16591 Noyes Avenue | Irvine, CA 92606 Accelerate™ Editorial Office P.O. Box 25143 Santa Ana, CA 92799-5143 NOVEMBER > 2007 CONTENTS November > 2007 Production/Design Managers Harodesign, Inc. Departments Editor-in-Chief Derek Natvig 4 Newsworthy Managing Editor ROK™ Related Information Teri Conrad featURES Contributing Writers 8 Readers Respond Neale Bayly, Randy Bielec, We’re Listening Paul Bryant, Keith Code, Dr. Gregory W. Frazier, 10 Events Calendar Dennis Labonte, Dennis Lloyd, Lance Oliver, Sue Slate, Upcoming Events Don Smith, Steve Smith, 12 Favorite Rides & Destinations ROK Staff 22 Contributing Photographers O Canada! A Trilogy on Two Wheels NEW 2008 COG Members, Neale Bayly, 16 Custom Bikes Paul Bryant, Adam Campbell, CAPS, Dr. Gregory W. Frazier, ™ PRODUCT A Red Hot ZX -14 Inferno Dennis Labonte, Brian J. Nelson, SHOWCASE Don Smith, Steve Smith, 20 Rapp Lessons: ROK Staff What I Learned as a Passenger... See the Latest Printed By Kawasaki Offerings K&D Graphics 26 Off the Beaten Path Orange, CA KHI Media Tour 2007 30 Members’ Turn Stories from our Members Accelerate Editorial Office 38 Gear Check P.O. Box 25143 Accessories Spotlight Santa Ana, CA 92799-5143 Accelerate™ magazine is 40 Ask Keith Code published bimonthly by Riders of 32 Kawasaki (ROK™). Subscription Keith Answers Your Questions MOVING FORWARD RIDING THE GLOBE is included in membership 42 Riding Tips dues. Unsolicited manuscripts, Message to Riders of Kawasaki (ROK™) members, The Art of Going Where You Look TO ALASKA photographs, and artwork are welcome. All materials Kawasaki and ROK break new ground with loyalists! Kawasaki also set a new industry submitted become the property of benchmark in the Supersport Touring category (see Newsworthy) with the recent release of the 44 Rally Report To the Edge of the World Kawasaki Motors Corp., U.S.A., all-new Concours™ 14. Concours Owners Group and constitutes permission Shortly after the new model’s introduction, the Concours Owners Group (COG) held their annual for ROK and its designees to 45 ROK in the Community publish your name, likeness, rally in Davis, West Virginia. COG members attending the rally got a special treat, as Kawasaki Downed Officers Support Ride photographs, artwork, stories and and ROK were there to provide the group of Concours loyalists a near-exclusive demo ride comments without compensation. opportunity on the amazing new Concours 14! Additionally, ROK staff was on hand to help with 45 Chapter Corner We recommend that you keep hospitality and brought plenty of Kawasaki swag for the various raffles. ROK of Hurricane Goes to Sturgis copies of all submitted materials as they will not be returned. You might say the COG folks were in the right club at the right time to be able to take advantage 46 Been There Receipt of unsolicited materials of this rather exclusive support of the new Concours. Something else you can bet on is that does not guarantee they will be Kawasaki and ROK have turned up its “loyalist” radar. We’re on the lookout for significant AMA Vintage Motorcycle Days, used. ROK staff reserves the right Kawasaki loyalist activities that might warrant future opportunities like this. Mid-Ohio ROK Track Day, Sturgis Rally to edit manuscripts as deemed necessary. Be sure to stay up-to-date on the latest happenings with ROK and other Kawasaki affiliate clubs 47 ROK Benefits 36 by visiting kawasaki.com/ROK. With several more new 2008 models being released, there’s All materials contained herein a good chance Kawasaki will again seek out its loyalists to provide some seat-of-the-pants Membership Benefits COUPLES WHO ©2007 Kawasaki Motors experience! RIDE TOGETHER Corp., U.S.A. Membership Information Let us know how we can make ROK better! We’re here for you and happy to help support your ON THE COVER: Two Couples Share Call toll-free (877) 765-2582 or affiliate club, rally, event or worthy cause. You can write to us at: Riders of Kawasaki, P.O. Box Mount McKinley, North America’s (877) ROK-CLUB 25143, Santa Ana, CA 92799-5143, or send an email to [email protected]. highest mountain peak (elev. Their Passion for Riding Chapter and General 20,320 feet) on a cloudless day. ROK is your club! Information A perfect view and fitting reward (949) 770-0400 x2773 after a great ride to Alaska! Your Road… Your Ride… Your Life…! To reach us by email Photo by Dr. Gregory Frazier DISCLAIMER: Some of the motorcycles shown here have been modified from their original configuration ROK Staff by custom builders. Improper installation or use of accessories, or motorcycle modification will void your [email protected] motorcycle warranty. It is Kawasaki’s recommendation that all motorcycles be left in their original chassis configuration and does not endorse modifying your motorcycle’s frame, suspension or running gear in any kawasaki.com/ROK way. Incorrect loading, improper installation or use of accessories and modifications to your motorcycle may result in unsafe riding conditions. Always consult your owner’s manual. 