Gear and Apparel

Now that you are thinking about riding, you'll need gear. Though we do not endorse any one outfitter over another, the links below are from places we've purchased our riding gear and apparel:

Motorcycle Accessory Warehouse

Amazon.com

JP Cycles

Bike Bandit

Harley Gear

Truimph

Finding the Right Motorcycle

When you think you are ready to purchase a motorcycle, there are a whole lot of variables to consider including pricing, size, cruiser or sport bike, etc. My first bike, for example was a Buell Blast which I decided to go with mainly for size - it is small and doesn't weigh a whole lot. Ultimately, the decision of which bike is best for you comes down to what you feel comfortable with. This list by no means includes every bike type out there, but hopefully it will help you make the big decision of which bike is best for you:

Uncle Henry's

Harley/Buell

Truimph

Suzuki

Honda

Yamaha

Motorcycle News & Facts


New Maine Laws Regarding Motorcycle Safety

Let your Legislator know how you feel about these newly enacted laws. Find their contact information on Maine.gov.

Informational Signs will inform riders of approaching rumble strips.

The Department of Transportation is now required to erect signs on each highway or other way within the State where rumble strips are located that will inform a rider that they are approaching a rumble strip.

Helmet law changed to require anyone under the age of 18, not 15 as was previously the law, to wear a helmet while on a motorcycle. 

This law changes the age under which a motorcycle operator or passenger is required to wear protective headgear from under 15 years of age to under 18 years of age. This change would bring the headgear requirements for motorcycle operators or passengers into conformity with the headgear requirements for snowmobile operators or passengers on trails funded by the Snowmobile Trail Fund and ATV operators or passengers.

Did you know...

...that the State of Maine requires a motorcycle license to operate any two OR three wheeled motorcycle, trike, moped or scooter if that vehicle is over 50 cc's?  For more information or to read the statute, visit the Maine Legislature's Statute Search page here.


...that the State of Maine registered over 50,000 motorcycles in 2008? The number of registrations is up over 4,000 from 2007 and up nearly 20,000 since the beginning of 2002!


...that in 1968 it was illegal for anyone to ride a motorcycle without a helmet in the State of Maine? The state law that required helmet use was enacted into law in 1967 and was repealed ten years later in 1977.

 

"Thousands Ride in Annual Toy Run" By Susan M. Cover, Kennebec Journal/Morning Sentinel

AUGUSTA -- With Teddy bears, bicycles and board games strapped to their motorcycles, thousands of bikers from across the state rode from the Augusta Civic Center to the Windsor Fairgrounds on Sunday for the 28th Annual United Bikers of Maine Toy Run.

Brandon Bernier, 12, of Auburn, rode on the back of his dad's Honda Shadow to participate in the event.

"We can just bring toys and then give them to kids that need them," Brandon said as they prepared to leave the civic center.

On a beautiful September morning -- unlike the last two years, when it rained -- thousands of bikers hung out at the civic center prior to the event to socialize and grab a bite to eat before taking off. Many expressed a desire to give back to the community by donating toys to needy kids. Others mentioned the sense of community that comes from spending time with other like-minded motorcyclists.

Among them was Gov. John Baldacci, who rode in the toy run.

"The toy run proves again that there are no bounds to the generosity of Maine people, of their commitment to their community and of their great spirit," Baldacci said in a statement.

Dennis Wadsworth of Hope and Cindy Cunningham, also of Hope, brought along Sheba, a 6-year-old German shepherd who rides in a specially made doghouse pulled by Wadsworth's white Honda Gold Wing. The doghouse, which looked like a truck cab, is rigged so it doesn't get too hot inside for Sheba, Cunningham said.

Strapped to the top was a giant brown Teddy bear.

"He has to have the biggest toy," Cunningham said.

Further down the parking lot, Fulton Oakes and Judy Rowe stood near their Suzuki Boulevard, which was equipped with two new children's bikes and protective gear, including helmets, knee pads and elbow pads. They also toted a basketball, football and kickballs, along with a United Bikers of Maine Lincoln flag.

Oakes said the dramatically improved weather, compared to last year, made for a great turnout.

"I think the kids are going to make out because of it," he said.

For the last 10-15 years, Jody Brillant of West Bath has taken part in the run. With a stuffed toy dog strapped to the front her Harley Fat Boy, she was ready to take off.

"I love riding," she said. "I love what we do for the kids."

Susan Cover -- 620-7015

scover@centralmaine.com

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