The Motorcycle Times - March 2017

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volume 8 | issue 2

March 2017

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INDUSTRY NEWS

A Toronto Motorcycle Film Festival Announced TORONTO – The Toronto Motorcycle Film Festival today announces the dates and venue information for it’s inaugural year. The Festival will take place September 29-30, 2017 at the Revue Cinema.

The Toronto Motorcycle Film Festival combines a passion for motorcycles and storytelling and screens current films curated from around the world, both narrative and documentary, that feature motorcycles and motorcycle culture, giving the local audience a chance to see these movies on the big screen. The Festival is the only motorcycle themed film festival in all of Canada.

The event brings festivalgoers together in a casual setting and promotes independent filmmakers by generating publicity for their films, with the aim to increase interest and distribution of their films. A panel of judges will select winners for Best Short Film and Best Feature Film Awards. In addition, the Festival audience will vote for their favourite film which will receive the People’s Choice Award.

The film submission window is open until June 30, 2017. Submission information can be found at torontomotofilmfest.com/submityour-film. Check it out torontomotofilmfest@gmail.com|facebook. com|torontomotofilmfest|twitter@tom otofilmfest|instagram#torontomotofil mfest

Quote of the Month ‘There are enough risks associated with riding, don’t let your lack of skill and knowledge be one of them.’

A classic tourer gets an update as the 2017 Harley-Davidson Road King Special–powered by the all-new Milwaukee-Eight 107– is revealed. The Road King Special gets a custom urban bagger treatment, losing its windshield and much of its chrome, while picking up lots of black paint, a 19-inch front wheel, and a whole new attitude.

Brad Richards, Harley-Davidson VP of

Road King Special

Styling & Design had this to say, “The Road King brand is really about taking the FL formula and marinating it down to its essence,” Richards explains, “and that meant removing the fairing and taking away some of the accoutrements the FL had evolved into over the years. It was about getting back to a simpler place with our touring models.

“If you ride a Road King without a windshield, it is a different experience,” Richards observes. “To us, that is the Road King brand—looking out over either a wide set of handlebars or, in this case, a bit higher and wider set of handlebars and seeing that giant chrome nacelle that houses our headlamp. That’s very Harley-Davidson—in the chrome version continued on PG. 03

March 2017, The Motorcycle Times – 2

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†NO PURCHASE NECESSARY. Open January 6, 2017 to July 29, 2017 to legal residents of Canada who have reached the age of majority in their jurisdiction of residence and have a current motorcycle licence valid for operation in their jurisdiction of residence as of the date of prize fulfillment. 500 secondary prizes available to be won, each consisting of one (1) genuine H-D merchandise prize pack (approx. value $50 each). One (1) grand prize available to be won by secondary prize winners: one (1) Harley-Davidson® Street Glide Special Motorcycle with a limited edition 100 Years of Harley-Davidson in Canada paint kit (approx. value $28,000). Odds of winning depend on number of eligible entries received and skill in accruing points. Math skill test and App registration required. Rules: https://pages.m.harley-davidson.ca/H-D100challenge. ©2017 H-D or its Affiliates. H-D, Harley, Harley-Davidson and the Bar & Shield Logo are among the trademarks of H-D U.S.A., LLC.

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

3 – The Motorcycle Times, March 2017

CONTINUED FROM COVER

Road King Special

(of the nacelle) seeing the reflections of the environment pass by as you’re riding and the wind in your face.”

“There’s an emotional lever that’s pulled when you ride a Road King versus when you ride a Street Glide or ride a Limited,” according to Richards. “What that is on the Road King is a very distilled, visceral experience of being in the wind and being out there. That, to us, is the Road King brand. Whether we dip it chrome or dip it in black paint, it’s still very Road King. This is just another personality we derived from that architecture.”

The black treatment is apparent from the front of the bike, as the cast aluminum turbine wheel is gloss black, and that continues on the forks, handlebars (and everything bolted to them), and most dramatically, the black headlamp nacelle.

Richards addressed the challenges inherent in working with an iconic model. “The challenges on some of these bikes, depending on what the contents of your project is, you might feel at first your hands are a little tied,” Richards says. “Once you start to look at the little details, like for instance, on this motorcycle we have a whole new front wheel. It’s the first time we’ve had what we call a turbine 19-inch front wheel on a Road King. It’s a wheel that was derived from the Breakout cruiser, which is a very contemporary chopper, if you will. Merely changing that wheel on the Road King—its persona is so known to be laced wheels or big, heavy cast wheels—that when you put this

19-inch, somewhat slightly more custom looking wheel on this motorcycle, that just instantly changes the personality of the bike.

“We just ran from there,” Richards continued, “with the dropped bags, the mini-ape hangers and, of course, the finishes that tied the whole thing together. Our goal was to the give it a whole new contemporary personality, which we think we nailed.”

The 2017 Harley-Davidson Road King Special comes in four different colors—Olive Gold, Vivid Black, Charcoal Denim, and Hot Rod Red Flake Hard Candy Custom.

“We wanted to have one offering in the lineup with this motorcycle that was a little bit louder,” Richards said with a laugh about the Hot Rod Red Flake Hard Candy Custom treatment. “[It’s] like your cousin who is a little bit more outgoing. It’s a different per-

sonality. We wanted to have that look at the party, too. The blacked out motor and all the details, those things stay the same on all four variants, but even within this new personality, it starts to give even another personality.”

The engine is a study in contrasts, with black tapped for the engine guard, engine covers, air cleaner cover, mufflers, and exhaust shields. Chrome is retained on the lower rocker boxes, pushrod tubes, and tappet blocks of the Milwaukee-Eight 107 powerplant.

“It’s definitely a Road King, but make no mistake about it,” James states emphatically, “we’re taking the Road King to a very aggressive stance and giving it a much more custom profile. This is about custom hot-rod bagger space. While maintaining the Road King’s traditional stance, it’s

truly recognized as a Road King—a very customized one. This is a very contemporary visual direction, and it’s the first blacked-out Milwaukee-Eight powertrain.

We know that many customers love that blacked-out look.”

The saddlebags are stretched saddlebags and dropped over the mufflers to give a slammed appearance, without reducing the suspension travel of the excellent emulsion shocks. The 2017 Harley-Davidson Road King Special definitely captures the custom bagger ethos.

“When I think about the motorcycle,” Richards says, “I think of three points—the new contemporary personality, the visceral experience of riding without a fairing…and this is a really awesome head start for customization for our customers.”

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.

March 2017 , The Motorcycle Times – 4

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scott macdonald EDITOR

Live to Ride One cold Saturday afternoon about fifteen years ago, it all began. My wife and I were out shopping and for some reason we decided to stop at a local motorcycle dealer and before I knew it, I was the owner of a motorcycle. What was I thinking? I didn’t have my license, had never ridden before, but I had a new feeling of nervous excitement I had never felt before, it was like a rebirth. I knew I wanted that bike and I would do whatever it took to learn to ride.

Now fast-forward 15 years. During a visit last fall, our son decided tell my wife and I, probably due to a nagging guilty conscience, that he had purchased a motorcycle. But, and you know there is always a ‘but’, he neglected to add during his admission that his new love had been parked in his garage for almost a year and that he had given in to temptation on more than one occasion to take it for a spin. This info came later in a casual conversation. Shouldn’t have told me that!

I now understand my mother’s apprehension when I told her that I purchased a motorcycle, but I also understand what he is feeling as a new rider, wannabe rider, I should say. Now the conflict begins because as much as I get his anxiousness to want to ride, my experience as a rider and a parent kicks in.

Problem is, what he fails to acknowledge or un-

derstand due to his age and powerful excitement to get his license is that he could loose everything before he even gets started. Simply by giving into temptation, even once. As experienced riders we all know how easy and quickly a rider can get into an unfavourable situation. It’s the combination of knowledge through experience and training that we know how to react. More importantly, as experienced riders we would not have allowed ourselves to be put in an unfavourable situation, if at all possible. It’s not the case with new riders and why graduated licensing in my opinion is a great process – it’s the learn to walk before you run concept and it works.

Trying to get a new rider to understand those scenarios is sometimes difficult – all they hear is “blah, blah, blah, you just don’t want me to have fun”, it’s not that at all. Confidence and skill are two of the things each rider needs to be safe and return to ride another day. For new riders it takes time to gain confidence in that ability to ride because you are still honing your skills. Learning the proper skills takes time and practice. A problem facing new young riders in my opinion, they confuse being confident with self-confidence because they have taken or graduated a safety course.

Taking the necessary although voluntary rider

safety training course is the first real step to helping ensure that a new rider has the basic skills and knowledge before taking to the road, and I emphasis the word basic. There are enough risks associated with riding, don’t let your lack of skill and knowledge be one of them. Avoiding those morons who think they can simultaneously refresh their makeup, eat a burger, respond to text messages on their ‘dumb’ phones while driving the highway with one foot on the brake and steering with their knee all at the same time, is hard enough for experienced riders to avoid. So take your time and exercise patience, the open road will always be there.

At the end of the day, new riders have only had 18 hours of seat time on a 125 in a controlled environment. The best advice for any new rider is to take their time and be patient. After graduating a local safety course practice those basic skills learned on your own bike, in an empty parking lot. Focus your attention on slow speed riding, and clutch control – you will use these skills more than you think. Be honest with yourself and your ability. Don’t rush the skill building process, you’re going to make mistakes, but an empty parking lot is safer than the open road. You will know when you are ready to ride in traffic, until then be patient and practice and live to ride another day.

Scott MacDonald

Amanda Primeau Michal Mellon Laura MacDonald

Editor Art Director Circulation Manager Distribution Manager Advertising Manager

Contributing Writers Mark Stanisz Scott Jackson Charlie Ambrose David Rusk ‘Rotten Apple’ Ronnie Kiril Lazarevski John & Maria Swan

Brent Wakeford David Heron Paula Benoit Ben Apedaile Marissa Baecker Scott Hooper Bill Coach

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john bradford

CONTRIBUTING WRITER

HONDA’S FIND MY SUMMER RIDE EVENT!

