Intelligent Transportation Systems: Can Cars See Motorcycles?
Photo Melissa McClain Photography
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NAVIGATION
Navigation Photo
A “monkey” gets a worms-eye view of the Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course track in Lexington, Ohio, during sidecar racing action at last year’s AMA Vintage Motorcycle Days. This celebration of all things vintage is set for July 19-21 this year. More information: www.amavintagemotorcycledays.com.
Photo: David Stanoszek/M5 Racing
American Motorcyclist magazine (ISSN 0277-9358) is published monthly by the American Motorcyclist Association, 13515 Yarmouth Dr., Pickerington, OH 43147. Copyright by the American Motorcyclist Association/American Motorcyclist 2013. Printed in USA. Subscription rate: Magazine subscription fee of $10 covered in membership dues; $15 a year for non-members.
Postmaster: Mail form 3579 to 13515 Yarmouth Dr., Pickerington, OH 43147. Periodical postage paid at Pickerington, Ohio, and at additional mailing offices.
June 2013
Volume 67, Number 6
Published by the American Motorcyclist Association 13515 Yarmouth Dr. Pickerington, OH 43147 (800) AMA-JOIN (262-5646) www.americanmotorcyclist.com
12. LETTERS
You write, we read.
14. ROB DINGMAN
Will “smart cars” be smart enough?
16. RIGHTS
AMA hosts E15 “Fuel for Thought” Capitol Hill Lobbying Day June 19.
22. RIDING
It doesn’t get any better than this: Summer in America and all the motorcycling nirvana that comes with it. Go ride!
42. HALL OF FAME
A Crocker motorcycle, and Hall of Famer Miny Waln.
46. HIGH-TECH CAR TECH: WATCHING FOR MOTORCYCLES
Do new crash-avoidance technologies in cars see bikes? We find out.
52. GO RIDE
What to do, where to go.
62. JOHN CIRIBASSI
New beginnings.
High Adventure. No Hassle. The best routes, roads and twotrack, mapped by local experts. A great challenge with like-minded riders. A full weekend’s activities, with camping, campfires, food and prizes. For more information visit AmericanMotorcyclist.com/Riding
Imre Szauter, Government Affairs Manager - On-Highway
INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY
Rob Baughman, Network Administrator
John Boker, Developer
Dave Coleman, Network Architect
Amy Hyman, Senior Programmer/Analyst
Bill Miller, Web Architect
MEMBER SERVICES/DATA ENTRY
Lori Cavucci, Member Services Representative
Deb D’Andrea, Member Services Representative
Linda Hembroff, Member Services Representative
Darcel Higgins, Member Services Manager
Kimberly Jude, Member Services Representative
Angie Miller, Member Services Representative
Tiffany Pound, Member Services Representative
Jessica Robinson, Member Services Representative
MEMBER LETTERS
LETTER OF THE MONTH NOT JUST A HOBBY
I just read in the May issue about Maggie McNally’s post as chair of the AMA Board of Directors, and I must tell you how delighted I am.
Send your letters (and a high-resolution photo) to submissions@ama-cycle.org; or mail to 13515 Yarmouth Drive, Pickerington, OH 43147.
As a rider who cut my moto-teeth on the surface streets in Arlington, Texas, and then quickly to the twists and turns of Highway 1 in Big Sur, I can attest that motorcycling is much more than just another hobby. It’s a passion. It’s also the way I travel to and from work, and to run errands, in my new home in Arizona.
Each month, a lucky AMA member wins a Bike Bandit gift card worth $100. Didn’t win? No worries. You can still take advantage of your 10% AMA member discount at BikeBandit.com.
My takeaway from living in different states and riding in widely varying environments: Change is good and brings with it the opportunity to learn new things and to test oneself, and to grow. (Sometimes the test comes in moments least expected!)
I expect that Ms. McNally’s leadership will be a new learning and growth opportunity for the AMA. I also expect she will be as all good board chairpersons are: thoughtful and visionary. (Her quoted comments already show that.) My hope is that other women will look to Ms. McNally as a rider in a long line of great motorcyclists. And, honestly, I hope they’ll be inspired to get out and ride!
ON E15…
I’d like to throw some comments in the pot on the ongoing issue with the looming advent of E15. I’m retired from public safety and subsequently worked as a manager in the automotive parts industry. I now happily work in the retail motorcycle industry in western Pennsylvania.
The controversy on any level of ethanolblended fuels now has a significant amount of independent study. It has already been proven that the current E10 blend is creating detriment to gasoline-powered engines of all kinds. While automotive engines are suffering, smaller engines ranging from garden equipment to boat and motorcycle engines are being damaged to an alarming degree.
Personally, I had to have a two-year-old top-brand chain saw carburetor overhauled recently from fuel damage. I’ve seen examples of fuel-related damage from many customers in my automotive store who were looking to replace degraded fuel lines in smaller engines, both two- and fourstroke versions. The main areas of damage are the fuel systems and valve trains. Alcohol and many constructs of plastics,
as well as rubber and blends, do not mix well. How many polymer and rubber products can you name in the systems of a vintage or modern car or bike that fuel may come in contact with on a regular basis? It’s basic science that has been ignored.
There has been a resounding reaction in the aftermarket industry with the introduction of fuel additives to help offset the effects of ethanol. Several reputable manufacturers are now making additives that can be safely used in all two- and fourstroke engines, and I highly recommend you all consider using one of these products. It is unfortunate that we have to spend more money to protect our power equipment and vehicles from a fuel blend that we do not want, when we’re already paying outrageous prices for fuel.
The change to E15 will undoubtedly bring more adverse effects to internal combustion engines. The major automotive manufacturers, both domestic and foreign, have already stated publicly that use of E15 may void new car warranties, and motorcycle manufacturers could follow suit. If the industry will not accept the use of higher volume blends in new vehicles,
can you imagine what this fuel will do to an older engine, especially one in a vintage machine? As an owner of a 1977 Gold Wing GL1000, I don’t want this junk in my tank any more than I want it in my 2007 F-250.
I applaud the AMA’s efforts on this important issue. We are not alone. This is already a unified voice along with the AAA, the manufacturers, and other advocacy groups in the automotive industry. This is one time that both the motorcycle and automotive industries are unified for a common goal. Don’t be afraid to become involved yourselves. Contact your representatives in D.C. and express your feelings on this important issue.
Keep up the great work.
Wes Notovitz
Portersville, Pa.
Thanks, Wes. The AMA is asking all concerned motorcyclists to join us in Washington, D.C., on June 19 to demonstrate our opposition to E15 mandates absent studies that prove the fuel is safe for motorcycles. For more information, see page 16.
MECHANICAL MATTERS
I understand and appreciate your efforts to bring in more studies about the longterm effects of E15 fuels, but you need to tell the story of what is going on in a mechanical sense.
I own a small motorcycle shop, and have been a mechanic for more than 30 years, and there is definitely damage being done with just the 10 percent mixture in E10. They say that the current fuels don’t hurt rubber or plastic, but I see a vast increase in the deterioration of intake rubber parts like fuel line, o-rings and intake seals.
Deterioration of fuel lines lets debris clog the needle and seats, creating fuel leaks though the overflow. This is not good with respect to fire risk or emissions. Dried-up intake seals and yokes create air leaks, leading to a lean-burning condition, followed by burnt valves or engine seizure. On the other side of the ugly alcohol coin is that alcohol attracts moisture, and that leads to corrosion of aluminum and rusted cylinders and rings during winter storage months.
Ethanol fuels do cause damage, and with government subsidies, cost far more than a full petroleum product. The BTU factor is also an issue, as gallon-for-gallon, petroleum will make a car or motorcycle go further.
Jeff Wuerl Helena,
Mont.
Hannah Brown Buckeye, Ariz.
Hannah Brown
Shared UnderStanding
I just had to write in to say how much I enjoyed the guest column by Tiare Hoegerman. It’s strange to see things are the same from coast to coast. Not only do I enjoy dirtbike and dual-sport riding, but I am also an environmentalist at heart. However, it’s clear what radical environmentalists get wrong: They want to protect land from people not for people. I can relate to Tiare’s well-written article in more ways than one. I also am a dad who has shared his passions for these things with his daughters.
Glenn Giammalvo Fairhaven, Mass.
riderS Love the Land
Tiare Hoegerman’s words are a wellspoken echo of our feelings. I appreciate the column and what she has to say. Thanks, Tiare, for telling it like it is.
We have a huge battle in southwest Colorado fighting the few deep-pocket extreme “environmentalists” attacking our method of enjoying public lands. Our volunteer organization, the Public Access Preservation Association (www. papatelluride.org), is committed to this
fight. We have seen too many closures based on twisted and false information. We are committed to fighting the fight. Our concerns for the environment equal or exceed most self-proclaimed “environmentalists.” We love our public lands and believe in balanced, practical, common-sense access.
Tom Thomas Telluride, Colo.
earpLUg Warning
I enjoy the touring info in American Motorcyclist each month. As a street rider, I enjoyed “Looking After Your Ears” by Rick Wheaton (May issue). I agree with Rick’s advice. If I wear ear protection under my helmet, I have a lot more energy at the end of a long day on my motorcycle. That being said, I’d like to share an important point. In a lot of states, it is against the law to wear these plugs in both ears while riding.
Hank Smith Newport Beach, Va.
You are absolutely right, Hank. Check your state laws regarding ear protection and proceed accordingly. The AMA State Laws database includes this information. You can
find it at www.americanmotorcyclist.com > Rights > State Laws.
tWo verSionS
I like the two versions of the magazine. I get the street version at home (and want to keep getting it) but I read the article on the trials riders in the dirt version online. These two young men are about to undertake a major journey. The challenge will be steep, but like so many vertical cliffs they’ve faced before, I’m sure Karl Davis and Bryan Roper will make it to the top!
Mike Keefe Summit, Ill.
Thanks, Mike. We’re looking forward to Karl and Bryan’s assault on the 2014 World Trials Championship, as well.
As a reminder, in April we launched two versions of American Motorcyclist: one with mostly street-oriented content in the middle 24 pages and one with mostly dirt-oriented content in the middle 24 pages. The rest of the magazine is the same.
To get either version online, log in at www.americanmotorcyclist.com. To change the version you get at home, call (800) 262-5646. You can elect to get both printed versions delivered for an extra $10 a year.
FROM THE PRESIDENT
Will ‘Smart CarS’ Be Smart enough?
The information contained in this month’s feature story entitled “Watching for Motorcycles” represents yet another example of why the AMA is so critical to the future of motorcycling. There are some really exciting advances in automotive technology headed our way. But the utilization of “intelligent transportation systems,” or ITS, in cars, SUVs and trucks without consideration of its impact on motorcyclists could have dire consequences on the safety of motorcyclists—or even on the very existence of motorcycles.
By Rob Dingman
For motorcyclists, ITS means more than just automated highways and hands-off driving. ITS includes everything from automated toll collection to collision-avoidance systems to heads-up displays, “black boxes” that track your movements and more.
The AMA has been speaking up about how motorcycles will figure into the ITS mix for many years. In the 1990s when I was the AMA Washington representative, we worked closely with congressional leaders to get language incorporated into transportation bills to ensure that federal ITS research considered the needs of motorcyclists. We were heavily involved in the ITS issue then, and we continue to be a leader in that area for motorcyclists today.
We want motorcyclists’ voices to be heard. If ITS is developed with riders in mind, we will not only negate disadvantages but we will also see benefits.
For example, there is talk of highways of the future being automated so that the highway regulates the speed of the cars and trucks, and may even steer the vehicles. How would motorcycles and their riders be accommodated by such an automated highway? My best guess is they wouldn’t. We motorcyclists would need our own lane. And we don’t want to hand over control of our bikes to the “intelligent” highway. Collision-avoidance systems on cars could be good for motorcyclists. If the car radar systems are able to detect motorcycles, then maybe some car-bike crashes could be avoided. A “smart” system would be able to detect all those motorcycles that these drivers don’t see and stop cars from entering our path of travel. For such crash-avoidance technology to be effective, it would need to “see” around curves, and it would need to alert drivers of approaching motorcycles so the drivers don’t make left turns in front of them.
However, we have numerous concerns. If collision-warning systems are beeping every time vehicles gets close, car drivers may be tempted to ignore or disable the audible warning system. And, if drivers already don’t see motorcycles, will they see warning lights on their own dashboard or mirrors signaling the presence
of motorcycles? Would drivers become complacent and overly dependent on this safety technology, leading to more carmotorcycle crashes?
Too many in our community don’t take issues like these seriously enough, saying, “Oh, that will never happen.” But believe me, this is just one of a number of threats happening all around us. And by that I mean the gradual erosion of our right to ride motorcycles. We have seen it with the ban on the sale of youth-model motorcycles and ATVs under the guise of protecting our kids from the dangers of lead poisoning. We have seen it with a circumvention of public input into processes that have led to increasingly restrictive public land management intended to exclude off-highway vehicle use. We have seen it with a singling-out of motorcyclists for roadside inspections and special taxes that were originally intended to support motorcycle safety programs—only to have the revenue diverted to unrelated purposes. We have seen it with onerous exhaust system labeling requirements targeting solely motorcycles. And we are seeing it with the rushed introduction of fuel into the marketplace that isn’t even suitable for motorcycles.
