The Motorcycle Times - June 2012 Edition

ROAD TEST

The OPEN ROAD - Wellsboro P.A.

REVIEW

First impressions of the Victory Highball. The hot rod with not just brawn.

Step into another world in Wellsboro, P.A. From Canyons, to Fifties diners and Art deco theatres, It’s a must ride.

A modular shed fully insulated to house your most prized possession, your motorcycle.

See page 10 for details

See page 14 for more

See page 20 for more

MOTORCYCLES POWER SAVINGS!

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Brain Storms...................................................................................4 Skid Marks ......................................................................................5 Motorcycle News ....................................................................6 Two Cents........................................................................................8 Community.................................................................................10 Shop Talk........................................................................................12 Open Road Diaries - Wellsboro, P.A ..................... 14 Finish Lines ............................................................................... 16 Road Grit ......................................................................................18 Product Profile ....................................................................... 20 Riders Marketplace ........................................................... 21 Events ........................................................................................... 22 Safety Scene ............................................................................ 22

Officer Killed

“Mikey” Teutul

Mike Teutul Arrives in Campbellville for OLG promotional program The Motorcycle Times had the opportunity to sit down with Mikey Teutul of Wolfgang Galleries and got caught up on what’s happening in his world. For those who don’t know the man behind the brush Michael “Mikey” Teutul, is the youngest son of Orange County Chopper’s founder Paul Teutul, Sr., and brother of OCC’s former chief fabricator; Paul Teutul, Jr. The family featured in the Discovery Channel’s reality television series American Chopper and American Chopper:

Senior vs. Junior. After his father and brother, Paul Jr., started OCC, he soon joined on as an Assistant General Manager. When not answering phones and taking out the trash, on rare occasions he would help out with bike builds, at one point building his own.

But Mikey’s real job was served largely as a comedy relief for the OCC crew and was known for his crazy antics. After Jr. was fired

by Sr. during a heated argument towards the end of the series, Mikey tried to play the role

NOW OPEN!

Const. Ewa Domagalska, the police officer critically injured in an Orangeville motorcycle crash Saturday night, has died of her injuries. Domagalska, 30, was surrounded by family and friends when she passed. Police said the fallen officer owned a home in Brampton and had been a Peel police officer since 2005.

Just before 5 p.m., Domagalska was driving her motorcycle south on a rural stretch of Airport Rd., north of Hwy. 9, when she collided with a northbound SUV. At the time, police said she sustained lifethreatening injuries. Domagalska was off duty at the time of the incident. She was transported to hospital and put on life support. Domagalska’s motorcycle was left at the edge of the road “completely demolished,” according to Const. Al Buck, the lead OPP investigator. The white SUV had a minimal damage. Buck said no charges would be laid against the driver of the SUV.

Photo by Scott Gunnells, www.nylaphoto.com

Volume 4 Issue 5

NEW LOCATION: 1963 Merivale rd., Ottawa | 613-736-8899 | www.hdottawa.com

of negotiator between his brother and father, encouraging them to work out their issues.

As revealed later in the series, Mikey has been squeezed out of the business, recently opening his own art gallery and now joining his brother; Paul Jr., with other former OCC employees, at Paul Jr. Designs. Mikie made the trek to Canada over the past weekend for an autograph session at a local casino and to greet his fans, but first we were able to get a one-on-one with him. see page 3

Your road to FREEDOM Starts Here.

June 2012, The Motorcycle Times – 2

From Cover...

TMT: Welcome to Ontario, how was your trip in today?

MT: The ride from the airport to here (Campbellville ON) seemed to take longer than my flight from New York.

TMT: Are you still planning to run for President?

MT: Right now I am two years younger than eligibility to actually run on any kind of ticket for President, otherwise I think I would.

TMT: So, then is Ontario an official stop on your pre-campaign tour if you were to run for President?

MT: I might stay out of Canada for that, although, maybe I should consider running for Prime Minister TMT: Are you still riding and what do you ride?

MT: I don’t ride very much, when I do, it’s usually my bicycle or my scooter.

TMT: What is the make of the scooter?

MT: Its a Yamaha 250 Vino, it’s on the fritz right now, I’ve got Vinnie working on it for me.

TMT: Are you open to any questions regarding the past issues on American Chopper the series?

MT: It really depends on the questions you ask.

TMT: Everyone seems to want to

know what your relationship with your dad is at this point.

MT: Virtually non-existent TMT: With reality TV being a double edge sword where do you believe OCC the bike builders would be today without the reality TV exposure?

MT: Oh boy, that’s almost an impossible question to answer, but I certainly think not as far as they’ve come in such a short time.

Obviously the exposure onTV is a huge part of getting them to become a worldwide household name, but once you get there, you’ve gotta be able to pull the sled.

TMT: Do you think the relationship between you and your dad and Paulie would have broken down without having been on national television?

MT: Yes, I do TMT: Do you believe the breakdown was in part due to the rapid success of the company.

MT: Well, I believe that with the success its an extremity that adds to the dynamics of the relationships in our family that already existed. It was sort of like adding a bit of jetfuel to a fire. But I believe that ultimately when families with personality issues work together in businesses, or when they are in tight quarters, they will eventually self distruct.

TMT: Do you have any regrets with getting involved with a reality television format?

MT: No, not at all, I am very greatful for what it has done for me in my life, it saved me from being an ironworker, not that there is anything wrong with that.

TMT: Is there anything in the works for you TV show related?

MT: Not currently, but maybe sometime in the future. Right now I am just enjoying myself and trying to take time for family, ironically.

TMT: Wolfgang Galleries and your

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artwork, is that a part of your spiritual healing or simply a form of your own self expression?

MT: Both, it definately is a form of expression to me and it’s very theraputic, and I’ve always found it relaxing to paint. I’d like to get much better at it though.

TMT: Are you still addicted to.... bubble wrap?

MT: Sure, who isn’t, I actually went to bubblewrap therapy for some time about three years ago. lol.

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3 – The Motorcycle Times, June 2012

A Moment or Two with“Mikey” Teutul

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June 2012, The Motorcycle Times – 4

BRAIN STORM opinions

BRENT WAKEFORD Editor, The Motorcycle Times

Times, They are a Changin As you may have noticed, The Motorcycle Times is going through some changes and with that, I have accepted the position of Editor-in-Chief. Here at the TMT, we strive to bring a wide array of motorcycle related news and information to you each month. Although everyone here wears a lot of different hats, we all collaborate together on the content, to keep you the rider, consumer and enthusiast, up-to-date on the latest products, services and events going on in the motorcycle community.

Many a night, we gather in the bull pen, discussing what’s new and exciting in the industry and agree on what should be put forth in print to you the subscriber and reader of this publication. That said; we always encourage comments from our readership in order to provide you with the quality and quantity of what you desire.

Whether you need more product reviews, info on services or our take on the new models coming out, we appreciate your feedback. From time to time, through the generosity of our sponsors, the manufacturers of motorcycles and related parts, accessories and services, they provide us with their product, to do just that.

We’ll pick up a new model motorcycle, just released, and put it through the paces; highways, rural roads, city streets and sometimes even off road, if the model is so designed. Is it comfortable to ride, does it handle well, does it meet or exceed the manufacturer’s claims. We review products that are new to the market place and see how difficult they are to install, we can dyno-test performance parts and give them a good workout for durability and such or we do the leg work and research on services, so you don’t have too. Following our trials or research, we’ll do a non-biased write-up to you about the pros and cons, the price value, quality and ease of installation. Always a challenge is the fact of not knowing whether a specific product is as superior as what the manufacture claims, if the motorcycle is what we really want or if it will suit our needs.

There is such a huge and diverse consumer market out there, that it’s mindblowing to what is the best bang for the buck. Countless catalogues of aftermarket parts have flooded the community, so many new motorcycle models to choose

from, services from mechanics to paint shops to insurance companies and their model specific rates. Let us do some of the ground work for you. Let us start you off on your journey of discovery. Let us provide you with some insight of where to begin. Whether you are a beginner, novice or life-long rider, everyone needs some guidance at some point, especially when it comes to something new or new to you.

Voice your opinion of a direction we have not yet ventured if you have an interest in something not yet covered by TMT. This publication was born out of an idea of giving the biking community a place to get a wide variety of information related to motorcycles, all in one place.

So, new this fall season, we are planning to take the publication one step further. As we progress into 2013, an expansion is underway to venture into all power sports. We want to introduce news and information about ATVs, Snowmobiles, Jet Skis and dirt bikes. We find that many of you are not satisfied with just “taking it to the streets”. Many riders also like to play in the dirt, or are avid hunters/anglers, some enjoy the open water experience or just can’t hibernate through long cold winters, so you they hit the sled trails. So, we’ll add some sections dedicated to you, the powersports enthusiast. We will also ramp up our website to include video clips and more links to special interest sites.

Whether you pick us up at your local bike shop, have TMT delivered to your door or read us online as an electronic subscriber, you’ll continue to get the most and more, out of The Motorcycle Times as we strive to improve the content through technology, innovated ideas, research and informative writing.

After all, we are all riders here. When not behind a computer screen doing research, we take it to the open road. In fact, we do our best thinking ripping down a country road with the roar of the pipes in our head and the wind in our face. So, drop us a line, give us your feedback on what more you want in this publication, sound-off or pat us on the back for a job well done. Any and all comments are appreciated, and when you are finished reading this edition of The Motorcycle Times, either, keep it as reference, pass it along to a friend or colleague or help keep Mother Earth healthy and recycle.