You can hear them roar as the pavement starts to vibrate long before you see the WWW.READYHONDAPOWERSPORTS.COM • 430 HENSALL CIRCLE, MISSISSAUGA • SALES DIRECT: 866-819-4116 flashing lights. Two by two, Provincial, Regional and City Police services, their white, FIND MY SUMMER RIDE EVENT! 2015 2015 2015 black or goldTRANSFER helmets reflecting the sun as 2014 VFR800 GENERATOR CBR1000S CBR300RTA CBR500R PUMP they blow through $ *the intersection. $ $ * * $ $ * $ * $ * * BF2.3H HP 2015 TRX420FA6 , Behind them are hundreds of bikers: , $ * $ * WB20XK2C EU2000IT1 PARALLEL EG5000 Sylvia, the driving instructor, on the sleek 1700cc Victory Bagger; Brenda 2016 LAWNMOWERthe hair2014 22014 CTX1300A 2016 CBR600RA GL1800BG GL1800ADE dresser in her leathers and pink 900cc ports.com $ * $ * $ * $ * $ * $ * (Airbag) 2016 TRX420FM2 Kawasaki Vulcan (her pup Shaddy naviissauga $ * $ * HRS2164PDC DC gating on the back); Bob, the CEO for CulHRR2169VVKCC HRRX2175HYC 19-4116 2.99%/36 MTHS. PURCHASE FINANCING! ligan Water, in his decked out Cobalt Blue *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 AUGUST 31, 2016. DOWN PAYMENT OR EQUIVALENT TRADE-IN ON PURCHASE FINANCING MAY BE REQUIRED Bombardier CanAm Spyder; the funeral BASED ON APPROVED CREDIT FROM HONDA FINANCIAL SERVICES INC. SALE PRICE ONAllTHE ADMINISTRATION FEE AND OMVIC FEE. FREIGHT & PDE ($50/$50/$65/$65/$65/$65/$75/$75/$50/$50/$600/$600), ECRF ($0/ All 2015-2 All 2015-2016 2015-2NEW 016 MOTORCYCLES INCLUDES FREIGHT AND P.D.E., ECRF, LICENCE 016 *Vehicle License fee (where applicable) and Motorcyc $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/ director and the accountant; the jeweller Mo Mo tor tor cycles cycles les TRX420FM2). PRICING OF THE POWER EQUIPMENT A LIMITED TIME REBATE AND DISCOUNT AND THE MOTORCYCLES/ATV’S AS FOLLOWS: CBR300RTA $1,300/CBR500R $1,100/VFR800 $3,500/CBR1000S $1,000/CBR600RA $800/CTX1300A $5,000/ GL1800BG $1,000/ HST areMAY extra.INCLUDE Vehicle(s) accessories and the soccer Mom;$1,750/TRX420FM2 the retired guy and and comeBE come with 60VEHICLE(S) AND ACCESSORIES SHOWN ARE FOR ILLUSTRATION come witPURPOSES withNECESSARY, h 60 60 GL1800ADE $3,500/TRX420FA6 $900. DEALER ORDER/TRADE MAY IF WE RUN OUT OF INVENTORY OF SELECTED MODELS. ONLY. OFFERS SUBJECT TO CHANGE WITHOUT shown are for illustration purposes only. month his wife onFORmatching month Spp month Spp NOTICE, SEE US FULL DETAILS.bikes; city workers Spp includes care factory incentives The emotional element of this ride can do theas rides. therapy, behavioral and physical developand students; bankers and Pricing bakers; follows: (TU250X $300/DRZ400S When $750/ you have participated in a charity ment programs, respite care and mobility break the resolve of the most hardened bikgivers and teachers. $1000/AN400ZAL6 route is planned to drive by the front ride you Allmust The kids are awesome. The er. AllThe As a former Harley owner,SV650SA I can’t resist $400/VZ800 2015-2016 2015-2016 5-2016 admit how exciting it is to deviceAllanalysis. $1,200/GSX-R750 $1400). All avoid 2015-2016both201irritable entrance four-wheelers and red facility is awesome.

The need seems to be the call of the Charity Motorcycle Ride…

WWW.READYKAWASAKI.COM • 430 HENSALL CIRCLE, MISSISSAUGA • 866-819-4112 Motorcycles Motorcycles of Lansdowne Children’s Centre cycles www.readysuzuki.com Motorcycles come with 60 months SPP Motorthe where of the kids, their families and but the funding isn’t any charity motorcycle ride. It’s more than lights with come with 60 help of a police escort and growing come witexponentially com e with some h 60 60 4YR. included. See us for full details. Offers good Hensall Circle,orMississauga Kwith caregivers are lined up along the curb controlling traffic as keeping up.

And that’s where the motorcythe 430 camaraderie planned entertainment officers atmointersections mo mo nth nth nth Spp Spp Spp INC.! PP until February 28, 2017. bikand munchies, it’s because we can help you breeze through town and out onto the clists come in. Their pledges and registra- thank you signs and large hearts. The

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4,579

6,269

15,600

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24,169

2016 tu250X

$

20,069

11,919

7,349

7,199

29,169

2016 drZ400S

4,879*

2015 sv650sa

7,419*

7,769*

$

$

KAWASAKI SUMMERTIME SALES EVENT! 2016 Burgman 400 2016 vZ800 2016 GSX-r750 an400Zal6

$

8,669*

12,869*

$

8,469 kawasaki’s February sales15,215 event! 20,169 7,765 9,465 12,815 $

Sales direct: 866-819-4114

*

tion fees go 100% directly to help the kids ers sit on their horns, rev their engines and someone by doing what we do anyway back-county roads.

2015 NINJA 2015UlNINJA 2015the reward is excep2015 reach their full potential2015 2015are smiles for kids are delighted. There In some events, and enjoy opportu- the2016 - riding motorcycles.

After selling my VULCAN 900 NINJA VERSYS VAQUERO ULTRA 310 LX 300 650 *Vehicle Licence fee (if applicable) and HST extra on all offers. Sale Price on the miles for the bikers. tional and emotional.

For example one of CUSTOM ZX6SE ABS nities to fully participate in the community. traGlide, and picking up a Yamaha 125 to 1000LT 1700 JETSKI (NON-ABS) (ABS) P.D.E., Administration Fee $ $ e-bike *the Brantford$rides is organized * If youincludes want toandexperience this 2017 ‘Pofor $Lans- The*ride has been$in operation*for the past $ New Motorcycles scoot around town*(“no it is NOT an * freight $ ECRF, Licence * andlice OMVICChasing’ Fee. Pricing of theevent, following include a limited time rebate 13, of: KLX110 Saturday May visit Children’s Centre which serves 12 years and has generated more than four ma’am, and I know you really really want downe www.readykawasaki.com • 430 Hensall circle, mississauga • 877-297-7446 X300 $0/Z800 $600/VN900DGF $0/ZX6SE ABS AND $300.P.D.E., Motorcycle(s) *VEHICLE LICENCE (IF APPLICABLE) AND HST EXTRA ALL OFFERS. OFFERS CANNOT BE COMBINED ANY OTHERPalsy OFFERS,and PROGRAMShundred OR DISCOUNTS AND ARE GOOD UNTIL AUGUST 31, 2016. SALE to PRICE$0/Versys ON THE NEW MOTORCYCLES INCLUDES FREIGHT ECRF, LansdowneCentre.ca 2600 kids, many with WITH Cerebral thousand dollars in donations one…have a FEE great day though”) I’veONhad LICENCE ADMINISTRATION FEE AND OMVIC FEE. FREIGHT & PDE ($650) AND LICENCE ADMINISTRATION ($299) ARE ALL EXTRA ON THE ULTRA 310LX PRICING OF THE FOLLOWING INCLUDE A LIMITED TIME REBATE OF: and EX300AFF $1,100/EX650EFF $1,100/VN900CFF accessories shown are for illustration purposes only.$1,000/ZX636FFFA Actual colours may 2016 vulcan 900 The kids will make you cry.

Autism.

The dedicated deliver speech organization. to$1,400/KLZ1000BFF borrow larger wheels $0/JT1500MFF from friends 2017 $900/VN1700KGF $1,000.to 48 MONTHS KAWASAKI PROTECTION PLAN ISstaff INCLUDED AT NO CHARGE ON THEthis 2015 ULTRA 310LX JETSKI. MOTORCYCLE(S) AND ACCESSORIES FOR ILLUSTRATION PURPOSES COLOURS MAY 2016 SHOWN varyARE depending on availability. Dealer trade orONLY. FactoryACTUAL Order may be necessary. classic 2016 klX110 VARY DEPENDING ON AVAILABILITY. DEALER TRADE OR FACTORY ORDER MAY BE NECESSARY. OFFERS SUBJECT CHANGE WITHOUT NOTICE, SEE US FOR FULL DETAILS. ZX6SEABS versys X300 2016TOZ800

4,985

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19,865

Offers subject to change without notice, see us for full details. Offers cannot be combined with any other offers, programs or discounts and are good until February 28, 2017.

3,160 SHOPPING: 14,069 $ 7,079 ONE STOP THE9,669 ONLY FACTORY RETAILER IN 11,869* AUTHORIZED ONTARIO TO OFFER HONDA, KAWASAKI, KTM, SUZUKI AND YAMAHA One StOp ShOpping: the Only FactOry authOrizedALL retailerUNDER in OntariO tO ONE OFFer hOnda, KawaSaKi, KtM, SuzuKi and yaMaha all under One rOOF! ROOF! $

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SUMMER ROLL-OUT EVENT!

PRE-SEASON SALES Winter roll-out SaleSEVENT! event!

outboard Motors

WWW.READYYAMAHA.COM • 430 HENSALL CIRCLE, MISSISSAUGA • 866-819-4086

4Hp 15Hp Outboard $ * Motors $ * 15HP Yamaha * $ * Black $ Pressure $ 2017* 2013 Yamaha V-Star 2015 Yamaha R3 2016 FZ7 Coloured * Washer 2013$ Yamaha Body add EF2000iS * 250cc Cruiser 4HP R6 www.readyyamaha.com• FZ-10AHG 1300cc Stryker 3000PSI/2.8GPM Black $ EF3000iSEB 550EPS - YF55GPEL YP20GY $ *Vehicle includes freight* and P.D.E., ECRF, Licence Administration on the following on the other products: (EF2000iS/EF3000iSEB/F15SMHA/F4CMHA).

Pricing of *the following $ * Coloured $ $ $Fee and OMVIC Fee. *Freight &$PDE ($65/$75/$100/$65), * Licence * Motorcycles $ * all extra $ (where applicable) *and HST $extra. Sale Price on the New $ * $ * $ * * 430 hensall circle, Mississauga

2015 Yamaha r3

5,279 100

5,179

2016 FZ7

8,100

2014 Yamaha 2013 Yamaha 2017 r6 1300cc Stryker FZ-10AHG * $ Yamaha* 2014$Yamaha Grizzly $ * 2014

12,070

11,199

1,490

Generator EF2000iS EF3000iSEB $ * $ *Transfer/Water Generator Pump

16,969

3,088

2,715

1,050

3,088

1,490 8,000include a limited11,099 1,000 16,869 11,970 2,715 829 9,449 time rebate and discount of: (R3 $500/FZ7 $160/XVS13C $1,000/FZ-10AHG $0/R6 $900/EF2000iS $225/EF3000iSEB $150/F4SMHA $50/F15SMHA $100). Dealer order/trade may be necessary, if we sell out of our inventory. Vehicle(s) and accessories shown are for illustration purposes only. Offers 399 Body add 100 866-819-4086 good until February 28, 2017 and are subject to change without notice, see us for full details.