The AMA’s early involvement in ITS has helped ensure consideration of our needs, but even now the perceived value of this technology in the automotive world can easily eclipse our interests if we are not persistent. ITS technology is already available in a variety of cars. Make no mistake, even more ITS technology will soon be available on cars sold all over the globe. We continue to work closely with our counterparts in other countries to share information and provide input regarding the public policy concerns that we have.
There is a lot of ITS research going on, and you can read about some of it beginning on page 46. While we have many concerns that have yet to be addressed, let’s offer a tip of the hat to companies like Honda and BMW that are incorporating motorcycles into their ITS research and product development. In a way, the future is now, and we are already guinea pigs on the road to the intelligent transportation systems of the future. The AMA remains committed to guarding the interests of motorcyclists in this area, now and in the future.
Rob Dingman is the AMA president and CEO.
AMA Hosts CApitol Hill lobbying DAy June 19
The AMA is inviting all motorcyclists to take part in a “Fuel for Thought” lobbying day on Wednesday, June 19, at the nation’s Capitol in Washington, D.C., to help educate lawmakers about the need to research the possible harmful effects of E15 fuel on motorcycle and all-terrain vehicle engines.
E15 is a gasoline formulation that contains up to 15 percent ethanol by volume, and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency hasn’t approved its use in motorcycles or ATVs. The EPA has approved its use in 2001-andnewer light-duty vehicles, which include cars, light-duty trucks and medium-duty passenger vehicles, however.
“We’ve repeatedly expressed
concerns to government officials and federal lawmakers about possible damage to motorcycle and ATV engines caused by the inadvertent use of E15, which is now becoming available at gas stations,” says Wayne Allard, AMA vice president for government relations.
“Anecdotally, we hear about problems with motorcycle engines related to ethanol in gasoline,” Allard says. “The AMA wants motorcycles and ATVs to be part of a scientific study on the effects of E15 so that motorcyclists know what to expect if they inadvertently put E15 in their gas tanks, or if E15 is approved for motorcycle use later.”
The E15 “Fuel for Thought” lobbying day on June 19 is modeled after the AMA’s highly successful Capitol Hill
Climb kids’ dirtbike lobbying day held in Washington, D.C. on May 26, 2011. The AMA Family Capitol Hill Climb brought hundreds of young motorcyclists, their parents and concerned riders to Washington, D.C., to meet with their lawmakers. The event was a strong demonstration of public opposition to a ban on the sale of kid-sized dirtbikes and ATVs and helped overturn the ban.
The E15 lobbying day will begin with a motorcycle parade around the Capitol building, followed by a rally on the West Lawn. Participants will then visit their congressional delegations’ offices to ask for support for H.R. 875, which calls for new research.
“It’s very important for motorcyclists who will be attending the “AMA Fuel for Thought” lobbying day to let us know that they are coming so that we can help arrange meetings with their lawmakers,” says Danielle Fowles, AMA grassroots coordinator. “That will also help us get needed information to participants, from the theoretical to the practical, such as the major concerns related to E15 for motorcyclists and where to park at the Capitol.
“We want to ensure that every rider who comes to Washington, D.C., to lobby on June 19 feels comfortable and prepared,” Fowles says. “Riders really do have an impact when they show up in person to speak with their lawmakers. We’ve proven that in the past. It’s a vital effort now and will be in the future.”
Recently, U.S. Rep. Jim Sensenbrenner (R-Wis.) introduced H.R. 875 to repeal the EPA’s decision approving the use of E15 in certain vehicles. The bill also would bar the agency from granting further decisions on the use of the fuel until the EPA obtains an independent scientific analysis of the effects of the E15 blend.
There have been several tests highlighting E15’s harmful effects on engines, Sensenbrenner says, “but they have all been dismissed by the EPA.
“Therefore, we must force the EPA to stop the use of E15 fuel until the serious safety, durability, performance and environmental concerns have been addressed,” he says. “We have a responsibility to ensure that Americans using gas-powered machinery—whether it be cars and boats or chainsaws and lawnmowers—are not put at risk due to faulty fuel that has not been vetted.”
For more information about the E15 issue and to sign up for the AMA E15 lobbying day on Capitol Hill, contact grassroots@ama-cycle.org or go to www.americanmotorcyclist.com.
AMA CLUBS BENEFIT FROM SOUND METER DONATION PROGRAM
Clubs And Promoters Educate Riders That ‘Noise Annoys’
AMA clubs and promoters are very active in promoting and protecting motorcycling, and a dozen now have additional help: sound meters from the AMA.
In April, the AMA donated 12 sound testing kits to applicants to help educate riders about sound. The sound testing kit consists of a type 2 sound meter, tachometer, training materials, spark arrester probe, personal protective equipment and a storage case.
“Those selected to receive sound testing kits this year plan some impressive programs that will help riders, and others, understand the motorcycle sound issue,” says Imre Szauter, AMA government affairs manager. “With accurate sound testing as part of these programs, riders can know how loud their bikes are and, if needed, can get advice from the testers about how to quiet their machines.
“Few other factors contribute more to misunderstanding and prejudice against the motorcycling community than excessively loud motorcycles,” Szauter says.
Those receiving sound testing kits this year are ABATE of Ohio; Berkshire Trail Riders Association of Southwick, Mass.; Blue Comet Motorcycle Club of Skippack, Pa.; Dirt Diggers North M.C. of Folsom, Calif.; Dust Devils MC of Reno, Nev.; and the Florida West Coast Motorcycle Club of Clearwater, Fla.
Also, the Mountain Trail Riders in east Tennessee; Off Camber MC of Litchfield Park, Ariz.; Pathfinders Motorcycle Club of Bristol, Conn.; Red Knights Motorcycle Club, Massachusetts Chapter 2; Umpqua Lands Trail Riders Association of Roseburg, Ore. and the Wabash Cannonball Motorcycle Club of Wabash, Ind.
AMA HONORS U.S. SEN. AMY KLOBUCHAR
Presented ‘Hero’ Award For Supporting Motorcyclists
The AMA honored U.S. Sen. Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.) for her support of motorcyclists during the now-completed, two-year 112th Congress.
Klobuchar was singled out for the AMA “Hero” award for her extraordinary eff orts to support motorcyclists and motorcycling. She was presented the award in March.
Klobuchar was particularly praised for her successful efforts to save the Recreational Trails Program from extinction, as well as to exempt kids’ dirtbikes and all-terrain vehicles from the Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act, which had banned the sale of those vehicles.
“Thanks to the extraordinary efforts of Sen. Klobuchar during the 112th Congress, and the efforts of others, the future of motorcycling was assured,” says Wayne Allard, AMA vice president for government relations and a former U.S. senator and U.S. representative from Colorado.
“Hikers, bicyclists, horse riders, cross-country skiers, snowmobilers, offhighway motorcyclists, ATV riders and others can continue to enjoy recreational
trails created and maintained through RTP funding,” Allard says. “And if the ban on the sale of kids’ off -highway vehicles remained, it’s unlikely that motorcycling in America would have survived.”
Funds for the RTP come from the federal Highway Trust Fund and represent a portion of the federal motor fuel excise tax collected from non-highway recreational fuel use. In other words, taxes generated by fuel used for off-highway vehicle recreation—by snowmobiles, allterrain vehicles, off-highway motorcycles and off-highway light trucks—fund the RTP.
The RTP is an assistance program of the U.S. Transportation Department’s Federal Highway Administration. The RTP program benefits hiking, bicycling, in-line skating, equestrian use, crosscountry skiing, snowmobiling, off-road motorcycling, ATV riding, four-wheel driving, or using other off-road motorized vehicles.
The Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act of 2008 banned the making, importing, distributing or selling of any product intended for children 12 and under that contained more than a specified amount of lead in any accessible part. On Aug. 12, 2011, President Obama signed into law H.R. 2715 to exempt kids’ off-highway vehicles from the law.
L-R: AMA Vice President for Government Relations
Wayne Allard, Sen. Amy Klobuchar and AMA President and CEO Rob Dingman
MOTORCYCLIST MEMORIAL CELEBRATES 20TH ANNIVERSARY
Re-Dedication Set For May 26
By Rick Diguez, A Founding Member
Late in 1992 a few dedicated bikers came together and conceived the idea of a monument for deceased motorcyclists.
That dream turned into the Motorcyclist Memorial Foundation the next year, which in turn created the Motorcyclist Memorial in Hopedale, Ohio, 20 years ago. The memorial sits on top of a grassy knoll on land leased by the Hopedale American Legion.
This memorial is dedicated to the permanent memory of our lost brothers and sisters.
Every year on Memorial Day Weekend, a re-dedication takes place. The 20th anniversary celebration of the Motorcyclist Memorial will take place at noon on May 26.
The Motorcyclist Memorial also offers college scholarships of $1,000, $750 and $500 each year to high school students who are continuing their education. The students are required to visit the memorial and write down their feelings. The winning essays are read by the students at the re-dedication.
Camping and hot showers are available. The entire area is handicap accessible. The cost is $12 per person.
This beautiful monument is made of Indian blackstone, a deep black stone with an etched picture of a male and female biker with an eagle flying overhead. It is
Some of the fiercest advocates for motorcyclists’ rights decided to take a break from their advocacy work to go out and ride, hosted by the Pine Nut Mountains Trails Association in Nevada. The group’s motto is: “Preserving Public Lands for Public Use.”
Among those enjoying the Johnson Lane riding area south of Carson City, Nev., were AMA Western States Representative Nick Haris, Pine Nut Mountains Trails Association President Doug Holcomb, Brian Hawthorne of the BlueRibbon Coalition, Gary Lambert of the Nevada Commission on Off-Highway Vehicles, Bill Dart of the Great Basin Institute and Jeff Knoll of the Off-Road Business Association.—Photo by Jeff Knoll.
flanked by gray pillars with the 650 names of those who are deceased.
The walkway is bricked with messages from loved ones. On the other side of the monument is a very touching poem written by Dan Waterfield of Oregon, Ohio.
Within this quiet and shaded grove are written the names of those Brothers and Sisters who have gone before us.
It is fitting that their names are carved into this rock as they are so indelibly etched in our hearts and minds.
As you read these words listen for the far off rumble of thunder for it is the sound of their steeds of steel streaking through the heavens.
Feel the gentle touch of the summer wind and know that it is the warmth of the love that binds us together.
And if your eyes become misted, shed tears for yourself and not for them.
For the road they ride puts the sun in their face and the wind at their backs.
God has blessed us to have known these souls when they were among us.
We pray he will bless us to be reunited when it is our time to take the final ride.
For more information, contact Brian Straka at (740) 381-8602 or go to www.motorcyclistmemorial.com.
RIDE TO WORK DAY IS JUNE 17
Effort Shows The World The Importance of Motorcycles
Look for more motorcycles and scooters on the road June 17 for the 22nd annual worldwide “Ride to Work Day.”
An estimated 1 million riders become twowheeled commuters to help demonstrate that riding is an efficient, economical and beneficial form of personal transportation. Participant-riders are of all ages, occupations and from all walks of life.
Event organizer Andy Goldfine says: “Motorcycles and scooters consume less resources per mile than automobiles, and take up less space in parking areas and on roads. Riders seek employer and community support for this efficient form of transportation, and more government and public awareness about riding’s many benefits.”
According to the Ride to Work non-profit organization, commuting showcases the positive value of motorcycles and scooters for transportation. For hundreds of thousands of workers, motorcycles and scooters are an economical, efficient and socially responsible form of mobility that saves energy, protects the environment and provides a broad range of other public benefits. Motorcycling and scootering clubs around the world encourage their members to ride to work, especially on this annual day.
On Ride to Work Day, the practical side of riding becomes more visible as a large number of America’s 8 million motorcycles are ridden to work, the organization says.
More info: www.ridetowork.org.
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STATEWATCH
GEORGIA
Motorcycle operators wouldn’t be required to pay tolls on toll lanes and roads under Senate Bill 196, sponsored by Sen. Ronald Ramsey (D-Decatur).
ILLINOIS
House Bill 2585, sponsored by Rep. Linda Chapa-LaVia (D-Aurora), would create an aggravated offense for driving while using a video device, wireless telephone or electronic communication device. If a crash causing great bodily harm, permanent disability, or disfigurement to another person results from a driver using one of these devices, the driver could be convicted of a Class A misdemeanor. If a crash causing death to another person results, the driver could be convicted of a Class 4 felony.
Also, the Illinois Department of Transportation in March kicked off a “Gear Up-Ride Smart” motorcycle safety campaign in partnership with the Illinois State Police, Gold Wing Road Riders Association and A Brotherhood Aimed Towards Education. The campaign promotes safe motorcycle riding through continued training and use of proper gear and reminds all motorcyclists to get licensed, get proper training, and keep motorcycle equipment well maintained.
MASSACHUSETTS
Checkpoints that target a particular type of motor vehicle, decoration or adornment of the vehicle or rider would be prohibited under House Bill 3047, sponsored by Rep. Carolyn Dykema (D-Holliston). The proposed law wouldn’t apply to any motor vehicle used as a public or common carrier of persons or property, or to any trackless trolley, semi-trailer, tandem unit, or low-speed motor vehicle used to convey construction or commercial goods.
Also, every motorcycle built after Dec. 31, 1982 and parked or operated in the state would be required to have a clearly visible U.S. Environmental Protection Agency stamp on the exhaust system under Senate Bill 1663, sponsored by Sen. Robert Hedlund (R-Weymouth). A first-time violator would be fined $250, a second violation would cost $500 and a third-violation would result in a $1,000 fine.
