Stolen bike returned to owner years later

A stolen motorcycle that spent two years sitting in an Ohio impound yard was recently returned to its owner.

The Wilmington News Journal reports that the 1977 Yamaha 400 dirt bike was found in 2006 lying in a creek bed. At the time, the Blanchester Police had no procedure to locate the owner.

Several months ago, the police started a process to return stolen property in custody to their owners. One of the items was the bike.

Through a search of motor records and some detective work, the owner (who now lives in Pennsylvania) was found and confirmed through photographs of the bike.

Source: The Wilmington News Journal

Will motorcycle noise laws affect sales?

New laws cracking down on motorcycle noise are giving bikers headaches. Laws limiting motorcycle noise are being passed from New York City to Lancaster, Pennsylvania.

The problem is the laws are not the same all over. Some laws limit the range a motorcycle can be heard, others punish bikers who rev their engines in certain areas.

SunHerald.com reports that motorcycle industry insiders worried that inconsistent laws are confusing bikers and could hurt bike sales.

Loud motorcycles provoke complaints in Denver

Rocky Mountain News reports on the complaints of some downtown Denver residents concerning motorcycle noise.

Residents of new condo developments in the downtown area are upset by the noise of their motorcycle-riding neighbors.

A new Denver law, taking effect July 1st, requires motorcycles made after 1982 to have mufflers with a noise-rating stamp.

The article also features a guide to how loud a motorcycle is compared to construction equipment and other sources of noise.

Is popping a wheelie a form of reckless driving?

When a cycle rider pops a wheelie, is the rider just showing off or endangering others with irresponsible behavior? Like helmet laws, wheelies are another motorcycle issue where bikers and lawmakers sometimes clash.

Tennessean.com features a story on legislation under consideration by the Tennessee General Assembly that would classify wheelies as a form of reckless driving.

Law enforcement officers can already pull over a rider for popping a wheelie under current laws, but new anti-wheelie language in the laws would make the rules stricter.

What do you think? Do you think anti-wheelie laws are a good idea? Leave a comment and tell us your opinion.

Motorcycle helmet laws debated in Missouri

While Missouri is one of 20 states that requires a motorcycle rider to wear a helmet, some lawmakers and bikers are planning to change that.

The Rolla Daily News reports on the the push by memebers of the Missouri State House to repeal mandatory motor cycle helmet laws.

Bill HB155 would allow motorcycle riders over 21 to legally ride without a helmet. While supporters of the bill praise it as a win for personal freedom, opponents say that repealing helmet laws will only lead to more deaths from accidents.

What do you think? The issue of motorcycle helmet laws is hot topic in states beyond Missouri. Is safety more important than the personal choice of motorcycle riders?

Would you ride without a helmet if it were legal in your state? Leave a comment and tell us your story.

Motorcycles and lane splitting - Is it legal?

NBCSanDiego.com features a story and video on how some motorcycle riders use the practice of "lane splitting" to move through car traffic.

If car traffic is stopped or moving slowly, some motorcycle riders ride between cars or ride on the side of the road to get by.

Is this legal? It is in California under certain conditions and with caution. Laws may differ from state to state.

Do you use your motorcycle to lane split? Leave a comment and tell us your story.

New signs in Texas could tell car drivers to "Share the Road" with motorcycles

Would road signs make car drivers more aware that they need to share the road with motorcycle riders?

A story in TheFacts.com of Brazoria County, Texas concerns the city of Richwood, Texas, and the proposal of new signs with the picture of a motorcycle and message "Share the Road".

Texas Motorcycle Rights Association II proposed the signs to the Richwood city council. City officials like the idea of the signs, but need more information before making a decision. There are already 49 signs placed in eight cities across Texas.

Do you think the signs would make a difference? Do you think they should be placed on all roads? Leave a comment and tell us your opinion.

Controversy in Virginia over motorcycle helmet law

Should laws demand that bikers wear a helmet? The debate over helmet laws is a hot topic in several states, such as Texas and Arizona.

WTKR.com reports The Commonwealth of Virginia is also dealing with the issue of helmets. House Bill 3077 in The Virginia House of Delegates decriminalizes riding a motorcycle without a helmet, lowering fines and demerits on a biker's driver license.

Bikers who ride without helmets are subject to a fine of up to $250. The new bill would drop the fine to $25.

What do you think? Should bikers have to wear a helmet or not? Is freedom the issue...or safety? Leave a comment below.

Texas bikers demand right to ride without helmets

Texas motorcycle riders made sure their voices, and engines, were heard loudly in the state capitol of Austin.

According to KVUE.com, over 1000 bikers converged in Austin last Monday to voice their opinions on Texas motorcycle laws.

The bikers rode in support for stiffer penalties for those who injure or kill motorcycle riders.

The bikers also had a more controversial request concerning state helmet laws. Texas law current allows riders over 21 to ride without helmets, but only with special training or insurance. The bikers want no restriction on riding without helmet.

What do you think of the Texas helmet laws and the demands of the bikers? Should all bikers be allowed to ride without helmets with no restrictions? Are the current laws just fine? Post a comment and tell us what you think.