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Yellowknife, NWT a gentle mix of scenery, heritage and bush planes, Let’s Go.
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Brain Storms...................................................................................4 Skid Marks ......................................................................................5 Motorcycle News ....................................................................6 From the Inside...........................................................................9 Road Test - Suzuki Gladius ............................................10 Business Profile..........................................................................12 The Open Road - Yellowknife, NWT .....................14 Finish Lines...................................................................................16 Two Cents.....................................................................................19 Riders Marketplace.............................................................. 21 Safety Scene ............................................................................ 22
Canadians Raised $36.6 Million Dec 1, 2011- Canadian Press
Movember, the global charity that encourages growing a moustache to raise funds and awareness for prostate cancer, 246,060 Canadians participated in this campaign. And those “Mo’s” raised $36.6 million for Prostate Cancer Canada, well above last year’s total of $22.3 million. This makes Canada the leading country in the global Movember movement and Movember co-founder Adam Garone says donations are still coming in. This hairy ribbon is designed to start conversations about prostate cancer and men’s health issues. “Such incredible support from across the country,” Garone said Thursday in a release. “Thank you for helping to change the face of men’s health.”
2012 VFR1200 Shines Brighter VFR fans had a little ray of sunshine recently when Honda Motors announced some significant updates to its flagship VFR1200F for 2012. The improvements add traction control, increase range and comfort, improve
engine driveability and make the optional dual-clutch transmission work even better. According to Honda, improvements result in better throttle response and increased efficiency. Although the engine’s claimed peak
power figures for the European model are unchanged for 2012 (American Honda usually doesn’t release power numbers with its specs), torque output is boosted in the 2000Continued on Page 3
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December 2011, The Motorcycle Times – 2
3 – The Motorcycle Times, December 2011
NEW VFR1200 Continued from Cover
4000 rpm range. Also, the motorcycle’s PGM fuel-injection has been revised to increase efficiency–combine that with a tiny 0.1 gallon increase in tank capacity, and riders could see an extra thousand feet or more per tank, significant if you’re pushing a 613-pound (claimed curb weight of the 2011 dual-clutch-equipped VFR1200F) sportbike that has run out of gas. Themotor’simprovementsdon’tstopthere. The optional dual-clutch transmission’s software now “intelligently optimizes shift points relative to the rider’s throttle inputs for more user-friendly operation.” More specifically, according to the Euro-market PR material, in the high-efficiency ‘D’ mode (of three riderselectable modes), the system can detect if the rider is carrying a passenger or other heavy loads and optimize shifting for better acceleration and increased engine braking. Also, the Honda Traction Control System (TCS) makes its debut on the VFR. The system can be switched on and off, and Honda promises it will help “the rear wheel put power down to the ground effectively and efficiently by automatically limiting wheelspin.” Further improvements include A large, sporty analogue tachometer and a digital speedometer are surrounded by LCD readouts that now include instantaneous fuel consumption, average fuel consumption and remaining range. The display also includes a clock, ambient temperature display, Traction Control System activation (On/Off) and ABS indicator and an eye-catching new
The new 2012 Honda VFR1200F in Candy Blue.
color choice. The seating gets new stitching and an improved covering material for better grip. The instruments are re-done to add a real-time fuel-consumption meter, average mpg and range remaining as well as TCS and ABS status lights. Unfortunatly printed material like this newspaper does still have limitations when it comes to reproducing vibrant colours, but thanks to
Performance We’ve got you covered!
the miracle of the Internet, the tasty Candy Blue paint can be better appreciated in living color–the only color the 2012 VFR1200F is available in, dual-clutch version or not. As if all the improvements for 2012 weren’t enough, available for the 2012 VFR1200 as Honda accessory add-ons are a 29-Liter Pannier Kit, 31-Liter Top Box with quick-detach mounting system, Nylon Inner
Comfort We’ve got you covered!
Style We’ve got you covered!
2011 Yamaha Stryker
2011 Kawasaki Vaquero
2011 Honda VFR1200FA
Bags, 7-liter Tank Bag, Sporty three-position adjustable Add-On Screen that integrates with standard windscreen to extend wind protection, Heated Grips, Replacement Lower Seat with narrow profile, which provides easier reach to the ground for shorter riders while maintaining the bike’s carefully designed ergonomics, Rear Tire Hugger, Centerstand, and Wind Deflector Set.
The all-new 2011 Honda VFR1200FA 1,237 cc engine has a narrow 76-degree cylinder angle, Unicam™ valve train, asymmetrical front/rear cylinder spacing, and other advanced features. Throttle-by-wire, a smart new shaft-drive system, available Dual Clutch Transmission (VFR1200FA DCT model)... it all adds up to a futuristic new bike for those who love to ride hard, ride far, and ride often.
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2201 Plains Rd., E (Between Brant & Guelph) Burlington ON Sales: 905-637-6987 Service: 905-637-6208
2201 Plains Rd., E (Between Brant & Guelph) Burlington ON Sales: 905-637-6987 Service: 905-637-6208
2201 Plains Rd., E (Between Brant & Guelph) Burlington ON Sales: 905-637-6987 Service: 905-637-6208
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December 2011, The Motorcycle Times – 4
BRAIN STORM opinions
LINDSAY THOMSON Editor, The Motorcycle Times
“Bike Show Season”
By the time you read this, we will be out of riding season and into Bike Show season. I’ve heard riders, including myself, refer to the shows as “Rider’s Christmas,” and it kind of fits, what with the shiny bits of chrome and paint, the accessories on display and the always in attendance, slightly dressed young ladies, draping themselves over many of the displays. We wander from booth to booth, checking out next year’s rides, sometimes just dreaming of what we’d get if only…. I’ve been going to bike shows for almost 40 years and I’ve been to everything from the hockey arena local Harley shows, to the multi-hall majors and I will tell you that they each have their own cache, their own atmosphere, and their own clientele. When I trip through some of the smaller, more focused displays, I’m usually checking out the customs and the creativity and workmanship that it takes to build them. Being a racer and a sport bike enthusiast, I rarely bump into anyone I know, but I always end up spending some time chatting and getting to know people. When I head to a couple of the major GTA shows, it’s quite different for me. I hardly walk 10 feet and I’m standing in deep conversation with a rider I race with, announce to or have known over the years through some of my travels. It gets so involving that Eva generally continues on checking out the show on her own, dropping back to check on me from time to time. I have to admit that I have actually spent 3 days at a bike show and missed much of it by stopping in the SOAR Family booth and never leaving. Something that I have noticed over the last few years is the change in marketing that many of the bigger (read OEMs) have moved to. Not too many winters ago, the first thing you did when you arrived at a show was grab a plastic shopping bag from the first or second booth. The bag would carry that company’s logo and would have a key ring, poster or flyer in it, but the real reason to grab it was to carry all your booty from the show. By the time you had wound your way through the entire show, that bag’s handles would be stretched to their limits by the maps, hats, T shirts and free samples that you had picked up. Free copies of every Canadian motorcycle mag-
azine, discount coupons from parts and accessory vendors and maybe, if you were lucky, a pair of neon LED valve stem caps. In more recent years, you might get a couple of magazines, although some make you buy a subscription to get a free “show” copy, but that bag seems to be quite a bit lighter by the time I head out. In the old days, the pamphlets, posters and just plain “stuff” would sustain me for weeks after the show, AND (dealers and manufacturers pay attention) I twice actually bought brand new bikes from companies whose stuff I had picked up and dropped into my bag…with permission, smartass. I realize also that working a show for your employer can be a ton of hours of dumb questions repeated endlessly, trying to stop some kid from toppling your flagship prototype bike and just plain stress, but for everyone’s sake, try to be welcoming. I’ve worked probably 25 or 30 shows in my life, most the whole time the show was on, but the guests don’t need to know it. They are on their day off. They are spending their cash to come to the show and, perhaps buy something. I can’t tell you the number of times that I have driven 2 or more hours, struggled to park, paid more than I wanted to, just to deal with crusty, surly and downright rude vendors. Prices are up, money is short. If someone makes it to your booth, they deserve courtesy. Especially if they are eating something from the snack bars around the venue. They’ve likely had to mortgage their kids for a slice of pizza. The one thing that has continued over the years, and I hope it never stops, is the racer autograph sessions. Racers, at least roadracers, in my experience, share a connection with their fans, in particular the young ones. The racers are more approachable than most car racers and it is one of the things that truly stand out for me. Waiting in line, feeling like a kid, to get Eddy Lawson’s signature on a Kawasaki hat was a high point. Watching the kids doing the same with Jordan Szoke and Steve Crevier brings it back. Remember; it’s not winter. It’s “Bike Show Season.” Drop by the booth. We’ll be smiling… and we’ll give you a free issue to put in your bag.