NEW HAMPSHIRE
An effort to combined multiple portions of all-terrain-vehicle trails throughout the North Country is expected to culminate this summer with the completion of a longplanned 1,000-mile interconnected trail network. New Hampshire’s Bureau of Trails and 15 recreational-vehicle clubs have been part of the effort.
NEW YORK
Motorcycles would be included in the state’s no-fault insurance under Assembly Bill 6055, sponsored by Assemblyman Felix Ortiz (D-Brooklyn). Currently, motorcyclists are required to carry comprehensive motor vehicle insurance but are excluded from all no-fault benefits, including medical coverage for injuries suffered because of an accident, and payment of lost wages.
OREGON
Officials are reminding parents that off-highway riders under 16 must take a required online safety course and go through hands-on training before they can ride on public land. Beginning next year, all riders, regardless of age, will need to take the course and carry an education card to ride on public land. For more information, go to www.rideATVoregon.org/training.
WEST VIRGINIA
Motorcyclists and bicyclists could proceed through a stuck stop light if they wait a minimum of two minutes under House Bill 2772, sponsored by Delegate Daniel Hamrick (R-48th District).
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A RIDE OUT WEST
Father, Son Reconnect On Two Wheels On The Open Road
By Charlie Law
I’ve ridden motorcycles since the 1970s. I was young, and my older cousin, Kelly, had just gotten out of the Army and introduced them to me. Since then, I’ve always enjoyed, celebrated and loved everything about motorcycles. Today, I have a family of five teenagers, including 14-year-old triplet girls, and a wonderful wife—all of whom have always supported my two-wheeled passion.
However, that understanding did not necessarily go both ways. As an experienced rider, I was well aware of the dangers of the road, and I was not looking forward to the day when my kids wanted to ride. So, when my then-15-year-old son, CJ, started eying up my Suzuki 1100L, I made it clear that he was too young to ride streetbikes.
A couple of short years later, I came home from work to find a dirtbike in the front yard. When I reminded CJ that I made it clear that he couldn’t have a motorcycle, he didn’t miss a beat.
“Dad, you said I couldn’t get a streetbike,” he said. “This is an off-road bike.”
Without my knowledge, CJ had saved his money judiciously. Not only had he bought the bike on his own, but he caught me in a trap of semantics. I told him he could keep the Yamaha TTR230.
More importantly, I had a change of heart, and I decided that I would help CJ live his dream of getting a road bike.
The first step was a motorcycle
safe-riding course—for both of us. While I’ve had my license for four decades, there’s always room for improvement. We took the course over two consecutive weekends, and we both learned a lot.
The bike search started—for both of us because I had sold the 1100. It took longer than we would have liked. Eventually it brought us to a place in Mechanicsburg, Pa., now called Karns Performance. It’s where I always took my motorcycles for their annual inspections.
While we were looking around, I told our story to shop co-owner Jason Karns. I mentioned that despite my early reservations about CJ getting a streetbike, one of my dreams was to someday take a long motorcycle trip out West with my son, now 19 years old and in college.
“Why someday? What about now?” Jason said.
Of course, I had excuses—five kids, one in college and a long list of other priorities. I also couldn’t afford it, I told him.
“If you wait until you can afford it, you’ll probably be too old to enjoy it,” he said.
At 58 years old, I took Jason’s advice to heart. CJ was a few years from graduating and possibly starting a family. When I
would be ready for the ride, CJ would not be. The impossibility of my dream was coming into focus, and I went home a troubled man.
Several days later, I was still moping around. My wife, Mary Lou, asked why. Her reaction to my explanation was perfect: Take the ride now, she said. That perked me up tremendously.
Right on cue, Jason called with a deal I couldn’t refuse on a pair of Suzuki 650 V-Stroms, complete with panniers, heated grips, bar risers, throttle locks, bark busters and an aftermarket fairing. I also had three weeks of comp time built up at work.
The ride was on.
We set off right after Memorial Day, leaving Camp Hill, Pa., taking the Pennsylvania Turnpike to Akron, Ohio, and the Football Hall of Fame—a great place.
We stayed at the Bear Creek Resort Ranch, a KOA Kampground—the only pre-ride reservation we made for the entire trip. With weather and other uncertainties, we were more at ease making our reservations on the fly. It worked.
We regularly checked the GPS for campsites and usually called about 50-75 miles out. We camped almost exclusively, cooking our meals on a small MSR Whisper Light stove that used regular gas. (If we got stuck, we could use the fuel to help get us down the road.)
Not only did we join KOA for the campground access, but we also purchased the $80 National Park and Federal Recreational Land Pass so we could stay in those parks as well.
We also made sure our AMA memberships were up to date so we would
Photo Melissa McClain Photography
have the towing and roadside assistance if we got stuck.
The next morning, our route took us through Columbus and nearby Pickerington, Ohio, where we took advantage of our AMA member discount to visit the AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame. This was a great stop. They have an array of bikes and stories of people who have impacted the sport. I saw a Honda 350 just like the first motorcycle I got to ride. The people were great and knowing that the AMA advocates for motorcyclists’ rights in Washington, D.C., really made the stop worth it.
We hit our first major thunderstorm that night a few hours west, heading into Indianapolis. No problem. We got our raingear on and continued. We were en route to see my last surviving aunt, Jane, who is 96 years young. Seeing Jane along with her son-in-law, Mark, and his three boys—
Noah, Nathan and Nick—and reminiscing about family history was a real highlight.
We left Indiana and pointed our bikes toward our next major stop: Milwaukee and the Harley-Davidson museum. We spent about three hours in the museum and even though neither of us rides a Harley, we felt it was well worth the visit.
After leaving Milwaukee, we stayed with a friend whose sister and brother-in-law are the biggest beekeepers in Wisconsin. CJ became interested in bees when he was working toward his Eagle Scout badge. Doug and Sarah put us up for the night and showed us their entire beekeeping operation. It was a sight, and they were just great folks.
The next morning, we were on the road by 7 a.m. Our first destination that day was Keystone, S.D., and Mount Rushmore. Mount Rushmore is definitely one
of those wonders that you have to see in person to appreciate!
Next, we headed to nearby Sturgis, S.D., home of the big motorcycle rally each August. This being June, we were going to miss a lot of the fun, but we still wanted to see the town.
(Fate tried to intervene when about 50 miles from nowhere, I picked up a piece of wire and punctured my rear tire. Thankfully, we didn’t need AMA Roadside Assistance and fixed the bike in about 15 minutes on our own.)
As we made camp later that night, the wind started to pick up, and it only got worse. We struggled with the tent and faced the bikes toward the gusts to guard against a tip over. The wind howled all night, bending the fiberglass poles to what must have been the breaking point. The next morning, we took inventory, and Continued on page 24.
everything was fine.
Undaunted, we headed westward toward the badlands and Deadwood, S.D. This was a great town and not at all what I expected. Established a couple years after the discovery of gold in the Black Hills in 1874, Deadwood was the quintessential mining town, attracting gamblers and gunslingers as well as gold diggers. Probably the most famous gambler was Wild Bill Hickok who was gunned down during a poker game while holding, as legend
had it, a “dead man’s hand” of aces and eights.
From Deadwood, we headed to Cody, Wyo. Crossing the plains on motorcycles was a unique experience. At times, we had to lean over at what felt like 45-degrees to correct for the steady wind. About 60 miles out of Cody, we stopped at a rustic campground that charged by the honor system and outfitted campsites with “bear boxes.” It was positively deserted.
While CJ rode off to find a cell signal to call his girlfriend, Katie, I went exploring. About a mile down the road, I met some campers who lived in the area but would bring their RV down to this rather desolate location to hunt, fish and just enjoy the outdoors. Because they were local, I asked them about the bear box. They said that we should put our provisions in it in case a bear came around. They also said that if we saw a bear that we should yell really loud.
“Will that scare it away?” I asked.
“No, but we’ll hear you and know to hide in our RV,” they said.
Needless to say, we hit it off, and I enjoyed hanging out at their campfire. Several antelope even approached the camp and came within a few yards of where we were sitting.
but we found him later. Riding the 50 miles or so into Yellowstone to our campground, we stopped to top off our fuel tanks at a general store. We were standing in line when someone hit me in the back. I turned around to see our new friend, Bill.
Before I left, they gave me two more tips: One, take the short ride back to Cody to see the Wild West Museum and the biggest collection of guns in the country and, two, enter Yellowstone through the northeast entrance for the best scenery.
The next morning, after an extremely cold shave in the river, we took their advice.
The museum was great, and to top it off we met a new friend. Bill, another motorcyclist, was riding cross-country, but he had started in California, gone east, and was now heading home. (He also drove home the importance of riding with a quality tire repair kit. Rather than the 15 minutes it took us to fix a tire outside of Sturgis, Bill had to wait three days for a new tire earlier in his trip!)
We lost Bill somewhere in the museum,
We finally made camp. That night as we were crawling into the tent, light rain started to fall. As soon as we got settled in, the skies opened up with a torrential downpour. It rained for almost eight hours straight. I know because I had brought along Bill O’Reilly’s “The Killing of Lincoln,” and, like most other nights, I was up until 2 a.m. reading. The rain was hitting the tent, cascading down the sides, and the sound was so soothing, therapeutic and pleasing that I was transfixed.
I looked over at my son and was reminded that he’s growing up. Our time together was limited but at that moment, everything was right with the world. I was where I was supposed to be.
Continued on page 26.
Posse
Summer Riding Protection- A Smart Idea
By Ken FReUnD
Popular
moto-journalist Ken Freund checks out the Bohn Bodyguard System
With summer coming, we’ll soon be faced with the usual dilemma of what to wear while riding in warm weather.
Although I enjoy riding with my friends on their Harleys through the hills over to the coast on a hot day, I do get tired of being the butt of their jokes about me riding with full protective gear.
It’s really tempting to ride wearing T-shirts and jeans like they do, especially around town, when temperatures are up around three digits.
I’m a safe rider with hundreds of thousands of riding miles behind me, but as I get older I don’t think I’m invincible like we all did in our teenage years.
Don’t get me wrong, I’m not some risk-averse pansy, but I was an EMT, and know what can happen to even the best riders.
We used to say “hope for the best, but prepare for the worst.”
We’ve all heard the stories of animals running out in the road, fuel spills, sand, you name it. Today there are so many driver distractions, with seemingly everyone texting or talking on a cell phone. Even if you’re the world’s best rider, things can go terribly wrong in a heartbeat.
As a result, I just won’t ride unprotected.
A Good Solution
I recently found out about Bohn’s flexible hidden armor which can be worn beneath riding jerseys and jeans. After hearing about them from several riders I finally got some. They’re even made here in the U.S. of A.!
The Invisible System Your Friends Are Using STEALTH PROTECTION
shoulders, plus arm/elbow and a flow-through back pad. Made from a mesh material like that of athletic jerseys, you can wear them as a lightweight jacket, or under your old favorite jacket.
be very breathable, so you’ll hardly notice you have them on. You can also get these in CoolAir mesh if heat’s your issue. These items are well made, should last for years, and are versatile. Washing’s easy in a machine or sink.
option for extreme heat.
Bohn’s Bodyguard System -armored undershirts and pants, combine comfort with protection and they are cool. Now you can have comfortable protection that looks casual.
Bohn Shirts include armor in the
I’d seen the ads and heard good things about Bohn’s Adventure Pants - you wear them under your jeans. There’s armor in all the places you might land on in a fall. I initially thought they’d be too hot in summer, but found them to
You can also get spare “shells” in mesh or heavier winter material. Sounds a great idea for tours and vacations.
A lot of sensible Harley riding women, riders and passengers, wear Bohn gear too. There's very generous savings with a Combo Deals for a shirts and pants. And even a tremendous 90-day satisfaction guaranty, so it’s says something about Bohn’s confidence they’ll work out for you.
Give ‘em a try!
Ken Freund
PS: I meant to add that most people can’t tell I’m even wearing this stuff!
long-time
The next day, we broke camp early and started enjoying Yellowstone and all its splendors. For us, that involved a real blizzard—not just a few snowflakes, but accumulation on our faceshields. Just as I thought we would have to stop, we started to drop in elevation toward Jackson Hole, Wyo., and left the snow behind.
This was when I had one of my more harrowing experiences on the trip. Riding at highway speeds, I heard CJ say over our bike-to-bike communicators “Dad, watch out!” That startled me enough that I looked over and saw an antelope jumping the fence to my left. I hit the brakes and just missed it. My son saved my bacon to ride another day.
We rode past the Grand Tetons and pulled into Jackson Hole. It was lightly snowing but nothing like we experienced
further north. Stopping in town, we were reminded just how small this world can be.
A man approached, introduced himself as Terry and said, “I bet you’re from Mechanicsburg, Pa., and are a father and son riding together.”
I was shocked, and figured he must have seen our license plates and noticed the resemblance, but nope. “Mechanicsburg” wasn’t stamped on our plates.
“I was going to buy that bike, not just that model but that bike you’re sitting on,” he said.
Terry then went on to say that he knew Jason at Karns. One day, he went in to buy a V-Strom only to find out it had been snapped up by a father and son team planning a big ride out West. Small country, indeed!
Jackson Hole is where we decided
to go back east, but before we did, we planned to hit up Bubba’s Bar-B-Que— one of the cheapest places in town to eat. As we were packing up and heading out for lunch, another V-Strom pulled up.
