Michigan Senate Passes Helmet Repeal

Soon, you could ride like Marky Mark!

On Tuesday, June 28, the Michigan Senate voted in favor of a bill to repeal the mandatory helmet law here.

The The Associated Press reports that lawmakers passed SB 291 by a 24-14 vote to allow riders 21 or older to go helmetless if they are older than 21, if they have been licensed to ride for at least two years or have passed a safety course and if they carry at least $100,000 of insurance coverage for first-party medical benefits.

The bill also has a "sunset provision" for the Secretary of State to study motorcycle accidents in the next four years so lawmakers may gauge the effects of the change. The insurance, sunset and study provisions were backed by Republican Sen. Roger Kahn of Saginaw, who voted against the overall bill because of safety concerns.

Other senators opposing the bill were Steve Bieda, D-Warren; Darwin Booher, R-Evart; Vincent Gregory, D-Southfield; Goeff Hansen, R-Hart; Morris Hood III, D-Detroit; Jim Marleau, R-Lake Orion; John Moolenaar, R-Midland; Mike Nofs, R-Battle Creek; John Pappageorge, R-Troy; John Proos, R-St. Joseph; Tonya Schuitmaker, R-Lawton; Rebekah Warren, D-Ann Arbor; and Gretchen Whitmer, D-East Lansing.

The Insurance Institute of Michigan opposes the bill, saying it would increase deaths and injuries and add to insurance costs.

Supporters of the repeal say the decision whether to wear a helmet should be a personal choice. But Michigan Public Radio's Rick Pluta reported that the compromise bill pleased almost no one:

"Opponents of the helmet law — such as (ABATE Legislative Officer) Jim Rhodes — say the coverage would too expensive for most people and is almost the same as not repealing the requirement at all.

“ 'It pretty much stops it in its tracks.'

"But he appears to agree with estimates that suggest without the additional coverage for helmetless riders, the public could be saddled with more than $100 million in medical costs."

The measure next goes to the state House, although The Associated Press reports it doesn’t appear that Gov. Rick Snyder is interested in considering the motorcycle helmet law on its own.

“We’re having some internal dialogue now and with some groups out there about parts of auto insurance we could look at to make it part of a bigger reform package,” Snyder told reporters Tuesday. “And I think that’s some of the dialogue that’ll take place over the summertime.”

The Legislature has passed bills to end the state’s mandatory motorcycle helmet law before, but then-Gov. Jennifer Granholm vetoed them.

Waiting for my Partner

Ironman installs a new handle on his saddlebag.

I did ride to work last Monday — Ride to Work Day — but it rained every day last week, and I took the car the next four days. Then, a miracle occurred. Opposite to the usual Michigan pattern of five gorgeous days and a weekend of rain, it was PERFECT weather for riding on Sat-Sun.

Alas, my riding partner was still laid up after a deer friend knocked him down. He did get busy polishing his scratched bags and replaced the screwed-up handles. But he won't ride without both engine guards and the new one hasn't come in yet.

I rode to my part-time job on Saturday, a 15-minute trip, then to the grocery store afterward, and home again. Then I sat by his side the rest of the afternoon, wishing we were on the road.

Sunday the sun rose with low humidity and beautiful fresh air flowing through the apartment and I'd be damned if I were going to sit here watching TV all day. I couldn't waste a day like this.

"Go ahead and go for a ride," he told me. I knew HE would have gone without me if the situation were reversed. But I just couldn't. Much as I wanted to ride, it just wouldn't be as much fun by myself.

We can't ride two-up on my bike. For one thing, I have a single-seater, and for two, I won't be legal to take a passenger till next year.

So I compromised. I kicked his butt and we took my car to Ann Arbor where we walked in the sun, did a little shop browsing and had lunch at Goodtime Charlie's.

Seems as if fate is conspiring to keep me from my plans for many long rides this summer. But there I go being a pessimist. Summer has just begun. We should have many more opportunities to come.

