October 23rd, 2012 at 10:54 am 
The International Progressive Motorcycle Show has been going strong for 30 years now and guarantees to be THE motorcycle show for the cold winter months. With the latest in motorcycles, scooters and ATVs you'll get the inside scoop on all the new bikes come next riding season.
There promises to be a motorcycle that will make any hog lover drool with brands from Harley-Davidson, BMW, Honda, Can-Am, Ducati, Indian, and Kawasaki to KTM, Zero, Yamaha, Triumph, Suzuki, Star, and Victory.
Beyond the amazing array of motorcycles to ogle there will be several events taking place such as the MotoGP Experience, J&P Cycles Ultimate Builder Custom Bike Show, the Podium, a Suzuki Sweepstakes, the Pit Stop Challenge by Geico AMA Pro Racing, the Marketplace, Strider Adventure Zone, Demo Rides, and Free Gear Check.
The shows lineup is as follows:
-Nov. 9-11-Dallas, TX
-Nov. 16-18-San Mateo, CA.
-Nov. 24-Atlanta, GA.
-Dec. 7-9-Long Beach, CA.
-Dec. 14-16-Seattle, WA.
-Jan. 4-6-Washington, D.C.
-Jan. 11-13-Minneapolus, MN.
-Jan. 18-20-New York, NY.
-Jan. 25-27-Cleveland, OH.
-Feb. 1-3-Novi, MI.
-Feb.8-10-Chicago, IL.
-Feb. 15-17-Indianapolus, IN.
-Feb. 22-24-Charlotte, NC.
Please see ticket pricing below:
-Adult 1-Day General Admission-$15.00
-Child 1-Day General Admission-$6.00
-3-Day General Admission Pass-$30.00
-VIP Show Tour (Saturday only admission)-$28.00
-Ticket & T-Shirt Combo-$20.00
-GROUP-Friends & Family Discount Pack-$12.00
-GROUP-Adult 1-Day (10-19 Tickets)-$11.00
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October 19th, 2012 at 1:58 pm 
As we all know insurance can be expensive, which is way some employers are beginning to cut some of the cost by revising their health care for their employed. Although this may be sound like a good thing for some, it can be devastating to motorcyclists.
Some companies are now excluding coverage for motorcycle and ATV injuries. This means that employees will now have to go to a private insurance provider to get coverage, in the end costing them more money.
One such company is PITT OHIO, a truck firm in Pittsburgh. The company stated in a memo to employees that the adjusting of health care policies was due to increasing costs. The changes to the policy will take effect in 2013 and will exclude coverage for what they are calling “high-risk activities,” which can be argued as motorcycling, ATV riding, and dirt bike riding, (Health Insurance Discrimination Against Motorcyclists, American Motorcyclists, AMA, Issue November 2012).
The American Motorcycle Association (AMA) stood up for riders' health insurance rights back in 1990s when several companies were excluding coverage for motorcycle and ATV riding. The AMA teamed up with the Motorcycle Riders Foundation to establish in the Congressional Record the specific intent by Congress's to abolish this discrimination as part of the federal Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act passed in 1996, (Health Insurance Discrimination Against Motorcyclists, American Motorcyclists, AMA, Issue November 2012).
Although this was recognized, the law was revised; employers were allowed to deny coverage for injuries related to motorcycling, but not to actually deny an employee health care coverage overall. This is how employers are now attempting to dodge paying for motorcycle accident related injuries.
Imre Szauter, Government Affairs Manager of AMA, is offended by the discrimination towards motorcyclists and believes that “accountants and managers are making decisions based on the bottom line that are a direct assault on our passion. For motorcyclists affected by this gross discrimination, it is effectively a death sentence for their motorcycling lifestyle,” (Health Insurance Discrimination Against Motorcyclists, American Motorcyclists, AMA, Issue November 2012).
Be sure to look over your current insurance policy for any “exclusions.” The language may be worded from specifically citing motorcycles to merely listing it as “extreme” activities. Insurance company attorneys will argue motorcycle, ATV riding and dirt bike riding as such activities in court.