Contact Info:

Circulation & Subscription Info: circulation@themotorcycletimes.ca Editorial Submissions or Story ideas: editor@themotorcycletimes.ca OR editor2@themotorcycletimes.ca Website /Events : scott@themotorcycletimes.ca Advertising Bookings and Information: laura@themotorcycletimes.ca Ad Submission: production@themotorcycletimes.ca Accounting Department: accting@themotorcycletimes.ca Brent Wakeford - Editor-in-Chief Scott MacDonald - Art Director Laura MacDonald - Advertising Director

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SKID MARKS

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.

Email to:scott@themotorcycletimes.ca - Subject: SKID MARKS.

Lets hope taking the scooter was their only choice

Taking his “HOG” ou t to pick u p some

babes

uler is a Harley Ha lly a re r le u a H This Harley

Cool status instantly revoked and replaced with idiot!

Stock market executive “Andy Morrowitz” soon realized that his desk job in Manhatten was considerably less dangerous only after he quit his job and joined the “Dastardly Dudes Daredevel and Stunt Spectacular” road show as “Motorcycle Morrowitz the Magnificent”

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Always wear an approved hemet, eye protection and proper riding apparel. Do not Drink and Drive. Read your owners manual. ride safely and respect the environment. Yamaha recommens that all riders take an approved motorcycle safety training course.

5 – The Motorcycle Times, June 2012

THE REAL WORLD

June 2012, The Motorcycle Times – 6

MOTORCYCLENEWS Finally, “Beanie” Helmet Crackdown Coming to Western Canada

Tsunami Harley goes to H.D. Museum as Memorial A beachcomber on British Columbia’s Haida Gwaii islands has discovered what may be the first piece of debris from the Japanese tsunami to arrive in Canada.

Peter Mark was riding his ATV, exploring an isolated beach on Graham Island on April 18, when he made a spectacular find. “You just never know what you’re going to stumble upon when you go for a drive, and lo and behold you just come across something that’s out of this world,” he said. Mark found a large white cube, like the back part of a moving truck, just below the high tide mark.

“The door was ripped off it and I could see a motorcycle tire sticking out,” he said.

“So I went closer and looked inside and saw a Harley-Davidson motorcycle.” The bike was rusty, particularly on the wheels and handlebars, but the logo on the fuel tank was unmistakable. The license plate shows the motorcycle found on the shores of British Columbia was registered in Japan’s Miyagi Prefecture. Miyagi Prefecture was the worst hit part of Japan, with more than 11,000 people dead and missing. Mark said seeing someone’s possessions wash up on a beach 5,000 kilometres away was incredibly sobering.

The beach where the motorcycle washed up is remote. Getting there requires an offroad vehicle and crossing several rivers, which is partly why Mark left everything where he found it. “I think the most important thing is that people treat the things they find with respect,” he said. “These are parts of people’s lives. Some people lost everything in the disaster, and I think people have to keep that in mind when they make a find like this.”

Eventually, the owner of the Harley-Davidson that drifted to Canada after being swept out to sea in the 2011 Japanese tsunami was found. Details from the motorcycle’s license plate helped to locate Ikuo Yokoyama. According to CBC News, Mr. Yokoyama lost his home and three family members in the tsunami.

The shop that sold the motorcycle to him plans to ship the Harley-Davidson back to Japan and restore Ikuo Yokoyama told Japanese TV he had bought the bike five years ago. He told the Japanese TV station NHK that he wished to thank the man who found it personally.

In a finaly twist to this story working with news agencies and representatives from Deeley Harley-Davidson Canada and Harley-Davidson Japan, contact was made with 29-year-old Yokoyama, who lost his home and currently lives in temporary housing in Miyagi Prefecture, Japan. Harley-Davidson offered to return his bike. But still struggling to rebuild his life in the aftermath of the disaster, Yokoyama respectfully declined. Although grateful for the offer to repatriate his motorcycle and touched by the outpouring of support from Harley riders around the world, Yokoyama requested to have it preserved in the Harley-Davidson Museum in honor of those whose lives were lost or forever changed by the disaster.

“The Harley-Davidson Museum is honored to receive this amazing motorcycle to ensure that its condition is preserved and can be displayed as a memorial to the Japan Tsunami tragedy,” said Bill Davidson, Vice President of the HarleyDavidson Museum. TMT

Early Bird Tickets Available for Seventh Annual Canadian Motorcycle Hall of Fame Induction Banquet The Seventh Annual Canadian Motorcycle Hall of Fame Induction Banquet and Reunion will be taking place in Montreal on November 3, 2012 and early bird tickets are now available.

The motorcycling legends and champions to be inducted into the Canadian Motorcycle Hall of Fame on November 3rd, 2012 at the Delta Centre Ville Montreal in Montreal, Quebec will soon be announced.

This accomplished group of men and women have achieved excellence in one or more competitive disciplines or made a significant contribution to the well-being, advancement or general positive image of motorcycling in Canada. TMT Early Bird Tickets for the event are now available at www.MotorcycleHallofFame. ca, or by contacting Daniel Tessier at 647.920.1334.

After almost 30 years, the beanie is about to become history. As of June 1, there will be new rules governing motorcycle helmets in British Columbia, and so-called novelty helmets, in particular; the B.C. beanie could be on the way out.

Offering about as much protection to riders’ heads as a Tupperware cereal bowl, the low-cost beanies managed to slip through the cracks in the late 1980s in British Columbia when, among other things, existing helmet laws were challenged in court by various groups, one of which claimed that a motorcycle helmet infringed on its right to wear religious headgear.

Since then, law enforcement has essentially overlooked the beanie, despite the fact that it’s common knowledge that they may look cool, but do almost nothing to prevent head trauma in the event of an accident.

The statistics in favour of proper headgear are hard to argue with. According to the B.C. Ministry of Justice, helmet laws, and, consequently, proper helmets have been found to reduce accident fatalities by as much as 37 per cent. Since motorcyclists are eight times more likely to be killed and some 40 per cent more likely to be injured in a vehicle collision than other road users, wearing proper headgear is a bit of a no-brainer.

So what constitutes a proper helmet?

First of all, it must meet industry standards established by the U.S. Department of Transport, which Canada adopted years ago, or those established by the Snell Memorial Foundation.

Although several high-profile accidents have brought the helmet issue to the fore, law enforcement personnel in British Columbia have chafed over the beanie loophole for years. Says Jamie Graham, former Vancouver chief of police and chair of the B.C. association of chiefs of police traffic safety committee.

What happens if you defy the law and ride around with a beanie after June 1? The fine is $138, and if you can’t produce a valid helmet, you have to park the bike immediately and go and get one. There were also some other motorcycle safety regulations brought forward by the B.C. government at the same time the beanie law was introduced. As of June, any passengers riding on the rear pillion will have to be able to “place their feet on foot pegs or floorboards.” If you have kids, for example, who can’t reach the rear pegs, they can’t ride. . Ontario has had this law on the books for some time now, and it makes sense all round. Perhaps the best item to come out of the new announcements by the B.C. government is the news that it intends to move forward with a graduated licensing program for new riders that may include power restrictions and bike size. The U.K., Japan and elsewhere have had this kind of system in place for years, and although Ontario also has a type of graduated licensing program (M1 and M2) that restricts where and when you can ride, it says nothing about the size or power level of the bike. TMT

BMW Maxi Scooters coming this fall Both scooters are powered by a 647cc parallel-twin engine producing 60bhp at 7,000rpm. The engine is slanted forward at 70-degrees in order to maintain a low centre of gravity. The frame is tubular steel with an aluminium swingarm.

There are 40mm upside-down forks on both models and 270mm front brake discs, with dual-ABS fitted as standard.

The main differences between the two are the seats; the Sport has a sportier riding position with a higher 810mm seat while the GT has a softer seat which sits at 780mm and an adjustable backrest for the rider, higher handlebars and a larger windscreen. TMT Read more: Visit http://www.bmw-motorrad.ca/bikes/C600S

‘ZERO’ Police Motorcycles Zero Motorcycles announced it has launched a new version of the highly popular 2012 Zero DS developed specifically for police and security agencies. Named the Zero DS Police Motorcycle, it was developed to address the increasing interest from law enforcement and police departments on a global level. For the past two years police, security and military agencies have been testing Zero’s product line in the field. Zero continues to work directly with a variety of international law enforcement and military agencies. This new model is the result of these collaborative efforts.

“We are honored to have the support of so many different police and law enforcement agencies. During the process of building out the 2012 Zero DS Police Motorcycle, we worked closely with police officers and suppliers to ensure that our final product met the demands of enforcement agencies. Police officers put their lives on the line every day to protect and serve, so our goal was to give them all the tools necessary to allow them to be successful. The resulting Zero DS Police Motorcycle opens up new patrolling possibilities,” said Mark Cummings, Manager of Fleet Sales, Zero Motorcycles. TMT

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Dollar values are stated and will be paid in U.S. Dollars. Certain restrictions and exclusions apply. See your Victory® dealer for full details. 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. ©2012 Polaris Industries Inc.

7 – The Motorcycle Times, June 2012

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June 2012, The Motorcycle Times – 8

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Over the past while this column has been an outlet for me to get some things off my chest and rant about things that just seem to piss me off. In this months column my intentions were to tackle the debate of riding without a helmet since I just returned from a weeks vacation in the sunny south, where it would seem that anything goes and where it was commonplace to see riders and passengers not only riding without protective gear, but lidless too. I will be getting back to this story sometime in the future as I have a few thoughts I’d like to express about states or provinces who have a no helmet law.

