Rider articles from July 2001

Rider archives from July 2001

ONE-TRACK MIND.(Brief Article)
July 1, 2001... Power Play Never mind their sexy, avant-garde styling, or unique, flat opposed twin-cylinder engines. One look at the strange but very functional frames, Telelever front suspensions or Paralever shaft final drives on BMW's boxer models...

Ride to Work!(Brief Article)
July 1, 2001... We know that if you read Rider, you probably ride your motorcycle every day But don't forget to make an extra effort to ride your motorcycle to work on July 18, 2001, the third Wednesday in July, as part of National Ride to Work day...

Ride for Kids.(Brief Article)
July 1, 2001... The Rids set an all-time record in 2000 with over $2.4 million raised in the effort to find a cure for childhood brain tumors. Over 12,000 motorcyclists participated in 18 events across the USA in 2000. The motor cling community has provided a...

www.buell.com.
July 1, 2001... Check out the benefits of becoming a Buell Riders Adventure Group member

www.sv650.org.
July 1, 2001... Owner insights on Suzuki's popular V-twin standard.

www.newbikeparts.com.
July 1, 2001... Purchase OEM or NOS parts for motorcycles, ATVs, snowmobiles and personal watercraft.

www.bmwrt.com.
July 1, 2001... Devoted to the BMW R-RT touring bike, including the new R115ORT.

www.hondamotorcycle.com.(web site)(Brief Article)
July 1, 2001... Ride Red on the web.

www.kawasaki.com.
July 1, 2001... Cyber Good Times.

2001 Kawasaki ZRX1200OR.(Brief Article)
July 1, 2001... We're working on a full road test of Kawi's bigger ZRX and a comparo with it and the Suzuki Bandit 1200S and Yamaha FZ-1 for the August 2001 issue.

2001 Honda Reflex Scooter.(Brief Article)
July 1, 2001... The new Reflex with linked ABS brakes sports a 250cc engine like its Helix sibling.

2001 Ducati Monster S4.
July 1, 2001... The big Monster gets the liquid-cooled, eight-valve 916 engine for 2001.

2001 Harley-Davidson Low Rider.(Brief Article)
July 1, 2001... Nicknamed the Low Low Rider, this new Dyna is a knuckle dragger indeed.

2001 Suzuki GSX-R1000.(Brief Article)
July 1, 2001... Sr. Ed. Ken Freund is working on a road test of the bigger, better Gixxer.

2001 Triumph Tiger 955i.(Brief Article)
July 1, 2001... Sr. Mng. Ed. Donya Carlson got an early ride on the new Tiger; look for it in the August 2001 issue.

Evel Street.(Brief Article)
July 1, 2001... The Associated Press reports that the Butte-Silver Bow County commissioner wants a street named in honor of daredevil Evel Knievel. "Evel Knievel is perhaps the greatest motorcycle daredevil in the history of the world and undoubtedly one of...

Flying Cows?(Brief Article)
July 1, 2001... Alpine touring riders beware. According to Reuters, in the Austrian province of Vorarlberg about 20 head of cattle die on Alpine pastures each year, from being struck by lightning, falling down precipices or other causes. Because of the rugged...

Wheelie Smart.(British motorcyclists use wheelies to hide license plates from radar speed cameras)(Brief Article)
July 1, 2001... Some British motorcyclists have figured out how to foil the increasing number of radar speed cameras known as "Gatsos" on their roads--simply wheelie past them, hiding their license plates from view.

Accident Age Rises.(Brief Article)
July 1, 2001... Motorcycle fatalities among riders 35 and older rose by 59 percent from 1994 to 1999, while federal statistics show that deaths for those 34 and younger fell by 22 percent during the same period, reports the Los Angeles Times. "These trends fly...

Bel-Ray Bill.(Bill Kiefer, founder of Bel-Ray Company Inc.)(Brief Article)(Obituary)
July 1, 2001... Chemist and entrepreneur William C. Kiefer, founder of Bel-Ray Company Inc., passed away on April 4, 2001 at his home in Ocean County, New Jersey. He was 80 years old. Born in Germany, Bill Kiefer was an immigrant who built a global operation...

2001 to Honda.(market share increases for Honda's Motorcycle division)(Brief Article)(Statistical Data Included)
July 1, 2001... American Honda Motor Company's Motorcycle Division recently reported that it sold 174,376 motorcycles in 2000, an increase of 44,743 over 1999. That was enough to capture the number-one market share position at 26.5 percent. In a year that saw...

