TEAM Arizona Introduces 3-Wheel Basic RiderCourse From Motorcycle Safety Foundation

May 7, 2013 By

3wbrc_Homepage_rotator_2013_05

TEAM Arizona is happy to introduce the addition of the Motorcycle Safety Foundation’s 3-Wheel Basic RiderCourse to its already extensive course offerings.  The course will provide owners and prospective owners of trikes, Can-AM spyders, and more the opportunity to earn a motorcycle endorsement through the course once the rider passes both the written and riding evaluations.

Ron Arieli, TEAM Arizona owner, is excited to provide the Arizona motorcycling community with yet another training option.  ”We truly feel this is the best place for a new rider to start once they’ve made the decision to ride a 3-wheel motorcycle.  The course includes plenty of fun classroom exercises and between six to eight hours of saddle time on our training range.   Several dealerships throughout Arizona have requested this service; we’re happy to meet their needs.”goldwing trike

 

 

The benefits for attending this course are many, even for individuals with two-wheel riding experience.  Three wheel vehicles require different techniques for cornering and hazard avoidance.  An individual who takes this course will have the opportunity to learn these techniques on our training range before mixing it up with traffic.  Also, insurance discounts may be available upon completion of the course.

For more information about this course, please visit our 3-Wheel Basic RiderCourse page.

 For the Entire TEAM Arizona Newsletter Content, CLICK HERE

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MAY IS MOTORCYCLE AWARENESS MONTH AT TEAM ARIZONA

May 7, 2013 By

MC_Awareness_2013_05During Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month in May all road users are reminded to safely “share the road” with motorcyclists, and to be extra alert to help keep motorcyclists safe.

MESSAGE TO MOTORISTS

You may be asking yourself what in particular can you relay to motorists?  We’re glad you asked!  Check out these bits of information you can provide:

  • A motorcycle is a motor vehicle with all the privileges of any vehicle on the roadway.
  • Give motorcyclists a full lane of travel; don’t share lanes with motorcyclists.
  • Look for motorcyclists everywhere, but especially at intersections.
  • Allow plenty of space in front of the vehicle you are driving and do not follow a motorcycle too closely.

FUN GAME TO PLAY

One way to build the behavior of motorists is to start early; really EARLY.  Get kids to play this cool game.

COUNT MOTORCYCLES

We want to know the results if you play the game with your kids or fellow passengers.  Visit our Facebook Page and tell us about your experience!

 For the Entire TEAM Arizona Newsletter Content, CLICK HERE

 

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TEAM Arizona Riding Tip May 2013: Do you have a second? How about two?

May 7, 2013 By

How close do you follow a vehicle?  Are you sure about that?  You may want to take a second to read this article to make sure!

TWO SECOND FOLLOWING DISTANCE

two second rule

A vast number of motorists have been introduced to the 2-second following distance rule; it is a pretty standard topic covered in driver training.   For those unfamiliar or with a failing memory, the 2-second following distance rule is considered to be a MINIMUM following distance when conditions are ideal.   We obtain this distance by performing the following when riding or driving:

 

  • Pick out a fixed point ahead, like a post or pavement marking.
  • As the vehicle ahead passes the fixed object, count off “one-motorcycle-one,two-motorcycle-two”; if the fixed point has not been reached, following distance is at least 2 seconds.

This is where you may want to ask yourself, “Do I follow too closely?”  The next time you ride, see for yourself by applying the simple method stated above.

I’LL NEVER GET WHERE I’M GOING

We often hear from course attendees the concern that leaving too much space entices motorists to move into the open space. Without a doubt, maintaining a two second following distance is a dynamic process.  Non-scientific studies show that the minimal amount of time lost due to expanding our following distance is a good tradeoff for our riding safety.

Besides, as good riders, we constantly have to manage our time and space to our benefit.  Can you ever have too much time to react and the space to do so?

EXCEPTIONS TO THE RULE

extended following distance

As with any rule, and keeping with the motorcyclist spirit that wants to eschew rules in the first place, we have exceptions.  Did you notice that this rule is a MINIMUM guideline for a following distance and only to be used when conditions are IDEAL?  We should take the opportunity to expand the following distance to three or four seconds depending upon the scenario.

