The Motorcycle Times - August 2016

volume 7 | issue 07

AUGUST 2016

Canada’s

Sprockets

M

A

N

Most

U

F

Read

A

C

Motorcycling

Community

T

N

U

R

E

R

E

W

Newspaper

FREE take one

S

MOTORCYCLE NEWS

Indian Motorcycle announces its 2017 lineup Indian Motorcycle Co. is taking aim at Milwaukee’s Harley-Davidson with its 2017 lineup, which includes the Indian Chieftain.

Indian’s 2017 motorcycle lineup includes a new 7-inch touch-screen information and audio system.

Indian Motorcycle Co. on Tuesday released its 2017 bike lineup that carries over the 2016 model-year bikes and features a new touchscreen audio and information system.

Indian, a subsidiary of Medina, Minn.-based Polaris Industries, is one of the biggest rivals of Milwaukee-based Harley-Davidson Inc. Indian’s new product announcement comes as Harley is scheduled on Thursday to release its earnings for the second quarter.

Indian says its 2017 lineup includes the recently released Scout Sixty, Indian Springfield and Chief Dark Horse models with new color choices.

A new touch-screen information and entertainment system has a 7-inch display with turnby-turn navigation, Bluetooth audio and USB flash-drive support. The Chieftain bikes come with 100 watts of audio, while the more expensive Indian Roadmaster has 200 watts.

Indian says its new system has the motorcycle industry’s largest and brightest touchscreen display, with the highest resolution and fastest response time. The screen is glove compatible with two-finger touch capabilities, according to the company.

Indian was founded in 1901, two years before Harley-Davidson. The original Indian Motorcycle Co. went out of business in 1953, and its Indian-head logos became collectors’ items.

Polaris Industries, a manufacturer of snowmobiles, all-terrain vehicles, and Indian and Victory motorcycles, acquired the brand in 2011. It redesigned the bikes from scratch after numerous attempts by others to revive the brand failed.

Harley-Davidson still has the largest share of the heavyweight motorcycle market, although Indian has taken some customers away from Harley. Indian and Victory motorcycles have been aimed squarely at Harley’s cruiser and touring bike lineup.

“Polaris continues to steal market share from its larger rival, and there doesn’t seem to be anything on the horizon that should impede its ability to grow sales at double-digit rates.

Mix - 0/35/85/0

30%K

A replacement for the Twin Cam Engine? You don’t say.

Harley-Davidson’s Twin Cam engines have been powering its Big Twins since 1999, so a replacement is due. So what do we know and what can we speculate?

Here is some gossip, speculation, hearsay, rumours, and loose tongue wagging.

I was told by a person who claims to know that H-D will debut a new engine to their CVO models in the upcoming model year. Harley often introduces new upgrades in its limited-edition, high-priced CVO models that later trickle down to the rest of the Big Twin range.

So that got us to thinking and we dug a little deeper and came across a story from 2014 in The Daily Statesman, a local newspaper in Dexter, Missouri, ran an article

about a company called Faurecia. Faurecia is the sixth-largest international automotive parts manufacturer in the world. According to that article, Faurecia, previously ArvinMeritor, had won a contract to manufacture exhaust systems for a newly designed Harley-Davidson “Slingshot” series. The article quoted engineer Phil LeBeau as saying “The current series that we’ve been manufacturing for Harley-Davidson in Dexter has remained the same for about seven years.

They just went through a re-design. What’s coming is the replacement for Harley’s FL series.”

Now this is getting interesting, ain’t it?

The statement in the news article jives with what we heard from an anonymous source.

First, I am not sure if that code name “Slingshot” has any bearing, or if it’s even still in use, since Polaris released a product of the same name in 2015.

Secondly, if a new engine is coming out, it makes sense for it to debut in CVO bikes.

Touring machines are a mainstay of the CVO offerings and have been for quite a few years.

The third thing is the real question. Is there an all-new engine coming out that’s really “all-new” or is H-D going to take another route? Like any good gossip, I’m leaving you with questions, not answers. Talk amongst yourselves.

Now let’s put the rumours to rest. Now no guarantees, CONTINUED ON P.03

August 2016, The Motorcycle Times – 2

RIDE HARD. RUN COOL.

™

www.amsoil.com Quality is our reputation.

Premium synthetic motorcycle oils, filters, fork oil, chain lube and performance products.

Leaked Harley- Davidson 107 engine

but everything I heard lines up with suspicions and rumors and makes sense.

Cam cover looks a little different, doesn’t it? There’s actually two pushrods per jug, 2015 Fury 2015 2015 you just can’t see ‘em. tranSFEr 2014 VFr800 GEnErator Vt1300CXaF CBr300rta CBr500r puMp In addition to the photos, my informant provided a ridiculous amount * $ * $ * $ * $ * $ * $ * BF2.3HHp $of informa2015 trX420Fa6 , tion about the engine. First, displacement , $ * $ * of 107 cubic inches is confirmed.

Additionally, I’m told a 114-inch variant will be coming as well, and there is talk of a 131-inch 2016 permutation. For 2017, we are only going 2014 2016 CBr600ra 2014 2 CtX1300a to see this in the Touring bikes. By 2018, Gl1800BG Gl1800adE $ * however, the new engine $ will* be going $ * $ * $ * $ * (airbag) 2016 trX420FM2 into all the Big Twin models. These new $ * engines are a single-cam design but have $ * four-valve heads. The cam is chain-driven, 2.99%/36 MtHS. PurCHaSe FinanCing! presumably to keep the EPA happy about *Licence fee (ifnoise, applicable) andand HST extrathe on allvalves offers.Offers cannot combined with any other offers,programs and are goodauntil July 31,2016.Down payment or equivalent purchaseyes, financingthis may benew required based creditsporting from Honda Financial Services Inc. Sale Price onwill the New Motorcycles includes juice freight and P.D.E.,ECRF,Licence engine arebeoperated The leftor discounts side looks little more familiar, I trade-in top.onOh millon approved is also everything be going soon. ApAdministration Fee and OMVIC Fee.Freight & PDE ($50/$50/$65/$65/$65/$65/$75/$75/$50/$50/$600/$600),ECRF ($0/$0/$0/$0/$0/$0/$0/$0/$0/$24.86/$24.86) are all extra that on the following other products:2.3DK2SCHC/WB20XK2C/EU2000iT1/EG5000/HRS2164PDC/HRX2175HYC/HRR2169VKC by a forked rocker. suppose. There’s not much roomandinLicenceAdministration there. I ($0/$0/$0/$0/$0/$0/$0/$0/$0/$299/$299) dual-plug heads. I guess alsoon themeans parently my old cable bikes are about/ TRX420FA6/TRX420FM2). of the power equipment include a limited time rebate discount and thehow Motorcycles/ATV’ follows:CBR300RTA $1,100/VFR800 $3,500/VT1300CXAF $2,000/CBR600RA $500/CTX1300A $5,000/ /GL1800BG $1,000/GL1800ADE $1,750/TRX420FM2 $900. Dealer order/trade may be necessary, “It’s sort ofPricing half-Evo, half may Twin-Cam,” I andwonder bads asthose valve$1,300/CBR500R adjustments this is a single-fire setup. It would have to$3,500/TRX420FA6 be outmoded. if we runtold. out of inventory of selected models. Vehicle(s) accessories are for illustration purposes only.Offers was These engines areandset up shown to have are going to subject be. to change without notice,see us for full details. been nostalgic if they could have worked in The compensator sprocket design has the heads both oil and water cooled. Oil The new mills are actually using two a dual-fire arrangement, but I guess practi- also undergone revision. Harley’s been feeds from the rear rocker box up to the different size mufflers, due to the emis- cality won out. playing with different ramp angles. Given 4Yr. k front. They’re very well balanced, very sions equipment, and the header is said to We talked about interchangeability, too, the troubles they saw with the previous I .! pp smooth,” I was told. “They definitely be far easier to remove than the outgoing with current and older models. Here’s version, it sounds about right they’dnCpay sound different.”

Twin Cam. The air cleaner “is a high temp/ what our source was able to give us: “Same extra attention to this area. Apparently, Redline is said to be theoretically higher strength type of plastic, and a slight pain in transmission cassette, but it’s in a differ- my major gripe with the Twin Cam — that than a Twin Cam, but they’re capped right the 2015 nInJa 2015 nInJa 2015 ent housing. It’s 2015 still divorced from2015the dadgum sprocket-shaft backside to remove.” roller 2015 bearing that 2016 VErSYS VaQuEro rebuild to access ultra 310— lX is still now at 6,000 rpm, which leads me to beInside the heads, those takes a whole 300 650 valves are oper-VulCan 900engine case.” nInJa CuStoM ZX6SE aBS lieve these new motors should be torque ated 1000lt 1700 JEtSkI And valve adjustThe clutch changed a bit too. “I don’t like in use. Pity. I hope the engineers found a (non-aBS)by forked rockers.(aBS) monsters. The whole shootin’ match is $ ment? Well, but * this is a$ bit of a* departure $for the* throw, it’s $ way out* there. As$ soon as * way to $make it survive, * $ I don’t* have said to be one or two pounds lighter than Harley.

Rather than the hydraulic lifters of you pull the clutch in just a little bit, you’re high hopes. www.readykawasaki.com the TCs, which makes sense, given the the Evo and Twin Cam, or the adjustable disengaging it.” Trike models will be getThat’s all the dirt I’ve gathered thus far. cle Licence fee (if applicable) and HST extra on all offers. Offers cannot be combined with any other offers, programs or discounts and are good until July 31, 2016. Sale Price on the New Motorcycles includes freight and P.D.E., ECRF, Licence Administration Fee and OMVIC Fee. Freight & PDE Hensall Circle, Harley Mississaugaalways *Vehi legacy430constraints seems pushrods of the Shovel, the Milwaukee ting an extra plate in the clutch, which sort Now talk amongst yourselves ($650) and Licence Administration ($299) are all extra on the Ultra 310LX Pricing of the following include a limited time rebate of: EX300AFF $1,100/EX650EFF $1,100/VN900CFF $1,000/ZX636FFFA $1,400/KLZ1000BFF $900/VN1700KGF $0/JT1500MFF $1,000. 48 Months till Kawasakithe Protectireal on to work within.

Eight is sporting locknut style adjusters up of stands to reason.

Oh, and the clutch on reveal happens.

866-819-4112 Plan is included at No Charge on the 2015 Ultra 310LX Jetski. Motorcycle(s) and accessories shown are for il ustration purposes only. Actual colours may vary depending on availability. Dealer trade or Factory Order may be necessary. Offers subject to change without notice, see us for full details.

HONDA’S RuSH Of ReD eveNt!

9799

www.readyhondapowersports.com 430 Hensall Circle,Mississauga

419

1 289

WB20XK2C

EU2000iT1PaRallEl

1779

4,579

EG5000

6,269

11,919

13,969

7,349

laWnMoWEr

389 89

5999

Sales Direct:866-819-4116 HRS2164PDCDC

8869

HRR2169VVKCC

kaWaSakI SuMMErtIME SalES EVEnt!

14,269

15,600

9,465

12,815

24,169

HRRX2175HYC

4,985

7,765

29,169 7,199

15,215

20,169

19,865

One StOp ShOpping: the Only FactOry authOrized retailer in OntariO tO OFFer hOnda, KawaSaKi, KtM, SuzuKi and yaMaha all under One rOOF! Summer roll-out event!

www.readyyamaha.com• 430 hensall circle, Mississauga 866-819-4086

4,600

5,179

Body add

100

8,000 11,099 11,669 11,970 9,449 1,000 2,715 399

OVER 76 USEd

MOTORCYCLES IN-STOCK! 430 Hensall Circle, Mississauga www.readypowersports.com

www.readysuzuki.com 430 Hensall Circle, Mississauga Sales direct: 866-819-4114

$

3,088* 4Hp

1,490*

$

829

*Vehicle Licence (where applicable) and HST extra. Sale Price on the New Motorcycles includes freight and P.D.E., ECRF, Licence Administration Fee and OMVIC Fee. Freight & PDE ($550/$75/$75/$50/$50/$850/$60/$60), all extra on the following on the other products:YF55GPEL/EF2000iS/EF3000iSEB/YP20GY/PW3028/ VX1100BMB/F4CMHA/F15SMHA). Pricing of the following include a limited time rebate and discount of: (XV250D $400/R3 $500/FZ7 $160/XVS13C $1,000/XSR900 $0/R6 $900/YF55GPEL $550/EF2000iS $225/EF3000iSEB $150/YP20GY $200/PW3028 $0/VX1100AMB $750/F4SMHA $50/F15SMHA $100). In addition, the 2016 and are subject to change without notice, see us for full details. following is extra on the YF55GPEL: $299 Licence Administration Fee & $24.85 ECRF. Dealer order/trade may be necessary, if we sell out of our inventory. Vehicle(s) and accessories shown are for il ustration purposes only. Offers good until August July 31,31,2016

www.readyktm.com 430 Hensall Circle, Mississauga 866-812-5582

pOwerSpOrtS Suzuki Sizzling Summer Sale!

15Hp

Yamaha pressure 2013YamahaV-Star 2015Yamahar3 2016 FZ7 2013 Yamaha Generator transfer/Waterpump Washer 2014 Yamaha 2014 Yamaha Grizzly EF2000iS * 250ccCruiser Black $ r6 1300cc Stryker 2016 XSr900 3000pSI/2.8GpM EF3000iSEB Yp20GY 550EpS - YF55GpEl $ * Coloured $ * $ * $ * $ *$ * $ * $ * * $ $ * * $

outboard Motors

*Vehicle License Fee (where applicable) and HST extra. Some of the prices include limited time Factory Incentives: 390 Duke $400/250 SX-F $1,500/690 Duke $0/350 EXC-F $0/690 Enduro 31, 2016 $0/Super Duke R $1,500.Offers good until August July 31,2016.

2015 390 dukE

$

2014 250 SX-F

2013 - 690 dukE

22016 GSX-r600

129

4,499

2016 690 Enduro

2014 1290 SupEr dukE r

5,920* $8,200* $9,599* $12,369* $12,995* $18,265* 22016 GSX-r750

*Vehicle License fee (where applicable) and HST are extra. Vehicle(s) and accessories shown are plus Get plus Get for il ustration purposes only. Pricing includes a 5 Ye a 5 Year ar factoryincentives.The2015models advertisedare Warranty!

W CompanyVehicle/Demonstratorvehicles.The2016 Inc.HST & Licence* @ 9.9% for 60 months $781.25 Down arranty! Inc.HST & Licence* @ 9.9% for 60 months $1,798.23 Down models are brand new. 2016/2016/2016/GSXR600/GSX-R750/GSXS1000/9. 9%/9.9%/9.9%/ 2015 plusGet 2015 plusGet 2015 plusGet months:60/60/60/# of Payments:130/130/130/ SFV650a a4 Year rM-Z450 a4 Year tu250XlS a4 Year DownPayment $781.25/ $1,798.23/$2,250/C. 3,804KM Warranty!

Wa rranty!

