Midwest Motorcyclist(TM), October 2017 issue

October 2017

FREE Celebrating

midwestmotorcyclist.com

19 Years

BMW’s New Bagger Impresses Also in this issue: Tested: Wolfman Rainier Tank Bag How to Winterize Your Motorcycle

A Trip & A Competition

Take the Long Way Home

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

2018 Models

Now Arriving!

2018 Indian Dark Horse Family including the Springfield Dark Horse shown

MotorCity Motorcycles Actively Supports Our Veterans Donation Drive for Veterans in Need Help support the men and women who have served in the U.S. Armed Forces on our behalf. The local Veterans Administration office tells us that there are a significant number of local area veterans who need a variety of basic items, including coats, hats, gloves, underwear, deodorant, toothbrushes, toothpaste, socks, t-shirts, etc. Our dealership, MotorCity Motorcycles, is accepting these tems on behalf of the local VA from now through the end of the year. Please be generous. Our veterans deserve our support. Please donate only new items.

WE MAKE ADVENTUREREADY SIDECAR MOTORCYCLES. Trusted by riders across the globe. Urals are designed for adventure whether you’re cruising the backroads or exploring the world.

UPCOMING EVENTS Saturday, September 23 2018 Indian® New Model Open House

Saturday, October 14 Flat Track Season Celebration Come watch the last Indian Motorcycle Flat Track Race of the season. First 30 customers will receive a free limited edition Indian Motorcycle racing flag

Sunday, October 15 Birch Run Swap Meet at the Expo Center Stop by our booth at the Swap Meet and say “Hello!”

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

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

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

248.920.2000 • www.RideMotorCity.com

on Facebook at www.facebook.com/MotorCityMotorcycles

* Offers cannot be combined and are valid through July 31, 2017. Indian® and Indian Motorcycle® are registered trademarks of Indian Motorcycle International LLC. Always wear a helmet, eye protection and protective clothing and obey the speed limit. Never ride under the influence of drugs or alcohol.

TM

Midwest Motorcyclist

3

Columns 5 13 16 17

IN THIS ISSUE…

To Our Readers How to Winterize Your Motorcycle by Jason Waechter Motorcycling & Law: HB 4890 - MCCA disclose data behind setting its fees

by Dondi Vesprini The Preacher Speaks About... A Trip and A Competition by Franz Hoffer

Features, News & Reviews cc media publications

6 7 8

Take the Long Way Home: Touring the U.P. by Dean Smith Tested: Wolfman Ranier Tank Bag by Gene Southard Tested: 2018 BMW K 1600 B, BMW’s New Bagger Impresses, by Ray Peabody

5 14 17

Advertiser Index Event Schedule Michigan Harley-Davidson Dealer Event Schedule

Resources

This Month’s Contributors: Contributing Editors Franz Hoffer, Gene Southard plus

Dean Smith, Dondi Vesprini, Jason Waechter

Publisher/Managing Editor

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

Large cover photo: The 2018 K 1600 B at rest in Stockbridge,Michigan. Photo by Ray Peabody. Small cover photo, right: Dean Smith’s loaded 2014 Harley-Davidson Road King somewhere in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula. Photo by Dean Smith. Small cover photo, left: A competitor on the course at the Midwest Motorcycle Skills Competition at Wolverine Harley-Davidson. Photo by Franz “The Preacher” Hoffer.

The Wait is Over...

Now opening at 10 a.m.

Advertising Sales/ Web Master / Distribution

2018 BMW G 310 R MSRP starting at $4,850 (including ABS) in Pearl White Metallic.

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

Cover Design Julie Kirkendoll

How to contact us: 709 Fall Street Spring Lake, Michigan 49456 (810) 923-8738 www.midwestmotorcyclist.com Copyright 1998-2016 cc media. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, photocopied, or electronically transmitted without the expressed written permission of the publisher. Advertisers, their agents, contributors of event information, free-lance contributors and/or editorial contributors will defend, indemnify and hold cc media and RTP Enterprises, Inc. harmless in any claims of libel, copyright or trademark infringement, plagiarism, violation of local, national, or international privacy laws and any other claim or suit that may arise subsequent to publication of said advertisement, stories, event information, and/or editorial. Submission of material for consideration for publication in Michigan Motorcyclist/Midwest Motorcyclist, American CycleRider either solicited or unsolicited, constitutes agreement to these terms. Except for the Publisher and Managing Editor, all writers are free-lance contributors. Any and all opinions expressed are those of the authors, and don’t necessarily reflect those of the publisher.

4

The all-new BMW G 310 R is in our showroom.

Built for pulsing cities and those who simply love riding motorcycles, the G 310 R is the essence of riding pleasure. It is maneuverable, easy to handle and sporty - all at a very affordable price. Stop by our dealership today to experience the newest motorcycle from BMW.

