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)

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