Cleveland IMS: Bavarian MotorWerks – Two-Up

Posted on February 4, 2015 by MotoADVR

BMWnineTAfter Harley Davidson’s 45 degree V-twin, there is probably no other engine as iconic as the BMW “Boxer”. I have recognized the engine for years, even before I was riding motorcycles; until recently, I never saw the allure. BMW’s flat twin has been through many iterations, and now the “water-head”; I admit, the new engine appears a little space age, but still, it’s growing on me. Aside from aesthetics, Germans are often associated with precisions engineering; for me BMW is associated with quality. In the U.S. others may agree with my comment on quality, but I’m betting the copious amounts of plastic probably turn off some prospective buyers; especially after they read the price tag. In the search for the better “touring” machine, I have repeatedly come back to BMW, the 1200 RT still seems like the best bang for the buck when looking to chew up the miles, but beyond comparing it against other sport touring models, I’m honestly not all that familiar with everything BMW has to offer; mostly just the “legends” surrounding the GS models.

As we moved over to the BMW booth, the crowd finally thinned out (Perhaps something to do with the mandatory credit check?). This worked out well for me, I wanted to get the wife’s input on more Adventure Bike pillion seats. This year BMW brought the standard GS and the loaded “Adventure” models to the show. I’ve been concerned that side cases might make long road trips cramped for my dedicated passenger, so the hard panniers on these demo models finally offered an opportunity to put that issue to bed. Until just this moment, she had only sat on one Adventure bike, the Triumph Tiger 1050 (very little emphasis on the word “Adventure”); the 1050 has an extremely steep pillion seat, and a harsh transition that prevents her from scooting in close to me when the ride gets twisty. The 800 GS didn’t disappoint, I felt that the center of gravity made the bike feel light, and the parallel twin also made the bike seem narrow; I’m hoping that translates to the nimble on-road, and reasonable off-road manners as the reviews suggest. The wife was happy with the pillion seat and unaffected by the position of the panniers, a nice win. Despite the raving reviews of the GS models, I had pretty much dismissed the idea of riding a BMW Adventure bike, assuming BMW meant Bring More Wallet. Apparently the 800 GS Adventure retails for $13,699, which really isn’t that much more than the new Tiger 800 I’ve been lusting after. The 800 GS Adventure also has a 6 gallon gas tank, 9″ front & 8.5″ rear suspension travel, 85 HP & 61 Ft-lbs. of torque; all very similar to the new tiger (the game’s afoot…). This will probably leave me with having to choose between dealer network, the amazing sound of the triple, and hopefully a test ride to prove the bike for my taste.

20150131_160431The standard 1200 GS was another story, the 1200 is an odd amalgamation of engineering beauty and utilitarian simplicity (and plastic); nonetheless the 1200 feels like a water buffalo compared to the 800. Mind you, the bike wasn’t moving, most of the adventure bike reviews talk about how the pounds just fade once these big adventure bikes start moving, but I can’t help think about how technical any off-roading would have to be with how heavy the bike feels standing still. At any rate, I’m still intrigued by the boxer twin and the lengthy resume the 1200 GS already has. That aside, the boss’s opinion is in: the pillion seat sits up another 1-2 inches from the rider seat, creating a similar harsh transition to the Tiger 1050; she was not a fan. Moving from the standard GS to the Adventure, which was fitted with what I would describe as a “beaver-tail” seat, the pillion seat was virtually flush with the rider seat (one-piece in this case). While this offered more flexibility than the standard GS pillion, the seat padding was anorexic, and left her with the stunning view of the back of my head. No issues with the panniers, but the general consensus was that she preferred the 800 GS; probably for the better, the 1200 GS Adventure comes with a hefty price tag ($18,340, I can buy a new Jeep for that price). The 1200 was obviously heavier than the 800; while I admit I actually like the looks, and the thought of the classic boxer engine is alluring, the heavy price tag coincidental to the heavy load make me shy away a bit from the 1200. Still, the “dirty” resume combined with shaft drive and all the creature comforts, I’ll always wonder what it would be like.

IBMWnineT have casually been watching the BMW R NineT since it came out a few  years back. If it’s not apparent yet, I love every scrambler and Café racer I see; the R NineT is no exception. The NineT is more of a space age Café Racer, but sitting next to the Triumph Thruxton, the stats are impressive. The R NineT is an 1170 cc flat twin, has 110 HP, 88 ft-lbs. of torque, shaft drive, and weighs 489 pounds road ready. The Thruxton, at 865 cc weighs 506 pounds wet and you can pretty much do the math and discover it doesn’t have anywhere near the performance. Of course, the Thruxton is $9,499 versus the $14,995 you’re going to shell out for the beemer, but… wow…

Moving on, I snapped a few photos of the new R NineT, the sweet roadster I would love to have parked out front, but it’s probably not the next motorcycle. For the record, the BMW booth staff was very friendly, not something I can say for everyone we met that Saturday. Ultimately the time in the BMW booth has forced me to consider the value of quality; probably time to start surfing through message boards and looking at how difficult doing your own service is, and how much parts are (I’m betting… a lot).

