The Motorcycle Times - March 2012 Edition

Seventy- Two in 2012

TEST RIDE

H-D wants you to take a walk down memory lane, the XL1200V Seventy-Two See page 6 for details

SHOP TALK

Testing this beauty made the editor giggle with excitement Kawasaki Ninja ZX10R

With 30 years plus wrenching, Brent has a few tips and tricks. Email Brent with your questions, tips and tricks and he will answer them in a future column.

See page 10 for more

See page 12 for more

MOTORCYCLES POWER SAVINGS!

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SEE PAGE 13 FOR DETAILS! MARCH 2012

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Volume 4 Issue 2

Brain Storms...................................................................................4 Skid Marks ......................................................................................5 Motorcycle News ....................................................................6 Two Cents........................................................................................8 Road Test - Kawasaki Ninja ZX10R...........................10 Shop Talk........................................................................................12 Motorcycle News .............................................................. 14 Finish Lines ............................................................................... 16 Guest Columnist ...................................................................18 Profile ............................................................................................. 20 Riders Marketplace ........................................................... 21 Events ........................................................................................... 22 Safety Scene ............................................................................ 22

New Beginnings For 2012

Sounding Off in Oakville

by BRENT WAKEFORD Contributing Writer - TMT Be wery wery qwiet, Oakville’s huntin’ bikers! After little debate and minimum argument, Oakville has pushed through an

amendment to their noise by-law on December 19, 2011 and it’s going to cost riders with aftermarket exhaust, who live in, or frequent this quaint little town. You can still drive your tuner car there, your hot rod with thrush mufflers and even your tractor trailer with an en-

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gine brake, but don’t get caught with louder than stock pipes or you’ll be targeted.

I went into this story with a non-bias, open mind, but as I dug deeper and deeper into the bowels of this assignment, I started see page 3

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to develop a feeling that “riders only” are being profiled and if it can happen there, it can happen anywhere. Under the upgrade to their by-law, if you ride a 1, 2, 5 or 6 cylinder motorcycle that produces a decibel reading of 96dBA or greater at 2,000 rpm or 3 or 4 cylinder motorcycles in excess of 100 dBA at 5,000 rpm, you will be charged. The procedure will be to measure the sound output at 50 centimeters from the exhaust outlet with a sound level meter, built just for motorcycles. That said, the attending officer will require you to throttle up your engine to either 2,000 or 5,000 rpm to get an accurate reading or they can measure the sound level at idle and it cannot exceed 92dBA. An accurate reading done roadside with possible traffic flowing past, adding noise all around the inspection site.

An accurate reading measured by the officer at exactly 50cm from your exhaust pipe to the meter. If you are fined for this infraction, expect a first offence $400.00 ding to your wallet, but never fear, all charges can be challenged in a court of law. Even if you feel the reading wasn’t accurate due to noisy traffic around you, or possibly the officer only estimated the distance from the exhaust pipe to the meter or maybe even if you wanted to challenge if the meter was accurate and had been recently calibrated, it could still be a crap-shoot to win or lose. There are so many variables that have to be considered, like weather temperature, barometer, adjacent buildings where sounds can bounce off, or which exhaust pipe, if more than one do they measure from, the list goes on. Someone hasn’t thought this through and the tax payers will be on the hook for all the wasted court costs for challenged fines with no possible chance of conviction. Just look at Edmonton’s conviction rate since enacting the same by-law and see how many charges

have been thrown out.

Maybe you have gathered from my reporting that I don’t agree with this amendment. For me personally, I like loud pipes, I believe that “loud pipes do save lives” I have witnessed over time, the early morning roadside deer popping up their heads as I approach. I have seen the heads turn and eyes balls in the rear view mirrors of drivers as I approach with my straight pipes. Sure, there is a place and time for barking your pipes. Some of us love to hear the roar, love to make some noise or showboat our performance modifications from time to time in short bursts.

But, we are a select few and not the majority. I personally believe, if there are high problem areas in these quaint little towns, pop up some “quiet zone” area signage in the select areas and enforce all vehicles that don’t comply, don’t profile or target a certain individual or vehicle.

While up here on my high horse, let me continue by saying, it’s certain members of town councils that I feel, abuse their power rather than represent their constitutes, they listen to only a select few, don’t conduct proper research and don’t collect an accurate vote by all citizens involved. They just push through such amendments without giving all the tax-paying affected parties the opportunity to have a say in the decision making pro-

cess. Oakville’s councilors in Ward 2 started the ball rolling last summer, directing staff to develop a by-law intended on quieting down the choppers around town. Did that also include the race type bikes, the cruisers and the tour bikes with aftermarket exhaust or just the choppers? Was there talk of the tuner cars with their juice-can-sized exhaust or the subwoofer window rattling cars on their city streets? I think not! A meeting was held on October 27 to receive comments from the public, where apparently a large majority of those in attendance were clearly in full support of Council’s initiative. I never heard about the scheduled meeting, did you? The comments provided by attendees at the meeting, together with those from members of the public who wrote letters and sent e-mails, were incorporated into a final staff report. Are those statistics, comments and complaints available for public viewing? Telephone calls by this publication to ward councilors and the mayor’s office have yet to be returned. And, where do the traffic officers and their valued opinions come into play? Are they in favor of this added responsibility or would they rather be available to enforce practical laws like deterring people driving while texting and playing with their cell phones. These law breakers injure and kill people with their reckless behavior while we just annoy some with louder than stock pipes,

and their fine is considerably less. I know quite a few respected officers who ride and have aftermarket pipes and they are against this amendment. Of course, if you follow the mentality of just one OPP detachment officer; Greg Sweeney speaking at the Caledon public forum, before passing their new by-law, he stated, these loud bikes can just be eliminated by himself personally, “A quick and sudden lane change,” would have solved the problem of a loud motorcycle beside him in traffic. Really Officer Sweeney, are you endorsing road rage or possible vehicular manslaughter to rid our streets of loud motorcycles?

The motorcycle enthusiasts of the area are appalled at how the quaint little Town of Oakville can not only target a group of people who visit there, but also who live in the community. They work, support, spend their hard earned money and donate to charities through their hobby of motorcycling and support this town, and with what thanks? They are now profiled. John Cosentini of Motorcycle Enhancements in Oakville has had a huge support through a petition with more than eighty signatures coming in daily with 723 as of this writing. He and other Oakville business owners plan for a rally in the near future and he personally is currently researching this law in more depth as it isn’t sitting well with him. Visit John’s website at www. motorcycleenhancements.com and check out the petition and join the link to the Facebook page set up to support this cause. Don’t get me wrong here folks, I am not against laws, I am a law abiding citizen and believe there’s a need for certain laws in place to protect people, property and government but what I disagree with is, passing laws without looking at alternative solutions first, or giving everyone affected “a voice”!

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Noise Bylaw Gets Passed in Oakville

March 2012, The Motorcycle Times – 4

BRAIN STORM opinions

LINDSAY THOMSON Editor, The Motorcycle Times

Change is the only constant When I spoke of upcoming changes last issue, There was one change coming that I didn’t know about. One of our longer serving writers let me know after the February magazine went to press, He was stepping down. Marc Frantz has made a mark in this publication with his strong, technical stories as well as his personal opinion pieces.

His inside knowledge of the motorcycle industry has helped to keep both our readers and our staff up on the happenings behind the scenes and will be sorely missed.

Marc has built a great reputation in the custom bike building arena, with his influence showing up in many show machines, but also in Harley Davidson models. Marc has a designer’s eye and you have likely seen his work even if you didn’t know it.

We at The Motorcycle Times wish him well as he expands career within the motorcycling industry.

Speaking of change, this month marks the debut of a new voice within our pages. Safety columnist Chris Van Tilborg is uniquely qualified to speak about safety, both from a rider’s perspective, but also as a pilot. From April to October, Chris works as a motorcyclecourse.com riding instructor at several Ontario colleges. As Chris says, “Not only are we teaching students how to ride, but we try to instill a high degree of safety aspects that should be taken into consideration to enjoy a safe and long riding career.” Having also raced in Canada and the U.S. adds to his strengths and experiences.

I said uniquely qualified, didn’t I. Chris’s day job puts him in the cockpit of aircraft as he works as a Flight Instructor, in the air almost daily, again responsible for the safety of his students. From what I’ve seen of his writing, this won’t be your average motorcycle safety column.

