Born To Ride News

The head of the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) told a congressional panel on Sept. 28 that he wants to work with Congress to promote helmet use among motorcyclists across the United States.

Addressing the U.S. Senate Subcommittee on Consumer Protection, Product Safety and Insurance, NHTSA Administrator David Strickland said that to reduce motorcycling fatalities “the most important step we could take would be to assure that all riders wear a DOT-compliant helmet, which are 37 percent effective in reducing fatalities.

“We estimate that helmets prevented over 1,800 fatalities in 2008, and that more than 800 additional fatalities could have been avoided if all riders wore helmets,” he said. “NHTSA will actively work with Congress to promote helmet use.”

Strickland’s comments were part of his overall testimony regarding how safety provisions in the transportation reauthorization bill (SAFETEA-LU) played a role in reducing highway fatalities. 

The American Motorcyclist Association (AMA) is concerned that Strickland may be recommending that Congress try to pressure states into passing mandatory helmet-use laws. In the past, Congress tried to force states to approve such laws by withholding federal transportation and safety dollars to states without mandatory helmet laws.

The AMA supports states’ rights to determine their helmet policies free from the threat of federal sanctions. Congress affirmed this right as recently as 1995 in the National Highway System Act, when lawmakers removed federal penalties placed on states that didn’t have mandatory helmet laws.

“The AMA believes that the best way for the NHTSA to reduce motorcycle crashes is through programs such as rider education and increasing motorcycle awareness among vehicle drivers,” said Ed Moreland, AMA senior vice president for government relations. “These programs would help reduce the likelihood that a crash will happen in the first place.”

In addition, said Moreland, motorcyclists would be much better served by applying any funding that may go toward requiring motorcyclists to wear helmets to the national motorcycle crash causation study that is currently under way at Oklahoma State University.

This is a sentiment supported by U.S. Rep. Jim Sensenbrenner (R-Wis.) and many of his congressional colleagues through recently introduced H. Res. 1498: Supporting Efforts to Retain the Ban on the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s (NHTSA) Ability to Lobby State Legislators Using Federal Tax Dollars and Urging the NHTSA to Focus on Crash Prevention and Rider Education and Training.

To urge your U.S. representative to support H. Res. 1498, and to ask your U.S. Senators to prevent the NHTSA from focusing on federal helmet-mandate legislation and, instead, employ proven strategies to reduce motorcycle crashes from occurring in the first place, go to AmericanMotorcyclist.com > Rights >  Issues & Legislation, then enter your zip code in the “Find your Officials” box.

A prewritten e-mail is available for you to send to your U.S. senators immediately by following the “Take Action” option and entering your information.

Schwarzenegger tells motorcyclists to pipe down, signs noise bill 

September 28, 2010 – Motorcyclist and governor of California Arnold Schwarzenegger today signed his name to a controversial motorcycle noise bill. SB 435, also known as the Motorcycle Anti-Tampering Act, gives law enforcement officials the ability to cite noise pollution violations under the California Vehicle Code, reinforcing a 27-year-old federal regulation that is rarely enforced.

“Gov. Schwarzenegger signed SB 435 to make California consistent with federal law in respect to motorcycle parts, pollution and noise standards,” said Matt Connelly, deputy press secretary for the governor.

The law, which goes into effect for motorcycles and aftermarket parts from the 2013 model year forward, states that motorcyclists pulled over for other traffic violations could also be cited for illegally noisy exhaust pipes. A first violation could result in a fine of $50 to $100 — a fix-it ticket that could be dismissed with proof of correction. Subsequent offenses would result in fines of $100 to $250.

SB 435 requires motorcycles to maintain their federally required emissions equipment on both original and aftermarket exhaust systems, including a readily visible EPA stamp that certifies compliance.

“Our motorcycle-riding governor clearly recognizes that a few bad apples on our roads are infringing on the rights of others with their illegal, attention-seeking loud pipes,” said SB 435 author Sen. Fran Pavley (D-Agoura Hills) in a news release issued Tuesday.

SB 435 was supported by the American Lung Assn. It was opposed by the Motorcycle Industry Council and the American Motorcyclist Assn., both of which recommended the J-2825 standard developed by the Society of Automotive Engineers “as a fair, practical and economical enforcement tool,” according to an industry spokeswoman. J-2825 is a stationary sound test and specifies the type of sound meter to be used.

– Susan Carpenter

Retrieved Wednesday, September 29, 2010; from http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/greenspace/2010/09/motorcycle-noise-bill.html

Darwin Motorcycles introduces the new – for – 2011 performance- oriented Brawler GT3 at the AMD World Championship of Custom Bike Building and came away with second place in the Production Class. The motorcycle is inspired by the rubber-mounted Harley-Davidson FXR-styled chassis.

