Motorcycle Nation Podcast

The popular Rider’s Edge® (RE) motorcycle safety program offered by the Motor Company® has been at the heart of many discussions lately after it was announced that Buell production would end. The big question that has popped up is what is the future of RE without the use of the Buell Blast?

I have long thought that the Blast was a less than suitable training motorcycle. This is my opinion only, although if you asked the question to many of my colleagues you would get that same answer. There are two main reasons that I feel this way. The first lies in the single cylinder 492cc powerplant. This is too much power to put in the hands of a beginner who does not have the concept of throttle control and friction zone yet. The first reaction that a novice has when a motorcycle gets away from them is to apply a death grip to the handle bars. As we all know, in our right hand is the throttle which a death grip tends to roll on causing even more power transfer. This spells a bad day. A 125cc or 250cc motorcycle, while definitely still dangerous, is much less forgiving in the same situation.

The second reason I do not agree with the Blast as a trainer lies in the brakes. This motorcycle was produced, as best I can tell, with an entry level sportbike rider in mind. It is small because its secondary target market is made up of females. Again, my opinion. Because it is directed at the sport bike crowd it has extremely aggressive brakes. No other motorcycle class on the market can compare with the brakes on sportbikes. Low motorcycle weight paired with excellent brakes make sportbikes some of the quickest stopping bikes on the market. New riders tend to “attack” the brakes instead of reaching and squeezing the front brake lever. They also tend to stomp on the rear brake pedal instead of applying steady, even pressure. Doing either one of these can cause serious consequences, many times reason one. Panic hits, the deathgrip is applied, and we are in trouble again.

Those are my reasons. Now, back to the original question. With the demise of Buell, what will the future training bike of Rider’s Edge be? I discussed this with a RE provider and the answer I got is this. The government requires that manufacturers who cease production on a product continue to provide repair parts for a period of seven years. The RE program was also granted permission to use used motorcycles that they take in on trade provided they fully inspect them. This was prohibited in the original rules of the program. So, RE will continue to use Buell Blasts in the near future. The most surprising piece of information that I was able to get was that the Motor Company® has told the providers that they will have a new training unit available within five years. Whether this means that HD themselves will build it or that they will contract it out remains to be answered. Whatever route they take, I hope that they address the two problems that I have noted here for the sake of their students.

Ride Safe

I was guided to a blog the other day called Forty Years on Two Wheels where the author was on a rant about the quality of American motorcycle shows. His evaluation discussed the fact that most seemed low budget and revolved around the V-Twin motorcycles. He went on to point out that the coverage is focused at Daytona, Sturgis, and other traditional American Iron gatherings. And he even mentioned the hosts. The feuding Teutuls, the ex racers, and the well endowed, none of which he considers to be worthy.

I love my V-Twin. As a matter of fact there are two products of the Motor Company sitting in my garage. But, I have to agree with the author. The world outside of HD and V-Twins has so much to offer and we need someone to step up and produce a show. I personally would love to see a show on adventure bikes. Maybe a shootout to crown the champion. I have my eye set on the BMW F800GS and would welcome the opportunity for a full review of the off highway capabilities. A show profiling the sport tourers would be cool too. A Honda ST1300 or that old reliable Kawasaki Concours could hold a spot in my garage as well.

I don’t want this blog to be a Harley only blog. Invite all your friends here so we can talk all motorcycles. Maybe someone with some pull will see that there is a need for a TV show that focuses on every brand of motorcycle and every type of riding. If you know someone, put the bug in their ear.

Ride Safe

You all remember that my buddy Dennis bought a new Ultra Classic on our recent trip to Michigan. If you have not read about that one scroll down a couple posts and read about the road trip. What I did not share with you is that another friend also has a new bike that was purchased about two weeks ago. Now that is not a very amazing story but let me add this ironic twist. The other friend just so happens to be Dennis’ wife Kim.