As I sit beside the fireplace writing this column; the results of our mid-February reminder storm, I’ve been thinking of the season ahead. Of course, the bigger part of my riding will likely be in competition, but I’m hoping and planning to roll the KLR650 out more often and just ride. Between bike testing for The Motorcycle Times, prepping and racing our endurance bike and the announcing work that I do, I managed to put only slightly less than 1,000 kms last year on my street bike. Considering the fact that I used to average 8,000 kms a year,

it has been a bit of a step down. It might be time to drag out the camping gear, buy a new stack of bungee cords, (you do replace yours regularly, don’t you?) and plan some riding weekend breakaways. Maybe I’ll write a little about the mini bike (Not minibike) vacations that we have available. No matter where you live, there is a myriad of motorcycle destinations available and it doesn’t take much to get out on the road and enjoy that freedom.

I also wanted to mention how much I enjoyed meeting so many of our readers at the bike shows, both international and local. One of the reasons I love what I do here is that I get to talk to, and learn about so many interesting people, and the shows are my best opportunity to be face to face.

Besides, what’s better than 3 days straight of talking bikes and hanging out with all my crazy racing buddies? It beats working for a living, doesn’t it?

Regardless of the negative media reports, the economy is improving, but one side benefit that the weak financial situation of the last few years created was the number of older bikes that have found their way out of storage and back onto the road.

Seeing machinery from the seventies, eighties and later, being brought back to life and ridden as transportation, not just for show, has been a real treat for me and, as I heard at the shows, many others. Seeing many former riders find their way back to the two-wheeled life is absolutely wonderful too. The sales of bikes are no longer driven by the young, sports-style riders.

Many of us, um, middle-aged enthusiasts are buying bikes that bring us back to our (if you’ll excuse the expression) roots, as riders. As an example, my first street-legal bike was what we now call a “Dual Sport.”

Back then, we called my Honda MT125 Elsinore an enduro and used it for everything. It was my dirt-street-sport-touringI-Don’t Own a Car bike. After an almost countless number of bikes from the ubiquitous Universal Japanese Motorcycle to the most extreme of Hyper Sport rockets, I’m back to the off and on road toys. As much as I enjoy the latest and greatest, I love the mix of bikes I’m seeing. The variety of models and the imagination that designers are tapping for the factories, speaks volumes for our industry. We’re on our way. Again.

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

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5 – The Motorcycle Times, March 2012

SKID MARKS

4 – The Motorcycle Times , June 2010

THE REAL WORLD

March 2012, The Motorcycle Times – 6

MOTORCYCLENEWS

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Retro is Back with the H-D Seventy-Two Harley-Davidson has released a new 2012 model that takes a walk down memory lane for inspiration, the XL1200V Seventy-Two reflects an era when skinny choppers with fat metal flake paint jobs were all the rage.

It is inspiring how a company like HarleyDavidson can look back on some of its turbulent and shaky history and look back on it with pride and actually gain inspiration from it. The Seventy-Two is the result of just that. The design team has prepared this new model to represent the spirit of the customs during the 1970’s, and it may just have you believing that it’s really a customized fortysomething sportster. With styling ques taken from the seventies this new Seventy-Two is as visually authentic as any from that era.

The Seventy-Two comes from the factory floor with and set of mini apes, a 2.1-gallon peanut tank, laced, chrome wheels with a narrow MH90-21 front, and a proportionate 150/80B16 rear whitewall tires in a package with a easy to handle weight of 555 pounds.

Staggered, shorty dual exhausts with slashcut mufflers add to a ’70s chopper experi-

ence, but it’s that retro paint scheme that makes the whole package come to life.

As for the far-out metal flake candy red paint job shown on the Seventy-Two, with this paint option the bike starts out at $12,719.

The display bike can be made ‘groovier’ with the addition of a silver metal-flake solo seat from the H-D accessories catalog. And cool metal-flake paint doesn’t stop there. Harley is making available a variety of Big Flake colors, designs and glosses for numerous models, past and present. The Seventy-Two in its other color choices, Big Blue Pearl, and Black Denim which happen to retail out less for the budget conscious.

The Seventy-Two seems to personify a distinct period in H-D’s 110-year history — which the company is celebrating in worldwide fashion this year — and emphasizes that Harley-Davidson isn’t simply capitalizing on current retro trends, but rather that the Motor Company was there when these styles were cool the first time around.

The Seventy-Two is currently available at most dealers.

!- Recall Notice

Kawasaki is recalling certain ZX-6R & ZX-10R motorcycles for a regulator/rectifier that may be improperly charging the motorcycleís battery. Concerning Kawasaki Ninja ZX-6R motorcycles from 2009-2012 and Kawasaki Ninja ZX-10R motorcycles from 2008-2011, the NHTSA is reporting that 20,544 motorcycles are affect by the recall, all of which were manufactured between December 14, 2007 and July 26, 2011.

The recall is expected to start February 27, 2012 with Kawasaki notifying affected owners.

Dealers will repair affected ZX-10R & ZX-6R free of charge.

Al’s Shoe Factory at 135 King George Rd, Brantford, Ontario has joined the cause to raise the much needed funds for our returning troops. Al’s has welcomed Dorr Motorcycles and their team to display their Military Tribute Bobber, built to honour our troops for their past, present and future commitment to keeping the Canadian people safe.

The Bobber will be on display in the showroom at Al’s King George Road, Brantford, location from Feb 21 to Apr 7th with all proceeds raised, being donated to the Wounded Warriors Fund to assist our returning troops.

Every purchase at Al’s Shoe Factory during the Bobber’s tour will entitle customers to a ballot for the many door prizes that have been donated by corporate sponsors. The draw for door prizes will be held Apr 7th at Al’s King George location.

Special guests Lou DeVuono, and Capt.

Wayne Johnston, are scheduled to be on hand for the door prize draws.

The first in a series of ‘one-off ‘ custom Canadian Military Tribute Bobbers was built by the team at Dorr Enterprises to raise awareness and funds for our soldiers.

“It’s a project that has been in our hearts for years”.

We need your help in support of our troops. More corporate sponsors are always welcome. For more info, please visit: www.woundedwarriors.ca, heroshighwayride.com, or www.dorrracing.com

New Yamaha XTW250 debuts at Tokyo Motor Show The Yamaha XTW250 RYOKU Off-trail camping motorcycle concept was shown at the Tokyo Motor Show. Pretty cool!

It features a 250cc engine and some pretty custom features to make it ‘the’ perfect motorcycle for some off-road camping.

The folks at Yamaha describe it as “a reliable tool for people who love the outdoors.”

It’s purely a concept so don’t go looking for this one any time soon!

Some of the bikes highlights highlights: • Small trail motorcycle with utilitarian character • Big tires like a TW200 • Protective elements like crashbars and other heavy duty racks • 100V accessory plugs to power campsite gear and act as a generator!

• Cooling fans • Removable engine guard that can be used as a shovel

Jean Pagé… To Host Annual Canadian Motorcycle Hall Of Fame Induction Banquet Montreal - February 22, 2012 - The Board of Directors of the Canadian Motorcycle Hall of Fame is delighted to announce that Mr. Jean Pagé will host the Seventh Annual Canadian Motorcycle Hall of Fame Induction Banquet and Reunion scheduled to take place in Montreal on Saturday, November 3, 2012. “We are thrilled that Jean Pagé - one of Quebec’s leading sports journalists and broadcasters - has joined the team for the 2012 induction banquet in Montreal,” said Kellee Irwin, Chair of the Hall of Fame.

“It will be a great evening with Jean leading the celebration as we welcome the newest motorcycling legends and champions to the Canadian Motorcycle Hall of Fame.”

“I’m very enthusiastic about hosting this first visit of the Canadian Motorcycle Hall of Fame Induction Banquet to Montreal,” said Mr. Pagé, “because motorcycling has been a passion of mine for the past 47 years. Knowing that friends of mine - such as Raymond

Gref, one of the great ambassadors of motorcycling in Quebec, Yvon Duhamel, the greatest rider I’ve ever seen in my life and Gerry Marshall, a committed and accomplished rider - are members of the Canadian Motorcycle Hall of Fame is especially heartening and I am honoured to have been invited to host this special event.”

