Taming the Stallion

Motor Trike is a company that is known for converting two-wheeled motorcycles into trikes. Apparently consumers all over the country, including Michigan, were looking for a vehicle easier to drive than a motorcycle, and something with an automatic transmission. Through this demand, Motor Trike created Thoroughbred Motosports and The Stallion was born. It seems to look like a cross-over between a convertible and a motorcycle. Some are comparing it to a mix of a Dodge Viper and a H-D Electric Glide. For a base price of around $25,000 Michigan sport riders can purchase The Stallion that includes a 9.5 gallon fuel tank, a AM/FM radio with CD player AND Heating and A/C vents. It seems that this trike is designed for comfort on long trips and is now mixing style with luxury. To read more about this new innovation, there is a full article at

www.allaboutbikes.com

For the first time in years, BMW has come out with a touch-up pen for their motorcycles. Now Michigan bikers can buy this pen, which has a seven year shelf life, for only $17.97 instead of paying for costly touch-up jobs. The pens are formulated from BMW color standards for an exact match. The product was added to the BMW online catalog and is available in over 60 colors. www.sierrabmwonline.com

Is there a future for air powered engines?

All bikers in Michigan know that with the rising cost of gas, riding your motorcycle can become an expensive habit. Researchers in Lucknow, India have developed an engine that runs on pressurized air and would all but eliminate the use of gas in motorcycle engines. Before Michigan Bikers run off to swap their engines out, there are a few problems to overcome. Right now, Michigan bikers would only be able to ride the open road for 30 minutes at up to 50 mph. However, there is work happening on a new tank that would allow you to travel around Michigan for up to 6 hours. Researchers are saying that this product could be available on the market in around a year. Keep your eyes and ears open for motorcycles coming out with compressed air engines soon!

Motorcycle parking is becoming a trend for cities in the U.S.

Cities like San Francisco, Boston, and as close as Columbus, OH are no offering designated motorcycle and scooter parking. The slots have their own meter and allow bikers to park perpendicular to the sidewalk. These new parking spaces can be a reality for Michigan bikers too! For information Michigan motorcyclists should contact AMA Grassroots Manager Jessica Irving at

jirving@ama-cycle.org or visit AMADirectlink.com/legisltn/mcparking.asp

Access over 8 million parts in the palm of your hand.

Now there's a free application for Michigan Bikers with smart phones. A product called BikeBandit.com allows you to view diagrams of motorcycle parts and then order the parts you need all while standing next to your bike. The application offers OEM parts and after-market solutions. Just go to the App Store on your phone and search "motorcycle parts." www.bikebandit.com

There's a new revolutionary motorcycle accessory on the market, Traction Control Brake System. Not only will this new system look cool on your bikes, but almost all Michigan Bikers can benefit from it. Unlike anti-lock brake systems that only work on some newer models of motorcycles, the Traction Control Brake System can bolt onto almost any existing model of bikes and only costs around $80 a wheel. This system can help Michigan Motorcyclist avoid premature locking of your brakes, and in recent tests showed improved braking by atleast 15% and an average stopping distance of 17 feet rather than 27 feet. For more info go to

www.tcbbrakesystems.com

There is a website designed for Michigan Bikers who want to educate themselves on used motorcycles BEFORE they buy them. Like the Blue Book for motorcycles, riders can enter the year, make, and model of the motorcycle they want to buy. The site includes reviews and it also has motorcycles listed for sale for those who are ready to buy right away. Educate yourself on the motorcycle you want to buy before you purchase at

www.smartcycleshopper.com

Engineering students at Michigan Technological University are working on a new design for motorcycle helmets.

The team used the human head as a model for developing a new helmet lining that mimics our bodies own natural defenses against head trauma.

These students from Michigan are one of 16 teams that were chosen from 200 colleges to compete in a national inventors conference in San Francisco. They will be demonstrating their prototype that they call an Enhanced Biomorphic (EBM) helmet layer at the Exploritorium Science Museum.

Michigan is on the brink of being added as another state that is changing their motorcycle helmet laws. Lawmakers are suggesting that the law be changed so that bikers 21 years and older can decide if they'd like to wear one or not.

The bill was passed, however, it is now being threatened by a veto from Governor Jennifer Granholm. The Michigan Governor is concerned about safety and insurance costs if the mandatory Michigan helmet law is changed.

The bill has left the House and is now being passed to the Senate for their vote.