 Mail Bag
What's on the mind of Sound RIDER! readers?
Hey Sound RIDER!,
I have not had good experiences with Service at RMC. Suzuki corporate was not sympathetic at the Seattle MC Show either. Was wondering if others feel the same way/get the same treatment. -
Rick in Federal Way
Hey
Rick in Federal Way,
RMC has a lot of techs. A LOT. I have all four of my bikes worked on there, but I deal with it a certain way. My service manager is Patrick Henry and the only tech who can touch my bikes is Andy Moore. Problem solved. I learned a long time ago having as many bikes as I have that you get to know your service manager and tech on a exclusive basis.
It’s an oldie from our 2000 archive, but the wisdom still holds true:
http://www.soundrider.com/archive/tips/whos_working_on_your_bike.htm
Hey Sound RIDER!,
I just read a column in Motorcycle Consumer New entitled "Packing Right & Light" by Fred Rau (April 08). The theme was almost too familiar being that the Publisher of Sound RIDER! wrote a book in 2007 entitled "Packing Light Packing Right." Any comment? -
Steve in Eugene
Hey
Steve in Eugene,
Franklin P. Jones once said "Originality is the art of concealing your source." Unfortunately this time Fred didn't do a very good job of it. Those unfamiliar with the book can find out more at
http://www.soundrider.com/plpr
Hey Sound RIDER!,
I asked my dealer to install two blue, rear-facing, LED, lights on my bike. My dealer said that this was legal and they would be happy to do the install. Is this legal in Washington and/or all 50 states? I have seen not only motor officer bikes with something similar to this, but also other “civilian” bikes, too. Thank you. -
Robert in Seattle
Hey
Robert in Seattle,
The history of the Blue Dot Tail Light comes from the chopper building side of the industry. One of the hippest things to have on your custom was a tail light from a 1920’s/30’s era Ford which had a blue dot in the center. Later blue lights on vehicles were outlawed period and these lights were no longer legal. Blue Dot Tail Light legislation was passed in Washington State in 2001 allowing motorcycles to have a blue light placed within their tail light once again. As for the other 49 states it can vary since there appears to be no USDOT ruling nationwide. As for what law enforcement does with their motorcycles, just because they do it does not mean it’s legal or safe for you to do it. That goes for how they ride them as well (parade formation). For more info on Washington vehicle law check out
http://www.wsp.wa.gov/traveler/cvd/cvdfaq.htm
Hey Sound RIDER!,
I don't know if the right person will read this, but perhaps you might be able to forward this to the appropriate person(s)
Yesterday, May 26 my wife and I were traveling along Washington State's North Cascade Highway going eastbound through the Washington Pass area. I was driving a white Dodge Grand Caravan. In my mirror, I noticed 10 - 15 motorcycles. I was driving at the posted speed limit. If there would have been an opportunity to let them pass, I would have yielded to them. By stating that, I don't mean that I was going to pull off on a shoulder. If I can keep within the speed limit, so can the bikers.
Then, one of the bikers while crossing a solid double line passed me and then positioned his machine directly in front of me. He then proceeded to slow down to a speed of about 35 mph. while the other bikers all passed me as they also violated the solid double line rule.
While violating this rule of traffic, I'm not sure if his slow down maneuver was legal or not. However, I do know that it certainly was not what I called good road manners.
So, to the biker whose license plate reads "HDNOUT," you might have done a favorite for your friends,, but you certainly did not win any favorites with the other drivers on the road as you encouraged them to exercise poor judgment by violating one very important rule of passing. I am only thankful that no accident occurred.
Up until yesterday, I've always had positive experiences with motorcyclists. I don't own a motorcycle, but I do pedal (tongue in cheek) a real "bike." I have pedaled from Seattle to New Jersey. I am now on a brief respite from pedaling from Orlando, Florida to Seattle. So far, I have made it to Tuscaloosa, Alabama. One of these days, I'll go back and pick up where I left off. During all of my biking experiences, I have met nothing but very courteous and friendly motorcyclists. I hope this experience of yesterday will not be a prelude to more experiences of the same.
Thank you for giving me the time to share this and for any efforts on your part to forward this to the appropriate parties. -
Dave from Seattle
Hey
Dave from Seattle,
Crossing the double yellow is certainly against the rules of the state.
Then there is the question of whether you were or were not actually doing the speed limit. While your speedometer may have said so there are numerous reasons why you may have actually been under the speed limit. Tire wear, an inaccurate reading in general and motoring through turns can all result in an innaccurate reading. Suppose the leader of the group behind you had a GPS on board which was reading truer than your speedometer or his. Nowadays they are typically much more accurate than what car manufacturers provide us. I know that all my bikes are off by 5-7% (I own 5) and that my car is off by a few percent. The older the car the more off it probably is..
With a plate like HDNOUT I suspect this may have been a group of Harley riders. If so I would have to say from experience that large groups of Harley riders do not typically ride in excess of the speed limit. I have had to pass many myself and when the double yellow never ends I often opt for a pee break right on the highway to let them get well ahead of me for a while.
The slowing down in front of you move. I thought I was the only one who did that. Several times a year we have to execute that as a result of an RV driving well below the legal speed limit and not following the rule. You know the rule? If you have 5 or more people behind you then you must pull over to let them pass. When drivers don't and the line breaks we execute the move getting in front of the RV (it's always an RV it seems) and slowing that vehicle down so that the other riders in the group can safely pass before the line goes solid again. There's a right time and a wrong time to do this. It's my habit to wait for the right time which is the broken line. Seems like your group didn't.
