A fellow rider went down during Arizona Bike week and needs our assistance. Kimmy Chapman, President and Publisher of Bike Information Guide is holding an auction on May 8th from noon to 3:00pm at Stardust…They are located at 4346 W. Olive Ave., Glendale, AZ 85302. We are asking for donations to auction off.
Please contact Kimmy Chapman at 602-843-8907 or email her at kimmy@azbig.com
Thank you in advance for your help…
IRVINE, Calif., Apr. 28, 2010 – An executive from the Motorcycle Industry Council (MIC) will testify at tomorrow’s House Energy and Commerce Committee, Subcommittee on Commerce, Trade and Consumer Protection regarding amendments to the Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act (CPSIA) and the unintended consequences that have severely impacted youth riders of dirt bikes and ATVs and the motorcycle/ATV industry at large. Paul Vitrano, General Counsel of the MIC has been invited to provide testimony at the hearing, which takes place at 10AM EDT on April 29.
Vitrano will emphasize that the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) has acknowledged the ban will likely result in children 12 years of age and younger riding larger and faster adult-size vehicles, a known safety risk. For example, CPSC studies show almost 90% of youth injuries and fatalities occur on adult-size ATVs.
“The real risk to children comes from banning youth models, not from the lead in certain components,” said Vitrano. “The CPSC’s scientists acknowledge that the presence of lead in metal alloys in these youth models – needed for functionality, durability and other reasons that are safety critical to the components – does not present a health hazard to children.”
Proposed legislation that could permanently stop the ban will be discussed at the hearing.
“The only permanent solution is a legislative solution,” noted Vitrano. “I would like to thank the Subcommittee for taking this issue on, and the entire industry is excited that Congress is formally considering legislation to stop the ban for the benefit of the riders.”
Vitrano concluded, “I will urge the Committee to provide as much clarity as possible in developing a legislative solution so that the CPSC is left with no doubt about Congress’ intent to ensure the continued availability of youth model motorized recreational vehicles.”
A live audio webcast of the hearing can be accessed at the House Energy and Commerce Committee website: http://energycommerce.house.gov/.
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 http://www.mic.org/.
How much do you love riding? Probably not as much as this guy did. David Morales Colon, 22, was shot to death April 22 in Puerto Rico. For his wake, Colon was embalmed and mounted on his Honda CBR600F4i with full Repsol colors.
The work performed by the Marin Funeral Home in San Juan, which also made headlines two years ago for presenting the embalmed body of Angel Luis “Pedrito” Pantojas Medina standing up in the corner for his own funeral.
Colon will be displayed on his Honda until his burial, scheduled for later this afternoon. As for the bike, it was reportedly a gift from his uncle and brought by his family to the funeral home for the wake. There’s no word on what will happen to the motorcycle after the funeral, but for now, ride on, David, ride on.
Retrieved April 28, 2010; from http://blog.motorcycle.com/2010/04/28/manufacturers/honda/not-even-death-can-stop-him-from-riding/
PICKERINGTON, Ohio — A U.S. House hearing scheduled for Thursday, April 29, will address the Consumer Product Safety Enhancement Act (CPSEA) of 2010. The CPSEA would modify earlier legislation that effectively banned the sale of youth-model dirtbikes and all-terrain vehicles due to onerous lead-content standards.
The CPSEA hearing — which will be held by the U.S. House Energy and Commerce Committee under the Subcommittee on Commerce, Trade and Consumer Protection — follows persistent pressure by American Motorcyclist Association (AMA) members and others to address the unintended consequences of the Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act (CPSIA) of 2008.
However, despite the importance of resolving problems with the earlier law, the AMA reports concerns with the particular language in the new bill.
While the CPSEA would provide the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) flexibility to issue exclusions to the lead-content standards of the CPSIA, it fails to define key concepts in the bill, which could water down its effectiveness, explained AMA Vice President for Government Relations Ed Moreland.
“There are important phrases in the new bill that must be clearly defined for this legislation to be objective,” Moreland said. “Otherwise, the bill is left open to interpretation and, potentially, litigation. Indeed, at least one lawsuit has already been filed with respect to one of these key concepts.”
