derailment
New member
Just learned that Bill Schneider's (Sidestand Fixer, Flip-a-Lever Throttle Control) business has folded. I was looking around for a fix for my R100GS sidestand, and found out about Scheider's Inc from the ADVrider website. I soon learned that Schneider's Inc had shut its doors, so I felt obligated to find out why.
I learned that Bill Schneider, the owner of Schneider's Inc, who's been in the business of making innovative products for motorcycles since the early-1970's, was sued by a person in Pennsylvania. This person had installed the Sidestand Fixer and had had an accident - not sure how though. The injured party's lawyer-brother sued Bill Schneider. Even though he had done everything his lawyers had recommended to insulate himself from this type of lawsuit, Bill Schneider found himself embroiled in a lengthy and costly, out of state product liability lawsuit, over the Sidestand Fixer. Well, for the tiny fee (<$100) of filing a lawsuit in Pennsylvania, these gentlemen apparently were able to pierce the corporate veil and took Bill Schneider for everything he had, 'cept his house. He's apparently so beaten down, demoralized and afraid of future suits, he will not sell his products or ideas. I think he's stuck now with the 100 or so Sidestand Fixer's and 1400 Flip-a-Lever's he still has in storage. He's afraid to do any additional business at all!
Bill Schneider is now 60 years old, has always had his own business, has several patents for innovative motorcycling products, and is now depressed and out of work. He won't talk to folks outside his family, and he's afraid of pissing off anyone else for fear of additional lawsuits. The atmosphere of fear this lawsuit has created has forced Bill Schneider to close his doors for good - effectively denying him of his career. Now, is that about the America I know of? I don't think so!
By the way, the lawyer in Pennsylvania who filed the lawsuit's name is Laguna, so be careful! If you're interested, the lawsuit is public record and can be found by anyone with similar gumption to do so.
Be careful out there and always keep the shiny side up.