Jean Pagé needs no introduction, as he has been a fixture in the sports media for many years. His integrity and passion for sports are renowned, thanks to a career in broadcasting that began at age 18 when he was a student in Chicoutimi.

Jean is an avid motorcyclist and has lent his support to fund-raising rides in Quebec to benefit abused children and to raise funds for medical research. He is the creator of and spokesman for the annual Pat Burns Ride of Courage, which honours the memory of the Stanley Cup-winning coach and supports research for the fight against prostate cancer.

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Take a group of people who have grown accustom to pretty much doing things their own way for decades without a lot of restrictions or fuss, then without notice of any kind slowly begin to impose rules or regulations and see what happens when they discover what’s going on.

This is exactly what’s happening all over Southern Ontario to motorcycle enthusiasts by local municipalities when their councils quietly try to pass prejudicial noise bylaws restricting exhaust noise levels. Yes, I did say prejudicial because these bylaws are designed and intended to only target those on motorcycles. Oakville town council is the most recent municipal government to start down this path with Hamilton close on it’s heels. The bandwagon is beginning to get full with all these councillors jumping on board with a hard on for bikers.

If we take a step back to the past year, you may remember a series of stories we published about the noise bylaws in Caledon. The Motorcycle Times discovered that the municipality would rely on their regional OPP detachments to police and enforce this bylaw. Personally, just knowing that there will be enforcement in the area with eyes and ears focused at me and my choice of transportation, I have made a conscience decision not to frequent the ‘Forks of the Credit‘ area.

Well at least not on my motorcycle.

In fact, last fall, I was out for a weekend ride in my car and decided to take a drive through the ‘Forks‘ just to see what, if anything, was going on. To my surprise, I discovered that the OPP were set up in two locations along the most popular accesses to the area, one as you approach from the east along the Credit River with a second area for stopping bikes at the top of the steep hill just beside the general store. Traffic was at a crawl all the way through the ‘Forks’ so it gave me a good chance to eyeball just what was going on, and yes they were stopping motorcycles.

That particular day, not a single car was even being look at despite the number of clearly modified ‘tuner cars’ that day sharing the very same road with their ground shaking subwoofers cranked up to rediculous levels, pounding out that annoying hiphop beat that turns on a primal urge in me to... Well, let’s just say, it tends to annoy me.

It was clearly unfair where the police decided to set up shop. At the top of this steep hill approaching the General Store, every rider is forced to open the throttle just to get to the top. Once at the top, if your bike was deemed ‘questionable’ or ‘too loud’, you got a free roadside noise level verification courtesy of the Caledon Town Council.

According to the OPP’s statements early on last summer as this bylaw was going through it’s required stages, they did state that if any motorcycles were found to be in violation, warning would be given out, but

with a new riding season approaching, you can bet those warnings will be few and far between.

Here’s my take on all of this. As a motorcycle rider, I have customized my bike to include aftermarket pipes too. Not because I buy into the ‘loud pipes saves lives’ crap or agree with the rediculous mentality of ‘too loud, too bad’, but because I like the sound, it sounds like a motorcycle should. If I were riding through a community which has this bylaw in place I am certain I would be stopped and fined if I opened the throttle for a little quick off-theline acceleration or by cracking the throttle as I pass those cuties in their short shorts on a hot summers day. Is that fair? My answer to that is yes, because as I see it, we as a group have all been guilty at one time or another to cracking open the throttle to create the loudest possible sound we could, setting off car alarms, scaring little children and the elderly all in an effort to impress our friends and fellow riders or to attempt to intimidate.

The problem with all of this debate is that, agree or not, but we as a group need to understand that ‘we as a group’ have brought this on ourselves. It’s taken time for the public to finally band together to say they’ve had enough and their saying it by way of these bylaws. Oakville is just the most recent municipality to pass such bylaw. Norfolk county, home of the Port Dover Friday 13th gatherings passed their bylaw in 2009, with Caledon following close behind in 2011. And after some digging, I found that it’s not going to stop with Oakville no matter how much we bitch or sign petitions to demand fairness or equality with other noise violaters. London, ON and Sarnia ON have been considering such a bylaw for some time now because residence are tired of hearing loud motorcycles ripping through their streets during evening hours. Hey, don’t shoot the messenger, check it out yourselves.

The fact remains that we’ve been barking our loud pipes for decades through quiet residential communities, past hospitals, in crowded traffic and on and on. We as a group have lost a degree of respect in the publics eye do to our chest pounding and the ‘big bad biker’ personas some of us try to portray.

It’s going to be a fact of life in some communities that we will be stopped due to excessive noise and to that end we all have to choices to make, either we begin to ride with respect to those around us and the communities we live in and/or visit or we continue as always with a ‘catch me if you can’ additude. It’s a choice each of us has to make.

I for one, am going to search out solutions to lower the volume of my pipes because I simply would rather enjoy the time I spend riding rather than being pulled over, having my limited free time wasted by surrendering to a noise test, and any additional time spent in the court system fighting this fine.

Join us on facebook and continue the conversation. What are you going to do about the recently passed noise bylaws.

Log on & We have posted a link on our facebook page Like Us. for you to petition this bylaw. facebook/motorcycletimes

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for

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up to $1,000 insurance rebate or No payments, No money down and No interest for 3 months applies to select eligible retail purchase agreements completed between december 9, 2011 and march 30, 2012. this offer is valid only on select new and not previously registered 2012(l2), 2011(l1), 2010(l0) and 2009(K9) Suzuki motorcycles. insurance rebate will be applied at time of invoice towards the purchase of the particular model to which that insurance rebate applies and are available only at participating dealers, on select models only. amount of insurance rebate applicable depends on the model and is subject to availability of the model. pdi charges from $132 to $528, freight charges from $110 to $208, taxes, license, insurance, applicable fees and registration are extra dependent on model. Specifications, product features and colours are subject to change without notice. read your owner’s manual carefully and remember to observe all safety regulations. See your participating authorized Suzuki dealer for availability and complete details. Suzuki. way of life!

9 – The Motorcycle Times, March 2012

S l a i c e p S n o S a e S Show

March 2012, The Motorcycle Times – 10

ROADTEST

Join us on facebook

Kawasaki Ninja ZX1OR

by LINDSAY THOMSON Contributing Writer - TMT It calls to you in the night. You try to close your eyes and ignore it, but even with your hands hard tight over your ears, the Siren’s cry gets inside you head and all you want is to crank that throttle one more time. You just don’t sleep when the Kawasaki ZX10 lives in your garage.

Rolling the ZX10 onto my truck at the Toronto office of Kawasaki, it occurred to me that it just felt like I was heading to the race track. The bike is low and light and rolls like a purpose-built race bike, with a noticeably low centre of gravity. I was anticipating an extreme performance ride requiring huge rider commitment. The 2 hour drive back to my shop had me running through the possibilities. How is this bike going to work on the street? Is it going to intimidate me? Will I get to keep my license?

First, let’s get to the first real impression: the looks. Every time I drove my truck past anyone, or stopped at a light, this bike draws looks. I stopped half way home for a bite and when I came back out to the truck, I had 3 or 4 people standing looking the bike over.

Being an opportunist, I used the moment to get some input. “Dave” is a long time rider, with some sportbike experience, but he currently rides a touring bike. He couldn’t get over the small stature of the machine and I had to prove to him that the bike is an actual “1,000.” “Sandra” has ridden as a passenger on cruisers, but her impression on the ZX10 was that it is sexy, and if she was to ride, the ZX10 would be on her list. The one other gentlemen willing to speak thought that bikes like this should be outlawed. No middle ground here.

By the time I parked and got out of the truck, I had all kinds of help offers to unload.

My neighbours are used to seeing unusual bikes coming and going, but the consensus

was that this was the hottest looking bike I’ve brought in to date. But now, I had to get down to business. I needed to have a close inspection of all the “stuff” this bike brings.

Sitting in (not on), the cockpit is a revelation. As a rider of slightly smaller stature, I have learned to adjust myself to fit bikes.

This bike fit me perfectly, but that’s not to say larger riders need not apply. The bars have some adjustability built in and the bike itself allows some variability in position.

You’re not held in any particular position.

The rearset pegs are high as is expected on a supersport ride, but if this is your style, you are likely comfortable with that already. It is well suited to “hanging off” in the corners.

The gauges are easy to ready with an LED bar graph style tach, and an LCD digital speedo. The racing intension is clear when you realise that, although there is a clock, a gas gauge and other niceties, there is a lap counter, timer and, of course, the controls for traction control and power level control.