1,176KM Warranty!

O.B. $3,589.78/$3,589.76/$3,589.53/ $ * $ * Totalpayments $16,770/$16,770/$16,770. See $ * 31, 2016 usforfull details.Offersgooduntil August July 31,2016.

$

2016 350 EXC-F

* /bw

6,899

129

$

7,099

* /bw

20016 GSX-S1000

129

plus Get $ * a 5 Year /bw Warranty!

Inc.HST & Licence* @ 9.9% for 60 months $2,250.00 Down

2015 GSX-S750a

plusGet a4 Year 5,054KM Warranty!

7,389*

$

2015 V-StroM1000

plusGet a4 Year 3,901KM Warranty!

10,198*

$

3 – The Motorcycle Times, August 2016

CONTINUED FROM COVER

August 2016 , The Motorcycle Times – 4

TwoCents Mix - 0/35/85/0

30%K

The Motorcycle Times is published 11 times a year from Feb thru December.

Motorcycle Times distributes 15,000 free copies for pickup throughout Ontario from our network of Dealerships, Motorcycle related retailers, Motorcycle friendly locations and Subscribers. For more information about becoming a retail associate of The Motorcycle Times email the circulation Department.

Scott MacDonald

Richard Ackroyd Amanda Primeau Michal Mellon Laura MacDonald

Contributing Writers

scott macdonald EDITOR

the Good & the Bad Last issue, I mentioned that we would be heading south to Gatlinburg, Tennessee in the scenic Smoky Mountains for a much needed road trip, well folks, I’m sorry to say that we didn’t get there in the end. As fate would have it, we had many outside forces working against us that we finally had to succumb to the pressures and chuck the idea right out the window. So rather than allow my time be filled with endless ‘honey-do-lists’ around the house (that still need to be done), I quickly worked on a plan B. Over the past few years we have enjoyed touring around New York, its fairly close for quick little getaways with lots of great riding roads, accommodations and the sights and scenery are beautiful. It’s now Wednesday and I have already lost 4 days of my vacation. A bit of research showed the Finger Lakes region had some awesome riding roads. With summer in full swing accommodations tend to fill up quickly. My luck was changing because we

were able to find last minute accommodations, in Watkins Glen, NY. We spent the last few days of my vacation touring and discovering this ever popular tourist area. If you have never been to the area, it’s really a fantastic mini-getaway and some great riding and scenery to boot.

We are still following The Alaskentina Motorcycle Team, three Canadian boys (men) as they ride from Toronto to Calgary to Deadhorse, Alaska all the way south to their ultimate destination in Ushuaia, Argentina. This is a trip of a lifetime but they are still young. We are lucky enough to be able to share their experience with you.

And in addition to our regular columnists and their unique perspectives, staff writer Brent Wakeford takes us on a unique trip so to speak.

It’s more of a trip back in time. We look back on some of the motorcycle vocabulary and how it has evolved over the years.

There is still lots of opportunity to get out

there and ride, the summer is just getting going. If you have any interesting stories you’d like to share, don’t be shy, send us your stories and if we can include them in an upcoming issue we will. Remember to keep it clean, our kids like to read the paper too.

Readers, we really want you to start talking to everyone and anyone regarding distracted driving. Put the story on page 20 up in your establishments, restaurants, bathrooms, where ever you think someone may take the time to have a look. There have been far too many deaths among our brothers and sisters.

Lastly, on behalf of the staff of the Motorcycle Times, we would like to extend congratulations to Jordan Szokes and his inclusion into the Canadian Motorsport Hall of Fame. The Motorcycle Times has been following and reporting Jordan’s success on the track over the past few years and in his many successes in other disciplines of two-wheel motorsports.

Subscriptions Payment Info Please print clearly

Name:________________________________________________

$15 = 1 Yr -11 issues

Address:______________________________________________

VISA

MasterCard

$30 = 2 Yr -22 issues Cheque

Mark Stanisz Brent Wakeford Scott Jackson David Heron Charlie Ambrose Tim Shamess Paula Benoit Ben Apedaile ‘Rotten Apple’ Ronnie

Contacts Circulation/Subscription/Distribution: circulation@themotorcycletimes.ca Editorial/Story ideas: editor@themotorcycletimes.ca Events/Community Spirit: readers@themotorcycletimes.ca Advertising Information: laura@themotorcycletimes.ca Ad Submission: production@themotorcycletimes.ca Accounting Department: accting@themotorcycletimes.ca

Sign up for Home Delivery Today!

2O16

Subscriber Info Please print clearly

Editor Art Director Assistant Editor Circulation Manager Distribution Manager Advertising Manager

CASH

_____________________________________________________

Make Cheque payable to: Advantage Media

City:__________________________________________________

Name on Card,(if different):_______________________________

Prov: ONTARIO

Card Number:__________________________________________

Postal Code:___________________________________________

Expiry Date: ___________________________________________

Phone Number_________________________________________

(What’s this? 3 or 4 digit number on reverse of card) CVV Number: __________________________________________

Email: ________________________________________________

Cardholder Signature: ___________________________________

Digital Subscriptions are always FREE! www.themotorcycletimes.ca facebook.com/motorcycletimes Articles, photographs and all advertising material published within The Motorcycle Times is protected under Ontario Copyright. Every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of any dates, prices, addresses etc of any material published in The motorcycle Times at time of publishing. Any and all prices, dates, addresses etc may change without notice at any time and The Motorcycle Times will not be held liable. Any reproduction without written permission by The Motorcycle Times or the Publisher is strictly prohibited. Opinions and comments are not necessarily those of the publisher/editor. Comments and submissions of editorial should be addressed to the Editor. All submissions to The Motorcycle Times become the property of The Motorcycle Times and will not be returned.

By signing this subscription form you acknowledge and release fully The Motorcycle Times as responsible or liable for incorrect mailing information provided to TMT. Please ensure the accuracy of all information prior to sending. Unreadable entries can not be processed - Please print clearly. Subscription includes Ontario HST.

Mail to: 105 West 25th Street, Hamilton ON L9C 4X3

105 West 25th St., Hamilton ON. L9C 4X3 905.962.1890

Mix - 0/35/85/0

30%K

The Glen

Sometimes you just can’t change fate. Last month my wife and I had planned to travel to Gatlinburg Tennessee for a much needed vacation.

As fate would have it, our plans had to be cancelled leaving us no time to make other arrangements for accommodations or travel plans. But, we weren’t gonna let that stop us from taking some time off so we began to throw out ideas. Do we stay in Canada, head south of the border, how long will we go? After hours of debate still no clear destination made the cut.

For many years, we have enjoyed the time we explored New York State and Pennsylvania. It’s relatively close and the topography offers exciting opportunities while on two wheels.

I began to consider day tripping to New York State and suggested we head towards the Finger Lakes region.

We saddled up and made our way to the border, crossed into the U.S. and headed East on the I-90. A couple of hours down the interstate we picked up our exit 42 and followed State Road 14 south towards Watkins Glen.

State Road 14 takes you through the town of Geneva, which is located at the northern point of Lake Seneca, the largest of the Finger Lakes. Beautifully framed vistas of the lake and

countryside through the trees begin to appear as we follow 14 south along the lakes edge.

Heading south I notice the roads are beautifully paved and smooth despite the volume of traffic that does travel this route. Exciting changes in elevation and beautiful sweeping corners begin to appear more frequently the closer we get to the south end of the lake making for a ride that will plant the biggest smile on any even the most miserable sourpuss.

We begin to descend into the picturesque village of Watkins Glen. The main street runs north and south lined with small shops, antique shops and more ice cream shops than I could count. We were staying at the local KOA for a couple of nights, but there were many B&B’s and hotels to choose from in the village itself.

Watkins Glen boasts some pretty impressive attributes aside from the gorgeous scenery and incredible roads. The State Park, whose entrance is right off the main street, is a sight to behold. Caverns and waterfalls carved out of the granite walls of the Glen stretch for more than a mile. Hikers and visitors with cameras in hand quickly realize that no matter where they point the lens, an incredible reminder will reward them of their visit. Be sure to wear comfy shoes, there are over 800 steps in the gorge and will take about an

hour or more to cover, depending on the number of visitors that day.

If you are a racing fan of any measure, the speedway at Watkins Glen will be of particular interest. This 3.4-mile road course has been host to many exciting Nascar, Formula one and Indy series racing over since 1956 at its current location. Prior to this permanent facility, a road course through the streets of Watkins Glen had been established and used beginning in 1948. The track still hosts many top level events through the spring and fall but if you want a thrill you wont soon forget, for $25 you can take your car onto the track behind a pace car for four laps you won’t ever forget.

From the village center, there are many short trips you can take if you have planned to stay for a couple of days. Corning NY, home of the Corning Glass Museum showcases glass blowing and manufacturing demonstrations as well as showcasing the history of glass through a self-guided tour. There are many interesting exhibit and a gallery gift store where you can purchase everything glass from exquisite art glass to souvenirs and often discounted corning ware products.

While in corning, take some time to walk the downtown district lined with trendy restaurants and shops before you get back on your motorcycle to explore the great roads this

area has to offer.

If you are looking for more to do aside from carving the twisties around the finger lakes, heading eastward from Watkins Glen, Ithaca NY is only a 25 minute ride away. Like most towns, Ithaca offers a variety of familiar shopping and dining options.

Ithaca is also the home of Ivy League Cornell University, boasting such distinguished alumni as Ipod developer Jon Rubinstein, Burger King cofounder James McLamore and the inventor of the Heimlich maneuver – Henry Heimlich to name a few.

The Finger Lakes region may also be best known for its ability to grow and produce some world-class wines. Watkins Glen and the neighboring Finger Lakes are the home for dozens of wineries. Park the bike and join one of the many winery tours offered in this area where you get the opportunity to sample a selection of wines from various producers, and when you are all done with the wine tour, you can end the day with a scenic dinner cruise on Lake Seneca with Captain Bill.

Watkins Glen will be a place you’ll be certain to return to once visited, there are so many more things to see and do than I have listed here, special events and festivals throughout the year and most importantly so many great roads that twist and wind throughout the beautiful landscape.

Whether you’re new to the powersports industry or an old-timer, Klotz is one name you can trust. Driven to perform at the highest levels, we race-test every product to make sure it meets the most stringent demands. You can trust Klotz with your favorite bike or ATV and be confident that we’ll take better care of it than any other brand.

Visit us at www.klotzcanada.com Ask for it at your local dealer, Find a local dealer or You can order right online.

5 – The Motorcycle Times, August 2016

WeekendSpirit

August 2016, The Motorcycle Times – 6

MotorcycleNews Mix - 0/35/85/0

Jay Leno takes Alabama-made motorcycles for a ride and review

Alabama-made Motus Motorcycles will be receiving some national attention when former Tonight Show host and gearhead Jay Leno gives the company and its premium bikes some attention on Jay Leno’s Garage on YouTube.

Leno will take a Motus bike for a ride and review it and its proprietary V4 engines.

Motus is an American motorcycle manufacturer based in Birmingham.

Motus founders Lee Conn and Brian Case were invited Leno’s Big Dog Garage earlier this month to tell Leno the story of how a small group of entrepreneurs set out in 2008 to make a motorcycle unlike any other, according to a company press release. Born out of a recession and developed with some of America’s most sophisticated engineering partners, Motus began shipping the world’s fastest production pushrod motorcycles to its network of U.S. dealers in 2015. Motus lovingly refer to the motorcycle style as “A Comfortable American Sport Bike.” Motus also supplies its turnkey American V4® Baby Block® powertrain to other builders and OEMs around the world for marine, offroad, and other powersports applications, according to the company.

“Jay is without a doubt a very knowledgeable and down-to-earth gearhead.

He applauded our effort, particularly with developing our own engine,” said Brian Case, design director for Motus.

“He’s a huge fan of our V4 engine and has known about Motus for a while.”

Company president Lee Conn said, “Jay has a deep understanding of the rich history of American motorcycles and he helped us take a step back and appreciate where Motus fits into that lineage. This type of exposure is really important as we expand our dealer network and continue to spread our name and message out into the public eye.”

The episode on YouTube featuring Motus will give viewers the chance to see what Leno thinks about the engine and motorcycle, including onboard commentary during his ride. “It was pretty surreal to be chasing Jay Leno through the LA canyons, all on motorcycles that we developed from scratch,” said Case. h t t p s : / / w w w. y o u t u b e . c o m / watch?v=SNkIvO0eFIw

Polaris Industries Inc. Motorcycles Are Sales Growth Slowing

Indian Motorcycle’s ability to attract new riders to its brand has been a powerful jolt for sales growth since it resurrection in 2013, but is it going to become more difficult to keep that momentum going.

Polaris Industries’ motorcycle sales jumped 23% in the quarter as all brands gained, and the company reported North American retail demand for bikes 900cc and up was higher, landing in the midteens compared to a mid-single-digit percent decline for the industry, suggesting it was taking market share. But the sales growth rate was cut in half from this time last year. That means growth is slowing and could be a cause for caution.

A slow burn Considering the impact the big recall on Polaris’ popular RZR side-by-side has had on the powersports vehicle maker, its second-quarter earnings report surprised many because it surpassed analyst expectations. Yet there may be some yellow flags lurking behind the seemingly solid effort.

While Polaris makes most of its money on off-road vehicles, accounting for 71% of total revenue this past quarter, its motorcycle division is where it’s been gaining the most mileage lately. It may have been making the burly Victory bikes for years, but it wasn’t until it bought the rights to Indian Motorcycle out of bankruptcy that sales jumped off the line.

After resurrecting the nameplate in 2013 with the introduction of three models, motorcycle sales nearly doubled, an amazing

achievement since they were only selling for part of the year. Polaris followed up that performance the next year with 250% growth from the Indian brand, and as it expanded its selection of models available, North American retail for Indian jumped another 80% in 2015.

Because it was starting from a negligible base, such torrid early growth is not unexpected, and Polaris’ ability to maintain a hot hand showed consumers were keenly looking for another big American-made bike. Harley-Davidson, although it owns half the 601cc and above category, became so ubiquitous that it lost some of its cachet. Polaris, with Indian Motorcycle’s own storied history, filled a gap that Victory could not and Harley has been caught now in several years of falling sales. There’s still a yawning gap between it and Polaris, which quickly leapfrogged the competition into second place, but Polaris continues to nibble away at its rival’s lead.

The Indian brand has matured over the last three years. Polaris is likely to see growth rates slow as the initial excitement over the brand’s reintroduction fades and it enters a period where innovative, new models drive sales.

Fortunately, Polaris Industries has been smart. It started off by introducing bikes based on the classics and now it’s going after new markets. Both the Scout and Scout Sixty are proving extremely popular entry-level bikes for new riders and those new to the Indian brand.

