BMW Motorcycles of Grand Rapids 5995 S Division Grand Rapids, MI 49548-5730 616-530-6900 www.bmwmcgr.com
Now in the Showroom...
the 2016 Indian Motorcycles
Stop by our dealership today to check out the full line of 2016 Indian and Victory motorcycles
The 2016 Victory Motorcycles Power, Technology, Style. Why wait? Stay tuned for details for our
12 Days of Christmas Sale December 10-23, 2015 Christmas Shopping has never been more enjoyable!
BLACK FRIDAY SALE Friday, November 27, 2015
ONE DAY ONLY! Special pricing throughout the store. The perfect gifts at great prices for the motorcyclist in your life
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
Two remaining 2015 Victory motorcycles in stock - a Victory Cross Country 8-Ball and a Victory Magnum. We want to move these soon. Stop by our dealership to make your best deal on these beauties.
on Facebook at www.facebook.com/MotorCityMotorcycles
Indian® and Indian Motorcycle® are registered trademarks of Indian Motorcycle International LLC. Victory® and Victory Motorcycles® are registered trademarks of Polaris Industries Inc. Always wear a helmet, eye protection and protective clothing and obey the speed limit. Never ride under the influence of drugs or alcohol. TM
Midwest Motorcyclist
3
IN THIS ISSUE…..
Columns 5 15 7 8 14
cc media publications
This Month’s Contributors:
16 17
To Our Readers, Correction The Live It Right Dream Ride: Feeling Alive on the Death Road by Emily Flinkstrom Ask Dr. Cycholl by Pat Armitage Random Ramblings of a Rare Bird: Looking for Inspiration by Mike Mekinda Motorcycling and Law: Update on issue of Government seizing MC trademarks & patches by Dondi Vesprini Legal News from Michigan & Preparing for the Off-Season by Jason Waechter The Preacher Speaks About... Bikes on the Bricks by Franz Hoffer
Features, News & Reviews 6 11
Contributing Editors
12
Patrick Armitage, Emily Flinkstrom, Franz Hoffer, Mike Mekinda, Jay Wilgus
5 13 17
Perfect Weather, Beautiful Bikes, and a Big Crowd for All Clubs Day by Ray Peabody BMW Motorcycle of Grand Rapids Celebrates 25th Anniversary, Announces winner of R nine T Raffle Photo Exhibit Benefits Wounded Warrior Project
Resources Advertiser Index Event Schedule Michigan Harley-Davidson Dealer Event Schedule
Dondi Vesprini, Jason Waechter
Large cover photo: Super clean Honda CBX engine on display at the All Clubs Day in Stockbridge. Photo by Ray Peabody. Small cover photo (top): Emily Flinkstrom and Jay Wilgus just before riding the Death Road. Small cover photo (lower left): An officer demonstrates his riding skill during the contest at the Bikes on the Bricks in Flint, Michigan. Photo by Franz Hoffer. Small cover photo (lower right): Mike Mekinda’s new to him Honda VFR 800 at rest during his recent ride seeking inspiration. Photo by Mike Mekinda.
Publisher/Managing Editor
BLACK WEDNESDAY, FRIDAY, SATURDAY & SUNDAY SALE November 25, 27, 28 & 29, 2015
plus
Ray Peabody publisher@midwestmotorcyclist.com rpeabody@sbcglobal.net
Advertising Sales/ Web Master / Distribution Ray Peabody publisher@midwestmotorcyclist.com rpeabody@sbcglobal.net
Cover Design Julie Kirkendoll
25% OFF
OPEN Friday, 11/27 at 12 Noon
all in-stock, regular-priced
Leather, Boots, Saddle Bags & Travel Bags
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.
THIS IS A ONCE A YEAR EVENT! Be sure to check out our other in-store specials.
Retail Warehouse (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
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November 2015
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Harley-Davidson ...............17, 18, 19 12345678901234567890123456789012123456789012 12345678901234567890123456789012123456789012 Battle Creek Harley-Davidson ......17, 18, 19 12345678901234567890123456789012123456789012 12345678901234567890123456789012123456789012 12345678901234567890123456789012123456789012 BMW Motorcycles of Detroit................11, 13 12345678901234567890123456789012123456789012 12345678901234567890123456789012123456789012 BMW of Grand Rapids..........2, 12, 13, 16 12345678901234567890123456789012123456789012 12345678901234567890123456789012123456789012 12345678901234567890123456789012123456789012 BMW, SE Michigan. ...............5, 8, 9 12345678901234567890123456789012123456789012 12345678901234567890123456789012123456789012 C & S Harley-Davidson ...........17, 18, 19 12345678901234567890123456789012123456789012 12345678901234567890123456789012123456789012 12345678901234567890123456789012123456789012 Capitol Harley-Davidson ..........17, 18, 19 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12345678901234567890123456789012123456789012 12345678901234567890123456789012123456789012 Great Lakes Dual Sporters ...................13 12345678901234567890123456789012123456789012 12345678901234567890123456789012123456789012 Great Lakes Harley-Davidson........17, 18, 19 12345678901234567890123456789012123456789012 12345678901234567890123456789012123456789012 12345678901234567890123456789012123456789012 Hamilton’s Harley-Davidson ..........17, 18, 19 12345678901234567890123456789012123456789012 12345678901234567890123456789012123456789012 Harley-Davidson dealers ..............17, 18, 19 12345678901234567890123456789012123456789012 12345678901234567890123456789012123456789012 12345678901234567890123456789012123456789012 Hot Rod Harley-Davidson .............17, 18, 19 12345678901234567890123456789012123456789012 12345678901234567890123456789012123456789012 Jason Waechter, The Motorcycle Lawyer..20 12345678901234567890123456789012123456789012 12345678901234567890123456789012123456789012 12345678901234567890123456789012123456789012 Jerry B’s Cycle Works .......................10 12345678901234567890123456789012123456789012 12345678901234567890123456789012123456789012 Kelley & Sons Trailers ...........................18 12345678901234567890123456789012123456789012 12345678901234567890123456789012123456789012 12345678901234567890123456789012123456789012 Motor City Underwriters ......................10 12345678901234567890123456789012123456789012 12345678901234567890123456789012123456789012 Motorcity Motorcycles.................3, 20 12345678901234567890123456789012123456789012 12345678901234567890123456789012123456789012 12345678901234567890123456789012123456789012 Motorcycle Solutions, LLC......................10 12345678901234567890123456789012123456789012 12345678901234567890123456789012123456789012 MC Sport Touring Association..........14 12345678901234567890123456789012123456789012 12345678901234567890123456789012123456789012 12345678901234567890123456789012123456789012 Perry’s Harley-Davidson ..........17, 18, 19 12345678901234567890123456789012123456789012 12345678901234567890123456789012123456789012 Ray C’s Harley-Davidson..........17, 18, 19 12345678901234567890123456789012123456789012 12345678901234567890123456789012123456789012 12345678901234567890123456789012123456789012 Retail Warehouse .........................4, 7 12345678901234567890123456789012123456789012 12345678901234567890123456789012123456789012 Sandy’s Harley-Davidson ...........17, 18, 19 12345678901234567890123456789012123456789012 12345678901234567890123456789012123456789012 12345678901234567890123456789012123456789012 Shiawassee Harley-Davidson ....17, 18, 19 12345678901234567890123456789012123456789012 12345678901234567890123456789012123456789012 Small Displacement Motorsports............13 12345678901234567890123456789012123456789012 12345678901234567890123456789012123456789012 Sport Bike Track Gear ............................ 6 12345678901234567890123456789012123456789012 12345678901234567890123456789012123456789012 12345678901234567890123456789012123456789012 Sweet Trikes ...........................................10 12345678901234567890123456789012123456789012 12345678901234567890123456789012123456789012 Tech-Care Suspension......................13 12345678901234567890123456789012123456789012 12345678901234567890123456789012123456789012 12345678901234567890123456789012123456789012 Tecumseh Harley-Davidson .....17, 18, 19 12345678901234567890123456789012123456789012 12345678901234567890123456789012123456789012 Town & Country H-D................17, 18, 19 12345678901234567890123456789012123456789012 12345678901234567890123456789012123456789012 12345678901234567890123456789012123456789012 Zip’s 45th Parallel H-D..............17, 18, 19 12345678901234567890123456789012123456789012
Advertiser Index
BE SEEN Wear Hi Viz Riding Gear
If you’re looking for smooth, twisty, hilly roads, you might want to consider heading east to upstate New York, Vermont, Massachusetts and Maine for your 2016 trips. Heidi and I just returned from a road trip through Canada to the east coast. We took secondary roads from Ogdensburg, New York to northern Vermont before turning south. We traveled north to south down through Vermont before heading into Massachusetts to visit Revolutionary War historic sites as well as some literary sites. Then on to Cape Cod for a couple days. The last stop before heading home was a wonderful visit with our friends, Matt and Mari, in Freeport, Maine. No matter where we traveled, the roads were superior to the roads here. We found smooth roads without cracks, potholes, frost heaves or other damage everywhere we went. Sure, there would be the occasional short stretch of bumps - mostly in small, rural communities - but those were few and far between. The 402 and 401 from Port Huron to northwest of Toronto: smooth. Highway 100 from the north end of Vermont all the way south to the border with Massachusetts (with the exception of a couple of those small communities): smooth with added advantages of twisties, hills and picturesque scenery. The same can be said of Massachusetts /Cape Cod, New Hampshire and Maine. Nice roads everywhere. If you’re looking to ride excellent roads through scenic country, head east. The Midwest is rich with
