Minnesota Adventure Riders

source ZeroMotorcycles.com

source ZeroMotorcycles.com

Zero Motorcycles announced last week that they have developed a new motorcycle for the U.S. Military called  the Zero MMX.  Zero claims the bike has special tactical advantages over traditional motos.  Specifically the quick acceleration, near silent operation, and low heat signature separates it from other vendor’s offerings. Zero isn’t saying how many were produced, only they some number are undergoing “operation testing”.

From the press release:

“It was a very rewarding experience for the Zero team to go through such an exacting development process. The military needed a very specific set of core features on the MMX, and we were incredibly thankful to work side-by-side with them to deliver such a unique product,” said Abe Askenazi, Chief Technology Officer for Zero Motorcycles. “The great news for our civilian customers is that we made the decision to incorporate into our 2013 MX, FX and XU retail motorcycles virtually all of the powertrain enhancements associated with satisfying this project’s stringent military requirements. Our 2013 product is truly ‘military grade’!”

Key features of the new bike:

• Specialized military dash for quick and centralized mainline controls
• Keyless ignition engaged with dash toggle for quicker departure
• Modular and quick-swappable power packs
• Wet operational abilities in up to one meter submersion
• Switchable headlight for night-time stealth
• Integrated wiring to accommodate quick installation of front and rear infrared systems
• Safety override and reserve power capabilities to extend range during extreme situations
• Aggressive foot pegs and hand guards for optimal control
• Tie down eyelets with integrated tow cable and rear seat strap

The one meter submersion feature must have been especially fun to test!  Great to see U.S. made dual sport bikes aiding our military.

I’d like to welcome the folks at Rox Speed FX as a sponsor to MinneADV.org and MinneADV.info.  Not only do these guys have great farkles for your bike, but they are based right here in the Minnesota northwoods near Grand Rapids.  Many of you may recognize the name from their very popular line of bar risers, but their family of products extends well beyond those.  So take a minute to jump on over to their website and check out their merchandise.  These guys aren’t just salesman, they do ride and know what riders require.  I hear the President just got back from a ride in Patagonia.  So jealous! Read the rest of this entry »

Do you use a dedicated GPS unit on your bike or a Smart Phone?  If you live in California you no longer have a choice.  A judge has ruled that operating a phone based GPS on your motorcycle is too dangerous.  Well thank you Mr. Nanny State!  Now this is all based on California’s existing law banning the operation of a cell phone while driving.  So I am assuming that operating a standalone GPS is still ok.  Which of course makes no sense at all.
I am all for safe motorcycling and understand that anytime you take your hands off the bars you are increasing risk, but this is just another example of America’s legal system lacking common sense.  I love my “Dual Sport Maps” app on my Android and I also know many you love “Motion X” on their iPhone.  Will this sort of ruling ban the use of these apps here in Minnesota sometime?

Only time will tell. End of rant.

Today we launched a new website: www.MinneADV.org

The purpose of this site is to give the riding community a place to:

• Post and Organize Group Rides (no more emailing me, whoopee!  Post it yourself)
• Meet fellow riders
• Post photos
• Create Discussions

The website uses the Meetup.com engine to run things.  So hop on over to the new site, sign up, and RSVP for an event, or create your own.  I will no longer be maintaining an event lists here on this blog, but instead will link to MinneADV.org.  Feel free to send in feedback on how you like the site.

One tip for everyone; The site sets your email preferences to be very invasive.  You will probably want to setup your profile to remove some of the spam emails from meetup.com.

Thanks, and don’t let the snowstorm this week depress you.

Sound off in the comments…

Wired magazine has a write-up on KTM’s planned (concept) electric scooter.  As scooter’s go this is a very edgy and cool looking design.  Click on over and check it out.  We have seen “adventure” scooters before, so with name like KTM, will an ADV version not be too far behind.  Who knows?

Just passing along a link to a popular internet radio show that I think many would find entertaining.  They broadcast on the internet on Tuesday nights, but their broadcasts are archived.  They generally have some decent guests and topics.  Something to fill your mp3 players.  There are other podcasts on motorcycles but this one tends to lean more towards topics I am interested in.

http://www.sidestandup.com

From the DNR today:

“The DNR’s proposed changes to the trail systems in the Pine County forests (Nemadji, Chengwatana, St. Croix, and General Andrews) are posted on the DNR website at:  http://www.dnr.state.mn.us/input/mgmtplans/ohv/designation/revisions.html

We have scheduled an Open House to discuss the proposals for May 22, 2013 from 6-8PM at the Askov Town Hall, 6369 Kobmagergade, Askov, MN.

We’ll accept comments at the meeting, and written comments (to me) until June 24, 2013.”

Lots of changes.  Take the time to review and send in your feedback.

Specifically tell them you want the section of the Matthew Lourey State trail that runs through north through the St. Croix state park  to just after Bear Creek to be opened to OHM’s.  This would drastically help people travel the Trans-Minnesota Adventure Trail.

The KTM Blog has a nice post and pics describing their engine plant. Fascinating stuff.  If you are a KTM fan then its like touring Santa’s workshop.

In a recent article in Forbes the subject of affordable commuting vehicles was addressed.  Instead of the typical 4 wheel cages (which they have promoted before) they wrote about all the advantages of choosing a motorcycle as your commuter vehicle.  I can’t argue with them one bit.  What were their reasons?  Fuel efficience, cost of the vehicle, cost of insurance, and the fun factor.  Of the motorcycles pictured (if you don’t count the scooters) all were “adventure” bikes.  The author’s favorite model was none other than the Kawasaki KLR650.  Good read.