVO Specs. $14,999 plus tax & title

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

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

2002 Harley Davidson® Softail Heritage, 12,167 miles, $7,999.99 plus tax & title

2007 Harley-Davidson® FLTR Road Glide, 3,479 miles, well over 25K invested. Some highlights include: Chrome 21" front end with Custom wheels, rotors, and calipers. DayMaker LED lights. Electronically operated opening custom saddlebags. Diamond Cut Engine. Chrome everything! Custom Paint. You must see this one! $18,999 plus tax & title

2008 Victory Vegas™ Low, Cherry red 2,880 miles, $8,499 plus tax & title

2010 Yamaha V Star Classic, Red, Only 307 miles, $4,499 plus tax & title

2014 Harley-Davidson® FLHTCUTG - Tri Glide® Ultra, 701 miles, Loaded, powered up and ready to roll. First service has been completed. Previous owner spent over 10K in upgrades including LED Headlights and tail lights, Rush Exhaust w/ Big Louie Tips, Hammock Heated Touring Seat, Heated hand grips, and a full dealer built Stage 2 engine with 555 cams. $34,999 plus tax & title

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

248.920.2000 • www.ridemotorcity.com 6

2006 Harley-Davidson® FLHR - Road King®, Black, 8,532 miles, $10,999 plus tax & title

on Facebook at www.facebook.com/MotorCityMotorcycles

www.midwestmotorcyclist.com

May 2015

SANDY L E R Y O C Annual

27th

PRESENTED

JUNE 11-13, 2015 BY THE

Memorial Run 2015

FREMONT HARLEY OWNERS GROUP & FRIENDS OF THE SANDY CORLEY RUN

AT THE DOUBLE JJ RESORT, ROTHBURY, MI

LIVE ENTERTAINMENT THURSDAY NIGHT

FRIDAY NIGHT

SATURDAY NIGHT

• One

• Jackyl

• Loverboy

Metallca tribute band with pyrotechnics - Let There Be Rock a tribute to AC/DC - Image

- Autograph - Evenkeel

- Looking Back a tribute to Seger - The After Effect

RAFFLE

DRAWING FOR THIS BIKE HELD ON SAT. JUNE 13

Customized 2015 Harley-Davidson FXDL Dyna Low Rider

Event proceeds benefit the Sandy Corley Memorial Run Fund at Mercy Health Johnson Family Cancer Center.

PRIMITIVE CAMPING Opens Wednesday at 12:00 Noon • $10.00 per person, per day (Wed. only). Must have event ticket for early camping or trailer drop-off. NO PETS - ADULT PARTY ATMOSPHERE.

SPECIAL MILITARY SALUTE SATURDAY AT 7:30PM

GET YOUR TICKETS EARLY AND SAVE! $60 in advance, $70 starting 6/10 at 10:00 pm. Includes: 3 nights of rustic camping on-site! Fireworks, Ride-In Bike Show, Field Events, World Famous H.O.G. Auction, Self-Guided Tour through West Michigan, Forgotten Eagles® Beverage Tent.

VENDOR INFORMATION Keith Rollston: 231.519.1595 Gary Bredeweg: 616.437.6972 garyb1584@Gmail.com

FOR EVENT TICKETS OR MORE INFORMATION Meridian Entertainment Group: 877.569.7767 • meridianconcerts.com Sandy’s Harley-Davidson: 231.924.3020

5 MPH INSIDE CAMPGROUND • NO VEHICLES WITHOUT LIGHTS AFTER DARK • MUST BE A LICENSED DRIVER TO OPERATE MOTORIZED VEHICLES TM

Midwest Motorcyclist

Events Events do change. Please call ahead.

Michigan April 26 14th Annual Lakeshore Blessing of the Bikes Ottawa County Fairgrounds 1286 Ottawa Beach Road Holland, MI Gates open at 10 a.m. Bike show for cash prize / trophy Door prizes @ 2:15 p.m. Blessing at 3 p.m. $5 Donation (Bike or Car)

the Blessing Service at 1:30 PM. Questions, call Gary at 517-531-3481 May 10 35th Annual Mother’s Day Swap Meet and Ride-In Bike Show Presented by Bubba’s Tri City Cycle & Michigan Motorcyclist® magazine 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Admission: $5 Midland County Fairgrounds 6905 Eastman Avenue Midland, Michigan Info: (989) 893-5187 or bubba@bubbastricitycycle.com May 15-17 Ghost Rider M.C. 41’st Annual Hobo Dinner and Swap Meet. Lenawee County - Located: 1000 Glen hill Hwy Hudson, MI just follow the signs. Admission $10 / person must be 21 with ID. Free tent camping. Events: Ride in bike show, 2 $500.00 drawings, poker run, live band, fireworks, greased pole. Contests: longest distance, Fat man, Female body, sausage suck, bike blow, oldest bike and biker, burnout. For more information call: Bean: 517-815-4834 Buck: 517-605-7234

April 30 Country Bike Night Grand Rapids Harley-Davidson 2977 Corporate Grove Drive Hudsonville, MI (877) 596-6387 Music, Beer, Food, Bikes & You! May 2 ABATE Region 5 Spring Bash & Membership Party Scott (231) 206-9579

May 15-17 Blessing of the Bikes Baldwin, Michigan

May 3 All Clubs Ride & Swap Meet Stockbridge, MI

May 17 6th Annual Antique Motorcycle Swap Meet & Vintage Motorcycle Show St. Joseph County Fairgrounds 316 East Charlotte Centreville, MI $5 Admission; Under 16 Free (269) 254-3793 amcawolverine@aol.com

May 9 nd 2 Annual HOGS in Ministry Bike Blessing Free coffee, donuts @ 9:30 a.m. Blessing @ noon Retail Warehouse Sturgis, MI (269) 651-2464 May 9 15th Annual Jackson Blessing of the Bikes 1st Church of the Nazarene 3905 Clinton Rd. (M-50 North) Jackson, MI 49201 Free Admission: Starts at 12 Noon with

May 23 Harley Heroes Event All proceeds to Wounded Warriors Ray C’s Harley-Davidson 1491 S. Lapeer Rd. (I-69 & M-24) Lapeer, MI (810) 664-9261, www.raycsh-d.com

May 23-24 Bubba’s Memorial Weekend Classic Bubba’s Tri City Cycle 804 S. Huron (M-13) Linwood, MI Info: (989) 893-5187 or bubba@bubbastricitycycle.com May 30 Spring Open House BMW Motorcycles of Southeast Michigan 14855 N. Sheldon Rd., Plymouth, MI 734.453.0500 www.bmwmcsem.com May 30 Metro Triumph Riders & Triumph Detroit Present 2015 Spring Burn Up 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Fun, Food & British Motorcycles Triumph Detroit 620 W. Ann Arbor Road Plymouth, MI www.metrotriumphriders.com May 31 Blessed in Hell Blessing of the Bikes Gates open at 10:30 a.m. Hell Creek Ranch 10866 Cedar Lake Road Pinckney, MI www.hellcreekranch.com May 31 Central Michigan HOG presents Old School Poker Run Mt. Pleasant VFW 4841 E. Pickard Mt. Pleasant, MI Reg 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. $15 per person Prizes

Indiana May 2 Ride for Rissa American Legion Post 357 5414 S. Sample Street Sign up 9:30 a.m. Kickstands up 11 a.m. $15 / single; $20 w/ passenger

(574) 315-9428 (574) 904-0646 May 2 1st Annual VFW Riders Group Benefit Poker Run VFW Post 1279 315 E. Maple Street Rensselaer, IN $20 / rider; $10 / passenger (219) 964-4622 vfw1279@gmail.com May 2 12th Annual Run for the Son 100 mile motorcycle ride Happy Jack’s American Motorcycle 700 E. Jefferson Blvd. Mishawaka, IN $20 single; $25 couple Reg 9 a.m. to 10:45 a.m. Ride leaves at noon (574) 343-4062 May 9 ABATE Region 1 2015 Motorcycle Safety & Awareness Ride Starts at Wal-Mart on Ireland Road in South Bend, IN $10 / person Reg: 10 a.m. to 10:45 a.m. (574) 300-5410 May 16 ABATE Region 2 State Charity Benefiting Hoosier Burn Camp Harley Shop of Michigan City 2968 N. U.S. Hwy 421 (just south of I-80 / I-94) Michigan City, IN $15 / person (219) 808-3182 (574) 772-6842 May 17 Fallen Heroes Family Ride Sign in at Wal-Mart on Portage in South Bend, IN from 8 a.m. to 10:45 a.m. Kickstands up at 11 (574) 339-1575 (574) 514-0129 May 20 Rolling Thunder XXVII National Veterans Awareness Ride California to D.C.

