Hello everyone and welcome to my first column here at IPM. Although I have been involved with the magazine since its inception back in October of last year, I have been mostly behind the scenes, helping all the guys properly sort their machines, while still ripping my R1 (see November 2006 Issue) around town.

One of the main problems of having such expensive rims, is the bad condition of our city’s roads. The solution? I acquired a Husqvarna SM610, a street-legal Supermotard, which are ever increasing in popularity as of late. This monster eats potholes for breakfast! They don’t even slow it down.

This machine is quite different to ride from the Yamaha R1. The seating position is much more relaxed. The bike is fitted with a headlamp grille that acts as a partial wind screen. The 12 liter tank has a locking fuel cap. The digital instrumentation, which displays the normal warning lights, turn indicators, high/low beam, speed, mileage, rpm, and time, also features a trip meter and displays service intervals. The SM 610 has been designed for the road, as well as the off-road!

Well that’s it for me this month. Come visit often for updates!

I have discovered over the years, through my personal life and my time as a lawyer, that the majority of the public understands little about the all important insurance industry. It is, however, very important for everyone to have an understanding about this industry because it is so prevalent in our society. For instance, I carry six insurance policies each month which cover everything from my house to my employees’ workers compensation benefits, and I am required by law to carry two of them. In many states, such as California, you are required to have insurance in order to ride your motorcycle on the highways.

In any event, to this end, here are seven ideas to staying ahead of your insurance company, or a third party’s insurance company, should you encounter one:

1. INSURANCE COMPANIES ARE NOT YOUR FRIENDS. Whether you’re dealing with another insurance company of a driver who dented your bike, or your own insurance company, they are not always on your side. Keep in mind that insurance companies make money by keeping the purse strings tight, and they will often times not treat you fairly in order to protect their bottom line, even though you may be a loyal customer or not at fault.

2. KNOW YOUR INSURANCE COVERAGE. What your insurance company will or will not cover, in the event of an accident, is defined by your insurance policy. But, this document consists of a number of documents including: the Insurance Policy, Policy Declarations Page, and Policy Exclusions Endorsement(s). These documents are required to be written for a lay person, so when evaluating your coverage, make sure to read all these documents carefully, and ask your insurance company, or better your insurance agent, any ques-tions you may have. Make sure the coverage that you expect to be there is there, should you get into an accident.

3. KNOW YOUR POLICY LIMITS. It is important to know how much money you will be paid, or another driver will be paid, in the event of an accident. For a motorcycle driver, this may mean making sure you get your medical treatment covered or an expensive bike replaced. What your insurance company will pay is found on your Declarations Page. It is important that the policy limits are large enough to cover your injuries, or the injuries your passengers or other drivers. If your policy limits are not large enough to cover someone else’s injuries, should you be held at fault, then you will be responsible for paying the excess amount. Review this Declarations Page, and speak to your insurance agent, if you should wish to make any changes.

4. KNOW YOUR DEDUCTIBLE. This is important because you do not want to find out you have a $5,000.00 deductible after you have had an accident when your bike may not even be worth that. A deductible, is an amount that you are required to pay to your insurance company after a claim is made and before any benefits are paid to you or another driver. It can be between $10.00 to $50,000.00, depending on the policy. Look at your Declarations page for the deductible, and talk to your agent if you want to make changes.

5. IMMEDIATELY REPORT ANY CLAIMS. Should you get into an accident, get sued, or run your bike into a ditch, you are required under all insurance polices to immediately notify the insurance company of the claim. The procedures for doing so can be found in your insurance policy, and almost always, are clearly articulated.

6. SHOP AROUND. There are many insurance companies out there today, and many that specialize in covering bikers. Good insurance agents will tell you if you are getting a good deal, or you can try getting quotes from various companies online or through an insurance brokerage company. The cheapest policies are not always the best policies, however, so make sure you have adequate policy limits, and it is always worth it to pay a little more for underinsured and uninsured motorist coverage, which provides coverage to you if another driver does not have any insurance coverage.

7. KNOW YOUR RIGHTS. You have rights under the law which protect you from unfair dealings by insurance companies. If you feel that you are being mistreated by your insurance company, or that of a third party, I strongly encourage you to consult with your state’s Department of Insurance, or consult with an attorney who has experience dealing with the insurance industry.

SAFE MOTORING!

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OOPS!

A couple of New Jersey hunters are out in the woods when one of them falls to the ground. He doesn’t seem to be breathing; his eyes are rolled back in his head. The other guy whips out his cell phone and calls the emergency services. He gasps to the operator: “My friend is dead! What can I do?” The operator, in a calm soothing voice says: “Just take it easy. I can help. First, let’s make sure he’s dead.” There is a silence, and then a shot is heard. The guy’s voice comes back on the line. He says: “OK, now what?”

THE 18^TH HOLE

A man and a friend are playing golf one day at their local golf course. One of the guys is about to chip onto the green when he sees a long funeral procession on the road next to the course. He stops in mid-swing, takes off his golf cap, closes his eyes and bows in prayer. His friend says, “Wow, that is the most thoughtful and touching thing I have ever seen. You truly are a kind man.” The man then replies, “Yeah, well we were married 35 years.” (more…)

I hate bicyclists. Every morning on my ride to work, there is a group of damn human powered cycles weaving in and around me. With the way the traffic lights are designed downtown, there is no way to catch all green lights. So, every morning, I foolishly try to lose them by blasting away from the light only to have them catch up with me at the next red. To make matters worse, these people don’t obey the traffic signs! They plow through the reds and cut through perpendicular traffic.

I only recently discovered that bicycles were not allowed on sidewalks. I had always ridden on sidewalks as a kid to avoid the dangers of cycling beside automobiles. I mean, it makes sense right? Anything with a motor should be on the road and anything without should keep safe on the sidewalks. It makes perfect sense to me! (more…)

After a fun year on the Honda XR, it’s time to say goodbye! I’ll miss it!

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