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

October 2017

123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123456789012345 123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123456789012345 123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123456789012345 123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123456789012345 123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123456789012345 123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123456789012345 123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123456789012345 123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123456789012345 123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123456789012345 123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123456789012345 123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123456789012345 123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123456789012345 ABATE of Indiana ....................................13 123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123456789012345 123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123456789012345 123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123456789012345 ABATE of Michigan Region 11.....................15 123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123456789012345 123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123456789012345 123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123456789012345 A.B.C. Harley-Davidson ..............17, 18, 19 123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123456789012345 123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123456789012345 123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123456789012345 123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123456789012345 Battle Creek Harley-Davidson....17, 18, 19 123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123456789012345 123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123456789012345 123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123456789012345 BMW-Motus of Grand Rapids..................2, 4, 5 123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123456789012345 123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123456789012345 123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123456789012345 123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123456789012345 BMW, SE Michigan. ..................................7, 8, 9 123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123456789012345 123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123456789012345 123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123456789012345 Bubba’s Old School Swap Meet....................12 123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123456789012345 123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123456789012345 123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123456789012345 Capitol Harley-Davidson .......17, 18, 19 123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123456789012345 123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123456789012345 123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123456789012345 123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123456789012345 Classic MotorSports................17, 18, 19 123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123456789012345 123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123456789012345 123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123456789012345 Cycle Conservation Club .......................16 123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123456789012345 123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123456789012345 123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123456789012345 Detroit MC Swap Meet...................................15 123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123456789012345 123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123456789012345 123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123456789012345 123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123456789012345 Diamond Gusset Jeans ......................18 123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123456789012345 123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123456789012345 123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123456789012345 Elkhart Indian Motorcycle................................11 123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123456789012345 123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123456789012345 123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123456789012345 123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123456789012345 Gildner’s Harley-Davidson ...........17, 18, 19 123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123456789012345 123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123456789012345 123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123456789012345 Grand Rapids H-D............................17, 18, 19 123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123456789012345 123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123456789012345 123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123456789012345 Great Lakes Dual Sporters ..................14 123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123456789012345 123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123456789012345 123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123456789012345 123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123456789012345 Great Lakes Harley-Davidson.........17, 18, 19 123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123456789012345 123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123456789012345 123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123456789012345 Hamilton Harley-Davidson ................17, 18, 19 123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123456789012345 123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123456789012345 123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123456789012345 123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123456789012345 Holeshot Harley-Davidson ................17, 18, 19 123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123456789012345 123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123456789012345 123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123456789012345 Hot Rod Harley-Davidson .................17, 18, 19 123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123456789012345 123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123456789012345 123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123456789012345 Jason Waechter, The Motorcycle Lawyer..20 123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123456789012345 123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123456789012345 123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123456789012345 123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123456789012345 Jerry B’s Cycle Works.........................10 123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123456789012345 123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123456789012345 123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123456789012345 MI Harley-Davidson dealers ..........17, 18, 19 123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123456789012345 123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123456789012345 123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123456789012345 Michigan Sport Touring Riders.....................16 123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123456789012345 123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123456789012345 123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123456789012345 123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123456789012345 MotorCity Motorcycles...............................3, 12 123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123456789012345 123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123456789012345 123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123456789012345 Motor City Underwriters ......................10 123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123456789012345 123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123456789012345 123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123456789012345 123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123456789012345 Motorcycle Solutions, LLC......................10 123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123456789012345 123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123456789012345 123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123456789012345 Perry’s Harley-Davidson ..............17, 18, 19 123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123456789012345 123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123456789012345 123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123456789012345 Ray C’s Harley-Davidson...............17, 18, 19 123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123456789012345 123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123456789012345 123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123456789012345 123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123456789012345 Retail Warehouse .......................................6, 13 123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123456789012345 123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123456789012345 123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123456789012345 Sandy’s H-D ....................................17, 18, 19 123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123456789012345 123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123456789012345 123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123456789012345 123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123456789012345 Shiawassee H-D ............................17, 18, 19 123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123456789012345 123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123456789012345 123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123456789012345 Sport Bike Track Gear ................................6 123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123456789012345 123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123456789012345 123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123456789012345 Sweet Trikes ...........................................10 123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123456789012345 123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123456789012345 123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123456789012345 123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123456789012345 Tecumseh Harley-Davidson ..........17, 18, 19 123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123456789012345 123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123456789012345 123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123456789012345 Town & Country H-D........................17, 18, 19 123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123456789012345 123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123456789012345 123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123456789012345 Zip’s 45th Parallel H-D...................17, 18, 19 123456789012345678901234567890121234567890123456789012345

Advertiser Index

I had the opportunity to ride BMW’s new Bagger and am sharing my review this month. The German company is coming to this niche a little late but was determined to make a statement when they finally delivered a product. Were they successful?

Check out the review to find out.

Don’t miss our other columns and upcoming events listing. Since you’re probably beginning to think about what you need to do to put your motorcycle up for the winter, you might find Jason Waechter’s column helpful.

Thanks for reading. Please buy from our advertisers and tell them you saw their ads in this issue. Be careful on the roads as leaves are starting to fall on road surfaces and hunters have animals on the run. We hope to see you on the road or at an event in the near future.

Autumnal Greetings!

Yes, it’s fall and the riding season is winding down. However, we can’t complain about the long stretch of warm, sunny weather we’ve had since at least mid-August. Sure lawns and gardens are drying out but that simply means we don’t have to mow as often. With the extra time, we’ve been doing some touring and testing.

Sometime contributor – and terrific writer – Dean Smith is back this month with a story about his travel trifecta. He was able to combine work, a family reunion, and a tour of the Upper Peninsula in a single trip. We all know that motorcycle touring isn’t only about saddle time. It’s Now also about the scenes we take in and places opening at we experience. Dean and his wife Joellen 10 a.m. made the most of this trip. We hope you enjoy Dean’s story.

Franz “The Preacher” Hoffer, his friend Jimbo, and their wives traveled south to Alton, Illinois for a short getaway. As with the Smiths, Franz and his group explored the area, learned a little history, and enjoyed some good food and friendship. Franz also reports back on the Motorcycle Skills Competition recently held at Wolverine HarleyDavidson in Clinton Township, Michigan.

It’s a tough competition for highly-skilled riders. Don’t miss Franz’s story in these pages.

Gene Southard puts in a lot of miles every year, sometimes in countries on the other side of the globe. For him, as with most of us, good bags are important BMW - Motus Motorcycles of Grand Rapids for carrying the essentials to motorcycle travel. This month, Gene offers his review 5995 South Division Grand Rapids, MI the Wolfman Ranier Tank Bag. He doesn’t get warm and fuzzy about the products he (616) 530-6900 tests. He’s objective and reports on the www.bmwmcgr.com good and bad. Read his review to learn ©2017 BMW Motorrad USA, a division of BMW of North America, LLC. The BMW name and logo are registered trademarks. what he thinks about this bag.

Pre-Owned Motorcycles 2017 BMW R 1200 RT, 2017 BMW F 700 GS, 2016 BMW K 1600 GT, 2016 BMW R 1200 GS, 2015 BMW R nineT, 2014 BMW F 800 GS, 2013 BMW F 800 GS, 2013 BMW K 1600 GTL, 2013 BMW F 800 GS, 2013 BMW K 1300 S, 2012 BMW R 1200 GS Adv,

Blue, 3,500 miles, Black, 1064 miles, Blue, 3,688 miles, White, 17,000 miles, Black Storm, 604 miles, Kalamata Met, 3,400 miles, Cordoba Blue, 19,754 miles, Red, 21,000 Alpine White, 14,000 miles, Red/Black, 21,659 miles, Magma Red, 54,000 miles,

$19,499 $8,999 $16,999 $15,999 $9,999 $8,999 $8,950 $13,999 $8,999 $8,999 $10,900

2011 Kawasaki Versys, 2011 BMW K 1300 S, 2011 H-D FLHX Street Glide, 2010 BMW S 1000 RR, 2010 BMW R 1200 RT, 2009 H-D XL1200L, 2007 BMW K 1200 GT, 2006 Buell Ulysses XB12X, 2002 BMW K 1200 LT, 1999 BMW R 1100 RT, 1995 BMW R1100RS,

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

Midwest Motorcyclist

Largest Inventory of pre-owned BMW Motorcycles in the Midwest!