The guy’s name was Chuck, and he was a retired police officer from California. We ended up having lunch with Chuck. He had been on the road motorcycling for years, and has been in every state in the Union multiple times. Chuck had a ton of great stories.
He also had two good tips for our trip. One was to visit the Husky single-engine airplane plant in Afton, Wyo. (I’ve had my license for close to 30 years, but hadn’t been up in awhile.) The other was the handgun manufacturer Freedom Arms in Freedom, Wyo.
The Husky plant, operated by Aviat AirContinued on page 28.
HIGH-FLOW AIR FILTERSTM
craft, was a real treat for CJ. The test pilot took him under his wing and explained the ins and outs of the Husky. Basically, it’s a bush plane with short-field take off and landing capabilities so it can get into tight places that most other airplanes can’t.
Unfortunately, the handgun shop didn’t give tours, but we were able to talk to a fellow Pennsylvanian who worked there— a gun technician who explained what’s involved in hand tooling the guns.
From Afton, on the far western edge of Wyoming, we headed southeast toward Colorado. Here, we saw the wildfires that had been burning for several weeks. They were still burning when we passed through. About this time, both of us were starting to get a little homesick and decided to push hard to cut the trip short and get back for Father’s Day.
Well, the night before the holiday my body was fine but my eyes were starting to blur. For safety’s sake, I knew we had to stop, so we did. We stayed in Cumberland, Md., just a few hours from home. After we settled in at a cheap motel with a pizza from a local chain restaurant, I
called Jim, a buddy of mine who grew up in Cumberland, and left a message on his voicemail to say it was too bad we couldn’t get together.
About 5 a.m. the next morning (thanks, Jim!), he called to say that he was in town visiting his mom. It turned out he was less than a mile from where we were staying, so we grabbed breakfast together and had time for one more visit after all.
Finally, we pulled into home. We were happy to be back unscathed and uninjured, but we were also sad the trip was over. A good ride is like Thanksgiving dinner—all that preparation and hard work, and then it’s just gone.
We rode through 17 states in a leisurely 21 days, taking our time to see the sights. The weather was mostly in our favor, but it did range from freezing to 100-degree days, with downpours, snowstorms, powerful wind and perfect blue-sky days.
The best part? We already have the bikes, so the next trip’s budget will just include gas, camping fees, food and incidentals.
Nova Scotia, here we come!
AMA AwArds Acknowledge outstAnding Motorcyclists
Honors Recognize Distinguished Achievements
For 2013, the AMA Board of Directors has bestowed six national awards, recognizing meritorious contributions to the world of motorcycling. The AMA Board of Directors unanimously adopted the selections in Indianapolis on Feb. 16 at its first meeting of the year.
Motorcycling advocate Andy Goldfine receives the prestigious AMA Dud Perkins Lifetime Achievement Award. Goldfine has been a leader in the U.S. motorcycling community, promoting motorcycling as a practical and economical means of transportation. He is the founder of Aerostich/RiderWearHouse and helped establish the annual worldwide Ride to Work Day.
Other 2013 award recipients include: Harley-Davidson Chief Marketing Officer Mark-Hans Richer, AMA Bessie Stringfield Award; John English and Leff Moore (d. 2004), AMA Hazel Kolb Brighter Image Award, for creating the Hatfield-McCoy Trails; Eric Trow, owner of the Stayin’ Safe motorcycle school, AMA Outstanding
Road Rider Award; 24-year AMA member and OHV volunteer Robert Langley, AMA Outstanding Off-Road Rider Award; and Port Stockton Motorcycle Club of Stockton, Calif., Friend of the AMA Award.
For more information about the AMA Awards Program, to see prioryear recipients and learn how to nominate individuals for future consideration, please visit www. americanmotorcyclist. com/about/ amaawardsprogram.
Perkins Lifetime Achievement Award for his generous and tireless support of motorcycling.
Created in 1970 to acknowledge the highest level of service to the AMA in any area of activity, the award pays tribute to its namesake, AMA Motorcycle Hall of Famer Dud Perkins. Goldfine served with distinction on the AMA Board of Directors from 2004 to 2011 and on the American Motorcycle Heritage Foundation Board of Directors, which directs the AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame, from 2008 to 2011.
As founder of Aerostich/ RiderWearHouse, he introduced numerous innovative apparel and accessory products to the marketplace, and as a key organizer of the annual worldwide Ride to Work Day, Goldfine helped heighten the awareness of motorcyclists.
“I am very grateful to receive the AMA’s Dud Perkins Lifetime Achievement Award this year, and also surprised,” Goldfine says. “A few years ago, serving as an AMA board member, I became familiar with the names of the past recipients of this award, but never considered that someday I’d be among them. I believe that riding is a genuine social good, and that motorcycling is important and has a wonderful future.”
AMA Dud Perkins Lifetime Achievement Award
Andy Goldfine, an AMA member since 1972, received the AMA Dud
AMA Bessie Stringfield Award
The AMA Bessie Stringfield Award honors a man or woman who has been instrumental in bringing emerging markets into the world of motorcycling. For 2013, the award, which memorializes the accomplishments of AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame member Bessie Stringfield, was given to Harley-
Mark-Hans Richer
AMA Bessie Stringfield Award
Andy Goldfine
AMA Dud Perkins Lifetime Achievement Award
Leff Moore
AMA Hazel Kolb Brighter Image Award
Derek Montgomery
Brad Chaney
Davidson’s Mark-Hans Richer for his leadership role in attracting a wide range of new customers to motorcycling.
“This is a fantastic recognition for the people of Harley-Davidson who have succeeded so well at attracting new generations of riders, and crossing cultural boundaries, just like Bessie Stringfield,” Richer says. “Our approach has been to let people be more themselves through Harley-Davidson, not to conform. When we’re out on Harleys, differences don’t matter. Just like it didn’t for Bessie. Or for me, being the first man to win this award!”
AMA Hazel Kolb Brighter Image Award
John English and Leff Moore received the AMA Hazel Kolb Brighter Image Award for their pioneering vision and dedication to the creation of the Hatfield-McCoy trail system in West Virginia.
The award honors its namesake, AMA Motorcycle Hall of Famer Hazel Kolb, and individuals who have generated positive publicity for motorcycling. In the early 1990s, English and Moore met regularly with local business and political leaders about the public-private project and it steadily progressed toward its grand opening in 2000. Today, the HatfieldMcCoy trail system attracts riders from up and down the East Coast and across the Midwest and South.
“The Hatfield-McCoy [trail system] was a hard task, but we always thought of it as a win-win-win-win-win project,” says English. “I know that Leff would value this award as much as I do, especially because it comes from the American Motorcyclist Association, the organization of the riders who are today enjoying the trail system that we envisioned and helped to build all those years ago. It’s a great reward when your customers appreciate your work.”
Karen Coria, Moore’s widow, says that Moore hoped to inspire others by seeing his vision through.
“He envisioned a plan to utilize the natural beauty and the historical and cultural wealth of southern West Virginia as the makings of an attractive tourism destination in order to provide economic diversification and development for the area,” Coria says.
AMA Outstanding Road Rider Award
The AMA Outstanding Road Rider Award recipient, Eric Trow, was selected
for his progressive work with motorcyclists at Stayin’ Safe, an on-road rider coaching school that introduces advanced riding techniques in real-world environments.
Winners of the award are significant contributors to the promotion of the motorcycling lifestyle and the protection of on-highway motorcycling, core tenets of the AMA mission. Trow is also author of the Rider magazine “Riding Well” motorcycling proficiency column.
“Being recognized by the AMA Board of Directors is a distinct honor,” Trow says. “I am truly humbled that these
John English
AMA Hazel Kolb Brighter Image Award
Danielle Schuh
esteemed members of the motorcycling community have found my contribution to motorcycling worthy of this distinction and the company of those honored before me. Knowing the AMA’s high level of commitment to road-riding excellence, safety and rider responsibility, I take the significance of the AMA Outstanding Road Rider Award to heart and will do my very best to continue to live up to it.”
AMA Outstanding OffRoad Rider Award
The 2013 AMA Outstanding Off-Road Rider Award highlights the achievements of an individual who has contributed to the promotion of the motorcycling lifestyle and the protection of offhighway motorcycling.
For 2013, Washington state’s Robert Langley was acknowledged for his tireless work—800 to 1,000 hours per year— maintaining riding trails in off-road-vehicle areas
throughout his home state. The Boeing Company retiree was hailed by the state’s Department of Natural Resources as one of its top volunteers statewide in 2012.
“I am grateful to the AMA for this award,” Langley says. “Giving back to the sport that I love is why I do what I do. Offroad riding is in my blood and volunteering on our trails is one way to make sure that these trails will be around for future generations to enjoy.”
Friend Of The AMA Award
The Port Stockton Motorcycle Club received the Friend of the AMA Award for its longstanding support of the AMA mission. The PSMC has been an AMA club from its founding in 1937 and all club members are AMA members as well. The men and women of PSMC participate in numerous AMA-sanctioned activities each year, including recreational and philanthropic events.
“It is a honor to have Port Stockton Motorcycle Club chosen for such a prestigious award,” says PSMC President Rick Pierce. “Port Stockton MC has been chartered with the AMA since 1937, and never in all those years has there been a
break in AMA membership. All members of our fine club are also members of AMA.” Pierce adds that PSMC has always been an open and welcoming club.
“Ours is, and always has been, a family club promoting safe and fun riding, and PSMC was a pioneer in allowing women full active membership and voting rights,” he says. “When the membership bought our property, women were there alongside the men with mortar and bricks erecting the building that would later be known as the August ‘Sharkey’ Alverez Memorial Club Hall. We thank the AMA for recognizing us as a premier AMAchartered club.”
Robert Langley AMA Outstanding Off-Road Rider Award
Eric Trow AMA Outstanding Road Rider Award
Port Stockton Motorcycle Club Friend Of The AMA Award
Steve Paxton
RIDE AND WIN
Indiana Member Wins Husqvarna TE449
AMA member Chris Latham of Greencastle, Ind., has one more reason to hit the trails this year. The 46-yearold Latham won the grand prize for participating in the 2012 AMA Husqvarna National Dual Sport Trail Riding Series: a 2013 Husqvarna TE449 from series sponsor Husqvarna North America.
The annual AMA prize drawing, conducted by the independent auditing and accounting firm of Plante & Moran of Columbus, Ohio, included participants in all events on the national dual-sport calendar.
“This is awesome! I never dreamed that I would win anything like this,” says Latham, who was entered into the drawing thanks to his participation in the Enduro Rider Association’s Baby Burr dual-sport ride in McArthur, Ohio. “I have a friend who has been going to the Baby Burr for years, and he hooked me up with that ride. I’ve done it the last two years. I took my son with me last year, and it was the best riding I have ever done in my life.”
Latham, who has been riding motorcycles since he was 8 years old, says that events on the AMA Husqvarna National Dual Sport Trail Riding Series are some of the most fun he has had on a motorcycle.
“We also do local cross-country races in Indiana, but these days, dual-sport rides are where my real passion is,” Latham says. “That’s what I enjoy doing, and it gives me an opportunity to ride with my son. I like being able to just go out and ride with friends and enjoy the ride and not have to cover the same trail over and over again. Going on a 100-mile trail ride with friends and coming back to a campfire—it doesn’t get any better.”
Latham’s Husqvarna is a big step up from the first bike he rode in the woods.
“Believe it or not, my first bike was a Honda Dream, and I rode that thing all over the woods when I was a kid,” said Latham, who is looking forward to taking delivery of his Husqvarna so he can give his current bike to his son. “Then, in 1977, I got a brand new minibike, and I was king of the world.”
PRE-REG OPENS *Special Events at Americade HQ for Pre-registered Attendees! Tue Jun 4 ALL OTHER AMERICADE EVENTS & ACTIVITIES:
• TourExpo Forum, • MiniTours, • DEMO Rides, • Evening Events, • Stunt Shows, • Scavenger Hunt, • Poker Run, • Judging, • Seminars, • Fireworks, • & much MORE! Wed Jun 5 Thu Jun 5 Fri Jun 5 Sat Jun 8
Post Registration June 4-7, 8a-5pm Holiday Inn - Lake George, NY www.americade.com 518-798-7888 Sat Jun 1 TourExpo Beach OPENS THE GATES 3 DAYS EARLY with over 180 Vendors On-site & Ready to sell! Sun Jun 2 Mon Jun 3
WIN IN A FLASH
Ride And Participate For A Chance At Cool Stuff
AMA Flash Tours are quick-running themed rides organized through the AMA’s website (www.americanmotorcyclist.com) and Facebook page (www.facebook.com/ AmericanMotorcyclist).
The idea is simple: Read the theme, ride to a qualifying location, send in a cool pic and maybe win some stuff.
Randall Beecham and wife Lynne won the “Up Down, All Around” Flash Tour in
early April with this photo from Malabar Farms off Ohio 603. Malabar Farms is a working farm that hosts tours and events. It was once a stop on the AMA’s Vintage Motorcycle Days “Ride ‘Em, Don’t Hide ‘Em” bike show ride.
Randall won a next-generation HelmetLok lock and lanyard set to keep his gear safe as he travels.
Want a chance to win? Just keep an eye on the above websites, then ride, shoot and send. For more info, or to submit themed photos, email dhembroff@ama-cycle.org.
Up to F1 driver Kimi Raikkonen (above), who reportedly fills in the downtime between grand prix with motocross practice.