Aprilia Track Days.(marketing by motorcycle company)(Brief Article)
July 1, 2001... Aprilia USA has launched its inaugural season of Aprilia Track Days. Created for current and potential Aprilia owners to enjoy Aprilia products in a safe and exciting environment, the Aprilia Track Days will feature on-track demos of 2001 Mille...

Harley Smokin'.(Harley-Davidson earnings)(Brief Article)(Statistical Data Included)
July 1, 2001... Last January Harley-Davidson Inc. announced record sales and earnings for the year ending December 31, 2000. Revenue for the full year was $2.91 billion, compared with $2.45 billion in 1999, an 18.5 percent increase. In April the Motor Company...

Cortech Caper.(jackets made by Cortech stolen from guarded yard)(Brief Article)
July 1, 2001... Last April armed gunmen broke into a guarded, Wilmington, California, trucking storage yard and stole 2,000 Tour Master Cortech Sport Jackets. The gunmen subdued the guard on duty and held him for three hours while they ransacked the yard's...

Roadless Detoured.(efforts made to overturn Roadless Initiative)(Brief Article)
July 1, 2001... Implementation of the Clinton administration's Roadless Initiative has been delayed while a court case opposing the plan is heard in Idaho. The Bush Administration said it will file a notice to suspend the rule pending a decision on a...

AMA Rapid Response.(American Motorcyclist Association web site)(Brief Article)
July 1, 2001... In just its first two months of operation, motorcyclists used the new AMA Rapid Response Center to send more than 12,400 email messages on important issues, the American Motorcyclist Association (AMA) reports. The AMA Rapid Response Center is a...

Dumbest Thing.(reader submissions requested)(Brief Article)
July 1, 2001... Ever done something dumb on, with or for a motorcycle? We sure have, but we're more interested in you telling us about your Dumbest Thing than us telling you about ours. We'll compile the best stories into an article in a future issue. Please...

RESPONSE.
July 1, 2001... What's All the Fuss? After all the frothing at the mouth you folks have been doing over the new Yamaha FJR1300, I eagerly awaited your review. After reading Kevin Ash's May article, however, I find myself stymied. I wanted to love this...

High Standard The 2002, BMW R1150R.(motorcycle)(Evaluation)
July 1, 2001... I dislike the word standard No matter how you modify it-"sport" standard, "GT" standard, "retro" standard--the term just doesn't do justice to motorcycles such as the hot-rod Kawasaki ZRX1200R or sporty Yamaha FZ-1. Not to mention BMW's new...

Power Brakes.(BMW's Integral ABS system)(Brief Article)
July 1, 2001... Inside BMW's Integral ABS. For the 2002 model year, five BMWs will be available with a version of the company's new Integral ABS. On the sporty R1150R (see page 44) and R1100S, the partially integrated system is a $2,200 option. On the...

RT Renovation.(BMW R1150RT)(Evaluation)
July 1, 2001... The 2002 BMW R1150RT. BMW has given a significant facelift and drivetrain update to its popular R-RT for 2002, and thanks to less-than-warm weather at its and the R1150R's introduction in Austin, Texas, last March, the RT nearly stole the...

LEATHER AND LEATHER-LOOK BAGS.(Brief Article)
July 1, 2001... * All American Rider X-Large Box-Style Slant Saddlebags ($159) Made of a synthetic material called "Ameritex," these bags look like leather and throw over the bike with an adjustable yoke. They should clean up with synthetic leather...

Auburn Leather Panama Chubby with Spots ($469.90).(Brief Article)
July 1, 2001... Made of midweight, full-grain leather with chrome-plated hardware, these bags are easily removable by zipping them off the lace-up yoke. They feature a liberal use of conchos, and the lids drop down for full coverage. Three mounting options...

B/Bags Snap Bags ($499.95), Mounting Brackets ($134-$184.95)and Snap Bag Tail Trunk ($399.95).(Brief Article)
July 1, 2001... If you're into thick and heavy, your bags are in. These weighty leather carriers are made in Germany and have a heavy ABS back with mounting brackets that allow them to fit into receivers that install on the bike. They feature a padded...

Boss Bags Model 42 ($770).(Brief Article)
July 1, 2001... The bodies of these hard-sided leather bags are stiffened with polyethylene gussets, and the lid is ABS rein forced. Easy-off three-piece mounting brackets are included. They transform to wheeled luggage with a $40 kit, and combination locks...