March 31,2017 *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 FOLLOW-

4,600

ING 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/FZ-10AHG $0/R6 $900/YF55GPEL $550/EF2000IS $225/EF3000ISEB $150/YP20GY $200/PW3028 $0/VX1100AMB $750/F4SMHA $50/F15SMHA $100). IN ADDITION, THE 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 ILLUSTRATION PURPOSES ONLY. OFFERS GOOD UNTIL AUGUST 31, 2016 AND ARE SUBJECT TO CHANGE WITHOUT NOTICE, SEE US FOR FULL DETAILS.

pOwerSpOrtS POWERSPORTS

866-812-5582

OVER105 100USED USED OVER UsEd OVER 70 MOTORCYCLES IN-STOCK MOTORCYCLES IN-STOCK! MOTORCYCLEs IN-sTOCK!

*Vehicle License Fee (where applicable) and HST extra. Some of the prices include limited time Factory Incentives: 390 Duke

430 Hensall Circle, Mississauga www.readypowersports.com

430 Hensall Circle, Mississauga www.readypowersports.com

*Vehi cle LicenseSX-F Fee $1,500/690 (where applicablDuke e) and$0/350 HST extra.

Some$0/690 of the priEnduro ces include $2015 390 dukE * $400/250 EXC-F Duke IRncenti $1,500. untilSX-F August 31, 2016. lim$0/Super ited time Factory ves: 390Offers Dukegood $400/250 $1,500/690 Duke $0/350 $ 5,920* February31,2017 28, 2017.

EXC-F $0/690 Enduro $0/Super Duke R $1,500.Offers good until March February 28,2017.

2* $1GSX-R600 * $ ,999 4,999* 1,3992016

WB20XK2C

129

* 899 Plus Get

$

www.readyhondapowersports.com 2015 HS720CS a 5 Year 430 Hensall Circle, Mississauga SV650A (ElECTriCSTar ( Warranty! rT)

Sales Direct: 866-819-4116$7,669*

2013--690 690dukE DUKE 2013 $ *

$ 9,599*

$ 8,200*

9,699

8,300

2016350 350EXC-F EXC-F 2016 $ *

2016690 690 2016 ENDURO Enduro

2014 2014 1290SupEr SUPERdukE DUKErR 1290 $ *

12,995* $ 18,265* 12,469 $13,095 18,365

$ 12,369*

$

*

2016 pCX150

$

2016 CB500X

2015

*

2016 CBr650F

2016 trX420Fm1

WWW.READYSUZUKI.COM • 430 HENSALL CIRCLE, • SALES DIRECT:$ 866-819-4114 CBr500r MISSISSAUGA $ * * $

Plus Get Plus Get $ * EG5000 a 5 Year a 5 Year EU2000i T 1ParallEl EU7000i S C /bw $ * Warranty!

Warranty!

Inc. HST & Licence* @ 9.9% for 60 months $781.25 Down

529

2014250 250SX-F SX-F 2014 $ *

SUZUKI SIZZLING SUMMER SALE! 3,700 lawnmower

generator

$

2015 390 DUKE

6,020

Honda’s Find Your Freedom event! transFer puMp

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

ready to race SaleS event!

899*

3,399

$ * 2015 Plus Get HS720CC RM-Z450 a 4 Year HSS724CT

$

Warranty!

(CCommErCial) $ * 6,899 we Have snowblowers in-stock!

Factory 2016 2 company vehicle $ 113km

GSX-R750 5,969 $

*

129*/bw

rate 1% $1,798.23 Down Inc.0.9% HSTfor&24mths Licence* @ 9.9%reduce for 60thismonths purchase Financing Available on All 2014-2017 new Honda Motorcycles in-stock!

under the Honda loyalty program: 2015 If you currently Plus Getown a Honda product anrmto SFV650A S awith 4 Yea ownership (Honda/Acura 3,804KM Warranty! $ auto, motorcycle * or atv).

7,099

6,600

* 6,798 20016 GSX-S1000

8,100

Factory Company Factory Company Factory company vehicle Plus Getvehicle 4,067km vehicle $ 5,797km * 6km a 5 Year /bw Warranty!

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

129

2016 africa-twin Plus Get 2015 crF1000larg a 4 Year GSX-S750A $ 5,054KM Wa * rranty!

15,419* 7,389

$

2015 CBr1000S 2016 Plus Getgl1800bg 2015 repsol a4 r V-STROM $ * 3,901KM1000 Warra$Yea nty!

20,169$

10,198

*

23,269*

*VEHICLE LICENSE FEE (WHERE APPLICABLE) AND HST ARE EXTRA. VEHICLE(S) AND ACCESSORIES SHOWN ARE FOR ILLUSTRATION PURPOSES ONLY. PRICING INCLUDES FACTORY INCENTIVES. THE 2015 MODELS ADVERTISED ARE COMPANYVEHICLE/ DEMONSTRATOR March February31,2017 28, 2017. MONTHS:60/60/60/# OF PAYMENTS:130/130/130/ DOWNPAYMENT $781.25/ $1,798.23/$2,250/C.O.B. SalePriceontheNewMotorcyclesincludesfreightandP.D.E.,ECRF,Licence *Licencefee(ifapplicable)andHSTextraonalloffers.Offerscannotbecombinedwithanyotheroffers,programsordiscountsandaregooduntilFebruary28,2017.Downpaymentorequivalenttrade-inonpurchasefinancingmayberequiredbasedonapprovedcreditfromHondaFinancialServicesInc. VEHICLES.THE 2016 MODELS ARE BRAND NEW. 2016/2016/2016/GSXR-600/GSX-R750/GSXS1000/9. 9%/9.9%/9.9%/ $3,589.78/$3,589.76/$3,589.53/TOTALPAYMENTS Administration Fee and OMVIC Fee. Freight & PDE ($65/$65/$65/$65/$65/$65/$65/$600), ECRF ($0/$0/$0/$0/$0/$0/$18.50) and Licence Administration ($0/$0/$0/$0/$0/$0/$0/$399) are allOFFERS extra on the following on the other products: WB20XK2C/EU2000iT1/EG5000/HS720CC/HS720CS/HSS724CT/EU7000ISC/RX420FM1). Pricing of the power equipment may 16,770/$16,770/$16,770.

SEE US FOR FULL DETAILS. GOOD UNTIL AUGUST 31, 2016.

include a limited time rebate and discount and the Motorcycles/ATV’s as follows: PCX150 $400/CBR300RTA $1,500/CBR500R $1,500/CB500X $200/CBR650F $700/CRF1000LARG $0/GL1800BG $2,000/TRX420FM1 $600. 0.9% Conventional Purchase financing for 24 month term applies to all 2014-2017 New Honda Motorcycle’s. Financing Examples: $8,000 @ 0.9% per annum for 24 months equals $336.47 per month C.O.B. is $75.28 Total Obligation $8075.28. 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.

5 – The Motorcycle Times, March 2017

Tis the Season for Chasing the Police.

March 2017, The Motorcycle Times – 6

MotorcycleNews Mix - 0/35/85/0

Honda Motorcycles soon to come out with an Automatic Braking System Honda Riding Assist might be the first motorcycle to come blessed with the said technology.

Automatic Braking System technology is familiar with four wheelers. As for two-wheelers, this system is not able to find its application till date. Honda is soon coming up with an Automatic Braking System for two-wheelers with an aim to avoid collisions and accidents. For those who do not know, an Autonomous Braking System prevents the collision as it automatically applies the brakes when it detects a possible collision with the vehicle moving ahead.

Honda had showcased its self balancing motorcycle a few days back christened Honda Riding Assist. In this concept, the technology used prevents the rider and his motorcycle from tipping over and this has been made possible due to the company’s Balance Control Technology. In the Honda Riding Assist, there is no need to park the motorcycle on stand as the bike does not lean at one side at a stop.

Honda Riding Assist might become the first motorcycle to come with the company’s Autonomous braking system technology. Also, with Honda recently tying up with Hitachi to develop electric two-wheelers, it can be safely assumed that the eco-friendly two-wheelers rolling out from the joint venture will be blessed with the above said technology. More details about the Honda Autonomous Braking System are under wraps at the moment. Only thing we can say is that it will take a decent amount of time for this technology to land into reality.

Harley-Davidson Recall Affects about 15 2016 models

On certain motorcycles equipped with a black-coloured clutch master cylinder, the hydraulic clutch system may not be able to generate enough lift to disengage the clutch after being parked for an extended period of time. If this occurs, the driver could lose control of the motorcycle at start up if it is left in gear or when it is first shifted into gear, which would increase the risk of a crash causing injury and/or damage to property. Correction: Dealers will flush the clutch system and rebuild the clutch master cylinder.

EBR Motorcycles to Wind Down Production EBR Motorcycles, LLC located in East Troy, Wisconsin will begin a wind down of production operations commencing next week. EBR will continue to honor warranties and provide technical and parts support to current dealers and riders who bought motorcycles manufactured by EBR. EBR will continue to review strategic alternatives with interested investors regarding production operations.

The decision was a tough one for EBR as it has been solely focused on the growth and building EBR for success. The team at EBR has worked tirelessly making every effort to build the company. There is no fault on any of the team at EBR for this decision. They and their families have our deepest grati-

tude for their efforts and dedication to EBR. This difficult decision was based primarily on EBR facing significant headwinds with signing new dealers, which is key to sales and growth for a new company. In addition, EBR has had limited production in 2016 and 2017 that was under goal. The combination of slow sales and industry announcements of other major OEM brands closing or cutting production only magnified the challenges faced by EBR. The limited production of remaining 2017 and 2016 EBR motorcycles are currently available from EBR’s top dealers. For a list of top dealers, please go to www.EBR.com.

A sale of production equipment and excess parts will start in March.

Excelsior-Henderson Motorcycles Announces Engagement of Aaron, Bell International

Aaron, Bell International is retained as the exclusive agent for Excelsior-Henderson Motorcycles to seek a strategic relationship for the reintroduction of the brand to the marketplace.

“We look forward to working with Excelsior-Henderson during this exciting time in America, with the resurgence of manufacturing pride and interest in motorsports,” states Ralph Bellizzi, founder and president of Aaron, Bell International.

The convergence of several market factors has created a unique opportunity to reignite the heritage-rich Excelsior-Henderson brand. Recent motorsports industry reconfiguration, with Polaris Industries ending production of Victory Motorcycles to focus on its historic Indian Motorcycles, and Arctic Cat’s sale to Textron, combined with the strength of American motorcycle manufacturing and sales worldwide, make the market ripe for the reemergence of the venerable “E-H” marque.

Excelsior-Henderson’s deep, rich heritage is what elevates this opportunity well beyond the ordinary. As one of the original “Big 3” OEM motorcycle manufacturers along with Harley-Davidson and Indian during the early decades of motorcycling, Excelsior-Henderson’s heritage includes owners Henry Ford and Charles Lindbergh, and a long list of ‘firsts,’ being the first motorcycle to circumnavigate the world and officially ‘clocked’ at over 100

mph, to engineering and design innovations until ceasing production by owner Ignatz Schwinn of Chicago during the Great Depression.

In the 1990s, that engineering and design legacy was painstakingly carried forward with the rebirth of the brand and the development of a proprietary, new Super X motorcycle by the Excelsior-Henderson Motorcycle Manufacturing Company. The company produced nearly 2000 motorcycles featuring dual overhead cams, four valves per cylinder, closed-loop fuel injection, integrated cassette transmissions, anti-dive suspensions, and more. Owners of the motorcycles today are just as fervent about the brand as the day they rode them off dealers’ lots.