antique, vintage, and custom / café racer motorcycle events. Motoblot in Chicago, Rockerbox in Wisconsin, Rockers Reunion in Indianapolis, Ride or Rot in Fort Wayne and the Mods vs Rockers in Cleveland are just a few. In Michigan, with few exceptions, September has similar events every weekend. The Oily Souls show in Detroit, The Ton-Up in Depot Town / Ypsilanti, Battle of the Brits in Milford, All Clubs Day in Stockbridge, and the vintage motorcycle weekend in Owosso are just a few examples. The All Clubs Day in Stockbridge is quickly becoming one of the best vintage events in the region. We were there in early September for the latest edition and it was nearly perfect. Check out our review in this issue. The Live It Right Dream Ride team has returned to Bolivia to continue their adventure. In order to ease back into daily riding after a multi-month hiatus, they took it easy in the first days back by riding across the Death Road. You’ve seen pictures of this road. It was carved out of the side of a mountain and it offers exquisite views as well as 2,000 foot drop offs. Mistakes are often fatal. Emily shares the story of her experience of that ride in their column this month. This is true adventure. Columnist Mike Mekinda is back with a story about getting inspired. A nice, day-long ride aboard his new-to-him VFR 800 seems to work for him. As a motorcyclist, you already know about the benefits of riding. Read Mike’s latest entry to see how riding
opens up the creative processes. The 2015 Bikes on the Bricks is the subject of Franz “The Preacher” Hoffer’s column. A highlight of this event is the safety officer riding skills competition. As you will read, motorcycle-riding officers of the law tend to be highly trained and skilled riders. The Bikes on the Bricks provides the competitive opportunity to see who’s best. Check it out! As usual, there’s much more news, information, tips and events in this issue. Thanks for reading. We hope you enjoy our work. Ride safe. Have fun. Watch for critters on the road.
PLEASE SUPPORT OUR ADVERTISERS The advertisers in this magazine help us bring a quality publication to you. Please remember to buy their products and use their services.
Pre-Owned Motorcycles
2013 BMW S 1000 RR Red/White/Blue, 4,900 miles, Excellent condition, $12,990
2011 BMW R 1200 R Black, 66,000 miles, Good condition, New Price - $8,990
2011 Triumph Sprint GT Silver, 6,500 miles, Excellent condition, $6,999
2016 BMW R1200RS - Demo, Grey, 2016 BMW S1000XR - Demo, Racing Red, 2015 BMW S 1000 R, Frozen Blue, 2015 BMW F 800 R, Blue / White, 2015 BMW K 1600 GT, Black Storm Metallic, 2015 BMW R nineT, Black, 2013 BMW K 1600 GT, Thunder Grey, 2013 BMW R 1200 GS, Thunder Grey Metallic, 2013 BMW S1000RR, red/white/blue, 2012 BMW K 1600 GTL, Blue, 2012 BMW K 1300 S, Red, 2011 BMW R1200R, Black, 2011 Triumph Sprint GT, Silver, Sale Price: 2003 BMW R1200CL, Blue, 2001 BMW R1150 GS, Black,
Call for Price Call for Price Call for Price $9,999 Call for Price Call for Price $14,999 Sale Price: $13,999 $12,990 $16,499 $12,499 $8,990 $6,999 Sale Price: $4,999 $4,999
BMW Motorcycles of Southeast Michigan 14855 N. Sheldon Rd. Plymouth, MI 734.453.0500 www.bmwmcsem.com We take motorcycles of all brands and models as trade-ins. Bring us your bike when you’re ready to buy! TM
Midwest Motorcyclist
5
Perfect Weather, Beautiful Bikes, and a Big Crowd for All Clubs Day Words and photos by Ray Peabody
Stockbridge, Michigan - Finally, some good weather for the All Clubs Day. The weather the last couple years has dampened (pun intended) the turnout but not this year. The weather was perfect with mostly sunny skies and warm temperatures. Nice weather is especially important for outdoor destination events like the All Clubs Day. Motorcyclists ride in from all parts of Michigan and our neighbor states. If the weather is cold or rainy - or even if meteorologists are predicting poor weather in the near term - many riders will stay closer to home. These are not simply fair weather riders. Most of us prefer not to ride to an event in the rain, stand around in the rain appreciating the few bikes that show, and then make the return trip home in the rain. A perfect example is what happened at the 2015 Gilmore Vintage Show and Swap Meet held in early June. Rain was predicted and rain it did. Few riders made the trip to Hickory Corners because of the weather. (See our story in the October 2015 issue.) Not so at this years All Clubs Day. I rode in from the west side of the State taking two-lane backroads the whole way. When I rolled into Stockbridge at about 12:30 P.M. - only a
half hour after the event was supposed to start - the square in the center of town was already jam packed with people. Beautiful restored and custom motorcycles in the invitation-only show covered the grass and side walks as well as lining the curbs around the square. Nearly every brand - Ariel, BMW, BSA, Ducati, DKW, Harley-Davidson, Honda, aspect of these events that doesn’t often get mentioned, but is one of the most important aspects of a show like this, is the opportunity to meet up with old friends and make new ones. I connected with several riding friends who I hadn’t seen all year. I also bumped into show organizer and a long-time friend of this publication, Suzi Greenway. We had a wonderful chat about our present lies and past times. She was especially excited by the nice weather and big
Indian, Moto Guzzi, Norton, and Triumph among many others - could be found. Not all of the beautiful bikes were entered in the show, however. One only had to walk through the parking areas to discover many other
turnout. A couple hours after arriving, it was time for me to leave. As much as I enjoyed the show, I planned to take the long way home. The nice
Continued on next page show-quality motorcycles antique, vintage, custom and modern - that had been ridden to the event. Having missed the Ton-Up in Depot Town/ Ypsilanti and the Battle of Brits in Milford the previous weekend due to a deadline, the All Clubs Day provided an excellent alternative. One
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www.midwestmotorcyclist.com
November 2015
ASK Dr. Cycholl Q&A Column For Your Questions Relating to Motorcycle Safety, Riding Techniques and Touring By Maurice “Moe” D. Cycholl
Dear Dr. Cycholl, I ride a 1995 GL1500 Honda Goldwing. As I am sure you know, the spark plugs are not easy to access. I intend to replace them but I would like to know if there are plugs that will get me better performance, gas mileage or both. I see many different styles available. What should I use? “Big Bad” John O’Konsky Willoby
Dear BBJ, I feel the pain of replacing plugs (and air filters) on the old GL1500. There are many different choices of plugs on the market. Many have gimmicky features and vague claims of performance or efficiency. None will gain you significant performance over the stock plugs no matter the gimmick the manufacturer promotes. Considering that motorcycle OEMs constantly look for better performance and automotive OEMs face government mandates for fuel economy, does either use any of these
supposedly feature-rich plugs? The answer is yes. They use platinum or iridium spark plugs. The real gains you can get from these is consistent performance and longevity. Platinum plugs cost more but will last much longer than stock plugs. Iridium plugs will last longer still but the extra cost over platinum may be more than the extra life justifies. However, the prices of both have been declining. I remember platinum plugs selling for $5+ each and ridium $10+ each. I have recently seen platinum plugat
priced $1 each. I don’t know what current prices are for iridium plugs. Thank you, Dr Cycholl The Dr requests your help! I need your questions! This column will be only as good as your questions. If you have a question, it is very likely it will be answered quickly, via email or snail mail and, in the pages of Michigan Motorcyclist® / Midwest Motorcyclist™ magazine. Please send them in! Dr. Maurice D. Cycholl is a world-renowned expert in Motorcycle Safety, Riding Techniques and Touring. In addition, while he is not a recognized expert in motorcycle mechanics, he does possess a fair degree of knowledge in the area of mechanical, and electrical systems found on many motorcycles. He welcomes your questions on these subjects. While you may submit questions on any subject, his advice on other subjects may, or may not be, as reliable. Please submit your questions via email to: askDrCycholl@hotmail.com or via snail mail to: Dr. “Moe” D. Cycholl, c/o CC media, 709 Fall Street, Spring Lake, MI 49456.
