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Credits: Music by Otis McDonald
This episode of The Riding Obsession podcast is brought to you by The Ugly Apple Cafe of Madison Wisconsin, where they use local overstock produce to offer a quick, tasty breakfast.
We’re looking for sponsors for this podcast. Sponsors are given three focused mentions at the start, middle and end of their designated episode. Their contributions are put towards bettering the program’s content and recording equipment.
Acknowledgements & Corrections
You do NOT have to be an Illinois resident to take the free MSF training course. You simply have to be able to receive mail somewhere in Illinois. Whether that’s a P.O. box or fixed address may or may not matter. Credit goes to fellow RiderCoach Don Birren for that information, who would credit somebody else who’s name we’ve forgotten.
Trav’s Activities …
- Installed new handlebars + a braided brake line from CoreMoto.
- Mounted an auxiliary light bracket.
- Enjoying Tourmaster’s “Synergy 2” heated gear.
Tim’s Activities …
- Added new luggage and DIY utilities to the Africa Twin.
- Got out for a bit of riding during the warm front.
- Rocked the Madison Mule with friends.
Robin’s Activities …
- Got out for a couple lengthy rides on the new Beemer.
- Continuing to learn the manual.
- Installed crash bars, frame & swing arm sliders, bolt covers, tank pads and mud guards.
Model Focus
The Harley-Davidson Street Rod …
“We’re going to make THIS one SPORTY!” (sorta-ish) – design team
“Okay … but OUR department decided to put the pegs HERE.” – engineering team
“The exhaust is in the way. This bike is uncomfortable. Let’s mass produce it!” – marketing team
Kit We’re “Blatantly Pushing You To Buy”
Sea to Summit Ultra-Sil Dry Day Pack (Lime, 22-Liter)
Double stitched seams and fully tape sealed construction Ultra-Sil high strength and lightweight CORDURA brand fabric Siliconized for water resistance and easy packaging Elasticized compression lacing system Not intended for situations where pack will be submerged Made from siliconized CORDURA® fabric, this ultra-lightweight and compact day pack resists water and packs into its own tiny stuff sack complete with a Hypalon® key ring attachment.
The seams are double stitched and sealed with high density PU seam tape. The unique double Hypalon® roll top is non-wicking and helps create a good seal. The compression lacing system provides secure storage..
Sea to Summit Compression Sacks XS
70D PU-coated Nylon BEST USE: Internal pack organization of compressible items for when durability matters most CAPACITY: Available in 6 liter to 20 liter size options to best suit your needs COMPRESSED: evenly compresses down to 1/3rd orinial volume with 4 straps; 6L to 2L FEATURES: double stitched seams (not seam sealed).
Drawstring closure. 4 Extra long straps with reinforced stress point. Pull handle on the bottom FABRIC: Water resistant, 70D PU-coated Nylon.
Note: seams are not tape-sealed; this product is only water resistant.
Noteworthy Articles
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- Quick-Tow Gear For Locally Stranded Bikes
- I Bought A Junk Moped (And So Should You)
- ASUS C100P: A Perfect Ride Along Laptop
This Month In Motorcycle History
Brought to you by Today in Motorcycle History
March 31, 2010 "Anti-lock Brakes On Motorcycles Prevent Crashes", is released by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS),Status Report, Vol. 45, No. The following is the Insurance Institute's (US) 2010 report on anti-lock brakes.
The best motorcycle crash is the one that never happens. One technology designed to reduce the chance of crashing is anti-lock braking. The Institute first reported on the effectiveness of motorcycle anti-locks in 2008.
Now 2 new studies, one by the Institute and one by the affiliated Highway Loss Data Institute (HLDI), provide more evidence that anti-locks reduce fatal crash risk and lower insurance losses. Stopping a motorcycle is trickier than stopping a car. For one thing, the front and rear wheels typically have separate brake controls.
In an emergency, a rider faces a split-second choice to either brake hard, which can lock the wheels and cause an overturn, or hold back on braking and risk running headlong into the emergency. This is when anti-locks can help by reducing brake pressure when they detect impending lockup and then increasing the pressure again when traction is restored. Brake pressure is evaluated multiple times per second, so riders may brake fully without fear of locking up.
