Illinois Senate Vote in Favor of Bill That Allows Bikers To Go Through Red Lights

Now this is some good legislation, I almost fell out of my chair when I came across this story.  The Illinois Senate recently voted 43-12 in favor of House Bill 2860 which would allow motorcycle riders to progress through an intersection if the light remains red and fails to turn green within a “reasonable period of time.”

We’ve all been there and I was actually just ranting about this yesterday to my coworkers after I sat at an intersection for two light cycles and watched all the other traffic go until a car finally came up behind me to trigger the light. 

While the bill got the majority of the vote by far, it still has to go to the House for approval.  Apparently Illinois has enough senators on two-wheels that have encountered this situation and feel the desire to do something about it; commendable if nothing else.

“I ride a motorcycle, so I have been there before,” state Senator Gary Forby, D-Benton, told Pantagraph.com. 

Illinois State Police are not too happy about the possibility of this being approved, claiming it will put riders in unnecessary danger.  But state Sen. Donne Trotter, D-Chicago, argues that motorcycle enthusiasts can handle the responsibility. 

“We’re not texting because we have both our hands on the handlebars,” Trotter said to Pantagraph.com.  “We know what’s going on all the time.  We know what you all are doing in your cars.  You are listening to kids, eating potato chips, talking on the cell phone and doing all the craziness.”

While I would love to see this bill get passed, I think the big gray area surrounding a “reasonable period of time” is what is going to hinder this.  What is to stop someone from going through a light as soon as they approach it and it doesn’t turn?  What exactly is a “reasonable amount of time”?  1 minute?  5 minutes?  1 light cycle?  2 light cycles?  I see this becoming problematic, especially for the officer who has to decide whether someone broke the law or not.  But hey if nothing else, at least lawmakers are addressing the problem.        

New Harley-Davidson iPhone Map App From MAD Maps

A new iPhone app brings 975 different routes right to you and your bike, allowing for endless riding.  If you are tired of riding the same routes every time you go out, then this app is for you.  MAD Maps released its Harley-Davidson Map app for the iPhone last week, giving users maps to scenic rides all over the United States.  Designed to get you off the interstates, this app specializes in two-land scenic roads, rather than multi-lane highways.

With the help of seasoned riders, who know all the good routes and places to stop, this app will not only take you on some of the most scenic roads in the country; it will also point out places of interest from natural wonders to popular bars and restaurants. 

 "Our scouts are our product," said MAD Maps® Founder Jennifer Lefferts. "Instead of relying on satellites in the sky, our development depends on real people on the ground."

With this app you can discover a route that will take you through the canyons of the Black Hills in South Dakota, or follow the California coast and take in a view at Nepenthe.  As a result of the collaboration with Harley-Davidson, the app will point out any HD dealerships on the route, or Best Western hotels where you can get the benefits of their special Harley-Davidson rate.  Apparently the hotel also offers special amenities for bikers who are in their Rider-Friendly program, and even has a special rewards program for Harley riders as well.       

The app has a one-time fee of $4.99 and you can download it from www.madmaps.com. 

The World’s Most Expensive Motorcycle

It is quite common to hear about classic cars fetching over six figures, but it’s not very often you hear about motorcycles worth that much.   I came across this beast in a blog on Forbes, and it is pretty impressive.  It is believed to be the world’s most expensive motorcycle, expecting to be worth up to $750,000.

The bike is a 1954 AJS E95 “Porcupine” built by a British manufacturer during World War II, one of only four to ever be produced.  This particular motorcycle was the same type that famous road racer Les Graham used to win the 1949 Grand Prix World Championship. 

Courtesy of Bonhams

Nicknamed the “Porcupine” because of the unique spiked cooling fins on its head, this particular bike has been in the National Motorcycle Museum in England for the past two decades.  It will be on display at the Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance, one of the worlds’ most elite automobile shows.

  

The porcupine will be rubbing shoulders with roughly 200 of the most prized cars and bikes in the world on the famed 18^th hole of Pebble Beach, too bad I won’t be anywhere near there (not that they would let me in anyway).  I can’t even imagine how much money is going to be on that 18^th hole in the next few days…millions I’m sure.      

Waynesboro, Pa., Borough Council President Arrested After Biker-Brawl

Newcomer - Courtesy herald-mail.com

Now this is an interesting story, but apparently the Waynesboro (PA) Borough Council President was arrested last Monday on charges stemming from a biker-brawl on Feb. 13^th.  Craig Newcomer, 46, was charged with malicious wounding and subsequently released after he posted $50,000 bond.    

The brawl, which occurred at a Martinsburg (W.Va.) bar named the Dirty Dawg Saloon, left Ernest Eugene Cumbie with multiple facial and skull fractures, frontal lobe contusions, scalp hematoma, and traumatic brain injury.  Cumbie, 44 of Virginia, was flown by helicopter to Inova Fairfax Hospital. 

Newcomer, who has been on the borough council since 2005, is known as “Guido” in the Avenger Motorcycle Club with which he is a member.  According to an article by the Chambersburg Public Opinion, Martinsburg PD claim Newcomer “wanted to break in his new ring”.  Witnesses claim another Avenger member named “4^th Grade” said “Guido” was itching for a fight and that Newcomer himself later said, “I wonder if I killed the guy,” at Martinsburg’s VIP Gentlemen’s Club where they stopped afterward. 

Newcomer claims he is a member of the motorcycle club to teach them about god.  "Like Jesus, I like to witness to sinners," he told the Public Opinion.  He also said he goes “where all the street people go” because of his ministry work.   