Continued from previous page weather and the realization that the number of nice riding days was dwindling as we near the end of this riding season had me itching for saddle time. This year’s All Clubs Day was exceptional. For more information about both the 2016 All Clubs Ride (early May) and 2016 All Clubs Day (mid September), visit their website at http:// allclubsdaystockbridge.yolasite.com/. If the weather forecast looks sunny and warm, or even cloudy and cool, it’s well worth the trip to Stockbridge.
Get Ready for Christmas Heated Harley-Davidson Gear
Glove Liners
TIN SIGNS $ 1650
Heated Socks
Jacket Liners All controls & accessories in stock!
Retail Warehouse (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 TM
Midwest Motorcyclist
7
Random Ramblings of a Rare Bird
Looking for Inspiration… by Mike Mekinda I like to consider myself a writer who photographs, or a photographer who writes, depending on the situation. Neither is the career that pays the bills or supports the household, (though they’ve certainly helped through the years) but I’ve always loved sharing my stories, have believed it my calling in life. I’m not burdened with the “Great American Novel” in need of being put to paper, nor the troublesome wealth and fame to go with it. I’ve got plenty to say in short essay form, however; whether I’m jotting, typing, or sitting in front of you talking your ear off! Occasionally though, even one with a seemingly inexhaustible supply of rants, stories, nonsense and hyperbole can find himself with nothing to say. While some who put up with my wordiness on a daily basis may find my quiet times refreshing, the neon “WRITER’S BLOCK” sign lights my brain and sends the storyteller into panic mode. Fortunately for me, I ride. Those who ride understand the therapeutic nature of motorcycles, and understand the calming disconnect that takes place in the ten minutes or so that it takes to pre-ride, get the bike started, and gear up. Troubles and issues melt away, as the focus needed to ride safely comes into play. The crunch of first gear, the slight roll of the throttle while easing out the clutch, the initial motion of the bike, and the worries of the world funnel out with the exhaust. Every ride is different, every ride presents its own challenges, and every ride, for me, at least, ends with a deep sense of satisfaction - whether a day of touring or the simple commute to work. The best part is, after decades of riding, this is still a simple truth. I find it impossible to ride without finding a grin at some point. There’s much to be said for finding simple pleasures in life, and this day I needed the simple pleasures of a ride to release me from the grind; to recharge and inspire me. And what a day it turned out to be! I was riding a new (to me) Honda VFR800, with no destination in mind. This is the perfect do-
All*
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it-all bike, comfortable if I chose the SpeedSlab, happy to cruise along and enjoy the fall colors, and capable - if the road kinked, wrinkled and called for the sportbike - to show its stuff. The sun was burning off the morning dew as I headed south, temperatures already into the 60s - in NE Ohio in October! The forecast was for warm and sunny ‘til late afternoon, then changeable- so liners and raingear were packed in the bags with snacks and water. The freeway seemed a quick way to warm the bike and myself, and get out of town. A direction was chosen and the bike pointed at the distance. Highway gave way to town roads, which led to backroads, which merged back into towns. The beauty of riding is the
openness and exposure to everything. The temperatures vacillated from cool and damp in the shade (wish I had not opened the vent zippers on the jacket!) to hot in the sun (whew, good thing I unzipped the jacket vents!) and plenty between. The colors of autumn were just beginning to change in NEOhio, so the open vistas against the deep blue sky were still mostly green; though where colors were changing, the sun lit them in all their vibrant glory. Riding through towns, the normally unnoticed colors popped there as well: the brilliant hues of signs and cars, the beautiful muted colors of buildings left from times long past, the faded orange mix of the cobblestone street and the gorgeous fresh red paint of a restored caboose. All these colors framed and highlighted by the amazing blue of the sky with its scattering of puffy pure white clouds sprinkled in to complete the picture. As if the visuals weren’t joy enough, the constantly changing smells kept the senses hopping, too. The wonderful fall smells of cut grass and leaves, mixed with smoke of burning leaf piles slip beneath the nasty smell of a garbage truck slowing traffic as workers make their weekly rounds. The smell of fresh asphalt road repairs, the newly sprayed paint lines. The unmistakable smell of the carbureted muscle car, three cars up and running rich in the stop and go of construction. The smell of the river, the musk of the woods, the pungent smack of the skunk that lost to traffic. The wonderful smell of food while passing through a town, or fresh coffee in a car at the light remind me I need a break. All of these calls to the senses, reminding one to appreciate the wonders of life. And the ride continues. It would be great to say the day was all rainbows and race tracks, but this is real life. Of course, there were inattentive drivers that (uneventfully) tested my skills, and there were poorly maintained roads I probably would have been better off avoiding. Yet these were easily offset by the wonderful weather, the folks who wanted to chat when I stepped off the bike to
Continued on page 12
Two Adventure Jackets from Klim & (not including Atomic Skin)
Heated Gear (* in-stock apparel only)
Latitude Jacket
BMW Motorcycles of Southeast Michigan 14855 N. Sheldon Rd., Plymouth, MI 734.453.0500 www.bmwmcsem.com www.midwestmotorcyclist.com
KLIM has rapidly become one of the top names in adventure riding gear. Two of their newest models are now in stock. Stop by our dealership today to check out the latest in technical riding gear. Badlands Jacket
BMW Motorcycles of Southeast Michigan 14855 N. Sheldon Rd., Plymouth, MI 734.453.0500 www.bmwmcsem.com November 2015
We’re sweeping out the remaining 2015s in stock... 2015 R 1200 GS ADV MSRP starting at $18,695 (including ABS)
2015 F 700 GS - MSRP starting at $9,990 (including ABS)
2015 F 800 GS - MSRP starting at $12,190 (including ABS)
...to make room for the 2016s that are arriving daily. Stop by our dealership today to uncover the best incentives available on the last of the 2015s!
WINTER STORAGE AVAILABLE
BLACK FRIDAY EVENT Friday, November 27, 2015 If you’re looking for a hiding place while everyone else is out “malling,” stop by our dealership on Black Friday. You can probably wrap up all of your Christmas shopping in one stop.
