Born To Ride News

At the present time, there is a new study being conducted on motorcycle crashes and their causes. The last time such a study was conducted was back in the late 70s and early 80s and is known as the Hurt Study; named after the recently departed Dr. Hurt. (Do a Google search on the Hurt Study; it’s a very interesting Read.) While the new study has not been completed some of its findings have been released. I recently read the section on ABS brakes. Just as I suspected, ABS is a lifesaver. Since so many crashes occur due to improper braking, i.e. the rider puts too much pressure on the rear brake and too little or none at all on the front brake, this finding is not a surprise to me.

Luckily, more and more manufacturers are offering ABS as an option, even on cruisers. Harley’s entire line of touring bikes has the ABS option. Honda also offers ABS on their new Fury chopper and four of their 2010 cruiser models as well as just about all of their sport and sport touring motorcycles. BMW was the first to have ABS on a motorcycle and has the option on its entire lineup. 

Why is ABS so important? That’s simple. Anti-lock braking systems keep the tires from locking up. Since you only have two small contact patches and two wheels, if you lock them you’re going down. Since most motorcycle riders spend a lot more time driving their four-wheeled vehicles and they’re used to slamming on the brake pedal in a panic stop they tend to do the same thing on their bikes.

On the bike, when you slam on the brake pedal you’re braking only the rear tire—consequently, the rear tire locks and the rider slides onto the ground. Even if the rear tire doesn’t lock the rear brake only gives you 20% of your stopping force.  That’s why you should use both brakes. Sounds simple right? Unfortunately, most riders rely on their instincts, which by the way are completely wrong when it comes to motorcycles in a panic – they lock the rear brake every single time.

By now you must be saying, “What am I supposed to do if I can’t afford to buy a new bike with ABS?” “What am I supposed to do, quit riding?” Ok, simmer down now. Here’s what you can do and it won’t cost you a cent.  PRACTICE stopping and DO IT NOW! Find an empty parking lot or a deserted road and practice stopping quickly from various speeds.  Start at 20 mph and work your speed up in 5 mph increments. The idea is to be able to stop quickly without locking the tires. In 15 or 20 minutes you can improve your braking ability tremendously. 

Now that you’ve got your straight line braking down pat let’s try swerving and then braking. Remember you can’t do both at the same time. All you need to do is get up to 20 or 30 mph and start weaving back and forth. At some point straighten up the bike and apply both brakes. You must straighten up the bike before applying the brakes and don’t forget to downshift. Last but not least let’s try braking in a curve. Again get up to 20 mph and start turning a big circle at least 100’ in diameter—then straighten up the bike and stop quickly. This skill will come in very handy on a winding road when you come around a turn and suddenly find an obstacle blocking your way.

If your bike does have ABS you still need to at least practice swerving and braking; also practice braking in a curve since ABS can only be activated with the bike straight up. That’s because you can’t press hard enough on the brakes to activate ABS when the bike is in a lean. Maximum braking can only be performed with the bike straight up, with or without ABS. Everything I just described can be done in 45 minutes to 1-hour of practice. If you practice just 1-hour a month your chances of avoiding a crash will greatly improve.

Now for those of you in the frozen part of the Country whose riding season is still a couple of months away—how about getting that bike completely detailed and looking better than new? Here’s a product I recently tried. It’s called Chrome-It Super Polish. Chrome-It is a liquid that works on chrome, aluminum, brass, stainless steel and even plastic headlight covers. It works in half the time and with half the effort of anything else I’ve ever tried. An 8oz. bottle will set you back $15.00 or $25.00 for a 16oz. bottle. To get yourself a bottle, call Wes at 352-279-9556 or http://www.chromeit.us/. Tell them Motorman sent ya.

For more tips log onto my website, www.ridelikeapro.com. You can also order my brand-new Ride Like a Pro, The Book as well as all my Ride Like a Pro DVDs right from my website or you can call toll-free, 866-868-7433. I also have all my YouTube video clips of my safety tips of the week and much, much more. Until next month, get out there and PRACTICE.

