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Laurie Montoya

2021 National Motorcycle Profiling Survey

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The 2021 National Motorcycle Profiling Survey has only 6 questions that are designed to help define the profiling trends so we can focus our resources on the areas that need it the most. Your participation will have a long-lasting, positive impact on the community. This survey on average will take 1 minute to complete.

The information collected in these surveys has been an essential part in lobbying efforts at both state and national levels, and without a doubt provide critical data points for the grassroots activist to intelligently communicate issues impacting the motorcycle community and influence change.

Click HERE to take the Survey

With over 34,000 survey participants from all walks of life, the National Motorcycle Profiling Surveys, with 99% accuracy, has proven that many motorcyclists are being targeted by law enforcement based on appearance. This information was the foundation of the argument that resulted in the Motorcycle Profiling Resolution passing in the U.S. Senate and House of Representatives with unanimous consent.

Notes:

**NO PERSONAL DATA IS REQUIRED. YOUR PRIVACY AND ANONYMITY ARE IMPORTANT AND RESPECTED. By asking for no more than your zip code, which is also voluntary, there is no personal information to maintain or protect.

**If you or your organization are interested in cosponsoring this survey, or would like to get survey results specific to your state, please contact David “Double D” Devereaux at:
doubled@motorcycleprofilingproject.com

25th Arizona Bike Week Postponed to 2022

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Most of us in the New Year were hoping to be able to get back to our normal routine and motorcycle events in 2021. Arizona Bike week just announced they will be postponing their 25th annual bike fest to April 2022.

Bike week was rescheduled to October last year as bike week fell in the midst of the pandemic and shutdowns. The promoters did everything they could in 2020 to continue the tradition of bike week and to be in compliance with state health regulators. Unfortunately, the cost and attendance being down most likely played a factor in their decision to reschedule to 2022.

Safety is always in the back of the minds of promoters, but the experience is what brings bikers back each year. Attendees knew things would be different, but some of restrictions just didn’t give you the bike week experience.

This being the 25th anniversary of Arizona Bike Week is a monumental year for a rally and promoters felt that they would rather hold off on the 25th celebration until such time as they can hold the type of bike week they want.

Our hope is that riders will continue to go down to the Scottsdale Arizona and ride the magestic mountains and small rustic towns that depend on the motorcycle dollars to survive. There is so much to do in Arizona in the springtime. For other ideas, we did a piece last year of fun things to do in April, click here to read more.

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Update from the MRF on Helmet laws

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This month, the Washington, D.C. based, Advocates for Highway and Auto Safety (AHAS) released their 2021 state traffic safety rankings(Report).  The Motorcycle Riders Foundation (MRF) is troubled that the methodology used in studying motorcycle safety takes the flawed view that safer crashes are better than no crashes. 

The MRF has long believed that proper safety training of motorcyclists and education of other motorists is the most effective tool in protecting all roadway users. The MRF remains committed to working with our partners in the public and private sectors to ensure properly trained instructors impart skills that have a track record of creating safer riders.  

Additionally, the AHAS report takes direct aim at the over 30 states that have freedom of choice helmet laws. Recent studies show the state with the highest motorcycle fatality rate (Mississippi) has a mandatory helmet law, while the state with the lowest fatality rate (Montana) does not require a helmet for those over 18 years old. In fact, the AHAS study shows that 61% of motorcyclists killed were wearing helmets at the time of the crash. It should also be noted that the absence of a requirement does not prohibit someone from choosing to wear a helmet. The MRF firmly believes that any attempt at a federal helmet mandate or blackmail techniques designed to coerce states into enacting a helmet law is unacceptable.  MRF President Kirk “Hardtail” Willard, put it simply, “Encroachment on our personal freedoms and attacks on individual state laws goes against the foundational principles of this country.” He added, “We all agree that deaths on our roadways are tragic but surrendering our freedoms in pursuit of safety is a dangerous path.”

About Motorcycle Riders Foundation
The Motorcycle Riders Foundation (MRF) provides leadership at the federal level for states’ motorcyclists’ rights organizations as well as motorcycle clubs and individual riders. The MRF is chiefly concerned with issues at the national and international levels that impact the freedom and safety of American street motorcyclists. The MRF is committed to being a national advocate for the advancement of motorcycling and its associated lifestyle and works in conjunction with its partners to help educate elected officials and policymakers in Washington and beyond.

