Have you been wondering how H-D is going to boost their brand in this declining economy?  Well, The Motorcycle Lawyers have been informed that Harley-Davidson is going to expand it's rental services to about 300 locations and about 1/4 of their dealerships will join in.  Harley is calling it their "Fly-and-Ride" program and is gearing it towards HOG members.  The idea is that Harley owners on vacations, those who want to try out a new style or have their bike in the shop will have an opportunity to ride without buying another bike on a whim.  Renting will cost around $150 dollars a day with unlimited mileage, averaging around $300 after taxes and fees.  To learn more about the "Fly-and-Ride" program visit H-D's website at http://www.harley-davidson.com/wcm/Content/Pages/Try_a_Bike/rent-a-bike.jsp?locale=en_US

The Motorcycle Lawyer was just informed that Ducati (Italian motorcycle manufacturer) is issuing a recall of certain Multistrada 1200S bikes from their 2010 model year to "reprogram their engine control units to prevent possible stalling."  This recall is expected to begin by the end of this month and will affect around 1200 motorcycles.  Stalling can be especially dangerous in traffic and without fixing this recall, unexpected stalling could happen while downshifting or during maneuvers while the engine is idling.  If you believe that your bike could be affected by this recall than be sure to contact your local Ducati dealer or the manufacturer directly.

The Motorcycle Lawyer received news from one of our trusted attorneys that some models of Big Dog motorcycles are having a problem with the kickstand that has warranted a recall.  After doing some research through the NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration) we found out that on the affected motorcycles the kickstand spring has the potential to stretch, causing it to detach from the mounting bracket.  This can cause the kickstand to deploy on its own, even while riding, a force a crash.  The Motorcycle Lawyer works hard to PREVENT accidents before they happen so it's important that we spread the news about this recall and others like it.  Customers can get this problem fixed for free by Big Dog manufacturers; just call 316-267-9121.  Anyone concerned about a recall can also call the NHTSA hotline at 1-888-327-4236 or go to http://www.safecar.gov 

The Motorcycle Lawyer just heard that Zero Motorcycles, maker of electric bikes, delivered one of its DS models to the Scotts Valley Police Department.  They are the first police department to use electric motorcycles for patrol in the United States.  Many cities have adapted to using hybrid cars in their fleets to help reduce fuel costs and other expenses.  John Hohmann, a lieutenant with the Scotts Valley Department stated "We are excited to be the first police department in California to receive and electric Zero motorcycle because it will allow our officers to patrol more places, more often."  The Zero is highway-legal and has a range of 50 miles.  Working with the Scotts Valley Police will be a great test for this company's product.

The Motorcycle Lawyer recently learned that as of January 1st new laws have come in to affect that will increase requirements for bikers in North Carolina to get their motorcycle endorsement.  Previously, potential riders in N.C. could obtain a permit after passing only a written test.  This permit expired after 18 months but could be renewed indefinitely.  The new law will require all riders under the age of 18 to pass a safety course and a road test before getting a permit.  The new permit will only be valid for 12 months and there is only the possibility of one 6 month extension.  These new laws are being enforced after officials realized that North Carolina was one of the few states with an increase in motorcycle fatalities while the rest of the country had a decrease.  N.C. officials are contributing lack of safety training and inexperienced riders to the 29% rise.

If these new requirments prove to make a difference I'm sure we can expect to see laws like this popping up throughout the country.

Ride Safe Fellow Bikers

The Motorcycle Lawyer wants to tell you about a new helmet on the market.  The Reevu MSX1 biker helmet is the world's first with a rear-view mirror.  The glass-free system gathers light through a tiny hole and bends it in order to reflect the images behind you.  The image appears on a small mirror positioned at the top of you field of vision.  This system can't replace the normal shoulder checks before changing lanes but it will help with those awkward "craned-neck" turn arounds that make you vulnerable.  The Reevu MSX1 runs for about $350 and can be found at www.reevu.com

The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) has been making lots of updates to their "Most Wanted List" for the coming year.  A huge bonus for The Motorcycle Lawyer and all fellow bikers is that they have replaced recreational boating safety with motorcycle safety.  Finally our national government is realizing how important the safety of motorcyclists is.  "The List" is being directed at state governments which can best improve transportation in many specific areas.

The Motorcycle Lawyer would like to give all the holiday shoppers a few gift ideas for the motorcycle lovers in your lives.  All ringing in UNDER $100!  First, there are some fun “coffee table books” we'd like to tell you about, The Harley-Davidson Motor Co. Archive Collection which has great pictures and descriptions of all the important bikes in H-D's archives, the Grand Prix Motorcycle by Cycle World journalist Kevin Cameron which highlights the Official history of the MotoGP, and The Motorcycle Dream Garages book which has tons of pictures of famous biker enthusiast garages such as Jay Leno, all photographed by Lee Klancher.  Secondly, we've found a few essentials like The Battery Tender Jr. which is great for keeping your battery on a trickle charge all through the winter, a Tire Repair Kit which has all the basics to fix those pesky flats while on the open road, and then the Camelbak Blowfish Hydration Backpack which is an awesome way to carry water with you on long summer rides.  Lastly, our most important suggestion for any avid biker is to get them a membership to the American Motorcyclist Association (AMA) starting at around $40, it includes free roadside assistance (a major lifesaver) and a subscription to their monthly American Motorcyclist Magazine.  We hope our ideas help, and we'd like to wish everyone Happy Holidays from The Motorcycle Lawyer! 

Fellow bikers, do you have a kid that is just as much of a bike enthusiast as you?  The Motorcycle Lawyer has a gift idea.  Ducati has come out with The Monster for Kids!  It's an off-road capable, battery-powered motorcycle that tops out at 5 MPH.  It also comes equipped with training wheels and a speed lockout.  The Ducati Monster runs for around $330 and can be purchased at http://www.fao.com/product/index.jsp?productId=2769686 through F.A.O Schwartz.