Copyright 2010 Jerry Motorman Palladino

Al Adamson. That name pretty much says it all. He is the creator of a handful of “Biker exploitation” pieces that run from bad to worse, and this one is probably at the very bottom of the worst. The plot is simple enough but the incoherency presented in this film was explained after doing some extensive research. Does this plot look too familiar to you? How about the score for the opening of the movie? The theme song Fakers ran in this, and a few other versions of the movie. That’s an old Nelson Riddle tune that sounds like it was sung by Ertha Kitt! (Actually it was Debbie Stuart.) This movie, if you want to call it that, really has nothing to do with bikers, bike gangs, or any other two wheeled devices— except perhaps a rolling trash receptacle. It may be the hardest to follow of any of the gazillion films that I have watched and reviewed in my career. I assume that what happened was: One day Joe editor (whom works as a janitor at night) walks into the cutting room at the studio. Joe sweeps the floor, and all the little pieces of film are handed over to Adamson with a roll of Scotch tape on the side. Adamson gets drunk, and assembles all the little pieces into what you are reading about now. Since it’s my duty, I will try my best to sum this mess up. …

Originally, Hell’s Bloody Devils was produced under the titles The Fakers and Operation M as a straightforward espionage action piece (circa 1967). When film distributors balked at the finished product, Al Adamson and co-producer Samuel Sherman added the biker subplot, and gave the product a more exploitive title. Shorn of the motorcycle gang footage, the film was also released as Smashing the Crime Syndicate. …

In this masterpiece of miss-fitting frames, actor Mark Adams plays an FBI agent who has been assigned to infiltrate an organized crime ring that has obtained a set of printing plates that will allow them to produce nearly perfect counterfeit $20 bills. The plates were made in Germany during World War II, and were discovered by a radical right-wing group hoping to restore the Nazi Party to power. This version of the movie was released in 1970, so the group was referred to as the “New Nazis” which later became, (as you probably know) the Neo-Nazi movement. The American gangsters are in cahoots with a group of wealthy American Neo-Nazis led by fugitive war criminal Count Von Delberg. This is where it gets weird. The Count allegedly recruited a vicious motorcycle gang, the Bloody Devils, to do his dirty work. The movie ends when the count, his daughter, and one of his cronies blow up in a tiny helicopter sans the bike gang. You never actually see the ‘bikers’ in this film do anything but beat up some travelers, do some drugs, and make-out with some hippie looking girls that were hitch-hiking. Like I said, it ain’t really a biker piece! The one cross-over character Carol Bechtol, the girl in the really cool ’69 mustang fastback, is the only slim continuity stretched between the Bad Spy Film and the Biker Exploitation Film. … Outstanding parts of the movie? Only one comes to mind. The real Col. Harland Sanders appears when Mark dines with his girlfriend at a local Kentucky Fried Chicken. Col. Sanders says something along the line of “ain’t that the best chicken you ever ate?”

I still like KFC, and the few brief scenes when the actors were actually riding were played by members of the Hessians MC, and there were a few boobies displayed (YAAAAY!) so I will give this flick one star, and half a chicken leg. If for some reason you wake up really sober one day and want to become confused and irrational without using drugs or alcohol, go get this movie. It’s available on DVD and runs for 92 never ending minutes.

Why? Why do they say that? I must be missing something here or there … or, perhaps not. I’m just not sure at the moment. I was simply sitting on the side of the road, next to my inoperative motorcycle. While you are just sitting, many miles from a shop or a cold beer, you think about a lot of crap. Like why did I buy the thing in the first place? Yeah, it was my typical ride of choice – a nice little FLH Police Special thing, with a lot of dealer added toys, which do not in any sense of the word improve the ride – but certainly increase the bottom line at signing. But nothing I could have purchased at the time could have guaranteed that the final drive belt wouldn’t break in the middle of nowhere on a really nice 100 degree-day. (Remember when I said miles from a cold beer?) Well it gets worse. … It seems that I had already spent my cell phone payment money on a good night at the Gentleman’s club so there was no way that I could call anyone to come way the hell out here to get me. Most of the people I had numbers saved for, in the now useless piece of plastic I had stashed in the tour pack, wouldn’t have had the truck or trailer or even the fuel money for a charity rescue. So needless to say I was stuck … for a while anyway. …

