Radio host's vehicle seized
Ray Appleton was riding a motorcycle without proper license.
By James Guy / The Fresno Bee
05/07/08 23:21:54
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Fresno police impounded the motorcycle of Fresno radio personality Ray Appleton on Tuesday afternoon because he did not have a license to ride a motorcycle, police spokesman Jeff Cardinale said.

Appleton is the morning news host on KMJ, 580 AM, and also has a noontime talk show that can be heard throughout the state.

Appleton, who does a radio commercial for Big Dog motorcycles like the one he rides, was stopped by an officer for going 50 mph in a 40 mph zone near Bullard and West avenues about 3:40 p.m., Cardinale said.

When the officer determined that Appleton did not have a Class M1 license, which permits operation of any two-wheel motorcycle, the vehicle was impounded, which is standard procedure when an unlicensed driver is stopped, Cardinale said.

Appleton had taken a motorcycle safety course but had not taken the written test required by the state Department of Motor Vehicles to complete the requirement for M1 license. Cardinale said Appleton took the written test Wednesday and made arrangements to pay an impound fee and pick up his motorcycle today.

"It was stupid -- I totally forgot to get [an M1 license]," Appleton said Wednesday. "I just plain dropped the load in my aging brain cells. Mea culpa, mea culpa, mea culpa."

Appleton said he took the safety course because it has been 20 years since he rode a motorcycle, back when he rode Triumphs and Harley Davidsons.

He added that he has known Fresno Police Chief Jerry Dyer since 1979 and has long made it clear to the chief that he did not expect any preferential treatment from officers.

"I'll pay my $294," Appleton said. "Lesson learned."

The reporter may be reached at jguy@fresnobee.com or (559) 441-6339.