Insurance Quote '04 R1

One of my riding buddies intends to trade his Mille on an '04 R1. He
called all the usual places for an insurance quote to include
Progressive, State Farm, and others. He is 56 yearsold, has a clean 3
year record and lives in the DFW area. Several companies told him
that they do not insure the R1 anymore. Progessive quoted him $1800
for full coverage! Imagine trying to get that insurance if you are in
your early 20's! Not a pretty picture.

'lata

 

I'd say it is a real "ugly" picture.. Question.. is your friend or you, for
that matter, one of the guys who volunteered to make that ride to Austin
with me to express our opinions to the leadership that could get us some
relief.. ?? Been a while back, so I can't say for sure.. Crews from all over
the country were ready to mount up and ride with us.. I do remember clearly
that there was a lot of opposition to the idea of someone trying to make a
"difference".. Be interesting to know where you stood on that issue at the
time..

Your friend in Irving
Bill Walker

 

My read of the good old US of A, is that bikers are out maneuvered,
out-funded, and without enough votes to wage opposition with the
insurance industry. The only thing I need to do to see the futures is
look east, across the pond. UK has bikers right where they want them
and working to keep them there. Just a few days on a UK bike forum
and the picture becomes clearer.

As a matter of fact, a recent editoral in one the US bike magazines
made this exact point. Add to that loud pipes, 70 mph wheelies down
Interstate 35 ... the future seems clear to me. And it's going to be
more expensive to own a fully insured bike.


'lata

 

Yep.. it is coming.. The only thing standing between all that and us is
outfits like TMRA II, ABATE and a couple other good organizations that stand
up and make a difference.. We have more than 375,000 motorcycles registered
in Texas alone.. That is a powerful political force that scares the shit out
of insurance companies and legislators.. But it is like herding guineas to
get them to make a run "together".. They all get all defensive about their
favorite politician.. Sputnik Strain said it best last October, in Ft
Worth.. "Lead.. Follow or get the hell out of the way, we are taking back
our government" Some of these self described bikers on this ng doesn't
understand what he is talking about.. When those European regs start
affecting them, then .. they'll get it, but sadly, it will be too damn
late.. Nice talking to you..

Your friend in Irving
Bill Walker

 

Pick a different bike or a different insurer.

I have the FJR and get full coverage (less medical because I have my
health insurance) wtih 250 ded, up to 3000 in accessoried before I have
to itemize and 100/300/50 coverage for comp/coll/liability. $275 a year
from Dairyland.

I get a group discount (AMA, GWRRA)
a rider training discount (MSF every other year)
no tickets or claims
49/married
30 years riding
4 year renewal with the company (carried over my coverage from the
previous bike)

But even new it was only about $500 a year for the same coverage

 

Patience grasshopper.. I getting to you.. Post it .. if you got it..
Otherwise don't lie to the man.. He's shopping for insurance, not bullshit
from a poser..

 

Please be sure to advise your new friend that he can become a participant on
tx.motorcycle.. The "designer bikers" on here can save him oodles of money
on his insurance.. Some of them are paying less than $300.00 per year for
"full" coverage on their "designer" bikes that was not even on the market
five years ago... LOL.. Good luck on the "insurance" issue..

Your friend in Irving
Bill Walker

 

A sweet one too. Just got some Avaon 45/46 spooned on. While they were
at it I had them lube and inspect the swing arm bearings, wheel
bearings, and sundry suspension bits. I'd already done the plug swap to
iridiums (longer life), a throttle body synch, and a new air filter.
21211 miles in 1 year 8 months is pretty low miles, but this 20k mile
service made it nicenteight!