Up to the government of Vietnam, which has recognized motorcycles as the perfect vehicle for the Energy Conservation Center’s electric-powered vehicle program. Goals include a massive reduction in power consumption as well as an employment boost.
AmericanMotorcyclist.com for details.
A big down to a 22-year-old Porterville, Calif., resident who police said “carjacked” a minibike from two kids in early April. The cops caught the reputed thief when a K-9 unit found the suspect hiding in a closet of a nearby home, reported The Fresno Bee
Up to roughly 300 motorcycle taxi drivers in Peru, who heeded the call of a local radio station to line up at the Contamana airstrip and use their headlights to provide visual guidance to a plane that had to make an emergency landing.
Up to officers with the Broken Arrow Police Department in Tulsa County, Okla., who are offering the “Share the Road” civilian motorcycle safety courses. The weekend safety course focuses on motorcycle safety, as well as collisionavoidance techniques.
Ask the MSF
FITTING A HELMET
Q: Does the Motorcycle Safety Foundation have any advice on how to buy a correctly fitting helmet?
A: Finding a helmet that fits properly is essential for protection and comfort. A helmet that is too tight may cause a headache, and one that’s too loose can shift on your head, which could diminish its protective effect.
If you don’t already wear a helmet, you can estimate helmet size by measuring your head (or using hat size if you’re a hatwearer) and using the chart to the right.
Measure your head at its largest circumference—usually just above the eyebrows in front, above your ears, and around the back. To ensure that your number is as correct as possible, it’s helpful to measure several times and get an average. But there’s a catch: Actual size and interior shape varies among brands and even between different models of the same brand (some are designed for round-ish heads, some for oval-ish heads), and human heads vary in shape, so you may have to try many helmets before finding one that fits well.
When you try on a helmet, if it slides down on your head with little or no resistance, it’s too large. Obviously, if it will not slide down over your head at all, it is too small. A helmet should fit snugly and may even feel a bit too tight until it’s all the way down over the head. It should sit squarely on your head and the cheek pads should touch your cheeks without pressing uncomfortably. For full-face helmets, look in a mirror to confirm your eyes are about midway between the top and bottom edge of the eye port.
With the chin strap fastened, your skin should move slightly as the helmet is moved from side to side and front to
pressure is being exerted all over your head by the helmet. A helmet will loosen up slightly as the comfort liner compresses through use, so choose one as snug as you can comfortably wear.
If there is little or no skin movement in either the vertical or horizontal movement, or the helmet moves very easily, the helmet is too large. It could end up being noisy and let in wind, or even come off in a crash.
After wearing it for a few minutes, remove the helmet and look for any
evidence of pressure points on your skin. Red spots or soreness can indicate pressure that can cause discomfort during long rides. Try on the next larger size or a different brand. Some models come with a variety of cheek pads to help you customize the fit (assuming the helmet fits the top of your head well).
Quality, DOT-compliant helmets come in a wide range of prices. The right helmet is the one that you want to wear every time you ride. Visit www.helmetcheck.org for a listing of DOT-compliant helmets and other helmet information.
AMA Member Tested HJC FG-17
MSRP: $189.99-$239.99
Info: www.hjchelmets.com
visor. The FG-17 has a locking feature at this tab to solidly close the shield for a noticeable reduction in wind noise. There are positive detents at the various degrees of opening.
The FG-17 is a new addition to HJC’s line of full-face street helmets. The spec sheet is pretty impressive. The helmet has an advanced fiberglass composite shell to reduce weight and comes with one of three different shell sizes. The so-called “silver cool” interior padding is designed to provide moisture wicking and odor-free properties and features what HJC calls its Advanced Channeling Ventilation System, or ACS. The faceshield is advertised as 98 percent UV protective, anti-scratch, and pinlock ready for the anti-fog insert.
The shield goes on and comes off easily with no tools required. The ACS ventilation was effective and I could feel cooling air at the top of my head when opening the top vents. I used the helmet without the Pinlock anti-fog insert and got the normal fogging during my morning commute, but after installing the insert (very easy and straight forward) all fogging was gone. It worked as advertised, and I’ve become fond of that feature.
In terms of wind noise, I would consider the helmet average, but that’s comparing it to models that cost two or even three times as much. For this price point, it’s an excellent performer.
The first impression of the FG-17 is one of quality and finish, and a closer look reveals a nice attention to details. The lines are clean, and all seams look tight and well constructed.
In all, the FG-17 is a real bargain. You will not be disappointed spending your hard-earned dollars on this helmet.
Randy Cobb
DRAYKO DRIFT INDIGO JEANS
In terms of size, it felt a bit snug. I’ve always worn medium in HJC helmets, and the FG-17 felt a bit tighter. (My last model was a CL-14 medium.) If you are considering this helmet, even if you have previous HJC sizing experience, I’d recommend trying it on before you buy. The good news is different cheek pad sizes are available. The medium comes with 35mm pads. You also can get 30mm or 20mmm to adjust the fit.
Over time, the helmet broke in nicely. It got more comfortable and was a pleasure to use. The vents and shield mechanisms were easy to use and well thought out. I especially liked the center location of the faceshield tab for raising the
MSRP: $139.95
Info: www. drayko.com
These jeans are both stylish and functional. They feature a distressed exterior along with discreet embroidered logo on the two rear pockets, and include Kevlar sewn in all the normal impact areas: rear seat, outer leg from waist to below the knee, and thigh to below knee.
A nice touch is they are cut extra long to allow the owner the option to hem after washing (in cold water, air dry, per instructions) and fit over boots with no problem.
All stitching is high quality as there are no loose ends or bunching. In addition to the two rear pockets, there are two in the front and a change pocket on the left front.
Like any unlined Kevlar jeans, they will take a bit of getting used to. Although Kevlar has superior protective
Randy Cobb
Ted Pasche
qualities, it is rough against the skin. Personally, I like the look of these jeans. They make a styling statement, but they aren’t too flashy. The waist does ride a little lower than a more traditional fit, but I got used to it. The Drayko Drift jeans not only look good, but they are seriously protective. For the price, they’re a good buy.— Ted Pasche
Your chain is the link— actually, probably about 110 links—between your transmission and your rear wheel, and it takes a lot of abuse. Unlike many other critical parts of your drivetrain, your chain is not lubed by a constant bath of dino juice or polymer-enhanced synthetic despite performing its duty exposed to the dust, salt, dirt, mud and water.
So, if you want your chain to a) last as long as possible and b) not break at the worst time, you need to take care of it. That means cleaning it and lubing it.
For some chain maintenance options that work, consider the stuff from Pro Honda Oils. The Honda division, which is probably best known for its generalpurpose spray cleaner, sells both cleaner and lube that simply works.
The cleaner is the first step, and it’s solid. Most recently, I used it daily during a weeklong 100-mile-a-day off-road ride through rock, dust and mud. I just sprayed it on, let it set a few minutes and then wiped it off with a rag. It worked great, and would probably be even more effective with a brush and water to rinse it off afterward. Once the chain dries, it’s time to lube it. Pro Honda Oils offers chain lube
“with white graphite” and chain lube “with moly.” Both work. In my experience, the white graphite lasts longer but is stickier. In high-dust environments, it tends to collect more residue than the moly lube. However, while it runs cleaner longer, the moly doesn’t appear to last as long between applications.
Street riders may want to go graphite, while the moly lube is better for off-road applications.
There are few negatives to report here. If you oversaturate your chain with the white graphite lube, you’ll likely get some sling-off, but it cleans off easily. The solution? Next time don’t use so much lube. The moly lube
likely will need to be re-applied each ride, but that’s not unusual for bikes ridden off-road.
According to Pro Honda Oils, the cleaner and both of the chain lubes will work with either standard or o-ring chains.—James Holter
MORE MEMBER TESTED ONLINE
Want to read more opinions from your fellow AMA members about motorcycling gear and products? AMA Member Tested reviews are archived on the AMA’s website. They can be accessed right off the homepage or directly at www.americanmotorcyclist.com/ membership/members_only/amamembertested.aspx. Have an idea for a product that we should review? Let us know at submissions@ama-cycle.org.
TOUR
EagleRider, the country’s premier motorcycle rental and touring company, is offering a new discount exclusively to members of the AMA.
The benefit offers AMA members 15 percent off on rentals from the company’s fleet of Harley-Davidson, Honda, BMW, CanAm, Kawasaki, Suzuki, Triumph, Vespa, Yamaha and Victory motorcycles and scooters.
In addition, AMA members enjoy a similar 15 percent discount on EagleRider Tours, which feature guided and selfguided options in the best places to ride in the United States—including Route 66, the Pacific Coast Highway, the Blue Ridge Parkway, the Southwest, Florida and many more locations.
we’re glad to partner with EagleRider to bring this special money-saving benefit to our members,” says AMA President and CEO Rob Dingman. “In many cases, depending on the rental or tour, you can save more than the cost of your AMA membership—just another example of the value of helping protect your rights to ride.”
EagleRider’s Digital Marketing Manager Bardia Peake says the company is excited to be partnering with the AMA.
“AMA riders are among the most committed riders on the planet, and we’re psyched to offer them a great deal on the rental of a great motorcycle, which is only the start of the great experience you’ll have on the road with EagleRider,” Peake says. “At the same time, it’s great to work in support of the AMA, with all they do to protect the motorcycle lifestyle we all enjoy.”
As part of the new AMA member benefit, EagleRider will also be ready to sign up riders as AMA members at their locations, so both existing and new members can take advantage of the savings.
“When it comes to motorcycle rentals, nobody has the wide selection and numerous locations of EagleRider, and
AMA members can access the discount via a new page online at the AMA’s website (www.americanmotorcyclist.com/ eaglerider.aspx), by calling EagleRider directly at (800) 900-9901 or by reserving in person at an EagleRider location.
From The Road Loading The Bike
I never realized how crowded the British Isles were until I traveled to the United States. You could drop England, Scotland, Ireland and Wales in the Great Lakes, and they wouldn’t touch the sides. Colorado, population 5 million, is more than twice the physical size of England, population 60 million.
So when you buy your first bike in the United Kingdom, it will probably be a commuter bike, designed primarily to sneak through the traffic of our crowded streets. This explains the popularity of our single-cylinder bikes, narrow upright twins and tiny scooters.
When you want to carry some extra kit you might bolt on a top box or wear a backpack. You would never think about fitting panniers. They could be torn off in the crush.
And once you think about touring, on a bigger, more comfortable machine, the temptation is to stick with the familiar top box, only this time a bigger one. Bigger bike, bigger box. Right? Wrong.
I remember as if it was yesterday, excitedly loading up my Honda V-twin, complete with girlfriend and giant top box, for a trip to France. Fortunately, we planned a short shakedown ride, not realizing it would be as short as the first corner. The Honda’s otherwise immaculate handling broke down under the strain of my awful weight distribution, and we almost ended up in a ditch.
I quickly learned two golden rules of loading your bike.
The first one is to keep the weight between the wheels, and keep it as low as possible. A big old top box, up there on the rear carrier, and hanging out over the back wheel, puts a load pretty much exactly where you don’t want it.
Fortunately, panniers have become
By Rick Wheaton
almost a standard fit on most touring bikes, but if there’s any adjustment, aim to fit them as far forward as possible and as low as your cornering angle will permit.
Loading your panniers sensibly will improve weight distribution: pack your heavy stuff low down and forward.
Tank bags are also a useful part of the loading equation. These can be secured with magnets or fasteners. Personally, I prefer a bag that zips to a protective tank cover, or (like the one I use on my Triumph Tiger) clips to the filler cap ring. Apart from the convenience of having your essentials right there in front of you, a tank bag moves weight forward.
When my tank bag is packed with wallet, sunglasses, camera, maps, phone, chargers, earplugs, etc., etc., I’m pleased to have that 30 pounds nicely between the wheels. Plus, I appreciate being able to unclip it and take that important stuff with me when I park.
And here’s the second golden rule: Try to take about half of what you think you need.
Maybe “half” is a generalization, but you can nearly always go through your kit and eliminate a whole load of stuff you can do without. Traveling light is a joy, adding enormously to the sense of freedom that is such a big part of biking. Plus, you will more quickly load and unload your bike. To top it off, you’ll be rewarded with nicer handling and better mileage.
Of course, the maximum recommended load for your bike will be listed in the back pages of your owner’s manual. Look at your own weight, add that of any passenger, include a few more pounds for your helmets and boots, and see how much is left. You might be surprised.
The 2013 AMA Legends Weekend will be held on a new date, Oct. 18-19, and at a new location, the Green Valley Ranch Resort, Spa and Casino in Las Vegas, Nev. The AMA Legends Weekend features the AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame Class of 2013 Induction Ceremony, highlighting the greatest weekend in motorcycling.
“The AMA Legends Weekend has truly become one of the year’s must-do events for the motorcycling community and for fans,” says Jeffrey V. Heininger, chairman of the American Motorcycle Heritage Foundation, which oversees the Hall of Fame. “When you add the gala of the AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame weekend with the
glitz of AMA Supercross in Las Vegas, you get a special, one-of-a-kind experience.”
The Hall of Fame induction ceremony takes place on Friday night, Oct. 18, in a star-studded gala event that honors the motorcycling world’s fast and famous. The next morning launches the all-new AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame Dave Mungenast Memorial Legends Reception, where the Class of 2013 and AMA Motorcycle Hall of Famers from previous years will be honored and interviewed on-stage in a relaxed setting that allows fans and friends to get up close and personal with motorcycling’s greatest legends.
