8 Things Every New (or Nervous) Rider Should Know

Between Chad, Dan, Dennis and myself at FX Caprara Harley-Davidson, we have about 100 years of motorcycling experience. We're not saying this to toot our own horn... just so that you know that we've been there and done that -probably more than once.

L to R: Chad, Me & Dan

So, in case you're thinking we were all just "born to be Bikers," with the knowledge somehow transplanted into our brains, I'm here to tell you we weren't. We were beginner riders too.
On that note, we thought we'd share with you some advice we wish someone had told us (or maybe they did and now we wish we hadn't ignored it) as we first started out.

Shades of Grey: My Old Bike & Dennis' Street Glide

1. Read your Owner's Manual. Twice.

Even if you grew up around and already know everything about bikes, this is still good advice. Your owner's manual explains everything about your bike- from ABS and setting cruise control (if equipped) to setting the time. 

It'll explain how to put your bike that has factory security into 'Travel Mode' so you don't drain your bike's battery while trailering it to Daytona Bike Week. 

{3 Things Every Harley Owner should be doing for their Bike}

Tip- keep the manual in your bathroom so you have something to read during your 'alone' time.

2. Practice, Practice, Practice

Again, this is good advice for the seasoned Biker after a long winter's break. Go out to a large, empty parking lot (the local high school on the weekend is my fav) and practice cornering, counter-balance, emergency braking, etc. 

3. Spend the Money and Get Good Gear

Clothes make the Man, and good Riding Gear makes a good Biker. Spending $400+ on a good Leather Riding Jacket after you just dropped $7K or more on a Motorcycle might seem costly now, but it will come in very handy later! 

Having the right gear while Riding will help keep you warm when it's cold and cool when it's hot, which will help to keep you safe. Because when you're thinking that you're going to freeze to death if you go another mile, you're not thinking about what you're doing on the bike. And Riding a Motorcycle takes your full concentration. 

4. Smash Bugs, Wash, Repeat

Maybe because your bike is smaller than a car is why it will accumulate more bugs... or maybe because you tend to take the long way home through the back roads. No matter the reason, you'll want to clean your bike of said bugs often. 

The bug guts can do a job on your paint, and if left to sit too long, will start to eat away. No big deal... until you want to trade or sell your bike. 

{Learn How to Wash Your Bike}

Besides, by washing your bike you'll get to know it better. And the old saying is true: the better you take care of your bike, the better it will take care of you.

5. Know You're Really Fully Covered

As a motorcyclist you are required by law to carry insurance. So, if you've got the required insurance, are you fully covered? 

The question you need to ask & then find the answer to is, "Who is that insurance designed to protect?"

In New York, we are required to carry liability motorcycle insurance. Those minimum coverage limits per accident are $25K bodily injury per person, $50K if there are multiple people, $50K for death per person, $100K if there are multiple deaths, and $10K for property damage.

But that's only if you are found to be at fault for causing the accident. What happens if the driver who hit you is found to be responsible? It's true that NY is a 'no-fault' state, but that's only if you're in your car -the no-fault rule does not apply to Bikers.

From our friend, Attorney Ben Rabin: "Because bikers face unique laws in New York State (laws that are NOT in the biker's favor)... You need to make sure you have enough insurance to cover yourself in the event of an accident. Don't rely on the other guys insurance, because it might not be enough."

You'll want to check into spousal coverage (if you're married and your spouse rides with you on your bike), medical payments to cover medical expenses that occur as a result of an accident, and -the biggy- supplemental under-insured/uninsured coverage.

Last, go and talk to a licensed insurance agent or broker, rather than just buying your insurance online -you won't be charged any more on your policy, the cost is the same!! Ben recommends talking to a broker because they'll represent several insurance companies, meaning they'll be working for you. Ask about the above coverages, find out for yourself. 

6. Be Social

You got your bike to ride & have fun. And when you join a riding group, club or association, you get to share all that fun with people who share your same passion- and the happiness you'll get is multiplied by 100. Because there's nothing stronger than the bond of the open road.