The other night I was sitting and thinking about my late father and recollecting some of his expressions and ideas, when it had occurred to me that I remember him mentioning something about wanting to buy a GoldWing upon retirement. he talked about traveling the country with my mother, (who by the way had her own ideas on this subject as I would later learn), and simply enjoying each others company while riding off into the sunset.

I am sure it all started back in the late 70’s or early eighties when an uncle of mine who not only owned my dream car – a mint 72 corvette with the big block option, decided to purchase a brand new GoldWing Interstate dressed in classic black. My family and I were on vacation to a family function in Northern Ontario and as usual would stay with one of my parents siblings rather than book a hotel. This particular trip we were planning to stay with my favorite “corvette” uncle, after eight long hours traveling the two lane TransCanada we had arrived. As we entered the house through the garage, there it was, no, not the pristine 72 corvette, but the brand new GoldWing. I have never before or since seen such an expression of excitement on his face as I did that evening as he got his first glimpse of this black beauty. Are you kidding me? A motorcycle? Really? But the vette is so much better I thought, who in their right mind would want a motorcycle, if they had that car.

From the time I was an infant, so I am told, my dad was always into cars, he’d take me to car shows and Saturday night

races at Pinecrest Speedway, an old oval that used to be located near Hwy 7 and Keele in North York. The last time I was over that way, the old track was paved over and now houses some big industrial complex and a rather large parking lot, if I remember right. The last thing I ever thought he’d be interested in was a bike. Well, to top off his excitement and wonderment about riding, my uncle and his riding buddy would tell him elaborate stories of their misadventures on the road to whatever their destination was at that time. I am pretty sure it was a combination of seeing the new GoldWing and the stories that got his blood pumping a little bit harder through his veins. My father would eventually get a ride on the black GoldWing as did I. The only difference between his ride and mine was that I had the living daylights scared out of me. At that point it never occurred to me that it would be me who would end up on two wheels.

As time passed my dad and I would sit together from time to time and chat up his plans to own the GoldWing following retirement. As fate would have it, my father ended up passing just after his retirement and never got his chance to live that dream.

Unfortunately, life is sometimes unfair. So fast forward about a decade and it was on a Sunday afternoon during what I remember to be a miserable winter’s day that my wife and I decided to stop into a local motorcycle dealership to just do some window shopping. Well, that very day I purchased a slightly used Yamaha Virago and took delivery on it. I soon found myself graduating the Safety Course and I have enjoyed my two wheel experience ever since.

From that first moment with my Virago, and with every bike I have owned since, I realize and am grateful for the passion we all share as riders. It really bothers me when I think back that he never got a chance to realize his two wheel dream. I am certain that had my father lived his life to his true intended conclusion, he and my mother would be somewhere riding the open road with a permanent grin forever on his face.

Oh, yeah and on another note, I am not going to let life pass me by, life is way too short so I got the vette too.

...and the Winner is: Harvey Lang!

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9 – The Motorcycle Times, June 2012

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BALDWIN CYCLE 1353 Highway #3 East Dunneville 905-774-8881 www.baldwinscycle.com

THE POWER GARAGE 68 Ingersoll Road, Woodstock 519-533-1300 www.thepowergarage.ca

OAKVILLE YAMAHA 615 Third Line, Oakville 905-465-9555 www.oakvilleyamaha.com

BRAMPTON POWERSPORTS 105 Van Kirk Dr. Brampton 905-459-0411 www.bramptonpowersports.com

June 2012, The Motorcycle Times – 10

ROADTEST

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Victory Highball

This little hot-rod has all the styling ques to turn heads and the balls to blow them away

by SCOTT MACDONALD Contributing Writer - TMT It’s been a while since I had the opportunity to take a ride on anything from Victory. Well, there have been some improvements incorporated into their new offerings, everything from powerplant to accessories available to rider ergonomics but there are still some nagging issues that Polaris really should address, but we’ll get to that shortly.

Let me just say WOW! what a fantastic little bobber, Victory has nailed the styling on the head with this entry level ride. Yes, I said entry level but not in the way you are expecting. This bike is all muscle, not intended for the new rider, the entry level comes by way of price point. Riders can have their very own ultra cool 106 cu.in.

Vtwin thumper fifties throwback for just over fourteen and a half grand before taxes.

With special financing options being offered

by Polaris, the reality of ownership is a very real possibility for many riders looking for an affordable North American option.

The “highball” is not the lowest priced in the Victory lineup, the “eightball” comes in a grand cheaper, but it really dosent have the boulevard head turning asthetics this badboy has.

So how does it ride? The highball was

a pleasant surprise to me. I’m of average height and this bike comes with standard mini “ape hangers” which I have had mixed feelings over for many years. This bike also comes with a very comfortable solo seat with optional passenger pillion. From the time I fired up this 106, I expected a lot and it deivered in spades. Going through the gears I found myself substancially exceeding the posted limits on more than one occasion. The configuration of the handlebars was much more appealing than I gave credit for, but I will add, that as comfortable as the riding position is between solo seat, the mini apes and the footpegs, it would take some getting used to when confronted with some serious twisties. These mini apes are perfectly comfortable for most of the riding I believe a good portion of the riders out there do. The six speed overdrive tranny gives the rider lots of low-end torque and long shifts, it’s clear the highball was meant to be ridden.The one thing I did still notice however was the way the tranny engaged into any gear. Finding the neutral was never an issue, but there is a seriously loud and disturbing clunk every time the rider shifts a gear. There was never any doubt that the gear was engaged, but this clunky sound has been with Victory for some time. It is really something the engineering teams

should have a look at. And if for some reason the manufacturer intended it to be this way, I’d love to understand the rationale for the sound. Having said that, the clunky tranny was really my only pet peeve, mosty because it hasn’t changed in the past six years or so.

From a riders point of view, gauges are easly read from the single mounted guage just forward of the trees, it includes all the idiot lights they could fit and still ensure the rider can easily see their speed without moving their eyes too far off the road. Stopping was another impressive part of this bike. I expected the usual sluggishs cruiser brakes, especially when during a first walkaround, you’d notice the single disc brake up front and rear disc combo. But stop right there! this combo will take you from whatever you are cruising at to zero in a mighty hurry. I

actually had to get off the bike to double check that it was a single disc and not a dual setup. All in all, the performance of this bike is exceptional, great acceleration and stopping with comfort thrown in to boot.

One of the other features I really liked about this bike is the wheel and tire combo. With 16 inch wire wheels and retro ultra cool fat white walls on the wide 130 series front tire and 150 series rear, I didn’t notice the bike wander on the road when confronted with tarred seams or road cracks. For me personally, I see this bike as a midlevel upgrade for anyone who has been riding anything in the 650 cc to 1,000 cc cruiser range. The styling will always be “in style” and the performance will be hard to beat by anything short of a sporty. I’ll give the Highball two thumbs up all day long.

1,057

Costof $ Insurance

/year*

* DISCLAIMER: Please note that this insurance quote should only be used as a guideline and is based on a 35-40 year old male rider, with full M license for minimum two years. Quoted Insurance rate is also based on maximum annual range of 8,000 kms with $1 million liability coverage and a $500 deductible. This quote does not include any discounts for multi-line coverage or any other possible available discounts. Riders considering purchasing any motorcycle should contact their insurance agent and acquire an exact quote based on their motorcycle of choice, circumstances, location of residence, driving history and other rate determining factors before purchasing. The Motorcycle Times will not be held responsible or liable for insurance quotes that differ from the above example.

11 – The Motorcycle Times, June 2012

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*Licence, insurance and Tax are all extra. Dealer order/trade may be necessary. Vehicles and accessories are for il ustration purposes only. Offers subject to change without notice. See us for full details. Motorcycle Sale price includes freight, PDE, ECRF, Licence Administration and OMVIC fee. Freight & PDE ($510/$1,100), ECRF ($24.86/$24.86), Licence Administration ($299/$299) and OMVIC fee ($5/$5) are all extra on the ATVs (Sportsman 500HO/Ranger 800XP). Warning: The Polaris RANGER and RANGER RZR are not intended for on-road use. Driver must be at least 16 years old with a valid driver’s license to operate. Passengers must be at least 12 years old and tall enough to grasp the hand holds and plant feet firmly on the floor. For your safety, drivers and passengers should always wear helmets, eye protection, protective clothing, and seat belts and be sure to take a safety training course. Always use cab nets. Be particularly careful on difficult terrain. Never drive on public roads or paved surfaces. Never engage in stunt driving, and avoid excessive speeds and sharp turns. Riding and alcohol/drugs don’t mix. Check local laws before riding on trails. ATVs can be hazardous to operate.

Polaris adult models are for riders 16 and older. You may also contact us or call Polaris at (800) 342-3764. ©2012 Polaris Industries Inc. Victory and Victory motorcycles are registered trademarks of Polaris Industries Inc. Always wear a helmet, Eye Protection, protective clothing and obey the speed limit. Never ride under the influence of drugs or **License, insurance tax are all extra. Dealer order/trade may be necessary. Vehicle(s) and accessories shown are for il ustration purposes only. Offers subject to change without notice, see us for full details. Sale price includes freight, PDE, ECRF, License Administration and OMVIC Fee on all motorcycles alcohol. Copyright Polaris Industries Inc.

430 Hensall Circle Mississauga 905-896-1600 Toll Free: 1-855-896-0430

and ATV. PDE & Freight are as follows on: DF2.5S $50/DF15ES $50.

