Now you might say yea, ok, I know what I want but I just can walk in as say “This is what I want, go for it” cause I’ve got a family to feed, but what most don’t realize is small incremental changes can make a serious difference in how your bike looks and rides.

The following is a list of a few enhancements to you bike that will increase their performance and even save you a buck or two.

-          READ A DAMN BOOK!!- Cost $20-$40 (less if you’re nice to the librarian)

Doing this allows you to become a better rider, mechanic, or both. It gives you a quick reference guide to follow for doing simpler mechanical upgrades that some forget they can do themselves with a little elbow grease. This also can save you some serious cash!!

-          Adjust your bikes suspension settings to your weight & riding style- Cost $0

Although many of use wish we weighed 150 lbs (the generic weight most manufacturers use to set stock suspensions), most of us fall on the wrong side of that number. If you followed the above performance suggestion then you should know this process just make sure to employ a friend to help you out cause this is a two man job (a beer coxes most friends). If you need additional information about this procedure there are many how too descriptions available on the internet. This procedure not only increases performance but also increases the comfort of your ride (your passenger will thank you for it too).

-          Replacing your tires- Cost $200-$300

Something that may seem like a routine maintenance chore can also bring benefit your bike with better traction, improved handling and safety. Nothing brings back that new-bike feeling like a set of new tires.

If you’re looking for more aesthetic custom upgrades, your bike can go from modest to mean with a few small changes. A new set of handle bars you can usually pick up for under $350. Sissy bars can make a big change to a bike giving it a different shape without any large modification or cost not to mention the lady on the back can RELAX with out fear of fallin’ off! One of the most drastic custom changes is modifying the frame of you bike. You can always work up to a frame change, which can be done for as little as $1,200, and custom change your bike from their.

All of these and many other modifications are within your reach, so get your plan together and for goodness sakes be patient and you will have the bike of your dreams before you know it.

Being seen by other traffic has always been an issue for bikers.  Many bikers wear high visibility yellow, orange or bright red jackets/helmets.  Daytime lights on bikes have also helped.  But, headlamp modulators are becoming the latest rage.

What is a headlamp modulator?

While daytime running lights (DRL) are on most bikes manufactured after 1979, headlamp modulators helped you get noticed by flickering high-beam lights.  Disliked by some, misunderstood by many, MODULATORS GET YOU NOTICED ! Being noticed improves the odds that you’ll be seen by an inattentive driver and your chance for a collision with an auto is greatly reduced.

What is recommended for installation?

Headlight modulator installation is recommended for the cycle’s HIGH beam element, although it is legal on either high or low beam.  The reason the high beam is preferred is because the high beam pattern illuminates the area to the center and left of the bike’s centerline, which is the direction from which the majority of auto-cycle collisions occur… especially oncoming cars turning left in front of the cycle.

Are headlamp modulators illegal?

NO! Headlamp modulators are 100 % legal. The specific regulation on modulators is 49CFR (Title 49 of the Code of Federal Regulations) Section 571.108, paragraph S7.9.4, entitled “Motorcycle Headlamp Modulation System.”

How do I defend myself if someone says these are illegal?

First, you must make one clear distinction. A modulating headlamp DOES  NOT  FLASH! Flashing is defined as the rapid turning on and turning off of power to the lamp.  With a headlight modulator, the lamp never turns off, but rather power is varied between two different power levels at a specific rate of speed.  Therefore it does not flash.  It simply modulates (or pulsates, shimmers, twinkles or flickers, if you prefer).  Flashing lights are illegal on all but emergency vehicles.  But Modulating lights are legal. Second, you can cite the above referenced FEDERAL regulation that outlines the legality of headlamp modulators and point out that federal regulation supersedes what ever law they are trying to claim you are breaking.

We at (800) Bill Ley believe getting noticed helps bikers STAY ALIVE.  Check out a headlamp modulator to see if you agree.  GET NOTICED!  STAY ALIVE!

Garmin’s waterproof Zūmo 660 GPS can be the brains of your bike. A speed limit indicator and lane assist help         keep you on track, while MP3 and Bluetooth features help you secretly rock out to the Glee soundtrack in         your helmet.

Called the “cross over helmet”, it includes

VPS (Vision Protection System): A short dark shield mounted on the inside of the helmet and moving            independently from the face shield.  It provides eye protection and is also available in amber, light blue and      light smoke.  It is operated by a large rubber coated slider on the left side of the helmet.