More on those later. The master cylinder for the huge front disks is set inboard on the bar with a remote mount, lowering the likelihood of damage in a light crash, also a race consideration.

Across the top of the massive forks sits the sturdy steering damper, which I must mention trying, but I never needed any damping in the whole time that I had the bike. The set up was good right from the shop. The nice thing is that when I did start playing with the suspension settings, the owner’s manual actually has some instruction. Speaking of which, that book is thick and informative.

That’s a change. Fully adjustable hardware can be intimidating too. With the book, you have a start.

Okay, the ride: After registering my complete dislike of the style that bike mufflers are getting, I fired the ZX up and listened for a moment. It needed nothing but a push of the button and it settled in, sounding like a

street muffled racer. I checked the controls, lights and brakes, poked the shifter and let the clutch out. The very first impression is how low the RPMs can be as you engage the clutch and pull away. I was under way, clutch all the way out at 2,000 rpm. Even better, the throttle pulled smoothly from there without hiccups or burps. Not your average race bike turned street. The ride was easy, smooth and completely controllable. Kawasaki did their homework and it shows. The bumpy, twisty roads were not a problem.

This bike had no anti-lock brake system, but I never missed it. I could modulate the lever cleanly enough to lift the rear wheel at will, and easily haul me down to legal speeds.

Once I had acclimatized myself to the controls, handling and feel, it was time to play. As most of us do, I have a “private set of roads” that I like to ride, so I headed towards my special place. The bike was comfortable and predictable and, when I began to open the throttle and lean over, it gave me much more confidence than I expected.

I first tested it with the power setting on full and the traction control off. Yes, it will lift the front wheel at any time if you want it to, but there is enough feel that, as an experienced rider, it is controllable. DON’T TRY THIS AT HOME. I will tell you that this bike accelerates harder through the gears than any

street-legal machine I have ever ridden. My sensory perceptions changed the second I rolled the throttle to the stop…and let it off right away. It took me a number of tries to hold it open.

I turned the traction control to two and began to work my way through my favourite curves. It takes a bit of trust to do it, but I finally managed to pin the throttle while leaned over on the way out of a corner. The reward was an easy, controlled drift with just enough wheelspin to leave a line of rubber from the apex to almost the point of vertical.

A little wheelie just added to my thrill.

The ZX10 has become my favourite sport bike and it is mainly because as you ride it, you forget it’s there. Going at 8/10ths is almost effortless. For 10/10ths, Kawasaki racer, Mike Bevan has offered me a chance to find out on his…On the track…I’ll get back to you.

Would I buy this bike? Yes, with a couple of changes: I rode it to London and back on the 401. (4 hours one way) and the only two things that bothered me was the seat and the grips. It’s never going to be a touring machine or one to take passengers for any length of time, but the power and the handling are incredible and the riding position isn’t bad.

Besides, 150 kilometres per hour in first gear is a giggle., Shhhhhh!

3,679

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, March 2012

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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.

March 2012, The Motorcycle Times – 12

shop talk BRENT WAKEFORD Contributing Writer, TMT

Amp Up for Spring

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.

What a winter season we have had here in Southern Ontario. For most, this is the time of year you start thinking about getting the bike cleaned up, fluid changes and preparing for the riding season ahead. Our weather has changed so drastically this season, many have continued to ride with some quick little blasts through the city or country jaunts on the sunny milder days. That said, we still need to prepare our rides for another season of pounding the pavement, ripping the rural switchbacks or taking those cross country road trips to the many events located around the country.

In this article we’ll touch base on a few of the basics to prepare the bike for the new season and a couple of tech tips. For those of you that take your battery out for the winter, you can eliminate that unnecessary habit by using a battery tender in the future. Not only does it afford you the freedom of just plugging it in and walking away till spring.

It’s nice knowing, it won’t overcharge your battery and at the push of a button, you are ready to ride at a moment’s notice all winter long. Not only do I use it during the winter months, but now even during the riding season. I prefer the “peace of mind” knowing that I can do those short evening rips and if the battery hasn’t had time to fully recharge after using my lights and stereo, the tender will top it back up overnight. There are many flashy high priced models on the market, but I purchased mine from my local automotive store and it works equally as well at a fraction of the cost. Just make sure it has the “auto off” function when fully charged or you may overcharge your battery and destroy it. These trickle chargers will kick back on when the voltage drops below a certain level and top it up automatically.

Now, if you have removed your battery or are installing a fresh one, the pain I have had for years was attaching the little 10mm bolt while holding the nut in place to attach the cables. Here’s a little trick to eliminate the frustration. Cut two, quarter inch pieces off the bottom of the overflow tube if equipped or both ends of a Q-tip. Take the piece and place it below the nut and slide both into the battery post section of your battery. This will hold the nut in place, making it easy to align with the hole. Take your positive cable first, and attach to the post with the 10mm bolt. The nut stays in place as you thread

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Injured in a Motorcycle Crash?

Accidents will happen, especially on a motorcycle.

When they do, I am on your side. I am a personal injury lawyer Tim Leigh-Bell, and at my firm in Mississauga, I help victims of motorcycle accidents and their families throughout Ontario recover the compensation they need to recover and carry on with their lives.

Timothy Leigh-Bell, LL.B

it through and the tube or Q-tip can remain under the bolt. Complete the same procedure on the negative side and you are ready to roll.

Tire care is a very important safety feature of your bike and often overlooked. You should keep a close eye on them with frequent inspections. First off, check the pressure often and top up with the manufacture’s recommended pressure (psi), when needed.

A tire can lose a substantial amount of air from being parked for long periods or over the winter. The cold temperatures can drop them as much as 10- 20 psi over time. Check for obvious uneven wearing, thin spots and then the tread depth by looking for the little arrow on the tire side wall to locate the tread wear bar that runs across the tire. You can judge how much tread is left and when the wear bar is level with the tread, it’s time for a new tire. Depending on the riding style and softness of rubber compounds, most average two rear tires for every one front.

Give your bike a good once over before you venture out this season. Check that your headlight, running, brake and signals lights are functioning. Look for lose, hanging or frayed wires and give a feel or shake to parts and components to make sure they are secure. Nuts and bolts can loosen over time with vibration and finding the loose part now is better than losing them on the side of the road during a ride. Liquid thread lock or nylon lined nuts go a long way in keeping those shiny chrome parts in place.

By the way, for those who don’t know me, my name is Storm. I am a 30 year plus “in the saddle” rider with over a half a million miles on my butt. My passion is HD and custom choppers but I have rode cruisers, rockets, pro-streets and tour bikes. I’ve wrenched on all of the bikes I have owned but have also taken some to the professionals when the issue was beyond my comfort zone or expertise. I have built numerous custom bikes and continue to do so and have come across almost every imaginable scenario, problem and dilemma when it comes to the mechanics of motorcycles. So, 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”

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13 – The Motorcycle Times, March 2012

Non-ABS model shown.

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The best handling superbike we’ve ever built: The all-new 2012 Honda CBR1000RR. Featuring a patented Showa balance free shock for more thousand responsivecc’s handling, a new 43mm fork with the latest big piston technology and of legendary Hondafront performance. larger damping volume providing better feedback to the rider. Visit a Honda dealer near you and find out what 20 championship winning heritage. years of CBR technology has resulted in.

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Sturgess Cycle RL Equipment Team Honda Powerhouse 615 King Street West, Hamilton 10402 Highway 17, Verner 170 Steeles Ave., E., Milton 2012 CBR1000RR Non-ABS model shown. Always wear a helmet, eye protection705-594-2373 and protective clothing, and please respect the environment 905-522-0503 or 1-888-421-3333 905-864-8588 or 1-877-864-8588 when riding. Obey the law and read your owner’s manual thoroughly. Honda recommends taking a motorcycle rider training course. honda. ca www.sturgessonline.com www.rlequipment.com www.teamhonda.ca KW Honda 465 Conestogo Road , Waterloo 519-746-7900 www.kwhonda.com

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2012 CBR1000RR Non-ABS model 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 riderHonda training course.

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March 2012, The Motorcycle Times – 14

MOTORCYCLENEWS Women Shifting into Gear for Sixth International Female Ride Day© Friday 4 May, 2012

New Head of Design for BMW Motorrad.