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SKID MARKS is the place to let it all hang out, not literally. Have an outrageous picture of a friend and want to share it with everyone, recommend a road, get your scars out, share some top tips or just blather on about something funny. Watch our website, we’ll be posting the good stuff... for the world to see.
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*Polaris Industries Inc. will donate $1 to the Soldier On™ Fund for every Victory test ride completed through June 30, 2012, up to $5,000. The Soldier On™ name and the Yellow “Support Our Troops” Ribbon are registered trademarks of the Crown. 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. ©2011 Polaris Industries Inc.
5 – The Motorcycle Times, December 2011
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December 2011, The Motorcycle Times – 6
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BMW Motorrad 2011 Third Quarter Results November 7, 2011 - BMW issued its third quarter report for 2011. It showed thirdquarter motorcycle sales increased by 6.5% to 28,862 (up from 27,094). Of those, 26,312 were BMW motorcycles (2010: 24,493 units; +7.4%) while 2,550 were Husqvarna (2010: 2,601 units; -2.0%). While revenues for the motorcycle division were 14.8% higher at 334 million Euro (2010: 291 million Euro), as a result of the realignment of the Husqvarna Group, the profit before financial result (EBIT) slipped to a loss of 16 million Euro (2010: profit of 2 million Euro) and the result before tax dropped to a
Photo credit: Paul Eddy, Courtesy Auctions America by RM
Historic 1894 Roper Expected to Set NewWorld Record AUBURN, Indiana (October 26, 2011) - A historic 1894 Roper Steam Motorcycle is expected to establish a new world record* for a motorcycle sold at auction when it crosses the podium at Auctions America by RM’s debut Las Vegas sale, January 12 - 14, 2012. The multi-day auction will feature an impressive docket of over 400 collector motorcycles. The second of just two steam-powered motorcycles built by Sylvester Roper of Roxbury, Massachusetts, arguably one of America’s first auto manufacturers, the 117-year-old motorcycle is regarded as one of the world’s oldest, predating early examples produced by Orient, Indian and Harley-Davidson. “We’re delighted to have been selected to present this historic and pioneering motorcycle at our inaugural Las Vegas sale in January. A significant piece of Americana, it is arguably one of the world’s most important motorcycles,” says Glenn Bator, Head of Auctions America by RM’s Vintage Motorcycle Division. Based on the frame of a Columbia bicycle, its revolutionary design features a compact rectangular boiler, burner and grate, and a small steam engine on the right side. A water tank was located directly over the boiler, from which a smoke vent exited at a rakish angle. All controls were located on the handlebars. In keeping with the true definition of a motorcycle, the Roper was completed without pedals. In addition to its pioneering design, the Roper Steam Motorcycle boasts a remarkable provenance from 1894, including a known, unbroken history from new. Regularly used by Roper, it averaged a record speed of 40 miles per hour on the Dorchester Road in Boston for a measured mile in May 1896. Following Roper’s passing in 1896, this historic motorcycle was sold by one of his heirs to a Long Island museum and after moving through a series of other museums, including America’s Circus City Museum and Bellm’s Cars of Yesterday, formed part of two prominent private collections. The current owner acquired the historic motorcycle in 1996 and has seldom lent it for display, with its most recent showing at the Motorcycle Hall of Fame in Pickerington, Ohio, where it helped to celebrate the induction of Sylvester Hayward
Roper, America’s first motorcyclist. Today, presented in its original stove black livery, Auctions America’s upcoming Las Vegas sale represents the first time it has been offered at a public sale (Estimate available upon request). “With the only other Roper motorcycle ever built on long-term display at the Smithsonian Institution, the upcoming sale of this example presents an exclusive, once-in-a-lifetime ownership opportunity for serious collectors. We anticipate strong interest in its sale,” Bator adds. Editor’s Note: The current world record for a motorcycle sold at auction is held by a 1915 Cyclone Board Track Racer OHC, which sold for $520,000 USD in 2008. TMT
Scooter School
Yamaha offering free scooter demo rides at Toronto Motorcycle Show! Scooters don’t always get the credit they deserve. We know how fuel efficient, practical and easy they are to get around town on, but what about the actual sensation of riding a scooter? Riding is believing and riding a scooter is an absolute blast. That’s why Yamaha is allowing people 16 years and older to demo their latest and greatest 50cc scooters at this year’s Toronto Motorcycle Show on December 9-11. There is no cost involved and you don’t even need a motorcycle license! Those interested in trying out a Yamaha scooter are asked to visit the Yamaha Riding Academy (YRA) at the show.
