It’s Time for an Adventure—Let the 2014 Suzuki V-Strom 650 Take You There

Some bikes are just built better than others. The 2014 Suzuki V-Strom 650 is one of them. Aside

from the fact that it just looks like a great ride, this machine is wallet friendly, due to excellent fuel economy, and it is also adventure friendly. Popular Mechanics said it best when it wrote, "A terrific, easy-to-ride starter bike, yet it's got enough get-up-and-go to hold our interest." 

Here are some stats: 

Engine: 4-stroke, 2-cylinder, liquid-cooled, DOHC, 90-degree V-Twin

Transmission: 6-speed

Energy: Suzuki Fuel Injection

Displacement: 645 cc

Suspension: 5-way spring-preload-adjustable 43mm-telescopic front forks

Handling: outstanding performance in low-to mid rpm range

The V-Strom 650 is the younger sibling of the V-Strom 1000, both introduced in the early 2000s. These bikes are built for roaming vast amounts of space, courting adventure and solitude, and, well, allowing us to see a country renowned for its roads and easy to access wilderness. This bike is versatile, practical, and reliable—all the ingredients for a fantastic ride. 

But just because this bike is a solid contender for trans-Africa journeys, it does not mean it won’t be happy to circle the quiet bays of the Chesapeake on a summer afternoon, or wind its way up the lazy hills in western Maryland. Stop on over to Pete's Cycle and check it out!

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Dont miss the Timonium Bike Show!

I’m just going to assume every motorcycle enthusiast within a hundred mile radius is going to be at the Timonium Motorcycle Show in a few weeks--Feb 7-9 to be exact. With appearances by Paul Teutul, owner of custom motorcycle shop and star of Orange County Choppers, it is set to be a killer time. Even better, some of Paul Teutul’s  famous custom builds will be on display for all three days.

Whether you want to showcase your own bike, or just gawk at others, the show will provide plenty of opportunities for both. Often called the "Norman Rockwell of Harley-Davidson," David Uhl will be attending, as will be Michele Smith, the star host of American Thunder.

The Cycle Show will also have live music and various other events hosted by 98 Rock, including a fashion show (think bikinis not bonnets), a Swap Meet for parts, a tattoo contest, and yes, an after party. 

As a proud sponsor of the event, Pete's Cycles is happy to offer $10 tickets at our Fullerton, Bel Air or Severna Park locations. Adult ticket prices at the gate are $17, so that means you save $7 at Pete’s Cycle. Pete's Cycle occupy most of the South Hall with over 170 units on display, with great Show Specials, as well as a large accessories display, with plenty of Sale Items! 

Don’t forget: 
Feb. 7-9^th, 10-9 Friday and Saturday, 
10-6 on Sun.

See you there! 

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Maryland Motorcycle Skill and Safety Courses

Local Skill and Safety Courses for All Types of Riders

Just bought a cycle? Thinking of buying one, but worried that you might not be able to safely ride it?  Want to get your Class M motorcycle license? Are you an experienced rider, but still think you can improve your skills?...or, know anyone who fits the above description?

Thankfully, our area has quite a few places to take safety courses, get your motorcycle license, or just become a better rider.

Most institutions/colleges listed below offer the:

·        Basic Rider Course (BRC)—for beginners

·        Alternate Basic Rider Course (ABRC)—for experienced riders seeking to get licensed

·        Basic Rider course 2—for experienced riders wanting skill enhancements

Here’s a list of the best places to go:

For Montgomery College’s Motorcycle Safety Program…click here.

For the The Rider School at Howard Community College…click here

For the courses at Anne Arundel Community College…click here.

For the courses at Cecil County Community College...click here 

For the courses at Harford Community College...click here

Last but not least, for the courses at the Department of Motor Vehicles…click here.

Now let me test your knowledge of Maryland’s motorcycle laws. So here’s a question—In the state of Maryland, does the law require a helmet for off-road riding? And what is the minimum age for someone to operate an off-road machine? The answer to question one is No. Maryland does not require a helmet for off-road riding. For question 2, the answer is 12. If you found that you didn’t know the answer to both of these questions, Pete’s Cycles recommends that you click here to learn more about state laws.

 

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Motorcycle Events in Maryland

Consider this blog post a public service announcement of sorts--at least for those who are in need of a monthly overdose of all things motorcycle.

And need I remind you, if you don’t have a motorcycle yet, and would like to show one off, Pete’s Cycle can take care of that. But if you do have a cycle, stop on in to check out the latest GPS devices, machines and riding clothing.

