Phoenix, Arizona: An ideal setting for motorcycle riding

Motorcycle riding can give the feeling of freedom, rebellion, relaxation, or mediation and can also be an expression of individualism. Riders can choose from loud cruise bikes like Harley-Davidson, fast crotch rockets or sport bikes like the Kawasaki Ninja, or enjoy a short commute on a fuel efficient scooter like a Vespa.

Riding a motorcycle allows you to experience the scenic beauty of the Arizona desert in a way you cannot get from the inside of a car. Whether driving or riding as a passenger, a motorcycle invites you to feel the hot desert air brush against your skin, smell the desert as she cools down in the evening, and listen to the rumble of the exhaust echo through the canyons.

Phoenix is the ideal place to own a motorcycle because we have clear skies and sunshine which allows for year round riding. The yearly high average is 72 degrees, although during the summer months temperatures reach over 100 degrees. The summer months have low humidity, so it makes the heat more bearable. Yes, I will say it, “It’s a dry heat.” Since Phoenix roads are almost always clear of precipitation, it makes it safe for those of us on two (sometimes three) wheels.

I began riding several years ago when I got tired of looking at the back of the driver’s helmet. I took a rider safety course and purchased my first motorcycle: a 2003 Harley-Davidson Anniversary Edition Sportster 883. I outgrew that motorcycle in six months, but kept it, upgraded the engine to a 1200cc, and used it to ride on long distance road trips, attend rallies, and commute locally. I enjoy riding even in the hot summer months here in Phoenix.

As your Phoenix Motorcycle Examiner, I will keep you informed on upcoming motorcycle events that are happening in the valley, as well as bring you information regarding changes in Arizona motorcycle law, trends in the industry and first looks at new models. So, go ahead and subscribe or check back often for new articles!

Continue reading on Examiner.com: Phoenix, Arizona: An ideal setting for motorcycle riding - Phoenix Motorcycles | Examiner.com http://www.examiner.com/motorcycles-in-phoenix/this-examiner-has-her-own-ride-motorcycle-that-is#ixzz1Ed2FqwyR

Sturgis organizers ask to close off downtown

Bikers only: Merchants will have their say on giving a motorcycle rally exclusive parking in the downtown core during Sturgis North.

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Salmon Arm Observer

• Hosting Sturgis has long-term implications
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• Sturgis North secures counsel BUSINESS
• Sturgis conflicts with family values
• Sturgis North to boost economy

By Martha Wickett - Salmon Arm Observer
Published: February 15, 2011 6:00 PM
Updated: February 16, 2011 4:19 PM

Organizers of the Sturgis North motorcycle rally and music festival would like to close Salmon Arm’s downtown core to vehicular traffic, other than motorcycles, during the event.

Site manager Steve Hammer attended the Salmon Arm Downtown meeting Feb. 9 to update the board and to discuss traffic plans.

He said he would like to see Ross and Alexander streets and Hudson Avenue between the two streets closed during the rally, which is scheduled from Wednesday, July 13 to Sunday, July 17. He would like to see the streets open only to foot and motorbike traffic.

Director Maggy Davidson, owner of Spirit Quest Books, said she has many out-of-town customers who already complain about the lack of parking downtown.

“For me, it means I lose four days of business.”

Salmar Community Association rep Patti Munro suggested making the parking lots of the Salmar Grand the core area for motorcycle displays and then people could walk up to the main streets. She said the legion could be alerted in case it wishes to entertain motorcycle enthusiasts.

Hammer said he is expecting 1,500 to 2,000 veterans coming to the rally from Canada and the United States.

He also said he has been receiving the support of downtown businesses and asked if the board would support his proposal.

Director Michael Wagner said approval is up to downtown merchants – if the merchants support it, the board would too.

The idea to have pockets of parking for motorcycles throughout the downtown was also suggested. The city’s rep on the board, Coun. Chad Eliason, said he likes the idea.

Dale McTaggart told the Observer that the city won’t make any plans without consultation.

“What we’ve said to the DIA and the downtown parking commission, we will work with them before approving any formal request.

There’s talk about long closures downtown, but none of that has been approved and it’s not a formal request.”

Troy Lee Designs Rider Jeans Review


His insatiable thirst for life is only surpassed by his monthly fuel bill. Whether rocketing on land, flying through the air, or jumping the seas, our Associate Editor does it all and has the scars to prove it.
Tred
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We love the lipstick red color of the steel frame.
Troy Lee Designs Rider Jeans are my favorite pair of motorcycle riding denim.
Many motorcycle gear manufacturers make street bike specific riding jeans. However none have the slim fit or trendy look that the Troy Lee Designs Rider Jeans offer. These premium denim pants are designed for modern urban motorcycle riders seeking a stylish pair of jeans that offer more protection than a standard jean.

With retail price starting at $119.00 these American-made jeans are comparable in price to other premium denim on the market. The Rider Jeans stands out by the fit that has been designed specifically for when the rider is seated on the motorcycle in the riding stance.

The jeans are form fitting through the thigh and knee areas, which reduces the occurrence of material shifting or flapping around. The bottom of the leg is a bit looser fitting and the pant cuff is tapered to mitigate the chances of it getting caught in the chain as well as coinciding with the latest fashion trend.

