The Japanese company gained its popularity in the ‘70s as it produced a line of smaller bikes that were geared towards new riders to introduce them to the world of riding. They have continued with this sense of safety and education as they have developed the SMART (Safe Motorcyclist Awareness Recognition Trainer), or the SMARTrainer.

This SMARTrainer consists of a cockpit much like that of an actual motorcycle, handlebars and seat, active throttle, clutch, front brake, shift lever that mimics a bike's, and foot pegs with rear brake (Honda SMARTrainer-Wise up your riding skills with Honda's SMARTrainer, Jeff Buchanan, Motorcycle.com,

http://www.motorcycle.com/how-to/honda-smartrainer86756.html). The system uses Honda's proprietary software which creates seventeen different road environments on a computer screen in front of the rider and then the system responds to the rider's reactions. The rider has the choice between day, night, or even a fog setting along a city, mountain or suburban roadway.

The specific purpose of the SMARTrainer is to provide a safe place for beginners to practice before jumping into a beginners' riding course and then real-world riding. The program is set up to confront riders with real world dangers on the road like erratic traffic, bad drivers, merging vehicles, congestion, blind spots, etc., (Honda SMARTrainer-Wise up your riding skills with Honda's SMARTrainer, Jeff Buchanan, Motorcycle.com). Although the SMART does provide all of these aspects, it is not a riding simulator and so does not produce any actual movement. Nonetheless, it is still a great education tool for riders.

At the end of a riding session, the program provides a performance review, not just from the rider's perspective, but other vehicle's as well. This is helpful in that it allows riders to physically see the results of their reactions to hazards and their interaction with other vehicles on the road. The rider will receive a detailed print-out of their results for themselves and the trainer to note progress and potential areas of weakness, (Honda SMARTrainer-Wise up your riding skills with Honda's SMARTrainer, Jeff Buchanan, Motorcycle.com).

If you are interested in hopping on one of these SMARTrainers, call your local Honda dealer as there are 38 dealerships have one available for use. These are not only beneficial for beginners but also riders who are returning to the road and are looking for a little practice before heading out on the open road.

This past Sunday, November 6, more than 2,777 bikers traveled from Lawrence-Dumont Stadium to Kansas Coliseum as part of the 32nd Annual Wichita Toy Run.

The run has grown more and more each year since its origin in 1980, starting out with just 30 riders to the present day count up to almost 3,000. Thousands of toys are gathered and other holiday items for the Salvation Army, Toys for Tots, and Kansas Food Banks each year during the ride.

Unfortunately this year there were two motorcycle accident during the event. The first accident occured at 25th and Broadway when a motorcyclist lost control of his bike. He and his female passenger fell off the bike and were taken to Via Christi Hospital. The two suffered from serious injuries. The second accident happend in the 6900 block of North Broadway and involved a bike and a rider says the 911 dispatcher. Both involved in this accident received minor injuries. Holly Potelle, the director of the event, involved since the very first run in 1980, said "it has been a long time since we had an accident, since we even had problems. You just never know with this many motorcycles,"

(Thousands of toys, delivered on two wheels, Beccy Tanner, The Wichita Eagle,

http://www.kansas.com/2011/11/07/2092798/thousands-of-toys-delivered-two.html).

Despite the two accidents, it was a successful and uplifting parade. There were so many toys donated this year that it took four 26-foot long trucks to haul everything. The exact amount of money raised this year has yet to be calculated, but last year the total raised was over $13,000.

Those involved in organizing the run really keep the giving spirit alive and it shows, as "the organization is all volunteer-no money is paid for salaries. Donations go to those in need," said Potelle. Both Dan and Dorothy Haines have been volunteering since 1996 and love being involved every year. They both play key roles in the parade as Santa and Mrs. Claus. Dan states that "this is about the most fun a person can have on a motorcycle. You are collecting toys, making kids happy, and donating to several different charities," (Thousands of toys, delivered on two wheels, Beccy Tanner, The Wichita Eagle).

Minus the two accidents, the run was definitely a success. If you haven't been be sure to mark it on your calendar next year as it is a great ride, but also a greay way to give back.

Harley Davidson has recalled about 308,000 motorcycles due to a switch problem that has the potential to cause failure of the brake lights and even the rear brakes as well.

This problem is caused when the brake light switches are exposed to too much heat given off from the exhaust system. In turn the brake lights fail from the heat and can also cause fluid leaks and failure of the rear brakes. This problem is present in Touring, CVO Touring, and Trike motorcycles model years 2009-2012, (Harley to recall more than 308,000 motorcycles, The Associated Press, The Sacramento Bee,

http://www.sacbee.com/2011/10/24/4002839/harley-to-recall-more-than-308000.html).

This issue was first discovered in June of 2010 when a report of a Trike model motorcycle that lost its rear brakes. The company began an investigation after that, which lead to a crash in Louisiana, but it has been undetermined if this issue was the cause.