I stopped by the ABATE of Indiana state office yesterday where Kim works as the HFIC, that would be Head FEMALE In Charge, of the Motorcycle Safety Division. Kim schedules all the classes for the safety program at the sixteen safety sites in the state. I stepped off my Softail and was checking out her bike when she came out the front door with the keys in hand. She told me to take the bike for a ride and I told her that I would take it around the block and would be right back.

Remember that I am riding a 1999 Softail Custom as my daily ride. We are talking the 80 cubic inch Evolution engine, which was still solid mounted to the frame during that production year, and a five speed tranny. This was my first experience on the Harley Davidsons with the 96″ engine and the six speed transmissions. I have to say that I was impressed with Kim’s Street Bob.

Kim with her new Street Bob outside the ABATE of Indiana offices.

Really good power through the gears, even in sixth when I cranked the throttle from sixty-five mph and held on to one hundred before I decided I did not want a ticket that day. I like the shift points with the six speed tranny but really can’t think of any use for that gear other than being on the interstate hammering out the miles. Shifting was very smooth and was a little confusing without that trademark “clunk” during each shift. The handling was very nice although my route did not allow me to give a good test of the lean angles of the bike as any roads with any curves are 20 miles farther to the South. Overall I loved the ride.

Speaking of curves, I have to share a story from a friend from a few years ago. I got an email from him one evening and I read the email and noticed that he had placed a new sentence into his ending signature. We have all heard of Deal’s Gap with their 318 curves in 11 miles. Well my friend lives in Kansas and he signed off on his email by saying, “Kansas, 11 curves in 318 miles.” And now you have the rest of the story.

Back to new bikes. So, for the past 10 months I have been surrounded by new bikes. I have had the opportunity to ride a few of them and came away impressed with all. All but one have been from the Motor Company and that was a BMW f800GS. That is an amazing motorcycle as well and it is on my list of bikes that I would like to have. A little adventure would be fun. Put some miles on and go to a place where you could enjoy the attributes of the Beemer’s off road side would be pure pleasure. I have the New Bike Fever bad, all this is missing is the Big Bank Account to go with it. If you have purchased a new motorcycle lately, let us know about it. I can live through you.

Ride Safe

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This episode starts off with a quick summary of my road trip to Cedar Springs, MI and then moves along to the loss of two very committed motorcyclists. One local, Mark Garback, a motorcycle safety instructor with ABATE of Indiana and the other Mike “Boz” Kerr, Vice President of the Motorcycle Riders Foundation.

Next up is an interview with Paul Holdsworth that you have to listen to. You will be floored by Paul’s experiences over his many years of motorcycling and he speaks of his role with IronWorks Magazine. Many thanks to Paul as he was patient with my screwed up schedule and waited many weeks to record this podcast. Thanks again Paul. You can find subscription info to IronWorks Magazine by following the link and you can enjoy the musings of Snakebit Sam at IWBlogger.

We close out the show with another Eclipse song, Green Fishing Line. Follow the link to their website and get your own CD if you have been enjoying the music we have been playing on the podcast.

Special thanks to my friend Dennis Tyger for taking the road trip with me. Better friends are hard to find. As always, we appreciate you, the listeners of the Motorcycle Nation Podcast, for taking the time out of your life to support and listen. Safe travels.

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I finally, after a multi year lapse, got to take a joy ride. Sure, Ang has jumped on the back and we hit a local restaurant to have dinner with friends, but every other ride I have taken was tied in with either teaching or work. The past two days were a true joy for me as I was able to stare down the white lines and drop mile after mile for pleasure. My only regret is that Angie and Kim did not ride with us.

