Archive for the ‘Motorcycle advocacy’ Category

Fuel for a RANT! Motorcycles and the EPA!

Posted: October 23, 2016 in Motorcycle, Motorcycle advocacy, Motorcycle news
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E15 can kill your motorcycle

If you listen to the DawgHouse Motorcycle Radio podcast you know that I have some strong views on motorcycles and the EPA. Most recently it has been the forced use of E15 fuel in the face of facts.  E15 will destroy your small engine devices (i.e. lawn mowers, golf carts, weed whackers, etc.) and the engine on your motorcycle.

This is a proven fact, do a little research and you will see for yourself that our motorcycles could be intentionally damaged in the fight against global warming.  The destruction of internal combustion engines are but a small sacrifice, fodder if you will, in the noble war.

If you think that “I have a new motorcycle, it is under warranty, no problem.” think again.  Most. if not all, companies specifically exempt damage from ethanol from the warranty.  “No problem” you say, I will be careful not to use anything above E10!  Well not so fast buddy, the EPA has, intentionally I believe, approved the use of “blender pumps”.

Blender pumps are those that use a single hose/nozzle to dispense all the fuel sold at that pump.  With blender pumps it is possible to have a quart or more of whatever the person before you purchased in the hose.  If that person bought E15 or, worst yet, pure ethanol for their flex fuel car or truck you get that bonus too.  So if you have topping off your 4 gallon tank before a big ride…… you just might be invalidating your warranty and damaging your engine.

So what is driving tonight’s rant?  One of my local gas stations just installed new pumps and now sells E15 and pure ethanol.  Lucky for me it is not a blended pump (I hope) and each type of fuel has it own hose BUT the fact it is there is a danger.

So what can you do… Join the AMA, they do not win all the time but they are our best hope to influence what is going on.

 

 

DawgHouse Motorcycle News, Rants and Racing show #383

Posted: October 13, 2016 in Motorcycle advocacy, Motorcycle news, Motorcycle racing, Motorcycle radio, Motorcycle Rides, motorcycle touring
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The DawgHouse Motorcycle Radio…The #1 Motorcycle Show in the USf

This week on DawgHouse Motorcycle News Rants & Racing show #383 …

10 Awesome roads to ride from around the world!  These are not the normal rehashed and rehashed set of roads (well mostly).  The #4 road on the list is the Iroha-Zaka in Japan which looks just unbelievable. Check out this map view of the road….d1

In an earlier show (DawgHouse 373) I discussed the possibility that motorcycles may not be allowed on the road as to dangerous to the riders. The framework that is working in Europe now is called “Vision Zero”, the Zero is for zero deaths.

Ken now has to admit I might be right!  Recently the US government has introduced a discussion of a version of Vision Zero and guess what was left out of that discussion…. MOTORCYCLES!  The AMA is worried that the reason the Federal Government left out motorcycles from it future planning is that they want to ban motorcycles.

In racing news…. MotoAmerica’s 2017 season schedule is out and there are some new tracks!!!! They have added Pittsburgh International Race Complex and Sonoma Raceway (and Ken again has to admit Warren was right). AND… Phil likes the change!!!!

5 Motorcycle Things that interested me this week

Posted: October 7, 2016 in custom motorcycle, Motorcycle, Motorcycle advocacy, Motorcycle news
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Grabbing Toes at 70 MPH!! – LOL Zim Killgore posted this to You Tube nearly a year ago but I just ran across it.  Cruising up the highway Commander Zim spots some Halloween socks sticking out the window and decides he should ride his motorcycle close enough to pinch the toes inside the socks.

Moto Guzzi builds a BAD ASS Trike – No really, a tank treaded trike built in the 1960s by Moto Guzzi to climb mountains.  

Retracting Motorcycle License Plate… BUSTED. – A man decides to evade the EZ-Pass toll system on his motorcycle by installing a retracting license plate. 

Stunters shut down Times Square – Ken, of the DawgHouse Motorcycle Radio, has been ranting about these events causing the motorcycle community to have a black eye.  See one happen in Times Square.

Top 10 tools to take touring.  Well do you carry these tools on your motorcycle?