Red, 3,000 miles, Red, 20,421 miles, Orange, 41,000 miles, Acid Green, 6,200 miles, Thunder Grey, 8,096 miles, Black, 20,000 miles, Grey, 41,000 miles, Black, 29,085 miles, Silver, 60,000 miles, Graphite, 87,785 miles Yellow, 63,088 miles,

$4,411 $8,999 $12,999 $9,910 $8,950 $4,999 $6,999 $3,500 $2,999 $2,999 $2,999

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

Take the Long Way Home Touring Michigan’s Upper Peninsula Words & pictures by Dean Smith usually not too rude. During the next hour, we In early August, I hit the Travel Trifecta! I would have to be on high-alert, had business in Chicago and my wife had a family pay attention to lane positioning, reunion just outside Chicago. The third leg of the and be patient. That last leg trifecta came when my wife said, “Let’s take The went faster than expected. Fifty Boat to Chicago and then take the long way home.” minutes later, The Boat was “The Boat” is a 2014 Harley Davidson Road parked on the fifth floor of a King (see small cover photo) that I picked up shortly parking deck ($29 for 3-½ hours, a after returning from overseas in July 2015. The Boat Chicago bargain) and I was on my is big and heavy - not my first choice for solo riding way to a meeting. Three hours but it’s great for two-up and, most important, my later, my business concluded. I wife loves it. collected Joellen and we headed We left at 6:00 a.m. on a rainy Friday for her family reunion at Crystal morning. The plan was to get out before the heavy Lake. traffic and past Ann Arbor before 7:00 a.m. Traffic The short run to Crystal on I-94 was light and, except for a few passiveLake only took a couple hours, but aggressive truckers who seemed to really enjoy we were already in relaxation slowing traffic while they take five miles to mode. complete a pass, the As traffic lightened up and ride was uneventful.

I settled down, my brain The weather cleared up decided to turn on some somewhere between of the “mental music” that Kalamazoo and Benton accompanies me on long Harbor and at Porter, rides. This time, Indiana, we finally Supertramp came on loud stopped for fuel. I had and clear with “Take the a coffee and spent a Long Way Home”. It is a few minutes getting catchy tune – I love the psyched up for the final harmonica rif – and the leg into downtown The Boat’s pre-electronic GPS system miles just disappeared.

Chicago. My wife and I We arrived in Crystal Lake just in time for the discussed Chicago drivers – fast and aggressive, but

festivities. Friday night to Sunday morning were filled with friends, family, and great stories. What a weekend! But back to Supertramp: I didn’t remember the words to Take the Long Way Home so I Googled it and learned that it probably wasn’t the best song to be singing while on a two-up ride with my wife. How can you take the long way home when you are sitting on the same furniture as the wife? As for heading for the city lights, we weren’t. Didn’t matter.

It’s still a catchy tune and it was on replay for the next few days.

On Sunday morning, I took a few minutes to program The Boat’s GPS (see picture), strapped the duffel bag to the luggage rack and we headed north – away from the city lights and toward Lake Superior.

We stayed off the Interstate and rode old highways through smalltown Wisconsin, past lakes, farms, and when it wasn’t raining, took in the scenery. The 394-mile run took a full eight hours and we arrived in Ontonagan just in time for dinner at Roxey’s.

Excellent burgers, cold beer, and walking distance from the Inn Towne Motel – a cheap and clean motel right in the middle of Ontonagon. After a long ride and a fantastic dinner, we both slept like stones.

Summertime in the U.P. brings an early sunrise.

I’m not sure if it was the sunrise or the road Continued on page 11

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6

www.midwestmotorcyclist.com

October 2017

Wolfman Rainer Tank Bag

several optional accessories including larger side pockets, shoulder straps and additional mounting harness.

Like every relationship, there are always dislikes and this bag is no exception. The rear pocket is large but it needs to be stiffer, it takes two hands to open and close the zipper. Although the rain flap over the main zipper works well in the rain, it looks out of place when flipped up. It would be nice if the bag expanded on all four sides not just the back and sides.

The Wolfman Rainer Tank Bag has become my favorite and it will be accompanying me on my next long-distance ride. MSRP is $234.95

by Gene Southard I get attached to the tank bag that I have on my motorcycle; especially after spending many miles and lots of hours with this piece of luggage between my arms. Full of traveling necessities, it rests gently against my chest. With my chin on the map pocket, she becomes an old friend. You can unzip each pocket without looking and know where to find the sunglasses, keys or wallet. When the Wolfman Rainer Tank Bag arrived, I felt as if I was

I am a big fan of attached pockets and this bag has four with the three pockets on the front and sides detachable. She is constructed out of 1680 Denier Ballistic Nylon with a #10 YKK main zipper and YKK zippers through out. I was impressed with the yellow pull tabs on the main zipper. How many times have you tried to open the bag only to find that you have pulled the tab to expand the bag? The bag mounts with the usual 4 quick-release buckels that can be easily operated with gloved fingers. For better visibility in your search at the bottom of the bag, Wolfman has lined the bag with silver nylon. Why is it that I can never fold my map to fit into the map pocket? 8 3/4" by 10 5/8" on this bag never seems big enough but proved to be water tight during my wet We have heated gear and gloves rides. to keep you warm when the Visibility on those night rides is very important temperatures get cold. Stop by and the Rainer has reflective our dealership to check out accents on the carrying our extensive handle and sides. Although I have had this bag on only a heated gear inventory from short time, the soft non-skid bottom has not damaged the paint. Wolfman offers

Get Ready for Cold Weather Riding

about to go out on a first date with a new girlfriend.

Would we get along or would this turn out like many of my early romances and we decide to go our separate ways?

I had a Wolfman tank bag many years ago and it gave excellent performance. When I retired it, all the zippers still worked and the seams were holding but after years of sun she had turned a golden brown and the map cover was no longer usable.

The Rainer bag has 17 liter capacity that expands to 20 liters. With a length of 11", width of 8 3/4" and front height of 6 1/2", rear height of 10" that expands to 14", this bag fits nicely on a sloped tank.