Can you think of  any conditions that would warrant extending your following distance?  How about:

  • Surface conditions
  • Road hazards
  • Construction
  • <Fill in your example here!>

GROUP RIDING

When we head out with our friends, managing our time and space is extremely important.  When riding staggered in a group, the 2 second rule can be followed easily.  Take a look at the diagram below:

group riding 2 second rule

 

Do you see how the two seconds is created with the motorcycle DIRECTLY in front of you?

We hope this tip will inspire you to go out and try to maintain a two second following distance for the next week.  We want to hear about your experience on our TEAM Arizona Facebook page!

 For the Entire TEAM Arizona Newsletter Content, CLICK HERE

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LUC’S TIPS MAY 2013: OFF TO AN EASY START

May 7, 2013 By

Luc's TipsStarting a motorcycle is our gateway to having fun.  Sometimes, we don’t always get the result we’re looking to obtain.  Ever have a scenario where the motorcycle starts with slightly more difficulty when you’re in gear?

Well, you’re not alone.  I’ll  explore why the bike may be harder to start in gear even if the clutch is pulled in.

YEAH, YEAH, FINE-C

We all remember the FINE-C start up procedure from the Basic RiderCourse don’t we?   We use this acronym to help us with our starting process much like an airplane pilot goes through their checklist before take-off.  It is good to build the habit early so that we prevent missing any critical steps.  To refresh your memory, FINE-C is:

  • FUEL- turn your fuel on if you have a fuel petcock (if you have one)
  • IGNITION- turn your key to the on position
  • NEUTRAL- place your bike in neutral (we always park our bikes in 1st gear to prevent the bike from rolling)
  • ENGINE CUT-OFF SWITCH- place the switch into the on or “run” position
  • CLUTCH /CHOKE- if choke is necessary, turn it on; always start the motorcycle with the clutch squeezed in

Notice anything about the above list?  Yep, NEUTRAL is highlighted in red for a reason.  It may be the key to you enjoying easy, stress free motorcycle start ups.

WHAT A DRAG

motorcycle clutch

When we start a motorcycle in gear, the clutch, engine crank, and transmission are engaged, thus preventing the engine from spinning freely and separately from the clutch.  The clutch on most modern day motorcycles are bathed in oil.  The oil creates a bond between clutch plates that are spaced very closely together.  This bond created between the oil and clutch plates can cause an additional load for your motorcycle’s starting system to overcome and can place slightly more cranking requirements upon the tiny motorcycle battery.  Starting the motorcycle in gear also creates slightly more work for the starter.  The end result leaves you with the impression that the battery is getting weaker or turning over slower than when starting the motorcycle in neutral.  This may be more noticeable when the oil is cold as it may be thicker and the bond between clutch plates  may be even more challenging to break.

In the extreme, if you’re finding the motorcycle is GREATLY easier to start in neutral versus first, or you find the bike creeping forward when you’re in first gear and the clutch lever is squeezed in completely, then there may be other considerations at play.  There could be a need for clutch cable adjustment, clutch fluid replacement, or for a clutch inspection from your local dealership or repair shop.

The simple solution?  Follow FINE-C.

So now that your motorcycle is starting easily and more cheerfully, where will you go on your next adventure?

Safe riding,

-LUC

For the Entire TEAM Arizona Newsletter Content, CLICK HERE

DISCLAIMER:  THE VIEWS AND OPINIONS EXPRESSED IN THIS COLUMN ARE NOT NECESSARILY THOSE OF ANY MANUFACTURER.  THE CONTENT PROVIDED IS MERELY EDUCATIONAL AND NOT INTENDED AS A REPLACEMENT FOR PROFESSIONAL REPAIR.  TEAM ARIZONA, ITS STAFF, AND ITS RIDERCOACHES ARE UNAVAILABLE FOR PRIVATE MOTORCYCLE REPAIR; WE RECOMMEND SEEING YOUR LOCAL DEALERSHIP OR REPAIR SHOP.

 

 

 

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KYLE KERBY: TEAM Arizona Rider of the Month MAY 2013!

May 7, 2013 By

Kyle Kerby

We love it when our riders don’t take themselves too seriously.  Kyle Kerby?  As you can tell by the picture, he seriously wants to have FUN!  We’re game Kyle, which is why you’re TEAM Arizona’s Rider of the Month for May 2013.

