This time last year I was itching for March 1, the day my winter insurance layaway ends, so I could take my first ride of the season. This year I fear it will be May 1 before I get back to everyday riding.
At least I have plenty of mail to keep me busy, and what better place to answer it than here, edited for clarity and brevity, of course.
Q–I am considering buying a Honda Gold Wing and have heard that Honda still has new 1998 and ’99 models in their warehouse. If this is true, what would be the best way to buy one at a reasonable price? I have a limited budget–about $10,000.Ken Cole, via e-mail
A–You’ve been misinformed. The manufacturers do a much better job managing inventory now than they did in the ’70s and early ’80s, when it wasn’t uncommon to find new “old” bikes at deep discounts. As you know, Honda’s newest Gold Wing, the GL 1800, is arriving at dealerships for spring delivery. American Honda spokesman Pete terHorst said the company planned accordingly and cleared warehouses of remaining GL 1500s about a year ago. Most dealers sold out by November.
He said it’s possible to find a new one, “but chances are the dealer who has it won’t discount it much because there aren’t many left and he figures anyone who still wants one must really want a GL1500.”
Even on the used market, you’ll be hard pressed to find a clean, late-model Wing in your price range. Shop while it’s cold and you might find a higher-mileage ’98 Aspencade (original MSRP $14,999) for less than 10 grand. If you come across a recent top-of-the-line SE model (original MSRP $17,399) for that, be suspicious.
Q–I own a BMW R 1100 R and love the riding position, but I feel the bike is a little too tall for me, even with the seat lowered. Now I’m looking at cruisers, and I’ve narrowed my choices to a BMW R 1200 C Montana or the Harley Dyna Sport. Your opinion ob Maruoka, Chicago, via e-mail
A–Before you get carried away and change riding styles, you should know the seat height on the 1200 C is 29 inches, slightly less than an inch lower than your bike with its three-position seat at the lowest setting. Have you considered a custom saddle for your R? Some reduce seat height by half an inch or more, and though they can cost north of $500, that’s a lot cheaper than a new bike.
If you’re determined to throw out your Bimmer with the bath water and switch to a cruiser, the shaft-driven 1200 C will seem familiar, though its riding position is much more foot-forward than that of your standard. The C features a cruiser-ized version of the BWM boxer engine, preserving plenty of torque but considerably less horsepower than your R. As cruisers go, it’s as civilized and high-tech as its German nameplate would suggest.
The Harley, on the other hand, is to BMW as Budweiser is to Bavarian beers; it might not be as refined as the import, but you’d best not disrespect it down at the VFW. You’d also best not challenge Harley’s Dyna Sport down at the drag strip with a C-bike, because you’ll likely get smoked by a few bike lengths.
The Dyna Super Glide Sport’s Twin Cam 88 V-twin bests the BMW’s horizontal twin in torque and horsepower. And if you ask me, which you did, the Harley kills the 1200 C in the looks department. The Dyna’s seat height is a low-riding 27 inches, so perhaps the question is, will your Bimmer-riding buddies kick you out of the clubhouse if you buy the Harley, and do you care?
Q–A group of us were talking about your last article (2-wheel Drive, Jan. 28), particularly the part about the health-insurance coverage. To think you’re covered only to find out at the worst time you’re not-ouch! It sent us all back to fine print, just to double-check. Patrick O’Leary, via e-mail
Q–A case that got the American Motorcyclist Association going on this issue came from the Chicago area after one of our members was hit by a car while riding a motorcycle near his home in Skokie.
When the motorcyclist filed a claim through his union’s health insurance, it was rejected because the program specifically excluded injuries suffered while riding a motorcycle.
As a result of our work, the union local did change its policy, but it came too late to help this rider. We learned about a number of cases in which companies and unions were cutting off coverage to riders, but most of those were theoretical. The Skokie case made this problem very real and led to the language in the federal bill.Bill Wood, managing editor, American Motorcyclist
Q–The following from your article regarding the AMA is incorrect: “Want to go Racing? Almost every motorcycle event in the country is sanctioned by the AMA, and you can’t ride if you’re not a member.”
The truth is quite the opposite. In California alone there are the Willow Springs Motorcycle Club, American Federation of Motorcyclists and regional Championship Cup Series. The American Historic Racing Motorcycle Association organizes vintage motorcycle races all over the United States. The notion that one must join a particular organization to ride or race is contrary to the spirit of freedom that motorcycling itself inspires.Jay McDaniel publisher, The Interactive Motorcycle
A–Though we Midwesterners don’t have it quite as good as southern California road racers, McDaniel is right. There are plenty of options for those willing to trailer and travel.
The CCS and AHRMA organizations he named hold races in the Midwest, as do the Great Lakes RoadRacing Association (GLRRA) and Western Eastern Roadracing Association (WERA). Venues include Blackhawk Farms in South Beloit, Ill., Grattan Raceway near Grand Rapids, Mich., and Gingerman Raceway in South Haven, Mich. Check out McDaniel’s e-zine for the thinking rider at www.activebike.com.
Local racer Dan Schmitt, producer of cable access cycle racing show “Team Chicago Challenge,” is offering a free, one-day road-racing class April 7 at Grattan Raceway. Registration forms are available at many area cycle shops, including Four & Six Cycle in Skokie; Champion Cycle and Extreme Motorsports in Chicago; Illinois Harley-Davidson in Berwyn; MCC in Villa Park; and Des Plaines Yamaha in Des Plaines.
Participants need a quality full-face helmet, full leathers, gloves and boots, plus their own motorcycle with decent tires and a safety-wired drain plug. Register by March 20 for free tuition, which is fully refundable if it snows. Price at the gate is $25.
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Brian Neale is looking to hitch a truck, trailer and ride to Schmitt’s class in Grand Rapids. He’ll buy the gas. E-mail motojournalist@hotmail.com
