JULY2011 ISSUE5 VOLUME4
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THIS MONTH 06 Publisher’s Note Military social clubs
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08 Motorcycles & Guns A 360 degree viewpoint
12 Do You Know? Sue Slate and Gin Shear
14 Electric motorcycles
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Coming in the near future
16 Kawasaki Low, long, wide and packed
18 Chopper College Building the future
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20 MOTO-KIDS part 2 Why racing is good for them
22 Nights & Rallies Who, what, where and when
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Publisher & Advertising: Roderick “Caine” Kabel roderick@throttlermagazine.com 515.210.7066 Vice President & Circulation: Scott “Kong” Chambers scott@throttlermagazine.com
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President & Accounting: Stacy “Fancy Face” Kabel stacy@throttlermagazine.com Motocross Editor: Sean “Wide Open” Goulart Graphic Design Intern: Amanda “Hulkster” Strong Editorial Contributors: Alec “Chop” Brynnensen, Sean Goulart Johnny Lange, Dean Lambert, Ken Bingenheimer
Policies: All content is 2011 copyright THROTTLER MOTORCYCLE MAGAZINE L.L.C. THROTTLER MOTORCYCLE MAGAZINE L.L.C. is published and distributed throughout IA, IL, KS, MN, MO, NE, SD, WI. Readers are permitted one free copy per month; contact the publisher for additional mailed copies at $6 each. THROTTLER MOTORCYCLE MAGAZINE L.L.C. is not responsible for loss, damage or any other injury of unsolicited material. THROTTLER MOTORCYCLE MAGAZINE L.L.C. does not knowingly accept false or misleading advertising or editorial, nor does THROTTLER MOTORCYCLE MAGAZINE L.L.C. assume responsibility should such advertising or editorial appear. Statements of fact and opinion in articles written by contributing columnists and writers are solely those of the author alone and do not necessarily imply those of THROTTLER MOTORCYCLE MAGAZINE L.L.C. Material may not be reprinted in any form without expressed written permission from the publisher of THROTTLER MOTORCYCLE MAGAZINE L.L.C. All data and information provided is for informational purposes only. Throttler Motorcycle Magazine makes no representations as to accuracy, completeness, currentness, suitability, or validity of any information written and will not be liable for any errors, omissions, or delays in this information or any losses, injuries, or damages arising from its display or use. All information is provided on an as-is basis.
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Military Social Clubs Seeking new members
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s a small boy I was acutely aware of my surroundings and its limits. I could walk or ride my bike anywhere without fear. Maybe it was a more innocent time period in the 60s and 70s or maybe it was the simplicity and security of a small town. Whatever it was, it gave us an overwhelming sense of protection.
One thing that always peaked my interest were the seemingly “secret clubs” around town that no one ever spoke about. You know which clubs I mean; the Eagles Club, AMVETS, American Legion and the VFW. Surly you remember the secrecy then (and now) that surrounded these social clubs with members whom share their pride, vigor and camaraderie. These local clubs that your own uncle, father or grandfather belonged to but you could never go to. Not even for a freaking Pepsi! Being aware of what would get myself in trouble was an important characteristic to have, too. Especially, when finding trouble with my two cousins… the Tutton Boys! Both of them, Troy and Toby, were not only rela-
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tives but my close pals and cohorts in crime. As a young lad, I didn’t comprehend how their dad, my Uncle Tim (Tutton), was able to enjoy all of these “secret” places. Though, he did not serve in the military, he always enjoyed how friendly and welcoming all our town’s different military club members were to him, and I envied him for it. Maybe the fact that he was the local barber and historian got him the “Willy Wonka golden ticket” gaining him preferred access didn’t hurt, either. Nevertheless, he proudly still holds stature in many different clubs as a “Son” or a “Supporter.” That said, I do have quite a few military veterans in my family, including; my late great uncle Bob who proudly served in three wars for the Army, my uncle Terry who served at Fort Knox during Vietnam, my brother Rick and my cousins Troy, Taree Kay and Kyle who all also served many years and/or retired from the U.S. military with honors (surprisingly though, only one of them attends any of the local military social clubs for some reason). In a nutshell, these are social clubs for any U.S. service member, both past and present, including immediate family members. They act as a social gathering place for the betterment of their own lives as well as other community service aspects including chari-
JULY2011
ties, events and community outreach programs, which benefit many people. I proudly joined AMVETS Post #2 in Cedar Falls, Iowa, a few years ago as a “Son” and I am here to spark your memories and encourage current and past military service people to look into their local military social clubs. Any U.S. military member, both past and present, may join any number of different social clubs. Even, if you have not served in the military there are different non-military levels offered as well. Make no mistake about it, these are special clubs that do special things and have sacrificed much for their country. So please be respectful as you consider pursuing joining one of these clubs. More recently I have also joined the AMVETS Post #2 in Des Moines, Iowa, and we have just formed the 3rd Iowa AMVETS RIDERS chapter and are looking for new members. We are very honored to be representatives in the form of AMVETS RIDERS and as a new group, we are dedicated to growing our membership and are extending our hand to anyone interested. For more information about membership please find us on Facebook at “Amvets Riders Des Moines.” As always, Ride Hard. R. Kabel
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Motorcycles and guns
Publisher’s Note: Our goal to bring our readers 100 percent motorcycle content has taken a twist this month after a recent motorcycle-related encounter some of you might not have yet experienced. During a recent local bike night it became quite apparent that Iowa’s new gun law was in full-force. As I was walking around doing my
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usual meet-and-greet I noticed a man and wife both openly carrying 9mm pistols strapped to their legs. This was a new one on me, to be sure. Throttler Magazine supports a person’s rights according to the laws and will take no sides. We asked Throttler magazine contributor Dean Lambert to take a 360-degree view of the Right-to-Carry debate.