Even with eighteen years of dirt biking experience, Kyle knew the right thing was to take a rider training course.  He exclaims,”Pay a professional to teach you properly and to help you ride safely…it is well worth the money!”

The picture shows a Kyle in shorts and flip flops chilling next to his Honda CBR, but he knows the value of protective gear when it comes to riding.  In a very direct statement he minces no words, “The one piece of information I want to pass on to all riders:  put on a helmet and stop riding like a d*ck.  It doesn’t make you look cool; it makes US all look bad.”

What does Kyle enjoy most about riding?  ”Just being able to turn everything else off and focus solely on the act of riding.”

We appreciate Kyle’s sense of humor, his passion for motorcycling, and his candor.  We look forward to seeing him and his beast of a sport bike out for more training.

Riders, we want to honor YOU!  If you want to become a TEAM Arizona’s Rider of the Month, entering is SIMPLE.

  • Email Bill (bill@motorcycletraining.com )
  • In the subject line, type “Rider of the Month”
  • In one paragraph, tell us why you think the world needs to know about you!

Let’s have some serious FUN with this gang!  There are some great stories out there and we don’t want to miss them, so tell us about YOU!

For the Entire TEAM Arizona Newsletter Content, CLICK HERE

 

 

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GARY McDOWELL: MAY 2013 TEAM Arizona RiderCoach of the Month!

May 7, 2013 By

RiderCoach of the Month

Have you ever wandered into something thinking that a few extra bucks would help but then find out the richness of the experience and enjoyment of the “work” far surpasses any economic gain?

If  so, you’ll have something in common with Gary McDowell.  Since 2007, Gary’s been putting feet to pavement for TEAM Arizona to aid students with achieving their dream of becoming motorcyclists.   The journey has been fruitful and educational for Gary.  As he puts it, “The greatest challenge was learning patience. I had to remind myself that learning to ride a motorcycle correctly is hard.”

Since 1966 when a friend let him charge down the roadway on a Yamaha 125, Gary’s been connected to the world of motorcycling.  His favorite motorcycles include the Honda CB750 and 1966 Triumph 650 Bonneville.  Today, you’ll find him on a 2002 Honda Goldwing.

  • His favorite ride is up Route 77 to Show Low.
  • Born in Baltimore, Maryland.
  • If he could pass one bit of information along to new riders:  Look Where You Want To Go

Please, take time to wish Gary well-deserved CONGRATULATIONS!  We here at TEAM Arizona are proud to have him as part of the family!

For the Entire TEAM Arizona Newsletter Content, CLICK HERE

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Mesa Police Department Motor Officers Partner with TEAM Arizona

April 4, 2013 By

Mesa PD Completes Initial Training with TEAM Arizona:

On the Cutting Edge of Motor Officer Training

Mesa PD knee dragSix select Motor Officers from the Mesa Police Department recently completed a beta test of TEAM Arizona Motorcyclist Training Center’s advanced riding curriculum. Initial results revealed a strong synergy between the two organizations. Steps to integrate TEAM Arizona’s cutting edge rider training elements and develop a long-term partnership are now underway. The partnership will focus on increasing motor officer safety, increasing training motorcycle lifespan, and reducing motor officer risk on the roadway all while efficiently using limited available funding.

The courses attended by the Motor Officers included the Motorcycle Safety Foundation’s Advanced Riding Course and both levels of Lee Park’s Total Control Clinics. In total, the motor officers spent 24 hours in training. Mesa’s motorcycle mechanic also received a private session regarding the proper setup of motorcycle suspension. The remaining current MESA PD motor instructors will undergo TEAM Arizona’s advanced rider training curriculum in the near future.

Mesa PD motor officer, Sgt. Sean Kelly, provides his perspective of the training:
“Historically, law enforcement has provided excellent training for motorcycle police officers. With the rapid change to the sport touring motorcycles for duty use, there was a need to update our training techniques. The Advanced Riding Course and Total Control courses were what we needed to provide supplemental training to our Motor Instructors. The training was well organized and based on scientifically proven techniques. We attended all three courses and our skills and confidence increased significantly.”