Scooter School schedule:
Friday 5:30pm-6pm (Ladies Night – FREE show entry after 5pm for all women!) Saturday 1pm - 1:30pm & 4pm - 4:30pm Sunday 1pm - 1:30pm & 4pm - 4:30pm
The YRA’s Head Motorcycle Instructor, Clinton Smout, will suit up riders in proper riding gear and ensure they know everything there is to know about riding a scooter (which shouldn’t take long, since there are no gears or clutch)! Yamaha scooters available to demo: BWs 50, Vino 50 and C3.TMT
loss of 17 million Euro (2010: 0 million Euro). Overall for the first nine months of the year, motorcycle sales increased by 4.7% to 92,972 (2010: 88,768 units) of which 86,892 (2010: 81,508) were BMWs and 6,080 (2010: 7,260) were Husqvarnas. Revenues for the first nine months of the year increased by 9.3% to 1,181 million Euro (2010: 1,081 million Euro). The Motorcycles segment reports a positive EBIT for the period of 62 million Euro (2010: 88 million Euro) and a profit before tax (EBT) of 60 million Euro (2010: 83 million Euro). TMT
New Chairperson, Officers and Directors Elected To The MCC Markham ON - November 18, 2011: The Motorcyclists Confederation of Canada (MCC) is pleased to announce the election of Kellee Irwin as Chairperson for 2011 - 2013. Ms. Irwin serves as Vice President, Personal Insurance for the Insurance Corporation of British Columbia. She replaces Liz Jansen who has completed her two-year term but will remain on the Board as Past-Chair. MCC is also pleased to announce the election of Mr. Doug Houghton (Manitoba) as Vice-Chair and Jennifer Ross (Quebec) as Secretary-Treasurer. Joining Kellee, Doug and Jennifer on the MCC Board for the next two years are new Directors Don Galloway (Alberta), Mark Gray (British Columbia), Dave Millier (Ontario) and Norm Sukkau (Manitoba). “I am honoured to be joining a volunteer Board of Directors with the depth and breadth of riding experience, strategic thinking and leadership qualities needed to repre-
sent the interests of Canadian motorcyclists from coast-to-coast,” noted Ms. Irwin. “Taking on this role at a time when the Motorcyclists Confederation of Canada is determined to weigh-in on public policy and rider and traffic safety issues that impact the Canadian on- and off-road motorcycling community is challenging and exciting.” “Motorcycling is a convenient, safe, modern, affordable, community- and familyoriented and increasingly eco-friendly mode of transportation, recreational activity and sport,” added MCC President Daniel Tessier. “The growth of motorcycling from coast-tocoast underscores the need for federal, provincial, territorial and municipal governments to acknowledge the positive aspects of motorcycling; recognize motorcycling as a transportation choice for hundreds of thousands of Canadians; and better integrate motorcycling into our nation’s transport strategy.” TMT
Charity Ball at Hamilton’s World of Motorcycles Expo! Proceeds to McMaster Children’s Hospital
Motorcyclists have heart and they love rock and roll, good times and helping kids. On the evening of January 28th, join us for the first annual Hamilton World of Motorcycles Charity Ball. This isn’t a black tie party. Black leather is more like it! It’s an exclusive event to the inaugural Hamilton World of Motorcycles Expo, January 27, 28 and 29 at the Careport Centre. After the show closes for the day, the party will begin. The Charity Ball goes from 9 pm to 1 am. There’ll be live performances from Sarah Smith, Tim Woodcock and Live How You Live – just named Group of the Year at the Hamilton Music Awards! This licensed event
will offer a chance to hear great music, win prizes, grab some munchies and enjoy cold beverages. Proceeds will benefit the McMaster Children’s Hospital. Tickets are $35 at the door and are also good for admission to the World of Motorcycles Expo on January 28th. The World of Motorcycles Expo is a family friendly show with fun activities for kids and anything and everything to do with the love of riding. The World of Motorcycles Expo: Hamilton – January 27, 28 & 29, 2012. Careport Centre, Hamilton
Deeley Harley-Davidson® Canada Selects a Regional Agency CONCORD, Ontario (November 17, 2011) – Deeley Harley-Davidson® Canada is pleased to announce that the Ontario Retailer regional advertising business has been awarded to JAN Kelley Marketing, of Burlington, Ontario. A mid-sized agency with a reputation for uncovering unique and creative ways to grow businesses, JAN Kelley Marketing was awarded the account after a thorough agency review process. With expertise in smart business solutions, JAN Kelley Marketing’s team combines Retail experience and know-how with consumer insights that drive results, which Dom Bovalino, Marketing Director for Deeley Harley-Davidson® Canada, believes puts the agency in a good position to succeed. TMT
Zero donates to foundation serving children NOVEMBER 30, 2011 - Zero electric is in the giving mood this Christmas season donating a motorcycle to raise money for children facing physical, emotional, and financial challenges. Zero Motorcycles has embraced the holiday spirit and has donated a Zero DS motorcycle to the Steve Young/Jerry Rice Bay Area Classic. Now in its seventh year, the golf tournament is one of the primary fundraisers each year for a host of programs supported by the Forever Young Foundation. Founded in 1993 by NFL Hall of Famer and Super Bowl MVP Steve Young, the Forever Young Foundation is a non-profit, 501(c)(3) organization that serves children facing significant physical, emotional, and financial challenges. Funds raised from events such as the Steve Young/ Jerry Rice Bay Area Classic work to provide academic, athletic, and therapeutic opportunities otherwise unavailable to these children. Before the golf tournament participants’ initial shotgun start at the CordeValle Golf Club in San Martin, Calif., players were invited to enter a chipping contest. Most did not pass up this opportunity as they were playing for a brand new, all-electric Zero DS motorcycle with a value of more than $10,000. The contest, with a total of 90 participants, resulted in an initial four-way tie. Tournament directors then decided to hold a chipping contest playoff to determine the motorcycle’s winner. Steve Strawbridge, Vice President
of Merchandising for the Pro Football Hall of Fame in Canton, Ohio, earned the best score in the playoff and won himself the high-performance motorcycle. “Zero Motorcycles is very proud to be able to support the efforts of this amazing organization, its staff, its volunteers and its founders,” said Abe Askenazi, Chief Technology Officer for Zero Motorcycles. “Steve Young and Jerry Rice have become celebrity fixtures in the Bay Area and their wholehearted community outreach speaks volumes. As a corporate neighbor and progressive company, we believe we have a responsibility to support worthwhile organizations like the Forever Young Foundation. We are thrilled that our small gift helped raise much needed money that can be used to affect children’s lives in a positive way.” “It was wonderful to have Zero participate as a generous sponsor of our Steve Young/ Jerry Rice Bay Area Classic,” said Sterling Tanner, President of the Forever Young Foundation. “This is a very high-end event with donations ranging from $25,000 to $100,000 and so to have Zero give away such a valuable prize was a perfect fit. The motorcycle was a big hit with our guests and it certainly created a lot of excitement when they realized that one of them would be taking it home. We appreciate Zero’s commitment to giving back and helping us to bless the lives of Bay Area children.” TMT
MV Agusta F3 675 pricing and availability in Canada MV Agusta Canada formally announces that the much awaited new F3 675 will be available in Canada as of June 2012. The standard version of the F3 675 will be available at the retail price of $14,495.00. This model will be available in three colors the traditional Red / Silver, White and Black. After being elected the “Most beautiful 600 in the world”, the MV Agusta F3 675 is now ready to become the new reference both on the street and on the track. This Supersport boasts an ultra-advanced chassis and vehicle dynamics control unit MVICS (Motor & Vehicle Integrated Control System), that is on par with the most advanced Superbikes. The MV Agusta F3 675 is a revolutionary motorcycle offering extreme emotions to the rider on the street and on the track. The three cylinder engine utilizes a revolutionary counter-rotating crankshaft, a solution that has only been previously seen on Moto GP motorcycles. Together with the most compact and light weight layout ever seen on a Supersport bike, these characteristics make the new F3 675 one of the best handling and most sophisticated Supersport motorcycles.