ABATE Region 1 Spring Break Crumstown Conservation Club 59440 Crumstown Hwy North Liberty, IN Members $15; Non-members $20 Must be 21 Gates open noon Friday (574) 300-5410 May 30 Rockers Reunion Indianapolis, IN http://www.rockersreunionindy.com/ July 16-19 ABATE of Indiana’s 35th Annual Boogie Lawrence County Recreational Park 99 Moore Lane, Springville, Indiana. Admission: $40 per person (you must be a member of a recognized state motorcyclists rights organization, and show proof, to attend.) Tent camping, motorcycle parking, and shower facilities included with admission. RV campground spots are limited in availability and can be purchased at store.abateonline.org beginning April 1. No glass bottles allowed in big top tent area. VISA/MasterCard accepted. No checks. In Info: www.abateonline.org/ 800-23-ABATE No one under 18 allowed.

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

Leaving May 20, 8 a.m. VFW Post 2536 800 Earl Road Michigan City, IN www.nvar.us

Pre-Owned Motorcycles

2001 BMW R1100RTP, 116,805 miles, Black/ White, $3,950

2012 Triumph Tiger 800, 18,896 miles, Excellent condition, Black, $8,450

1994 BMW K75, 26,831 miles, Blue, $3,450

2014 BMW R1200R Low, Montego Blue, 798 miles, $13,450

2013 BMWS1000RR, 2011 BMW F650GS, 2009 BMW R1200RT, 2009 BMW R1200RT, 2009 BMW K1200LT, 2008 BMW R1200GS, 2007 BMW K1200R Sport, 2006 BMW R1200RT, 2006 BMW R1200GS, 2005 BMW R1200RT, 2005 BMW R1200RT, 2005 BMW K1200LT, 2004 BMW R1150RT, 2003 BMW R1200CLC, 2002 BMW K1200LT, 1992 BMW R100RT,

Sapphire Black, 463 miles,

May 23 Silver, 17,000 miles, American Legion Riders 357 Silver, miles, Stars & Stripes Forever38,487 Ride Sign up at Wal-Mart Ireland Road Silver,on43,905 miles, In South Bend, IN from Black, 72,000 miles, 8 a.m. to 10:45 a.m. Kickstands up at 11 51,734 miles, Silver, $15 rider, $10 Passenger Silver, 26,141 miles (574) 229-6375 Graphite, 62,68 miles, (574) 339-5657 WWW.StarsandStripesRide.com Magma Red, 11,141 miles, May 29-30

Red, 34,198 miles, Grey, 55,655 milkes Graphite, 44,248 miles, Titan Silver, 39,683 miles Silver, 130,523 miles, Silver, 70,002 miles, Green, 50,029 miles,

$13,950 $7,450 $10,750 $10,750 $9,950 $10,100 $6,950 $8,450 $9,950 $7,750 $7,750 $9,250 $5,950 $3,950 $6,450 $4,750

BMW Motorcycles of Grand Rapids, 5995 South Division, Grand Rapids, MI (616) 530-6900 www.bmwmcgr.com 8

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May 2015

SPRING TRACK DAY @ Grattan

Traverse City Demo Ride Day

Monday, June 1, 2015 The day costs $170, which includes track time, class room instruction and lunch. All makes and models of bikes are welcome to attend our track events! Call our store to reserve your space today.

Saturday, May 16, 2015 As we do a couple times a year, we’ll be in the Traverse City area offering demo rides on four different 2015 BMWs. If you’re interested in demo ride in one of the most beautiful areas of the State, call Blane at (616) 530-6900 to reserve your spot.

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

2nd Annual

20th Annual

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

HOGS in Ministry Bike Blessing

Sunday

Saturday, May 9, 2015

June 14, 2015

Rain or Shine!

8 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Free coffee, donuts @ 9:30 a.m. Blessing @ noon

GILMORE CAR MUSEUM 6865 Hickory Rd, Hickory Corners, MI

Retail Warehouse

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

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

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

Midway between Kalamazoo, Battle Creek, Lansing and Grand Rapids

GilmoreCarMuseum.org

269-671-5089

METRO TRIUMPH RIDERS in Association With TRIUMPH DETROIT

2015 Spring

u r n U p B

Come join the Metro Triumph Riders for an afternoon of fun, food and British motorcycles.

Saturday May 30 11:00am - 3:00pm I-275

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SHELDON

TRIUMPH DETROIT - West 620 W. Ann Arbor Rd Plymouth, MI 48170 I-96

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Midwest Motorcyclist

The Live It Right Dream Ride

Gear Review: Part I By Jay Wilgus I tried to count. I wanted to know how many hours it took to decide we would ride Suzuki DR650’s on our adventure from Ann Arbor to Tierra del Fuego. I couldn’t figure it out. There were simply too many times when I sat on the couch or in a coffee shop pondering and perusing the options. In the end though, we ended up with two great bikes and loads of other gear, which - in large part - have treated us remarkably well. The bikes

have been great, our old riding gear suited us just fine, and some newer gadgets have been a delight. What follows is the first installment of a two-part series about our gear. What worked? What didn’t? And what would we do differently if we could do it all over again? This month, I’ll focus on

some of what worked. It won’t come close to an exhaustive discussion because there’s too little space and too many things. Plus, as many of you know, conversations about gear never really “end” because there are too many variables, opinions, and preferences. Next month, I’ll share some insights about the other side of the coin and clue you in to what didn’t work well and what we would have done differently. To begin though, let’s start with the bikes. The Bikes As discussed in our June 2014 column, we chose the Suzuki DR650 for a slew of very good reasons: reliability, versatility, affordability, etc. We wanted a bike that would be relatively comfortable on the highway, while also reasonably capable in mud, sand, and dirt. The DR delivered. In my riding years, I’ve owned several other “adventure” bikes including a Kawasaki KLR650, a BMW 1150 GS Adventure, and a few Honda XR’s (250, 600, and 650). I’m here to tell you the DR is the best of the lot - at least for a trip like ours. Although not as comfortable as the GS on the highway, it blows it out of the water on dirt. Where the GS is heavy and cumbersome, the DR is light and nimble. Where the KLR rattles things loose, the DR keeps things tight and together. Where the XR is loud and rumblesome, the DR is quiet and smooth. It has also been incredibly reliable. Aside from routine maintenance, the DR’s have thus far required no other work (please find some wood to knock on for us). That is to say, we didn’t have any mechanical issues with the bikes in nine months and nearly 17,000 miles. Although not as comfortable as we would like on long stretches of highway, our DR’s are terrific. We highly recommend them! Tires and Tubes In addition to having no mechanical issues, we also avoided a single tire puncture (again with the wood knock, please). I attribute this to the tires, tubes, and sealant we used, as well as superb riding of course. ;) Seriously though, the tires we used have been great. After putting six thousand miles on the stock tires (Bridgestone Trail Wings) and tubes, we switched to the Heidenau K60 Scout’s in Southern California. I had read reviews of some folks who got 10,000-12,000 miles out of their K60’s, which is double what I’ve traditionally gotten from other dual sport tires. I figured it was worth a try. To help prevent punctures, I put some heavy-duty offroad tubes inside the K60’s along with an appropriate dose of Ride-On tire balancer and sealant. I opted for the latter over the Slime I’ve used in the past because Ride-On, although more expensive

www.midwestmotorcyclist.com

than Slime, has balancing properties and is guaranteed to last the life of the tire, rather than the year that Slime predicts. The whole package has been great. At this point we have over 10,000 miles on this set of tires and there is probably another 2,0005,000 left on them. I’ll definitely be buying another set, despite the relatively high price. Racks and Bags As with nearly every other decision, I spent a great deal of time selecting which bags to use. I had used a couple sets of hard luggage in the past from both Happy Trails and Jesse Bags - and liked them. What I didn’t like was their weight (and their price). Although hard bags are undeniably more secure than soft bags, they’re also triple the weight. One pannier from Happy Trail, Jesse, Touratech, or any of the manufacturers will weigh between 8-10 pounds. Once you add the required mounting rack, you’ve got nearly 30 pounds of weight on the rear of the bike before loading anything of consequence. For this reason, and because we weren’t planning to carry anything of great value, we opted for soft bags. Among all the options, we chose a sturdy, waterproof set made by Nelson Rigg called the Survivor Edition. They’re cheap, terrific, and available at Rocky’s Great Outdoors in Flint. To support the bags, we opted for simple metal side racks from Dirt Racks - based out of Langley, British Columbia. We also bought two simple tail racks from them to support what we intended to carry behind us. Combined this setup weighs under 16 pounds and provides all the functionality of hard bags - just not the security or the surface area for stickers. The only issue we’ve had with the bags is a couple of broken straps - one on my bike and one on Emily’s. Both breaks were sustained in minor spills though, so I don’t attribute the breaks to any problem with the bags themselves. Indeed, had the bags not been damaged in some way during the respective falls, I would have been incredibly impressed. As it is, both straps were easily repaired Continued on page 16