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Down payment or equivalent trade-in on purchase financing offers may be required based on approved credit from Honda Financial Services Inc. Offers cannot be combined with any other offers, programs or discounts and are good between May 1, 2012-May 31, 2012. 1.9%/3.9% Conventional Purchase financing on all New 2012 CBR250/GL1800 Motorcycles in stock for 24/60 month term. Down payment may be required. Financing Example: $6,000/33,768.22 @ 1.9%/3.9% per annum for 2/5 years equals $254.98/$549.00 per month C.O.B. is $119.52/$3,454.01. Sale Price on the New Motorcycles includes freight and P.D.E., ECRF, License Administration Fee and OMVIC Fee. Freight and PDE are as follows on the other products: (HRS2164PDC $50/WB20XK2C $75/EU2000KC2 $75/2DKOSCHC $50/9.9DKOSHC $50/Holiday1628 $0). Pricing of the following include a limited time rebate: CBR125RB $450/VT750CAAA $2,700/VT1300SAA $2,250. $3,199 Used Motorcycle is a 1996 Honda CBR600 Smoking Joe, Purple with 65,000km, being offered AS IS Uncertified and may require additional repairs at the purchasers expense before it can be licensed to ride on the highways.

June 2012, The Motorcycle Times – 12

shop talk BRENT WAKEFORD Contributing Writer, TMT

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).

For more information: 905-845-9430, ext. 2690 (Oakville/Mississauga) 905-681-4611, ext. 2690 (Burlington/Hamilton) 905-459-7533, ext. 5190 (Brampton/Mississauga)

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Fluids and Lube

One of the many important features of your motorcycle is flowing through it’s veins. Don’t overlook your motorcycle’s life blood and not just inside the crankcase.

Many riders change their oil at the manufacturer’s recommended intervals and this is a good practice but what about the tranny and primary? Many bikes on the market today, have the transmission and primary separate from the crankcase and they are not changed often enough, leading to breakdown of components.

Check your specs and change as recommended to avoid those costly repair bills.

Fluids will breakdown and lose viscosity and friction reduction qualities as well as picking up metal particles and clutch dust that will flow around your moving parts. A good rule of thumb is to also change the oil filter when you change the oil as these many particles can be missed by the filter.

For me personally, I use a trick little billet oil filter that also doubles as a cooler. You twist this puppy off at regular intervals, use carb or brake cleaner to spray the wire mesh filter element clean, check the earth magnet inside for metal fillings and wind it back into place. There you have it. Never buy another oil filter again! I love this unit, not only for the cooling aspect or the simplicity but because I can wind it off and clean it every 2500 kms, adding to my mileage between oil changes. This filter paid for itself in six oil changes. It comes in natural billet, polished or black and you can take it with you to your next new bike, depending on make and model.

I also use full synthetic oil in my crankcase and tranny and semi in the primary, which adds some extra km’s to my changes. The controversy over mineral vs. synthetic oil has raged on for years. I personally use synthetic for it’s lubricating principles as the oil clings better between my steel on steel parts inside the engine and tranny thus eliminating dry friction on cold starts. It’s also worth the few pennies more to change out fluid plug o-rings or gaskets if equipped as there is nothing worse than blowing oil all over your bike or tires while roaring down the road.

Whether you ride Metric, American, European or Custom, there could be many

other fluids that need to be checked, replaced, monitored and topped up as needed. Everything from rear-end gear oil, chain, hydraulic fluid/brake fluid and suspension fluids. All the specs can be found in your manual for the proper grade, quantity and recommended change intervals. Another good practice is to give the bike a once over and lube and grease where needed. Some bikes have grease nipples on the swing-arm, neck, brake and shifter shaft and they should be checked and greased a few times a season or as needed. Your throttle cable(s) and cable clutch should be lubed to keep from sticking and prolong the life. Wheel bearings are also often overlooked and without the proper amount of grease in there, they will overheat, wear out and seize. A good practice is to check them if you hear a squeal or when replacing a tire. Avoid spraying high pressure water in the area of the axle hub when washing the bike at a do-it-yourself wash or if using a power washer to clean your bike. You can actually blow the grease right out of the bearing with a direct high pressure spray.

If you experience a leak from any component of your bike, it can sometimes be a real chore locating where it originated. A slight leak while riding can actually appear to come from a section of the engine nowhere near where it started. Firstly, clean the entire area with brake clean or soap and water and dry thoroughly before trying to locate it. Second, check all torques on the bolts of components underneath your bike or from the area that looked the most saturated before cleaning. It could be as simple as a drain plug seal, gasket or o-ring or loose bolt. If everything is tight, fire up the bike under idle in a well ventilate area, preferably outside and start watching for a leak. Once seals are under pressure, your leak may appear, if not, shut it down and check again.

If you have questions, comments, concerns or feedback or maybe you just want to sound off. Drop me a line at: shoptalk@ themotorcycletimes.ca and I’ll do my best to address it in a future column.

“It’s not about the destination, but the journey riding there”

What

are you waiting for?

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Sign up for your own subscription today!

See page 4 for details or go online and do it... www.themotorcycletimes.ca

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Barrie Honda Powerhouse 74 Mapleview Dr., W., Barrie 705-797-2006 or 1-800-267-4449 www.barriehonda.com

Sturgess Cycle 615 King Street West, Hamilton 905-522-0503 or 1-888-421-3333 www.sturgessonline.com

RL Equipment 10402 Highway 17, Verner 705-594-2373 www.rlequipment.com

Team Honda Powerhouse 170 Steeles Ave., E., Milton 905-864-8588 or 1-877-864-8588 www.teamhonda.ca

KW Honda 465 Conestogo Road , Waterloo 519-746-7900 www.kwhonda.com

HUDSON MOTORCYCLES 3900 Richardson Sdrd, Tilbury 519-682-2430 or 800-465-1895 www.hudsonmotorcycles.com

*Limited time “Deposit Match Offer” of $250.00 (maximum) available when customers place a deposit of $250.00 or more on any new (not previously registered) 2011/2012 CBR250R/CBR250RA ("Eligible Products"). The value of the deposit match is deducted from the manufacturer's suggested retail price before taxes and can be combined with finance offers.

Customer must take delivery and unit must be registered by June 30, 2012. !$3,000.00 Total Retail Rebate available for 2010 Honda Shadow RS Model VT750RSA. #$1,500 Total Retail Rebate available for 2011 Honda Model RF450XB. †Free Warn® Winch Offer available and valid only on select 2011/2012 Honda ATVs for a limited time only, while supplies last (Warn® is a registered trademark of Warn Industries, Inc.). Warn Winch will be delivered installed by your Honda Dealer when you take delivery of your ATV (while supplies last). ^2011 2011 Honda Model CRF50FB starting from $1,799.00. See Your Honda Dealer for additional information on pricing for all Honda Models shown in this ‘Get On A Honda Spring Sales Event’ flyer. **Limited time purchase financing offer available to qualified retail customers on approved credit (O.A.C.) on 2011/2012 CBR250R/CBR250RA. Example: Selling Price for the 2011/2012 CBR250R is $4,499 financed at 1.9% APR equals $191.19 per month for 24 months. Down payment or equivalent trade may be required. Cost of borrowing is $89.56 for a total obligation of $4588.56 (including down payment). Total obligation does not include freight, PDE, license, insurance, registration, or applicable taxes. Other finance rates and/or terms are available; see your Honda Dealer for details. ††No payments for 90 days offer applies to purchase finance offers on all 2011 CBR250R/CBR250RA models purchased and delivered by June 30, 2012. Offer available only through Honda Financial Services, on approved credit (O.A.C.). Monthly payments are deferred for 90 days. Contracts will be extended accordingly. Interest charges will begin accruing 60 days from the contract date and the purchaser will repay principal and interest monthly over the term of the contract, but not until 90 days after the contract date. All prices shown do not include freight, PDE, license, insurance, registration, or applicable taxes. Dealer may sell for less. Offer subject to change or extension without notice. Dealer order or trade may be necessary. See Your Honda Dealer for full details. Errors and omissions excepted. Prices and/ or specifications subject to change without notice. Honda Canada reserves the right to change, extend or limit this offer at any time. Models and colours may not be exactly as shown. 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. All ‘Get On A Honda Spring Sales Event’ ("Offers") are valid from April 1, 2012 to June 30, 2012. All "Offers" apply to new (not previously registered) Honda Motorcycles and ATVs. All "Offers" are subject to change or cancellation without notice. All "Offers" valid at participating Honda Motorcycle or Honda Powerhouse dealers in Ontario.

June 2012, The Motorcycle Times – 14

T

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Wellsboro, P .A. A Short Ride to Another World

by BLAKE MERRITT Contributing Writer - TMT Life is often just far too hectic. Working to pay the bills, getting the kids off to hockey or soccer, maintaining the house and yard work...it feels like a never ending cycle.

Like many of you, detailing my bike is one way to leave the hectic pace behind. Only too often I’ve gotten into washing and waxing the bike, shining the chrome, or cleaning the wheels and in the blink of an eye a couple hours have blown by. God forbid the bike has a full tank after the cleaning ritual is all done. Clean wheels and a full tank of gas... if ever there was a “call of the road”, that would be it. Put the helmet on, jump in the saddle, hit the road, grime up the bike, and start the ritual all over again. When I was a kid my father always said that if I didn’t come home dirty, well then I didn’t have fun did I? Same principle applies for the bike, if you didn’t get it dirty, you didn’t ride it long or hard enough. My last point on this....isn’t it funny how mowing the lawn once a week is a chore, but having to wash the bike after a good long ride on the road is a privilege?