Despite discontinuing production in late 1999, the business opportunity remains relatively turn-key due to its intellectual property and intensely-loyal, active customer base.

Bellizzi said it’s impossible to overstate the unique opportunity this presents. “An offering like this is extremely rare. An entrepreneur or investor can essentially pick up where the previous company left off, bypass the most difficult barriers to entry, and build upon the established success of this heritage-rich brand in a highly lucrative industry. It’s literally a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.”

30%K

Havoc Motorcycles Launches 124SS Bagger

Production custom bagger is a who’s who of aftermarket manufacturers The Havoc Motorcycles and Wild West Motor Company partnership launched an exciting new model named the “Havoc 124SS”.

The motorcycle’s hand-crafted frame is CNC laser cut and TIG welded in the latest in frame engineering technology to stretch out to a comfortable 70” wheelbase. Its aggressive front end, raked to 38 degrees, features a 26” contrast cut wheel at its leading edge, beautifully accented by a sporty chin spoiler.

“The Havoc 124SS offers modern bagger styling with lines inspired by the iconic Wild West Gunfire pro-street model,” explained Jarrod Wiener, President of Havoc Motorcycles. “It’s hard to stop looking at it, but it was designed to be a rider’s bike.”

Powered by a rubber-mounted S&S 124ci (2,032cc) motor, it puts serious horsepower to its 180 rear tire through a Rivera-Primo 6 speed transmission and a BDL (Belt Drives Limited) primary.

Gas-charged Progressive Suspension provides a sporty feel, while powerful 6-piston differential-bore Hawg Halter (HHI) calipers on dual 13” brake rotors help shed speed fast.

“We exclusively use components that are among the best quality, USA-made components in the industry, without compromise,” said Wiener. “There is some concern in the marketplace today that customers won’t be able to find replacement parts for certain brands of motorcycles. Every component on a Wild West - Havoc motorcycle has extremely high consumer confidence and respect for longevity and durability, and our motorcycles can be serviced by any competent v-twin technician.”

Quality even extends to the steel braided hoses and lines, and billet CNC machined accessories, all of which comes standard. “We won’t send you a parts catalog when you get the bike home.

You’ll be hard-pressed to find anything to upgrade on the bike,” added Wiener.

Like all Havoc and Wild West motorcycles, the 124SS is a hand-made “production-custom” motorcycle with a 17-digit VIN, listed in the NADA (National Automobile Dealers Association) “Red Book” for ease of financing and insurance, and to protect the owner’s investment. “The value proposition?

Simple: Design beauty, build with quality, and back it up with a 24 month warranty,” said Winn.

“With this model, we’re marking 2017 as the 30th anniversary of Wild West Motor Co. continuous production of motorcycles,” said Jim Winn, CEO of Wild West. “We’re designing, developing, and building with the passion of a new company, and with the wisdom of a long-established one. It’s never been more exciting.”

And there is special pricing on this model: To mark the 30th Anniversary, the first 30 examples of the 2017 Havoc 124SS will be offered at the special introductory price of USD $45,000 direct from the factory. Contact sales@havoc-motorcycles.com or (1-855-694-2862)

7 – The Motorcycle Times, March 2017

/// 2015 – 2016

/// 2015 – 2016

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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.

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This offer is limited and subject change without notice.

Some conditionsdetails apply. See participating dealer for complete details.

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March 2017, The Motorcycle Times – 8

Space Tight?

I am an Addict david rusk

CONTRIBUTING WRITER

overrun.popandcrackle@gmail.com

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It starts in the line up, this demonstration of Canada. The polite smiles and inquiries interspersed with loud displays of showboating speak to the spectrum of addicts craving a two wheeled fix as Ontario’s deep freeze takes hold.

The International Motorcycle Super Show is so much more then the machines and as I waited in the growing queue the inhabitants of this great land began their displays. But despite the differences, we all had it in common. Freedom, control, and experience. Lust and love. As the doors opened and the crowd focused on the dreams waiting beyond I looked in their eyes and saw the flash of life.

Successful in not becoming transfixed and drooling from an open mouth I stepped to the side and watched the river of people flow past. Vests festooned with all manner of patches and peacock proud sport bikers wearing armoured leather.

Motorcycle momma’s all sterling rings and bandanas alongside their wizened old men from a lost age of rigid framed panheads.

The thousand yard stare of reserved experts in step with wide eyed neophytes. All welcome and all equal.

As diverse as outward appearances are, what captures me are the interactions, the persons intellect.

The first hall holds my world, sport and race prepped bikes along with every conceivable bit of kit available. My cohort Mike has a borderline weird thing for R1’s and when I find him again he is sitting on one, patented Mike sinister smile in full effect. “ Man, is this thing ever light “ A simple comment seeds a complex conversation starting with the technology and slipping into thoughts and emotions. Drawing from our shared cache of rides we begin the universal “fast person“ way of communicating. The speed dance, if you will.

My hands in front one behind the other making delicate moves. Tilting left then right with body swaying in tune, my hands chase each other as I hear the engines and feel the tires bite. Intensity fills Mikes eyes as he grips imaginary clip ons in front of his face, shoulders scrunched up mimicking a race tuck. Tilting his body to the left he shakes his hands while reaching for an invisible brake lever and a quick bow forward indicates loading his phantom R1’s front on the brakes.

No one watches or points at us, no hidden laughs or skittish stares. In fact as I glance around the Yamaha booth several other mime experts are in full flight.

The trance talk of speed and control belongs here.

Deeper in Austria offers its best. An oldster sits on a KTM Super Duke 1290 as his cronies eye him up suspiciously. A healthy seventy is my guess and in passing I hear him. “I wonder how fast she goes…“ His three sidekicks snicker behind him like teenagers, fast guys from the previous era.

What was it gramps, a Triumph Bonneville or maybe a BSA?. It was something special and fast for sure. Youth flares in that old mans eyes as he barrels down a gravel road, air cooled twin screaming as his hair flies in the wind. Like I said, this is so much more then the machines.

It really is a wonderland for us addicts, with every craving we desire on display.

Handsome men and sultry vixens of sales purr accolades for their chosen brands, financing contracts at the ready. Teasing with sexually charged smiles and subtle movements that promise more then motorcycles, these experts of human want sing the sirens song.

Lured away from our path I find myself sitting on a matte black CBR1000 RR and during my almost comical attempt at crouching behind the screen I see the young man watching me. Wondering how Hondas new five axis electronic package works I catch my grey hair in the mirror and glancing at my audience I see it. The look I gave that senior as he straddled the 1290. Am I this kids old man who recalls a youth of faster reflexes and bigger, um bigger nerve? Screw it. “This old man hasn’t slowed down that much” I think and my belly press’s against the Hondas tank. Now move along kid, there’s nothing to see here, just an almost old man and his dreams.

Ducati shirt and emblazoned hat he stands next to the Panigale S like it was his. Loaded locked cocked and ready to impress, meet the rare pro acute impersonator. Interesting and worthy of mention they can be found at your bike night and turned loose here, well he virtually spewed facts and figures desperate to win over the quiet expert who politely listened.

“Just let me know if you wanna go. To that home out on the range. They got a lot of nice girls. Have Mercy, ah haw, haw. “ The last hall has more then choppers and mile deep clear coat in store for us.

For me pure sport bikes reign but what I found in the custom corral impressed. No impersonators here, these builders stared at their own creations not the onlookers and silently let fabrication and paint skills garner the acclaim.

The crowd well, that’s a different story.

As the tight ZZ Top cover band slid into Jesus Just Left Chicago I watched them head bob and covertly dance in the aisle.

All manner of the species thrown together in this huge orgasm of motorcycle mania.

From the life hardened ancient wearing a bottom rocker and 1% patch to the full of piss and vinegar teenager. We are what outsiders don’t get, we are the people of motorcycles.

I watched Mike as he rapped the hotdog bun on the table. It shattered like old cement and I answered the question posed by his furrowed brow.

“Twenty bucks”.

His words through that devilish smile, “Seems about right”

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Sturgess Cycle Snow city cycle & marine 615 King Street West, Hamilton 1255 Kennedy Road, Scarborough Retail Incentives & Additional coverage available on select new and unregistered Suzuki Motorcycles purchased at a participating Dealer between January 4, 2017 to march 31, 2017. Suzuki Retail incentives are direct-to-dealer incentives deducted from the MSRP. Retail incentives 905-522-0503 or SPP 888-421-3333 416-752-1560 orCanadian 877-766-9248 vary from $300 (UH200AL6, TU250XL6) to $2,000 (GSX-R600L5) on select models. SPP warranty listed includes 12 month factory limited warranty plus an additional warranty coverage to total listed SPP coverage. SPP warranty coverage from 36 months or 60 on select 2015 to 2018 street legal models. Warranty and SPP warranty offered has no dollar value and cannot be exchanged or resold for www.snowcity.com any monetary value. Model may not be exactly as shown. This promotion is time limited and certain conditions may apply; please see your participating Canadian dealer for complete details. www.sturgessonline.com Offer cannot be combined with any other special offers, promotions or financing incentives unless specified. MSRP and promotion may change without notice. PDI charges from $110 to $528, freight charges from $165 to $250, taxes, license, insurance, applicable fees and registration are extra dependent on model. Specifications, product features and colours are subject to change without notice. Read your owner’s manual carefully and remember to observe all safety regulations. See your participating Authorized Suzuki dealer for availability and complete details. Suzuki. Way of Life!

Retail Incentives & Additional SPP coverage available on select new and unregistered Suzuki Motorcycles purchased at a participating Canadian Dealer between January 4, 2017 to march 31, 2017. Suzuki Retail incentives are direct-to-dealer incentives deducted from the MSRP. Retail incentives vary from $300 (UH200AL6, TU250XL6) to $2,000 (GSX-R600L5) on select models. SPP warranty listed includes 12 month factory limited warranty plus an additional warranty coverage to total listed SPP coverage. SPP warranty coverage from 36 months or 60 on select 2015 to 2018 street legal models. Warranty and SPP warranty offered has no dollar value and cannot be exchanged or resold for any monetary value. Model may not be exactly as shown. This promotion is time limited and certain conditions may apply; please see your participating Canadian dealer for complete details.

Offer cannot be combined with any other special offers, promotions or financing incentives unless specified. MSRP and promotion may change without notice. PDI charges from $110 to $528, freight charges from $165 to $250, taxes, license, insurance, applicable fees and registration are extra dependent on model. Specifications, product features and colours are subject to change without notice. Read your owner’s manual carefully and remember to observe all safety regulations. See your participating Authorized Suzuki dealer for availability and complete details. Suzuki. Way of Life!

9 – The Motorcycle Times, March 2017

HURRY - LIMITED TIME OFFER!

March 2017, The Motorcycle Times – 10

DaysPast Mix - 0/35/85/0

30%K

Ghosts of Days Gone By richard ackroyd

CONTRIBUTING WRITER

Where have all the old rides gone, long time passing?