Harley recalling 27,000 motorcycles Milwaukee-based Harley-Davidson is recalling more than 27,000 motorcycles from its 2016 model year after discovering the clutch may not disengage in certain circumstances, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

The recall covers 14 different 2016 models, including Electric Glide Ultra Classic, Electra Glide Ultra Classic Low, Ultra Limited Low, Ultra Limited, CVO Street Glide, Street Glide, Street Glide Special, Road Glide Special, Road Glide, Police Electra Glide, Road Glide Ultra, Fat Boy S, Softail Slim S, and CVO Softail Pro Street Breakout.

The condition can cause loss of control of the motorcycle when it is started in gear or first shifted into gear after being parked for an extended period. Riders may notice a large amount of “free play” when they first squeeze the clutch, if the condition is present.

The company discovered the issue during its post-recall monitoring of a recall for 2014 and 2015 models after seeing a spike in warranty claims on the 2016 models.

Harley had sought to address the issue, which involved the potential for a chemical reaction and the development of a gas bubble in the clutch master cylinder, through process changes meant to ensure a higher degree of cleanliness.

The company determined the process changes may not have eliminated the problem on a number of motorcycles produced between July 2015 and the end of March. Motorcycles built after April 1 were constructed with clutch master cylinders that have been washed with an ultrasonic washing process to eliminate the issue.

Harley has already begun notifying dealers and owners about the recall. Those with affected motorcycles should arrange for service with an authorized dealer.

If covered, the dealer will flush the clutch system with the recommended wash solution and rebuild the clutch master cylinder using the recall kit provided.

This service will be provided at no charge to the customer.

30%K

Hog Tunes New Product Release

Hogtunes Inc announced the worldwide release of the NEW BTS-AA (Drag Specialties Part #4401-0203). Using Bluetooth® wireless technology, BTS-AA allows music to be played wirelessly on 1999-2013 Harley Davidson® motorcycles with a factory radio.

“Riders and music enthusiasts have been looking for a more affordable way to add Bluetooth® wireless technology to their bikes without having to change their radio, and Hogtunes has delivered”, says Hogtunes owner, Mike “PEZ” Pesdirz. “Hogtunes has always strived to offer innovative, affordable solutions to give customers the best possible experience without breaking the bank.”

Features •Bluetooth® VIA factory radio AUX input •Replaces factory ambient air temperature gauge (any 2-1/8” gauge) •Easy plug and play installation •Extra inputs for satellite radio/GPS etc •HD accessory chrome rings fit perfectly •Backlights for easy viewing at night •Any radio that has 1/8” input •Can pair with up to 9 wireless devices • Retain CB, headsets and rear speaker pod controls when installed on Ultra Classic models Hogtunes has been designing, engineering and manufacturing aftermarket audio components from the ground up for use in the motorcycle environment (at speed) since 2003. For more information about the BTS-AA and other exciting Hogtunes products, please visit www.hogtunes.com Hogtunes is distributed through Drag Specialties, Parts Canada, Parts Unlimited and Parts Europe.

Kawasaki recalls Z125 Pro motorcycles

Kawasaki Motors Corp., U.S.A. has issued a recall on certain model year 2017 Kawasaki Z125 Pro motorcycles manufactured Feb. 4, 2016 to June 7, 2016. This recall may affect 1,282 bikes.

In the affected motorcycles, the shock absorbers may leak oil and lose their function.

This loss of function may affect the motorcycle’s handling, increasing the risk of a crash.

KawasakiZ125Kawasaki will notify owners, and dealers will replace the shock absorbers, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin on July 26, 2016. Owners may contact Kawasaki customer service at 1-866-802-9381. Kawasaki’s number for this recall is MC16-04.

Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 888/327-4236 (TTY 800/424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.

7 – The Motorcycle Times, August 2016

Crusade against noisy motorcycles

A Guelph man’s crusade against noisy motorcycles in the city went to the Police Services Board last week. But Guelph Police said no tickets have been issued in four years and complaints are rare.

Duncan MacKenzie insists excessively noisy motorcycles are still an issue in Guelph, even though it appears not a single ticket has been issued.

MacKenzie appeared before the Guelph Police Services Board on Thursday, asking them to instruct police to be more proactive in its enforcement of the bylaw.

Duncan MacKenzie who was one of the instigators of getting the bylaw amendment implemented in 2012.

He said more proactive policing would be more beneficial, given that if you wait for a complaint to be phoned in to police the potentially noisy motorcycle is often gone by the time police can react.

“They continue to thumb their noses at the bylaw,” MacKenzie said.

“We don’t get a lot of complaints about it,” Guelph Police Jeff DeRuyter said. “I don’t believe we have laid one ticket under the bylaw since it was implemented.”

“Road safety is always going to trump bylaw enforcement. We have lots of bylaws and it’s challenging for us to address them,” he said.

The idling limit for motorcycles is 92 decibles. The police do have a device on hand to measure decible levels, but it is rarely used.

DeRuyter said it is a bit of a grey area whether a police services board has any authority over police operational matters.

“The message on this is that there is a bylaw, but we have to prioritize that with all the other challenges that we get,” the Police Chief said. The board took no action on MacKenzie’s request.

Motorcycle TV Series ‘Harley and the Davidsons’ Harley and the Davidsons will be aired as a three-night TV series and is set to make its world premiere on Discovery Channel on September 5, at 9pm.

For all you two-wheeled petrolheads out there, Saturday afternoon indeed brings a good news. Discovery Channel is soon going to air a unique mini motorcycle TV series named ‘Harley and the Davidsons’. As the name suggests, this consecutive three-night series is based on motorcycles and to be specific it revolves around the iconic American motorcycle brand, Harley-Davidson.

Harley and the Davidsons is basically a true story of two men who founded the legendary brand back in 1903. The duo namely William Harley and Arthur Davidson faced numerous difficulties while pursuing their dream of making off-beat robust motorcycles and the TV series ‘Harley and the Davidsons’ will portray their life events and struggle on the screen. The lead role played by Robert Aramayo as Willian while that of Arthur is done by Bug Hall. The interesting thing is that Michiel Huisman from the Game of Thrones is also present in the cast.

THOMBOYS POWERSPORTS & EQUIPMENT 202297 Highway 6 & 21, Owen Sound 519-372-0937 or 888-865-5782 www.tbpowersports.com

WAYNES WORLD POLARIS 29513 Highway 28, Bancroft 613-332-4649 or 613-332-3902 www.waynesworldpolaris.com

SPOILED SPORTS 1898 Baseline Road, Bowmanville 905-436-6487 www.spoiledsports.com

APEX CYCLE SPORTS 200 Preston Parkway, Cambridge 519-880-8800 or 888-702-4150 www.apexcycle.ca

* This is a limited time offer which is valid for the purchase of selected qualifying models and is subject to credit approval on qualified purchases financed during this program. Offer may not be combined with certain other offers, is subject to change and may be extended or terminated without further notice. Offer valid on new 2014 through 2016 Victory models. Monthly payment and cost of borrowing will vary depending on amount borrowed and down payment/trade. Minimum amount to finance is $5,000. Example: $10,000 financed at 3.99% over 36 months = 36 monthly payments of $295.20 with a cost of borrowing of $627.03 and a total obligation of $10,627.03. Monthly payment examples exclude tax, title & other fees. * Offer valid on new 2017 Victory® Octane®. Monthly payment and cost of borrowing will vary depending on amount borrowed and down payment/trade. Minimum amount to finance is $5,000. Example: $7,500 financed at 1.99% over 72 months = 72 monthly payments of $110.60 with a cost of borrowing of $462.87 and a total obligation of $7,962.87. $4,999 down payment required to achieve promotional offer of Bi-Weekly payments as low as $55. Monthly payment examples exclude tax, title & other fees. See participating retailers for complete details and conditions. Offer ends August 31st, 2016. **Rebates vary by model and model year. Must purchase a 2014 through 2016 Victory model between July 26th and August 31st, 2016. Victory or Polaris® dealership employees are not eligible for this offer. 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. ©2016 Polaris Industries Inc. Offers valid in U.S. and Canada, subject to credit approval, and valid on new 2014 through 2016 models. Good through 8/31/16. Certain restrictions and exclusions apply. See dealer for details.

August 2016, The Motorcycle Times – 8

Brain FEEL A FEEL DEEPA CONNECTION DEEPStorm CONNECTION WITH THE THREE OF OF WITHROAD. THE ROAD.THREE THEM BE TO EXACT. FEEL ATO DEEP CONNECTION THEM BE EXACT. WITHbrent THE‘storm’ ROAD. THREE OF wakeford THEM TO BE EXACT.

#1 CHOICE

FOR MOTORCYCLE INSURANCE

The Can-Am® Spyder® RT and RS ®roadsters.

With a unique, The Can-Am Spyder® RT and RS roadsters. With a unique, three-wheeled stance and intuitive, rider-focused features, three-wheeled stance and intuitive, rider-focused features, it’s everything you need to become one with the road. it’s everything you need to become one with the road.

CONTRIBUTING WRITER It’s riding. Reinvented. Discover what thousands of riders It’s riding. Reinvented. Discover what thousands of riders already know at can-am.brp.com. already know at can-am.brp.com.

Generation Gap of Words

The Can-Am® Spyder® RT and RS roadsters. With a unique, three-wheeled stance and intuitive, rider-focused features, it’s everything you need to become one with the road.

It’s riding. Reinvented. Discover what thousands of riders already know at can-am.brp.com.

1-800-269-2728 www.manthainsurance.com

It’s funny how terminology and tra- to raise a family, pay a mortgage and dition can change from one generation at mid-life recently got back into it--is to the next! In as little as 30 years de- now called a Bambi. Look out if you scriptions of motorcycles, parts, lingo are a biker who can now afford to buy and how people describe things have a new bike vs. having to build it on a VEHICLErestrictive STABILITY SYSTEM SEMI-AUTOMATIC DYNAMIC POWER STEERING SEMI-AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSIONTRANSMISSION DYNAMIC POWER STEERING taken on a whole new life.VEHICLE STABILITY SYSTEM budget from swap meets as system No clutch or foot shifter here. required Adjusts required effort through An automotive-like systemAn automotive-like No clutch lever or foot shifterlever here.

Adjusts effort through integrating stability, traction Yourup leftand thumb your acceleration, and steering I thought I was a youngintegrating thinker you just becomes a andacceleration, RUB (rich urban stability,and traction Your left thumb shifts yourshifts up speed andspeed steering braking forshifts an down. forefinger shifts down. Withangle reverse. angle comfort data. Moreand comfort and and anti-lock braking for and an anti-lockforefinger With reverse. data. More confident (Manual available) riding improved control. confidentand ride. incrediblybiker) (Manualride. available) improved a control. hip to the ever changingincredibly words most likely credit-glide terms in the biker lifestyle but lately I and having pride in ownership wantTRANSMISSION DYNAMIC POWER am feeling older and out of VEHICLE touchSTABILITY withSYSTEM ingSEMI-AUTOMATIC a nice shiny bike before theSTEERING daily An automotive-like system No clutch lever or foot shifter here.

Adjusts required effort through stability,in traction ride Your left thumb shifts up andlabeled your acceleration, speed and steering the new agers. Sometimes Iintegrating get lost has got you a Waxer. and anti-lock braking for an forefinger shifts down. With reverse. angle data. More comfort and incredibly confident ride.

(Manual available) improved control. conversations with the younger crowd Getting Jacked for speeding is now and rather then ask for a clarification of a Fast Riding Award. Keep the dirty a word or sentence--I merely nod my side down became keep the rubber head in agreement and search Google side down, and a fender fluff on your or the Urban Dictionary later that night. lick and stick is now a female passenCase in point, somewhere along ger Dealer on aImprint P-Pad. Monkey butt is a thing Dealer Imprint 14 Regional Road ON has Goes Here the way bikers became riders or moof the past with13, gelCourtland, seats, chrome Goes Here torcycle enthusiasts and The Man or been replaced with powder coating, 519-688-3278 Johnny-Law became Five-O. A skid gloss black paint with flat black, carbs www.lockhartsodyssey.ca lid, a half shell and a brain bucket with EFI, points with ECM’s, a beer Dealer Imprint Here became a tour pack, drag pipes became a beanie, a 3/4 cut and a fullGoes box face or modular. Do-Rags transformed became straight pipes, ape hangers beinto skull caps. The traditional dress came high bars, crash bars are now encode of black shirt, blue jeans and en- gine guards and a b&^th bar is forever gineer boots have been replaced with changed to a backrest, no longer even tank tops, shorts and designer high a sissy bar. top neon-colored runners. Club colHippy bikers everywhere are chokors or your patch on a vest are now a ing on their spliff when the gremlin bell Cut, Running66 (riding without your got transformed into a spirit bell. But patch) is riding incognito, OMG is no wait, no worries “Bra” your cool paint longer an outlaw motorcycle club, Rid- job is sic, and thankfully your bike that ing outlaw style is now riding squid is now phat means it’s no longer runand a lone wolf became a solo or inde- ning rich. Crotch Rockets became sport pendent rider. Riding the “front door” bikes, cruisers are no longer reserved is now a Road Captain and the “back for describing a metric bike and deckdoor” has changed to Tail Gunner. ers and dressers morphed into baggers And God forbid you tell your twen- and tourers. Knucks, pans, shovels and ty something son you are going for a blockheads have graduated to Fatheads putt on your scoot which can be mis- and Revolutions. taken for riding your e-bike to mini What a revelation that was! Or what putt. Lane splitting is stitching a line, DAFUQ! So, OMG, my little LENS is packing the ol’ lady or riding b&^th is done here and I hope to ROTFLMAO now riding two-up. The bible became as I continue to edumacate myself more the owners manual and the hard work- but if not--IRL, I’ll just stay FACEPALM ing biker of yester-year who worked all because IDGAF! week to support a family and then cut Keep the shiny side up and the rubloose on the weekend is now a week- ber side down. end warrior. Or if given up the bike ©2011 Bombardier Recreational Products Inc. (BRP). All rights reserved. ®, ™ and the BRP logo are trademarks of BRP or its affiliates.

Always ride responsibly and safely and observe applicable laws. Remember that riding and alcohol/drugs don’t mix. ©2011 Bombardier Recreational Products Inc. (BRP). All rights reserved. ®, ™ and the BRP logo are trademarks of BRP or its affiliates.

610376 Always ride responsibly and safely and observe applicable laws. Remember that riding and alcohol/drugs don’t mix.

610376

es Tim ycle c r o Mot The

©2011 Bombardier Recreational Products Inc. (BRP). All rights reserved. ®, ™ and the BRP logo are trademarks of BRP or its affiliates.

Always ride responsibly and safely and observe applicable laws. Remember that riding and alcohol/drugs don’t mix.

610376

The Motorcycle Times is looking for a few good writers.

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.

ExtraExtra.indd 1

12-05-30 2:24 PM

Toronto’s only authorized Moto Guzzi, Aprilla, Vespa and Paiggio dealer and service centre New and used motorcycle sales, service parts and accessories.

34 Futurity Gate, Suite #1, Vaughan 905-760-9933 • www.corsameccanica.com

So What

are you waiting for?

Sign up for your own subscription today!

