Rumblings

Proper mirror positioning can give you the fairest view of them all.
Most riders position their mirrors to provide the same rearward view. Resulting in a duplicated image and a much narrower overall view. By angling mirrors outward, you the rider can expand and optimize the rearward view while still seeing everything behind.
You wouldn’t ride with a blindfold on. Nor would you ride with blinders to Obscure your peripheral vision (like horses wear). Yet many riders keep their right and left mirrors adjusted in a way that provides the narrowest view (including an excellent view of their elbows). Hum is this you?
Next time when you get on your bike, and before you pull away, take a careful look into each mirror. What do you see? Is the view in the left mirror virtually the same as the view in the right mirror? How much of the scene behind you can you see in both mirrors? If the scene is largely duplicated by each, try angling both mirrors outward to expand the width of your overall view. The ideal adjustment allows you to see a vehicle directly behind in either mirror but with minimal overlap of that image. You should have a distinctly different view to the outside of the mirror now as well. The left mirror  should reveal more of the space adjacent to your bike on the left (where cars pass), and the right mirror should expand the view of the space to the right of your bike (where merging vehicles appear from), significantly expanding your total rearward view.
While we are talking mirrors, it’s a good time to consider what other drivers see. Car drivers have a rearview mirror mounted on the windshield that provides exactly what the name suggest; a rear view. Cars also have two side – view mirrors mounted to the outside of the vehicle one on the left one on the right side. Unfortunately, dispite the name. those mirrors are typically adjusted inwards to take in the same rearward view as the inside mirror. That means that vehicles – including our motorcycles – are easily obscured from the driver’s view. Be aware as you ride alongside other vehicles; if you can’t see their reflection in their side mirror, then they can’t see you.

Keep the contact patch between the lines

Michael Theodore
National Road Captain
Coordinator for Ohio

California
The states anti-profiling bill (A.B. 2972), would prohibit law enforcement officers from stopping and questioning motorcyclist based on their choice of vehicle or clothing,cleared the policy committee on a 5-2 vote. However, the measure met opposition on the Assembly floor, resulting in a 28-24 vote against the bill. Assembly member Ann Caballero who introduced the bill, requested reconsideration, which means the bill may be voted on again before the July1 deadline. Also A.B.2761 introduced by Assembly member Jay Obernolte, would authorize the driver of a vehicle facing a traffic-actuated signal that fails to turn green with in a reasonable period of time to proceed with caution when it is safe to do so, after having stopped at the intersection. Similar legislation has been adopted in 16 states already.

Florida
Driving requirements for auto cycles change July 1, allowing residents to operate these vehicles with a valid state driver’s license.
According to the American Association of Motor Vehicle Administrators, an auto cycle is “a three-wheel motorcycle that has a steering wheel and seating that does not require the operator to straddle or sit astride it”.

Nebraska
The auto cycle definition has been adopted for three-wheeled vehicles such as the Polaris Slingshot. State residents no longer have to obtain a motorcycle endorsement to drive them in Nebraska. State Sen, Jim Smith, who sponsored the legislation, said the change helps broaden the market for the vehicles and “makes it easier for the small businesses who sell them to expand and create jobs.”

Colorado
H.B.1272 is a distracted driving proposal that requires cell service providers to make distraction-control technology available. Use of the technology would be at the customer’s discretion. The technology would limit distracting content from the network on any mobile device while the customer is driving. The bill was introduced by state Reps Mike Foote and Jovan Melton.

Mississippi
Drivers of auto cycles, such as the Polaris Slingshot, will no longer have to obtain a motorcycle endorsement on their licenses after July 1. Mississippi is the 43rd state to adopt such legislation.

Michael Theodore
National Road Captain
State of Ohio Coordinator

The question always comes up. Should you stick with the tire pressure recommended in your owner’s manual? Or should you go by the maximum pressure listed on your tires sidewall?

Answer to this question is. Check the air pressure with a good tire gauge. Check them when your tires are cold or at least 3 hours after a ride. As part of your pre-ride inspection, and adjust it according to your motorcycle owner’s manual. Or the tire information label on the chain guard,frame or swing arm.
There maybe two sets of recommendations for tire pressure one for solo riding and one for riding with a passenger and /or cargo.
Never exceed the maximum inflation pressure listed on the tire’s sidewall. And never exceed the motorcycle’s or tire load limit (combined weight of operator,passenger,cargo and accessories), since that can cause tire failure.
Some riders reduce the frequency of tire pressure checks to once a week or two before long trips. And perform only a visual inspection for surface conditions is this you? How ever, be aware that it is impossible to determine proper inflation by appearance alone. Again a accurate pressure gauge is needed, unless your motorcycle is equipped with a tire pressure monitoring system that gives a specific pressure read out.
Proper tire pressure is critical for optimal bike handling and maximum tire life.
Under-inflation or overloading can cause heavy steering,irregular wear,internal damage due to over-flexing and tire separation from the rim. Over inflation can reduce the contact area (and available traction) and can make the motorcycle react harshly to bumps.
Safe riding depends on selecting the right tires,inspecting them and maintaining them and replacing them.
Always be aware while riding Keep the contact patch between the lines.

Michael Theodore
National Road Captain
State of Ohio Coordinator