untitled

Greetings Riders,

Well, the riding weather in Arizona continues, again projected to be almost 80 through the weekend. Mrs. C. and I went to see the World's Fastest Indian last Friday night. It was an excellent movie and one well worth seeing. Though it is based on the adventure of Burt Munro taking a 1920 Indian from New Zealand to the Bonneville Salt Flats to set a land speed record, the movie is much more than that. I'm sure everyone would enjoy this inspiring story. It is now playing at the Harkins Camelview 5 Theatre, 7001 E. Highland Ave. in Scottsdale. Click Here for Showtimes and tickets.

Along with the good riding weather, large Spring and Summer events, and more bikes on the road, there will also be more motorcycle thefts. According to National Insurance Crime Bureau statistics, motor vehicle thefts are on the rise, and among the vehicles being targeted are motorcycles. It's one thing to have your property stolen, but if it is something you have customized and made just the way you want, it makes it that much tougher to have it stolen away. The NCIC reported 55,657 motorcycle thefts in the United States and Canada in 2003, more than doubling from 27,278 in 1998. And the real bad news is only 25% to 30% of motorcycles are recovered after theft as compared to 70% of automobiles. According to these same reports, Arizona is 7th on the list of motorcycle thefts, California being number one.

Why are motorcycles becoming such hot property to steal? Thieves take motorcycles because they are small and relatively easy to move and because virtually every part on a motorcycle can be stripped off and sold across the United States or shipped overseas. They will either sell the motorcycle intact or more than likely strip them down in a chop-shop like fashion for parts resale. Motorcycle parts including frames can be much more easily altered than car or truck parts which add to the appeal of them being stolen. Higher end custom motorcycles are also highly sought after luxury items in foreign countries, fostering a lucrative export market for these types of bikes. So if you have had a Custom bike stolen and it has not been found, it is likely on a slow boat to China.

Now that we all know that motorcycles are a popular target of thieves, what can we do to prevent this from happening? Well, the real answer is. if a professional wants your bike bad enough, they could probably get it. But what we can do is not hand it to the amateur thief on a silver platter. I personally know several riders that have had their bikes stolen over the last few years. Some have been locked up as good as they could and some have been left unsecured. The ones that were locked up would fall under the category of "if they want it, they will find a way to get it". The ones that were not secured at all, What were you thinking?

But the truth is, we've all been guilty of the latter more than once. I do a lot of little errands around the area to the post office, Circle K or Blockbuster on the bike whenever possible. There have been many times when I have just parked the bike on the sidewalk, turned the handlebars to the left and put the ignition in the "fake out the unknowing" lock position without using the key to lock it and walked into the place of business thinking that it would be fine. But the truth is, it would only take someone 10 seconds to get on, flip the ignition on the Road Glide and ride off. No one would know the difference. That's called being naive, thinking that everyone is a law abiding citizen.

As I was preparing to write this article I took one of my trips to Best Buy, parked on the front sidewalk next to one of the "Geek Squad" Volkswagens and started to walk in without locking, then I remembered what I was going to be writing about this week and didn't feel like proving my point. So I went back and timed myself taking the key out of my pocket and securing the lock. It took me less than 5 seconds to complete this task, a lot less time than it would take to call the Police and file a stolen vehicle report.

There are many ways to secure a bike, but one that has made me feel the most comfortable is a real easy fix, especially if you have a later model bike that has the alarm system built in. What I have done on both the Vrod and the Road Glide is added the $80 optional siren to the alarm system. There are only a few ways that someone can steal a bike. Hop on it and roll it away, ride it away, or have four guys with two 2x6's and carry it away. With the siren installed, if someone raised the bike off of the kickstand or did any of the above, the siren would start wailing and the bike would not start. My theory is that is if someone was brave enough to carry the bike off or roll the bike off with the siren wining like a stuck pig, then they can have it. But at least if I had it in my garage or outside my motel room window on a road trip, I would have a better chance of knowing that someone is messing with the bike. If I don't lock my bike, I usually ALWAYS use the key fob to set the siren.

If you don't have an alarm and siren installed on your bike, here are some other methods that can slow down and deter a thief.