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Cleveland IMS: first up – Italian Super Models

Posted on February 2, 2015 by MotoADVR

After a arriving late to the show my wife and I pushed our way through the crowd to the first booth; Northern Ohio Ducati Triumph & the Ducati manufacturer’s booth. Last year the Northern Ohio  guys brought some cool bikes and nice merchandise to look through. This year was about the same, but with the crowds it was difficult to tell. I typically stop in the local Triumph dealership a few times a month so apparel isn’t a big concern of mine right about now, (even though I love that Ducati red & white. Isn’t it sacrilegious to wear brands you don’t own?) So we move on to the bikes.

Right around the corner was the new Multistrada and 20150131_132109Hypermotard. A buddy I ride with has actually had both; having spoken with him I’d gladly take either given the opportunity, but I don’t think I have the coin for the time being. Ducati is what started it all for me, but for now “realism” has to take precedent. Don’t think for a minute that I didn’t sit on both of them while I was there. This is actually where the fun begins between my wife, and I; she loves riding (almost) as much as I do, but our taste in motorcycles differs some. The more I ride, the more function drives what looks “good” on a bike. Sitting on the Multi she says “What’s all this crap?” talking about the hand guards. “Awesomeness” is pretty much my response. My wife has taste in motorcycles, there’s no denying it, she appreciates the elegance of custom paint and chrome; something we agreed upon until just recently. Now I’m a big fan of hand guards or “bark busters” considering that I routinely ride below freezing. I’m also a proponent of “less is more”, so the turn signals being integrated into the hand guards is also another plus for the Ducati “Adventure-esque” bikes in view. I’ve read reviews talking about how the hand guards are flimsy and break if dropped and so on; sorry, I’m not under the guise that these bikes are meant for off-roading in their factory configurations; it’s looks and function folks.  In my dreamworld, I see the Hypermotard in my garage (the garage is also in the dreamworld…); I expect that the Hyper is probably one of the best around town bikes anyone can have, but with aspirations of dirt, and the fact she’s so damn gorgeous, I don’t think it can become the utilitarian machine I’m presently pursuing.

20150131_131917Ducati is obviously doing something right, to my surprise the Diavel caught my wife’s eye. I saw one for the first time during the Distinguished Gentleman’s Ride last year, if nothing else, it’s certainly a unique design. If I wasn’t looking to get off a cruiser, I could see myself riding a Diavel in the future; it is a beautiful bike. I know people are rolling their eyes every time I call the Diavel a cruiser, but seriously, what is it, a standard bike? At any rate, I’m still shocked it somehow grabbed my wife’s interest, right up until she realized it’s a 1200 and decided that’s a bit much for a new rider (probably a novel concept among American riders). The same friend that has the Multi, had the Hyper, also had the Diavel at one point (I’m sensing a trend here). He said it was an absolute gas, but wore out tires; it’s a torque machine apparently, who knew?

20150131_132316The new Scrambler is probably the Ducati I’m most excited to see this year. I’m a sucker for Cafe Racers and classic desert sleds; suddenly the factory cafe racer has become all the rage, just fine with me! Motto Guzzi has the new V7, Triumph has had the Scrambler for a few years now, now Ducati has thrown their hat into the ring; hopefully newer riders will reap the benefits. “Beginner Bike” is again a misnomer, the Scrambler is nothing to sneeze at, 803 cc L-Twin, 50 ft-lbs. of Torque, 75 Horse power, and a 424 20150131_134030pound curb weight; my 865 cc Speedmaster only has 60 Horse, 53 Ft-lbs. of torque, and weighs 550 pounds. Starting at $8,499, the Scrambler Icon is right on par with the Triumph Bonneville & the Guzzi V7. My wife has been looking over several bikes that she might want “someday”; and thus far the standard white Bonnie has been at the top of the list, probably until just now. She also has blind expensive taste, last year she told me that the 1199 Penigale was the bike she liked the most; so needless to say she’s also been star struck by the Italian supermodels. She’s 5’4″ and petite, so the scrambler is totally manageable; the bike is lightweight, especially for an 800, the seat height is totally reasonable, and foot controls are neutral, which I recommend for beginners. My wife also likes the cafe styling, but the comforts of modern amenities, and like me, we’re both anxious to see how it performs on the road. Right after she stepped off the demo model, she asked me where the closest dealer was to take a test ride; maybe I will see two bikes in my stable someday?scrambler

 

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Cleveland IMS: A glimmer of hope in January

Posted on February 1, 2015 by MotoADVR

20150131_130336January in Ohio is a cold, grey, dreary place; fortunately it’s also the month that the Progressive International Motorcycle Show (IMS) comes to visit Cleveland. This year is my second trip up to Cleveland for the show; a long drive, but a day well spent. For anyone unfamiliar, the IMS is basically a trade show for motorcycles; All of the major manufacturers bring a handful of their newest models and custom bikes, local dealerships also bring bikes and merchandise, vendors sell various motorcycle “wares”, there are custom build bikes on display, and there’s beer. Did I mention there’s beer? The Cleveland International Expo Center (I-X Center) is pretty massive; the IMS is huge and I don’t think it even takes up a quarter of the expo center. The show takes place over two and half days, includes all of the before mentioned items, along with motorcycle stunt shows and live bands. If you’ve not gone to a local show before, I recommend spending the $15 a person and going at least once.