See page 4 or visit www.themotorcycletimes.ca

9 – The Motorcycle Times, August 2016

/// 2015 – 2016

/// 2015 – 2016

Yamaha’s

sUmmER Yamaha’s WhEELS sUmmER salEs EvEnt WhEELS

Purchase a new, unused 2015 or 2016 Yamaha cruiser and be eligible to receive:

1,200 $ 1,200 $

IN GENUINE yamaha PartS * Purchase a new, unused 2015 or 2016 Yamaha cruiser&and be eligible to receive: accESSorIES up to

to 30, 2016. visit yamaha-motor.ca to viewINdeals GENUINE Offer endsup september on all Yamaha motorcycles.

salEs EvEnt

yamaha PartS & accESSorIES*

Offer ends september 30, 2016. visit yamaha-motor.ca to view deals on all Yamaha motorcycles.

CLARE’S CYCLE & SPORTS LTD 799 Highway 20 West, Fenwick 905-892-2664 or 888-663-6135 www.clarescycle.com

BENNETT POWERSPORTS 801 Brock St., Whitby 905-430-6360 or 1-888-430-6360 www.bennettpowersports.com

MOTOSPORT OF TRENTON 114 McCauley Rd., Trenton 613-965-6626 www.motosportsoftrenton.com

rIGht NoW at yoUr yamaha DEaLEr!

READY YAMAHA POWERSPORTS 430 Hensall Cir. Mississauga 905-896-3500 or 855-896-0430 www.readyyamaha.com OAKVILLE YAMAHA 615 Third Line, Oakville 905-465-9555 www.oakvilleyamaha.com

Some conditions apply. See your participating dealer for complete details or visit our website. *Offer valid on certain new, unused 2015 or 2016 Yamaha cruisers. Total bonus dependent on model selected.

rIGht NoW at yoUr yamaha DEaLEr!

/// yamaha-motor.ca

Some conditions apply. See your participating dealer for complete details or visit our website. *Offer valid on certain new, unused 2015 or 2016 Yamaha cruisers. Total bonus dependent on model selected.

/// yamaha-motor.ca

August 2016, The Motorcycle Times – 10

RoadTrip Mix - 0/35/85/0

Tym in Northern Ontario under cloudy skies

Tym (L) and Dom(R) crossing into Manitoba

30%K

Tym(L) and Dom (R) resting on the road somewhere between Ontario and Alberta

This is What Dreams are Made Of The Alaskentina Motorcycle Team

dom, ben and tym

CONTRIBUTING WRITER

Dom: “Dom I’m actually pretty rattled at you right now. Marie has been coming on this trip for the past month and you didn’t bother to try and figure out a luggage system to accommodate the extra passenger.

Instead you dumped almost 80 litres of extra gear that I had to pack and stress over to make fit. Now I’ve got an overloaded bike that I can barely sit on! It will be a miracle if I get out of here before noon.”

That’s the text I received from Tym the morning of July 4th, the day of our departure to Alberta. I had just finished signing my military release papers in Petawawa, ON, and was scheduled to meet up with Tym, who was in Mississauga. We were scheduled to meet in Sudbury later that day and then make our way across the

country to Calgary where we would meet up with Ben before beginning the journey to Deadhorse, Alaska and then down to Ushuaia, Argentina.

On this first leg of the trip, the deal was for Tym to take some of my gear as my girlfriend Marie was riding 2-up with me from Ontario to Calgary.

Of course, everything works out in theory, but when you have to pack 6 months of kit and three people on two Suzuki DR650’s, things get a bit tricky. Nevertheless, with some muscle, brainwork, and eventually just more muscle, we made it work. With the luggage stacked high, we met up in Sudbury without a hitch and began our trek out West.

Tym: We spent the next three days enjoying the indescribable beauty of Northern Ontario’s never-ending Highway 17. Southern Ontario’s socalled ‘back roads’ will never match

up to this rider’s heaven. Spending eight hours a day riding the undulating shoreline roads of Lake Superior while leaning through hundreds of kilometres of twisties is an experience unmatched. We definitely recommend that every motorcycle owner do this ride at least once.

It took us three days to cross into Manitoba, averaging about 700km per day. However, if we wanted to make the rodeo on Saturday at the Calgary Stampede, we would have to ride a total of 3,400km in five days.

Even with stops every 150km, this pace was taking quite a toll on our bodies, and so a good night’s sleep was never taken for granted. About 120km East of Winnipeg, we met up with a local adventure rider who reached out through social media.

She rode with us to Winnipeg and led us around the downtown core to avoid sitting in traffic.

As we travelled farther West, the stretches of road became longer and the terrain got flatter. Views through the visors were filled with blossoming yellow canola fields and purple lavender. The combination of the divided highway and the lack of cars on the road made riding very peaceful.

There were a few evenings where we rode into the sunset like an ending to a cheesy rom-com; an experience we will never forget.

It was Friday when we woke up on the eastern border of Saskatchewan and decided we would make it to Medicine Hat, AB. After lunch, we had only done 300km and our presence at Saturday’s rodeo was not looking good. We decided to ride and see how we felt after another couple of hours. When a decision had to be made, the thought of setting up a tent, eating a dehydrated meal, and then spending an hour in the morning packing everything up quickly convinced us to push through to Calgary.

The ride through southwestern Saskatchewan was unexpectedly beautiful and it was most certainly not the same old boring image of wheat fields and flat ground that comes to mind when people think of the Land of the Living Skies.

The road workers of the Trans Canada in Eastern Alberta deserve an award for ‘the longest straightest highway’. highway’. At one point, I measured 20 kilometres from the time I first saw a radio tower from the crest of a hill until I finally passed it.

As we approached Calgary, the sun was at the peak of its golden hour, spraying the entire green landscape with beautiful orange rays. There was one bend in the road that gave us an unforgettable view: the rolling green hills, the highway leading to Calgary’s high-rises, and the silhouette of the Rocky Mountains illuminated by the setting sun.

Ben: “We’re 180km from Calgary.

We’re going to push on.” Dom, Tym and Marie had decided to skip camping the last night and make it to the comfort of my parents’ house in Calgary. They arrived around 11:00 pm and we had a celebratory beer while they unpacked some gear. The mandatory trip to Peter’s Drive-In for a greasy burger was next, followed by a good night’s sleep. Over the next few days, we went to the rodeo, spent some time at my parents’ cabin in the foothills West of Cochrane, AB, and did some sightseeing at Moraine Lake. Then we dropped Marie off at the airport and did some last minute shopping before getting focused on packing.

We soon realized we had too much gear, and we filled a big cardboard box with items deemed unnecessary, in order to free up space on the bikes.

After dividing up the tools and food, the bikes we’re all ready to go… except I had no room to sit on my seat! The minor heart attack didn’t last long as I reorganized the items in my rear duffel bag and freed up some space on the saddle.

Wednesday morning rolled around and there was no sign of the rain stopping. I held back the tears as I said goodbye to Mum and Dad and we were off! The practice leg of Alaskentina, from Alberta to Alaska, was officially underway. It was decided that we would spend the night with my high school friends Pat and Andrew.

Pat’s parents had a farm North West of Edmonton and CONTINUED ON P.13

11 – The Motorcycle Times, August 2016

Clare’s Harley-Davidson® of Niagara

590 York Rd, Niagara on the Lake 905-684-4647 OR 866-979-7403 www.claresharleydavidson.com

Freedom Harley-Davidson® of Ottawa 1963 Merivale Road, Ottawa 613-736-8899 www.hdottawa.com

Kitchener Harley-Davidson® Davies Harley-Davidson® 2255 Kingsway Drive, Kitchener, 519-893-0493 OR 866-803-6837 www.kitchenerharley.com

8779 Yonge Street, Richmond Hill 905-709-1340 OR 866-977-1340 www.daviesharley.com

Mackie Harley-Davidson®

880 Champlain Avenue, Oshawa 905-434-6550 OR 800-668-5828 www.mackieharleydavidson.com

Rocky’s Harley-Davidson® 900 Wilton Grove Road, London 519-438-1450 OR 866-438-1450 www.rockys-harley.com

Barrie Harley-Davidson® 311 Bryne Drive, Barrie 728-5322 OR 888-743-1903 www.barriehd.com

August 2016, The Motorcycle Times – 12

the benoit files Custom Made Motorcycle Insurance

Call or go online for your no obligation quote We Make It Simple!

416-798-8001 or 888-768-8001 www.csib.org Cornerstone Insurance Brokers Limited Offices in Woodbridge, Markham, Barrie and Aurora Monday to Friday: 8 am to 8 pm Saturday: 10 am to 2 pm

helMeTS FoR lIFe

The lightest helmets on The planeT

Carbon

Fibre

Check out our complete line of european inspired helmets

Find a dealer near you at

www.nexxcanada.com

paula benoit

CONTRIBUTING WRITER

Be Careful!

Touring bike versus crotch rocket! The ongoing debate has been on social media again and again, with some instances being juvenile in the rebuttals. With each new motorcycle rider death, a new debate begins with the same response. It’s always alluded me as to why the direction of these concerns were not more directed at vehicle owners and providing these drivers with the training to know the 3 second rule. 3 seconds can save a life. That one more head sweep, that quick second look to make sure it’s clear, could and has saved a life.

In a lot of cases, I blame the media.

They’re the first to report extensive details regarding fatal accidents, but I have never read where the media provides its readers with training techniques to assist them in taking the extra effort to look out for motorcycles.

In social media forums, where most of the comments are riders themselves, they’re either trashing each other based on their ride, or providing ‘constructive criticism’ regarding how to be extra cautious when riding. (the latter is always a good way to teach and remind riders of how to protect themselves while out enjoying the ride) But I believe way more effort needs to be placed on the automotive drivers themselves, and the mention of taking that extra 3 seconds to take a second look. It’s far too easy already for these drivers to hit another car and say ‘I didn’t see them’, but yet it’s not grasped that motorcycles are smaller, less visible on the road.

When people bitch to me that my pipes are far too loud, my only rebuttal is that it’s saved my life. People HEAR them, and they’ll look. They take that extra few seconds as they hear it but don’t see it.

If the media themselves could change the way they tell a story, it could make a world of difference. Knowing that people are nosey and relish in reading about fatal accidents, maybe in the body of an article, put in some steps that automotive drivers can take to avoid becoming a statistic themselves and making front page news.

What really gets to me, is the verbal destruction that some motorcycle riders take when having a mere discussion about the other rider’s capabilities, maturity and decisions. Crotch rockets speed, they need to take it to the track, then the touring bikers gets the rebuffed with ‘you’re too old’, and I’ll be honest, both responders get rather nasty in their discussion, instead of just allowing an opinion to be an opinion.

Perhaps crotch rockets do tend to race, perhaps touring bikes have loud pipes that seem unnecessary. But in both cases, I’m betting both crotch rocket riders and touring riders have made both favourable and less-than-favourable choices in their lives that in some ways have an ill-

effect on others.

Regardless, any driver on the road should use common sense. People communicating on social media sites should use common sense. Using vulgar, nasty remarks, calling names just shows the writer themselves as being ignorant.

There’s no justification in your opinion when that type of retort is used.

I became a rider for many reasons. The freedom of the open road, the feeling after a particularly long day of getting on your ride to just ride, the brother/sisterhood friendships that you share with the other riders.

It’s my opinion that for this to change, the media needs to be taught what really matters. I’m tired of reading that another rider has been mowed down, either by vehicle error or rider error.

What can be done? Well, first and foremost, riders need to realize that we’ve all done stupid things. To blame all riders of a particular bike style is unfair. I agree that if riders want to experience the thrill of the ride and pull that throttle a little further than the legal limit, they should take it to the track. There are so many outside parameters that can interfere with your ride at that speed that you have no control over. Mechanically, animals, unexpected debris on the road, even the health of the rider themselves.

This refers to both crotch rockets and touring bikes (I’ve see touring bikes going a good 140-plus) and a catastrophic accident can and will happen at that speed also. Riding is a privilege, not a right. Respect it, enjoy it, SHARE it. I’ve said it before but it bears repeating. Drive your motorcycle like everyone around you will do something stupid, like pull in front of you, cut you off, text and drive etc. If you ride like no other driver is paying attention, you’ll be as careful as you need to stay alive and really enjoy your ride. I’ve adapted the same when driving my truck. I don’t want to be hit, just as I don’t want to hit someone else.

That mere few seconds could mean the difference between reaching your destination or having a rider hit your windshield or having to witness the life leaving that person and your life and their family’s life never being the same again.

I’d love to write about all the amazing adventures we’ve taken on our rides, such as to Lake George NY. I’d love to share the stories about the people we’ve met at the Kawartha Biker Church Show ‘n Shine, Port Dover Friday the 13th, swap meets and so on. But consistently being exposed to story after story of my fellow riders being felled by various accidents has caused me to jot this little note and pray for all my riding friends.

Whether in an auto, or on a motorcycle, ride smart, ride safe, ride with common sense and ride for the love of the ride!

13 – The Motorcycle Times, August 2016

CONTINUED FROM PG.10

Dreams are Made of the two boys had just started construction on a greenhouse for them.

Pat’s grandparents had a shelter for the bikes which is always a bonus, and Pat and Andrew put together a nice supper. A few beers later it was time to charge the electronics, write in the diaries and get some sleep.

After the first day of riding as a trio, it was clear we would be having a lot of fun on the trip. The SENA Bluetooth headsets and recently acquired throttle locks allowed for a synchronized YMCA dance response to the standard hand wave of oncoming bikers. The rest of the time was spent either chatting over the Bluetooth or listening to music. The pit-stops were spent mostly in silence; checking the map and texting worried mothers and girlfriends.

The next day we decided to have a short day to Grand Prairie. Dom’s friend Paul generously offered his floor to us, and the extra time off the saddle would let us update our website, blogs, and social media. The highways between Pat’s farm and Paul’s

L to R, Dom, Ben andTym leaving from Ben’s cabin in the Alberta foothills west of Cochrane, AB

floor were not as lonesome as expected. Massive trucks with wide loads straddled the lanes and the blowing wind was a constant companion. The strong headwind contributed to an increase in fuel consumption, with each one of the bikes drinking an additional 1L/100km above their average consumption of 6 L/100km. The sun was our most valued friend on this stretch, and it turned out to be a beautiful day for riding, despite a few patches of rain. The vast Albertan landscape is equally stunning and impressive in rain or shine and we were able to enjoy it in both. The big skies in this part of the country are truly alive and

Parked at Pat’s farm Northwest of Edmonton next to the hops grown for local breweries

matched only in beauty by the rolling hills and yellow canola fields that lie beneath it.

Once we arrived in Grand Prairie, we discussed the plans for getting to Deadhorse, AK. Despite seeing signs for the Alaska Highway, we were a little discouraged to see that the Alaska border was still over 1500km away.

The first two days had been short, averaging about 400km. It was great to see friends and not feel the pressure of long days, but we would need to increase our daily mileage to 600km per day to meet our goal of arriving in Deadhorse by July 21.