By Dean Lambert
oundational to a discussion on concealed carry is the Second Amendment to the Bill of Rights of the United States Constitution, which states: “A well regulated Militia, being necessary to the security of a free State, the right of the people to keep and bear Arms, shall not be infringed.” Currently, there are 40 Right-toCarry (RTC) states: 37 have “shall issue” laws, requiring that carry permits be issued to applicants who meet uniform standards established by the state legislature. Two have fairly-administered discretionary-issue carry permit systems. Vermont respects the right to carry without a permit. Alaska and Arizona have “shall issue” permit systems for permit reciprocity with other states, and have allowed concealed carrying without a permit since 2003 and July 2010, respectively. Wyoming passed a permitless
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carry law earlier this year that goes into effect in July. Of the 10 non-RTC states, eight have restrictively-administered discretionaryissue systems. As if this writing, Illinois and Wisconsin are currently the only states to have no permit system and generally prohibit carrying. However on June 21, both chambers of the Wisconsin state legislature approved one of the nation’s strongest Right-to-Carry license bills; this new legislation awaits the governor’s signature. The State of Iowa’s concealed carry (“CCW”) law changed on January 1, 2011, much to the chagrin of some in law enforcement and citizens who are antigun. The National Rifle Association (NRA), one of the most powerful lobby organizations in America and pro-gun citizens lauded the new statute. In essence, Iowa became a “shall issue” state, which aligns it with that of other RTC states. This means the issuing authorities (county Sheriffs) must adhere to consistent regulations as opposed to “may issue,” in which local authorities have greater discretion on issuing CCW permits.
In addition, “concealed carry” is a misnomer, since citizens may now carry openly. Permit-carrying citizens are hopeful that this will result in speedy adoption of reciprocity, meaning Iowa concealed carry permits will be honored in a greater number of states. Not unlike helmet laws, riders who carry firearms must be aware of state statutes as they cross borders. For riders carrying a concealed weapon, it’s a felony if you’re caught in a state such as Illinois. Ride lidless in Missouri and you risk a fine not to exceed $25 — something that may put a damper on the next few minutes of your trip. A felony weapons charge will put a damper on the rest of your life! The only way to transport a handgun in a state where your permit is not recognized is unloaded with the weapon inaccessible to the rider (or driver) and the ammunition stored away from the weapon. This is why many riders who choose to carry, support multi-state reciprocity or a national standard of some kind. There are other obstacles for citizens
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360-degree view of the Right-To-Carry debate who choose to exercise their second amendment rights. State and federal laws prohibit carrying a weapon, loaded or unloaded, in official buildings. For example, you can’t carry into the DMV or the Post Office; you can’t carry into the Smithsonian in D.C. A recent CCW permit holder of many years was denied a renewal in Iowa because a Sheriff’s deputy discovered he was carrying a loaded .357. In this case, the guy became so accustomed to wearing his sidearm he simply forgot to secure it in his vehicle before entering the Sheriff’s office. In some states it is the right of private business owners to ban weapons from their place of business regardless if they own or lease the property. Many restaurants, bars, and public venues such as sports arenas and concert halls have signs posted that prohibit weapons of any kind. You’ve probably seen these, even at bike rallies and events. It makes sense to most that guns and knives at bike rallies are not a good mix — especially when alcohol is served. Among several bar/restaurant managers interviewed for this article, opinions on concealed carry vary. Generally speaking, posting “No Weapons” at the door is viewed as far less disruptive to their businesses than “No Smoking.” When pressed, the majority stated it is much easier to enforce the smoking ordinance because it is more obvious when someone lights up. “If someone walks into my place with a concealed weapon, I’ll never know it,” said the manager of a Bonefish Grill franchise. “We’re not going to ask customers to check their weapons at the door and we’re unlikely to install metal detectors, either,” she said with a laugh. Tim Simmer, former manager of Water’s Edge Bar & Grill in Polk City, Iowa, says that he has yet to have any problems with gun-toting patrons. “The fact is, we posted a sign on the door that says ‘No Weapons Allowed’ and everyone as far as we know is abiding by it.” Simmer sees some irony in that the State of Iowa won’t let people smoke in his bar yet carrying a concealed weapon is legal. “I don’t want any trouble nor do I want to infringe on anyone’s rights. But I have to keep a safe environment here, too,” he says. Thirteen CCW permit holders from states including Iowa, Tennessee, Missouri, Nebraska, and Kentucky responded to the question, “Why do you feel you need to carry a weapon?” Every single one of them avowed in some way, “It’s my right.” The majority led with this point before continuing as I pressed, “I know it’s your right, but why do you feel the need to carry?” I
asked, emphasizing the word “feel.” The quorum of thirteen answered by relating tales of peril in varying degrees — all most certainly terrifying to them at the moment. Rhonda K., of Nashville owns a gun shop and teaches self-defense. She was stopped in traffic with her children and confronted by an angry driver who got out of his car, pounding on her window. “I had my hand on my .380, ready to draw,” she says. “All of a sudden, he looked away as the cars ahead of me began to move and I was able to follow the traffic without incident.” I asked if she really would have blasted this intruder right then and there. “It never got to that point, but I was prepared to defend myself,” she insisted. Rhonda attributes her training to this situation ending peacefully. “Many people go through a CCW course and that’s it,” she says. “Responsible permit holders continue their defense training, go to the range with their carry weapon, and always think ahead when they are in unfamiliar or dangerous sur-
Dean Lambert