Originally there were four of us going to go. By time to leave there were two, me and Kim’s husband Dennis. We set our departure point at a gas station in SE Indy. When I rolled up to the gas pump Dennis was by the building talking to someone. I pulled my helmet off and he called me over. He was talking to a young man that was traveling to DC to visit his brother. Not an ordinary young man, but a priest. Dennis had asked him to bless our trip and he did so right in the gas station parking lot. Pretty awesome! After gassing up we hit the road and started putting home behind. Our first stop wound up being in South Bend, IN, home of the Notre Dame Fighting Irish. We pulled into a gas station only to find that every pump was out of mid grade and premium fuel. So we pumped a gallon in each bike and went searching for better fuel. We found it at the next exit and topped off the bikes before heading to Pizza Hut for a quick lunch. Well, it would have been quick but they kept filling the buffet with a different kind of pizza each time that Dennis had to have. Needless to say he was sick by the time we left.

We had excellent weather the entire trip and we arrived in Grand Rapids dry and happy. After a couple of wrong turns and a phone call we arrived at our destination to meet up with Jason, another motorcyclist that I have come to know via the net. Jason had been posting about his problems getting his motorcycle in good riding condition and, since he had helped me with some computer related issues in the past, I decided to go up and see what help I could provide. That was pretty much the purpose of the trip other than to ride. So, we arrived at the house and was able to fix the bike in about 20 minutes which allowed us to have an evening free. That meant more riding which allowed Jason to lead us around on his bike. We headed back towards Grand Rapids and met up with his wife, Kate, at a school where she was teaching Zumba. Zumba is a Latin / International dance and exercise class. Dennis looked pretty funny on the side trying out the moves!

From there Dennis, Jason, and I went to find some food and a place for us to stay that evening. The rules were no fast food and something different than we could have at home. Jason nailed it with his choice of Brann’s Steakhouse & Grille. Nice local place with some really good food. Steaks and stuffed shrimp were consumed and the prices were extremely reasonable. Check it out if you find yourself in the area. The best part was that we walked through the parking lot to the next one and found our lodging for the night. Dennis is a smooth talker and a deal maker and he got us $20 off the room by asking for the manager’s special. Sweet. We agreed to meet Jason and his wife Kate for breakfast the next morning and he left for home. A quick ride to the Meijer department store across the street for swimming trunks for Dennis and we were back at the hotel. I headed straight for the sack while he went to swim and try out the hot tub. Probably should have done that as well just to loosen the legs up after the ride.

Breakfast found us at Anna’s House Restaurant with Jason and Kate. This place has more variations on omelets than I have ever seen anywhere. Food and service were both great and there was good conversation with Jason and Kate. We all had a great time and soon it was time to head for Indy. The weather was not looking as promising for the trip so we wanted to get on the road. Goodbyes were said and we went down the street and paid a visit to the Honda dealer so Dennis could find a warmer pair of gloves. We did not have any luck so we jumped on the highway and headed back east in search of 196 and 31 South. On the way up we passed Grand Rapids Harley Davidson and we talked about stopping on the way home. I saw the sign up ahead and slowed and pointed and held my hand up asking, “Wanna stop?” A quick shrug of the shoulders and a nod took us onto the exit and into the dealership. What was going to be a quick t-shirt stop turned into a marathon purchase of a 2009 Black Pearl Electra Glide Ultra Classic. No not me, but I wish it was. Dennis’ trusty sidekick, the 1999 Road King was being traded in on the new bike.
This picture shows a glimpse of the Road King behind the new one.

Now, I rode up there on my ‘99 Softail Custom. He had the comfort advantage on the Road King already and now he was going to take it ten steps further and really ride in comfort. That is ok though, I am happy for him. Due to the five hour purchase we were way behind schedule and had allowed some severe storms to cross our route south of where we were. It did not take long out of Grand Rapids to start in and for the next two hours we rode in the rain and wind. Don’t forget, we had to run 50 to 55 mph for the first 50 miles and vary speeds from 55-70 for the rest of the trip. The maiden voyage for the new Ultra was a soggy one but she came through with flying colors.

