Roundup Time Issue #234 | Motorcycle, Safety, Tires, Their, Into

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Roundup Time Issue #234

Written by John Campbell
Wednesday, 10 October 2007
ALTHOUGH THE MINISTER OF TRANSPORTATION FOR Ontario recently announced the expansion of Ontario’s HOV lanes on 400-series highways, the MTO steadfastly refuses to enhance motorcycle rider safety on Ontario’s highways, says the Motorcyclists Confederation of Canada. “Granting motorcycles access to HOV lanes at any time, consistent with best practices in the USA and British Columbia, will improve rider safety and not add to congestion,” says MCC President Peter Jacobs. “It’s a simple decision that will make Ontario highways safer for riders.” Throughout the US, motorcycles have unconditional access to HOV lanes, by federal law, because it’s thought to be safer for a motorcycle to be moving in an uncongested lane than creeping forward in a crowded, stop-and-go environment. The same philosophy is maintained in British Columbia.“One simple decision will enhance rider safety now and into the future, bringing Ontario practices in line with other jurisdictions,” says Jacobs. IF YOU’RE LOOKING FOR SOMEPLACE SPECIAL TO VISIT this summer, drop by Quebec’s first motorcycle museum, L’épopée de la Moto in Ste. Jean-Port-Joli. Since opening its doors in 2003, the facility has welcomed more than 30,000 visitors and is the property of François and Jean Gagnon, who have been collecting motorcycles for over 30 years. Today, their collection contains 140 motorcycles, mopeds and scooters, of which 100 are currently on display at the museum in a series of four exhibits. A permanent display in two showrooms contains some 80 legendary models from around the world; a 13-bike exhibit features classic motocross models dating back to the 1950s; a five-piece Police motorcycles exhibit is highlighted by the presence of a 1937 Indian Scout and screenings of classic Bruce (“On any Sunday”) Brown films will all be open to the public until Oct. 8. Visit: www.epopeedelamoto.com IF THEY CAN’T GO THEMSELVES, CANADIAN BIKER READERS might get a kick following the exploits of Roland and Ernest Giles, who have embarked on a 50,000-kilometre, four-month circumnavigation of North America. The father and son team left their homes in Newfoundland in May, riding two brand new BMW R1200GSs, saying they were inspired by the Long Way Round saga of actors Ewan McGregor and Charlie Boorman. Their route will take them along the southern coast of the United States, into Mexico, up the western coast of the US and BC, into Alaska, and then back across Canada via a northern route leading into Labrador and finally back to Newfoundland. They hope to log approximately 400 km per day, and will update their website periodically with stories and images from their travels. To track the pair, visit: www.rolliesdream2.homestead ACCORDING TO A CBC REPORT, MICHELIN IS RECALLING two makes of motorcycle tires sold in Canada and the US because of a tread defect, the company said in mid-June. The recall applies to the Michelin Pilot Power 2CT and Pilot Power 120/70 ZR 17 tires. Consumers should check the side of the tire for a “Made in France” label and either of the following codes: DOT 6UCW 980T or DOT 6UCW 979T. No associated injuries or instances of pressure loss have been reported to the company, which has not said how many tires are involved in the recall. However, consumers should contact the company for a replacement. On a purely incestuous note, Mike Gebler, the leader of my RAT pack (Riders Association of Triumph) advises all Triumph riders that “Speed Triple 1050 owners using machines with tires originally fitted by Triumph are not affected by the [recent Michelin recall]. “Michelin Pilot Power tires supplied to Triumph are sourced from Michelin’s Spanish manufacturing facilities,” says Gebler. Triumph, nonetheless, recommends all 1050 Speed Triple owners check their front tires. REGISTRATION IS NOW OPEN TO MOTORCYCLISTS planning to attend Motorcycling RPM, the Risk and Performance Management National Symposium, hosted by the British Columbia Safety Council and Motorcyclists Confederation of Canada in Whistler, BC, Sept. 27-29. Organizers say motorcyclists in Canada need a comprehensive plan to address contemporary motorcycling issues affecting both the safety and enjoyment of the sport. The symposium is intended to bring together all the players: government, industry, motorcycle sport groups and riders themselves, to address that need. The symposium’s focus on Risk and Performance Management will help identify strategies for safer motorcycling. Research on motorcycle safety from around the world will be presented by speakers who will provide insights into the three primary areas of concern: the highway environment, the motorcycle itself, and the human element, including motorcycle riders and other road users as well. The goal will be to generate motorcycle safety solutions that will work in a Canadian context. For more, visit: motorcycling-rpm.ca SMALL-RUN PRODUCTION MANUFACTURER SAXON HAS introduced a (theoretically) marvelous V-Twin streetfighter into the marketplace: the Mad Jack. Featuring what the company calls “old-school modernistic” styling its components include a proprietary frame, gas tank, fenders, machined aluminum strut system, beehive side-mounted oil filter, Moon Eyes barrel-type oil tank and hydraulic seat shock dampening system. The bike is expected to arrive at American dealers as a 2008 model. But, before you jump at the tasty little bobber, flip back to the ‘Letters’ page for Harri Jansson’s comments in, “Something to regret.” Comments (0) Subscribe to this comment's feed Write comment You must be logged in to a comment. Please register if you do not have an account yet.