We have been informed by the company that provides the server that runs Biker Law Blog, that in the last 3 days, a patch was put on the server to protect against a meltdown virus vulnerability. Unfortunately, the patch causes 30% degradation in the server. This goes for most Internet servers and not just the one that runs the Biker Law Blog. We have been told that the powers that be are working around the clock to fix the issue.

What this means for you Biker Law Blog readers is that especially during the day when you try to connect to this site there will be intermittent connectivity problems. It might say unable to connect to the database, or give some other error.

All you need to do is refresh your browser, and the sites should come up. Worst-case scenario you might have to refresh your browser a couple times to get the site up. We have been assured that the probably be fixed as soon as possible.

Biker Law Blog Staff

The post Biker Law Blog temporary connectivity problems first appeared on Biker and Motorcycle Accident Lawyer Blog.

MY BIRTHDAY IS COMING UP: In two days I’m looking forward to my 51^st birthday. It’s hard to believe I made it to 51. At this point in my life I think there is hope. I’m looking forward to a long and fruitful rest of my life.

MAJOR FUNCTIONALITY RESTORED ON THE BLOG: It is been reported to us that people using the search function on the Biker Law Blog, or persons trying to select articles on the right by category, or keywords, were being taken to the normal blog page. All functions have been restored in the Biker Law Blog. Apparently there was a bug after the last redesign.

Made MY RESERVATIONS FOR STURGIS 2014: I’m pleased to announce that I have paid the campground fees, and the wristband fees, for the Glencoe Campground, and the Sturgis 2014 motorcycle rally. The official rally dates are from August 3, 2014 through August 9, 2014. I plan on departing for the Sturgis Motorcycle Rally on July 30, 2014. From Sturgis, I will do my annual trek to Cody, Wyoming, and the Yellowstone national forest. On the way home from Cody, Wyoming, I will stop in Greybull, Wyoming, to ride the Greybull National Forest, which in my opinion is one of most beautiful rides on earth.

By California Motorcycle Accident Lawyer, and Biker Attorney, Norman Gregory Fernandez, Esq. © June 18, 2014

The post Norm’s Tidbits, June 18, 2014 first appeared on Biker and Motorcycle Accident Lawyer Blog.

California Motorcycle Accident Attorney and Biker Lawyer Norman Gregory Fernandez, Esq., Courtesy of the Riverside Press Enterprise Newspaper, and Jennifer Fraley of Sunshine Photography

As the year 2011 comes to an end, I would like to take this time to wish all readers of the Biker Law Blog a Happy New Year.

For those of you reading this message before the clock strikes midnight, make sure that no matter what you do not drink and drive tonight.

Alcohol is one of the most powerful drugs known to man. Driving after drinking is almost like playing Russian Roulette except that you are putting innocent people at risk along with yourself. Don’t do it.

I hope that all of you have a great New Year along with good health and prosperity in the coming year.

Norman Gregory Fernandez, Esq.

The post Happy New Year from the Biker Law Blog first appeared on Biker and Motorcycle Accident Lawyer Blog.

California Motorcycle Accident Lawyer and Biker Attorney Norman Gregory Fernandez at Laughlin River Run 2007

Actually, the title of this article should be that the Biker Law Blog is in the process of being converted. You see I am in the process of switching the Biker Law Blog to a different software platform.

The Biker Law Blog has literally become a beast of a website. The website, articles, media, and database on the website amount to almost 1 gigabyte (1,000 billion bytes) of data.

On top of that, I am getting about 1 million hits per month on the Biker Law Blog. The total data transferred each month is about 10 gigabytes of data, or 10 – 1000 billion bits of data per month. Further, we keep growing.

The Biker Law Blog has turned into a recognized motorcycle industry publication, and not just a law blog. For those of you who read the blog you know what I am talking about.

The software that the Biker Law Blog has been rock solid ever since I started the blog about 4 years ago. However, it has many limitations with respect to customization, and the ease of creating articles.

Many would say, it the software the blog is running on is not broken, why mess with it?

The answer to this question has caused me much grief. You see the guy who I paid to do the original customization of the Biker Law Blog is basically not around anymore. I have tried on numerous occasions to contact him, with no response.

Super Guru Ed B., the second customizer of the blog has gone on to greener pastures, and has told me that he has disassociated himself from the software that runs the blog due to an ethical conflict with the software’s creator.

Basically this has left me with a couple of choices. Do I stay with software that has worked for me, but that requires professional’s to upgrade and customize, or do I take a chance and go with a different platform that may not be so reliable (only time will tell), but that would make my job much simpler?

I have opted for the simple approach.

I am hoping that with automated daily backups using the new software, if something happens, I can simply restore the site.

The new software should be easier to customize, easier to do postings with, and will hopefully streamline the Biker Law Blog into a more manageable site.

As we speak, I have a test site up on a hidden domain.

I am trying to find a way to automatically get the posts, comments, and registered users from the existing Biker Law Blog software, into the new software on the test site. Since there is no current script to get this done, it may not be possible. Unfortunately, the current software that I use has no way to export the data, so it can be imported into another type of software. The designer’s rationale is that if they spend so much time creating the software, they do not want to help people leave it.

This is one of the big reasons I am leaving the software.

If I cannot automatically transfer the data to the new platform, I will literally have to manually transfer each post, comment and registered user to the new platform, one by one. This will take weeks since there are hundreds of posts, and thousands of comments.

Once the data is transferred to the new platform, we will then do the customization of the Blog to make it look sharp, be easier to use, and to make it simpler for users to register.

Registered users will no longer have to deal with the rampant spam that we have been hit with recently. I am sick of having to ban spammers on a daily basis manually.