May 2015

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

Midwest Motorcyclist

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It’s Motorcycle Awareness Month

BE SEEN Don’t just hope that cagers see you. Do EVERYTHING you can to ensure they do. A great start is to wear Hi Viz riding gear on every ride. You don’t have to spend hundreds of dollars on a Hi Viz riding suit. Hi Viz vests are cheap - often less than $10 - at your local hardware store. Show your support of motorcycle safety and Motorcycle Awareness Month by wearing Hi Viz gear all month long. Let’s kick off a safe 2015 riding season!

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

Now in West Michigan

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

JOIN US Disclaimer: This ain’t your mamma’s pokey bar hoppin’ motorcycle club. It also isn’t a squidly club. We ride and we ride well. You are expected to ride within your limits. You are expected to wear appropriate safety gear, ride a safely maintained machine, and follow reasonable group riding etiquette. We welcome riders of all skill levels, ages, genders, and marques. You will likely find like-minded members who ride at your level of skill. The MSTA and Michigan MSTA assume no responsibility for your safety, state of mind, average lean angle, or degree of rockin’ fun that you’ll experience with us. Just motorcycle enthusiasts getting together to ride.

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

Breaking In by Pedro Gregorio “A period of careful breaking-in will ensure lower exhaust emission, and will optimize performance, fuel economy and longevity of the engine and other motorcycle components.” This is how the owner’s manual of my new 2014 Triumph Tiger 800XC that I told you about in the March issue summarizes the break-in period. What it doesn’t mention is that one of the best places to break-in the Tiger, or any motorcycle for that matter, is in the Smoky Mountains of eastern Tennessee and western South Carolina. “Why?” you ask. Read on to find out. Regular readers know that for the last few years I’ve opened my spring riding season by trailering my Triumph Speed Triple to the Smoky Mountains to ride some of the best motorcycle roads in the country. Having a new Tiger with zero miles in the garage only made this year that much more special since the Smokies would be the perfect place to find out how I really felt about the Tiger. It would also be my first ride since breaking my leg in November so I would not only be breaking in a new bike but also a healed rider.

Before I could deem the Tiger ready to ride, there were a few things I had to take care of. First, a trip to Meijer yielded one of my must-have modifications to any car or bike: stick-on blind spot mirrors. The circular ones that can be rotated are my favorites and I’ve

easy to remove but also made me wary of having them pop out when least expected. The third and most significant modification came after I started the bike for the first time during one of our rare 40º early-March days. I was stunned by the lack of sound from the aftermarket Arrow muffler. I couldn’t even hear the exhaust over the mechanical engine noise. This would not do at all. The internet revealed that my Arrow muffler came with what was called a “dB killer.” I’d call it a “soul only seen them at Meijer. For changing lanes killer” myself. Apparently, this noise-reducing they’re as good as turning my head. Second, the baffle was necessary to make the exhaust meet Tiger’s rubber foot peg inserts had to go. I could use European noise regulations. Well, this is America the extra legroom and I preferred the traction of the and we like to have a say on how our bikes should serrated metal pegs. The rubber inserts were just sound. I don’t believe loud pipes save lives (good pushed into the metal pegs which made them very riding does that) but I do love the sound from my Speed Triple’s Arrow exhaust and there was no way I was going to settle for anything less from the Tiger. Thankfully, all it took was removing a screw and using a pipe to wiggle the baffle loose and remove it in PRE-O RDER less than five seconds. HI-VIS YOUR Restarting the engine put a big J MARC ACKET grin on my face as I heard the H B Order Y 1 7 TH, 2 by ma online at il or by w 0 triple’s deep growl. That was 1 phone ww.ABAT 5! Eo at 1-8 nline.org, 00-23 more like it. -ABAT E Adjusting the foot levers and installing a GPS harness and handlebar mount finished off the preparations for the AVAILABLE BY PRE-ORDER BY MARCH H 117TH trip. As I sat on the bike while 3M SCOTCHLITE REFLECTIVE wearing my left motorcycle 100% WATERPROOF boot to make sure my ankle ZIPPERED POCKETS LIME/BLACK ANSI 107-2010 FLEECE LINING range-of-motion was good CLASS III APPROVED RADIO MIC LOOPS enough to shift, I couldn’t wait $75.00 for the day when I introduced SIZES S-5X the Tiger to my favorite roads. Embroidered Fleece Jackets That sunny, 70º day came on Adult sizes S-5X the first Monday morning of spring as I rode away from Pigeon Forge, TN, on my way to the Foothills Parkway and ABATE PRODUCTS Deal’s Gap. Breaking in a new Order online: www.abateonline.org engine is all about loading and Order by mail ABATE of Indiana unloading the engine at PO Box 665, Bargersville, IN 46106 ROYAL varying rpm’s combined with BLUE Hours Mon–Fri 8:00am-6:00pm heat cycling. That means the For questions and perfect break-in roads are product inquiries, email products@abateonline.org those that make me open

HI-VIS JACKETS ACKETS ETS

www.midwestmotorcyclist.com

Continued on page 17

May 2015

Random Ramblings of a Rare Bird

New Gear! by Mike Mekinda Good grief, it’s nearly spring and I’m just now getting around to organizing the garage and starting the bike maintenance and repairs I neglected through the winter. While hanging jackets and cleaning helmets, I came across a couple cool new bits of gear I had intended to cover way back in 2014, but never got around to - inconceivable! Having used both through much of the 2014 riding season, I found the Joe Rocket Survivor suit and Scorpion EXO-900 Transformer helmet are both really nice, quite affordable (probably available at discounted prices about now, especially since both are a few market years old), and both worthy of consideration. So I’ve decided being a bit late to the discussion beats not telling riders what I’ve found with both pieces. So let’s go top down, and start with the Scorpion helmets (yep, I bought two!) I’ve been using since spring of last year. I always use a helmet, and I ride a lot, so I tend to rotate through a fair number of helmets. I typically use my favorite helmets for 2-3 years of NEOhio riding, which runs from sweat-soaked to frosted over, before purchasing a replacement. As a MSF instructor, my “old” helmets are then retired to another 2-3 years of being knocked around parking lots for class use. On cold and rainy weekends, it’s always nice to have a warm, dry helmet or two to call into service for the next day! With this rotation, I typically buy a helmet every other year, and since cost is a consideration, I’m always looking for great year-end clearance deals. 2014 was a bit of a bonus year for my helmets, actually finding two Scorpion helmets at year-end prices. Scorpion helmets tend to be a bit too heavy, but I really like them. They’re well-constructed, feature-rich, comfortable and affordable. They also tend to fit my narrow noggin well, and I LOVE the Everclear no-fog face shields. When one of my favorite local shops decided to change their business model, they clearanced all of their helmets and I found the EXO 900 at a price I could not pass. So, despite being a non-returnable, I purchased a slightlytight large despite needing XL. I figured I could pass it to someone in the family if it the fit was too tight. Turned out it was too tight, but, being such a cool and innovative helmet, it all worked out ok. Scorpion’s EXO-900 is their take on a modular, or flip-face, helmet, but they take it a bit further to live up to the “Transformer” name. The 900 is a full-face modular with built-built in SpeedView retractable sunvisor and AirFit inflation system to tighten things up when at speed on the sport touring bike. Sitting behind the big windscreen on your touring Harley or Goldwing? A quick twist, a couple levers to pull, and youhave a sweet ¾ open helmet with a peak visor, as well as the SpeedView and AirFit to add to the functionality. In my case, the large 900 was too tight in full-face mode, but the ¾-mode fit perfectly - and became the ideal helmet towear while teaching riding classes. I could basically leave the 3/4 helmet on all day! A bit of looking around and I happened upon a very cool Hi-Viz Transformer in extra-large, also at a discount. The XL fit perfectly, and I had a full-face modular as my daily riding helmet. On a bit of a side note, the Hi-Viz ¾ piece fit the black large helmet, adding a funky bit of color- and I liked the look enough it stayed! Using the Transformer on a daily basis, I found a lot to like about the helmet, with just a few negatives. The DOT-certified helmet, when purchased in the correct size (!) fit well, and the AirFit pump effectively filled in gaps in lower liner to snug the fit and control wind and noise from beneath the helmet. The washable liner, while TM