roundings.” Because she is highly trained, she didn’t panic and was able to avoid a life-changing event for both her and the aggressor. Five motorcyclists interviewed agreed that they feel safer having access to a firearm when riding, especially when their ride plan takes them into unfamiliar territory. Dwight K., from Cedar Rapids, Iowa, tells about the time he was on a motorcycle trip and stopped in St. Louis for fuel. “A guy comes up to us saying he needed to get to Columbia but he didn’t have enough gas money,” he relates. “We refused and he became hostile. Luckily we were trailering our bikes and getting back into the truck because this guy reached right into the window and we were able to pull away.” This story brings up all kinds of follow-ups: “If you had a gun, would you really have pulled it and shot the guy? “If you had a gun, would it have been accessible enough to quickly reach for it and used it as a deterrent?” Joe H., of Southeast Iowa, carries a Springfield XD-40 with him just about everywhere he goes, plus a Taurus Judge (capable of shooting either .410 shotgun shells or .45 caliber cartridges) in his saddlebag. I asked why he feels he needs so much firepower when riding. “I want to be protected from threats, regardless if they are human or animal,” he asserts, also admitting the odds are more in favor of encountering the latter. “I ride a lot of back roads and stop along the way to take in the scenery. I’ve gotten off the bike to hike through the desert and seen a snake or two. Thankfully I haven’t had to actually shoot any.” If you’re concerned that all these people carrying guns will turn society into the “wild, wild West,” Rhonda and Joe’s comments should make you feel somewhat comfortable. The fact is, as former Des Moines Police Officer John Meeker told me in 2010, 99.9 percent of the people who have a CCW permit are responsible, conscientious citizens. “It’s the bad guys with guns we’re worried about,” he says. Statistically, there are many more weapons being carried by people who have some criminal history than law-abiding citizens. Cactus Tafoya of El Paso, Texas, teaches “reality-based” self-defense courses based on a discipline called Commando Krav Maga (CKV). Tafoya also owns Wild Cactus Leathers and created the awesome motorcycle seat/holster combination owned by Juan Salcedo and featured on the cover of this month’s Throttler Magazine. throttlermotorcyclemagazine 09
Motorcycles and guns Continued from page 09 A CKV level three instructor and a certified executive protection agent who supports a person’s right to carry, Tafoya offers newly armed citizens important advice. “There is a good side and a bad side to carrying a firearm,” he says. “On one hand, with proper training you may effectively use a firearm to defend yourself and your property. On the other hand, most firearm confrontations happen within 20 feet and within those 20 feet, you can get your weapon taken away pretty quick.” Even highly trained public safety officers are not immune. Not long ago a 19 year-old man disarmed a Texas State Trooper and killed himself. It could have been much worse for the unwitting officer. This is why Tafoya’s self-defense training is centered not on defensive firearm use. Instead, he focuses on techniques for disarming and disabling assailants with escape as the goal. Tafoya says people don’t understand they really have to spend the time it takes to know how to operate a firearm and respond in stressful situations. More than that, a gun should not and most of the time cannot be your first line of defense. Firearms provide a false sense of security to regular citizens because criminals who are used to high stress situations can get a gun from you quickly. “I have a firearm within arms reach at all times, but I am still going to use my head and my hands first,” Tafoya says. He recommends that people train to become proficient with a gun but understand it is your backup to things that are more easily deployed such as a chair, a bottle, or simply getting away. “Your first option should be your head and your hands,” Tafoya advises. “This is your ultimate first option. This is what I tell everyone. You need to create space and first try to get away from an assailant.” A 2005 Gallup poll revealed a gun is present in about 45% or 53 million American households. 67% of gun owners state they own firearms for protection against crime; 66% for target shooting; 41% for hunting. 18% of American adults, or about 43 million persons, own a handgun. A Journal of Quantitative Criminology study found that U.S. citizens use their guns to protect themselves and others from crime at least 989,883 times per year. Half of these incidents involved using the weapon to frighten away home intruders. Hardly the “wild, wild West.” There are a couple of other interesting statistics related to the presence of handguns, or access by individuals to 10 throttlermotorcyclemagazine
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weapons in their homes. Murder rates in Washington D.C. have, since 1960, exceeded the U.S. murder rate. In 1976 D.C. placed a ban on handguns and put a trigger lock law into effect. Until the laws were stuck down in 2008, the District’s murder rate averaged 73% higher than the national average. This period corresponded to a time when the national murder rate was 11% lower than previous highs. When Florida’s right-to-carry law became effective in 1988, the murder rate dipped an average of 36%. Are criminals less likely to attempt or commit harmful acts when they know “good guys” have guns? Maybe. Consider this: The NRA held its 2010 national convention in Charlotte, NC. A few days following the event’s conclusion the Charlotte Chief of Police commented that during the entire week of the convention there was a double-digit drop in the amount of violent crime in the city. It does make one wonder. This is a polarizing issue: Anti-gun advocates are concerned that greater accessibility to firearms increases the chance of accidental injuries and deaths in households. As Meeker and Tafoya point out, it is a fact that more police officers are shot with their own weapons than those wielded by perpetrators. If trained law enforcement personnel encounter situations in which their weapons are taken away, think Cactus Tafoya
of how easy it might be to disarm a normal citizen encountering violence for the first time. It is unlikely the argument over gun control will ever subside. Some people shouldn’t have guns in their possession or in their households — period. But then, some people shouldn’t be behind the wheel of a vehicle, either. In fact, of all fatal accidents in the U.S. during 2007, 34% were related to motor vehicles; compared only one percent resulting from a firearm. The Second Amendment is part of the U.S. Constitution; as citizens it guarantees the right to keep and bear arms. There will always be crackpots who wish to stretch the limits of the law, inflaming the right-tocarry issue. Looking at some statistics and listening to the people interviewed for this article it seems for the most part, people who carry understand the responsibility to do so safely and without alarming the public. Hopefully this article gives people on both sides of the gun control issue something to think about: Anti-gun folks might take some solace in knowing for the most part, law-abiding citizens understand the responsibility they have in acquiring firearms and a permit to carry. Firearms and self-defense instructors emphasize the grave consequences that will result if students do not practice both safe handling and how to properly secure a firearm. Retired Officer John Meeker agrees. “We’re less concerned about the good guys with guns,” he says. “We are worried about the bad guys with guns.” For those of us good guys who do carry and for those who are thinking about it, remember this: Owning a firearm is a major decision. Deciding to carry a loaded weapon is a whole other order of magnitude in terms of responsibility. We will do well to remember the advice of Cactus Tafoya who urges us to train and become proficient with our carry weapon, understanding that a firearm should be deployed as a last resort that can be turned against you in an instant. “Use your head and your hands,” says Tafoya. “You have a right to protect yourself and your property, but the smart play is to get away.” About the author: Throttler contributor Dean Lambert is a motorcyclist who rides 20,000+ miles each year around the country. He has hunted with rifles and shotguns for nearly 20 years and received his Iowa CCW permit in 2009. In 2010 he became a Utah permit holder. Lambert has completed two NRA-certified firearms courses and goes to the firing range at least once per month.