Because of the changes that I am making to the new Biker Law Blog, and the time that it will take to transfer to the new platform, my postings will decrease temporarily until I get the new Blog done. Hell with a busy law practice, it is hard enough to write a blog as it is. Once the changeover is done, I can concentrate on blogging, and not software issues.

If you are a registered user of the Biker Law Blog, you will be receiving email updates to let you know what is going on.

Please be patient during this time of change.

By California Motorcycle Accident Attorney and Biker Lawyer Norman Gregory Fernandez, Esq., © June, 2010

The post The Biker Law Blog is on the Move. first appeared on Biker and Motorcycle Accident Lawyer Blog.

Well as you read here, the Biker Law Blog has been getting spammed by people who are seeking reverse links back to their websites, which they believe will increase their search engine ranking. They leave comments such as “I really enjoyed this article” etc., on articles such as the death of a biker, etc. In other words they are submitting spam comments to build up their own webpages.

Now I do not care if people with websites submit valid comments on the Biker Law Blog, hell I encourage everyone to comment. However, enough is enough. I am sick of deleting and banning URL’s of spammer’s everyday.

When we last upgraded the Biker Law Blog software, super guru Ed B. implemented an anti-spam program he developed called Touring Test. Touring Test required unregistered users to answer a question before they could post a comment or register on the blog. Well the spammers figured a way around it.

I now have no choice but to make it more difficult for unregistered spammers to submit comments onto the Blog. I have re-implemented Captcha security onto the Blog.

Now any unregistered users wanting to submit comments to an article will have to type in two separate words separated by a space. Only a human being should be able to see and differentiate what the words are. There is also a voice option for vision impaired people.

If you are a registered user you will not have to worry about typing in the displayed words. To register as a member of the Biker Law Blog click here now.

I encourage all users to comment to your hearts content. I hope making you type in the two words that you see will not be too much of an inconvenience. We all have the spammers to thank for this.

By California Motorcycle Accident Attorney and Biker Lawyer Norman Gregory Fernandez, © 2010

The post New Security Measures for the Biker Law Blog; Sorry. first appeared on Biker and Motorcycle Accident Lawyer Blog.

*** January 29, 2010 Update – Tomorrow is the big day. My thoughts; Am I crazy for doing this? 🙂 stay tuned.

Well this is my first article of the year 2010. You may have been wondering why I have not posted anything lately; well it has been a hectic month, oh and by the way, I am getting married to my long time fiancé on January 30, 2010. (So long as she signs the 20 something page Prenuptial Agreement:))

First off this has been one hell of a busy month for me as soon as the New Year started.

My law firm handles many types of legal matters. I myself focus on Personal Injury and Family Law matters. My partners and associates handle other types of legal matters. Since the New Year the shit has hit the fan with work; I guess this is a good thing. I am preparing for a major motorcycle accident trial in Northern California, as I also help my other personal injury clients, and family law clients.

As fate would have it, all of this is happening on the month of my wedding. Geez Louise, I had no clue that getting married could be such a friggen nightmare with all of the planning and expenses. I will get to all of this below.

With respect to my bride to be Elizabeth, she is a real dang trooper I will tell you that. She stayed with me through probably one of the longest engagements in history, 9 years.

Heck, we have had our share of problems, and even broke up a few times, for some very short period’s time over the years. In the end, we just could not stay away from each other. We just had to be with each other. Don’t ask me to explain because I can’t.

How We Met

I met Elizabeth back in early 2001. I used to work out at Bally’s Gym in Chatsworth, CA many times per week. I was what you would call a serious gym rat. When I went to the gym I was very serious about my workouts, and tried to avoid talking to people, because it would interfere with my workouts. For this reason, I would go to the gym late at night about two hours before it closed at around 10:00pm during the week.

At the beginning of my weight lifting day workouts, I used to walk on the treadmill for 5 minutes in the cardio room 3 days per week. On my non weight lifting workout days, I would walk on the treadmill for 30 minutes per day 3 days per week.

While I was walking on the treadmill sometime in the year 2000 or 2001 one day, I noticed a good looking brunette in the mirror, sitting on a recumbent bike machine, peddling slowly, reading a magazine behind me. Since the treadmills were in front of the machine she was on, I saw her by looking at her through the mirror.

Elizabeth

It seemed like every day that I went to the gym, I saw this good looking brunette gal sitting on the recumbent bike machine, peddling slowly, reading magazines. She was in my eye as the old saying goes. I noticed that she seemed to know everyone at the gym, many gals and guys would stop by her and talk to her.

I cannot explain it but one day while I was looking at her in the mirror, I knew that we would be together. Mind you, at this point I had never even talked to her, let alone said hello to her. I just knew we were going to be together. Talk about fate; anyway.

One day I got off of the treadmill, and said hello to her as I walked by her. This went on for sometime, day by day. We would just say hello to each other.

Eventually, we started having small conversations. Turns out she is a French Babe, etc. (for those that know me, it is an inside joke :)) I started to really like Elizabeth. At some point I could not wait to see her in the gym. I finally built up the nerve to ask her if she wanted to go out on a date. The rest is history.

Our First Date

When I asked Elizabeth to go out with me on a date, I told her that we would ride my motorcycle to a club in Hollywood. To my surprise she said yes. It takes a special kind of woman to get on the back of a motorcycle. I myself was always petrified to be a passenger on the back of a motorcycle. As it turns out, Elizabeth is a natural. Anyway, getting back to our first date………

Elizabeth

When I picked her up for our first date, she looked very nice indeed. She had on some high heel boots, and a nice outfit. She jumped on the back of my motorcycle like she belonged there.