Change is Coming – Morning Stretch

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Stretch McClure is an avid rider and new writer for Colorado Rider News

Change is coming! Prepare you and your families and friends. Remember If you say you can or you can’t, you are right either way. Taking the decision-making process away from people disempowers them. It also makes them much less likely to buy into the decision, however right it may be. One’s own conscience remains the ultimate arbiter. Keep high aspirations, moderate expectations and small needs.

Be mindful of the link between action and outcome. Ask yourself: If I repeat today’s action 365 times, will I be where I want to be in a year? One of the Secrets in Life is to Make Stepping Stones out of Stumbling Blocks. Remember some people are Slinkies…they’re really good for nothing but they still bring a smile to your face when you push them down a flight of stairs.

In reality there are no limitations. They are vibrant and changeable to whatever form you want them to take to realize your goals. It is not enough if you just live life as it comes to you like a floating leaf in a pond. Make use of the powers bestowed in you and soar like an eagle.

What I am trying to say is people, are powerfully afraid of rejection. We do not survive well alone, so most as a species are especially vulnerable to thoughts that make us afraid the rest of the “tribe” will desert us to die a sad, lonely death. Your core, lying deep within you, is what makes you what you are. Some call it the soul, the Higher Self, the true self, the being and so on. The name is unimportant once you realize that you are more than your looks and outward appearance. You can’t hang around waiting for somebody else to pull your strings. Destiny’s what you make of it. You have to face whatever life throws at you. And if it throws more than you’d like, more than you think you can handle? Well then you just have to find the heroism within yourself and play out the hand you’ve been dealt. The universe never sets a challenge that can’t be met. You just need to believe in yourself in order to find the strength to face it. If you take any step, no matter how small it is, towards achieving your dreams then you will surely find the right path and reach the happiness and goals that lies in store for you.

Have a great Week!

Michelle Mallin Retires as Executive Director of Honor Bell

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To donate and support the Honor Bell click here

Michelle Mallin has been at the forefront of every aspect of the Honor Bell’s creation and operation since 2014 when she helped to begin the bell’s journey from an idea into a reality. A connector of people and organizations par excellence, she brought an energy and level of experience to the Foundation that was essential.

Michelle Mallin Executive Director

In 2018, Michelle was named the Executive Director for the Foundation and has shepherded its growth and operations even under the trying circumstances of the COVID pandemic in 2020. Since a 2016 cancer diagnosis Michelle has been not only helping to keep the bell tolling, volunteers organized, and fundraising flowing, but has been dealing with surgeries, complications, and treatments. Through it all, she has remained committed to the Honor Bell’s mission. Last December, Michelle decided that it was time to step down as Executive Director to focus on her health and family. She will remain involved with the Foundation as a member of the Board of Directors.

The Honor Bell has been seen many times at Veteran events at Dirty Dogs

Effective immediately, Chris Boyer will take on the role of Executive Director. Chris has been serving as Assistant Director for several months and has been involved in day-to-day operations, strategic planning, and more since he started

THonor Bell Foundation, Inc. is a Colorado nonprofit, 501(c)(3) corporation based in Denver. Its primary purpose is to provide a unique funeral honor for deceased military veterans through the slow ringing, known as tolling, of a ceremonial bell. The foundation also provides veteran outreach and community education.

To accomplish this mission, the Foundation produced the Honor Bell and renders “Bell Honors” at the funerals of U.S. military veterans and personnel killed in action to augment the dignity and respect that should be paid to those that have served our nation. In addition, the bell attends public events with a military or patriotic theme, and tolls in a memorial capacity. The foundation’s volunteers also attend programs in schools to educate young people about the significance of dignity, honor and respect owed to our military and fallen heroes.

Editors Note: As President and Founder of the BikerDown Foundation and Editor of Colorado Rider News – I was honored to do this article for Michelle, but very sad for our community. Many do not know, that Michelle was an intrical part of founding BikerDown in 2010, and was an integral part of the structure of BikerDown that still is used today. I had a dream, and Michelle had the tools to implement it. She worked tirelessly thru the many nights to always meet the deadlines that we had. In fact, she ran another non-profit simultaneously while helping me found BikerDown. While I respect her desire to want to spend time with her grandchildren and family, our community has lost a hero. Her devotion to this community is beyond words and I wish her all the best.

Are you ready to ride in 2021?

