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Aug 22

Ontario Biker travelling across Canada with Furry Friend

By General Posts

Ontario nuclear operator travelling on motorcycle across Canada with canine friend

Lyna Smith recently made a stop in Quesnel with Monster Yogi Bear
by Rebecca Dyok from https://www.cloverdalereporter.com

It was no ordinary sight at the Quesnel Visitor Centre where Lyna Smith departed on her Russian-made motorcycle with a sidecar containing her four-legged friend, Monster Yogi Bear.

Smith has been traveling across Canada with her Shar Pei rescue dog on a Ural motorcycle since late April.

The pair from Port Elgin, Ont. arrived in B.C. after venturing down the Dempster Highway.

In Tuktoyaktuk, N.W.T., Smith took a swim in the Arctic Ocean with Monster Yogi Bear taking a quick lick and making a face of disgust due to the water’s saltiness.

“We went east first and my plan was to hit all three oceans,” Smith said. “We’re now headed down towards the Pacific as our third ocean.”

Smith had been planning a trip across Canada for some time and knew she couldn’t leave Monster Yogi Bear behind.

She even made him a cover for his sidecar with windows to protect him from the elements and mapped out all the pet stores along the way.

“There’s been a lot of firsts for him,” Smith said with a laugh, noting Monster Yogi Bear was even in a helicopter over Mount Robson.“He’ll be able to say he’s peed in every province and territory except Nunavut.”

Travelling with Monster Yogi Bear holds extra special meaning to Smith, who is widowed. She had told herself no more dogs when her first Shar Pei died of renal failure shortly after she lost her husband to cancer.

When a friend, however, sent her a picture of another Shar Pei from the Owen Sound Animal Shelter where her husband had gotten her first Shar Pei, Smith had a change of heart.

The Shar Pei she named Monster Yogi Bear was severely underweight and malnourished.

“They weren’t even sure he was going to survive,” Smith said, staff told her. “They said it might have long-lasting effects, and I said I don’t care. I want him.”

It took three months for Smith to fatten Monster Yogi Bear to a weight healthy enough for him to get neutered.

Since then, they have become the best of friends, typically taking the roads less traveled.

“My husband’s also the reason I decided to do this,” Smith said. “We used to travel, ride bikes and scuba dive together, so I’m like, you know what, I’m going to continue traveling…He would have loved this.”

After Quesnel Visitor Centre staff provided Smith with information on dog-friendly places and a bowl of water for Monster Yogi Bear on Monday, Aug. 15, the two hit the road to Tofino.

They planned to make stops at numerous communities and sites along the way, such as the Hat Creek Ranch, Whistler and Nanaimo.

Smith said they hope to return to Ontario in mid-October before the snow flies.

“I just like when I drive in through towns and you see people smile, and some are like you just made my day, and I’m like good,” Smith said when people see her and Monster Yogi Bear riding. “That’s what it’s all about.”

Once home, Smith will leave Monster Yogi Bear with her mom and travel solo for three more months to Australia, New Zealand and Hawaii before heading back to work at the nuclear power plant.

Smith is sharing their journey across Canada on Monster Yogi Bear’s Facebook, Instagram and YouTube channels.

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Apr 24

Honda CBR300R ABS 2022 : Road Test

By General Posts

by Kyle Smith from https://www.hagerty.com/

Picture this: You’re hanging around the Rock Store at the top of Mulholland Highway with your rental Camry the day before you fly home. The leather-clad crowd around praises the virtues of the GSXR600 chassis and the electronics package on the R1 for what seems like hours before a voice from the ether comes down and declares that, in fact, all of that sucks. Instead the holy follow the real truth of Slow Bike Fast.

This truly enlightened rider who belongs to that voice is astride a miniscule machine that looks like a sportbike that stayed in the dryer just a bit too long and has an exhaust note like a mix of an old enduro machine and the Singer your mom used to repair your jeans way back when. Is this person insane or a prophet? There’s only one way to say for sure. I took the Honda CBR300R out for a week of playing in the canyons alongside some high-horsepower (and highly capable) machines to see if it truly held up.

This 250cc-400cc market segment is now a packed class, with the KTM RC390, Yamaha R3, Kawasaki Ninja 400, and Suzuki GSX250R all competing for both attention from new riders and track rats alike. That is two very different subsets of buyers but it all boils down to similar wants and desires: Reliability, approachability, and fun factor.