Quick-Change Face Shield: Is claimed to be optically correct; meets UV 400 standards for UV protection; and  fitted in an exceptionally large eye port.

Separate Visor Peak: The helmet comes with a short black peak that can be installed at the top of the eye port instead of the clear shield.

Ncom Intercom Ready: The N43 Trilogy, like the N43 Air, is ready for the Nolan Ncom Bluetooth communication system.

Helmet Shell: The helmet uses a lightweight aerodynamic polycarbonate shell with built-in spoiler for improved stability.Liner: It has a fully removable and washable “Clima-Comfort” liner, which is claimed to be antibacterial, antifungal and moisture wicking.

Perhaps the most important safety tool you can carry when on the road, a good tire gauge can mean the difference between a properly handling motorcycle and a serious safety hazard. Studies indicate that properly inflated tires promote optimal braking, steering and traction–as well as extended tire life. A 30% reduction in pressure reduces tire life a whopping 48%!

Check these items out.  Now hit the road!  Ride safe, smart and hard.

Hurt on a bike, call (800) Bill Ley now!  We protect bikers all across Texas.

Campaign to Share the Road Safely with Motorcycles
Kicks Off

Texas has over 431,000 registered motorcycles and more than its share of motorcycle crashes. According to the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) preliminary crash data, 526 riders died last year on Texas public roads. “Because there are a lot more motorcycles out there, we’re seeing more motorcycle crashes,” says Associate Research Scientist Patricia Turner with the Center for Transportation Safety at the Texas Transportation Institute (TTI). “Motorcycles can easily be overlooked and a crash often results in an injury or even death,” says Turner.

For the past three years TTI has partnered with the TxDOT and the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) to develop educational materials and messages for both drivers and riders to help improve the safety for motorcyclists and reduce the number of motorcycle crashes and injuries.

The message speaks straight to the issue as 50 percent of all fatal crashes involve a motorcycle and another vehicle. More often the vehicle turns left in front of the motorcycle or hits the motorcycle while the rider is passing or overtaking the car. “I never saw the rider,” is one of the most common responses the driver says after they’ve struck a motorcyclist. “We want all drivers to look for motorcycles every time they’re on the road and pay particular attention when they’re turning left, especially at intersections,” Turner said.

The Look Twice for Motorcycles campaign message will reach residents via billboards, transit bus wraps and radio and television public service announcements (PSAs). The message also incorporates the “Share the Road” decal displayed on TxDOT roadway signs across the state.

“We want to reach as many people as we can,” explains TxDOT Motorcycle Program Manager, Gonzalo Ponce. “Registered motorcycles are at an all-time high in Texas. A motorcycle may not have been there when you looked before.”

Safety tips for motorists who share the road with motorcyclists

• Look twice for motorcyclists—at intersections, entering highways and whenever turning or changing lanes. The small size of motorcycles often makes them hard to see, and motorcyclists can get lost in blind spots.
• Always maintain a safe following distance. Motorcycles can stop more quickly than passenger vehicles.
• When passing a motorcyclist, move to the other lane and allow a full lane for the motorcycle. After doing so, avoid re-entering the lane too quickly.

East Texas

Kilgore – The Country Tavern

Some of the best ribs in Texas.  These pork ribs melt off the bone. No need to add the barbeque sauce, but it does take them to another level. No frills just great food, good service and classic Texas Dance Hall atmosphere. 

North Texas 

Tioga – Clarks BBQ

Don’t know where Tioga is.  Better find your Mapsco.  Clark’s is a BBQ famous for briskets that cook in smokers over smoldering green hickory or pecan wood, becoming slices so supple that the gentlest fork pressure separates a mouthful. The warm barbecue sauce, supplied on the side in Grolsch beer bottles, is dark, spicy, and provocatively sweet.

 Central Texas 

Lockhart – Kreuze’s BBQ

The beef, sausage or pork is served on brown butcher paper. No side dishes  just a slice of cheddar cheese, chunk of onion, fresh tomatoes, avocado and your favorite beverage. Don’t ask for barbecue sauce. They don’t have it and quite honestly are offended if anyone asks. The owners say, ‘good barbecue doesn’t need sauce.’  They’re right!

 West Texas 

Abilene – Harold’s Pit Bar-B-Q

It’s worth standing in line at Harold’s for the oak-smoked offerings behind the counter—including flavorful brisket and a sausage so savory we eschewed the spicy homemade sauce. The sides and desserts more than held their own.  The peach cobbler is to die for!