It must have been an hour or so, but it felt like longer than that, when a friendly redneck girl who happened by was kind enough to stop and see why I was just sitting on the side of old Hwy 17 in the middle of the afternoon. After a few minutes of conversation she called her uncle, who has one of them roll-back wrecker things, to come out and get me. At the time, I knew that I only had fourteen dollars in my pocket, which probably exceeded her tooth count by ten, so to say the least I was skeptical. It was truly a mystery. First of all, why would this well worn trailer park breeder even stop to see why I was just sitting here on the side of the road, especially after me seeing her drive by in her dilapidated ’72 Camaro three times? Then, why would a person of her obviously (or similarly) drained financial status even offer to help an old broken down scooter tramp in the first place? Of course I was looking for a free ride, but there was no way I was going to cop-out to the fact that I didn’t have any money! And thirdly, where the heck did she get one of those fancy cell phones that have pictures and stuff on them looking like she did? Ahhh but the mystery is not yet revealed, and I doubt that it ever will be. …

“Heck, it’s only Once in a Blue Moon that I seen one of them belts break” he said as he climbed out of the cab of the wrecker. Evidently her ‘uncle’ was at one time in his life, perhaps even now, a biker. A rather large and ruddy looking man, he stood about six two with tattoos covering the better part of both of his tree-trunk sized arms and at 300 sweaty pounds, I was thinking that even at his apparent sixty plus years, I may have a bit of a problem explaining to him that I wouldn’t have enough cash to pay for the tow charge. But, for some reason the issue of payment never came up. At the time, I just wanted to get off the side of the road. As the antique hydraulics screamed in agony, and with an unsung   miracle, “Uncle” slowly lowered the bed of the rather worn and greasy wrecker.   “Now get over here and hep-us get this thing loaded up April eh?” he yelled at his niece. She complied by doing a shuffle up the oil covered bed, and grabbed the cable that would help us get the bike up on the bed. It was easy enough, and in just a few minutes we had the bagger loaded up and strapped down on the back of the aging rig. I started thinking that she really didn’t look all that bad from the rear as she bent over to get the straps connected up. But that mouth. … Oh well – anything’s better than the side of the road. … “Look here boy, why don’t you jus ride with little April here, and we will get you back to town and see if we can get you fixed up.” “Uh well, OK” I replied, but with some reservation. “You wanna drive?” April said as she tossed me the keys, and as I watched the bagger disappear into the dust on the back of that old wrecker, I said “Hell yeah!”

Once in a Blue Moon my butt, I thought as I fired the old Camaro up. I looked over at April as she flashed me a checkerboard grin, and thought about my plight, and – wait a minute – this worn out old car runs like a scaled-ass ape! “Hey Craven, crank up the AC.” “What??? Hey, how’d you know my name?” “Well you know yer kinda famous around these parts” I fumbled with the controls and in seconds had the air conditioner blowing cold, and the windows were rolled up. “Well that don’t explain anything, I’m not exactly from around here!” “All of us over here know about you from that BornTo Ride thing you are in. It’s the only biker news we get out here.” At this moment I’m in clear view of the uncle’s wrecker, and my bagger still sitting perfectly upright on the back. I had to take a moment to think. This is still a mystery. Once in a blue moon, No, I heard about that a few months ago, I even took a picture of it. The news said it was a Blue Moon. That friggin’ moon wasn’t even close to blue, it was as full and white as those dudes that I met that wear them white sheets. But that’s another story. Then I remembered when the Ol Lady got a gift certificate from the Outback Steakhouse near our trailer park. She ordered our stuff to go, and my filet was supposed to have Bleu Cheese crust on it. When I got back to the trailer, the crap on my steak was GREEN not BLUE! So, I called the restaurant and asked the woman that worked there if the OL Lady had paid her to give me some poison stuff on my steak – you know – so I would die. She assured me that she didn’t know the OL Lady, and sometimes Bleu Cheese was Green. I remember that I was confused and that alone is still a mystery. At this particular time however, I figured it was time to quit thinking and keep driving.