Holdsworth, Darwin Motorcycles’ BossMan, designed the Brawler as a convertible. It handles well on long trips or across town. The bike utilizes inverted forks and an FXR style 2-shock design that has been tuned by Suspension Technologies. Mid controls and tracker style handlebars are integrated into the design to deliver a mild, café racer riding position that provides comfort and control.

As the gas tank is designed with knee dishes in the Bonneville tradition so the rider can tuck in behind the fat tank to reduce wind resistance. The inverted forks, performance shocks, and extended swingarm provided a firm yet plush ride.

The bike boasts a flagship of American suppliers including  Mean Street 56mm  inverted narrow front end, Baker FLT oil under tranny, S&S 124″ Hot Rod engine, D&D Performance Enterprises’ ceramic-coated concentric-flow baffle system, Brass Balls/Leroy Thompson billet wheels, Brass Balls signature 4 piston calipers and rotors by Wilwood Brakes, Suspension Technologies monotube shocks, digital gauge machined into top tree,  Martini head and tail lights, Moto intake air cleaner, and carbon fiber panels by Rahal Letterman Racing.

About Darwin Motorcycles
Darwin Motorcycles was created in June 2006 by motorcycle designer Dar Holdsworth. The firm has mastered the ability to fuse timeless old-school bike styles with key racing designs. The company manufactures a range of custom bikes, including special one-off builds, choppers, and its Brass Balls Bobbers line. The Oklahoma-based custom bike manufacturer specializes in building a line of track-inspired quality bikes for the “average Joe.” The factory is located at 401 S. Blackwelder Ave.,Oklahoma City, OK 73108. Visit the company online at www.darwinmotorcycles.com.

Dar Holdsworth’s Creed

“I believe in America and American made products, especially for the American motorcycling culture. It’s our duty as industry leaders to keep the quality of our products high, as well as keeping our company strong. I source quality American-made products and market American innovation.”

PICKERINGTON, Ohio — The American Motorcyclist Association (AMA) is proud to announce that World of Powersports Inc., the nation’s largest dealer of genuine OEM parts and accessories, will be the presenting sponsor for the 2010 AMA Racing Championship Banquet on Saturday, Nov. 20, at the Red Rock Casino, Resort & Spa in Las Vegas, Nev.

“As a major supporter of amateur racers, World of Powersports is a perfect and familiar fit at the AMA Racing Championship Banquet,” said AMA Director of Racing Joe Bromley. “We’re thrilled that this company is stepping up to help shine the spotlight on our many champions at this memorable end-of-year celebration.”

World of Powersports is a franchise dealership located in Decatur, Ill., and online at WorldofPowersports.com. The company has one location, and is an authorized dealer for Arctic Cat, Can-Am, Honda, Kawasaki, Polaris, Sea-Doo, Ski-Doo, Suzuki and Yamaha. It offers vehicles, parts, accessories and a full-service center for all brands. Dealing in motorcycles, all-terrain vehicles (ATVs), personal watercraft and snowmobiles, the dealership is deeply engaged in the powersports industry and the motorcycling and ATV lifestyles.

Mike Jackson, director of business development at World of Powersports, said that in addition to supporting the AMA Racing Championship Banquet, the company recognizes the value of backing motorcycling’s leading advocacy organization.

“It is time for America’s dealerships and distributors to take an active role in supporting the work of the AMA and bringing value to the AMA membership,” Jackson said. “World of Powersports plans to lead the way.”

The AMA Racing Championship Banquet, presented by World of Powersports, will recognize national champions from AMA-sanctioned National Championship Series and Grand Championship events. All motorcycle racing disciplines, from dirt track to motocross to woods racing to hillclimb and more, will be represented. In addition, special awards, such as the AMA Racing Athlete of the Year, the AMA Racing Sportsman of the Year and the AMA Racing Female Rider of the Year, will be awarded.

The AMA Racing Championship Banquet, presented by World of Powersports, is just part of a celebratory weekend that kicks off with the 2010 induction ceremony for the Motorcycle Hall of Fame on Friday, Nov. 19; the weekend also includes the 2010 Motorcycle Hall of Fame Concours d’Elegance on Saturday, Nov. 20, featuring some of the country’s most impressive original and restored classic motorcycles.

Tickets to the AMA Racing Championship Banquet, presented by World of Powersports, are $69 per person and include a meal. Tickets to the Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony are $89. Tickets can be purchased at AmericanMotorcyclist.com/legendsandchampions/tickets.

