Born To Ride News

Harley-Davidson to Host Live Webcast of Enslow’s Jump aboard XR1200

MILWAUKEE (February 25, 2010) – Freestyle motocrosser Seth Enslow will attempt to make history and break the existing record of 157 feet for a successful long distance jump aboard a Harley-Davidson motorcycle. The world record was first benchmarked by Evel Knievel in 1975 and recently set by Bubba Blackwell in 1999.

Enslow will attempt the jump aboard a modified Harley-Davidson XR1200 in Sydney, Australia, on Monday, March 1^st at 4:30 PM U.S. Central Time. The jump will be broadcast live from Australia across the globe via http://www.harleyworldrecordjump.com/ and post-event video will be shown on Harley-Davidson’s YouTube channel and to Harley’s half-million Facebook fans as well.

“To many, Evel Knievel was the original extreme athlete – long before there were extreme sports,” said Mark-Hans Richer, Harley-Davidson Senior VP and Chief Marketing Officer. “This latest generation of riders still revere Knievel – even as they attempt to smash his records.”

Drawing inspiration from the Harley-Davidson XR-750 racing motorcycle that Knievel helped make legendary, the new Harley-Davidson XR1200 is helping ignite a spirit of rebellion in a new generation and giving them the opportunity to push Harley riding to its limits once again. 

“A new generation of counterculture riders are embracing Harley-Davidson motorcycles, just like the generation before them,” said Richer. “The XR1200 and our new Dark Custom motorcycles, like the nearly sold out Iron 883 launched a year ago and the new Forty-Eight introduced last month, have given them an authentic way to express themselves. In fact, we now sell more bikes to this generation of young riders than to the young adult generation before them.”

Richer added, “It’s cool to see it happening out in the streets. Even cooler to see one flying more than 150 feet through the air.”

Viewers can log onto http://www.harleyworldrecordjum.com/ at 4:30 PM U.S. Central Time to see Enslow’s jump streamed live. Or check out http://www.youtube.com/harleydavidson or http://www.facebook.com/harley-davidson for post event video.

PICKERINGTON, Ohio — Leslie Porterfield, one of the fastest women motorcyclists in the world, has an unusual perspective on speed. That experience, along with her outgoing personality, makes Porterfield a natural choice for interviewing the world’s fastest motorcyclists, Chris Carr and Denis Manning, at the 22nd Annual AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame Breakfast at Daytona this March 5, the American Motorcyclist Association (AMA) reports.
 
“Land-speed racing is one of the most exciting and pure types of motorcycling competition, and right now, Chris and Denis occupy the pinnacle of the sport,” Porterfield said. “I’m thrilled for the opportunity to sit on the stage with both of them and help the audience get the inside scoop on their record run — as well as how much faster they think they can go. Of course, it’s even better that we are able to support the important mission of the AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame Museum.”
 
Held on the Friday following the second race of the AMA Pro Flat Track doubleheader at the new DAYTONA Flat Track facility where Carr will begin his 26th year of competition in that discipline, the AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame Museum Breakfast at Daytona will be from 8-10:30 a.m. at the Hilton Daytona Beach Oceanfront Resort, 100 North Atlantic Ave., Daytona Beach, FL 32118.
 
Tickets are $49 per person and $55 at the door. For ticket information, call (800) AMA-JOIN, ext. 1234. Tickets can also be purchased online at AmericanMotorcyclist.com and MotorcycleMuseum.org. The direct link to the registration form is here: http://events.constantcontact.com/register/event?oeidk=a07e2ouqs68907ed420.
 
Porterfield is no stranger to the Bonneville Salt Flats. Indeed, she is one of the most accomplished women in land-speed racing. In 2008, she set the land-speed record of 232 mph in the 2,000cc Turbocharged class and a 1,000cc Production class record at 192 mph. Also that year, she was named the AMA Racing Female Athlete of the Year. At the 2009 International Speed Trials by BUB, she returned to claim the Top Speed of the Meet award, with a 240 mph pass.
 
Carr and Manning, both members of the AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame, teamed up in 2006 to chase one of motorcycling’s most coveted titles: the world’s fastest. They captured their first crown together that year, going 350.884 mph. They were surpassed by Rocky Robinson and Mike Akatiff, who went 360.193 mph in 2008. In 2009, Carr and Manning reclaimed the crown, logging 367.382 mph through the measured mile.
 
The AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame Breakfast at Daytona will be a unique opportunity to see all three land-speed racing stars on one stage discussing one of motorcycling’s most exciting sports.
 
The AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame recognizes individuals who have made significant contributions to American motorcycling, including those who have excelled in motorcycle business, government relations, design and engineering, road riding, off-road riding and all categories of motorcycle racing. The Hall of Fame is located in the AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame Museum in Pickerington, Ohio. More information about the Hall of Fame can be found at MotorcycleMuseum.org.
Since 1924, the AMA has protected the future of motorcycling and promoted the motorcycle lifestyle. AMA members come from all walks of life, and they navigate many different routes on their journey to the same destination: freedom on two wheels. As the world’s largest motorcycling rights organization, the AMA advocates for motorcyclists’ interests in the halls of local, state and federal government, the committees of international governing organizations, and the court of public opinion. Through member clubs, promoters and partners, the AMA sanctions more motorsports competition and motorcycle recreational events than any other organization in the world. AMA members receive money-saving discounts from dozens of well-known suppliers of motorcycle services, gear and apparel, bike rental, transport, hotel stays and more. Through its Motorcycle Hall of Fame Museum, the AMA preserves the heritage of motorcycling for future generations.

About the American Motorcyclist Association

Dazzling Custom Motorcycles to be Displayed and Judged at Riverfront Park

MILWAUKEE (February 24, 2010) – Every Harley-Davidson motorcycle and rider has a truly unique personality. These one-of-a-kind bikes and their proud owners will be out in full force at the Harley-Davidson Ride-In Custom Bike Show at Daytona Bike Week.

Motorcycles with incredibly detailed, dazzling and distinctive customization will be displayed in the Harley-Davidson Ride-In Custom Bike show on Wednesday, March 3 at Riverfront Park on Beach Street during the 69^th Annual Daytona Bike Week at Daytona Beach, Fla. Custom motorcycle owners are invited to compete for cash prizes and trophies, and bike enthusiasts can get a good look at these artistic rolling sculptures.

Owners can enter their motorcycles in the Ride-In Show Contest on March 3 from 9 a.m. to noon at Riverfront Park on Beach Street in Daytona Beach, or online at http://www.harley-davidson.com/. Registration is followed by judging with prizes awarded by Harley-Davidson design experts beginning at 4 p.m. First place and two runner-up winners in each of 14 judging categories will receive cash prizes or trophies. In addition, cash prizes will be awarded to the top motorcycles using Harley-Davidson Genuine Motor Accessories, for Most Dramatic Audio and the Willie G. Award for H.O.G. members. Entry fees are donated to the Muscular Dystrophy Association (MDA).

“There is a tremendous sense of competition and camaraderie among the riders and motorcycle enthusiasts who attend the Ride-In Custom Bike Show,” said Steve Earnshaw, Harley-Davidson Director, Retail Operations: Parts & Accessories, CVO, Trike / Service. “The passion and creativity that goes in to these custom Harleys is so incredible that we want to see it all get recognized and rewarded, while also helping support MDA.”

The Harley-Davidson Ride-In Custom Bike Show has also been one of the biggest and best shows at Daytona Bike Week for more than 30 years. More information on the Ride-In Show is available at www.harley-davidson.com/daytona.

Other Harley-Davidson events during the week at Riverfront Park include interactive activities, MDA Auction and Bike Raffle and other events. There will also be Demo Rides, H.O.G. Pin Stop, interactive motorcycle display and other activities at the Daytona International Speedway.

A full schedule of Harley-Davidson Bike Week activities will be posted on www.harley-davidson.com/daytona.

Harley-Davidson Motor Company, the only major U.S.-based motorcycle manufacturer, produces heavyweight motorcycles and a complete line of motorcycle parts, accessories and general merchandise. For more information, visit Harley-Davidson’s Web site at www.harley-davidson.com.

PICKERINGTON, Ohio — The American Motorcyclist Association (AMA) is pleased to announce that the 2010 AMA Racing Road Race Grand Championships will take place July 12-14, as part of a weeklong motorcycle racing extravaganza at the Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course in Lexington, Ohio. The annual amateur championship roadracing event will immediately follow the AMA Racing Vintage Grand Championships and precede the AMA Pro Racing Honda Super Cycle Weekend, presented by Dunlop Tire.