The MV Agusta F3 675 engine is the most advanced and powerful middle weight engine ever produced. It is an ultra-compact in-line three cylinder with the perfect balance between advanced mechanical engineering, advanced materials and electronic technology. Thanks to the MVICS system it is the first middleweight motorcycle with Full Ride by Wire engine controls. It includes 4 pre-set engine maps, one personally tunable map, and an 8 level traction control. The chassis is also incredibly advanced. Studied and designed to obtain the maximum dynamic performance, it was created to have optimum rigidity and when compared to the other motorcycles in this category, offers an unparalleled level of feedback during all riding conditions. The development of the style of the MV Agusta F3 675 was based on the core philosophy that has always characterized all previous MV’s: the perfect balance between form and function that creates an object that is unique not only for its beauty but also in its effectiveness. TMT
Lehman Trikes looking for ways to increase shareholder value
Husqvarna Stada Concept unveiled at Paris show With news of Husqvarna’s “Nuda 9000” with a BMW engine, there’s news of yet another road going Husqvarna. The Strada Concept! Although a concept it is said to be production ready and will be launched in Europe for 2012. No word yet on whether it’ll be available in Canada. The engine in this model is the tried and tested BMW 650 liquid cooled single that’s been ‘breathed on’ by Husqvarna engineers to give it a little more power than it does in standard BMW form. If Husqvarna want to attract a
youthful market (which is likely the intention) they better have breathed on it hard enough to make it competitive with KTM’s 690 single which pumps out approximately 70 HP. Claimed weight is less than 170 KG (dry). “Strada” is apparently Italian for “Street” but the photos of the bike clearly seem like it has intentions for some off-road capabilities too. Spoked wheels, skidplate, and tires being the clear indications. The bike looks to have a distinctive blend of BMW and Husqvarna influences. TMT
Lehman Trikes Inc., a specialized company whom call themselves the “Leader Of The Three World” and specialize in trikes, trike kits, and conversions, issued a press release to investors in which the company announces that it is looking for strategies to enhance shareholder value. The options include the possibility of selling company, a strategic business merger, or other cost saving initiatives. Lehman’s stock has taken a terrible beating over the past five years and especially during the last 12 months. Lehman Trikes Inc. stock (OTC Symbol LTRKF) lost 97.55% of its value in 5 years and 54.77% during the last 12 months. Here’s what the Press Release said about the matter: Lehman Trikes, Inc. (LTI) Board of Directors is looking into various strategic alternatives to enhance shareholder value, including the possibility of selling the company. LTI announces that its Board has formed a committee of Directors to explore a range
of options to improve the position of its shareholders, which could take the form of cost savings initiatives, the sale of the company, or a strategic business merger. The Board has received an expression of interest from an investment firm to engage in a due diligence review with a view to making a significant investment in LTI. During this review period, which coincides with the company’s traditional slow time, LTI will continue to conduct business under a reduced scope of operations. “In light of the challenging economic environment and current market conditions, the Board has determined to look more closely at a range of alternatives,” Ken Hines, President, said. “It is expected that these efforts will transition the company to take advantage of opportunities with well known industry participants.” LTI is considered one of the trike industry’s foremost leaders and is well known for its high quality and reliable products. There is no assurance that any transaction will be completed. TMT
7 – The Motorcycle Times, December 2011
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RIGHT NOW AT YOUR YAMAHA DEALER!
Some conditions apply. See your participating dealer for complete details or visit our website. *Offer valid on all new, unused 2011 and 2010 Yamaha motorcycles. Total rebate dependent on model selected. † No payments for 7 months; no interest for 6 months. Finance rates available from 3.49%. OAC.
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MARC FRANTZ Contributing Writer, TMT
Christmas Comes Early for Bikers thanks to the T.O. Motorcycle Show The Toronto Motorcycle Show is like a big toy store for us “two-wheeled’ types, with pretty much everything from the world of motorcycling under one roof. This year will have some surprises in the form of new machines making it onto the marketplace for our consumption, despite the current economic climate. As well, there will be all kinds of motorcycle related products available to peruse and purchase. If you’re in the market for a new machine, this is the show for you! With all the choices available, finding the right motorcycle is a daunting task. How do you choose what motorcycle is good for you? First let me say what I have always been saying for some time now, in that there is no such thing as a bad bike nowadays, no matter what brand you choose! The amount of research and development that goes into the creation of a new model is astronomical. Add to this, the stringent process involved with getting a machine certified for use on our roadways with the Ministry of Transportation and you can be pretty confident with anything you purchase in the form of a new machine. So the question is what do you buy? There are many trains of thought on this process. Some people do a great deal of research, churning through all the data that the manufacturers make available. I’ve had customers come to buy a model of motorcycle because it had 2 horsepower more than the other competitor’s brand. Obviously, this is not a good reason to choose a particular bike. Then there are the ones that ask “What will this bike be worth in 2 years?” to which I reply “How long is a piece of string?” Neither I nor any physicist out there can answer those two questions, and if you’re looking at a motorcycle as some sort of investment tool, do yourself a favour and go see an investment advisor. Motorcycles are not a good investment unless you pay six figures (or more!) for a very, very low production
masterpiece (1 to 100 pieces worldwide) and keep it in your living room for years with zero on the odometer. ANYTHING that’s mass produced is not an investment, period. Here’s my recommendation, buy on emotion! Once you have decided on what type of bike you need for your riding habits, like a cruiser for exploring the back roads, or a race bike for commuting and track days or an adventure bike for on and off road pleasure seeking, go to the show, look and sit on everything! You will experience that ‘karma moment’ where you will sit on a bike and it will feel perfect, like it was made for you. You want to own a bike that will keep you interested in riding it for a long while, and the only way to ensure years of riding pleasure is to fall in love with the bike. From the color and styling, to the performance and handling aspect of the machine, if you love everything about it, or 90% of it, you will get your money’s worth so to speak. I see motorcycles coming into the dealership as trade-ins that are on average 2 to 3 years old, with 1,000 to 3,000 kilometers on them. Clearly these machines spent more time sitting in the garage than out on the road. Perhaps the seating position is to far forward (race bikes), or the bike was way too heavy (cruisers), or too damn tall (adventure bike). I always say that bikes are like a pair of shoes, in that you really have to find the right fit for your needs and your riding style. Not an easy thing for sure, but if you take the time and “try on” as many bikes as you can, in the end you will ride the bike more and be happier for it. No one wants to tradein their low mileage bike and take the hit on depreciation because of the above mentioned reasons, so take your time and have fun doing it! The process of choosing your next ride could be an awesome experience! Remember, you WANT a bike, you don’t NEED a bike, so let your heart help you out. Fall in love!!
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9 – The Motorcycle Times, December 2011
from the inside
11 – The Motorcycle Times, December 2011
December 2011, The Motorcycle Times – 12
BUSINESS PROFILE
Advanced Road Craft
Learning Progressive Riding Techniques is the Goal of this Course. by EVAN MORRIS Contributing Writer, TMT When Mick Sayer immigrated to Canada from the UK in 2004, he was surprised by a number of things about motorcycling in this country. The fact that a new rider can buy any size of motorcycle was a big one, but also that the courses that were available were actually designed more to get the rider to pass the test, rather than actually teach the skills needed to be a good rider. After a riding career in Britain that began in 1976, Mick was concerned that once a rider passed the basic test, there really wasn’t any formal way of building a rider’s skills. Sayer is a very qualified driver and rider; He earns his full time living as a truck driver safety instructor and is a member of the UK Institute of Advanced Motorists, having passed both the car and motorcycle test as well the UK Police Safe Rider course and the UK Police Motorcycle Rapid Training course. There are more, but you get the idea. He is a very skilled and qualified rider. Mick looked at the types of training available in Ontario and discovered that
the type of advanced training that he had experienced really didn’t exist. With a template that he designed based on the UK Police courses; he designed the school that would become the Advanced Road Craft course. Students began taking training in April 2011 and the feedback has been very good. The one day course begins with classroom training, discussion and multimedia presentation in the morning, and then hits the road for the afternoon. Mick emphasises that this is a “Real Road” class. There are no cones or pylons involved. The class starts with some coffee and donuts and casual chatting, giving Mick an idea of the levels that his students are at. As everyone takes their seats and settles in, the discussion becomes more focused and technique oriented. Student input is strongly encouraged, although in our group, we did need to be reminded to get back on track once or twice. The idea of constant practice is a theme within the course, pushing the correct attitude as you learn. Sayer also uses statistics to provide strength to his teaching. 51% of accidents are the result of rider error and 48% are single vehicle crashes. Those numbers really bring home the need for this
specialized training. As we progressed through some good natured, but informative talks about braking, traction and even a tutorial on the correct way to use the new round-abouts that are replacing intersections in Ontario, I discovered that we were effortlessly being given new ideas and techniques that had never occurred to me. The other students in the room were all experienced motorcyclists and also felt that they were increasing their knowledge. The training is definitely not “by the book,” as I know the book, and Sayer backed it up by explaining and proving why “the book” is wrong in some places. The video that we watched, although slightly handicapped by an over-dramatic narrator, was a great demonstration of the ideas being put forth. After a quick Tim Horton’s lunch, it was out on the road for the reality side of the course. Some parking lot drills to work on braking and positioning skills, then out into traffic…Well, out onto the curving country roads of the Hockley Hills. This is a riding skills course rather than a rules of the road course and that means that cornering, lane position and accident avoidance take the main stage. Riding at the
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best speed for road conditions is more important that being right at the speed limit. The phrase “Progressive Riding” became the word of the day. As Mick told us, “A well-ridden motorcycle can get through traffic faster than any other vehicle. “ He might has well have finished that with, “and here’s how,” because that’s how the afternoon went. Smooth riding with emphasis on lane position (not by the book) and the enjoyment of the ride. As a 35+ plus year rider, with instructing, racing and many other riding credentials, I will say I learned a lot and do believe that my skills and comfort level have improved enough that I strongly feel the course to worth the money and time. Sayer and the Advanced Road Craft school will be running classes from April until the end of October 2012. Classes and presentation for groups are available and he is willing to run classroom sessions during the winter for those who just can’t get through the winter without a fix. You can meet Mick Sayer at the BMW Toronto booth at the January bike show in Mississauga or go online to his website at www.advancedroadcraft.ca. I believe that if every rider took a course like this, there would be fewer accidents.