Edgar Heinrich takes over the BMW Group’s BMW Motorrad Design Studio.

Munich 2012. Edgar Heinrich (53) will be taking over the BMW Group’s BMW Motorrad Design Studio as of July 1st 2012. He succeeds David Robb. After completing his university degree in design, Edgar Heinrich started his career as a motorcycle designer with BMW back in 1986. Within the BMW Groupís BMW Motorrad Design Studio he was Head of Vehicle Design Motorcycles under the overall direction of David Robb from 2007 to 2009.

In July 2009 his career took him to India.

As Vice President Product Design with the Indian vehicle manufacturer Bajaj Auto LTD he currently heads up the styling and model studio, responsible for brand definition and brand strategies for two-wheel and four-wheel design.

During his time with BMW Motorrad, Edgar Heinrich was responsible for such vehicles as the first 4-valve boxer models R 1100 RS and RT, the K 1200 S and R, the HP Megamoto and the victorious Paris-Dakar racing machines. The successful R 1150 GS and R 1200 GS were also created on his drawing board.

Under his direction, the motorcycle design team created the S 1000 RR, the F 800 / 650 series, the G 450 X and also the BMW Custom Concept study. Heinrich was even involved at the start of the design development of the 6-cylinder touring bikes and the new maxiscooters.

Motorcycles take up a large part of his leisure time, too. His passions include modifying sports bikes, restoring and collecting vintage models and in particular riding motorcycles himself - both on and off the road.

As Edgar Heinrich himself says: “I am very pleased to be returning to BMW Motorrad and having the great opportunity to be involved in shaping the twowheel future of the BMW Group with an outstanding team.”

“Edgar Heinrich is an excellent motorcycle designer and passionate motorcyclist who has already made key contributions to BMW Motorrad design in the course of his many years of experience. I very much look forward to collaborating with him to take BMW Motorrad design to ongoing success in the future,” said Adrian van Hooydonk, Senior Vice President BMW Group Design.

David Robb (56), the previous head of the BMW Group Motorcycle Design Studio, has left the company. He was in charge of BMW Motorrad design for 18 years. Under his leadership, the design team elaborated the development of the BMW Motorrad product port-

folio from three to a current total of six model lines, as well as creating the extensive product range of BMW Motorrad rider equipment and motorcycle accessories.

The first motorcycle designed under David Robb’s direction was the BMW K 1200 RS. This was followed by such models as the first BMW cruiser R 1200 C, the innovative K series with transversely mounted 4-cylinder engine, the F series with 2-cylinder parallel twin and the most successful BMW motorcycle of all time, the travel enduro R 1200 GS. The design concept of the latter is regarded to this day as the benchmark in the category of big enduro bikes. Recently there were additional highlights such as the BMW motorcycles with in-line 6-cylinder engine, the K 1600 GT/GTL, and the BMW superbike S 1000 RR. The first BMW maxi-scooters C 600 Sport and C 650 GT only recently saw their world premiere in autumn 2011.

Adrian van Hooydonk, Senior Vice President BMW Group Design: “I would like to thank David Robb for his many years of successful work and wish him all the very best for the future.”

Toronto, February 24, 2012 - The sixth annual International female Ride Day© planned for Friday 4 May 2012 is gearing up around the world to host a wealth of rider actions and activities led by women motorcyclists. Women will take to their motorcycles to participate in the sixth annual womenís motorcycle ride event whose theme “Just Ride” describes precisely how women will enjoy what has now become a global motorcycling phenomenon!

Occurring yearly on the first Friday in May, International Female Ride Day© was created to promote and highlight the many numbers of women riders around the world. “The 2012 edition is exploding with events! Women riders pride themselves in taking part in the day, whether just for a short ride or as many do, take the day off work to spend with rider friends. We still

Ivan Audette Goes Blue for Children’s Charity The Make-A-Wish Foundation® of Southwestern Ontario holds a Go Blue! Go Bald! campaign each winter.

Supporters are encouraged to join in the fun at any time and organize a Go Blue! Go Bald! head shave, or a bluethemed fund raising event. Your support will help the Make-A-Wish Foundation of Southwestern Ontario continue its mission of granting the wishes of children with life-threatening medical conditions to enrich the human experience with hope, strength and joy.

President of God Speed CMA Windsor, Ivan Audette has had a beard for most of his adult life. He has now coloured it blue for the fundraising campaign ‘Go Blue, Go Bald!’ for “Make A Wish”. His goal is only a $1,000.00 and as of February 23 he’s at 70%. So get on board and help Ivan meet his goal and loose that blue beard. Go to http:// my.e2rm.com/personalPage.aspx?registrationID=1331403 to donate on behalf of Ivan (Blue Beard) Audette.

2012 Aprilla Shiver 750

Perfect for a newcomer, with enough to satisfy the accomplished It is certainly no easy matter to take the lead in a class as fiercely competitive as the medium powered naked class. A class where the battle is not just about technology and performance, but also design, component rationality and riding ease and pleasure, elements which are not always compatible and are particularly demanding for designers and engineers.

Aprilia has picked up this challenge and interpreted it by applying its own successful philosophy to a completely new design,

need these female role models in motorcycling to continue dispelling still present perceptions that riding a motorcycle is an activity akin with masculinity. It’s a super fun day - the camaraderie is inspiring!” states Vicki Gray, founder of International Female Ride Day© and MOTORESS™.

International Female Ride Day© makes one simple request of women: “Just Ride”.

Sport-bike, cruiser, scooter, off-road, touring or otherwise - all ages and all styles of motorcycling are included. Get on your bikes, be out there and be visible. The concept has assembled its power and participation in its simple worldwidesynchronized theme- creating a universal chain of women riders in the shared activity of motorcycling. Itís one day to celebrate and highlight the many numbers of women who share their passion for the sport.

destined to set new standards for years to come. A bike both strongly aggressive and at the same time clean-cut and elegant, in perfect Aprilia style. A bike at the top of its class for its sporty personality, designed on the basis of the know-how of a company which has to date won 250 world championship victories.

The pride of all Aprilia bikes, refined mechanics and a top class chassis, are once again the key to the success of the Shiver 750.

The Aprilia Shiver 750 is the naked everyone was waiting for. A design able to satisfy the disparate needs of those buying this type of bike. From everyday use to a trip along mountain passes or use on the racetrack, the Aprilia Shiver 750 is completely at home in any situation, guaranteeing pure riding pleasure at all times.

Light, agile and powerful, it has a new generation engine and the most advanced technical features in its class. The brand new 90° V2 produced entirely in-house by Aprilia is extremely compact. Above all, thanks to the advanced electronic management, it can deliver a level of power comparable to four cylinder engines in the same class, but with much more favourable torque at low revs for an efficient and pleasing ride even on everyday routes. True to the Aprilia tradition, the chassis simply has no rivals in its class. The innovative mixed trellis/aluminium frame provides standard setting rigidity. All this makes the bike extremely compact, perfect even for the beginner.

With a dry weight of just 189 kg, the lightness of the Aprilia Shiver 750 also satisfies the most canny motorcyclist. Its manoeuvrability and engine performance enable the bike to accompany its owner from his first few metres on two wheels up to his complete motorcycling maturity.

15 – The Motorcycle Times, March 2012

RIDE ONE AND YOU’LL OWN ONE

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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.

March 2012, The Motorcycle Times – 16

FinishLines RACE and Trackfever Team Up at Shannonville Monday Feb 6, 2012. RACE is pleased to announce that it has made an interesting change to its’ schedule of events for the 2012 racing season. The RACE series and TRACKFEVER Racing have recently made an agreement to work together in promoting two specific events later this year.

TRACKFEVER Racing has invited the RACE series riders to participate in their June 1,2,3 event at the Calabogie racetrack. TFR will waive the licensing fee for the RACE competitors that weekend.

The list of classes available are Novice, Am 600, Am Superbike, Pro 600, Pro Superbike and Defi Max 80 Hp, with the possibility of a 250 Production Class. Also that weekend TFR will be having endurance racing on the Sunday afternoons’ schedule with all riders invited to participate. Results from the sprint races will qualify the RACE riders to score points in their respective classes for the season championship, essentially adding a sixth

Photo by Motorsport.com

Biker TV Welcomes Jordon Szoke for Season VIII Brantford ON Canada - Jan 30th 2012.

