Houston Press MC article

http://www.houstonpress.com/Issues/2005-10-20/news/feature.html

Actually, I found this article spot on, and I'm an experienced sport rider. It's not about limiting the bikes, but about young, inexperienced kids getting sport bikes and how they can get in trouble with 'em. I've been yelling on the HSN board and other places for years about this, how I thought there should be a tiered licensing scheme in Texas for motorcycles. Now, that would hurt Harley sales if it were based on displacement. I think, perhaps, it would save a few lives, though.

While cruisers aren't powerhouses, they are heavy and steer a bit slow and need some level of skill to control by beginners. We've all seen the posts about new riders being scary. Then there was the "training wheel" post.

Anyway, you guys KNOW I'm a big libertarian. I believe in an individual's rights and limited government control. But, if some numb nut gets on a liter bike and runs me down, that affects MY health and well being!

Any opposing opinions on tiered licensing? I'm open to debate. I'd MUCH rather see tiered licensing than Jack Danforth's 100 hp limit from the 80s sport bike scare. Remember THAT one? It was on 20/20 if I recall and AMA fought it tooth and nail.

This is not a drummed up issue in the Press article. It is REAL, I've witnessed it too often.