Gary Ilminen, Author at Ultimate Motorcycling https://ultimatemotorcycling.com/author/gary-ilminen/ Motorcycle Reviews, News on Motorcycles, Specs, Test & Race Results Fri, 29 Sep 2023 07:41:34 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.3.1 https://ultimatemotorcycling.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/01/cropped-UMC_LOGO_512x512-140x140.jpg Gary Ilminen, Author at Ultimate Motorcycling https://ultimatemotorcycling.com/author/gary-ilminen/ 32 32 T.C. Christenson, 1943-2023 [4-Time Drag Racing Champion] https://ultimatemotorcycling.com/2023/09/29/t-c-christenson-1943-2023-4-time-drag-racing-champion/ Fri, 29 Sep 2023 07:41:34 +0000 https://ultimatemotorcycling.com/?p=270155 Thomas “T.C.” Christenson died on September 21, 2023. He was born on February 1, 1943. Christenson’s long career in the motorcycle industry included running Sunset Motors in Kenosha, Wisc., for 54 years. In that time, he took Norton from being known as a great road bike brand to the top of the motorcycle drag racing […]

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]]> Red Alert! Midwest Autumn Motorcycle Riding https://ultimatemotorcycling.com/2023/09/26/red-alert-midwest-autumn-motorcycle-riding/ Tue, 26 Sep 2023 23:13:43 +0000 https://ultimatemotorcycling.com/?p=270046 In the upper Midwest, it is the final act of the riding season. It is the special treat nature provides when days get shorter, summertime heat dials back to cooler temps, and the humidity lowers. The green of standing timber, corn, and grain turns to vibrant shades of red, orange, yellow, and tan. It is […]

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]]> The Craft & Art of Motorcycling Book Review [Riders Library] https://ultimatemotorcycling.com/2023/09/02/the-craft-art-of-motorcycling-book-review-riders-library/ Sat, 02 Sep 2023 07:44:08 +0000 https://ultimatemotorcycling.com/?p=269394 Steve Krugman’s new book, The Craft & Art of Motorcycling from First Ride to the Road Ahead, is an amazingly comprehensive textbook in content. It is also a disarmingly imaginative book in presentation, so it doesn’t come across as a dry textbook. It deals with the serious subject of how to ride well-equipped motorcycles and […]

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]]> AGV Tourmodular Helmet Review [Modular for Touring] https://ultimatemotorcycling.com/2023/08/31/agv-tourmodular-helmet-review-modular-for-touring/ Thu, 31 Aug 2023 23:59:04 +0000 https://ultimatemotorcycling.com/?p=269356 The AGV Tourmodular helmet makes a statement about its protective performance by earning DOT FMVSS 218 and ECE 22.06 certification (homologation Protective/Jet)—the latest iteration of one of the most rigorous helmet performance standards. To achieve that, AGV uses a combination of carbon and aramid fibers in addition to fiberglass in the shell construction in a […]

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]]> Ride Free – A Memoir by Willie G. Davidson Book Review https://ultimatemotorcycling.com/2023/08/30/ride-free-a-memoir-by-willie-g-davidson-book-review/ Wed, 30 Aug 2023 08:06:29 +0000 https://ultimatemotorcycling.com/?p=269342 The word “iconic” is a word I tend to try to avoid because it is so overused in current journalism that it has lost much of its meaning. This, however, is an exception. Now in his 90th year, Willie G. Davidson is a truly iconic figure in the motorcycle world. He has done a lot […]

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]]> 2023 Wisconsin Moto Guzzi Riders Rally Coverage [39th Edition] https://ultimatemotorcycling.com/2023/08/28/2023-wisconsin-moto-guzzi-riders-rally-coverage/ Tue, 29 Aug 2023 06:00:35 +0000 https://ultimatemotorcycling.com/?p=269295 The 2023 Wisconsin Moto Guzzi Riders Rally was held at Legion Park in Wonewoc. Formed in 1982 to bring the Dairy State’s Moto Guzzi riders together, the Wisconsin Moto Guzzi Riders share technical tips on the storied Italian motorcycles, as well as hold rides and enjoy good times together. Annually, the WMGR holds a rally […]