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President/Founder BikerDown Foundation

By Laurie Montoya, President & Founder of BikerDown Foundation

Warmer weather and year-round riding has become our New Normal.  Gone are the days when you winterized your bike and put her or him away for the winter months.  The growth of BikerDown nationwide and in warmer climates has seen an up tick in rider accidents in our chapters and nationwide.

Sadly, COVID it has it us all hard in one way or another.  We are seeing cagers now choosing to drive with very limited insurance or NO INSURANCE and riders having to lower the levels of their policy. BikerDown has a membership program that is different than most program that you are currently enrolled in and  we ask you in 2021 to take a look at what our programs offer.  They are priced to give you value and services you will need in the event of a breakdown, accident or fatality.

To Join Click here

In 2020, BikerDown implemented levels of assistance based on membership.  While we will always help ALL riders who request help, being a PAID member will give you higher levels of assistance available thru BikerDown.

Riding comes with risks and rewards, but we all can make a decision today to try to get additional supplemental coverage to ensure in the event of an accident, we can focus on recovery and not how to keep a roof over our heads.

Here is a brief outline of our most valued memberships

ROADSIDE PLUS – This is our most valuable membership level at $35.00 per month ($1.16 per day).  The cost to pay for your services is $29.69, so BikerDown only receives $5.31 into our Accident Fund to help injured riders.
BikerDown Assistance – By being a paid member of BikerDown in 2021, you will have access to a highest level of assistance in the event of an accident.

To sign up please click here

Aflac Individual Accident Indemnity Policy that includeson the job coverage + nationwide motorcycle towing from MTS.
Every motorcycle accident is serious and most riders just don’t realize how bad it is or how under covered they are until it happens to them. 

On average, injured riders can be out of work for 6-10 weeks depending on the severity of their injuries.  This supplemental accident policy can pay you cash money to use for household expenses to keep you going during recovery.  Most of the time Aflac will pay you more money than any fundraiser friends or family can raise. 

Nationwide Motorcycle Towing – you are covered by your bike insurance and think that you are covered, but do you really know what type of tow truck will be dispatched when your bike breaks down.  Have you also asked them if you ask for roadside will that go against you as a claim?  Worry no more, we have partners with MTS the #1 motorcycle towing company in the US/Canada. 

They have certified motorcycle towers ready.  This level of coverage would cost you over $55 dollars per year and includes 2 tows per year at $150 each tow. This is inclusive in your BD Roadside Plus Membership.

http://bikerdown.org/join-us/

ROADSIDE – This membership level at $35 per year and has been our best seller for year.  

BikerDown Assistance – By being a paid member of BikerDown in 2021, you will have access to a higher level of assistance in the event of an accident.
Nationwide Motorcycle Towing – you are covered by your bike insurance and think that you are covered, but do you really know what type of tow truck will be dispatched when your bike breaks down. 

Have you also asked them if you ask for roadside will that go against you as a claim?  Worry no more, we have partners with MTS the #1 motorcycle towing company in the US/Canada.  They have certified motorcycle towers ready.  This level of coverage would cost you over $55 dollars per year and includes 2 tows per year at $150 each tow. This is inclusive in your BD Roadside Plus Membership.

50% of Drivers have little or no insurance – ARE YOU SURE YOUR COVERED?

Insurance Checklist 2020 has seen many challenges financially and emotionally.  Families are having to make hard decisions.  Insurances on your car or bike seems to be 1 of the first to let lapse when trying to keep a roof over your head.  Motorcycle riders NOW more than ever must NOT LET YOUR POLICY LAPSE and in fact riders should find a way to ADD under or un-insured motorist to their policy or risk the chance of that driver having NO COVERAGE!  
RiderJustice.com has provided this this checklist to help make sure that you’re covered properly.  As a motorcycle rider, you need to have each of the following coverages:

  • Underinsured Motorist (UIM) – Purchase a minimum of $250,000
  • Medical Payments (MedPay) – get the maximum offered by your insurance company, usually between $5k and $25k
  • Umbrella Policy – If you own your home, you need an underinsured motorists’ umbrella policy for $1 million.
  • Liability – Purchase a minimum of $250,000;
  • Collision
  • Comprehensive
  • Accessories Coverage – This protects all of the customized accessories on your bike. (Be sure to get replacement value coverage)

Before your next ride, call your insurance provider today and get the coverage you need to be safe on the road.