“In 2009, we made a number of changes to the program at the AMA Racing Road Race Grand Championships, and it was reflected in the attendance, flow of the schedule and satisfaction of the racers,” said AMA Director of Racing Joe Bromley. “In 2010, we are going to maintain that momentum, expand our partnership agreements and deliver an even better competition experience to roadracers.”

AMA racers at the AMA Racing Road Race Grand Championships vie for amateur national championships and the AMA Racing national No. 1 plates that go with them. Competitors also get to compete against some of the best amateur racers in the country on one of America’s finest roadrace courses.

This year, the AMA is teaming with WERA as its operational partner for the event. In addition to AMA national recognition, AMA racers also will battle for WERA championship points in select classes, which will be detailed soon.

“WERA Motorcycle Roadracing is honored to work with AMA again in the organizing of AMA Vintage Motorcycle Days and the AMA Road Race Grand Championships for 2010,” said WERA’s Evelyne Clarke. “It has always been WERA’s goal to further the sport of motorcycle roadracing, and participating in partnerships with AMA shows that the sport is strong and growing. We would like to educate more folks and show them that this is one of the most exciting types of racing out there.”

Bromley added: “WERA is one of the country’s leading amateur roadracing organizations, and they have considerable experience at the Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course. As our operational partner for the amateur vintage roadracing program that’s part of the AMA Racing Vintage Grand Championships, it only made sense to work with WERA on the AMA Racing Road Race Grand Championships as well. Championship Cup Series (CCS) did an exceptional job at the last two amateur roadrace championships, and we certainly intend to work with them as well in the planning and growth of this event in the future.”

Event supplemental rules and class structure will be available soon at AMARacing.com.
 
The AMA Racing Road Race Grand Championships are the country’s premier amateur roadracing event, awarding AMA Racing national championships in a number of roadracing classes for both expert- and novice-ranked riders. Not only do riders get ample track time and an opportunity to race against the country’s fastest amateur racers, but the best compete for the AMA Roadracing Horizon Award, which goes to the rider showing the most promise for success in the professional ranks.

Past winners of the AMA Roadracing Horizon Award have included Miles Thornton, Jason DiSalvo, Ben Spies and Blake Young. Other awards at the event include the AMA Racing Top Novice Award, the AMA Racing Youth Award — presented to an outstanding racer under the age of 16 — and the AMA Racing Vet/Senior Award, presented to a standout rider who’s 30 years old or older.

The AMA Racing Vintage Grand Championships, which include vintage and post-vintage racing in motocross, hare scrambles, dirt track, trials and roadracing, are part of AMA Vintage Motorcycle Days, the country’s premier vintage motorcycling destination. AMA Vintage Motorcycle Days features North America’s largest vintage motorcycle swap meet, motorcycling seminars, bike shows, demo rides of new models.
Since 1924, the AMA has protected the future of motorcycling and promoted the motorcycle lifestyle. AMA members come from all walks of life, and they navigate many different routes on their journey to the same destination: freedom on two wheels. As the world’s largest motorcycling rights organization, the AMA advocates for motorcyclists’ interests in the halls of local, state and federal government, the committees of international governing organizations, and the court of public opinion. Through member clubs, promoters and partners, the AMA sanctions more motorsports competition and motorcycle recreational events than any other organization in the world. AMA members receive money-saving discounts from dozens of well-known suppliers of motorcycle services, gear and apparel, bike rental, transport, hotel stays and more. Through its Motorcycle Hall of Fame Museum, the AMA preserves the heritage of motorcycling for future generations.

About the American Motorcyclist Association

PICKERINGTON, Ohio — Former American Motorcyclist Association (AMA) Board Chairman Dal Smilie was sentenced Monday, Feb. 22, to eight months in prison and two years probation for embezzling more than $100,000 through fraudulent travel reimbursement claims submitted to the AMA over a period of years ending in 2007.

Smilie pleaded guilty to felony counts of grand theft by deception and of receiving stolen property in the Fairfield County, Ohio, courtroom of Judge Chris Martin. He was taken directly into custody to begin serving a sentence that could see him request early release after 30 days.

Speaking to Judge Martin before his sentencing, Smilie expressed remorse for his actions.

“I’ve got much to apologize for, and many people to apologize to, including AMA members, AMA staff, my fellow board members and volunteers,” he said. “I’ve let them down.”