Now this sounds like a man with conflicted interests.  One minute he is a pillar of the community, the next he is a rough-and-tumble biker.  From what little I can find on the Avengers Motorcycle Club (AMC), they are no joke.  A report from 1999 claims the FBI arrested 16 members of the AMC on racketeering charges.  The FBI says they conducted illegal activities in Ohio, Michigan, W.Va., Indiana, and Illinois.  Although Newcomer claims to be following the club for religious reasons, his actions say otherwise.  This will be a story to follow.   

AMA Superstar Mark Blackwell Joins Board of Zero Motorcycles

Courtsey AMA Hall of Fame

Zero Motorcycles is in the news yet again for another management shift, this time it’s for adding AMA superstar Mark Blackwell to their Board of Directors.  Blackwell, who is one of the first Motocross Superstars, was inducted into the AMA hall of fame in 2000. 

His previous experience includes senior positions at Suzuki, Victory and Husqvarna.  In addition, Blackwell is said to be one of the major factors for Husqvarna becoming profitable in the US.  He has also been involved in product development for Goodyear Tires, Scott Goggles, as well as Fox Racing.  

“I am delighted to join the Board of Zero Motorcycles. I have tracked the progress of the company from afar and been impressed with its growing product line and its increasingly well-established brand, channel, and supply chain,” Blackwell said in a press release.  “I look forward to helping the company grow in the coming years and advising its team of talented, industry-experienced executives.”

A manufacturer of electric bikes, Zero Motorcycles has been going through a series of management changes in the past few months.  CEO Gene Banman announced retirement in April, and an earlier “management shake-up” left founder Neil Saiki looking for a new job.  Zero has reportedly been trying to find management with actual motorcycle experience, and apparently they found it with Blackwell.   

 
Zero Motorcycles is known for producing high performance, lightweight, electric bikes.  They take pride in their Z-Force™ drive train powered by lithium-ion batteries, and their aircraft-grade aluminum frames.  What began in a garage in Santa Cruz, California, is now approaching world-wide fame by marketing the first fully electric line of motorcycles.

The Ténéré Expedition Tent from Redverz Gear

For those of you who do lot of touring, especially off the beaten path, you need to check out the new Ténéré Expedition Tent from Redverz Gear, formerly The Nomad Tent Company.  The tent was designed for adventure travelers and features a garage type bay specifically for a motorcycle.  Although it seems it has other uses as well.   

"At the end of a long day it is a place to unwind and a workspace to gear up for the day ahead," says founder and President Kevin Muggleton. "In a group it becomes the command post for the expedition.  We have riders dining, scheming, mapping and plotting all from our headquarters, it's very gratifying.”

The Ténéré Expedition Tent is a 2-person tent designed to be easy to set up and tear down, which is one of the features that make it unique.  You can set up the outer sheet, ride your bike in, and set up the inner portion while completely protected from the elements.  The design came from 20 years of adventure motorcycle travel experience and has been used all over the globe, from Alaska to Dakar.       
 
The second-generation of the tent is also available in a new green color in addition to yellow.  The price is $399 and you can find more information on their website, http://www.redverz.com

Telecom GPS Offers Affordable Theft Monitoring Device for Motorcycles

A new product by Telecom GPS allows you to locate, monitor and control your motorcycle (or car) from anywhere, anytime.  If you are concerned at all about having your motorcycle stolen or tampered with, you need to look in to this little gem. 

  

You can sign up to get email alerts to let you know if someone turns on the ignition, if your bike has been moved at all, or the location where it has been moved to.   

Or if you let someone borrow your bike, like a friend or relative, you can be notified if they ride over a certain speed, or take the bike out of a certain predefined area.  You can even remotely activate the starter and kill the engine if you want too.

All of these alerts are customizable to each specific user, and you can adjust how frequently you will be notified. You can even use these options from your smartphone, allowing you to monitor from literally anywhere.  The price is $389.99 for the device and a one-year subscription plan for motorcycles (for a car the price is a bit cheaper at $159.99 for the device and a one-year plan).

It’s nice to see options like this becoming more affordable for the everyday rider, so you don’t to drive a six-figure sports car or $40,000 custom chopper to justify the expense.  For more information you visit their website, or contact Ricardo Magalhaes at (203)491-8626.           

Harley-Davidson Celebrates Women Riders Month

Harley-Davidson is recognizing its 3^rd Annual Women Riders Month this May, and to celebrate HD announced they will be hosting a series of events at dealerships all over the world, including a commemorative ride on May 14.  Local dealerships will also feature women-only parties throughout the riding season.     

“Women riders represent one of the fastest growing demographics in the sport of motorcycling.  In fact, the Motorcycle Industry Council reports women now account for 23 percent of all U.S. motorcyclists and Harley-Davidson is the number one motorcycle choice among women riders,” Harley-Davidson said in a recent press release. 

Supermodel Marissa Miller is helping the motor company to celebrate Women Riders Month and to help draw in more female riders.  

"Every time I start my motorcycle, my heart starts pumping faster," said Miller.  "Learning to ride has changed my life.  The challenge of riding has made me stronger and given me a new outlet for my adventurous side.  I've met dozens of women riders who share my passion for the open road and I'm honored to help inspire even more women to get started on their riding journeys."

Women can find resources specifically designed for them, from stories to customizing their rides, at Harley’s website; www.h-d.com/women.  You can even find a schedule of upcoming women’s only Garage Parties in your area.  So if any of you women out there have been on the fence about getting on two wheels, this is your month.