Dirty Dogs Roadhouse is OPEN FOR BUSINESS

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By: Laurie Montoya

We Are OPEN!
On January 4th, Gov Polis lifted the Level from Red to Orange that lifted some of the dining restrictions.

Dirty Dogs is OPEN for BUSINESS, and our biker community came out this morning at 7am to welcome Mark & Rob and the entire staff from Dirty Dogs and to have some breakfast.

It has been a rough road for Dirty Dogs and all bars and restaurants in Jefferson County as we watched our level rise from Orange to Red in December.  Gov. Polis ordered that all counties in Level Red will move to Level Orange effective Monday, Jan. 4, 2021 which does ease up some of the restrictions for indoor and outdoor dining.

Mark & Rob have been in the fight for their livelihood to get back open after the Jefferson County Public Health shut down Dirty Dogs on December 23rd, so be prepared to follow all guidelines that Mark & Rob must set up to stay in compliance to keep our biker bar/restaurant up and running.  Mark & Rob are so grateful for the support of the biker community as they worked for 2 weeks to re-open their business.

We ask all riders to please respect the safety guidelines imposed by JCPH

This is going to be a long haul for Dirty Dogs to make up the lost revenue from COVID in 2020 and we hope that all our motorcycle community will come back and keep their social distance and comply with all safety measures put in place.

I know we all look forward to hearing great music, hot food and cold beers this weekend at Dirty Dogs Roadhouse.

2021 is HERE! What Resolutions will you stick to this year?

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Editor & Publisher of Colorado Rider News

By: Laurie Montoya

2020 is behind us, A new year is upon us and many hope that 2021 will bring healing to all. The start of a new year is a time of making positive change, arriving at fresh decisions, and transforming old habits into great ones.

This year, life looks different than it did last December. When the 2021ball dropped the streets were not filled with hundreds of thousands of people, many celebrated in a quiet, low-key way, perhaps snuggled on the couch. 

As motorcycle riders, our bikers had more time to ride and saw an uptick in motorcycle fatalities and accidents and as a rider myself, I know it is time to consider what I can do to be safer on the ride. 

Dieting and saving money might sound like good 2021 new year’s resolutions. But, really, the best resolution you could make is: ride more motorcycles and make some changes in how you ride.  Here are some motorcycle resolutions to keep in mind in 2021

To get an FREE Insurance Review contact RiderJustice or visit this link click here
  1. Increase your bike/car insurance – not the most glamorous first resolution, but certainly the most important.  Colorado riders ride year-round and accidents as we know happen weekly in our community.  All riders MUST have at least 250k dollars in under or un-insured motorist coverage.  50% of all drivers in Colorado do not have car insurance and if they do another 25% of them have liability only.  No-one likes high priced insurance, but FREEDOM of the ride is NO LONGER FREE.  Do it for your family and friends if nothing else, family members are the ones who will struggle to help you if or when you have an accident.
BikerDown offers the Aflac Accident Essential policy inclusive in our Roadside Plus Membership for $35.00 Click here to JOIN

2. Add a Supplemental policy such as Aflac or MedPay – These supplemental policies are vital coverages to have in the event of an accident and will cost you less than you think.  I cannot tell you how many times a rider has said to me I have FULL-COVERAGE, so I am good.  Full coverage covers your bike loan or helps you if you hit someone.  What full coverage does not DO is help keep your family financially a float while you are out of work.  Health insurance will pay your medical or doctor’s bills.  But having 1 of these supplemental policies will help offset your loss of income while you are recovering. 

Aflac Accident policy inclusive in their 35.00 per month ($1.16 per day) membership that you can utilize in any type of an accident not just on the bike. 

MedPay – Medical Payment Coverage, also called MedPay, is a premium that your car insurance company must offer you. MedPay is relatively inexpensive, adding about $5 per month to the cost of many policies. This is because its use is limited, and its maximum payout is low. In fact, to forfeit the coverage, you must sign a waiver. The value of the coverage can range from $5,000 to $25,000.  Watch this video for more information on MedPay

3. Get your Living will and affairs in order – again not on most people’s top 10 of things to do, but vital in the event of an accident.  We all know that life can change in a blink of an eye.  Accidents can happen but thinking that your family and friends know your wishes or will honor your wishes after an accident of fatality is quite a different story.  We lost many of our biker family in 2020 and the aftermath of confusion would shock most of you.  Take a day to do your living will or watch for one of BikerDown Foundation’s Free Will Friday that will be scheduled for 2021 monthly.  They are planning on bringing in experts who can help you get your documents in order..