Smilie acknowledged that his fraudulent travel-reimbursement claims stemmed from his time as an AMA board member. “I overstated travel claims,” he said. “I co-mingled funds. That’s misappropriation. That’s theft. That’s a breach of trust, and I’m sorry for that. I was an honorable person, and I kind of slid into this. I don’t have good excuses.”

Fairfield County Assistant Prosecutor Gregg Marx said after the hearing that the sentence was appropriate, especially in light of the fact that Smilie paid restitution to the AMA for the money in question. “We’re very pleased with the resolution of this case.”

AMA President and CEO Rob Dingman echoed those sentiments. “On behalf of the members of the American Motorcyclist Association, we are satisfied that justice has been served, and we are glad to put this matter behind us,” he said.

About the American Motorcyclist Association

Since 1924, the AMA has protected the future of motorcycling and promoted the motorcycle lifestyle. AMA members come from all walks of life, and they navigate many different routes on their journey to the same destination: freedom on two wheels. As the world’s largest motorcycling rights organization, the AMA advocates for motorcyclists’ interests in the halls of local, state and federal government, the committees of international governing organizations, and the court of public opinion. Through member clubs, promoters and partners, the AMA sanctions more motorsports competition and motorcycle recreational events than any other organization in the world. AMA members receive money-saving discounts from dozens of well-known suppliers of motorcycle services, gear and apparel, bike rental, transport, hotel stays and more. Through its Motorcycle Hall of Fame Museum, the AMA preserves the heritage of motorcycling for future generations.

IRVINE, Calif., Feb. 22, 2010 – The Specialty Vehicle Institute of America (SVIA) issued the following statement on the “CPSC 2008 Annual Report on ATV Deaths and Injuries”:

“The Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) recently issued a report that showed significant progress in reducing injuries and fatalities associated with all-terrain vehicle (ATV) use.  The ‘CPSC 2008 Annual Report on ATV Deaths and Injuries’ found that total ATV-related injuries in 2008 decreased 10% from 2007, with injuries to children under 16 declining 6%.

“Following CPSC’s release of this report, some groups have made statements containing false information regarding the report’s data, implying that the decrease in injuries was due to CPSC compiling the 2008 data in a different manner than in previous years by removing recreational off-highway vehicles (ROVs) from the report.  This is simply not true.  ROVs have never been included in the CPSC’s Annual Report.

“The CPSC compiled data for the 2008 report in the same way it has done previously.  In fact, in comparing the 2007 and 2008 CPSC reports, CPSC offers the same definition of what is, and what is not, an ATV.  The 2007 and 2008 reports both state: ‘The CPSC defines an ATV as an off-road, motorized vehicle having three or four low pressure tires, a straddle seat for the operator, and handlebars for steering control’ [the 2008 report added 'for steering control]. As important, both the 2007 and 2008 report stated that ‘Off-road motor vehicles having bench seats and/or steering wheels… are not categorized as ATVs by CPSC staff.  Consequently, fatalities and injuries associated with these types of vehicles are not included in this report.’

“The CPSC’s most recent report should be viewed as good news by all and reflects the results of the long-standing, tireless efforts made by major ATV manufacturers and distributors to promote ATV safety.”

A copy of the CPSC’s 2008 Annual Report of ATV-Related Deaths and Injuries is available at <http://www.cpsc.gov/LIBRARY/FOIA/FOIA10/os/atv2008.pdf>.  The CPSC’s 2007 Annual Report can be found at <http://www.cpsc.gov/LIBRARY/atv2007.pdf>.

The ATV industry is committed to the safety of riders and will continue to promote and enhance its multi-tiered efforts to increase awareness of the proper operation and use of ATVs.  Unfortunately, more than 92% of ATV-related fatalities involve one or more behaviors that the industry strongly and visibly warns against in its rider education programs, in all its literature, and on the vehicles themselves.

The ATV industry remains concerned that the effective ban on the sale of youth model ATVs resulting from the lead content provisions contained in the Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act will likely result in children under 12 years of age riding the more accessible larger and faster adult-size vehicles, creating – in the CPSC’s own words – a “more serious and immediate risk of injury or death” than any risk from lead exposure.  SVIA strongly encourages Congress to end the ban on the sale of youth model ATVs.