Here’s the best of the best in terms of local events:

What: AMA Arenacross - Baltimore

When: Friday, January 10, 2014  -  Sunday, January 12, 2014

About: This is Arenacross!—need I say more.

Where: 1st Mariner Arena, Baltimore, MD.

More Info: http://www.cyclefish.com/event/13965/

What: Timonium Motorcycle Show

When: Friday, February 7, 2014  -  Sunday, February 9, 2014

About: Every foreign and domestic motorcycle manufacturer available in USA on display. 100's of exhibits covering everything in motorcycling...Huge Custom and Antique Bike Show... Entertainment and Celebrities...New Swap Meet Building dedicated to Garage Built Cafe Racers, Choppers, Drag Bikes & Motorcycle Art. After Party and a Whole Lot More...

Where: Maryland State Fairgrounds - Timonium, Maryland

More Info: http://cycleshow.net/

*** discount tickets are available at all 3 Pete's cycle locations

What: Bikes to the Beach - 4th Annual Rally

When: Thursday, April 24, 2014  -  Sunday, April 27, 2014

About: Look for all types of new exciting biker events for the Spring Rally in Ocean City Maryland! From bull riding, bike shows, custom builders, awesome vendors, great food and lots of drink specials! Great time of the year to come to the beach and get the Spring season revved up! Hope to see you there!

Where: Ocean City, Md.

More Info: http://www.oceancitybikestothebeach.com/

What: Monster Energy AMA Supercross

When: Saturday, April 26, 2014

About: AN FIM World Championship

Where: Metlife Stadium-East Ruthorford, NJ

More Info:

http://mobile.supercrossonline.com/Events/2014/04/26/East_Rutherford,_NJ/

***discount tickets are available at the Pete’s Cycle Baltimore Location

What: 9th Annual Ride for Life Motorcycle & Spring Music Festival

When: May 10, 2014               

About: The ride begins at Hereford VFC, 510 Monkton Road in Monkton. Registration begins at 10:00 am and motorcycles go out at 11:30 am. The ride fee is $20.00 for the rider and $10.00 for a passenger. The fee includes a patch, rocker and a pin. All bikes are welcome. The 55 mile country ride will go through northern Baltimore County. The ride ends with food, vendors, silent auction, 50/50 raffle and live music. A portion of the proceeds will be donated to create a memorial garden. For more information call (410) 908-3784.

Where: Ride begins at  510 Monkton Road in Monkton, Md.

More Info: http://www.thehopeandpeacefoundation.com/

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Going for a Group Ride?

Going out for a group ride? Interested in doing so but haven't yet for some reason? Now is as good of a time as any. Sure, it’s easy—just find a place to meet and go riding. But before you do, keep a few things in mind to keep yourself safe, and keep your bike from needing a new paint job.

Hold a pre-ride meeting. During this meeting—which will most likely be a parking lot or your friend’s driveway—discuss hand signals, when to stop and the desired route. Assign a lead and sweep rider (these should be the most experienced riders). The sweep rider should have a cell phone handy in case of emergencies. Some universal cycling signals can found here.

Stagger your riding formation. Staggering your formation will keep your group visible to trucks and other vehicles while also providing the front/back and side-to-side flexibility—the swerve—required for riding. However, with sharp turns on one lane roads switch to single file formation. At intersections and lights, tighten up the formation, as this will ensure everyone gets through the light.

Keep the group to a manageable size. According to the Motorcycle Safety Foundation, the ideal size is around five to seven riders. If you have got more than that, split up into smaller sub groups, each with a lead and sweep rider.

Focus. Focusing on the bike in front of you is an easy habit to fall into when group riding. But it is a bad habit. When making turns, focus rather on the turn and the road ahead, as this will give you more time to react, since you’ll see something before you simply emulate the rider in front of you.

Keep your least experienced rider in mind. This isn’t just common courtesy, but an integral part of keeping everyone safe, whether it is around turns, top speeds or navigating through tight traffic. Ideally, your leader should go the speed that the least experienced rider is comfortable with. But sometimes this is not the case. If you find yourself wanting to go a bit slower, drop back and signal the sweep rider that you are doing so. And be sure you know the meet-up place to catch up with the group down the road.

And one last thing. Pete's Cycles carries the complete line of Scala Rider communication systems. The Scala systems are intercom headsets designed for motorcyclists, and have received top awards for their efficiency, durability, and comfort. Come on in and grab a set.

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