Springtime has arrived and the 2012 bike season is just around the corner, a lot of motorcycle drivers are hitting the highways and byways that weave across this glorious nation with motorcycle helmets and motorcycle rallies.
We're making our itineraries or at least dreaming about a great bike season full of memories that will stay with us for a lifetime.
There are so many places to go and things to see that it can be hard to choose where to drive.
The very last thing in our mind is having the best of our time disturbed by something as simple as a stop light.
When you're riding through this great nation, each state have their own restrictions that pertains to motorcycles.
You need to know these restrictions because your bike may be allowed in your state but not to other states.
Something as simple as the height of your handlebar can get you pulled over.
Before leaving, check out the laws where you are traveling to avoid any inconvenience.
National Over the last few years, we've heard about motorcycle-only checkpoints.
You may be asking yourself, are these stops authorized? Well, the problem here is that while our representatives try to sort things out, we might be taking one under the chin.
Hopefully, you'll not encounter any of these checkpoints, specifically a motorcycle-only checkpoint.
If this happens to you, it is always better if you have your papers sorted.
If you're cited for something in a checkpoint, please do not sign the ticket immediately.
Demand a hearing and take time to give it a shot with the judge.
This can tie up the court system and at least you'll have the chance to explain your side and records of the judge's ruling.
In addition, please contact your congressman and let him know that you feel your rights are being violated and that you want them to stop this type of harassment.
If you're traveling, this might not be possible.
If you've been caught up in a motorcycle-only checkpoint stop, we wish to hear your story.
Virginia The A.
M.
A.
stated that on February 13, 2012, the Virginia State Senate unanimously endorsed the bill, HB-187, that discourages motorcycle-only checkpoints and presently the bill heads for Governor Bob McDonnell for approval.
If you are joining the campaign, make sure you contact the governor and let him know you would want him to approve HB-187 into legislation.
You can contact Governor Bob McDonnell at (804) 786-2211.
This bill was presented because the Arlington County Police Department in Virginia enforced a motorcycle-only checkpoint within Rolling Thunder on the 28th of May.
The state of North Carolina has recently approved an equivalent bill into law that forbids motorcycle-only checkpoints.
This is a good example that our Motorcycle Rights Organizations are taking action.
Several individuals mentioned in the A.
M.
A concerning the checkpoints have addressed a call to take action.
House delegate, C.
Todd Gilbert, initiated H-B 187, with your help, his efforts together with the bike community wins a huge battle.
If you're a rider, you should know what is good for you.
Make sure your voice is heard, take part in the campaign to let know that there's an existing issue.
E16 Ethanol The A.
M.
A.
reports that the house committee handed down a bill to require the E.
P.
A.
to seek self-sufficient scientific review on the effects of 15% ethanol.
The bill, H.
R.
3199, was designed by Rep Jim Sensenbrenner (R- WI.
).
The E.
P.
A.
only used a single DOE assessment and rushed this product to be released in the public.
This bill also needs our attention.
Every gasoline engine is at risk of major conditions that will likely be caused by 15% ethanol.
Our engines just weren't designed for this kind of gasoline.
The E.
P.
A.
should not have allowed the production of this gasoline without having been screened comprehensively.
Using this E15 fuel will tamper the manufacturers' warranties and will eventually ruin gasoline engines that are not designed for this type of fuel.
Currently there are no motorcycles on the list that are designed for E15.
This gasoline will burn too hot and cause engine deterioration or breakdown.
Study your owner's handbook when you have any queries concerning the effect of E15 on your engines.