Canadian produced Biker TV welcomes Seven Time National Superbike Champion Jordan Szoke to their host lineup. Jordan will be hosting the weekly Canadian Motorcycle Race Report, bringing racing news of all kinds to the public. Whether it is Motorcross, Trials, Superbike, Flat-track or

Drags you are looking for, Szoke and Biker TV will keep you in the up to date on the latest results.

Watch Season VII of Biker TV on CTV Two: Saturdays and Sundays at 11am starting March 3rd 2012.

To check out 2012 Season Highlight reel, visit: www.bikertv.ca

Follow Jordan Szoke on Twitter! https://twitter.com/jordanszoke

SOAR 2012 Schedule Round #1 May 25-27 Grand Bend Motorplex Long Track Round #2 June 15-17 Grand Bend Motorplex Modified Track With Thunder by the Beach all bike drag races Round #3 July 27-29 Grand Bend Motorplex Technical Track Round #4 September 7-9 Toronto Motorsports Park Reverse Direction Round #5 September 28-30 Grand Bend Motorplex Screaming Alien Track Round #6 October 12-14 Toronto Motorsports Park Regular Direction

‘Nitro Nori’ Haga fired up for British Superbike Championship The Swan Yamaha team has today (Monday) confirmed that World Superbike sensation Noriyuki Haga will be completing their line-up for the 2012 MCE Insurance British Superbike Championship as he permanently replaces the injured Ian Hutchinson for the forthcoming season.

Fans’ favourite Haga is famous for his flamboyant riding style with much of his World Championship success in the past powered by Yamaha. Japanese ace Haga joins the MCE BSB Championship with the Swan Yamaha team in 2012

event to the RACE calendar for these classes offered.

Also within the agreement is that TFR has been invited to participate at Shannonville Motorsport Park during RACE Rd # 4 on the Labour Day Weekend. RACE will waive the licensing fee for the TFR riders that weekend as well.

RACE will be having a full list of all it’s regular classes, and may provide and additional class as listed above to allow the TFR riders to participate in races similar to their own class structure. Results from the RACE event will allow the TFR riders to score points for their series championship, by adding this as an extra event to their 2012 schedule.

There will be a few final details to be sorted out with the clubs as we prepare for the start of the 2012-racing season and should be available in the up-coming weeks. We look forward to seeing the Quebec riders at these events and building on our new relationship with TFR.

Zach Osborne: In Expectation of a Stellar Season Monster Energy Yamaha’s Zach Osborne stands on the edge. The American is the sole waver of the Stars and Stripes in the FIM Motocross World Championship and after nearly four years as part of the Grand Prix circus the 22 year old is staring at his last possible chance to lay his hands on an MX2-GP world title. The fact that the Virginian has factory status as part of Yamaha’s six-rider-strong assault on both FIM Moto-

cross World Championship categories in 2012 is further indication that Osborne is on the threshold of something very promising indeed. Two podiums from four appearances in the AMA West Coast Lites Supercross series this January adds to the sense of expectation for the coming months where he is likely to go head-to-head with names such as Herlings, Searle, Van Horebeek and team-mate Arnaud Tonus for the crown.

DUA Motorsports Announces Contingency for CSBK Toronto, ON, January 5, 2012 - DUA Motorsports Announces Contingency for Mopar CSBK Series DUA Motorsports are proud to announce their support for the Mopar Canadian Superbike Series by way of a $1000.00 contingency payback to the winner of the Amatuer Superbike class at each National Championship round. The awards, paid out in DUA Motorsports Voucher can be redeemed from Dua Motorsports in the form of pre- prepped bodywork for today’s modern sport race and track day motorcycles.

The company’s Managing Director Rahul Dua commented, “We’re very proud to be a part of the new Mopar CSBK series. This National Championship has a rich history and I’m grateful that we at DUA Motorsports have this opportunity. It gives us a chance to give back to a sport we love and also to dis-

play our World class products to the road race community.”

The official announcement came at the Toronto Motorcycle Show from the Go Tour Ontario sponsored Full Throttle Stage. Mopar CSBK headman Kevin Graham and Colin Fraser, director of competition joined Rahul Dua on stage to display a large cheque for $1000.00 representing the contingency award for first place in the AM Superbike class.

DUA Motorsports specializes in sport motorcycle fairings and carbon fibre parts. Constructed from a proprietary blend of quality, high strength premium fibreglass, cloths and resins combined with a special attention to details, DUA Motorsports products simply outperform our competitors.

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17 – The Motorcycle Times, March 2012

tough guy Seth VanDONGEN

Guest Writer, TMT

Don’t Forget to Tune Yourself Up Here it is the middle of our strange winter this year. It just seems like it’s dragging out, keeping us from where we want to be. The race track! Oh well, even though it’s the off season, there’s lots to do until Mother Nature gives the green flag.

Most racers will be very busy with making plans for the upcoming season. New gear, helmets, leathers, boots, gloves, etc. Setting up sponsorships, building or rebuilding motorcycles. Thinking of ways to make their bikes faster, lighter. Anything for an advantage over the next competitor. However a lot of people will ignore the most important part of the race package: themselves.

No matter how good of a bike or how much time you spend working on it, you will never get the full potential of the package if you’re not physically and mentally prepared. This goes for both the Track Day riders, and the hard core racers. There is no training more fun than riding your motorcycle, but that’s not enough. If you’ve spent any time on the track I’m sure you’ve encountered the situation where; you’re racing around the track and a faster guy goes by and you tell yourself “No way am I going to let him go”. You put your head down and twist that throttle. Now you may or may not have caught your bogie, but what did happen is you were more tired than usual. Your heart was beating little harder, maybe some arm pump, leg cramp. The longer this happens during a race, the greater the chance of mistakes.

Racing motorcycles is a very physical sport.

Your body and mind need to be able to keep up. Most of the top racers have tough training programs with personal trainers, nutritionists, and many have a sports psychologist. So, obviously your body must be important. Now this doesn’t mean you have to be the next Arnold Schwarzenegger, or spend all your time and money in the gym. In fact for racing, that’s probably the wrong way to go. We need have an exercise program that hits your core (abs and back) as well as building strength and endurance for your arms, shoulders, legs, neck.

We also need to work on flexibility and cardio.

All of this can be done at home with little or no equipment to get started. All you need is a little bit of space and comfortable workout clothing.

You can work out in front of the TV, or to some jammin` music!

Now since I’m a kid, I’m not a professional; always talk to your Doctor before you start any type of fitness program. I always start with some light stretching to loosen up the muscles and to avoid injury. Since it’s been kind of cold I`ve been training indoors.

If you’re going to a gym or club, the professionals there can help you design a program for your specific goals. Just find one that is both challenging and fun to do.

Or, if you’re into it pick up a sport like hockey, Basketball or Soccer, ther are all great ways to help with your overall fitness.

The other important part to prepping your personal machine is diet. In the winter it’s pretty easy to fall into the bad habit of the high fat, high calorie snacks. It`s a very good idea to talk to your Doctor or find a Nutritionist to help with healthy eating. Just like you get lousy performance from stale gas in your motorcycle, you get lousy performance from your body putting junk in it.

Hope this gives you a couple of ideas to step it up a bit for the upcoming season. Now bring on the spring!

See ya at the track # 61

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March 2012, The Motorcycle Times – 18

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It’s Better on a Bike I have always wanted to ride. I actually bought a small bike and got my beginner’s permit once. Then life interfered and I had to sell the bike without ever getting my license. Then as things changed and graduated licensing came along it seemed even more unlikely. I always accepted rides from friends whenever I could and I loved it. The faster the better, on road, off road, it didn’t matter. It was all good as far as I was concerned. When I turned 38 I decided life was too short not to do the things I wanted to and I found a supportive friend. He loaned me a dirt bike and as I waited for my M2 course, I rode around the yard, trying everything I could think of. I crashed a couple of times and people thought that would be it. I would change my mind and forget this nonsense. I took the college course and loved every minute of it, including the crash (yes I crashed during the course too). And off I went to start riding!

I had a lot to learn and fortunately I knew I did. Something that age does for you, I guess. I knew nothing about gear or bikes, and decided to buy something safe but not too expensive. I figured I could always upgrade later when I knew what I wanted. I ended up with a reasonable helmet, gloves, boots, riding pants and jacket. I thought I was doing pretty well. Now…what kind o bike? There were so many to choose from but I managed to narrow it down a little.

