Wristwatch Motorcycles (art)

Talented Brazilian artist Jose Geraldo Reis Pfau creates beautiful motorcycle miniatures using only parts from old wristwatches.

Pfau’s passion for motorcycles began in the 1960′s. He owned various types of motorcycles, some of them modified and inspired by the movie “Easy Rider”. But the artist born and raised in Blumenau, Santa Catarina was also fascinated by the arts, and it was only natural that his artistic talent and passion for bikes combine in a unique project. At first, he developed several motorcycle images, but after reading about artists who created motorcycle miniatures out wood, pottery, wire and other materials, he decided to make similar artworks, out of a completely new medium – wristwatches.

The time pieces that inspired Jose Geraldo Reis Pfau’s creations were collected with a help of a friend who happened to own a wristwatch shop. Through an advertising campaign, clients were encouraged to give their old watches as a first installment on the purchase of a new one. This provided the artist with the necessary materials to experiment and create his unique wristwatch motorcycles.

Although Pfau only creates his art during the weekends, he has a collection of hundreds of motorcycles made exclusively from wristwatch components. They have been showcased at jewelry fairs and art exhibitions throughout Brazil and several other countries.

For more pictures of Pfau's art work visit:

http://www.odditycentral.com/pics/the-wristwatch-motorcycles-of-jose-geraldo-reis-pfau.html

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Source: OddityCentral (Spooky, 3/7)

Honda recalls 126,000 Goldwings

Honda Motor Co. is recalling 126,000 touring motorcycles because of a brake problem that could result in a fire, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

Honda said the recall covers 2001-10 and 2012 GL1800 models sold as Goldwings.

According to Honda, the bike's rear brake may still be partially engaged even after the rider released it.

"Continued riding with the rear brake engaged/dragging may generate enough heat to cause the rear brake to catch fire," the company said.

The problem was attributed to the braking system's secondary master cylinder.

Honda told safety officials that it was alerted to the problem in July 2010 when a customer finished a ride, parked his bike, and a few minutes later "heard a small explosion, saw fire emanating from the rear brake area, and used a fire extinguisher to put out the flames."

The company said it took 16 months to determine the problem and decide on the course of action, and that it was aware of 26 complaints in the United States including two fires.

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source: Journal Sentinel (Barrett, 12/12)



Commentary:  If you've been involved in a motorcycle accident due to a manufacturer's recall, such as the braking mechanism on the Honda Goldwing, please call Texas Attorney, David Cole, at The Cole Legal Group.  Cole is a Texas Biker Lawyer, an attorney and fellow rider who knows what it takes to get you the compensation you deserve for your motorcycle accident.  Call at 1-800-245-5539 for a free consultation, or fill out the short form here.

The Impact of Harley Davidson Motorcycles

The Harley Davidson motorcycle was and always will be an American icon. Although other American motorcycle companies have flourished, none has had the staying power of Harley. Over a hundred years after its inception, the Harley Davidson motorcycle company is stronger and better received by the American public than ever before. Its line of motorcycles is diverse enough that it appeals to both men and women and priced for those on a wide range of budgets. The bikes themselves are only the start. The clothing, accessories, and memorabilia are an extension of the motorcycle and the entire concept of the Harley lifestyle reaches outward to interest just about anyone with a fascination of two-wheeled transportation.

Harley Davidson began its illustrious history in Milwaukee, Wisconsin back in 1903. The pioneers were Bill Harley and Arthur Walter Davidson and the entire operation was located inside of a wooden barn built by Mr. Davidson’s father. They would remain in the barn manufacturing their motorcycles until 1912 when they would relocate into a multi-level building, reportedly six stories high. The Harley Davidson motorcycle company was started with the design of a one cylinder engine which developed specifically for racing and grew from there. In 1905 they had produced eleven motorcycles and by 1908 the number had grown to one hundred fifty four. By 1912 they had begun to export their motorcycles with the first motorized bike being sold overseas in Japan. The quest for world peace also fueled the sales of Harley motorcycles in the coming years. Harley was the largest supplier of motorcycles for the United States military. Their patriotism and reliable motorcycles helped the war effort and added to the company’s ever-growing group of enthusiasts. Two wheeled transportation was proving to be a viable means of moving about versus traveling by automobile. Over the next few decades, the company continued its growth and presence on the roads of the United States and around the world. Motorcycling, however, was about to get something it never had before… a bad reputation.

During the fifties, Americans viewed the release of movies depicting motorcyclists as less than honorable citizens. The term biker gang was introduced to the world and there was no going back from here. Rebellious bikers had come to be associated with Harley Davidson motorcycles thanks to a bit of Hollywood make-believe and the imaginations of the movie goers. The success of these biker flicks fueled even more bad-boy biker films especially during the sixties and seventies. Movie goers would have a better chance of finding a needle in a haystack than finding movies with honorable and honest bikers. The whole concept of the Harley motorcycle would never be the same from this point forward. The attitude, the attire, the tattoos, and the owner loyalty would go well beyond that of any other brand of motorcycle. To this day, regardless of innovations in imported motorcycles, Harley remains as good motorcycle as any in the world. Harley owners rarely defect to different brands. The motorcycle’s simplicity and timeless design help promote the brand loyalty. To many owners, very simply the concept of riding a symbol of American ingenuity through the city streets or country roads of America is enough. Harley sounds like no other bike, looks like no other bike, and feels like no other bike. Most Harley owners would agree that it’s the only motorcycle for them. Biker rallies and get-togethers draw more and more motorcycle enthusiasts every year. Whether you consider the motorcycle a means of transportation, or a means of relaxation, depends on your overall opinion of two-wheeled travel. Harley Davidson, however, is guaranteed to remain at the forefront of the industry for decades to come based purely on owner loyalty and genuine love for the ultimate American motorcycle.

