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[spydglide]

Now that's funny, right there.     Har!   spyder

[ak]

saw this in san jose mercury news a while back ,Article won,t scan so i,ll re-type it       NEWS OF THE WEIRD                                                                                                          MAN CRASHES NEW HARLEY                                                                                  10 SECONDS INTO 1st RIDE                                                                                   To addres a self-described "mid-age crisis,"Jim Zimmerman of Saginaw,Mich., bought a Harley-Davidson in september, even though he was 60 years old and hadn,t been on a bike in 30 years; 10 seconds into his first ride,he slammed into a utility pole and broke several ribs,and shortly afterward sold the bike.       ---Chuck Shepherd                      I don,t like Hog group rides or if i,m in a big pack i stay in one place with lots of room around me  -AK

[JCZ]

Happened at Elk Grove Harley Sat. before last.  

The guy just bought his first new Harley.  Got on it in the parking lot, went around one of the center parking lot islands, came back at the building, panicked, said he got his hand caught between the throttle and front brake, twisted the throttle.........scraped along the front side of their new building the full length, across the sidewalk, about twenty feet of landscaping just missing a couple large pine trees and rode right through the cynder block wall and out onto the side street.

He was really lucky in that he only messed up his hand, some abrasions and bruises all over.  The bike went in the back door to service and he went to the hospital.  Total length of his ride was maybe 40 seconds.

It was reported that he was overheard saying "you guys make it look so easy......I just don't know what happened".  I'm glad that he didn't get real hurt or killed but when I saw the building and block wall I couldn't help but laugh like hell.

[grc]

Happened at Elk Grove Harley Sat. before last.  

The guy just bought his first new Harley.  Got on it in the parking lot, went around one of the center parking lot islands, came back at the building, panicked, said he got his hand caught between the throttle and front brake, twisted the throttle.........scraped along the front side of their new building the full length, across the sidewalk, about twenty feet of landscaping just missing a couple large pine trees and rode right through the cynder block wall and out onto the side street.

He was really lucky in that he only messed up his hand, some abrasions and bruises all over.  The bike went in the back door to service and he went to the hospital.  Total length of his ride was maybe 40 seconds.

It was reported that he was overheard saying "you guys make it look so easy......I just don't know what happened".  I'm glad that he didn't get real hurt or killed but when I saw the building and block wall I couldn't help but laugh like hell.

JC,

Had something similar in the local paper this summer.  I thought I had saved it, but now I can't find it.  In this case a gentleman purchased a new Suzuki touring bike, and on his way out of the dealers parking lot ran straight into the side of a car belonging to one of the ladies working there.  Total damage between the bike and the car came to between $4k and $5k.  You would think that a responsible dealer would make sure you knew how to ride before turning you loose on a large, heavy, and relatively powerful motorcycle.   [smiley=nixweiss.gif]

Jerry

[Twolanerider]

Actually I've heard from more than source that the dealers are instructed to very specifically not make sure the rider has any particular skill.  The only thing they're supposed to do is sponsor a training class for a group of riders or something like that.  But if a guy comes in a buys a bike and says "you'll show me how to ride it, right?", liability concerns apparently dictate against having anything to do with showing the individual how to do it.

It's the state's responsibility to "certify" appropriate skill through the motorcycle endorsement on the driver's license.  But in every state I'm aware of the state doesn't require the endorsement to be able to make a purchase (because it could be a gift I guess).  But if a dealer screwed around with a guy on a parking lot for awhile and then said "you're good to go" followed by him immediately crashing they'd get sued.  So it's something that's not smart for them to do.

[grc]

Actually I've heard from more than source that the dealers are instructed to very specifically not make sure the rider has any particular skill.  The only thing they're supposed to do is sponsor a training class for a group of riders or something like that.  But if a guy comes in a buys a bike and says "you'll show me how to ride it, right?", liability concerns apparently dictate against having anything to do with showing the individual how to do it.

It's the state's responsibility to "certify" appropriate skill through the motorcycle endorsement on the driver's license.  But in every state I'm aware of the state doesn't require the endorsement to be able to make a purchase (because it could be a gift I guess).  But if a dealer screwed around with a guy on a parking lot for awhile and then said "you're good to go" followed by him immediately crashing they'd get sued.  So it's something that's not smart for them to do.

Twolane,

I know you're right, but that still doesn't make it right (if you know what I mean).  What ever happened to common sense and personal responsibility?  Thanks to wacky psychologists and our legal system, people no longer take responsibility for their own stupidity - it's always someone else's fault.  My favorite all time example of this is the brain dead woman who bought a cup of coffee at a McDonalds drive-thru, placed it between her legs rather than in the cup holder, and drove off.  Of course, the first bump she hit splashed the hot coffee onto sensitive portions of her anatomy.  She sued McDonalds, and somehow our legal system not only allowed the suit to proceed, but she won! (I believe the ridiculous award was later reduced on appeal.)  Now, the last time I checked most folks expect their coffee to be hot.  If they were served tepid coffee they would complain and demand a new cup.

There are so many examples just as stupid as this one that it would take a large book to contain them all.  I believe we may need to institute a national "common sense" exam, with different color-coded levels, and require everyone to display their "common sense card" before they are allowed to purchase anything that could be even remotely dangerous.  The only down side I can see to that is that the economy would fall straight into recession, since a large percentage of the population would not be allowed to purchase much of anything.

JMHO  -  Jerry

[BLM777]

Actually I've heard from more than source that the dealers are instructed to very specifically not make sure the rider has any particular skill.  The only thing they're supposed to do is sponsor a training class for a group of riders or something like that.  But if a guy comes in a buys a bike and says "you'll show me how to ride it, right?", liability concerns apparently dictate against having anything to do with showing the individual how to do it.