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]]> 2023 British Biker Cooperative Rally and Show Coverage https://ultimatemotorcycling.com/2023/08/28/2023-british-biker-cooperative-rally-and-show-coverage/ Tue, 29 Aug 2023 02:19:48 +0000 https://ultimatemotorcycling.com/?p=269288 The Milwaukee-based British Biker Cooperative celebrated the return of BSA to the motorcycle world at its 2023 British Biker Cooperative Rally and Show—the 42nd annual edition—held at the Eagle Cave Resort in Blue River, Wisconsin. The British Biker Cooperative’s mantra of “Long live the Limey” got a boost with the introduction of the new generation […]

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]]> 2023 Bonneville Motorcycle Speed Trials Canceled https://ultimatemotorcycling.com/2023/08/23/2023-bonneville-motorcycle-speed-trials-canceled/ Wed, 23 Aug 2023 23:40:02 +0000 https://ultimatemotorcycling.com/?p=269144 Due to salt conditions unsuitable for safe motorcycle land speed racing, race organizer Delvene Reber has announced that the 2023 Bonneville Motorcycle Speed Trials have been canceled. The event was scheduled to run from August 26 to 31. In an announcement on the BMST website, Reber said, “Our assessment team has reviewed current Bonneville Salt […]

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]]> Helmet Testing Failure Rate Revisited: Summer 2023 Edition https://ultimatemotorcycling.com/2023/08/21/helmet-testing-failure-rate/ Tue, 22 Aug 2023 01:51:24 +0000 https://ultimatemotorcycling.com/?p=269107 In the past few years, I’ve looked at the data on the motorcycle helmet compliance reporting website of the Department of Transportation’s (DOT) National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). I evaluated the number of helmets claiming to be “DOT Certified” tested by the NHTSA’s independent labs that test helmets intended for road-going use in the […]

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]]> 2023 Electric Motorcycles Buyers Guide From A to Z [30+ Brands] https://ultimatemotorcycling.com/2023/08/01/2023-electric-motorcycles-buyers-guide-from-a-to-z-30-brands/ Wed, 02 Aug 2023 04:59:59 +0000 https://ultimatemotorcycling.com/?p=268614 I recently took a look at some of the aspects of the ever-growing electric motorcycle story with my commentary, “Will electric motorcycles ever own the road?” With scooters, mini-bikes, ultralight off-road-only dirt bikes, classic conventional street bikes, white-knuckle-fast sport bikes, adventure motorcycles, and even heavyweight baggers on the market, there is e-cycle for almost any […]

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]]> Dairyland Double-Dip: 2023 Spring Slimey Crud Run, Museum Stop https://ultimatemotorcycling.com/2023/07/24/dairyland-double-dip-2023-spring-slimey-crud-run-museum-stop/ Tue, 25 Jul 2023 06:37:18 +0000 https://ultimatemotorcycling.com/?p=268372 Any warm, sunny weekend here in the upper Midwest is a good time to get some serious ride time; add a ride with old friends, a tour of the now re-opened Midwest Microcar Museum and Vintage Cycle Room, plus a monster turnout for the spring edition of the Slimey Crud Motorcycle Gang Café Racer Run, […]

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]]> Biker Down First Aid Training Arrives in North America https://ultimatemotorcycling.com/2023/07/20/biker-down-first-aid-training-arrives-in-north-america/ Thu, 20 Jul 2023 19:44:05 +0000 https://ultimatemotorcycling.com/?p=268269 Canadian motorcyclists will soon have access to free life-saving training in the form of the Biker Down Motorcyclist First Aid Certificate powered by the Canadian Red Cross. “Motorcycling remains very popular for nearly 1 million Canadians, both as a passion and as a mode of transportation,” according to Biker Down President Steve Reed. “During the […]