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Do You Know?
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hen they met in 1975, both coincidentally riding Kawasaki KZ400s, Sue Slate and Gin Shear could count the number of women motorcycle riders they knew on one hand — with fingers left over. That just didn’t seem right so they set about changing things. With the help of the women riders they knew, the two created the Women’s Motorcycle Festival, and then put on this five-day event every year for 10 years. From the very start their focus was on encouraging women to ride, building riding skills, and having fun. “Everything we did was always fun,” says Sue. “And they were very successful. We capped them at 250 people an event to keep it like a community.” It soon became apparent that some sort of organization would be necessary to handle the planning and execution for this ongoing festival, so the Women’s Motorcyclist Foundation was created with Gin as the president, Sue as the program chair. Then in 1993 Gin and Sue took two trips
Sue Slate and Gin Shear
that would change their lives forever. They were planning a ride to the Arctic Circle with two other women, and had the idea that this would be an event special enough that it could be made into a fundraiser. But a fundraiser for whom? At about this same time they made a trip to Washington, DC, and visited the Vietnam War Memorial, where they were sobered by the names of the 59,000 U.S. soldiers who died there. Then, returning home, they were also struck by an item in their local newspaper stating that during the same time period as the Vietnam War, more than 330,000 American women had died of breast cancer. They now knew where the money they would be raising would go. They hooked up with Susan G. Komen for the Cure. In these pre-Internet days there was no easy way to reach out to people, so depending on what we now call snail mail Gin and Sue contacted motorcycle groups across the country asking them to sponsor the riders on their trip to Alaska. “We got some pretty good pre-ride press, and we got adopted by the motorcycle community,” says Sue. They set out to raise $10,000 and ended up with $25,000. Encouraged by Komen and BMW, one
of their sponsors, to take on a new fundraising effort, Sue came up with the idea for the Pony Express Rides. The Pony Express Rides were relays across the country with riders from all over who were invited to gather pledges and participate. In five rides between 1996 and 2007 they raised $2.3 million for breast cancer research. These efforts and a lot more have earned them nominations this year to the Motorcycle Hall of Fame. Sue and Gin aren’t done yet. Their latest endeavor is Adventures for the Cures, where they challenge riders to challenge themselves on dual-sport rides. The first was in Colorado in 2009, the second will be this year in Alaska and the Yukon, and from there they plan to expand to the rest of the world. Of course these will be fundraisers, and this year’s ride is largely about identifying new leaders. Gin and Sue can’t be everywhere, so these leaders will then be called upon to lead many of the other rides in countries around the world. Says Sue, “This is really a template for the future as much as anything else. We realize that the WMF, to be sustainable, has to grow, and we have to do things a little bit differently if we’re going to grow and have a long-lasting legacy.”
Occupation: Women’s Motorcycling Advocates • Hails from: Le Roy, NY Motorcycle: Motorcycles: Sue-Versys, KLR 650, KLX 250; Gin-F800GS, KLR 650, KLX 250
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11 Common Mistakes by Motorcycle Riders and How to Avoid Them
#1 Way to Avoid an Accident and 9 Insider Secrets to Avoid Costly Mistakes By COREY WALKER Corey@IowaInjured.com
Iowans who ride motorcycles are beginning to realize that they should learn about how to avoid an accident and if they have been in an accident how to avoid costly mistakes. Some riders fail to bring their case within time limitations (which can be as short as 6 months to provide notice) while others do not learn about their rights. A New Book about Iowa motorcycle accidents is being offered at No Cost, Risk or Obligation which reveals: • #1 Way to Avoid a Motorcycle Accident • 9 Insider Secrets to Avoid Costly Mistakes • 7 Things to Know Before Talking to the Insurance Adjustor or Hiring an Attorney and much more. Why offer a Book at No Cost? Because since 1997, Iowa Personal Injury Attorney Corey Walker has represented hundreds of injured Iowans including many who have been injured in motorcycle accidents and he has seen too many make mistakes resulting in
them losing thousands of dollars. Franklin of Washington, Iowa says “Corey’s book includes information that most people don’t know but should in case of an accident.” James of Sioux City says “I would recommend this book to my friends because most riders I know are informed with their bikes, the roads, and their abilities, but not the laws.” Why offer a free book? Because after having represented hundreds of injured Iowans, Iowa Injury Attorney Corey Walker has seen the consequences of costly mistakes. Finally, you can learn about motorcycle accidents in the comfort of your own home with no risk or obligation. If you own a motorcycle; or if you or a loved one have been injured in an accident and do not have an attorney then this book is for you. Claim your copy (while supplies last) Call Now (800)-707-2552, ext. 215 (24 Hour Recorded Message) or go to www. MotorcycleAccidentBook.com. Our Guarantee- If you do not learn at least one thing from the book let us know and we will donate $100 in your name to ABATE (A Brotherhood Aimed Towards Education which works for you, the motorcycle enthusiast.) throttlermotorcyclemagazine 13
Electric motorcycles?