Winter Hours begin November 1 Closed Wednesdays 5 Mile Rd
He lm
St
N Sheldon Rd
BMW Motorrad Dealer of Excellence
Selective D r
BMW Motorcycles of Southeast Michigan 14855 N. Sheldon Rd., Plymouth, MI 734.453.0500 www.bmwmcsem.com
“Redefining your motorcycling lifestyle” SM * For qualified buyers. Visit BMW Motorcycles of Southeast Michigan for details. Always ride safely and wear proper protective gear. TM
Midwest Motorcyclist
9
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Jerry B’’s
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BMW Grand Rapids Celebrates 25 Years RnineT Raffle Winning Raffle Ticket Drawn Grand Rapids, Michigan - BMW Motorcycles of Grand Rapids celebrated their second 25th Anniversary Open House of the season on September 19. In addition to the demo rides, live music, food and refreshments, this Open House was also the occasion to hold the raffle drawing for the 2015 BMW RnineT to benefit the Children With Hair Loss Charity, an 501(c)3 non-profit organization that provides free, high-quality hair pieces for children and teenagers with medically created hair loss. (For more information about Children with Hair Loss, visit their website at www.childrenwithhairloss.us.)
The Dave & Connie D~ trio provided the live music for the event. The group offered a polished, professional sound while playing a variety of covers as well as some excellent original music. For food and refreshments, the dealership provided pulled pork and cole slaw sandwiches for lunch with cookies for dessert. With the nice weather, plenty of riders took demo rides on 2016 model-year BMWs most of the day.
BMW Motorcycles of Detroit 34080 Van Dyke Ave. Sterling Heights, MI, 48312 (586) 274-4000 www.bmwdetroit.com
A highlight of the day was the announcement that Charlie Payson had won the RnineT charity raffle. Only 250 $75 tickets were sold for the raffle. Proceeds were donated to Children with Hair Loss. Payson’s generosity went beyond paying the $75 for the raffle ticket. After learning he had won the RnineT, Payson indicated that he would bring the 2015 BMW R 1200 R he purchased this past spring to the dealership to sell on consignment. When that bike sells, he committed to giving an additional $1,000 to Children with Hair Loss. Overall, the day was nearly perfect. Warm, sunny weather and a big turnout helped make BMW Motorcycles of Grand Rapids second 25th Anniversary Open house of the year a big success. For more information about BMW Motorcycles of Grand Rapids, the RnineT raffle, or their 25 years in business, visit the dealership at 5995 South Division in Grand Rapids, give them a call at (616) 5306900, or check them out at www.bmwmcgr.com.
Photo Exhibit Benefits Wounded Warrior Project (This story is not specifically related to motorcycles. However, since many of our readers are veterans, or have family members who are veterans, we thought this story might be of interest.) Redford, Michigan - Professional photographer, Jack Parinello, recently organized an exhibition of his work to benefit the Wounded Warriors Project, an organization dedicated to helping and supporting injured combat
veterans. The sales of prints included in the Souls of America
Continued from page 8 - Random Ramblings
exhibit generated almost $4,000 in donations for the WWP from the more than 70 people who attended the exhibit. Sales of
the prints continues even after the exhibit closed. Photographs included in the exhibit were all based on a common theme. Each focused on the shoes that 21 different people wear while involved in their work or hobby. (See accompanying example photos.) Each subject was asked three questions: 1) What is your biggest regret in life? 2) What do you want to be remembered for? 3) What is your favorite word or
phrase? According to Parinello, the questions affected the subjects on different levels with some brought to tears as they answered while others laughed out loud. The pictures and the answers to the questions had some of those viewing the exhibit experiencing those same emotions. For more information about Jack Parinello’s work, the
exhibit, or the availability of prints, contact Jack at smackinjack1@msn.com. Warriors Project (www.woundedwarriorproject.org)
stretch, the waves from the other riders and small children in the cars passing. When I stopped to take photos, several people rolled up to be sure I was OK - reminding me of my longstanding belief that the majority of people are inherently good, and we still watch out for one another. Uplifting. I rode alone, yet shared with many, reminded all the while of exactly why I ride. From nearly sun-up to sun-down, I headed south, then east, then finally back west and north, ending on the shores of the Great Lake Erie. Several hundred miles passed beneath the tires, and several gallons of gas through the tank. I met several people, took dozens of photos, and wrote pages in my head. I lived it, breathed it, and took it all in. When I finally stopped at the lake, I rested on the shore. I smelled the lake, listened to the gulls and the lapping waves, and watched the sky turn dark over the Fairport Harbor lighthouse. It had been far too long since I had a day like this, and I was exhausted. Exhausted, and very content, as I sat on the shore, getting ready to ride the last five minutes home. I had gone searching for inspiration, and I found it… …and I found peace. Be seen, ride smart, stay safe, find your peace- and I’ll see you on the road! -mike
Keep your motorcycle warm, secure and well-maintained this winter
WINTER STORAGE 12
Store your motorcycle with us and we’ll: • Change the Oil & Filter • Keep battery charged • Check the tire pressure • Give it a wash
Plus, we can complete other repairs and/or service you need while your bike is with us so you’ll be ready to ride next spring. (The cost of additional service and repairs are not included in the price of storage.)
ONLY $31995
www.midwestmotorcyclist.com
5995 South Division Grand Rapids, MI (616) 530-6900 www.bmwmcgr.com November 2015
Events Events do change. Please call ahead.
Michigan October 30 Halloween Party (5 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.) Dress up in your favorite costume! Activities: Bobbing for apples, hay rides, pumpkin race, egg toss, trick-or-treating, costume contest Fox Powersports of Kentwood 3562 29th Street SE Grand Rapids, MI (616) 855-3660 October 31 MotorCity Motorcycles BBQ Join us for cider and doughnuts in the morning and then share a Spooktacular BBQ in the afternoon. MotorCity Motorcycles 1765 S Telegraph Rd. Bloomfield Hills, MI 48302 (248) 920-2000 October 31 Trick-or-Treating Free Hot Rod Trick-or-Treat bag and candy from 11am-2pm. Kids 12 and under can dress up and trick-or-treat for fee candy in each department. Kids must be accompanied by an adult. Hot Rod Harley-Davidson 149 Shoreline Drive Muskegon, MI (231) 722-0000
November 7 Hamilton HD Fashion Rally Hamilton Harley Davidson 68951 White School Rd Sturgis MI 269-651-3424 www.hamiltonharleydavidson.com December 12 The Black List Biker XMAS PartyPrivate Event call and ask how to get on the list Hamilton Harley Davidson 68951 White School Rd Sturgis MI 269-651-3424 www.hamiltonharleydavidson.com December 15 Ride Michigan Talk & Slideshow presented by Author Bill Murphy 7 p.m. @ the Grand Rapids Public Library 111 Library Street NE Grand Rapids, MI 616.988.5400 Geared toward motorcyclists and car drivers who want to explore Michigan’s back roads and lesser known attractions.
Indiana November 6 ABATE Region 2 Porter County Toyz 4 Kidz mailto:halejames7@gmail.com (850) 686-3150.
Blues Bash bikerlynnanderson@gmail.com (765) 631-7635 November 7 ABATE Region 1 St Joseph County Treasures For Kidz paparuss1963@gmail.com (574) 300-5410 November 7 ABATE Region 8 Toy Ride Mohican.rick@att.net (812) 430-8070. November 7 ABATE Region 13 2015 Toys For Tykes Location: Pike County rrsind@yahoo.com (812) 664-0515 November 8 ABATE Region 1 Kosciusko County Treasures For Kidz Location: Kosciusko County bjsummers@gmail.com (574) 253-2570 December 5 ABATE Region 1 Marshall County Treasures For KidzFor more information send email to dan4254@yahoo.com or call (574) 935-5225
November 7 ABATE Region 3 Howard County
PRE-OWNED MOTORCYCLES 2015 Yamaha FJ-09, 68 miles, Red, Excellent, Yamaha saddle bags, ONLY $8,500
2003 Suzuki V-Strom 1000, 37,602 miles, Yellow, Good condition, Givi Top Case, ONLY $8,500 2013 BMW R 1200 R Blue 2013 BMW K 1600 GT Blue 2012 BMW K 1600 GTL Blue 2012 BMW S 1000 RR Red / White 2011 BMW R 1200 RT Grey 2011 H-D Electra Glide Ultra Ltd Red / Merlot 2005 BMW R 1200 GS Red 2000 BMW K 1200 LT Champagne 1999 BMW R 1200 C Ivory / Blue
$12,400 $18,000 $18,200 $12,000 $15,500 $17,300 $8,500 $4,500 $5,200
BMW Motorcycles of Detroit 34080 Van Dyke Avenue, Sterling Heights, MI (586) 274-4000 • www.bmwdetroit.com
WINTER STORAGE PROGRAMR 2-Day Off-Road Motorcycle Training at the BMW Performance Training Center in Spartanburg, S.C.