Both events coincide with the Monster
Cup AMA Supercross race at nearby Sam Boyd Stadium in Las Vegas Saturday night, rounding out the year’s most impressive motorcycling weekend.
Stepping up once again to sponsor a key part of the festive weekend is Dave Mungenast’s Classic Motorcycle Museum, which is the title sponsor of the AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame Dave Mungenast Legends Reception.
“We’re glad to be a part of this great weekend every year,” says Ray Mungenast of the Dave Mungenast Classic Motorcycle Museum and Mungenast Automotive Family in St. Louis. “We’re excited to be part of the new reception, which will allow a great, informal way for everyone to catch up with old friends, and rub elbows with the real legends of our sport.”
In addition, two existing AMA Motorcycle Hall of Famers—whose names will be announced shortly—will be honored as Legends at the October event.
Buy tickets at the Hall of Fame website www.motorcyclemuseum.org. The cost is $140 for the induction ceremony and dinner. It’s $20 for Saturday’s reception, which includes a continental breakfast. Rooms at the Green Valley Ranch can be reserved for a special rate by calling (866) 782-9487 and mentioning code GCIAMHF.
The AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame is YOUR hall of fame—we couldn’t exist without the generous support of our donors. Now there’s a new way for you to show that support in a very visible way: My Hall of Fame. The idea is simple: A $20 donation gets you a 3-inch-square space on the wall in the Hall of Fame entrance foyer that hangs during the campaign year. Want a bigger space? A 6-inch square is an $80 donation, and a 9-inch square is a $180 donation. You also get an official certificate noting that your picture is on display in the AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame.
Hang your picture, your kid’s picture, your company logo, almost anything. It’s up to you! Get in the AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame today!
AMA Legends Weekend set for oct. 18-19 in LAs VegAs Event Moves To Green Valley Ranch
The AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame in Pickerington, Ohio, features the people and machines that have defined the sport, lifestyle and business of motorcycling in America. The Hall of Fame is a 501(c)3 non-profit corporation that receives support from the AMA and from the motorcycling community. For info and directions, visit www.motorcyclemuseum.org, or call (614) 856-2222.
CROCKER TWIN The First Superbike?
AMA Motorcycle Hall of Famer Albert Crocker was born in 1882. In the early 1930s he founded the Los Angeles-based Crocker Motorcycle Company, which produced high-quality speedway race machines, heavyweight touring motorcycles and scooters.
Crocker was trained as an engineer. Following engineering school he worked in Chicago with the Aurora Automatic Machine Company, the manufacturer of the Thor motorcycle, which he raced for the Thor factory. He next worked with the Indian Motocycle Company, and operated Indian dealerships in Kansas City, Mo., and Denver. In the late 1920s, he operated an Indian dealership in Los Angeles.
In the early 1930s, Crocker and mechanic and pattern maker Paul Bigsby designed and produced single-cylinder speedway machines, which were highly acclaimed by racers of the day.
By the mid-1930s the Crocker Motorcycle Company had developed motorcycles like this one, powered by a new, 61 cubic-inch V-twin engine that delivered superior performance compared to other machines of the day. Anecdotes from the time claim the Crocker twin produced 60 horsepower and was capable of top speeds of more than 110 mph.
In the late 1930s Crocker also built the streamlined “Scootabout” scooter. But by 1942 the company had ceased motorcycle production due to the wartime economy and a shortage of materials. Crocker went on to manufacture components for the World War II aviation eff ort.
This bike appeared in the 2012 AMA Dave Mungenast Memorial Motorcycle Hall of Fame Concours d’Elegance.
To learn more about the AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame, go to www.motorcyclemuseum.org.
Photos Jeff Guciardo
SucceSS in Daytona
Yamaha AMA Motorcycle Hall Of Fame Breakfast At Daytona, Presented By Motul
AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame supporters, sponsors and “Mr. Daytona” himself, Scott Russell, helped make the 25th Annual Yamaha AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame Breakfast at Daytona, presented by Motul, a successful fundraising event. Russell, a five-time Daytona 200 winner, was the featured speaker at the event.
“The history of American motorcycling is rich with great stories and fascinating
moments, and Scott Russell has contributed more than his fair share to that heritage,” says Jeffrey V. Heininger, chairman of the American Motorcycle Heritage Foundation, which directs the AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame. “We thank Scott for sharing his stories with us, and we thank the hundreds of supporters who helped make the 25th anniversary of this great event a success.”
In addition to his Daytona 200 victories, Russell won the AMA Superbike Championship in 1992 and the World Superbike Championship in 1993. He also holds three AMA 750 Supersport
titles. Russell will always be linked to the Daytona 200, an event he won in 1992, 1994, 1995, 1997 and 1998.
“For whatever reason, and I don’t know why, every time, I just knew I was going to win the Daytona 200 when I turned off the interstate onto U.S. 92 in Daytona on race weekend,” said Russell, who was interviewed by Ben Cheatwood at the event. “There’s just something about this place that always clicked for me.”
The breakfast kicked off with an introduction by Bob Starr, general manager, motorsports communications, of Yamaha Motor Corp., U.S.A.
“All of us at Yamaha were truly honored to be part of the AMA Breakfast, recognizing the tremendous career and achievements of Yamaha Daytona champion, ‘Mr. Daytona,’ Scott Russell,” Starr says.
Motul Lubricants, one of Russell’s longtime sponsors, was the presenting sponsor for the event.
“The breakfast was a fantastic opportunity to support the Hall of Fame and to honor a living legend and old friend,” says Motul President Dave Wolman. “Scott’s humorous and downto-earth personality made the interview and event a huge success. Bob Starr’s intro and Ben Cheatwood’s interview were perfect. These events for us who have been involved in motorcycling for decades are unique, reminiscing on past memories, preserving them, while making new ones at the same time. Outstanding!”
To view a gallery of photos from the Yamaha AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame Breakfast at Daytona, presented by Motul, see www.motorcyclemuseum.org.
Minard H. “Miny” Waln, was known in the short-track racing world as the “Mighty Mite.” Born in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, in 1901, he spent most of his boyhood at the family country estate, hunting, fishing and hiking.
Waln began racing in 1918 at the age of 16 and won the Iowa State Championship that year.
He went to Los Angeles in 1924 and raced on the 5/8-mile Ascot dirt track along with other venues such as the Beverly Hills mile board track, and tracks at Long Beach, Emeryville and San Diego.
Waln was the first to introduce the Comerford JAP machine into the United States. Over the course of his career he rode a variety or motorcycles, including Indian, Douglas, Crocker and HarleyDavidson machines.
The biggest crowd he ever appeared
before was in 1930 in Syracuse, N.Y., where 90,000 fans saw him win. At that time, the Syracuse event was central to motorcycle racing. The major factory teams were there: men like future AMA Motorcycle Hall of Famers Jim Davis, Joe Petrali and Freddie Ludlow. Waln had also won the Syracuse race in 1929.
In 1931 only fellow future Hall of Famer Sprouts Elder could challenge Waln on the track. They ran neck-and-neck for a while before Waln took the lead. Elder then retired and for a couple of years Waln ruled the tracks, winning two national titles at the Richmond, Va., Decoration Day race meet.
Waln continued to race in California, setting records and thrilling speedway fans there. He held records at nearly every track on the western circuit. Among his records were the Oakland four-lap
handicap record, the Fresno four-lap scratch, the Gilmore Stadium four-lap handicap, the Atlantic Stadium two-lap, the San Diego one-lap title and the Bakersfield 5-mile record.
When he retired from racing in 1938, Waln held 15 national title medals and was a three-time National Champion from 1930-32.
Waln, who died in 1991, was inducted into the AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame in 1998.
To read more about Waln and the fascinating stories of other members of the AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame, go to www.motorcyclemuseum.org.
Yamaha’s Bob Starr introduces Scott Russell at the breakfast.
Photo Digital Imaging Direct
HIGH-TECH CAR TECH:
Do New Crash-Avoidance Technologies In Cars See Bikes? We Find Out.
Maybe you’ve heard of these: Forward Collision Warning System. Blind Spot Information System. Adaptive Cruise Control.
Car people call these systems installed on their vehicles “driver assistance features.” At the AMA we call them “crash avoidance warning systems” and we want to make sure that car manufacturers take motorcycles into account when they design their safety systems, now and in the future.
“The AMA has been active for more than a decade trying to ensure that motorcycles are included in the design of crash avoidance systems, and that car sensors and radars can pick them up,” says Rick Podliska, AMA deputy director of government affairs. “Now that these technologies are making their way onto vehicles, we’re asking car manufacturers point-blank how they considered motorcycles when designing their safety systems.”
The AMA sent letters to more than a dozen car makers to find out whether blind spot sensors, forward- and rear-looking sensors and other safety technologies in their cars detect motorcycles.
“Reducing traffic crashes involving motorcycles and decreasing the number of motorcycle operators and passengers injured or killed each year remains a priority of the AMA,” Wayne Allard, AMA vice president for government relations, said in the letter. “Through a comprehensive approach of promoting rider education, the use of personal protective equipment, and unimpaired motorcycle operation, the association seeks to enhance motorcycle safety for use in transportation and recreational activities.
“The AMA is not opposed to the use of proven technologies and would encourage such use if it protects the safety of all road users,” Allard wrote. “However, with the proliferation of advanced technologies in passenger vehicles and light trucks, the AMA is concerned that vehicle operators will become increasingly dependent on these devices and complacent with regard to their own vehicle operation proficiency because of the mindset that ‘technology will rescue me from any bad decisions I make.’
“Advanced crash avoidance warning systems technology used in motor vehicles must not supplant an operator’s responsibility to travel in a safe and responsible manner,” Allard wrote. “Safe operation of a motor vehicle should remain the operator’s highest priority, while technology can, and should, enhance the actions of the operator to maintain control of his or her vehicle.”
Existing Technologies
Crash-avoidance systems installed on some models of cars today include what the manufacturers call the Forward Collision Warning System, Adaptive Cruise Control, Blind Spot Information System, Cross-Traffic Alert, and Collision Mitigation Brake System.
Forward Collision Warning System: This system warns drivers of possible hazards in front of them to help them react earlier, hopefully to avoid a crash. A radar sensor monitors the area in front of the car. If the vehicle approaches an obstacle but the driver takes no action, then a warning alarm sounds and a warning light appears on the windshield.
Adaptive Cruise Control: A vehicle with adaptive cruise control adapts to the speed of traffic. How? A radar or laser on the front of the car senses the distance and speed of vehicles in front of it. The system controls the car’s throttle and brakes to maintain a speed and/or distance set by the driver or to adapt to the speed of traffic.
avoid a collision. American Honda Motor Co. Inc. says its system senses a vehicle ahead of the car. When the car gets too close to the vehicle ahead, a warning beep sounds, braking force is applied and the front seat belts tighten.
Honda Efforts
Of the four car manufacturers that responded to the AMA request for information and said their systems detect motorcycles, two of them also produce motorcycles: Honda and BMW. (Manufacturers that did not respond to the AMA’s request were Chrysler, General Motors, Hyundai, Kia, Mazda, Nissan, Toyota, Volkswagen and Volvo.)
“Honda does have a unique perspective when it comes to [a] relationship between rider and driver safety,” writes James Jongkind, manager of product regulations and safety at American Honda Motor Co. Inc. “It is most certainly our ability to collaborate and readily share information between our motorcycle and automobile R&D centers that has helped us achieve significant advancement in this regard.”
Jongkind notes that, concerning Honda’s Forward Collision Warning System on the 2013 Accord and the Collision Mitigation Braking System that has been offered on Acuras for several years, “the overall concept for these types of driver-assist systems is that they should alleviate some of the burden on the driver to enable the driver to be more aware of traffic and other conditions...
Blind Spot Information System: This system has front and rear radar that “sees” when a vehicle enters a car’s blind spot. When that happens, a warning light on the corresponding side-view mirror lights up.
Cross-Traffic Alert: Through the use of radar, this system warns if another vehicle is approaching when a driver is backing a car out of a parking spot. Ford Motor Company says its system can detect a vehicle moving at least 5 mph within a 45foot range—or five parking spaces—from either the left or right side of the vehicle. When cross traffic is approaching, three warnings are given: an indicator lights up in the corresponding outside mirror, an audible alert is sounded and a message center warning is displayed.
Collision Mitigation Brake System: This system applies a car’s brakes to
“To that end, we take steps to engage the driver in the act of driving, as opposed to allowing them to focus less on their primary responsibility of safely operating the vehicle,” he writes.
“These driver-assist systems, similar to other related systems, were developed for the best overall balance of performance in real-world conditions, considering the many types, sizes and frequency of vehicles and objects that are encountered on the roadway,” he says.
Actual testing includes motorcycles of varying sizes and in various traffic scenarios, he adds.
Jongkind also says that Honda wholeheartedly agrees with the AMA that “advanced crash avoidance warning systems technology used in motor vehicles must not supplant an operator’s responsibility to travel in a safe and reasonable manner.”
BMW Says…
The BMW Group told the AMA that it shares the AMA’s concerns when it comes
to the safety of motorcycle riders.
“Currently for the U.S. market, BMW offers three warning systems under its ‘Driver Assistance Package’ as optional equipment: Lane Departure Warning, Forward Collision Warning, and Blind Spot detection,” writes Samuel Campbell, department head for safety engineering and intelligent transportation systems at the BMW Group.
