Volume 2, Number 1, 1st Quarter 2000
ZooKeeper is the official quarterly publication of the Suzuki Owners Club - USA. The club was founded by volunteers and was incorporated by the club officers in June, 1999 for the purpose of providing mutual assistance and fellowship to owners of Suzuki motorcycles, principally, BUT NOT SOLELY. Membership in the club includes a subscription to the ZooKeeper, which is not available separately. All newsletter submissions should be sent to The Editor at the address on the back page or to gixette@mindspring.com. ADVERTISERS: for information, contact Eric Hess, National Director INFO@SOC-USA.ORG. SOC-USA is not affiliated with Suzuki Motors, Inc.
Our featured bike is a 1993 Katana:
· Specs/Mods:1100cc, handlebar risers, new paint, otherwise stock
· Color: purple with reflective white tape in a lightning pattern
· Owner: SOC-USA Member Bob Duffey
This bike is one of Bob Duffey's stunt bikes. He does wheelies at triple digit speeds on this stock Katana.
For more information on Bob and his stunts, see our Membership News section on page 3.
National Director
Eric Hess, Colorado
Assistant National Director
open at this time
National Financial Coordinator
Rod Tinberg, Wisconsin
National Media Coordinator
Carla "Gixette" Merrill, North Carolina
National Website Coordinator
Jean-Duc Villareal, Minnesota
National Regalia Coordinator
David F. Hubenette, Minnesota
National Sport/Sport Touring Coordinator
John "Ace" Mahlendorf, Wisconsin
National Cruiser/Touring Coordinator
Steve Simpson, North Carolina
National Dual-Sport/Motocross
Coordinator
Mitch Friedman, California
National Classic/Vintage Coordinator
Michael Sucharski, Wisconsin
National Rally/Safety Coordinator
Eric Hess, Colorado
· New Hampshire: Paul Bickford
Here we are at the end of 1999, one year shy of the 21st century in the classical sense. Mere days from a manifesting computer nemesis. What do we care? We're the air-conditioned gypsies of the 20th century, don't you know? Have wheels, will travel. Boldly into the next millennium, no matter what you favor, be it in days or a year hence. You, the members of this club, the SOC-USA, will be the guidance into the coming years. You all will tell the board of directors which directions to go, and when the traffic will bear in those directions we shall proceed.
At this junction, our origination has been growing for seven months, since early May when we announced accepting members. Our numbers are small at this point, with just thirty-four individuals and fourteen associates. Word of our existence is just starting to be spread. As we form a network of dealers who are willing to recognize us, this word is being broadcast across the land. As the new year is dawning, this club is only beginning to realize its potential.
Plans are in the works to sponsor two national rallies in the coming year, twice the number we held last year. Numerous other local rallies are being put together by our enthusiastic state coordinators as well. It is our hope that each member can join us at one or more of these events and meet their fellow members. As plans unfold, we will inform you of our thoughts.
Our tentative schedule appears later in this issue, and I would like for each of you to review what is in progress and provide any inputs that you might desire to supply us with. We will have a presence at Americade and the Golden Aspen Rally along with our own events.
Welcome the new year as the founding members of the SOC-USA. Provide us your comments, and join us at the various events as they occur. I look forward to hearing your ideas and meeting you in person. Some of you are already acquaintances, and allow me to wish you well until we meet again.
Reach us on our website using the email address INFO@SOC-USA.ORG or write to us at P.O. Box 49125. Colorado Springs, CO, 80949-9125.
Vince rides a 1997 Bandit 1200 (Thumper) with a custom seat, wind screen, and leather bags
Has ridden for: Most of his 32 years (since he was 5 years old)
Miles he rides a year: about 75,000
Riding style he prefers: Touring and canyon dancing
Favorite places he rides: Just about anywhere. Check out our feature interview with Vince who tells about his trip with the Bandit to Winnipeg, Canada last summer..
Favorite gear: Vince gives us a complete list of his touring gear in our feature interview.
First motorcycle: A mini-bike when he was 5 years old.
Bob Duffey is a new SOC-USA member and a world record holding motorcycle stunt rider from Las Cruces, NM. He recently performed at the Golden Aspen rally in Colorado, where SOC-USA had a welcome booth. The picture on the right, courtesy of Bob Duffey, shows him jumping a helicopter!
Who is Bob Duffey? That would depend on what is going on at the time of the question. It's true that he's a world champion stunt rider, a Suzuki Katana 1100 owner, and a new member of SOC-USA. Most of the time, though, he is just a "deeply involved motorcycle nut." Bob says his moto-life never stops and fills all the spare rooms (and some not so spare) of his house. At home it seems he's always giving someone a mini tour of his cycles, photos, helmets, books, toys, trophies, magazines, bathroom etc. The rushed version of this tour is maybe 30 minutes. That's the one for folks who really aren't into cycles.
Hint: In case you're ever at Bob's house, go for the fun tour which he says is "anywhere from 90 minutes to as long as you can stay or stand it!"
ZooKeeper is going to spend some time getting to know Bob. In a series of articles, we plan to unravel the stories behind this guy who is into stunts, taught MSF courses for seven years, and gives guided Dirt Bike tours around his favorite riding areas in Las Cruces, New Mexico.
We'll start with the crazy stuff, like jumping a motorcycle over a running helicopter.
Stunt riding is a lot of what Bob is about. One of his current stunt bikes is a big, purple, Katana 1100, custom-painted with glowing lightning bolt stripes. Bob says he started out doing motorcycle stunts by jumping cars, mimicking what others had already been doing. Then Bob threw in a few wheelies for excitement. Making his shows longer for the fairs was a new challenge, so Bob started working on more types of wheelies, "There is nothing more fun anyway than doing wheelies...when they go right that is!" (more about Bob on page 4)
How does he get new ideas for motorcycle stunts? Bob rode bicycles backward when he was about 10 years old, so he figured, why not work that into his show? An early start with this idea came when an old Las Cruces High School friend innocently let Bob ride his 1965 Honda Sport 50. When Bob came back around from behind the building, he was riding the motorcycle backwards. Bob was delighted to see the shock on his friend's face, because at that momemt he realized, "This could be a real attention getter." From that moment of inspiration, his show grew into going faster and faster...backwards. And, as they say, the rest is history.
Then came the idea of the helicopter. Gee Bob, what is up with that? "The jumps just had to do with what could I come up with that would be more exciting to the audience. Being the first to say you want to jump a helicopter was easy. Finding some place and group or promoter to actually go for it was a whole other story." Crazy as the helicopter idea is, Bob insists he is concerned about safety, "No matter what I came up with though, I was not out to crash. I wanted to do an exciting show that people would remember, without a crash. Unfortunately, the media doesn't much see it that way."
Bob has never crashed with his helicopter stunt, by the way. In fact, he is an avid promoter of motorcycle safety. "Motorcycles and ATVs are in the same category as guns, airplanes, and marriage. The only time they get publicity is when it is bad." We'll talk more about safety with Bob next time. In this issue we'll close with some of the personal info Bob gave us. He's a perfect example of that famous proverb "The Family That Rides Together Stays Together." Bob's been married for 31 years and likes "all motorcycles and scooters except one, so I don't think that is too bad an average." Currently, he has 12 motorcycles and deeply believes that there is no such thing as too many. Like a lot of us motorcyclists, Bob is penniless but happy, "I don't have any money but I have a lot of fun. By the time our two boys (Jerry and Lonnie) graduated from high school, they had 14 motorcycles and minis each. I would not trade anything for the time that we spent riding together, both in the dirt and on the street. They started at 4 years old."
Bob thanks his own Dad for all the interest and love Bob has invested in motorcycles. After winning the World Championship Jumping Contest on CBS, Bob found a way to say just a little thanks to his Dad, "After I got home from the championship, I went to my local dealer and bought my Dad a brand new Yamaha XS650. He showed it to everyone and rode it a lot. He had made and bought me way too many motorcycles, but I wouldn't change a thing except having him live longer so we could have ridden more together."