 •           Current law requires a person be covered with a minimum of $10,000 in health insurance for injuries incurred in a motorcycle accident to be eligible for an exception for the offense of operating or riding a motorcycle without a helmet. The bill removes that minimum amount. The bill requires the Texas Department of Insurance to prescribe a standard proof of health insurance for issuance to persons who are at least 21 years of age and covered by an applicable health insurance plan.

 •           The bill prohibits a peace officer from stopping or detaining a person who is the operator of or a passenger on a motorcycle for the sole purpose of determining whether the person has successfully completed a motorcycle operator training and safety course or is covered by a motorcycle health insurance plan and repeals provisions relating to a DPS-issued sticker required to be displayed on a motorcycle by a motorcycle owner.

One of Texas’ largest rallys is yet here again this weekend in Austin.  As always, the Republic of Texas Rally brings thousands of bikes to Central Texas for one heck of a party. 

One of the highlights will be Robbie Knievel’s motorcycle jump at Texas Capitol.  Rick Perry and the boys better batten down the hatches as Robbie “Kaptain” Knievel flies through the air over three (3) 18-wheelers in front of the Texas Capitol.  His past success includes replicating one of his father’s most famous stunts by jumping over 24 delivery trucks.  

On Friday night, June 12, over 200,000 Republic of Texas Biker Rally fans and attendees are expected to pour into and onto the streets of downtown Austin to witness Knievel jump over the Budweiser trucks. Crowd safety has been assured by the detailed plans of the City of Austin, the State of Texas, the Austin Police Department, and the Austin Fire Department. 

Knievel’s jump in front of the Texas Capitol will kick off Knievel’s Farewell World Tour. Knievel started his biking career at the age of four when he started jumping his bicycle. He moved to jumping motorcycles at the age of seven, began touring with his father, Robert “Evel” Knievel, when he was 12 years old, and has been a famous motorcycle daredevil since 1979.

ROT Rally again will provide a huge economic boost to the City of austin and by again being one of the largest bike rallys in Texas.  An estimated 40,000 bikers attended last year’s rally, which generated about $36 million for the Austin economy. The Guinness Book of World Records dubbed the ROT Rally the “longest parade of motorcycles” in the world.

As always, we will be there giving free legal advice to people injured in Texas motorcycle accidents, Texas Rider Newpapers (the best source for Texas biking news), bumper stickers and of course sunglasses.  Register for the free email Texas Rider and get a pair of sunglasses.  With all the sun and fun planned this weekend at ROT, you will need them.  Stop by and see us!

It’s that time of the year again.  ROT Rally 2009 is June 11^th – 14^th and promises to be one of Texas’ largest motorcycle events.

Hopefully you pre-registered to get your free t-shirt and a chance to win an autographed custom Evel Knievel motorcycle.  ROT 2009 promises four days of bike contests, a motorcycle parade, XFC fighting and over 300 vendors.

There will be ride-in motorcycle contests and field games involving riding skills of both pilot and passenger.  For the dare devil rider, “The World Famous Wall of Death!” features professional stunt riders who race their bikes and high-powered go-karts, reaching speeds of over 50 mph, on the side of a vertical wall. “The World Famous Wall of Death” is the only wall in the world to incorporate sword swallowing, fire eating and other freak-show stunts into the show.

Somewhat of the off the beaten path is “The Greatest Little Show on Earth,” in the form of midget wrestling.  The Micro Wrestling Federation (MWF) will host three explosive undercard matches before the main event, “Battle Royal!” The line up of the undercards included: 2 single midget wrestling matches, “Kiss the midget for a prize,” and the first time ever female on female midget match known as the, “Micro Divas!” Following the undercards is the main event, “Battle Royal,” where all of the Micro Wrestlers are in the ring at one time and only one will leave victorious.

As always, there will be the usual suspects of celebrity custom bike builders, acres and acres of bikes, lots of sun and more fun that the law allows.

Stop by and see us.  We will be giving away sun glasses to those who register for our newsletter (no obligations), the Texas Rider (the best free source for Texas biker news), bumper sticker, magnets and more.  We make it our business to protect people injured in Texas motorcycle accidents. 

BikerLawyer.com.  We make it our business to protect victims of Texas motorcycle accidents!