Having gone last year, I had big hopes this year of visiting the Yamaha, BMW, Ducati, and Triumph manufacturer booths; mostly hunting down a comfortable adventure bike to replace my current ride. The top contenders on my list were the two BMW GS models, the new FJ-09, and unquestionably the new 2015 Triumph Tiger XCx; I had big plans for sitting on each one, two-up, but also getting a closer look at the new Indian Scout and the new Ducati Scrambler; the IMS didn’t disappoint, and even included a few unexpected surprises.

I’m going to try to cover the details over the next few days but I figured I’d drop a few highlights:

20150131_1625561. Show up early: unless you enjoy stereotypical heavyset biker chicks in leather, or Willie Nelson lookalikes in patches invading your personal space (What smells like skunk?). Show up early, take a long lunch, or drink more.

scrambler

2015 Ducati Scrambler

2. Italian Supermodels, on a budget: The Ducati Scrambler is everything I hoped it would be, and more. There was a line to sit on a demo model, but worth the wait. In fact the wife agrees it’s probably the best “new bike” for her someday (well, almost, more on that later). I’ll save up all the hipster jokes for later.

 

3. RossiYamaha has everything: Of all the motorcycles dealers in the U.S., I feel that Yamaha has more models to choose from; including something for every type of rider. From a 300 cc sport bike to the new MotoGP inspired R1. Oh, and Did I mention they have those sweet new triple cylinder engines, and an “Adventure” Bike, a Sport Touring Bike, oh and that new FJ-09 thing that’s kind of both?

4. BMWnineTBMWs are sexier in person: I like BMW motorcycles, but I’ve never pictured myself owning one. Having sat on a few, they grow on you; and those heads… wow look at the size of them. I now understand the allure of the GS bikes, perhaps someday I’ll even get to ride one.

 

5. IndianScoutThe Indian Scout: There’s this odd familiarity between the new scout and the Victory Gunner (wonder why), but man do I want to ride one. I don’t think I’ll be trading my Speedmaster for a new cruiser anytime soon, but I have high hopes for the new Indian.

 

TigerBeer

The top of the “Want” list, the new Tiger 800 XCx; oh, and did I mention there’s beer?

6. The big cat is everything I thought it would be: The massive seat height on the new 800 XCx wasn’t as scary as I thought it would be, and I think it might even be growing on the wife. More to follow.

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Surviving the Winter: Day 28

Posted on January 28, 2015 by MotoADVR

I brought the bike back to the house last Friday. The past few winters since I got my license I’ve typically stored my ride elsewhere because I don’t have a garage. I suppose that’s a dirty secret I hadn’t yet told you: My motorcycle lives on my porch 11 months a year (gasp!). At any rate, after a nice ride back home… the weather has been crap. Hopefully what was until recently a mild winter in southern Ohio returns.

At any rate, if you’ve been keeping up with recent posts, I’m on a witch hunt for a winter solution to this whole not riding this. While moving to Arizona, Texas, or Florida would be great; sadly I think that’s a little less feasible than finding a “ride” suitable for snow.

Currently I have my sights on a Ural for a “winter solution”; 2 wheel drive, and the potential to be a sweet marketing idea for a Veteran’s Charity I volunteer with (more on that later); but today I came across this gem, figured I’d share.

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Frostbite: Riding below zero

Posted on January 25, 2015 by MotoADVR

“Aren’t you cold?”

Me: “No; it’s all about Passion”

“How do you ride when it’s this cold?”

Me: “All the right gear”

SAMSUNGSome of you have probably had this conversation a few times. The looks of other drivers on the freeway, and my co-workers in the office is worth it; if the ride in itself isn’t already the best reward. Riding in the heart of winter in Ohio is challenging, but not necessarily difficult. I have tried several equipment combinations, paid for accessories, and paid for better gear in the endeavor to ride nearly year round.

If riding a motorcycle is like training for combat, riding in winter is like patrolling Baghdad.

There are countless articles listing the myriad of threats when riding a motorcycle in the winter; I’ll spare you the obvious details and list my biggest concerns.

1. Precipitation: If it’s snowing, the bike stays home. If it’s raining and remotely close to 32 F, the bike stays parked.

2. A water-main break: otherwise sunny day with dry roads will suddenly become the most horrifying environment to a motorcyclist in seconds, a mid-road skating rink.

All of the other articles are correct, there’s gravel, salt, and armies of unwitting drivers not looking for you. I always plan my route carefully, leave early, and typically only take main roads that I have driven in the past 48 hours. Riding below zero is nothing to take lightly, good planning, patience, and solid gear is essential.