More about Bob Duffey next time. Until then you can read about this multi-faceted motorcyclist on his website:
www.zianet.com/bobduffey
To become a member of SOC-USA, complete the form on the back of the newsletter. Your membership includes:
· Club regalia and membership privileges on the club web site
· The ZooKeeper mailed (or emailed) to you each quarter
· Special discounts as they become available and participation in club events
If you don't see your letter here, take a look at our website www.soc-usa.org
by Bill Hawley (Leman750@aol.com)
Rather than bore you with two separate articles, and since it appears that preparation for the touring season is the main focus of this issue of the ZooKeeper, herein lies my standard "trip taking ritual."
[Note: I've done as much as 3000 miles in 5 days with my beast, and I've really given a lot of thought to the question of what I wish it would do better. I really can't think of anything. OK, more power (but then if it had 300 HP, I'd probably still ask for 10 more after getting used to it!). Another 10 MPG would be nice too I suppose. It can also do some things that no (current) bike in its displacement / weight class can do. The GT750 is one of the best, and most versatile, long distance mounts out there. Bar none. Long live the CJM!]
I first fill the (HEEEUGE Windjammer IV) fairing compartments with the "essentials." The right-hand side is reserved mainly for tools. In addition to the standard Suzuki repair kit, I carry a small overnight case with items like cotter pins, nuts/bolts, rubber bands, hand tools, vice grip, electrical connectors, and shrink tubing. And in addition to that, a test light, continuity tester, electrical and duct tape. I also carry a spare headlight and driving lamp bulb and a full set of fuses (ATC and glass tube style, as I use both types on my bike).
Buffy Wearing Her Special Order Rubbermaid
Luggage
The rain suit and Totes go on top of all of this in the compartment. A cable and padlock go on top of the rain suit. I try to pack so the most often (or anticipated to be needed) items are easiest to get to. In the left side, I put a generous supply of shop towels, a tire repair kit (patches and plugs for tube or tubeless), spare tube for each size tire, spoons and mallet, and small container of dishsoap diluted with water to serve both as a tire bead lube and hand cleaner. Flat tires are pretty rare, but excrement occurs. Late at night. On Holidays. Usually in Nowhere.
I also pack a small bicycle air pump or foot pump. Do not fall for the "turn your engine into an air compressor" tire repair kit. It is way more trouble than it's worth.
Besides, removing a hot spark plug from a hot aluminum head is also a good way to remove the plug hole threads, compounding your problems at least tenfold. One extra size 530H, a 530 "classic" (to help a fellow biker) cliplink and chain tool, then I keep the chain wax on top of the pile or in a side compartment of the tank bag for the 500 mile pitstops (along with just those wrenches needed for a chain adjustment banded to it).
I keep at least one quart of CCI oil in reserve at all times too, as good oil is sometimes hard to find (and as I found out at last year's Badgerfest, not all 2-stroke oils are created equal - smoke and stink city!). For trips of up to 3 days, really a good tank bag is about all you'll need. I have a nice, magnetic, expandable type that makes it really easy to top off with fuel (no straps on the tank, except the one attached to the handlebar as a failsafe system). I do carry a set of soft "pony express" style bags folded up in the fairing or under the seat too - just to separate the colors from the whites for the inevitable trip to the laundromat when your "2 days" turn into 4 or 5.
I also have the advantage of having a tail rack and sissy bar/ backrest on my machine (remember those?). I've even used it to transport an
enormous Rubbermaid container containing most all of my gear in waterproof splendor - but like me, it's ugly and not very aerodynamic. In lieu of this ungainly device, I instead connect a standard sized backpack to the backrest (just criss-cross the shoulder straps around the bar pad and tighten them), then put the 3-man tent on the front of it across the seat, and finally, my bedroll/sleeping bag in front of that to serve as my backrest (Ahhhhhh....).
Always, without exception, bring Lawn and Leaf bags to encase your gear in. It will rain UNLESS you bring them, and your stuff will all get horribly wet. Then (given the right conditions), it will all begin to smell very bad.
This may seem to be quite a lot to carry but remember, by being prepared you can be assured of two things:
This particular annual "cycle" (no pun intended) is how the Gold Thing and Road Thing were spawned. Many people really love them, and they are very nice to admire (in "static" mode) but I say: If you want to drive your living room, you really should stay home on the couch. I mean, they're testing air bags....AIR BAGS (!!!) for motorcycles now!
Stop the insanity! The Millenium has only begun, but I fear this signals that The End is near.
When we think of sportbikes, we most often think of power. We also think of handling, but what gets most over looked are the brakes and their performance. Sure, lots of us will get the latest pads, stainless lines and the like, but how often do you practice your braking?
Most of us don't work on braking, or what I like to call the "Art of getting out of the trouble that the throttle got us into."
Late this past fall I took an "advanced riders course." Now mind you, I like to think that I work on my braking more than the average guy, but I got to practice braking in situations I didn't bother to before. Like emergency stopping in a curve. Sure I practice in a straight line, but not in a curve. After being instructed on the proper technique, I found myself doing full stoppies in a curve....without falling over! The only ones falling over were the instructors...laughing!
You can practice braking by starting in a parking lot and going up to about 20 mph, and at a mark on the pavement, brake firmly as you feel comfortable. Then progressively increase the pressure you give the brakes until a wheel locks. If the front, let off, then re-apply quickly. If the rear locks, you can just leave it locked and worry about the front.
Many of us don't use the rear brake. The increase in front brake performance has left many with the feeling that the rear brake doesn't do enough to bother with (especially if the rear wheel is in the air), but we must still practice using the rear brake. I don't use the rear very much, if at all, when I brake....but I still practice it. When an emergency comes up, it is still my reflex to use both brakes to the limit.
We are seeing more and more racers using the rear brake (some quite severely to "back it in") or using a linked braking system (Doug Chandler). And on the track you know when and where you are going to brake. On the street you must be able to use both brakes in an emergency. And the best place to practice is off the street. I highly recommend the MSF Advanced riders course to learn the drills, then practice them on your own.
Keep your knees on the ground and your toes on the pegs,
Cruiser/Touring News
Steve Simpson, National Cruiser/Touring Coordinator
Having lived in Northern California for six years, I'm probably biased, but I'd have to say that motorcycle rides on the West Coast are superior to rides on the East Coast. After only six months in North Carolina, I find myself yearning for the back streets and outlying roads of the San Francisco Bay area.
In just 18 months in California, I logged over 10,000 miles on my 1997 Suzuki Intruder. Yet in my half-year here on the East Coast, I'm still struggling to get my first 1,500 under my belt. Granted, part of it is due my to unfamiliarity with the area, not knowing folks to go ride with, and trying to set up a household and find a job here. However, there are inherent factors that also inhibit your ability to ride here.
It's colder here in the winter. I can barely ever remember seeing frost on my baby in six years in California, but in North Carolina, it's been a weekly (sometimes week long) event. Everyone knows it's miserable to ride in the cold. There just aren't enough layers of clothing in the world to keep you warm. And after you're done, and the exhilaration is over, it takes almost an hour to defrost. What is pretty cool is seeing all the bikes come out every day the mercury makes it above 50 degrees.
Unfortunately, it's also a lot hotter in the summer here too. There were something like a dozen days here that the temperature broke 100 degrees. That never happened in the San Jose area. Some folks love to ride when it's that hot, but in my humble opinion unless you can ride non-stop, it can be a killer at stop lights and signs. Nothing like having a flaming rocket under you when it's hot enough to fry an egg on the sidewalk, eh?