Copyright Zero Motorcycles
Electric motorcycles fitting into our future
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By Ken Bingenheimer
ou see the motorcycle coming down the street. It looks like a sportbike so you’re not surprised there’s no rumble but as it draws nearer you expect some engine sound — but there is none.
Electric motorcycles are here, they’re here to stay, and there may be one in your future. No, you’re not going to be taking a cross-country tour on one anytime soon but the future may be nearer than you think. The negatives on electric motorcycles are straightforward. Speed, acceleration, and range are limited by battery power. Recharging is slow and unlikely to ever rival the five minutes it takes to fill your tank. And they don’t have that soulsatisfying rumble that so many riders love. Because weight is crucial in maximizing battery usage, electric motorcycles are small, and an electric bagger is out of the question…for now. But, remember computers? Time was when a 386 PC was blazing fast and a 40 megabyte hard drive on a server was huge. Now we carry what we quaintly still call telephones that have capabilities light-years beyond those once cuttingedge tools. Think of today’s batteries as 286 PCs. Then wait five years. It’s already happening. Brammo and Zero are the two primary commercial
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electric motorcycle companies. All electric bikes up till now were just twist and go, like scooters. Brammo just introduced its newest models, offering 6-speed transmissions for the first time. And their top-ofthe-line Empulse model can hit 100 mph and has a range of 100 miles. Meanwhile, Zero has also released its 2011 models and the improvements in just one year are amazing. We had the opportunity to ride some Zeros last year and the demo was confined to a parking lot. With the speed and acceleration they offered, that was sufficient. Now, riding the 2011s recently, it’s a different world. The S (street) and DS (dual-sport) models have been upgraded with powerful engines that the constraints of parking lot test ride could do justice to. Still just one speed, these bikes take off like a shot and you’re up in super-legal speeds before you know it. Of course, the range
on a charge has also increased. All of these improvements have been made in the course of just one year. For dirt bikes, factor in another major consideration: noise. Dirt bikers around the country face ongoing pressure to close riding areas, with noise being a big part of the issue. Riding is limited even on private land as neighbors take action against the unwelcome noise. Eliminate the noise and it’s a whole new ballgame. Dirt bikes are small and light anyway, so they’re a natural to go electric. Zero and Brammo have both designed battery packs that are quickly and easily swappable, so you can go ride with one pack with the other in reserve. Then swap and head out again. Granted the battery pack is one of the most expensive items on the bike, but if you have the money the option is there for you. Electric dirt bikes hold their own, too, against their gas-powered brethren. At last year’s first ever Minimoto SX Energy Crisiscross an electric bike by Quantya took first while Zeros took second through sixth places, leaving the gas boys at seventh and below. Brammo did not compete last year but will do so this year. And then there are the electric superbikes. A lot of them. In April, Chip Yates set the electric motorcycle top-speed
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record at 190.6 mph, riding a machine produced by Swigz Pro Racing. At the Isle of Man, a non-gas TTXGP race was initiated in 2009 that pits electric bikes against each other. There is a European TTXGP circuit as well as a U.S. circuit. In May, Brammo won the Infineon Raceway leg of the U.S. circuit with Thad Wolff on an Empulse RR, the Empulse model designed for racing. He set a course record for electrics at 1:55:150. The gaspowered record is 1:35.893. Many of the electric superbikes are one-off but others are for sale to anyone with the cash. Lightning Electric Motorcycles, Mission Motors, and Roehr Motorcycles are three companies with offerings currently. Prices start near $30,000 and go up. While swapping out battery packs at
the track may work for dirtbikers and racers, and charging at home does the job for commuters, the touring motorcyclist still has no reasonable electric option. But then, when cars were in their infancy, the vast fuel infrastructure we now take for granted didn’t exist either. Cars created the need and entrepreneurs met the demand. The same will certainly happen with electric vehicles. Already, some municipalities are installing charging stations where electric motorists can park and charge their cars and motorcycles. The numbers of those stations are expected to increase radically in the next few years. Another likely development is electric car/motorcycle “filling stations.” Pull in and the technician swaps your depleted standardized battery for one that is fully charged. Presto, you’re on your way in five minutes or so. It’s not here yet, but it’s coming. Count on it. Now, about that rumble . . .
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2011 Kawasaki Vulcan 1700 Vaquero
Long, low, wide and packed
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By Roderick Kabel
he dictionary defines vaquero as a Spanishorigin word meaning “cowboy” or “herdsman.” Well, if that cowboy happened to be independent, adventurous, undeniably-cool and sported handmade boots and a custom hat, he’d probably ride a 2011 Kawasaki Vulcan® 1700 Vaquero™.