Where have all the old rides gone, long time ago?

Where have all the old rides gone?

Gone to graveyards, everyone Oh, why didn’t we ever learn?

Why didn’t we ever learn?

With apologies to Pete Seeger, I’d like to ask you that question. Where are they now? In the early to mid1970s, it seemed that almost everyone rode one of a handful of motorcycles. The most prolific bikes on the market, back then, were Japanese models: the Honda CB350/360 twin, the Honda CB 500/550-4, the Honda 750-4, the Kawasaki Z1-900, Yamaha RD 350/400, the Suzuki Water Buffalo, the Suzuki GT380 triple, among others.

Even from the previous decade, the 1960s, where ‘large’ displacement bikes were Honda 160s, and

Honda 305 Dreams, the Suzuki X-6 Hustler – one of my favourite all-time names for a motorcycle – there are fewer and fewer on the road. When was the last time that you saw a Honda 50 cc “Step-through,” the Super Cub, or one of its many variants, being ridden regularly, outside of a vintage motorcycle event? Honda sold in excess of 60 million Cubs worldwide, between 1958 and 2008, and they are still being made by various manufacturers today, under license from Honda. How about the Honda CT90 – the trail 90? Where are they now?

A bit part of our sport is nostalgia.

The Canadian Vintage Motorcycle Group (CVMG) has over 2,000 members across this country, all of whom make every attempt to preserve, resurrect, and keep on the road motorcycles of yesteryear. There are groups of enthusiasts, around the world, who keep the memory of old bikes alive, and who offer assistance to their members. When I joined the CVMG in the mid-1980s, there was still much talk about the glory years of “British Steel,” old steeds with

what are still considered to be beautiful lines, and classic looks. Today, not so much. Yes, there are members who are collectors of old British machinery, BSAs, Triumphs, Vincents, Broughs, Douglas, Francis-Barnetts, Greeves, Nortons, Royal Enfields, and Velocettes, but it seems that much of what was available to find and to restore thirty years ago has disappeared, either bought up by overseas purchasers and shipped to other countries for a profit, or found, restored and now resting in museums and collections.

We know where some classic and rare, or one-of-a-few, motorcycles are, because they’ve been sold at auction. Motorcycles with “pedigree,” especially if they belonged to famous people, or that were ridden to racing success, can command tens of thousands of dollars, or more.

One of the Captain America Harley choppers, used in the film “Easy Rider,” recently sold for $1.62 million U.S. Arguably, this bike is the most famous rides in the world, but still, how much?

But I’m not talking about bikes

only affordable by Arab oil sheiks, and high tech programmers who manage to come up with new apps which are then sold to larger tech firms for millions. I’m talking about “you and me” bikes, the ones that were so ubiquitous when we were growing up that we tended to ignore them, in much the same way as a bone stock Toyota Corolla would not be noticed today, with nary a passing glance. Great vehicle.

Utilitarian. A dime a dozen, as the expression goes.

Where are the original Honda 750-4s, the single cam versions, or even those with twin cams? Where are the Honda 500-4s, or then then ever-present CB 350s? At one time, it seemed that every second ad we saw was for a used 350 cc Honda twin cylinder road bike. They were everywhere during the 1970s. Those who wanted to be “bad boys” back then, didn’t purchase a CB 350 twin, they purchased Yamaha RDs. I “heard” that a Yamaha 350 circa 1974/5 would top out at 107 mph on the speedo, whereas, that stock 350 Honda would only do 104 mph.

11 – The Motorcycle Times, March 2017

And handling? Braking? Those RDs belonged to naughty boys, and road racers. Don’t ask me how I know this.

There might be people reading, and ready to pass judgement, on perceived past traffic offenses.

One of my favorite bikes, when going to high school, was the Honda CB 160 Sport. I loved the look of that machine. But heck, I couldn’t afford to purchase a Honda 90 at the time, well not and continue to go roller skating every night. Would I purchase one today if offered to me at an attractive price? Sure would, if it was near mint, and running like the proverbial charm. One just doesn’t see them anymore on the road.

So where are all of the old bikes?

Perhaps they met an inglorious end, likely like the end of most BSA 250 Starfire singles. One fellow that I saw fixing his in downtown Toronto in the early 1970s, suggested that the only way to make it run would be if, “I had a hammer.”

Maybe some of the bikes were eventually pushed to a bike wrecker.

If you get a chance to be in the south end of Kitchener one day, and you have some time, drop by Zdeno Cycle on Victoria Street. They have all sorts of bikes, a small field of them out back, and semi-trailer loads of parts from wrecked and parted out bikes. In a way, it’s a shame to see such destruction. Nothing like the photos up on the internet that show big construction shovels gathering up bucket loads of motorcycles to be tossed unceremoniously into the crusher, their lives ended by legislation banning motorcycles (almost all are two-stroke oil burners) from cities to try and clean up at least a portion of the air pollution.

I miss some of the old bikes. Today, hearing a four cylinder sports bike on the road rarely turns anyone’s head, unlike in 1969 when Honda released its game-changing CB 750-4.

People went nuts over that bike. It was so different, so unique, so cool, and relatively rare in that first year of release. Everyone who rode any sort of Japanese bike wanted one.

One thing about owning an older bike, especially if it is a Harley-Davidson of any year, you will likely be able to buy parts for it. They might not be original equipment, but the aftermarket will do just fine, thank you, if you need an internal part to get you onto the road. Some of the more exotic brands and models, well finding spares is part of the fun of owning such machines. Think of stamp collecting, except with a lot more utility function. Finding assistance to repair such machines, if they are anything but American, is doable, but you may have a larger phone bill, than ordinary, to find the answers to all your queries.

As you are sitting there reading this, I know that you are singing one of Pete Seeger’s songs in the back of your head right now. So before you get waist deep in the big muddy, remember to Turn! Turn! Turn! And if you find an old bike that delights your imagination, don’t just sit there singing Wimoweh, try to bring’em on home.

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March 2017, The Motorcycle Times – 12

two FEEL A FEEL DEEPA CONNECTION DEEPwheel CONNECTION WITH THE THREE OF OF WITHROAD. THEoddities ROAD.THREE THEM BE TO EXACT. FEEL ATO DEEP CONNECTION THEM BE EXACT. kiril lazarevski WITH THE ROAD. THREE OF THEM TO BE EXACT.

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The rule has generally stayed the had early on in the winter got me nostal- same. In 1989 the most important and gic about real winters, you know the kind adhered to rule was officially codified by with cold, and snow, and ice? There’s the the BVDM: only motorcycles are allowed part of me that curses the coming of bit- on, or near the meeting area. There is a ter cold and endless snow, it signals the strict ban of trailers, supply cars, delivend of riding season and the long hiber- ery vans, or other frivolous supply vehination that follows it. And as I sit in the cles. They can’t be on the event site, and warmth and comfort of my apartment, they can’t even park in the city closest dreaming of fresh tarmac and sunny dry to the event (unless they’re local cars).

VEHICLE Of STABILITY SYSTEM SEMI-AUTOMATIC DYNAMICSTEERING POWER STEERING STABILITY SYSTEM SEMI-AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION DYNAMIC POWER days, I browse online and VEHICLE stumble onto course, side carsTRANSMISSION are allowed and so 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 integratingare stability, traction Yourup leftand thumb and your acceleration, speed and steering a rally that takes these cuteintegrating littlestability, notions trikes.

The basic is that rally traction Your left thumb shifts yourshifts uppremise acceleration, speed and 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 incrediblyattendees confident (Manual available) only improved control. them of seasonal riding and tosses nabring with incrediblythem confident ride.

(Manualride. available) should improved control. ked and screaming into a muddy, cold, what they can carry on their bikes. It’s TRANSMISSION DYNAMIC POWER STEERING snow sprinkled ditch. In the VEHICLE heartSTABILITY of theSYSTEMnotSEMI-AUTOMATIC easy to make it to such an event in the An automotive-like system No clutch lever or foot shifter here.

Adjusts required effort through Bavarian forest, between the German German and sospeedonly the integrating stability, traction harsh Your left thumb shifts up winters and your acceleration, and steering anti-lock braking for an forefinger shifts down. With reverse. angle data. More comfort and towns of Thurmansbang andand Solla, there most diehard bikers make their way out. incredibly confident ride.

(Manual available) improved control. is an annual rally that attracts thousands Coming in from all the furthest stretches of visitors a year. The Elefantentreffen, of Europe, they flock to the snowy forest or Elephant rally takes place during the covered in endless layers, like a pack of last weekend of January or first week- marauding vikings. Along with the most end of February, usually scheduled to diehard bikers, it follows that the most Dealer Imprint fall when the snow does. Although Dealer over Imprint diehard and jubilant drinkers would be 14 Regional Roadtoo.

13, Courtland, ON Goes Here the past few years snowfalls have paled in attendance Goes Here in comparison to earlier years, it is not Reports from the event have described 519-688-3278 unknown for riders to camp out on a the scene as a rumbling fury of bikes, pig www.lockhartsodyssey.ca few feet of snow and drink themselves roasts and cauldrons boiling with variDealer Imprint stupid in the company of snowmen andGoes ous Here concoctions of alcohol. The heavy bat#%$& bikers. smell of burning wood and exhaust fill The event started out in the mid 50’s and the air surrounding this small strip of was first organized by German motor- Bavarian forest for the weekend. Singing cycle journalist and member of German and laughter can be heard from revelers motorcycle association (BVDM), Ernst throughout all hours of the rally. Attendance to this Leverkus. event is open It had origito all and the nally been only roadblock intended for to the event is riders of the the sub zero Zündapp weather and KS 601 molarge distances torcycle, a that rally gotwo cylinder ers must cross. boxer engine Those who have bike, which passed these for five years obstacles stand straight had as equals and won the title share drinks best large and laughter in class bike in the cold dense German moforest, regardtorcycle comless of their petitions. varying backLeverkus grounds. Most idea was to don’t even make a bike speak the same rally for relanguage and silient riders simply enjoy that would the company of promote selfthose who share sufficiency and a Spartan like ethic. The premise was in the same spirit and love of motorcysimple: find enough like minded, fearless cles and wanderlust. The snow and cold bikers, and head out into the dense snow help insulate this atmosphere of camaracovered Bavarian forest where no one derie and joy, where a magical feeling of would bother them, then have a huge, euphoria surrounds this little bubble of loud, drunken party. The choice of bike gas and steel in the heart of an unforgivwas obvious, not only had the Zündapp ing wilderness.

2016 marks the 61st anniversary of the been a high performing, well designed bike, but it also had a killer side car and Elefantentreffen. The event costs 25 Euro mean green paint job. It’s bulk and rug- and include a number of activities, as ged design reminded folks of the mighty well as trophies for the best street legal elephant and with its colour, the nick- builds. Along with the most important name “Green elephant” was an obvious rule I outlined above, the rules also state choice. It was from Zündapp’s nickname that all motorcycles in attendance should be street legal, bikers must wear helmets, that the Elephant rally took it’s name.