Of course, California also offers a lot of beautiful scenery as well. Hundreds of parks with redwood trees, absolutely to-die-for sweeping curvy roads that lead to them, and cars that at least have some idea that motorcycles are on the road. The mountains that are so prevalent in Northern California offer some of the best "twisties" available anywhere. I'll never forget Skyline Boulevard, a road that follows the sweeping peaks of a mountain range from San Jose to San Francisco. That road was absolutely some of the best riding available.
On the other hand, it has only been six months, and I do finally have a good job, and I am getting to know more folks here that ride, and, well, check back with me in another year or so. Right now in Raleigh, it's 71 degrees outside and I have got to go work on my perspective.
D-P/Off Road News
Mitch Friedman, National D-P/Off Road Coordinator
Happy New Year to all of you. The new year is here and racing is just about to start off. The Supercross season will start here in California.. and with any luck the Suzuki riders will do well.
The new DR 400 have been at all the shows this winter and should be at a dealer near you by the time you read this. The off road bike will be out first, and Suzuki's OFF ROAD TEAM has been doing a lot of testing on the bike. We should see some good aftermarket things for the bike.
Off road riding has been good to all the California riders because it has been in the 80's here most of this winter, with no rain at all.
Well, that's all for now as not much has gone on in the off road/moto news this winter.
Mitch
Vintage News
Mikey Sucharski, National Vintage Coordinator
Every once in a while I like to deviate from the norm and just do something a little different. This is one of those times. I have the capability of laughing at myself, which is the reason for this article.
You're probably a Wisconsin Biker if:
· You use the scope on your deer rifle to look at a lunar eclipse.
· Jack Daniels makes your list of most admired people.
· You see no need to stop at a rest area since you have an empty milk jug hanging off of your gas tank.
· Redman chewing tobacco sends you a Christmas card.
· You bought a VCR `cause wrestling comes on when you're out riding.
· Your wife has a beer belly and you find it attractive.
· Your front porch collapses and kills more than three dogs.
· Your richest relative buys a new house and you have to help take off the wheels.
· You have one or more major appliances on your front porch.
· Less than half the motorcycles you own run.
· Your dog and wallet are both on a chain.
· Directions to your house include the words "turn off the main road".
· Your diploma has the words "Bike Institute" on it.
· You've ever been too drunk to fish.
· You think the Styrofoam cooler is the greatest invention of all time.
· You consider "Easy Rider " deep reading.
· Your lifetime goal is to own a fireworks stand.
This ought to do it for this issue. In the future you might see an occasional "Bikers Diet" or a "Thoughts To Get A Biker Through A Crisis". Next issue; look forward to hearing about my first motorcycle. The 1981 Suzuki GS 450T.
courtesy of Andy Sobkovich, who wrote this some time after a crash on his Suzuki VX800
The early morning sun flows over the gas tank as the silent motorcycle rolls out of the cool darkness of the garage and down the drive to the street. It has been a while and as much as I'm looking forward to this, there is also a little hesitation. My last ride ended abruptly and painfully.
Make the tight turn onto the street and coast down the hill, no need to arouse the neighbours, gravity propels us along. As we pick up speed, all of the different feels of the bike flood into my head and mesh with the long held memories of these sensations: the feel of the bars; the mass of the bike as the firm but supple suspension flows over bumps and ripples in the pavement.
The sunlight flickering through the trees makes my paint job look quite pretty. Coasting down the street I am aware of everything around me. Running over the controls, hands and feet are working, just a little stiffness in my healed right ankle but my knee seems fine. We are headed toward a busy street where the sound of the motorcycle will be less obtrusive than in the silence of the hills.
As we near the bottom of the hill, it's time. Fuel on, choke on, ignition on, clutch in and drop it into second gear. I stand on the pegs and then drop my weight into the saddle as I drop the clutch. Barrroommm, the engine bursts to life. The syncopated beat of the 805cc V-twin surrounds me, envelopes me in its life. It's warm today so the choke is quickly backed off. Strong and smooth and running beautifully, it's time for renewal. "Where have you been?" the awakened bike asks. Bathed in the sensations, I cannot yet respond as I feel the call. The call is strong. The ballet of banking and speed, acceleration and braking, the motions that are existence in my playground, the Santa Monica mountains. The bike and my heart surge forward at the thought.
The city streets are almost deserted this early. Roll on the throttle and a couple of shifts later we are at the speed limit, letting the bike fully warm for what is to come. 3000rpm has a pleasant sound and more than enough power is available. In a few minutes we enter the mountains, long smooth sweepers at first. The torque from the engine propels us forward through corners and down straights. I begin to test my reactions and riding skills. Pick a turn-in point, the line through the corner, the apex and acceleration line out of the corner. The bike says "Of course we'll do this, che cosa?" "I'm a little rusty," is my laughing response. However, my ever-willing partner ignores my fears and tracks perfectly. Gently chiding me for my unease. An easy bike to live with, as much a pleasure as ever.
I pick a side road that is slower and much twistier. I need to blow away the cob-webs, see if I remember how to do this. Let the engine pull from low revs, it's smooth and controllable. Concentrate on the line and try for some smoothness. The smoothness that will make this an effortless joy, eventually.
But not yet. Ragged lines and wrong apexes make me think I left my brain in my other helmet. Damn, some of the automatic responses are here, and others need to be re-learned. But no pattern. Must not go too fast, "Walk before you can run". And I cannot even walk very well right now, at speed on a bike or on my own two feet. Cornering lines are getting cleaner, no need for shifting
or braking at this pace. Slowly this begins to feel pretty good.
Sitting at a traffic light that will start me on my test road, my mind plays images of the road ahead. I know the road well but it is not forgiving. Cliffs going up on one side and down on the other. There is little run-off room. Small mistakes are tolerated, big mistakes can be deadly. The light changes and off we go.
The heavy clutch is very smooth, a joyful basso profundo roar to red-line in first, upshift to second gear at 60mph and continue on through the gears. The short straight section leads to the goodbits. Here we go, the first corner is a right hand sweeper with a dip at the apex. We roll through at a decent pace. The dip is just that. The bike does not move off line; it just holds its course as we gain speed out of the corner.
A quick left and right set us up for the first serious corner. Drop it down two gears and lean it over for a 180° left. Over and over until my toe touches the ground warning that ground clearance is almost gone. The bike is urging me on, shouting "Rapidamente!" thrilled at being used as it should be.
We rocket out of the corner, the powerful engine changing its tone to something much more strident. The off beat firing pulses at lower rpm have now merged for an urgent, almost boastful roar. "This is more like it." the bike says happily. I flick the shifter down to the next higher gear and the torque surge continues. A velvet hand pushing us forward. Gaining speed rapidly, both the bike and my heart are soaring.
We fly through the next few corners toward a twin apex, decreasing radius right. "Keep the outside line and slow down through the late first apex, then over hard and on the throttle at the second apex to set-up the next corner". Downshift on the entrance to the corner. Toe under the shifter and lift, my right ankle doesn't want to pivot really easily yet, so downshifts are a bit slow, but manageable.
The first part of the corner is smooth and my line is perfect. The urging from the bike to speed up is hard to resist. I give in and our speed increases. Late first apex...perfect. Around a rock wall, slowing toward the second apex. As we turn into it first my toe then the exhaust grounds, but the bike is steady. Idiot, I've forgotten what the lean angle of this bike is on this side. Accelerate hard out of the apex. Quickly flick the bars hard for the upcoming tight left. A really fast transition. The rear of the bike squirms a little as we flick right to left under full power. Left toe lightly on the rear brake and the bike says "Don't worry, I'll take care of us." The back end comes into line immediately, the long chassis is so stable. We line up for the next corner, and the next and the next.
Shooting through like we are on rails. Speed slowly increasing. Hard on the gas, no vibration from this engine and no peaky power delivery. Not my fastest bike, but really great fun. The V-twin lunges forward on its torque and sounds wonderful on over-run. Announcing itself to the world with a roar that thrills every nerve ending in my body and touches my soul. The bike is alive and for the first time in months, so am I.