The scabs have fallen off, but his road rash is still oozing. Ick.

Moto Madness at Magny-Cours

Saw this video this morning on "Good Morning America." A racer crashed at the France Circuit of the 2011 French Road Racing Promosport Championship, and when a second rider went down, their handlebars locked with the second bike's throttle on full, causing the two bikes to spin. The second biker was obviously frustrated. But I'm totally amused.

Fun with physics!

Here's the Helmet

Ruth Johnson, Michigan Secretary of State, flanked by members of Michigan ABATE.

Have you ever put someone in a bad position without meaning to?

Apparently, I did it recently when I wrote about Michigan Secretary of State Ruth Johnson's motorcycle safety awareness event May 17 in Farmington Hills. I took a photo of her straddling a borrowed motorcycle that she would later ride to the event at Oakland Community College.

RJ tests out the fit of a bike.

An Oakland Press reader took issue with my photo in a letter to the editor printed May 29. William Walker of West Bloomfield Township wrote, "What’s wrong with that picture? She’s not wearing a helmet. And this is supposed to be an event to 'raise safety awareness'? Good grief."

This prompted my friend Tracy Ward, who is Ruth's communications liaison, to send in a letter of her own: "I’d like to clarify that the recent media photo of Secretary of State Ruth Johnson on a motorcycle without a helmet was taken as she checked the fit of the bike in front of the Motor City Harley dealership in Farmington Hills. The picture, which clearly shows the motorcycle’s kick-stand was down, was taken before the bike was started and before she rode it to a motorcycle safety awareness event. Secretary Johnson did, in fact, put a helmet on moments later, and does so whenever she rides."

I can attest to that. But I couldn't take a photo of her in her helmet because I was busy getting my own on my head and putting my bike into formation. Another fellow from her office took some photos of us riding, and so I had to beg one from Johnson's office.

Here it is, Mr. Walker, as proof. Thanks for writing.

I'm the neon yellow splotch near the back, just over Johnson's right shoulder.

Ride to Work Day June 20

Monday is annual Ride to Work Day, the third Monday in June, which is a pretty good bet for nice weather worldwide. So riders are encouraged to do their part to show their strength in numbers and help educate nonriders with whom we share the road.

The nonprofit website Ride to Work has badges and banners and cards you can distribute to friends and co-workers.

The event Ride to Work Day was inspired by "Work to Ride - Ride to Work'" marketing materials created between 1989 and 1991 by Aero Design and Manufacturing Co., according to a history essay on the site.

 I'm proud to say I've ridden my motorcycle to work at least once a week since March, and intend to do so as long as I can this year. I've left it home when the forecast called for thunderstorms, and when the temperature was freakishly over 90, when riding in urban traffic is just no fun.

Unfortunately for me, the local forecast is for scattered thunderstorms: "some may be severe." I did ride home in the rain one night last week, though it was a light, constant rain, and traffic was light as I left work late in the evening. I just washed the mud off her today.

I haven't decided whether it's worth risking it tomorrow. Won't decide till it's time to leave in the morning.

But if it's clear where you are, you'll have no excuses.

2011 Harley Fest June 18

If you've been reading my blog, you probably noticed I don't ride a Harley. But I am an equal-opportunity biker. So without further ado, here's the lowdown on the upcoming Harley Fest and charity ride for Southeast Michigan.

101 WRIF’s 13th Annual Motor City Harley-Davidson Harley Fest to be in Northville

Detroit's WRIF-101 FM is playing M.C. at the 13th Annual Motor City Harley-Davidson Harley Fest, Saturday, June 18, in a new location — Northville Community Park at Five Mile and Beck Road in Northville Township.

Harley Fest is an annual daylong event expected to attract Harley-Davidson motorcycle lovers from around Michigan to celebrate their bikes with live music, food and contests. Bikers and nonbikers alike are welcome.