Allow me to introduce the Harley Owners Group and our local NNY H.O.G. Chapter. They're the ones who want to go farther, laugh louder, ride bigger, and have more fun.

And by being a H.O.G. Member, you get a sh*t ton of extras that no other club has: mileage recognition, pins & patches, touring handbook, H.O.G. Roadside Assistance, HOG Magazine & Insider, rallies, events and more. Plus there's discounts with AT&T, Best Western Hotels, and motorcycle shipping with Federal Motorcycle Transport.

We get together to crank maximum adventure out of life on two wheels. Then we ride our separate ways. When you're a member of the Harley Owners Group, even when you're riding solo, you're never riding alone. The sun never sets on our rumbling motorcycles. We're the worldwide, independent nation of H.O.G.

7. Increase your odds of survival - a word about alcohol

Reasonable Risk: you've taken the Basic Riders Course and understand how to control your motorcycle. Knowing what you know, it's a reasonable risk for you to ride your bike down a city street. 

Given your knowledge base, you're most likely not going to get on a 250-horsepower motorcycle, go as fast as you can into turn one of a race track, leaning the bike so far over your knee is just inches from the pavement. 

Why not? Racers do it every weekend! 

Because that's an unacceptable risk for you- you're not a professional in that field. 

So, when it comes to 'Reasonable Risk' while out riding with friends and one of the stops is at the favorite Bar & Grill, most figure having a beer with a burger is somewhat safe.... 

It's not and here's why:

• Lots like to blame 'cagers' for crashing into Bikers, but the reality is most of the fatal motorcycle accidents don't involve a car at all. 
• Bikers who are fatally injured in an accident are more likely to be intoxicated than the driver of a car or pick-up truck.
• Experienced Bikers were tested at different levels of intoxication, going through drills on a MSF course. In some cases, the Bikers showed reduced performance with a BAC of just 0.05% -still within the 'legal' limit.
• You have the good judgement needed to know when drinking is starting to impairs affect your ability to ride... but drinking also impairs your judgement. So if your judgement is off how can you make an accurate call as to your riding ability?

I'm not saying not to drink! I've got DNA proof I'm Irish- so you know I enjoy drinking, either with friends or alone (I'm not that picky...). You should have seen the mess I was the morning after this picture was taken!!

Yes, I was quite drunk here, on a ride with my girlfriends, heading out to Maine. BUT this pic was taken after our kickstands were down for the night.

The same goes for Riding and Marijuana use. It's quite easy for you to increase your odds of survival- don't drive or ride while under the influence.

8. Be Bold - or, at least, don't be fearful

Being a beginner Biker doesn't mean you have to stick to the roads you know. Take the road unknown and see where it leads...

So what if you have to do a U-turn? Or you don't know exactly where you are? If you've got enough gas to get you to the next gas station, then you're not all that lost. 

I've often come across the best views, roads and adventures by taking a new road that I didn't know. I guess Robert Frost got it right. 

You can bet your sweet App on that!!

Here's what happened last week in our Service Department at FX Caprara Harley-Davidson:

As you might already know, I also take pictures of damaged bikes for warranty claims. Within the last year or so, that's expanded to taking pictures of wrecked bikes for the insurance claim.

What I recently found out is that quite a few insurance companies no longer have an insurance adjuster come out to the shop to do the estimate. You just download their app - bing, bang, boom and you're done! And now, one company I just got off the phone with, is doing claims completely through their app on my (or your) smart phone. 

"Isn't that better?" I hear you ask, "That means I don't have to wait on the adjuster, right? So I'll get my money faster." Well, the answer is yes and no.

Yes - it's better if all you care about is getting some money for your accident. Notice I didn't say "enough money" to fix your motorcycle. 

This is the point is when my answer is No - it's not better because there are things that'll get missed (and I get the feeling this is why insurance companies have embraced this practice).