Although the location of the rally has and cannot bring fireworks or noise makchanged a little throughout the years, ers into the camp. ©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

The

es Tim ycle c r o Mot

©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.

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March 2017, The Motorcycle Times – 14

RealWorld Mix - 0/35/85/0

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Disposable

david heron

CONTRIBUTING WRITER

Ok, so I think that we have established that I am cheap. I will spend silly amounts on some stuff but will hedge at spending even pennies on others. That is not really what I want to talk about but it does actually have a little to do with it. The LSW and I wanted to get a gift for our Son. It was Christmas and, although he is 21 and a university student, he still plays video games.

He spends countless hours sitting on a big round rubber ball in our basement when he is home with a Play Station 3 controller in his hand. I can’t say much about it because it seems to me that is what most of his peers do also. Plus, what can I say when he works at co-op placements and gets very good grades in school.

I don’t particularly understand it but I am sure that I did stuff at that age that my parents had a hard time understanding too.

Anyway, he asked us for a new game for his PS3 for Christmas and we, being the perfect parents that we are, wanted to provide the requested game. Now, I must add that we don’t really know what to get our kids for Christmas anymore so any hint is greatly appreciated.

Off to Best Buy I went. I must also add that service has become a thing of the past.

Sales associates walk around in these stores and it seems an impossibility to be able to snag one of them. Honestly, it seemed that other parents like me were in the same boat, looking lost and vulnerable amongst the various shelves of modern technological mystery. Anyway, on my own I found the Play Station games racks and proceeded to look for the game in question. Apparently, there is a new level of Play Station, the PS4.

There were countless games marked for PS4 and a very few for PS3. Now I would suspect that, if I were a games manufacturer, that I would make all games compatible with each new generation of game player.

But I am wrong, very wrong. PS4 games will not work on PS3. Remarkably enough, PS2 games will work on PS4. So, my choice was, either buy a PS4 for the exciting, discounted price of $329.00 or take an old and antiquated PS3 game. I choose neither. We did end up buying him another form of electronic wonder but no PS game.

Now, you are probably asking yourself, what does this have to do with motorcycles or this publication? Actually nothing. This was a clever, well if I say so myself, lead into a discussion on modern society. It will eventually lead to a small point as far as motorcycles are concerned.

We have heard this all before ad nauseum. We live in a disposable society. Things are made to only last a short time. Then, you throw it away. My experience with my own cell phones seems to be a perfect example.

Recently it has been officially regulated that cell phone contracts go from the previous 3 year terms to only 2 years. You know, I don’t think that I ever had a cell phone that lasted the whole 3 years. The battery would go south and the replacement cost of the battery would be more than the cost of a new phone or the whole phone would somehow cack out and not be repairable. Our dumps and landfills have to be chocked full of old phones, toasters, coffee makers and all kinds of seemingly extinct household goods. They are made of plastic and can’t even be opened up to see what is wrong let alone finding someone who can, or is willing to try to fix them. I find this very sad.

This is not just confined to cell phones and

A Wrench in the Works

electronics but is the norm with all kinds of other goods. We are seeing it even in the automobile industry.

There are new safety check laws that basically make it difficult to keep a car any more than about 4 years. And, any customized car with only little changes made such as wider tires and different shocks cannot be certified. This is of course good for the car manufacturers and jobs because people have to go out and buy new cars and it makes it difficult to sell a used car or truck.

I had my car in for winter service at a local garage and while waiting was talking to the owner of the garage who told me that they are now wrecking 2009 cars that have rusted out and are un-repairable. I guess that any younger person who is struck by the nostalgia thing in the future will have a very difficult time finding the ride that he had way back in 2017. Hopefully he or she has kept her digital pictures of their first or favourite ride for posterity sake. Hopefully their computer is able to show these old pictures from age-old obsolete technology so they can show their kids what happened and how cool they were way back in 2017.

That brings up another point. What has happened to real live photographs? I know that I have a bunch on my computer but I have never sat down with the LSW and gone through our computer and reminisced about the good times we had. Recently we whiled away about 3 hours going through photos from the past when we opened a window seat in our bedroom that was piled high with photos and other things that have been put away and nearly forgotten. This was fun and we had to ask ourselves why we don’t have more photos.

All of this leads in a round about way to my obsession with ‘70s motorcycles. You

have heard a million and one times about how I like to play with Kawasaki Triples.

These were the big thing from my formative years. I was 18 in 1970 and seeing more of the world. Motorcycles from Japan were displacing the British bikes that had ruled the world since the end of WWII. The lighter and faster British bikes had more or less displaced the bigger, heavier and slower American brands. The Brits were winning on the tracks and servicemen who had been overseas and had seen these bikes were clamouring for them here.

The ‘60s saw the influx of the Japanese bikes and another displacement of the current bike leaders. Japanese bikes were smaller, nice looking, and didn’t leak oil.

They started out with very small displacement bikes but were growing in both engine displacement and performance. I was right in the middle of this exciting time and I was looking at and reading about all the new bikes. 1969 saw the birth of the Superbike. Honda’s CB750 broke the mold and offered 4 cylinders, overhead cams and rugged dependability. Kawasaki had been developing their own 4 stroke but were beaten to the punch by Honda so, they had no choice but to continue development of their 4 stroke and introduce the 3 cylinder, 2 stroke H1 500. This bike was the fastest from stoplight to stoplight and was down right wicked. Blind acceleration was all it did and, guys loved it. Sure it shook a little but who cared?

I do remember in my misspent youth spending a couple winters in Mexico. A guy from somewhere in the US arrived at our hotel on a Harley. He had all the normal bags that we are all used to and he proceeded to start unloading them. He had a spare everything for that bike with gen-

15 – The Motorcycle Times, March 2017

erators, carbs, electrics and the rest spread all around the bike. He also had a tiny bag with his clothes in it that was dwarfed by the huge selection of spare parts and necessary tools to do repairs. I asked him about Honda 750’s and he said he hated those guys. They didn’t even have to travel with tools, let alone parts.

You can call it nostalgia or re-capturing a youth that has disappeared, never to return. I loved motorcycles then and still love them. But most of all, I love those old bikes.

Unlike our present throw away behaviour, I think that I owe it to people to preserve them. I don’t claim to be any visionary but I do know that I have saved at least 5 bikes that would have ended up being crushed or melted down for scrap.

What is the secret? Well, firstly, they were made from steel. Steel may rust but it stays complete. Sure, rust can cause problems but in most cases it can be defeated. I have confessed to owning a modern bike that I feel safe to go on long trips with. It has so much plastic on it that any fall would cause hundreds or thousands in repairs. I will also confess that the engine will last for years with its technological competence. It does scare me a little that everything is run by a computer but so far it has given me no grief.

Back to the subject at hand. The Kawasakis that I restore can be done. A sand blaster is perhaps my most useful finishing tool. I have also confessed to being a little on the lazy side so stripping a frame and other parts becomes a thing of beauty with a little air and sand. You can get a little nooks and crannies that a wire brush or sanding block can’t get into and the saving in time is great. There are a number of places that I know I can get new parts from. There are a great deal of companies who do reproduction parts for these bikes. I have to admire a person who sees a need or potential to fill a need and goes ahead with it. I must also condemn Kawasaki for abandoning their earlier models as far as parts support goes.

From what I have been told, they do not make spare parts for models after 5 years.

This makes it open season on restorers by people who have these parts either from buying up old parts from dealers closing or wrecking and parting out older bikes. Visit ebay and try to find a reasonably priced ignition part for a Triple or an electrical system part. Oh well, we live in an entrepreneurial society so I can’t say too much and I do have to go to them too.

Fixing and saving these bikes gives me a feeling of pride and the knowledge that I have helped preserve an important part of motorcycling history doesn’t really hurt either. I want to keep all of them but monetary restrictions such as the previously mentioned university expenses make this an impossibility. I make riders because I am a firm believer in the ride‘em, don’t hide‘em philosophy. I have had bikes for sale and been called by people who are only interested in the prestige of owning a classic bike. One such person, I actually have a more descriptive and less polite name for him, told me that he didn’t want the bike I had because it wasn’t mint. He said that he wanted to show it immediately and have people come up to him and tell him how cool his bike is.

I told him to not fall off his wallet and hurt himself. I also see people who join the Kawasaki Triples forum and their first post is parts or whole bikes for sale for exorbitant prices. I guess the previous uncomplimentary name applies to them too.

If you see a trail of blue smoke and a streak or blur of a motorcycle, it could be one of mine. It doesn’t have bad rings, it’s a two stroke. And, it’s not plastic or disposable like most things made today.

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CONTRIBUTING WRITER

Riding with the Samsara Saints One of the best ways to meet biker clubs and their members is in person at motorcycle shows. I picked up some info about a club called the Samsara Saints Riding Club at a show over the winter.

I contacted Shawn Zerback - who is in his early 40s and President of the SSRC - which is organized around one chapter and about 20 members and prospects. “I don’t really have any hobbies other than biking,” he laughs. “The club is really my life. I devote a lot of time to it and our charities and our parties and our members.” It’s become the thing that’s taken over his life in the last year or so.

The word ‘samsara’ isn’t a contraction of a longer phrase, which is what I at first thought it might be. On one of the green and black postcard pamphlets of the Samsara Saints RC that I picked up at the bike show in Toronto, it attributes the noun to Hinduism and Buddhism meaning ‘the cycle of death and rebirth to which life in the material world is bound.’ There are many symbols in their crest including a cross, wings, a ship captain’s wheel and more.

“A bunch of us used to ride together,” Zerback says, and they became friends as a result of riding motorcycles. The group thought they wanted to be a bit more serious than just a bunch of guys who rode around together once a week for three or four months of the a year.

From there they wanted to get to know each other more and discover who they were. So for a couple years they hung out, even in the winter months, and built up what they like to call ‘the family you get to choose.’

Their patch is an earned patch as opposed to one you just buy. Many of the members have nicknames but they aren’t required in the club and Shawn himself doesn’t have a biker handle yet.

From those original six they’ve had some great success with new members and prospects and continue to grow.

SSRC have a big annual event called ‘Party with the Saints’ in August - with live music, cabs for safety and they also have a St. Patrick’s day party - which they call the ‘Saint’s Paddy’s Party’ that helps break up the long winter. They also hold monthly meet and greets where new people can come meet the club.

“Anyone can ride with us, but membership is exclusive,” Shawn emphasizes.

Zerback’s had a bunch of bikes and has been riding motorcycles for about 20 years now. Like many bikers he got into it at a young age. He’s got more than 100,000KM on his bike. He jokes that he doesn’t feel old enough yet for a cruiser style bike.“Like any other boy, I always played on dirt bikes and that

kind of stuff,” he says, “I always wanted a motorcycle - in high school I remember wanting a bike, but I never really did go through the effort of getting my licence.”