Mesa PD Motor OFficerTEAM Arizona owner, Ron Arieli, revealed, “We are honored that Mesa PD would consider us as a training partner for developing their leading edge motor officer training program. It really says something about an organization when they’re willing to buck the norm and seek training outside their agency. Ultimately, as a premier motor officer department in the State of Arizona, they understand that motorcycle technology has changed, and they need to adjust their motor officer training and techniques to keep up with those changes.”

 ABOUT MESA PD MOTOR OFFICERS

The Mesa Police Department Motor Officers are charged with ensuring that all streets of Mesa are as safe as possible for its citizens. The department includes twenty-two (22) motor officers who are dedicated to enforcing all motor vehicle laws and removing unsafe drivers and vehicles from our roadways. The first known motorcycle used by Mesa PD for enforcement was the 1924 Ace Sporting Motorcycle. For more information about the organization, visit mesaaz.gov/police/

 For the Entire TEAM Arizona Newsletter Content, CLICK HERE

 

 

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April is Women in Motorcycling Month!

April 4, 2013 By

Women Motorcycle RidersThis month at TEAM Arizona is Women in Motorcycling Month.  We celebrate the women who ride on two wheels (or three!).  With the most female RiderCoaches in the Southwest, we understand the importance and value women bring to the motorcycling community.

The reality is that as long as there have been motorcycles, there have been women riding motorcycles.  The number of women motorcycle operators in the U.S. has increased to about 7.2 million of about 27 million overall in 2009, according to the latest survey by the Motorcycle Industry Council.

To make it more relevant, nearly two out of every ten motorcycle riders you see on the road will be a woman.  This information inspires manufacturers like Harley Davidson.  “Learning to ride a motorcycle is one of the most exhilarating and empowering experiences in life,” said Claudia Garber, director of women’s marketing outreach at Harley-Davidson. “Women Riders Month celebrates women who’ve already found empowerment on the open road – but it also allows us to support the thousands of other women whose motorcycle dreams are still parked in the garage.”

Riding Starts EarlyPossibly the most interesting trend is that we’re experiencing a major jump in ridership by GEN-Y females.  Do you know a woman who you think would make an outstanding motorcyclists?  Tell her about TEAM Arizona and the Introduction to Motorcycling course or Basic RiderCourse.

We encourage all female riders to visit our Facebook page to post pictures and tell us why you like to ride.  We’d love to have our Facebook page plastered with awesome pictures of you all!

For those of you who currently ride, we’re offering a special promotion this month for our Advanced Riding Techniques course:  20% off!  Simply apply this promo code when you register online:  WIMMART20

 For the Entire TEAM Arizona Newsletter Content, CLICK HERE

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TEAM Arizona Riding Tip April 2013: STOP! Swerving Might Be the Answer

April 4, 2013 By

When it comes to hazard avoidance, an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.  Employing our Search Evaluate Execute (SEE) strategy can prevent us from avoiding road hazards well before they become an issue.

In the case where our SEE strategy isn’t in full operation, we may come upon a time when a hazard avoidance technique may be necessary. Scientific research states that above 18 mph, swerving for a motorcyclist may be a better option than actually stopping.  This article takes a look at why swerving may be the better choice.

WHAT IS SWERVING?

Swerve a Motorcycle

Notice how this rider’s body stays upright as the bike leans when he initiates the swerve

 

Swerving is defined as two consecutive turns or countersteers, one to avoid an obstacle followed immediately by another to regain original direction.  When we swerve, we want to keep the motorcycle lean independent of body lean.  This means our upper body torso will remain upright as the motorcycle leans beneath us.  Keeping our upper body independent of motorcycle lean allows the motorcycle to lean quickly.   While performing this maneuver, we also want to:

  • Avoid applying brakes (swerving uses a lot of available traction; adding braking forces may overcome the remaining traction available thus creating a crash)
  • Keep a smooth, steady throttle (again, swerving uses a lot of traction; abrupt changes off the throttle upsets the suspension and could cause us to lose traction)
  • Move vision away from obstacle (To prevent target fixation, we’ll want to move our vision to where we want to go)
  • If time and space permit, brake before the swerve, but make sure to separate braking from swerving completely!

WHY SWERVING?

couch on the road

As stated earlier, research has shown that swerving can be more beneficial  than stopping for avoiding a car size obstacle when traveling above 18mph.  We can actually perform the swerve maneuver in less time and space than it would take to stop your motorcycle.