The particular company our customer has told him for us to download their app to my smart phone. I punched in the claim number I had, only to learn that the app allows just three - 3!!! - pictures of the damaged area. But this bike has more than three damaged areas....

So I called the insurance company through their national 1-800 number and, after going through the automated system, got a real live person on the phone. 

"Jake" was quite pleasant to speak with - so that was a plus, but the only one. As it turns out I can only submit photos through their app - I have no way to email them to a claims representative. 

Jake even seemed a little dismayed to hear that the owner had brought their bike into the dealership. "Oh, the owner could have done that [on the app] - he didn't have to take his bike to you."

Alarm bells going off!! This insurance company has done away with claims adjusters in favor of inexperienced representatives who are writing estimates based on pictures taken by the owner (whose primary job isn't as a automotive or motorcycle technician). To say something is going to get missed is an understatement.

Getting something done faster and easier is not always going to be best for you, the customer. Insurance companies are hoping you'll accept the check for a substandard, below cost estimate and just shut-up about it. Consumers need to wake up!!

You've got no excuse!! (Part V of Getting Real Serious Now)

This is the last time I'm going to bug you about your insurance.... for this year.... maybe! Only because it really is that important and, if you screw this up, you only have yourself to blame.

In Part I we talked briefly on motorcycle insurance and how it differs from auto insurance. Then in Part II we covered how insurance companies want to save YOU money (in the short term). In Part III we talked about what motorcycle insurance you're required to carry (and how it does nothing to protect the rider). And in Part IV I showed you the type of coverage you should strongly consider having added to your policy and why. 

(And once again I'll just remind everyone that I'm not an insurance agent or broker, nor am I an attorney of any type. I'm just someone who has seen a few things while working at FX Caprara Harley-Davidson.)

This time around let's discuss another type of insurance that might be beneficial: supplemental insurance.

At FX Caprara Harley-Davidson® we recently had an

insurance rep come through and I signed up big time. In addition to my dental & vision plans, I'm also covered for accident, disability, life & cancer.

Anyone who has ridden a motorcycle for any length of time knows that it is not a matter of IF you'll go down, but WHEN. And that was the major determining factor for me to get those policies.

Having that additional coverage will help me out with lost wages and missed bill payments. Here's a great article on how you can determine if you need supplemental insurance.

Now that you know almost all there is to know about how to best protect yourself while riding your motorcycle - beyond your riding gear and skill set - you have no excuse to be under-insured should the worst happen.

Have Fun & Ride Safe!

I don't want you to get screwed over (Part IV of Getting Real Serious Now)

Local temperatures lately have been in the 50s & low 60s, which is real unusual for Northern New York, but I'll take it. I even smelled a dead skunk this morning! We still have to get through the month of March, but these are sure signs that Spring and the 2017 Riding Season is just around the corner!

So, along with checking your smoke detector batteries at the "Spring Forward" time change and renewing your NY Registration (all are automatically renewed in April), it's a good plan to haul out your motorcycle insurance policy for a thorough review.

(I'll just remind everyone that I'm not an insurance agent or broker, nor am I an attorney of any type. I'm just someone who has seen a few things while working at FX Caprara Harley-Davidson.)

Part I went over how Motorcycles are considered

recreational vehicles, and the insurance coverage a motorcyclist is required to carry doesn't protect the rider at all. Add to the fact that 75% of the drivers out there have the minimum insurance under the law - which in NYS is $25K per person, $50K per accident. No where near enough!

Part II talked about how insurance companies want to save you money now.... which might mean not paying out later because you don't have the correct coverage.

In Part III we discussed planning ahead - not just for you but also for your spouse (if s/he rides their own) in the event they have a motorcycle accident. 