Road trips don’t have to be long or complicated. Sure, long trips are great for getting distance between you and your home base and experiencing an endless number of different routes and new cities. Short trips are good too. Getting out on the roads in your own “back yard” gives you a few hours to escape the hassles of everyday life. But don’t discount the two day road trip. Two days on the road with a night away is often just what the doctor ordered to give you the quick recharge after a long week of whatever keeps

you busy at home.

A couple years ago I had a later summer weekend to myself. The chores were all caught up, my wife and kids had taken her mother up to visit family for a bit of an extended long weekend, and (here’s the zinger) the bike was all shined up and full of gas. Saturday and Sunday never seemed so full of opportunity. Mountain riding is always a favourite destination for me, full of impressive sights and interesting places to visit, so I packed the saddle bags and headed south toward the Alleghenies in Pennsylvania.

Here I was again, starting out on another road trip with no real destination in mind.

I’ve said it before, and I’ll say again...it’s liberating, try it!

The roads in and around the Allegany State Park in New York, and the Allegheny Forest just across the border in Pennsylvania have been good to me on past road trips (see the St. Marys article in the November 2011 edition of the Motorcycle Times) so I quickly jumped over the border to the US and cut off the I90 in New York, heading south toward Bradford, PA . From there I figured I would just make it up as I went along. On the road again! (Sing it with me Willy!)

Shortly after crossing into PA, I realized that I’d pretty much done the routes further south, but I’d never explored much of the Northern border between New York and PA. After a quick turn east on PA Route 6, I was heading off further into the mountains.

What a ride! Winding curves, well maintained (and often new) pavement, and a mix of wide open spaces cut off by thick forest growth. Along that route you can go miles and not see a single car or house, and it really

feels as though you’ve gone back in time before the interstate system was even thought of. After a couple hours (and one stop at a local bike shop in Gaines PA to nose around), I pulled into a small town that fit within the image of being cast back in the time tunnel.

Wellsboro PA is a small town wedged into a 5 square mile area in the mountains with a population just above 3000. It’s a juxtaposition of old town USA meets modern day amenities. Travelling down Main Street (complete with grass median in the middle of the road) tells the tale on its own.

A new Rite Aid drug store and big parking lot nestled among the old town charm of the early 1900’s downtown core. Small shops with sidewalk sales, displays in all the windows, sidewalks full of families and students from the local universities in town for the weekend. Even the signs hung in front of the storefronts really lead you to believe you’ve gone back in time....Country Owl Florist, Dunham’s Department Store, Garrisons Men’s Shop, Main Street Antiques, and Pine Creek Pottery.

For such a small town, I was surprised to find that there were about five hotels/motels in the immediate area, but I also found out the hard way that they fill quickly on the weekend. These hotels weren’t filling up with the preplanning/reservations crowd either. Wellsboro has become a popular spot for people to settle into for the weekend to do exactly what I was doing...running away from home for a night. What was also indicative is that there was equally as many bikes in the parking lot as there were cars. Apparently I wasn’t the only one that found mountain riding and small town USA

to be appealing.

After a couple stops to find a room for the night, I started to wonder if I was going to have to call it a night in my sleeping bag outside on a park bench. I managed to find a vacancy in a 1920’s era hotel right on Main street... the Penn Wells Hotel. I would hazard a guess that the lobby and common areas in the hotel really haven’t changed much since it was built. In fact, much of the character still exists from days when it was likely the crown jewel in the city. The rooms are a mix of updated modern day decor (new beds / tvs) and old style fixtures (old porcelain sinks), but were fully functional and provided a comfortable night’s sleep without a huge dent in your wallet. Perfect when you’re just looking for a place to put your head down for the night.

The surrounding downtown area is full of other reminders of small town life. The Arcadia Theatre just next to the hotel is the only local movie house, offering the latest Hollywood blockbusters in a 1950’s era theatre. Red velvet curtains and seats, a slightly smaller screen by today’s standards hung above a wooden stage that no doubt doubled I’m sure as the local acting guilds home base for Shakespeare plays. No Dolby sound system, just regular speakers, but real popcorn!

Small bistros, family restaurants and local taverns are mixed among the businesses along the downtown streets. I stopped for a home cooked, stick to your ribs meal at the small one-room steak house (as I recall it was the Gaslight Bar and Grill) across the street from the hotel and was surprised at how little it cost. After that, I made my way between a

15 – The Motorcycle Times, June 2012

few taverns talking to other riders that had come in from areas in New York, southern PA, and Ohio. Every other rider I met went on in detail about the ride in, shared stories about what not to miss, and talked about our planned routes for the trip home. Many were repeat visitors in fact, and all were just unwinding for the weekend.

An open window and all that fresh mountain air made for a great rest that night. I got up feeling like a million bucks the next day and made my way down Main Street a few blocks to squeeze my way into the Wellsboro Diner for Sunday breakfast. This is a real gem from the past. An actual old style diner, long and skinny, with tables on one side and a full service counter on the other. Sunday morning the place was packed! As one could expect, the waitress made sure I had my caffeine intake for the next week with that old heavy coffee mug kept filled to the brim every time she walked by. After waddling back with stomach full of pancakes and eggs, I settled up with the hotel and hit the road again.

I set out under blue sunny skies without a cloud in sight...a good omen, no? One of the riders I met told me I would be missing out if I didn’t check out the Leonard Harrison State Park just west of town on Route 660. It was simple enough to find, I just followed the signs. Once I parked the bike and walked to the visitor centre, I could see what all the hype was about. What a view!

The area is commonly referred to as the Grand Canyon of Pennsylvania which really gives you an idea of the magnitude of what I was looking at. The official name is the Pine Creek Gorge and it’s mammoth, but tree lined. You can see for miles in either direction and there’s nothing man made in your site to ruin the view. The park offers a few hiking trails in the area to explore the area...all the better to work the big breakfast off from the diner!

I decided to cut back into New York a bit further east than I entered and ended up passing by Letchworth State Park just outside of Mt. Morris New York. This is another stop worth making if you have the time, great for stretching the legs and back after the ride out from PA. If you do find yourself at the park, there are two things to check out there...the falls and the span of railroad that crosses the gorge.

Shortly after that, my luck with the weather ran out, and the rain came...in buckets! I suited up and forged on home. I think the border guard took pity on me in the middle of what was essentially a monsoon, he didn’t even bother to ask what I had to declare (then again, what’s the most I could be smuggling in on a bike, really?).

So here I was, back to where I started on Saturday morning; a bike covered in grime, but a grin on my face. I parked the bike in the garage and there it sat until the next weekend when the ritual started all over again (once the lawn was cut, the kids taken to where they were going, and the bills were paid of course).

My advice to you? Clean the bike, fill the tank, and hit the road. What are you waiting for? Just Go!

THE 2012 GsX-R

PERFORMaNcE

FROM ROaD LiNE TO RED LiNE

GSX-R600

GSX-R750

GSX-R1000

Professional rider shown riding under controlled conditions. Specifications, product features and colours are subject to change without notice. PDI, Freight and administration fees apply. PDI charges from $220 to $528 and freight charges from $170 to $221 are extra dependent on model. 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

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Visit A Local Authorized Suzuki Dealer Ready Suzuki 430 Hensall Circle, Mississauga 905-896-1600 or 855-896-0430 www.readysuzuki.com

Snow city cycle & marine 1255 Kennedy Road, Scarborough 416-752-1560 or 877-766-9248 www.snowcity.com

Suzuki Of Newmarket 80 Harry Walker Pkwy, Newmarket 905-898-1081 or 888-376-7779 www.suzukiofnewmarket.com

Sturgess Cycle 615 King Street West, Hamilton 905-522-0503 or 888-421-3333 www.sturgessonline.com

Belleville Sport & Lawn Centre 128 Church Street, Belleville 613-968-4559 or 877-968-4559 www.bellevillesportandlawn.com

BRAMPTON POWERSPORTS 105 Van Kirk Drive, Brampton 1-888-224-6593 www.bramptonpowersports.com

June 2012, The Motorcycle Times – 16

FinishLines Jeffrey Herlings Crowned Dutch Champion After Another Double Victory

AMA SERIES

Red Bull KTM factory rider Jeffrey Herlings continued his domination of his Dutch national championship on Monday at races held at the Axel circuit and came away with the title after two more superb victories.

The talented young Dutch teenager who currently leads the MX2 World Championship easily won both MX2 motos, even lapping all the riders up to sixth place in the opening race, which he finished with an advantage of over two minutes.

Jeffrey’s ride on the Dutch sand track was all the more remarkable because half way through the second moto he broke his gear shift and had to finish - and win the race while riding only in fourth gear.

His performance quickly dispelled any lingering memories of the mud soaked last round of the world championship in the GP of Brazil, a rare occasion when Jeffrey and the other KTM factory riders did not dominate the podium places.

Josh Hayes Reclaims Superbike Points Lead TOOELE, Utah (May 28, 2012) - Twotime champion Josh Hayes reclaimed the 2012 AMA Pro National Guard SuperBike points lead he surrendered with his Infineon Raceway crash thanks to a decisive, perfect-points performance in the BigM Weekend presented by Lucas Oil at Miller Motorsport Park.

The Monster Energy Graves Yamaha ace raced into the lead from pole position and was never challenged, opening up almost a half-second gap by the conclusion of the opening lap and only building his advantage from there.

Hayes registered an inch-perfect ride at the front aboard his #1 YZF-R1, working his gap up to an eventual 7.774-second margin of victory.