Admission is free — but there is a $10 fee for parking — and features music from local bands including Under the Covers and Hinds Drive. In addition, several tribute bands will rock the stage, including Lookin’ Back (Bob Seger), The Nightmare (Alice Cooper), Panama (Van Halen) and Stranglehold (Ted Nugent).

Bikers can enter the “Best in Bike” contest, take helicopter rides, buy junque from a vendor village selling clothes, jewelry and airbrush arts, plus enjoy festival food, drinks (including Miller beer, natch) and a daylong live broadcast by WRIF, Detroit's HOME of rock 'n' roll.

New to this year’s event is the "Man Card Village." Men and women can get an official Man Card (uh, WoMan Card?) inside the village for access to manly games including a high striker, dunk tank, mechanical bull, motorcycle simulator, Marines pull challenge and a beer tournament where you could win an Apple vacation (not to be confused with Apple computers) and Tigers tickets.

(Editor's note: I do not recommend competing to show how much you can drink before driving, especially if you're driving a motorcycle.)

A highlight of the event is the Harley Fest Grand Prize Giveaway. Contestants turn their keys at Harley Fest at 3 p.m. to see if they win a 2011 Harley-Davidson XL 883 Iron Black Denim motorcycle and a $500. Immediately following the Harley giveaway, WRIF will host the first annual Miss Harley Fest competition.
Gates open at 11 a.m.

In addition to the festival, the annual ride departs the morning of the event from Motor City Harley-Davidson, at 34900 Grand River Ave., Farmington Hills, taking a scenic route to the event. Sign-up for the ride begins at 9 a.m. Riders are asked to pay $20 per bike to participate in the ride, which benefits the Muscular Dystrophy Association of Michigan. The fee includes an MDA collector’s pin and parking fees for Harley Fest. Funds collected from the 2011 Harley Fest will be used to help more than 1,800 children and adults in the Metro Detroit area affected by Muscular Dystrophy.

MDA is a nonprofit health agency seeking treatments and cures for more than 40 neuromuscular diseases, including muscular dystrophy, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), spinal muscular atrophy (SMA), Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease (CMT) and Friedreich’s ataxia (FA).

For more information on the ride, call Motor City Harley-Davidson at (248) 473-7433.

The event is sponsored by Motor City Harley-Davidson and Miller.


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Bye-bye Street Sport Cycles

Early in the spring, we stopped and looked at the incredible Victory motorcycles at Street Sport Cycles in White Lake Township. Some of them are like sculpture, with the V-shaped rear end on those massive, powerful machines.

Arlen Ness with his custom 2009 Victory Vision.

Then a week or two ago I noticed the shop was closed and empty. What the ... ??

@BarbBeaubien — co-owner of the American Road Shop in nearby Waterford had the answer on Twitter: "Hey Nicole...The owner sold the franchise to a dealership up Flint way and closed up."

Flint? FLINT?? What's Flint got that we ain't got? Oh, right. Lower rent, maybe.

How disappointing! I mean, I don't have a Victory — in fact, I don't personally know anyone who has one — but I hate to see any business close, especially a motorcycle-related one.

Looking for showroom space on a busy suburban street?

Not anymore, Monty.

All that's left of Street Sport ... sniff, sniff.

Totalled!

Gee ... doesn't look so bad from this side.

The insurance adjuster finally came out to the house yesterday — and meanwhile, my husband finally went to the doctor to get antibiotics for his swollen, torn-up arm.

Not so great from this side! It's is what they call "road rash," but I call it a mess. His hand swelled and the skin bubbled up when he had a bad reaction to the antiseptic.

The good news: Ironman is going to be OK. The bad news — equally predictable — the bike was "totalled." That means the damage will cost so much to repair that the insurance company isn't willing to pay for it. No surprise; replacing parts costs more than building the bike in the first place. But it still runs fine — the damage is cosmetic.

So either they give us a check and take the Vulcan Nomad away, or they give us a smaller check and we keep it. Then my man goes to work fixing it.

