I am an ordinary guy who enjoys riding motorcycles. I love riding all makes and models. I love short rides, long rides, and multi-day road trips. I post reviews about motorcycle gear, motorcycles, roads, restaurants, sights, gadgets and more. The Interesting Facts and Trivia page has a new bit of history added each week. Be safe and enjoy the ride, Oz.

Friday, September 2, 2022

The Switch to an Indian Challenger Pursuit

Cruisers to touring motorcycle to sport tourers and back to a touring motorcycle - here we go!

 Ready to ride off the lot with my new Indian Challenger Pursuit

After 12 years on two different sport tourers, the Yamaha FJR 1300 and the Honda VFR 1200, my wife (we married in 2018) and I discussed getting a motorcycle with more comfort for her so that she could enjoy more miles in a day on a ride and/or a multi-day trip.  She enjoyed the VFR, but longer mileage days were tough on her.

The Honda served me well with 72,453 miles in 8 years (2014-2022), including the 8,969 mile Alaskan trip in 2018.  We both enjoyed the Honda VFR, but as we aged the comfort decreased. However, the opportunity to ride was about to increase with my retirement from 36 years of public educations.  My last day was August 31, 2022.  

Awesome vista from Alaska Highway 1 between Tok and Glennallen - Honda VFR

In early 2022 I began researching possible new touring motorcycles: Yamaha Venture (which I had owned in the past), Kawasaki Voyager, BMW K1600, Harley Road Glide and the Indian Challenger were on my initial list for consideration.  The Yamaha FJR has been my favorite motorcycle, but pillion comfort level wasn't where we wanted it so I did not give it much consideration.  We had ridden a friend's Gold Wing while on our annual summer motorcycle tour in 2019 and decided the Gold Wing was not for us for various reasons.  

Test road my friend's Gold Wing to see what we thought about it

During my years of riding the FJR and VFR I became a big fan of the fixed-fairing motorcycle, but I was going to look at other models anyway.  The process took about 2 months with several test rides and a lot of reading.  While researching the Indian Challenger I learned about the newly release Challenger Pursuit - the touring version of the Challenger.

Indian's announcement of the Pursuit on February 22 was great timing for me

I visited several shops, read a lot of reviews, browsed through manufacturers' websites, talked to friends and listened to salesmen as I gathered information.  I narrowed my list and set out to test ride some of the bikes that made it to my short list.  

***  Side note #1 - Without naming the manufacturer or shop, I had two different salesman at two different shops of the same manufacturer were openly critical of two of the other models I was considering.  Their attitudes were arrogant, presumptuous  and off-putting.  One told me, "You don't want that," and one used an expletive when mentioned my other considerations.  Even if I would have chosen that make, I would not have purchased from either one of those salesmen or dealerships.  Salesmen need to be ready to talk about the strengths of the bike they represent not degrade, make fun of or disregard a potential customer's choices and/or preferences.   OK, enough about that. ***

Indian Challenger - photo from Indianmotorcycle.com

The Indian Challenger Pursuit was not in any dealerships at the time, so I test rode a Challenger realizing the Pursuit would be heavier, have a higher center of gravity and more features.    For the test ride the salesman basically said "here is the bike, enjoy."  After a fun, informative and grin inducing test ride the Challenger made an impression.  A few days later Jennifer and I went back to the Republic of Texas Indian Motorcycles so she could check out the Challenger, sit on it and ask questions.  She and I had a good discussion.  When I told her the Challenger Pursuit was leading in my mind she confessed she liked the styling and looks a lot more than any of the others motorcycles I was investigating.  She also like the comfort of the pillion and was ready for the change.  We placed an order with a small deposit.  I had never ordered a vehicle so that was quite exciting.. 

*** Side note #2 - For the test ride at a different manufacturer's dealership, a shop employee had to lead me on the test ride and it was only 2 miles with 3 right turns!  When I returned the salesman asked me what I thought of the bike.  I replied "I have no idea, there wasn't enough time to get a feel for it."  There was no effort made to extend my test ride or even discuss it.  It was then he asked what other bikes I was considering. ***

At the time of the order, March 12th, the expected delivery date was mid to late April.  On Wednesday March 23rd the bike was delivered to the Republic of Texas Indian Motorcycles in McKinney Texas!  I stopped by the shop and started talking to the GM, Jay.  Jay took me to the shop's warehouse area  and there was my bike - still covered and in the "crate!"  I was pumped!  The bike had arrived early.   Jay let me uncover the "crate" and see the Pursuit!  He also let me take home the tarp covering so I could cut out and keep the Indian logo.