Now I'll talk about the coverage you should strongly consider having:

• New York is a "no-fault" state, meaning car
  
  owners have to have personal injury protection (PIP) and are limited on how they can sue someone after an accident. BUT these "no-fault" rules do not apply to motorcyclists!! We are not required to carry PIP, nor are we limited when it comes to lawsuits.
• You have a nice house, a couple of cars that are relatively new (under 10 years), maybe an ATV and/or ride on lawn mower - in other words you're not rich but you're financially better off than some. Consider increasing your liability limits since this will protect you if you are found to be at fault for causing the accident.
• Optional Coverage: Bodily Injury and Property Damage (BIPD). Did you run your motorcycle through someones manicured backyard? Took out a guard rail? This coverage will help pay back the home owner or county/state.
• Optional Coverage: Medical Payments Coverage.
  
  You might be thinking, "I have my own medical insurance, so I'll be fine." (I'm guilty of that!) But if your medical insurance has deductibles, then you'll be paying for those out of pocket. Say you have to go to physical therapy, three times a week at $40 copay per visit - that's $480 per month! This coverage will come in handy.
• Optional Coverage: Comprehensive and Collision.
  If you're bike is still owned by a lending institution, you probably have this coverage already because they insisted on it. It pays for motorcycle repair or replacement in an accident, and covers you in case your bike is stolen or a victim of vandalism. If you own your bike outright and don't have enough money to get another one should something happen to yours, you might want this coverage.
• Optional Coverage: Uninsured/Under-insured. This
  
  is the "biggy" - this is what will protect you when Nathan No-Look decides to turn left in front of you, you can't stop in time, and run into Nathan's car. Nathan is clearly at fault but his policy is only for the bare minimum = $25K. Your Life Flight will cost about $13K+, and that's just the beginning. Because you have under-insured motorist at $100K, your policy will now cover the difference (meaning up to $75K). 

These are not all the optional coverages you can get on your policy, just the major and most important ones. Again, these recommendations are just for those of us that live in the Empire State (aka NY). If you're not here, then be sure to check your own state for their requirements and optional coverage.

Ride on over to Part V 

Are You Plotting Your Partner's Death?? (Getting Real Serious Now - Part III)

Anyone who's been in a semi-serious relationship for more than a few months has probably had this thought cross their mind.... But more than likely not from my point of view. 

Allow me to get a little personal here: Are you guys renting an apartment? Buying a house? Bought a car together? Is s/he helping to pay your cell phone bill? The more your finances are intertwined, the more things have a potential for unraveling. 

Then there's the physical side of it: Does your

partner help cook, clean, take care of the kids, shovel snow, mow the lawn, perform home maintenance, balance the finances, keep to the budget, and/or keep track of your calendar? And have you ever thought what would happen to you if the unthinkable ever happened to your spouse?? 

....if you think having this coverage means your insurance will pay you what you think your bike is worth, you'll need to think again.

In Part I we talked briefly on motorcycle insurance and how it differs from auto insurance. Then in Part II we covered how insurance companies want to save YOU money (in the short term). Now I'll talk about the different parts of a motorcycle insurance policy and things you should consider.

(I'll just remind everyone that I'm not an insurance agent or broker, nor am I an attorney of any type. I'm just someone who has seen a few things while working at FX Caprara Harley-Davidson.)

The Requirements:

• Bodily Injury - protects the other guy when you hit them.
• Property Damage Liability Coverage - protects the other guys vehicle when you hit them.
• Collision Coverage - protects your bike (and the bank if you have a loan on it).... sort of. It's no-fault coverage that will cover the damage from almost any collision (but read the fine print on that). But if you think having this coverage means your insurance will pay you what you think your bike is worth, you'll need to think again.

So, the first three °requirements° for a rider to carry on his/her motorcycle insurance policy do absolutely nothing to protect the person actually riding!!

Are you starting to see where I'm coming from?? If your spouse suffers an accident while riding their motorcycle, who is going to protect them? And should that accident be fatal, who is going to protect you??

This is why I implore every Biker I meet, especially those that are new to the sport, to please review your insurance policy before it's too late!!!

Part IV will be on the road soon....

Saving Money on Insurance: Now vs. Later (Getting Real Serious Now - Part II)

"Get a quote in just 15 minutes or less."
"Save up to 50% with Motorcycle Insurance discounts..."
"Cheap Rates as low as $9 a month."