Midwest Motorcyclist

not being the softest I’ve used, was comfortable and seemed stock photo of the Hi-Viz Neon version, which includes durable. As mentioned earlier, the Transformer runs a bit some cool neon highlights. I believe this is the better choice, heavy, but not dramatically so. Held on with standard Dand, though probably still not hi-viz enough, is blended ring straps, the shape works well in the wind, with minimal well and looks good in a modern superhero kinda’ way. buffeting and moderate noise - mostly across the gaps where The Survivor suit uses a long rubberized the various interchangeable pieces assemble. Not diagonal zipper from shoulder to opposite hip, as well as outstanding, but quite good for the price - about $259.00 thigh-high leg zippers for easy entry without jumping, suggested, significantly discounted with a bit of shopping. rolling gyrations. The weathertight zippers are also As I’ve found in the past, the Everclear shield covered by a flap of RockTex to prevent wind and rain remains fog-free in all but the worst conditions, or when the from entering the suit. Fit is typical of the “few sizes to fit inside of the shield has gotten dirty. Removing the shield to many” compromise, but several velcroed straps help clean (a bit of soapy water, nothing more, and the anti-fog tighten things up nicely and prevent flapping, even on my properties last a long time) is exceptionally easy, as is long, skinny limbs. The neck seals nicely, soft against changing from full-face to ¾ and back. Once a style is the neck, but could stand to be a bit taller to block chosen, either the peak shield or the front face will out the elements. A thin, quilted liner works well need to be stored. Fortunately, Scorpion provides a in cool to cold weather, and can be removed as lined helmet bag for storage of helmet and parts. the temps rise. The “BigAir” vent system sucks When used as a modular, flipping the face is a oneair in through the chest and out through vents in handed motion, and the front locks in place with a the rear, and works quite well - to a point. This confidence inspiring SNAP. As true with most (if is heavy-duty fabric, and when the temps get not all) modulars, riding with the entire face up is past around 65-70, it starts to get HOT inside. NOT recommended, and a particularly bad idea. As mentioned, the vent system works well - but Riding with the helmet as a full-face or in ¾ mode, a when it becomes hot air being vented through a convenient fighter-pilot retractable sun visor is hot suit that’s absorbing sun’s rays… well, not activated by a slide on the left side of the helmet, just much beats armored mesh at that point! Speaking above a cutout for a com system. of armor, the Survivor has a full complement of The ventilation works well, with three large removable (upgradeable?) CE padding in the vents that are easily activated with gloves. A pushusual places, as well as extra layers of fabric. in vent in the chin, a large popup scoop on the top There’s a thin back pad, better than nothing, but I’d and a slide open exhaust vent in the rear. The effective consider slipping in something a bit more substantial. ventilation, unfortunately, begs a question though: did Two zipped and flapped cargo pockets sit on the left Scorpion presume this helmet would not be used in the rain? thigh, and another on the right chest, and there are Most modulars seem to be used by hardexhaust-pipe resistant patches on the inner legs to core touring riders, which means allcomplete the package. weather. The top vent can be closed, but Overall, I really liked the Joe Rocket Survivor most of us like to have the exhaust pull suit, and all it had to offer. Other than really hot weather, through even when the helmet is sealed for it worked like proper riding gear should - comfy and cold. In the rain, the open top vent allows unnoticed, hoping never to be called to duty beyond water to drip in and soak the back of the keeping the rider warm and dry. From the construction liner. Also, while dealing with rain, I found quality and attention to little details, I have no doubt the the seal around the visor seems to leak from the top, running Survivor would live up to its name if drawn to pavement, down the screen directly in my line of vision. Oddly, though, but I’ve been fortunate enough not to have tested that this leak seemed to be temperature-dependent, leaking more aspect. I have, however, tested it’s weatherproofing, and I when cold, less when warm - though always leaking just a can say it’s nicely wind and watertight. The only water bit. Obviously a design issue that needs to be addressed, that made it in through a torrential rainstorm was around and, with the recent update to the EXO-900X, it looks like it the neck - and may have been leaking down from the may well have been. helmet! And did I mention it’s also a great looking suit, Is Scorpion’s EXO-900 Transformer a perfect especially in the Hi-Viz pattern? If you’re looking for some helmet? Nope. But it is a terrific all-around helmet, high-quality, reasonably priced riding gear (and who especially for the price. While the transforming ability isn’t isn’t?), I’d say you’d do quite well with the Joe Rocket for everyone, it does offer a bit of variety in one helmet, Survivor suit. should the mood strike. ¾ or flip-face, if you’re in the There you go, a couple more pieces to look into market for a new helmet, I think Scorpion has put together a before riding ATGATT through the summer. Time for me great looking, affordable modular helmet that will keep to get back in the garage, clean the helmets and hang the most riders happy - and recommend a look. suits and jackets, and get the bikes back together before In addition to my new Transformer helmets, I also the rest of the snow melts and I need to get riding! spent cooler days riding in a borrowed one-piece Joe Rocket Ride often (warmer weather’s on its way!), ride Survivor suit (the suit proved to be a bit too warm in the -mike smart, stay safe and I’ll see you on the road! blaze of summer) and appreciating its affordable functionality. At a suggested $399.00, 2006 Honda CRF 450R, NEW CHAIN & SPROCKETS, Fresh tune up, Fresh Chassis Tune the Survivor is at the Up, Works Connection skid plate, rad braces, engine guards, $3,995 low end of a fullfunction riding suit, but 2004 Triumph Bonneville America, Lots of Chrome, 3 Different Seats, Runs Great, nothing about the suit 19,150 Miles, $4,395 says “cheap”. The RockTex 600 shell seems 2005 Star ROYAL STAR 1300 VENTURE, 65,000 Miles, CB Intercom System, Aftermarket Exhaust, Comes with a matching trailer for an additional $800, $5,695 quite tough, and the seams are tight and 2005 Suzuki BOULEVARD C50, 24,000 Miles, Saddle Bags, Windshield, Runs Great, durable. The suit I used $3,495 was the all-black version, which has a 2011 Suzuki RMZ 450, Excel Yellow Wheels, Rekluse Clutch, New Rear Tire, Pro Taper spattering of reflective Chain & Sprockets, Moto Seat Cover, ARC Levers, Boyeson Waterpump, $4,195 piping, patches and striping, but I don’t 6971 Highland Road 248-666-4651 think it’s enough. I’ve Waterford, MI 48327 www.tech-care.com included the Joe Rocket

USED MOTORCYCLES & ATVs

Continued from previous page at small zapateria’s (i.e. shoe repair shops, because the material is too thick to be repaired by the standard seamstress machine) for less than $2 each. Filter Skins Have you heard of them? I hadn’t until a parts rep at the store formerly known as Nicholson’s recommended them. In short, filter skins are condoms for your air filter - except rather than preventing debris from flowing out, they prevent it from flowing in. They’re wonderful. Simply lube one up with your favorite air filter grease and place it over your air filter. After the requisite number of miles or dusty trails, simply pull off the filter skin and marvel at how clean your actual air filter is. I bought four - two for the bikes and two that remain cleaned, lubed, and ready for service. In the 10,000 miles or so that we’ve been using them, I’ve cleaned and re-lubed them several times (only now noticing some deterioration that requires replacement) and have only cleaned our actual air filters once. Again, they’re amazing. I highly recommend them - especially if you dislike cleaning and lubing air filters as much as I do. Emergency Communicator Knowing we would be traveling through some pretty remote terrain, we wanted a way to be able to communicate with appropriate folks in case of an emergency. I’ve used a Spot device and a satellite phone in the past, but both have their drawbacks. Although the Spot is small and durable, it’s capabilities are limited. It only permits you to send a small number of pre-set messages and doesn’t permit any form of response. Satellite

phones are much more useful in terms of back-andforth conversation, but they’re also big, heavy, and expensive. Again, after considering all the options, we bought the Delorme InReach SE, which has been absolutely fantastic. In addition to it’s tracking function, which permits friends and family to see exactly where we are at any given point in time, it lets us send text messages to our loved ones and

communicate with emergency personnel. When we tested the SOS function before departure, the folks in the call center told us they greatly prefer the Delorme to the Spot, which they also support, because it permits them to communicate with the user. For example, the Delorme permits us to tell the call center exactly what our emergency is, whereas the Spot does not. Fortunately, we haven’t had to use the emergency SOS feature. We’re glad to know it’s there though and we’re very happy with how the Delorme keeps us in contact with our family no matter where we are. Again, this product gets a strong recommend.