April had propped one of her legs up on the dash, and I was trying to rack my mind as to how I was going to get out of this situation. She was still looking my way suggestively, and I was still amazed at how this completely depleted automobile ran so much better then anything I had ever driven before. It was incredible. That is until we approached a small town. “Oh Craven, you know, you don’t have to worry about anything. Uncle Billy is a real big fan of yours too, but I didn’t tell him it was you on the side of the road. I jus told him it was another broke dick-biker he could make a dollar off of.”  “Oh yeah, that’s real reassuring – thanks! And while we’re on the subject, how’d you know I’m broke???” “That’s easy, over here we all follow your life through the magazine, and it isn’t everyday that we get to actually see people like you in person.”  It’s still a mystery to me. I may never figure it out. …

I’m now in Podunk, and after a quick right turn, we follow the bike into a fairly large industrial looking complex. I shut down the car, and jump out. Uncle is getting out and beginning the same agonizing song of lowering the roll-back bed. Before he gets it all the way down, he yells at April to “Open the door.” She complies, and I swear to you, when I saw the facility, I could not believe that it was even real. Remember now, I wasn’t drinking or partaking in recreational pharmaceuticals, so I just could not believe my own eyes! This was a shop like you would see in a major town like L.A. (Lutz Area), or maybe downtown St. Petersburg, or maybe even Seattle. (I don’t know, I ain’t never been to Seattle, but they say it’s a big town.) Needless to say, this was going to be one of those days or possibly weeks. … Perhaps next month, the mystery will be solved, but I doubt it.

Until then, speed safely, and stay tuned to Born to Ride.

PICKERINGTON, Ohio — The American Motorcyclist Association (AMA) is pleased to announce that AMA members can purchase supplemental insurance from Allstate at the lowest rates available. These rates apply to supplemental accident and cancer-related coverage offered through the Allstate Workplace Division.
 
“When you’re on your bike, you want to focus on the road, not the financial consequences of an accident or illness,” said AMA Director of Business Development Jim Moore. “Supplemental insurance provides peace of mind so you can enjoy the ride.”
 
Allstate has established a website where AMA members can access plan information. For policy details, rates (which vary by state), claim information and to sign up, go to AmericanMotorcyclist.com > Members Area > Benefits (http://home.ama-cycle.org/membersonly/memberservices/benefits/index.asp)
 
“Allstate Workplace Division is pleased to announce their new relationship with the AMA,” said Allstate Workplace Division Field Vice President Phil Brimer. “We believe that AMA members will enjoy having the availability of employee-type benefits through the AMA. We hope that this new venture will prove to be a value-added service to the members. We are pleased that an organization as highly regarded as the AMA has chosen to offer Allstate Workplace Division products and look forward to a long lasting relationship.”
 
The accident plan pays cash directly to the policyholder regardless of other insurance benefits. It can pay up to $1,800 a month for six months while you are out of work, and as much as $500 for initial treatment for injury.
 
The cancer-related plan also pays cash directly to the policyholder. It includes annual wellness benefits for the entire family to encourage preventative checkups and offers coverage for first-occurrence benefits, surgery, hospital stays, and radiation and chemotherapy benefits.
 
The Allstate supplemental insurance offering is the latest in a long list of dozens of benefits and savings for AMA members. Another great value is free AMA Roadside Assistance for members who sign-up for automatic renewal or purchase a three-year membership. For more on the benefits of AMA membership, see AmericanMotorcyclist.com > Member Services (AmericanMotorcyclist.com/joinama/discountslist.asp).
 