We rode my motorcycle from Chatsworth to Hollywood, CA. During the ride I accidentally brushed my hand up against her leg while she was sitting behind me on the motorcycle. (At least that is what I told her)

When we got to the Rainbow in Hollywood, we shared our first kiss pretty much right after she got off the motorcycle. (I always told her after that date that she was a wild woman!) We had one hell of a fun first date, but I must say that I took my time courting Elizabeth. I was a perfect gentleman with her. That is probably why we are still together after all of this time.

By the way, the day after our first date I discovered that Elizabeth had melted her boots on my brand new Cobra Slash Cut Pipes on the motorcycle. I was sick to my stomach. I spent hours trying get the melted rubber off of the chrome. It never came off.

As it turns out, she had spent hundreds of dollars on those new boots just for our first date. I guess she was looking forward to going out just as much as I was.

Elizabeth at the Grand Canyon

Elizabeth has stuck with me through hell and back over the past 9 years. As you can read in many articles on here, she has faithfully stayed by my side and on the back of my motorcycle when most women would say “hell no.” She has ridden on the back of my various motorcycles well over a couple of hundred thousand miles over the years. She has worn my property patch, and been right in the thick of the motorcycle club world even though she is a normie; a normie meaning no experience with the motorcycle world until she met me.

Heck, I remember one time; Elizabeth had some kind of surgery. She was in pain. My brothers were doing the “Halfway Run” up to Fresno, CA. She was supposed to ride in the chase van with one of my brothers, instead, at the first gas stop; she jumped out and got on the back of my motorcycle. She absolutely could not stand not being on the back of my motorcycle. She is that kind of woman. Loyal no matter what.

I have put her through her paces. I would estimate that hundreds if not thousands of bikers and motorcyclist over the past nine years have met Elizabeth as she rode with me to all types of events and biker social settings. Who can forget the time she panicked when we went up on the scissor crane at the Hollister Rally. (She literally freaked out)

When most of my brothers are riding by themselves because their old ladies wanted to stay home, Elizabeth was always behind me on my bike. Anyone who rides with me knows we ride as a team.

Elizabeth and Norman

She has ridden with me through freezing cold, rain, blistering heat, for thousands and thousands of miles. She is a true shotgun rider and a trooper.

She was even by my side one time when my club was surrounded by another club at the Las Vegas Biker Fest in 2004. She was smart enough to get out of the middle of the circle. The club that surrounded us ending up becoming good friends of mine and we had a late dinner right after the incident. (Luckily one of my brothers put his hand out for a handshake but this is a whole other story)

Elizabeth has been that diamond gal that every man hopes to meet in his life. She is the angel on my shoulder when I want to do something stupid. She gives me encouragement, advice, and pushes me to be my best. The least I can do is marry her right?

As I sit here typing this article, I can literally think of what seems like unlimited times she has been there for me. When I was sick she was there for me, when I had some internet stalkers and whacko’s threatening me, she was there for me, when I expanded my law practice she was there for me. What more can a man want?

Now she is in law school herself. I think we would make a good husband and wife attorney team!

The Pending Marriage

My friends, brothers, and family who know me know that I am not a flashy type of guy. I would be satisfied with a simple wedding in Las Vegas with a few close friends and family.

I do not know what has happened, but my wedding has turned into the Barnum and Bailey circus. Hell, we have the fancy ceremony and reception location, all of the dang planning involved in that. Invitations, photographers, DJ, Officiant, Dress, Tuxedos, cake, guest list, diamond rings, flowers, this and that, even a dam cake topper and serving set.

Elizabeth at Neptune's Net

This is going to probably be one of the fanciest dang weddings of 2010. Our guest list is huge.

Guess who has to pay for all of this?

Hell I told Elizabeth, “I could buy a new top of the line Harley Davidson Touring Motorcycle for cash with what this damm wedding is going to cost me.” “I should just get the Harley.”

Then again, looking at her pictures above, I think she is worth it 🙂

So what can I say in 16 days, 6 hours, and 52 minutes as of the writing of this article, I will tie the knot; Mazeltov.

By California Motorcycle Accident Attorney and California Biker Lawyer Norman Gregory Fernandez, Esq., © 2010

The post I am Getting Hitched on January 30, 2010; Another One Bites the Dust! first appeared on Biker and Motorcycle Accident Lawyer Blog.

Touring Safety Recall Campaign 0141

Summary:
Harley-Davidson is recalling certain model year 2009 and 2010 touring family motorcycles, including CVO touring and trike products, manufactured from June 6, 2008 through November 19, 2009. The front fuel tank mounts may distort in reaction to severe frame damage from a frontal collision. This condition may cause a fuel leak at the weld of the front bracket to the tunnel.

Consequence:
A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source may result in a fire, which could lead to injury or death to the rider.

Remedy:
Dealers will install a left and right brace, which are intended to reduce front mount distortion during certain crash conditions. This repair will be performed free of charge. The safety recall is expected to begin on or about December 14, 2009. Owners may contact Harley-Davidson at 1-414-343-4056.

Notes:
Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s vehicle safety hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to http://www.safercar.gov.