Institute researchers compared the fatal crash experience of anti-lock-equipped motorcycles against their nonanti-lock counterparts during 2003-08. The main finding is that motorcycles with anti-locks versus without are 37 percent less likely to be in fatal crashes per 10,000 registered vehicle years. Bolstering this finding is a separate HLDI analysis of insurance claims filed for damage to motorcycles.
Bike models with anti-locks have 22 percent fewer claims for damage per insured vehicle year than the same models without anti-locks. The frequency of claims for crash damage to bikes is 9 percent higher in urban areas with heavy traffic than in moderately congested locales. There were 13 percent fewer claims in the least populated areas than in medium-density ones.
The effects of anti-locks on claims were estimated only after controlling for these and other factors. Anti-locks are gaining traction among motorcycle manufacturers and wider acceptance among riders. More than half of motorcycle owners recently surveyed by the Institute said they'd get anti-locks on their next bike.
Buyers can find them now on at least 60 new models. "Motorcycle anti-locks do make a difference," says Institute president Adrian Lund, who also is president of HLDI (Hmm...). "They help make traveling on 2 wheels less risky by reducing the chance of overturning a bike and crashing.
Passenger vehicles still are safer, but if you're going to ride we'd recommend getting a motorcycle with anti-locks." My pan has a rear drum and no front brake. Maybe it's time I should consider up-grading my braking system.
The best motorcycle crash is the one that never happens. One technology designed to reduce the chance of crashing is anti-lock braking. The Institute first reported on the effectiveness of motorcycle anti-locks in 2008.
Now 2 new studies, one by the Institute and one by the affiliated Highway Loss Data Institute (HLDI), provide more evidence that anti-locks reduce fatal crash risk and lower insurance losses. Stopping a motorcycle is trickier than stopping a car. For one thing, the front and rear wheels typically have separate brake controls.
In an emergency, a rider faces a split-second choice to either brake hard, which can lock the wheels and cause an overturn, or hold back on braking and risk running headlong into the emergency. This is when anti-locks can help by reducing brake pressure when they detect impending lockup and then increasing the pressure again when traction is restored. Brake pressure is evaluated multiple times per second, so riders may brake fully without fear of locking up.
Institute researchers compared the fatal crash experience of anti-lock-equipped motorcycles against their nonanti-lock counterparts during 2003-08. The main finding is that motorcycles with anti-locks versus without are 37 percent less likely to be in fatal crashes per 10,000 registered vehicle years. Bolstering this finding is a separate HLDI analysis of insurance claims filed for damage to motorcycles.
Bike models with anti-locks have 22 percent fewer claims for damage per insured vehicle year than the same models without anti-locks. The frequency of claims for crash damage to bikes is 9 percent higher in urban areas with heavy traffic than in moderately congested locales. There were 13 percent fewer claims in the least populated areas than in medium-density ones.
The effects of anti-locks on claims were estimated only after controlling for these and other factors. Anti-locks are gaining traction among motorcycle manufacturers and wider acceptance among riders. More than half of motorcycle owners recently surveyed by the Institute said they'd get anti-locks on their next bike.
Buyers can find them now on at least 60 new models. "Motorcycle anti-locks do make a difference," says Institute president Adrian Lund, who also is president of HLDI (Hmm...). "They help make traveling on 2 wheels less risky by reducing the chance of overturning a bike and crashing.
Passenger vehicles still are safer, but if you're going to ride we'd recommend getting a motorcycle with anti-locks." My pan has a rear drum and no front brake. Maybe it's time I should consider up-grading my braking system.
March 30, 1961 "Smartly tailored roadster with sports-machine performance." -"The Motor Cycle" features a road test of the 1961 Ambassador 'Electra 75". "Smartly tailored roadster...", in reality the 'Electra 75' was basically just an Ambassador Super S model fitted with a Siba electric start, a Villiers 249cc, 4-speed, 2-stroke twin with higher compression and a larger carburetor. Finished in Royal Gold and black and fitted with White Wall tires and then wrapped up like a Triumph Bathtub 350.