In addition, guests at either or both banquets qualify to stay at the Red Rock for a special room rate of $90, a $150 discount off the normal rate. Reservations and additional event information can be found at AmericanMotorcyclist.com/legendsandchampions.

About World of Powersports, Inc.
World of Powersports, Inc (www.worldofpowersports.com) is owned by Matthew & Mark Jackson and is located in Decatur, Illinois. It is a franchised dealership for Yamaha, Honda, Kawasaki, Suzuki, Polaris, Sea-Doo, Ski-Doo, Can-Am and Arctic-Cat, Motorcycles, ATVs, Personal Watercraft and Snowmobiles. Its mission is to provide its customers with excellent value, great product selection and customer service before and after the sale. Setting out to educate the consumer so that they are happy with their selection, and provide them with the follow up opportunities to enjoy their purchase. For more information contact Mike Jackson at 217-233-8383 or by email at mikej@worldofpowersports.com.

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 support of the Motorcycle Hall of Fame Museum, the AMA preserves the heritage of motorcycling for future generations. For more information, please visit AmericanMotorcyclist.com.

PICKERINGTON, Ohio — AMA Team USA has once again earned the title of World’s Greatest Motocross Nation. Thanks to a come-from-behind performance from riders Ryan Dungey, Andrew Short and Trey Canard, the team stood victorious at the 2010 Red Bull FIM Motocross of Nations at Thunder Valley in Lakewood, Colo., Sept. 25-26.

Heading into the third combined moto, which featured MX1- and Open-class riders Dungey and Short, AMA Team USA was second in points behind Germany. The U.S. riders, however, put on a dominating performance, finishing the moto 1-2 to snatch the win from the German team, which fell to third in the final points. The Belgium team of Steve Ramon, Jeremy Van Horebeek and Clement Desalle moved up to take second.

“As AMA Team USA knows more than any other, victory at the Motocross of Nations is always sweet,” said AMA President and CEO Rob Dingman. “However, it’s just a bit sweeter when that win comes on home soil. The AMA congratulates riders Ryan Dungey, Andrew Short and Trey Canard, and team manager Roger DeCoster, for another stellar athletic, coaching and tuning performance on the world stage.”

AMA Team USA has now won the Motocross of Nations an unprecedented 21st time.

The Motocross of Nations features three-rider teams on a range of motocross machinery. In the 2010 event, Dungey raced the MX1 class, which features 450cc four-stroke machinery. Canard competed in the MX2 class, which features 250cc four-stroke motorcycles. Short raced the Open class.

In the first moto, which combined the MX1 and MX2 class, Dungey took the lead on the second lap and held on for the win. Canard, however, crashed soon after the start and had to battle back all race, finishing 12th. In the second moto — MX2 and Open — Short took the lead with a massive holeshot, only to crash and drop back to 25th. Canard finished seventh, while Short recovered to finish 13th.

The crashes put AMA Team USA behind the German team of Max Nagl, Ken Roczen, and Marcus Schiffer heading into the third moto, but Dungey and Short left no doubt by the end of the race. They out-rode the field to finish first and second and give AMA Team USA the win by 10 points over Belgium.

The Motocross of Nations is one of the most prestigious motocross races in the world. It features teams competing by nationality for a combined score to determine the overall championship-winning team. The event emerged in post-war Europe in 1947 and has run uninterrupted since that time. The United States is the all-time leader in Motocross of Nations overall victories with 21. Great Britain is second with 16.

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 support of the Motorcycle Hall of Fame Museum, the AMA preserves the heritage of motorcycling for future generations. For more information, please visit AmericanMotorcyclist.com.

Eslick Crowned 2010 Series Champion

Milwaukee (Sept. 27, 2010) – Jeremy McWilliams battled with fellow road racing veteran Michael Barnes in a rain-soaked 11-lap duel at Barber Motorsports Park September 26, to become the first rider to win races on a Harley-Davidson XR1200 motorcycle on two continents.

McWilliams, who won the 2010 Henderson XR1200 Trophy champion in the British Superbike Series riding for Warr’s Harley-Davidson, made his AMA Pro Vance & Hines XR1200 Series debut at Barber riding for HOG Racing. He qualified third among the 11 riders entered in the event behind Celtic Racing’s P.J. Jacobsen and Barnes (Jones Brothers/Eric Stump Racing).