But when he hit university he figured a motorcycle would save him cash on gas, parking and insurance compared to a car so he picked up an old 1983 CBX 550 F. That was his first real bike and from that time forward he never lost the love of biking. He currently rides a matte black 1993 Suzuki Katana.“It took me until a little bit later to actually pull the trigger and get my licence. I wish I’d done it at 16 now - but on the other hand I’m kind of glad that I waited until I had those years of maturity under my belt, ” he says.

Zerback doesn’t really go on long trips but says lots of his buddies do rides like the ‘Tail of the Dragon’. What they really like are challenges such as the ‘cannonball’ rides where you go on endurance rides of hundreds of kilometres in a single day.

He’s got a couple of dream rides - one is to go across Canada on motorcycle and also to South Carolina because he has family down that way. He also mentions a ride to Mexico and says a few guys in the group are talking about doing a trip around Lake Superior this season.

Community involvement has been a learning experience. While they had modest success raising funds last year, this year they plan to create their own relationship with a local charity. “It’s important to us that we see the results of the work that we are doing,” he says. So SSRC is now working to help COPE service dogs (you can get more information at copedogs.org). The dogs give people with some limitations the chance to do more in their lives. “We’re only going to do more,” Zerback says of fundraising efforts.

Another concept the group is working on is doing community cleanups perhaps even with their vests on so that people can see the work they are doing for the community.

The best way to contact the club is through the Samsara website at SamsaraSaints.com - right now it bumps you to their Facebook page.

The Samsara Saints Riding Club is an inclusive club, welcoming both male and female riders, people of all backgrounds and ethnicities and motorcycles of all years, makes and models.

SSRC hosts a weekly public group ride and welcomes new riders to come out meet them. They ride from roughly May 24 weekend to Thanksgiving Day. Their values include honour, integrity, loyalty and respect.

Flat Tire Repair brent wakeford CONTRIBUTING WRITER

So, you got a flat! Now what?! There has always been controversy surrounding the repair of a motorcycle tire. Some shops will say, never plug, only patch. Other shops will flat out (pun included) refuse to do either and recommend a new tire. It sometimes comes down to liability and warranty issues, depending on the business.

There is nothing more heart wrenching and wallet draining then finding a nail, screw or piece of metal protruding from a new or fairly new, expensive tire on your baby. Sure, if the tire is near it’s life’s end and you have gotten your mileage from it, the wear bars are close to flush or side wall cracking is evident, it’s a no-brainier-just replace with new. But for a tire at the early stages of life and if its only a small puncture--I personally have both plugged and patched many a motorcycle tire on my own bikes and others with excellent results. Depending on the circumstances and where the puncture is and how big, will determine your options. A slice, puncture or cut in the sidewall of any tire whether it be motorcycle, car or off road vehicle is an automatic--throw the tire out scenario. But when it comes to tread

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be treated as a non-speed-rated tire if a repair has been done and your speed should not exceed 50 mph (80kph) in the first 24 hours after a repair and the repaired tire should never be used at speeds above 80 mph (128 kph).

If you have got a small puncture and have decided to repair it yourself, here is the step-by-step procedure to follow doing this fix.

Place your bike on a stand raising both wheels off the ground. Remove the wheel from the bike and locate the puncture area where the nail, screw or object is protruding. If the object has already come out or not visible--use a spray bottle filled with soapy water and spray the tire, rim and valve to locate tiny air bubbles. Circle the puncture with a grease pencil and then remove the valve stem from the tire completely deflating the tire before pulling the object with pliers.

Remove the tire from the rim and locate the puncture area inside the tire. If you have a wire spoked wheel

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17 – The Motorcycle Times, March 2017

or between the treads plugging/ patching can be a cost efficient alternative to the latter. The only exception to this rule for me is sport bike front tires. I personally will not trust vulcanizing/plugging a sport bike front tire because of the often higher speeds and knee dragging maneuvers these tires are rode at. Many riders will attempt to repair their tires themselves in the garage at home, but if you have not done it before or are unsure--it is recommended that you get an expert tire technician opinion first.

Riding on an improperly repaired tire is dangerous. An improper repair can cause further damage to the tire. It may suddenly fail, causing serious personal injury or death.

Never repair a tire with less than 1/32nd inch (0.8 millimeters) tread remaining. At this tread depth, the tire is worn out and must be replaced. Never repair a tire with a puncture larger than 1/4 inch (6.4 millimeters) in diameter. Such tires cannot be properly repaired and must be replaced. Repairs of all tires (radial and non-radial) should be of the plug and inside patch type. Using plugs alone on any type of tire is risky. Never repair a tire with a puncture or other damage outside the tread area. Such tires cannot be properly repaired and must be replaced.

Any tire repair done without removing the tire from the rim is improper.

Inner tubes, in my opinion, should just not be repaired. For the minimal cost --just replace it. Never use a tube as a substitute for a proper repair.

Note--A tire’s speed rating is void if the tire is repaired, damaged or abused, or otherwise altered from its original condtion. Thereafter, it should

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and inner tube, chances are the tube has also been punctured. Replace the inner tube. Using a tire repair kit for automotive type applications--rough up the inside area with the cheese grader tool and put the vulcanizing glue on this area. Let the glue set up sticky for a moment or two and at this point I prefer to use the mushroom type plug or the (Pilot) insideout combination patch plug which has a plug attached to the patch. Use the reamer tool and roughen up the puncture hole and then pull the plug through the puncture from the inside to out seating the attached patch into the glue. Vulcanizing makes the rubber patch and plug now a permanent part of the tire. Remount the tire, install the valve core and inflate to recommended psi and check for leaks with the soapy water. If it’s all good- install the wheel and you are ready to go. Remember--if in doubt, consult a professional.

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March 2017, The Motorcycle Times – 18

DoDon’ts Mix - 0/35/85/0

30%K

Raise Your Voice

Underwriters and actuaries are not known to actually ride motorcycles, or to even know much about them tom brady

CONTRIBUTING WRITER

Live in Canada? Buying a bike? What’s the first thing that you should do before handing over your hard-earned money?

If you said, “check with your insurance broker to see if you can get insurance on the bike,” you are correct. Now, before you skip ahead to the next article, know now that you could learn something from this one.

This February, I asked my insurance company if I could get a quote on a new 2014 KTM 1190 Adventure. The answer from the call-centre broker was “no.” I was polite, and said, but you insure the 2014 BMW R1200 GS, and the KTM is a similar machine. “Sorry, we do not insure that model,” was her answer. Well then, that’s it.

If I cannot get insurance, I cannot ride the bike. So, I asked the broker to escalate the request directly to the insurance company. Again, I received the “not available” answer. Not willing to accept this response, I then emailed the broker and

asked that the request be “escalated” to the vice-president of insurance underwriting at the actual insurance company. In my email, I included pictures of the KTM and the BMW showing that both bikes were the same style, similar retail price and would be purchased by a similar demographic.

Please reconsider.

The answer came back this time as positive, saying that yes, we will insure the KTM, and with a price that was within a couple of hundred dollars of the BMW. But why did I have to go to all of this bother?

Here are a few things that you should know about insurance companies. First of all, motorcycle insurance is a very small part of their overall business. They make far more money insuring your house and your car. Insurance companies are in business to make a profit, and it’s OK to make a profit. However, in comparison to the other products and services which they sell, bike insurance produces very small overall profits. That means that to make money on the bike business, insurers usually offer only standard products, and

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they have to keep administration down to a minimum. Most insurers would not be in the business except that they know that offering bike insurance is a method to promote the sale of their home and auto policies.

Insurance brokers do not work for the insurance company; insurance agents do, but not brokers. Brokers are independent.

Both agents and brokers can sell you insurance coverage; both agents and brokers usually work for commission. Those commissions are typically around 12% to 15% of the total premium in the first year of a policy, to between 7% and 15% each time that you renew for another year.

Insurance companies may also offer bonuses to the agents and brokers. Bonuses depend on the number of sales, and the amount of overall premiums “sold.” Neither agents, nor brokers have the ability to change policy wording, or to discuss claims. Agents generally only work for one insurance company; brokers can get you quotes from several. Check with both agents who work for just one company, and brokers who work for several, if you

want quotes.

Premium rates are set by insurance companies’ actuaries, as are many underwriting rules. Underwriters, the people who actually decide if you are a good risk, or not, look at factors that have been historically proven to influence the number and size of claims: (such as) age, sex, home location, occupation, previous claims history, your driving/riding history – i.e. number of “at fault” accidents and claims, type of bike, size of motor, cost to make repairs on particular models, cost of health care where you live, and the value of your bike new and to replace today. Bikes with lots of plastic on them are much more expensive to repair, so expensive that bikes with large fairings can be ‘written off” by insurers if the plastic extensively damaged, even if the bike is otherwise mechanically sound.

How do insurance companies get information about the vehicle types that they insure? Well, for the most part, vehicle manufacturers submit the make, model and VIN numbers to the Insurance Bureau of Canada who then then supplies

19 – The Motorcycle Times, March 2017

the insurers with that information. If you are purchasing a new vehicle, such as the KTM 1190 Adventure, which is new to Canada this year, the insurers have to wait until the information comes from the vehicle manufacturer via the Insurance Bureau. If the insurer can’t get that information, it cannot issue a quote.

Also, there is potential to get the information mixed up. For example, KTM sells an 1190 superbike, and some insurers will not offer insurance on that bike because of all of the plastic on it. Both the superbike and the Adventure carry a similar designation based on the 1190 cc engine. Underwriters and actuaries are not known to actually ride motorcycles, or to know much about them, so you can see that it would be easy for them to make a mistake.

A good portion of your annual motorcycle premium is taken up by the “disability payments” portion of the policy.

Never mind that the chances of the insurer actually paying out any monies to you to replace your income is extremely low should you get into an accident on the bike, the insurer must, by law, put large amounts of funds aside as a reserve for every reported, but yet unpaid claim, in case there is an actual claim for disability payments. These disability payments are very rarely ever paid out because the motorcycle insurance policy is rarely the “first payer.” If you have a disability plan at work, that pays first.

As well, there may be CPP/QPP disability payments for serious disabilities, E.I sickness payments, retirement benefits, armed forces benefits, etc. – all of these are discounted from any disability/ loss of income benefits that your auto or bike policy would have to pay. Yes, if you think that this is a bit on the “questionable” side, in my opinion, I would agree.

But few, in any, politicians in the Province of Ontario are going to take on this cause, unless a huge number of motorists/ motorcyclists start to holler loudly and keep hollering.

We live in a jurisdiction that requires a motorist to have insurance before they can ride/ drive a vehicle on the streets and roadways. (Kiss goodbye to about $10 grand in fines and admin. costs, if you are caught without.) Yet, there are no rules and regulations that require insurers to actually offer insurance, or that it be affordable. There are also no rules and regulations as to whether or not insurers actually make a profit or a loss.

Basically, the state of vehicle insurance in our province requires a complete makeover, one that favours the purchaser and not just the insurers. Is it time to consider having the province take over vehicle insurance? Other provinces, such as B.C. have done it, and those provinces are doing just fine.

PS: Before you tell me that auto insurance rates have been ordered lowered by the present government, did you ask if that applied to motorcycle premiums?