Ambassador Motorcycles were founded by Irish motorcycle racer and 1920’s Brooklands star Kaye Don in 1946 as “U.S. Concessionaires Ltd.”, originally started to import American cars. Motorcycle development began witha JAP-powered 494cc vertical twin prototype.
In 1947 production started with a 197cc Villiers engine. Smaller Villiers motors proved successful so they continued to be used until 1964. Ambassador was taken over by DMW in 1963 who continued on but with limited production until they closed the company in 1965.
Ambassador Motorcycles were founded by Irish motorcycle racer and 1920’s Brooklands star Kaye Don in 1946 as “U.S. Concessionaires Ltd.”, originally started to import American cars. Motorcycle development began witha JAP-powered 494cc vertical twin prototype.
In 1947 production started with a 197cc Villiers engine. Smaller Villiers motors proved successful so they continued to be used until 1964. Ambassador was taken over by DMW in 1963 who continued on but with limited production until they closed the company in 1965.
March 27, 1965 Roy Orbison breaks his ankle at Hawkstone Park. While on tour in the UK Roy Orbison visits the legendary Hawkstone Park as a spectator during the 1965 500cc British Moto-cross Grand Prix. An avid motorcycle fan, (Orbison and his wife, Claudette, often rode their matching Harley-Davidson's together), he was offered the chance to try a lap of the circuit on Dave Bickers' works CZ.As familiar with the road as he was, off-road was not Roy's forte.
Unfortunately, the "Big O" had to bail in one of Hawkstone's notorious bombholes, braking an ankle in the process. But, the show must go on, Roy Orbison dusted himself off and appeared live on ‘Saturday Night at the London Palladium’ that evening with his foot in a plaster cast.
Unfortunately, the "Big O" had to bail in one of Hawkstone's notorious bombholes, braking an ankle in the process. But, the show must go on, Roy Orbison dusted himself off and appeared live on ‘Saturday Night at the London Palladium’ that evening with his foot in a plaster cast.
March 26, 2003 After what seemed like an eternity, Italian Moto Guzzi dealers finally take stock of the Breva 750. Guzzi's Breva is named after the breeze that blows across Lake Como, where both George Clooney and the Moto Guzzi factory reside. The Breva V-750 was the first motorcycle developed and marketed by Moto Guzzi after the company became a subsidiary of Aprilia.
As a standard motorcycle, the Breva 750 was formally introduced to the press at Intermot 2002, in Munich, Germany. Like the Guzzi Nevada, the Breva 750 featured the 'small block' engine derived directly from the engine Carcano designed in the mid-sixties and famed engineer Lino Tonti refined: the 750cc V-twin, rated at 48 bhp. With its ease of maintenance, durability and even, flat torque curve, the engine design proved to be suitable for everyday, real-world situations whether riding with Clooney around Lake Como or running from paparazzi on the late-night L.A.
streets. To mark the rejuvenation of Moto Guzzi, the first Breva 750 was delivered to its owner on April 7, 2003 in a special ceremony at the Mandello works. Likewise, the first 100 Breva 750's were delivered to their Italian dealers in a special ceremony on March 26, 2003 at Mandello del Lario headquarters on the occasion of the company's anniversary.
Wine and cheese were served on small V-750 collector plates.
As a standard motorcycle, the Breva 750 was formally introduced to the press at Intermot 2002, in Munich, Germany. Like the Guzzi Nevada, the Breva 750 featured the 'small block' engine derived directly from the engine Carcano designed in the mid-sixties and famed engineer Lino Tonti refined: the 750cc V-twin, rated at 48 bhp. With its ease of maintenance, durability and even, flat torque curve, the engine design proved to be suitable for everyday, real-world situations whether riding with Clooney around Lake Como or running from paparazzi on the late-night L.A.
streets. To mark the rejuvenation of Moto Guzzi, the first Breva 750 was delivered to its owner on April 7, 2003 in a special ceremony at the Mandello works. Likewise, the first 100 Breva 750's were delivered to their Italian dealers in a special ceremony on March 26, 2003 at Mandello del Lario headquarters on the occasion of the company's anniversary.