13 – The Motorcycle Times, December 2011
Visit one of these Authorized Harley-Davidson Dealers. ®
Mackie Harley-Davidson 880 Champlain Avenue, Oshawa 905-434-6550, or 800-668-5828 www.mackiehd.com
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Davies Harley-Davidson 8779 Yonge Street , Richmond Hill, 905)-709-1340 or 1-866-977-1340 www.daviesharley.com
Kitchener Harley-Davidson 2255 Kingsway Drive , Kitchener 519-893-0493 or 1-866-803-6837 www.kitchenerharley.com
Rocky’s Harley-Davidson 900 Wilton Grove Road , London 519-438-1450 or 1-800-438-1450 www.rockys-harley.com
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With the purchase of any new Harley-Davidson® model from an authorized Canadian Harley-Davidson® Retailer, you will receive a free one-year membership in H.O.G.® Always ride with a helmet. Ride Defensively. Distributed exclusively in Canada by Deeley Harley-Davidson® Canada, Richmond and Concord. Deeley Harley-Davidson® Canada is a proud sponsor of Muscular Dystrophy Canada. ©2011 H-D. The Bar & Shield logo, Harley, Harley-Davidson and Sportster are among the trademarks of H-D Michigan, LLC.
December 2011, The Motorcycle Times – 14
THE OPEN ROAD
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1. Gear and Lawn Chairs ready for the road; 2. Native Painting in Old Town, Yellowknife; 3. Prairie storm chasing us down; 4. Buffalo Air of the Ice Pilots; 5. Camp site in Yellowknife at 3 o’clock AM
Yellowknife, NWT
Constantly breathtaking; scenery, heritage and bush planes. by LINDSAY THOMSON Editor - The Motorcycle Times What is it that drives humans to choose to take on adventures? To leave the cosy confines of the couch and bed, and to step out beyond that comfortable, safe place and face risk and the unknown? I’m not sure about others, but this trip had been eating at me since I read about it in a school text book. First, I wanted to go by plane, then I changed to a car when I got my licence, but it still never happened, so when I got on a bike, the idea followed me. I had to find a way to ride my motorcycle to…Yellowknife. It took years to finally get to the point of departure, but one day, it all came together. I had the right partner, (and she had her own bike), I had the time off and I had the right bike. With the two KLR650s loaded with camping gear, clothes, and, believe it or not, two lawn chairs, we headed out and got as far as…Sudbury. We woke to find my bike tipped over in the soft mud and leaning on its left Caribou side case (great, sturdy and water proof, not to mention strong enough to hold up my bike) and the tent floor floating on 4 inches of rain water. Mosquitoes and black flies feasted on us while we repacked and got back on the road. Imagine using the hand drier in a restaurant to dry your gear so you can head on in the rain. At least the pancakes were good. On to Wawa and the geese: and clouds, and rain, but you know, we still began to enjoy the freedom and the lack of time constraints. We chatted over our Canadianmade Collett helmet radios and really tried to take in every incredible scene that we passed. The hills, rivers and lakes and vistas
that make up the northern parts of Ontario would provide us with the best memories from the ride. The run up the shore of Lake Superior felt like we were riding the shore of a huge ocean. The only problem we had in this segment was a crazy trucker who thought it would be a great game to tailgate a couple of motorcycles. Even when we passed other vehicles, he would take insane risks to follow us. We finally pulled off. One thing we did discover is that our road kill doesn’t come close to the stuff in Northern Ontario. Here a racoon, a skunk, a squirrel perhaps; up there, it wasn’t unusual to see the skeleton of a moose at the side of the road. More than once there was a sudden call over the radio, “A moose”, or “a bear ”or “I have to pee.” Oops. Well the radios paid their way. As we waited at an intersection near Thunder Bay, within site of the Sleeping Giant, a fellow jumped out of his van and ran up to us. He thrust a piece of paper in my hand and yelled, “If you need anything in this area, call me.” That kind of set the atmosphere for the whole trip. We learned that, after three days of crossing Ontario, it was almost a relief to cross into Manitoba. Although we also crossed our first time zone, we were disappointed to discover that the first town still operated on Eastern Time for convenience. I would love to explore the prairies more but we had a goal. A sub on the outskirts of Winnipeg and back on the road, although our experience in a little motel in Brandon did have us sleeping very lightly. We stopped to actually sleep on a bed at a motel that advertised free internet and long distance. Some calls to home and family and we were doing some bike maintenance in the parking lot and a gentleman
wandered over to chat. The whole ride became a way of meeting people. I Think the fact that we were on smaller bikes made us seem more approachable. The only real memory I have about the middle prairie province is of Saskatoon. We pulled off the highway to have a break and rolled into a mall parking lot. When we came out, someone had turned on my extra driving lights and the battery was dead. With Eva pushing (she doesn’t like bump starting) we finally got it running but couldn’t find our way back out. The ramp was closed and no one (really) no one could give us directions. It took us an hour to escape. The kilometres were piling up and we really got into the rhythm of the road as we rolled north through Alberta. Continuing from Edmonton, we began to notice the sun was shining later into the evening and the highways were mostly populated by trucks. Once tiny towns had become sprawling, noisy oil patches. Finding places to sleep was much more difficult and even just stopping at Tim Horton’s brought us offers of work. Many didn’t believe that we had ridden those “dirt bikes” as far as we had. In White Court, a lady didn’t want to give us a room in her motel as we discovered, because it wasn’t nice enough for a lady like Eva. I fixed her computer and we got a good room. She even sent over a bubble bath bomb for Eva while I worked on the PC. After a night camping in High Level Alberta, we left for the final assault on Yellowknife. Extra gas can strapped on, we headed north. The ferry across the incredible Mackenzie dropped us at the last gas & food stop before over 300 kms of wilderness. The first sight was two young bisons handle a dis-
pute by bashing their heads together. The impacts shook the ground. We would pass directly through three large herds of the 2000 pound behemoths before Yellowknife. The most nervous that I have ever been on a bike was moving slowly between those bison. Large animals, even a breed of pelicans were around us as we rode. Finally, after eight days of riding, uncountable tanks of gas and seeing everything from huge waterfalls to statues of geese big enough to slime the 401, we pulled into Yellowknife. We stopped at the sign to take pictures, but there were no parades, no cheering crowds, not even the mayor with a key to the city. We were okay with that and we settled in at a nice camp ground just beside the airport. Camping? Yup, it was the summer solstice and it never got dark. It never got cooler than 27 degrees Celsius. We hiked, explored the city and its bush fliers history. We experienced the native culture and the food of this beautiful place. The combination of the heritage of the prospectors and the bush planes (if you watch Ice Pilots on TV, you know where we were) constantly took my breath away and at night, we would lie in our tent and listen to the raven chatter (as he stole our stuff). We spent 7 days and nights in the city of the Golden Sword. We also discovered that the summer solstice bring another type of tourist to town: while sampling the social side of Yellowknife in a bar, we met a group wearing matching t shirts. Celebrating the 24 hour daylight, the shirts read, “Drinking til the sun goes down.” After the struggles and late nights and the whole other story of the trip home, would I do it again? In a heartbeat.