Baggers are arguably the coolest cruisers these days, and it’s not a stretch to see why. The really good ones are low, long, ultra stylish and, with their chopped fairings and hard-case side bags, plenty functional. The new Vaquero bagger is all that — and much more. Kawasaki engineers and designers didn’t just throw custom paint and a blacked-out motif on a Vulcan 1700 and call it done. They digested valuable owner and market research, and scrutinized every system — engine, chassis, features, bodywork and appearance — to ensure that the bike being developed squared nicely with what cruiser buyers wanted. Custom, blacked-out details are your first clue to the new Vaquero’s mission, and there’s plenty to see. It all starts with the beautiful Ebony or Candy Fire Red paint on the abbreviated fairing, sculpted tank and curvaceous bodywork that looks as if it could be a mile deep. Luxurious chrome
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accents (engine guards, exhaust, mirrors, etc.) provide a beautiful counterpoint to the glossy paintwork, but it’s perhaps the multi-textured blacked-out engine and chassis treatment that best highlights the Vaquero’s radical aesthetic look. The engine, air-cleaner cover, wheels, fork assembly and tank cover all get the blackout treatment, which gives the bike a true custom look that’s beautiful and menacing at once. It’s definitely not a motorcycle you’ll easily forget. Joe Mitchell, GM for Struthers Brothers in Des Moines, Iowa, says, “We are very proud to sell the Kawasaki brand and feel that they are heading in the right direction with branding and receiving some welldeserved attention from riders who would have never thought to look at the Kawasaki line up. The economy is on every ones mind and Kawasaki is a value for their discretionary income.” Beneath all that beautiful bodywork, paint and chrome is a superbly engineered motorcycle, one that blends power, handling, durability and confidence-inspiring character in a massively functional package. It all starts with the Vaquero’s 1700cc
liquid-cooled V-twin, which powers all four Vulcan 1700 models for 2011 — Voyager®, Classic, Nomad™ and Vaquero. A thoroughly proven design, this 52-degree Vee boasts the very latest in engine technology yet looks like a throwback to the past, a time when the V-twin was the engine to have powering your motorcycle. Features include an overhead cam design, high compression and a long-stroke dimensional design that results in the sort of effortless low- and mid-range thrust that’s so desirable and useful in a big-inch cruiser. The result of all this new-think engine tech is a massive quantity of usable torque spread out over a shockingly wide rpm range. With 108 foot-pounds of torque, a mere twist of the Vaquero’s throttle delivers arm-stretching acceleration for freeway passing or spirited riding, and the smooth wave of low-rpm grunt is always ready to please when you’re just boppin’ down the boulevard, checking out the scene and chillin.’ It all adds up to a truly top-of-the-line bagger that encompasses a perfect combination of traits: It’s functional in a wide range of environments, from inner-city cruisin’ to running down the open road. It’s got highly advanced technology. And it’s knee-shakingly beautiful, a bike that’ll put goose bumps on your arms and neck every time you open the garage door to take a peek. We’re sure any hombre would appreciate this one. Custom hat and all!
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Chopper College
Building the future; one motorcycle at a time
A
By Alec “Chop” Brynnenson
t two years of age, Tom Creal got his first motorized tricycle. When he was six, his parents gave him a go-cart, and by 10, he was ripping apart his dirt bike just to see if he could put it back together.
In his teen years, while most of us were out shooting hoops or tossing the football around, Tom was in his garage surrounded by tables full of parts as he disassembled and repaired all of the neighborhood motorcycles and dirt bikes. He had developed a cult following of friends who would spend countless hours in that garage watching and learning from Tom’s every meticulous move; and that’s when it hit him; These guys don’t just want to learn how to fix their bike, they want to learn how customize it, or build one from scratch. After graduating high school, Tom moved on to attend classes to further his education in motorcycles. In 2006, fresh out of AMI in Daytona Beach and with more building experience than most of us acquire in a lifetime, Tom Creal created Chopper College in Chicago. 18 throttlermotorcyclemagazine
With the custom bike craze well in its prime, for those of us with a lifelong dream of building a bike in our very own garage, Chopper College was well positioned as the first and only custom bike building school in the world to offer boot camp style classes that were completed over a three-day weekend. The school offered three successful classes. The first, and most popular was the Bike Building Boot Camp, where students built a custom motorcycle from the frame up under the direction of Tom and his fellow builders. The second was a fabrication and welding course that taught students firsthand, the essentials of working with sheet metal and welding and gave them the
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knowledge and confidence they needed to shape and build gas tanks and fenders. The third was an engine theory class that took students inside the engine and taught them valuable lessons in maintenance, troubleshooting, and rebuilding. With classes filling rapidly and word spreading quickly, it was clear that Tom was onto something. Then he got the phone call; the phone call that would send Chopper College to new heights. It was the VP of marketing for one of the nation’s top motorcycle insurers. She had heard about Chopper College and wanted Tom to help them launch an aggressive new marketing campaign for their motorcycle insurance. That conversation led to a 2-year deal with Tom being the first national spokesperson for Allstate Motorcycle Insurance. From 2007-2008, Tom and his crew of builders and instructors toured the nation attending bike shows and rallies with the insurer to help promote motorcycle insurance while demonstrating custom builds at each stop in front crowds of people. The tour also included a custom built motorcycle that Tom designed with his team which was given away at the end of the tour. While on tour, classes