Hours later I press the garage door opener as we roll slowly up the hill and the driveway. The other bikes in the cool interior of the garage welcome us back. The multitude of whirring gears in the air-cooled engine are loud when I take my helmet off. The idle is just amazing. Rich and deep. Syncopated, like a heartbeat. The life in the bike is trying hard to heal me. And it is working. I reach beside my left thigh and turn off the key. The silence is broken only by the sounds of the engine cooling, resting until the next ride.
As I run my hand over the tank and seat, the bike says "Grazie." "You're welcome," is my response, "you're very welcome, my old friend."
My VX800 sits, patiently awaiting repairs. Its healing will start shortly. Then it too will come to life. To share in the experience and the joy of living that comes from riding. Its subtle and graceful personality is not as strong as today's ride. But its shy smile masks its abilities and surprises so many with its competence. Including me.
It's great to be riding again, even if I didn't achieve the existential oneness with the bike and the road. That will come. I'm happy to the very core of my being. It's great to finally be alive again.
Do you have a favorite tale to tell us? Send it to the editor at:
This issue we interviewed new member Vince Lamarche. He is an avid motorcycle tourer, riding about 75,000 miles a year! This year he acquired a 1997 Bandit 1200 and took it from LA to Winnipeg and back in about a week and a half. That included 3 days of visiting in Winnipeg. The short list of bikes he has owned includes:
85 FJ1100 (Yamaha)
90 FJ1200 (Yamaha)
79 XS1100 (Yamaha)
85 650 Nighthawk (Honda)
86 650 Nighthawk (Honda)
89 Transalp (Honda)
89 1100 Katana (Suzuki)
85 VF1000R (Honda)
80 Twinstar (Honda)
87 Concours (Kawasaki)
85 CR500 (Honda)
90 CR250 (Honda)
You can see pictures of Vince's trip at:
http://albums.photopoint.com/j/AlbumList?u=55580
ZooK: What's the longest solo trip you've taken on your Bandit?
Vince: A couple of months ago I took my Bandit on a last minute trip to Winnipeg from Los Angeles. It was a total of 6,350 miles in seven days.
L.A. to Winnipeg.....2300 miles
Winnipeg to L.A......3520 miles
Zook: Did you make it back and forth without any problems?
Vince: The bike did very well for the whole trip. In Nebraska I did have to take the carb off and clean the bowls because of some bad gas. The filter in the tank is OK, but I needed a better one for as much fine stuff I was getting in the smaller stations out off the beaten path. I really have to thank Dale Walker for the great running bike. He is the owner of Holeshot products. He puts a bunch of work into his products, so it is easy for us to custom tailor the bike to our needs.
ZooK: Taking a carb apart sounds like a big deal to me. Does a person need to be a pretty good wrencher before attempting a big trip solo?
Vince: I think you should have a basic idea of how the bike works before attempting a long trip. Be sure the bike is in good working order before you leave. Have a shop check it out if there is any question about it.You should also check your insurance and see if they will cover towing, breakdown assistance, and hotel while repairs are being made. You should also carry a cell phone just in case you need to make a call while in the middle of nowhere. If you stick to the main highways there should be no trouble. Be sure to go to well-lit and big fuel stops at night. You are very sought after by the scum of the earth while gassing up.
ZooK: How did you feel about the trip when you returned home? Was it all you hoped it would be?
Vince: The trip was fantastic. I had friends in Winnipeg I wanted to see before it really got too cold to ride.
Vince Lamarche packed up his Bandit 1200 for a trip from LA to Winnipeg and back.
MONDAY
ZooK: So, you left on a Monday?
Vince: I had planned on leaving real early in the morning on Monday, 9-13-99. But as fate would have it, I did not get out of the house until 3 pm. I was planning to make a nice, scenic trip to Denver, stay the night there, and then make it to Winnipeg Manitoba on Tuesday night. Instead, I had to put on my race face and see just how far I could make it in one shot. The route remained the same, and I had planned for X amount of dollars for X amount of gas. That went in the pot almost right away. I was traveling at a brisker pace than normal and was really using the fuel. I did manage to reach Denver but it was more like at sunrise, not at sunset as planned. It was 4:00 am.
ZooK: Your race face?...have you raced before?
Vince: I have raced cars before but not bikes...just bets from friends and things like that.
TUESDAY
ZooK: OK, back to the ride. So, you had been on the road for about 13 hours and now it's Tuesday. You stopped to rest in Denver, right?
Vince: I thought about stopping at a truckstop or rest area for a bit of a nap but pushed on instead. As I was going through Nebraska I was telling myself I should stop for a nap, so I set the Nebraska-Iowa border as the point at which to rest. Just north of Blencoe I stopped for a couple hours and just relaxed and recharged. The sun was starting to drop down, and it was a great sight. When I woke up and had a good stretch, I jumped back on and started heading north again. The ride was pretty uneventful from there. People were in a hurry to get home from one place or another, so I just made the necessary fuel stops and pushed on. I stopped in Souix Falls for a good dinner because it was starting to get a bit chilly, and I did not want to risk having to stop for a bit of cold weather.
ZooK: Sounds like you made up a lot of time. Were you still on schedule at this point?
Vince: My plans were to be in Canada on Wednesday morning so I could help my friend with some things he had to take care of, but those plans were looking pretty bleak as I pulled up to the border crossing between the USA and Canada. It seems they close for the night because of lack of traffic. Looking at my watch I see it is 3 am. I have now been on the road for almost 36 hours and I dont feel that tired. Go figure!
ZooK: But you did stop to rest, right?
Vince: I turned around at the border and started looking for a place to get a couple of winks and maybe a shower. It seems that this week was a bad one to be looking for hotel rooms in northern North Dakota. There was a convention called "Big Iron". Everyplace was booked. I was sittng in a 24-hour fuel stop and overheard a couple of truckers talking about their trip for the day and how they were going to cancel a room at a local hotel. I talked to them and made arrangements to be at the front desk when they cancelled so I could grab the room. It worked out. I called my friend and told him what was happening and planned to meet him in the morning.
WEDNESDAY
ZooK: So, you crossed the border Wednesday morning and made it Winnipeg. What did you do while visiting up there?
Vince: Once in Winnipeg I had a good time. They showed me some local roads and attractions. If anyone is ever in Winnipeg you must look up the "Streetwinders" Motorcycle club. They are a good group of people. They meet at the Burger Factory on Wednsday nights around 6 pm. and downtown on Saturday nights.
MONDAY
ZooK: After the weekend in Winnipeg, you started back on the following Monday?
Vince: Yep. The trip home was looking like I was going to have to dodge some bad weather. I was planning to blast back in a two-day trip once again since I had to be home for the weekend. I started heading south and was taking the same route home but hit rain in South Dakota. Decided to head west and try to go around it. No luck. It was a big storm so I
continued west and made it to Rapid City by sundown. Got a room there and just relaxed for the rest of the night.
ZooK: Speaking of bad weather, what kind of rain gear did you take with you and how effective was it?
Vince: I have a two-piece rubber suit that I bought in San Francisco a couple of years ago. It is like the kind the fishermen wear. It is also handy when it gets cold out to keep the wind from entering through zippers and such. Waterproof ski gloves work well too.
TUESDAY
ZooK: OK, so back on the road Tuesday?
Vince: Up in the morning and the weather was looking iffy again. I thought since I was close I would stop and see the Rapid City Reptile House. Cool place. They would not let me take the bike through the Bear park, though. Back on the road I had to see Mt. Rushmore and Crazy Horse. Those are on my list of places to stop next time! I stopped just long enough to get some pictures of them this time. I will be back. With that out of the way I was grabbing some lunch and looking at the map. Head south young man my brain was telling me. Here it was Tuesday afternoon, and I had a couple of days to kill. I started to look at the secondary roads and decided those look like more fun. I was not wrong. With things like "Car-henge" in Nebraska, how could I in my right mind want to jump on the interstate again?