If you notice such exclusions in your policy the AMA wants to hear from YOU! They are fighting again to protect health care rights for motorcyclists. Please contact them at submissions@ama-cycle.org. All submissions will remain confidential.
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September 25th, 2012 at 1:32 pm
The Los Angeles Fire Department has been testing out a potential motorcycle response team composed of five motorcycles.
The bikes are on loan from Kawaski Motor Corp. and are all equipped with a small fire extinguisher, a defibrillator, other medical supplies, as well as a GPS installed on the handlebar. The appeal of a motorcycle unit is that they will be able to get to the scene of an accident more quickly than other emergency response vehicles in order to aid injured victims, provide information to dispatchers and scout fires & other potential issues, (Los Angeles firefighters test motorcycle response unit, Frank Shyong, L.A. NOW-L.A. Times, http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/lanow/2012/09/los-angeles-firefighters-motorcycles.html).
L.A. is not the first city to devise a motorcycle unit; other cities with heavily condensed traffic have also established units for quicker response times and as an easy form of patrolling. That is also the hope for the L.A. department as they face budget cuts and have been criticized for having response times below the national standard.
The motorcycle response team got their first opportunity to test their abilities last year when the 405 freeway, one of the busiest in the nation, was shut down for 10 miles. They were put to the test again earlier this month when a 70-acre brush fire halted traffic and caused an evacuation of the Getty Center. It was L.A. Firefighter Greg Pascola and his partner that arrived first on the scene riding in on motorcycles. It took them only 3 minutes to reach the scene arriving even before helicopters making it possible for them to hand out radios and begin mapping the fire right away, (Los Angeles firefighters test motorcycle response unit, Frank Shyong, L.A. NOW-L.A. Times).
In the future, there is the possibility for up to ten permanent motorcycles in the department with twenty-eight riders. Currently twelve firefighters have completed the training program.
The motorcycles are being viewed as an aid to increasing response time, with back up on the way; this unit would not replace any of the current department teams or equipment. As LAFD Chief Brian Cummings sees it, “Do I see the motorcycles supplanting larger vehicles? No. There's always going to be a need to bring heavy equipment and large numbers of individuals. They each have a role. They're each tools in the toolbox,” (Los Angeles firefighters test motorcycle response unit, Frank Shyong, L.A. NOW-L.A. Times).
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September 20th, 2012 at 1:12 pm
It's always a good idea to take your motorcycle in if there seems to be a serious issue, however doing routine maintenance on your bike yourself in between visits to the mechanic helps keep it in tip-top shape. Below are some basic checks that you can perform in your own garage.
Tires & Tryes
Keep a low pressure tire gauge with you and check the pressure every time you fill up at the gas station. If a tire is under-inflated it can produce heat and could result in a blow out. Also be sure to check your tire tread, if the depth is 1-2 mm, it's time to get replacements.
Brakes
Brake fluid loses its effectiveness overtime as it absorbs moisture, so make sure to replace it every one to two years. Never let your brake pads get down to the metal as it can cause serious damage to your brake disc.
Chains and Sprockets
Be sure to lubricate your bike chain after every ride while the chain is still warm. This allows for the oil to seep in. As a general rule your bike chains should never be taut but sag between ¾” to 1 ¼”.
Shaft Drives & Belt Drives
Although both of these require very little up keep, it is recommended that every time you change the oil on your motorcycle to change both the shaft drives and belt drives to keep your bike running smoothly.
Fuel
It's important to check your fuel on a regular basis and replace it every 2 years. The typical span untreated gas can last is about 6 months. Whenever you're parking your bike for a long period of time turn the petcock (fuel tap) to off as a way of preventing any fuel from leaking into the engine.
Oil
When cool weather sets in be sure to check your oil before riding. If it's not at its high, top it up before heading out. The bike should be level when checking the oil. Always change the oil every 2-4000km, or 3-6 months, whichever is first. Lastly, change the oil filter every other time you change the oil.
