Useful links and riding facts

Helmet law in Texas
Despite popular belief, there IS a helmet law in Texas!
Any driver or passenger under 21 years of age is required to wear a DOT approved helmet.
A DOT (Department of Transportation) approved helmet must be worn by
anyone younger than 21 with no exceptions and everyone else unless they have medical/health
insurance (not to be confused with auto or cycle or liability or collision and comprehensive
insurance for your bike or other motor vehicles). The law was changed effective Sept 1, 2009
that did away with the requirement for the helmet exemption sticker formerly used since 1997
and the law says cannot be pulled over for not wearing a helmet but if you are pulled over for
another reason, and you don't have proof of such health insurance, you and or your passenger
can be ticketed, have heard of fines as high as $200 US per person. You can read more
official details at http://www.txdps.state.tx.us/msb/helmet.htm . 

There are also other links there about the motorcycle safety course, which was also made
mandatory for new MC endorsements on your drivers license. And remember if you don't
have your MC endorsement, (as many of my ole skool biker customers don't or haven't for 20+ years!),
you can get a ticket, and often times will be  denied insurance or coverage in event of a claim,
even though many of the insurance companies will be GLAD to TAKE your money and
then not pay you if a wreck or bike is stolen.

Other forms for motorcycles can be found at http://www.txdps.state.tx.us/forms/

 I was informed that Lousiana several years ago passed a DOT helmet law,
so check into it before you head points East. There are several websites which explain
the laws state by state but we cannot vouch for the accuracy or timeliness of any of these.

Also, on the DPS wesbite is the Motorcycle Handbook and information on Course for Riders.
There are several local area people (in Houston) who provide motorcycle safety courses at
a substantial discount over major bikeshops which can also provide you a discount on you
liability insurance which is mandatory by the way. We will try to post some links when we have time.
The handbook is available at http://www.txdps.state.tx.us/msb/dl-8.pdf and is worth a gander for more
defensive driving safety tips that might save your life and keep you maintain your low carb diet from
dining on local insect species. (hint: drive with your mouth closed if not wearing face mask or helmet.
I personally find lovebugs to be especially tasty but Junebugs to the forehead at 70 mph can be painful!)

Investing
This may seem a long way off from motorcycling, and in fact the LAST thing you want to be thinking
about [understandably so!] while you are tooling down the road with the sweet wind whistling past your ears.
However, those of you who are smart and lucky enough to find their way to our humble establishment
most likely know the importance of saving a dollar and getting the best value for your money.

You also might know that in our capitalistic society your ability to buy that new Harley or to adorn it
with glittering gold and chrome, [or simply to maintain it and afford the instant 500 dollar bill you have
to drop at the High Dollar repair shop when you replace your inferior-crafted Dunlops after 6000
miles of 4-way stop signs and 150 degree pavement] depend on your ability to save and
invest your hard earned money wisely to ensure the security of yourself and your family
and enjoy the things you deserve.

One thing I would like share with my customers and riding friends alike is a local Houston AM Radio show
I listen to with  Lance Roberts, and his associates, Mike Smith, who host the daily "StreetTalk Live"
show on KSEV Radio 700 from 6 to 8 PM C(D)ST Weekdays. Their website is http://www.streettalklive.com/ and is well
worth a visit even if you are a knowledgable investor or just starting out. If you don't save for your retirement or
lifetime goals, no one will do it for you and you will be out in the cold when old age hits and even worse,
left driving an imported bike! Even if you are out of range from Houston you can listen to the radio
show from his website links. 

Lance and Mike have an unusual candor and pragmaticism about investing and demostrates superior judgment
(as well as proven track record) regarding investing which is just not found from any of the plethora
of talking heads on CNBC or CNNFn. I have met with Lance and found him to be one of
the very few money managers or advisors that did not attempt to take advantage of me or sell me
risky investment products only he would profit from. Even if you don't personally invest with him you can
learn a lot from listening to his show or reading his free "Xfactor" weekly reports which are well worth reading.
BEFORE you are thinking of buying a stock, give him a call on his radio program or ask a question
at his website, and he will give you an objective, unemotional analysis. 

Also with his past and  former partner in crime, Jim Blake, who has made some excellent stock and market predictions
with his excellent technical analysis. Jim Blake, can be found on AM CNN650 at 8:30 AM C(D)ST on Brent
Clanton's morning show or directly at www.qgwsi.com.  Another guy with a great track record locally, is Mr. John Bott,
who can be found daily on CNN650 from 4 pm -6 pm or most recently at www.whatsworkingnow.us or www.tristar.us.