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With classes filling rapidly and word spreading quickly, it was clear that Tom was onto something. continued in Chicago and the exposure that Chopper College was receiving led to students traveling from as far as Hong Kong, Austraiia, and the Netherlands to attend courses. The custom bike Chopper College built for Allstate had enthusiasts, companies, non-profits, and politicians knocking on Tom’s door, wanting him to build them a bike too. From Vice President Joe Biden to the Minnesota Wild, Chopper College developed a substantial list of clients in a short amount of time. By late 2008, Chopper College’s business was booming and demand for their bikes and classes was more than they could support. Then it all came crashing down. After 14 years of consistent growth, the bottom fell out of the motorcycle industry with the economic meltdown. Classes dwindled, orders virtually ceased, and the new found stardom and fame had paid its toll on the young Chopper College crew. Tom found himself at a crossroads. Ultimately, he chose to scale back and take some time to figure out where to go next with his young company. That led him to Minneapolis in 2009 with a new vision for the future. Recognizing the great deal of focus and attention paid to green initiatives, it was only a matter of time until it trickled down to the motorcy-
cle industry. Tom saw an opportunity to begin working on green technologies and be the first to bring them to the industry. While keeping true to his roots and the Chopper College name, his vision was to not only explore new technologies, but also develop classes that would educate mechanics and enthusiasts how to troubleshoot and repair these new technologies. Today, Chopper College continues to offer the same classes that made them successful in 2006 while making great strides in green technology. Over the past two years, they have developed and tested bikes that operate using variations of bio-fuels. They have also just unveiled a motorcycle that has a gas tank and fender made from hemp and fiber glass hybrid composite material which is an industry first for both the motorcycle and composites world. Chopper College has also done some work with hydrogen fuel cell technologies and is currently developing an electric bike as well. All of these bikes are built under the EcoCycle™ name, a name that Chopper College plans to use for future commercialization of their new bikes. For more information about Chopper College or the classes currently being offered, visit www.choppercollege2020.com. throttlermotorcyclemagazine 19
MOTO-KIDS
Part 2
photo by Steve Bruhn - KTM Images
PART 2: Why racing is good for them By Sean Goulart Editor, www.MXNewsfeed.com, The #1 Rated Motocross Newsfeed
T
here are many ways for kids to have fun outdoors, whether on bikes or ATV’s and amateur motorcycle racing (motocross) is one of them. The final part of this two-part article will cover some things to consider if you are considering taking your child racing. AT THE GATE In our last installment we covered everything you need to do before you roll your kid’s bike up to the starting gate. So let’s see what happens next. First off, make sure that you know the class you are racing in and the race order for the day. You will normally have a practice session (covered in part one) and then two races, in which the combined scores are used to determine the overall finishing order. For instance, a racer who placed 1st and 8th would not beat a racer who placed 2nd and 3rd. You must pay close attention to the classes that are out on the track as this
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will enable you to see when it’s time for you to race. Don’t rely on the track loudspeakers or other racers to tell you this info, it’s easy to let the excitement and preparation distract you. When your class is called up to the gate, you should be ready to race, all fueled up, with your safety equipment and your bike in perfect order. As you wait to enter the gate area, officials will call your race number, and you must not enter the starting area until you are directed to do so. When your number is called you should enter the starting area immediately as you don’t want anyone else getting a starting position that you may think is best. Watch the other racers; is there a side the fast guys always start on? This (or closest to it) would be the one you want. If it’s a concrete pad, you will want to bring a small broom to clean the dirt off the area the bike launches from to minimize wheelspin. THE GATE DROPS When the gate drops it will fall toward the racer so jumping the gate is not an option and usually results in tipping over. Practice starts with your racers, this is critical as it’s hard to win after a bad start. Better that
you teach them how to get out of the starting gate clean and smooth every time as opposed to being the outright fastest. There is usually a turn after the start and getting through that potential pileup is also very important. Sometimes if they aren’t first through the corner it’s better to be a few spots back do they can spot impending trouble and negotiate their way through it cleanly. THE RACE IS ON Many races for the smaller age groups are short or have the track altered to shorten it up so the race isn’t so long. Most little kids can’t do 20 minute motos and they don’t usually have the stamina to get around the track that many times. Make sure you’re aware of how many laps there will be so you know when to expect the race to end. During this time you can spectate and it’s common for parents to stand near the edge of the track to cheer their little ones on, just don’t go overboard, observe the rules of the track and don’t be anywhere you shouldn’t. If you really need to tell your racer something, you can get a pit board and write messages to them on it...(write BIG!).
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Copyright Yamaha Motor Co.
WINNING AND LOSING As the race progresses, you’ll begin to see who are the fast riders in your class, and it’s important that you watch them ride as it will help you coach your little racer too. How to take corners, correct speed for jumps, the dreaded whoop section, these all are opportunities to watch and learn from the top riders in your kid’s class while cheering them on. As the race winds down, there will be a white flag waved at all riders and this signifies the last lap. Make sure your racer knows this and is aware of what it means as sometimes the little ones give up before it’s over! Now, if your racer finishes the race, that’s the most important thing. Motocross is very strenuous and every racer should be applauded for giving it their best. It’s not about winning races when
you start, it’s about competing and being a good sport whether you win or lose. Make sure your racer respects the top finishers for what they have achieved and saying something nice to the winners doesn’t hurt either. Good sportsmanship is the lesson to be learned here, what goes around comes around. TROPHIES AND AWARDS At the end of the race day usually trophies or plaques will be handed out. Many Pee-Wee and youth classes give something to every finisher, but you must stay to receive your trophy or make arrangements to get it from the promoter at a later date. As the season progresses your racer will have standings in their class and can compete for the district and/ or local series title and the chance to run the #1 plate in that class the next year!