Battery
Check the fluid levels in all chambers. If any are low top it up, and always use distilled or deionized water, NEVER tap water. Tap water contains minerals that are not good for the battery. The battery typically requires little maintenance unless something is damaged. Always keep it 100% charged and only recharge if you notice that the lights are dim, when starting up it sounds weak or if you haven't been out for a ride in 2 weeks.
(General Motorcycle Maintenance Tips to Keep Your Motorcycle at Peak Condition,
Following these simple check-ups allows you to know exactly how your bike is performing to keep it in the best condition as possible as well as keeping yourself safe out on the road.
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September 13th, 2012 at 2:28 pm
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) reported on August 21, 2012 a recall by T-Motorsport of one of their helmet models due to defects that could potentially not protect the wearer.
T-Motorsport is recalling their helmet model HY-803 in size extra large. The helmets failed impact attenuation, retention and labeling requirements. Specifically the helmet's chin straps were reported as having potential to fail therefore not protecting the motorcyclist. The models also did not pass the labeling requirements, notable missing the month and year that the helmets were produced, (Motorcycle helmets recalled, may not protect rider, Associated Press, msnbc.com, http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/48858491/ns/business/t/motorcycle-helmets-recalled-may-not-protect-rider/#.UE3vK7KPXmk).
The resolution has not yet been determined, but the official recall is expected to be on or around this Friday, September 14, 2012.
The official NHTSA report can be found on their website at http://www.nhtsa.gov/ via search for recalls, either by the brand and model name, or the NHTSA Campaign ID Number. Brand: T-Motorsport. Model: HY-803. Campaign ID Number: 12E031000.
Owners may contact the NHTSA at 1-888-327-4236 or T-Motorsport at 1-626-388-9898.
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September 6th, 2012 at 11:13 am
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August 30th, 2012 at 4:37 pm
Many riders already know that motorcycles can get up to 60-70 miles per gallon. So most motorcyclists are saving money when filling up at the pump compared to the motorist next to them filling up their SUV. However with current high gas prices only promising to sky rocket with the devastation of Hurricane Isaac, anyone out on the road, whether in a car or on a motorcycle, is going to feel a harder hit to the wallet.
Follow some of these tips to keep more of your money in your pocket and not in your gas tank.
- Don't try to impress with an unnecessarily long warm-up, it does waste gas!
- Check your tire pressure. Having the recommended air in your tires for your bike will definitely help you get more miles for you buck.
- Have your bike checked out. There may be an issue that has not required immediate attention, but could be affecting your miles per gallon.
- Have a smooth ride. Stay at a consistent speed and don't unnecessarily slow down or go full throttle.
- Lighten your riding load by emptying out your saddlebags of unnecessary items.
- Have cruise control? Set it & use it!
- Off-roading is great! But it does take up more fuel, if avoidable, stay on pavement.
(Tips on How to Save Gas on a Motorcycle, Basem Wasef, Motorcycle Guides, About.com,
http://motorcycles.about.com/od/motorcyclingbasic1/ss/How-to-Save-Gas-on-a-Motorcycle.htm).
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August 24th, 2012 at 10:38 am
During large motorcycle rallies it's not uncommon to see states implement motorcycle checkpoints. The purpose? Officials believe it helps reduce motorcycle fatalities and promote riding safety. However many motorcyclists feel the checkpoints profile motorcyclists as being dangerous or unsafe on the road. Apparently the U.S. House agrees with roughly 50 members having signed a bill banning U.S. transportation secretary from allotting funds specifically to operate motorcycle-only checkpoints.
Currently there are five states that have banned checkpoints or put restrictions on implementing them, Illinois, Virginia, California, New Hampshire and North Carolina. The bill, written by Rep. Jim Sensenbrenner, “prohibits the transportation secretary from providing grants or any funds to state, county, town, township, Indian tribe, municipality or other local government for use in any program designed to check safety equipment use or create arbitrary checkpoints for motorcycle rides or passengers,” (50 U.S. Lawmakers Oppose Motorcycle-Only Checkpoints-Bill Would Prohibit Checkpoint Funding, American Motorcyclists Magazine, Issue September 2012).