15 – The Motorcycle Times, December 2011
Choose Sheridan for professional motorcycle training that gives you the skills and experience to safely and knowledgeably navigate our roads and highways. We are one of the largest motorcycle programs in Canada, and our dedicated instructors make the difference! Their enthusiasm for motorcycle riding and your safety creates a comfortable, personalized learning experience. Courses offered: • M1 Exit (includes the M2 test). • M2 Exit (includes the M Test).
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For more information: 905-845-9430, ext. 2690 (Oakville/Mississauga) 905-681-4611, ext. 2690 (Burlington/Hamilton) 905-459-7533, ext. 5190 (Brampton/Mississauga)
sheridanmotorcycle.ca Contact an Authorized Suzuki Dealer
Belleville Sport & Lawn Centre
128 Church Street, Belleville 613-968-4559 or 877-968-4559 www.bellevillesportandlawn.com
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Clare’s Cycle & Sports Ltd. 799 Highway #20, Fenwick 905-892-2664 www.clarescycle.com
Suzuki Of Newmarket
80 Harry Walker Pkwy, Newmarket 905-898-1081 or 888-376-7779 www.suzukiofnewmarket.com
Snow city cycle & marine 1255 Kennedy Road, Scarborough 416-752-1560 or 877-766-9248 www.snowcity.com
SUZUKI.CA Specifications, product features and colours are subject to change without notice. PDI, Freight and administration fees apply. Read your owners manual carefully and always wear a helmet and protective gear when operating your Suzuki motorcycle and remember to observe all safety regulations. Be responsible, take a rider training course and always respect the environment. See your participating Authorized Suzuki dealer for complete details. Suzuki. Way of Life. www.suzuki.ca
December 2011, The Motorcycle Times – 16
FinishLines Tom Sykes signs with Kawasaki RacingTeam in 2012
Photo courtesy Enfieldweeklypress
CSBK Plans for the Year Ahead
TORONTO, ON (November 4, 2011) - Planning for next year’s 2012 Canadian Superbike Championship is well underway, according to series organizers Frontline CSBK. Central sponsors including BMW Motorrad Canada, Deeley Harley-Davidson© Canada, Honda Canada and Mopar have confirmed their intention to continue supporting the National Series; a season schedule is currently under development and will be announced at the Toronto Motorcycle show opening on December 9th. In 2011, the series concluded with a double header event at Mosport and the success of that weekend has convinced Graham to stick with the new calendar fixture. “Everything involving the series structure is well under way,” explains series Principal Kevin Graham of Frontline CSBK. “CSBK had a strong season of racing action in all classes in 2011, and we plan to build on that success for 2012. Mosport was bigger than ever, and we plan to build on that success in 2012,” continues Graham. “We’ll conclude the 2012 series at the end of August at Mosport.” Pro Superbike will remain the feature class in the National series, with the newly developed Amateur version of Superbike returning for a second straight year of 1000cc action. Pro and Amateur Sport Bike will continue to cater to the middleweight
production class racers. Last year, the Harley-Davidson XR1200 series made a strong debut on the CSBK tour. That class for the popular flat-track styled street-based ìspecî machines will continue unchanged in 2012. The ‘XR class’ is also a hit in the U.K. as well as the U.S.A., and plans call for some co-operative efforts involving American competitors next year. Canadian racers attended an XR1200 class event in support of MotoGP in Indianapolis, IN at the famed Speedway last August. Honda Canada will run a new ‘spec’, street-bike based class in 2012, building on the four year success of the Honda CBR125R Challenge series. The CBR250R street bike will be the platform for the revamped Honda CBR Challenge class, with young racers riding near stock machines in a display of riding, rather than tuning ability. The current CBR125R Challenge champion, 14 year old Stacey Nesbitt from Quebec, is expected to run the number one plate in next seasons CBR Challenge series. 2012 will mark the seventh season of Pirelli tire support on the national tour, with the famed Italian brand supplying a variety of rubber for all the Canadian racing categories. Pirelli also provides tires for the World Superbike series classes, as well as supporting a range of other National series, including the premier British SBK tour. TMT
KTM: Ready To Race Dakar 2012!
When the KTM Factory rally team went off to Fontjouncouse in the south of France recently it was all about carrying out final tests on the KTM 450 rally bike ahead of the challenge of Dakar 2012, to enjoy the camaraderie of the Orange Rally Family and to have some fun. Now the countdown is in full swing for the worldís most important rally and the KTM factory riders are all “Ready to Race.” The official KTM Factory Rally Team, under the leadership of manager Alex Doringer and technical manager Stefan Huber was announced last week at EICMA, the world’s biggest motorcycle fair. Cyril Despres renewed his contract with KTM at EICMA and Marc Coma renewed his commitment to the Austrian manufacturer in September, once again securing the world’s two leading rally riders for the company’s attempt
at its eleventh consecutive Dakar victory. Coma of Spain and French-born Despres have each won the Dakar Rally three times and together represent one of the most exciting rivalries in modern motorsports. In 2011 their two support riders will continue to be Juan Pedrero of Spain for Coma and Ruben Faria of Portugal for Despres. While all four riders belong to the KTM Factory Rally Team, they will ride in the respective liveries of their individual sponsors: Coma and Pedrero for MRW KTM and Despres and Faria for Red Bull KTM. All four will compete on the latest KTM 450 Rally bike, which has undergone overall updates and improvements to the 2011 model on which Coma and Despres successfully absolved the bike’s maiden Dakar ride, finishing 1-2 after 17 days grueling competition. TMT
November 2011 - Sykes, who has been an official Kawasaki rider for the past two seasons and a key figure in the development of the current Ninja ZX-10R racebike, has already won a world championship race for Kawasaki, at the German WSBK round in early September. Lascorz and Sykes had their first test in preparation for the 2012 season at Portimao on Tuesday 18th October, only two days after the end of the 2011 campaign, and it was a test that turned out well for both riders. The team’s European logistical base will be in Spain but with overall control coming direct from Japan, as the Superbike World Championship programme is a full Kawasaki Heavy Industries project. Tom Sykes: “I’m very happy to be continuing with Kawasaki and the Ninja ZX-10R in