Riding on the smaller roads, you meet a different kind of people. They are nicer and are truly interested in talking about your trip so you have to plan for such things.
ZooK: Let's talk about roads for a minute. What routes did you use going up to Winnipeg?
Vince: On the way there I took interstates and freeways. I was in a hurry so I did not want to take questionable routes. I started on the 101 out of Ventura, then the 10 out of LA and hit the 15 north. Through Vegas, up through Utah to HWY 70, then east to Denver. Grabbed the 76 to connect to the 80, then east again to Omaha. From there I went north on the 29 all the way to Winnipeg.
ZooK: And how did you go back?
Vince: Coming home I took the scenic route. Down the 29 to the 90. That took me to Rapid City to see the Mt. Rushmore National Park and Crazy Horse also. From there I started taking small roads. Many were not on the big map I was carring with me. I made my way south to the 40 and headed west from there. A quick stop in Laughlin and some wet weather, then I was on my way again. When I reached the Califorina desert, I headed North to Carson City on the 395, crossed over on the 50 to the 5, then the 5 back to LA.
ZooK: What would you say your most common speed was on the interestate? And how about those back roads? Run into any police trouble?
Vince: I did not have any trouble with the law even though the average speed on the way there was right around 100 mph. On the way home it was a much more sedate speed since I was not in a hurry. I would never recommend someone doing those speeds, for very obvious reasons. I don't condone speeding but I will be me and keep up the long trips in short time frames. It is something I have enjoyed since I was a kid.
ZooK: I hear you. The fun in touring is settling into a pace that makes the ride comfortable for you. So, where did the back roads take you by Tuesday night?
Vince: I made it to Gallop New Mexio that evening only to be washed off the road by big rigs. The rain was so bad I could not see ten feet in front of me. I figured it has been a good trip so far, so I did not want to mess it up now.
WEDNESDAY
ZooK: You stopped for the night, then hit the road on Wednesday?
Vince: Wednesday morning. The sun was out, birds were singing, and I was heading home on the last streach of road. I jumped on the interstate and started heading west again. Going through the Desert on the way back I was looking forward to the mountains of Arizona. Flagstaff and Ashfork are two places I am really in love with. That is another story though. I made it to Laughlin by 11am, so I stopped at the Colorado Belle to see a friend there. She was in the middle of getting things ready for a big Blues Festival, so I tried to stay out of her way.
THURSDAY
ZooK: I take it you made it home OK?
Vince: From Laughlin it was just a short blast home and back to places well-known. It was the perfect motorcycle trip for me.
Zook: A truly amazing trip, Vince. Now, let's talk about some practical stuff. How did you go about preparing the bike?
Vince: I had two days to plan, so it was really quick. I looked at the bike and saw the tires were about 70%. I grabbed a set of tires out of the shed and shipped them to Winnipeg, just in case I would need them. Changed the chain, oil, and cleaned the air filters. I stay on top of the day-to-day maintenance, so I felt good about the bike. That, and it only had 11,000 miles on it. It was only two and a half months old then.
ZooK: How did you decide what you absolutely needed vs. what you would like to have along?
Vince: Emergency stuff is always the first thing packed. From there, a basic set of tools, tire repair kit, fuel filters for the fuel cell and extra zip ties and electral tape too.
ZooK: What luggage did you use and how did you decide on that particular setup?
Vince: A Bandit 1200 is not exactly the conventional long distance bike of choice. I have crossed the country on bikes like a Katana 1100, Transalp, Twinstar, and Concours, so I am used to being a bit creative. I started with fuel. I knew I would need more than what Suzuki thought I could use. I built a rack that would hold my 3 gallon fuel cell and Givi bag. From there I was looking around and saw I had two soft fishing bags so they ended up my saddle bags after attaching some straps to them. I thought that would be enough space. WRONG. I went in the house and started getting things together and ended up needing a Goldwing, not a Bandit.
ZooK: You couldn't pack all that you wanted to in that setup. So what did you do?
Vince: I picked through what was there and got it down to just what I needed. Off comes the Givi, on goes a Lid Locker from K-Mart. It is bigger and still pretty much weatherproof. With the addition of a small backpack and small bag I was ready. Cold weather riding gear and all.
Vince: The fuel cell is made of steel and is completly safe. In the middle of nowhere there is not much fuel to be had. The bike has a small main tank, so I just took measures so I would not run out.
ZooK: OK, give us an idea of how much you actually carried. What did you put into each saddle bag?
Vince: In the lidlocker: My clothes, extra oil, 17 inch innertube and running shoes
Left bag: Basic tools, rags, a bottle of water and small emergency kit
Right bag: Repair stuff, zipties, extra bulbs, and more rags
Backpack: Rain gear, light jacket
Top Bag: Cold weather gear, plastic bags
Tank Bag: Maps, munchies, digital camera, disks, extra gloves, a first aid kit, and a flashlight
ZooK: What was the innertube for?
Vince: In case I get a flat that can not be repaired on the spot. You can only do so much on the side of the road.
ZooK: Were your bags waterproof?
Vince: Most of my bags were water-resistant. The ones that were not really did not matter. I wrap everything in plastic, just in case.
ZooK: Was there anything you didn't bring that you realize now you should have brought?
Vince: More money! You never have too much.
ZooK: Was there anything you brought that you would not carry along again?
Vince: Nope, I have done this a couple of times so I have it pretty much nailed on what I am comfortable to have.
Zook: Where did you keep your maps and trip routes?
Vince: I like to keep them in a tank bag. I don't like to get off the bike if I don't have to, just to look at a map.
Zook: Would you go on a trip of that length again?
Vince: I plan on repeating it again in the Spring. Maybe longer this time.
Zook: Looks like you had no room for a pillion. Would you have liked company on the bike?
Vince: I like to travel alone. There is no room for anyone else by the time I am done packing.
Zook: What advice would you give someone who is planning a big trip?
Vince: Be sure you are up to the trip and ride within your limits. Don't carry too many tools. The basics are fine. They are heavy and take up room. If it is a big problem, chances are you will not have the parts to fix it anyway. Use good tires and chain. Be sure to do the maintenance per the owners manual. Don't make any big improvements just before the trip. Be sure people know where you are going and the approxamate route. Write the emergency contact number someplace visible.
Zook: Last question: How did your big Bandit 1200 handle all loaded up?
Vince: I had my doubts when I started to think about the trip. The fork springs are a bit on the weak side and the rear shock and spring are good enough for around town. I added a spacer to the forks and cranked up the shock, and it looked like it would do. Looking at the bike, the frame and suspension are not too radical. I figured it would be a bit heavy but that I would adjust my riding to it. As it ended up it did great. I would load it up as much again with no worries.
Purchased stock in 1996 with 2,100 miles and modified from there. It's now sporting a custom painted Vetter Windjammer SS fairing, KG Trunk, Progressive fork springs and rear shock/springs, Dunlop K401 S/T tires, and *gasp* the stock seat! Other little mods include stainless steel brake lines, 55/100 watt Candlepower headlight with relay, brake light modulator, and Fiamm Freeway Blaster horns.
Good points of touring on the GS650GL
The bike is exceptional at 45-60 mph cruising, getting a consistent 47-50 mpg, even loaded. The Windjammer really keeps the wind off in cold weather, even most of the rain. The stock saddle is actually quite good. The air cooled, shaft drive layout is as trouble free as you can get. Low cost of entry: as outfitted, the bike and accessories cost less than $2500.
Bad points of touring on the GS650GL
The smallish gas tank, holding only 3.2 gallons, will run only about 130-140 miles before needing fuel. The Windjammer really keeps the wind off in warm weather too, when you really want it. At highway speeds (60+), the engine gets very buzzy. Earplugs are a necessity. Fully loaded, especially with a passenger, it could use another 200 cc and another gear. (Wait, didn't Suzuki make something like that?)
