The GUNNY'S SACK

February 2000

Just thought I'd mention that Sam (Sam Hochberg, Oregon A.I.M. Attorney) just got back from the West Coast Regional Conference of the National Coalition of Motorcyclists (NCOM) in Honolulu. Lawyers have such a hard life sometimes. There was also an Aid to Injured Motorcyclists (A.I.M.) attorney conference there.

That's the beauty of having an A.I.M. attorney if you have an accident, by the way. You get the expertise of ALL these A.I.M. affiliated attorneys, because these guys network. Really, you get assistance from attorneys all over the country and Canada and only get charged for the services of one, and then only if he gets you some bucks. Hell of a deal. But don't get in a wreck on Sam's account! Take it from me, I've been down too, and it's no way to get money.

At the NCOM Regional, Sam says there were representatives of MRO's and Confederations from most western states. Sam gave 'em two talks there: One was about how to beat tickets for beanie helmets; the other was about the ongoing lawsuits over the ''gang'' designation procedure in Portland. We're getting a WHOLE lot of attention about this nationally, folks. Oregon is at the forefront again, and this time it's not about returnable bottles or spotted owls.

Happily, the Oregon Confederation of Clubs is alive and well, thanks to some very hard working people in club leadership roles. I know there are those out there that have different feelings, but they can't deny that at least we are working with all our assets for all our rights â?? clubs, independents, ABATE folks, and even Goldwingers and dirt riders.

Unity within the community is good for all motorcyclists, as well as the general public, and is well worth the effort. It's the one way that we all have a judicial voice that is effective. That's been proven more than once here in Oregon and will continue as long as we work together. One thing that would be very helpful would be more participation around the state from other motorcycle groups and associations â?? and in all states, for that matter.This effects us all and everybody should be a part of it. I'm not preach'n, just stating facts folks.

One of the things that makes it work here in Oregon is the PRO BONO (free) time that our Oregon A.I.M. attorney and his associate put in to help with some of the problems that come up, both for MRO's and Confederation work for ALL bikers. Well sir, on to the news:

NEWS BITS'N PIECES:

SAN DIEGO, CA: Check this out if you plan to buy a new scoot anytime soon. Sure sounds good to me: PeopleFirst.com is an online auto financing provider of this ''blank check'' auto lending. Now, they have added motorcycle loans to its product line. It marks the first time blank check motorcycle loans are nationally available (47 states) directly to consumers over the Internet.

You apply online at: http://www.PeopleFirst.com and you will receive notification usually within 15 minutes, during normal business hours. Once approved, you get a no-obligation blank check to take shopping as early as the next day!

If you aren't on the net or don't have a computer, call them at: (800) 698-1789 for more info. I'm not endorsing these guys, by the way, and I don't get any kick-back. I'm just saying it sounds good. Check â??em out for yourself.

HONG KONG: Harley gameboys? Well, Radica Games Ltd. has entered into an exclusive worldwide licensing agreement with Harley-Davidson for the rights to market H-D brand electronic handheld products. The line, which includes an interactive game operated by toy handlebars, claims to simulate the H-D experience right down to maneuvering the curves and bumps in the road. The player will be as close to feeling like he or she is riding an H-D as one can get without actually riding one. This will hit the toy, electronics and specialty stores and high-end catalogs in 3rd quarter 2000, and is targeted to boys ages 6 and up. I could even play the game. Sounds like fun on a nasty day.

TOKYO: Honda announced that the 2000 VFR800FI Interceptor is the first production bike to meet the emission standards adopted in California for 2004. Using a closed-loop, three-way catalyzer system, it cuts emissions of carbon monoxide and nitrogen oxide significantly when compared to the previous model. I'd like to know what it does to power and fuel mileage.

PHOENIX, AZ: The Titan motorcycle company has reached an agreement with Fender Musical Instruments to produce a limited edition motorcycle-guitar set. The Strat-O-Cruiser is a custom designed 1835cc high-performance bike equipped with a Fender Stratocaster-style guitar, leather holster and Fender lamp. Sales start January 20, 2000. Just don't try to play the guitar while you're riding!

SAN FRANCISCO, CA: An investment bank analyst issued an outlook on the motorcycle industry, including the trends for 2000, stating that the heavyweight motorcycle industry is enjoying astounding growth around the world, including a recorded U.S. registration growth of 25% in 1999, even though bike registrations are down overall, even with this statistic. Hey! folks, riding is still alive believe it or not.

OKLAHOMA, OK: Ridley Motorcycle Co. has increased production of their Speedster V-Twin 3/4 scale motorcycle. The Speedster has been oversold since its debut. The bike has a 570cc ''automatic'' engine, generates 25 hp, and weighs in at 255 pounds. It can be seen at Daytona at Bike Week 2000. I'd like to see that up close.

MINNEAPOLIS, MN: Polaris Industries Inc. and Karts International Inc. have a three-year licensing agreement to design and distribute Polaris go-carts and mini-bikes. Go-carts and mini-bikes, by Karts International, will be sold through Polaris dealers. Karts International will design and build variations of the Polaris go-cart and market them. The new products will be introduced in early March at the Polaris snowmobile dealer conference in Orlando, FL. The products are expected in Polaris dealerships nationwide at the end of March. These things look like fun for the whole family. I like their big twins, myself.

SYDNEY, Australia: Harley-Davidson has signed a deal with the Sydney Olympic organizing committee (SOCOG) to provide bikes for official use during this year's Games. You'll see over 100 of its motorcycles throughout the 100-day torch relay. That's a killer 16,000 kilometer run over some of that country's roughest terrain, too. The bikes will also be at Olympic sporting events like the triathlon. Harley will also supply 154 bicycles, 60 all terrain vehicles and 15 scooters for the Sydney Games.

LONDON: Bike sales are WAY up in England, mostly from commuters switching from cars to bikes. Motorcycle sales in 1999 hit their highest level in 17 years. 152,416 motorcycles, scooters and mopeds were sold in 1999, a 27% increase over 1998. Scooter sales increased 77%. The biggest seller was the little Peugeot Speedfight. The Honda CBR600F was the highest-selling regular bike, with 4,447 purchases.

SAM'S AIM TIP 'O THE MONTH: Another change in Oregon law: If you're riding or driving under the influence and have a wreck after Oct. 23, 1999, you now get NO MONEY (in MOST cases â?? check with a lawyer) for pain and suffering! Same as the new ''no insurance â?? no general damages'' law. This can be true even if you're not charged â?? they can prove it in CIVIL court! Bad tort-reform stuff, if you ask me. California has a similar law on the books to deny non-economic damages if you're drunk or uninsured, regardless of who caused the accident. I've seen drunks get hurt when it wasn't their fault, and don't forget that you now become legally ''drunk'' after just a few beers! Well, I guess that's one more reason not to drink and ride. Keep your hide on your bones instead. Got questions? Call Sam Hochberg in Portland at (503) 224-1106, (800) 347-1106, or e-mail Sam at SamBikeLaw@aol.com. Nationwide, of course, for injury stuff contact A.I.M. at 1-(800)-ON-A-BIKE.

Keep the round side on the bottom.
Gunny, Oregon A.I.M. Chief of Staff