I decided I didn’t want a big cruiser style bike. Beyond that I heard so much advice, buy this...don’t buy that. I was confused and had no idea. Again, my friend called me up and said I found the perfect bike for you.

There was a sign on a bulletin board advertising a 2000 KLR650. Meant little to me... looked like a big dirt bike, sounded like it would go fast enough to keep up on any road but not so fast that I might get into trouble.

I decided it was worth a look. Again I knew little so I took my knowledgeable friend with me. I got there and learned something that has happened to me a lot and might have deterred another rider but not me. It was so tall that I didn’t even come close to touching the ground. At 5’2” tall this happens to me a lot. As a new rider I didn’t have the confidence to take out someone else’s bike and try it. What to do. Well…I rode on the

back and took my friend’s word that it was a good bike for the money and it could be lowered to fit me better. At this point I had a bike and gear. No idea if this would work out to be a good set up for me but I was ready to try.

Now I had to find someone to lower the bike. Owning that bike for two weeks, looking at it in the garage and not being able to ride it was torture. Finally I succeeded in getting it lowered and with M2 in hand, I headed out to ride! I started with back roads and small towns and found I was doing all right. I put a lot of miles on, and started trying bigger towns and busier roads. I dropped the bike a few embarrassing times.

I was faced with a few people who really felt I shouldn’t be learning to ride at my age.

But when I got on that bike I forgot all of the negative comments and funny looks and just enjoyed the ride. It really is a very different experience than being in a car and I think you either love it or hate it. I love it!

Six years later I have put 30,000 km on my bike. I do test rides whenever I get the chance. If someone says “try my bike”, I do.

I have taken the M2 exit course and the Advanced Riding Course and consider myself a pretty good rider. Last summer I even took up racing. I have so much to learn and I am loving it all.

What have I learned so far? I learned that if you want to ride you should. That you always have more to learn. Listen to the advice of others, then pick what you will take to heart and what you will ignore. Some of them actually have good advice. Wear good gear, it IS worth the price. Maintain your bike, which includes finding the right mechanic. Talk to other bikers. They know the best shops, best mechanics and the best roads. You are the only person on the road that is going to keep you safe, take it seriously. Be alert when you ride. It is easy to forget what you have learned so get out on your bike as much as possible. Don’t let anyone talk you in to trying something you don’t feel comfortable with.

I am very glad that I stopped waiting for “some day” to arrive and took up this sport when I did. Exploring the world on a bike is the only way to go. If you have ever thought about it, try it! It really is...better on a bike!

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19 – The Motorcycle Times, March 2012

Life’s better on a KawasaKi. 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.

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©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.

March 2012, The Motorcycle Times – 20

BUSINESS PROFILE

Trackside Cuts

by LINDSAY THOMSON Editor, The Motorcycle Times How do two roadracers who make up a race team called Slightly Stoopid Racing go from being at the track to race and hang out with friends, to operating the preeminent onsite racer support leather repair business?

How have partners Sunny Park and Drew Morrissey managed to create a motorcycle industry business that not only works, but allows both to continue to race while earning a living?

The business idea came up when colleague, Mark Van Dongen of Uber-Racing, who knew of Drew’s experience in leatherwork, pointed out the fact that CSBK, the national road racing series, had no trackside leather repair service. Morrissey and Park put together Trackside Cuts with the intention of filling that need. After establishing themselves with the racers at the Nationals, this naturally continued to the on-site service at S.O.A.R. (Southern Ontario Association of Racing), a regional roadracing series that they have raced with since its inception in 2009.

2011 was the beginning of Trackside Cuts success. After finalizing the details with the president of Frontline CSBK, Kevin Graham, they were off on quite the adventure with the National Superbike Series. Right from the start, they found themselves up for a challenge. As fate would have it, it seemed as though EVERY rider had bought a new suit over the winter and required both series sponsor patches sewn onto their suit at round #1 at the ICAR Circuit in Mirabel, QC. Morrissey and Park were up until 3 or 4 am most nights over the course of the weekend to have it all done before Sunday. And well, come Sunday morning, everything was done, the show would go on. When all was

said and done, the racing was over and the fans had left, Trackside Cuts had impressed a lot of people, including a few nay-sayers in the process.

They found it to be quite an experience to travel along with Canada’s highest level of racing, not to mention trying to juggle racing in their own regional series at the same time.

Between the two National rounds in August as well as the first SOAR round at Grand Bend Motorplex, they were at home for a total of 3 days during the entire month. There was a lot of time spent on the road, but it really didn’t matter. They found a home and a family at whichever racetrack that they stayed at.

Their travels led them as far as Shubenacadie, Nova Scotia, which included enduring the most torrential rain falls anyone had ever witnessed. During their ‘visit’ to the Maritimes, they saw all the sights, including the picturesque Peggy’s Cove.

The National season concluded with the climactic double header at the legendary Mosport International Raceway, where championships are won and lost. Over the course of the season, they had met, interacted with and worked for some of the most talented racers in Canada. Some of their most memorable moments in the paddock include goofing off in front of the ‘showers’ at St Eustache with all of Canada’s Superbike legends, which the paddock is full of. Sunny and Drew were heard saying “It was a little surreal to have Steve Crevier in our trailer sharing stories over a few beers.”

Meeting racers’ leather needs, quickly morphed into an all round gear service and riders discovered that they could have crash damage fixed on gloves, boots and leather suits. Some race weekends, the line ups stretch out of the Trackside Cuts trailer as racers, or for the more fortunate, crew members bring gear to be renewed. Inside

the trailer, the heavy duty sewing machine rumbling, rolls of multi-coloured leather and shreds of remnants falling to the floor. This is a hard working shop. It just happens to be on site at the track.

As business has grown, customers have discovered that they can have their suits altered, customized and have names, sponsors’ tags and other personalizing performed as well. A rider can show up at the track with a very plain suit and leave looking like a factory racer.

Along with the leather work, much more goes on behind the door of Trackside Cuts.

As most race fans know, the bikes are almost always brightly dressed in fancy graphics, numbers and sponsors decals. That doesn’t happen on its own, so by adding another Trackside service, Trackside Cuts became the graphic vinyl supplier as well. Complete with the computer, cutter and all the sheets of vinyl that it takes create a visual high light.

The system is so portable that I watched Drew completely logo and number a freshly painted race bike AT the London Motorcycle Show. He had the equipment in his own booth and he created, cut and applied all the graphics on the display.

Businesses don’t stay static and survive.

Trackside Cuts creates and markets a complete line of custom sweatshirts, t shirts, hoodies and crew shirts. The pit crew shirts have been showing up in pit lane and on the podium as well. A wander through the pit at any road racing event will let you see Trackside Cuts signs and banners hanging up all around.

From a single idea, a strong business has grown in an industry that has been suffering in the hard economy. What has continued to sit at the forefront is that both the proprietors are still racers and fans at heart. The race team, Slightly Stoopid Racing, which

is the basis of all the other developments, has become a marketing company of sorts.

Through strong sponsorship partnerships, they create opportunities for the masses to learn about racing. At The London Show and at every SOAR event in the 2012 season, London based radio station 98.1 Free FM will have Drew and Sunny on air promoting the sport.

The team has also become known for performing a spectacular firework show every race weekend at SOAR. Drew often ends the show with a homemade firework, built with 60 assorted roman candles attached together as one on the end of a broom handle. It is then detonated all at once with him holding it, remarkably resembling a Gatling gun. This display is provided by of one of their sponsors, RocketFireworks.ca. The owner, Tom Jacobs, is a motorcycle race fan who believes that supporting motorcycle racing through sponsorship is beneficial to his business as well as the sport in general.

Finally, offering support for new trackday riders or soon to be racers, is something Drew and Sunny give considerable importance to.

When they not at the races, you’ll find them at all of Grand Bend Raceway’s trackdays in 2012. As strong supporters of Grand Bend’s owner, Paul Spriet, Drew and Sunny will always be there to offer help and advice to any newcomer to the sport. As experienced roadracers, they understand that new racers come along every year; sometimes they just need a little encouragement.

Trackside Cuts is absolutely a business in every sense of the word, but Park and Morrissey continue to use their business and its continued success to market and enhance the image of motorcycles, racing and the people who love it, outside of the industry, to the people who have yet to experience the sport.