Longest ride was from Connecticut to Georgia and back, for the First Annual VX800 Georgia Mountains Rally held at TWO (Two Wheels Only Motorcycle Campground and Resort in Suches, GA) in May of this past year. Total trip covered 2,440 miles in 6 days. The daily mileage ranged from a low of about 250 miles to a high of 535 miles. Strangely, I left the VX800 in the garage, and took the GS650. OK, so the VX is really my wife's bike, and she didn't let me take it.
I have not worked out a specific packing system yet; it often depends on the weather. I typically pack my clothes in two, gallon-ziplock bags and put them into my soft Adrenaline saddlebags. Who cares if the saddlebags are waterproof (they never claimed to be), when you pack in ziplocks? I pack spare sweatshirts, shoes, jacket, any cloths I'll use enroute into the KG hard trunk (aka topcase) mounted on the back. The KG is relatively water tight, and lockable, so it often holds a cell phone and any other water-sensitive or expensive items. I also have a "water resistant" bag I strap to the passenger seat (I seldom travel with a pillion, but often travel with my wife on her own VX800). It has lots of pockets and holds a fair amount of the miscellaneous items that seem to get collected during the last 2 days before the trip. I usually carry water, some snacks, hard candy, my service manual, rain gear (First Gear one piece) cold weather gear, and other items I might want in the hotel along the way. No tank bag; the tank is too sloped to keep on securely, and I don't seem to miss the space (but sure would love a map pocket).
The Windjammer is home to all the "other" stuff: spare bulbs, flashlight, glow sticks, gloves, maps, face shields (clear and tinted), cable lock, plastic polish for windshield and face shield, and jumper cables (it is a GS after all). I haven't used the jumper cables on my own bike yet, but I know as soon as I leave them home, I'll need them.
Extra "accessories" I use during travel include an FM Walkman through the Chatterbox HJC90 two way radio. The chatter box has more battery than I have staying power for the stock saddle. It has lasted more than 15 hours of continuous use and recharges faster than I do. The radio helps pass the time on long runs. I much prefer the entertainment that only mountain roads can provide. I wear a DuraTrak jacket w/ reflective safety vest, First Gear over pants, Olympia gloves, HJC LT12 helmet, and Gearne riding boots (which, I discovered, are water-resistant until it rains). (see a picture of Glen's bike packed up and ready to go on page 14)
"The ride is the reason, the destination is only the excuse."
Glen Farney,
GS650GLD, VX800M, GS750ED / SOC-USA Connecticut State Coordinator
A Touring Couple of SOC-USA Members: GS850G and LS650 Savage
Alan Jarand has a GS850G and his wife, Linda (aka The Badger), rides a LS650 Savage Thumper. Their longest trip was a total of 3200 miles over the course of twelve days. Linda says, "We went from Central Illinois to Santa Fe, New Mexico, then down to Las Cruces NM to visit our son in grad school. We took some side tours in southern NM to visit Cliff Dwellings, the Gila Mountains, and other points of interest."
They use soft luggage that is essentially scavenged from stuff they have around home. Alan's bike will hold a lot of gear, so it is loaded with a big duffel bag across the back seat, another duffel bag on top of that and two converted backpacks that hang down from the bottom bag. If they are going camping, the tent, sleeping bags and other camp gear go behind the backrest. A few bungee cords hold it all in place.
Linda's Savage is equipped with soft leather saddlebags, and a soft cooler for food and drink is bungeed to the back seat. They normally carry essential clothes, cell phone, standard camping gear and, Alan adds, "Linda has to have her Yankee Candle to scent any motel rooms." If they are gone for more than a couple of days, they throw on the laptop to keep in touch with the Suzuki list.
Linda likes her new custom seat. The Savage is not really a touring bike, but works well for anyone under 5'9". The stock seat is a killer, however. Last summer Linda went to Twin City Upholstery in their home town of Bloomington, Illinois and had a custom touring seat, with fringies, built for the Savage. Alan elaborates, "It was a Wedding renewal present at BadgerFest. She opted for a less expensive ring that we bought on a trip to Alaska prior to Badgerfest in order to get the seat. I guess that shows how much she likes the motorcycle."
What is best about Alan's GS850? "Well, we looked up `touring bike' in the dictionary and they had a picture of a GS850 Suzuki. The best things are a large tank with a 250- mile range, good power, no vibration or 'buzziness,' easy to maintain shaft drive, comfortable seating position and the most comfortable seat ever put on a bike."
Improvements? "Linda's Savage could use a larger gas tank. The range before reserve is about 100 miles. This is not normally a problem as we like to stop every hour or so to rest, but there are areas in this country where it is a long way between gas stations. The Savage could also use better attachment points for bungee cords.
How could Alan's GS850 be a better touring bike? "Hmmm. We'll have to think about that a while."
Touring with a 1999 Intruder 1500L
Dave Hubenette
The longest distance I have ridden my 1999 Suzuki Intruder 1500LC is about 600 miles one way to Carthage, MO.
I have saddle bags, which I pack with rainsuit, sweater, and windbreaker. A removable pack with clothing and my C-PAP machine (for my apnea) is on the passenger seat. Included are sundries. In the sidepockets, a small camera, gloves and other small items. In the front/rear pocket, tools. This pack is attached to the passenger backrest.
A small pack on the front handlebars for the tire gauge and glasses. The tent, sleeping bag, and air pump attach to the side of the pack on top of the saddle bags.
The Intruder is reasonably comfortable on longer trips except for the throttle. I would like a Throttlemeister as the right hand gets quite stressed at the higher speeds, especially with sweating palms on hot days.
Dave Hubenette, Roseville, Minnesota / SOC-USA # 100004-Regalia Coordinator
contributed by William Rowe, owner of a 1999 Suzuki SV650 and a dirt/ice racing bike
What is motorcycle ice racing? The simple answer is that it's what insane northerners do to ward off cabin fever. But actually ice racing is similar to dirt track and TT racing, only the racing surface is ice and specially designed studs are screwed into the tires for traction. The style of ice racing practiced in the USA differs from the European version, where maniacs ride alcohol burning speedway bikes shod with sharpened spikes.
I belong to the Wisconsin Ice Racing Association, which races on the frozen Wisconsin river. The AMA also sanctions ice racing on other lakes in my state and throughout the midwest and northeast. They also race on indoor surfaces out east. I've been ice racing since 1996.
How did I get into this sport? Originally, I had only a vague idea of what ice racing was about but knew it was like dirt track. One winter while I was an impoverished student, I got an urge to do some off-road riding but couldn't afford a dirt bike. I did have a 78' Suzuki GS550 that was gathering dust, and I was living on a large frozen lake. I hoped that by studding its tires I might amuse myself and learn to slide a bike in dirt track fashion out on the ice. I didn't realise that special studs were available, so I used sheet metal screws and stripped all the road gear off. I even removed both brakes to experience riding a flat tracker in the days when the rules didn't allow them.
It was a gas doing full lock slides at 90+mph, and I began to think I might be fast (I later found this was inaccurate!). I spectated a few ice races and saw that people were racing two-stroke MX bikes. Not wanting to be trendy, I bought an XR400, which is a four-stroke trail bike. Next winter I hope to get an RM250 to race, as the XR isn't competitive and tends to chew up the tires because of its weight.
Preparation of an ice racer can be as simple as putting about 300-400 ice screws into knobby tires with an electric drill. The best screws are called Kold Kutters. They resemble sheet metal screws but have sharper edges on the head and can be ordered from bike shops or from Dennis Kirk. The placement, quantity, and the angle of the slot in the screw head are critical to traction. Everyone has a preferred (secret) method. To avoid punctures from the screws, a liner made out of a cut-down street tire is placed inside the tire. For a 21" front tire, you can use a worn out 21" street tire from a Harley as a liner.