Hard lesson learned: No one piece of bargain gear can “do-it-all”

In attempt to save money and gain respect, I rocked Carhartts, a ski mask, and hand warmers on the scooter back when I had it (yes, I wore a helmet). No matter how much money you save on a scooter, men don’t respect you; Carhartt jackets are awesome for work, but suck on a motorcycle; and the quest for sub-zero gloves continues.

6269_4824427025044_5856718359573500960_nI typically ride with an average GMAX helmet; a full face helmet is recommended, but I know guys that do it with half helmets and neoprene masks; not my bag. I will say that a ski mask or tall neck-gaiter is highly recommended.

What I’ve found that makes the biggest difference is water resistant clothing. A buddy of mine says: “Is it raining? Put your rain gear on; are you cold? Put your rain gear on!” True story, rain gear really blocks the wind and keeps the heat in. My complaint in the winter is typically the rain gear flapping in the wind on the freeway, along with the three layers necessary to keep warm. Polypropylene long-johns are worth their weight in gold. I have maintained a reasonable amount of comfort with just long-johns, jeans, and rain gear. It’s not the best combination, but it works in a pinch. Jacket has pretty much gone the same way; I have a textile (non-mesh) jacket I’ve worn year round till recently. With a quilted liner (not included with jacket), and sweatshirt, the jacket works below freezing, but it’s pretty bulky, and won’t last beyond an hour.

My most recent kit is a matching set of Firstgear; the Rainier Jacket, and Escape pants. Both are previous year models, so I can’t speak to what’s on sale as of now, but the quilted (removable) thermal layer and waterproof armored pants are excellent. From 24 degrees to over 55 degrees the pants are comfortable with all the vents closed and thermals in place. The jacket is also solid, but a microfiber long sleeve shirt is needed to keep warm on the freeway under 32. Thus far, I’ve only been in light rain, so I can’t speak to the “waterproofness”; but for cold weather it’s solid. Certainly there are companies like Aerostich that offer top of the line solutions. Admittedly it’s on my list, but it’s going to be a while before I have the pocket book for something like that.

As an Army Veteran, I have a set of combat boots for every day of the week, including Gortex winter boots. I don’t consider Gortex “Waterproof” when speaking of jackets and pants (Army experience, sorry, it’s just not), but as far as boots are concerned they’re warm and dry. Combat boots are readily available on various internet sources, but certainly there are better commercially available motorcycle boots.

Gloves is where the struggle begins; I have gone back and forth between waterproof leather gloves, and snowmobile gloves and thermal liners, I think I’m stuck buying heated gloves to combat the deep cold. Latex gloves under snowmobile gloves works pretty well down to about freezing, but neither that of the waterproof gloves, even combined with heated grips will keep your hands warm consistently below freezing. I have recently installed hand guards (like “bark busters”) on my bike, still not enough to cut the deep chill at 65 mph.

I have put off electric gear for some time (it’s bloody expensive), but I think that’s the last line of defense to stay on the road beyond half an hour below freezing. You can warm your hands on the engine… but it’s just not safe as a prolonged solution.

Now the last hurdle: riding in the snow…

 

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The Hamburger Wagon: Pubs & Street Eats in the ‘Burg

Posted on January 18, 2015 by drewkfaulkner

20141101_133628_zpsem0ywqqkWhile riding is most certainly about satisfying my adrenaline addiction, it’s also about the drinks, local eats, and good company. I typically pick rides that are off the beaten path, but to keep the wife interested on the road I typically throw in local pubs, mom & pop cafes, and if I’m lucky, a street stand with hot dogs, soul food, or fried Americana. So much so, that these are often the best parts of the trip, or at least a good excuse to wonder 3 hours south to the Ohio border for lunch (more on that later).

So… it’s still January in Ohio, less than ideal riding weather, but that doesn’t mean I can’t stop in at my local burger joint. Not just any burger joint, but a local, polarizing, cult favorite “The Hamburger Wagon”.

The story goes that during the great flood of 1913 a local Miamisburg resident volunteered to help serve food for flood victims and relief workers. Using a favorite family recipe, he served up hamburgers to everyone in the local relief camp. The burgers were extremely popular, even after the flood, so much so he began selling his secret recipe burgers on Saturdays. Eventually this endeavor moved up to 7 days a week, and is now a “historic” stop in downtown Miamisburg.

If you show up around lunch time, be prepared to wait in line, but the wait is worth it. 20150118_123808I have no idea what the “secret” is, but they’re delicious. Old-school, like grandma used to make; hand pattied ground chuck, pan fried in an iron skillet, served on slider buns. Salt, pepper, thickly sliced onion, and a sandwich pickle. Don’t waste your time asking for cheese, because there is none. Grab a coke and some salt and vinegar chips and that’s lunch. These sliders are $1.25 each, typically sold by the bag-load. I will warn you… the before mentioned onion is pretty heavy; if you’re not a fan, I recommend skipping the onion. Along with that, try one; I’m warning you now, they’re addictive, but every now an then, I do meet folks that just won’t have it. That’s why I said “polarizing”, they seem to be “love it” or “hate it” from what I can tell; I’m most certainly in the former.