Reserve Your Space Today! Drop your motorcycle off this fall and pick it up - READY TO RIDE - next spring.
November 3-4, 2015 Join us when we travel to BMW’s Performance Training Center in Spartanburg, S.C. for two days of intensive adventure bike enduro skills training. This two-day program begins with Off-Road Foundations then builds on recovery skills to successfully navigate more challenging topography.
Standard Program Includes:
Bring your bike in for • Storage from November 15 thru March 15 storage today and save & Made Ready For Summer on services. Don’t wait! • Battery Removed, Inspected, and Charged The spaces fill up fast. • Carburetor Drained • Bike Covered with Padded Cycle Cover • Oil, Filter Change with Spectro 10W40, OEM Oil Filter • Install New NGK Brand Spark Plugs • Tires and Brakes Inspected
6971 Highland Road 248-666-4651 Waterford, MI 48327 www.tech-care.com TM
Midwest Motorcyclist
Only $1,250 for the training and that includes the use of a motorcycle. Participants can choose any enduro in BMW’s line up. Call our dealership today to reserve your spot. If you want to significantly improve your off-road riding skills, this training program is for you.
5995 South Division Grand Rapids, MI (616) 530-6900 www.bmwmcgr.com 13
Motorcycling & Law Sport Touring is Our Middle Name!
We Ride! ...All Makes of Bikes ...All Over the Country ...On Back Roads ...On Racetracks ...At Novice-Advanced Levels ...In Our Sleep!
by Dondi Vesprini
Our members come from all across the Midwest (and beyond) and we ride many makes of street bikes - including: • Aprilia • BMW • Buell • Ducati
• Harley-Davidson • Honda • Kawasaki
• Suzuki • Triumph • Yamaha ....and brands in between
We travel to great riding destinations close by and far away. We learn to be better riders. We share camaraderie and a common passion: The Passion To Ride!
For information about membership, meetings, events or rides, contact the MSTA group in your state: In Indiana, contact: Donald “Moose� Parish mooseparish@sbcglobal.net
• MAINTAINED TRAILS
In Michigan, contact: Gregg Mitchell mi_hsta@voyager.net
N O N - C O M P E T I T I O N
• ORGANIZED EVENTS • FAMILY FUN • ALL LEGAL
Let’s Go Trail Riding!
No place to ride? Michigan is home to the largest organized network of off-road trails in the world - more than 3500 miles of marked, maintained ORV trails for the entire family to enjoy! Since 1968, The Cycle Conservation Club of Michigan has led the charge to assure continued access to public lands for motorized recreation by working closely with state and federal government. Membership in the CCC offers organized trail rides, a map CD of the entire trail system, a subscription to the Great Lakes TrailRider Magazine and a host of other member benefits! Call us today at 517-781-4805. The Cycle Conservation Club of Michigan PO Box 486 t $PMEXBUFS .* t XXX DZDMFDPOTFSWBUJPODMVC PSH
14
Update on issue of Government seizing MC trademarks & patches Back in June of this year, I wrote about an interesting criminal case pending in California which served as a battleground between the United States government and a motorcycle club regarding the right of the club to keep ownership of its trademarked logo and patch on its members vests. The issue seemed to involve a mix of criminal law, trademark law and constitution law and was of interest in that many motorcycle clubs, riding clubs and other motorcycling groups are identified by the logo or patch their members wear on their backs. Many motorcycle clubs also trademark their logo so no other club or entity can use a similar patch, so as to keep the clubs identity uniquely theirs. It was hoped that this case would provide some insight into whether the government could legally seize a motorcycle club’s trademarked logo and patch as part of a criminal proceeding. I am writing this month to provide an update on that case. By way of background, in 2008, multiple members of the Mongol Nation Motorcycle Club, LLC were indicted in California and subsequently pled guility to various criminal acts. As part of that criminal case, the government attempted to seize the Mongols patch, the logo on which had been previously trademarked by the then president of the club. The federal judge on the case ruled that as the individual Defendants, as opposed to the club itself, did not have an ownership interest in the mark, the marks were not forfeitable in that case and the government had no right to seize the trademark or take their patch. However, the government effort to seize the Mongols trademark and take their patch did not end there. The government filed a second case in California and obtained a second indictment, only this time including the Mongol Nation Motorcycle Club as an entity as a Defendant and charging the club with a violation of the RICO (racketeer influenced and corrupt organizations) statute. The government again sought forfeiture of the club’s trademarked logo, arguing that the club is a criminal organization and that the mark is used for intimidation. An indictment was returned against the club and the case moved toward trial. However, the District Court Judge recently issued an opinion which
www.midwestmotorcyclist.com
dismissed the indictment against the club. The rationale behind the dismissal was that in a RICO prosecution, the government must prove the existence of a “person� (any individual or entity capable of holding a legal or beneficial interest in property) engaged in an “enterprise� (a group of persons associated together for a common purpose of engaging in a course of conduct). The law requires that the “person� and “enterprise� must be two distinct and separate entities. The Court found that in this case the club was both the “person� and the “enterprise� and therefore the indictment failed and was dismissed. Unfortunately, while the indictment was dismissed, the Court did not reach the question as to whether the government could lawfully seize the club’s trademarked logo and patch. This is because the potential forfeiture of property is determined only after the Defendant is convicted. As the indictment was dismissed and there was therefore no conviction of the club, the court stated that any arguments regarding whether the trademarked logo and patch could be forfeited were premature and need not be considered. Thus, the case never reached the portion of the proceedings where forfeiture was a ripe issue for decision, so it is unknown how the Court would have ruled on the issue. There have been other reported instances of the government initiated proceedings against motorcycle clubs where forfeiture of the club patch and logo has been sought. It remains to be seen how the court will rule on this issue. As always, if anyone has any questions or if I can be of legal assistance to you or anyone you know who has been injured in a motorcycle accident, please don’t hesitate to contact me as I deal with these types of claims on a daily basis on behalf of injured motorcyclists statewide. Further, for those readers who are members of any motorcycle organizations, clubs or groups, if you would like to have me come out to your group to speak or give a presentation on the legal rights of an injured motorcyclist or on any specific topic that your group may be curious about, please don’t hesitate to give me a call at (248-569-4646) 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!
November 2015
The Live It Right Dream Ride
Feeling Alive on the Death Road by Emily Flinkstrom
After a six month riding hiatus, I was looking forward to easing back into life astride my cycle named Sue with a few easy jaunts in the Bolivian countryside. Jay, as usual, had other plans in mind. He responded to my request for a gentle reunion by suggesting we tackle the infamous and ominously titled Death Road as a way to get our feet wet again. Death Road??!!, I thought, not a chance - until I learned more about what it had to offer.