The company will notify owners of the recall as it will affect 251,000 motorcycles in the U.S. If you are one of the owners of a bike with this problem, installation of rear brake light switch kits are free at dealerships.

This recall is going to cost around $10 million to $12 million that will be an expense for the fourth quarter, according to the filing the company placed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission.

(Harley to recall more than 308,000 motorcycles, The Associated Press, The Sacramento Bee).

George Lamper, a Alton resident was hit on his motorcycle when Graydon Terry of Rochester failed to yield to the Lamper when turning left into the Family Care on 316 Route 11.

The first to arrive on the scene to help Lamper were medical attendees from Family Care since the accident occurred right next to the facility. Following the accident Lamper, 64, was taken by ambulance to Frisbie Memorial Hospital. Injuries did not appear to be life-threatening but Lamper did suffer from both back and a righ wrist injury. Lamper was wearing a helmet while riding his bike, and no alcohol or other drug substances were in his system says Farmington Police Sergeant Michael McNeil, (Man hurt in Car, Motorcycle Collision in Farmington-Liz Markhlevskaya, Rochester Region,

http://www.fosters.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article

AID=/20111013/GJNEWS_01/710139766&template=RochesterRegion).

The motorcycle Lamper was riding was towed and the 2011 Nissan Sentra had severe damage on the passenger side. Terry, 83, the driver of the blue 2011 Nissan Sentra, is not being charged, although he was suppose to give the right of way to Lamper before making his left-hand turn. However; McNeil says the investigation is still open.

At 5:30pm on Tuesday, October 18 a Virginia State Police trooper crashed his motorcycle while securing the roadway for the Presidential motorcade coming through.

President Obama was due to speak at the Greensville County High School in Emporia, and as the motorcade made its way through it was necessary to shut down both sides of the interstate, and that's what State police were assisting with, said Sergeant Michelle Anaya, (VA. State Police motorcycle crashes during Obama motorcade, The Virginian-Pilot, Lauren King,

At mile marker number 8 mile while securing the roadway along the southbound side of 1-95, Sergeant J.L. Kirkpatrick crashed his motorcycle when he slid off the left side of the ramp causing him to overturn, (VA. State Police motorcycle crashes during Obama motorcade). As the presidential motorcade went past, reporters with the motorcade saw the accident along the exit ramp.

Rescue personnel were close by so responded quickly and were able to treat him on the scene. Luckily Kirkpatrick injuries were not more serious, he suffered minor abrasions.

Marcus Benard, a defensive lineman for the Cleveland Browns was involved in a motorcycle accident which resulted in the breaking of his hand.

The accident occurred shortly after practice on Monday, October 10, their first day back from bye week. Ninety minutes after practice on Interstate 71 Benard crashed his motorcycle. Benard was traveling at a "high rate of speed" causing him to lose control of the bike crossing over four lanes until crashing into a guardrail, a witness told police on the scene. Police confirm there were no other vehicles involved and that the investigation has come to a close, (Report: Browns to pay Marcus Benard, The Associated Press,

http://espn.go.com/nfl/story/_/id/7096957/cleveland-browns-reportedly-pay-marcus-benard-accident). Benard now suffers from a broken hand and other undisclosed injuries. After three days Benard was released from the Cleveland Clinic.

Although the injury was non-football related, the Browns have decided to pay Benard for the remainder of the season, which is roughly $375,000. Benard has been placed on the reserve non-football injury list which only having played four games this year ends his season, (Report: Browns to Pay Marcus Benard, The Associated Press).

As an undrafted free agent in 2009, his rookie season, the first nine games Benard was on the practice squad until he was signed to the active roster and played in the last six games with 3 ½ sacks. In 2010 he held the lead with 7 ½ sacks playing in a total of 15 games, (Report: Browns to Pay Marcus Benard, The Associated Press).

Cleveland Browns coach Pat Shumur had said last week that there was a future for Benards with the Browns. Defensive Coordinator Dick Jauron says on Benard's accident "It's so devastating for the young man. He was just starting to get back from preseason injuries and setbacks. It's a big disappointment. I'm very disappointed for him and for us." Although this is a blow to Benard and the team, of course all are grateful that it wasn't more serious and "thankful that he's still with us," Jauron.

Live in Massachusetts? Purchase comprehensive and/or collision insurance on your motorcycle on or after January 2002? Then you could be entitled to a refund!

Insurance companies have been overcharging by using inflated motorcycle values to set up premiums revealed a recent investigation, (Insurance refund for motorcycle riders-Coakley: Companies to return $40 million, Heidi Voight, WWLP 22 News, http://www.wwlp.com/dpp/news/Insurance-refund-for-motorcycle-riders). Forty million dollars will go back to bikers in Massachusetts after fifteen insurance companies settled with the state Attorney General.