“The simple answer to your questions whether our systems are able to detect motorcycles is yes,” he writes. “These systems do not distinguish between cars and motorcycles and, therefore, have no issues detecting the presence of motorcycles.
“However, during our system validation process, motorcycle scenarios are considered. One of BMW’s philosophies when it comes to crash avoidance technology is to keep the driver in the loop. The idea is not to have drivers rely on the technology, but to provide sufficient warnings so the driver can react to lessthan-ideal or critical situations,” he says.
Ford’s Perspective
Steven Kenner, global director at the Ford Motor Company’s automotive safety office, tells the AMA that safety is a top priority at the company.
“We have introduced a variety of driver assistance features including Forward Collision Warning, Adaptive Cruise Control, Blind Spot Information System with Cross-Traffic Alert and Active Park Assist,” Kenner writes. “These features, if used properly, will provide the driver with additional information to help them drive more safely. However, these technologies are intended to assist the driver, not be a substitute for driver responsibility.
“As part of our design process, which includes real-world validation, we evaluate our sensor technologies to determine their capability to detect other vehicles, including motorcycles,” he says. “While all sensor technologies have limitations, we design and validate our systems to detect motorcycles within the capabilities of the sensor technology.”
Mercedes-Benz USA Responds
“Accident avoidance is the top priority for Mercedes-Benz,” writes Julian Soell, general manager of engineering services at Mercedes-Benz USA. “Driver assistance systems are, therefore, becoming increasingly important factors when it comes to improving road safety. Like the Mercedes occupant protection systems, they have been adapted based on real-life accident findings and the knowledge
The new LaneWatch feature available on the 2013 Honda Accord can help drivers view cyclists or other vehicles in their blind spot.
acquired through accident research as well as the analysis of accident statistics.
“They, therefore, reflect the ‘reallife safety’ concept championed by Mercedes-Benz,” Soell says. “Put another way, the sophisticated assistance systems involve the car in the ‘thinking’ process, giving it the capability to look ahead, assist the driver and prevent accidents. Beyond protecting the occupants inside a Mercedes, other road users are protected by these systems as well.
“To your specific question, our current and future radar as well as camera-based driver assistance systems are designed to recognize a wide range of vehicles, including motorcycles,” he says.
Where Do We Go From Here?
Transportation policymakers and industry leaders worldwide are hard at work to make transportation safer today and in the future.
The challenge for motorcyclists is
EUROPE LOOKS TO THE UNITED STATES
Intelligent Transportation Systems Concern Riders Worldwide
John Chatterton-Ross, a former British police offi cer who has been involved in motorcyclists’ rights eff orts for decades, is currently FIM director of public aff airs. Jesper Christensen, director of the FIM Public Aff airs Commission and general secretary of the Swedish Motorcycle Association, has also been fi ghting for the interests of motorcyclists for many years. We asked ChattertonRoss and Christensen about intelligent transportation systems and the dangers that motorcyclists may face. Here’s what they had to say.
American Motorcyclist: What is your reaction to car manufacturers saying that they consider motorcycles in their safety research?
John Chatterton-Ross: I am pleased if they say that, but we don’t really know [until we motorcycists do our own testing]. I know for sure some are looking carefully at how their technology will work to sense other road users because I have spoken to them and seen some of the equipment. Jaguar for one, which has looked into some night vision aids that work well detecting others, not just cars but pedestrians, cyclists and
two-fold, says Rob Rasor, AMA director of international affairs.
“First, motorcyclists need to make the point to car and truck manufacturers that they need to make motorcycle protection and safety part of their car and truck safety systems,” Rasor says. “Every time they propose a motor vehicle safety advancement, the manufacturers must ask themselves whether motorcyclists would be affected and, if so, must strive for motorcyclist safety.
“Second, motorcyclists must remain on guard so that bureaucrats and others don’t force so-called safety technology onto motorcycles that we don’t want or need,” he says.
“It’s important that we all work together globally on these issues,” Rasor adds. “It’s also important that representatives of motorcycling groups around the world share information and work together through the Fédération Internationale de Motocyclisme.”
The AMA is the sole U.S. affiliate to the FIM, which is the worldwide motorcycle
motorcycle riders too.
sanctioning body based just outside Geneva, Switzerland. The FIM is made up of almost 100 national organizations, called federations, from countries around the world. Besides enforcing racing rules and calendars for all types of international competition, the FIM is involved in monitoring motorcycling legislation and lobbying for riders’ rights.
The FIM also deals with international motorcycle touring activities.
The AMA has several staff members involved with the FIM including Rasor, who is an FIM vice president and sits on the FIM board, AMA President and CEO Rob Dingman, who is the FIM North America president and an FIM board member, and AMA Government Relations Deputy Director Rick Podliska, who is on the FIM Public Affairs Commission.
The FIM Public Affairs Commission defends the rights of motorcyclists as citizens and consumers, deals with the safety of riders on the road and advises FIM management, particularly in relation to international and European Union law
Our big hope has to be that companies like BMW and Honda that develop and manufacture both bikes and automobiles will take the lead. Manufacturers are frequently very slow to let the public in on what they are doing. We do now see more of this talked about and displayed at events than we did before.
Jesper Christensen: There is no doubt that I´m happy as a rider that the car manufacturers care about us riders. I´m also quite convinced that their research will surprise them about the number of riders around the cars. It is important that they do the studies in diff erent traffi c environments. Imagine in Rome, Italy, where you have a daily traffi c fl ow of 600,000 bikes going in and out of the city.
I spoke with car industry people in Sweden recently who told me that it is getting very popular to buy the diff erent safety options with new cars. The customers want these options, where monitoring and warning systems can detect motorcycles.
AM: What are your thoughts related to intelligent transportation systems?
JCR: I think the vehicle manufacturers are not the real concern. I believe they will come up with compatible technology, vehicle to vehicle. More of a concern is the infrastructure, the road systems, and any technology on them that links to vehicles. That is where we will get forgotten if we are not careful and keep on seeking a seat at the table.
If you take this issue at its widest, it includes all the stuff people do today with their iPads, smart phones, etc.
Distracted driving is a huge issue— folks searching for routes and restaurants while on the move, chatting on cellphones. Then there’s the wide belief that “hands free” equals safe.
I don’t believe it does.
My other big concern is that if we do not constantly press to stay involved, things will happen and then down the road we will find that the highway is OK for trucks and cars only. Bikes get excluded.
Photos Christensen: Joachim Sjöström; Chatterton-Ross: William Fielden
Jesper Christensen John Chatterton-Ross
affecting motorcycling. It also supports the FIM continental unions and national federations, and riders in dealing with national governments and agencies.
Some keys to intelligent transportation systems that engineers and officials hope will make travel safer in the future are vehicle-to-vehicle communication and communication between vehicles and different parts of a road system, known as Car-to-X communication.
BMW explains it as networking vehicles and infrastructure with one another electronically, enabling a direct exchange
of information between both the vehicles and the traffic infrastructure, such as traffic light systems.
Engineers and others envision a future where technology would warn a motorcycle rider of obstacles ahead, bad weather, approaching, emergency vehicles and more.
The bike would communicate with traffic signals so that the bike rider would know to go a certain speed to hit all green lights, and the bike would “talk” to cars to warn drivers not to turn left in front of the approaching bike.
The AMA was the first organization I know of to take intelligent transportation systems seriously and I am glad you are staying involved.
JC: No system shall by law be forced to take control of the rider’s bike. You make your bike stable by throttle control and partly by steering it, and that’s the task of the rider—so far I have not seen any electronic system doing that!
Riders fear that our freedom of riding will be stolen from us by intelligent transportation systems.
My definition of ITS is “telematics and all types of communication in and between vehicles, fixed locations, some parts gives you information and others takes control.”
A GPS is ITS. We had an involved discussion about GPS on bikes just a few years ago. Some said they were never going to buy one because it would take the freedom away to find new roads. Today, these riders have GPS meetings where they share routes and discover new opportunities by their computers, so it became the opposite of what they expected.
Anti-lock brakes are brilliant. Three out of four bikes sold in Sweden have ABS. Sales have exploded the last two years because riders now accept and demand the benefits [of ABS].
AM: Should motorcyclists fear that governments may force technologies on bikes that motorcyclists don’t want?
JCR: Yes. Automatic speed control can now be done. I have driven prototype cars with this fitted. This technology may
“The AMA was the first organization I know of to take intelligent transportation systems seriously and I am glad you are staying involved.”
—John Chatterton-Ross
work with a car but there are doubts about how safe it would be fitted to a motorcycle. Then there are issues about whether the driver is or is not “in control” when in a system like this.
There is a whole discussion to be had about “advisory” systems that just let you know if you are speeding, and others that prevent you from speeding at all, or in some cases slow you down.
Road trains—linking cars together electronically for a time on a long stretch of highway—are now possible. How is that going to affect whether we are allowed on the same roads? If those controlled-vehicle ideas come along then those vehicles need to be restricted to a particular lane so the non-controlled vehicles can still travel the same route.
JC: Yes, absolutely. Lets face it, we see a range of trustworthy specialists, without any knowledge of motorcycles,
While technology may make riders safer, it also could introduce Big Brother into our lives. Officials could know how fast we ride and when, when we brake, accelerate, where we travel and more.
“We have to stay on top of the research on all levels and continually hammer away at the need for researchers to include motorcycles in their safety efforts,” Dingman says.
“We also have to ensure that governments don’t force what they beieve are technological safety solutions on us that aren’t really solutions at all,” he says.
passing ordered research results combined with problem-solving proposals to politicians who then take the easy route claiming they are saving society the costs of motorcycle accidents. That’s why riders have to support their freedoms with membership in the AMA and FIM because we are bringing common sense to the decision makers.
AM: How has the international motorcycling community, working through the FIM, protected riders in the area of intelligent transportation systems?
JCR: It was the AMA that first drew attention to this issue and that was a long time back. [The AMA’s] Sean Maher, I recall, has been involved with some interesting research. The U.S. leads in intelligent transportation so I guess the U.S. is the place we need to look to.
In the United Nations meetings I attend for the FIM there is a strong push to ensure this issue of “driver/rider” being in control is looked at in the international treaties. We were discussing this in March of 2013 again. The insurance industry is very nervous about this issue.
We are trying to keep the discussions in Geneva with the U.N. and in Brussels with the European Union coordinated.
JC: We are all like the AMA—quite active in the advocacy in this matter by talking to the industry, researchers, universities, politicians and governments in Europe with the European Union. One of the strengths of being part of the FIM is our global network, which is very efficient.
Engineers and others envision a future where technology would warn a motorcycle rider of obstacles ahead. The bike would communicate with traffic signals so that the bike rider would know to go a certain speed to hit all green lights, and the bike would “talk” to cars to warn drivers not to turn left in front of the approaching bike.
AMA REWARDS
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your AMA membership in 2013 and you could
As the proud sponsor of the AMA Yamaha Super Ténéré National Adventure Touring Series, Yamaha is awarding one lucky member a new 2013 Super Ténéré! Riders participating in the series will also be automatically entered.
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One lucky winner will take home this Tucker Rocky Custom Road Glide with high-end components from S&S, Progressive Suspension, Arlen Ness, PIAA and many other Tucker Rocky partner companies.
The best part? You’re automatically entered when you join or renew between Jan. 30, 2013 and Dec. 31, 2013.
1
Don’t miss the season opener of the AMA Pro Racing Hillclimb National Championship Series June 2 in Jefferson (York County), Pa., followed by the second round on June 9 in Freemansburg, Pa. The 10-round series concludes on oct. 13 at oregonia, ohio. For the full schedule, see page 56.
2
For a rockin’ good time in a family-friendly atmosphere, head off to the Thunder in the Valley Motorcycle Rally in Johnstown, Pa., June 20-23. The event is an AMA National Gypsy Tour and attracts thousands of riders. Information: www.johnstownthunder.com.
3
There’s plenty of MotoTrials action for trials fans this month. The AMA SWM NATC MotoTrials National Championship Series gets under way with rounds 1 and 2 June 15-16 in Cayuta, N.Y. Rounds 3 and 4 are set for June 22-23 in Swanton, Vt. For the full schedule, see page 57.
4
The USA Four Corners Tour is running through Dec. 31. Imagine the adventure and break-into-a-broadsmile satisfaction of visiting San Ysidro, Calif., Blaine, Wash., Madawaska, Maine, and Key West, Fla., in 21 days. Information: www.usa4corners.org.
5
Are you looking for some real adventure on your adventure-tourer? How about a good time on your dual-sport machine? The AMA Yamaha Super Tenere National Adventure Riding Series has you covered with several rides in June: June 1-2 in Mill Hall, Pa.; June 8-13 in odell, ore; and June 9-13 in Atlanta, N.Y. The AMA Husqvarna National Dual-Sport Series, presented by FMF, features rides in Mill Hall, Pa., Bixby, Mo. And Custer, Mich., June 1-2; Wabeno, Wis. June 8-9; odell, ore. June 8-13 and Matthews, Ind. June 29-30. For the full schedules, see page 59.
6
Americade, a mega-gathering of motorcyclists that is also an AMA National Convention, is set for June 1-8 in scenic Lake George, N.Y. This is one of the largest road-riding rallies on the planet, and is billed as a great motorcycling vacation. Info: www. americade.com.