The CPSEA does allow for exclusions related to products, materials or components that are not likely to be placed in the mouth under normal use — language that specifically addresses issues brought up by the motorized recreation community regarding the absence of any likelihood that children will put vehicle parts in their mouths. Without clarification, however, those exclusions are unlikely to have their intended consequence.
Two crucial examples are the phrases “not practicable” and “no measurable adverse effect.” The first refers to an exclusion petition having to prove that removing lead from production is neither practicable nor technologically feasible. The second allows for an exemption if there is no adverse effect on public health.
“Because the CPSEA is meant to cast a broad net over children’s products covered by the original CPSIA, sweeping language and undefined phrases do not remedy the specific needs of the youth-model off-road motorcycle and ATV community,” Moreland said. “AMA members and other motorcyclists need to contact their representatives and let them know that while we’re on the right track for finding a solution, that this particular bill does not quite get us there.”
Instead, Moreland advocated support for the U.S. Rep. Denny Rehberg (R-Mont.)-sponsored H.R. 1587. H.R. 1587 is separate legislation that would exempt youth-model motorcycles and ATVs from the lead-content limits in the CPSIA.
To contact members of Congress, go to AmericanMotorcyclist.com > Issues and Legislation > Rights (AmericanMotorcyclist.com/legisltn/rapidresponse.asp), and enter your zip code in the space provided. A pre-written letter also is available to send to your Representative.
More information on the CPSIA, H.R. 1587, the CPSEA and what the AMA has been doing to fight the ban on youth motorcycles and ATVs can be found at AmericanMotorcyclist.com/news/story.asp?id=629&s=banner.
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.
Museum moves from successful launch phase to continuing operation
MILWAUKEE, Wis. (April 2010) –Harley-Davidson today announced that Bill Davidson, Vice President of Core Customer Marketing and great-grandson of Company co-founder, William A. Davidson, has been named Vice President of the Harley-Davidson Museum and Factory Tours. The Museum’s current leader, Stacey Watson, is taking on a newly elevated role leading marketing for all Harley-Davidson customer segments across North America. These new roles begin June 1st.
“Bill and Stacey are passionate leaders with dynamic backgrounds in marketing and customer outreach,” said Mark-Hans Richer, Senior Vice President and Chief Marketing Officer. “A guy like Bill Davidson running our Museum is a natural next phase for this important business. He’s spent his career – probably since he could walk – deeply focused on strengthening Harley-Davidson’s relationships with our riders around the world.”
Davidson has been with Harley-Davidson for more than 26 years in various leadership positions throughout Marketing. “Harley-Davidson is in my blood,” said Davidson. “The Museum is not only the story of Harley-Davidson – it’s the story of America, told through the lens of an iconic company. I’m excited and honored to share that story and continue to build the Harley-Davidson legacy with everyone who visits the Museum from around the world.”
The Museum opened in July 2008, under the leadership of Watson. She was instrumental in the design, development, construction and launch of the Museum, which has become a highly regarded and awarded destination for hundreds of thousands of visitors from around the world.
“I am proud of what we accomplished together at the Museum to create a world-class destination right here in Milwaukee,” said Watson, “and I am thrilled to continue strengthening the Company’s focus on customers in my new role.”
Reaching customers in new demographic segments is one of the Company’s highest priorities. In her new role as Senior Director, Consumer Segment Marketing, Watson will be responsible for directing the marketing strategy for all core and outreach consumer segments within North America, with a special focus on Women, Young Adults and Diverse markets. Watson joined Harley-Davidson in 1996, and has held roles in York Vehicle Operations in York, Pa., Buell Motorcycle Company, New Business Development and Harley-Davidson Europe.
About the Harley-Davidson Museum
The Harley-Davidson Museum is located at 400 West Canal Street in Milwaukee and provides a glimpse of American history and culture like you’ve never seen it before – through the lens of the Harley-Davidson motorcycle. The Museum is open year-round (10 a.m. – 6 p.m. Mon-Wed and Fri-Sun, and 10 a.m. – 8 p.m. Thurs) and parking is free. For more information on the Museum’s galleries, exhibits, special events, tickets, and more, visit http://www.h-dmuseum.com/.
