Archive for the ‘Motorcycle advocacy’ Category

z1

Representatives of Viking Cycle reached out to me and asked if I were willing to perform a review of one of their products. I asked them if they were willing to take the review that the product deserved would they still be interested? The answer to that question was yes so here you go, a review of one of their motorcycle gloves!

The Viking Cycle Tactical Half Finger Textile Motorcycle Gloves are, in my opinion, pretty darn nice even if the name is crazy long. I have never used fingerless gloves so I was pleasantly surprised how well they felt. And the fact that you can fasten your helmet with gloves on was a cool bonus.

I have used these gloves while riding my motorcycle this past summer at times when the temperature was over 100F and in the rain. The ventilation of the gloves was excellent, at no time did I think of how hot my hands were, which if you are not thinking about something like this means it is working. Nor did the die leak out of the gloves due to sweat or rain.z2

The little air vents on the fingers forced air into and under the armored knuckles. The armor feels substantial and while I did not have an occasion to test their ability to protect my hand, I think it would do well.

After 500 miles I took a close look at the wear and tear on the Viking Cycle Tactical Half Finger Textile Motorcycle Gloves. The elastic was not stretched out, all the stitching was in good order and there was no undo wear anywhere.

For $20 US, at the 500-mile mark, I must give these gloves 5 stars. They work as advertised and have held up well. I could find no fault in the Viking Cycle Tactical Half Finger Textile Motorcycle Gloves. Once I get somewhere near 1500 miles on these gloves, I will provide you with a long-term review.

5 star

 

Some links to Viking Motorcycle products:

Viking Cycle USA, https://www.vikingcycle.com/collections/womens-motorcycle-jackets)

Viking Cycle UK, https://uk.vikingcycle.com/collections/mens-motorcycle-jackets
Viking Cycle AU, https://au.vikingcycle.com/collections/mens-motorcycle-gloves
Motorcyclehouse UK, https://www.motorcyclehouse.co.uk/leather-motorcycle-jackets-for-men.htm

Motorcyclehouse AU, https://www.motorcyclehouse.com.au/motorcycle-saddlebags-panniers.htm

Viking Bags USA, https://www.vikingbags.com/dirt-bike-luggage-bags

american byway

Interactive map of American Byways

A few years ago, I wrote about a website the federal government got right, their “America’s Byways” website.

What I did not know, at that time, was that the authorization for identifying and creating new byways had expired in 2012. From 1991 until 2012 nearly 150 roads were defined as an American Byway or an All American Road.

Now, it turns out, that both the House of Representatives and the Senate have passed the “Reviving America’s Scenic Byways Act” and it is now with the president to sign. And who said that they could not work together to make something happen.

This act requires the Secretary of Transportation to seek nominations for and eventually make a decision of those roads that can be added to the list. This program also provides resources to those communities along the roads to help further improve the byways.

plan a motorcycle ride

American Byways info page

This website is a great source in helping plan a future ride. We have used it and have rode several of these byways ourselves including: The Highland Scenic Highway, George Washington Heritage Trail, George Washington Memorial Parkway, Northwestern Turnpike, Skyline Drive and the Natchez Trace among others.

For those of us that like these roads a special thanks must to go out to the American Motorcyclist Association. The AMA is part of the coalition that has gotten us to the point of renewing a government program that actually works.

plan a motorcycle ride

American Byway map page

motoamerica-logoRacing

Over the last few years MotoAmerica motorcycle racing has been improving bit by bit, in the racing arena.

That was true until this season when the 2019 racing, in almost every class, became WOW.

In the superbike series there were multiple winners all though the season, on any given

bobby Fong

@bobbyfong50

week any one of six riders could end up on the top step.

Both the superbike (Cameron Beaubier) and sport bike (Bobby Fong) championship went down to the last race weekend. AND emerging champions like Alex Dumas, Andrew Lee

and Rocco Landers only add to the level of talent in MotoAmerica. As far as the racing goes…

MotoAmerica had the best racing in the world in 2019!!!! No doubt, hands down, the best racing in the world!

TV coverage

It was not only in racing that MotoAmerica improved.

