Owning a Bike

Published by: 2Wheeltips on 18th Aug 2010 | View all blogs by 2Wheeltips

I'm sure I wrote a blog about this somewhere, but since I didn't see it in this category I figured I'd write another one. I guess it will not hurt.

Donʼt even think about riding without insurance or registration
If you get stopped, you could pay fines, get points on your regular license and  have increased car insurance. The police will not let you ride it away meaning you will need to get it towed. If you leave it on the side of the
road, it's an invitation for someone to steal it. Either way, you will be walking.

Take a class and get a motorcycle license
If you don't, you are a danger to yourself and to others because you havenʼt learned the absolute basics of riding a motorcycle. If you think you will not get caught, think again. Police set up check points all the time on motorcycle routes because they know a good deal of bikers donʼt have licenses, endorsement, inspections, proper helmets or insurance. Again, if you want to walk home, have your bike towed or stolen, and pay big fines....ride without a license.

Get enough insurance
Another thing is to get the proper amount of insurance. Unfortunately you can get a
bare bones policy that offers very minimal coverage. Not even enough to fix a broken arm, replace a car rear view mirror or even repair your bike. These policies are cheap, but are they worth it?

Don't get a stolen bike
In some areas you can get a “hot” bike for $500.00. It may be tempting..... but do you
really feel comfortable riding around on a stolen bike?

Although you probably would never do any of the above in your car, too many motorcyclists ride around without a license and proper paper work. With all of the focus on cracking down on motorcyclists, doing any of the above is a sure way to get yourself into trouble.


Comments

3 Comments

  • GoldwingRon
    by GoldwingRon 1 year ago
    This is excellent advice, and just to reiterate on the fact that there are checkpoints, the National Highway Safety Foundation is prepared to grant funds to local governments to create checkpoints specifically aimed at motorcyclists ONLY. This information can be verified through the American Motorcyclist Association or by visiting the following link.

    http://capwiz.com/amacycle/issues/alert … 1&queueid=
  • 2Wheeltips
    by 2Wheeltips 1 year ago
    Good link.
    I know the first day of Americade NY State had motorcycle checkpoints. I guess we will begin seeing more of these. Interesting to see what "inspection" will be checked in NJ since motorcycles no longer require inspection.
  • GoldwingRon
    by GoldwingRon 1 year ago
    The funny thing is if you check what the state of New Jersey requirements are relative to other states, they are pretty lenient. There is no maximum noise requirement, and no turn signal requirements, eye protection only if you don't have a windshield; to name a few. The main concern for riders in this state should be DOT certified helmet and possibly the 4 inches of reflective material on each side of the helmet. In addition handlebars can not exceed the riders shoulders. If you ride legally you should have nothing to worry about. If you feel this infringes on your personal(civil) rights, your best bet is to join the American Motorcyclists Association. It is unfortunate that we have so many riders in this country and so few members of the AMA. Unless you are willing to go to bat yourself to fight for those rights, I would personally recommend joining. To see the list of laws by state, go to the link below. It's also a good idea to check those laws before traveling outside your familiar territory to insure that your bike is legal and that you know what you can and can't do in those other states.

    http://www.amadirectlink.com/legisltn/laws.asp
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