Heritage Saddlebags Odyssey ($825).(Brief Article)
July 1, 2001... Heritage has specialized in traditional-style bags for all models, but the new Odyssey features a rubber-mount ed quick-release system and is available only for Harley Softails. It includes polished stainless mounting rails and...

Iron Horse Leather Midnight Rider Saddlebags by Dowco ($309.99).(Brief Article)
July 1, 2001... These detachable bags offer simple, smooth styling and detach from their adjustable yoke with buckles. In the rear they attach with cable ties. They're also available in other models with studs (Silverado $329) and braided(Laredo $329.99).

LeatherLyke Cross Country Bag ($429.95 + $20 S&H).(Brief Article)
July 1, 2001... These hard bags are constructed of ABS plastic covered in a LeatherLyke laminate that offers the appearance of leather. The interiors are lined with neoprene foam for cushioning, and they're designed to install and dismount very easily. The...

S&S Bags ($496.95) and Sissy Bar Bag ($396.95).(Brief Article)
July 1, 2001... Made of stiff, heavy bullskin, S&S bags have a massive feel. They are high on style, and zip to an adjustable yoke. The rear pockets also are a nice touch. The Sissy Bar Bag is boxy and very packable and offers good capacity. It features a pair...

Saddlemen Desperado Saddlebags ($309.95).(Brief Article)
July 1, 2001... These rigid-mount bags are made of LeatherTek, a "waterproof" leather-look vinyl. Inside, a framework helps them hold their shape and the ABS back is formed to fit specific models, including these for the 800 Vulcans. The stock brackets also...

Willie & Max Silver Legend Saddlebag ($161) and Silver Legend Sissy Bar Bag ($42).(Brief Article)
July 1, 2001... These synthetic leather bags just need an occasional wipe-down, but not creams or lotions, to keep their looks. They're plastic-reinforced internally to reduce wear and help them hold their shape, feature a set of good- looking accent pieces...

Z1R Leather Saddlebags ($124.95).(Brief Article)
July 1, 2001... The attractive braided edging on these leather slant-style bags helps stiffen them. They buckle to a simple leather yoke, and hold their shape well. They feature brass rivets and nickel-plated buckles, and are stitched with rot-proof nylon...

Champion Sidecar Patriot Bags ($1,295 paint-ready, $1,395 single or two-tone color match), and Tour Box ($795 paint-ready, $895 single or two-tone color match).
July 1, 2001... If you have a big cruiser and want large luggage capacity, these fiberglass composite bags hold approximately 35 liters each. They come either paint-ready or color-matched to your bike, and are lined with polypropylene flocking. Applications...

Corbin Beetle Bags (Harley Softail $799 gelcoat, $899 painted), Kawasaki ZRX1100 ($899 painted),Kawasaki ZX12 ($899 painted).(Brief Article)
July 1, 2001... Beetle Bags are made of Fibertech, and the three models are custom designed to each model to complement that bike's lines. These rear opening bags fit in close to the bike for improved aerodynamics. Corbin says that they're correctly positioned...

Givi E360 Saddlebags ($510 painted) and Maxia E50 Monokey System Top Case ($268.50 painted), Mounting Brackets ($213.50, all three cases).(Brief Article)
July 1, 2001... Made of polypropylene, these hard cases detach easily and come with integral handles, divider straps and single-key locking. They're available painted (shown) or in flat gray or black ($373). The Maxia E50 is Givi's largest top case. Its...

National Cycle Cruiseliner Hard Saddlebags ($700--hardware sold separately).(Brief Article)
July 1, 2001... Cruiseliners are made of a fiberglass composite and designed to fit tight to the bike. Lids are forward-hinged for easy opening, and so they can't be lost. They fit 25 motorcycle models and are delivered in gloss black.

Aerostich Dry Bags ($167).(Brief Article)
July 1, 2001... Dry Bags are deep envelopes of heavy, coated nylon that fold over and buckle closed to keep their contents dry. They're simple and have no external pockets, but the full neoprene pads on the back should protect your bike.

Chase Harper Aero Tri-Pac System Bags ($144.95) and Trunk ($99.95)(purchased as system: $214.95).(Brief Article)
July 1, 2001... These are simple bags with a large main compartment but no external pockets. Each bike-side surface is slightly curved to accommodate sport bike sidecovers, and is well padded. They also come with a roll of adhesive 3M clear material to apply...