SPRING OPEN HOUSE th

Saturday, May 9 , 2015 • 10am – 4pm

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

Motorcycle Covers On past trips, I’ve taken a tarp to cover the motorcycle in inclement weather. A cover also works well to obscure the bike from curious eyes who may want to take a thing or two from it. For this go-round, we were offered a pair of covers from Shady Products, which specializes in customfit motorcycle covers. Although I was a bit skeptical of the design at first, Em and I have come to love these covers. They’re small, lightweight, easy to use and protect all parts of the motorcycle that I’d like to stay dry in a big rain. Being custom made, they also fit perfectly over our soft saddlebags, which adds just another layer of protection from those who might want to see or take whatever we have left inside each night. If you’re interested in a nice cover, I strongly recommend what Shady Products has to offer. Aftermarket Seats As with most bikes, the DR comes equipped with a less than pleasant seat. After looking around a bit, Emily and I decided to give the products from Seat Concepts a try. Their products are reasonably priced and they offer an array of options for many different bikes, including the DR. Since Emily’s legs are a bit shorter than mine, we got her a seat that shaves a little over an inch off the seat height. I opted for the standard height because I liked the way the original height felt. Both of us have been very impressed. Each of our seats offer a bit of additional width and provide a nice, firm sitting area on material that makes it easy to shift around as needed. Now, rather than having a 60-mile seat, I Continued on next page

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

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

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May 2015

Continued from previous page and close the throttle as often as possible, i.e., with tons of curves, and scenery that makes me shut off the engine when I pull off for photos. The Tiger was in its element. Skinny tires (90/90-21 front and 150/70-17 rear) together with a wide handlebar meant the bike changed direction RIGHT NOW. I found myself having to recalibrate my inputs so as not to end up turning early. The light throttle combined with perfect clutch feel and shift action meant I could enjoy the Tiger’s broad spread of torque in any gear. Whereas my Speed Triple ran Deal’s Gap in second gear, the Tiger’s gearing allowed me to use second and third. I was impressed by the smoothness of the fueling during

throttle on/off transitions. It was definitely smoother than the Speed Triple. I was a bit worried about how good the traction would be from those skinny tires but I needn’t have worried. I never felt the need for more traction while railing around corners at a brisk pace. I would never have believed that a 90-width front tire could perform this well but the Pirelli Scorpion Trail allowed me to ride as quickly as I did last year on the Speed Triple’s 120-width front tire. Ground clearance was never an issue. The pegs or centerstand never touched down, only the outside edge of my boot on one particular Deal’s Gap corner. The liberated exhaust sounded incredible, especially the burbling and popping on closed throttle. I felt no vibrations in the metal pegs and

Continued from previous page - Live It Right

craftsmanship that I returned it. In short, the IMS tank came with loads have one that can take me to 150 or more without of brass shavings inside the tank any discomfort at all. Emily’s ride time is even (because they’re apparently too lazy better, as I rarely hear her complain of any to cover the fuel opening when they discomfort in the seat, although that may be sand down the brass fittings), along because she’s just tougher than me ;). with a fuel valve that felt remarkably flimsy and which has a reputation for Gas Tank leaking. Extremely disappointed, I The stock gas tank on a DR650 is 3.4 sent it back and continued my search. gallons, which provides just over 130 miles of range The Acerbis tank, in contrast, before hitting reserve. Knowing we may need to is very well made. It was clean upon travel further than that between reliable gas delivery and its fuel valve doesn’t stations, we opted for a 5.3 gallon aftermarket tank feel like a cheap toy. With a 5.3 from Acerbis. I originally tried a similarly-sized gallon capacity, we get between 230tank from IMS, but was so upset with the 260 miles per tank BMW Motorcycles of Southeast Michigan presents before hitting reserve. The only disappointing part of the tank is the locking fuel

Spring Open House Saturday, May 30, 2015 This is the BIG one.

The best food and refreshments you’ll find at any Open House. Demo rides & entertainment. Special pricing dealership wide. Factory test rider Nate Kern will be here. Join us in celebrating the 2015 riding season!

only very slight vibes on the grips. Not only did the Tiger’s ease of turning make Deal’s Gap a pleasure, its stability also made the fast sweepers of NC28 and Cherohala Skyway a pure joy. It was only appropriate that the 500-mile service indicator, a little wrench, came on while riding the Cherohala. The Tiger was officially broken in. With four dry days in the 70’s, I managed to ride over 700 miles including some light offroading in the Bald River Gorge area of Tellico Plains, TN. It was while climbing a narrow dirt road that I realized this was exactly why I bought the Tiger. I wanted a bike with the soul of a triple that is as comfortable strafing the paved twisties as it is exploring the unpaved world. Mission accomplished. cap I purchased to deter folks from tainting or siphoning our gas. In sum, it’s not well made. Although Emily’s still works, mine leaks like a sieve. After only a month or so, I had to switch back to the standard, non-locking cap, which works just fine. In total, we have been extremely happy with the items we bought for this trip. There are a few that have been a hassle, a disappointment, or both, but you’ll have to wait until next month to hear about them. In the meantime, enjoy (re)outfitting your bike for the riding season and let us know if you have any questions about the items discussed above. We’re online at www.liveitrightdreamride.com and would be happy to help in any way we can.

The Live It Right Dream Ride is sponsored in part by:

www.kindsnacks.com/

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

www.midwestmotorcyclist.com/ www. motorcycleandoutdoors .com

www.shadyproducts.com/

UPCOMING EVENTS MSTA Rough Rider V - May 9-10, 2015 Here’s your chance to earn your Iron Butt certificate. 1,000 miles on May 9 and then, if you want, 500 miles on May 10. Very well organized event. Must be MSTA member to participate.

Track Day - Monday, June 1, 2015 The day costs $175, which includes track time, class room instruction and lunch. All makes and models of bikes are welcome to attend our track events! Factory test rider Nate Kern will join us. To register, please call Audrey at (734) 453-0500

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

Midwest Motorcyclist

Motorcycling & Law Sport Touring is Our Middle Name!

We Ride!

by Dondi Vesprini

...All Makes of Bikes ...All Over the Country ...On Back Roads ...On Racetracks ...At Novice-Advanced Levels ...In Our Sleep! Our members come from all across the Midwest (and beyond) and we ride many makes of street bikes - including: â&#x20AC;˘ Aprilia â&#x20AC;˘ BMW â&#x20AC;˘ Buell â&#x20AC;˘ Ducati

â&#x20AC;˘ Harley-Davidson â&#x20AC;˘ Honda â&#x20AC;˘ Kawasaki

â&#x20AC;˘ Suzuki â&#x20AC;˘ Triumph â&#x20AC;˘ Yamaha ....and brands in between

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

For information about membership, meetings, events or rides, contact the MSTA group in your state: In Indiana, contact: Donald â&#x20AC;&#x153;Mooseâ&#x20AC;? Parish mooseparish@sbcglobal.net

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No place to ride? Michigan is home to the largest organized network of off-road trails in the world - more than 3500 miles of marked, maintained ORV trails for the entire family to enjoy! Since 1968, The Cycle Conservation Club of Michigan has led the charge to assure continued access to public lands for motorized recreation by working closely with state and federal government. Membership in the CCC offers organized trail rides, a map CD of the entire trail system, a subscription to the Great Lakes TrailRider Magazine and a host of other member benefits! Call us today at 517-781-4805. The Cycle Conservation Club of Michigan PO Box 486 t $PMEXBUFS .* t XXX DZDMFDPOTFSWBUJPODMVC PSH