2 NOVEMBER > 2007 3 NEWSWORTHY KAWASAKI IN THE NEWS Concours™ 14 Z1000 Kawasaki Concours™ 14 Wins Motorcyclist Sport Touring Comparo Z1000 The Kawasaki Concours™ 14 earned top honors in Motorcyclist “They wouldn’t have to twist my arm too much to make this my magazine’s 2007 Sport Touring Comparo, where its performance everyday bike.” capabilities raised the bar for the entire sport touring segment. Cycle News, Tom Montano, July 2007 Motorcyclist, one of the largest and most-respected motorcycle publications in America had this to say about the Concours 14: “All of the power and confidence provided by the new engine, frame and suspension had me literally giggling inside my helmet for most of “This thing will blitz blacktop faster than any sporty-tourer on planet the day.” Earth, especially twisty blacktop.” Free Two Wheel, Tom Van Beveren, July 2007 “Take some time to dial in its agreeably compliant suspension and the 14 carves like the Surgeon General.” To read the complete story, check out the November issue of Motorcyclist magazine. Versys™ AMA SUPERBIKE CHAMPIONSHIP SEASON FINALE AT LAGUNA SECA MILITARY REBATE OFFER Kawasaki Takes Supersport Title and Three of Top Four Championship Spots EXTENDED THROUGH Story by Paul Bryant, Photos by Al Jordan DECEMBER 31, 2007 In a dramatic season finale, Monster Energy Kawasaki’s Roger Lee Kawasaki is pleased to announce the extension of Versys™ Hayden joined the esteemed ranks of AMA national champions, the 2007 Good Times™ Customer Rebate through “When the going gets tight and twisty, the Versys gets going.” clinching the 2007 Supersport title at Laguna Seca on September 16. The youngest of the Hayden clan piloted his ZX™-6R to a fifth-place Cycle News, Steve Atlas, September 2007 December 31, 2007 for active and reserve U.S. finish after a red-flag stricken event that saw teammate Jamie Hacking military personnel who purchase any new Kawasaki “After 500 miles aboard one, I’d have to rate it as one of the most take the second step on the podium. Hayden’s result was enough to ® ™ competent bikes I’ve ever ridden. It’s a great city bike, a highly capable edge-out Hacking for the title by a mere three points, 297-294. Attack motorcycle, ATV, JET SKI watercraft, or MULE commuter or a decent solo sport-tourer.” Kawasaki’s Ben Attard rode to a strong fourth-place finish, while utility vehicle. For each eligible model purchased CycleWorld.com, David Edwards, July 2007 teammate Steve Rapp took fourth in the championship with 247 points. January 1, 2007 - December 31, 2007, military “Kawasaki’s new Versys is a versatile machine that’s equally at home For the most recent Kawasaki racing action, interviews and more, personnel can receive a $250 Kawasaki Gift Card. on canyon roads and congested streets.” visit kawasaki.com/racing. Los Angeles Times, Susan Carpenter, August 2007 This gift card works just like any other debit card and may be redeemed at any authorized Kawasaki Concours™ 14 dealership, or at more than 32 million locations “The Concours 14 has been purpose-built for long-distance travel Payments from $49* to $169 for 24 months on a wide selection of Kawasaki ® in comfort—it also just happens to have the handling, braking, and vehicles purchased from October 15 through December 31, 2007. worldwide where MasterCard is accepted. cojones of Kawasaki’s largest kick-butt sportbike.” ©2007 Kawasaki Motors Corp., U.S.A. Offer good on all new, not previously registered Kawasaki motorcycles, ATVs, Contact your Kawasaki dealer for more information, Rider Magazine, Mark Tuttle Jr., October 2007 JET SKI® watercraft and MULE™ utility vehicles. Subject to credit approval. Offer ends 12/31/07. Restrictions may apply. *On approved Kawasaki Good Times™ credit card purchases. 8.99% APR and low monthly payments for 24 months. $49 payment for purchases up to $5,000; $69 over $5,000 - $7,500; $99 over $7,500 - $10,000; $129 or visit kawasaki.com to locate a dealer near you. “The Concours 14 moves with an athletic confidence and overpowerful over $10,000 - $15,000; or $169 over $15,000 - $20,000. The monthly payment may increase due to any debt cancellation or late payment fees. Thereafter, if your Account remains current, 13.99% APR and regular Minimum ease like nothing else on the road.” Monthly Payments apply. Standard Rate 17.8% APR. For Accounts not current, the promotion is cancelled, and the ©2007 Kawasaki Motors Corp., U.S.A. Offer good on all new, not previously registered Kawasaki motorcycles, ATVs, JET SKI® watercraft and MULE™ utility vehicles. See dealer for complete details. KAWASAKI CARES: DefaultAlways wear a Ratehelmet, eye protection,21.8% and proper APR apparel.