1. Keep your bike out of sight. It is best to keep it locked inside a locked garage. I usually lock mine in the garage in case I accidentally leave the door open. If stored outside, cover it with a plain cover free of brand logos.
2. Lock your bike to a stationary object. Possibly a light pole in a parking lot or even lock 2 bikes together.
3. Choose good locks. Don't spare expense when it comes to securing your bike. Types of locks would include serpentine link locks, u-locks and chains. Not the dime store combination lock from your 8th grade locker.
4. Alarms. There are many aftermarket alarms, paging devices to alert you if your bike moves and GPS locating devices that you can install on your bike. Search the internet for Motorcycle Alarms to see what is available.
5. Smart parking. If you are out on your bike, park in a well lit and visible area. Thieves will take the path of least resistance. You will be less likely to have your bike stolen parked in a highly visible, high traffic area vs. behind a building.
6. Common Sense. Don't leave the keys in your bike or the ignition unlocked. Don't leave it unsecured in a large group of motorcycles, no one will know if it is being stolen as it is riding away. Park smart. Don't assume everyone is trustworthy. Remember it only takes 10 seconds to start and ride away a bike that is unsecured and it takes less than 5 seconds to lock it.
7. CYA: Double check your insurance policy to see exactly what it will cover in the event of total loss. A lot of riders have been surprised that their policies do not cover full replacement value of the bike. If you have added for example, $5,000 worth of upgrades to your bike, chances are that is not covered in the event of a complete loss. You will probably need to add optional equipment coverage for chroming or custom painting. Keep accurate receipts of everything you buy for the bike and double check with your insurance agent too see what is exactly covered if your bike is stolen. Even if you have to pay a few bucks a month for additional coverage, it is probably worth it. You can check with the insurance companies listed in the Cyclerides.com Yellow Pages for quotes and coverage's.

I hope this helps give you some ideas on how to protect your bike and make you feel more comfortable when it is parked when you are not around it. For more motorcycling information go to www.cyclerides.com .

To sign up for this newsletter, Click Here.

This Week's Bike Night Events

Tuesday Nights

Chester’s Harley Davidson Biker Night at the Tilted Kilt in Tempe! If you are looking for some fun on a Tuesday night, With 2 outdoor patios and plenty of excitement, This place is a good time! The Tilted Kilt is home to the best Scotch-Irish experience in Arizona, with an award-winning menu, classic pub fare, and signature Kilt items sure to please any palate—not to mention twenty four globe-spanning beers on tap! Biker Night Tuesdays also mean $3 Jack Daniels and half-price appetizers. And, with a Tilted Kilt Biker Night Card, you receive 15% OFF your total bill. So what are you waiting for? Come on down and have a craic with Chester’s Harley-Davidson! The Tilted Kilt is located at 660 W. Warner Rd. in Tempe, AZ. Just 1.5 miles East of I-10 on Warner Rd. 480-592-0102. Click Here for Map.

Thursday Night

Every Thursday
The Second Night of the Uncle Sam's Thursday Bike Night. Riders on the West side, this is what you have been asking for. The brand new Uncle Sam's Restaurant located at 18913 N. 83rd Ave is starting a bike night that will be every Thursday night. This is a very nice new restaurant with EXCELLENT food including Pizza, Chessesteaks (which they are known valley wide for) Wings, Hoagies, Grinders and Salads. They have a large outdoor patio with TV's and Music. There is plenty of parking for motorcycles next to the patio that will be reserved for bikes. Ride by and help us kick off this first night to build a fun bike night on the West side. Food and drink specials will be available for motorcycle riders on bike night. A chance for raffle prizes for anyone who rides in. For more information call 623-362-3900. Uncle Sam's is located just one block North of Union Hills on 83rd Ave. just off of the Loop 101. Click here for the map.

Superstition Harley-Davidson and Spirits Bar and Grill have teamed up to bring riders in the Far East Valley a great Thursday bike night. Now riders in the far East Valley can enjoy a great Thursday Bike Night, thanks to Superstition Harley-Davidson and Spirits Bar and Grill! Ride up on your bike between 7pm and 10pm and receive a FREE hamburger! That’s right, every rider to show up on their bike between 7-10pm will receive a free hamburger! Be sure to make it every Thursday to better your chance to win a $250 Superstition Harley-Davidson Gift Card! Enter your name in the drawing every Thursday in February. Drawing to be held on February 23^rd @ 9pm. Spirits is located at 9303 E. Apache Trail in East Mesa. One block East of Ellsworth on Apache Trail (Main St.). Come sit on the patio and watch the bikes roll in, stay inside and enjoy a game of pool, and friendly wait staff. The large dance floor is always open with music from Goodtime Charlie The OUTLAW DJ playing The Best of Country and the Best of Rock and Roll. Spirits is the hottest Bike night place to be in the east valley. The LEGEND of Spirits Lives on. More info at Superstition HD at 480-346-0600 or 480-986-5572.

Casey Jones Grill Bike Night. A valley favorite bike night for over 3 years. Ride in and sit out on the patio for what I call the Best Cheesesteak Sandwich in town. This thing melts in your mouth. They have 3 new pool tables, darts and foosball. Located in the Mervyns Shopping Center on the SE corner of 43rd Ave. and Thunderbird Rd. Casey Jones is a great place for a bike night featuring a large outdoor seating and over 150 people inside. And for those of you that want to watch a sporting event they have 50 TV's scattered throughout the restaurant connected to satellite to get any game you can think of. They have a full menu for lunch, dinner and a Happy Hour from 11:00AM - 7:00PM and a reverse happy hour from 10:00PM - 12:00 Midnight. $1.75 domestic bottles and $2.00 Jacks. There are always a lot of bikes showing up for bike night at Casey Jones Thursday night. Join them for open mic night on Wednesdays. Sunday. You can always count on lots of bikes here.