Bahri Decision Recently, the Michigan Court of Appeals issued an opinion which auto insurance companies have been relying upon in an attempt to completely escape their legal obligation to pay No Fault benefits owed to persons injured in motor vehicle accidents in Michigan. By way of brief background, persons injured in accidents involving motor vehicles (including motorcycle vs motor vehicle, motor vehicle vs motor vehicle, pedestrian vs motor vehicle, etc.) are entitled to payment of their medical bills, wage loss, mileage, attendant care and household services by the applicable auto insurance company. In the case of Bahri v IDS Prop. Cas. Ins. Co., the plaintiff was injured in a motor vehicle accident and made a claim for No Fault benefits with her auto insurance company. Her claim included household services and the doctors who provided medical care asserted a claim for the medical expenses. However, her claim for household services included a claim for services provided 19 days prior to the accident. Also, surveillance video was taken of the plaintiff on the days for which she claimed she needed help around the house. The video showed her bending, lifting, driving and running errands. Her auto insurance policy contained a general fraud exclusion which stated that no coverage would be provided for any insured who has made fraudulent statements or engaged in fraudulent conduct in connection with any accident or loss for which coverage is sought under the policy. The auto insurance company argued that her household services claim was fraudulent given the plaintiffs claim for 19 days prior to the accident and given the video surveillance, and therefore it should not have to pay any no fault benefits given the fraud exclusion in the policy. The Court of Appeals agreed and held that the fraud exclusion applied not only to exclude her claim for household service benefits, but it applied to exclude her entire no fault claim, including the claimed medical expenses which had nothing to do with the alleged fraudulent claim for household services! Since the Bahri decision was issued, auto insurance companies are attempting to use it as an escape plan to get out of paying an injured personâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s no fault benefits. Essentially, if any portion of an injured personâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s no fault claim that is submitted to the auto insurer for payment contains a mistake, the auto insurance company is painting that mistake as a â&#x20AC;&#x153;fraudulentâ&#x20AC;? claim and is asking courts to dismiss the entirety of the injured personâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s no fault claim. For example, if an employer

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submits a wage loss verification form which has a mistake in the wage that the injured person was earning before the accident or if a doctor submits a billing statement for payment which includes a charge for an office visit that may not have been for treatment related to the accident, the auto insurance company will attempt to argue that such single mistake constitutes a fraud and will seek dismissal or the injured personâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s entire no fault claim! It is not hard to see the potential for injustice that the Bahri decision created. It creates the potential for an injured person to lose their entire no fault claim (i.e. medical expenses, wage loss benefits, attendant care, household services, etc.) if any single submission to the auto insurer on any single potion of the claim is somehow mistaken. The injustice of the Bahri decision is made even more clear given that the No Fault act specifically provides a remedy to auto insurers in a situation where a fraudulent no fault claim has been submitted. The act provides that in such a situation, the auto insurer may seek an award of attorneyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s fees against the claimant which may be used as an offset against benefits claimed. There is no indication in the Bahri opinion that this portion of the No Fault act was ever brought up or considered by the Court. One advantage that persons injured in a motorcycle vs auto accident may have with respect to the Bahri issue, is that in most motorcycle vs auto accidents it is the insurer of the owner or operator of the motor vehicle that is responsible for paying the no fault benefits. In that situation, the applicable contract of auto insurance which may contain a fraud provision is only between the auto insurer and the owner or operator of the motor vehicle as opposed to the injured motorcyclist. Therefore, any such fraud provision should not apply to the injured motorcyclist as he/she is not a party to the insurance contract. It will be interesting to see the ramifications of the Bahri decision as we move forward. I have already argued against the application of the Bahri decision in one case. A decision is pending. 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 (248-569-4646) 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!

May 2015

Open Terrain: Exploring the World and Soul by Motorcycle Worldschooling and The New World Wide Web

that the bike wants to dance trek deep in the Sahara, riding a with the waves of the sand; camel in Jordan, learning to surf in Hawaii, learning archaeology in there’s no forcing it to do otherwise. That’s when the sage Pompeii, Ephesus, Troy, and Delphi, life advice of going with the flow and seeing world class operas in Verona, to name a few. and loosening control can not only make us better riders, but This family’s approach to by Nicole Espinosa keep us from spinning our road education very much matches mine. They use a hybrid wheels in daily living. There’s a call that’s coming through loud and This is how I’m homeschooling method that is suited clear and many are choosing to pick up the phone. It Nicole, Alana & Dimitri checking out embracing this next chapter of to their family and trilingual child the fit before their adventure. comes in as a strong desire to change the course of our who also plays two instruments as taking the kids on the road in a lives. It starts as a whisper. If we’re quiet enough, we can sidecar. I’ve had to loosen the control over the launch date they roam the world. It morphed as their curriculum hear it at this faint point. But if it doesn’t reverberate above and time schedule, as it seems that greater forces at play reflected their first-hand experiences, and came to life in the mind noise and chaotic the colorful pages of their journals and websites. They will align when the time is right. So in surroundings, then sometimes the meantime, I’m pouring myself into punctuated this education with the strongest of familial it has to come in screaming the prep with major research into bonds that encouraged family discussions of great like a banshee to get our depth. It’s no surprise that the huge effort and energy to building a worldschooling foundation attention. The message is for the kids. It’ll start next year as I keep up their website, Facebook pages, YouTube slightly different for each rider homeschool my 13-year-old daughter, channel, and every other social media connection who picks up this call, but the garnered great accolades from National Geographic Alana, with a curriculum that will result is the same across the transfer with ease on the road. With Traveler as “One of the best family travel blogs in board —”Follow your heart.” more and more families answering this cyberspace.” One specific quote on their website uttered In the end, each and every one by a wise nomad named Hunt resonated with me. call of the heart, there are now a of these riders shares the same Nicole with Paul H. Smith in the side car. plethora of website gold mines of “Traveling in the company of those we love is home in physical reaction—kicking a experiential information for us premotion.” leg over a bike. As the launch of Sidecar Safari grows near, I travelers to explore. When I picked up the phone, it took getting hit One particular family travel website that has know that I’m answering a call from my heart that is over the head before I heard its shattering screech. Divorce caught my attention is soultravelers3.com. This urging my family to connect to the new World Wide and foreclosure within months of one another was its bat Web—the human grid of the globe. progressive thinking 50-something couple from Santa of choice back in ’08. It didn’t take me long to figure out Cruz, California, named Jean DaVinci and Jeanne D’Arc, I am extending a personal invitation to readers that the best prescription for that insane headache was a have raised their 13-year-old daughter, Mozart, as a to follow along on my global journey with my kids in a ten-day solo adventure ride. Immediately, I discovered sidecar motorcycle through our website worldschooler since the age of five to expand her that the combination of me, my bike, and longer travel educational horizons and make her a global citizen. Alana SidecarSafari.com. Thank you so much Ray and Midwest time, led me to a greater connection with people and sees herself matching educational experiences with her MotorcyclistTM for allowing me to share my adventure eclectic surroundings. It was as if the bike were a computer insights these past few years. Time to join me on my new-found peer, Mozart, as she already imagines modem and I the electricity plugging us into a computer next ride. Hugs to all, Nicole. swimming with sharks in Bora Bora, doing an overnight grid that spanned the globe. People lit up, separation was shattered and home and meal invitations flowed in Ce le abundance creating a wave of Packin’ Tee ou brati electricity that would pay itself r2 ng Concealment forward to connect the world in a ye 3rd Hi Viz Riding Jackets ar! T-Shirt humanistic way. Black & Orange or Now here I am, seven years 99 later, watching my heart’s path take a Black & Green all sizes, new turn. Our motorcycling with holster FOR Start at $8000 community has given me a strong Pictures are examples and may not home base from which to launch out RENT look exactly like actual product in 2nd Annual store. into the world. A huge help in building this foundation has been Ray HOGS in Ministry Peabody, one of the most supportive, Riding Bike Blessing CHAPS encouraging, and heart-driven as low as Jackets May 9, 2015 publishers I’ve ever had the pleasure Rentals $ 00 to work alongside. And the readers as low as starting Free coffee, donuts who have been drawn to Ray’s $ at $30 a @ 9:30 a.m. 10000 publication have truly become family day! Blessing @ noon to me. I thank you all from deep HarleyConcealment within for coming along for my ride VESTS over the past few years and Davidson Vests as low as welcoming me into your homes. as low as The one technique in my $ 00 FOR 00 riding bag ‘o’ tricks that has prepared $50 CLEARANCE! SALE $ 50 me best for taking on this next phase of life is the top pointer for riding in skelley@kelleytrailers.com Ride down and visit the LARGEST and MOST COMPLETE sand—a loose grip. When a rider LEATHER SHOP in Southwest Michigan near the Indiana State line. tackles that first pit of soft sand in the middle of a trail, the first reaction is to 12620 N. Telegraph grab the bars as tightly as she can to keep the bike from bucking her off. (269) 651-2464 Fax: (269) 651-8767 Carleton, MI But, what she doesn’t realize is the Mon thru Fri 9 to 6 • Sat 9 to 3 1640 S. Centerville Road (M-66 South) , Sturgis, MI more she controls the bars, the more We accept all major credit cards We sell a complete line of open & enclosed likely it is she will crash. With a little Call (269) 651-2464 now or visit our on-line store at www.ridewild.com motorcycle trailers at affordable prices. more sand practice, it becomes clear