The premier American motorcycle racing series moved from BEIN Sports to Fox Sports 2 tripling the number of homes that could see the races. Fox Sports 2 showed all the superbike races live or same day, with an encore showing later in the week for 45 hours of coverage. As for the other races like the Liqui Moly Twins Cup, many folks have been critical of the lack of coverage on TV. I say “dude” it is a building process, geez!!ma nbc

AND if that was not enough MotoAmerica had an hour long spot each week with NBC Sports Network. “Inside MotoAmerica” was a show that highlighted the races and provided interviews and features from the previous week’s races. Each show was repeated once for 22 hours of motorcycle racing coverage. I though “Inside MotoAmerica” was well produced.

Steaming

If you could not get Fox Sports 2 or you wanted to watch all the race action in every class, then you could have bought into MotoAmerica Live+. As part of The DawgHousemotoamerica live Motorcycle Radio show we have been calling for this for a few years, along with dumping BEIN. I know they have been listening to our show as Wayne Rainy and Chuck Askland stopped by and talked with us while we covered the races at VIR and Pittsburgh. Do we take credit for the steaming… but of course!!! ILMAO

Silly season

The MotoAmerica schedule for next year is set, Utah and Sonoma are out and “The Ridge” and Indianapolis are in for 2020. Looks like The DawgHouse Motorcycle Radio might get to go to 3 races next year (yes, we could go to NJ, but no way we are driving there from Virginia…Indy might be longer but so much easier)!

Is fan favorite JD Beach going to return next year, does not sound like he is. While there has been no official notice, the race announcers have stated, on live TV, that he is not returning. So, I assume we will get to see him full time riding American Flat Track.

Garrett Gerloff has rumors that he will be racing in World Super Bike next year. I hope he lands a contending ride as we really need a MotoAmerica alum to do well to attract more attention to the series.

Looks like factory Yamaha is pulling out of the series sponsorship. Sad but Yamaha is having a rough time financially in the US. They even recently moved their HQ from California to Georgia to save money.

Wrapping it up

I really enjoyed MotoAmerica’s 2019 motorcycle racing season. Between seeing racing live at the track, on Fox Sports, NBCSN and the streaming package I could not have asked for much more. All I have to say is things are looking up for motorcycle racing in the US.

I would like to give a special thanks to the folks over at Liqui Moly US for providing The DawgHouse Motorcycle Radio tickets to give away to fans of both our show and MotoAmerica!

 

recall

Be aware that this motorcycle recall list is for the United States, there is no way I could cover the entire world. But in the world of global manufacturing, if a motorcycle is being recalled in one country there is a good chance it is under recall in others. Also, this should not be considered a definitive list, check for yourself if you have any questions.

If you are US based use the NHTSA website http://www.safercar.gov. Enter your VIN number to see if your motorcycle is affected by the recall.

If you are based in Europe use the Safety Gate website to locate recalls that may impact you. 

 *****

Manufacturer: Indian Motorcycle Company 

SUMMARY:

Indian Motorcycle Company (Indian) is recalling certain 2019 Chieftain motorcycles. The tail lights may be too bright, exceeding the maximum light output allowed. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 108, “Lamps, Reflective Devices, and Associated Equipment.”

CONSEQUENCE:

Due to increased brightness, other drivers may have difficulties discerning the brake light from the tail light, and thus may be unaware that the motorcycle is braking, thereby increasing the risk of a crash.

REMEDY:

Indian will notify owners, and dealers will update the engine control module software to correct the rear tail light’s intensity, free of charge. The recall began September 18, 2019. Owners may contact Indian customer service at 1-877-204-3697. Indian’s number for this recall is I-19-04.

 

RIDE ON, RIDE SAFE

md toll

It is not very often that I have something nice to say about the state due north of my home. Heck, this is the state that taxed rainfall!  {{EDIT: not the state but the state government }}

BUT, I just learned (thank you AMA) that Maryland is undergoing a modernization of its road toll system, to be in place by 2020. As part of that plan motorcycle will be tolled at half the current cost. A 50% reduction for those of that ride!

Now this is not a done deal. The Maryland Transportation Authority board has a public comment period open through the 3rd of October. If you live and ride in Maryland you need to make your thoughts known by going to the Maryland Toll Modernization website and leave your comment. Unless you want to pay higher tolls, in that case please disregard the link above!

The board is scheduled to make final recommendations at the end of November, 2019.

I must also give credit to Maryland Governor Larry Hogan. Most politicians whine and state that this is going to cost the state $28 million dollars. The Governor stated that this was going to SAVE the citizens $28 million, that is the correct way to portray the effort.