Covercraft Cargo-Tech Saddlebags ($155.74).(Brief Article)
July 1, 2001... With soft flocking on the interior, these Covercraft bags will be kind to your gear. There's a large side pocket and small rear pocket, with heat-resistant fabric on the bottom. A shoulder strap and rain covers are included.

Dowco Sportbike Saddlebag ($124.95).(Brief Article)
July 1, 2001... These smaller, sport-styled bags are ideal for sportbikes. Their adjustable web straps can go over or under the seat, and they feature heat-resistant fabric on the bottom. With the standard D-rings the rider can attach a cargo net to them and...

Eclipse P-38 Saddlepacks ($109.95), and Fastpack Seatpack ($78.95).(Brief Article)
July 1, 2001... These sporty looking bags are available in all black, or with gray or purple accents, and attach with a fully adjustable strap across the seat. Felt backs should prevent scuffing; they have a large nylon-lined inner compartment and a long slit...

Givi Voyager Saddlebags ($171.50) and Voyager Tail Bag ($122.50).(Brief Article)
July 1, 2001... Here's the heft and carrying capacity of hard bags in a softie. These stiff, heavy bags are 19 inches long, and the outer half includes an expansion panel (shown expanded) that doubles their size to 10 inches deep. They're very versatile and...

Marsee 40 Liter Saddlebags ($185) and 22-Liter Rack Bag ($125).(Brief Article)
July 1, 2001... The saddlebags have nicely stiffened bodies with a large outer pocket on the Side and a slit pocket on the front. Zippers have large, rugged-looking teeth and are flap-protected from the inside. The bags are nicely finished inside and out, and...

Nelson-Rigg Pro Expandable Saddlebags ($99.95) and Pro Expandable Tail Pack ($85.95).(Brief Article)
July 1, 2001... These are handsome bags, all black as shown, or with accent patches of red, yellow, blue or green for $10 more. They are nicely lined and feature Fiber-Tech side panels and an external pocket, and expand by 3.75 inches. Rain covers and...

Rev-Pack Excursion Pack ($189.95).(Brief Article)
July 1, 2001... Going for an extended solo ride? This huge, versatile, non-stiffened seat bag measures 26 inches across, 12 inches thick and 16 inches high, and accommodates the use of saddlebags. Two forward external pockets could each carry a half-gallon of...

RKA 47-Liter Saddlebags ($210) and 27-Liter CarryAll Tailpack ($125).(Brief Article)
July 1, 2001... Though not fancy, the RKAs are sturdy bags with internal strap separators for your clothing, and nylon lining and fleece backing to protect the motorcycle. There are no external pockets, but rain covers are included. What's unique is they're...

Roadgear Hi-Adventure Jumbo Sport Saddlebags ($229.90), and Euro-Sport Jumbo Hauler ($95.90).(Brief Article)
July 1, 2001... Available in all black, red (shown) or gray with black, the Jumbo has a padded back, large rear pocket, slit front pocket and long rear side pocket. Those pleats are expansion panels that allow it to bulge and hold much more than we show here....

T-Bags Super-T Expandable ($249.95).(Brief Article)
July 1, 2001... The top-line bag in their system, the Super-T straps to a sissy bar and requires a luggage rack. The Ballistic nylon is rigid to retain its shape, expands to double its original size (shown expanded), and has several pockets and its various...

Teknic Deluxe Saddlebags ($119.95).(Brief Article)
July 1, 2001... These bags are boxy and well-stiffencd, and offer drop-down doors with an attractive nylon interior. There's a large outer pocket with a slit pocket, but no reflective material. A pair of buckles joins across the top of each bag to hold a...

Tour Master CorTech Saddlebags ($159.98) and Tail Bag ($89.99).(Brief Article)
July 1, 2001... They're well stiffened and their flocked interior should treat your gear well. There's also a large outer pocket and secondary slit pocket. Foam strap guards and foam backing should be kind to your bike, and heat-resistant lower panels should...

Ventura Bike Pack System (starting at $299).(Brief Article)
July 1, 2001... A completely different system, the Bike Pack utilizes a series of tube-steel racks that attach to the rear of the motorcycle and support a large Cordura luggage bag. Ventura offers five sizes of bags from 34 to 90 liters, and they can be turned...

Wolfman Millennium Saddlebags ($174.99) and Millennium Tail Pak ($94.99).(Brief Article)
July 1, 2001... The bags are well-stiffened and are finished in a gray reflective material on black. They offer a large external pocket on each side, and another on each lid. Flocking on the back will help protect the bike, and D-rings are on the top. ...