Model: Model Designation: Model Years:
FLHP Electra Glide® Standard Police 2009-2010
FLHPE Road King® Police (CA) 2009-2010
FLHR Road King® 2009-2010
FLHR SHRINE Road King® Shrine 2009-2010
FLHRC Road King® Classic 2009-2010
FLHT Electra Glide® Standard 2009-2010
FLHTC Electra Glide® Classic 2009-2010
FLHTCU Ultra Classic® Electra Glide® 2009-2010
FLHTCU SHRINE Ultra Classic® Electra Glide® Shrine 2009-2010
FLHTCU w/sidecar Ultra Classic® Electra Glide® w/sidecar 2009-2010
FLHTCU4-CVO CVO™ Ultra Classic® Electra Glide® Japan 2009
FLHTCUSE4 CVO™ Ultra Classic® Electra Glide® 2009
FLHTCUSE5 CVO™ Ultra Classic® Electra Glide® 2010
FLHTCUTG Tri Glide™ Ultra Classic® 2009-2010
FLHTK Electra Glide® Ultra Limited 2010
FLHTP Electra Glide® Standard Police 2009-2010
FLHX Street Glide® 2009-2010
FLHXSE CVO™ Street Glide® 2010
FLHXXX Street Glide® Trike 2010
FLTR Road Glide® 2009
FLTR3-CVO CVO™ Road Glide® (Japan) 2009
FLTRSE3 CVO™ Road Glide® 2009

Below is a letter that Harley Davidson is sending out to owners of the affected models:
Dear Harley-Davidson Motorcycle Owner:

This notice is being sent to you in accordance with the requirements of the National Traffic and Motor Vehicle Safety Act.

Harley-Davidson Motor Company, Inc. has decided that a defect which relates to motor vehicle safety exists on certain model year 2009 and 2010 Touring family vehicles including CVO touring and Trike products) built June 6, 2008 through November 19, 2009. On these vehicles, the fuel tank front mounts may distort in reaction to severe frame damage from a frontal collision. This condition may cause a fuel leak at the weld of the front bracket to the tunnel. A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source may result in a fire, which could lead to injury or
death of the rider.

Our records indicate that you purchased one of the affected motorcycles.
We strongly urge you to contact your dealer to make arrangements to have the appropriate service performed as soon as possible.

Please contact your authorized Harley-Davidson motorcycle dealer immediately and arrange an appointment to have your motorcycle repaired. Your dealer will install a left and right hand brace, which are intended to reduce front mount distortion during certain crash conditions. Actual dealer labor time to perform this service will be less than one hour; however, due to scheduling, the dealer may require your motorcycle for a longer period of time. The parts and labor will be free of charge to you.

To verify that the service has been completed, your dealer will ask you to sign a recall claim. If you have sold your motorcycle, please forward the appropriate information about your purchaser. This will enable us to contact him/her and advise that person of this recall. Also, Federal law requires that any vehicle lessor receiving this recall notice must forward a copy of this notice to the lessee within ten days.

If you have had this defect repaired before you received this letter, you may be eligible to receive reimbursement for the cost of obtaining a pre-notification remedy of the problem associated with this recall. For more information contact Harley-Davidson at 1-414-343-4056. Should you choose to ride your motorcycle prior to this service, we urge you to be aware of this condition.

If you take your motorcycle to your dealer on a mutually agreed upon date and they do not perform the required service to your satisfaction, please contact Harley-Davidson Motor Company, Inc. for immediate assistance at the address or telephone number listed on this letterhead. If your dealer or Harley-Davidson Motor Company, Inc. fails or is unable to remedy your motorcycle without charge within a reasonable time, you may wish to inform the Administrator, National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, 1200 New Jersey Avenue, SE, Washington, DC 20590, or call the toll-free Auto Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY: 1-800-424-9153); or contact NHTSA at http://www.safercar.gov.

We regret any inconvenience this may cause you, but we are initiating this action in the interest of your personal safety and satisfaction with our products. Thank You for your cooperation.

Sincerely,
Harley-Davidson Motor Company, Inc.
0141

If you have been injured as a result of the above defect call my office immediately at 800-816-1529 x.1 or you may go to my website at http://www.bikerlawyer.net .

By California Motorcycle Lawyer and Motorcycle Attorney Norman Gregory Fernandez, Esq., 2009

The post Harley Davidson Touring Motorcycle Safety Recall first appeared on Biker and Motorcycle Accident Lawyer Blog.

U.S. motorcycle maker Harley Davidson reported a smaller-than-expected profit Thursday, sending its shares lower in premarket trading, as the economy’s slow recovery weighed on bike sales.

The company plans to discontinue its Buell product line and sell its MV Agusta unit, essentially exiting the sport bike market. It expects to book $125 million in one-time costs associated with the moves.

The company plans to discontinue its Buell product line and sell its MV Agusta unit, essentially exiting the sport bike market. It expects to book $125 million in one-time costs associated with the moves.

Harley-Davidson’s third-quarter profit tumbled 84 percent to $26.5 million, or 11 cents a share, from $166.5 million, or 71 cents, a year earlier. Sales fell 21 percent to $1.12 billion.

Analysts, on average, expected the Milwaukee-based company to report a profit of 21 cents a share on sales of $1.1 billion.

Retail sales of new Harleys skidded 21.3 percent during the quarter. In the United States, the company’s biggest market, retail sales of the company’s bikes fell 24.3 percent from the year-earlier period.

The company’s finance unit, meanwhile, reported an operating loss of $31.5 million as a result of higher provisions for credit losses in both the retail and wholesale portfolios as well as increased interest expense.

Its shares were down 3.4 percent at $25.36 in premarket trading.

Harley Davidson has been through tough times before. They have been around a long time. I am sure that Harley Davidson will make it through these tough economic times as well.

By California Motorcycle Accident Lawyer and Biker Attorney

The post Harley Davidson Getting out of the Sport Motorcycle Business; Profit Tumbles, Shares Fall. first appeared on Biker and Motorcycle Accident Lawyer Blog.