We urge all ATV enthusiasts and their families to follow the Golden Rules:

1.    Always wear a helmet and other protective gear.

2.    Never ride on public roads — another vehicle could hit you.

3.    Never ride under the influence of alcohol or other drugs.

4.    Never carry a passenger on a single-rider vehicle.

5.    Ride an ATV that’s right for your age.

6.    Supervise riders younger than 16; ATVs are not toys.

7.    Ride only on designated trails and at a safe speed.

8     Take an ATV RiderCourseSM; call toll-free at 800.887.2887, or take the free E-Course at www.atvsafety.org/.

The Specialty Vehicle Institute of America® promotes the safe and responsible use of all-terrain vehicles through rider training, public awareness campaigns and state legislation. Additionally, the SVIA works to preserve access to off-road lands and expand riding opportunities. The SVIA is a resource for ATV research, statistics and vehicle standards. Accredited by the American National Standards Institute (ANSI), the SVIA develops standards for the equipment, configuration and performance requirements of ATVs.

Based in Irvine, Calif., the SVIA is a not-for-profit industry association sponsored by Arctic Cat, BRP, Honda, Kawasaki, KTM, KYMCO, Polaris, Suzuki, Tomberlin, and Yamaha. Visit the SVIA online at  www.atvsafety.org/. For safety information or to enroll in the ATV RiderCourse nearest you, visit www.atvsafety.org/ or call (800) 887-2887.

The 2010 RC212V handed to Hiroshi Aoyama at the first Sepang test, earlier this month, was so different to the version he had previously tested that the MotoGP rookie had to start almost from scratch.

Not only was the new bike effectively two years newer than the ex-Gabor Talmacsi machine Aoyama had tested in late 2009, but it was also mounted on Ohlins suspension, compared with Showa on the former Team Scot bike.

Combine that with some technical problems, plus the fact that Sepang marked only the second time that the new Interwetten Honda team had all its team members in place, and it is perhaps not surprising that the last ever 250cc world champion left the test just 14th out of the 17 MotoGP riders.

“We’ve had a tough couple of days,” said crew chief Tom Jojic, speaking exclusively to Crash.net. “The first impression of the new bike wasn’t particularly positive, but having visited Honda when they were building the bike I already had a plan of which direction to go in.”

 Most frustrating of all for Aoyama was that his best lap time, a 2min 3.195sec, was well behind the 2min 2.3sec he had recorded on the Scot bike during his rookie test at Sepang in December.

“I think he was quite disappointed because he expected to come here and so the same lap time that we left Christmas with, which didn’t happen on either day, which is a shame,” admitted Jojic.

“I think there is quite a big difference between what he had before and what he has now. He was riding a two year old bike basically. He rode the end of ’07 [Factory] bike, which then became the ’08 Satellite bike which really didn’t change that much in ’09. It was quite old but he had a fairly good feeling with it. It did have its negative points but he managed to get on with it maybe a little bit better than this one.

“For me it’s just a question of time though, because you can see that Dani [Pedrosa] – okay he’s not as fast as Valentino [Rossi] – but he made a big step on the last day of testing. So I’m sure there is something we can find as well.

“We also had a few technical issues, some of which were self-induced by us to be honest. It’s a shame but we’re all learning at the moment and these things happen. That broke our momentum, because he’d just done his fastest laps and then we had to stop for an hour to solve our problems. And then the weather changed.

“The positives points for us were that in the wet he was competitive. For a rider who doesn’t really like the wet he was quite happy and said the bike feels good. And then we did make some improvements in the dry, but we still need to find a big step.”

So what exactly is the problem?

“Hiro’s struggling with braking,” Jojic replied. “That’s his biggest problem. With the old bike he could brake better than he can at the moment. It’s mostly the front of the bike. The rear seems to be better.

“I’d heard Pedrosa’s previous comments about the rear so I had a plan for it. On the second run we got the rear working well. So we had a quick fix for the back, but not the front unfortunately!”

The ex-Team Roberts engineer now hopes to sort the front end at the second Sepang test, which starts later this week.

 “I already know what we are going to do at the next test. We’ve looked at the data, listened to Honda and seen what some of the other riders have done. So we’ve got a game plan already,” he revealed.

“I think we’ll be able to start more positively. He’s not 100% happy with the rear so I’ll also have another attack on that. Some new parts are on there way which will also help us. Some parts are on back order with Honda, which you have to expect when you have six bikes going around. When they are here I think we can make a big step.

“We have a Honda support engineer who is in and out all the time,” added Jojic, when asked about the level fo technical support from HRC. “I ask him questions during the day like ‘has anyone tried this?’ Because there’s no point me trying it if it is a big negative.

