Recently, The Motorcycle Lawyer was informed that the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (DOT) has created a program to provide FREE safety training to motorcyclists.  Anyone with a motorcycle permit or license can enroll in the Motorcycle Safety Program at 70 different locations throughout the state.  It's a 15 hour basic skills course where motorcycles and gear are provided.  Once passed, the rider can enroll in the 6 hour Basic Rider 2 course (for experienced riders).  In the advanced course you must provide your own motorcycle and gear and the student is permitted to practice riding with a passenger.  To learn more about these courses or to enroll please visit http://www.pamsp.com/

In December 2010, H-D sponsored a BMX tour for military bases in Iraq and Kuwait called "Bikes Over Baghdad".  All military members in attendance were entered to win a new Harley-Davidson XR1200X.  The winer has finally been announced and the lucky soldier is Army Specialist Jonny Artmann of Silver Lake, Minnesota.  He is currently serving in Iraq as a Robotics Technician.  The Motorcycle Lawyer sends a heartfelt congratulations to Jonny and thanks him for serving our country!

The Motorcycle Lawyer received news that Harley-Davidson has finally launched their factory customization program and it's being called H-D1.  This new program makes it possible for a customer to create an original 1200 Custom in over 2600 combinations.  Provided exclusively through Harley dealers in the United States and Canada, options include anywhere from wheels and paint to placement of foot pedals and handlebars.  An H-D manufacturer described the process as "The customer can view the bike they are creating as different options are selected.  The customer can then print out a description of their bike and bring it to a Harley-Davidson dealer to review the bike with trained staff, select additional accessories to be installed by the dealer to further customize the motorcycle, and then place an order."  Your 1200 Custom Harley will retail for about $10,300 and with a 4.5 gallon fuel tank offers a long riding range.

Riding on the back of a motorcycle can be a fun experience.  However, along with the fun comes some responsibility and added safety measures are needed.  We recommend making sure that the driver has experience riding with a passenger.  The dynamics can be very different once another person is on your bike.  Also, all passengers should wear the correct safety gear, in an accident, you are just as likely to get injured as the driver (helmets and leathers aren't just worn for style).  Lastly, it's a good idea to ask the driver what you can do to be a good passenger.  Your body position can affect the rider's control of the bike and the correct placement of your hands and feet can be very important.  Before you accept a ride, make sure you take the necessary precautions, then, HAVE FUN! 

The Motorcycle Lawyer helps injured bikers all over the country so be sure to call us if you are injured in an accident.  1-877-BIKERLAW

We need feedback!

Jason Waechter, The Motorcycle Lawyer, has been chosen to fly to Washington D.C. and participate in an educational program, hosted by the NHTSA (National Highway Transportation Safety Administration), to teach judges across the country about "motorcycle safety issues." This will include dispelling prejudices against bikers, teaching judges that DON'T ride the basics of riding, and talking about what other drivers do that is dangerous to motorcyclists. Now here's where we need your help; what information would you want a judge to know if YOU were in front of them, whether it be for a traffic ticket, a personal injury lawsuit against another driver, or even a criminal charge. We want as much feedback as possible from bikers all across the country! The NHTSA has added motorcycle safety to its "most wanted" list for 2011 and this is allowing your voice to be heard. We want to know what is most important to YOU. Post comments here or feel free to email us at

reception@lawyerforlife.com

In light of the declining economy, many motorcycle brands are targeting a younger crowd by coming out with "less intimidating" bikes.  Honda, for example, is releasing a one cylinder, 250cc bike that only weighs in at 359 lbs.  The idea is that this "scooter-like" motorcycle, which can do just as much as a bigger bike, will be more appealing to a younger, newer crowd.  First timers will only be spending around $4,000 instead of the usual $6,000 and the bike comes standard with ABS.  Harley-Davidson will counter with a similar style bike called the Dark Custom Line with this year's bike being the Blackline FXS Softail.  The Motorcycle Lawyer, Jason Waechter, is always pleased to hear about new riders and we do everything we can to keep riders educated and PREVENT accidents.

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 wants to remind everyone that the 2011 Meeting of the Minds is being hosted by ABATE of Michigan ( www.abateofmichigan.org ) this year.  This 27th Annual meeting will be held at The Crowne Plaza in Romulus, MI September 22-25.  Call 734-729-2600 for room reservations.  Pre-registration has begun through the MRF, it is $70 for members and $80 for non-members and includes all workshops, materials and the Saturday banquet.  For registration information you can call MRF at 202-546-0983.

Send Pre-registration to:

236 Massachusetts Ave. NE, Suite 510

Washington, D.C. 20002

(Must be received by August 21st)