Wine and cheese were served on small V-750 collector plates.
March 25, 1909 Walter Goerke sets a new World Record at Daytona riding his Indian 69 miles in the "One-Hour Motorcycle Race". Walter Goerke, of Brooklyn, NY, sets a new World Record riding his 7hp Indian 69 miles in one hour breaking the Brooklands track record of 68 miles 1,380 yards. The record was accomplished in a time of 58 minutes, 25 4/5 seconds.
The same day Goerke sets a World Record in the '1 Kilometer Race" with a time of 27 4/5 seconds. 1909 saw Indian introduce of a number of models and innovations including; the loop frame, the twin-cylinder 630cc (38.61ci), first 2-speed transmission, the 4hp 2nd Series 500cc (30.50ci) twin, the hand brake, 7hp 2nd Series Big Twin 1000cc (61ci), 2¾hp 315cc (19.30ci) and 440 cc (26.96 ci), 3½hp loop frame singles.
The same day Goerke sets a World Record in the '1 Kilometer Race" with a time of 27 4/5 seconds. 1909 saw Indian introduce of a number of models and innovations including; the loop frame, the twin-cylinder 630cc (38.61ci), first 2-speed transmission, the 4hp 2nd Series 500cc (30.50ci) twin, the hand brake, 7hp 2nd Series Big Twin 1000cc (61ci), 2¾hp 315cc (19.30ci) and 440 cc (26.96 ci), 3½hp loop frame singles.
March 24, 1969 Michael Parks stars as Jim Bronson in theTV movie pilot,"Then Came Bronson". Martin Sheen stars as Nick, Jim Bronson's best friend in the pilot. Nickcommits suicide shortly after asking Jim to buy back his motorcycle from his soon-to-be widow, played by Sheree North.
Bronson had originally owned and customized the bike, a 900cc 1969 XLH Sportster, then sold it to Nick when he gets a job as a reporter. Nick's suicide makes Bronson think about his life, the path he's on, the whole "rat race" crowding him. After a blow-up with his asshole editor Jim decides to say fuck it.
He then bids adieu to the city and takes to the road on his Sporty to discover what life has waiting for him. The opening scene would serve as a metaphor for the premise of the show: getting away from the "big city" and searching for the "simple life". The show begins with Bronson riding up to a red light in San Francisco and he nods to the man in the car beside him, briefly chatting with the guy.
Driver: "Taking a trip?" Bronson: "Yeah." Driver: "Where to?" Bronson: "Wherever I end up, I guess." Driver: "Man, I wish I was you." Bronson: "Really?" Driver: "Yeah." Bronson: "Well, hang in there." He pulls in the clutch, kicks the bike into gear and heads out to California's State Route 1...... The pilot was also released in Europe as a feature film.
Bronson had originally owned and customized the bike, a 900cc 1969 XLH Sportster, then sold it to Nick when he gets a job as a reporter. Nick's suicide makes Bronson think about his life, the path he's on, the whole "rat race" crowding him. After a blow-up with his asshole editor Jim decides to say fuck it.
He then bids adieu to the city and takes to the road on his Sporty to discover what life has waiting for him. The opening scene would serve as a metaphor for the premise of the show: getting away from the "big city" and searching for the "simple life". The show begins with Bronson riding up to a red light in San Francisco and he nods to the man in the car beside him, briefly chatting with the guy.
Driver: "Taking a trip?" Bronson: "Yeah." Driver: "Where to?" Bronson: "Wherever I end up, I guess." Driver: "Man, I wish I was you." Bronson: "Really?" Driver: "Yeah." Bronson: "Well, hang in there." He pulls in the clutch, kicks the bike into gear and heads out to California's State Route 1...... The pilot was also released in Europe as a feature film.