It's the state's responsibility to "certify" appropriate skill through the motorcycle endorsement on the driver's license.  But in every state I'm aware of the state doesn't require the endorsement to be able to make a purchase (because it could be a gift I guess).  But if a dealer screwed around with a guy on a parking lot for awhile and then said "you're good to go" followed by him immediately crashing they'd get sued.  So it's something that's not smart for them to do.

Absolutely right 2Lane.....I think you'll notice that most all dealerships are now spending the time and resources to qualify an employee to direct the "Riders Edge" courses as well as becoming state certified to sign off on the endorsement.  Some are videotaping the student final exam as an archive defense should a claim arise.  Wow.

I can recall one incident about a year ago where a dealership was sued because the salesman instructed a "newbie" buyer on how to start his purchase.  The bike was delivered to the man's home where he later started it and proceeded to drive through his sliding patio doors into the family room.  The liability carrier settled for 10k rather than litigate the claim.

Unfortunately, these are the same people who get the free HOG membership with their new purchase.  Nope, I'll pass on the HOG rides and feel thankful about surviving the good ol' days when Jack Daniels was riding the bitch seat.

[JCZ]

Absolutely right 2Lane.....I think you'll notice that most all dealerships are now spending the time and resources to qualify an employee to direct the "Riders Edge" courses as well as becoming state certified to sign off on the endorsement.  Some are videotaping the student final exam as an archive defense should a claim arise.  Wow.

I can recall one incident about a year ago where a dealership was sued because the salesman instructed a "newbie" buyer on how to start his purchase.  The bike was delivered to the man's home where he later started it and proceeded to drive through his sliding patio doors into the family room.  The liability carrier settled for 10k rather than litigate the claim.

Unfortunately, these are the same people who get the free HOG membership with their new purchase.  Nope, I'll pass on the HOG rides and feel thankful about surviving the good ol' days when Jack Daniels was riding the bitch seat.

Yea, I'll ride with you BLM! [smiley=xyxthumbs.gif]  My thoughts are what yours are on those large group rides that HOG does.  I tried em years ago, when HOG first started and way too many really stupid mistakes, cutting each other off, switching back and forth from one lane to another, panic stopping in a group, etc.

[BLM777]

Yea, I'll ride with you BLM! [smiley=xyxthumbs.gif]  My thoughts are what yours are on those large group rides that HOG does.  I tried em years ago, when HOG first started and way too many really stupid mistakes, cutting each other off, switching back and forth from one lane to another, panic stopping in a group, etc.

Thanks JC...Glad to see I'm not the only cranky ol' bastard on the site.

[CVOJOE]

First on HOG, I've been a long time member and have both enjoyed it and dreaded some of the events. First joined way back in '86 while it was just getting started and before it became such a corporate entity and profit center. As in any group, there are the doers, followers, and the political types. I still participate in some of the group rides, but it's become almost a liability with the mix of very experienced, somewhat experienced, inexperienced and those that absolutely have no business on two wheels at all. Group rides are becoming less and less fun, especially in larger groups and I prefer the smaller, faster groups myself. The friendships are great and I think the whole 'family' thing comes from riders in general, rather than the HOG thing. HOG just puts an easily advertised, and organization behind the whole deal. With almost a million members, there has to be something to it. I was just did a fly-n-ride in HI and the dealer made me ride the scooter up, down, and around the parking lot to ensure I could handle a bagger. This was a first as normally they just hand you the keys and off you go. At first I thought it silly, but now I don't blame them one bit with all the liability issues and it makes sense. I can't see how some states get around doing the whole classroom and riding testing before turning someone loose on the streets, but then it's the same story with boating. If you've got the $'s you're qualified in places. Just my dos centavos worth.  [smiley=helmet.gif]

[grc]

 ... I can't see how some states get around doing the whole classroom and riding testing before turning someone loose on the streets, but then it's the same story with boating. If you've got the $'s you're qualified in places. Just my dos centavos worth.  [smiley=helmet.gif]

I ran into just such a stupid thing after moving to Indiana.  First, even though I had over 30 years riding experience and motorcycle endorsements from Virginia and Michigan previously, I had to take the written and driving tests for an Indiana endorsement.  The best part, however, was that after passing the written test, they would not allow me to take the driving test for another month because they wanted me to practice on my new bike before taking the test!  Duh!

Jerry

[sefatboyscott]

I switched from Connecticut to Ohio license and they marked my license as Novice since it is the first year of endorsement in Ohio, which means only that you have to wear a helmet. Where it hurts is that I don't have the 1 year experience required to rent a Harley.......even though I been riding since I was 12 years old and on the street since 16.

[CVOJOE]

Gotta luv them dmvbureaucrats, bet less than 1 percent of them ride much less understand. [smiley=drink.gif]

[Striker]

My insurance covers the roadside hazard for my scooters, it sounds like it is as good or better than what I would get from HOG.  I think they have a cool patch tho!

[jeffj]

National HOG Membership Prices have and are increasing:

New Membership Rates – The price of full and associate H.O.G.® memberships has increased as of November 1, 2005. The price of Life Memberships will increase as of January 1, 2006. Visit the My Membership or FAQs section for complete details.

Current prices are as follows (in $US):
Full membership: One year: $45
Two years: $85
Three years: $120

Associate membership: One year: $25
Two years: $45
Three years: $65

Full life membership: $500
Full life membership after five consecutive years of membership:  $300

Associate life membership:  $250
Associate life membership after five consecutive years of membership:  $150

Life Membership – Effective January 1, 2006  
Full life membership: $650
Full life membership after five consecutive years of membership:  $400

Associate life membership:  $325
Associate life membership after five consecutive years of membership:  $200

Note: Memberships are non-refundable and non-transferable