Don't legislate the size or power of motorcycles

11:41 a.m. CDT, July 29, 2014

This is in response to “Illinois considers new license requirements for big motorcycles” (Page 1, July 28). As a motorcycle journalist for nearly 20 years, readers constantly asked for advice on what motorcycle to buy after they completed a motorcycle safety class. The men were usually looking to choose between an 800-pound or a 900-pound bike. The women usually had nothing particular in mind. 

My advice was always the same for both genders: Buy a small displacement engine, from 500-cc to 750-cc, used cruiser bike that weighed only 500 pounds or so, or a small displacement sporty bike in the 250-cc to 500-cc displacement. Then, after learning how to ride and getting some experience, trade up to the bike they lusted for. Then, I always asked them to let me know what they chose. 

Invariably, the women took the advice and told me that they were happy with their choice of a smaller bike, so they could learn how to ride better, and the men would go out and buy a huge bike. I seldom got feedback from the guys on how they enjoyed their choice. But dealer lots are filled with used, late-model, large cruiser bikes with less than 2,000 miles, because a lot of guys bought them but realized the bikes were too much for a novice to handle and the men were afraid of them. So they sold the bikes and stopped riding. 

The point is, you can’t legislate stupid, and I don’t believe you should try. People will do what they want to and should have the freedom to do so. We don’t legislate the size or power of cars for new drivers, so why try to do it for motorcycle riders?

To reduce motorcycle accidents and fatalities, more money should be spent on driver education to get drivers of other vehicles to look for and see motorcyclists. And motorcycle trainers should also stress the danger of jumping from a tiny training bike to a heavy weight or overpowered motorcycle.

After that, it’s up to the individual to exercise some sound judgment. And I’m more than a bit uncomfortable trusting our legislators in Springfield to craft an effective tiered licensing law. How often do they get anything right?

– Ken “Hawkeye” Glassman, Arlington Heights

Don"t legislate the size or power of motorcycles