Beyond a delicious snack, the Hamburger Wagon is a great stop at the beginning or end of a local ride. The Miami River is directly across the street, which serves as a good corridor for local twisty roads if you’re just looking for a short local ride; even better if you’re headed out to south eastern Indiana where the real twisties are hiding. Hopefully I’ll find a few photos of Indiana 229 this spring and some local broasted chicken for another edition of street eats.

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Pubs & Street Eats 1

Posted on January 18, 2015 by MotoADVR

20141101_133628_zpsem0ywqqkWhile riding is most certainly about satisfying my adrenaline addiction, it’s also about the drinks, local eats, and good company. I typically pick rides that are off the beaten path, but to keep the wife interested on the road I typically throw in local pubs, mom & pop cafes, and if I’m lucky, a street stand with hot dogs, soul food, or fried Americana. So much so, that these are often the best parts of the trip, or at least a good excuse to wonder 3 hours south to the Ohio border for lunch (more on that later).

So… it’s still January in Ohio, less than ideal riding weather, but that doesn’t mean I can’t stop in at my local burger joint. Not just any burger joint, but a local, polarizing, cult favorite “The Hamburger Wagon”.

The story goes that during the great flood of 1913 a local Miamisburg resident volunteered to help serve food for flood victims and relief workers. Using a favorite family recipe, he served up hamburgers to everyone in the local relief camp. The burgers were extremely popular, even after the flood, so much so he began selling his secret recipe burgers on Saturdays. Eventually this endeavor moved up to 7 days a week, and is now a “historic” stop in downtown Miamisburg.

If you show up around lunch time, be prepared to wait in line, but the wait is worth it. 20150118_123808I have no idea what the “secret” is, but they’re delicious. Old-school, like grandma used to make; hand pattied ground chuck, pan fried in an iron skillet, served on slider buns. Salt, pepper, thickly sliced onion, and a sandwich pickle. Don’t waste your time asking for cheese, because there is none. Grab a coke and some salt and vinegar chips and that’s lunch. These sliders are $1.25 each, typically sold by the bag-load. I will warn you… the before mentioned onion is pretty heavy; if you’re not a fan, I recommend skipping the onion. Along with that, try one; I’m warning you now, they’re addictive, but every now an then, I do meet folks that just won’t have it. That’s why I said “polarizing”, they seem to be “love it” or “hate it” from what I can tell; I’m most certainly in the former.

Beyond a delicious snack, the Hamburger Wagon is a great stop at the beginning or end of a local ride. The Miami River is directly across the street, which serves as a good corridor for local twisty roads if you’re just looking for a short local ride; even better if you’re headed out to south eastern Indiana where the real twisties are hiding. Hopefully I’ll find a few photos of Indiana 229 this spring and some local broasted chicken for another edition of street eats.

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Snowpocalypse: is riding in the snow possible; if so, at what cost?

Posted on January 8, 2015 by MotoADVR

The first major snow has just fell in Dayton, and I’m salty about it. Year-round riding is definitely in my repertoire, but at some point, the bike gets parked in the garage. But what if I didn’t have to? Is it safe to ride on public roads in the snow? What would it take to be safe riding on public roads? These are all questions I pose to the masses, because I’m pretty sure, someone has done it.

In the meantime I’ll entertain you with my harebrained schemes to accomplish this goal:

First, a few ground rules.

1. My current ride is out of the question; between the cruiser rake, forward controls, and the obvious personal connection to the bike, I just can’t stand the thought of watching it slide down the road with my arse firmly planted on the snowy pavement. So the first order of business would be to identify a suitable street worthy replacement, or better yet, additional ride to put in the stable.

2. More often than not, a snow covered road in the morning merely leads to only wet city roads in the evening. This isn’t always true of the side roads, but my general commute to and from the office is clear by the time I head home at the end of the day.

3. Bikes alone may not be suitable for combating old man winter’s deadliest weapons, additional equipment may need to be installed.

4. Safety is a major concern for me; I realize that entertaining this idea pretty much throws that out the window, so please keep in mind that I want to do this “as safe” as possible and I already understand this idea is generally accepted as a ridiculous notion. That said, people have ridden in the snow before, albeit typically by accident. I already know the general advice is: slow down, avoid cars and main roads; no need to remind me, I will avoid patronizing you as well. As an engineer, I can’t help myself, I know what a motorcycle was designed to do, but I also want to know what it CAN do. So, without further delay:

The Yamaha TW200 – $4,590

MotoADVR_YamahaTW250I’ve had my eyes on one of these from the moment I saw one. That back tire… oh… just gnarly man. This street legal dual sport (DS) apparently has a cult following on par with the Honda Ruckus. Unmodified I’m told this bike can do freeway speeds, but after a simple rear sprocket upgrade, the RPMs drop enough that Mr. Scott isn’t shouting “She’s gonna shake apart!” from the bowels of the engine room. At 280 lbs. wet, I feel prettying comfortable saying: “can I ride this up the back roads to the office? Sure”. I haven’t done all the homework on this yet, but after scouring a few message boards, odds are I can locate some crash bars to add another layer of security; then just pin it and go. The big sell here is light weight, simplicity, and affordability; the extra change in my pocket will help me buy bolt on items to make this dream a reality. The downside is that I can’t see myself taking this bike to work in the summer, nor is it designed to handle the highway stretches on long road trips.