**** 3-5-09 Update: I have found a super Guru to help with me upgrading the Engine, and possible making some cosmetic changes to the Blog. His name is Ed B. He has a plan. Therefore, the upgrade will be put off until we get everything ported over and working on his machine. Once that is done, he will do it on the Blog server!

Well the Biker Law Blog has become huge. We are getting well over 200k hits per month. It has become a force in the international biker community, and as such has out grown its capacity!

Therefore with great fear, I am going to allow the software that runs the Biker Law Blog to be upgraded to increase performance, and for me to be able to manage the extensive back end easier.

During the upgrade this evening the Blog will be down for a time. There is a chance that the customization that has been done on the blog might now work with the new software. If that is the case, the programmers will be working on porting over the customization to the new software standard. This would mean that the Blog could be down after hours while the programming is taking place. I could also allow a vanilla default template to be used while the this is being programmed.

We have backed up the site and the databases. I am going to ask them to back up again out of an abundance of caution, and also FTP all of the uncompressed files to a local computer as well. Unlike static websites, a Blog such as the Biker Law Blog runs on software that resides in a server.

If for some reason the upgrade does not work, I will have them downgrade and try again another night.

Wish up luck. Once the upgrade is done, the Biker Law Blog will be tricked out with new features and content! God willing we will not lose the entire thing…..chit!

California Motorcycle Accident Attorney Norman Gregory Fernandez

The post Upgrade of the Biker Law Blog Software! first appeared on Biker and Motorcycle Accident Lawyer Blog.

*** June 8, 2009 update below the main article. Check it out!

I just installed the Pro Pad Mini-Beast Air Horn on my Harley Davidson Electra Glide and all I can say is this little beast is truly LOUD!

You can check out the Mini-Beast Air Horn at the Pro Pad website by clicking here now.

This self contained unit will fit on most Harley Davidson motorcycles, and can be fitted to metric and other types of motorcycles. The most unique feature of this air horn which sets it apart from other air horns is the fact that the air compressor and horn are all contained in a stainless steel cover that is not much bigger than a stock Harley Davidson cow bell horn cover. This horn uses the stock horn button, which is to be expected on any aftermarket horn! I would never buy or install an aftermarket horn which did not use the stock motorcycle horn button.

Other types of air horn systems require you to mount trumpets or some other sounding device on the motorcycle somewhere, and then run an air hose from the trumpets to an air compressor. You then have to find a place on the motorcycle to mount or hide the air compressor, which is a hassle.

The Mini-Beast air horn is self contained in the stainless steel cover. Easy!

The other systems I looked at were also much bigger and take up too much room on the bike. I like the fact that the Mini-Beast not only fits in the stock horn position, but it actually compliments the looks of the big V-Twin engine in the Harley.

You may ask why I decided to put an air horn on my Harley; simple; stock motorcycle horns are basically worthless, especially at highway speeds. A loud air horn gives motorcyclist a LEGAL way of getting a cagers attention even with their windows rolled up, and even when they are on the phone. This is a way of getting noticed without having deafening and illegal loud open pipes on your bike.

I will tell you what, at 128 decibels this Mini-Beast will not only legally get cagers attention; it will shock them! Did I say this thing is loud……….

The installation of the Mini-Beast Air Horn was basically no problem at all because everything I needed to install the horn was contained in the package. The package contained the horn itself, which was pre-mounted in its own stainless steel cover, a wire harness, and large and small tie wraps.

The wire harness itself contains an in line fuse, and a relay, which prevents any damage from being done to the motorcycle if the horn shorts out or goes bad. The relay and the fuse are already connected right out of the box. All of the connections are made with a spade connector, so you could disconnect the relay from the harness if you wanted to. There is no reason to do this unless you wanted to put the relay in some weird position. I installed the small relay into a position in front of the battery. There was plenty of room.
/>The installation process was a snap. I started off by flipping the engine kill switch on the handle bars, and removing the seat. I then removed the stock horn, and disconnected the two spade wire connectors that lead to the stock horn. I then proceeded to route the wire harness along the frame to underneath the gas tank to the stock horn wires.

The only issue I had with this part of the installation was that I wanted a clean look without any wires showing. The way I accomplished this was to jack up my Electra Glide with a motorcycle jack, so that I could get to the bottom of the gas tank, and route the wiring harness, so that it would not be too close to the Engine, and so that it would follow the lines of the stock horn button. Jacking up the bike is not necessary for this install, but I am a stickler for details. With the bike jacked up it is easier to look underneath and to work. I loosely tie wrapped the harness at strategic locations using the supplied tie wraps.

Once I got the harness where I wanted it, I then loosened the bolts on the battery just enough to slip on the u-shaped slotted connector for the positive and negative part of the harness that connects to the battery. I then re-tightened up the bolts, making sure that the wiring harness connectors did not slide off of the battery connection bolts when tightening them back up. It was real fast and easy. I did not have to completely remove the battery cables to install the horn wires; they just slip on the bolt, once the bolt is loosened.

I then made the 4 electrical connections necessary at the horn. The connections are from the two wires that are hanging after you remove the stock horn, and from the two in the Mini-Beast Harness. All of the connections are plug in spade connectors, except for one which uses a round male, female connector from the harness to the horn. It was all plug and play with no crimping or anything like that required; just the way I like it.

Once the connections were made, I mounted the Mini-Beast loosely onto the motorcycle.

I tie wrapped the two wires that come from the Mini-Beast Harness, to the stock horn wires, with small black tie wraps that were included in the kit.

