August 30th, 2012 at 4:37 pm 
Many riders already know that motorcycles can get up to 60-70 miles per gallon. So most motorcyclists are saving money when filling up at the pump compared to the motorist next to them filling up their SUV. However with current high gas prices only promising to sky rocket with the devastation of Hurricane Isaac, anyone out on the road, whether in a car or on a motorcycle, is going to feel a harder hit to the wallet.
Follow some of these tips to keep more of your money in your pocket and not in your gas tank.
- Don't try to impress with an unnecessarily long warm-up, it does waste gas!
- Check your tire pressure. Having the recommended air in your tires for your bike will definitely help you get more miles for you buck.
- Have your bike checked out. There may be an issue that has not required immediate attention, but could be affecting your miles per gallon.
- Have a smooth ride. Stay at a consistent speed and don't unnecessarily slow down or go full throttle.
- Lighten your riding load by emptying out your saddlebags of unnecessary items.
- Have cruise control? Set it & use it!
- Off-roading is great! But it does take up more fuel, if avoidable, stay on pavement.
(Tips on How to Save Gas on a Motorcycle, Basem Wasef, Motorcycle Guides, About.com,
http://motorcycles.about.com/od/motorcyclingbasic1/ss/How-to-Save-Gas-on-a-Motorcycle.htm).
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August 16th, 2012 at 4:50 pm
Although antilock brakes are commonplace on vehicles, they have yet to make the leap to motorcycles. However a recent study conducted by the Insurance Institute of Highway Safety (IIHS) may pave the way for such technology. The results illustrate that motorcycles featuring ABS are 37% less likely to be involved in a fatal accident than those without.
So what's the difference? Typically motorcycles today have separate brake controls for the front and rear wheels. With a system like this in place if the brakes are hit too hard or with an incorrect distribution to the front/rear brakes, the wheel could lock causing the bike to fall. Say the opposite happens and the brakes are tapped too lightly, in the event of a crash the bike may not come to a stop in time, (The most-valuable motorcycle feature: antilock brakes, Jeff Bartlett, Consumerreports.org, http://news.consumerreports.org/cars/2012/04/the-most-valuable-motorcycle-feature-antilock-brakes.html). ABS allow motorcyclists to put full on pressure on the brakes without having to worry about the wheel locking up and falling over.
It appears that Europe has already jumped on the ABS bandwagon with a pending rule requiring the brakes on motorcycles by 2016. Here in the U.S. the major brands do include ABS, but typically only on their largest models and make them available on some mid-level bikes. There has yet to be very many at the entry-level, although it's been thought that those riding them would benefit the most. Honda does currently offer them as an option on the CBR250R for around $500, (The most-valuable motorcycle feature: antilock brakes, Jeff Bartlett, Consumerreports.org).
Manufacturers predict a potential decrease in cost of ABS on motorcycles if there is enough of a volume increase. Until the option of ABS is available to you, knowing how your brakes operate and being well trained to ride your bike are your best defenses against incorrect brake maneuvering and staying safe on the road.
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July 24th, 2012 at 3:17 pm
From state-to-state motorcycle laws and coverage policies vary, however one thing is for sure no matter where you ride; having insurance on your bike is important. Trying to save money on insurance is always good for your wallet, but make sure you're cutting the right corners.
Below are some tips from Money Talk News on how to save on motorcycle insurance and make your policy work for you. Be sure to talk with an agent about what their company has to offer motorcyclists.
Join a motorcycle club. Some motorcycle clubs members get discounts. Beyond the automatic payback you can also swap notes with other motorcyclists and get recommendations.
Infrequent rider discount. Only ride on the exceptionally warm weekend? See if the company has discounts for part-time riders.
Have liability. This covers damages that you may cause to others in the event of an accident. It's also good to have uninsured or underinsured motorist protection coverage. If you're involved in an accident where the negligent driver does not have insurance or enough to cover your injury costs, this will cover you.
Choose the right bike. Some bikes may cost more than others to insure. Before you go and buy a new bike, make sure to talk with your agent about whether or not it will be covered under your already existing policy.
Ask! Ask your agent what discounts they offer or you are eligible for.
Make sure your customs are covered. You spent all that time and money into making your bike into a custom-made dream, so make sure all the extras are covered under your policy.
(7 Tips to Save on Motorcycle Insurance, Stacy Johnson, Money Talks News, http://www.moneytalksnews.com/2012/06/27/7-tips-to-save-on-motorcycle-insurance/).
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July 9th, 2012 at 12:24 pm
Whether you're a seasoned motorcycle group rider or just beginning, it's always a good idea to brush up on motorcycle group hand signals. A lot can happen out on the open road so being able to communicate with your follow riders is important for everyone's safety.