Bennett's War

It is not very often that we get to see a movie about motorcycle culture on the big screen, Bennett’s War is the first in several years. I went to see this film at our local theater, going in with the premise that this was based on a true story, it wasn’t. No big deal, my assumption on that.

Bennett’s War story opens with two soldiers parachuting into an unknown location along with a couple crates. Turns out there are, what appears to be electric, adventure style, motorcycles in the crates. They had me hooked right there, fictional as hell, but hooked.

Soon Bennett is seriously wounded rescuing his buddy, while riding the motorcycle, by an explosive boobytrap. Waking up in the hospital the doctors tell him that is injury is so bad he is going to be medically retired and will never ride again.

HA! We know that won’t happen!

Soon he is at home and learns dad is going to lose the farm and he goes back to racing to Bennett's warearn the money to save it. From this point on there was lots of race footage, from Glen Helen Motocross track, that look spectacular at times and bit hokey at times, BUT well done.

If you had told me that Hallmark had made this film, it did have the romance and family tension they are known for, I would have believed you no questions asked. Turns out that his film was financed by Forrest Lucas of Lucas Oil Motocross fame! In this age of a downturn in motorcycling I salute Mr. Lucas for putting his money into his passion!

Ok it may be formulaic and predictable but it is also fun. At no time did I go moto-snob and feel like I needed to go pifffffttt. I am giving the Bennett’s War 4 stars and a job well done. Recommend that you go see it while it is on the big screen, it will not be the same on TV.

4 out 5 stars

 

 

safety 1

I ran across this list of dangerous states to ride motorcycles quite by accident. I was looking for something about riding in Virginia and up this popped on page 2 of the search results. The article was published in May 2019.

Interesting to say the least. Based on 2017 data QuoteWizard used the following methodology:

“We looked at 2017 National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) fatality figures in each state and compared it with 2017 Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) motorcycle registration data to find which states had the highest rate of fatalities per registered motorcycle. Below is a ranking of all 50 states, with 1 being the highest rate of fatalities and 50 being the lowest.”

Below are the 5 worst and 5 best states to ride motorcycles. You can find the entire list here!

5 Worst                                                 5 Best

Mississippi                                           Montana

Texas                                                 South Dakota

South Carolina                                     Alaska

Florida                                                New Hampshire

Arizona                                                Minnesota

The 5 best also look among the top coldest too…… humm

 

Ride on, Ride safe

five

If you go to Sturges look up the Indian motorcycle with a sidecar BBQ grill built in. Read more here!

Stealing motorcycles from a blind man?!?  Read more here!

New Indian motorcycles and new Indian powerplant!  Read more here!

Monster Energy Supercross Cup.  3 tracks in one!?!  Read more here!

The man who killed 7 motorcyclist was high!  Read more here!

 

recall

For the first time since I have been doing the recall lists, there were no recalls! As of July 28 (I try to post recalls on the 28th of each month) everything is good!        But….

Be aware that this motorcycle recall list is for the United States, there is no way I could cover the entire world. But in the world of global manufacturing, if a motorcycle is being recalled in one country there is a good chance it is under recall in others. Also, this should not be considered a definitive list, check for yourself if you have any questions.

If you are US based use the NHTSA website http://www.safercar.gov. Enter your VIN number to see if your motorcycle is affected by the recall.

If you are based in Europe use the Safety Gate website to locate recalls that may impact you.

 

bikes and breakfastWe recently discovered a motorcycle meetup called “Bikes and Breakfast“.  So we decided to take a ride to the nearest event to check it out.

In our area there are three events each month:

Bikes & Breakfast Virginia- second Sunday of each month at The Pub in Clifton, VA.

Bikes & Breakfast Maryland-the first and third Sunday of each month at The Watershed Cafe in Poolesville, MD.

As it was the first Sunday and Poolesville is not far away we decided to visit that one first.  From the pictures I think you get the idea that the turn at was not to bad. During our hour there over 100 motorcycles pulled in and out of the parking lot.IMG_20190707_101549346_HDR

Almost all makes and all brands were represented including 3 electric motorcycles. A Zero SR/F and DSR (both of which I recently test rode) and an EGO, I had never heard of EGO electric motorcycles.  The EGO bike was pulling out when I walked up so I did not get to check it out.

If you live in this area you should check out Bikes and Breakfast at least once.

Oh, and there is one in New York too:

Bikes & Breakfast New York-the first Sunday of each month at The 9W Market in Palisades, NY.