2012. I believe the bike has good potential and we saw some of that come through in 2011 with a race win in Germany and superpole at Misano. These are the kind of results I am looking to achieve in the coming season on a regular basis and I really believe we can do this. I have a lot of confidence in Kawasaki and the team around me, so if we can improve a couple of points with the setup of the bike on the track which I feel are restricting performance this would be a big step forward for us in the final results. I am looking forward to re-starting our test programme again very soon.” Guim Roda, Team Manager: “We are very happy to run with Tom in 2012. Kawasaki always tries to keep the people it has in place and Tom has been making a good job in the last two years with Kawasaki. He has the potential to go fast, as he has shown in 2011, and now we have to repeat that for full race distance at each round. He is young and determined, which are good combinations for a fast rider. I’m sure working closer with Marcel, his new crew chief, and taking part in all the tests we have planned means he will take one step more and he will be able to fight for the podium places at every race. Let’s see what he can show us all next year.” Steve Guttridge, Kawasaki Europe Race Planning Manager: “It’s great that Tom’s with us again for 2012 in the World Superbike Championship. He’s worked hard within the project over the past two years and has always dug deep when it mattered to give us our first pole and race win with the new Ninja ZX-10R. PBM had good insight to hold onto him this year as part of the threerider team and now Tom has justifiably been rewarded with a full KHI factory rider contract for next year and being part our new WSB project. With a year under his belt on the new bike and a strong test plan being coordinated from Japan, I’m sure we will get to see Tom on the top step of that podium far more regularly in 2012.” TMT
OTSFF Sports Marketing Group is Pleased to Announce the Signing of Richard Grey to their 2012 Nationals Motocross Team. The seven-time Canadian National Amateur Champion will join the team as Bobby Kiniry’s new teammate. Grey will campaign the MX2 class while Kiniry returns for his third season in the MX1 class, OTSFF’s Andre Laurin said. “We’re excited to have Richard join our team because we believe he is at the forefront of a new generation of up-andcoming Canadian pro riders,” Laurin said. “We’ve kept an eye on him for the past couple of years and have been impressed by his results as well as his professionalism on and off the track.” Despite campaigning only the eastern leg of the MX2 Nationals in 2011, Grey garnered an 18th place ranking, with his best result being recorded at the final round of the season in Walton. On the
strength of 9-3 motos, Grey hammered down third overall in the nearly impossible racing conditions on the rain and mud soaked Walton Raceway track. The 18-year-old Keswick, ON native, who turned pro this year, has also won a truckload of Ontario Provincial Championships as well as placing top-five, including two moto wins, at Loretta Lynn’s in the U.S. “I’m super pumped to be joining the OTSFF program and super excited to get the 2012 season going,” Grey said. “This being my first major team, it’s a huge step for me to be taking and I know I’m in for a huge learning experience. I also know that I’m going to have to put all my effort forth to confirm the confidence Andre has shown in me.” TMT
17 – The Motorcycle Times, December 2011
A Preview of Things to Come in 2012
Life’s better on a KawasaKi.
Team Honda Muscle Milk
The American Honda team will roll into 2012 with our new sponsor Muscle Milk, featuring riders Trey Canard and Justin Brayton aboard the 2012 Honda CRF450R. In addition, the team enjoys the support of GEICO, Pro-Honda Oils, Dunlop, Troy Lee Designs, Yoshimura, Renthal, DID, Twin Air, Moto Tassinari, Hinson, Throttle Jockey and VP Fuel. Alongside Team Honda Muscle Milk, American Honda again welcomes Ashley Fiolek into the factory semi. Fiolek won the 2011 Women’s Motocross Championshipóher third titleóand will again take on all comers in 2012. In addition to the factory Honda team, several other teams and riders will compete aboard Honda CRF250Rs and CRF450Rs.
For many, the quest to achieve the perfect riding moment is a lifelong commitment. For Kawasaki, it’s the reason we engineer each and every motorcycle the way we do.
GEICO Honda
Honda has had a long and successful relationship with GEICO Honda: The team has delivered numerous wins and championships, including former team member Trey Canard winning the 2008 Supercross Lites East title and current rider Justin Barcia taking the 2011 Lites East championship. Barcia returns to defend his title in 2012, and is joined in the 250 class by teammates sure to pack the podium in 2012, including Eli Tomac, Wil Hahn, Justin Bogle and Jimmy DeCotis. In the 450 class, GEICO Honda’s Kevin Windham enters his 19th season as a professional in 2012óa remarkable achievement on its own, yet Windham remains at the top of his game, an ever-present threat to win. “We’re happy to continue into 2012 on Hondas,” said Mike LaRocco, GEICO Honda Team Manager. “Having a strong bike to begin with helps us get results. We aim to win even more titles for GEICO and Honda this coming year.”
tHe 2011 VULCan VoYaGer
L&Mc Racing Honda
An exciting new addition to the Honda fold is L&Mc Racing Hondaóa brand-new team for 2012. The new partnership between Larry Brooks and “The King of Supercross” Jeremy McGrath sees Andrew Short racing a factorysupported Honda CRF450R in both Supercross and Motocross championships. “It’s every race team owner’s dream to have access to the best equipment,” said team co-owner Brooks. “In my opinion Honda has the best motorcycles. They have access to a lot of resources and in-house support, making them the leaders in the industry. It’s only natural that with Jeremy’s connection to Honda, and Shorty’s history racing Hondas that we ride Honda in 2012.”
Troy Lee Designs Lucas Oil Honda
Troy Lee Designs Lucas Oil Honda will field a three-man team of 250-class riders, including Christian Craig, Cole Seely and Travis Baker on Honda CRF250Rs. Tarah Gieger will also compete once again on a Honda CRF250R in the Woman’s Motocross Championship, where she finished third overall in 2011. “I am very excited for the upcoming season,” said team manager Tyler Keefe. “We continue to improve every year and with American Honda’s ongoing support, I think we have a great chance at winning a championship in 2012.” “This upcoming Supercross season is going to be really exciting for Honda fans,” said Ray Conway, Honda Racing Coordinator. “There will be a very strong contingent of racers aboard the Honda CRF250R and CRF450R race machines all season long, and every one of them will be in contention for the win. Look for your favorite riders to be climbing the podium all season long.”
See us for the latest Kawasaki promotions!
V isi t us for t he la tes t pr omot ions
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Cycle One
127 Ingersoll Road, Woodstock 519-421-3333 www.cycleone.ca
Snow City Cycle & Marine 1255 Kennedy Road Toronto 416-752-1560 or 1-877-766-9248 www.snowcity.com
©2011 Canadian Kawasaki Motors Inc. Always wear a helmet, eye protection and proper riding apparel. Never ride under the influence of drugs or alcohol. Protect the environment. Adhere to the maintenance schedule in your owner’s manual.