CoMING UP one of the greatest motorcycling weekends in the United States is just around the corner: AMA Vintage Motorcycle Days, July 19-21 at Mid-ohio Sports Car Course in Lexington, ohio. The event is an AMA National Rally and features the largest motorcycle swap meet in North America, vintage racing, vendors, new bike demos and more. Info: www. amavintagemotorcycledays.com.
ARKANSAS
RECREATIONAL
ROAD RALLY
JUN 17: MARBLE FALLS: MOTORCYCLE TOURING ASSOCIATION, (828) 837-7325, MTARIDERS.COM
CALIFORNIA
RECREATIONAL
DUAL-SPORT RIDE
JUN 1: LAKE HUGHES: VIEWFINDERS MC INC., (626) 926-6077
JUN 8-9: WOFFORD HEIGHTS: 2-DAY EVENT, TEAM DUAL DOGS, (661) 2035652, TEAMDUALDOGS.COM
JUN 22-23: BIG BEAR CITY: 2-DAY EVENT, BIG BEAR TRAIL RIDERS, INC., (818) 3913031, BIGBEARTRAILRIDERS.COM
COMPETITION ENDURO
JUN 15: DEVORE: PRAIRIE DOGS MC, (714) 231-6718, PRAIRIEDOGSMC.COM EUROPEAN SCRAMBLES
JUN 8: (Includes ATVs) LUCERNE VALLEY: 2 DAY EVENT, RACERS UNDER THE SON, INC., (714) 606-8046, RUTS.ORG ENDUROCROSS
JUN 8: SACRAMENTO: SOURCE INTERLINK MEDIA, (916) 928-6900, SLEEPTRAINARENA.COM
MOTOCROSS
JUN 16: (Includes ATVs) ADELANTO: ROVERS MC, (661) 245-3941
M ay 18: Tallassee, Ala.: ST, Monster Mountain MX Park; Tom Brinkman, Monster Action Sports; (334) 318-8475; www.monstermx.com
May 19: Tallassee, Ala.: ST, Monster Mountain MX Park; Tom Brinkman, Monster Action Sports; (334) 318-8475; www.monstermx.com
May 28: Springfield, Ill.: Mile, Steve Nace, Steve Nace Racing; (270) 442-7532; www.stevenaceracing.com
June 28: Harpursville, N.y : ST, Square Deal Riders; www.squaredealriders.com
June 29: Harpursville, N.y : ST, Square Deal Riders; www.squaredealriders.com
July 20: Ashland, Ohio: Half-mile, AMA Vintage Motorcycle Days, Ashland County Fairgrounds; Ken Saillant, AMA; (800) 2625646; www.americanmotorcyclist.com/ racing
Aug. 16: Indianapolis: ST, Mid-America Speedway; Jim Terchila; (317) 871-4392; info@midamspeedway.com
Sept. 21: c u ddebackville, N.y : ST, Ron Edlin, Tri-State MC; (845) 566-4956; www. tristateclub.com
FIM WORLD TR IALS CHAMPIONSHIP TRIA lSTRAININGcENTER.com
May 25-26: Sequatchie, Tenn.: Trials Training Center
FIM TRIAL DES NATIONS fIm-lI VE.com
Sept. 8-9: La Chatre, France
FIM MOTOCROSS OF NATIONS fIm-lI VE.com
Sept. 29: Teutschenthal, Germany
FIM INTERNATIONAL SIX DAYS OF ENDURO
fIm-lI VE.com
May 25-26: Wellston, Ohio, East Qualifier: William Depue Jr.; Appalachian Dirt Riders; (740) 384-6379; www.ADROhio.org
June 1-2: Idaho City, Idaho, West Qualifier: Peter Reynolds; Boise Ridge Riders; (208) 384-5141; www.ADROhio.org
Sept. 30-Oct.5: 2013 ISDE: Sardegna, Italy
BUB MOTORCYCLE S PEED TR IALS bUbENT.com
Aug. 25-29: Utah: Bonneville Salt Flats COOk MOTORSPORTS PRIVATE LAND SPEED SHOOTOUT
SEPT. 12-16: Utah: Bonneville Salt Flats
AMA DUAL-SPORT/ADVENTURE SERIES
AMA H U SQVARNA N ATIONAL D UALS P ORT S E RIES , PRESENTED BY FMF AmERI cA N m oTo R cycl I ST.com
May 18-19: Zaleski, Ohio: Hanging Rock 200, Buckeye Dual Sporters, Bill Kaeppner; (740) 380-3050; www.kaeppnerswoods.com
June 1-2: Mill Hall, Pa.: Durty Dabbers Adventure Ride, Durty Dabbers, Nils Mantzoros; (570) 726-3343; www.durtydabbers.com
June 1-2: Bixby, Mo.: Show Me 200, Midwest Trail Riders Assn., Robert Kaufman; (314) 434-5095; www.ridemtra.com
June 1-2: Custer, Mich.: Whiskey Creek Classic, Great Lakes Dual Sporters, Jeramey Valley; (989) 751-6863; www.gldsmc.org
June 8-9: Wabeno, Wis.: Ride for Research, Wisconsin Dual Sport Riders, John Newton; (920) 350-2030; www.widualsportriders.org
June 8-13: Odell, Ore.: Black Dog Adventure Ride, NW Tour & Trail, Tom Niemela; (503) 681-8881; www.blackdogdualsport.com
June 22-23: Big Bear City, Calif.: Big Bear Run, Big Bear Trail Riders, Robert Burgi; (818) 391-3031; www.bigbeartrailriders.com
June 29-30: Matthews, Ind.: Covered Bridge National Dual Sport, Muddobbers MC, Doug Spense; (765) 998-2236; www.muddobbersmc.org
July 20-27: Gwinn, Mich.: 29th Annual Michael R. Burlingham Memorial Six Days of Michigan, Cycle Conservation Club of Michigan, Lewis Schuler; (517) 416-0126; www.cycleconservationclub.com
July 27-28: Ray, Ohio: Black Bear National Dual Sport, Chillicothe Enduro Riders, Kevin Claytor; (740) 637-2714; www.chillicotheenduro.com
July 31-Aug. 4: Stevenson, Wash.: Dual Sport Northwest, Sound Rider!, Tom Mehren; (206) 329-7808; www.soundrider.com
May 16-23: Ruidoso, N.M.: Golden Aspen Rally: www.motorcyclerally.com
June 23-26: Lexington, Ky.: STAR 2013: www.ridemsta.com
July 11-14: Maggie Valley, N.C.: 2013 RoadRunner Motorcycle Touring & Travel Annual Touring Weekend: www. roadrunner.travel/events/touring-weekend/
July 30-Aug. 4: Stephenson, Wash.: Rally in the Gorge: www.soundrider.com/rally
AMA NATIONAL GYPSY TOURS AMERICANMOTORCYCLIST.COM
June 8-16: Laconia, N.H.: Laconia Motorcycle Week: www.laconiamcweek. com
June 13-16: Austin, Texas: Republic of Texas (R.O.T.) Rally: www.rotrally.com
June 20-23: Johnsontown, Pa.: Thunder in the Valley: www.visitjohnstownpa.com/ thunderinthevalley
July 31-Aug. 4: Tunica, Miss.: 36th Annual National bikers Roundup: www.
You can have it both ways.
AMA members do it all—long-distance rides, off-road races, cruising main street, vintage dirt track…you name it. To better serve our broad membership base, American Motorcyclist magazine is now published in two versions. The dirt version includes more off-highway and competition content. The street version includes more articles for road riders.
Want to switch? Just call (800) 262-5646, ask for membership services and tell them which version you want. Want to read both versions? Get them online at www. americanmotorcyclist.com/magazine.
nbrkcmo.com
Aug. 5-11: Sturgis, S.D.: Sturgis: www. sturgismotorcyclerally.com
Aug. 30-Sept. 3: Killington, Vt.: Killington Classic: www.killingtonclassic. com
Oct. 11-13: Redding, Calif.: Big Bike Weekend: www.bigbikeweekend.com
AMA SIGNATURE EVENTS
AMERICANMOTORCYCLIST.COM
March of Dimes Bikers For Babies Rides: Nationwide: www.bikersforbabies. org
Rides For Kids Events: Nationwide: www.rideforkids.org
AMA NATIONAL GRAND TOURS, PRESENTED BY SHINKO TIRES AND FLY STREET GEAR
AMERICANMOTORCYCLIST.COM
Jan. 1-Dec. 31: Polar Bear Grand Tour: AMA District 2 of New Jersey; (609) 8942941; www.polarbeargrandtour.com
Jan. 1-May 25: The Big Money Rally: www.bigmoneyrally.com
March 25-Oct. 1: Eddie’s Road and Team Strange Airheads Smoke Chasing Grand Tour: Eddie’s Road and Team Strange Airheads; www.smokechasing.com
April 1-Oct. 31: Tour of Honor Grand Tour: Tour of Honor; www.tourofhonor.com
AMA NATIONAL EXTREME GRAND TOURS
AMERICANMOTORCYCLIST.COM
Jan. 1-Dec. 31: SCMA Four Corners Grand Tour: Southern California Motorcycling Association; www.usa4corners.org.
Aug. 30-Sept. 2: SCMA Three Flags Classic Grand Tour: Southern California Motorcycling Association; www.sc-ma.com.
Trademarks
GUEST COLUMN
NEW BEGINNING
Brothers Reconnect With Off-Road Riding
Motorcycling has been a part of my relationship with my younger brother since we were in our early teens. I was one of three boys. Joe was born six years before me, and Paul came along two years later. Joe had a lot in common with our dad (hunting, wood working, building, etc.), and while those two spent a lot of time together, Paul and I grew close. We also developed some common interests, with dirtbikes solidly at the top of the list.
school, so we jettisoned the Yamahas and got CZ 250s. These were real dirtbikes, and we drove our dad nuts getting them repaired at the local Maico/ CZ shop and taking us to local tracks and riding spots. After a couple of years on the “Chay-Zeds,” we both realized that we missed the smaller and easier to care for Yamahas and traded the CZs for new YZ125s.
By John Ciribassi
We started by doing what all kids do to get something they want from their parents. We whined, incessantly. We couldn’t win them over with logic, so we wore then down with annoyance. It worked, and we got our first motorized two-wheeler, a Briggs and Stratton powered Rupp minibike. It wasn’t long before we graduated to Yamaha DT-125s that were “heavily modified” by removing all semblance of street legality, putting on raised plastic front fenders and a bolting up a Hooker Header.
The motocross bug got us by high
After high school, I went off to college and veterinary school, leaving New Jersey for Illinois and the Midwest with a four-year stint in upstate Pennsylvania in between. I drifted away from motorcycles while I focused on school, but the bug returned big time once the kids got a little older. I began with a used CR250 then went four-stroke with a CRF250 and 450.
My brother back in New Jersey? We stayed in touch but life, as it often does, got in the way and we just didn’t see each other as much. We’d speak on the phone some but our relationship drifted apart. He still dabbled a bit in motorcycles, getting a couple of sportbikes over the years and had also started riding Harley-Davidsons. So, it was with this background that
one day he and I were talking about bikes and I said to him, “We really need to go on a trip together, just the two of us, and do a few days of off-road riding.”
His response? “When do we leave?”
The planning began in earnest, and after endless Google searching—and budget analysis—we contacted a guide in Moab and made arrangement for a threeday ride in the mountains and deserts around the small but strategically located Utah town. It was a dirtbiking paradise with narrow rocky trails and wide-open desert landscape.
More importantly, however, with just the two of us on the trip, along with the guide, we had one of those trips that acts as one of the signposts of your life. It was a direction changer. It brought Paul and me back together again as brothers—and motorcycles were the catalyst.
Now we can’t seem to talk on the phone, or get together without dirtbikes occupying a large part of the conversation. We each now have dualsport bikes, in addition to his Harley and my motocross bike. The plan is to do as many rides as work and wives will allow.
Are motorcycles the “be all and end all” in our lives? No, they have their place for sure. What motorcycles have done for my brother and me is allow us to rediscover a hobby—and a relationship—that began on that little Rupp over 40 years ago.
John Ciribassi is an AMA member in Carol Stream, Ill.
MARK YOUR CALENDAR!
STEAMBOAT SPRINGS, CO SEPTEMBER 13-15, 2013
TOUR INCLUDES:
» SELF-GUIDED & DEMO RIDES
» APPEARANCES FROM KTM FACTORY RIDERS
» TECHNICAL & RIDING SEMINAR
» FRIDAY BREAKFAST & DINNER
» EVENT T-SHIRT
Make plans to join KTM staff and enthusiasts at the 10th annual KTM Adventure Rider Rally in scenic Steamboat Springs, CO. The KTM Adventure Rider Rally is designed for KTM 640, 690, 950 and 990 Adventure and Enduro owners but is open to all brands of street legal motorcycles.
» SATURDAY BREAKFAST & AWARDS DINNER
» MOTORCYCLE VENDORS
» FUN, GAMES & MORE REGISTER ONLINE AT
PRICING: $150 PRE-REGISTERED (BY SEPT. 6, 2013) OR $175 AT EVENT (DOES NOT INCLUDE BIKE OR LODGING)
LODGING: KTM GROUP RATE FOR 1 TO 3 BEDROOM SUITES AT THE STEAMBOAT GRAND » http://www.steamboatgrand.com/group/ktm.html
QUESTIONS: CALL 951-600-8007 OR EMAIL: EVENTS@KTMUSA.COM
