Keep it Locked with RoadLok Security

First article of 2013 is on a product I have personally used and loved!  Those of us who have the pleasure of owning and riding motorcycles, we know the importance of securing them when not in use.  Here is a list of most frequently stolen motorcycle from 2009 as published by National Insurance Crime Bureau (NICB);

1. Honda 13,688
2. Yamaha 11,148
3. Suzuki 9,154
4. Kawasaki 5, 911
5. Harley-Davidson 3,529

The theft of these motorcycles accounted for 77.4% of all brands stolen in 2009.  Approximately 25-30% are recovered, because of the ease to strip parts and sell.

The H-D Smart Security System for Touring Harley-Davidson Motorcycles costs approximately $329.95 plus installation (part #68200-07A).  If you add the Smart Siren II Kit this will set you back an additional $89.95.  Very nice system, we have one installed on our 2011 FLHTK without the siren though.  

In October 2012, my wife and I vacationed in Florida and spent time at Destination Daytona.  While there we decided to rent a 2013 Harley-Davidson Street Glide.  The rental program used to be run by Eagle Riders at Destination, but now was controlled exclusively by Destination Daytona Dealership.  Every rental Harley has a RoadLok System installed.  Being new to this device, I didn't know what to think of it.  After 2 days of renting, riding and securing the motorcycle, I am a believer in the RoadLok System.  

RoadLok installs to the Brake Caliper within less than 15 minutes and simply stated uses a spring loaded pin that "seats" itself into one of the holes on the rotor.  Once this pin is seated, the motorcycle can't be moved even an inch.  You can't forget to take the RoadLok off when getting ready to ride, if you did you would not go anywhere.  Other locks similar to this allow the rider to move the motorcycle a few feet, thus if forgotten causing possible damage to the bike and/or injury to themselves.  

Paul Jr., and Orange County Choppers were so impressed that they build a custom RoadLok Chopper and added the RoadLok to it.  Afterwards each Custom Chopper that leaves their showroom has a RoadLok installed.  Hey if it can protect a $100,000 custom chopper think what it can do for the average bike!  OCC and RoadLok.

I contacted Denis McWatters, Operations Manager at RoadLok Security this morning and had a nice conversation with him abut their lock.  RoadLok Security, of New Windsor, New York 888-ROADLOK.  I was informed that Law Enforcement Officers and Blue Knights Members will receive a discount if purchasing online.  I promised I would not give the Law Enforcement Code out.  However if you are interested in purchasing, in my opinion and Paul Jr.'s,  one of these superior locks, drop me an e-mail and I'd be happy to share this Code with you, providing you meet the criteria.

As always, if you use or see a product you think is worthy of sharing with the motorcycling enthusiast, please send it to me for an article.  Remember to ride straight, sober, safe and with skill.  Be sure to attend a certified motorcycle skills class.  You will be glad you did!

International Flavor Harley-Davidson Rider's Edge

A week prior to Rider's Edge New Rider Course (NRC), I received my class roster and noticed three of the eight students were from Singapore and worked for the Motor Company!  The company being Harley-Davidson of course.  So were these three company plants to see how we at Wisconsin Harley-Davidson are conducting Rider's Edge, were they here to critique me?  Either way, I was looking forward to teaching new riders the importance of being skilled, riding smart and always being safe.

The first classroom session was typical, quiet as students kept to themselves, but by the next night we started to learn a more about each other and why these three from Singapore were in here.  Harley-Davidson annually holds a Dealer Show that showcases new products such as motorcycles (dah!) and motor clothes.  This year's Dealer Show was held at the Harley-Davidson Museum in Milwaukee!  Our International Connection was here for the Dealer Show and since Wisconsin HD holds a few classes for Riders Edge Thursday - Sunday, they thought it best to take advantage of learning to ride before they got busy working the show.

It was interesting to learn that in Singapore, motorcycle licenses are issued in one of three different endorsements.  First off, upon successful completion of a class, riders are provided with a Class 2B license, this is valid for operation of motorcycles size 200cc or smaller.  After one year of riding with a Class 2B, motorcyclists can take a riding test and upon successful completion move into a Class 2A, good for operation up to a 400cc motorcycle.  Again, after one year operating a 201cc-400cc, and passing a skill evaluation, the rider can move into the final step, a Class 2 License valid for those motorcycles larger than a 401cc.  This is a 3 Tier Graduated Motorcycle License and law in Singapore.

In May 2011, Harley-Davidson announced that Singapore would be the Asian-Pacific Headquarters of Harley-Davidson Motorcycles.  The Asian-Pacific Region accounted for 9.4% of motorcycle sales for the Motor Company.  The three students in Wisconsin HD Riders Edge Class all work in the Asian-Pacific Region HD Headquarters.  They forecast the motorcycle sales and delivery schedule.

All eight of our students successfully completed the NRC and received their motorcycle waivers.  I forgot to mention that the three from Singapore, NEVER rode a motorcycle prior to this class!  You may see many people in Milwaukee this next week wearing Harley-Davidson apparel, the Dealer Show ends this coming Friday.  Soon the 2013 Models will be hitting the showroom floors getting ready for the 110 Anniversary next year.  Hopefully JK, Hee-Jung and Peter will have an opportunity to visit Milwaukee next year for Anniversary, and if so, our house will welcome them without hesitation.

It was interesting to learn, set the record straight that the Motor Company has "plants" in Brazil and India, but that these plants are for "assembly" not "manufacturing".  The tariffs in foreign countries place a huge fee on a fully assembled Harley-Davidson, though by shipping parts and having assembly take place in that country, the tariffs are less.  Don't ask why, cause I still don't understand.

If you are a rider, ever dreamed of riding or know someone who rides, chances are Harley-Davidson has come into the conversation.  Harley-Davidson is known world-wide and there exists a connection and commonality to others once you ride one.  As the saying goes, "If I had to explain, you wouldn't understand".

Comments are always welcome.  See the link below this article.

Black Hills 2012

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