March 23, 2005 Marusho Motorcycles founder Masashi Ito dies at 92. After apprenticing with Soichiro Honda,Masashi Ito started chasing his dream of building motorcycles when he founded Marusho Shokai Co., Ltd. in Hamamatsu, Japan, in 1948.
Within two years asuccessful prototype, the 150cc single-cylinder ML, was completed. Mass production of the ML, patterned after a pre-war Zundapp and utilizing Marusho's trademark shaft drive, began in 1951 as the Model LB and later the LC. The name of the company was changed to the Marusho Motorcycle Industrial Co., Ltd.
The LB and LC were followed by a succession of 90cc - 250cc upright singles including the very popular JF Baby Lilac "step-through" and two 350cc opposed twins. But, it was a racing version of the 250cc single, the SYZ, that put Marusho on the map when in 1955 it won the first "All Japan Motorcycle Endurance Road Race", also referred to as the "All Japan Volcano Scramble Race". DYK: From 1951-'61 Marusho produced 31 models under the Lilac moniker, all but two of which were shaft-driven.
Incidentally, the name 'Lilac' was chosen because it was Ito's wife's favorite flower.
Within two years asuccessful prototype, the 150cc single-cylinder ML, was completed. Mass production of the ML, patterned after a pre-war Zundapp and utilizing Marusho's trademark shaft drive, began in 1951 as the Model LB and later the LC. The name of the company was changed to the Marusho Motorcycle Industrial Co., Ltd.
The LB and LC were followed by a succession of 90cc - 250cc upright singles including the very popular JF Baby Lilac "step-through" and two 350cc opposed twins. But, it was a racing version of the 250cc single, the SYZ, that put Marusho on the map when in 1955 it won the first "All Japan Motorcycle Endurance Road Race", also referred to as the "All Japan Volcano Scramble Race". DYK: From 1951-'61 Marusho produced 31 models under the Lilac moniker, all but two of which were shaft-driven.
Incidentally, the name 'Lilac' was chosen because it was Ito's wife's favorite flower.
March 20, 1970 Fabio Taglioni makes the first sketches for the layout of what will be the new Ducati V-twin. In less than a month's time his drawings were completed. By July there was a running motor and in August a complete prototype motorcycle was built.
Taglioni then got Leopoldo Tartarini, the founder of Italjet, to refine the styling aspects of the new Ducati. The decision was made by Ducati to re-enter motorcycle competition in October. Director Arnaldo Milvio and General Manager Fredmano Spairani, bith race-nuts themselves, had encouraged Fabio to develop the 750 V-twin.
In 1971 five 500cc V-twins were built to compete in Italian championship and Grand Prix events. Ducati felt that this would demonstrate the bike before a large audience and gain publicity. If they won, that was a bonus.
Despite Taglioni's strong opposition to the idea, Spairani wanted the frame to be built by well-known British frame builder Colin Seeley. They sent some prototype crankcases for Seeley to work from and Ducati's new Seeley frame was ready in February of 1971. In less than six months, Fabio Taglioni and his team had designed and built their own complete bike, the industry norm at the time for concept to production was three years.
Taglioni then got Leopoldo Tartarini, the founder of Italjet, to refine the styling aspects of the new Ducati. The decision was made by Ducati to re-enter motorcycle competition in October. Director Arnaldo Milvio and General Manager Fredmano Spairani, bith race-nuts themselves, had encouraged Fabio to develop the 750 V-twin.
In 1971 five 500cc V-twins were built to compete in Italian championship and Grand Prix events. Ducati felt that this would demonstrate the bike before a large audience and gain publicity. If they won, that was a bonus.
Despite Taglioni's strong opposition to the idea, Spairani wanted the frame to be built by well-known British frame builder Colin Seeley. They sent some prototype crankcases for Seeley to work from and Ducati's new Seeley frame was ready in February of 1971. In less than six months, Fabio Taglioni and his team had designed and built their own complete bike, the industry norm at the time for concept to production was three years.
March 19, 1935 Monopoly the board game turns 80. There now 37 versions of Monopoly. These versions include, XXXopoly, Pirate-opoly, Zombie-opoly, Ocean-opoly, Chocolate-opoly, Grateful Dead-opoly and Harley-Davidson-opoly.