4. Motorcycle Maintenance – Regular maintenance is one of the best ways to ensure motorcycle safety on the road.  Just because your bike starts and runs…doesn’t mean it isn’t a risk for a breakdown leaving you possibly stranded on a ride and causing more damage to your bike when you are forced to get it fixed.   If you don’t know what you’re doing, then the New Year is the perfect tie to learn.  Take your owner’s manual and get more familiar with your specific bike.  You should also always check your tire pressure for the temperature and conditions on the road.  Your tires will lose pressure in colder riding conditions and not give you the performance you might need…traction is also so important in Colorado with the ice/gravel and other hazards that can be on our mountain roads

5. Get your endorsement – Many riders are riding in our state and nationwide without their motorcycle endorsement.  While your state may not require it, many states do…so taking that trip cross country you might head into a state that requires it. I believe there are also some insurance discounts/benefits that you can get from your insurance company by showing them that you have your endorsement or have completed some refresher classes.

6. Update your riding skills – Many of you have been riding for years, but there is not anything better than taking a day to refresh your motorcycle skills and learn some additional defensive driving tips.   There are also Accident Scene Management classes sponsored by Rider Justice and BikerDown that can help someone render aid in the event of an accident.

7. Is it time for a new helmet? – In terms of safety gear, a DOT helmet is one of the most important items you can add to the bike, and if you are planning on any road trips outside of Colorado, you will need to carry a helmet when you travel.  While Colorado riders have always believed in the choice to wear or not wear a helmet it is astonishing just how many bikers will compromise their safety in a bid to look cool on the road.  I too had never wanted to wear a helmet, but now have taken that leap to additional safety when I ride by purchasing a DOT helmet.

  • 8. Safety clothing and apparel – For years if you wanted to wear motorcycle safety gear you had to go to a sport bike clothing manufacturer and it really did not match your clothing or style of clothing.  Companies like Tobacco Motorwear Company have brought to the motorcycle riders (male and female) clothing such as Kevlar riding pants and jackets and vests that have D30 back protectors.  D30 is a new technology is the thinnest and most advanced protection against impact around.  Basically, it is very thin and flexible until impact and then hardens instantly.
  • Ride more often – you should try, and ride more than you did in the previous year. Set a goal of riding a specific amount of days per month. It can be hard to do with family, work and other commitments occupying most of your time, but if you are a passionate rider, then it shouldn’t be viewed as a chore. Even if you must go around the corner for a few groceries, make it your duty to take your bike instead. Once the nice weather hits your area, get out and join up with local organized charity rides.   Find a group of riders that share your passion and style of riding is also a great way to get out and ride more. The more buddies you have that want to hit the road, the easier it will be for you to get off your butt and go for a ride.

9. Plan a Motorcycle Trip – Colorado riders has some of the best riding in the country.  Make a list of states that you have always wanted to ride to and start planning. Road trip can get expensive, but if you decide on taking your motorcycle somewhere instead, you will enjoy the freedom and experience of getting to your destination a lot more. Now is the perfect time to start planning something for 2020 because, in Colorado winter is still upon us and will limit our riding over the next few snowy months.  There is some amazing riding outside of Colorado…so make your bucket list and start your saving for your trip. The possibilities are endless. You just need that determination and drive to start organizing things and follow through with it. You only live once, so you might as well make it memorable experiencing the unfamiliar.

Being pro-active with your riding and taking some simple necessary steps to keep you a little safer on the road seems to me to be the BEST Motorcycle New Year’s Eve Resolution!

Canadian Motorcycle Tourism Association Gives Back over the Holidays

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From the Desk of Belt Drive Betty:

On December 16th I got a call at 6:30 am that our second shipment of food from Second Harvest/Food Rescue was being delivered in 20 minutes to Veterans Memorial Gardens + Interpretive Centre.

With no ability to get volunteers at that time of the day, I warmed up my truck and headed down to the Gardens and began opening and putting away 25 cases of potatoes and meat.

Once that task was accomplished, I went home and grabbed the non perishables bags (40 of them) that Zack, my stellar 16-17 year old volunteer had helped me create from the generous donations of so many regional businesses.

I then headed back to start making the perishable hampers.

We had purchased every thermal bag in town in advance of this delivery!