McWilliams and Barnes battled nose to tail for the first 10 laps, with Jacobson a close third, until the final lap, when McWilliams broke free to lead Barnes across the start/finish line by a 2.747-second margin. Jacobsen finished third, followed by Robert Tinagero (RMR/Bruce Rossmeyer’s Daytona Racing), Paul James (James Gang/Hoban Brothers Racing), Matthew Heidel (Shar-Tuff), and Paul Schwemmer (Brady-Schwemmer Racing). Harv’s Harley-Davidson’s Travis Wyman and Michael Corbino (RMR/Bruce Rossmeyer’s Daytona Racing) crashed out on earlier laps, and Joe Rozynski (RMR/Bruce Rossmeyer’s Daytona Racing; mechanical) and Jake Holden (RMR/Bruce Rossmeyer’s Daytona Racing; illness) were unable to start the race.

“It was a totally fantastic weekend for the whole crew,” McWilliams said. “Riding the XR1200 in an AMA round and taking the win was the icing on the cake after lifting the British Championship less than a month ago. Just two weeks back I thought I’d thrown any chance of competing here away when I smashed myself up a bit in Spain. The wet weather probably played to my favor as I didn’t have to work so hard in those conditions. Had it been dry I guess it might have been a little tighter but I was confident either way.”

With the close of the five-race 2010 Vance & Hines series, RMR/Bruce Rossmeyer’s Daytona Racing’s Danny Eslick, winner of the first three rounds, was crowned the series champion with 96 points, followed by Travis Wyman (88) and Jake Holden (67).

“It was cool to be a part of [the series]. I’m 100 percent for championships on American made bikes” said Eslick, who won the 2009 AMA Pro Daytona SportBike championship on a Buell motorcycle. “It was a lot of fun to ride, and hopefully we can put something together for next year.”

Complete 2010 AMA Pro Vance & Hines Championship Points Standings:

1. Danny Eslick, 96 points

2. Travis Wyman, 88

3. Jake Holden, 67

4. Paul James, 62

5. P.J. Jacobsen, 54

6. Joe Rozynski, 50

7. Matthew Heidel, 44

8. Eric Stump, 37

9. Kyle Wyman, 36

10. Jeremy McWilliams, 31

11. John Ashmead, 27

12. Michael Corbino, 27

13. Shawn Higbee, 25

14. Michael Barnes, 25

15. Steve Atlas, 25

16. Shawn Conrad, 15

17. Robert Tinagero, 18

18. Paul Schwemmer, 14

19. Aaron Frank, 13

20. Mark Cernicky, 0

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.

Hines Makes Sixth Straight Finals Appearance; Krawiec Wins to Semi-Finals

ENNIS, Texas (September 26, 2010) – Screamin’ Eagle®/Vance & Hines rider Andrew Hines leads the NHRA Full Throttle Countdown to the Championship playoffs after a run to the final round of eliminations at the O’Reilly Auto Parts Super Start Batteries NHRA Fall Nationals. It was the sixth consecutive final-round appearance for Hines on his V-Rod®. But in the final round, he lost to Nitrofish Suzuki rider LE Tonglet.

After three of six Countdown events, Hines holds a 44 point lead over Tonglet in the battle for the Pro Stock Motorcycle championship, as he gave up 22 points this weekend.

“Tonglet isn’t racing like a rookie, he’s not afraid of anybody right now,” said Hines, who has lost the last three final-round matches to Tonglet. “We slowly lost our tune-up all weekend. We’ve been getting some bad data off the bike, and then misinterpreting that information. I think Matt (crew chief Matt Hines) has it figured out now. We’ve still got the lead and the Screamin’ Eagle V-Rod is really performing right now, so we’ll just keep fighting.”

Screamin’ Eagle/Vance & Hines rider Ed Krawiec is in third place in countdown points, after winning a round of qualifying on Saturday and advancing to the semi-finals on Sunday. Krawiec’s 6.924-second pass was good for the number-two spot in qualifying after Al-Anabi Racing Buell rider Matt Smith made a 6.923-second run in the final round to take the top spot. On Sunday, Krawiec blasted through the first two rounds with wins over Pirana Z Buell rider Junior Pippen and VRoom Racing Buell rider David Hope. Krawiec faced Tonglet in the third round, and lost at the line as both riders made 6.969-second runs. Tonglet won with a 0.011-second reaction time to Krawiec’s 0.030 light.

“It’s tough to lose with a .030 light,” said Krawiec. “Nine races out of 10 that will get you a win on the Harley V-Rod. I think we found a tune-up that really works on my bike this weekend, and we won some rounds. I had a very fast motorcycle today.”

Hines got wins in the first two rounds on Sunday when Coffman Tank Truck Buell rider Angie Smith and Lincoln Tech Suzuki rider Steve Johnson each fouled at the starting line.  In round three, Hines used a better 0.032/6.988 combined time to beat the 0.056/6.979 pass of Matt Smith.