Consider a situation where you are confronted with a couch that has just fallen off the back of a pickup truck.  Would you rather stop before you reach the hazard or swerve?  Right, we’d rather swerve because YOU AVOID BECOMING THE HAZARD FOR MOTORISTS BEHIND YOU.  If we stop, we find ourselves in the middle of the road for motorists who are less likely to stop as quickly as we may have.

HABITS TO BREAK

Our challenge as motorcyclists is to understand that we have bad habits.  Some of our bad habits originate from our car driving experience.  Most motorcyclists, upon seeing the couch, the first reaction would be to brake.  Why?  BECAUSE THAT IS HOW WE DRIVE!  When was the last time you swerved your vehicle an entire lane width?  We’ve trained ourselves as car drivers to mash the brakes and get stopped.  We can afford to in a car with air bags, safety belts, and crumple zones around us.  On a motorcycle, we don’t have those luxuries.

As motorcyclists, we have to train ourselves to act otherwise; in essence, we have to stop riding our motorcycles like we drive our cars with respect to hazard avoidance.  How do you make that happen?  Practice!  When was the last time you practiced swerving?  We have a fun way this month to get your swerve on!  Check out our hazard avoidance skills practice series on April 16, 2013.

Also, in the Advanced Riding Techniques course we have several exercises to help you get your swerve on.  Why not come out and play?  It just might help you get back home safe and sound…to your own couch.

 For the Entire TEAM Arizona Newsletter Content, CLICK HERE

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LUC’S TIPS MARCH 2013: Breathe Easy With A New Motorcycle Air Filter

April 4, 2013 By

Luc's TipsDo you like breathing clean, fresh air?  Well, you motorcycle does too!  The air filter helps ensure that our motorcycle’s engine gets only clean, fresh air to breathe.

WHAT DOES AN AIR FILTER DO?

Quite simply, the air filter prevents harmful contaminants, like dust and dirt, from getting into the engine thus adversely affecting the performance of your motorcycle.  Most motorcycle manufacturers provide paper air filters, but there are other materials available in the aftermarket for air filtration.  We highly recommend, for longevity purposes, sticking with the air filter recommended by the manufacturers.

A clean filter means better engine performance (yay to better gas mileage!) and more power. If the filter gets choked, it will limit the airflow to the engine meaning the fuel will not burn as efficiently as possible, reducing engine performance drastically.

AIR FILTER INSPECTION

Motorcycle Air Filter MaintenanceFirst, make sure to consult the owner’s manual to determine the intervals at which you check your air filter.  If you ride in adverse conditions, consider cleaning or replacing your air filter even sooner than recommended (HINT:  you may have noticed that Arizona is mostly desert; sand can be a major issue, especially if you find yourself riding in or near a haboob).

When inspecting your air filter, make sure to review it for any punctures, cracks, or tears.  Replace if you find any of these conditions, even if it is before the recommended interval period.

Almost as important as reviewing the filter, make sure to check the airbox for dirt and debris.  A clean air box means all is working well.  An airbox with sand and debris can mean an issue with the filter or how well the airbox is sealing.  Should you decide to change the filter yourself, grab a couple clean paper towels and some contact cleaner, and clean out the inside of the air box.  Wipe the ring that the filter seals against, and clean the surrounding area thoroughly. Again, be very careful that no dirt gets knocked down into the air boot.

Making sure to follow the owner’s manual recommended maintenance intervals means that not only will your motorcycle breathe easy, but so will you!

Safe riding,

-LUC

For the Entire TEAM Arizona Newsletter Content, CLICK HERE

DISCLAIMER:  THE VIEWS AND OPINIONS EXPRESSED IN THIS COLUMN ARE NOT NECESSARILY THOSE OF ANY MANUFACTURER.  THE CONTENT PROVIDED IS MERELY EDUCATIONAL AND NOT INTENDED AS A REPLACEMENT FOR PROFESSIONAL REPAIR.  TEAM ARIZONA, ITS STAFF, AND ITS RIDERCOACHES ARE UNAVAILABLE FOR PRIVATE MOTORCYCLE REPAIR; WE RECOMMEND SEEING YOUR LOCAL DEALERSHIP OR REPAIR SHOP.

 

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