So, my first joy ride in some time involved 706 miles of some crazy drivers, some torn up roads in Michigan, and bad weather. I would not trade even one mile back for anything. I had a great time with great friends and that is what this is all about. Everybody ride safe!

So many times we hear people talking about an acquaintance or a loved one and you hear the words, “they died doing what they loved.” Now doing what they loved could mean so many things. It could be jogging in the park, snow skiing down the most challenging slopes, fighting a raging house fire, defending the streets from crime, or thousands of other activities. Mark Garback died due to the injuries he suffered while riding a motorcycle. Now this was not your ordinary, every day motorcycle riding. No, this was riding funeral escort, providing a clear path for the procession to move their loved one to their final resting place.

Mark was a 47 year old military veteran who loved motorcycling. Much of his everyday life involved motorcycling whether riding the funeral escorts, riding for pleasure, or teaching motorcycle safety. Mark was a long time instructor in the ABATE of Indiana Motorcycle Safety Program teaching both the Beginner Rider Course (BRC) and the Experienced Rider Course (ERC). I remember watching my first ERC back in 2002, my rookie year of instructing, where Mark was one of the instructors. In the experienced course the students ride their own motorcycles in the class and the instructors ride their personal motorcycles for the demonstration rides before each range exercise. As I observed this class, I noticed that there was an instructor on a white Fatboy that was showing amazing handling skills. That was Mark. A confident motorcycle rider and a confident person.

And let’s not forget, he was pretty confident with the ladies too!

It is ironic that tomorrow we will have the showing for Mark and on Wednesday the memorial service will allow friends and family to say their final goodbyes. As the motorcycle hearse takes Mark for his final ride, led by his beloved Fatboy, I will choose to remember Mark as he is in the pictures in this post, always smiling, and I am sure that others will choose the same. Goodbye Mark. It was a pleasure knowing you.

UPDATE
The last time that I had the opportunity to speak with Mark was early in the training season around the end of March. When Angie, Derek, and I arrived at the showing last night there was a Yamaha FZ1 parked outside the entrance doors in the grass. Marks boots were on the pegs turned backwards. I inquired about the motorcycle and was shocked to learn that on April 11th, Mark had traded his beloved Fatboy for the FZ1. He had always wanted a sportbike in addition to the HD and had quietly made the trade. So, Mark will be led home today by his newest two wheel love, this Yamaha FZ1.

Recently, there has been a debate heating up about a special design motorcycle. I was staying out of this for the most part but I think I will jump in here because I am now curious. I may feel the wrath of all this later but I find myself in the doghouse on occasion so what the heck?

The subject for the debate revolves around the WildKat, a new motorcycle designed specifically for women. This motorcycle, which is the latest creation of Daytona Beach, FL based ROAR Motorcycles, was unveiled on March 7th at Roar’s HQ by CEO Kathy Tolleson. ROAR calls this a production motorcycle made for women. I had not heard anything about this motorcycle until a Twitter friend did a blog post about it. I saw the pic of the bike and found the manufacturer’s name and I checked it out and was pretty impressed with what I saw. It is a good looking motorcycle. Take a look for yourself.

CEO Kathy Tolleson in the background unveiling the WildKat

Not only was I impressed with the looks of the motorcycle but I was amazed by the specs. The top items that caught my eye were the 1200cc V-Twin motor from Harley Davidson exhaling through a Supertrapp 2 into 1 exhaust for the extra shot of adrenaline. A mark of engineering genius in my opinion is the ability to use the modular frame to adjust seat height from 23.5″ to 29.5″ without the worry of tire scraping as fender gap is unaffected by the adjustment. The foot controls also are adjustable to fit the rider as the WildKat has three positions, petite, medium, and tall. Other items that are impressive to me are the Dakota Digital readouts and the assumed killer stopping power put out by the 4 piston front and rear HHI calipers. I also like the look of the curved swingarm.