DawgHouse Motorcycle News, Rants & Racing

Posted: October 5, 2016 in Motorcycle, Motorcycle advocacy, Motorcycle news, Motorcycle racing, Motorcycle radio
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This week on the DawgHouse Motorcycle News, Rants & Racing show #382

Phil has a minor rant about … Ghost Rider?!/!?!  Yes he does, Marvel Agents of SHEILD has twisted is nipple becasuse  it is GHOST RIDER not Ghost Driver!  IMHO they hired an actor and then found out he could not ride a motorcycle! It might not be real motorcycle news but it is fun.

Mondial Motorcycles makes a comeback with a scrambler! Ken’s motorcycle news story is about Mondial Motorcycles coming back from the grave.  Neither Phil or I recall ever really hearing about Mondial.  Of course when Ken was riding wheels were still made of stone.

Riding the Isle of Mann TT Course on one wheel. 37 miles on one wheel, gusts up to 40 miles an hour and the course was not closed for the stunt.  This is what Dougie Lampkin had to overcome to do something no one had done before.

AMA Pro Flat Track makes some big changes. Starting with re-branding as American Flat Track.

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The DawgHouse Motorcycle Radio…The #1 Motorcycle Show in the US

World Superbike from Magny-Cours

Motorcycle TV: Review of Scared Steel Bikes

Posted: October 4, 2016 in custom motorcycle, Motorcycle, Motorcycle advocacy, Motorcycle TV
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I have watched 3 episodes of Discovery’s newest motorcycle themed TV show.  As noted in an earlier blog post this is another in the networks “motorcycle builder” TV show history.  For more you can go to the Discovery Channel’s website to find out more. 

Based on the commercials, I did not have a lot of high hopes for the networks newest b2motorcycle TV show.  I expected a late Gen-X or Millennial version of American Chopper.  Motorcycle builds with lots of drama, yelling and some forced “stuff”. 

I was right but,  I was wrong too.  These guys seem to get along and honestly like each other.  I think they would be building motorcycles in the same manner whether or not there was a TV crew hanging around.  Jason Wilson, the part time builder the show revolves around, comes across as a good guy who is trying to become a full time builder … but admits he is a terrible businessman.   

With that said, you would think that this would be just more motorcycle eye-candy TV…and you would be right.  BUT, I have caught myself genuinely smiling while watching the show.  These guys are having fun doing what they are doing and I am having fun watching them do it.  I recommend you set your DVR to record this latest motorcycle TV show. 

I am giving Scared Steel Bikes 4 out of 5 stars.

4 out 5 stars

Motorcycle TV: Sacred Steel Bikes

Posted: September 6, 2016 in Motorcycle advocacy, Motorcycle news, Motorcycle TV
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Discovery is starting another motorcycle “builder” series this show will premiere September the 12th.  From the Discovery Channel’s website they say the following about b2the show…

“SACRED STEEL BIKES follows a diverse group of elite individuals who come from a multitude of careers. From an Automotive Engineer to a Metal Fabricator to a high-end Beverly Hills Retail Associate, artisans from all spectrums of life are united in their passion for bike building and riding. The club has granted them a motorcycle oasis to live out their alter egos.”

More from Discovery … The series centers around Jason Wilson, who opened Sacred Steel Customs over a decade ago, and his team of fellow enthusiasts. The group honed their mechanical skills and founded Douche Larouche, now a full-fledged institution, complete with bylaws, regular meetings and chapters across the country and around the globe. Described as “the ultimate anti-bike gang – full of self-proclaimed ‘motorcycle dorks,’” club members range from fabricators and childhood friends, to highly connected icons in the world of underground bikes.

Each year, Wilson and his team transform dozens of bikes into masterpieces. If the customer has the cash or the connections, there is no limit on what they can do. Through favors to other members, neighboring chapters, and friends of friends, Wilson has grown an immense clientele alongside his crew. Discovery’s “Sacred Steel” aims to capture the build along with the adrenaline-fueled world of bikers.

So set your DVRs and check out the latest in motorcycle TV.

Motorcycle TV: Harley and the Davidsons

Posted: September 1, 2016 in Motorcycle advocacy, Motorcycle TV
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Premiering September the 5th on the Discovery Channel this three part mini-series is a creative vision of the early years of the Harley Davidson Motor Company.  From the Discovery Channels website they state

“Based on a true story, Harley and the Davidsons charts the birth of this iconic bike hd1during a time of great social and technological change beginning at the turn of the 20th century. Walter, Arthur and Bill risked their entire fortune and livelihood to launch the budding enterprise. Each of these men faced very different challenges, but it was the motorcycle that united their dreams and ambitions.”