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Email your event to scott@throttlermagazine.com
Nights & Rallies Iowa - Bike Nights Monday’s Fireside Grill Tuesday’s Victory Lane Car & Bike Night @ the Fairgrounds Brooklyns Bike Nights
Altoona
Des Moines Des Moines Ottumwa
Wednesday’s O’Kelly’s Pub Baxter Quaker Steak & Lube Council Bluffs Thursday’s Trophy’s Bar & Grill Des Moines Mullets Des Moines Screaming Eagle American Bar & Grill Waterloo Full Throttle Thursday’s @ BJ’s Bar & Billiards Waterloo Friday’s Knoxville Bike Night (1st Friday) Throttle Down to “O” Town Fatboyz Saloon (2nd & 4th Friday) Bike Down to I-Town (3rd Friday)
Knoxville Osceola Grimes Indianola
Saturday’s Booneville Bar Boonville Water Street Bar & Grill Cambridge Iowa – Rally’s & Events Jul 12 J&P Cycles Cruise Night Anamosa Jul 14 – 16 State HOG Rally Pella Jul 28 McGrath Powersports Bike Night Cedar Rapids Jul 30 Bikers for Boobs Boone Aug 13 AHeinz57 Pet Rescue &Transport’s Poker Run w/ Rescue Ink - @Big Barn H-D Des Moines Aug 18 McGrath Powersports Bike Night Cedar Rapids Aug 26 – 27 Grinnell Hot Bike Night Grinnell Aug 27 Route 65 HOG Chapter Fun Run Indianola Sep 9 – 10 Classic Flat-Track & AMA Grand Nat’l Champ Knoxville Sep 16 – 18 End of Summer Rally Keosauqua
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Minnesota - Bike Nights Wednesday’s Two Wheel Wednesday @ Yarusso’s The Joint Bar (Every 2nd Wed.)
St. Paul Minneapolis
Thursday’s Duluno’s Pizza (Every 1st Thur.) Minneapolis Cowboy-Up Bike Night (Every 2nd Thurs.) Plymouth Mad Jacks Sports Bar (Every 3rd Thurs.) Brooklyn Park Friday’s Captains Thursday Bike Night
Wisconsin - Rally’s & Events Jul 15 – 17 BBC Motorcycle Rally Jul 15 – 17 Chopperfest Jul 21 – 24 Midwest Motorcycle Rally Jul 23 Rally in the Valley Jul 29 – 30 Motorcycle Mania Sep 1 – 4 Milwaukee Rally Sep 14 – 18 Tomahawk Fall Rally
Blue River Earl La Crosse Boscobel Plover Milwaukee Tomahawk
Nebraska - Rally’s & Events Jul 16 Nite Crawlers Bash Jul 28 – 31 Angels Straw Bale Bikefest Aug 27 – 28 Blue River Motorcycle Rally
Saint Libory Spencer Seward
Isanti
Minnesota - Rally’s & Events Jul 15 – 16 Gold Wing Riders State Rally Albert Lea Illinois - Bike Nights Thursday’s Coziahr Harley-Davidson Bike Night Forsyth Sunday’s Culver’s Bourbonnais Weekly Bike Night Bourbonnais Texas Roadhouse Tinley Park Bike Night (2nd & 4th Sunday) Tinley Park Illinois - Rally’s & Events July 8 Thunder Night Springfield July 13 Summer Smoke Show Bike Night McHenry July 22 South Suburban ABATE – 25th Annual Helmet Roast Peotone Jul 22 – 23 GermanFest Bike Rally Quincy Aug 5 – 7 Fulton County Rodeo Lewistown Aug 19 – 21 NA40+ International Rally Springfield Aug 20 Chi-Town H-D Annual Bash Tinley Park Aug 21 ChuckaPalooza 3 Biker Bash & Music Fest Roselle Wisconsin - Bike Nights Wednesday’s Quaker Steak & Lube Madison Thursday’s Harley-Davidson Museum Bike Night Milwaukee House of Harley Ride to Bike Night Greenfield “Wisconsin Big Cat Rescue & Education Center” Benefit Bike Nights @ Floodzone Bar & Grill Rock Springs Bike Night @ Motor Bar & Restaurant Milwaukee
Missouri - Bike Nights Thursday’s Show-Me’s Sportbike Night St Charles Thunder Thursdays (Every 3rd Thursday) St. Charles Saturday’s Big St. Charles Motorsports Bike Night St. Charles Marshfield Downtown Bike Night (Every 2nd Saturday) Marshfield Missouri - Rally’s & Events Jul 7 Big St. Charles Motorsports Calendar Girl Search St. Charles Jul 8 – 10 HootonTown Motorcycle Rally Highlandville Jul 16 Classic Rock & Chrome Rally St. Joseph Aug 19 – 20 Bikers & Babes at the Beach Rockaway Beach Aug 25 – 27 State HOG Rally Osage Beach Sep 15 – 18 Lake of the Ozarks Bikefest Lake Ozark Kansas - Bike Nights Thursday’s Old Town Bike Night @ Emerson Biggins’ Alefs H-D Bike Night Kansas - Rally’s & Events Aug 12 – 21 Life Support Rally Aug 19 – 20 Thunder on the Plains South Dakota - Bike Nights Jul 10 Hot Harley Nights South Dakota - Rally’s & Events Aug 5 – 14 Mount Rushmore Rally Aug 8 – 14 Sturgis Rally & Races
Wichita Wichita
Lawrence Dodge City
Sioux Falls
Keystone Sturgis
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