Posted On: June 28, 2005, 3:13 pm CDT

Posted By: Rob

Well, as a dues-paying conservative, I tend to lean in the direction of your arguments, philosophically speaking.
HOWEVER, the motorycle industry is a little different than , say, the couch pillow business. These motorcycles are capable of almost four times the national speed limit. And, while YOU seem to be knowledgeable of the potential of these machines, I will bet you any amount of money that a majority of parents putting up the cash for these things have no idea of the attainable speeds. Perhaps if it was required to have a "do not remove under penalty of law" label, similiar to what is required of stuffing pillows with non-synthetic , potentially harmful allergens, stating that "this vehicle is capable of a speed of XXX mph" to give these ignorant parants at least a clue as to what they are putting their kids on. My problem is that the salesman will tell Pops "that big ol 1200cc is too much for a beginner, but this little 600RR is just a putt-putt", damn well knowing that it is just a deadly as a loaded gun in the hands of a 16 year old. Somewhere between no regulation and total regulation lies a compromise that will allow an honest dealer to prosper while keeping the consumer AND the consumer's parent advised as to the possible dangers associated with the purchase. There is no simple answer, most likely because the performance has increased much faster than the average non-enthusiast can imagine. My first Honda 450 had to work long and hard to reach "the ton",where a modern "entry level" bike can reach that velocity just before the 3-4 shift. It is a different world, my friend.