Triumphrat

Mojoinco · 09-18-2007

I remember the 'bullet bike' IIHS report. And then Senator Danforth's bill in the Senate. And writing letters. And the same Bryan something was head of the insurance industry funded IIHS as he is now. And how it got hard for a while to insure those same kinds of bikes. Probably also will see the same said insurance industry use this as in excuse to raise rates and cancel coverage -- when in the same reality they will be having liquidity and profit issues due to economic downturn (insurance companies are really large investment companies, with your insurance payments providing capitol for investments). It happened the last round as we had some issues with a little thing called 'inflation' and poor Wall Street performance.

No doubt we have the most affluent riders ever (meaning older): the allure of our youth and those greasy dirty bikers that waved a finger at 'the man'. Hey, the cruisers are better than the hottest sport bikes of the day, and are not so expensive (not to mention rarely leak, always start, etc). Of course they weigh as much or more, and a lot of riders have never driven a lighter bike that will handle, nor had to develop the skills -- or it's been so long they have forgotten them. And let's not forget those that shouldn't be riding as they aren't aggressive enough to pay attention and survive (just like sking or snowboarding). It's okay to not ride.

Then you have the young male rider -- just the reason the Army wants you young -- you ARE invincible. And finance companies don't care as long as you keep writing those checks each month (kind of like the 'housing credit' crisis; the same activities that lead to the savings and loan crisis, or the credit card crisis). Meaning were I felt pretty good at being able to buy a used 400 Hawk, these guys can buy some pretty cool machinery (and as over their head as the old men).

So maybe their is a reason for generalizations -- because it's true: We will always be true to our gender (sorry ladies, but riding is still overwhelmingly male, just as certain activities will always be primarily feminine -- with pleasant & notable exceptions in both). So boys will be boys, it's just the cost of the toys...and the women to impress or other mean to compete with.

And yes, sharpen the pens, join the AMA, and go see your representatives when the Congress is out of session (I pray that some day they will be limited to 30 days of session a year -- better chance I win the Powerball lottery after being sainted).