In my club there is a knobby (amateur) class, an XR100 class, and a pro class as well as pee wee classes. The rules for the pro class allow the use of a rear tire called a Kenda Ice Master, which greatly increases traction. Since speeds are higher, the pro class rules require a lanyard- activated kill switch or "dead man" that kills the ignition if you fall off. For safety the rules also require shrouds or fenders that cover the leading edge of the front and trailing edge of the rear wheel. This is usually accomplished by making a bracket and then riveting MX fenders to the front and rear fenders to extend them. Finally, front brakes are illegal in the pro class so the brake lever is removed. In AMA ice racing many people use dirt track machines, which usually don't have a front brake.
The type of track used for ice racing can differ depending on who is running the race. My club races on both an oval short track of less than a 1/4 mile and a TT track that has left and right hand turns. Since the track is a frozen lake, it's very flat. The AMA likes to race on longer tracks and attracts more real dirt track racers. Obviously, ice racing is similar to dirt track racing. Top speeds are 60-70 mph on the oval.
Riding a two stroke on the ice is different from riding a four stroke in that fast two-stroke guys purposely lock the rear wheel momentarily to initiate a slide going into the corner. This is done to scrub off speed in the same way one uses the edges on snow skis to slow down. With my four stroke, the compression braking from shutting off the throttle is enough to get it to slide, so I don't use the brakes much. In either case the trick to steering the bike in a turn is to pitch it sideways, slide up to the apex, and then "rear wheel steer" out of the corner with the throttle. It takes practice to apply throttle when the bike is sliding, and I'm still learning to do this smoothly. The most amazing thing to me about the ice is the quality of the traction. Oddly, it's very consistent, and high sides are rare. Poor throttle control results in slow laps instead of broken bones.
Why do I do it? Despite being routinely trounced by teenagers, it's fun because I like the sensation of sliding on a motorcycle. Best of all, track time is free although I do have to plow snow off the track now and then. Willie
by Eric Hess, Rally and Safety Coordinator
But not too full of it. Use your head this holiday season, with celebrations on high for the better part of 2 months. This all starts with Thanksgiving in November and can stretch all the way to the end of January with the NFL Superbowl. Don't even think about imbibing and driving, especially on your motorcycle(s). If you are headed for a party and you'll feel like a second-class citizen if you don't join the crowd by drinking, then take the cage- preferably with someone else who has volunteered to be the designated driver for this outing.
Alcohol does strange things to human thinking and reflexes that are not apparent to the person affected. The consumption of alcohol has different effects on the human physique as well as the psyche of each person. Some of these effects are similar among different individuals, and yet far different among others.
Most states have legal limits for blood alcohol levels, which indicate the degree of impairment to the individual due to the effects of alcohol. These limits are typically set and applied to operators of motor vehicles, which have 4 or more wheels, and they are also used in cases where motorcyclists are involved.
Where motorcycles are involved?! How ludicrous is that?! When riding a motorcycle you're already at extreme risk due to the exposure of external threats, and the motorcycle has a tendency to fall over without the guiding hand of its pilot. Does a person driving an automobile face the same risks? It's not even close enough to consider a comparison. Any impairment due to alcohol while on a motorcycle throws all of the normal allowances out the door, when autonomic balance is called into question. In a cage you need worry about only 2 planes, pitch and yaw. Only at the extreme bounds of control, or the lack thereof, does roll become a concern. Not so on the motorcycle. All 3 planes are always in the dynamic.
We are all adults, and need to take responsibility for our actions. We all know about the effects of alcohol on our own systems, albeit not with the same in depth knowledge that scientific examination would belie. Studies have shown that reaction times slow and perception is diminished in alcohol-impaired individuals. This is almost invariably not evident to the person that is impaired. In fact, it appears that lower levels of intoxication lead to false senses of anxiety or confidence, and many inhibitions are pushed aside in this state. The caution and fear that keeps individuals from exceeding their capabilities either come crushing in or get blown out the door by the effects of alcohol.
All of this information was derived from a study performed this past summer by the staff of one of the motorcycle magazines. If I could recall what magazine (Cruiser Rider, I think) or what issue it was in, there would be paraphrased testimony to support the above conversation. I've never been brave enough or arrogant enough to test myself by riding a motorcycle while intoxicated. Even without that, I've fallen victim to fatigue just as surely as if I had been "toasted." I've been lucky. It never amounted to more than dropping the bike in a rest stop, or nearly going into the weeds of a median strip.
With the new year just beginning, please heed this advice: make a resolution, or just maintain that you won't test your God, whoever that may be, by riding while impaired by alcohol. Let's not have any reports that a member was caused injury by his or her own hand with alcohol. The roads are scary enough with all of the traffic and risks involved when riding on them. Let's not shift the balance any by riding drunk.
· Connecticut Superide will be in early May
Typically held in Moodus, CT
http://www.qgm.com/superide/index.html
· Aspencash, May 18-21, Ruidoso, New Mexico. SOC-USA will have a booth there.
· The Y-TWO-K VX800 Georgia Mountains Rally June 2-4, Two Wheels Only Campground, Suches, Georgia
http://www.twowheelsonly.com/
· Americade 2000 will be June 5 - 10, SOC-USA will have a booth. Lake George, NY (Adirondack Mountains) http://www.tourexpo.com/main.htm
News from SOC-USA State Coordinators
News from your state chapters as they get organized and begin to plan events. Meet your state coordinators:
· Arkansas: Craig Faith, cfaith@arkwest.com
1980 GS850GT , (2)1977 GT750B , 1975 GT750M , (5)1974 GT750L
· California: Matt Liotta, F4phlyer@dock.net,
1998 GSX-R1100W
· Connecticut: Glen Farney, glen.farney@snet.net
1983 GS650GL , 1983 GS750E , 1991 VX800
· Florida:Gary Fairfield, fgairfield@FistCoastEnergy.com
1986 GV1400LXE
· Louisiana: David W. Kuebler, DWKuebler@cs.com
1970 T500 Titan
· Maryland: Steve Di Pietro, StevieD@peabody.jhu.edu
1999 GSX600FT Katana
· New Hampshire: Paul Bickford, bickford@jimmy.harvard.edu, 1998 GSX600FT Katana
· New York: Bill Hawley, LeMans750@aol.com
1975 GT750M
· Rhode Island: Scott Yonan, sjy@alpha.rwu.edu
1993 VX800
· Wisconsin: Zachary Schulz, zschulz@email.usps.gov
1993 RF900, 1983 GS550E
Is your state listed here? If your state is not on this list, and you would like to volunteer as state coordinator, write or email the National Director at IronIntruder@juno.com
Send us a photo of your bike rally, race, or event, then watch for it here.
Eric Hess, SOC-USA National Director, set up a SOC-USA booth at the Golden Aspen Rally last summer. We gained some new members, including Bob Duffey, whose Stunt Kat is parked in our booth!
It's Bob Duffey at Texas Motor Speedway doing a wheelie on his Kat at 110mph.
SOC-USA member and Connecticut Stsate Coordinator, Glen Farney, has his 1983 GS650GL packed and ready to tour.
Bob Duffey prepares to jump through some fire to please the crowd at the Golden Aspen Rally last summer (photo courtesy of Eric Hess).
by Linda Netherton Jarand
This story is dedicated in loving memory of Mari Hall, a friend and Suzuki rider lost to breast cancer in December of 1999. Mari, you were loved by all. We are all one family. May you rest in peace.
It has been nearly twenty years now, but it seems like only yesterday. Badger will take you back to the Appalachian Mountains, to the hills and hollows of her parents path out of poverty. The story is about my Grandma and Grandpa, whom I had never seen. It goes back to when my son was only eleven years of age, and Mama Badger has just gotten her moto-bike license.
