CanyonChasers.Net News

For those who refuse to tour on a big heavy bike with a horsepower robbing, geometry altering shaft drive, road side chain maintenance can prove to be one of the most tedious, painful tasks you’re faced with during a multi-day trip. Well, the fine folks at Wheel Jockey have come up with an idea that we think is just great. Check out our full review of the Wheel Jockey. »

We would like to apologize on behalf of the entire state of Utah for the actions of the Utah State Governor and the Utah Highway Patrol. And in case you didn’t hear; during the FIM World SuperBike Events in Utah, just one day after Utah Governor Gary Herbert said “We want the world to know they are welcome in Utah”, the UHP set up a motorcycle “safety” checkpoint. During this “safety” checkpoint every motorcycle was detained and asked to provide proof of license, registration and insurance. UHP claimed they were giving out safety pamphlets, but we have not seen a single copy nor have we heard from a single detained motorcyclist who received this mythical safety pamphlet. We view the actions of the Utah Highway Patrol as deplorable in every sense bringing huge discredit to the state of Utah. We recognize that Utah, the Governor and particularly the UHP will likely never publicly apologize for their actions, so on behalf of Utah motorcyclists, please accept our heartfelt and humble apology. Also, please let us know if you were caught up in this “safety” checkpoint or what your thoughts are regarding these actions.

This popular sport touring track school is normally held very early in the season, sometimes too early for many people to be able to make it because many mountain passes are still beneath several feet of snow, but this year the event is being held on August 21st so you can add this to your vacation plans! This unique program, held on the same track as the American round of World Superbike (Miller Motorsports Park) teaches real-world canyon riding skills in a safe and controlled environment, at much faster speeds than those possible in a parking lot. Learn more about the Sport Touring Advanced Rider Training (ST-ART).

In an astonishing move, the state of Arizona is poised to legalize lane-splitting. The new bill, Arizona House Bill 2475, introduced by Harley-Davidson-riding Representative Jerry Weiers, will legalize, for a one-year probationary period beginning January 1, 2011, lane-splitting in stopped traffic in Arizona counties with populations over 2-million. We do not hide the fact that we support Lane-Splitting, even the infamous Hurt Report identified lane-splitting as a practice that decreased motorcyclists exposure to risk. What do you think of legalized lane splitting?

In attempt to bring new audiences to their tires, Metzeler has added a “cool” new feature to their Sportec M5 Interact tires. A set of images molded into the tread pattern to gauge lean angle. This system of measurement is being called CSAT (Chicken Strip Assessment Technology). So why do we think this is such a bad idea? Because if you are riding correctly and have good posture, you will most likely have “chicken strips” (we even call them your “margin for error”). We’ve probably all seen riders who could barely negotiate a corner yet would brag about dragging footpegs. Lean angle is not an indication of skill. (click image for larger size). Leave a comment and let us know what you think.

News of the demise of Buell is no longer new, in fact rumors of small groups of financial wizards attempting to resurrect the only American sport bike company have been bouncing all over the net. Here are some of our thoughts on how we think the company could be made to survive. First, get rid of the founder, Erik Buell. (What?) Erik is known to be a very polarizing individual. Either you are with him or against him, this prevents the development of good ideas because any idea that is not Erik’s is a bad one. Second, abandon some of his crazy thinking. For example, If the perimeter brake was such a good idea, how come nobody has copied it? Comment on your thoughts. What would you do to make Buell succeed?

Despite its lack of popularity and familiarity in America, AGV is one of the worlds largest producer of motorcycle helmets, yet if it were not for Rossi we’d probably barely know they existed. But is this helmet, most famous for sponsoring racers, any good? We take the AGV Ti-Tech (with actual titanium vents) through its paces over two seasons of riding. Find out if its any good. AGV Ti-Tech Motorcycle Helmet »

As winter becomes ever more imminent we thought we’d throw one last vestige of summer into the mix with our most recent travel log. We started out trying to escape the August heat with a trip north, but things didn’t go quite as planned. As a result we rode into the wilds of South Dakota’s Black Hills to discover some of the best riding we’ve enjoyed east of the coastal mountains. Follow along as we find some Black Hills Gold »

We don’t hide the fact that we tend to favor things made my hand; bread, coffee, wine, motorcycles… So when we had the opportunity to review one of Fox Creek’s leather jackets, we had to say yes. This is a purely American company where everything is made by hand using only the finest quality materials (or so they say). But can a modern, hand made garment, from a small, family owned business compare with riding gear that comes from massive corporations with millions of dollars in equipment and design at their disposal? Read our most recent review and find out for yourself. Fox Creek Ladies Leather Jacket »

Sure, there are lots of motorcycle jackets out there that claim to be a four-season jacket, able to handle the cold, wet winter months as well as the intense heat of the summer months. And sure, there are a lot of jackets that claim to offer water resistance so robust that you’d be able to leave your rain gear at home. The Olympia AST (All Season Touring) is no different, other than, it actually manages to deliver. Read the full review »