Happenings | Michael Padway, Motorcycle Accident Attorney

Harley Davidson Welcomes New Women Riders

Mon, 08 Mar 2010 17:29:21 -0500

National Garage Events and Special Programs

Harley Davidson points out that women riders comprise 23% of all motorcycle riders, and are now the fastest growing group of riders.

In order to encourage new riders, they are setting up a national program of garage events at dealers. These events will introduce basic motorcycle controls, gear, customization, and information about buying a new motorcycle. They will even demonstrate how to pick up a downed bike.

Once riders have an interest, they can go to a new Harley web site that walks them through the process of financing, buying, and customizing a motorcycle, together with information about getting licensed, and learning and practicing riding.

Whether or not you are a Harley follower, Harley's contribution to motorcycle riding is dramatic, and continues to drive motorcycling into the future. THey are to be congratulated for addressing this new group of riders.

MotoCzysz to Run in Electric Motorcycle Race

Wed, 24 Feb 2010 17:46:49 -0500

Will Try for Prize at Isle of Man

As a fan of Michael Czysz, I would really like to see him get some racing satisfaction.

Everyone says the bikes are fantastic. Certainly the engineering is way forward. But so far, they just haven't had the success that many would like them to see.

So it will be very cool to watch their Isle of Man effort this year. The bike has a carbon fibre frame, 220 horsepower, and is under 350 pounds.

According to race promoters, the newly named TT Zero race (zero emissions, of course) is scheduled to run June 9, and is only a one lap race. There is a 10K pound prize to the first team that does a 100mph lap. In the case of more than one bike, the prize goes to the fastest team.

Given all of the chassis work that has been done, I have to believe that the MotoCzysz team has a good shot at doing well.

Shark Helmet Scores in Sharp Ratings

Tue, 09 Feb 2010 11:19:23 -0500

UK Safety Rating System Results Touted By Manufacturer

It's about time to look at a new lid. As a long time Arai, and occasional Shoei, user, I have looked at some of the innovative safety features of Shark helmets from time to time. Here is the Shark RS2 Duhamel Model:

Readers of this blog know that I have also been a fan of the UK's Sharp program, where helmets are rated from one to five stars. This is designed to allow riders to simply purchase five star helmets, with a good chance that they are buying the safest helmets available. I predicted that this would make huge changes for the helmet world.

They advertise the following impressive list of features:

* Shell made from Carbone-fibre/Kevlar multidirectional composite fibres.
* Five different sizes of polystyrene absorber.
* Two shell sizes.
* Multi-element internal shock-absorber (6) with differentiated density.
* Airflow directed by integrated ducts.
* F1 type enhanced safety 3 mm visor.
* Dual treated (anti-scratch/anti-fog) "Total Vision" visor.
* "Push One" visor quick release system using 4 anchorage points.
* Very high flow ventilation system with easy opening vent.
* Optimised demisting thanks to "Venturi" side extractors.
* Fully adjustable, removable and washable interior using top-of-the-range fabrics Cool Max® and Sanitized®.
* Ergonomic cheek pads in 3D foam.
* Double-D ring "Racing" chin strap.
* Anti-fog mask and chin cover for visor as standard.
* High-performance anti-fog "Winter" mask as standard.
* Supplied with tear-offs. *Weight : 1290g (± 50g).
* Lightest helmet in its class
* Meets or exceeds D.O.T. and ECE 22-05 standards
* 5 years warranty

I am embarrassed to make such an obvious pitch for a helmet, or any motorcycle safety product. I have no relationship of any kind to Shark, and there is no benefit to me if they do, or don't sell helmets.

I haven't tried one for fit or comfort yet, but if I do end up buying one, I will do a review. Otherwise, look for another Arai.