“The Honda engineers walk up and down and talk to their teams all the time. And if they find a good step somewhere, sometimes they will say to us ‘maybe you should try this’ which is just what we need in our first year as a satellite team,” he concluded.

The second Sepang test starts for test riders on Wednesday, with race riders taking over on Thursday and Friday. Only one more test session, at Qatar, will then be held before the start of the new racing season.

Retrieved February 22, 2010; from http://www.crash.net/MOTOGP/news/157037/1/new_bike_new_problems_for_aoyama.html

From a press release issued by Daytona Motorsports Group…

DAYTONA BEACH, FL (February 19, 2010) – AMA Pro Racing and Daytona International Speedway are pleased to announce the Daytona Short Track National will air in high-definition Sunday, March 7th on SPEED at 6 p.m. ET.

Back-to-back Daytona Short Track Nationals will kick off the 2010 AMA Pro Flat Track Grand National Championship at the new DAYTONA® Flat Track on March 3rd and 4th. After traditionally being staged at Daytona Beach Municipal Stadium, the events now have a new home on a quarter-mile lime rock dirt track located in the West Lot outside NASCAR Turns 1 and 2.

The one hour show will feature highlights from March 3rd with coverage of the March 4th race.  The Daytona Short Track Nationals have a tradition as two of the most difficult nationals of the year just to make the main events, as over 300 entries are expected over the two days. Speed will capture the excitement and thrills of handle bar to handle bar action on the ultra fast quarter-mile track. 

Henry Wiles will make his first appearance of the year carrying the No. 1 plate on his Kawasaki 450 after winning the 2009 AMA Pro Grand National Expert Singles division. Defending Pro Singles National Champion Brad Baker will make his debut on a Honda 450 carrying the No. 1 in the Pro Singles National. 

“We are thrilled that our season opener on the new DAYTONA® Flat Track will be on SPEED,” AMA Pro Racing Director of Flat Track, Mike Kidd said. “This is a great opportunity for our fans, riders, teams and sponsors to showcase one of the most exciting forms of motorcycle racing in the country.”

SPEED™ is the nation’s first and foremost cable television network dedicated to motor sports and the passion for everything automotive. From racing to restoration, motorcycles to movies, SPEED delivers quality programming from the track to the garage. Now available in more than 79 million homes in North America, SPEED is among the fastest-growing sports cable networks in the country and, the home to NASCAR on SPEED and an industry leader in interactive TV, video on demand, mobile initiatives and broadband services. For more information, please visit SPEEDtv.com, the online motor sports authority.

Retrieved February 22, 2010; from http://www.amadirectlink.com/news/story.asp?id=1770

PICKERINGTON, Ohio — The American Motorcyclist Association (AMA) has formally objected to a process being developed by the Obama Administration to potentially designate as many as 13 million acres of public and private land as National Monument. The designation, currently being considered by the Department of Interior (DOI), would occur with no public debate.

“As the nation’s largest organization advocating for the rights of America’s estimated 20 million motorcyclists, the AMA is delivering the message that any measure to restrict our right to recreate responsibly on public land must be considered in the light of day,” said AMA Vice President for Government Relations Ed Moreland. “It is government’s responsibility to protect our lands for the people, not from the people, and that requires an open and fair venue for public discourse.”

According to a document recently obtained from the DOI, the department is considering new National Monument designations totaling 13 million acres in 11 western states: Alaska, Arizona, California, Colorado, Montana, Nevada, New Mexico, Oregon, Utah, Washington and Wyoming.

A letter to the DOI from the AMA, objecting to this particular National Monument designation process, can be accessed at: AmericanMotorcyclist.com/legisltn/DOI_Nat_Monument_2-18-10.pdf. The DOI document identifying the areas being considered for Wilderness designation can be downloaded at: AmericanMotorcyclist.com/legisltn/documents/doi_internal_document.pdf.

Compounding the potential National Monument designations, many of the affected areas are also being considered by Congress for Wilderness. While the AMA supports the appropriate designation of Wilderness areas as defined by the 1964 Wilderness Act, the Association opposes any process that does not allow full public debate on the disposition of public land.

“Any designation that restricts the public’s right to enjoy public lands must be debated publicly,” Moreland said. “We owe it to ourselves and future generations to individually deliberate the designation of each tract and collect input from all affected user groups, local and state elected officials and Congress before any designations are made.”