That's just the first three descriptions that came up when I googled "motorcycle insurance." Save, save, save. Save money now, and quickly too. Why would they want to do that?

Left: Tooter's Street Glide after the accident. Right: Tooter with Adam of #ScootinAmerica

"The NY State Trooper who responded to her accident showed up at the hospital and gave her a ticket for failing to signal!"

In Part I we talked about how states determine what class vehicle your motorcycle fits in. In New York motorcycles are considered recreational vehicles because we use them about six months out of the year. And because of that, motorcycle insurance is very different than auto insurance - what you're covered for in your car isn't automatically covered on your bike.

(I'll just remind everyone that I'm not an insurance agent or broker, nor am I an attorney of any type. I'm just someone who has seen a few things while working at FX Caprara Harley-Davidson.)

So, back to the question: Why are insurance companies in such a hurry to save you money? Shouldn't they be trying to save money themselves? After all they are a "for profit" industry that makes Billions in revenue every year (yes, Billions with a capitol "B").... How do they do that by saving you money on your insurance premiums?? Things that make you go, "hhhmmmmm....."

Of course any business wants to control their expenses as best they can so they can make money. And THE biggest expense for an insurance company is paying claims, so they'll want to keep those down by paying the least possible.

"But my insurance agent is a nice person! S/He always shows me ways to save and says I'm fully covered." Are you signing their paycheck? No! Plus, what exactly is their definition of "fully covered"?? Because if it's the bare minimum the state requires under the law, it isn't designed to help or protect you at all. Let's add in the fact that there is no law saying they have to disclose everything to you at point of sale (unlike a doctor, lawyer or real estate agent). 

Show and Tell Time: This my friend Diane - aka Tooter - from Minnesota. This is what her bike looks like now.... thanks to being rear-ended by a semi-truck on the interstate. She's been in hospital close to two months after getting a life-flight. She has a broken collar bone, had a collapsed lung, has a few rib fractures, a broken left leg, and a gash that nearly took her leg off completely. 

Tooter is on the mend, but it's been a long, slow road. She has had to endure numerous surgeries to try and close her leg wound -yeah, it's that deep. Intensive care round the clock. And now she's getting physical therapy while still in hospital. The goal of her doctors is to get her mostly healed so that she can get home and be under the care of her local doctor. There's still no idea as to when that'll be.

"motorcycle insurance is very different than auto insurance - what you're covered for in your car isn't automatically covered on your bike"

Since the accident, Tooter has received bills for her life-flight and has even gotten a letter from New York State. They said if they find any damages to the road that were from the truck hitting her they'll may send her a bill. Nice (not).

And all this is after the fact that the NY State Trooper who responded to her accident showed up at the hospital and gave her a ticket for failing to signal! Keep in mind the trooper didn't actually witness Tooter's accident - he's just basing the traffic violation on the word of the trucker who hit her.... Yeah, I'm sure he's going to be completely unbiased.

Recap: Biker hit from behind by a semi-truck. Trucker says Biker is at fault and Police give Biker the ticket. State says they might send her a bill for road damage. One Life-Flight, nearly two months of intensive, round-the-clock care, numerous surgeries and physical therapy visits later.... Bonus: Biker is hundreds of miles away from her home, work, family and friends. What's the real cost??

Fortunately, in addition to increasing the right parts of her motorcycle insurance policy, Tooter has already hired legal representation. However, that's going to cost money as well, and it's far from being over. For me and Tooter's other friends & family, we're just thankful she's still with us and on the road to recovery - that was a close one!

Any help you can give would be greatly appreciated!

Here's Tooter's Go Fund Me page ~ thank you so very much!!

On to Part III

Getting real serious now - Part 1

"It's better to have it and not need it

than to need it and not have it."

Sage advice that we've heard numerous times before. But thanks to Flo, Mayhem and that guy from Allstate, we sometimes get lulled into thinking it's better to 'cut back on insurance' and save... I'm just here to remind you that what you're saving on today is what your insurance company will probably save on later.... like when you have to file a claim. 