December 2011, The Motorcycle Times – 18
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19 – The Motorcycle Times, December 2011
TWO CENTS SCOTT MACDONALD Contributing Writer, TMT
Sterotypical
There are many layers to the motorcycle community that Joe Average never hears about or even considers. To the general public, we are all lumped together into one large organized crime syndicate. Rude, offensive and unshaven, black leather wearing, degenerates who like nothing more than to terrorize quiet communities and party loudly all night long - and that just the women. Yes, its a screwed up world of misguided perceptions that the media and the uneducated just love to perpetuate every chance they get right? Not so fast, there are enough misguided opinions and uneducated riders among ourselves that it’s no wonder the general public doesn’t understand us, cause we barely understand each other. Working with The Motorcycle Times gives me a unique perspective that most riders don’t get, simply because of exposure and circumstances. Let me explain a little what I mean. Working with the media, forces us to look at ourselves with open eyes and to take a step back and be objective to all sides of a story. We also have the opportunity simply by circumstance and the nature of the business to be able to have access to many types of motorcycles in any given season, which also forces us to be open minded. It’s this open mindedness that seems to be lost amongst our own community. When I first got interested in motorcycling, Evel Knievel was attempting to jump the fountains at Caesars Palace in Las Vegas. We all know how that ended for him. More broken bones, but his pride and passion for his sport remained as vibrant as ever. It was the one thing about him that always stands out in my mind, and it’s these same characteristics that I see in every rider I meet, regardless of marque they prefer. When we get a chance to socialize with our fellow riders, we tend to congregate at some rider friendly local watering hole but the minute you pull into the parking lot, the ‘cruiser riders’ separate from the ‘sport bike riders’ like oil meeting water. But there’s more, the fellas loyal to the black and orange will further separate themselves from everyone including the cruiser group. What the hell is wrong with this picture? Having the ability to be objective has allowed me the opportunity to enjoy the company of all
riders. But the ironic thing is that although everyone who rides a motorcycle will tell you it only matters that you ride are those same people who tend to distance themselves from their fellow riders. What is it about sport bike riders that cause cruiser risers to distance themselves from each other? From what I can see, both types of riders tend to like living on the edge a little, and welcome a little adventure into their lives by way of riding. Both groups love the feeling of speed and take advantage of almost twisting off the throttle every chance they get. Both riders love great roads that twist and wind themselves around some of the most breathtaking scenery on the planet. Both riders usually wear full leather gear, the difference being the choice of either a one-piece suit or a two-piece outfit. I can go on and on about the similarities we all share. But I find it difficult to find a reason to separate when we all get together. To me it all seems to boil down to body style. Really? Is it that overwhelming that someone prefers one over the other? One of the things I love to do is blur the perception of what a cruiser rider or a sport rider is. When I have the opportunity to test out a sport style motorcycle, I’ll make an effort to wear the gear I’d normally ride a cruise with and show up to mingle with fellow riders at a local bike night. Or, if I have a typical cruiser style bike that’s being tested, I’ll show up with a full face helmet on and my Joe Rocket gear (free plug) and watch the heads turn. It seem to really mess with peoples melons, bikers have become so stereotyped, not even its own riders are immune to its powerful effects. Ok, here is an new idea, next time you get a chance at a local dealer ride day, take the bikes you’d least likely buy, so you can form an opinion based on facts and experience rather than spouting the rhetoric coming from riders who have no experience on other types of motorcycles due to one too many cranial impacts without their helmets on. Keep an open mind about the motorcycle itself, what the characteristics are, what makes it so popular amongst the masses? If you truly keep an open mind about it, you’ll begin to understand what attracts each of us to the bikes we ride and how little we differ from each other.
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Always wear a helmet, eye protection and protective clothing, and please respect the environment when riding. Obey the law and read your owner’s manual thoroughly. Honda recommends taking a motorcycle rider training course.
December 2011, The Motorcycle Times – 20
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can-am.brp.com ©2011 Bombardier Recreational Products Inc. (BRP). All rights reserved. ®, ™ and the BRP logo are trademarks of BRP or its affiliates.See an authorized BRP dealer for details. Financing promotions void where prohibited. Offer subject to change without notice. Offer not valid for Yukon and Northwest Territories residents. See your dealers for details. BRP reserves the right, at any time, to discontinue or change specifications, prices, designs, features, models or equipment without incurring any obligation. Some models depicted may include optional equipment. Always ride responsibly and safely. Always observe applicable local laws and regulations. Don’t drink and drive.
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©2011 Bombardier Recreational Products Inc. (BRP). All rights reserved. ®, ™ and the BRP logo are trademarks of BRP or its affiliates. Offers valid in Canada only from September 7, 2011 to October 31, 2011. See an authorized BRP dealer for details. § 3-Year limited Warranty: Eligible units are all new and unused 2009 to 2012 Can-Am roadsters. The buyer of eligible units will receive the 24-month BRP Limited Warranty plus 12-month B.E.S.T. extended service contract subject to a $50 deductible on each repair. The buyer of eligible units will also receive 36 months of FREE Roadside Assistance. See your participating BRP Can-Am dealer for all details and to receive a copy of the BRP Limited Warranty and B.E.S.T. contract. BRP reserves the right, at any time, to discontinue or change specifications, prices, designs, features, models or equipment without incurring any obligation. Some models depicted may include optional equipment. Always ride responsibly and safely. Always observe applicable local laws and regulations. Don’t drink and drive. 610290
Financing OPtiOnS: Financing shall be granted subject to credit approval by the participating financial institution. The APR shall mean the “annual percentage rate” and shall include the interest and fees charged by the financial institution, represented as an “annual interest rate.” For example, a financing loan,* in the amount of $10,000, with a 36 months term and amortizing, at a fixed annual percentage rate of 4.49%, not including administration fees, would result in the following credit charges:
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21 – The Motorcycle Times, December 2011
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December 2011, The Motorcycle Times – 22
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Did you know, Canadians spend an average of $36.8 billion dollars on holiday gift giving each year and about 60% has gone to businesses outside Canada. There is no reason to wonder why our economy keeps slipping back wards. Yes, we can all blame our governments but we too are to blame. Our shopping habits to foreign markets have only served to streghtened their economy, not ours. When you factor in Shipping, Duty, Customs and any other fees I forgotten you’ve probably paid what you would have paid here. In the last few years many of your favourite small businesses and mom and pop shops have closed, which means more jobs lost. So shop locally, this is about supporting your home town Canadian small business owner with their financial lives on the line to keep their doors open. In the motorcycle community it is very difficult to find Canadian made products. When possible buy Canadian, if it can’t be Canadian made buy it from a Canadian small business owner and try wrapping your gifts in their favourite motorcycle magazine/newspaper or even the brochure of their dream bike. Some non-traditional gift giving ideas; • Who wouldn’t appreciate getting their Motorcycle detailed for that showroom finish? • An Oil Change or Tune Up Servicing from their favourite shop. • How about the services of a local cleaning lady for a day so Mom/Dad can go riding too. • A years subscription to their favourite Canadian motorcycle publication. • Our riding season is short so why not a summer of weekend lawn cutting so they can spend it riding. • A weekend of child care services, for that romantic Ontario motorcycle getaway. • Book a tour with a local motorcycle touring company, they have day trips, weekend and longer trips as well. • Buy a ticket to win a motorcycle from one of their favourite local motorcycle charity events. • With all the Motorcycle Shows happening over the winter why not some tickets to it. • When buying your regular motorcycle apparel, try a local artisan, and have something custom made.
• When buying your T-shirts and Tanks Tops and such why not ones that support your local motorcycle shop. • How about supporting a local kid getting into motorcycle racing, there is always plenty that they can use, check with your local dealer. • Make a donation in their name to a local family in need of some holiday spirit, a shelter, food bank or soup kitchen. • When buying those motorcycle accessories buy them from your local shop instead of the US or overseas. • Pay the fee and encourage a new rider to take a Motorcycle Rider Training Course. • For your speed demon how about a day at the local track to show off their stuff. • Maybe the services of a local qualified motorcycle towing company for emergency roadside assistance. • Find a local artist and have a rendering done of his/her motorcycle. • Buy gift certificates from your local dealerships, repair shops etc... • If your looking for a used bike, make your purchase a canadian bike. • There are many local artisans in your community that create everything-custom jewellery, hair accessories, seat covers and inserts, skull caps, buckles etc... Check them out. • And last but not least, your time. Volunteer at a local Motorcycle Charity Event. Volunteering your time is something that will give you pleasure and the people receiving it too. Note: Just remember not all female riders like pink and not all male riders wear black T-shirts. This year really think about how your going to spend your Canadian Dollars. Encourage your family and friends to do the same. You may just be the difference that your community or local business owner needs to keep it going. We will keep adding to this list all year long because gift giving isn’t just at Christmas. If you have any other suggestions to add to the list send them to: editor@themotorcycletimes.ca Support Your Local Small Business Owner BE CANADIAN
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23 – The Motorcycle Times, December 2011
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December 2011, The Motorcycle Times – 24
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