By the time this article has been

printed and is sitting on your coffee table, we hope to be resting up at Dom and Tym’s brother’s place in Vancouver, BC. Between publications be sure to check on our progress in real-time by checking in to our Travel Blog. By spreading the word about our trip and our cause, you can help us reach our goal of $22,000 for Free The Children’s Adopt-A-Village program. The organization works to break the cycle of poverty in developing countries and all the money raised through our campaign will be directed to existing programs in Ecuador and Nicaragua.

Visit at: www.alaskentina.com to donate and check our travel blog.

Feel the rush, find your ride

Feel the rush, find your ride 2015 VFR800F

SAVE UP TO

3,000

$ Ready Honda 430 Hensall Cir, Mississauga 905-896-3500 or 855-896-0430 www.readyhondapowersports.com Honda Motorcycles Canada

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

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

Clare’s Cycle & Sports Ltd 799 Highway 20 West, Fenwick 905-892-2664 or 888-663-6135 www.clarescycle.com

@HondaMotoCA

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

**

West City Powersports SAVE UP TO St, W., Belleville 676 Dundas honda.ca 613-966-8828 or** 888-966-8828 www.westcitypowersports.ca

Offers apply to eligible retail purchase agreements for a limited time, while supplies last. Offers are not applicable in Quebec. Offers valid on select new (not previously registered) Honda motorcycle products purchased from an 2015 VFR800F authorized Honda motorcycle dealer in Canada. “Save up to value $3,000” value is based on the 2015 VFR800. “Save up to” values shown are deducted from the manufacturer’s suggested retail price before taxes. While supplies last.

Offers valid from July 2 to 31, 2016. Dealers may sell for less. Dealer order/trade may be necessary. See dealer for full details, eligible models and other financing rates. All Offers are subject to change, extension or cancellation without notice and are valid at participating Canadian Honda motorcycle or Honda Powerhouse dealers outside of Quebec. Models and colours may not be exactly as shown. Errors and omissions excepted.

Honda Motorcycles Canada

3,000

$

@HondaMotoCA

Offers apply to eligible retail purchase agreements for a limited time, while supplies last. Offers are not applicable in Quebec. Offers valid on select new (not previously registered) Honda motorcycle products purchased from an authorized Honda motorcycle dealer in Canada. “Save up to value $3,000” value is based on the 2015 VFR800. “Save up to” values shown are deducted from the manufacturer’s suggested retail price before taxes. While supplies last.

Offers valid from July 2 to 31, 2016. Dealers may sell for less. Dealer order/trade may be necessary. See dealer for full details, eligible models and other financing rates. All Offers are subject to change, extension or cancellation without notice and are valid at participating Canadian Honda motorcycle or Honda Powerhouse dealers outside of Quebec. Models and colours may not be exactly as shown. Errors and omissions excepted.

honda.ca

August 2016, The Motorcycle Times – 14

TheOtherside Mix - 0/35/85/0

30%K

The Bitsa

A Wrench in the Works david heron

CONTRIBUTING WRITER

I just couldn’t resist Dear, it was such a good deal. At this point, I am just practising because I haven’t told the LSW yet. I’ve kind of got to edge into it. It’s not that I am afraid of her, it’s, well, just that I don’t like to get on her bad side.

Sometimes, she just doesn’t understand.

She never really says anything but after all these years, I know what she is thinking. It ain’t that good. The house reno’s can wait, because this kind of deal can’t be passed up.

Someone on the Triples board has a 71 Kawasaki 500 engine for sale. These are the early ones and I now have vast experience with these. It is not seized and complete except for a broken cylinder stud and a chipped piston. The chipping happened when he was taking it apart so the chip ended up on the bench and not in the crankcase. Oh yeah, it has a broken kick start shaft too. These are little things in the grand scheme of things and easily overcome. The first 3 triples I owned, had broken kicker shafts so I can do this repair pretty–well blindfolded. The engine is alone and not in a frame so all I have to do is split the cases, replace it and button it back up again. Hey, a piece of cake. The present owner is replacing this engine in his frame with a later model so I get all the electronic ignition parts and hopefully the wiring harness too. The most important part is all there. Easy peasey.

Now, all I have to do is round up a few more parts and I’m away to the

races. Let’s see, a gas tank, seat, lights, horn, switch gear, handle bars, foot pegs, shocks, wheels, exhaust, oh my, I could be in over my head. I’m an optimist or simply a dreamer or more likely, just flat out delirious. But, I have been doing these bikes for quite a while now so somewhere between the cabin, which is my former shop and the garage , which is my existing shop, I have some stuff.

When I took the front end off of my ‘70 500 which has been pictured here, I replaced it with a newer front with disc brakes. I have triple trees for the forks, a front wheel and drum brake which the original 500’s were equipped with, fork tubes are available so I need fork lowers. I asked another member of the Board about a gas tank and he kindly offered it to me for free. I guess it pays off to do favours for other members after all. I have a slew of foot pegs and I am sure there is a horn somewhere in the piles too. Exhausts are about as rare as hen’s teeth so I will have to do some real thinking about that. But, I swear that this time it will be different. I am going to go about this build slowly and carefully. I have a goal and a plan to make it work. I think that I have said that before but, this time , it’s the truth. Really, it is. I am going to make up a genuine stock looking Kawasaki H1A. That is a 1971 model in sky blue. I am going to have to appeal to my Board brothers for parts to make this happen.

It is a great source for parts on ebay, but with the rise in the US dollar and the exorbitant rise in freight rates, parts

prices are rising into the stratosphere. If you will also remember from previous columns, I am cheap as can be, so sourcing from Canada will be done whenever possible. Ok, so here we go….

The Kawasaki Triples Canada website is both entertaining and a pretty decent source for parts. As in most situations, you have some guys who always seem to want too much money and others who have a sense of community and want to help their fellow triple – stricken friends and acquaintances. Under the “ for sale “ section, low and behold ,there is a frame listed for a 71 H1. I will find out if the swing arm is also included but, right now, I have access to a frame and I have got a gas tank. Things are starting to move right along. I have to hold myself back at this point and be a little patient which is really not in my nature. Slow and easy is the best route. Take your time and accumulate the required bits as they come up and as more money becomes available to pay for each. Of course, as I explained earlier, I am not that kind of person. There is another posting on the Board with lots of other parts that I need.

Maybe just one email wouldn’t hurt too much….

One email leads to another and it turns out that the other member has an exhaust pipe set, oil tank, fork lowers and rear wheel. Things are really shaping up.

He has given me a price and I make a counter-offer which we both can live by.

In the excitement, I forget to think first.

Hey, I have a buddy who lives in Win-

nipeg who has lots of H1A parts. I have done a few favours for him in the past , well ,because he has become a friend, so I am thinking that hopefully he will return the favour. I decide to hold off on pulling the trigger with the first guy until I hear back from Winnipeg. I should try to listen to my own advice and be patient and find things slowly. Yeah right, fat chance of that.

Mr. Winnipeg makes a good little side story. Every year for the last 5 anyway, he and another member originally from the Peg and now living in Saskatchewan, make the long drive East to attend the big Triples gathering in Paris on Father’s Day weekend. I mean really, this is dedication. They load up a trailer with their bikes and drive over, stay for a long weekend and then pack up and return home. This actually makes me feel a lot better because I don’t think that I would be that crazy. But, how would I know? I don’t live out there.

So, the faster things stay the same, the faster they change. Yes, I turned the expression around but that’s called literary licence. The guy with the engine still has the better part of the bike that he is willing to let go for a bit more than the price of the engine. Bingo. A change is good and I now have most of a bike for a very decent price. There will be plenty of work to get it right but it is always a good start to begin with as much of the bike as possible. It is time to take stock before going off and looking for more.

I have also discovered parts that I need

15 – The Motorcycle Times, August 2016

that I didn’t even know that I had in my shop. It might be a good idea to keep an inventory list so I don’t get surprised like this. Who the heck am I kidding? I have never been anything close to being organized. Why start now??

The snow melted for a week this spring so I rolled my bike trailer across the yard, hooked it up and off to Tavistock I go to pick up the bike. Well, in reality, it could be called or at least pass as a bike. It had been in a barn for many years and it could only be described as rust coloured, very authentically rust coloured. The previous owner is said to have been very fond of this bike so, in order to save it he had gone to the barn every so often and sprayed any rust with red paint. Needless to say, besides the aforementioned rust, there is also a lot of red paint. Again, the visionary sees past that and can picture a gleaming blue and chrome H1a underneath. This sentiment is not shared by many others especially the LSW and I am the recipient of many disparaging comments on facebook, and at home. Again, I console myself with the knowledge that I am a visionary and they have no imagination or faith. Faith, I have a mitt full. As I mentioned earlier, maybe it’s delirium but I have learned to live with it.

At this point, I have started on the engine. It was already out of the frame so it was a breeze to lift it on to the bench and start tearing it apart. Cylinders off. Plug up the top of the crankcase and twist the piston circlips out without dropping them into the crank but also resting in the assurance that I am splitting the crankcase anyway so I would be able to fish any errant clip out. Of course, because I took the precautions, the clips come out easily and stay on the end of my needle nose pliers. Then, before I start on the casrs, I think to check if there is any oil in the crankcase and , of course, find that there is. Now, in the past I would have just jumped in and started peeling off side covers and then scrambled to contain the Valdese type spill that resulted.

But, I am experienced. I try to lift the whole thing up to get a drain pan under but find that I can’t turn a wrench to loosen the drain plug. Swift, on my feet thinking and I stick my oil change pump down the dipstick hole and pump out most of the tranny fluid within. I place a towel on the bench underneath which contains the fluid that did not come out with the pump. Truthfully, there’s a lot but none gets beyond the towel. The rest comes apart easily and after removing the many case nuts and applying, and reapplying, and then applying again sharp raps with a rubber hammer, the cases part to reveal a very tight and very intact transmission and crankshaft.

I have ordered a kicker shaft from ebay and paid more for shipping than the original part but next weekend I will be installing that shaft. I have all the gaskets and seals in stock to re-assemble, well, except for the clutch cover gasket.

Of course, this is the only gasket that does not come separately so I am forced to buy a whole gasket set in order to get it. I now have enough of the other gaskets in the complete set to do a number of other bikes but that darn clutch gasket, nooooo. Next time I will be back for another set. Hey, any of you vintage gasket suppliers out there, please take that as a very subtle hint….

CAN-AM SPYDER RT-S ®

®

CAN-AM SPYDER RT-S ®

®

FOR A LIMITED TIME, GET

700 700

$ $

FOR A LIMITED TIME, GET

REBATE† REBATE†

+ 3-YEAR COVERAGE ON 2016 MODELS††

+ 3-YEAR COVERAGE ON 2016 MODELS†† GET A FREE CGX2 ACTION CAMERA BY CYCLOPS GEAR *

WITH THE PURCHASE OF $1,200 OF CAN-AM SPYDER RIDING GEAR OR ACCESSORIES

GET A FREE CGX2 ACTION VISIT CAMERA US TODAY! BY CYCLOPS GEAR *

WITH THE PURCHASE OF $1,200 OF CAN-AM SPYDER RIDING GEAR OR ACCESSORIES

Visit one of these Authorized VISIT US Dealers TODAY! for more information.

Bennett Powersports 701Brock St North, Whitby 905-430-6360 or 866-430-6360 www.bennettpowersports.com Revs Full Throttle Powersports 42 Darte Drive, Welland 905-732-7529 or 866-774-0909 www.revsfullthrottle.com

Uxbridge Motorsports Marine 3 Douglas Road Uxbridge - 905-852-5884 www.uxbridgemotorsports.com

DEALER IMPRINT GOES HERE Northland Recreation Limited DEALER IMPRINT GOES 1007 Cowan Park Road HERE Utterson - 705-769-3671 www.northlandrecreation.com

Factory Recreation 347 Cranston Cres.

Midland - 705-526-2248 www.factoryrecreation.com Team Vincent Motorsports 1148-2 Northumberland St., Ayr, 519-632-8810 or 800-221-4360 www.teamvincentmotorsports.com

©2016 Bombardier Recreational Products Inc. (BRP). All rights reserved. ®, ™ and the BRP logo are trademarks of BRP or its affiliates. Offers valid in Canada, from June 20 to July 31, 2016. The terms and conditions may vary depending on your province and these offers are subject to termination or change at any time without notice. See an authorized BRP dealer for details. † SAVE $700 ON SELECT 2016 MODELS: Eligible units are select new and unused 2016 Can-Am Spyder models. Rebate applies on RT, F3, F3-S models. While quantities last. †† GET 3-YEAR COVERAGE WITH FREE ROADSIDE ASSISTANCE: Eligible units are select new and unused 2016 Can-Am Spyder models. The buyer of an eligible unit will receive the 24-month BRP Limited Warranty plus 12-month B.E.S.T. coverage. The buyer of eligible units will also receive 36 months of FREE Roadside Assistance. B.E.S.T. service contract is subject to a $50 deductible on each repair. For complete details, please see the BRP limited warranty and the B.E.S.T. agreement at an authorised BRP dealer near you. FREE CGX2 ACTION CAMERA: Valid in Canada until July 31, 2016 at participating authorized BRP dealers, while supplies last. Online orders are not eligible. *Customers in Canada who purchase $1,200 of BRP clothing and/or accessories – based on invoice total before taxes, labor and installation fees – are eligible to receive a CGX2 action camera by Cyclops Gear (a value of $349.99), at no additional cost. BRP genuine parts and trailers as well as Ski-Doo parts, accessories and riding gear are excluded from this promotion. This offer is not refundable, exchangeable or transferable and it cannot be redeemable for cash or other products of equivalent or similar value. Limit of one (1) camera per eligible customer. To receive their CGX2 action camera, customers must fill and sign the customer information section of the CGX2 camera claim form provided by the participating authorized BRP dealer. The participating authorized BRP dealer will then provide customers with a CGX2 camera. If the participating authorized BRP dealer does not have a CGX2 camera in Bombardier stock, dealerRecreational must place an order with andAll then contact the customer whenthe theBRP CGX2 camera is availableoffor in-store up. BRP reserves right to terminate change any time notice. models depicted may includeand optional Follow all ©2016 Products Inc.BRP (BRP). rights reserved. ®, ™ and logo are trademarks BRP or its pick affiliates.

Offers validthe in Canada, from Juneor20 to Julythis 31,promotion 2016. Theatterms and without conditions maySome vary depending on your province theseequipment. offers are subject to 611310 instructional and safety materials.

Always observe applicable localSee laws regulations.

Alwaysfor wear a helmet, eye$700 protection and appropriate protective clothing.

Always and safely.