BTW: I'm not promoting one insurance company over the other, nor am I licensed to sell any type of insurance - these are just lessons I've learned on my own or through friends' experiences.

I talked briefly about motorcycle insurance earlier this year, however I've learned a lot more since then, so I'm going to cover all of what I know so far:

• In New York, because of our short riding season, motorcycles
  
  are considered a recreational vehicle. That means what you're automatically covered with in your car may not be the same for your bike. Find out how your state clarifies your motorcycle.
• Liability coverage is required by state law, however this type of coverage protects the other guy from damage or injury, not you. It is in your best interest to get 'optional' insurance coverage on your motorcycle policy.

Let me just pause here, because this is a BIG deal. The bare minimum, state required motorcycle insurance coverage is designed to protect the person you hit, not you. So, if the other person hits you, all you'll have is their insurance to pay for your damages and injuries. 

Now, follow along with me here, because chances are good that the driver who just hit you also has the bare minimum insurance coverage required by law - about 75% of drivers do - which is $25K bodily injury per person, $50K total bodily injury per accident (if you happen to have a passenger) in New York State. And no, you don't get to add those two amounts together.

Please THINK about that a minute!! Let's just say you're riding along when Nathan No-Look turns left in front of you (the most common motorcycle accident) and down you go. Your leg is badly broken, as well as a couple of ribs and wrist. All you can see of your bike is a pile of smoking metal. 

The paramedics arrive and call for a Life-Flight because you need emergency surgery - NOW. Of course you and your family members are wanting the EMT people to act quickly, plus you're in shock by this time, so no one is thinking of the cost that all this attention will add up to at the time it's happening. But don't worry, the insurance companies already have!

Anywho, the average cost of a Life-Flight is $15,000. "Well, I've got medical insurance, so I'm covered," you say. Think again. Most medical insurance policies cover life-flights at 50-60% (if the provider is in your network.... but you didn't think to ask that either), leaving you holding a $6000-$7500 or more bill.

Of course if the Life-Flight isn't covered by your health insurance, and you only have the liability coverage on your motorcycle insurance policy (which doesn't cover any medical costs for you!), then you can get stuck for the full cost of the Air Ambulance. At that point rates are usually calculated by the cost of jet fuel, type of aircraft, distance flown and staff on the flight, which can be anywhere between $2000-$50,000.

And that bill is just the beginning....

~continued in Part 2

Three things to remember about Motorcycle Insurance!!

Oops!! You and your bike have fallen... Fortunately you're both back up but not yet back on the road. But on the plus side, your insurance company is going to take care of everything.... sort of.

First, I'm not an expert in, nor do I sell insurance. Also, I'm not an insurance claims adjuster. This blog is just to make you, the consumer, aware of some of the little things that the, "save money now by switching to us" insurance commercials don't tell you.

Next, let me tell you that I'm constantly yelling at the television when those "spend 15 minutes and save 15% or more" come across the screen. Exactly how are they saving you money?? Sometimes by cutting certain insurance coverage you don't need right then.... but you might need it down the road!

This past March I blogged about Insurance Coverage, mainly because our Northern New York H.O.G.® Chapter was hosting a seminar on the subject and I learned a few new things. Now that we're into the riding season, I'm seeing customers in FX Caprara Harley-Davidson® that are regretting the fact that they can't go back in time and change things..... 

So the first of the Three Things To Remember is: 

MEDICAL COVERAGE

In New York State, because our riding season is about six months

out of the year (if we're lucky), motorcycles are considered recreational vehicles and are treated as such. That means if you want medical coverage for yourself you'll need to make sure your plan covers you for that.

You might be thinking, "My medical insurance will cover me if I get in an accident, so I'm fine!" But what you might not be considering is if you have to pay any type of co-pays.... What's your plan's co-pay for an emergency room visit? What about physical therapy? And who pays if you have to be transferred to the hospital by ambulance? Or by helicopter (which is around $33,000!!)?? 