The Suzuki DR-Z400S – $6,599

The next logical step in the evolution, a 400 cc dual sport; while not a 450 cc Dakar Rally bike, a modest street legal solution. The DR-Z400S would offer additional off-road options throughout the year, not just winter. This 400 cc monster is a whopping 317 lbs. and otherwise unremarkable to a street rider like myself who doesn’t know any better. Admittedly, I have a friend who has the DR-Z400SM and it’s apparently off the chain, but it’s a Super Moto, and I need knobbies for this job. This Suzuki is probably a very reasonable DS that is still light but has and engine I could reasonably commute around the city, load down with gear, armor & accessorize with out overtaxing the power plant like a 250.

The KTM 690 Enduro R – $10,299

20160214_120817If price were no object, dirt roads were more readily available, and I didn’t have pipe dreams of riding from Alaska to Key West, I would already own this motorcycle. Mind you, I’m judging by reviews and stats, but I consider KTM to be the pinnacle of dirt worthy motorcycles (sorry Honda). This 690 cc animal weighs 315 lbs… yes, that’s lighter than the Suzuki 400. At almost 700 cc I imagine I can load this bike down to the gills and ride virtually anywhere, considering it’s like a pint sized 1190 Adventure, I expect I can surf all over Adventure Rider and find accolades of this machine (to include accessory recommendations) .

I’m not sure if this list of bikes is just a “wish list” of toys, or a realistic choice of capable street legal rides that can carry me and my gear to the office in the most apocalyptic conditions. There are other reasonable used DS models available on the market, certainly those would be affordable and nearby. Winter reliability is a major concern, so relatively modern motorcycles may be required (I said may…). At the end of the day… this is probably all be academic anyway right? After a bike selection has finally made, there’s more to be considered.

Additional commercially available equipment:

While I believe it’s possible to navigate my way to the office on strictly knobbies, other provisions will almost certainly need to be made in order to do this safely.

  1. Studded Tires are an option for consideration. It would be time consuming to install them, but I assume I can back them out with wear. That being said, the amount of time snow is actually on the roads is usually quite limited in the city, thus tire studs are probably not an efficient solution considering the time consumed during installation and cost of maintenance to keep them serviceable; more research necessary.
  2. Tire Chains on the other hand, may be a feasible solution.

    http://www.remotemoto.com

    I looked up the Ohio Department of Transportation laws today, apparently I can roll with tire chains from November until April (on snow covered roads). Tire chains would offer additional grip, while permitting me to remove them at the end of the day when the roads are clear. I am immediately concerned about how the bike will handle at higher speeds, if the chains will damage the suspension, and any other unintended consequences of riding with chains on snow covered asphalt. At the same time, I can’t help but ask myself “Am I contributing to the pot hole problem by using tire chains?” and “does it really matter considering the freeway has been permanent construction since 2001?”

  3. Crash bars are pretty much a given. I have engine guards (AKA crash bars) on my wish list for my future adventure bike; so it goes without saying they make sense on a snow faring motorcycle. Depending upon the model chosen, some engineering and custom steel work may be needed to accomplish this goal.
  4. Heated grips, gloves, and or other electric gear is almost certainly REQUIRED gear for this type of endeavor; which means the bike needs to be able to handle the amperage load, and this is a cost I need to be mindful of.
  5. A Pinlock Anti-Fog Shield is also a highly sought after piece of kit for this idea. I already ride in some pretty sketchy conditions; fog is not my friend, and I’m already looking to get one of these; snowflakes on my face shield will only compound that need.
  6. Armored safety gear seems like a given, but I will reiterate that while I already wear this gear, proper fitment should be emphasized as falling off the bike is nearly guaranteed when undertaking this idea. In addition, fitment for winter clothing is another important consideration; yesterday it was snowing at 19 degrees outside, additional layers will be required.
  7. “Winterization” equipment for the motorcycle is another concern. Can a water cooled bike handle the low temperatures? Will anti-freeze work? Will any of these bikes start (electrically) under 20 degrees? All things to be considered and obstacles to overcome.

Custom equipment:

  1. Skis may seem like a silly gimmick or funny YouTube video, but I’ve also seen some pretty legit YouTube videos. This is going to require a lot more time and a lot more cash, but could mean the difference between staying in the saddle or not.
  2. Wind screens, wipers, or other “snow removal” tools that may be needed to be able to see during the journey. I have a miniature wiper on my waterproof gloves; while it’s been decent, I’m not about to spout off about its prowess.
  3. A winch might actually make sense for this application. I’ve seen a plug-in winch kit that some BMW 1200 GS riders have; if it makes sense for the deep mud and sand, it probably makes sense for the snow.