This storied route, also known as the North Yungas Road, connects the city of Nuestra Senora de La Paz, Bolivia to the town of Coroico, dropping from an air sucking 15,260 feet at the La Cumbre Pass to a balmy 3,900 feet over 40 fantastic miles. Up until 2006, this single lane, dirt road was the main passageway connecting La Paz to the Yungas Valley and was named the world’s most dangerous road by the Inter-American Development Bank in 1995 due to the hundreds of lives it’s 2,000 foot cliffs took each year. Today, there is a much safer, paved route that bypasses the old road. The Death Road is now used primarily as a tourist attraction for bikers and overland travelers looking for an adrenaline rush. So, after reframing my notion of what constitutes “gentle,” we suited up on a crisp, sunny Saturday morning and found our way out of the busy city. Getting reacquainted with my bike was like two long lost lovers reuniting: awkward and timid at first until we both remembered how to move, how to turn, how to glide together. By the time we reached La Cumbre, it was as if we had never been apart. Despite the lack of oxygen at such an extreme elevation, and the alarmingly poor 78
octane gas inside our tanks, Sue was raring to go! At the summit, we spotted forty or so mountain bikes propped up next to their temporary owners as they received instructions from tour guides. The only information Jay and I had in our pockets was what we had read in travel blogs, as well as the words of caution bestowed upon us by locals: Stay to the left (a bit counterintuitive because this causes you to get intimate with the cliff), and uphill drivers have the right of way. What more did we need to know?! The initial descent consisted of several miles of smooth, paved roadway offering spectacular views of the surrounding mountain peaks. Hooting and hollering at cyclists and himself, Jay expressed through our headsets the raw exhilaration that both of us were feeling - and we hadn’t even reached the turn off for the Death Road. When we did arrive to the point where the old road departs from the new, the butterflies in my stomach began dancing. We parked our bikes at the entrance for a chance to gather my wits, while disguising it as a photo
opportunity and a place to lower the air pressure in our tires before plunging onto loose gravel that once consumed 200-300 lives per year! The whispy clouds rolled over the mountaintop and fell onto us in a thick, eerie fog blocking the view of whatever lay ahead down the road. Taking a deep breath and whispering words of self affirmation, we dropped in. Words cannot describe the incredible beauty this road revealed. The Live It Right Dream Ride is sponsored in part by: Traveling slowly down the rocky path, I felt both the security of the www.kindsnacks.com/ www.shadyproducts.com/ mountain walls on my right, covered in lush www.bmwmcgr.com/ greenery and occasionally shedding its tears in the form of www. motorcycleandoutdoors waterfalls, and the stomach-in-throat fear of .com the deadly cliffs on my www.midwestmotorcyclist.com/ left. Around every turn I TM
Midwest Motorcyclist
chanted to myself, smiling, “This is why I ride. This is why I ride.” As we descended further and further into the Yungas Valley, the air progressively became warmer and more humid. The cliffs gradually turned from terrifying to simply a part of the natural valley carved out by the river below. We picked up our pace to a thrilling jog, recognizing we were nearing the end of this particular adventure and wanting to continue the excitement to the very end, at a lunch table in the mountainside village of Coroico. After filling our bellies with $4 (total) worth of chicken noodle soup, hominy, rice, salad, chicken, pork, and yucca, we returned to La Paz on the newer, paved road and found it nearly as impressive as the old way in terms of shear beauty. In addition to the scenery, the engineering feats that created the tunnels, bridges, and traverses on this route are mystifying. Cornering through the switchbacks, leaning the bike just enough to feel my way around the smooth turns, I concluded that this day was, in fact, the perfect way for Sue and I to reunite and enter the
adventure travel world yet again. For more tales and pictures from the road, like “The Live It Right Dream Ride” on Facebook or visit our blog at www.liveitrightdreamride.com.
15
Legal News from Michigan & Preparing for the Off-Season by Jason Waechter, Esq. So far, autumn has been a fairly motorcyclefriendly season here in the Midwest. While I hope the weather holds just a little longer, it’s not a bad idea to start preparing for winter storage. Before I get to some tips for winter storage, though, I want to touch on something that potentially could affect all motorcyclists riding on Michigan roads: Senate Bill 527 (SB 527). On September 29, Senator Rebekah Warren (DAnn Arbor) sponsored a bill that would amend the Michigan Vehicle Code (MCL 257-658) to force motorcyclists and their passengers to wear a crash helmet. Most of you know that in 2012, Governor Rick Snyder signed a law that allowed motorcyclists in Michigan to ride helmetless, with certain conditions: Riders (including passengers) have to be 21 or older; carry at least $20,000 in first-party medical insurance; and have had their motorcycle endorsement (CY) for at least two years, or got their CY endorsement by passing a Certified Rider Training Course. If SB 527 passes, all motorcyclists and passengers would be required to wear a crash helmet while on a motorcycle, no exceptions. In addition, the Bill would require moped riders under 19 years of age to also wear a helmet when operating on a roadway. The Bill has been referred to the Committee on Transportation for further review. This isn’t the first Bill to try to reinstate Michigan’s mandatory helmet law; last year a similar Bill was killed at the Committee stage. I can’t comment on whether helmetless riding is “right” or “wrong” because it’s such a complex, nuanced issue. I will say that I think Americans expect to have freedom of choice, and I think that allowing adults to make an informed decision is a good thing. From my perspective, negligence on the part of motor vehicle drivers is a much greater factor influencing motorcycle crash injuries and deaths than whether or not a biker chooses to wear a helmet. My team and I will be watching this Bill and any others that might affect motorcyclists in the Midwest closely. To stay up to date on the latest motorcycle laws, trends, and news, follow us on Facebook (Facebook.com/TheMotorcycleLawyer). Now, onto storage tips. Keep in mind, you can do anything or nothing in terms of prepping your bike for winter; it’s entirely your call. However, what you do over
the next couple of months can have an impact on how next riding season gets under way. For example, if you cancel your motorcycle insurance, you won’t be able to ride on that first beautiful day next spring… what a waste that would be! I recommend that you keep your motorcycle insurance active yearround, not only for those early spring rides, but also because your homeowner’s policy doesn’t cover your motorcycle. So if you have a fire or a flood, if the bike falls over or something falls on it, if rodents get at it, or it gets stolen, you’re out of luck if you don’t have active insurance coverage. If you are 100% sure you won’t ride the bike until you reinstate your insurance, at least keep a Comprehensive policy active on the bike at all times to cover damages or loss. Where you choose to store your bike can also have an impact on how soon you’ll be able to ride it in the spring. Choose a dry, secure location, and use a high-quality motorcycle cover rather than a tarp or sheet, which can scratch. A good quality cover is breathable and prevents moisture buildup. It will also protect your bike from direct sunlight if there are windows in your garage or shed. Too much light can fade or damage paint and can do a number on seats. Once you have a good spot, prepare the space by laying some cardboard, wood, or foam on the floor to keep your tires from sitting directly on the cold concrete. When the time comes, treat your bike nice: a good wash, wax, and polish will help protect the bike from moisture and thus, from rust. Fill the gas tank almost full (leave a little room for expansion) and add a stabilizer. Drain carburetors and fuel lines, and change the oil, even if it’s not due yet; running your bike can create acid in the oil that could be corrosive if left for a long period of time. I suggest having your fluids serviced in the fall before putting your bike away, and experts agree it
should be done at least every two years. Once the bike is clean and all the fluids are ready for winter, remove the battery and put it on a Smart Charger, which will condition the battery and keep it charged at just the right level. Smart Chargers are worth the investment, since they can actually prolong the life of your bike. Use a light oil like WD 40 to spray the muffler ends and drain holes, then gently stuff the muffler with a plastic grocery bag or some other light plastic to keep moisture out of the exhaust. Wrap the exterior of the muffler with more light plastic and you’re ready to cover your bike. Hopefully, winter won’t be too long and the motorcycling off-season will be good and short. If you’re one of many Midwest riders who don’t take an off-season, either because you’re into ice riding or because you and your motorcycle go somewhere warm for winter, we want to hear from you! We’re looking for winter riding stories from our friends in the Midwest. Contact us with your winter riding tales, if you have a winter storage tip you’d like to share, or if you have questions about motorcycling and the law: writer@lawyerforlife.com or Facebook.com/TheMotorcycleLawyer. Attorney Jason A. Waechter is a national attorney specializing in the areas of motorcycle and motor vehicle injury litigation. Mr. Waechter has collected millions of dollars in settlements, awards and verdicts for his motorcycle clients over the past 20 years. Jason feels a duty to give back to his community. A portion of each case settled goes to educational resources for bikers, funds to help bikers while their cases are being litigated and our motorcycle accident prevention campaign. Call Attorney Jason Waechter toll free at 1-877BIKER LAW. Or visit www.TheMotorcycleLawyer.com Legal disclaimer: The law is very fact dependent and there are many nuances and exceptions depending on your particular circumstances. Therefore, given the limited space, it is impossible to cover everything. Do not rely on the short article to protect your rights.