The mini-series stars Robert Aramayo (Game of Thrones) as Bill Harley, Michiel Huisman (also from Game of Thrones) as Walter Davidson and Bug Hall (American Pie) as Arthur Davidson.  Based on the trailer the trailer (see below) it looks like there is some chemistry between the actors.  I am looking forward to watching the show!

Check out this “Creating the show” video…

 

DawgHouse Motorcycle Radio Show #376

Posted: August 25, 2016 in custom motorcycle, Motorcycle, Motorcycle advocacy, Motorcycle news, Motorcycle racing, Motorcycle radio, Uncategorized
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The DawgHouse Motorcycle Radio…News Rants & Racing

This week on the DawgHouse Motorcycle News Rants & Racing… http://tinyurl.com/zpzc58l

Norton to deliver V4-based Superbike to market.
HD & Marvel team up to build Super Hero bikes.
Block the road, lose your bike.…
The last 911 ride.
MotoGP/Moto2 from Brno.
AMA Pro Motocross from Budds Creek.

 

5 Motorcycle Things that interested me this week.

Posted: July 20, 2016 in Motorcycle, Motorcycle advocacy, Motorcycle news
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Bikers viewed more attractive than drivers! 

A Motocross expert, a tight rope walker and a stunt pilot meet in the desert what happens next?

This Mercedes-Benz 240D Motorcycle And Sidecar Is Bewilderingly Wonderful 

Nova Scotia motorcyclist, 96, doesn’t plan to slow down anytime soon 

Actor Nichols Cage is not dead!

Motorcyclist Safety: Open letter to the Maryland Motor Vehicle Administration & Department of Transportation (subtitled) “Worst decision EVER!”

Posted: June 1, 2016 in Motorcycle advocacy, Motorcycle Rides, motorcycle safety, motorcycle touring
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First thing—–   I looked at your website and if there is a link for a motorcycle rider to report unsafe conditions it sure does not stand out.  If you really support motorcycle safety, add a link for us to quickly alert you to conditions that affect us.

NOW my problem —— This past Memorial Day (2016) I was out for a nice morning ride on one of the favorite roads of motorcyclist in the area (MD, WV, VA), Harpers Ferry Road. Always a classic, always a go to road to enjoy the ride, the view and road.  NOT SO MUCH NOW!

A very large (10+ miles) of this formally nice, paved road is now covered in GRAVEL. Small, pea sized gravel.  While there may be a study somewhere about how putting TONS OF GRAVEL on a paved road will improve conditions it DOES NOT IMPROVE SAFTY FOR MOTORCYCLIST.

Every turn I had to concentrate on my approach to ensure I was in the wheel path with the least amount of gravel.  Every oncoming car I had to worry about taking a face full of gravel.  Every time I came to a stop I had to slow well ahead and make sure my feet were firmly placed.  Harpers Ferry road is (was) supposed to be a great relaxing ride through the Maryland countryside.  Instead it became a gruesome exercise on how to torture the safety of motorcyclist.  I can only imagine how terrible this road will become in the rain!

Leaving this to nature to resolve will result in no resolution.  There is simply too much gravel splayed across this paved surface.  The turns, of which there is a lot, will never be completely safe for motorcyclist without mechanical intervention.  The Maryland Motor Vehicle Administration must get this road cleaned up before someone is killed!!!  I typed that properly … BEFORE SOMEONE IS KILLED!

While I am at it—- The round-about at the intersection of Route 15 and 464 is now unsafe to motorcycles as well.  Not nearly as bad Harpers Ferry road but just as unsafe. One of your road crews used tar to seal road cracks, motorcyclist call these “tar snakes”.  Tar snakes are mostly just a pain in the backside type of road repair as they are easily ridden over.  Not so in a round-about, the slow speed, coupled with the higher lean angle, combined with cross traffic and cars to the left and right this is another area where road conditions will result in an accident.  At this particular intersection, the VERY high traffic volume will result in a gruesome accident.

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