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]]> Lucas Primary Chaincase Oil Review [and How-To] https://ultimatemotorcycling.com/2023/07/16/lucas-primary-chaincase-oil-review-and-how-to/ Mon, 17 Jul 2023 05:10:01 +0000 https://ultimatemotorcycling.com/?p=268148 During the latest oil change for my 1999 Harley-Davidson Sportster XLH883, which has 43,349 miles on the odometer, I also changed the primary chaincase oil using Lucas Primary Chaincase Oil—it’s all part of the power transmission system. Even though there is no filtration of the chaincase oil in the air-cooled Harley-Davidson Evolution motor, I tend […]

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]]> Arai Corsair-X Rea-5 Review: A New Convert https://ultimatemotorcycling.com/2023/06/21/arai-corsair-x-rea-5-review/ Wed, 21 Jun 2023 22:43:12 +0000 https://ultimatemotorcycling.com/?p=267201 Six-time World Superbike Champion Jonathan Rea, who hails from Northern Ireland, wears an Arai helmet in competition that is the inspiration for the Arai Corsair-X Rea-5 full-face helmet built for the rest of us. In his career thus far, Rea has scored 118 WSB victories, so he knows a thing or two about the best […]

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]]> Wisconsin Motorcycle Pioneer Lyall Sharer Remembered https://ultimatemotorcycling.com/2023/06/20/wisconsin-motorcycle-pioneer-lyall-sharer-remembered/ Tue, 20 Jun 2023 07:54:47 +0000 https://ultimatemotorcycling.com/?p=267148 Lyall Sharer died on May 8, 2023, at 81. Hearing of his passing, I recalled a conversation I had with him in 2007 at Sharer’s Cycle Center in Verona, Wisc., his Triumph, Moto Guzzi, and Royal Enfield dealership. Sharer recalled that he competed in his first motorcycle scrambles competition in 1957. That was the same […]

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]]> Zerofit Base Layers Review [Ultimate, Move, Leggings, Hoodie] https://ultimatemotorcycling.com/2023/06/11/zerofit-base-layers-review-ultimate-move-leggings-hoodie/ Mon, 12 Jun 2023 05:59:13 +0000 https://ultimatemotorcycling.com/?p=266991 Motorcyclists, power sports enthusiasts, outdoorsmen, well, darn near anybody you can name that spends time outdoors in the wind and cold weather share one common necessity—clothing that is light, comfortable, versatile, and, in many situations, warm. Products promising to meet those diverse needs come from Zerofit. Two tops from Japan-based company’s Heatrub line—Ultimate ($99 MSRP) […]

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]]> MotoCAP Guide: Technical Guide and Ratings For Moto Apparel https://ultimatemotorcycling.com/2023/06/16/motocap-guide-technical-guide-and-ratings-for-moto-apparel/ Sat, 17 Jun 2023 01:38:16 +0000 https://ultimatemotorcycling.com/?p=267123 The Motorcycle Clothing Assessment Program (MotoCAP) is a partnership between government and industry in Australia and New Zealand. It informs motorcyclists about safety gear capabilities via a star rating system based on its testing data. MotoCAP published “A guide to designing and manufacturing motorcycle protective clothing”—an excellent resource for sorting through the jargon and revealing […]

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]]> Triumph of Sauk County Inaugural Distinguished Gentlemen’s Ride https://ultimatemotorcycling.com/2023/05/29/triumph-of-sauk-county-inaugural-distinguished-gentlemens-ride/ Tue, 30 May 2023 05:49:11 +0000 https://ultimatemotorcycling.com/?p=266501 Late last year, we told you about a new book that marks the tenth anniversary of the founding of The Distinguished Gentlemen’s Ride. The annual event is a worldwide phenomenon, bringing together motorcyclists in a unique and fun-filled way. The Distinguished Gentlemen’s Ride gives a nod to classy motorcycle heritage and nostalgia, all while raising […]

