I read the review of the Bridgestone Battleax BT46 tires ( Gear Lab , January ), and I agree : They are a gigantic improvement over the stock tires on my Royal Enfield INT650 . After one season of riding with stock tires and being terrified of grooved pavement , the Bridgestones make riding the interstate on my way to work far more pleasant .

Regarding First Gear in the January issue (“ The Perils of Motorcycling ”), it sounds like Mr . Lichfield enjoys being in comfort all the time . I ride as often as possible when the weather allows . It gives me the opportunity to meet people and learn things that add to my life . I enjoy taking my Indian to Indian Bike Week , where I have forged friendships the old-fashioned way : face-to-face and over a meal or a beer .

HARRY HARDIN , via email

As a retired motor officer and an MSF instructor for 21 years , the litany of dangers and inconveniences quoted by Gideon Lichfield in the January issue (“ The Perils of Motorcycling ,” First Gear ) are valid . But what he really missed was the spirit of motorcycling vs . just the mechanics of riding . He experienced the infancy of what riding involves but never ascended to the emotional euphoria that so many of us embrace without hesitation . Touring , racing , trails , commutes – all transcend to adventures when experienced on our mounts . Having never met Mr . Lichfield , I bear him no ill will . But I think some of the conclusions he draws from statistics and his own apprehensions fail to grasp the joy we get from being part of the small niche of riders . I ’ m proud to be a motorcyclist , and while I recognize all the “ perils ” he demonized our sport / vocation with , I mitigate risks with training , apparel , and experience . I grow restless with anticipation each spring to swing a leg over a machine that has and continues to evolve into that magic carpet ride over asphalt .

KEVIN GREENWALD , via email

As always , Rider is an awesome publication , and I read it cover to cover as soon as it hits my mailbox ( yes kids , there are actual metal boxes in which individuals receive physical mail ). Thanks for the review on the Triumph Scrambler 1200s (“ Desert Sleds ,” January ). As a lifelong Triumph enthusiast and a big fan of the Tiger series , I love the scrambler style . Now I have a big favor to ask : If you have any connections at all , any sway with the powers that be at Triumph , could you please pass on a very simple request ? Triumph , please apply your proper scrambler pedigree to the new Scrambler 400 X and maybe the 900 too . If you ’ re going to give them scrambler style , go all in and make them more dirt worthy as well . Toss on a set of 21- / 18-inch tubeless spoked wheels , raise up the front fender to allow a little mud to pass through , and you should be good to go . There are a bunch of us older Triumph guys still playing in the dirt but don ’ t need or want 1,200cc on a 500-lb bike to go off-road .

NORM SPAFARD , Woodstock , GA

I really appreciate the mental exercise that Quinn Redecker shared in his February column (“ What If ?” Motor School ). This is nearly identical to how I instructed my flight students back when I was an active flight instructor . Take time on the ground to think through many scenarios – especially how they related to the lesson focus areas but more broadly as well – and have an approach to manage them . In flying , we use checklists for emergency situations , so part of the discussion is to determine how to quickly find the right checklist and follow it , while maintaining whatever control of the airplane possible . As motorcyclists , we need to keep those checklists in our heads . It ’ s a bit challenging to flip through one with the clutch hand , after all .

Now I ’ m going to just check the garage to make sure my gas cans aren ’ t near the furnace …

RICK PANNEMANN Bellingham , WA

Email us at rider @ ridermagazine . com .

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