The jeans run a little long which was welcome as it still covered the ankles of my lanky legs when riding. At the front, there are two main and a stash pocket as well as two back pockets that are secured with metal buttons. Additionally the fly and waist are secured with metal buttons as well.
An undercarriage shot of the 2011 Aprilia Shiver 750.
Troy Lee Designs Rider Jeans are my favorite motorcycle specific riding denim on the market due to its excellent (but slim) fit and construction.

Material wise the TLD jeans are cut from 12.5-ounce cotton denim. The material doesn’t feel as thick as other riding jeans we’ve worn but the denim has a tough feel to it when touched. All of the major seams are doubled stitched and the knee panels and butt panel are reinforced with additional double stitched paneling for added durability in case you’re sliding across the pavement.
Although the BMW S1000RR reigned supreme in this years Superbike Smackdown shootout test rider Adam Waheed actually prefers the Honda CBR1000RR due to its powerful mid-range performance and overall chassis feel.
Leave it to the design wizards at Troy Lee Designs to create a riding jean that not only looks cool but has added protection too.

Further styling comes in the form of distressed fray marks on the thigh and back pockets. The jeans come in waist sizes 30 through 38 and fit slightly big, so a 34-inch waist should wear size 32.

The Rider Jean won’t be loved by everyone as it favors folks with more slender body types. However, if you fit in to this audience you’ll be hard pressed to find a more comfortable or better looking denim for use on or off the bike.

The Troy Lee Designs Rider Jeans is available at Motorcycle Superstore.
MSRP: $119.00 - $129.00

Tie Downs CBR
FMF soft touch tie downs are high end quality made tie downs that will provide an impressive new way of strapping down your bikes that any motorcycle owner can appreciate after using the standard tie downs available on the market.
The task of loading a motorcycle into a vehicle or trailer can be easy or a nightmare, depending on if a rider has the right tools for the job. FMF Racing lends a hand with its FMF soft touch tie downs. This simple tie down system will help riders transport any type of motorcycle, dirt or street. The soft touch tie Down is a definite upgrade compared to the standard tie down found at the local dealer or general merchandise store.

FMF soft touch tie downs are built from thick 1.5 inch-wide body nylon that measures seven feet in length from carabiner to hook ends. The anchor end of the strap has an aluminum carabiner clip that secures the strap into place and prevents it from slipping off the vehicle or trailer cargo mount. On the other end, the nylon soft hook attachment slips around the handlebar or triple clamp securing the motorcycle and preventing any metal to metal contact. FMF tie downs can stabilize various vehicle types ranging from small pit bikes to large machinery such as snow mobiles. The tie downs come dressed in FMF’s traditional red and yellow colors making them easy to identify. Another feature that FMF has built into the tie down is a label area on the wide body nylon strap that can be tagged with any permanent marker, preventing your buddies from taking them home as their own.

Using the tie downs comes easy and is identical in function to standard tie downs. The first step is to anchor the carabiner to the cargo mount in your vehicle or trailer simply by locking the carbiner into place, no more slipping hooks or steady pressure to keep the hook secured to the cargo mount while trying to get the other end attached. Standard tie downs don’t have the luxury of locking into position and can cause many frustrations when trying to manipulate a motorcycle into place without losing the grip on the tie down. Dirt bike or ATV owners can load up and take advantage of the soft hook option by running the strap around the handlebars. The nylon holds tight and resists slipping as mush as the metal hook, so no need to worry about messing up brake housings or throttles. Tying down from the triple clamp means not having to use a canyon dancer, or other less convenient anchor points, thus reducing the risk of broken controls.

Overall the FMF Soft Touch Tie Downs are a must have for someone who transports motorcycles. FMF has developed a masterful tie down that relieves many of the struggles encountered using standard tie downs and gives you that extra confidence in knowing your motorcycle is firmly secured. No more tinkering with hooks that come off the cargo mounts and no more scratches or dings on your handlebars. FMF tie downs are simple, durable and pure quality, making them a smart buy for any motorcycle owner.

The FMF Soft Touch Tie Downs are available at FMF Racing and retail for $29.95.

Harley-Davidson of Crete to close Oct. 15
Publish date: Sep 30, 2010



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Harley-Davidson of Crete, Ill., will close its doors Oct. 15.

Owner Marion Galloway says the store just couldn’t survive the bad economy.

"With this economy, people don't need toys," he told the North West Indiana TImes. Since Harley cut the amount of inventory allotted to the store, sales have fallen even more.

"That hurt sales, but mostly it's the economy," Galloway says. "Bikes, boats, RVs. All that stuff is in the tank right now."

Between 40 and 50 of the about 700 Harley-Davidson dealerships in the nation that were in business last year have closed, Galloway says. There are 17 dealerships in the Chicago area, which creates fierce competition.

Galloway opened the business in 1991. He moved his dealership into a new building in 1999. His investment topped $1 million.

"They (Harley-Davidson) required us to expand in order to get more allocation, and at the time we thought we needed more," Galloway says. "The more you get the more you can sell."

But business followed the pattern of the real estate boom.

"We had our best year in (2007)," Galloway says. "We doubled in size in 2008, and right after that things started going downhill."

Some of the dealership's 30 employees, which include his son, brother, a niece and a nephew, have found new jobs at other dealerships, but many still are still looking. Galloway plans to retire.