AlwaysSpyder remember thatRebate riding applies and alcohol/drugs don’tmodels. mix. While quantities last. †† GET 3-YEAR COVERAGE termination or change at any time without notice. anand authorized BRP dealer details. † SAVE ON SELECT 2016 MODELS: Eligible units are selectride newresponsibly and unused 2016 Can-Am models. on RT, F3, F3-S WITH FREE ROADSIDE ASSISTANCE: Eligible units are select new and unused 2016 Can-Am Spyder models. The buyer of an eligible unit will receive the 24-month BRP Limited Warranty plus 12-month B.E.S.T. coverage. The buyer of eligible units will also receive 36 months of FREE Roadside Assistance. B.E.S.T. service contract is subject to a $50 deductible on each repair. For complete details, please see the BRP limited warranty and the B.E.S.T. agreement at an authorised BRP dealer near you. FREE CGX2 ACTION CAMERA: Valid in Canada until July 31, 2016 at participating authorized BRP dealers, while supplies last. Online orders are not eligible. *Customers in Canada who purchase $1,200 of BRP clothing and/or accessories – based on invoice total before taxes, labor and installation fees – are eligible to receive a CGX2 action camera by Cyclops Gear (a value of $349.99), at no additional cost. BRP genuine parts and trailers as well as Ski-Doo parts, accessories and riding gear are excluded from this promotion. This offer is not refundable, exchangeable or transferable and it cannot be redeemable for cash or other products of equivalent or similar value. Limit of one (1) camera per eligible customer. To receive their CGX2 action camera, customers must fill and sign the customer information section of the CGX2 camera claim form provided by the participating authorized BRP dealer. The participating authorized BRP dealer will then provide customers with a CGX2 camera. If the participating authorized BRP dealer does not have a CGX2 camera in stock, dealer must place an order with BRP and then contact the customer when the CGX2 camera is available for in-store pick up. BRP reserves the right to terminate or change this promotion at any time without notice. Some models depicted may include optional equipment. Follow all 611310 instructional and safety materials. Always observe applicable local laws and regulations. Always wear a helmet, eye protection and appropriate protective clothing. Always ride responsibly and safely. Always remember that riding and alcohol/drugs don’t mix.

S RE IVE SS RE

TRAIN ING

the club life

PR OG

August 2016, The Motorcycle Times – 16

PR OG

ADVANCED ROAD CRAFT

a c

ININ G

SAFETY

r

c

ADVANCED ROAD CTake RAFTyour skills to the next level.

Our European inspired course begins by evaluating your current skill level and tailoring our program to meet your needs.

Challenging you to take your riding to the next level.

Using an advanced riding system as taught by the UK police to their riders.

DO YOU HAVE WHAT IT TAKES...

Call or go online to book your course today! www.advancedroadcraft.ca

519-725-1262

advancedroadcraft@gmail.com

Space Tight?

Limited Edition Dual Ride-Up SRL Stand-Up™ Motorcycle Trailer Shown

Haul it, Fold-it and Store -it Kendon Standup trailers maximize not only your trailering needs but your storage needs too.

When not in use, the folded trailers foot print is minimized and can be stored virtually any garage.

Key Features & Benefits: • Patented Eliminator Torsion Axle, removable spindle and SuperLube from Tie Down

Available in singles, doubles and even choppers, there is a folding trailer option that’s right for you.

• Aesthetically beautiful with diamond plated decking and powder coating

• Exclusive torsion bar suspension system • Double mounting brackets • Triangulated round tube steel frame, similar to a race car chassis

• Superior longevity…Kendon trailers hold their value and many are still in service for over 19 years

1-800-883-8915 519-658-5777

www.ontariotrailer.com

mark stanisz

CONTRIBUTING WRITER

Taking the Open Road

I checked out the Open Road Adventure Riding Club tent at this year’s Chrome on the Canal bike fest in Campbellford.

Making some small talk with one of the guys, I was soon greeted by Troy “Angel” Talbot, who is in his later 40’s and President of the ORARC. He got his nickname because he had a Gold Wing - so the golden wings plus he tends to stop and help people so that was the group’s spin on it.

Talbot rides a 2013 Yamaha Royal Star Venture - two-toned silver/black, full dresser with saddlebags, stereo, all the fixings. He’s been riding since he was 8-years-old on dirt bikes.

“My first street-bike was a 650 custom and it lasted me 8 weeks before I wrote it off on the 403,” Troy said. “That kind of scared me off high-speed machines. I learned right then and there that doing 160 on a motorcycle is not safe if you lose control - and it went into a high-speed wobble on me.”

Working by day as a long-haul U.S. truck driver, he’s been to all but one state - Maine.

The club was created with six people in the fall of 2011, Troy says, and the thenPresident put an ad on Kijiji with the premise of friends getting together and going out and socializing.

Because he’s often out on the road Troy found it hard to get together with groups but he saw the ad and contacted the group. Weeks later he was a full member. There are now more than a dozen full members with a handful of prospects plus a guest list with a few more dozen people that come out and ride with them.

“I ended up being his V-P within the first year,” Troy says, “Because him and I had the same vision for this club to where it was going to go.”

He says you have to ride to be a member - either as a passenger or a rider.

ANSWERING THE CALL ORARC has a saying on their website which gives you a good idea what they are about: ‘When the open road calls.... we answer’.

The original founder put a lot of time into looking into how not to attract the attention of certain other clubs. The best way to do that, he figured, was to go with the single patch - their logo is a phoenix don’t call themselves an ‘MC’ and choose a name that was in no way shape or form intimidating. So they came up with the open road adventure theme.

“Our logo is a phoenix,” Troy says, “And the idea is every time we go for a ride or every weekend we hit our Sunday rides, we’re reborn after the ride. It’s renewal, it gets through the stress and the frustration of the week and the job and the atmosphere - you just think about riding.”

Plus it’s not just about going to the rallies - it’s about going and doing things and getting out.

As far as considering changing the

name, he says, there was a high cost involved as well with the website, patches and whatnot.

“At the end of the day if we start changing stuff it starts changing who we are and that includes the name,” Troy says.

He agrees it’s quite a mouthful but says it also distinguishes them from a lot of other clubs.

GETTING OUT AND ABOUT ORARC offers a good option for bikers looking for more than a group you simply sign up for online. They have weekly club organized rides, random rides as members see fit to run them, two annual gatherings and a Christmas party each year.

They also participate in many local charity rides and events plus an annual members meeting. The club does not require mandatory attendance. While they have a structure and believe in brotherhood and stress the social aspects of motorcycling, they don’t have the hardcore demands many ‘motorcycle clubs’ have so that also draws people to their group.

They are based in the Quinte region of Ontario but members and guests stretch from Port Hope, Belleville and even one from Peterborough.

Interestingly you can also look up on their website how many kilometres they’ve travelled - some 65,500km together as a club. The group does have annual dues - as Troy notes things cost money.

FURTHER DOWN THE ROAD The future for ORARC looks bright.

They have more than a dozen future possible trips posted on their website including a cross-Canada adventure, a Route 66 ride, Tail of the Dragon, a Great Lakes run and more. They also have a good detailed page listing weekly rides, special rides and pics.

A major charity the group helps with is the Relay for Life. Team ORARC raised $2,777 this year in support of the Canadian Cancer Society with most of their participants doing at least the 10km walk and one guy even walked 25km.

One issue the club had was early on when some of the members wanted to keep the group small and not really grow beyond a dozen or so.

“The ripples in the road have kind of ironed out and gone away,” Troy says, “It just took a little while to make sure everyone was going in the right direction and the same direction.”

He notes they also have an annual meeting where any issues can be worked out before they get out of hand.

But eventually it worked out and ORARC is growing and looking at the possibility of having other chapters in the future.

Visit www.orarc.com or orarc.gen@ gmail.com. They have a slick introductory video on YouTube at: http://bit. ly/29NkHdv

Lets Talk Audio

scott hooper

CONTRIBUTING WRITER

I hope you are all enjoying the summer so far. I have to say I have been looking forward to writing this article.

It will cover one of my favorite subjects, troubleshooting. This may be the subject of the next few articles, we will see! Perhaps it’s the fun of finding what the root cause of an issue is or maybe it’s the detective like approach that is taken while putting the pieces together to solve the issue. Either way troubleshooting is one of my favorite things to do, that is when its not my problem that I am troubleshooting! Following a few simple steps can always make the experience quicker and easier. I will share some of the steps that I will follow when working on an audio system issue. These are not written in stone and they will vary depending on the factors involved for your particular case.

Gather the facts. When troubleshooting an issue I will try and get the facts on what is actually happening. I find this makes locating the root of the problem far easier. Below are a few of the things I would generally want to know when starting to troubleshoot a problem. Each of these should lead you onto additional questions but remember the more info you can gather the better.

When is this issue happening? Finding out when the problem occurs will help you put together your list of things to check. I would be looking for conditions such as the bike running or not.

Moving to sitting still, is the issue related to the RPM of the engine etc.

Is it random or is it a result of an action? Similar to the above but more specific such as hitting a bump in the road, turning the bike, applying the brakes are all examples of how an ac-

tion could bring on an issue. Once you have found this out see if it is repeatable or not.

Does a time period factor in at all?

Does the issue only happen after a period of time? And Once the issue starts does it start/stop consistently? Knowing this allows me to see if there is another occurrence going on that could explain why the issue is happening.

Let’s look at an example, in this case a speaker that is cutting out. Our speaker is connected directly to the radio, there is no amplifier. The speaker will randomly cut out, it does it with no apparent time line, hitting a bump will almost always cause the issue however if the bike is sitting still and just playing music the issue will not happen. Assuming the speaker is bad without some troubleshooting will not get you anywhere.

Look at the last facts we gathered, it indicates that the speaker will play fine while the bike is sitting still. The speaker has no idea the bike is sitting still so why would it react differently? It wouldn’t unless the speaker was not the actual cause of the problem but instead was reacting to the issue. In this case my first thought would be loose connections. They will cause random cut outs, they have no repeatable timing to them and bumps will typically cause them to move around which can cause this type of problem. Add to this that when the bike sits still the issue does not happen and you have a nearly perfect fit. Getting to your speaker, removing the terminals and crimping them down a little and reinstalling will likely fix your issue.

Another good idea here would be to take this process a step further and switch the speakers side to side. If the issue does continue it will either be on

HONDA’S RuSH Of ReD eveNt! tranSFEr puMp

BF2.3HHp

$

9799

www.readyhondapowersports.com 430 Hensall Circle,Mississauga

Sales Direct:866-819-4116

*

$

419*

WB20XK2C

GEnErator

1,289*

$

EU2000iT1PaRallEl

1,779*

$

$

EG5000

laWnMoWEr $

389 89*

$

HRS2164PDCDC

5999*

HRR2169VVKCC

the same side as before or it will have changed sides. If it stays on the same side than the problem will not be the speaker and would likely fall on the radio or possibly a damaged wire connecting the radio to the speakers. If the problem moved over to the other side than the issue would most likely be the speaker. To be absolutely sure a different speaker could be tried in the location to see if there is still an issue.

Although this may sound difficult and time consuming it really is not.

Think about how time consuming, not to mention costly it would be to just start randomly replacing parts that we believe are bad!

I figure this would be a good time to share a quick story with you that has to do with exactly how troubleshooting techniques can help. I was recently on the road and stopped to visit a bike shop. While there a customer was having an issue with an audio system that had been installed on his bike. The bike had been back a couple of times with an issue that the techs could not figure out. I had a chance to speak with the customer and listened to what he said was going on. I learned he had two amplifiers in the fairing of his bike, one for each pair of speakers. So here was his issue: He said that his rear speakers seemed to work sometimes and sometimes not. He was also finding that his front speakers randomly shut off but would quickly come back on.

Further questioning would help, such as exactly when would the issue occur and did he have an example. He said that the one time he knew the rears were not working was in his garage with the bike off but the key switch in the accessory position. I checked the

2015 CBr300rta

4,579*

2016 CBr600ra $

8869*

14,269*

$

$

2015 CBr500r

6,269*

bike and sure enough the rear speakers did not work in the accessory position but in the ignition position they worked great. The fairing was pulled and we checked to see where the amplifier was getting its turn on signal from. This is the signal that will tell the amp to turn on and off with the bike. What I found explained the issue. One amp was wired to the bikes accessory circuit while the other was to a gauge light. The problem here is the gauge light only turns on with the ignition, not the accessory on his bike. A quick switch of the wires so they both powered with the accessory circuit solved part one of this issue.

On to issue two. Given that the front speakers were cutting out randomly, and not at all while the bike sat still I suspected a problem on the wiring connections somewhere. The connections at the speakers were checked and they were solid. Checking down the line to the input wires revealed the issue. The terminals on the input wires to the amp were left bare which would allow them to short together causing the cut out the customer was experiencing. With some fact collecting, some time spent putting the pieces together the issue was resolved once and for all in under an hour and made for a very happy customer.

Imagine if amplifiers and speakers were swapped out in this case thinking they must be the issue. No progress would have been made and the system would still not be operating properly. Remember a faulty component is not always the source of the problem, sometimes it is the result.

As always we welcome your questions. Please submit questions to: readers@themotorcycletimes.ca

2015 Fury Vt1300CXaF

2014 VFr800

11,919*

13,969*

$

$

2016 Gl1800BG

2 CtX1300a 2014 $ *

15,600

$

HRRX2175HYC

2015 trX420Fa6

7,349*

$

2014 Gl1800adE (airbag)

24,169*

$

2016 trX420FM2

* 7,199 29,169 $

*

2.99%/36 MtHS. PurCHaSe FinanCing!

August31,31,2016.

2016 Down payment or equivalent trade-in on purchase financing may be required based on approved credit from Honda Financial Services Inc. Sale Price on the New Motorcycles includes freight and P.D.E., ECRF, Licence *Licence fee (if applicable) and HST extra on all offers. Offers cannot be combined with any other offers, programs or discounts and are good until July

Administration Fee and OMVIC Fee. Freight & PDE ($50/$50/$65/$65/$65/$65/$75/$75/$50/$50/$600/$600), ECRF ($0/$0/$0/$0/$0/$0/$0/$0/$0/$24.86/$24.86) and Licence Administration ($0/$0/$0/$0/$0/$0/$0/$0/$0/$299/$299) are all extra on the following on the other products: 2.3DK2SCHC/WB20XK2C/EU2000iT1/EG5000/HRS2164PDC/HRX2175HYC/HRR2169VKC / TRX420FA6/TRX420FM2). Pricing of the power equipment may include a limited time rebate and discount and the Motorcycles/ATV’s as follows:CBR300RTA $1,300/CBR500R $1,100/VFR800 $3,500/VT1300CXAF $2,000/CBR600RA $500/CTX1300A $5,000/ /GL1800BG $1,000/GL1800ADE $3,500/TRX420FA6 $1,750/TRX420FM2 $900. Dealer order/trade may be necessary, if we run out of inventory of selected models. Vehicle(s) and accessories shown are for illustration purposes only. Offers subject to change without notice, see us for full details.

kaWaSakI SuMMErtIME SalES EVEnt! www.readykawasaki.com 430 Hensall Circle, Mississauga 866-819-4112

4Yr. k InC.! pp 2015 nInJa

2015 nInJa

(non-aBS)

(aBS)

300

$

4,985*

2015 VulCan 900

650

7,765*

$

CuStoM

$

9,465*

2015 nInJa

ZX6SE aBS

12,815*

$

2015 VErSYS

2016 VaQuEro

1000lt

15,215*

$

1700

$

20,169*

2015 ultra 310 lX

JEtSkI

19,865*

$

August31,31, 2016.