I then took the 4 wires that connect together in back of the mini-beast and individually wrapped them with electrical tape, and then taped the whole bundle to together and stuffed it behind the Chrome Mini-Beast Cover. I probably went a little overboard here, but with electrical connections, I want to make sure that water will not get in and cause a short or something.

I then slowly lowered the motorcycle from the jack, flipped the kill switch on the handlebars to the run position, and fired her up. After a few seconds I hit the horn switch and WOW; the horn worked and was LOUD!

After ensuring that the horn worked, I cut the engine off, and tightened up the horn so that it was solidly mounted on the motorcycle. I then fully tightened and trimmed the tie wraps, and re-installed the seat.

I then took the motorcycle on a little spin through my neighborhood raising hell with the horn. I went up to the mountains, and rode around to ensure that the horn was solidly mounted and to ensure that the harness stayed in place.

This particular horn is a little bit bigger than stock, but it does not interfere with riding at all. In other words, I could not feel it against my leg in a normal riding position. If I purposefully pressed my knee into it, I could feel it. I could also do the same thing with the stock horn.

I have heard that earlier versions of this horn had problems with the mounting bracket breaking. This problem has now been fixed. I have the latest version of this horn and the bracket looks solid to me. There is a very large black plastic spacer that screws onto the stock Harley mounting stud, between the motorcycle and the horn. This thing looks like it will absorb lots of vibration. The horn has a 1 year warranty.

This horn does not sound like a big rig truck, but it is very loud. It sounds more like a car horn on steroids.

If you want to see a video of what the Mini-Beast sounds like click here now. Please note that the Mini-Beast in the video looks like it using the old mount and is slotted differently then the new mini-beast. The video does not do justice to the loudness of this horn. It is louder than what you hear in the video!

You may also click here to hear the horn without video. You may want to check the volume on your computer, especially if you are at work. 🙂

I give this horn thumbs up at least for now. Obviously time will tell if it will hold up for the long run. I do many long distance runs in the worst conditions. Only after a few of my 800 mile jaunts will I know for sure whether the Mini-Beast will hold up to extreme highway conditions.

If you are contemplating buying an air horn for your motorcycle, I would highly recommend the Pro Pad Mini-Beast as a great solution, for a low price.

*** June 8, 2009 Update: I received the following email and picture from a Biker Law Blog member. I wish to thank him for updating us on the new and improved Mini Beast Air Horn, and sending his picture of the new Mini Beast Air Horn he installed on his motorcycle.

My Mini Beast Air Horn works just fine since I installed it, but if I ever have to replace it, I will buy a Mini Beast. I like the new style! Thanks Chief. Chief’s email is posted below.

Just wanted to let you know that your info on the Mini Beast Air Horn led to me finally
purchase the new “Mini Beast 2” for myself. They have made a bunch of improvements to the horn, the brace, and the cover. I purchased the chrome cover, and it looks great on my 2008 Harley Davidson Electra Glide Ultra Classic. Was the perfect fit, and sounds great.

Anyone thinking about a horn would be smart to read your blog and think seriously about this Air Horn. Thanks for your info and to the other riders that posted to your blog about issues they had. I can say that the new Mini Beast 2 will be worth the price and the time to put it on the motorcycle. Mine sounds great…

Gerald “Chief” Major
Corpus Christi, Texas
USN Retired

By California Motorcycle Accident Attorney Norman Gregory Fernandez, Esq., © 2007

The post A Review of the Pro Pad Mini-Beast Air Horn; Thumbs Up! first appeared on Biker and Motorcycle Accident Lawyer Blog.

As most motorcycle owners do, I am about to start some limited customization on my Harley Davidson Electra Glide. I have owned many motorcycles in the past and have done extensive customization on each.

The beautiful thing about the Harley Davidson Electra Glide is that it pretty much comes with everything a biker would want. I have already done some limited Customization. I have installed a Screaming Eagle Stage 1 kit, with Screaming Eagle Slip on Mufflers; a Harley Davidson Advanced Sound System; Kuryakyn Harley Davidson Cruise Boards for Engine Guards, and a Harley Davidson Easy Clutch. No bid deal, just the essentials.

However, after doing some recent long distance runs, and with a plan this summer to ride my Harley across country with my fiancé, I have decided to add a few more things to the Electra Glide to make the long trip even better.

For the new customizations that I am going to do, I will write an article on each install, and post links to high quality pictures that I will take as I install each component. Maybe in this way I can help some of you to do the same thing. I am going to be a thrill seeker and do all of my own work.

I have recently ordered a Mustang Ultra Regal one piece seat for rider and passenger; a Harley Davidson King Tour Pak (Vivid Black); a Harley Davidson removable bracket for the Tour pack, with the premium luggage rack, cylinder lock for the tour pak, and locks for the removable bracket. I am also going with a 2.5 inch Tour Pak relocate kit, which moves the Tour Pak back 2.5 inches. I also ordered a Harley Davidson antenna relocation kit that will allow me to use the same antenna when I remove the tour pak for local riding. I opted to keep the whip antenna for better reception.

Going a little bit further, I ordered Kuryakyn Premium ISO Grips which includes the throttle boss; Hogtunes front speakers to replace the stock Harley Davidson speakers; and a Mini-Beast air horn to replace the stock Harley Davidson horn.

I have never personally taken the fairing off of my Electra Glide so this should be a real fun project. I hear getting it back on straight is a nightmare.

So as I do my limited extra customizations, I will post articles about how each install went, and show pictures of the progress. The bike you see in the picture here will look a bit different. I am no mechanic; I am a lawyer. However, in the past I have been able to do some real complex installs and fixes on my motorcycles. I do not do Engine, Carburetion, or Transmission work, but I will try everything else. That is half the fun of owning a motorcycle!