My Pursuit!  My first time seeing a motorcycle in the crate

Excited for the early arrival

I was so excited the Pursuit arrived so much earlier than scheduled.  The shop professionally and diligently prepped the bike and I was able to pick it up two days later and ride off the lot before noon on that Friday.

Ready to head to East Texas on the first ride after getting the Pursuit home

The  Arai Nicky Hayden helmet hides a big grin

My first ride was home to show Jennifer and then I headed to east to Longview, Texas for a Christian Motorcyclists Association (CMA) event.  It took me a few miles to get used to some of the differences between sport tourers and cruiser tourers.  Here are a few of the most notable differences:

1) A more relaxed riding position

2) Lower revs before shifting

3) Throttle response lighter than the VFR

4) Weight, especially at lower speeds

The Challenger Pursuit has three ride modes, Standard, Rain and Sport.  Once I switched to Sport mode the throttle response was great.  The other differences began to fade away as I rode more miles.  

Five months later, two weeks of riding in Colorado and 5,000 miles on the bike I am loving the Pursuit!

The Pursuit powered up Rocky Mountain passes without a pause

The bike performed flawlessly in the Colorado Rocky Mountains.  Powering up passes while riding solo and/or 2-up without the slightest concern.  The handling was great on the curvy mountain roads. I rode in the rain, some sleet and even some hail.  Jennifer and I were comfortable and enjoyed ourselves as the miles racked up.

Independence Pass is a great ride

Cottonwood Pass elevation-12,126.  The Pursuit handled the rain, sleet and hail that came down on us

Happy owners

The 7 inch touchscreen infotainment RideCommand system is easy to see, has numerous functions and is very helpful.  Screen displays are customizable with numerous options, which is a nice feature.  It took some time to learn it all, but it works great.  The tour pack and saddlebags are roomy and look good.

I have not monitored fuel usage or tire wear enough to give quality information, but I will provide a more comprehensive review after a lot more miles.  I will also update any mods I may make.

For now I am happy with my purchase and I am looking forward to many more miles of smiles.  If you are in the market for a touring motorcycle I recommend you test ride the Pursuit.

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Sunday, August 14, 2022

Oz Talks with Eric Swahn Racing Podcast

 


Yes, I am a listener to podcasts and now I can say I have been a guest on a motorcycle related podcast!  I know you wonder, "who on earth would have Ordinary Biker Oz on a podcast?"  :)  Well, in all honesty, I reached out to Eric Swahn of Eric Swahn Racing about his podcast after reading a Facebook post on a dedicated page for volunteer track workers at the Circuit of the Americas in Austin, Texas.  

Eric was a flagger at the April 2022 MotoGP races and I was a track marshal for the 4th time at COTA.  I read a post from Eric about his Eric Swahn Racing podcast/YouTube channel and decided to listen.  After listening to a couple of episodes I sent Eric my "motorcycle resume."  I let him know I was available IF he felt I would make an appropriate guest.

He must of been short of guests :) so we scheduled a time for the interview/conversation.  I enjoyed the conversation and opportunity to get to know Eric.  He is a fellow motorcyclists and race fan.  We had several topics to talk about as we recorded his 101st episode.

Take some time and listen to our podcast episode and then let me know what you think.  You can find Erica and me on Youtube and HERE.  Hope you enjoy it! 

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* I have personally ordered from and/or visited this business and based on my experiences I recommend this company.  I have an affiliate relationship with this business, which means if you follow this link and purchase, I will receive a small commission and will get to ride more!

# Based on reviews, word of mouth and discussion with others I recommend this company.  I have an affiliate relationship with this business, which means if you follow this link and purchase, I will receive a small commission and will get to ride more!
 
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Friday, March 19, 2021

Seven Best Motorcycle Movies - a nonprofessional critic's list

Motorcycle Entertainment

I enjoy a good motorcycle related movie or documentary.  I am NOT talking about shows that include motorcycles in it but isn't about motorcycling i.e. Mission: Impossible-Fallout or CHIPS.  

I have watched quite a few, but by no means all of them.  Upon reflection I probably have not watched even a majority of the possible motorcycle movies and/or documentaries, but I have seen enough to make my "Best Motorcycle Movies" list.

With the greatly scaled back social life due to restrictions and respect for health concerns of others I had addition time to watch more shows, movies and documentaries, exceeding my yearly average.  There are some I had seen before and I watched again because I enjoyed them and of course many I had not seen.  The older documentaries have a difficult time living up to the newer one in production and visual quality.