I just received my bike renewal, for my ten year old bike, and the rates went up significantly despite having no claims, no tickets, and no accidents over the last year. Are the insurance companies now trying to make up those lost profits on auto policies by raising up the premiums on bike policies? They’ll say “no,” but I have to wonder …

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©2017 Bombardier Recreational Products Inc. (BRP). All rights reserved. ®, ™ and the BRP logo are trademarks of BRP or its affiliates. Offers valid in Canada until March 31, 2017. 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 up to $3,000 on 2016 and prior models: Eligible units are select new, unused and in stock 2016 or prior Can-Am Spyder models purchased from a BRP participating dealer. Rebate amount depends on the model purchased. All models may not be available at all dealers, see your local BRP participating dealer for details or information. While quantities last. ‡ GET 3-YEAR COVERAGE WITH FREE ROADSIDE ASSISTANCE: Eligible units are select new, unused and in stock 2016 and prior Can-Am Spyder models purchased from a BRP participating dealer. All models may not be available at all dealers, see your local participating dealer for details. While quantities last. 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 authorized BRP dealer near you. Some models depicted may include optional equipment. Follow all 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.

March 2017, The Motorcycle Times – 20

TheOtherside Mix - 0/35/85/0

bob cameron

CONTRIBUTING WRITER

The early 1900’s were a simpler time, you went to school, got married, had kids, and at night when you and the family were bored you’d go down to the ol motordrome and try to avoid the explosive flaming bikes that might come flying at you, as you watch motorcycles race on rickety wooden tracks. This was the golden age of the motordome. Although short lived, motordromes were one of the most popular entertainment choices across america at the turn of the 20th century, and in a way they brought motorcycles to a level of popularity that would insulate them from just being a quirky footnote in the history of motorized vehicles.

Where some early race tracks were modelled on flat race courses for horses, the motordromes were inspired by the early velodromes of Europe. Velodromes were used in 19th century Europe for bicycle racing and seeing how early motorcycles were just glorified bikes with motors, it was a natural fit. The first track that opened was the Los Angeles Motordrome and it was funded and designed by Frederick Moskovics and Jack Prince for 75,000$ (about $1.8 million today). It was constructed with two shiploads of pine 2x4’s and tonnes of nails. The total length of the track was a mile and it featured 45 degree banks at each turn. Although the new motordromes were nice to look at and all, the people came there for the races, and more importantly the wondrous speeds that these bikes could reach.

In a time where measuring something by horsepower was still a practi-

30%K

Motordom Wooden Racetrack

cal comparison, the bikes that raced the motordromes were achieving seemingly impossible speeds, regularly. It wasn’t uncommon to see bikes lap at 90 miles an hour, which must have felt dizzying at the time. But this speed came at a price, the bikes were all stripped down to their most bare essentials, leaving out brakes, suspension and even the transmission, the bikes basically became an engine on two wheels.

They couldn’t start on their own either and instead needed to be pulled by pace bikes to get the pistons pumping. The riders had even less weighing them down. The average uniform for a racer was a thin leather helmet, a wool sweater, gloves, slacks and boots.There was a real danger in riding the bikes, and the best one could hope for in the event of a crash was hundreds of infection prone splinters and some peeled off skin. But the winners wouldn’t walk away without their rewards. Early motorcycle companies like Indian and Excelsior would scout out the best riders and give them yearly contracts upwards of $20,000 a year, with inflation that’s around $480,000.

The racers had almost celebrity status, and in a way it was the popularity of these motordromes that brought motorcycles to the public and really popularized the sport of motorcycle racing. Attendees were right in the middle of the action, too close for comfort even, and they gathered by the thousands see their racing heroes lap around the wooden track at breakneck speeds. People like Lee Humiston, Jim Davis. Gene Walker, Dare Devil Derkum, Albert “Shrimp” Burns, Ralph Hepburn, Ray Weishaar, and Eddie Hasha: “The Texas Cyclone” were all household names that not only brought people into the mo-

tordromes, but brought the bikes into people’s homes as they became the faces of their motorcycle companies ad campaigns.

It ushered a boom in motorcycle racing and high performance engineering. With the success of Indian and Excelsior, Harley Davidson joined the racing circuit in 1914 and by 1918 their 8 valve engine was the one to beat.

However, the motordromes weren’t without their tragedies. In fact, tragedy seems to have coloured the history of these relics of early motorcycle racing. Within the first couple of years, death tolls already started to grow. And it was in 1912 that public outcry started to build, after a series of motordrome tragedies. On June 30th 1912 Robert J. Hunter was killed at Cleveland Luna Park’s motordrome, when his rear wheel clipped Finn Huttinger’s at 75 mhp. That same day at the San Jose Motordrome two riders were also killed and two were seriously injured from the collision. A couple of months later, on september 8th there would be a tragedy that marked the beginning of the end of the motordromes.

A 19 year old Eddie Hasha, who was already a racing star, was set to race on the track in Newark. He was trailing in second during the race, so he adjusted his carburetor to get a head of Raymond Seymour.

Within seconds Hasha’s bike took a sharp angle and climbed up to the edge of the track, where the spectators met the track.

Tragedy hit as his motorcycle struck six spectators while they held their heads out to get a better look, then ran into a vertical support beam. Hasah went flying into the spectators and his bike fell back onto the track, hitting and killing another rider. The six spectators received fatal skull injuries

and Hahsha died from a broken neck.

The next day motordrome activities were suspended indefinitely and by December there was a total ban of motorcycle passing in Newark. This became a growing trend as the media started to report more injuries and fatalities in the newly dubbed “muderdromes”. As the years continued the gruesome tallies continued to grow.

In 1913 the Lagoon motordrome was the sight of another tragic accident, this time caused by a motorcycle hitting and snapping a light pole. The electric wires ignited Oden Johnson’s fuel tank and sent his lifeless body flying into the spectator seating.

Burning gasoline sprayed into the stands and set fire to part of the motordrome, leaving over 30 badly burned and injured.

Stricter safety regulation, track size and spectator buffer zones were implemented and the sport continued to hold on through the great war. Although the motordromes had survived harsher regulations and a bruised public image, it would be the great depression that put the final nail in the coffin for the motordromes. Slowly racing moved to dirt tracks with minimal maintenance, lower safety concerns and cheaper insurance and the motordromes were taken apart and sold for scrap. It wasn’t until the early 2000’s there was a small resurgence in the sport in Europe and vintage bike riders were invited to concrete velodromes for some light competition and a chance to show off their creations, but unfortunately these races were really only for show and missed a certain element of excitement that the old racing helf. Although the heydey of motordrome racing is gone, the rush of highspeeds is still alive and well.

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March 2017, The Motorcycle Times – 22

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March 25-26, 2017 Spring Motorcycle Show At The Toronto International Centre, 6900 Airport Rd. (at Derry Road in Mississauga, Ontario) Sat 9am-9pm , Sun 10am-5pm.

Tickets are $18 Adults, $5 for Youths (12 and under) (free for children under 6).

Purchase before March 31st and save $2.00 off admission! Or sign up for our newsletter and receive a $2 off coupon. Saturday Night is Family Night. Your $2 off coupon doubles in value after 5pm so adults save $4 off the regular admission price. PLUS – all youths 12 years of age and under get free admission after 5pm when accompanied by an adult. (Limit 4 youths per family unit). Four huge halls of the International Centre are filled with all things ‘Motorcycle.’ Larger displays of the latest models, including touring and cruising bikes, street bikes, sportbikes, offroad bikes, scooters, customs and more. Shopping for all the great bargains on helmets, boots, gloves and riding apparel is easy with the huge selection. Entertainment Stages for your listening pleasure. Show goers can check out features such as fashion shows, various autograph sessions and more. Meet special guests: racers, celebrities, authors, builders and other motorcycle personalities. Sell your old bike, buy your new bike!

Used bike for those who are looking to upgrade or shopping for their first bike.

Interested in becoming a new rider? The Springshow offers attendees information on Rider Training programs, licensing and

insurance. Wondering about the best bike for you and proper riding gear? Vendors will be offering great advice on getting started. Great Food Choices, Free Parking. Your entrance to the show includes a copy of Spring Motorcycle Magazine and Free Parking! There will be special VIP Motorcycle Parking at the front entrance of the International Centre. www.motorcyclespringshow.com June 24, 2017 Steve Mesic Memorial Ride Presented by Dorr Enterprises. Rain or Shine! Everyone and all types of vehicles welcome. Registration 10am, kickstands up at noon. Start at SBB (Suck Bang Blow) bar & restaurant in Stoney Creek (Hwy #20 &Tapleytown Rd.) Live Entertainment Starts at Registration, Burnout Contest, Door prizes from our generous sponsors, Vendors onsite. Ride and Rally are FREE but donations for the CMHA (Canadian Mental Health Association) and Steve’s son Domenik’s education fund are appreciated. Help Stop Profiling and Discriminaton by Police. A big “SHOUT-OUT” to this years entertainment Blake Halladay, The Whole Damn Day and Ray Maurice and the Marauders. Registration forms online. Vendor spots are free. Please call 519-861-0571 for availability and to book.

If you’re interest in becoming a sponsor, please let us know by sending us an email.

Info for donations can be found online. For more info http://rememberingstevemesic.

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com, rememberingstevemesic@gmail.com, July 8, 2017 R.O.C.K. The 14th annual Ride 4 Our Cancer Kids (R.O.C.K.) will roll through Niagara on Saturday July 8, 2017. This year is a Yahtzee Run, similar to a dice run but more fun, starting at Clare’s Harley-Davidson (590 York Rd Niagara on the Lake). Registration 9am-10:30, rides roll out between 10 and 11. All proceeds go to fund research through Childhood Cancer Canada. $390,000 raised to date. Preregister online at www.rockride.com . Minimum $50 in pledges per bike. Free event shirts for first 100 riders, prizes for top ten fundraisers and top 2 yahtzee scores, Club Cup, free bbq, and more. Email bob@rockride.com for more info.

September 24, 2017 The Distinguished Gentlemen’s Ride So dawn your best Sunday duds and come ride with us from 11:30 to 3:30pm in Downtown Sarnia. Fess are by donations online and fundraising and registration for the ride. This ride is to raise awareness and help fund prostate cancer research and men’s metal health. A event for Vintage & Classic motorcycles to raise funds and awareness for Prostate Cancer Research.

For more info Jerry Baljeu; jbaljeu@teksavvy.com; 519-336-8756; http://www. gentlemansride.com

Get One Step Ahead If you have your charity event or ride planned for 2017, why not get a head start and let our readers know about it now.

It’s FREE. It will also be posted on our website and our facebook page as well as the Community Events page in The Motorcycle Times (space permitting), please email the following information in text format to: circulation@themotorcycletimes.ca.

Date: Name of Ride: Times: Location: Costs/Fees: Description of what is going on: Supporting: (Charity) Contact Name: Email, Website & Phone Number: If you have another type of event that is motorcycle related and wish to advertise here in the Community Events section but are not sure if it qualifies, send it anyway and a representative will email you back as to the status of your event in this free section.

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