UPDATE 5/16/07: Mustang Ultra Regal Seat Installed. Click Here for Review.

UPDATE 5/18/07: Mini-Beast Air Horn by Pro Pad Installed. Click Here for Review

UPDATE 5/20/07: Hogtunes Speakers Installed. Click Here for Review.

UPDATE 5/22/07: Kuryakyn Premium ISO Grip with Throttle Boss (Chrome) Installed.

UPDATE 7/13/07 – 7/14/07: Harley Davidson King Tour Pak / Premium Luggage Rack / Lock Kit for Tour Pak / Detachable Tour Pak Bracket / Pillow Passenger Backrest Pad for Tour Pak installed. Click Here for Review.

By Norman Gregory Fernandez, Esq., © 2007

The post Customizing My Harley Davidson Electra Glide a Few Parts at a Time. first appeared on Biker and Motorcycle Accident Lawyer Blog.

Anyone who is into the biker and motorcycle scene knows that the number of women that are riding motorcycles is on the increase every year. I am an old school biker and remember the good old days when the ladies rode shotgun on the back. Although many women still ride shotgun on the back of motorcycles, more and more they are actually riding the motorcycles themselves.

To be quite frank, it is a real turn on to see a gal riding her own motorcycle. I read an article that you can check out by clicking here, that states that since 2003, there has been a 36 percent increase in women owning and riding motorcycles, and that women now make up 10% of all bikers. It only makes sense to me. I do not see any reason why women cannot ride motorcycles like men. What the hell, bikers are bikers whether they are men or women. Once you get the biker bug, you are hooked!

The article mentioned above cites that 12 percent of new motorcycle purchases from Harley Davidson, and Suzuki are made by women. This is no surprise to me; I have been riding with women who have owned their own motorcycles since the 1990’s. Now I am no sexist by any means whatsoever, however, I have seen a few women drop their bikes at stop signs or traffic lights, because they may have purchased a motorcycle that was too heavy for them. I have also seen men do the same thing.

I think that it is a good thing that more women are riding their own motorcycles. Just like men, I would recommend that women who are contemplating getting their own motorcycle, go through a Certified MSF riding course, and not choose a motorcycle that is too big for them. I have seen women who weigh 110 pounds riding Harley Davidson Baggers! I am a big guy and sometimes have trouble holding up the bike when I get into a lean at a stop sign or traffic light. I do not recommend that anyone be it man or woman purchase a motorcycle that is above their physical and riding ability.

The article states that most women who buy Harley Davidson Motorcycles opt for the Sportster.

So ladies there it is, if you have the biker bug then have at it and get your own motorcycle. The more the merrier! If your man wants to keep you on the back, then get another man. You have every right to ride your own motorcycle just like us men.

By Norman Gregory Fernandez, Esq., © 2007

The post Biker Babes Are Not Just Passengers Anymore! They are also Riding Motorcycles. first appeared on Biker and Motorcycle Accident Lawyer Blog.

My friend Mike Odom, a fellow biker, has been keeping a close watch on the Billy Lane Case on his Blog which you can find by clicking here.

You can find some of his recent articles on the case by clicking here.

It appears that Billy Lane has hired two criminal defense lawyers to represent him in his drunk driving manslaughter case.

Some members of my blog and others visitors have asked me to comment on the fact that Billy Lane has hired two criminal defense attorneys, and whether it is allowed.

In California and in Federal Court where I am licensed to practice law, it is not uncommon for there to be two or more attorneys of record. I myself have associated in Counsel (a 2nd lawyer) in cases that I have done.

It is much easier to put on a case when you have other lawyers helping, especially at trial. The lead lawyer in a case is usually called the 1st seater, and co-counsel is usually called the 2nd seater. Two eyes and ears are in most cases better than one in complex cases.

You may remember the O.J. Simpson criminal murder case that was conducted in Los Angeles Superior Court Central. (The Stanley Mosk Justice Center) O.J. Simpson had no less than 10 lawyers on his team and he was found not guilty in the criminal case.

Everyone must always remember one thing; the United States Constitution presumes that all men or women charged of a criminal offense; are innocent until proven guilty in a Court of competent jurisdiction by a jury of their peers. Our system of justice may not be perfect, but it is the best in the world.

It is thought that it is better to let 12 guilty men go free than to convict one innocent man. That is the way our justice system works. Our forefathers came from countries that used various methods of torture to get people accused of a crime to confess to their crimes. Most people confess to anything under torture. Our founding fathers created a more fair system of justice!

The subject of this article is Billy Lane and his case; not our system of justice and its benefits or faults. This is the subject for a future article.

Getting back to the Billy Lane case; it is easy to convict the man by media reports and other out of Court evidence. However, it must be remembered that he is innocent until proven guilty in a Court of Law. It’s as simple as that. The prosecution must prove beyond a reasonable doubt, that he is guilty.

If the facts about the Billy Lane case are accurate as reported, and a Jury does convict him of killing Gerry Morelock, then I say “fry his ass.” My attitude is “Kill a Biker; Go to Jail.” We will have to wait and see.

The fact that Billy Lane has hired two lawyers does not surprise me at all. In our country if you have the money you can retain as many lawyers as you want to represent you. The Judge in the case could limit only one lawyer from presenting the case in front of the jury, or allow both lawyers to present Lane’s case. I do not presume to know Florida law; I am a California lawyer.

Billy Lane is entitled to defend himself. The U.S. Constitution guarantees it.