After putting the finishing touches on his fourth victory of the season, Hayes said, “What an awesome day. The bike was good, things have been pretty smooth for the weekend, we didn’t really make too many changes, and we just worked on getting good clean laps. All in all, it was a pretty smooth run.

“We couldn’t have asked for much more today. It was a beautiful day for racing. It was a perfect Memorial Day. Having the National Guard as the primary sponsor of our series, it was fantastic that on Memorial Day we would be able to put on a good show for them,” continued the two-time AMA Pro National Guard SuperBike champion. “Thanks to all the servicemen and women out there who support us and hopefully they were entertained by the show under the umbrella they provide for us.”

The Champ’s efforts were aided along by the determined efforts of teammate Josh Herrin and National Guard Jordan Suzuki’s Roger Hayden, who did well to harry title contender Blake Young -- who had crashed in the morning warm-up -- during the crucial opening laps.

Herrin and Hayden both took their shots at Young, trading positions 2-4, while Hayes took full advantage of their dogfight to make

his escape.

Hayden was not able to maintain the assault for long, however, crashing from a close fourth on lap 4 of 16. That left only National Guard SuperBike freshman Herrin to challenge Young for the runner-up spot.

Herrin applied intense pressure on the rear wheel of Young’s #79 Yoshimura Suzuki over the bulk of the contest before making finally making his move in the race’s dramatic final lap.

The Yamaha upstart attacked to take away second position but Young immediately counterpunched with a hard move back into the spot in the very next corner.

Herrin quickly regrouped and registered a decisive maneuver for which the Suzuki championship hopeful had no answer, earning Yamaha a 1-2 on the day.

Herrin said, “It was an awesome race other than the fact that Josh was on the same bike and beat me by eight seconds -- probably more; I probably went about half his pace at the end. But it was pretty cool to be riding with Blake. It was a lot of fun. I didn’t quite have the pace to dice with him the whole race. I was just trying to learn where he was stronger and where I was stronger. I was able to get up close to him a few times and see that his tire was getting pretty worn out.

“I got lucky with that pass on the outside.

It was pretty sketchy because it was dusty out on the edge of the track but luckily it stuck. I was able to hold him off the rest of the lap. Hopefully we can be a contender for a win later on in the season but for now I’m ecstatic getting second.”

After finishing third Young said, “I really enjoy this track, but I don’t know what it is -- I’ve just been in this little funk. I need to pull through it and apologize to my team. For some reason I’m just a little bit off the beat right now and I don’t know if I can point a finger at something. I think I need to reevaluate and get focused. I don’t have too much time before we’ll be home at Elkhart Lake, Wisconsin but maybe that’s what I need -- to

AMA PRO V&H XR1200 SERIES

Tyler O’Hara claimes a rare runaway victory Bartel’s Harley-Davidson’s Tyler O’Hara claimed a rare runaway victory in the AMA Pro Vance & Hines Series typically noted for its closely fought battles at the front. Just as he became the first rider to claim a second pole position in the class this season on Sunday, on Monday he became the first to score a second win with his convincing triumph.

While the season’s first races were decided by less than one second combined, O’Hara marched to a 4.260-second margin of victory over KLR Group/Vesrah’s Kyle Wyman.

“Ever since we unloaded the bike off the truck it’s been awesome,” O’Hara said.

“I rode here a few years ago on the Supermoto track and wanted to be out here. I’m just really comfortable on this track -- it’s

be home with my friends and family -- to get me motivated to be back up at the front and start racing with Josh [Hayes]. He’s done this quite a few races already this year. I need to be racing at the front.”

Team Amsoil/Hero EBR’s Geoff May tracked down Jordan Suzuki’s Ben Bostrom to claim fourth. At one point Bostrom looked to be another potential podium contender but eventually faded into the clutches of charging May. The Georgian actually made some headway on the fight for second over the race’s second half, taking the checkered flag less than two seconds behind the thrilling Herrin/Young scrap.

fast and flowing. I ran really hard tires and was comfortable out there sliding around.

“I put in a good charge at the beginning and just maintained the lead.”

Wyman, in turn, was well clear of thirdplace finisher Michael Barnes, who took the checkered flag more than 12 seconds behind his race-winning Bartel’s HarleyDavidson teammate.

O’Hara now leads the points race 83-77 over teammate Barnes.

NEXT UP...

The exciting AMA Pro Road Racing title fights will resume in mere days as the paddock immediately picks up and heads to the scenic Road America circuit in Elkhart Lake, WI for Round 5 this weekend, June 1-3.

The second EBR 1190RS of Team Hero’s Danny Eslick finished sixth, well clear of seventh-placed Larry Pegram on the Foremost Insurance/Pegram Racing BMW S1000RR. Second Yoshimura Racing entry Chris Clark picked up eighth while Kneedraggers.com/Motul/Fly’s David Anthony just edged KTM/HMC Racing’s Chris Fillmore for ninth.

Hayes’ weekend dominance, combined with teammate Herrin’s help, saw the Mississippian transform his four-point championship deficit into a seven-point advantage (194-187) as the series prepares to travel to Young’s home track, Road America, in just days.

17 – The Motorcycle Times, June 2012

CSBK Announces Spec Fuel for Nationals Rescheduled: Honda CBR250 Licence Day at Mosport

Friday, May 25, 2012 IMPORTANT SCHEDULE AMENDMENT: The Honda School slated for Mosport Rider Development on Monday, May 28 HAS BEEN POSTPONED to Monday, June 11 (two weeks DELAY) We are most sorry for the last minute change!

NOTE: St. Eustache Honda School is still on for Friday, June 1

Miguel Duhamel to be the Guest Instructor on June 1st CBR250R Licencing Day Honda announces Miguel Duhamel as guest instructor to be at the upcoming CBR250R race series licensing school June 1, 2012 Autodrome St. Eustache, QC TORONTO (May 21, 2012) – Honda Canada welcomes Miguel Duhamel, one of the most accomplished riders in motorcycle racing history as a guest instructor for the upcoming CBR250R race series licensing day, June 1st, 2012 at the Autodrome St. Eustache, St. Eustache, Quebec.

Miguel was born in LaSalle, Quebec on May 28, 1968 and is the son of the legendary racer Yvon Duhamel. Miguel grew up watching his father at the track and rode his first motorcycle at the age of 3. He started his professional racing career in 1988 and was a team Honda factory rider in 1991 as well as from 1995-2008. During this period his list of accomplishments while riding for Honda include a record 5 time winner of Daytona 200 and 5 time AMA Supersport 600cc National Champion. Miguel is also the last Canadian racer to ride full time in the Grand Prix World Championship premier class (1992). This will be Miguel’s first visit back riding on a Canadian track since 1990 when he rode and won the National Superbike Series race held at Shannonville Motorsports Park.

Visit your local Authorized Kawasaki Dealer for more information

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Cycle One 127 Ingersoll Road, Woodstock 519-421-3333 www.cycleone.ca

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TONY’S CYCLE 1768 Bath Road Kingston 613-389-3552 www.tonyscycle.com

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ROCKLAND WHEELS 2836 Chamberland St. Rockland 613-446-1188 www.rocklandwheels.net

June 2012, The Motorcycle Times – 18

road grit LINDSAY THOMSON Contributing Writer, TMT

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One of the biggest issues in motorcycle roadracing is the financial toll it takes on ones bank account. Throughout the years there have been this low cost way and that low cost plan, but the bottom line is; well, the bottom line. Racing costs cash.

Oh sure. It starts out with a few track days on the sporty street bike, tape burning onto the still connected headlight lens, holding your breath while you try desperately to get that first scuff on otherwise pristine knee sliders. Then a racing school or two, just to boost those skills for the track days. Finally, it becomes a bit of an obsession and the street bike becomes a race bike. Now here’s the part that makes real racers cringe. Let’s get a total running: Let’s say you’ve done say five track days.

At $125 for a day on average, that’s $625 dollars. You already have the gear but it too factors in to the cost, so even for a good used one piece leather racing suit with armour etc, used about $500. A brand new helmet (don’t even pretend to imagine getting a used one of these), current standard: $300-$500. A pair of used racing boots for $50 to $150, a new back protector at $125 and new gloves at $100, and in safety gear alone, you’re at around $1750. To race in most parts of North America, a license is required: $100. To get a race license, you must have taken a certified race school average price $500.

So here’s the scary part: without a bike, trailer or tow vehicle, your out of pocket expenses are in the neighbourhood of $2500.

We can go on about this and talk about the costs of race fuel, tires, race bikes, presents for the pit groupies and other necessities, but if someone wants to race badly enough, they will find a way. I’ve said before that a hard-core racer would likely starve his or her family, rather than miss a race, and some days, it’s not much of an exaggeration. It does cause stress.

All this muttering brings me to my point.

As I’ve written here before, I jumped back into racing after a hiatus of a few years to help my partner Eva begin racing. We formed the Cheatn’ S.O.B. endurance team as a great way of getting lots of track time at low and shared cost. Last season, our first, we finished the series of 6 3-hour races in 3rd place, riding a depressingly stock mid ‘80s Kawasaki EX500. We got there by being consistent, determined and quite lucky. Not bad on a bike that cost us around $500 before race prep. The problem is that now with a year and a couple

The Initiated of trophies, we want more, so the dance begins.

The EX500 is sold and we found an incredible deal on a 600cc Honda race bike.

Awesome, but compression is a bit low in two cylinders. Okay, our budget will allow a top end rebuild if I buy the parts and build the engine myself, but I’m just too busy to do the work, so we stretch a bit and find the $1500 that it should cost a shop to do the work, freeing me up to set up the suspension, paint the bodywork and perform the bits and pieces on the chassis and controls that the bike needs to make it ours. A call from the shop says the bike is more difficult to work on than expected, add another almost $1500 to the rebuild.