TEXAS MOTORCYCLE INSURANCE THINGS TO KNOW!

While most bikers have a basic understanding of their insurance, it’s best to learn more about the details BEFORE you make a claim. Below are things to consider:

• If your motorcycle breaks down and can't be ridden, does your insurance provide help?  Some insurance will pay for proper equipment to be sent to service your bike, if a collision, lodging, meals, and transportation.
• Does your insurance pay for damage to any clothing designed to minimize injuries from a motorcycle accident, including helmets and leathers?
• What about accessory coverage? Most carriers have an optional equipment coverage for motorcycle accessories such as parts, decorations, custom painting, chroming, side car or other items not originally provided by the manufacturer.
• Your bike is a total loss. Now what? Do you have replacement cost coverage? Check with your carrier because you may get the short end of the stick if you do not have this type of coverage.
• Discounts? Check into multi-unit, multi-policy, preferred drivers, safety course discount, prior insurance, affinity group discount etc… May be worth your time to check into these.
• Do you have collision coverage? If not, you will have no coverage for damages you caused. Uninsured/Underinsured Motorists Coverage? Critical considering how many drivers do no have insurance.

Learn about the details of your coverage before learning about it the hard way.

MOTORCYCLE SAFETY AWARENESS MONTH

May has been proclaimed National Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month by the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration, and in participation with the initiative we here at Texas Rider News and The Cole Legal Group want to educate drivers with a few facts to help promote an attitude of "sharing the road" with each other.  Here is a brief description of the initiative and reminders while on the road.

Overview

Recent data indicates that deaths and injuries attributable to motorcycle crashes are becoming a larger portion of a grave public health problem. Motorcycle crash-related fatalities have been increasing since 1997, while injuries have been increasing since 1999.

Now that the warmer weather is around the corner and motorcyclists are out in force throughout the country,motorists and other road users are reminded to look out for and “share the road” with motorcycle riders, while motorcycle riders are reminded to follow the rules of the road and wear safety helmets and other protective gear that will increase their visibility. ALL road users are reminded to never drive, ride, bike or walk while distracted.  By increasing safe riding and cooperation between all motorists and motorcyclists, we can reduce the number of fatalities and injuries on our nation’s highways.

Mission

Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month is a national initiative aimed at getting motorists and other road users and motorcyclists to “share the road” with each other. 

"Share the Road"

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has developed the “Share the Road” program material used by motorcycle safety agencies and national organizations that have a vested interest in motorcycle safety. NHTSA created these the common ideas and reminders to effectively convey the importance of sharing the road safely with motorcyclists:

• Road users are reminded to never drive, bike or walk while distracted.  Doing so can result in tragic consequences for motorcyclists.
• A motorcycle has the same rights and privileges as any other vehicle on the roadway.
• Allow the motorcyclist a full lane width. Although it may seem there is enough room in the traffic lane for an automobile and a motorcycle, remember the motorcycle needs the room to maneuver safely. Do not share the lane.
• Motorcycles are small and may be difficult to see. A motorcycle has a much smaller profile than a vehicle, which can make it more difficult to judge the speed and distance of an approaching motorcycle.
• Always signal your intentions before changing lanes or merging with traffic. This allows the motorcyclist to anticipate traffic flow and find a safe lane position.
• Remember that a motorcyclist can be hidden in a vehicle’s blind spot or missed in a quick look due to its smaller size. Always make a visual check for motorcycles by checking mirrors and blind spots before entering or leaving a lane of traffic and at intersections.
• Don’t be fooled by a flashing turn signal on a motorcycle – motorcycle signals may not be self-canceling and riders sometimes forget to turn them off. Wait to be sure the motorcycle is going to turn before you proceed.
• Remember that road conditions that are minor annoyances to motorists can pose major hazards to motorcyclists. Motorcycle riders may change speed or adjust position within a lane suddenly in reaction to road and traffic conditions such as potholes, gravel, wet or slippery surfaces, pavement seams, railroad crossings, and grooved pavement.
• Allow more following distance -- three or four seconds -- following a motorcycle so the motorcycle rider has enough time to maneuver or stop in an emergency. In dry conditions, motorcycles can stop more quickly than cars.

Motorcyclist Deaths Are Rising

In 2008 motorcyclist fatalities increased for the 11th straight year.

During 2008, 5,290 motorcyclists lost their lives in fatal highway crashes.

Nearly 50 percent of all motorcycles involved in fatal crashes collided with other types of motor vehicles in transport.  In two-vehicle crashes, 77 percent of the motorcycles involved were struck in the front.  Only 7 percent were struck in the rear.

Over 90 percent of all fatal two-vehicle crashes involving a motorcycle and a passenger vehicle occurred on non-interstate roadways.

Approximately 50 percent of all fatal two-vehicle crashes involving a motorcycle and a passenger vehicle were intersection crashes.

In 2008, there were 2,387 two-vehicle fatal crashes involving a motorcycle and another type of vehicle.  In 41 percent of these crashes, the other vehicle was turning left while the motorcycle was going straight, passing, or overtaking the vehicle.  Both vehicles were going straight in 28 percent of the crashes.