  4. http://www.motorcycle-usa.com

    Tracks are probably the last ditch effort to make this happen. I would almost disqualify turning a bike into a tracked vehicle, but considering the frequency I’ve begun seeing “bolt-on” kits for cars and bikes, it might be remotely feasible. Albeit I will probably need a second and third job to afford them. On the same note… a tracked rear end might get me pulled over… I’ll have to look into this further.

How desperate am I to continue “riding” even through the winter and snow?

The Ural Gear Up – $15,999

20150110_104702If all else fails… add a third wheel right? Adding the third wheel tends to strike a nerve with quite a few riders (good and bad). I’ve put my foot in my mouth quite a bit in this lifetime, so when it comes to motorcycles I’m quick to avoid comments that begin with “I’ll never…”. It’s inevitable that there will be a time that I can no longer stand up on a motorcycle; it’s going to happen. If possible, I’m going to squeeze out every last bit of open air I can get. I’ve actually been keeping mental notes about this for some time, therefore my first thought for three wheels would have probably been the Can Am Spyder (OMG yes…. I just said that, gasp). Frankly, I just feel more secure having two wheels up front vs. one; but considering the Spyder is rear wheel drive… that’s a deal breaker in the snow. I imagine the Can Am can power through the snow just like any other bike with knobbies and a side car, but we’re talking about last line of defense here.

Enter the Ural.2016-ural-sahara-frontright-motoadvr Is the Ural the most technologically advanced motorcycle… god no. For all intents & purposes it’s a Russian “knock-off” of a classic BMW, and I imagine, as far as BMW faithful are concerned, far from it. However, what the Ural has is two-wheel drive; something I have yet to find anywhere else. So here, at the bottom of the barrel, where I feel all other bikes will fail to deliver me safely from home to the office in snowy weather, I believe the Ural is up to the task. There are a myriad of reasons to NOT buy a Ural; frequent maintenance, limited aftermarket products, limited dealer support, questionable reliability, Russian manufacturing… the list goes on. However, until I find another (realistic) two-wheel drive motorcycle supplier the Ural is the last line of defense.

I’m currently helping a buddy repair a Yamaha YF450Z; if this goes well, I may discover this is the dumbest idea I’ve ever had, we’ll see. Until then, I’ll keep you posted on any winter breakthroughs.

*Edit 11/3/17: Someone has indeed done it.

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What started it all

Posted on January 7, 2015 by MotoADVR

Everyone has a story about the moment they caught moto-fever, here’s mine:

I wish I had an original childhood Cinderella story, but that would be a lie. It is true that at about four years old my dad took me around the block on his Honda (probably shadow of some variety, I don’t remember); the last ride he took on that bike before he sold it. My mom made him sell it because “he had kids”, rumor is I cried, I remember the ride at dusk, nothing else. That was not the moment I was hooked.

A few years later, a buddy of mine had a “sweet” moped; it was the early 90’s, I was probably ten. We followed him down to a local field on our bicycles where we all took turns riding. Other than being scared to death I would get my ass busted if I was caught riding a moped, nothing eventful happened that day (I did realize that I liked speed). That was also not the moment I was hooked.

Wired.com Photo

Life went on with no motorcycles involved for a long time: high school, Army basic training, a trip to the “sand box”, a wedding, …another trip to the “sand box”; no motorcycle. After my second tour to Iraq I spent a considerable amount of time locked up in the house as a hermit; during that time Hollywood released a sequel to one of my childhood favorites, Tron: Legacy.

Retunofthecaferacers.com Photo

Tron (the original) actually came out before I was even born. I remember watching it on Fox as the “Sunday matinee” when I was a kid; loved it. As a big science fiction fan, I had to see the new movie; as a cult follower, it didn’t disappoint. Digital motorcycles forming in thin air from a remote sized “stick” that fits in your pocket, and not one but two classic Ducatis; what’s not to like? That was the moment I was hooked. Seems silly right? I had ridden a motorcycle as a kid, took a spin on a moped with the throttle wide open; not bitten, one Disney movie… hooked for life.

The fever was actually pretty subtle… at first.

2009 Tomos Nitro 150

2009 Tomos Nitro 150

My wife’s boss was actually selling his scooter (yes, I said scooter); told me he’d cut me a sweet deal, told me it got 80 mpg, and offered me a test ride. Dude… I don’t want a scooter (so I thought). It had seven miles on the odometer, had electric and kick start; we fired it up and I took a short spin. The “power”, the freedom… oh I was hooked (150cc power… that’s hilarious).

He did cut me a sweet deal; so I swallowed my pride, put on thick skin (it was a scooter after all), and applied for my motorcycle endorsement. The first year I scooted around town with four dollars in change under the seat; I may have felt like I lost my man card, but at least I was out maneuvering the insane gas prices we were paying back then (it was almost $4 a gallon, I had a 1.15 gallon tank: ninja win).