Please stop the bus, I’ll get off here. But the engine is already apart, so we proceed. In the meantime, after a scary incident on the track, the sanctioning body mandates additional safety equipment for the bike, add another $90.

When we go to the track, we load up our 2002 Dakota truck and tow our 1988 tent trailer, so this year we begin looking for a diesel truck or a toy hauler trailer the Dakota can pull. We’ve been hoping to do this for the last couple of years, but with the costs of the bike repairs, we’re back in the tent trailer for at least another year. I was really just hoping for a toilet.

The day finally comes and we load up and head to the track, this time it’s the Grand Bend Motorplex, five hours from home. Gas to get there runs about $100 one way, gas for the bike with additional octane booster works out to about $250 for the weekend including practice. This is why racers never add up what they spend.

No sane person could justify the financial cost. Add to this whole story the fact that we quickly discovered that our engine is using an entire crank case of oil in twelve laps and can’t be raced this round and you will really begin to question the reasoning in a racer’s mind.

Here’s how it works for me: A motorcycle roadrace at its best, is like a fine and beautiful ballet…in the middle of a hockey game.

It is graceful, smooth and violent, and it tests its participants to their limits, physically, mentally and emotionally. It pushes the laws of physics and strength, and its attraction is to the racer is what heroine to the addict, love to the lonely and fire to the devil. The fact that one would give all to race is not a surprise to the initiated. And to the outsider, it cannot be explained.

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19 – The Motorcycle Times, June 2012

s ime cle T y c r o Mot The

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If you think you have what it takes to be a part of our team, send in a sample story to: editor@themotorcycletimes.ca Ya never know, maybe there’s a hidden Woodward or Bernstien in you somewhere.

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*Motorcycle license required for open-road test. Without a motorcycle license, you will ride the Can-Am roadster on a closed course. ©2012 Bombardier Recreational Products Inc. (BRP). All rights reserved. ®, ™ and the BRP logo are trademarks of BRP or its affiliates. Offer valid in Canada only from March 5 to July 4, 2012.

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*Motorcycle license required for open-road test. Without a motorcycle license, you will ride the Can-Am roadster on a closed course. ©2012 Bombardier Recreational Products Inc. (BRP). All rights reserved. ®, ™ and the BRP logo are trademarks of BRP or its affiliates. Offer valid in Canada only from March 5 to July 4, 2012.

See the “TRY A ROADSTER” section on www.can-am.brp.com for a list of available demo and/or rental options. †To be eligible for the $500 in Can-Am riding gear and accessories, you must participate in the test ride event and receive a coupon. The promotion is subject to termination or change at any time without notice. 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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June 2012, The Motorcycle Times – 20

PRODUCT REVIEW

Welcome to the New World New World Panel Units - the Last Shed You’ll Ever Have to Buy

by BRENT WAKEFORD Contributing Writer, TMT Every so often a product comes along that you have to wonder, why did it take so long for someone to come out with this? I’m talking about New World Panel; a company that constructs modular sheds, garages and even house shells, ready to assemble. The panels are ordered to spec, based on the size you require and just bolt together to create the made to order unit to suit your needs.

Whether you want to assemble yourself or get them in to do it for you, this is a no muss, no fuss system.

I’ve known more then enough riders over the years that were forced to pay storage fees or borrow garage space from friends to hibernate their bikes from the elements of winter. On countless occasions I have been called to assist in the construction of everything from wooden make shift sheds to those tin contraptions only to pull my hair out by the instruction manual that was written by an engineer, who never even constructed one before.

Finally, a product that’s cost effective, and easy to install. Have your dimensions ready, call them up and order the size you require.

Put it together yourself or sit back, relax and watch the pro’s do it for you.

Pat from Hamilton visited the New World Panel booth at the February Motorcycle Show in Hamilton and knew as soon as he saw the modular unit, this was what he wanted. He did the deal on the spot, got a window thrown in as a show special and before long, the build team arrived, in a snowstorm no less and got right to work.

Four hours later there it was, now that’s customer devotion and service.

Before long Pat was admiring an eye pleasing structure tucked away in a corner of his backyard that now housed his new custom Yamaha Trike. It didn’t take him long to start adding convenience features like coat hooks, shelving, a hydro line for power and security for peace of mind. Soon it will house his tools and other accessories as well. He wondered out loud, “where were these guys when I spent so much more money on those big box sheds, nowhere

near the quality and durability of the New World Panel modular unit I have now”.

Constructed with 26 gauge steel walls and floor filled with high-density polyurethane foam insulation with an ‘R factor’ better then some homes. The single main truss beam runs the length of the structure freeing up a considerable amount of ceiling space and with double doors there are no issues getting larger, wider objects in and out with ease.

They are mold resistant, water-resistant, low to no maintenance and are lightweight, at approx. 3lbs per sq. ft. Available in a wide array of colours and sizes, door configurations and various sized functioning screened windows, these units are cost efficient and cheaper than conventional structures. Whether you pour a concrete pad or just lay stone for your foundation base like Pat, this is an alternative to a full blown permanent structure, that can be easily disassembled and relocated.

A New World Panel construction team can put this shed together in no time, between joining the floor panels, securing the walls,

Subscribe to Win and learn to Ride like the Pros!

Sign up for Ontario Home Delivery of The Motorcycle Times and ‘Like Us” on facebook and you are automatically entered for a chance to win 1 of 4 spots to participate in an Advanced Professional Motorcycle Training Course on July 21st, 2012.

RULES: Contest closes Friday June 22/2012 . (4) Winners will be randomly selected from all new subscribers from February 2012 thru June 22/2012. Winners will be announced in the July issue of the Motorcycle Times. Course date/location: Saturday July 21, 2012 - St. Thomas, Ontario. No cash value, prize is non-transferrable. Must be an Ontario resident and have your own motorcycle, proper riding gear and M2 level license to qualify. You must sign a waiver to participate in the course. A full story will follow the event in the August issue of The Motorcycle Times.

assembling the roof and then caulking/sealing seams, to prevent moisture and drafts.

You end up with a nice airtight structure.

The possibilities are endless for this structure from business to personal use. A back yard work shop, a free standing paint booth, storage shed, a home for your motorcycle and so on. Pat’s shed has already drawn the attention of family, friends and neighbours for everything from bike sheds to a full sized hobby car garage.

So, if you are looking for an alternative to that rickety old tin thing, that pile of lumber/ shingles waiting to be built, or the canvas type unit flappin in the wind than this unit is worth a good look. A 7x9 unit with floor, walls, roof, 6ft wide double doors, a window, choice of colour, and fully insulated will run you approx. $1995.00 before taxes.

New World Panel, a family run company with knowledgeable staff who can assist you with the right solution for your needs.

Visit www.newworldpanel.com. The gallery doesn’t do the product justice but check out the tech and specs section and then give them a call with your dimensions. TMT

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21 – The Motorcycle Times, June 2012

RIDER’S MARKETPLACE

June 2012, The Motorcycle Times – 22

EVENTS Check our new online EVENTS section. Monthly Calendar format with Google Map support and it’s printable. www.themotorcycletimes.ca for the full list of events!

June 2nd 2012 Hero’s Highway Ride C.F.B. Trenton, Hwy. 2 near R.C.A.F. Road, follow the signs. Registration FREE - just sign a waiver. 8:3011:15a.m. Ride Departs 11:30. Register at www.heroshighwayride. com. The route leaves from C.F.B. Trenton to R.C.A.F. Road, north, pass the base before joining the Highway of Heroes to the our new rally location on the waterfront at Polson Pier. The Heroes Highway Ride is being honoured by Base Command from C.F.B. Trenton.

June 3, 2012 Bayfield’s “ Old Bike Day” 1 Main St, Bayfield, - Canadian Vintage Motorcycle Group, Sarnia. 3rd annual at the Clan Gregor Town Square from 10-4pm. No fee, no official judging, no vendors, it’s not a swap-meet. The Albion Hotel, “Best in Show” Award voted on by fellow registered participants.

Includes an overnight stay for 2 plus breakfast at the Albion. All make/models of Vintage & Classic bikes welcome. The 1960’s time period of the “Mods & Rockers, Scooters and “Ton-Up” Cafe Racers. Contact jbaljeu@ebtech.net, 519-336-8756.

June 9, 2012 Lansdowne Children’s Centre Brantford & District Civic Centre (69 Market St), Registration at 9am, Ride departs 11am, $30 per Rider/$15 per Passenger (FREE for both when you raise a min of $250 in pledges), Fully police escorted ride that follows over 70 kms of scenic routes through city and country settings. Enjoy breakfast and lunch (included in your registration fee) provided by our friends at Strodes BBQ & Deli.

Erin ehelmer@lansdownecc.com, 519-753-3153 x221or www.lansdownecentre.ca/ride.

June 10, 2012 Ride for Autism & Veterans Register 9:30-10:30am., Ride at 10:30am. Wing 404, 510 Dutton Dr, Waterloo. $20/Driver, $10/Passenger; raise $100 ride for free! Enjoy a scenic ride - road captained by

the Gulf-Kuwait Motorcycle Unit destined for Monkton, ON. Snacks, service dog demos and surprises!