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

Pre-Owned Motorcycles

2001 BMW K 1200 RS, Yellow / Silver, 33,000 miles, $4,999

2005 BMW R 1200 GS, Red/Silver, 80,216 miles, $4,999

2012 BMW R 1200 R,

Red, 67,000 miles,

$6,999

2010 BMW K 1300 S,

Orange, 56,000 miles,

$7,999

2007 BMW R 1200 RT,

Beige, 86,000 miles,

$6,500

2007 BMW R 1200 S,

Red/Silver, 5,331 miles,

$8,999

2005 BMW R 1200 GS,

Red/Silver, 80,216 miles,

$4,999

2001 BMW K 1200 RS,

Yellow / Silver, 33,000 miles,

$4,999

1999 BMW R 1100 S,

822 miles,

$9,999

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

7

UPCOMING EVENTS

BMW K 1600 B Seminar Saturday, September 23, 2017 • 11 a.m.

Come by to learn about the many features of this incredible new touring machine. Maybe take our demo out for a test ride. Enjoy some cider and donuts. Sure to be a good time!

Live music from Ypsi Rustle

Saturday, October 7, 2017 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Join us as we celebrate Oktoberfest!

• Demo rides • Door prizes • Food & refreshments • Savings on all in-stock apparel & accessories • Special pricing on new and used motorcycles BMW Motorcycles of Southeast Michigan 14855 N. Sheldon Rd., Plymouth, MI 734.453.0500 www.bmwmcsem.com 8

Tested

2018 BMW K 1600 B The New Bagger Impresses with Comfort, Style, and Performance

by Ray Peabody “What exactly is a bagger?” you might ask. A bagger is simply a motorcycle with bags. It’s usually both a touring motorcycle and a cruiser. The name was originally attributed to Harley-Davidson models like the Street Glide but bagger has become a more generic term in recent years. BMW, despite offering many models with factory bags for years, decided to offer a model that would compete more directly with the Street Glide, Road Glide, Indian Cheiftain, and Honda’s F6B as well as other similarly-styled motorcycles. The result is the K 1600 B. BMW’s Bagger is based on the K 1600 GT and GTL touring models introduced in 2011. The GT was named Best Sport Touring Motorcycle and the GTL was named Best Touring Motorcycle

by Cycle World magazine in 2011. Both models have enjoyed strong sales since their introduction and seem to be an ideal platform on which to build the new Bagger.

The Bagger has only been in dealerships a few weeks and we felt fortunate when BMW Motorcycles of Southeast Michigan owner, John Horner, offered to let us use their new demo for this test. We jumped at the opportunity.

Despite the similarities to the GT/L, the B has a distinctive style. The short wind screen and swooping saddle bags give the Bagger a long, low look.

Mr. Horner reviewed the operation of the Bagger with me before the beginning of the test. While a rider could hop on and successfully ride the bike without a preview, the available technology can make the riding experience more comfortable and enjoyable. The three traction control modes – rain, road, and dynamic – help prevent rear tire spin and preserve not only the rider’s dignity and health but also the condition of the motorcycle. The Electronic Suspension Adjustment (ESA) offers two riding modes: “Cruise” for a softer, plush ride and “Road” for stiffer, sportier handling. The Shift Assist Pro allows the rider to shift up or down without using the manual hand-activated

www.midwestmotorcyclist.com

clutch. The reverse gear helps the rider back the motorcycle up; a feature especially useful when having to back the 741-pound Bagger up hill. Mr. Horner offered a final suggestion before I hit the road: the cruise control would help me preserve my driver’s license.

The route plan would take me on two-lane roads for the first 2/3 of the ride and freeways would provide a quick return to the dealership. Not long into the ride, I realized the value of Mr. Horner’s cruisecontrol warning.

The Bagger is powered by the same liquidcooled, fuelinjected, in-line 6-cylinder engine that produces 160 horsepower and 129 foot pounds of torque (at 5,250 rpms) that is mounted in the GT/L. It accelerates quickly to tripledigit felonious speeds but the acceleration is so effortless, the ride so smooth, and the wind protection so complete that the rider doesn’t realize how fast he or she is traveling.

The BMW glides comfortably along two-lane roads. In the stiffer “Road” setting, the Bagger goes where the rider points it. It strafes apexes like a sport bike. Despite weighing in at 741 pounds (wet), the balance is neutral.

When running through the twisties a little hot, the Bagger stays balanced instead of weighing towards the outside of the curve. Riders won’t have to muscle it to hold it on track.

The seating is comfortable. The handlebars, which would be similar to ape hangers if they were adjusted upright, reach back toward the rider. The saddle is firm and comfortable even after two hours in the saddle. The foot pegs are situated just to the front of rider’s seating position. Floorboards, positioned low on either side of the engine, provide the space to stretch out the legs. The short electric windscreen adjusts to a wide range of positions. Since the saddle is low, the air passes over the averageheight rider even in lowest position. At the top of its adjustment, the screen provides a pocket of still air for the rider.

Continued on page 15

October 2017

Our customers love the new Bagger!

2018 MSRP starting at $23,545 (including ABS Pro)

We have already sold every K 1600 B Bagger we’ve received (except for our demo).

Those sales mean we will be receiving more Baggers. Stop by our dealership today to check out this incredible new BMW and maybe even take our demo for a test ride.

The all-new G 310 R has arrived.

Stop by to see this hot, new motorcycle.

Great selection of 2017 R 1200 GSs & R 1200 GS Adventures still in stock.

Also, low-milege 2017 demos of other models for sale.

All at outstanding prices.

Come by our dealership today!

Don’t miss our

BMW Motorrad Dealer of Excellence 5 Mile Rd

St

Call or visit our dealership for details!

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

N Sheldon Rd

He lm

Celebration on Saturday, October 7, 2017!

Selective D r

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

TM

Midwest Motorcyclist

9

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October 2017

Continued from page 6 workers we shared the hotel with, but sleeping late was not an option. We walked around the corner to Syl’s restaurant and had a tasty breakfast before spending the next couple hours walking the quiet streets of Ontonagon. We visited the City’s historical museum and got a glimpse of U.P. life during the prosperous days of mining, lumbering, and papermaking. It’s hard for my 2017 brain to imagine that in the late 1800s, there were more people in the U.P. than in the land of the Trolls – you know, that place under The Bridge. Before we rode out through the Porkies to Lake of The Clouds, we investigated a local lighthouse. It was there that I saw something that I’ve often heard of but have never before seen – a real brick sh#*house! The lighthouse was also pretty cool.

The ride out to Lake of The Clouds was “U.P. Ordinary”. I’ll never get used to riding in the cool, fresh air off Lake Superior, through lush forests,

and with an occasional glimpse of the big lake. It never gets old.

After visiting another couple more scenic areas (all required a short walk from parking areas so I didn’t waste bytes on motorcycle pics), we headed for White Pine and dinner at Konteka. Joellen and I had a nice meal in the restaurant while we watched a few black bears eat their dinner outside.