Not an AMA member? It’s easy to join and take advantage of all the benefits of membership. Simply go to AmericanMotorcyclist.com, select Join/Renew in the Membership menu and follow the simple steps (AmericanMotorcyclist.com/join/index.asp). AMA members receive not only a great package of benefits, they support America’s leading advocacy organization for the motorcycling lifestyle.
Since 1924, the AMA has protected the future of motorcycling and promoted the motorcycle lifestyle. AMA members come from all walks of life, and they navigate many different routes on their journey to the same destination: freedom on two wheels. As the world’s largest motorcycling rights organization, the AMA advocates for motorcyclists’ interests in the halls of local, state and federal government, the committees of international governing organizations, and the court of public opinion. Through member clubs, promoters and partners, the AMA sanctions more motorsports competition and motorcycle recreational events than any other organization in the world. AMA members receive money-saving discounts from dozens of well-known suppliers of motorcycle services, gear and apparel, bike rental, transport, hotel stays and more. Through its Motorcycle Hall of Fame Museum, the AMA preserves the heritage of motorcycling for future generations.

About the American Motorcyclist Association

PICKERINGTON, Ohio — The American Motorcyclist Association (AMA) is urging all motorcyclists and off-highway vehicle (OHV) riders to take advantage of an immediate opportunity to stress to members of the U.S. Congress how the Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act (CPSIA) of 2008 has disrupted the lives of families who recreate responsibly off-road.
 
On March 4, the Financial Services and General Government Subcommittee of the U.S. House Appropriations Committee will hold a hearing on the proposed fiscal year 2011 Financial Services Appropriations bill. The hearing’s agenda will include the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) and address issues such as the CPSIA.
 
One of the most effective ways to reach your representative is to call them. Contact information for elected officials is searchable by zip code at AmericanMotorcyclist.com > Rights > Issues & Legislation (AmericanMotorcyclist.com/legisltn/rapidresponse.asp). Additionally, a prewritten e-mail is available that can be sent directly to lawmakers by following the “Take Action” option and entering your information.
 
“Much of the challenge of fixing the CPSIA has been working with Congress when lawmakers are in a position to listen and act,” said AMA Vice President of Government Relations Ed Moreland. “The hearing on the 2011 Financial Services Appropriations bill offers a good, though fleeting, opportunity for off-road motorcyclists and all-terrain vehicle (ATV) riders to highlight the tremendous disruption the CPSIA has caused to family off-road recreation.”
 
On July 7, 2009, Rep. Denny Rehberg (R-Mont.) attached an amendment to the House fiscal year 2010 Financial Services Appropriations bill that would have prohibited the CPSC from using funds to enforce the CPSIA as it relates to youth-model off-highway motorcycles and ATVs. To see Rehberg’s press release on his amendment, see AmericanMotorcyclist.com/legisltn/Rep_Denny_Rehberg_PR_CPSIA_Amendment.jpg.
 
The AMA applauded the Rehberg amendment, and submitted a letter of support that was placed in the Committee Report on June 23, 2009. To see the AMA’s letter of support, see AmericanMotorcyclist.com/legisltn/AMA_ltr_Rehberg_Support_Language.pdf.
 
“We are working with Rehberg’s office to, once again, include similar language in the fiscal year 2011 Financial Services Appropriation bill,” Moreland said. “We are hopeful that this approach will ultimately help preserve off-road recreation for America’s families, both now and in the future. To be successful, though, we need all motorcyclists and ATV riders to contact their representatives today and provide first-hand examples of how the CPSIA has upended their lives.”
 
For more information how you can help exclude youth-model motorcycles and ATVs from the CPSIA, see AmericanMotorcyclist.com/news/story.asp?id=629&s=banner.

About the American Motorcyclist Association
Since 1924, the AMA has protected the future of motorcycling and promoted the motorcycle lifestyle. AMA members come from all walks of life, and they navigate many different routes on their journey to the same destination: freedom on two wheels. As the world’s largest motorcycling rights organization, the AMA advocates for motorcyclists’ interests in the halls of local, state and federal government, the committees of international governing organizations, and the court of public opinion. Through member clubs, promoters and partners, the AMA sanctions more motorsports competition and motorcycle recreational events than any other organization in the world. AMA members receive money-saving discounts from dozens of well-known suppliers of motorcycle services, gear and apparel, bike rental, transport, hotel stays and more. Through its Motorcycle Hall of Fame Museum, the AMA preserves the heritage of motorcycling for future generations.