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21 – The Motorcycle Times, March 2012

RIDER’S MARKETPLACE

March 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!

March 10-11, 2012 - Kitchener World of Motorcycles Expo Bingeman Park, 425 Bingemans Centre Dr Kitchener, Sat-9am -6pm, Sun-10am-5pm. $15 for admission, Kids under 12 yrs FREE. www.womex.ca.

March 17-18, 2012 - Toronto Spring Motorcycle Show International Centre, 6900 Airport Rd Toronto. Sat(10am9pm), Sun(10am-5pm). Adults $16, Youths under 12 $5, Children under 6 free, Free Parking!

Bikes of The Century” Vintage Motorcycle Display, Special Guests, Door Prize, Stage Shows, Motorcycle Clubs, Rides. 2012’s plus Non-Current Models, Accessories and More. Swap Meet-Used & hard to find parts for American, British, European, Asian motorcycles. www.supershowevents.com March 31-April 12012- Toronto National Motorcycle Show Exhibition Place, The Better Living Centre Sat(10am-9pm), Sun(10am-5pm). Adults $16, Family Pass (2 Aduts & 2 Youths) $45, Children under 12 free, Motorcycle parking $5. Over 150 exhibitors will be selling tons of new and used motorcycles, parts, accessories, clothing, services, tattoo’s and much more. www.nationalmotorcycleshow.com April 21, 2012 - Hamilton Swap Meet & Motorcycle Day Presented by Hamilton Biker’s Church from 10am-3pm at The Victory International Church in the parking area at 2799 Barton Street, east of Centennial Parkway & QEW (between Lake&Gray). Featuring Parts, Accessories and Leathers. Admission is $5. Vendor’s invited to at $20 per table. All proceeds go to ‘Send A Kid To Camp’. to

register as a vendor call Pastor Ken at 905-547-8580, williamsmusic@execulink.com, www. hamiltonbikerschurch.com May 4, 2012 - World Wide Female Ride Day Globally synchronized campaign for women riders with the purpose of building awareness, while encouraging women to start riding. Any Where.

May 27, 2012 - Toronto The B.A.D Ride 8am Register-Dave & Busters at Hwy 400&7. $75/each rider.

A fun-filled day, starting with a back roads ride and ending up at Markham Fairgrounds for the BBQ, events and music, Motorcycle prize draw. karen@torontodistresscentre.com, 416-5951716, www.thebadride.com May 26, 2012 5th Spring Poker Run Registration 9:30 all kickstands up by 11am., ride leaves and ends at Queen’s Bush Pub 451 10th St., Hanover. $25 to register includes prizes, dinner and entertainment (collect $100 in pledges you get a free limited editon shirt). We travel 200-250km of Grey and Bruce Counties famous roads, four stops where stamps are collected and redeemed for the best poker hand back at the pub, prizes for best poker hand, silent auction, 50/50 draw and entertainment with local band Dirty Mac and dinner. All proceeds go to Big Brothers and Big Sisters and Grey Bruce Literacy. Anita Maahs queensbushpub@yahoo.ca 519-364-6666 or www.queensbushpub.com June 2nd 2012 - Trenton 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. 8:30-11:15a.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 High-

GOT AN EVENT?

Send your event listing to: scott@themotorcycletimes.ca

way of Heroes to the our new rally location to be announced.

The Heroes Highway Ride is being honoured by Base Command from C.F.B. Trenton.

June 3, 2012 - Bayfield Bayfield’s “ Old Bike Day” 1 Main St, Bayfield, - Canadian Vintage Motorcycle Group, Sarnia. 3rd annual at the Clan Gregor Town Square from 104pm. No fee, no official judging, no vendors, it’s not a swapmeet. 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 - Brantford 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, 519753-3153 x221or www.lansdownecentre.ca/ride.

June 10, 2012 - Waterloo 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, lindsay@nsd.on.ca, 519-623-4188ext.10, www.nsd. on.ca

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Safety Scene CHRIS VAN TILBORG Contributing Writer, TMT

Gearing Up for Spring When asked if I was interested in writing this safety column, I had to ask myself…what is “safe”? Who’s definition of “safe” should I write about? I fly planes and ride and race motorcycles. To some, I should be the last person lecturing about being “safe”. Eventually I realized that EVERYTHING we do has something in common… Inherent Risk. It’s how we manage and minimize said risk that determines whether or not we are “being safe”. And the largest contributing factor to “being safe” boils down to one thing… Common Sense. Unfortunately, common sense isn’t always inherited and must be acquired. Let’s begin…

With the weather we’ve been having, I for one am totally getting the itch to pull ‘The Lady’ out of storage and lay some rubber to the sweet sound of some mildly baffled V-Twin grunt. But I know that I must be patient and proceed with caution. So here are some points to consider as you prepare yourself for another season on our lovely Canadian roads.

MIND: Like most of us, your riding brain is probably just starting to come out of hibernation. You’ll need to revive your two-wheeled instincts. This actually begins in your CAR. When driving, open your eyes to the road and start thinking like a rider. Driveways, intersections, on-ramps… all those places that hold hidden dangers to our health on two wheels. You should also start watching for riders already on the road. Anything to get your mind on bikes… go to bike shows, read the mags and even old riding manuals if you have them.

BODY: You don’t have to be in World GP Racer form but you may want to consider starting with shorter rides as you re-gain strength in those muscle groups that have been dormant.

Remember, your muscle memory and ability to detect hazards in your peripheral vision aren’t going to be what they were just a few months ago.

GEAR: These days, just about any motorcycle purposed riding apparel (jackets, pants, gloves, boots) is pretty darn safe so long as it is taken care of and replaced when it needs replacing. Check fit and condition. How about that Helmet? Whether Full Face or Shorty, all helmets have a wear-life AND a shelf-life. If yours is older than 5yrs from the build date or you practically wear it to bed, it’s time to consider spending a couple hundred on something that has the highest probability of saving your life. If you’re in the market for any new gear this year remember ‘dress to be SEEN’.

Also, the highs and lows of the season can have a pretty wide spread so dress in layers to stay comfortable.

BIKE: Many bike shops offer ‘seasonal servicing’ to make sure your bike is ready for the

road and it really isn’t a bad way to go. But if you’re more of the hands on type or just strapped for cash, there are some key components you’ll want to be sure to check over before you hit the road.

Fuel – How old? Was it stabilized before winter? If it smells like paint thinner, replace it!

Oil – Did you change it before winter? If it’s been sitting for more than a couple months you might want to consider changing it again as aluminum, coolants and fuel may have contaminated it and decreased its usefulness.

Tires – Tire Pressure. Tire pressure. Tire pressure. Too many really smart people forget this one and it pretty much guarantees a need for new paint if you ride with low pressure.

You’ll also need to evaluate things like age/build date, tread life and weather cracking.

Drive System – Whether you’re chain, belt or shaft driven, your bike and manual comes with wear guides and/or service intervals. Make sure yours is within spec.

Brakes – The ability to GO is fun but the ability to STOP is necessary. At minimum you should be doing a function check of both front and rear brake systems before you leave the driveway.

It’s also advisable to check the fluid level and condition and the condition of your brake pads.

Electrics – Communicating with fellow road users is key to a safe time on the road. Give your headlight, brake lights, signal lights and position lights the once over. If you use accessory power for heated apparel or grips now is a good time to check those too.

ROAD: That road won’t be exactly as you left it in the fall. There will be new potholes and cracks in the pavement. The surface will be covered in sand and other contaminants from the winter and it will likely be COLD. Changes in color of the pavement will often signal changes in traction. Bridges especially may still be icy or slick when the rest of the road is not.

Remember to “SEE”… Search, Evaluate, Execute… while you are out there. Drivers aren’t looking for you and WILL cut you off.

SKILLS: Eyesight and muscle memory not being what they were, you’ll want to find a parking lot or other safe zone to practice some of those basic skills. Think quick stops, swerving, accelerating and stopping in a curve and manoeuvering the bike at slow speeds and in tight situations. If you’re feeling rusty or aren’t yet comfortable in the saddle, consider signing up for a Refresher Course offered at many Colleges and other motorcycle instruction institutions across the country.

SAFETY through Acquired Common Sense.

More to come. Ride safely.

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23 – The Motorcycle Times, March 2012

March 2012, The Motorcycle Times – 24