You say you were in Washington Pass. If you were right in the pass the pullout would have been on your left at the overlook. The only sane place someone might attempt a pass over the double yellow would be as you head down the hill into the horseshoe where viasability of oncoming cars is premium making someone get up enough balls to make the move. Would this have been the case?
In the future, if you see 5 or more vehicles in your rear view mirror, pull out and get your speedometer checked soon.
http://www.dol.wa.gov/driverslicense/driverguide.pdf
Hey Sound RIDER!,
I live in Colville, WA ride a 2005 HD Electroglide Classic and have updated it for better visibility and safety. Of note are the Kaisan Modulating Head light system. This is the unit that enables your headlight to go from high to low beams and back continuously. Well the tale of wow is, the friendly WSP in my area was kind enough to stop me the other day and tell me that my FLASHING Headlight is illegal. OK I said then he let me go after I put it on low beam.
My questions are:
Is it illegal?
Are they not advertised as 50 legal?
If legal in WA can you provide me with the correct RCW that addresses this issue?
I am still using the light system as it has been a real safety benefit for me. All I wish to do is cooperate with the State Patrol and if I'm issued a citation I wish to be prepared when I contest the citation. Any and all assistance you can provide will be greatly appreciated. -
Stan H
Hey
Stan H,
The Kisan pathFinder Headlight modulator is legal in all 50 states including Washington. Your local WSP officer is mis informed. Here's the WAC info for you. Print it out and carry it together with your registration and insurance card:
http://www.soundrider.com/store/Kisan/HMWALaw.htm
Hey Sound RIDER!,
I’m changing the oil in my bike for the first time (that is, it’s the first time I’ve actually changed it myself).
1,600 miles, do I use petroleum? Synthetic? A blend? Motorcycle or automotive (I’ve heard and read that’s there’s really no difference; others say there is a difference)
What do you say? -
Chris in Mountlake Terrace
Hey
Chris in Mountlake Terrace,
Frankly there's little difference as long as you keep up with the recommended schedule of changes.
I use synthetic when winterizing my bikes because it won't breakdown over the 5 months they sleep in the garage meaning they're ready to go in the spring without another oil change.
Some techs recommend on older motors that you wait until 10-20K before switching to synthetic. The theory is that the valves and rings need to seat first, but that they never will if you use synthetic.
Hey Sound RIDER!,
I enjoy your articles and wish that I hadn't moved from Spokane. I realize that your primary area of interest is WA but can you tell me how to reach scooter clubs in Southern CA, especially in Inland Empire/Coachella Valley? I have a Yamaha Majesty. Thanks for any suggestions. -
Phil
Hey
Phil,
After those blazing days a few weeks back you still haven't packed up and moved back to Spokane!?
Ask the search engines. Our coverege extends across the Northwest, but not into Southern California.
Hey Sound RIDER!,
I recently moved up here from Woodland Ca. and looking for a good sportbike club to join,not much of a stunter but I would love to learn.Every now and then I might bust out with a wheelie or two.I ride an 02 Yamaha FZ1its all stock but still fast enough for me. -
Jack
Hey
Jack,
You picked a great state to come ride a motorcycle in. Washington is one of the most scenic you'll find anywhere. That FZ1 will take you to many a great destination here.
At Sound RIDER! we're all about the ride. Like all states, stunting is illegal on public roads here, several dozen riders die each year here doing it and it's an annoyance to anyone else in the vicinity including both motorcyclists as well as motorists.
I own an FZ6. For me it's all about getting out and seeing places like the Grand Coulee, working on my cornering skills on roads like McNeil Canyon and the Palouse area, carving my way along the Starbuck highway, riding world class roads and seeing one of the most diverse landscapes any state can offer.
I'd suggest you check out the Cycle Barn Sportbike Club or the Seattle Naked Riders (see our online Club directory). And be sure to mark your calendar for August 23rd - 26th for Sportbike Northwest, the only four day sportbike rally in the Northwest.
http://www.soundrider.com/Communities/sportbike.asp
Hey Sound RIDER!,
Not sure if you can help, but any place you can direct me to info on group rides, and or anyone going to Sturgis with truck/van hauling one person and bike? I've been looking online for resources all morning. Any info would be great. -
Jehan
Hey
Jehan,
You might enjoy creating your own route using info from a story we ran back in the winter of 2006. Have a look at:
http://www.soundrider.com/mar06/creative_routing.htm
Hey Sound RIDER!,
I am having a hard time finding good protective street riding gear for my 9 year old daughter. Most of the youth stuff is show only with little or no protection. Any suggestions? -
Hey
,
You've come to the right place. We have a contributing rider who is 4' 9" and a legal midget at that. Read all about what she found out at:
http://www.soundrider.com/archive/products/perfect_fit.htm
Hey Sound RIDER!,
Do you have an area for stolen bike ads? My son's Yamaha was stolen last
weekend. - Laurie Hey Laurie,
We run them just like used bikes for sale, only in the price column
include STOLEN as the price. Also be sure to include the VIN
Number. What this does is put anybody on the lookout for a similar
bike and has been effective in recovering a number of bikes over the
years including a dozen from a dealer heist. You may place
your ad at:
http://www.soundrider.com/preowned/place_your_ad.htm
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