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Vehicle Drivers: Are You Motorcycle-Aware? by Jason Waechter, Esq. It’s spring in the Midwest (finally!), and we are hearing the sounds of spring: motorcycles revving! As you know by now, May is Motorcycle Awareness Month, and every year I like to use the opportunity to share with readers some of the ways they can get involved and help promote motorcycle awareness and safety. This year, however, I’m going to do something a little different: Instead of making suggestions to you, my fellow bikers, on promoting motorcycle awareness and safety, I’m going to provide a checklist for vehicle drivers, to help them be “Motorcycle-Aware.” Why focus on drivers? Nearly all of my articles over the past year have offered suggestions for ways that bikers can get involved in motorcycle awareness and safety promotion; things like joining the local ABATE chapter, ensuring they have a proper motorcycle license, joining a motorcycle club or interest group, getting a bumper sticker or lawn sign to remind drivers that Motorcycles are Everywhere, and telling everyone you talk to - and using social media - to remind drivers to Watch for Motorcycles. The fact is, we can never do enough to promote motorcycle awareness and safety. It’s one of the biggest responsibilities we have as motorcyclists and one of the simplest ways we can try to protect ourselves from vehicle-motorcycle crashes. So please, share this checklist with vehicle drivers you know by tearing out this page or making copies to share with friends and family, your motorcycle club, the other parents at the PTA meeting, or whomever you can. Write to me (writer@lawyerforlife.com) or find me on Facebook (facebook.com/THEmotorcyclelawyer) to request a copy of the list, and share the questions with your social media circles. By encouraging vehicle drivers to be more Motorcycle-Aware, you could potentially help save a biker’s life… maybe even your own.

#1: Do you see the motorcyclist? If you only see a motorcycle, you should get your eyes checked. Every motorcycle on the road has a person, with a life and family and people who care about them, riding it. See that person and do your part to keep them safe. #2: Do you check your mirrors and blind spots for motorcycles? Before you make a move, actively look for motorcycles. Check your mirrors and blind spots, and scan the horizon. Check again. Don’t move the wheel until you know you are clear. #3: Are you listening? Motorcycles aren’t quiet, so turn your music down and listen. Your ears could save a motorcyclist’s life. #4: Did it snow last winter? If it did, that means motorcycles haven’t been on the road for a while, so you might not be used to them. Take the extra second and look twice… you could save a motorcyclist’s life. #5: Are you turning? If you are, check oncoming traffic and make sure there are no motorcyclists moving towards you. It can be hard for a vehicle driver to judge how fast a motorcycle is moving. Wait for the motorcyclist to pass before making your turn; the highest number of motorcyclevehicle crashes happen at intersections, especially when a vehicle turns directly in front of a motorcycle.

May 30, 2015 • 9 a.m. - 3 p.m.

#6: Do you use your turn signals? Always use your turn indicators. Turn signals are a simple and effective crashprevention device that could also prevent a motorcyclist’s death. Even if you think there’s nobody around, use your signal. #7: Can your vehicle “stop on a dime”? Neither can a motorcycle. Don’t expect a motorcyclist to be able to stop instantly. #8: Do you tailgate? There is no such thing as a “fender-bender” when talking about a motorcycle. If you follow too close to a motorcycle, you could kill the rider. Please, give them space. #9: Are you sharing the road? A motorcyclist has the right to use the whole lane, just like you do when driving your vehicle. Sometimes, a biker will need to move side to side in the lane to avoid debris that might not be a big deal for a car or truck. Give them room to maneuver in order to help keep them safe. #10. Are you texting or fiddling with your phone? Stop… just stop. Put your phone away. Keep it in your purse, pocket, glove box, or anywhere but in your hand. Whatever is happening on your phone is not worth hitting and injuring or killing a motorcyclist, so please, stay off the phone. Bonus question: Do you think you could forgive yourself if you killed a motorcyclist because you were not Motorcycle-Aware on the roads? Obviously, this list doesn’t cover every scenario, and there is simply no way to guarantee that this checklist will prevent motorcycle-vehicle crashes or motorcyclist deaths. There are many ways that vehicle drivers can be more Motorcycle-Aware. If you have suggestions to add to this list, post them Facebook using the tag #MotorcycleAware… we may share them with our followers! This Motorcycle Awareness Month, do your part! If you’re a motorcyclist, share this list with vehicle drivers you know. If you’re a vehicle driver, please Watch for Motorcycles. 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.

www.midwestmotorcyclist.com

May 2015

Michigan

The Preacher Speaks About ...

Brakes

Harley-Davidson

by Franz Hoffer I was going to go over to Jerry B’s to do this article on brakes, but thought I would give him a call first. Well, in his own words… “too damn busy right now.” I should have known. Busy and Jerry B is a rite of spring. All those guys and gals who spent all winter thinking about what they wanted to do to their bikes take them over to Jerry at the first breath of warm weather. I still am doing this article on brakes, though. I actually did a lot research and was aided by personal experiences. Let’s start with some brake history. In the early days, motorcycles didn’t have brakes; the rider dragged his foot to get it to come to a halt and praying that it would. It wasn’t good for your legs, your shoes or anyone standing in front of you. In 1902, a Philadelphia motorcycle shop came up with the first “brake”a steel plate that rubbed on the tire to slow the bike down. It worked OK. Eventually that system evolved into a shoe brake. It was effective and cheap; the principle is still in use today. By the 1960s, shoe brakes were the norm. As engine power and speed increased, the brakes generated incredible heat causing brake fade. The British came up with a solution by developing a hub with cooling fins. Disc brakes made their appearance in 1962 but weren’t included on a production bike until 1975. Honda developed the first dual-brake system using both drum and disc on the bike. Brake system performance has improved significantly over the years - especially with disc brakes front and rear - but the next major leap was the introduction of modern anti-lock systems. While the brake systems have improved, rider skill is key to their effectiveness. Safe riding depends on riders knowing how to effectively initiate braking while maintaining control of the motorcycle. To help riders understand how to maximize the effectiveness of their braking operation, we should review some braking dos and don’ts: • Do not apply the front brake hard while in a turn. Modern motorcycle tires stick to the pavement during braking. Brake too hard with the front tire turned and the tire will stop. The weight of the motorcycle will continue on its path and the rider will likely be thrown over the high side. Good way to get broken bones, cuts and scrapes. • Do not apply the same braking forces to the front and rear in wet or slippery conditions as you normally do when dry. Traction will diminish in wet or slippery conditions and you should not expect to stop in the same distance as in dry conditions. The coefficient of friction – or where the rubber meets the road - drops off dramatically when water, dirt, gravel or anything other than smooth, clean, paved surface is present. Allow more distance and remember to allocate pressure appropriate to bring your motorcycle to a smooth, controlled stop without the tires slipping. • Don’t rely on only one brake – too many riders have developed a one brake-only riding style. Some prefer the front but many use the back TM