Honda comes right out and calls the 300 a commuter machine in some of its press materials. It is an evolution of the CBR250R which lived from 2011 to 2015, after which the engine was upsized to the current 286cc. The non-ABS equipped model comes in at $4,899 plus $600 in destination and freight charges. Add in the well-tuned ABS, as seen on our test bike, and the price rises to just $5,099. Either trim can be had in grand prix red or matte gray metallic.

The engine is not the main reason I would recommend this bike though. It’s the chassis that gives the baby CBR the most fun character. A scant 30” seat height is the first thing that stood out when I threw my leg over the bike for the first time. My 32” inseam means that I am rarely bothered by seat heights, but the CBR’s lower seat combined with the narrowness of the chassis to feel playful to me. Riding through twists and turns was an absolute delight.

Straight line speed was not astonishing, but the Honda still moved quickly enough to be safe and fun. Unfortunately, those canyon roads were a place the CBR’s suspension really showed its pricepoint and intended use case. The fork is sprung on the soft side and the rear begs for more rebound damping.

The dash consists of a simple analog sweep tachometer and LCD display for speed, distance, and other necessary measurements. Simple and functional. A cable-pull clutch and hydraulic front brake round out the rider touchpoints.

The ready-to-ride weight comes in at just 354 pounds and it very much feels like it. The single front brake measures just 296mm diameter, with 220mm rear disc and the combination has no problem slowing the CBR. The ABS threshold is fairly high, as we had to work to get it to intervene but it cycled quickly and consistently once engaged.

(Editor’s note: I think the 320cc Yamaha R3, which I’ve ridden quite a bit, feels even lighter on its feet — Jack Baruth)

The CBR is a delight to ride just about everywhere. The only place it fell short was highway riding. Honda claims a top speed just shy of 100mph, but 70mph felt busy on the little machine and the tach needle fluttered in the top third of its range. Will it do it? Yes. If that is your main use though, the larger CBR500R is likely a better fit.

Once off the superslab we had no trouble racking up miles on the comfortable seat. The bike just was not tiring to ride like most small-displacement bikes tend to be.

The low seat height and light weight combine with smooth controls to make a very beginner-friendly package.

It’s also one that veteran riders will find playful to ride–this is the core of “Slow Bike Fast.”

The little CBR is not the perfect motorcycle, but it is a great second (or third) bike; delightful to ride, and once you have one you will likely find yourself reaching for its keys more than you would think.

Apr 14

Summer Ride to Kolad Farmhouse

By General Posts

Friends as diverse as their range of motorcycle brands ride India’s Countryside

There is this wonderful group of riders who have accumulated a million kms and plenty more goodwill.

Musafirs motorcycle club started in 2010 and camaraderie, discovery, adventure, expertise and fun have ensured that they have been on a group ride almost every month since they started their club.

The word ‘Musafir’ literally means ‘traveller’.

There is plenty of information about The Musafirs group on their website and social media links.

Do check it out and follow them on social media in case you plan to visit India anytime for long-distance riding adventures to splendid destinations.

Their Website: https://themusafirs.com/

Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/musafirsmotorcycleclub

The destination for 149th ride of Musafirs motorcycle group was Kolad.

The ride was in a single-line formation. The neon-green reflective vests are for most of the riders. The red ones are for ‘Pilots’, ‘Pointers’ and ‘Shepherds’.

CLICK HERE To Read this Travelogue from Incredible India – at Bikernet.com

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Apr 12

Electric Cars Can Kiss My Ass

By General Posts

Eclectic article on Electrifying Changes in Our Lives

by the Wicked Bitch

Here it from the lady who has driven everywhere and tweaked the vehicle to get anywhere. ‘Charge’ up your courage and decide the road for your own fate.

“My dad bragged that I could tell a Ford from a Chevy by the time I learned to walk.. and when i did learn to walk, I left tiny handprints in the dust of an old yellow Volkswagen bug in the corner of the shop.”

CLICK HERE To Read this “Heart to Kickin’ Butt” article on Bikernet.com

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Apr 05

Ride to the Moon: Motorcycle Adventures in Argentina

By General Posts

Behind the scenes in Argentina: Ride to the Moon

Argentina: vast open spaces, salt flats, lunar landscapes and Andean peaks towering over 4,500 m altitude. You’ve been asking us about it since our very first tour across the Himalayas back in 2006: “Since the Himalayas, I can’t stop thinking about Argentina. When will you take us there, Vintage Rides?”