The bears are not domesticated, caged, or fenced in. They come out of the woods, eat, and then return to nature. About half-way through dinner, I remembered the peanut butter sandwich I had locked in my saddlebag and spent the

3016 Brittany Court Elkhart, IN (877) 856-4326 rest of the meal worrying about The Boat. Thankfully, the food that Konteka puts out is tastier than peanut butter

www.elkhartindianmotorcycle.com

Call or visit our dealership to learn more about the new Indian® Scout® Bobber.

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

Continued on page 12

Join us for our

DON’T MISS IT!

DEMO DAYS EVENT at Elkhart Indian Motorcycle Tuesday, October 10th Wednesday, October 11th

9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Your first chance to ride a 2018 Indian Motorcycle®.

Bring your helmet, jacket, gloves, riding boots, eye protection and cycle endorsement to take a test ride and find out why the new Indians® are so impressive.

3016 Brittany Court, Elkhart, IN (877) 856-4326 www.elkhartindianmotorcycle.com Indian® and Indian Motorcycle® are registered trademarks of Indian Motorcycle International LLC. Always wear a helmet, eye protection and protective clothing and obey the speed limit. Never ride under the influence of drugs or alcohol.

TM

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11

Continued from page 11

has a truly interesting story and The Boat’s saddlebag was to tell. unharmed. After returning to Just south of Ontonagon, we visited the “other” Paulding, we museum – Stubb’s, a place where you picked up US-2 and headed east, past Escanaba, past the giant mosquito, and on to Rapid River. At Rapid River, two doors south of the restaurant is a fascinating shop and art gallery operated by Rich Branstrom.

That man has a creative mind. He can sip a cold one while learning about fashions some fetching and fascinating the U.P. and its history. Stubb’s alone is artwork out of what some people call worth the ride to Ontonagon. “junk”. I have a couple of his fish On Tuesday morning, we again hanging in my back porch and am used the road workers as our alarm looking forward to the time when I can clock and got another early start. Our pick up something bigger for my yard. first stop on the ride out of town was That day is coming . . . just outside of Paulding - Bond Falls, We spent the night in St. Ignace, headed back below The Bridge, and rejoined the Trolls on Wednesday morning. After getting my donut fix at Clare’s Cops ‘n Donuts, we completed the final leg back to just one of many waterfalls in the U.P. If Berkley. Home is you visit, be sure to walk the trail all a nice place to the way to the top and check out the be, but touring on two wheels is always lake that feeds the falls. Bond Falls better.

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October 2017

How to Winterize Your Motorcycle

by Jason Waechter, Esq. As we rush headlong into fall and winter, it’s time to start thinking about how you’ll winterize your motorcycle for the off-season.

How you choose to store and protect your bike (from an insurance standpoint) will affect how soon you can ride it when spring finally appears. Follow the tips below to keep your bike safe and make its spring tuneup less tedious.

Keep Your Motorcycle Insurance The first thing you should do when you’re storing your bike for winter is keep your motorcycle insurance intact. There’s a misconception that homeowner’s insurance will cover your bike if something happens, and it won’t.

If you decide to cancel your motorcycle insurance for the off-season and something happens to your bike, you’ll be responsible for paying to fix any damage to it.

If your garage floods, if it catches fire, if your vehicle is stolen, you’ll have to pay out-ofpocket for your bike’s damage.

At the very least, keep your comprehensive insurance coverage. Your comprehensive insurance doesn’t cover you when you’re out riding, but it will cover damage to your bike. The only problem with comprehensive insurance is that you won’t be able to take your bike out on the first rideworthy day of spring because you don’t have the right insurance.

Cover Your Bike When you store your bike for winter, be sure to pick a spot that doesn’t have too much light. If your bike is exposed to too much light over time, the leather and paint risk damage. You also want to ensure that the place you store your bike isn’t damp. Water and moisture in the air can cause your bike to rust, which means more headaches for you before your spring ride.

To mitigate some damage from light and the elements, like moisture in the air, cover your bike with a high-quality motorcycle cover. Unlike cloth sheets or plastic tarps, motorcycle covers are made specifically to protect your bike. The covers are breathable, which allows air to circulate around your bike, reducing the moisture buildup.

Before you cover your bike for the offseason, be sure to wash, wax, and polish it. The TM

Midwest Motorcyclist

wax will aid in lessening the moisture build-up on your bike, and you’ll be met with a shiny, clean bike for your first spring ride.

Check Fuel and Fluids Before you store your motorcycle for winter, check your fuel level. If you leave too much air in your tank, you have the potential for moisture to gather in there and cause damage. To lessen your risk of moisture in your gas tank, fill the tank with fresh gas before you store your bike.

Make sure to drain your carburetors and fuel lines before you put your bike away. Most motorcycle experts suggest you have your fluids serviced every few years. At the very least, you should check them annually before you store your bike.

Some mechanics advise that you should change your oil, even if it’s not due yet. When you run your bike, it creates acid in the oil. If left for too long, that acid can damage your bike, delaying your spring ride.

Protect Your Bike the Smart Way Winterizing your bike takes more time and care than simply dropping a cloth over it and calling it a day, but the benefits far outweigh the cost. By following these tips, your bike will be well-protected from the weather, which means that you can hit the road sooner in the spring.

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.

Get Ready for Fall!

• 40 Styles of Saddle Bags • 30 Styles of Sissy Bar Bags & Tourpacks • 4 Styles of Trunk Bags

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13

Events Events do change.

Please call ahead.

Michigan September 30 11th Annual Breast Cancer Benefit Ride All proceeds from our Breast Cancer Benefit Ride help pay for five free screenings for uninsured women in the area (approx. 100 women each year). Join us in the fight against breast cancer.

Hamilton Harley-Davidson® 68951 White School Road (US-12) Sturgis, MI 269.651.3424 October 1 Turkey Run at the Crump Fox Club Sign up 10 a.m. to noon $10 / person Money raised will go to local charities 781 Prevo Road, Linwood, MI (989) 892-7866 October 7 BMW Motorcycles of Southeast Michigan OKTOBERFEST Demo rides, Door prizes, Food & refreshments Savings on all in-stock apparel & accessories Special pricing on new and used motorcycles BMW Motorcycles of Southeast Michigan 14855 N. Sheldon Road Plymouth, MI (734) 453-0500 October 7 Fall Swap Meet proceeds will be donated to a local charity TBD still - Don’t have things to sell, then come & check out the great bargains that will be taking place! Live Music, Food, Giveaways, Demo Rides & Much more!