Ironman is as torn in his heart as he is in his arm and poor oozing knee.

He loves his bike. But lately he's been complaining that without me riding on back, he doesn't need one so big. He could take the money and buy a new one.

Ooh, I shouldn't have brought that up.

I love his bike, too. He customized it. I love the lights he mounted on leather and lashed around the rear bags. Road Kings are practically a dime a dozen. His is unique.

But it's a big decision for him. All I said is think about it before you decide.

The adjuster marked all the dented parts with blue marker.

"Twisted" front fender, and a black eye!

A good view of what happened when the engine guard bent back about 60 degrees, pulling up the footboard and trapping the brake pedal.

Here's a spot where some major metal was shaved down by friction. The footpeg on the engine guard folded, too. That's easy to fix! But the whole bar needs replacing.

I don't see a dent in the circle. But the half-inch shaved off the handle is obvious.

Expect the Unexpected

It happened again. A deer leaped out from brush beside the road and straight into Ironman's front wheel.

I wasn't there this time, but I have a permanent reminder of what happened in 2002 when we were riding two-up and going about 35 mph as a deer jumped directly onto our fender.

This time, the temperature was somewhere in the 90s and he was not wearing his leather — or any jacket. He did have on a long-sleeve shirt and his work uniform, which were torn completely through by the friction of pavement when he went down.

The deer limped away, not to be seen again.

He was able to drive his motorcycle home, but said the handlebars were bent, the headlights broken and the rear brake rendered unusable.

The crash bar was bent back and inward, pinning the floorboard and rear brake.

He took the next two days off work, spraying with antiseptic/anesthetic and icing the swollen places on his arm and knee. But his bike will not heal itself.

I did not take photos of his wounds, in respect of his privacy, but did document some of the damage to the bike. We haven't had an insurance adjuster out just yet, so I don't know what it'll cost to repair his Kawasaki Vulcan Nomad. But judging by the cost of car repairs, even little fixes turn into big bucks.

Of course, nobody can predict an event like this — it could be waiting around any corner. But the right protective gear could have eased his suffering. Which is why a friend of ours says, "I'd rather sweat than get a skin graft." Ironman was lucky this time — his injuries weren't that bad. But my feeling is if it's too hot to wear a jacket, it's too hot to ride.

Also, when I ride, I say a prayer for protection, and I talk to the deer: "You don't want to crash and I don't want to crash, so let's both get through the day safely, OK?"

May sound silly, but who does it hurt?

Metal was ground off the handle on his saddlebag.

The right rearview mirror snapped off; brake cylinder is scraped, as is the windshield.

Eyelashes he fabricated for his headlights were all bent.

And the righthand supplemental headlight was bent and broken.

Freedom Rally Today

Today is the annual ABATE of Michigan Freedom Rally in Lansing.

The organization, which fights for the rights of motorcyclists, has been working to repeal the state helmet law for years. To do this, members have been lobbying and urging legislators to let riders decide.

ABATE legislative director Jim Rhodes believes the law is hurting Michigan's economy by keeping many vacationing bikers away from our state. Here is ABATE's argument for repeal.

Former Gov. Jennifer Granholm opposed the change, but repeal supporters expect a different response from Gov. Rick Snyder.

The Senate Transportation Committee on Tuesday passed a bill 4-1 with four Republicans votes for and one Democrat against. Senate Bill 291 would allow riders 21 or older to ride without a helmet if they have had a motorcycle endorsement for at least two years, or passed a motorcycle safety course.

A previous bill, House Bill 4008, would allow riders 21 years or older to ride without a helmet if they have a $20,000 medical policy.

Clutch and Chrome has a very complete article about the issue.

The Freedom Rally begins at noon.

Dripping with Oil

Gee ... what's under that shiny air compartment cover?

What was I thinking?

We changed the oil in my bike last fall before parking it for the winter, and I was concerned that it needed changing again. So I picked up a filter and asked my Ironman to direct and helping me find the right tools. After all, our garage is testosterone-land.