From there, the thought of “how can I ride more” reached fever pitch; and I simply can’t stop it now.

Posted in Opinion | Tagged , , , , | 4 Comments

Long Term Review: Triumph Speedmaster

Posted on January 6, 2015 by MotoADVR

SAMSUNGThe Triumph Speedmaster, the bike I lusted after for almost two years was finally mine in April of 2013. Having traveled far and wide together (well… maybe), I felt it was only fair to share the good and the bad with the masses, 24,000 miles later.

The Speedmaster will immediately get labeled  things like “beginner bike”, “just another cruiser”, and “Harley wannabe”. Well, it was my first “big kid” bike, I was convinced I preferred the feet forward seating position, and if by cruiser you instantly think of Harley Davidson, guilty as charged; but I offer, there’s more than that. I could go on and on about statistics and dimensions, but honestly, I think most of us understand, despite all the most logical reasons to buy a given bike versus another; most of us choose a bike for emotional reasons and how it “feels” (those interested in stats, there’s this review).

In the beginning, I was immediately stirred by the Speedmaster’s sexy curves, generous amounts of flat black paint, chopped fenders, and subtle amounts of chrome. SAMSUNGConsidering that the U.S. motorcycle market is flooded with cruisers of every variety, the parallel twin engine, symmetrical dual exhaust, and classic British heritage, the Speedmaster stands apart. Like other cruisers, the seat is low, at 5’10” the pegs are comfortably in reach, and there’s the obvious cruiser rake. However, the Speedmaster comes with stock drag bars, which actually permit the rider to lean forward slightly vs. the typical reclined cruiser seating position. There’s no missing the deep scoop in the stock seat, which I initially felt uncertain about, over time it actually allowed for significant shifting in seating position on the long rides. Around town, feeling the cool breeze on your face is amazing; however once over 55 mph, the wind blast turns into a back breaking, arm stretching struggle to hang on. Enter the custom fly screen (more on that later); like saddle bags, the windscreen is on the top of the list of new bike accessories for many people, one of which I highly recommend for this bike. I hate the look of bags and windscreens, but if you plan on logging long miles on this bike, you’re going to wish you had one, or you have a better workout regimen than I do. On second thought, I don’t think it’s entirely fair to pick on the Speedmaster about wind protection, it’s like complaining about poor rear suspension or polishing chrome; Its a cruiser, certain ride characteristics should be expected. Frankly, it really annoys me when motorcycle journalists complain about things like storage capacity on cruisers (I said cruisers, not baggers), it’s a cruiser… what did you expect?

The Speedmaster has done everything I’ve ever asked it to do, four hundred mile days from Dayton to Red River Gorge, the daily twenty mile commute to the office (amidst the never ending downtown construction), and motorcycle vacationing in the mountains (WV & NC). The Speedmaster is the sister bike to the popular Triumph America, which Triumph offers in a “Light Touring” trim, and for obvious reasons; you can load it down with gear, ride two-up, keep up with the big displacement cruisers, and still carve up the back roads.

Things that have stood out most to me have been sportiness, tires, cost of accessories, and maintenance. The more I ride, the more I want to lean in the corners, and the Speedmaster has delivered. SAMSUNGIt’s no hooligan bike, and laughable on the race track, but I don’t get left behind when I’m chasing far sportier chassis. Metzeler tires come standard, and they’re amazing; hot summer days, and cold rainy nights, I have nothing but compliments about the stock Marathon 880’s, they stuck to the tarmac and kept the shiny side up. I replaced the rear at eighteen thousand miles, and I’m about to change the front at over twenty-four thousand. Triumph Accessories are pretty expensive; compared to Harley Davidson, probably not out of the ordinary, but when you look at readily available aftermarket parts for Asian bikes, they’re expensive. Are aftermarket parts available for Triumphs? Sure they are, but believe it or not, the Speedmaster is a niche in a niche. Obviously Triumph sells a limited number of bikes in the US each year, needless to say the Speedmaster is in the minority of those bikes; making it difficult to positively identify aftermarket parts that fit. Will they fit? Sure they do, but it’s seldom explicitly listed on the website, or there may be modifications required.

Overall, I would recommend the Speedmaster to anyone in the market for a cruiser. It gets 52 mpg, has a torquey 865cc engine, and turns heads every where it goes. In fact, the only warning I would give to prospective Speedmaster buyers: first, be prepared to talk old school Triumphs with strangers; second, get accustomed to sideways looks when you tell people it’s a new bike.

Pros

-Affordable (sticker price is $8,399)

-Torquey

-Metzeler tires standard

-Iconic British engine

 

Cons

-Harsh rear suspension

-Wind Protection (I guess it’s a cruiser though isn’t it?)

-Anemic pillion seat

-Limited aftermarket accessories

 

Triumph Speedmaster Long-Term Review After 45,000 Miles

motoadvr_speedmasterleftfront

 

Posted in Bikes | Tagged , , | 26 Comments