Wolverine Harley-Davidson 44660 N. Gratiot Ave., Clinton Township, MI (586) 463-7700 October 14 Flat Track Season Celebration Come watch the last Indian Motorcycle Flat Track Race of the seasson. First 30 customers will receive a free limited edition Indian Motorcycle racing flag.

MotorCity Motorcycles Indian – Zero –Ural 1765 S Telegraph RD, Bloomfield Hills, MI 248.920.2000

October 14 Harleys at the Dragway Join Biker Bob’s Harley-Davidson as we head down to take part in Harleys at the Dragway! Fun runs, Bracket Racing, Vendors, Music and More!

Biker Bob’s Harley-Davidson 14100 Telegraph Rd, Taylor, MI 734.947.4647 October 15 Bubba’s Old School Birch Run Motorcycle Swap Meet Admission: $7 / person Birch Run Expo Center 11600 North Beyer Road Birch Run, MI (989) 893-5187 October 21 Escort for Our Vets From the Detroit VA Hospital Line-up @ 9:30am @ the Dealer - kick Stands up @ 10:15am - we’ll ride to the VA Hospital to escort a bus w/ Veterans back to Wolverine H-D Come join us for a few hours to greet & visit w/ our Veterans Wolverine Harley-Davidson 44660 N. Gratiot Avenue Clinton Township, MI (586) 463-7700 October 28 Wolverine’s Halloween Bash We decided to throw a Halloween Party here at Wolverine H-D & its not a party unless all of our friends are invited! Join us for great department giveaways, demo rides {weather permitting} FREE lunch {while supplies last} Oh yeah, halloween candy for the kids too!

Wolverine Harley-Davidson 44660 N. Gratiot Avenue Clinton Township, MI (586) 463-7700 October 29 Detroit Area Motorcycle Swap Meet Doors open 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Admission: $8/person 12 & under free Vendor spots: $50 10’ x 10’ space Suburban Collection Showplace 46100 Grand River Ave. Novi, MI (989) 225-1244 November 11 Veterans Day Open House MotorCity Motorcycles Indian – Zero –Ural 1765 S Telegraph RD Bloomfield Hills, MI 248.920.2000

Indiana October 1 ABATE Region 4 11th Annual Think Pink Ride for Breast Cancer Awareness $10/person; $15/couple Reg. 10 a.m.; Ride starts at noon Ride starts at Crossroads Motorsports 3995 State Road 38 East Lafayette, IN (765)543-1595 October 6 ABATE Region 0 Whitley County Swap Meet & Bike Pulls SHRINER’S HORSE PATROL GROUNDS, 985 N. St. Rd. 9, Columbia City, IN 46725. 1/2 mile north of US 30 on St Rd 9. Early set up Oct 5th, 4pm8pm. No camping for early set up. Gates open at Noon on Friday. Swap Meet open until 2pm Sunday. $25 Weekend pass - includes camping. Additional $10 for electric hook-ups. $10 Day passes available. Under 18 free when accompanied by a paid adult. Separate family friendly camping area available.

Food vendors on site.

October 7 Saluting Our Heroes Ride Saluting Our Heroes Ride benefiting Operation: Job Ready Veterans starts HERE at ISSHD. Registration at 9 am, kickstands up at 10:30 am.

Indianapolis Southside HarleyDavidson 4930 SOUTHPORT CROSSING PLACE INDIANAPOLIS IN (317) 885-5180 October 10-11 Elkhart Indian Motorcycles DEMO DAYS EVENT Your first chance to ride a 2018 Indian Motorcycle®.

Bring your helmet, jacket, gloves, riding boots, eye protection and cycle endorsement to take a test ride and find out why the new Indians® are so impressive.

Elkhart Indian Motorcycles 3016 Brittany Court Elkhart, IN (877) 856-4326

October 14 Flat Track Season Celebration Head over to Elkhart Indian Motorcycle to watch the last Indian Motorcycle Flat Track Race of the season! First 30 consumers at the event will receive a free limited edition Indian Motorcycle Racing Flag!

Elkhart Indian Motorcycles The Great Lakes Dual Sporters 3016 Brittany Court Elkhart, IN is a like-minded group of off(877) 856-4326 road motorcyclists who enjoy

riding Michigan’s vast two-track trails and back roads. All done using a street legal dirtbike also known as Dual Sport.

If you’re looking for fantastic dualsport riding and the company of great friends, join us. Check out our website at www.gldsmc.org to learn about our group, our events and much more. Only $10 to join!

Indian Motorcycle Introduces New Experience Center at Midwestern Manufacturing Facility Spirit Lake Factory to Offer Current & Historic Indian Motorcycle Displays & Factory Tours Featuring High-Tech Robotics Assembly Process SPIRIT LAKE, IA (August 17, 2017) – Indian Motorcycle, America’s first motorcycle company founded in 1901, today announced the opening of an Experience Center at its Spirit Lake manufacturing facility. Based in America’s heartland, the Spirit Lake Experience Center is a free offering for motorcyclists looking to connect with the iconic American motorcycle brand.

The Indian Motorcycle Spirit Lake Experience Center will showcase current and historic Indian motorcycles and offer complementary behind-the-scenes tours of its world-class production facility. Visitors will observe the assembly process that’s conducted from start-to-finish with robotic machinery and witness new Indian motorcycles come right off the line. The Spirit Lake Experience Center will also serve as a venue for private events.

“As America’s first motorcycle company, we have a rich history and a loyal following of motorcyclists,” said Steve Menneto, President – Indian Motorcycle. “Right in America’s heartland, the Experience Center not only serves as a unique destination for motorcyclists to engage with the brand, but also showcases our outstanding people who build premium motorcycles.”

Menneto welcomed the new Experience Center with Spirit Lake employees, friends and family members during an honorary ribboncutting ceremony. Motorcyclists attending the Boji Bike Rally will have the opportunity to visit the Spirit Lake Experience Center on Friday and Saturday, August 18 and 19, from 9am-2pm.

The Experience Center will be open for complementary tours on Mondays and Fridays from August 21 through November 3, 2017. Tours will reopen in 2018. Tours will be conducted through appointments only, which can be made by calling Indian Motorcycle Spirit Lake at 712-3366955.

October 14-15 2017 AMA National Adventure Riding Series Buffalo 500 National Adventure Ride Stoney Lonesome Motorcycle Club Columbus, IN October 15 ABATE Region 4 20th Annual Toy Ride $10/person Monticello Eagles Lodge 402 N. 3rd Street Monticello, IN

www.GLDSMC.org 14

www.midwestmotorcyclist.com

October 2017

Continued from page 9 Awesome wind protection.