Henderson, NV- Custom Cycle Control Systems Inc. recently announced their new “Climax Hand Controls” package. Now for the first time, you can solve the “clean handlebar” dilemma with one complete package. You supply the bars…we supply the rest. Climax Hidden Hand Control Systems produces by far the cleanest looking “self-contained” handlebar systems available. Designed to function as good as they look, these concealed handlebar systems will enhance the look of any bike, whether H/D, Metric, or Custom.
The hand controls are completely concealed…All the lines, wires, and cables run through the bars and exit below the top tree. CCCS also has a wide variety of many different handlebar styles to choose from, ranging from old school drag bars to radical new styles such as the Rock Star. You can also incorporate a digital speedometer from either Wire Plus or Dakota Digital into your design. Additional features and benefits of a CCCS complete hand control system include:
• 100% internal wires, cables and hoses
• All wires, cables & hoses come extra long so you can “cut to length”
● Hidden brake and clutch fluid reservoirs
• 7 micro switches (maintain all stock control functions)
• Controls are designed to work as good as the look
● Convenient push pin accessibility to the internal throttle, and reservoirs (no special tools needed)
● Dual Cable Internal Throttle (easily accessible)
• EZ Pull Throttle Lock
• Install Kit (includes everything necessary to complete the job…hydraulic fittings, relay, bleeder bolt, fill funnel, throttle cables/ends and ferrules)
• MSRP: $1,899.00
For those interested in obtaining more information on other award winning products from Custom Cycle Control Systems, Inc., you can reach them at 866-438-2129 or 702-438-2129. Check them out online at www.customcyclecontrols.com/ or email them at info@customcyclecontrols.com.
2010 FREEDOM FIGHTER ANNOUNCED
April 2010 – - The Sturgis Motorcycle Museum & Hall of Fame is proud to announce the 2010 Freedom Fighters Hall of Fame Inductee, Gordon “Sonny” Bridges from Maine.
The Freedom Fighters Hall of Fame recognizes the commitment and sacrifices individuals across the nation, and world, have made to protect the rights of motorcyclists. In their honor the Sturgis Motorcycle Museum & Hall of Fame established the nation’s first and only Freedom Fighters Hall of Fame.
Gordon “Sonny” Bridges spearheaded a group of bikers in the early 1970s to repeal the state’s mandatory helmet laws. Eventually, this group became the United Bikers of Maine. Sonny was elected its first President and worked tirelessly gathering support and members. Thanks to the efforts of Sonny and others, the helmet law was repealed in 1976. Still, even 35 years later, the issue continues to rise and Sonny continues to battle.
The mandatory helmet law repeal was just the beginning for Sonny. While he stepped down as President of United Bikers of Maine after the repeal, Sonny continued to work tirelessly for bikers rights in the Maine Statehouse. By spending time at the capital and making friends with legislators, Sonny has been there to fight for bikers rights any time legislation dealing with motorcycles has been introduced. Just this last year, Sonny fought a noise ordinance that would have required that all motorcycles in the state have stock pipes.
Sonny is a lifetime member of United Bikers of Maine and continues to speak about motorcycle awareness. He was a speaker at this year’s Governor’s Tea – which each year kicks off May as Motorcycle Awareness Month. Many years, he has participated in UBM’s Toy Run – the state’s largest single day charity event.
Although Sonny claims to be slowing down, he is currently developing a program to go to schools throughout the state of Maine and speak to driver’s education courses to encourage new drivers to pay attention and watch for motorcyclists.
Bridges will be honored at the annual Sturgis Motorcycle Hall of Fame Induction Breakfast, Wednesday, August 11th, at the Rushmore Plaza Civic Center in Rapid City, South Dakota.