Types of motorcycle movies

I watched movies that were "based on a true story" as well as straight fiction movies.  Documentaries recorded "as it happened" and historic documentaries were part of my viewing catalog. Sometimes the subject of the show was a rider, an event, a brand. a racing season or fictitious characters.  Each one had its own positives and negatives, although some had a lot of negatives :)

I enjoyed the variety of purposes of the movies/documentaries.  Sometimes just entertainment was the focus of the show, other times education was the focus and some seem to have a combination of purposes.

My list of favorite motorcycle related movies and/or documentaries may surprise you, either by the inclusion or exclusion of certain movies.  There is at least two motorcycle movies that are considered classics, and they are classics, but are not shows I want to watch again, so I did not include them on my "Best Motorcycle Movies" list.  In the comments you can let me know if notice which movies are missing and share some of your favorites with us.

My List of the Best Motorcycle Movies

Here is my list of seven motorcycle movies and documentaries I would recommend and I would watch again:

Out of Nothing - Released in 2014 this documentary follows four determined men on their journey to build a land speed record setting motorcycle and to run it at the Bonneville Salt Flats.  We get insights into their motivation, thought process and depth of relationships.  We get to see their runs on the salt, both the good and the bad.  It is a fun movie and has raised my interest in goin to Bonneville even more.      1hr 33min.  -  Trailer                    

Wild Hogs - This 2007 movie uses stereotypes and misinformation to tell an outrageous and, at times, totally unrealistic tale of four friends' cross-country motorcycle trip.  I know it does not help the "motorcycle image" but it is funny.  Not cerebrally funny, more like slap-stick funny.  I mean how else would we have learn about the fun game of "Slap the Bull?"   The underlying truth of  how fun and refreshing a long trip with friends can be is something riders understand.  It also seem each riding group I know has a "Dudley" in the group.   2hr 32min  Trailer    

Harley and the Davidsons is a 2016 three episode miniseries based on the true story of the beginning Harley Davidson motorcycles.  Great action shots of motorcycle races and quality time-period setting.  The docudrama chronicles some of the early advancements and challenges that were face.  There are some obvious Hollywood speculation and dramatization, but the series is solid and well worth the time.  4hrs 6min Trailer   

Fastest - Even if you are not a motorcycle racing fan the 2011 MotoGP documentary is exciting and enlightening.  Watching riders hit 200mph and take hairpin corners at amazing speeds, sliding the rear end and/or raising the front wheel all within inches of each other is a testament to riders' abilities and the machines' amazing performance.  All the riders compete trying to win the world championshipe and be the fastest.   1hr 50min  Trailer


Hitting the Apex - This is another great film from the world of street bike racing. The documentary highlights six MotoGP riders during the 2011, 2012 and 2013 seasons.  It shows the intensity, the talent and the tragedy of the three seasons.  Watching these men ride $1,000,000  machines at breathtaking speeds is intense 2015.  You don't have to love racing to enjoy this movie.      2hr 19min  Trailer    

World's Fastest Indian - Based on a true story with some Hollywood flair and great acting by Anthony Hopkins, this show is great!  The adventure of New Zealander Burt Munro's journey to Utah's Bonneville Salt Flats is both entertaining and heartwarming.  Burt's dream of setting a land speed record on his 1920 Indian motorcycle drives him to come to American for a opportunity for rewrite the record books.  This is a fun and family friendly movie.   2006   2hr 7min  Trailer     

Why we Ride - Released in 2013 Why We Ride is more than just a documentary.  It comes as close to explaining to a non-rider why riders ride.   The thrill, challenges, adventures and joy of riding is told by professional racers, builders, and everyday riders providing the audience with insights to the passion and love of motorcyclists worldwide.  When you are asked "why do you risk so much and ride a motorycle?" have that person watch this movie.    1hr 29min  Trailer  

I realize my taste in movies is different than a lot of riders and your Best Motorcycle Movies list is probably different.  I love motorcycle movies and I realize I have a lot more to watch and then my list will probably change. 

I hope you will leave a comment and share your favorite motorcycle movies.  I am always looking for something to good to watch that isn't Hollywood glam and propaganda or politically charged nonsense.  

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Monday, February 22, 2021

AGV K1 Rossi Helmet Review

Comfort and Brain Protection

My son on a ride and discussing helmets

This past fall it was time to replace my Arai Profile helmet.  I had enjoyed the comfort, performance and durability of the Arai Profile for several years.  I had no complaints and was planning to replace it with another Arai helmet.  

