|
I spend a lot of time educating potential clients on the difference between a motorcycle lawyer, and a general personal injury practitioner. Recently, I have been investigating two riding phenomenon that I seriously doubt even most so-called motorcycle lawyers are aware of. The first topic is the effect of weighting the pegs. All good riders know that weighting the pegs seems to help a lot of things. The standard explanation is that by weighting the pegs, the rider is lowering the center of gravity. By weighting the inside or outside peg, the rider is supposed to be assisting the turning process. No one with experience on a motorcycle would question that weighting the pegs works. For tight low speed maneuvers, one of the best ways to speed up the learning process is to stand on the pegs, then see how easily the bike turns. On the track, weighting the inside peg seems to likewise do wonders. Trials riders seem to never sit down. The problem is, that weighting the pegs doesn’t seem, as a matter of physics, to actually change the center of gravity. Particularly when standing up, the center of gravity would seem to actually be higher. I am not sure what the correct explanation is. On the one hand, weighting the pegs would seem to put additional weight low on the bike. On the other hand, doing this through two flexible legs would seem less efficient that moving the weight lower by transferring it through the hard frame of the motorcycle, by simply sitting on the seat. Clearly, shifting weight seems to make a huge difference, weighting the pegs seems to do the same. What is the real explanation? I discussed this whole thing with a Hall of Fame ex racer, and his explanation made sense. It was that, by weighting the pegs, you are also moving your body in a way that shifts weight forward on the motorcycle. This makes sense. In the end, it doesn’t matter. The important thing is that riders know weighting the pegs helps control the motorcycle. A second interesting topic is the question of why, at low speeds, it is so much easier to turn and control the motorcycle by keeping a steady throttle at, say, 2,000 rpm, and just using the clutch to speed up or slow down. For those of you who use the throttle to modulate speed at low speeds, you really need to try this – it is hugely effective. The standard explanation is that this technique, by using the engine as a gyroscope, allows the engine to turn much faster than it would if you just used the throttle, or if you used the throttle plus some clutch. This makes sense to me. If you have ever played with even a small gyroscope, a little extra speed generates a lot more stability. With a gyroscope as large as a motorcycle engine, the difference is dramatic. In contrast to an attorney who is constantly investigating every corner of motorcycle control and dynamics, imaging the disadvantage of having a lawyer who does not even ride a motorcycle regularly. I see ads for these lawyers all over the internet, and it makes me cringe. It makes me cringe even more when I get calls from injured riders who ask me to take over the messed up files these lawyers create. The internet and television are great mediums for getting the message out. Unfortunately, there is a difference between attorneys, even those claiming to have motorcycle claim experience. Buyer beware! About the Author Michael Padway and Associates is recognized as the "go to" law firm for riders injured in accidents. Michael Padway has lectured nationally for the American Bar Association, written for motorcycle enthusiast publications, his blog posts are extensively re-circulated on the internet, and motorcycle riders all across the country call him to help with their legal situations. He is frequently called upon to straighten out cases mishandled by non-motorcycle lawyers. A founder of the Motorcycle Legal Foundation, he is always available for riders needing legal assistance. In addition to many years of riding experience as a member of the motorcycle community, Michael has extensive background in personal injury matters, including head injuries, spinal injuries, and multiple fractures. He understands motorcycles and motorcycle accidents intimately, and has created a system for moving motorcycle accident cases through the settlement process. For other writings by Michael Padway San Diego Pays 1.8 Million for Crash Harley's New Line Check out the blog at: Motorcycle Addict Or follow him on twitter @cyclelaw
Related Articles -
motorcycles, motorcycle law, motorcycle safety, motorcycle lawyer,
| 