Expectations are running high for this legendary destination. So, challenge accepted! 😉

Alexane and Simon: the dream team

During the summer of 2021, Simon suggested entering into partnership and opening a Vintage Rides office in the heart of the Andes. “I have been riding here for more than 10 years and know the region like the back of my hand. I have hundreds of unexplored tracks under my belt, ready to design new tours. I knew it was time for me to set something up”. A friendly, enthusiastic biker, he is smitten with his adoptive country and its culture and shares many common values with us. We speak the same language. So we decided to take him up on his offer and set up Vintage Rides Argentina together with the headquarters in Salta, in the north of the country.

At the mercy of nature, which reigns supreme, the tracks are constantly changing. While the borders were closed, Simon had all the time in the world to do what he loves most: criss-cross the tracks, try out all the roads and uncover the best places, which you won’t find on Google maps – believe us, we’ve tried!

From the Lyon office, Alexane is on hand to help get the joint venture up and running. She’s been thrown in at the deep end: she’s only just joined us at Vintage Rides and she’s opening a new office in Argentina! That’s a big adventure in itself. ¡Bienvenida, Alexane!

Spring 2022. The routes are ready, the tracks tested and the restaurants and hotels selected. We are raring to go and can’t wait for you to come and join us.✌

The bikes are set for adventure

“And what about the bikes?” we hear you cry! Simon isn’t just an adventurer, he’s also a motorbike mechanic and a fan of Royal Enfields. We asked him to work on the Himalayans, which are ideal for tours that alternate between small roads and winding tracks through the Andes. Simon came up with a series of improvements to make them unique, robust and ready for adventure without scrimping on comfort: reinforced sump guards, side saddlebags and tanks. You won’t have seen anything like them!

So far, we are the proud owners of 10 Royal Enfield Himalayans, fresh from the factories in Buenos Aires. Simon has fine-tuned them in our Argentinian workshop and they’re dying to be ridden under the Andean sunshine.

Ride to the Moon

As you can see, Argentina makes us dream as much as you do and we are so happy to set our wheels in motion there. And we are not the only ones. Thanks to support from our partners, Mutuelle des Motards, Bell and In&Motion, the film-maker, Florian Moscat, will follow our first group of Vintage Riders this spring and capture their adventure. We’ll tell you more about it in the coming months, but for now, we can give you a sneak peek at its name: RIDE TO THE MOON. Try as you might, the landscapes will be even more impressive than you could ever imagine.

Today, we couldn’t be prouder of the local knowledge we have on the other side of the Atlantic Ocean. We can’t wait to share all the emotions that have kept us going these past few months with you.

Do you want to help us write the rest of our adventure story?

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Nov 29

Proposed new regulations for Autocycles in Massachusetts

By General Posts

Proposed new regulations for 3-wheel autocycles

from https://www.bostonherald.com by Boston Herald Wire Services

Proposed regulations of autocycles will be on the schedule when Massachusetts lawmakers hold a virtual public hearing Tuesday.

An autocycle is a three-wheeled motor vehicle that meets federal safety standards for a motorcycle. Unlike motorcycles, however, autocycles typically include a steering wheel, a seat for the driver and occasionally seats for passengers. The driver and passengers are not required to straddle the vehicle like a motorcycle.

One of the bills under consideration would create new safety measures for autocycles including requiring the driver and passengers to wear helmets, requiring autocycle manufacturers to equip the vehicles with safety belts which must be worn by drivers and passengers, and barring children under eight from riding in one.

Anyone who operates an autocycle without wearing a safety helmet or safety belts would face a fine of no less than $25 under the bill.

Massachusetts Lawmakers Weigh New Regulations for Autocycles

from https://www.nbcboston.com by The Associated Press

An autocycle is a motor vehicle with three wheels on the ground that meets federal motor vehicle safety standards for a motorcycle

Proposed regulations of autocycles will be on the schedule when Massachusetts state lawmakers hold a virtual public hearing Tuesday.

An autocycle is a motor vehicle with three wheels on the ground that meets federal motor vehicle safety standards for a motorcycle. Unlike motorcycles, however, autocycles typically include a steering wheel, a seat for the driver and occasionally seats for passenger.

One of the bills under consideration would create new safety measures for autocycles. Those include requiring the driver and passengers wear helmets, requiring autocycle manufacturers to equip the vehicles with safety belts and barring children under eight from riding in an autocycle.