Pre-Owned Motorcycles
2012 Triumph Tiger 800, Black, 18,896 miles, Side / top cases, $7,750
2012 Suzuki GSX-R750, Yellow, 13,656 miles, Sliders, Short exhaust, $7,750
2010 BMW R 1200 GS, Red, 13,413 miles, $11,950 2009 BMW K 1200 LT, Black, 72,000 miles, $9,450 2009 BMW K1300GT, Magnesium, 49,174 miles, $9,950 2009 BMW R 1200 GS, Silver, 62,000 miles, $9,450 2007 Yamaha Royal Star Venture, Blue, 12,221 miles $8,450 2006 BMW R 1200RT, Grey, 37,408 miles, $8,450 2006 BMW R 1200 RT, Graphite, 62,682 miles, $7,950 2005 BMW K 1200LT, Grphite, 45,425 miles, $8,750 2005 BMW K 1200 LT, Blue, 24,337 miles, $8,750 2005 BMW R 1200 GS, Blue, 131,000 miles, $5,950 2005 BMW R 1200 RT, Red, 71,444 miles, $7,750 2005 Honda Rune, Maroon, $17,950 2003 BMW R 1150 R, Black, 69,198 miles, $3,450 2002 BMW K1200LT, Silver, 70,002 miles, $5,950 2002 BMW R1150RT, Blue, 41,911 miles, $4,450 2001 BMW R1100RT, Black / White, 116,805 miles, $3,950 1996 BMW R 850 R, Green, 36,534 miles, $3,950 1981 BMW R100RT, Red, 117,366 miles, $1,750
BMW Motorcycles of Grand Rapids, 5995 South Division, Grand Rapids, MI (616) 530-6900 www.bmwmcgr.com 16
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November 2015
Michigan
The Preacher Speaks About ...
Bikes on the Bricks
Harley-Davidson
Dealer Events
For a complete list of Michigan Harley-Davidson Dealer Association Members, see the dealer locator on page 19.
by Franz Hoffer Ever heard of a Bike Week in Flint, Michigan called “Bikes on the Bricks”? Neither did I. But on a crisp fall weekend this past September 12th and 13th my son, Eric, son-in-law, Tony, two friends of my son-in-law, and old standby, Jimbo, headed there for the event which actually started on Friday the 11th. Of particular interest was the Police Skills Competition that featured Police Motor Patrols from as far away as Ottawa and Toronto, Canada; New Orleans, Louisiana; Chicago, Illinois; Columbus and Cleveland, Ohio and from many locations around the State of Michigan. Featured in the skills competition (some people call it a Bike Rodeo) was an incredibly tough timed obstacle course, a slow riding competition, Last Man Standing competition, and the most exciting (at least for me) a team skills competition where they attach a 24” long rope to two team members bikes back fenders and the team has to go through a series of sharp left and right turns as well as three times around a 360, then a high acceleration lane… All this without the rope detaching from either bike. Plus, the event is timed. A little history on the event: The first Bikes on the Bricks was held in October of 2007. Only about 120 motorcycles showed up but it was also a rainy, cold day. It even included the police skills competition back then. The event has grown and is now a well attended three-day event featuring bike shows, police skills competition, food and merchandise vendors, biker fashion show, and a police escorted ride; everything for the motorcycle enthusiast! By 2014, the event had grown to 15,000 motorcycles, 82 participants in the police skills competition from several different agencies, dozens of vendors…and an estimated 25,000 spectators that endured less than perfect rainy and cold weather. The 2015 version had cool, crisp temps in the morning (we were there on Sunday the 13th) but it warmed up to the low 70s by noon; perfect for watching the Police Skills competition which was the main reason we went. TM
Midwest Motorcyclist
The 2015 event was dedicated to Michigan State Trooper Chad Wolf who was planning on participating in the Police Skills Competition. He had attended the 2014 show, and had signed up this year before he was killed (www.mlive.com/news/flint/ index.ssf/2015/09/ fallen_trooper_wolf_remembered.html) on Friday, August 28. He was riding his Michigan State Police motorcycle when he was struck by a car hauling a trailer. I’m sure most of you remember that horrific accident where he was pinned under the trailer and dragged for several miles on the expressway. Keep in mind that he was an expert rider with years of training and experience who ended up dead due to a driver who “didn’t see him.” That shows just how dangerous riding a motorcycle can be. I still don’t understand those who won’t wear helmets or other safety equipment. It also points out the fact that people in cages aren’t looking out for motorcyclists; we need to look out for them…religiously! When Bikes on the Bricks officially began on Friday, an estimated 87 police officers were registered for the annual motorcycle skills competition. Training was from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. that first day - a time for the participants to practice. On Saturday morning, motorcyclists met up at Vehicle City Harley Davidson for a police-escorted cruise around Genesee County, leaving the dealership at 11 a.m. and arriving in downtown Flint at approximately 1:30 p.m.. Riders could then enjoy the hundreds of show bikes that lined up along the bricks of Saginaw Street. On Sunday, a 10 a.m. ceremony opened the days activities. The law enforcement skills competition began at 10:30 a.m. My friends and I had a great time. The skills competition makes one feel pretty humble about one’s own riding skills and has since motivated me to practice the things I learned in the “Ride Like A Pro” class I took as well as the skills my son showed me that he learned in the “Michigan State Civilian Motorcycle Training” class he took and passed. The skills competition obstacle course is timed. Spectators quickly got a heap of respect for these Motor Officers and the riding skills they have developed and
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October 24 New Bike Owner’s Party to honor and thank our new bike owners Battle Creek Harley-Davidson 5738 Beckley Rd Battle Creek, MI (269) 979-2233 October 24 Bikers-4-Blood Blood Drive for the American Red Cross. Donate your blood and receive a coupon for 20% off officially licensed product Hot Rod Harley-Davidson 149 Shoreline Drive Muskegon, MI (231) 722-0000 October 29 2nd Annual Harleyween Ladies Night Beware of what you wear fashion show Ghoulish snacks, Witches brew Door prizes, games Come is costume for a chance to win Must RSVP Great Lakes Harley-Davidson 3850 S. Huron Road Bay City, MI (989) 686-0400 October 30 Parts & Accessories Workshop Maintenance tips, Motorcycle enhancements Ray C’s Harley-Davidson 1491 S. Lapeer Rd. (M-24 & I-69) Lapeer, MI (810) 664-9261 October 31 Trick-or-Treating Free Hot Rod Trick-or-Treat bag and candy from 11am-2pm. Kids 12 and under can dress up and trick-or-treat for fee candy in each department. Kids must be accompanied by an adult. Hot Rod Harley-Davidson 149 Shoreline Drive Muskegon, MI (231) 722-0000 October 31 Halloween Party Get ready for a spooktacular time at BCHD! Bring the kiddos for cookie decorating, pumpkin decorating, coloring, and lots of treats! Wear your costume! Battle Creek Harley-Davidson 5738 Beckley Rd Battle Creek, MI (269) 979-2233 October 31 Broomsticks, Baggers & Burnouts Grand Rapids Harley-Davidson 2977 Corporate Grove Drive Hudsonville, MI (877) 596-6387 October 31 Boo Brunch Stop by for a FREE delicious breakfast
chance to win great door prizes. Plus vote for the best dressed ABC Harley team member as we’ll be dressed in our Halloween best! We’ll have fun activities for the kids plus trick or treating for the adults! ABC Harley-Davidson, Inc. 4405 Highland Road (M-59) Waterford, MI 248.674.3175 November 7 - 17 1st Annual Toys for Tots Toy Drive Ray C’s Harley-Davidson 1491 S. Lapeer Rd. (M-24 & I-69) Lapeer, MI (810) 664-9261 November 7 Hamilton HD Fashion Rally Hamilton Harley Davidson 68951 White School Rd Sturgis MI 269-651-3424 www.hamiltonharley-davidson.com November 7 Veterans Appreciation Event This special event pays tribute to the men & women who have served in the military. Please come out and pay tribute by having Lunch with a veteran. Free Lunch for all Veterans. There will be children’s activities, a special gift for all Veterans, and a color guard ceremony at 12 pm. ABC Harley-Davidson, Inc. 4405 Highland Road (M-59) Waterford, MI 248.674.3175 November 14 Chili Cook-Off for Vets Enter your chili or just come sample some great recipes! Vote for your favorites! Top 3 chili’s get ribbons. All proceeds to veterans. Battle Creek Harley-Davidson 5738 Beckley Rd Battle Creek, MI (269) 979-2233 November 15 11th Annual Buck Pole HELD FROM DAWN TO 8 PM WITH PRIZES FOR FIRST BUCK, FIRST FEMALE, YOUNGEST, OLDEST, ....MORE ... WITH 2015 BUCK T-SHIRT FOR EVERY BUCK BROUGHT IN. $5.00 BUTTON ENTERS YOUR BUCK ...GETS YOU INTO DRAWING FOR DOOR PRIZES, BOWL OF CHILI AND A GREAT TIME (NO BUCK NECESSARY FOR PURCHASE OF BUTTON) SILENT AUCTION AND DOOR PRIZES. Ray C’s Harley-Davidson 1491 S. Lapeer Rd. (M-24 & I-69) Lapeer, MI (810) 664-9261 November 28 Orange Saturday Event & Bike Giveaway Shiawassee Harley-Davidson® 11901 N Beyer Rd Birch Run, MI 989.624.4400
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Continued from previous page maintained through constant practice. From the obstacle course, we moved to the slow ride competition; a series of sharp turns and twists on which some of the riders seem to defy gravity as they stand completely still on their bikes - suspended - for several seconds at a time. Then comes the team riding competition which truly exhibits their skills as they race side by side attached by a
24” cord, maneuvering through a difficult and compressed course. The final event is the “Last Man Standing” competition which was fun to watch. The participants go against each other two at a time on an obstacle course and try to force one another to put a foot down or knock over a cone. The last man to survive is the “last man standing.” There is a good chance that the 2016 event is going to be moved to June , July or August as it seems more times than not, the September weather is not the best. I recommend this event to one and all. ‘Til next time, my friends, ride safe. There is still some beautiful fall riding left but watch out for those leaves on the road…they can be slippery.