Sugar Daddy's Blues Biker Sunday Brunch.
Now is the perfect weather to be sitting out on the Sugar Daddy's patio, listening to Live Music while dining from the Brunch Menu. Live Music from 10am on the patio.
And Sunday Brunch Just Got Better! You now have 3 options to choose from.
Option #1: Eggs Benedict – Grilled English muffins, smoked ham, poached eggs and hollandaise sauce.
Served with your chose of fresh fruit or crispy potatoes. ($8) or Sugar’s Pancakes – You won’t eat pancakes anywhere else. Buttermilk pancakes served with butter and syrup. ($5)
Option #2: Can’t decide what to eat? How about an All-You-Can-Eat buffet for ONLY $12.
Option #3: Order off our regular menu.
Our 5,000 sq. ft. temperature controlled patio has six air conditioning units, misters, and plenty of shade. Sugar Daddy's patio, food and entertainment is becoming a regular Sunday stop. If you haven't tried it yet, give them a try. Complimentary coffee is now served. Make Sugar Daddy's Blues your stop on your ride down Scottsdale Rd. for Brunch or Lunch from 10am - 4pm. Enjoy live music from 10am - 2pm Or maybe just relax on the patio with your favorite beverage and enjoy the beautiful weather and watch the bikes roll down Scottsdale Rd. Click here to see the awesome pictures and details of Sugar Daddy's located at 3102 N. Scottsdale Rd. between Indian School and Thomas on the West side of the road. Stop by and check it out. A great place to hang out. Plenty of Bike Parking. If you have suggestions, email them at sugardaddysaz@aol.com . 480-970-6556.

Chester's Harley-Davidson HOG Hearted Sale. Want to give a gift this Valentine's Day that really comes from your heart? Then check out Chester's HOG Hearted Sale, running February 11th through 14th. You'll find 25% OFF on all jewelry and watches, excluding accessories. That's right – MOD, Stamper, and Bulova watches will all be on sale. We even sweeten the deal with free gift wrapping! Chester's Harley-Davidson is located at 922 S. Country Club Dr. in Mesa, AZ. 480-894-0404. Click Here for Map.

Saturday and Sunday
February 11th - 12th
Superstition Harley-Davidson Presents Cupids Corner.
Roses are red, violets are blue…Superstition Harley’s got gold and silver for you! Love won’t be the only thing in the air this month at Superstition Harley-Davidson, in Apache Junction. You’ll find HUGE savings everywhere you look during our Valentine’s weekend shop-a-thon, February 11th and 12th, including 25% OFF ALL jewelry and watches. On Saturday only, spend $50 or more on jewelry and receive a FREE rose to go along with your Valentine treasures. If you find a red heart sticker item, even greater discounts await you. And that’s not all! You’ll also enjoy sweets and biker brew while you shop for beautiful jewelry and more! Happy Valentine’s Day from Superstition Harley Davidson in Apache Junction! Located at 2910 W. Apache Trail in Apache Junction. 480-346-0600. Click Here for Map.

Saturday, February 11th
East Valley A.B.A.T.E. Valentines Day Party. Doors open 7pm at Jake's O'Mine, 1985 W. Apache Trail in Apache Junction, AZ. Live Music and drink specials for those that donate to the cause ($5 per person). Great door prizes and raffle for a Romantic Weekend for Two, Food available at Fatman's Pizza and Grill. Presented by East Valley ABATE of Arizona. Come out and support ABATE and ensure your right to ride free. Special Parking for bikes. For More Information: 480-830-4434 or 480-839-9369.

It's time to separate your bike from the crowd. Check this out! Andrenaline Sports Manufacturing has a new line of custom made shift linkages. They have in stock many of the popular Harley models like this one for my Road Glide or Mrs. C's Vrod. You can also have something custom made with your name on it or the name of your company. These linkages are waterjet cut from 304 stainless steel, Aircraft Quality Teflon lined heim joints polished to a mirror finish. ASM has over 25 unique stock designs and specialize in custom designs with a lifetime warranty against breakage for American and Metric V-Twins models including a line for Firefighters. Made right here in Phoenix, AZ. Stock linkages retail for $189.99 and one of a kind Custom linkages start at $250.00. Store is located at 21609 N. 12th Ave. Suite #400. Call 623-826-0311 for store hours or to order your linkage today. www.adrenalinesports.com .

For all of you dog lovers, this could be the Funniest Home Videos for animals. This is hilarious.
Click Here to view.

Here is a funny 30 second commercial for Trigon Blue Cross. What a hoot!
Click Here to view.

Until Next Week,
Blessings and Safe Riding To All,

Barry Caraway
"The Road Is Yours - Take The Ride"
www.cyclerides.com
info@cyclerides.com