Oct 03

Rider Review: New Saddlemen Heated Seat

By General Posts

Making Every Ride More Comfortable
Photos and text by Rogue

“I get to ride all over the country and in all kinds of weather. I have made many changes to my 2009 FLHTC over the years and one of them was to install a Saddlemen Heated Seat.”

“I purchased this new Saddlemen seat and installed it on 9/23/2021.”

“Saddlemen has a wide assortment for many motorcycle models”

– Rogue

Click Here to See The Installtion Process and Features of the New Saddlemen Heated Seat.

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Jul 09

Traveling but can’t bring your motorcycle? Here are a few solutions

By General Posts

from https://www.traveldailynews.com

One of the primary reasons why people travel is to get away from their day-to-day hard-knock lives and relax on an island away from all the noise. Although leaving the noisy city to a remote location brings a high level of calmness and serenity, many people still like to be very active while on vacation. One major group of people in this category are bikers.

Whether they are in Cancun or Fiji Islands, bikers love to have their motorcycles with them and don’t like to go too long without riding. If you are in this category of vacationers, then not being able to travel with your motorcycle must be such a bummer. The good news is that there are many solutions that bikers can try to ensure they can ride when they travel. Ranging from shipping your motorcycle to your location to renting a different motorcycle, these tips will surely help you do what you love, even in a different location. So, here are a few solutions that will keep you active when you cannot take your motorcycle along on trips.

1. Renting a motorcycle
Renting service has been the most thought-after solution when going on traveling. Since you can’t travel with your motorcycle in tow, being able to rent it at your destination should be the next solution in mind. You might be worried about whether or not you will find a motorcycle rental service in your destination country, especially if you are going to a remote island. You should note that some brands allow tourists to rent a motorcycle from any part of the globe, and they can see the available countries in this URL or BRANDED website. This way, you can be sure a motorcycle will be waiting for you when you arrive. Also, ensure you have an idea of the type of motorcycle the rental company provides if it is durable for your activities.

When renting, try to check the details like the insurance, breakdown maintenance, and other required services covering the motorcycle. Most significantly, insurance is a focal point in renting a motorcycle. Due to unexpected events that can occur anytime with the bike, try and know the insurance policy. For instance, you rent a motorcycle for your trip, you got robbed, and it was taken away from you. With a good insurance policy, there will be some coverage for such an event.

Lastly, safety is always the primary concern for anyone when using a motorcycle. So it is always essential for you to make inquiries about the safety and maintenance carried out on the motorcycles. If it is from a trusted maintenance company that keeps to high standards, then feel less disturbed about your safety. It is vital to know how long such a motorcycle has been in function. Also, if possible, get to keep a snapshot of the bike before using it as a means of evidence in case any matter arises.

2. Purchase and sell
This type of solution is often hardly considered because of the cost and loss experienced when selling the motorcycle. In a situation where you will stay for a long time while on your trip, considering this solution will be a brilliant idea. However, if you can afford it, it will be the best for you. For instance, you can either purchase a new motorcycle that might be less expensive or a used one placed for sale. After traveling has lapsed, you can decide to sell it off and make back some of your money spent on getting the motorcycle. The recorded loss might be a little different between the purchasing price and the selling price.

3. Get the necessary document
Every intending destination you want to go to might request some document before anything can be used on their road or cross its border. First of all, making inquiries about a particular place you want to travel so can save you some expenses for your motorcycle. Second, if you are going to a place where documentation will be required for a motorcycle, try and ensure you get those necessary documents available. Some of these documents can be a valid passport, travel document, international driving permit, and visa.

For instance, you are traveling to a country where an international driving permit is required before taking a motorcycle into such country. Upon presenting the required document, you will be allowed to bring in and use your bike in that country without been stopped. After you are over with the duration of your stay, you can take your motorcycle along with you.

4. Ship your motorcycle
You can also consider shipping it when you cannot bring your motorcycle while traveling to the exact destination, either through local services or international services. It may seem to be quite expensive and takes a lot of work to process, but the safe delivery of your motorcycle is highly guaranteed. To avoid delaying your bike at the checkpoint, you must ensure all paperwork, physical and online registration is complete.

Lastly, due to the increasing shipping services globally, it is highly advisable to use a well-known company with good significant reviews in delivering goods and cargos to that specific destination. You can do your research about brands that suit you well.

With these few tips, you can easily travel to any location and not worry about not having your motorcycle. You can still do what you love in a new and exciting location!