TRAILER SALES, RENTALS,
Ce le ou brat r 2 ing ye 2nd ar!
SERVICE & STORAGE FOR
1- and 2-place RENT motorcycle trailers for sale or rent Rentals starting at $30 a day!
FOR SALE
Aluminum 1 & 2 place trailers FALL CLEARANCE!
skelley@kelleytrailers.com
(734) 783-6464 12620 N. Telegraph Carleton, MI Mon thru Fri 9 to 6 • Sat 9 to 3
We sell a complete line of open & enclosed motorcycle trailers at affordable prices. 18
Michigan Harley-Davidson Dealer Association Members 1. Battle Creek
12. Muskegon
BATTLE CREEK HARLEY-DAVIDSON® 5738 BECKLEY RD, BATTLE CREEK (269) 979-2233, www.battlecreekharley.com
HOT ROD HARLEY-DAVIDSON® 149 SHORELINE DRIVE, MUSKEGON (231) 722-3653, www.hotrodhd.com
2. Bay City
13. Sturgis
GREAT LAKES HARLEY-DAVIDSON® 3850 S. HURON ROAD, BAY CITY (989) 686-0400, www.greatlakeshd.com
HAMILTON HARLEY-DAVIDSON® 68951 WHITE SCHOOL ROAD, STURGIS (616) 651-3424, www.hamiltonharley-davidson.com
3. Birch Run
14. Tecumseh
SHIAWASSEE HARLEY-DAVIDSON® 11901 N. BEYER ROAD, BIRCH RUN (989) 624-4400 www.shiawasseeharley-davidson.com
TECUMSEH HARLEY-DAVIDSON® 8080 MATTHEWS HIGHWAY, TECUMSEH (517) 423-3333
4. Cement City
15. Traverse City
TOWN & COUNTRY HARLEY-DAVIDSON® US 12 & US 127, CEMENT CITY (517) 547-3333, www.cementcity-harley.com
CLASSIC MOTOR SPORTS HARLEY-DAVIDSON® 3939 S BLUE STAR DRIVE, TRAVERSE CITY (231) 943-9344, www.classictc.com
5. Fremont
16. Waterford
SANDY’S HARLEY-DAVIDSON® SPORT CENTER 11940 N. MAPLE ISLAND RD, FREMONT (231) 924-3020 www.sandysharley-davidson.com
A.B.C. HARLEY-DAVIDSON® 4405 HIGHLAND RD (M-59), WATERFORD (248) 674-3175 www.abc-harley-davidson.com
6. Gaylord
17. West Branch
ZIP’S 45TH PARALLEL HARLEY-DAVIDSON® 980 S WISCONSIN AVE., GAYLORD (989) 732-8000, www.zips45thhd.com
GILDNER’S HARLEY-DAVIDSON® MOTORCYCLES 2723 S M-76, WEST BRANCH (989) 345-1330, www.gildnershd.com
7. Hudsonville GRAND RAPIDS HARLEY-DAVIDSON® 2977 CORPORATE GROVE DR., HUDSONVILLE (616) 896-0111, www.grandrapidsharley.com
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8. Kalamazoo
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PERRY’S HARLEY-DAVIDSON® 5331 SPRINKLE ROAD, KALAMAZOO (269) 329-3450 www.perryharley-davidson.com
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9. Lansing CAPITOL HARLEY-DAVIDSON® 9550 WOODLANE DRIVE, DIMONDALE (517) 646-2345, www.capitolhd.com
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10. Lapeer RAY C’S HARLEY-DAVIDSON® 1491 S. LAPEER ROAD, LAPEER (810) 664-9261, www.raycsh-d.com
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www.midwestmotorcyclist.com
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11. Mt. Pleasant C & S HARLEY-DAVIDSON® 4741 E PICKARD, MT PLEASANT (989) 772-5513 www.candssportcenter.com
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November 2015
TM
Midwest Motorcyclist
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Pre-Owned Motorcycles SOLD 2015 Indian® Chief® Classic, Thunder Black, 1,406 miles, $17,499 OUT THE DOOR!!!
2014 Indian® Chief®, Vintage Red, 2,516 miles, $19,749 OUT THE DOOR!!!
2015 Indian® Scout™, Thunder Black Smoke, 1,185 MILES, $10,999 OUT THE DOOR!
2009 Honda® 2015 Harley-Davidson® 2007 Harley-Davidson VRSCAW - V-Rod, Shadow® Aero, Freewheeler™, Black, 12,811 miles, 1,038 miles, Black, 880 miles, $8,499 $4,459 OUT THE DOOR! 24,999 OUT THE DOOR!!! OUT THE DOOR!!!
2004 Harley-Davidson 2010 Kawasaki Vulcan 883Sportster, 1700 Nomad, Black/ 38,184 miles, Silver, 16,008 miles, $2,999 $7,999 OUT THE DOOR!!! OUT THE DOOR!!!
1997 Yamaha Royal Star 1300, 62,265 miles, $2,100 OUT THE DOOR! 1940 Indian Chief, Green & Cream, Older restoration, High output Bonneville engine, 130 mph speedo, 18” Wheels, 2013 Victory Cross Excellent!, Country® Tour, $40,000 plus Sunset Red, 14,864 miles, tax & title $16,999 OUT THE DOOR!!!
2015 Victory Gunner™, 2014 Victory Cross Country Titanium / Black, Tour®, Goldrush & Black, 1,820 miles, 474 miles, $11,999 OUT THE DOOR!!! $18,999 OUT THE DOOR!!!
1765 S. Telegraph Road, Bloomfield Hills, MI One mile north of Square Lake Rd. on the east side of Telegraph Rd.
248.920.2000 • www.ridemotorcity.com
on Facebook at www.facebook.com/MotorCityMotorcycles
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
www.TheMotorcycleLawyer.com
2012 Kawasaki 1997 Yamaha Vulcan® 900 Classic LT , Royal Star 1300, 1,962 miles, 62,265 miles, 6,495 OUT THE DOOR!!! $2,499 OUT THE DOOR!!!