Next is:

DOT HELMETS AND THE LAW

Is your motorcycle insurance policy written specifically for New York State? If yes, then I'm sure you're aware that New York requires all riders and passengers to be wearing a DOT approved helmet while on a motorcycle. 

But now you're riding through Pennsylvania - a lovely state that

does not force the rider or passenger to wear a helmet. But if you get in an accident and you're not wearing a DOT helmet, your NY motorcycle insurance policy might not cover you because you have a NY policy. Either read all the fine print, check with your insurance broker or agent, or check with a lawyer who is used to dealing with motorcycle accident claims.

Last but not least is:

GENUINE PARTS REPLACEMENT

Here's a recent scenario that actually happened in our shop last week - owner wrecks his bike, bike goes to other nearby shop (not a dealership but a local, privately owned mechanic shop) for repair. Insurance claims adjuster shows up at said other shop, inspects the bike to see what he thinks needs to be replaced, writes up the claim complete with part numbers, gives paperwork to other shop, authorizes repair cost. Shop calls us, orders parts by giving us the part numbers the insurance adjuster gave them. The parts come in, get back to the other shop only to find out the part is the wrong year for that bike, or just the wrong part all together.

Of course the correct parts for that particular bike will be

covered.... once the insurance company realizes their mistake. How long do you think that's going to take? Insurance Claims Adjusters do know their stuff.... about insurance claims, not about motorcycle parts!! Neither they nor any local mechanic have the same access a dealer does to see what exact parts need to be ordered. 

Not to mention, did the claims adjuster see everything that should be replaced? Did s/he see the big dent at the bottom of your cross-over exhaust pipe? How about the gouge out of the cylinder fins from the horn hitting? Remember your insurance adjuster is used to looking at claims all day, not motorcycles.

The take-away on this is just for you to double check and see if all your "t's" really are crossed, and all your "i's" really are dotted. Your insurance agent says, "Yup - you're fully covered!!" but what does that really mean for you???

Thank you for waving at me as you tried to crush me with your car.....

One of the things that I love about my job at FX Caprara Harley-Davidson® is that we are an advocate for motorcycle safety & riding aware. That's why I jumped at the chance to participate in the Fort Drum Motorcycle Safety Day, representing the dealership.

At the safety day I spoke about motorcycle insurance, motorcycle tires, and the Harley Owners Group. They had other professionals speaking about riding safely as well - blind spots around tractor-trailer rigs, most common accidents, motorcycling myths, etc. 

Ironically, as I left Fort Drum to return to FX Caprara Harley, I put all those safety tips to the test. And sometimes the people who need to hear about motorcycle safety are the drivers (aka Cagers) behind the wheel!!

I was riding along on a 2-lane interstate and a construction zone had the left/fast lane closed off. So I'm in the right/slow lane and there's a silver sedan coming up on an on-ramp. With plenty of room, I was going to allow this car to get in front of me - but this guy had other plans.

The car started slowing down and I took that to mean that I was to go ahead and pass - so I did. And now I'm in front of the car, expecting to see him get behind me, and I'm watching my rear-view mirror to make sure that is what he's going to do.... but I don't see him.

And now the on-ramp/merge lane is coming to an end.... Where is this guy?? I look to my right and he's right next to me, smiling and waving..... and coming right towards me in his car!! I have no choice but to slow down and let this driver get in front of me - again!! 

What made it worse, I'm wearing my waterproof gauntlet gloves and cannot give the proper finger.... so I just raise my left arm and my voice to yell at him. His reply: lifting his arm out his window to wave at me.... Wow, really??

Then the interstate opens back up to two lanes, and I immediately speed up to 65, move over to the left/passing lane, and pass this guy. As I'm riding past this driver, of course I'm looking at him - as if I'll magically be able to figure out his motive for trying to kill me. And he waves at me.... again!!!

