RIDIN' STEEL

When RIDIN' STEEL held it's CABIN FEVER RELIEVER last March at BENTLEYS SALOON in Arundel, 2 MMPAC members, Eric Fuller and Sonny Bridges were in attendance to make an announcement about the recent changes in LD's that directly affect the Motorcycle Enthusiast over Inspection Stickers and Exhaust Noise. We were informed that these laws have already been in effect for about 15 years or so and that the language was changed so that law enforcement could make a charge stick.

We were also informed that a "Grace Period" was negotiated to allow time for motorcyclist to be informed or educated on the changes. This "Grace Period" would also allow motorcyclist time to raise the money needed to make the changes necessary to comply to the upgraded law. Inspections Stickers that are currently placed on the inside of an automobile's windshield are fine, but to place such a sticker on a motorcycle that does'nt have a windshield could possibly damage the polished metal or paint on a bike. Most of have a great deal of pride on the design and appearance of our rides, this type of sticker just does'nt work for a motorcycle. I attended a UBM meeting where they passed around an accessory to attach to your License Plate where an Inspection Sticker could be placed. I found this to be a very limited option, but acceptable and at least some effort was being made.

The Exhaust Noise Law changes, was the real stickler. The  debate that "LOUD PIPES SAVE LIVES" will continue to go on. I run stock pipes on my bike for a number of reasons.

1. When I first purchased this bike, I wanted to resist (as much as possible) the temptation to invest more money into my ride by getting sucked into the aftermarket replacement part addiction.

I liked the look of my Dyna SuperGlide and wanted to keep it as stock as possible. However I did purchase new Handle Bars and Pegs. spending an additional $600.00.

2. Living in a neighborhood where homes are only 100' apart, I don't like startling my neighbors with an explosive start in the early morning hours. When I do start my bike, I'm ready to roll and try to keep my disturbance down to minimum by immediately taking off.

For those that ride, a motorcycle is a work of art and in a sense an expression of their unique personality. That is just one of the  qualities of the Motorcyclist that makes us different. Many Automobile owners feel the same way.

Eric & Sonny know this because their "Bikers" and their efforts that they put into the negotiations that took place over these recent LD changes should be commended and respected by all the parties involved. But that was'nt the case, was it?

As soon as the laws went into effect, some took it upon themselves to make a statement. Once again, we as Free Americans are praternally guided by those we elect to serve and protect  our way of life. They always try to lump us all into one and make laws that strip away at our Freedom of Choice. There are people out there without a doubt that go out of their way to be a nuisance. I understand this. Use your newly acquired authority to stop the guy that revs his bike in the driveway for 10 minutes just to aggrivate his neighbor or to stop the guy that goes through downtown that excessively rev's because he likes hearing his pipes echo off the side of brick buildings or under bridges. I believe that LOUD PIPES SAVE LIVES. and that much like a Police Car, FireTruck or Ambulance that those of us that ride should have the option of utilizing this feature for our safety.

I choose to depend on my defensive driving skills acquired through 40 years of riding on 2 wheels. I made a lot of mistakes along the way and fortunately survived, but there were times in the early learning years that such an option to have loud pipes may have prevented a harrowing incident from happening.

MMPAC & the United Bikers of Maine work hard at Educating not only Motorcyclist, but Legislators, Our Transportation Dept. Law Enforcement and the General Public about the concerns Motorcyclist for their safety and the general public as well. There is'nt a lot of money available for Publicity purposes to help get the word out on any changes affecting Motorcyclist. That is why a "Grace Period" was agreed upon. RIDIN' STEEL is committed to helping UBM as much as possible, but the show does'nt come back on until October. The "Grace Period" would have allowed us time to possibly save some Felow Riders a lot of money. A $150.00 to $200.00 fine could have done a great deal towards reinstalling or purchasing pipes that comply to the law.

The UNITED BIKERS OF MAINE NEED OUR SUPPORT AND MEMBERSHIP! There is strength in numbers and if your interested in becoming a member go to MENTION & LINKS on this page and click onto UBM's site or go to www.ubm-usa.org.

In closing I would like to add that in the spirit of co-operation and respect, all the motorcyclist pulled over in Waterville and Arundel and ticketed for Loud Exhaust  recently should have their charges dropped with the understanding that they use the money saved to make those changes on their ride. Just Sayin'