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exclusively. For maximum braking effectiveness, gradually apply both front and rear brakes simultaneously. The amount of pressure you use will depend on the amont of distance you have in which to stop. You will shorten your stopping distances. You won’t fly over the handlebars (unless you grab a handful of the front brake and lock up the front tire.) Use both brakes in a controlled manner, my friends. There’s a reason why they put front and back brakes on the bike. • On long trips, don’t expect your brakes to be at 100% as braking can become diminished caused by road grime building up on the rotor’s surface or a condition known as “pad knock off.” To counter this on long straight brakeless rides, lightly pump both front and rear brakes occasionally. This should alleviate any loss of braking ability. On our trip to Sturgis last year, my buddy Jimbo and I were headed down an unpaved road with loose gravel…in wet conditions. It had rained hard earlier, everything was wet and a light drizzle continued to fall. In spots, the gravel was 1” or more deep surrounded by water and mud. A great place to ride! I was using my back brake, avoiding my front brake whenever I had to slow down to prevent the front tire plowing through the deep gravel. We came to our destination and I unconscientiously applied my brakes as usual…60% front 40% rear. My front tire broke loose on the gravel as the inertia of the 800lb Harley kept pushing it forward causing a dangerous skid. Of course, people were watching. They always seem to be watching when I do something stupid. It was all I could do to stay upright and avoid a parked bike. A good lesson for the Preacher: pay attention and practice what you preach. (That’s actually a good message for all preachers!) Never lose sight of the fact that brakes are the most important safety feature on your bike. Make sure you know how to use them and check them regularly. Don’t play Russian Roulette with your brakes. If in doubt, replace them. As for replacing brakes, that really depends on your specific braking technique. For me, I generally replace the front brakes at around 17,000 miles and the rear at around 23,000 miles which indicates that I use the front more or harder than the rear. Those numbers are probably valid for most big Harley cruisers but as far as crotch rockets doing endo-stoppies….I wouldn’t have a clue. It all depends on you and how you brake. I won’t recommend a brand like Brembo or any other brakes for two reasons. First, I don’t know enough about the different brands out there. Second, I don’t need to know - that’s what I go to Jerry B. I follow his recommendation. With that, I will put a brake on this article. Ride safe my friends, remember people in cages are not looking out for you; you need to look out for them. Ride defensively!

For a complete list of Michigan Harley-Davidson Dealer Association Members, see the dealer locator on page 23. May 9 Wounded Warrior Project Event Capitol Harley-Davidson 9550 Woodlane Dr., Dimondale, MI 517.646.2345 May 9 Blessed Biker Blessing & Ride Live music by Exit 41, Biker Blessing at 11:30am, Scenic lake shore ride at 12pm, Free Brooklyn Bagels & Coffee Hot Rod Harley-Davidson 149 Shoreline Drive, Muskegon, MI (231) 722-0000 May 9-10 Spring Open House / DEMO Truck Event 1 of every model of motorcycles, including CVO’s for you to demo!! FREE food, live music Motor Honey, fashion show, awesome door prizes and cool demonstrations. ABC Harley-Davidson 4405 Highland Road (M-59) Waterford, MI - (248) 674-3175 May 15 Baldwin Bike Blessing Kick Off 12 p.m. to 6 p.m. Battle Creek Harley-Davidson 5738 Beckley Road Battle Creek, MI - (269) 979-2233 May 15 GRAND OPENING of the new store! Ray C’s Harley-Davidson 1491 S. Lapeer Rd. (M-24 & I-69), LAPEER, MI - (810) 664-9261 May 16 Bikers Against Child Abuse Charity Ride Capitol Harley-Davidson 9550 Woodlane Dr., Dimondale, MI 517.646.2345 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. May 16 Spring Poker Run Shiawassee Sports Center 11901 South Beyer Road Birch Run, MI - (989) 624-4400 May 23 Memorial Day Celebration A memorial day cookout along with check presenting ceremony to benefit the Wounded Warrior Project Battle Creek Harley-Davidson 5738 Beckley Road Battle Creek, MI - (269) 979-2233 May 23 Harley Heroes Event All proceeds to Wounded Warriors Ray C’s Harley-Davidson 1491 S. Lapeer Rd. (I-69 & M-24) Lapeer, MI - (810) 664-9261

May 30 8th Annual Blessing of the Bikes 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Hamilton Harley-Davidson 68951 White School Road US-12 Sturgis, MI 49091 269.651.3424 May 30 Hogs & Hairspray 80s Party Come to ABC for trip back in the time machine to the 1980’s. We’ll have jamming a 80’s inspired hair band to entertain you. Also 80’s apparel is encouraged! We’ll be dressed up, so can you! As always, FREE food and awesome door prizes. ABC Harley-Davidson 4405 Highland Road (M-59) Waterford, MI - (248) 674-3175 May 30 Miller Run Bring your friends for the Poker Style Run to restaurants and bars around the beautiful Irish Hills area. Beginning at Town & Country and ending at The Wells Town & Country Sports Center 18655 U.S. 12, Cement City, MI 517-547-3333 May 31 Central Michigan HOG presents Old School Poker Run Mt. Pleasant VFW 4841 E. Pickard, Mt. Pleasant, MI Reg 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. $15 per person, Prizes C & S Sports Center 4741 E Pickard St, Mt Pleasant, MI (989) 772-5513 May 31 Bikers for Boobies Ride Join this escorted ride to support the Karmanos Center in their fight against Breast Cancer. Ride is only $10 per person and includes free ride pin to 1st 150 registered. registration starts at 11 am, kickstands up at 12 noon. ABC Harley-Davidson 4405 Highland Road (M-59) Waterford, MI - (248) 674-3175 June 11-13 27th Annual Sandy Corley Memorial Run AT THE DOUBLE JJ RESORT, ROTHBURY, MI FOR INFO: Meridian Entertainment Group: 877.569.7767 • meridianconcerts.com or Sandy’s Harley-Davidson: 231.924.3020

Grand Opening Set for Michigan Harley-Davidson Ray C’s Harley-Davidson Dealer Association Members

Lapeer, Michigan – Ray Clemens, Sr. recently set May 15 as the date for the Grand Opening of his new HarleyDavidson dealership in Lapeer, Michigan. The 29,000 square foot facility is located on ten acres at 1491 South Lapeer Road (1/4 mile south of the I-69 and M-24 interchange at exit 155) in Lapeer. Outside, the dealership has the look of a building from a different era with large covered “porches” on two sides, a separate covered parking area, a water tower emblazoned with the Harley-Davidson logo, a Rider Academy course for up to 300 riders, a large fire pit, and, out back, an amphitheater.

Inside, wood covers many of the walls giving a rustic, comfortable feel. The large two-story showroom has space for the full-line of Harley-Davidson motorcycles, MotorClothes and accessories. A balcony overlooking the showroom floor will display Mr. Clemens’ antique motorcycles and house a Veterans memorial exhibit. A 24-foot Big Ass Fan (brand name) keeps the air circulating throughout.

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 Towards the middle part of the facility, there’s a drive-in service write-up area and a huge service department. A meeting area called “The Lodge” houses a full kitchen and meeting space for groups. The Rider Academy classroom work will be conducted in this area. Eventually, Mr. Clemens’ metric dealership – Ray C’s Extreme Store – will also be located on site. “We broke ground on the building last June,” said Mr. Clemens. “It has taken a full year but the project is coming together as planned. Our Lapeer HOG Chapter members and other customers are volunteering their trucks, trailers and muscle to help us make the move in time for a soft opening on April 24 with the Grand Opening on May 15. We feel fortunate and thankful for all of the support we’ve had from customers, the community and our employees in helping make this dream a reality.” Mr. Clemens, his wife of 44 years, Janet, his three sons and their families, his 47 employees and their families extend a special invitation to all motorcycle enthusiasts to visit their new “destination dealership” during the Grand Opening or any time. For more information, call the dealership at (810) 664-9261 or visit their web site at www.raycshd.com. Store hours for the new location will be expanded to Monday through Friday 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., Saturday 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Sunday 12 noon to 4 p.m.

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

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

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

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

May 2015

PUT US TO THE TEST T H R O T T L E

F O R

B O T T L E

MAY 1 - JUNE 15 速

Test ride any 2015 model at your local Michigan H-D Dealer and get a free travel water bottle courtesy of the Michigan Harley-Davidson Dealer Association. 速

While supplies last.

T? NOT A RIDER YE Riding

VISIT WWW.MHDDA.COM FOR MORE INFORMATION NO PURCHASE NECESSARY. MUST COMPLETE TEST RIDE WAIVER FORM AND TEST RIDE ANY AVAILABLE HARLEY-DAVIDSON MOTORCYCLE AT PARTICIPATING MHDDA DEALER. LIMIT ONE BOTTLE PER CUSTOMER. WHILE SUPPLIES LAST.

Midwest Motorcyclist

MOTORCYCLE WRECK? Call the MOTORCYCLE LAWYER!

1-877-BIKER-LAW

WE TAKE AUTO & TRUCK CASES TOO! Hurt in a crash? Call Jason Waechter - The Motorcycle Lawyer

1-877-BIKER-LAW

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Offer Expires 5/30/15