Oil and Water.(Questions and Answers)
July 1, 2001... Q I recently changed the coolant in my 1986 BMW K75, which has 54,000 miles on it. After draining all of the fluid into a container, I noticed that there was about a pint of oil floating on top of it. How could oil have gotten into the coolant?...

Shoei Z-II Helmet.(Brief Article)(Evaluation)
July 1, 2001... It's amazing what a difference a good helmet can make to the pleasure quotient of a motorcycle ride. Even if you never put the DOT or Snell rating to the ultimate test, attributes such as light weight, a good fit, cushy padding and adequate...

Honda Gold Wing.(Review)
July 1, 2001... By no means is this book a definitive work on the history of Honda Gold Wings--its skimpy 70 pages guarantee that. What author Darwin Holmstrom has done with Honda Gold Wing, though, is con dense the last 25 years of Wing existence and put it...

The Franklin Mint.(Harley-Davidson Road King)(Brief Article)
July 1, 2001... The Franklin Mint is paying homage to the "King of the Road" with its 1:10 scale-model of the Harley-Davidson Road King. The model is assembled from more than 195 separate parts and is hand-painted in authentic H-D Aztec Orange and Diamond Ice...

KLR650 Shark Fin.(motorcycle equipment)(Brief Article)
July 1, 2001... You're carving up a dirt road on your Kawasaki KLR650, having a blast when--WHAM! A rock crunches the rear brake disc, ending your ride, your fun and your savings account. The KLR650 Shark Fin from Big Cee Engineering (starting at $55) is de...

Americade.
July 1, 2001... The rich just keep on getting richer, as Americade Rally Director Bill Dutcher has just added a Ten-day motorcycle vacation to New Zealand to the already extensive list of prizes at the event this June 4-9 in Lake George, New York. The new...

Sleepy Guitar Johnson.(Review)
July 1, 2001... Need some tunes to help while away the miles? Let's Ride by Sleepy Guitar Johnson offers 11 tracks sure to bring out the cruiser in you. Bob your head and stomp your boots to the blues-and-surf driven style of Sleepy Guitar for more than 40...

Cruise Concepts of Texas Inc.(Prism motorcycle wheels)(Brief Article)
July 1, 2001... Get more than a few double takes when you install the Prism wheels by Cruise Concepts of Texas Inc. The pattern of nested and reversing radii is designed for "ultimate" light refraction, producing a shine that would even make Rudolph's nose...

Hopnel.(Signature Series Trunk Rack Bag)(Brief Article)
July 1, 2001... Hopnel has hopped-up storage space for your bike with the Signature Series Trunk Rack Bag. Available only through Big Bike Parts dealers, the trunk rack bag has anew look that incorporates contoured lines with the use of Hopnel's dual texture...

CruzTOOLS Inc.(T-socket wrenches)(Brief Article)
July 1, 2001... CruzTOOLS Inc. has released the PowerDrive family of T-socket wrenches for metric vehicles. PowerDrive wrenches offer a sliding handle that allows for extra leverage, plus the ability to drive fasteners within a limited turning radius. Unlike...

Aero Cosmetics.(Wash Wax All)(Brief Article)
July 1, 2001... Aero Cosmetics has made washing and waxing your bike a one- step process with its new Wash Wax All. Wash Wax All is designed to leave a strong, protective non-stick coating behind to prevent dirt and grime from adhering to the surface. Wash Wax...

Storz Performance Inc.(releases 2001 catalog)(Brief Article)
July 1, 2001... Storz Performance Inc. announces the release of its 2001 Storz Performance Catalog. This year's catalog marks the company's 21st year in business. Storz Performance is a supplier for Harley, Buell and sport-bike applications, and its catalog...

Holeshot Performance Products.(SV650 Fork Brace)(Brief Article)
July 1, 2001... For those looking to enhance their Suzuki SV650's stability and handling, Holeshot Performance Products has the solution in its new SV650 Holeshot Fork Brace. The five-piece design is CNC machined for a perfect fit, is easy to install, and...

RETROSPECTIVE Yamaha ZX550R Vision 1982-'83.(Brief Article)
July 1, 2001... It was the best of times, it was the worst of times; it was 1982. The United States was sinking into an economic recession in those early Reagan years, and "discretionary income" (i.e. money for motorcycles) was limited. At the same time the...