It was hot there in the driveway where I did the oil change, but I wore a long-sleeve shirt to block muffler burns. I'd rather sweat than get a skin graft.

Ironman was great. He told me what t do step by step and we didn't raise our voices once.

The job took longer than I expected — first I had to find the right wrench and locate the oil drain plug. We consulted the owner manual several times, for the procedure and amount of oil the bike needed.

I found it easier to refill the oil with the air filter cover removed, something I'd never done before. I'd often wondered what it looked like under that shiny teardrop-shaped cover. So I grabbed an allen wrench and pulled it off. While we were in there, we inspected the air filter, which looked kind of dirty to me, but Ironman thought it wasn't that bad, especially considering we live off a dirt road. We blew it out with compressed air and put it back.

The air filter is on the right. Oil had collected around the bottom of the case.

Some oil dripped around the filler hole.

One thing that surprised me was oil inside the air filter compartment. I wiped that out, but I still wonder what it means and if it's a problem.

When we poured in the 2.7 quarts of fresh oil required for my Shadow, we overdid it a little. Ironman took the blame — he forgot to hold it upright while I checked the level.

A little more than an hour later, I went to write down the date and mileage, and that's when I realized I had REALLY jumped the gun on this. The manual advises changing engine oil every 8,000 miles or 12 months, and I'd done it a mere 1,500 miles ago.

Huh. Guess I should have read the manual a little closer.

Why a Harley?

2007 Harley-Davidson Softail Deluxe.

 The above YouTube Video shows a Harley dealer selling a 2006 Honda Shadow Aero, similar to mine.

Yesterday I met a woman who stopped to chat as we were eating dinner at a sidewalk table in Milford. She saw our bikes parked across the road and wanted to ask me about mine, because she wants to get a bike.

She asked what kind it was, and I told her about my Honda Shadow. She said friends had told her to get a Harley ... she couldn't remember the name of the bike. Eventually it came to her: Softail.

I said that I thought a Softail would be a little big for me, as a new rider with only a season and a half of riding experience.

Our conversation raised a question I've often had. Why a Harley? Why do people automatically think that if you don't have a Harley-Davidson you don't have a "real" motorcycle?

A friend of mine once told me that if she bought a bike it would "only" be a Harley. I know something about her, though. She is impressed by labels; the kind of woman who would rather be seen carrying a Gucci bag than one that is practical and suits her needs.

Incidentally, Harley-Davidson has an answer for "Why a Harley?"

Maybe I'm as prejudiced as the Harley people are, but to me this is a bit of false mystique. Yes, it's an American brand. And no doubt Harleys have fine attributes. For instance, the Softail comes with anti-lock brakes. My bike doesn't have that.

But they also have drawbacks, including the exorbitant price of all Harley-branded goods and the commercialism surrounding them, which makes me bristle.

I told this beautiful woman how much I enjoy my Shadow. It's big enough to get on the freeway, but small enough for me to get around town, light enough to control and yes, I can pick it up by myself if it falls over.

It's also water cooled. The air-cooled Harley overheats when you get stuck in traffic. Not to mention my bike cost me less than a Softail (a new Fat Boy Lo costs three times what I paid for my bike), and it gets 60 miles to the gallon of gasoline. Can you say that about your Softail?

We live in a world economy. Honda may be a Japanese company, but people living in Ohio build them. Anyway, to me being American means having choices and buying what is best for me at the best price.

Another friend told me of a couple he knows who bought a "midlife crisis" bike that was not a Harley, and when they stopped at a biker bar, nobody would talk to them. So they went out and traded it for a Harley. That's sad. Weren't we taught as children to resist peer pressure?

Whatever you ride, just do it because you love it and not because someone told you to.

Ha. And look at me — I wore a Harley-Davidson shirt today.

That's me at my desk at work.

You'll note the jacket; yes, I rode today.