So, I came away from the ROAR website expecting to read applause for the design genius of this bike. I navigated back to the blog post that I was on and began to read. What? You don’t like the bike? But, it is a bike built especially for women, how could they go wrong with that? I was blown away that a woman would be offended by this motorcycle. The first sentence slammed me to the ground. “My cookies are frosted right now at all the companies that are trying to cash in on the rising number of women motorcyclists.” I continued in to my education and had to laugh at another observation. It is written, “Seriously, do women really need specially designed motorcycles? Why don’t car manufacturers start building women-specific cars then? Oh wait, they do. It’s the mini-van.” I continued to read the post and there were more things that I found humorous. There were also many things that made great sense as well. Like, women are told to “Learn to ride properly” and “practice”. The author also mentions taking a motorcycle safety course like the MSF course or Rider’s Edge. But, still I was having a hard time believing that a woman would look at this motorcycle built for women in such a negative manner. After all, I would love it if someone would build a motorcycle specially designed for fat, tattooed, ugly bikers like me. Oh, they do. It is called a Harley Davidson.

So, I was confused. I just could not wait to ask my wife Angie if she was offended by someone designing a bike for women. I just knew that my beautiful bride would say the right thing. So, I asked the question and was met with, “I agree. If they can’t ride a real motorcycle then maybe they should not ride.” What? At this point I cleaned my ears and asked, “What?” I had heard her right. She agreed with the author. I tried to plead my case to no avail. My wife was hanging with my twitter friend, @rippenkitten. You need to go read her post. She is an awesome writer and puts out some great stuff. Her blog is named Rippin Kitten A girl and her motorcycle. Any way, back to my wife. She totally agreed and became offended that I was trying to convince her that this bike was great. I was totally shut down.

So, Rippin Kitten, you have provided me with an education. Now, if you would please help me out, how do you unfrost cookies? The garage floor is mighty cold this time of year!

Don’t take your attention totally away from the road, but start looking around the next time you go for a drive. Pay particular attention to the the motorcycles that you see during your trip. What is the main thing that you are noticing about riders today? The main thing that I am noticing is that the sport is enjoying an influx of lady riders. I have not only noticed this while out on the road, but we have experienced the same in our motorcycle safety classes. I would guess that the percentage of female students in our program is in the neighborhood of 35 to 45%. In a report on the Women Riders Now.com website (http://www.womenridersnow.com/PublicFiles/DepartmentViewer.asp?ArticleID=810), they say,

According to the Motorcycle Industry Council, the number of female riders has increased 36% since 1998.

I could not argue that point at all. Every class that I teach, the students introduce themselves and give the class an idea of why they are there. Two main reasons pop up in every class. One is that they got rid of the boyfriend or husband and had enjoyed motorcycling with them so much that they decided they would take up the sport on their own. The second is that the boyfriend or hubby is still around but they were tired of sitting on the back seat. They wanted to be in control of that motorcycle.

If you want to see the impact of women on motorcycling look no further than cyberspace. Pull a search on lady riders or lady bikers and you will be blasted with hundreds of thousands of website hits. Their impact is so great on the motorcycling community that new products are being introduced into the market every day, designed just for that woman who wants the freedom of the road. We are not just talking about riding gear any more. The motorcycle manufacturers are designing motorcycles just for the ladies. The Harley Davidson Motor Company (http://www.harley-davidson.com) with the Sportster Low that has a seat height of 25.3 inches. Or the Ridley Automatic (http://www.ridleymotorcycles.com) line of light weight, low center of gravity motorcycles that are targeted at both new riders and women. The automatic transmission takes much of the coordination factor out of riding which is appealing to many people. To each their own, as shifting is part of the fun of motorcycling in my opinion.

The boom of lady riders is not only a United States experience. It is also being witnessed in Canada according to my friend RonW who teaches the safety course there. They are experiencing the same influx of lady riders into their community that we are. I welcome the ladies to riding and encourage them to take a safety course and be responsible.

Steve (HarleyMac1) and the MC Nation