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Monday, April 5, 2010

Did you know that you can park your bike for free in the Toronto GTA?


Yep it's true... you can! I do it everyday!

If you see a street level green P parking meeter, then you can park your bike for free!

Stupid but true!

The interesting thing about this law and what this article does not tell you is that the real reason motorcycles can park for free in the GTA is that there is nowhere for a police officer to put a parking ticket on a motorbike, so if a driver take the ticket to court and claims that they didn't get the ticket you'll aways win!

"Free parking in Toronto (and York Region)

TORONTO, ON -- Toronto City Council passed a motion yesterday that will see free street parking for motorcycles and other improvements for motorcycles and motorized scooters in the City of Toronto.

The relevant parking by-laws will soon be amended to exempt motorcycles, as defined in the Ontario Highway Traffic Act, from standard parking fees at all on-street parking meters or parking machines. Also, by-laws will soon be amended to allow motorcycles to park, where on-street parking is lawfully allowed, at an angle, but not more than sixty (60) degrees to the curb.

In addition, the Toronto Parking Authority (the ‘TPA’) will submit a report to the Works Committee detailing how the TPA could designate a small area at all of their indoor and outdoor ‘Green P’ lots where motorcycles may park for free. The City will also evaluate allowing scooters to park on sidewalks.

The Motorcyclists Confederation of Canada’s (MCC’s) general manager Peter Jacobs made a deputation to the Works Committee on Oct. 11 making a strong case in support of the motion, advanced by Toronto City Councillor Case Ootes (Ward 29 Toronto Danforth).

“The City is demonstrating real leadership on this issue," Jacobs said. “Motorcycles use less space on the road, less space in parking, consume less fuel and produce less emissions. With motorcycle and scooter sales increasing steadily, this decision clearly indicates the City is committed to reducing congestion and pollution. We will work to persuade other jurisdictions to follow Toronto’s lead.”

MCC is Canada’s largest association representing motorcyclists’ interests. Its membership comprises more than 200 clubs and represents over 70,000 riders from all across Canada."


BMW Dealer's charge to much for oil fIlters

I couldn't find a oil filter for my 2001 BMW R1150GS!

After a bit of thought and some quick google searches if found a Canadian site called Parts Canada the site guided me to a local store called 109 Cycle!

109 Cycle is run by a guy called Bill Tomlin and his is a great guy! Very nice and pleasent to deal with. I asked him if he has my filter in stock and he not only went and found out but he also told me it only cost $10 dollars... So I bought 5! So even if they are a bit less quality than the 39 dollar BMW filter it's doesn't matter because I can change it 5 times instead of once!

Bill told me he deals wtih two suppliers for my oil filter.

1. HI FLO Filters
2. Motovan

The HI FLO Part Number is # IS HF-163
The MOTOVAN Part Number is # IS 314-0163

So if you are ever looking for a less costly solution look up Parts Canada find a local parts dealer and surprise your wallet and your self by spending less and getting way better service than your local BMW dealer!

Oh and he even said he is getting in a shipment tomorrow (today being monday) so my order would be there on Tuesday..

Now that's what I call service!

Luke