Breakfast tickets are available for a $35.00 donation, tables of eight for $300.00. Tickets can be purchased through the Museum 605.347.2001 or on line www.sturgismuseum.com/.
Rogue
Sturgis Freedom Fighters
Motorcycle Hall Of Fame Member 2005
IRVINE, Calif., April. 22, 2010 – The Motorcycle Safety Foundation is encouraged by the report issued today by the Governors Highway Safety Association, which indicated motorcyclist fatalities in the United States decreased in 2009 based on preliminary data supplied by all 50 states and the District of Columbia.
“We appreciate the effort GHSA put into this survey, and the states’ roles in providing countermeasures through rider education, licensing/endorsements, driver awareness campaigns, and law enforcement,” said Tim Buche, MSF chief executive officer. “However, there is still a lot of work to do for everyone involved in the traffic safety community because riders aren’t the only ones on the road. The MSF’s primary focus is rider training and education and we urge policymakers to implement improved and expanded rider training programs in their respective states that will give motorcyclists more competence and improved street strategies from a specially certified MSF RiderCoach.”
Buche said MSF recently released greatly expanded, comprehensive curricula that raise what is generally perceived as the minimum threshold of motorcycle riding competence. The “Essential CORESM Curriculum,” which the MSF recommends as the minimum training for every beginning rider, includes the current MSF Basic RiderCourseSM, the new Street RiderCourse that takes students into traffic, and the new Basic Bike-BondingSM RiderCourse that features skill drills to help students handle their own motorcycles. The Essential CORE curriculum anchors three levels of training that provide more challenging hands-on exercises to help riders achieve finer skills plus increased capabilities for awareness, judgment and risk management.
“We want highly skilled riders who make safety a priority out on the streets,” Buche said. “We hope policymakers will make these programs available to new, returning and experienced riders.” According to owner survey data supplied by the Motorcycle Industry Council, only half of the riders surveyed have taken a training course. Enrolling in an MSF RiderCourse is available at www.msf-usa.org/ . There are more than 1,500 RiderCourse sites throughout the United States.
MSF also recently partnered with Virginia Tech Transportation Institute on a groundbreaking naturalistic study of motorcyclists: The MSF Naturalistic Study of Motorcyclists. Video cameras and data acquisition sensors will be used to track riders over an extended period to create a comprehensive picture of many factors contributing to both crashes and near-crashes.
One of these factors is motorists who have a lot going on and may not be aware or see motorcyclists. MSF urges car and truck drivers take the time to look for motorcyclists and has initiated various driver awareness programs, such as www.forcardrivers.com/.
The Motorcycle Safety Foundation promotes safety through rider training and education, operator licensing tests and public information programs. The MSF works with the federal government, state agencies, the military and others to offer training for all skill levels so riders can enjoy a lifetime of safe, responsible motorcycling. Standards established by the MSF have been recognized worldwide since 1973.
The MSF is a not-for-profit organization sponsored by BMW, BRP, Ducati, Harley-Davidson, Honda, Kawasaki, KTM, Piaggio, Suzuki, Triumph, Victory and Yamaha. For safety information or to enroll in the RiderCourse nearest you, visit www.msf-usa.org/ or call (800) 446-9227.
Are Connecticut Riders On The Verge Of Getting Scammed?
It looks like the Motorcycle Safety Foundation has CMRA in their Pocket.
There is no difference in a Mandatory Helmet Law and a Mandatory Rider Education Program. This is a Money Making Scam. I have no problem with people going to school that think they need it BUT they should have to go to the State and take the test Not Walk In With A Piece Of Paper from Some School. If the schools are so good they will not have a problem with this!!!!
Will the school be free? Of course not! It will also mean that people who have grown up in and around motorcycling and could easily pass a test will now be forced to pay to ride.
Hope all will fight to see this does not pass. It is in Florida and sucks costs $300.00 to take class. They also closed the testing sites at the motor vehicle department.
http://www.courant.com/news/politics/hc-motorcycle-poll-0421,0,5742277,post.poll
Rogue
Sturgis Freedom Fighters
Motorcycle Hall Of Fame Member 2005
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