I had just purchased a GS450 Suzuki, and Alan had a new 550. Lordy we were so proud of those shiny new pieces of iron, we thought we had the world by a string. Believing we were invincible, we set out to seek my heritage with the entire sum of $100 in our pockets. I had lost my mother only half a year before and was going in search of relatives who could tell me of my mama and daddy's youth. It gave me a warm feeling in my soul.
My parents had only lived a few miles apart in those Bluegrass hills when growing up. As we got to those mountains, I could see my mama and daddy as plain as if they were in front of me. I could see the dark colored clay between her toes when she was a girl and could smell the wildflowers as if she had just picked a fresh bouquet.
The bikes were great; they glowed in their magnificent colors. Badger's was a royal blue, and Alan's a glowing, polished black. My son Curtis rode behind me, and a perfect co-rider he was. As we traveled, I could see everything as if it were a vision. Memories held in my spirit and soul came forth. When we got closer to what my mother had called the "Homeplace," I started to see the tobacco fields where my daddy worked full time from third grade on. Back then, education was not a choice; they needed the hands to work. They had large families. Twelve in my mother's, eleven in my father's.
I saw workers loading tobacco wagons, rolling the plants and hanging and drying the leaves. As my bike went from farm to farm, I realized how my father struggled to come from illiteracy to raise seven children. I was thankful for the blessings I had, began to understand what my parents were all about, and how hard they had to work to raise all of us kids. I had never seen those hills, or met those relatives as my parents had moved to the flat farm fields of Illinois before I was born. I could remember my mother and father traveling back to the southern hills when there was a death among the Kentucky kinfolk, but I was always left with one of my older sisters.
My distant cousins looked with astonishment to see a young woman on a moto-bike with her son riding behind. Stopping at each relative's home was not a hard feat to accomplish, as they lived in small frame houses not a quarter of a mile apart and within walking distance of each other. They sure made you feel at home. Alan and I visited with the relatives and discovered Kentucky people believe in making sure you are loved and fed well. I believe that tradition has been passed on to the Badger.
As we came to the destination we were in search of, my Husband and I parked the bikes and walked slowly, taking in every sight and smell. There my Grandparents cabin sat, in disarray and close to crumbling. In that small cabin I saw my history and the vision of my Mama standing by the post where they had split firewood for warmth in the cold winters.
Leaving the homeplace we traveled a couple of miles and crested a couple of hills to find the graves of my grandparents. The tombstones were mossy and worn, but the names became etched in my heart and mind. Love and tears were left on that Appalachian mountain.
I will never forget that trip, but I confirm to you that there is not a ride I take that I cannot see the beauty of this world and those memories that I will always hold in my heart.
This issue we meet Ed Zaharias, the General Manager of the Hitching Post in St. Paul, Minnesota
Ed has been the GM of the dealership for two years and was a salesman before that. Ed's ride for this year has been a Suzuki TL1000S, although he rides all of the bikes in the store.
The Hitching Post has been in business in the Twin Cities area (St. Paul and Minneapolis) for 30 years. The dealership in St. Paul was purchased from the former dealer. The Hitching Post sells Suzuki cycles and ATW's, along with other brands of both, and also Snowmobiles. This last year, the most popular cycle to sell were the Suzuki GSXR600 and GSXR750 cycles.
The present store has a total of 16,000 square feet which includes the parts department and the repair garage. A new building is being constructed a couple of miles to the west at the junction of highways 35W and 88 in Minneapolis. This location is central to the whole twin cities and will be ready in the year 2000. The new building will have 16,000 square feet of showroom floor alone.
Stop in and see SOC-USA supporter Ed Zaharias on your way to the Superbike Race he sponsors at BIR.
Ed states that he enjoys the sport of motorcycling and dealing with the people; customers and enthusiasts alike in the business. The Hitching Post is the only dealer sponsoring the annual Superbike Race at the Brainerd International Raceway. In addition, Ed has been supportive of SOC-USA and has made the ZooKeeper and membership forms available to customers. He has offered his services in any way that he can help.
The Hitching Post
945 University Ave.
St. Paul, MN 55104
Phone: 651-645-4629
Hints for putting your bike up for the winter, as posted by Oliver Garcia on the Suzuki-L list:
· Fill the gas tank to brim to avoid condensation; may add gas stabilizer.
· Drain carbs (via screw or bolt at bottom of each carb). Either keep these loose or disconnect fuel line from gas tank.
· Remove battery; trickle-charge it once a month (keep fluid level between upper and lower level marks).
· Get it off the street---salt is corrosive
Selling a Bike? Looking for Parts?
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Bradford Bidnick
Campbell, CA
1999 GSF1200S Bandit
Sabrina Corden
Salisbury, MD
1997 RF900RV
Katherine Corey-Pacheco
East Taunton, MA
1987 LS650 Savage
Steven C. Di Pietro
Pasadena, MD
1996 GSX600F Katana
Bob and Jerry Duffey
Las Cruces, NM
1993 GSX1100F Katana
Gary and Darleen Fairfield
Jacksonville, FL
1986 GV1400 Cavalcade LXE
Glen and Della Farney
Coventry, CT
1983 GS650GL, 1983 GS750E, 1991 VX800
Mitch Friedman
Los Angeles, CA
1970 TS90, 1998 RM250,
1974 TM400
David Greenhalgh
Hampshire GU46 7SJ, UK
1970 GT750B, 1973 GT750J
Ralph Hansen
Fitchburg, MA
1986 GV1400GD Cavalcade LX
Thomas and Sherry Haskins
Knoxville, TN
1995 VS1400 Intruder,
1995 LS650 Savage
Roy and Sandy Hawkins
Garland, TX
1986 GV1400 Cavalcade LXE
William "LeMans750" Hawley
Buffalo, NY
1975 GT750M
Eric Hess and Tina Keating
Lakewood, CO
1979 GS750E,
1997 VS1400 Intruder
John Hite, Jr.
Cary, NC
1997 GSF1200 Bandit
Melissa Holland
Arlington, VA
1999 SV650 "Bobcat"
Dave and Hanne Hubenette
Roseville, MN
1999 VL1500LC Intruder
Linda and Alan Jarand
Bloomington, IL
1996 LS650 Savage, 1981 GS850G
Ronald Kostin
Baltimore, MD
1999 VL1500LC Intruder
Dave Kuebler
Kenner, LA
1996 VS1800 Intruder,
1970 T500 Titan
Vince LaMarche
Thousand Oaks, CA
1997 GSF1200 Bandit
Christopher Lynn
Alpharetta, GA
1997 GSX-R750
Jerry, Pancost
Tucson, AZ
1986 GV1400 Cavalcade LXE
Scott and Diane Patten
Sumner, WA
1999 VL1500LC Intruder
David Pond
Moody, AL
1974 T500 Titan, 1975 GT550 Indy, 1975 TC185 Ranger, 1996 LS650 Savage, 1979 JR50 and parts
Steve and June Rapp
Castilia, OH
1995 VS1400 Intruder
Mark Sarris
Oldsmar, FL
1996 VS1400 Intruder
Richard and Tiffany Schoeck
Lawrenceville, GA
1999 VL1500LC Intruder,
1999 VZ800 Marauder
Zachary Schulz
Racine, WI
1984 GS550ES, 1995 RF900
Glen Sebastian
Prospect, CT
1981 GS450S,
1997 GSX750F Katana
Stevan Tavares
Cumberland, RI
1989 GSX750F Katana
Rod and Mary Tinberg
Appleton, WI
1979 GS850G
Phil Van Alstine
Wethersfield, CT
1992 GS500E, 1998 LS650 Savage
Jesse Waits
Ashland, KS
1986 GV1400 Cavalcade LXE
Note: Some folks mailed in their memberships at the end of 1999, but we couldn't process them before Y2K because of the holidays. Don't worry; you'll be included in the next membership directory update. You should be receiving your membership materials soon!