When I started looking I called my Bell Qualifier into service.  The Bell is a great helmet, but the road noise is noticeably louder and airflow less evident. It is an adequate backup helmet, but I wanted another helmet with low road noise, good airflow and was comfortable.

 
Partnership Perk!

Earlier in the summer my blog and I had developed an affiliate partnership with Dainese and AGV.  To my surprised, about the time I was to beginning to look for a new helmet, Dainese/AGV sent me an email providing me with an affiliate "perk."  I was provided with an affiliate partner 25% off code for one item!

Well, with that "perk" I had to at least look at the options available to me.  I looked at all the AGV helmets, read professional and amateur reviews and visited some shops to try on some AGV's.  After quite a bit of research and though I decided to order the K1 Rossi Mugello helmet.  

The AGV sitting on my VFR

Disclosure

It is important to note I did receive a discount, but I am under no pressure or agreement to provide a review of any kind, especially no agreement or pressure to provide a positive review.  The following are completely my honest thoughts of the helmet.

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Riding and Testing the AGV K1

The Mugello paint scheme is from the 2015 MotoGP season.  It is clearly a Valentino Rossi helmet, the number 46 is prominently displayed on the crown of the helmet and a smaller 46 is on the right side of the helmet.  The silver, blue and neon green make the helmet highly visible. 

DOT approved K1 Rossi Mugello

AGV states that the K1 is "Aerodynamic shape, racing-developed front air vents and wind-tunnel engineered aero spoiler maximize performances while providing stability at higher speed."  

At 1,600 g/3.527 lbs. it is one of the heavier AGV street helmets, but when I wear the AGV it does not feel as heavy as the Arai Profile.  When riding at a spirited pace the rode noise is low, but maybe just a little louder than the Arai Profile.  I use Bose earbuds plugged into my Sena 20s Bluetooth communication system and listen to my music.  I noticed no difference in the music volume between the Arai and AGV helmets.

The Sena 20s works great

The AGV comes Pinlock(c) ready, but I have not added insert. 190 degree horizontal view increases visibility.  The five large vents provide good airflow which is important to me considering the warmer weather in Texas.  A "micro-opening system" is part of the helmet.  a "quick-action" button on the chin bar lifts the visor a small amount which increases airflow. I really like this feature!

The AGV micro-opening system is very useful

The base of the helmet is contoured which is reduce the possibilities of helmet impact with the collarbone in a crash situation.  AGV also states the helmet's impact protection has "4 Densities EPS Max protection in every area.  Hopefully I will not have to report on the efficiency of  the design or the impact protection.   

Contoured base profile increases safety

The interior cheek and crown pads are removeable and washable.  They are made with a dry-comfort fabric.  They are comfortable and soft, although the Arai interior fabric was softer.  On first ride I found the comfort to be on par with the Arai.  T
he K1 uses a standard double D helmet strap, but the helmet is not what I would call "standard."  

Comfortable and removeable interior pads

One aspect I like a lot better than the Arai is the easy of exchanging the visor.  At the time of purchase I also ordered a tinted visor.  I use the tinted visor during daylight savings time.  The visor mechanism is intuitive and works smoothly  during the visor exchange. 

The visor exchange system is quick and smooth

Final Thoughts

I like the K1.  It is comfortable, provides good airflow, has superior visibility and keeps road noise on the lower end.  I love the contoured base and the spoiler on the back of the helmet.  The paint job is very visible and my favorite so far, but I am a Rossi fan.

Photo from Motorionline

Have now purchased and used three really good helmets.  All three I would wear on a multiday trip with no reservations, but how would I rank them?

1) Arai Profile

2) AGV K1

3) Bell Profile

A high quality helmet is worth the investment.  What has been your favorite helmet?  Let us all know by leaving a comment.

Check out Tuesday Trivia about motorcycles

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https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCXRxEDV5qQLsRsag488Rg4Q?view_as=subscriber

* I have personally ordered from and/or visited this business and based on my experiences I recommend this company.  I have an affiliate relationship with this business, which means if you follow this link and purchase, I will receive a small commission and will get to ride more!

# Based on reviews, word of mouth and discussion with others I recommend this company.  I have an affiliate relationship with this business, which means if you follow this link and purchase, I will receive a small commission and will get to ride more!
 
Feedback on these businesses is appreciated.  You may comment below.

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