A 50/50 draw, pictures with puppies and win great prizes. lindsay@ nsd.on.ca, 519-623-4188ext.10, www.nsd.on.ca June 15-17, 2012 Ride For Sight The Central Ontario Ride for Sight will be returning to Tudhope Park in Orillia next year. Raise a minimum of $75 and enjoy the celebrations of the weekend. Live concerts, demo rides, bike games, stunt shows, show n’ shine and of course the traditional motorcycle parade. Online fundraising opens on December 1st and the first 200 people to register and raise the minimum will receive a free Ride for Sight hat.

June 17, 2012 Yellow Ribbon Registration 10 to 11:30, Canadian Forces Base Borden Ontario. $20 per Rider $5 per passenger. Base Borden Motorcycle Club (BBMC) will once again be hosting their annual Yellow Ribbon Ride for Our Deployed Troops and Their Families Back Home.All proceeds from the ride go directly to the Yellow Ribbon Fund which supports families of deployed troops from the area, not just Base Borden. A 100 km ride ending at The Royal Canadian Legion in Lisle, for a BBQ. Contact Kev Parle, pr@bordenriders.ca www.bordenriders.ca June 23, 2012 Muskoka Ride for Diabetes 8am registration, 10am ride departs, return at 4pm, Dinner at 4pm. The Bracebridge Sportsplex 110 Clearbrook Trail. Biker $30, Biker & Steak Dinner $50, Passenger $10, Passenger & Steak Dinner $30, Dinner only $20. Enjoy a full day of motorcycle touring through the nostalgic towns of Muskoka! Event includes Lunch prepared at The Cottage Waterfront Grill in Huntsville. Meet back where it all began for Barbecued Steak Dinner! Daryl 705.801.5131, darylbeaumont@muskokacharityride.ca, David 705.788.8828, davidforbes@muskokacharityride. ca, Walter 705.394.8746, waltermurray@muskokacharityride.ca, www.muskokacharityride.ca.

June 23, 2012

GOT AN EVENT?

Send your event listing to: scott@themotorcycletimes.ca

Ride for Dog Guides 9am registration, 10am ride starts at Lions Foundation of Canada 152 Wilson Street, Oakville, ON L6J 5E8. $25 per rider or collect pledges and ride free. Scenic poker run from Oakville, through Guelph, St Jacob’s and ending in Breslau.

Heather Fowler, hfowler@dogguides.com, (519) 648-3307 ext 222 www.dogguides.com June 23, 2012 Ride for Progeria Registration 9am, Elmira. Contact Amanda Lynn Mayhew, amandalynnmayhew@sympatico.ca, 519.669.9812, www.fytnessfanatik.com June 23, 2012 - Brantford Crime Stoppers 2nd Annual Motorcycle Poker Run Registration & Lunch: 11-noon.

Latest Return & Dinner: 5pm, Ride departs: 12:30 pm. Brantford Visitor & Tourism Centre 399 Wayne Gretzky Parkway Brantford, (403exit 38). $30 per rider, $15 per passenger; Free registration with $200 or more in pledges. The poker run is a fundraiser in support of Crime Stoppers. Crime Stoppers is a non-profit charitable organization. Lunch, dinner and entertainment are included.

There will be three card stop locations in addition to the start/stop location (Tourism Centre). Top prize will be awarded for the best poker hand and door prizes will be drawn. Brant-Brantford Crime Stoppers cstoppers@bellnet.ca, 519-756-0113, EXT 2249, www. crimestoppers-brant.ca June 29 - July 1, 2012 New Liskeard Bikers Reunion Bikers Registration for 3 days is $15. Family Event for Bikers and Non Bikers which raises money for Cancer Care Program. Demo Rides, Thrill Shows, Music, Vendors, Fireworks and much more!

Visit www.bikersreunion.ca.

June 30,2012 Allied Memorial Remembrance Ride Register at the Legion on Taylor Creek Drive in Orleans at 7:30, ride starts at 9:30am. A ride to recognize the sacrifice of our commonwealth military who gave their lives in the service of their country.

Contact smokey@cvfr.ca or visit www.cvfr.ca

PRIVATE Motorcycle Instruction • Choose Your Lessons • One-on-One Instruction • Skills Refreshment • Slow Speed Riding • Emergency Skills • M2 Exit Skills Practice • Your location, your bike Note: Proper riding gear required, DOT helmet, leather gloves, boots and sturdy jacket. Gear Not supplied.

Call: 905-975-1890 for rates or to reserve your space.

Minimum M1 required to qualify.

Safety Scene CHRIS VAN TILBORG Contributing Writer, TMT

It’s a Two-fer!

A special treat... Two important topics covered in the time it usually takes to cover one. You’re welcome!

Size Does Matter See And Be Seen I’m sure you’ve all heard this at some point and its importance cannot be overstated. We are only a quarter way into the riding season and I can already no longer count on my hands the number of times I’ve almost been run off the road or worse. Complimentary to this though, I can recount several occasions where I was saved some heartache (bone ache, skin ache, wallet ache) cause the driver saw me in time to acknowledge my existence or at least saw me just in time to avoid catastrophe.

Let me paint my picture… I have a humble 13km ride to work every morning up through the streets of Oshawa just skirting the city’s core. No highway, just daily commuters, school yard traffic and morning shoppers approaching the mall complex. I wear a fairly loud white and blue full face helmet, bright red textile jacket and wear a mil-spec day-glow orange backpack with lots of reflective striping that looks like a vest when viewed from the front. I’m sitting on a blue medium sized naked sport bike that doesn’t particularly stand out… other than the constant flashing of my headlight during the day and oscillating brake lights whenever my brakes are applied thanks to some modulators a previous owner installed.

I am 100% confident that had I not had my modulated lights or obnoxiously loud backpack at times, I would not be here to write this article. On a weekly basis I have a driver pull up beside me at a light or stop sign and tell me “You’re headlight is flashing.”… “Good, it’s working!” I reply.

In addition to dressing and outfitting your ride to be seen by drivers, WHERE you ride plays a big role in being able to be seen and also in the options you are left with in the event that you aren’t. Avoid hanging out in people’s blind spots for more than the time it takes to get past them. If passing isn’t an option, fall back to a position where you can actually see their face in their mirrors. If you can’t see their eyes, they can’t see yours and it’s your EYES that you want them to see. Many drivers see motorcycles but their brain doesn’t register it as a vehicle that they should pay any attention to. Hence why we always hear the lame excuse “I didn’t even see you there!”. The human face however, particularly the eyes, is the most recognizable shape by any human around the world. Make yourself seen.

As a motorcycle safety instructor and someone with now 14yrs of street riding experience, the question I get asked most frequently by new riders is always along the lines of “What size motorcycle should I get?”.

I also get to hear all the outlandish suggestions some of these eager riders are given by friends, family and surprisingly even by motorcycle professionals.

I ask for all you new riders as well as any of you riders that even consider giving advice on this subject to please take note of what I’m about to say. Yes, it’s only my opinion but, it’s an educated one based on many years of experience and common sense.

First, you have to feel comfortable on the bike. Doesn’t matter what the cc’s are or the physical dimensions and weight, if you don’t feel comfortable in anyway with the mass or power, the bike is not for you.

Second, I try to avoid telling someone an ideal cc range for their first bike. Everyone has different intentions and aspirations for their first ride and not all bikes are created equal… think CBR600 versus 650 Shadow. Instead I prefer a general horsepower guideline. 50HP. I have found this to be a fairly good over under point that a new rider’s skillset and lack of instincts should be able to handle. It’s all about forgiveness. Much more than 50HP and that rear tire is more likely to spin up and spit you off the high-side the first time someone cuts you off and you mistakenly jam on your brakes while simultaneously grabbing a mitt-full of throttle and staring exactly where you do not want to go.

Finally, “But won’t I get bored after a couple months on a 250?”... Not if you’re doing it right! I’ve ridden something in just about every displacement range and there is a different kind of fun to be had in all of them. To truly get bored of a bike, that SHOULD mean that you’ve ridden the wheels off it... tested all its limits and the bike truly has become a part of you. Did you know that most first motorcycle accidents happen during your 2nd season?

Seems like a good reason to me to hang on to that first bike until there is nothing left to learn from it before moving up a step. Get bored, then figure out how to be not-bored. With any luck, Canadian provinces will begin to adopt the UK style graduated licensing where you are limited by displacement based on experience.

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Come visit us in Mid June to see all the latest and greatest Honda Motorcycles 670 Dundas Street West , Belleville 613-962-9513 or 877-269-4400 www.WestCityHonda.ca

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* Victory and Victory motorcycles are registered trademarks of Polaris Industries Inc. Always wear a Helmet, Eye Protection and wear protective clothing and obey the speed limit. Never ride under the influence of drugs or alcohol. Copyright 2012 Polaris Industries Inc. License, insurance, PPSA, and Tax are extra. Dealer order/trade may be necessary. Vehicle(s) and accessories are for illustration purposes only. Offers subject to change without notice. See us for full details. Sale Price includes freight and P.D.E., ECRF and OMVIC Fee.

* License, insurance, PPSA, and Tax are extra. Dealer order/trade may be necessary. Vehicle(s) and accessories are for illustration purposes only. Offers subject to change without notice. See us for full details. Sale Price includes freight and P.D.E., ECRF and OMVIC Fee.

* License, insurance, PPSA, and Tax are extra. Dealer order/trade may be necessary. Vehicle(s) and accessories are for illustration purposes only. Offers subject to change without notice. See us for full details. Sale Price includes freight and P.D.E., ECRF and OMVIC Fee.

23 – The Motorcycle Times, June 2012

YOUR NEW HONDA MOTORCYCLE DEALERSHIP

June 2012, The Motorcycle Times – 24