The dashboard is similar to that of a car. It’s big and easy to read in even bright sunshine. Changing between different information screens is as simple as a push of a button on the handlebar.

The braking system is excellent. ABS comes standard. The brakes are partially linked in that, if the rider pulls on the front brake lever, the rear brake is also actuated. However, pressing the rear brake pedal doesn’t initiate the front brakes. This system is helpful when trail braking while entering a curve too fast.

After a couple hours cruising the countryside, the time came to return the BMW to the dealership.

While the end of the test was near, the freeway ride back to the barn was an important aspect of the test. After accelerating down the ramp and merging with east-bound traffic, I slowed from about 90, set the cruise control at 75, and positioned my feet up on the floorboards. I-94 is a busy road with heavy tractor-trailer traffic. The big rigs push a lot of air that is quite turbulent around the trucks. With the electric windscreen in the up position, the Bagger cut through the turbulence with nary a wobble from wind gusts.

The K 1600 Bagger is an excellent motorcycle. It’s fun and comfortable to ride.

The six-cylinder powerplant offers all of the performance you

could want whether you’re launching from a dead stop, speeding around slower traffic, or rushed to get to a destination. The only downside is that it doesn’t come standard with a top box or backrest / rack nor is either available as an option. The B looks great without either but when packing a lot of gear or carrying a passenger, it would nice to have the option.

Thanks to John Horner and his crew for making the BMW K 1600 B available for this test. For more information about this or any other BMW motorcycle, visit BMW Motorcycles of Southeast Michigan at 14855 N. Sheldon Road in Plymouth, Michigan, give them a call (734) 453-0500, or check out their website at www.bmwmcsem.com. The BMW K 1600 B is available at all BMW motorcycle dealerships.

2018 MSRP starting at $23,545 (including ABS Pro).

“LOOK TWICE, SAVE A LIFE” MOTORCYCLES ARE EVERYWHERE

TM

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15

A Local, Non-Affiliated MotorcycleEnthusiast Club Seeking

New Members Sport Touring is Our Middle Name!

We Ride! ...All Makes of Bikes ...All Over the Country ...On Back Roads ...On Racetracks ...At Novice-Advanced Levels Our members come from all across Michigan and we ride many makes of street bikes - including: • Aprilia • BMW • Buell • Ducati

• Harley-Davidson • Honda • Kawasaki

• Suzuki • Triumph • Yamaha ....and brands in between

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

For information about membership, meetings, events, or rides, contact Augie Fernandes at Membership@MSTRiders.com or Info@MSTRiders.com www.MSTRiders.com • On

• MAINTAINED TRAILS

: Michigan Sport Touring Riders

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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

16

Motorcycling & Law

HB 4890 - MCCA disclose data behind setting its fee

by Dondi Vesprini I hope everyone is having an enjoyable Fall and the weather is conducive in allowing you to take in the incredible views that can only be found in a color ride in our great State. It’s a small window of time that the colors are at their eyepopping best. Given that it is October, I thought I would write about a “scary� topic this month, that being the Michigan Catastrophic Claims Association or the “MCCA� for short.

For those unfamiliar with the MCCA, a brief explanation is in order.

When someone is involved in an accident that involves a motor vehicle, the injured person is entitled to payment of his/her no-fault benefits.

One of those benefits are medical expenses which are payable for the rest of the injured person’s lifetime so long as the expenses are related to the accident. Most times, in the case of a motorcycle versus motor vehicle accident, the injured biker’s no-fault benefits are paid by the insurer of the motor vehicle. Once that insurer has paid over $550,000.00 in medical expenses on a person’s claim, the insurance company is reimbursed by the MCCA for any medical payments it makes over and above $550,000.00.

All insurers in Michigan are assessed a fee by the MCCA to pay into the fund, and that fee is then passed down to the policy holders as part of the premiums charged on insurance polies for both motor vehicles and motorcycles alike. I realize that many motorcyclists get upset at having to pay into the MCCA, and I also realize that is a complicated issue best served for another article another day. The issue I am addressing is the frustration shared by motorcyclists and operators of motor vehicle alike in being kept in the dark as to how much money is in the MCCA. If some of speculation is correct that there are millions of dollars in the fund that is never needed to reimburse insurers on catastrophic medical claims, that begs the question as to why the MCCA fee is as high as it is and whether it is needed at all. While the MCCA has generally been granted immunity by law from any requests to reveal how much money is in the MCCA itself,

www.midwestmotorcyclist.com

there is a proposed bill which, if passed, could shed some insight into the coffers at the MCCA. House Bill 4890, introduced by Representative Peter Lucido on August 16, if passed, would require the MCCA to disclose the actuarial computations used in setting the rate for its fee assessments. The bill as proposed would require the MCCA to disclose on a public website all data used in computing the premium and expected losses and expenses, including the amount covering incurred but not reported losses for the period and any adjustment for any excess or deficient premiums from previous periods and the actual computation used in making these determinations.

Certainly, if the MCCA were required to disclose this information, it would provide some insight as to not only how much money may be within the MCCA, but would also shed some light onto the fairness of the amount of the fees assessed by the MCCA. This would go a long way towards providing some information behind one of the best kept secrets in the insurance industry. The bill would also raise the reimbursement number from $550,000.00 to $555,000.00 before the MCCA is required to reimburse the insurance company for medical benefits paid.

As always, if anyone has any questions or if I can be of legal assistance to you or anyone you know dealing with this issue or who has been injured in a motorcycle accident, please don’t hesitate to contact me as I deal with these types of claims on a daily basis on behalf of injured motorcyclists statewide.

Further, for those readers who are members of any motorcycle organizations, clubs or groups, if you would like to have me come out to your group to speak or give a presentation on the legal rights of an injured motorcyclist or on any specific topic that your group may be curious about, please don’t hesitate to give me a call at (248-569-4646) or shoot me an e-mail at Dondi@buckfirelaw.com. I give presentations state-wide and there is never a charge associated with having me out. I enjoy having the opportunity to come out and meet motorcycle enthusiasts from all parts of our State!

October 2017

The Preacher Speaks About...

A Trip & A Competition

by Franz “The Preacher” Hoffer It’s been a pretty decent year for me on the motorcycle. Being semiretired, I generally start my day (weather depending) with a nice 20- to 30-mile ride. I choose different routes almost every day and have developed a “favorites” list that includes places to stop for a quick cup of coffee or just a quiet place to sit and contemplate life.

