Cycle Round Up

CYCLE ROUND UP

JOE PARKHURST

DAYTONA RECAP

In the April issue I said I was concerned over the safety aspects of the scheduled Daytona American Motorcycle Association road races; I felt that the use of the high speed banked course would be dangerous for some riders. Fortunately I was proven wrong as there were no serious mishaps. This of course does not mean I was completely wrong; the course is still more dangerous than the infield circuit they have been racing on for several years. Simply, it was lucky nothing marred the picture. I talked to several riders who preferred the old course, and in the eyes of many the new course is far less fun to ride; and there is no doubt that the old course was better for the spectators. The race on the longer course was more like a parade with very little of the close, hot action only motorcycle racing can produce.

I'm certain the new 3.81-mile course is here to stay and everyone will get used to it and eventually get to like it as well as the old course, just as they have since losing the old beach course. Perhaps I am being overly protective; after all, motorcycle racing is not for boys anyway, but I can't help my concern for the less experienced novice and amateur rider who comes to these events with little or no road racing experience to begin with and must race at extreme high speeds.

PASSING SIGNS

I recently saw a copy of the Catalina Islander, the local newspaper in Avalon, Catalina Island, California. Big as life, and twice as beautiful was the cover photograph; that of 18 or so motorcycle riders astride their machines on the promenade in Avalon. Not all of my readers will appreciate what I am telling them. The group, riding Hondas, Triumphs, BMWs, BSAs, and even a motor scooter, are members of the recently formed Islander Motorcycle Club. They made a tour of the island's back roads, spending a day of fun motorcycling on some of the best bike country there is. Norman Cooper and John Phelps are organizers of the club, and they obtained the necessary permission from the Catalina Island Company, owners of the roads they ran on. The group met in the offices of the company and watched movies of the last Catalina Island Grand National, the most successful and colorful event on the motorcycle calendar until it was stopped in 1959. There are a great number of enthusiasts who would give a leg or two to see it return, among them me!

MORE MODEL MANIA

Our contemporary in the automotive publishing field. Road & Track, recently ran a feature on the most beautiful models I have ever seen. Among them was the magnificiently detailed replica of the Gilera 500cc four shown here. Built to 1/1 Oth scale, it was created by Manuel Olive of Barcelona, Spain. It will withstand the closest scrutiny and is virtually perfect in every exquisite detail.

MOTORCYCLE INSURANCE

I am indebted to Aub LeBard for the following; "While reading the recent article in the Wall Street Journal, concerning the motorcycle boom spurred by low cost vehicles, I was reminded of the bargain a motorcycle or scooter rider has in insurance coverage. By comparison, a 1960 model car driven by a male under 25 years of age would cost around $390.00 per year to insure, but a motorcycle rider can have coverage against theft, collision, fire, and liability for a very small fraction of this amount.

"It is a fact that most are interested in the price of the insurance premium alone, not the value of the insurance. In 1959 the State of California enacted a law which made it mandatory for all insurance companies doing business in the State to include "Uninsured Motorist Coverage" in all liability insurance policies. However, they did say that any person or any insurance company could waive the uninsured motorist coverage if they so chose.

"Many do choose to waive this coverage when applying for insurance. The extra benefit costs only $4.00 to $6.00 per year and it protects you against just what it says; "The Uninsured Motorist." Many States have a law requiring insurance, but not California. You must be able to post bond, or your Operators License will be revoked. However, revoking someone's license for running you down helps very little in paying doctor bills.

"I don't know why the clause became known as "Family Protection" in many of the applications, the one it protects is you. For the small amount of money the insured is furnished $10,000 or $20,000 Bodily Injury protection against the uninsured driver, if the accident is his fault. Your own insurance policy protects you against him. I had occasion last year to realize how costly hospitals can be and the great benefit this coverage offers.

"If you choose to avail yourself of insurance coverage, be sure to read the application carefully. Many applications seem to encourage you to waive Uninsured Motorist Coverage. They avoid this coverage by having a signature line on their application which reads; I DO NOT DESIRE FAMILY PROTECTION COVERAGE, signed.

This signature line is often spaced so that one automatically signs it along with the application signature.

"The only way a motorcycle rider in California, Florida, Louisiana, North Carolina or Rhode Island can be without the uninsured motorist coverage is to waive this coverage. If he does not waive it, he will automatically have it for the small additional fee. This coverage also protects you against a hit and run automobile. Never sign anything you have not read and fully understand. Don't sign away your rights to something of great benefit to you, and something one should really have, because you do not know what it is; find out!"

I am certain many riders will find Aub's advice well received.