Born To Ride News

Two-hour Course Emphasizes Safety-Minded Approach to Off-Highway Recreation

IRVINE, Calif., July 20, 2010 — The Recreational Off-Highway Vehicle Association, sponsored by Arctic Cat, BRP, Polaris and Yamaha, announces the release of the beta version of its new ROV E-Course – a free, interactive online safety course available on its website, rohva.org. The new E-Course is the first formalized educational resource for the growing community of ROV enthusiasts to reinforce driver responsibilities, identifying:

·       Key risk factors associated with ROV operation

·       Safe riding practices designed to reduce risk of injury

·       The best resources for learning to operate particular vehicle models

Recreational Off-highway Vehicles (ROVs) are designed to travel on four or more non-highway tires, with a steering wheel, non-straddle seating, seat belts, occupant-protective structure, and an engine displacement up to 1,000cc. Sometimes referred to as side-by-sides or utility terrain vehicles (UTVs), current ROV models are designed with seats for a driver and one or more passengers and are used for a variety of outdoor recreational purposes as well as many work applications.

“ROHVA’s E-Course is an excellent resource for both new and experienced ROV drivers to learn how to safely operate their vehicles while enjoying the freedom of adventure they provide,” said Paul Vitrano, executive vice president of the Recreational Off-Highway Vehicle Association. “The E-Course is intended to improve awareness about ROVs and inspire a safety-minded approach to off-highway recreation.”

The two-hour on-line safety course helps develop safe driving habits but is not a “learn to drive” course. Users can save their progress and stop at any time to pick up later where they left off. At the end of the course users have the option to take an ROV safety quiz to test their knowledge. To register for free, drivers can visit http://cbt.rohva.org/.

ROVs operate similarly to on-highway cars and trucks but there are special considerations when operating in an off-highway environment. The ROV E-Course provides drivers a new resource to reinforce proper techniques and safety rules. Following such rules are essential, as a recent study of ROV crashes revealed at least one behavior warned against in manufacturer operator manuals was present in 98 percent of crashes. These warned-against behaviors include doing stunts, riding at excessive speeds, riding on paved roads, using alcohol or drugs while driving, improper seating of passengers, failing to wear a helmet and failing to wear a seat belt.

The study also found that 23 percent of crashes involved drivers under the recommended age. ROHVA recommends that no one under the age of 16 should operate an ROV without a valid driver’s license. The ROV E-Course is not intended for children. 

As highlighted in the E-Course, ROHVA urges enthusiasts to follow the ROV Safety Rules to ensure the safety of drivers, passengers and everyone else.

1.      Always wear a helmet and other protective gear, use the seat belts, and keep all parts of your body inside the ROV.

2.      Never drive on paved roads except to cross when done safely and permitted by law. ROVs are designed to be operated off-highway.

3.      Drive only in designated areas, at a safe speed, and use care when turning and crossing slopes.

4.      Never drive under the influence of alcohol or other drugs.

5.      Never drive an ROV unless you’re 16 or older or have a driver’s license. ROVs are not toys.

6.      Never carry more passengers than the ROV is designed for, and never allow a passenger who is too small to sit in a passenger seat to ride in the ROV.

7.      Read and follow the operator’s manual and warning labels.

The Recreational Off-Highway Vehicle Association is a national industry organization that promotes the safe and responsible use of ROVs. ROHVA is accredited by the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) to develop equipment, configuration and performance standards. Based in Irvine, Calif., the not-for-profit association is sponsored by Arctic Cat, BRP, Polaris and Yamaha. For more information visit http://www.rohva.org/.

Higbee Splits RMR/Rossmeyer Teammates for Second

 Milwaukee (July 20, 2010)   –   RMR/Bruce Rossmeyer Daytona Racing rider Danny Eslick took his second consecutive victory in the AMA Pro Racing Vance &Hines XR1200 Series at Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course July 19, emerging victorious from a three-way battle between himself, RMR/Bruce Rossmeyer Daytona Racing teammate Jake Holden, and HOG Racing’s Shawn Higbee.

Higbee, starting from the third spot on the grid, passed second place Holden in turn one on the start, dropped back to third later in the opening lap, and chased Holden for several laps until taking over the second spot for good on lap 7. Higbee then briefly battled Eslick for the lead until settling comfortably into a second as Holden dropped back. Eslick held off Higbee at the end of the 17-lap race by a 1.726-second margin, with Holden a further 12.5 seconds back. For Eslick, who also competes in the AMA Daytona SportBike class, it was his second class win of the day.

Travis Wyman held fourth place until lap 14, when he made a dramatic save in the gravel trap exiting the final corner onto the front straight, keeping his Harv’s Harley-Davidson XR1200 upright before skidding to a stop and along the outside wall. His subsequent retirement ceded fourth position to his brother, Kyle Wyman, riding for RMR/Bruce Rossmeyer Daytona Racing.

Eric Stump (Doc’s Harley-Davidson), John Ashmead (Brady-Schwemmer Racing), and Paul James (James Gang/Hoban Brothers/H-D of Appleton) rounded out the running order.

 “I had a lot of confidence from the win at Road America,” Eslick said. “We had a super close race with me and Jake at Road America, and I kind of expected the same thing in Ohio with Shawn in there too, because he was showing some good speed. But Jake had some set up issues [in the race] and Shawn had some set backs with a couple of crashes, so I was able to pull away a little bit and get a comfortable win.”

“Racing the X1200 brought back some good memories,” said Higbee, a veteran of the 1990s-era AMA Harley-Davidson 883 Twin Sports series. “I was pleased that we were competitive right away. I think 2nd place was a decent showing for the limited time [we had] on the bike.”

The Vance & Hines XR1200 series returns for the third of five rounds at VIRginia International Raceway August 14-15.

Company Background

Harley-Davidson Motor Company produces heavyweight custom, cruiser and touring motorcycles
and offers a complete line of Harley-Davidson motorcycle parts, accessories, riding gear and apparel, and general merchandise. For more information, visit harley-davidson.com.