But nothing compares to a good ole long-distance ride. I thoroughly enjoyed the 1,600 mile round trip with my son Eric to Omaha, Nebraska for the Motorcycle Skills competition at Dillion Brothers HarleyDavidson. I just had another one of those rides with my friend Jimbo, his wife Carolyn and my wife Arlene. We motored from our homebase in Southeast Michigan to Alton, Illinois; a roundtrip of right about 1,300 miles.

Alton is located in southwest Illinois at the confluence of the Mississippi, Missouri, and Illinois Rivers. It was the first high-mileage ride for Jimbo aboard his new trike, a 2017 Tri-Glide. (I was very impressed with it.) I was on my trusty 2011 Road Glide Ultra and the wives followed us in a chase vehicle, making the ride that much more comfortable as they carried the luggage.

We left on a beautiful Wednesday morning and headed across Michigan on I-94, taking I-69 South at Marshall to I-80 West in Indiana. We didn’t want to kill ourselves but wanted to make it a nice leisurely ride so we capped the day at right around 300 miles, arriving at our overnight destination in Merrillville, Indiana just off of I-65.

We went south on 65 to avoid the carnage and ridiculous traffic on I-80 in Gary, Indiana. We had a great steak dinner at a local Italian restaurant and then gorged ourselves with huge ice cream concoctions at a local Dairy Queen. God, I love Dairy Queen; my waistline shows it!

The next day, Thursday, we headed out a little after 8:00 a.m. for the final 300+ miles. We ran into an incredible traffic jam on I-55 in Illinois.

Jimbo and I finally had enough and rode on the shoulder to the nearest exit, letting our wives know to exit once they got there. We refreshed ourselves with ice cold water and, while looking for way around the traffic jam, a truck driver saw me looking at my trusty Rand McNally Road Atlas and asked what I was looking for. I told him, “A TM

Midwest Motorcyclist

way around the traffic.” He told us the jam ended about a half mile up the road so returning to the freeway was the best option. We did as he suggested and it turned out to be excellent advice. Traffic started moving faster a little ways up the road.

The day was nice with no other traffic issues. We arrived in Alton about 6:00 p.m. We found the condo we had rented, did some shopping, had dinner, and sat on the patio overlooking the Mississippi River. It was relaxing watching the barges being pushed down the river by the tug boats.

Alton sits on the river shore but its claim to fame is that it was the home of Robert Pershing Wadlow (February 22, 1918 – July 15, 1940), also known as the Alton Giant and the Giant of Illinois. He became famous as the tallest person ever in recorded human history. On Feb. 22, 1918, a perfectly normal 8.7-pound boy was born to Harold and Addie Wadlow of Alton, Illinois. By his first birthday, Robert Wadlow weighed 45 pounds and stood three feet, 3.5 inches. He kept growing, towering over his father at age eight. At 13 years old, he was 7 feet, 4 inches. A hyperactive pituitary gland fueled his extraordinary growth. Wadlow broke the record for world’s tallest man when he reached 8 feet, 4 inches in 1937, wearing size 37AA shoes. Robert passed away at the age of 22. Eighteen days earlier, doctors had measured his height at 8 feet, 11.1 inches. He was buried in a 1,000-pound casket which was carried by a dozen pallbearers and eight assistants.

A life-sized bronze statue honoring him still stands in Alton.

Aside from that, there are many beautiful places to ride up and down the Mississippi River, a nice Lewis and Clarke Exhibition Museum to visit, and a huge dam and lock complex to tour.

That was the first trip I’ve taken on my motorcycle where it did not rain one drop. A great trip, I would recommend it to one and all.

As mentioned in last month’s column, I attended the Midwest Motorcycle Skills Competition at Wolverine Harley-Davidson on August 26th and 27th. Not as many competitors participated as in the Omaha, Nebraska competition but then this is only the second year for this competition at

Michigan

Harley-Davidson

Dealer Events

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

September 30 Annual Breast Cancer Ride Hamilton Harley-Davidson 68951 White School Road US-12 Sturgis, MI (269) 651-3424 September 30 Fall Freedom Fest Battle Creek Harley-Davidson 5738 Beckley Road Battle Creek, MI (269) 979-2233 October 7 Ride & Shine Free Breakfast Buffet 10 a.m. ‘til gone Grand Rapids Harley-Davidson 2977 Corporate Grove Drive Hudsonville, MI (877) 596-6387 October 7 Red Cross Blood Drive 10 a.m. to 3:45 p.m.

Grand Rapids Harley-Davidson 2977 Corporate Grove Drive Hudsonville, MI (877) 596-6387 October 14 National Motorcycle Ride Day The Registrar of National Day Calendar has designated the second Saturday in October of each year as National Motorcycle Ride Day. This day is designated to get all motorcyclists in the USA and the world out and on their motorcycles for a united day of riding Ray C’s Harley-Davidson 1491 S. Lapeer Rd. (M-24 & I-69) Lapeer, MI (810) 664-9261

2018 Softail Slim October 14 Pink Label Cancer Benefit Battle Creek Harley-Davidson 5738 Beckley Road Battle Creek, MI (269) 979-2233 October 21 Donut & Brew Fest Battle Creek Harley-Davidson 5738 Beckley Road Battle Creek, MI (269) 979-2233 October 21 Polar Bear Ride Zips 45th Parallel Harley-Davidson 980 S. Wisconsin Avenue Gaylord, MI (989) 732-8000 2018 Fat Boy

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Continued from previous page

Wolverine. More competitors participated than last year and I suspect next year will be even bigger. These Motorcycle Skills competitions are gaining traction all over the country; especially since the competitions were opened to civilians as well as the motor officers. (They do not compete head-to-head but in separate motor officer and civilian categories.) It’s a trend I contend will continue.

We may be at the cutting edge of a competition/sport/ event that will grow as NASCAR did and very well may eclipse all other motorcycle competition events in the near future. The weather was great and there were about 75 to 100 on-lookers at any one time watching and cheering on the 40+ competitors. In excess of $8,000 was raised for MICOPS, an all-volunteer organization that supports families of fallen and injured Law Enforcement Officers.

(The first three finishers in the various categories are included with this article as posted on the home page of www.midwest.motorcyclist.com.)

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

6

8. Kalamazoo

15

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

www.midwestmotorcyclist.com

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11. Mt. Pleasant

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October 2017

Introducing the all-new 2018 Softail® motorcycles.

Eight totally re-invented bikes each with a ride of its own.

Stop in to take one for a test ride today.

MICHIGAN HARLEY-DAVIDSON DEALERS ASSOCIATION WWW.MHDDA.COM RIDE SAFE - DON’T DRINK AND RIDE TM

Midwest Motorcyclist

19

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