How did this come about? It all came to the surface when one customer filed a complaint. The customer owned a 1999 Harley Davidson Road King classic, but the premium was calculated as if the bike was new from 2003 to 2008, (Insurance refund for motorcycle riders-Coakley: Companies to return $40 million).

The refunds will range anywhere from one hundred dollars to a thousand per check, and over fourteen thousand checks are being issued by the end of this month.

Wondering if you qualify? The settlement "covers bikers who purchased comprehensive and/or collision insurance on a motorcycle on or after January first of 2002. That motorcycle must have been overvalued by the insurance company for the purpose of calculating premiums," (Insurance refund for motorcycle riders-Coakley: Companies to return $40 million). To find out if you should have a check coming your way visit

www.motorcycle.ago.state.ma.us.

In the college town of Logan on September 14, 2011 witnesses of a major motorcycle accident became rescuers when students, officers, and passer-bys lined up to lift the 4,000 pound BMW involved in the accident allowing student and motorcyclist Wright to be removed from under the car.

The accident occurred near Utah State University where Wright was headed on his motorcycle, to study. A BMW pulled out of a parking lot and as skid marks show, Wright laid his bike down as he slide along the road before colliding with the car. The bike then smashed into the car's hood and bounced to the ground, while Wright slid underneath the car and both the motorcycle and car became inflamed, described Jeff Curtis, Assistant Logan Police Chief, (Students lift car off Utah motorcyclist after fiery crash, Jennifer Dobner, Sun Times, http://www.suntimes.com/news/nation/7651193-418/students-lift-car-off-utah-biker-after-fiery-motorcycle-crash.htmluntimes.com).

Nearly half a dozen witnesses lined up along the side of the car to take action, as they began to rock and then lift the car enough for a construction worker to finally be able to pull Wright from underneath the car and two officers to extinguish the flames. The rescuers are being dubbed ‘heroes' and ‘angels,' yet none wants to accept such a title. Abbass Sharif, a Utah State doctoral candidate and one of the rescuers said “That's a big title. I don't consider myself a hero. It's just our humanity…Everyone is going to help.”  Regardless of whether they are willing to accept a title or not, Curtis said he could “only speculate what the outcome would have been had none of the rescuers sprung to action.”

The 21 year old student Wright who was involved in the accident is “very thankful. They saved my life.” Tyler Riggs, Wright's uncle says he does recall details of the accidents, being able to feel the heat of the flames, being under the car spitting up blood and unable to speak. Although Wright was not wearing a helmet he suffered no head trauma, but did have a broken pelvis, both legs broken, road rash, burns on his left foot and abrasions on the forehead. A statement from the hospital declares Wright's condition as satisfactory.

There is no comment from the driver of the BMW, but one rescuer Matt Barney said “he was really worried about the safety of the young man; he was very emotional and shaken.”

Riggs, just like Wright and the rest of his family are extremely grateful for the acts of the rescuers that day. “They risked their lives,” said Riggs, “It restores my faith in humanity,” (Students lift car off Utah motorcyclist after fiery crash, Jennifer Dobner, Sun Times, http://www.suntimes.com/news/nation/7651193-418/students-lift-car-off-utah-biker-after-fiery-motorcycle-crash.htmluntimes.com).

With Labor Day approaching the Motorcycle Cycle Lawyer knows there is nothing like the open road on a long weekend. Unfortunately, everyone else is going to have that same idea, and with more motorcyclists and drivers on the road safety becomes an issue. If travel via motorcycle is a part your plan this Labor Day Weekend; keep these tips in mind to keep yourself safe.

• Is your bike ready for long distance travel? Checking the tire pressure, headlights, and fluids prior to venturing on your trip can prevent several issues that could leave you stranded.

• Know your exit. Besides keeping you aware of your next stop, drivers may make unforeseen lane changes to exit potentially causing an accident.

• Be seen! Make sure to wear bright, reflective clothing to stand out and be seen by others on the road.

• Map out or GPS your route. In an unfamiliar area knowing the road and possible construction areas will make you aware of upcoming lane changes and basic surroundings.

• Give yourself time. Leave a little earlier than originally planned; this allows for possible delays and unexpected traffic.

• Be well rested. Riding tired or ill will cause you to lose focus. Take breaks when needed.

• Know that your mirrors may be distorted; motorcycle riders have a narrower field of vision than that of a vehicle's.

• Know a truck's blind spots. If you cannot see the truck driver in the truck's mirror, he or she cannot see you.

• Leave yourself space. In large amounts of traffic it becomes difficult for drivers to see you so be sure to leave a perimeter of space in front and back of you, and on either side.

 (Travel Safety This Labor Day Weekend, Leather Bound, http://blog.leatherboundonline.com/325/travel-safely-labor-day-weekend/).

The most important thing is to pay attention, because unfortunately you cannot count on other drivers to. Being aware of your surroundings and other drivers will help keep you out of harm's way this holiday. Have a safe and fun Labor Day weekend!