Therefore, I want to caution everyone; we will not know all of the facts until the case goes to trial. At that time, justice will be done one way or another. You cannot find a man guilty based upon media reports alone, because the media does not tell you everything.

There have been many innocent men whose lives were ruined by being convicted in the media Court and not a Court of Law. Do you remember that guy who was named as the suspected Olympic Bomber by the F.B.I., and had his life ruined, only to get a formal apology years later? His life is still ruined.

I will admit the facts in the Billy Lane case disturb me very much. However, I would not be much of a lawyer if I were to make a judgment about his guilt or innocence until after he is tried in a Court of Law.

By Norman Gregory Fernandez, Esq. © 2007

The post Update in the Billy Lane Drunk Driving Manslaughter Case. first appeared on Biker and Motorcycle Accident Lawyer Blog.

Mike Odom went to great lengths and a 3 hour ride to get a copy of the Dodge Answer to the Morelock Family Negligent Entrustment Case, related to the Billy Lane case.

You can see the full answer posted here on Mike Odom’s Blog.

I cannot comment on Florida law because I am not licensed to practice law in Florida, (I am licensed in California and before the United States Court Central District (Federal Court) but I can say this about the answer; I would expect the exact same kind of Answer to be filed in California!

In California, you are allowed to do a general denial to an unverified complaint. (Unverified means a complaint that is not signed under penalty of perjury). So if this was a California answer it would just be a general denial.

With respect to affirmative defenses; the general rule for all lawyers defending a case it to assert every and all potential affirmative defenses in your answer, because if you don’t you could lose them.

Basically what I am getting at is that the Answer that you see filed by Dodge in its present form looks like a standard answer that any competent lawyer would file on behalf of their client. With respect to litigation; after discovery is conducted it could very well be that the decedent’s (Morelock) family could do a motion for summary judgment or for a judgment on the pleadings with respect to certain or all of the affirmative defenses.

We will see how it all pans out. There very well could be a settlement of the case before or during trial.

I would expect Dodge to cross-complain against Billy Lane for equitable indemnity, (reimbursement) in this case. In California they would have to file a cross-complaint at the time their answer is filed. I do not know for sure if Dodge cross-complained against Billy Lane or not. Maybe Mike or others could chime in on this issue in the comments section.

I handle these types of cases in my own practice. This case could take up to two years or more to get through the legal system. We will see.

By Norman Gregory Fernandez, Esq. © 2006

The post The Dodge Answer to the Morelock Family Lawsuit in the Billy Lane Case! first appeared on Biker and Motorcycle Accident Lawyer Blog.

As you know, we bikers tend to wear leather jackets and clothing which might be objectionable to some people in our society. Furthermore, some bikers are members of motorcycle clubs. Members of motorcycle clubs sometimes if not always wear their club patch on the back of their jacket or their vest when they are out riding.

It has been reported to me that some establishments and even public venues are discriminating against bikers because of the way they dress, and/or because they are wearing motorcycle club patches.

This type of discrimination against bikers, and motorcycle club members is for the most part illegal in the state of California.

The Unruh Civil Rights Act (CC §51 et seq.) provides that in part that: “All persons within the jurisdiction of this state are free and equal, and no matter what their sex, race, color, religion, ancestry, national origin or blindness or other physical disability are entitled to the full and equal accommodations, advantages, facilities, privileges or services in all business establishments of every kind whatsoever.” Any person whose exercise or enjoyment of rights secured by the Constitution or laws of the United States has been interfered with, or attempted to be interfered with may institute and prosecute a civil action for injunctive and other appropriate equitable relief, including the award of compensatory monetary damages.

The Supreme Court ruled in the case of Cohen V. California, 403 US 15 (1971) that individuals have the constitutional right under the First Amendment to wear clothing which displays writing or designs. In addition, the right of an individual to freedom of association has long been recognized and protected by the United States Supreme Court Thus, a person’s right to wear the clothing of his choice, as well as his right to belong to any club or organization of his choice, is constitutionally protected. Persons or establishments who discriminate on the basis of clothing or club membership are subject to a lawsuit by the person who was wrongly discriminated against by such persons.

Although restaurants and similar types of establishments are allowed to enact uniform dress codes for their establishment, they are not allowed to arbitrarily discriminate against bikers, or motorcycle club members, just because they don’t like the way they are dressed.

For instance, let’s say that a restaurant has a rule that requires all persons to wear shirts and shoes, and that “they can refuse to provide service to anyone.” Let’s say that a motorcycle club member walks into the restaurant wearing his club patch, and motorcycle boots. If the restaurant refuses to provide service to this person just because he is wearing his clubs patch and for no other reason, this would be a violation of the law, notwithstanding the fact that they have stated that they can refuse to provide service to anyone.

The Unruh Civil Rights Act specifically prohibits this type of discrimination. Furthermore, the case law on point specifically prohibits this type of discrimination. Owners of establishments, or venues, cannot just arbitrarily discriminate because they don’t like what someone is wearing. If an establishment does have a dress code, they must enforce the dress code uniformly so that it is applicable to all, and so that it is not enforced in a discriminatory manner.

If you feel that you have been the victim of discrimination based upon the fact that you were a biker, or because of your motorcycle club patch, I strongly suggest that you consult with a civil rights attorney, and initiate legal action.

By Norman Gregory Fernandez, ESQ. , Copyright 2006

The post DISCRIMINATION AGAINST BIKERS ON THE BASIS OF CLOTHING OR MOTORCYCLE CLUB MEMBERSHIP IS ILLEGAL IN CALIFORNIA first appeared on Biker and Motorcycle Accident Lawyer Blog.