The American Motorcyclist Association is pleased with the backing from the 50 House members and “thanks these members of Congress and encourages motorcyclists to also thank them for their support,” stated Wayne Allard, AMA vice present for government relations, (50 U.S. Lawmakers Oppose Motorcycle-Only Checkpoints-Bill Would Prohibit Checkpoint Funding, American Motorcyclists Magazine, Issue September 2012).
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August 16th, 2012 at 4:50 pm
Although antilock brakes are commonplace on vehicles, they have yet to make the leap to motorcycles. However a recent study conducted by the Insurance Institute of Highway Safety (IIHS) may pave the way for such technology. The results illustrate that motorcycles featuring ABS are 37% less likely to be involved in a fatal accident than those without.
So what's the difference? Typically motorcycles today have separate brake controls for the front and rear wheels. With a system like this in place if the brakes are hit too hard or with an incorrect distribution to the front/rear brakes, the wheel could lock causing the bike to fall. Say the opposite happens and the brakes are tapped too lightly, in the event of a crash the bike may not come to a stop in time, (The most-valuable motorcycle feature: antilock brakes, Jeff Bartlett, Consumerreports.org, http://news.consumerreports.org/cars/2012/04/the-most-valuable-motorcycle-feature-antilock-brakes.html). ABS allow motorcyclists to put full on pressure on the brakes without having to worry about the wheel locking up and falling over.
It appears that Europe has already jumped on the ABS bandwagon with a pending rule requiring the brakes on motorcycles by 2016. Here in the U.S. the major brands do include ABS, but typically only on their largest models and make them available on some mid-level bikes. There has yet to be very many at the entry-level, although it's been thought that those riding them would benefit the most. Honda does currently offer them as an option on the CBR250R for around $500, (The most-valuable motorcycle feature: antilock brakes, Jeff Bartlett, Consumerreports.org).
Manufacturers predict a potential decrease in cost of ABS on motorcycles if there is enough of a volume increase. Until the option of ABS is available to you, knowing how your brakes operate and being well trained to ride your bike are your best defenses against incorrect brake maneuvering and staying safe on the road.
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August 10th, 2012 at 2:06 pm
Motorcyclists travel from near and far to the legendary Sturgis Motorcycle Rally that takes place every year in South Dakota and in its 72nd year this time around the famous rally paid tribute to a legend, Steve Piehl, Harley-Davidson's director of customer experience. Piehl was inducted into the Sturgis Museum and Hall of Fame this past Wednesday.
Three months out of college Piehl held the position as Harley's general sales manager and was given the daunting task of creating a group that would promote the Harley-Davidson lifestyle to owners and potential buyers. The Harley Owners Group was created in hopes to keep the company alive as it just avoided bankruptcy in the 1980s. The group was officially launched in January 1983 H.O.G and to-date has millions of members spanning over 19 different countries.
Piehl saw the challenge of creating such a vast group as “a great opportunity in my career during a tough time for the company. We had to figure out how to create a value in the membership. It was neat to start with a blank sheet of paper, “(HOG founder inducted into Sturgis Motorcycle Museum & Hall of Fame, Rick Barrett, Milwaukee Wisconsin, Journal Sentinel, http://www.jsonline.com/business/hog-founder-inducted-into-sturgis-motorcycle-museum--hall-of-fame-i06e4tc-165518706.html).
Needless to say, the group has become a huge success. What sets the group apart from others as Piehl sees it is that “we are out there with the riders all the time, so we get constant feedback on what's important and how we can change and grow and get better,” (HOG founder inducted into Sturgis Motorcycle Museum & Hall of Fame, Rick Barrett, Milwaukee Wisconsin, Journal Sentinel).
H.O.G. has promoted the Sturgis Rally for years, with local chapters marking it as THE trip of the year. Despite the long relationship the two have had, Piehl never even considered he would one day wind-up in the Hall of Fame, “it was never on my radar. It is such a big honor,” (HOG founder inducted into Sturgis Motorcycle Museum & Hall of Fame, Rick Barrett, Milwaukee Wisconsin, Journal Sentinel).
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