Below is a graphic that displays the different hand signals and their meaning. Of course there are a few variations depending on where and who you learn them from. Always be sure that all your riders follow and understand the same signals before taking off for your ride.
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(Image: Motorcycle Safety Month-Motorcycle Group Riding Signals, Mark Prociw, motorcycle.com).
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June 14th, 2012 at 2:37 pm
Have a thing for vintage bikes? Then you won't want to miss out on the AMA (American Motorcycle Association) Vintage Motorcycle Days in Ohio!
The event is taking place from July 20-22 at the Sports Car Course in Lexington, Ohio. Each day offers different racing events, shows, and much more! Friday hosts the Ride ‘Em Don't Hide ‘Em Show which starts off with participants riding a lap around the course, then heading out for a 25-mile ride to return at 2pm for the judging. There are separate classes of judging which include American, British, European, Japanese, and Special/Customs, (AMA: Bike Shows at Vintage Motorcycle Days Feature All Makes and Models, AMA Communications, http://motorcycling.speedtv.com/article/ama-bike-shows-at-vintage-motorcycle-days-feature-all-makes-and-models/).
Not all shows include a race; there is a Hall of Fame Static Bike Show scheduled for Saturday. This show is for bikes that have been restored or in original condition from 1900-1989. Classes for this show include America, British, European, and Japanese. Bikes entered in this show will be on public display all day.
Beyond these two highlighted events there is a HUGE schedule posted on their website at http://www.americanmotorcyclist.com/events/amavintagemotorcycledays. Other events you won't want to miss out on are amateur national championship road racing, motocross, trials and dirt-track vintage classes, a classic field meet for motorcycles and scooters, seminars, hare scrambles, as well as the largest U.S. motorcycle swap meet!
Ticket pricing for this event are as follows:
- Full weekend pass: $55
- General Admission for Friday, Saturday, OR Sunday: $35
- ALL children 12 and under FREE with adult
- Tent camping: $45
- Vehicle Pass: $100
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June 8th, 2012 at 12:20 pm
Hot off the presses! THE Motorcycle Lawyer℠ Jason Waechter recently published Litigating Motorcycle Injury & Death Cases. The book acts as an aid for victims of motorcycle accidents and the attorneys that represent them.
It's impossible to cover all of the details of personal injury law or motorcycle law in one single book and this book is no different. Attorney Jason Waechter prepared this book as a basic guide of Michigan's Automobile No-Fault Law, and hopes it can bring clarification to those wanting to learn more about the law.
Subjects in the book range from the distinctions between different classes of motorcycles, motorcycle statistics, overview of an insurance claim, common motorcycle injuries, litigation, and much more.
If you are ever involved in an accident, don't hesitate to call Jason Waechter, THE Motorcycle Lawyer℠! He wrote the book!
 
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May 15th, 2012 at 2:51 pm
This is the month! May is Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month! Whether you are a long time rider or just bought your first bike last week, THE Motorcycle Lawyer thinks it's always a good idea to brush up on some safety tips before hitting the open road!
- Always be alert! BUT especially at intersections. Roughly 50% of all motorcycle-vehicle accidents occur at intersections. The most common is a vehicle turning left in front of a motorcycle, so always be prepared to act quickly.
- Glancing in your mirrors before switching lanes or coming to a stop could prevent a rear-end collision.
- Watch the road a distance ahead of you so you are aware of any hazards or traffic issues before you are upon them.
- So many motorcyclists ride by this common tip: “Assume you are invisible to other motorists on the road and operate your motorcycle accordingly.” Ride to be seen, take up a lane and ride in it where you will be noticed by motorists. Headlights are a must during the day and night. Wearing reflective and bright clothing helps any motorcyclist be seen.
- Ride at a speed that is appropriate for the road conditions, i.e. weather, traffic, or construction.
- Treat other vehicles & motorcycles with courtesy and respect.
- Avoid tailgating and riding in between lanes.
- Always use signals when necessary.
(Motorcycle Safety, DOT HS 807 709, National Highway Traffic Safety Administration)
As a motorcyclist sometimes the only prevention you have against an accident from occuring is riding defensively. Always be aware of your surroundings and ride safe this season!
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April 19th, 2012 at 4:03 pm
Audi will be taking Ducati under its Volkswagen wing. Although neither Audi nor the current owner of the motorcycle brand, an Italian Investment company Investindustrial, have made a formal statement, the deal is estimated to be for $1.1 billion.
Looking at the overall value of the company, taking into account the deal on the table and subtracting the company's debt, the actual value of Ducati is estimated to be seven times that of its profit from 2011 (discounting interest and taxes). The liabilities as of last month were reported by Investindustrial to be less than $262.7 million, (VW's Audi Nears Purchase of Ducati, Christoph Rauwald, The Wall Street Journal,
http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052702304432704577349831924790146.html).