2016 Sale Price on the New Motorcycles includes freight and P.D.E., ECRF, Licence Administration Fee and OMVIC Fee. Freight & PDE *Vehicle Licence fee (if applicable) and HST extra on all offers. Offers cannot be combined with any other offers, programs or discounts and are good until July ($650) and Licence Administration ($299) are all extra on the Ultra 310LX Pricing of the following include a limited time rebate of: EX300AFF $1,100/EX650EFF $1,100/VN900CFF $1,000/ZX636FFFA $1,400/KLZ1000BFF $900/VN1700KGF $0/JT1500MFF $1,000. 48 Months Kawasaki Protection Plan is included at No Charge on the 2015 Ultra 310LX Jetski. Motorcycle(s) and accessories shown are for illustration purposes only. Actual colours may vary depending on availability. Dealer trade or Factory Order may be necessary. Offers subject to change without notice, see us for full details.

One StOp ShOpping: the Only FactOry authOrized retailer in OntariO tO OFFer hOnda, KawaSaKi, KtM, SuzuKi and yaMaha all under One rOOF!

17 – The Motorcycle Times, August 2016

Trouble Shooting

August August2016, 2016,The TheMotorcycle MotorcycleTimes Times––18 18

FinishLines Mix - 0/35/85/0 Mix - 0/35/85/0

Szoke wins dramatic Mopar CSBK battle at AMP SHUBENACADIE, N.S. – Jordan Szoke took his Mopar Canadian Superbike Championship winning streak to 12 races with a dramatic victory in the fifth race of the 2016 season at Atlantic Motorsport Park on Sunday, sponsored by Honda Canada and Pro Cycle.

Riding his Mopar Express Lane / Motovan / BMW Motorrad BMW S1000RR the Lynden, Ont. racer took the lead fromKenny Riedmann on lap 19 of the 22-lap race and edged clear to complete a sweep of the weekend doubleheader and claim his ninth career Canadian Superbike triumph at the 2.56km (1.6-mile), 11-turn venue north of Halifax.

On Saturday Szoke had become the alltime leading Canadian Superbike race winner at AMP, breaking a tie with Steve Crevier at seven wins.

Szoke completed the race in 25 minutes, 19.407 seconds, averaging 133.775km/h (80.265 mph).

With his fifth win of the season, Szoke extended his lead in the Mopar CSBK standings to 51 points over Riedmann, 268-217,

with just the season-ending doubleheader at Canadian Tire Motorsport Park August 19-21 remaining. A race win is worth 50 points.

Starting from the Dalton Timmis Pole Position, Szoke grabbed the lead on the opening lap but Riedmann got in front at the start of lap 2. Riedmann stayed in front despite numerous attempts by Szoke to get by, particularly at the end of the backstraight ‘Roller Coaster’.

“I was getting a little bit better drive coming onto the backstraight,” said Szoke after scoring his all-time leading 57th career Canadian Superbike win. “But to make a pass you have to go off line and it’s a little bumpy there, so I had a few tank-slappers.

I thought maybe I could ride one of those out and get ahead but it never worked out.”

Both Szoke and Riedmann set their fastest laps of the race on the fifth tour, Szoke managing a 1:08.892 and Riedmann a slightly slower 1:08.927, but the Belfountain, Ont. racer admitted to using up his rear tire early in his efforts to keep Szoke behind him.

Mosport Vintage Festival

The 2016 Vintage Festival will be on August 12,13 and 14th The premier classic/vintage roadracing event in Canada is the VRRA’s three day Motorcycle Festival held annually at Canadian Tire Motorsport Park on the third weekend in August. While Mosport has long been recognized as the finest road race facility in Canada, many changes and upgrades have elevated its status considerably. It now ranks among the best in North America. This GP-class circuit with its elevation changes, high-speed straights and challenging corners attracts racers and street riders from Canada, USA and Europe to the Festival.

Typical special races at the Motorcycle Fes-

tival at Canadian Tire Motorsport Park are: * The Masters: for riders over 50 years of age riding any eligible machine, * The Warwick Cup: for 350cc and 500cc motorcycles of British only manufacture, held in memory of Doug Warwick, racer and one of VRRA’s founders. * Endurance Race: a multi-class 2-hour race with teams of up to three riders open to machines from all periods. * The Vintage Challenge open to all classes where no trophies are provided but competitor’s placings are drawn for up to nine prizes.

The CVMG Vintage Festival Concours D’Elegance 2016 Saturday August 13th As part of the VRRA Vintage Festival, Great Pine Ridge section of the CVMG is hosting a motorcycle concours d’elegance.

The event is open to all vintage and classic bikes, whether street or competition. Participation is free with your admission to the Mosport facility.

30%K 30%K

Kallio confirms KTM MotoGP™ race debut in Valencia Rumours have been swirling around the paddock about a potential KTM wildcard in Valencia…

At the private MotoGP™ test in Austria the KTM RC16 ran alongside its future World Championship competition for the first time. Mika Kallio and Thomas Luthi took to the track and posted competitive laps times, many impressed with the power of the orange machine.

“I think everyone can be really satisfied that we’re here with the others. In the end I think the lap times were on a good level, quite good,” said Kallio who has been

leading development on the RC16. “We tried to follow the others and see how the bike is behaving and where we are losing compared to them.”

“Around two seconds behind the fastest guys, at the moment it’s quite good.

We still have time to work before we come to the Valencia race,” Kallio confirming the rumours about KTM’s race debut. KTM are not the first to wildcard before their full-time return, Suzuki also used the Valencia GP in 2014 as chance to compare themselves to the established order.

MotoGP Mid-season standings

19 – The Motorcycle Times, August 2016 19 – The Motorcycle Times, August 2016

Szoke to be inducted to Canadian Motorsport Hall of Fame TORONTO - The 2016 Canadian Motorsport Hall Fame (CMHF) inductees highlight this country’s success in various disciplines with accomplished competitors on two wheels and four who raced on dirt and asphalt becoming members this year.

Rallying’s Antoine L’Estage, stock car driver Peter Gibbons, drag racing’s John Edgar Petrie, motorcycle racer Jordan Szoke and CASCAR champion David Whitlock will be honoured in the 2016 Canadian Motorsport Hall Fame Induction Ceremony presented

by MAV TV and Lucas Oil at the Canadian Broadcasting Corp.’s Glenn Gould Studio in Toronto on Oct. 22, 2016.

“This year’s list of inductees underlines the many different forms of motorsport where Canadians have excelled,” said the Hall’s Chairman Dr. Hugh Scully.

“It is an honour for the Canadian Motorsport Hall of Fame to include these five new members who have not only found great success in their careers, but also thrilled countless fans over the years.”

A reception following the induction ceremony will allow fans to have an opportunity to meet the inductees as well as bid on a variety of racingrelated items in the CHMF’s annual silent auction that will take place in the lobby of the theatre.

Look for a record in Canadian motorcycle racing and you’ll likely see the name Jordan Szoke at the top of the list. The Lynden, Ont., rider notched an unmatched 10th Canadian Superbike Championship last year in style by winning all seven races on the calendar, upping his record number of wins to 52. He showed no signs of slowing down this year after adding another victory in late May’s superbike season opener at Ontario’s Shannonville Motorsport Park. In addition to superbike excellence, Szoke also has 10 other national titles to his name, including five Pro Sportbike Championships and four National Observed Trails crowns.

1290 Super Duke R Special Edition RAW, PURE AND BEYOND REASON King of the jungle, beating its chest with a hair-raising rumble. Wild on the face of it, but just as refined as the original within. And packing a knockout PowerParts punch. The result is lightweight and tailor-made, with an Akrapovič silencer howling for more and an exclusive paint job screaming for attention. From you, the boss.

Visit an Authorized Dealer for more details FACTORY RECREATION 347 Cranston Cres., Midland 705-526-2248 or 888-537-0636 www.factoryrecreation.com

ORANGE MOTORSPORTS 6423 Dale Rd., Port Hope 289-252-0693 or 866-288-2712 www.orangemotorsports.ca

WHEELSPORT 1390 Youville Dr., Ottawa 613-841-9400 or 888-696-2163 www.wheelsport.ca

HB CYCLE & OUTDOOR CENTRE 66 McLarens Creek Rd., Cameron 705-328-2453 www.hbcycle.com

GP BIKES 1100 Champlain Crt., Whitby 905-428-8983 or 866-475-7111 www.gpbikes.com

CLARE’S CYCLE & SPORTS LTD 799 Highway 20 West, Fenwick 905892-2664 or 888-663-6135 www.clarescycle.com

READY KTM 430 Hensall Cir., Mississauga 905-896-1600 or 855-896-0430 www.readyktm.com

August 2016, The Motorcycle Times – 20

RealWorld Mix - 0/35/85/0

30%K

Distracted Driving

It’s more than a menace, it’s a silent killer lisa campbell

CONTRIBUTING WRITER

Working in traffic enforcement for a quarter of a century has exposed RCMP Cpl. Chris Little to bad driving in all of its manifestations. Recently, though, he’s noticed a concerning, and deadly, trend: the self-preoccupied driver in a steel-and-glass bubble, oblivious to the outside world. “The tell tale texter (head down, weaving, slower than other traffic, stopped at a green lights) you know the one”. But it’s not just digital devices either Little, has pulled over drivers brushing their teeth, applying makeup, even reading a novel balanced on the steering wheel, the list goes on. Then there was the solo driver taking driver distraction to a whole new level. “When I pulled her over, her clothing was around her knees and she was flushed. You get the picture.” She was charged with careless driving.

It’s a roadscape familiar to Angelo DiCicco, general manager of Young Drivers of Canada (GTA). A driving instructor for three decades, DiCicco is also director of operations at Young Drivers’ new five-acre advanced driving centre in Markham, Ont., which offers rehab for drivers involved in serious crashes and also focuses on the perils of distracted driving, or, as DiCicco puts it, “to prove to people

that multi-tasking is a lie.” People are far more stupid than they think, he says: “Just having your eyes open isn’t enough to see a dangerous situation; your brain has to be engaged.”

The fact that distracted driving now accounts for more fatal accidents than impaired driving hasn’t made a dent in driving habits, says DiCicco, who sees the rise of “assertive” and now “aggressive” driving over the past 15 years as equally narcissistic and dangerous.

Such “me-first” behaviour—disregard for traffic signs, failing to signal, lane-hogging, crowding intersections, sailing through red lights—has led to a culture of driving entitlement squarely at odds with the spirit of co-operation needed to navigate the impromptu societies that occur when motor vehicles share space. That has made driving, the most dangerous and behaviourally complex activity most people engage in on a daily basis, a cultural menace that affects not only drivers but pedestrians, bicyclists and motorcyclists.

Transport Canada statistics reveal a decrease in deaths from automobile accidents over the past decade, in good part due to improvements in car design that reduce the impact of rearend collisions. But it has never been a more dangerous time to be a pedestrian, bicyclist or motorcyclist; for them, deaths from automotive collision have

risen in the same period, and continue to do so.

How we behave on our roads is a direct influence of technology, economics, sociology and psychology. A major factor is car design itself, specifically “improvements,” even at the low end, that make cars feel like safe, screenfilled, multi-tasking way stations, a place to text, chat on the phone, eat, check the latest facebook post and watch a movie etc all while driving.

One telling casualty of engaged driving is the stick shift, a driving feature requiring hands-on focus. Only 9 per cent of cars sold in Canada have manual transmissions, down from 35 per cent in 1980. The new logic behind this down cycle is; I can’t have a cigarette, drink my coffee, check my phone or anything except drive, so I need an automatic.

Our ability to drive and multi-task is less than we think, according to a 2015 AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety report that found a phone conversation via hands-free or Bluetooth, which is legal, is mentally demanding and associated with moderate to high levels of cognitive distraction.

A perceived time crunch has also added to our distraction. DiCicco routinely hears stories from people who say things like; I had to pick up the kids; daycare charges by the minute, I had a doctors appointment, the store closes by 8 o’clock, again all perceived time crunches. Soaring housing prices have also fed frustration, says DiCicco, by pushing many buyers outside of city cores, which increases commute times. It only takes a moment of distraction to end a life, so is that perceived time crunch really that important. Is perceived time crunches worth your life, NO. Rising awareness of distracteddriving risks has led to an increase in penalties, which vary wildly anywhere from $300 to $1,000 in Ontario. Those enforcing the law say it’s not enough to act as a deterrent and that courts fail to recognize the severity of the crime. Courts often reduce charges and lower fines.

“We understand first-degree murder and gang violence as crime. But driving infractions? We’re too warm and fuzzy. We can’t suspend a licence for life. People think driving is a right, but it’s a privilege,” says Little.

The call to attach the same stigma now associated with impaired driving to distracted or entitled driving is gaining traction, but it still takes time.

“We can teach new drivers about the dangers of drunk driving and distracted driving, but in 10 years these drivers will be no different than the distracted drivers of today, maybe even more so,” says Sgt. Wade Davidson, who works in traffic services.

“The group hardest to reach are drivers who have had their license for years; they have developed bad habits and skills deteriorate. Things change such as age, reaction time, environment, traffic and congestion, vehicles, rules of the road but most drivers don’t improve their driving skills to accommodate our ever changing society.

The one truth is that driving skills need to be improved and maintained.

As a motorcyclist I need to keep my skills at their peak at all times, so on a fairly regular basis I do advanced motorcycle training courses. I know that my life depends on what I do every time I get on my motorcycle.

I know I will get hate mail regarding this suggestion but as a motorcycle rider, a pedestrian and driver, I want you to talk about it, with riders, neighbours, family, friends, anybody and everybody.

So here is my suggestion: Everyone knows that their drivers license expires every 5 years. In order to renew that license you must provide a passing certificate of proof of driving skills from a certified/accredited drive instruction facility within 365 days of the expiry date. I realize it’s just the first step in making people more aware of the skill that it takes to drive a vehicle, any vehicle for that matter. But after that it is ultimately up to the driver to put the skills to use every time he/she gets behind the wheel of a vehicle or the handlebars of a motorcycle.

Mix - 0/35/85/0

I DON’T SEE MY AD HERE...

Chrome at Great Prices

125

neither do our readers.

Always Buying Used Goldwing Bikes, Parts and Surplus Inventory

ONLY

www.goldwingking.com 1-855-WINGKING (946-4546)

$

Hamilton Bikers Church is hosted at the First Church of the Nazarene.

92 Ottawa Street North

INCLUDES TAXES

Our fellowship meetings start at 6:30pm, Thursday evenings in the downstairs hall.

FULL PROCESS COLOUR

905-870-8584 www.hamiltonbikerschurch.com

905-962-1890

www.beltdrivebetty.com

K_wing-world-ad_bc-size_2011-06-29_ver2.indd 1

30%K

COFFEE STOP FOR BIKERS

11-11-13 5:07 PM

Home of Canada’s ONLY Weekly National Newspaper for Bikers “The Busted Knuckle Chronicles”

Your #1 Source for Motorcycle News, Events, Contests & Rider Friendly® Businesses in Canada!