That set up another face-off between the three-time champion, Hines, and the hot rookie, Tonglet. Hines ended the race quickly when he left the start line 0.006-seconds early for a foul.

“We knew I would have to be quick off the line, and we changed the tune-up to the same as was in Ed’s bike, but didn’t get the clutch right,” said Hines. “So I got my power back but then left early. That was a set-up error.”

Hines thinks records could be shattered when the NHRA Full Throttle Drag Racing Series appears Oct. 7-10 at Maple Grove Raceway near Reading, Pa., for the Toyo Tires NHRA Nationals.

“We have not raced at Reading this late in the season since 2001,” said Hines. “The air is probably going to be really cool, which means everyone can make more power. Maple Grove is already a fast track, and the Screamin’ Eagle V-Rod really likes cold air. It should be an exciting weekend.”

After three of six rounds in the NHRA Full Throttle Countdown, Hines leads the Pro Stock Motorcycle class with 2,444 points. Tonglet is second with 2,400 points, followed by Krawiec with 2,264. Matt Smith moves up to fourth place with 2,248 points, followed by Johnson with 2,217 points.

Screamin’ Eagle Performance Parts are inspired by and built in the spirit of the raw adrenaline and power of motorcycle racing. Screamin’ Eagle Pro parts are specifically designed for race-use applications, while Screamin’ Eagle parts offer street-use performance options for the Harley-Davidson motorcycle owner. Visit www.harley-davidson.com for more information.

The Screamin’ Eagle/Vance & Hines Pro Stock Motorcycle team is sponsored by Matco Tools, Dunlop and S100.

PICKERINGTON, Ohio — The American Motorcyclist Association (AMA) is pleased to announce that Hollywood film and television star Perry King will host the 2010 Motorcycle Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony on Friday, Nov. 19, at the Red Rock Casino and Resort in Las Vegas.

King, whose career spans more than 40 years, is perhaps best known for his portrayal as Cody Allen in the popular 1980s television series “Riptide.” King rose to prominence alongside up-and-comers Sylvester Stallone and Henry Winkler with the 1974 release of “The Lords of Flatbush,” in which he played the character Chico Tyrell. Today, his list of roles numbers in the hundreds and, most recently, he has appeared in the HBO hit “Big Love.”

King hosted last year’s Hall of Fame induction ceremony, and is a natural fit for the role of emcee. Not only is he a seasoned professional actor, he is also an avid motorcyclist and a member of the AMA Board of Directors.

“Perry lends the perfect blend of consummate professionalism with down-to-earth approachability to our ceremony,” said AMA President and CEO Rob Dingman. “We are really thrilled to have someone as talented and as passionate about motorcycling as Perry for our emcee, and we’re very fortunate that his schedule allowed him to return this year.”

“I’m really honored to demonstrate my support for the Hall of Fame in this way,” King said. “Last year, there were several moments when everyone in the room was choking back the tears during the inductee speeches. I was one of them. Their words were genuine and heartfelt, and they touched all of us deeply. That’s what I love about motorcyclists. We’re like a huge family, and if you love to ride you’re welcomed with open arms, no questions asked.”

The Hall of Fame Class of 2010 includes legendary two-stroke engine tuner Eyvind Boyesen, dirt-track racer Don Castro, sidecar roadrace champion Larry Coleman, off-road rights activist Clark Collins, AMA 250cc Roadrace Champion David Emde, off-road gear pioneers John and Rita Gregory, desert racing champion and team manager Bruce Ogilvie, and championship team owner Mitch Payton. Also honored will be legendary motocross hero and Hall of Famer Bob Hannah. Hundreds will attend, including inductees’ families, friends and fans, dozens of Hall of Fame members, industry leaders, and AMA and AMHF (American Motorcycle Heritage Foundation) board members.

In addition to the induction ceremony, the three-day AMA Legends and Champions Weekend features a full slate of activities. On Saturday, Nov. 20, the 2010 Motorcycle Hall of Fame Concours d’Elegance will showcase some of the country’s most impressive original and restored classic motorcycles. Then at noon, the AMA honors the best of the amateur racing community at the 2010 AMA Racing Championship Banquet. Saturday evening marks the Las Vegas début of the movie “Carlsbad USGP: 1980,” a look at an iconic motocross race that some have dubbed “the Woodstock of motorcycling.”  Sunday caps off the weekend with self-guided rides in the surrounding area.

For more information, including tickets and reduced-rate accommodations, visit AmericanMotorcyclist.com/LegandsAndChampions.

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 support of the Motorcycle Hall of Fame Museum, the AMA preserves the heritage of motorcycling for future generations. For more information, please visit AmericanMotorcyclist.com.