I'm not sure why this driver thought smiling and waving at me as he

tried to crush me with his car was ok. Was he mesmerized by a woman riding a Harley-Davidson Dyna Super Glide? Did he think/expect me to just move out of his way? Did he want a closer look at my bike without getting out of his car? Was he playing a joke - albeit a bad one? Did he realize what he was doing??

Whatever the case with this driver, I'm here to tell you as a rider, this is the stuff our nightmares are made out of and in real life it's not ok.  It is never ok for a driver to use his/her car to drive into a motorcycle and rider!! Please, for the love of all that is holy, watch out for those of us who ride!!! Thank you in advance!

Cue Tom Petty - the waiting is the hardest part

Get it? Spring..... around the corner.... Hahaha!!

This might literally be the toughest time of year for motorcycle enthusiasts that live in the frozen tundra for six months out of the year. Lately, where I live, I've been getting teased with warmer spring-like weather one day, only to have the temps plummet to -5°F for the low two days later....

But, while we're still waiting, now is the time to start going over what you should go over on your bike before that first spring ride. There are quite a few websites/blogs that will give you mostly the same information:

1. Read your owners manual - you'd be surprised at just  how much information is in there!!
2. Fuel - hopefully you filled your gas tank with treated gas so that it would stay fresh. 
3. Battery - Harley batteries are sealed, so you don't need to check the acid levels. And if you've had your bike on a battery tender all through winter, you're doing good! Just do a quick check and make sure there's no corrosion building up. 
4. Oil & Filter - did you change these before you put your bike to bed? If so you're good to go. If not you should do it now.
5. Controls - check your cables for fraying and correct adjustment, throttle for smooth movement, pedals & levers for breakage.
6. Tires - where the rubber meets the road is the most important part of your ride!! Check for proper inflation, and that you have enough tread depth. Showing 'wear bars' on your tire but don't have the money to spend for your bike's new shoes?? Stop and think of the real cost that you could pay....
7. Lights - do they all light up?? Check that the low & high beam, running, turn signals, emergency and brake lights are all working.

Familiar with T-CLOCS? It's an acronym to help you remember what to check before going out on a ride - and it doesn't hurt to check out your cage (aka car) also. Here's a checklist from the Motorcycle Safety Foundation just for you!!

But, THE MOST IMPORTANT SAFETY PRECAUTION YOU CAN DO NOW IS to check over your Motorcycle Insurance Policy. "Oh, I've got the required insured amounts for my motorcycle - I'm good!!", but sadly you probably are not.

Unfortunately I lost a dear friend last year in a motorcycle accident. He and his wife (each on their own bike) had traveled to South Dakota and were celebrating the 75th Year of the Sturgis Motorcycle Rally when he was struck by a cager and killed. Since then his widow has been an advocate for proper motorcycle insurance coverage.

AND know your Motorcycle Insurance Coverage

The person that hit my friend also had the required insurance amounts for her vehicle, that is the minimum insurance amounts, but nothing more. In New York State those minimum amounts are $25K bodily injury per person/$50K total bodily injury if more than one person is injured. Did you know that the average Life Flight (when the rider/driver is flown to the trauma center) is $15,000? Then add in emergency room, surgical suite, and hospitalization costs.... These minimum amounts have not kept up with the increasing medical costs. 

Sure my friend's widow could sue the cager that hit her husband, but chances are slim to none that she'd receive any settlement before the driver declares bankruptcy. Do you know the saying, "You can't get blood from a stone."? That applies here.

So what can you do? Check out your Uninsured/Under-Insured Motorist coverage levels. This is what my friend and his wife both have - and it's what saved her from financial ruin. UM/UIM is what kicks in after the coverage limits from the other at-fault motorist are reached. And all for what is usually a minor increase to your insurance bill - but again, consider the true cost of not having this type of insurance coverage .

Check out these articles below for more information. Or - better yet - go over your insurance policy with your insurance agent (or attorney) and ask him/her to explain everything!!

NY Motorcycle Insurance Minimum Requirements

What type of Motorcycle Insurance Do I Need?

How much motorcycle insurance is enough?