7:00 pm – 9:00 pm

Every MONDAY Starting May 2, 2016 (weather permitting)

AT THE ROYAL CANADIAN LEGION BRANCH 25

www.beltdrivebetty.com

96 Great Northern Rd. Sault Ste. Marie A great place where motorcyclists can gather for coffee and camaraderie. If popular, we can expand

‘EVEN A USED TRAILER ISN’T WORTH BUYING ANYMORE”

UNBEATABLE PRICING & QUALITY

Call today to become a factory outlet

KANGAROO T

R

A

I

L

E

R

S

.

C

O

M

905-634-1205 • 1-85 KANGAROO • Kangaroo Trailers 3385 Mainway, Burlington The Largest and Best Selection of Used Harley-Davidsons

PRIVATE Motorcycle Instruction • Your Bike, Your Location • Choose Your Lessons • One-on-One Instruction • Skills Refreshment • Slow Speed Riding • Emergency Skills • M2 Exit Skills Practice

Great Quality! Great Selection! Great Prices! & Most important Great Service!

Start your dreams of freedom and adventure here!

Drop by for a visit and experience the difference!

1399 8th Line of Smith, Lakefield

www.usedhd.ca 1-888-292-8305

Note: Proper riding gear required, DOT helmet, leather gloves, boots and sturdy jacket. Gear Not Supplied.

905-975-1890 or privatelessons1965@gmail.com for rates or to reserve your space.

Minimum M1 required to qualify.

21 – The Motorcycle Times, August 2016

MarketPlace

August 2016, The Motorcycle Times – 22

CommunityEvents Mix - 0/35/85/0

August 6, 2016 Ride for the Breath of Life $20 per rider to register /$10 per passenger, includes breakfast. If riders raise $100 or more, registration fee is waived. 8:00 a.m. breakfast and registration, 9:00 a.m. departure. Royal Canadian Legion Br 178, 109 King Street East, Bowmanville. To raise funds to find a cure or control for cystic fibrosis (CF), a devastating chronic illness that effects over 100 families in Durham. Riders to arrive at 8:00 a.m. in Bowmanville where they can enjoy breakfast and be on their way by 9:00. The scenic route will take about 3.5 hours where riders may choose to stop for lunch at the Loyalist Grill in Bath.

At this time, we will send Anton and his young niece Talia off on their way for the 2,500 km journey to Montreal. Register today at rideforthebreathoflife.ca, www.cysticfibrosis.ca August 6, 2016 Ride for CHEO Kids Presented by Bikes & Bros RC. You can preregister at Union St. Bar & Grill, 7 Union St., Smiths Falls. or Make a Secure Donation online at CHEO Fundraising Page, make a $20 donation. Along with your name add “All In” (ie. John Doe All In), bring your donation receipt on Game Day and you’ll be in the Game, and of course you’ll receive a free ticket on our ATV Utility Trailer Draw. Play for FREE - $20.00 gets you in the game, and if you want to Play for Free ask your family members, friends, and co-workers for small donations. Collect $100 or more in donations and your game is free.

Plus you’ll get a free ticket on our ATV Util-

ity Trailer Draw. If you raise $100 or more you play for free. You will receive complete instructions for the Poker Run Route at registration.

The Route is well marked and is appropriate for all levels of Riders. Registration and Card One is at Union St. Bar & Grill, 7 Union St., Smiths Falls, On. Registration will open at 8:30 am, and run until 10:30. During registration you will receive your first Poker Card. Riders will leave for the Poker Run Route at their leisure. If you show up after 10:30 am, you can purchase a complete Poker Hand for $20, and participate in all the other fun, entertainment, and prizes, but you will not be eligible to complete the Poker Run route. Complimentary coffee will be available from Union St. Bar & Grill, and a specially priced Biker’s Breakfast will be available to registered Riders. Live entertainment, Jack FM on-site, 50/50 Draw, Tattoo Contest, loads of great donated prizes: for fundraisers, for Poker winners, for Poker losers, door prizes and much more.

August 7, 2016 Ride 4 Mom Hosted by SixOne3. Ride starts 10am to 3pm at 435 West Front Street, Stirling. $10/person includes lunch. Leisurely ride, followed by BBQ’d lunch and prizes. In support of Hospice Quinte.

Contact Mandy at sixone3ride4mom@gmail. com, 613-242-3665, https://www.facebook. com/groups/397758577018931/ August 13, 2016 Blue Tie Ride for the Cure 8:30 am registration, kick stand goes up at

Call us directly for fast to-your-door delivery: 1-877-549-4454

Don’t Be This Guy! Next-Day Delivery • Free Freight

Call us at toll free: 1-877-549 - 4454 We are Canada’s largest wholesaler of batteries for OEM & dealer requirements

Powersports vehicles need a powerful battery, one built to take the constant pounding that comes with the territory. Whether you ride a metric cruiser, sport bike, scooter or American iron, the staff at Great Northern Battery Systems has the right battery, testers & chargers for your ride. And we can get it to you quickly

visit us at: www.absolutebattery.com MASTER DISTRIBUTOR

Great Northern Battery Systems, 475 Parkdale Ave. N., Hamilton

August 20, 2016 Riders Against Hunger Registration at 8am. Kick Stands Up at 9:30am.

Start venue is the South Common Mall (Erin Mills Parkway & The Collegeway) in Mississauga. Registration: $35 for basic registration, $50 includes ride t-shirt and draw ticket. Ride for FREE by collecting a minimum of $35 in donations. Raise additional funds for incentive gifts and prizes. Register on-line or gate. RAH is a poker-run style ride in support of Eden Food for Change; providing food and skills training to hungry families in western Mississauga. The ride follows a signed, 3-4 hour scenic route with designated ride stops. Breakfast is provided during registration with lunch and live music after the ride. Prizes awarded for best hand, grandprize draw, and top three fundraisers. Bill bill@ ridersagainsthunger.org, 905-785-3651 x222, www.ridersagainsthunger.org August 20, 2016 Smiles for Miles Poker Run Help a Child Smile for Miles. Registration at 9:30- 10:30am. at Tons of Bike Gear - 4179 Hwy 20, St. Anns, ON. $25/rider, 15/passenger. $50

in pledges per person and you ride and eat for free. Includes BBQ, door prizes, 50/50 draw and much more. All motorcycles welcome. Tour the scenic Niagara Parkway & the Shores of Lake Erie. www.helpachildsmile.com or www.southerncruiserserieshores.com August 20, 2016 London Toy Ride Registration at 9:30- 10:30am. at Tons of Bike Gear - 4179 Hwy 20, St. Anns, ON. $25/rider, 15/passenger. $50 in pledges per person and you ride and eat for free. Includes BBQ, door prizes, 50/50 draw and much more. All motorcycles welcome. Tour the scenic Niagara Parkway & the Shores of Lake Erie. www.helpachildsmile.com or www.southerncruiserserieshores.com August 27th, 2016 Sprucedale Motorcycle Poker Run Registration starting at 9:00am-10:30am.

Sprucedale Hotel 2502 HWY 518 West. Registration includes poker hand and BBQ dinner.

Riders $35, passengers $30. There is a pay as you eat breakfast during registration with FREE coffee. For those not riding, a quick return to the hotel there will be a pay as you eat BBQ lunch serving hamburgers, sausages and hot dogs. The ride will see some very scenic roads, passing through a number of small towns and villages. Poker run will end at the Sprucedale Hotel where there will be prize draws, 50/50 draw followed by a BBQ dinner. In support of The Children’s Cancer Recovery Foundation.

Contact Mike 416-799-7332 or 905-936-2889

YOUR HONDA MOTORCYCLE DEALERSHIP IN THE HEART OF BEAUTIFUL BELLEVILLE

Check out our Pre-Owned Inventory

When life throws you a curve, you can count on us to deliver!

Over 70 Years Experience at your fingertips.

9:30am.Mackie Harley Davidson-880 Champlain Avenue, Oshawa..$35 per rider, $15 extra for a passenger (Includes breakfast, lunch, event t-shirt, 1 raffle ticket for prizes, swag bag for both rider and passenger). Prostate Cancer Canada. A beautiful scenic ride from Oshawa to Rice Lake, amazing raffle and silent auction. Dolly Betancourt, bluetieride@gmail.com, www.bluetieride.ca, 647-719-2098

30%K

MASTER DISTRIBUTOR

We carry a full line of Honda

• Motorcycles • Scooters • ATV’s • Side by Side • Marine • Power Equipment • Accessories • Parts • Service And lots of Apparel It’s a one stop shop.

Stop by for a visit and see what we can do for you.

676 Dundas Street West , Belleville 613-966-8828 or 888-966-8828 www.WestCityPowersports.ca

23 – The Motorcycle Times, August 2016

Take advantage of our Special Retail Financing offer for as little as 0% for 36 months.

Visit your local Kawasaki dealer today for complete details and get moving - for less - right now.

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

CYCLE ONE 127 Ingersoll Road, Woodstock 519-421-3333 www.cycleone.ca

GRAND RIVER POWERSPORTS 1264 Colborne St. E. Brantford 519-759-8140 www.grandriverpowersports.ca

FAST TRACK PERFORMANCE 3418 Catherine Street.

Dorchester 519-268-8429 www.fasttrackperformance.ca

BELLEVILLE SPORT & LAWN 128 Church St. S. Belleville 613-968-4559 or 877-968-4559 www.bellevillesportandlawn.com

MOTORSPORTS PICKERING 3260 Highway 7, Pickering 905-620-1171 www.motorsportspickering.com

ThanksKAWASAKI To a cusTom concepT called ergo-fit™, wiTh READY 430opTional Hensall handlebar Circle, Mississauga and seaT accessories, and adjusTable 905-896-1600 or 1-855-896-0430 fooTpegs, The Vulcan s is The perfecT fiT for any rider. www.readykawasaki.com The Ninja inspired 650cc gives you all the confidence and power you need at the same time, and comes with ease of handling you’ve yet to see in this category, Until now, that is.

kawasaki.ca ©2014 Canadian Kawasaki Motors Inc. Always wear a helmet, eye protectionis and proper apparel. ride under theCanadian influence • The 0% Special Retail Financing Promotion available on riding select 2015 and Never 2016 models sold by Kawasaki Motors Inc., purchased between June 1, 2016 and July 12, 2016. Receive a financing rate of 0% for up to 36 months, on approved credit. This promotion is time limited and certain conditions willof apply.

The SpecialAdhere Retail Financing Promotion cannot be combined drugs or0% alcohol. to the maintenance schedule in your with any other promotion unless otherwise indicated. See your dealer for complete details. Always wear a helmet, eye protection and proper riding apparel. Never ride under the influence of drugs or alcohol. owner’s manual. Professional riders on a closed course.

@CanadaKawasaki

CanadianKawasakiMotors

August 2016, The Motorcycle Times – 24

Biggest Biggest

0 0

Clear-out of the year C l e a r - o u t %o f t h e y e a r

THe BeST DeAlS

OF THE YEAR START HERE

THe BeST DeAlS

OF THE YEAR START HERE

READY SUZUKI 430 Hensall Circle, Mississauga 905-896-1600 or 855-896-0430 www.readysuzuki.com

F I N A N C I N G ** 60 MoNths %

F I N A N C I N G

60 MoNths

**

BELLEVILLE SPORT & LAWN CENTRE 128 Church Street, Belleville 613-968-4559 or 877-968-4559 www.bellevillesportandlawn.com

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

or or

5 YEARS SUZUKI WARRANTY PlUS

* 5 YEARS $2,000 SUZUKI WARRANTY ReTAIl INceNTIveS UP TO

PlUS ReTAIl INceNTIveS UP TO

$2,000*

CLARE’S CYCLE & SPORTS LTD 799 Highway 20 West, Fenwick 905-892-2664 or 888-663-6135 www.clarescycle.com

SNOW CITY CYCLE & MARINE 1255 Kennedy Road, Scarborough 416-752-1560 or 877-766-9248 www.snowcity.com

† SEE YOUR DEALER FOR DETAILS. SUZUKI RETAIL INCENTIVES UP TO $2000 or 0% PURCHASE FINANCING FOR 60 MONTHS/ 0% PURCHASE FINANCING FOR 36 MONTHS/ 2.99% PURCHASE FINANCING FOR 60 MONTHS is available on selected 2015-2017 models. Offers cannot be combined with any other special offers, promotions or financing incentives unless specified. The Effective Rate of borrowing will vary depending on the model and amount financed.

Example: The monthly 60 month payments based on the 2015 V-Strom 1000ABS (MSRP $12,399) @ 0% with $0 down payment are $206.65. Cost of borrowing is $0 for a total obligation of $12,399 plus taxes and fees. Effective rate of borrowing is 5.19% over 60 months. *Suzuki Retail incentives are direct-to-dealer incentives. **Limited time finance offers available O.A.C. Financing provided through TD Auto Finance and is subject to credit approval; not all applicants will qualify for credit. Minimum financing total of $5000. Financing promotions void where prohibited. ***These offers are valid only on select new and not previously registered Suzuki Street Motorcycles. Offer ends September 30, 2016. PDI charges from $110 to $528, freight charges from $165 to $275, 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 manual carefully and remember to observe all the safety regulations. SEE YOUR PARTICIPATING AUTHORIZED SUZUKI DEALER FOR AVAILABILITY AND COMPLETE DETAILS. Suzuki Way of Life! † SEE YOUR DEALER FOR DETAILS. SUZUKI RETAIL INCENTIVES UP TO $2000 or 0% PURCHASE FINANCING FOR 60 MONTHS/ 0% PURCHASE FINANCING FOR 36 MONTHS/ 2.99% PURCHASE FINANCING FOR 60 MONTHS is available on selected 2015-2017 models. Offers cannot be combined with any other special offers, promotions or financing incentives unless specified. The Effective Rate of borrowing will vary depending on the model and amount financed.

Example: The monthly 60 month payments based on the 2015 V-Strom 1000ABS (MSRP $12,399) @ 0% with $0 down payment are $206.65. Cost of borrowing is $0 for a total obligation of $12,399 plus taxes and fees. Effective rate of borrowing is 5.19% over 60 months. *Suzuki Retail incentives are direct-to-dealer incentives. **Limited time finance offers available O.A.C. Financing provided through TD Auto Finance and is subject to credit approval; not all applicants will qualify for credit. Minimum financing total of $5000. Financing promotions void where prohibited. ***These offers are valid only on select new and not previously registered Suzuki Street Motorcycles. Offer ends September 30, 2016. PDI charges from $110 to $528, freight charges from $165 to $275, 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 manual carefully and remember to observe all the safety regulations. SEE YOUR PARTICIPATING AUTHORIZED SUZUKI DEALER FOR AVAILABILITY AND COMPLETE DETAILS. Suzuki Way of Life!

Team Suzuki Ectsar / GSX-R 30th Anniversary Logos / Redesigned VERSION D2 / Selected Date: 06 May 2015