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]]> 509 Mach III Carbon Helmet Review [Dual Certification] https://ultimatemotorcycling.com/2023/05/25/509-mach-iii-carbon-helmet-review-dual-certification/ Fri, 26 May 2023 00:27:12 +0000 https://ultimatemotorcycling.com/?p=266383 509 is a Polaris Industries aftermarket brand that has focused on snowmobile and off-road/trail-oriented gear. 509 has now expanded into street motorcycle products. We have already reviewed the 509 @One leather jacket. Now, we have tested the flagship offering in the new Street lineup—the Mach III Carbon full-face helmet. The 509 Mach III Carbon helmet […]

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]]> Ultimate Collector Motorcycles Book Review [Riders Library] https://ultimatemotorcycling.com/2023/05/20/ultimate-collector-motorcycles/ Sun, 21 May 2023 05:46:30 +0000 https://ultimatemotorcycling.com/?p=266258 Masterpiece. Stunning. Superb. Roll out the superlatives; they all apply to Ultimate Collector Motorcycles by Charlotte & Peter Fiell, as it is the ne plus ultra of classic motorcycle literature. There is little this magnificent two-volume set does not offer the serious motorcyclist, collector, aficionado, broker, trader, builder, designer, restorer, historian, or expert. Of the […]

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]]> NHTSA Helmet Regulation Is A Failure [Centerstand Commentary] https://ultimatemotorcycling.com/2023/05/17/nhtsa-helmet-regulation-failure/ Thu, 18 May 2023 06:22:08 +0000 https://ultimatemotorcycling.com/?p=266183 The U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) are tasked with monitoring compliance of standards for crash helmets sold in the U.S. for on-road motorcycle use. All must meet the performance standards in Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard 218 (FMVSS 218). That is done through ACT Labs, an independent […]

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]]> 2023 Bonneville Motorcycle Speed Trials Registration Opens 5/15 https://ultimatemotorcycling.com/2023/05/08/2023-bonneville-motorcycle-speed-trials-registration-opens-5-15/ Tue, 09 May 2023 04:41:09 +0000 https://ultimatemotorcycling.com/?p=265986 If you’ve ever thought of going to the Bonneville Salt Flats to see, or better yet, participate in, motorcycle land speed racing, another chance to do just that is coming up in August. The 2023 Bonneville Motorcycle Speed Trials competition is scheduled to run from August 26-31. Registration for the event opens on May 15. […]

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]]> Cortech Bully Gloves Review [Short Cuff Leather Hand Protection] https://ultimatemotorcycling.com/2023/05/04/cortech-bully-gloves-review-short-cuff-leather-hand-protection/ Fri, 05 May 2023 05:30:01 +0000 https://ultimatemotorcycling.com/?p=265896 Cortech has a line of street gear under the Boulevard Collective title that focuses on urban riding, rather than apparel for track day or hardcore sport riding. Even when riding at city speeds, one of the key items in any rider’s gear set is quality riding gloves. The Cortech Bully short cuff leather gloves providing-performance […]

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]]> From Chemo to Throttle Book Review [Riders Library] https://ultimatemotorcycling.com/2023/04/17/from-chemo-to-throttle-book-review-riders-library/ Tue, 18 Apr 2023 01:43:50 +0000 https://ultimatemotorcycling.com/?p=265503 Learning to ride a motorcycle can be a real challenge for anyone. Even those with full use of both hands. For Angie Sandow, it was far more daunting because she didn’t have the use of both hands. Her left hand has full function, but her right hand was incomplete from birth. Let’s let that sink […]

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]]> Cortech Slayer Canvas Riding Shoes Review [Versatile Footwear] https://ultimatemotorcycling.com/2023/04/02/cortech-slayer-canvas-riding-shoes-review-versatile-footwear/ Mon, 03 Apr 2023 04:00:56 +0000 https://ultimatemotorcycling.com/?p=265089 I can’t recall how long ago it was that I had a pair of black-and-white high-top canvas Converse Chuck Taylor All Stars, but when I saw the Cortech Slayer canvas and suede motorcycle riding shoes, I got a good, old-time feeling. At first glance, there is a tendency to not even think of the Cortech […]

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