This month we're going to look at the disturbing new trend for helmet laws, winterize and care for our leathers and find out that most accidents DO happen at home. Pull out the choke and let's see what happens…..
Recently a Hendricks County judge overturned Indiana's controversial seat belt law amendment that, simply stated, gives police officers the right to stop motorists for not being buckled up. The judge ruled that officers couldn't use that criteria ONLY for making a stop. There must be other probable cause, such as a speeding violation or a tail light out, etc. What's this have to do with motorcycles? It shows the disturbing trend lawmakers have of attaching amendments to laws, that at first, seems sensible and right. A case in point is the Kentucky helmet law.
What started as a freedom of choice for bikers soon degenerated into a legal nightmare for bikers, police, citizens and the motoring public. The Kentucky Helmet Law requires that a cyclist can ride without a helmet if:
Passengers, out of state motorcyclists and people who borrow a motorcycle must wear a helmet. The penalty for failure to comply is a fine ranging from $100 - $500 and a MANDATORY license suspension for 90 days.
How did this situation occur and where will it end? This type of legislation began in Texas where the bikers lobbied to repeal the helmet law. They were able to get the bill to the governor's desk with a slew of amendments pinned to it. Rather than fighting to remove the amendments, which would have slowed the bill traveling through the legislature, they opted for a quick fix and s a result, put themselves in a worse predicament.
The bill had attached to it a requirement that mandated additional health insurance for motorcyclists who ride helmetless. Upon seeing the door opened in Texas, other states jumped onto the bandwagon. Seeing an opportunity for additional revenue and regulation, Missouri, Delaware, Pennsylvania, California and Michigan legislators (so far) are exploring similar bills, Kentucky was the first to strike.
Jay Jackson, State Director of ABATE of Indiana responded to the current trend… "We have strong support in our state legislature currently, however, the situation is always available to change. As you know, ABATE and the AMA (American Motorcycle Association) believe in voluntary helmet usage. Because of this position, both organizations keep abreast of those states that attempt to amend current bills and to lobby against lawmakers who oppose voluntary helmet usage. The latest fight was with California banning motorcycles in residential areas. We eventually won, however this new health coverage issue for helmetless riders has put us back on the front lines. Not just in one state, but in several. Tell your readers to support their local and state rights groups and to be involved in these issues. Even a phone call to your state representative has an impact."
How far can this type of legislation go? Helmets required for jet skies, ATV's, skateboards, bicycles…..golf carts? Sound silly? The government passed a law this summer requiring golf cart with top speeds of 20-25 M.P.H. to have seat belts, windshields, signals and rear view mirrors!
Finally, another trend in these cases leaves me at odds with my personal beliefs. The most common amendments on these state bills include mandatory riders education (including Kentucky). While I firmly believe that rider education saves lives, I'm opposed to state governments making it mandatory. If we don't stop the states from mandating their safety principles on us, then we will, in fact, lose the one thing we enjoy most from our bikes…….Freedom.
Evel Kneivel is back in the news. This time it's not about breaking another record. It's about almost breaking his leg (again). Kneivel, 60, was sitting on his bike at his home when it fell over on him, pinning him to the driveway. Neighbors, after hearing his pleas for help, came to his rescue and pulled him out from under the bike. His leg and elbow injured, he refused treatment even though the stuntman's health is weakened from the multitude of injuries that he has suffered over the years. Kneivel uses a walker much of the time to get around and is currently awaiting a liver transplant.
The California Motorcycle Company is producing a limited number of motorcycles in tribute to Kneivel. The big twins are painted red, white and blue with stars and feature a signed and numbered nameplate. Cost: $27,000.
Wintertime is a good time to fix and repair those little things on your bike that you don't have time to do during the riding season. You know, cleaning under the engine, adjusting the foot pegs, checking for loose bolts and worn parts. It's also a good time to service your other motorcycle parts…your leathers.
Let's face it, leathers are expensive. Good care can extend their lives for many years and provide you with better protection and comfort. The number one killer of leather is dryness. Use a quality leather conditioner that puts moisture back into the pores of the hide. A good way to apply it, is to put on your jacket and or chaps and pretend you're in the shower, rubbing the conditioner slowly and firmly into the hide. Let the conditioner set for several hours to soak in.
Always clean your leathers with saddle soap. The bugs that have accumulated over the summer are full of acid and will, over time, act as battery acid on your garments. Repair any tears or missing snaps or buttons, dye any portions of the leather that have faded with an application of black shoe dye, after first cleaning the area to be dyed with acetone.
Finally, if you need repairs or want some alterations, or just a patch or two to liven up your jacket, then take it to the area specialist in Daleville, Hurst Leathers, 14510 SR 32 (next to the Amoco station) specializes in sewing, repairs and alterations. They also do custom work and patch sewing. Having a patch sewn on my coat recently, I was pleased at the quality of the work and the reasonable price. Ask for Bob when you go in and tell him you read about Hurst Leathers here.
Let's close out this session with some news. The International Bike Show at the Rosemont Horizon (Chicago) will be February 5-7, 1999. Try to make it, it's a good winter break and fun to be around other bikers without the noise.
The ABATE Motorcycle School schedule for the coming season is being printed and next month I'll publish the dates for the Muncie site.
Until then, I'll see you next year!!
Ride warm…………