Category: Biker News

Two years of persistent efforts by powersports enthusiasts, dealers and other industry representatives have driven Congress to action. On February 17, the U.S. House of Representatives Subcommittee on Commerce, Manufacturing and Trade will hold a hearing to review the Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act (CPSIA). The Motorcycle Industry Council continues to focus Congress’ attention on the unintended ban on youth model ATVs and motorcycles resulting from the CPSIA’s lead content provisions – and the safety risks that the ban presents to youth riders – and has submitted a letter for the hearing. “Congress knows that the risk to children comes from banning youth models, not from the lead in metal parts, and there now is a will to solve this problem once and for all,” said Paul Vitrano, MIC’s general counsel. “We urge Congress to stop the ban by either lowering the age range of ‘children’s products’ to age 6 and under or granting a categorical exemption for youth ATVs and motorcycles, as provided in Representative Denny Rehberg’s bill, H.R. 412.” MIC has issued a video call to action urging the powersports community to make a final push to encourage their Congressional representatives to amend the CPSIA to ensure youth ATVs and motorcycles remain available. “The timing of this hearing is perfect,” Vitrano added. “With much of the industry gathering in Indianapolis this week for the Dealer Expo, we have a tremendous opportunity to flood Capitol Hill with hand-signed letters and electronic messages asking our Representatives and Senators to stop the ban.” Enthusiasts can use the portal on www.stopthebannow.com to send an electronic message to their Members of Congress as well as the members of the House and Senate committees with oversight of the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission. MIC also will again work the floor at the Dealer Expo to gather thousands of signatures on letters to Congressional leadership. For those not attending the show, the letters are available on www.stopthebannow.com.

The economy has done what the lawyers could not. It’s put the brakes on the Little Sturgis Rally and Races. Featured on national television shows and in every major motorcycle magazine in the USA, Little Sturgis was, at one time the largest outdoor display of flesh and motorcycle eye candy in the Southeastern USA. It was so popular, the Chamber of Commerce of South Dakota sued the Chamber of  Sturgis Kentucky claiming the small town was stealing it’s name. Citing a drop in attendance and a huge operating loss in 2010, the Sturgis Kentucky Chamber voted today not to hold the 2011 rally, according to a well placed source. The Chamber issued a press release that stated; “Due to various circumstances, the Board of Directors of the Little Sturgis Rally and Races for Charity, Inc cancelled its annual fundraising motorcycle event that was to be held July 14th-17th, 2011 in Sturgis KY.  The Board of Directors thanks all the volunteers and participants over the past eighteen years that made it possible to raise over $2 million dollars for various charities and educational entities.” (added 5:30pm) According to a report in the local paper, Board Secretary Lisa Jones said that the economy and the ongoing lawsuit with Sturgis South Dakota over the use of the name “Sturgis” is the reason the rally is taking a “sabbatical” and that it may return in the future.  Both sides in the lawsuit have filed a motion to have the 2008 suit dismissed but that the suit is a “cloud” hanging over the Sturgis Kentucky chamber.

Erik Buell, a Hall of Famer and the innovative engineer who turned his love of roadracing and high-performance motorcycles into the American sportbike company that bore his name, will take the stage at the Hall of Fame fund-raising event to talk about motorcycles, his years running his company and what the future holds for one of America’s most free-thinking bike-builders. Whether you’re a fan of motorcycle history or modern motorcycle mastery, Buell’s perspective on the past 20 years promises to make the 23rd annual edition of the breakfast a one-of-a-kind event. “Erik Buell is a Hall of Famer not only for his innovative and dogged pursuit of motorcycling excellence, but also because the bikes he built were evocative and impressive enough to earn one of the most passionate fan bases in all of motorcycling,” said Jeff Heininger, chairman of the American Motorcycle Heritage Foundation that is responsible for raising funds for the Hall of Fame, which is on the campus of the American Motorcyclist Association in Pickerington, Ohio. “Few people have Erik’s perspective on the parts of America’s motorcycle history that are still being written today, and I, for one, can’t wait to hear what he has to say.” Buell says he’s been busy in the last year with his Erik Buell Racing company, but he’s keeping his eye on even bigger things. “For me, motorcycling has always been about the journey, about the people, about the ideas behind the machines, and it will be great to connect with enthusiasts at the Motorcycle Hall of Fame Breakfast at Daytona fundraiser,” Buell said. “And who knows? I may have a surprise or two to announce by then.” The Breakfast at Daytona will take place on March 11 in the main level of the Daytona 500 Club inside the Daytona International Speedway. The event also includes a silent auction of unique items related to the Hall of Fame, and an autograph session with Buell and other Motorcycle Hall of Famers.

Measure Would Set Safety Guidelines for New Motorcycle Riders

TRENTON – A bill sponsored by Senator Nicholas J. Sacco which establishes safety guidelines for new motorcycle riders in order to improve rider safety in the Garden State was signed into law by Governor Christie yesterday. “As motorcycles continue to grow in popularity, more and more people are getting into accidents involving motorcycles on our roadways,” said Senator Sacco, D-Hudson and Bergen, and chairman of the Senate Transportation Committee. “The Federal Highway Authority estimates that about 2,500 motorcycles are involved in traffic accidents each year in New Jersey, and the State Division of Highway Safety reports that motorcycles accidents account for 70 or more fatalities and nearly 2,000 injuries each year. We have to recognize the facts, and do all we can to make sure that operating a motorcycle is as safe as possible in the Garden State.” The bill, S-736, enacts several motorcycle safety regulations. Under the bill, if a person is issued a motorcycle license for a vehicle with a smaller-size engine – less than 231 cubic centimeters – they are legally prohibited from operating a motorcycle with an engine displacement of more than 500 cc. Senator Sacco said that this provision ensures that new motorcycle riders are restricted from operating vehicles with engines that are too powerful for that driver’s skill level. “There’s a big difference between operating a suped-up sport bike, and riding a Vespa scooter,” said Senator Sacco. “If you learn how to ride on a small-engine bike, that doesn’t necessarily qualify you to safely operate a much larger vehicle. This bill would take a proactive approach to discourage riders from riding above their skill-level, rather than waiting for tragedy to strike.” The bill also creates a new category of low-speed motorcycles to address the increased use of small motorcycles, and prohibits low-speed motorcycles from being operated on limited-access interstate highways of public roads with speed limits in excess of 35 miles per hour. The bill allows the Chief Administrator of the New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission to waive requirements for a motorcycle license or endorsement for holders of an examination permit if that holder completes a recognized motorcycle safety education course. The bill also requires all applicants under the age of 18 to complete a motorcycle safety program as a condition for licensure or endorsement. Finally the bill clarifies the times, roadways and conditions on which holders of an exam permit may practice. The bill prohibits permit holders from operating a motorcycle in the dark, carrying passengers and operating a motorcycle on the State’s toll roads or limited access highways. “Riding a motorcycle can be a great experience, but we want to make sure it’s also a safe experience, not only for the riders but for everyone else on the road,” said Senator Sacco. “Motorcycle riders who ignore property safety precautions and flaunt the rules of the road are a danger to themselves and others. At the end of the day, this bill ensures that people follow common sense before they put themselves and others in harm’s way.” The bill received final legislative approval from the Senate last month.