The famous motorcycle company was founded back in 1926, and has proven itself in standard having won 17 manufacturer's World Championship titles, and holding the current 2011 World Superbike Championship title. So it comes as no wonder why the Chairman of Volkswagen Ferdinand Piech, who celebrated his 75 birthday this past Tuesday, has eyed the company for years, having tried to purchase it previously in 2008, (VW's Audi Nears Purchase of Ducati, Christoph Rauwald, The Wall Street Journal).
Ducati will become the 11th brand under Volkswagen. It looks like it will fit right in with Audi's Superbike 119 Panigale S Tricolore, and upping the ante in the company's motorcycle competition between BMW models.
42,000 Ducati motorbikes were sold in 2011, accumulating to $630.2 million. However, Christoph Stuermer, a Frankfurt analyst with IHS Automotive believes that “Ducati is one of the finest machines you can buy,” but that the company is “mere accessory and insignificant for Volkswagen,” (VW's Audi Nears Purchase of Ducati, Christoph Rauwald, The Wall Street Journal).
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April 13th, 2012 at 1:16 pm
The proposed motorcycle helmet law, Senate Bill 291, has now become law. Governor Rick Snyder announced this decision today, April 13th, 2012.
The new law lessens helmet restrictions allowing motorcycle operators to ride without a helmet provided they are 21 years of age or older, have at least $20,000 of first-party medical benefits insurance coverage, and either have had a motorcycle endorsement for more than two years OR earn a motorcycle endorsement by passing an accredited or certified motorcycle safety course.
A passenger on a motorcycle may ride helmetless under the new law if the passenger is at least 21 years of age and is also covered for at least $20,000 of first-party medical insurance benefits (either by the operator's cycle insurance or their own). So, if you were to ride with a passenger, you may need an additional $20,000 of this medical coverage in addition to the $20,000 you require as the operator.
Proponents of the new law argued that being able to choose whether or not to wear a helmet is a freedom. They also point out that Michigan's tourism industry is presently negatively impacted because riders from our neighboring states do not have to wear a helmet (Indiana, Ohio, Illinois, & Wisconsin) and, therefore, avoid Michigan destinations.
Opponents of the new law argued that statistics report greater head injuries to helmetless riders. These injuries result in an increase in medical costs (to the government and to insurance companies), and a resulting increase in our no-fault insurance rates.
Passing a similar law was attempted twice during Gov. Jennifer Granholm's tenure, but was vetoed on both of the attempts. The present law was sponsored by State Senator Phil Pavlov, R-St. Clair Township. Governor Snyder stated in a news release that, "While many motorcyclists will continue to wear helmets, those who choose not to deserve the latitude to make their own informed judgments."
In an interview with a news reporter, Jason was asked; "How will the new law impact a civil negligence case of a motorcyclist who was not wearing a helmet?"
His answer: I think defense attorneys will argue that not wearing a helmet was unreasonable and that not wearing a helmet was a cause of some injury or severity of injury to the motorcyclist. If the jury agrees, it would assess a percent of negligence against the motorcyclist and that percentage would be subtracted from the dollar amount awarded by the jury. If the jury decides that the motorcyclist was more than 50% negligent, the motorcyclist will get no money damages for his or her injury.
Jason Waechter
THE Motorcycle Lawyer sm
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March 5th, 2012 at 1:49 pm
The recent Tennessee Motorcycle Liberty Restoration Act could put an end to the law requiring motorcyclists ages 21 and older to wear a helmet. Helmet laws have always been a topic of controversy and with this being brought up a line has been drawn in the sand, dividing the state into 2 sides.
Those against the repeal are coming from a standpoint of health concern. Although Sharon Adkins, director of the Tennessee Nurses Association, feels it is an “individual's right. These individuals have to be cared for. Brain injury is a lifelong issue. The citizens of Tennessee would end up with their tax dollars supporting these individuals, so it is much more than just an individual right. It's no different than seat belts,” (Libertarians push helmet law repeal, The Tennessean,http://www.tennessean.com/article/20120220/NEWS0201/302200021/
Libertarians-push-helmet-law-repeal).
Motorcyclists in the state really do feel that it is a personal choice to wear a helmet or not, even if they themselves chose to. Preston Shaw, a member of The Steel Horsemen Motorcycle Club, thinks “the government honestly should not legislate whether you have common sense or not,” (Libertarians push helmet law repeal, The Tennessean). Same goes for Andrew Duthie, the owner of the Nashville Motorcycle Repair, “I'm a big fan of motorcycle helmets. As far as changing the law, the libertarian in me says, hey, if someone doesn't want to wear a helmet, that's fine,” (Libertarians push helmet law repeal, The Tennessean).
This act will be discussed tomorrow, Tuesday, March 6, at a noon hearing before the House Transportation Subcommittee.
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