The AMA urges its members, and all motorcycle and ATV (all-terrain vehicle) riders, to contact their elected representatives and voice support for the public debate on the disposition of public land. Contact information for all federal elected officials can be found at AmericanMotorcyclist.com > Rights > Issues & Legislation.

About the American Motorcyclist Association

Since 1924, the AMA has protected the future of motorcycling and promoted the motorcycle lifestyle. AMA members come from all walks of life, and they navigate many different routes on their journey to the same destination: freedom on two wheels. As the world’s largest motorcycling rights organization, the AMA advocates for motorcyclists’ interests in the halls of local, state and federal government, the committees of international governing organizations, and the court of public opinion. Through member clubs, promoters and partners, the AMA sanctions more motorsports competition and motorcycle recreational events than any other organization in the world. AMA members receive money-saving discounts from dozens of well-known suppliers of motorcycle services, gear and apparel, bike rental, transport, hotel stays and more. Through its Motorcycle Hall of Fame Museum, the AMA preserves the heritage of motorcycling for future generations.

Letters Urge Congress to Stop the Ban On Youth Size ATVs and Dirt Bikes

Washington, D.C., Feb. 18, 2010 – Today, representatives from the Motorcycle Industry Council (MIC) delivered nearly 4,000 letters to Congress signed by motorcycle industry professionals that have had their livelihoods impacted by the lead provisions of the Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act (CPSIA). The letters were signed and collected at the Dealernews International Powersports Dealer Expo in Indianapolis, IN, Feb. 12-15. MIC also hosted other activities and provided multi-media communications tools that allowed dealers, MIC members, and Expo exhibitors to urge Congress to take action to permanently end the ban on youth vehicles.

“We believe these letters along with the other communications will help add to the momentum encouraging Congress to amend the CPSIA’s lead content provisions to exclude youth vehicles,” said MIC chairman and Cycle World Magazine senior vice president and chief brand officer, Larry Little. “Our Industry has a voice and we believe Congress is hearing us loud and clear. The timing of the show couldn’t have been better given the Consumer Product Safety Commission’s (CPSC) recent recommendations.”

The CPSC recently requested flexibility to grant exclusions from the lead content limit to address certain products including youth vehicles in a Jan. 15 report to Congress.

MIC’s general counsel Paul Vitrano said, “We are headed in the right direction, but we still need to have our voice heard. We encourage every rider and everyone in the industry to weigh in. The Expo in Indianapolis was a great kick-off, but there are still opportunities to urge Congress to stop the ban.”

The letters were delivered to Chairman Rockefeller (D-WV) and Ranking Member Hutchison (R-TX) of the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science and Transportation and to Chairman Waxman (D-CA) and Ranking Member Joe Barton (R-TX) of the House Committee on Energy and Commerce as well as to the Senate and House Appropriations Committees.

“It is important that the Committees that have jurisdiction over this issue, and who will be important players in any ultimate resolution, have a real understanding of how many people from their states, districts and across America are impacted by the ban,” stated MIC’s director of federal affairs, Duane Taylor.

Please visit

Three key reasons why youth ATVs and motorcycles should be excluded from the CPSIA’s lead content provisions:

1. The lead content poses no risk to kids. Experts estimate that the lead intake from kids’ interaction with metal parts is less than the lead intake from drinking a glass of water.

2. The key to keeping youth safe is having them ride the right size vehicle. Kids are now at risk because the availability of youth ATVs and motorcycles is limited due to the lead ban.

3. The lead ban hurts the economy for no good reason when everyone is trying to grow the economy and create jobs. MIC estimates that a complete ban on youth model vehicles would result in about $1 billion in lost economic value in the retail marketplace every year.

Visit

The Motorcycle Industry Council exists to preserve, protect and promote motorcycling through government relations, communications and media relations, statistics and research, aftermarket programs, development of data communications standards, and activities surrounding technical and regulatory issues. It is a not-for-profit, national industry association representing manufacturers and distributors of motorcycles, scooters, motorcycle/ATV/ROV parts and accessories, and members of allied trades such as insurance, finance and investment companies, media companies and consultants. The MIC is headquartered in Irvine, Calif., with a government relations office adjacent to Washington, D.C. First called the MIC in 1970, the organization has been in operation since 1914. Visit the MIC at www.stopthebannow.com to have your voice heard. www.stopthebannow.com for background information, FAQs, and public outreach tools for the Stop The Ban campaign.www.mic.org.