We had gotten a whole ton of potato wedges and french fries from a PEI farm that was destined for the Japanese market. (The packaging was written in Japanese and the Product of Canada Logo proudly displayed!) Thanks to COVID, this shipment of potatoes that was supposed to go overseas went to thousands of nonprofits across the country!

Each perishable hamper includes 3 – 1 KG bags of potato wedges, three – 1 KG bags of shoestring fries, a 2 pound bag of shrimp and 10 – 12 chicken legs and it was coupled with a bag of non perishables that has a tin of home baking, cookies, candies, coffee, tea, chocolates, all sorts of coupons for a variety of discounts and free services, some hand soap, sanitizer, bath bombs, chapstick etc.

There is not enough Rub A535 in the world to take the ache out of my muscles. I tossed and turned so much the night of the 16th. I keep forgetting I am not 30 anymore!

But the pain can’t wipe the smile off my face or dim the light in my soul either.

In a day and age when smiles are hidden and hearts are sore…

Yesterday’s experience with the first round of hampers that went out to 17 spectacular volunteers in one organization and two spectacular volunteers in our own organization for Veterans Memorial Gardens moved my soul in a big way.

To see the tears in the eyes of the volunteer coordinator, knowing full well what the pick up truck full of thank you meant to her and her team, knowing I got to see that same look on the faces of two of our Veterans Memorial Gardens Volunteers and that I will see it again on the face of the Volunteer Coordinator for the nonprofit picking up on Friday.

It feels good to say “Thank You”.

Sharks vs. Bats

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There is a lot of friendly banter between Street Glide (bat) and Road Glide (shark) owners.  Most people are partial to the bike they have and will turn a blind eye to whatever pros they hear about the other bike.  They have a clear favorite between the two bikes and some either love or hate one or the other, no matter if their shoulders get tired after a long ride or if they get shifted on the roads on a windy day.

I owned a Street Glide for a very brief time before I discovered that I like the Road Glide better.  The batwing fairing mounted on the front end made it heavy for me in high winds, to make U-turns, or to maneuver around in a parking lot.  

I must admit a few years ago, I always thought the Road Glide was ugly with the previous two-head lighted style fairing, but the newer, more shark-nosed Rushmore fairing is bad ass!

I asked Frank Nusser who owns a Street Glide why he likes his bat, “I like the classic and clean look of the batwing.  I enjoy how it feels on the open road and have had no problems with wind.  It is a motorcycle; the wind is why I ride.  The controls are closer for me to reach and see as well.  I feel comfortable and in total control with my batwing.”

Kirk Woodward who has a Street Glide but recently bought a Road Glide said, “with one long day in the wind and as advertised, there is a huge difference in how the Shark handles wind with the fatigue factor going way down compared to my Bat.”  He continued by saying, “there are many other things I love about the Shark, but most of those I attribute to the fact that it is brand new and Harley has made a lot of improvements in handling, so much so that this bike almost rides itself and inspires tremendous confidence.”

Hayden James was involved in an accident with his Road Glide earlier this year.  He re-capped about what happened, “I slid the bike low side to avoid hitting the trailer.  The bike laid down exceptionally smooth for doing 45ish miles an hour.  It was not until after the accident, I found out the tires caught traction on the road, and the bike did a barrel roll through the air.  The windshield and passenger seat backrest hit the pavement, the bike continued the roll, landed on its right side, and slid 50 feet.  All things considered it is mostly cosmetic from sliding, scratched bags, fairing, and bent crash bar.  Having gone completely airborne then hitting the ground, I am really impressed.  If it were not for the bent crash bars, road rash on the bags, and the broken windshield, you almost wouldn’t be able to tell it was in an accident.”

I asked Ed Collins, a fellow shark owner what his thoughts were on this topic and he said, “Let’s be honest the bat is a creature known for its unique, mysterious, and exceptional style, which can very well be used to describe the Harley Davidson batwing (Street Glide) arguably the most stylish designed motorcycle ever conceived.  The shark on the other hand is designed for the long haul, decreasing rider fatigue by taking pressure of prolonged exposure to wind and buffeting from riders’ arms and shoulders and distributed into the frame of the bike.”

All in all, both models have some amazing technology packed into the fairing with the Infotainment systems, touchscreens, speakers, and gauges.  We cannot forget the new Milwaukee Eight engine found in all the 2017+ touring models.

So, which one is better?  I feel you would have to ride them both to determine that and everyone has a style and preference of their own.