The origins of Monopoly go back to the early 1900's and a game called "Landlord's Game" invented by a Quaker named Lizzie Magie. Allegedly, the game was to teach children about the evils of property speculation. Since then several different people have designed various versions of the game.
Charles Darrow designed the version with Atlantic City street names around 1930. He distributed it under the name Monopoly and on March 19, 1935 he sold the rights to Parker Brothers. The motorcycle connection began with John Waddington's British version when they introduced a (plastic) motorcycle token in the 1950's.
Now there are four Harley-Davidson editions. The newest Harley version incorporates buying, selling and trading motorcycles in a quest to own the most legendary bikes in Harley-Davidson history. Collectible pewter tokens include: a leather jacket, H-D logo, boot, helmet, gas tank, and Twin Cam engine.
Then there's the dysfunctional father-son team from "American Chopper". This set also includes six collectible pewter tokens, but they differ wildly from the H-D edition. The tokens are; Paul Teutul Sr., Paul Teutul Jr., Mikey Teutel, the Black Widow chopper, Took Bike custom wheel and a welding mask.
Now Harley-Davidson and the Teutel's have company. The Monopoly Empire edition features a Ducati! This game comes with tokens that represent six of the brands featured in the game: the Ducati motorcycle, a Chevrolet Corvette Stingray, an iconic Coca-Cola glass bottle, an Xbox controller, a Paramount Pictures movie clapboard and McDonald’s “World Famous” french fries.
Watch for the Sons of Anarchy edition this summer. Today in motorcycle history proudly supports the National Association for Bikers with a Disability (NABD). www.nabd.org.uk Posted by Rick Marshall at 8:23 AM Email ThisBlogThis!Share to TwitterShare to FacebookShare to Pinterest.
The origins of Monopoly go back to the early 1900's and a game called "Landlord's Game" invented by a Quaker named Lizzie Magie. Allegedly, the game was to teach children about the evils of property speculation. Since then several different people have designed various versions of the game.
Charles Darrow designed the version with Atlantic City street names around 1930. He distributed it under the name Monopoly and on March 19, 1935 he sold the rights to Parker Brothers. The motorcycle connection began with John Waddington's British version when they introduced a (plastic) motorcycle token in the 1950's.
Now there are four Harley-Davidson editions. The newest Harley version incorporates buying, selling and trading motorcycles in a quest to own the most legendary bikes in Harley-Davidson history. Collectible pewter tokens include: a leather jacket, H-D logo, boot, helmet, gas tank, and Twin Cam engine.
Then there's the dysfunctional father-son team from "American Chopper". This set also includes six collectible pewter tokens, but they differ wildly from the H-D edition. The tokens are; Paul Teutul Sr., Paul Teutul Jr., Mikey Teutel, the Black Widow chopper, Took Bike custom wheel and a welding mask.
Now Harley-Davidson and the Teutel's have company. The Monopoly Empire edition features a Ducati! This game comes with tokens that represent six of the brands featured in the game: the Ducati motorcycle, a Chevrolet Corvette Stingray, an iconic Coca-Cola glass bottle, an Xbox controller, a Paramount Pictures movie clapboard and McDonald’s “World Famous” french fries.
Watch for the Sons of Anarchy edition this summer. Today in motorcycle history proudly supports the National Association for Bikers with a Disability (NABD). www.nabd.org.uk Posted by Rick Marshall at 8:23 AM Email ThisBlogThis!Share to TwitterShare to FacebookShare to Pinterest.
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Concluding Bit
This episode of The Riding Obsession podcast is brought to you by The Ugly Apple Cafe of Madison Wisconsin, where they use local overstock produce to offer a quick, tasty breakfast.
Again, we’re looking for sponsors for this podcast. Sponsors are given three focused mentions at the start, middle and end of their designated episode. Their contributions are put towards bettering the program’s content and recording equipment.
Tune in next time for more discussion on all things specific to sport touring or universal to motorcycling as a whole.
Safe travels, everyone!
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