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[VaEagle]

Intersting news story on increased motorcycle sales and in turn increased accidents.

http://www.wvec.com/news/topstories/stories/wvec_local_062606_motorcycle_gas_safety.40798e68.html

They interview an owner of a local import bike dealership and they state that they can't keep bikes in stock, all warehouses are empty and that the makers are comming out early with the 2009s to meet demands.....Wow big difference from the Harley dealerships in the area.
Video mentions many folks dragging bikes out of storage to ride also and service departments are backed up. Safety classes are full and there is a backup on them too.

[FLYNDYNA]

A trend directly related to gas pricing...they really should make it mandatory to take a rider safety course for first time motorcycle licenses. Perhaps also a mental acuity test for the ones buying the rice rocket bikes...

[Boatman]

...they really should make it mandatory to take a rider safety course for first time motorcycle licenses.

If all lisence holders were required to take a motorcycle class we would all be a lot safer.

Regarding gas prices, the high cost hasn't SLOWED anyone down in our area.  Speed up to a red traffic light and slam on the brakes.

[Ironhorse]

I agree, it's gas price driven. Yesterday I got a call from a Yamaha salesman asking me if I could train new riders. I told him my course was for experienced riders and not beginners. I gave him the number for MSF/CMSP.

I may be out of line, but good gas milage is a benefit of riding a motorcycle. But to buy a motorcycle JUST to save gas may not be a good idea. I believe before someone makes that purchase and swings their leg over the saddle, they need to be commited to riding and being safer rider, and that comes from the INSIDE, and not the wallet. Folks just buy a bike and think "That's It". Well it's not, they need the right gear, for ALL kinds of weather. They need training followed up by regular practice. If they are not going to commit themselves to that then maybe a SmartCar or electric car is the way to go. I hope I didn't piss anyone off with my rant.

[FUZZNUTS]

I agree, it's gas price driven. Yesterday I got a call from a Yamaha salesman asking me if I could train new riders. I told him my course was for experienced riders and not beginners. I gave him the number for MSF/CMSP.

I may be out of line, but good gas milage is a benefit of riding a motorcycle. But to buy a motorcycle JUST to save gas may not be a good idea. I believe before someone makes that purchase and swings their leg over the saddle, they need to be commited to riding and being safer rider, and that comes from the INSIDE, and not the wallet. Folks just buy a bike and think "That's It". Well it's not, they need the right gear, for ALL kinds of weather. They need training followed up by regular practice. If they are not going to commit themselves to that then maybe a SmartCar or electric car is the way to go. I hope I didn't piss anyone off with my rant.

You won't piss anyone off here. The other day I was in traffic waiting for a light and one of those scooters came up the side of the road to get up to the traffic light,on the right side of the road and got in front of the lead car , got back into the middle of the road and proceded to piss everyone off becuase that piece of crap could'nt go more than 30 mph. Up a hill no less. What a strapper

[FLYNDYNA]

I agree, those hairdryers on wheels seem to be a real nuisance on the roads. 45 mph speed limit and we're all doing 32 because scooter boy and rider have to hog the road...grrrr

[grc]

Look at it this way guys, those scooter folks are helping you to get better fuel economy by limiting your acceleration and speed.

It would be nice if the streets in this country had paved shoulders with bicycle type lanes so that bicycles and perhaps even scooters could stay out of the main flow of traffic, but unfortunately I've only been in a handfull of places with that type of foresight.  I can't really blame the scooter folks for taking up a position in the center of the lane, since the typical car or truck driver rarely pulls out to pass them but instead tries to squeeze by in the same lane.  I learned shortly after buying my first motorcycle to take up a position in the left tire track on the roads so that people couldn't squeeze me off the road or sideswipe me while trying to pass.

Jerry

[FLYNDYNA]

yeah, I practise that riding rule as well. Seems like the best position in the road for visibility too...

[miker]

I keep weaving a bobbing along...Keep em guessin!