Motorcyclists: Florida tops list of best states to ride

Progressive® Insurance reveals states with the best riding to help bikers maximize their cruising time

MAYFIELD VILLAGE, Ohio (June 29, 2011)—From Arizona’s Grand Canyon to New York’s Catskill Mountains, all 50 states offer unique, great places to ride. And more riders are hitting the road to take advantage of those scenic and thrilling rides: motorcycle and scooter sales rose 10.5 percent through the first quarter of 2011, according to the Motorcycle Industry Council. So whether you’re a newbie or a lifelong biker, you can plan your next trip with this list of the best states to ride, courtesy of Progressive® Insurance, the #1 insurer of motorcycles in the U.S.:

Progressive’s list of best states to ride

1.   Florida

2.   Georgia

3.   Arizona

4.   South Carolina

5.   Kansas

6.   Mississippi

7.   Oklahoma

8.   Arkansas

9.   North Carolina

10. Iowa

11.  Alabama

12.  Texas

13.  New Mexico/West Virginia (tie)

14.  Nebraska

15.  Tennessee

16.  Hawaii

17.  Kentucky

18.  Louisiana

19.  Ohio

20.  Utah

“American riding is as diverse as American riders—from the city rider to the country cruiser,” said Dan Kamionkowski, motorcycle product manager at Progressive. “Some states that you may consider obvious good places to ride were not included in the top 20 when all data were taken into account—but they’re still great options.”

For example:

Where the sun is always shining—While California ranks in the top 10 (#6) for number of good riding days, The Golden State didn’t make the top 20 due to higher accident frequency, population density, and gas prices; and low percentage of smoother riding roadways.

Aloha spirit—While the weather in Hawaii offers bikers the highest number of good riding days, it’s edged out of the top 10 in part due to its low percentage of smoother riding roadways and high population density.

Escape the big city—New York has many great rides but one reason it’s not in the overall top 20 is because of New York City’s high population density. New York makes it into the top 10 (#6, up from #44) if New York City is removed from the population density data.

“Based on our experience, we pulled together what we consider to be important data to help bikers make better riding decisions. It’s not the end-all-be-all list of variables, for sure, since preferences vary from rider to rider, but we hope it will help riders plan their next road trip,” continued Kamionkowski.

Progressive looked at the following data to determine its list of best states to ride:

• number of good riding days (based on temperature and precipitation);
• likelihood of getting into a motorcycle crash;
• percentage of smoother riding roadways;
• population density; and
• average price for a gallon of regular gasoline

Here’s how states rank by each data set:

“As the number one motorcycle insurer in the country, we want to help bikers get the most out of their time on the road,” said Kamionkowski. “We hope this list offers them insight before they go full throttle on their next excursion.”

About Progressive

The Progressive Group of Insurance Companies makes it easy to understand, buy, and use auto insurance. Progressive offers choices so consumers can reach us whenever, wherever, and however it’s most convenient for them—online at progressive.com, by phone at 1-800-PROGRESSIVE, or in-person with a local agent.

Progressive offers insurance for personal and commercial autos and trucks, motorcycles, boats, recreational vehicles, and homes. It’s the fourth largest auto insurer in the country, the largest seller of motorcycle insurance, and a leader in commercial auto insurance. Progressive also offers car insurance online in Australia at http://www.progressiveonline.com.au.

Founded in 1937, Progressive continues its long history of offering shopping tools and services that save customers time and money, like Name Your Price^®, the Snapshot Discount^SM, and a concierge level of claims service.

The Common Shares of The Progressive Corporation, the Mayfield Village, Ohio-based holding company, trade publicly at NYSE:PGR.

New Harley-Davidson Touring, Trike and Sportster Models Arrive at Dealerships

MILWAUKEE (June 29, 2011) Harley-Davidson has begun delivery of all 15 models in the 2012 Touring, Trike (North America only) and Sportster lines to its dealers in the U.S. and Europe. These motorcycles will be available for sale immediately, giving customers an opportunity to get on a 2012-model Harley-Davidson with much of the riding season still available. Shipment of these select 2012 models has been accelerated to provide greater continuity of supply in dealerships during the peak summer selling season. Additional 2012 models will be announced on July 20 at the Harley-Davidson summer dealer meeting in Anaheim, California.

2012 Sportster: Personalization and Power

The six 2012 Harley-Davidson Sportster models range from the affordable Dark Custom roadster posture of the Iron 883™ to the track-inspired performance of the XR1200X™. Each Sportster model offers the heartbeat of an authentic American V-Twin engine and pace-setting style and performance.

Back for its first full year of production is the Sportster® 1200 Custom, the motorcycle that introduced the web-based H-D1™ Bike Builder factory customization process. Using Bike Builder, customers can personalize their 1200 Custom with seat, handlebar, foot control, wheel, security, paint and engine finish options that are installed right at the factory. Even more dealer-installed accessories can be added, and viewed, on the Bike Builder site. The customer can then print out a description of their bike and bring it to a Harley-Davidson dealer to review the motorcycle with trained staff, select additional accessories to be installed by the dealer to further customize the motorcycle, and then place an order. Customers can expect to be riding their new bike in as little as four weeks from the time an order is placed with an authorized Harley-Davidson dealer.

All 2012 Sportster models will have Michelin® Scorcher™ tires with a tread pattern designed, tested and styled specifically for the Sportster motorcycle to provide ideal grip, even wear and longer life. Fifteen Sportster paint options include seven new color choices for 2012. Side covers will be finished in either gloss black or denim black to match the finish on other bodywork. The Forty-Eight model will have a new tank graphic.

2012 Harley-Davidson Sportster models

SuperLow™

Iron 883™

Sportster® 1200 Custom

Nightster®

Forty-Eight™

XR1200X™

2012 Touring: The Legend Rolls On

For 2012, all eight Harley-Davidson Touring models are powered by a Twin Cam 103 engine with Automatic Compression Release and integrated oil cooler. Producing 102 ft. lbs. of peak torque at 3500 rpm, the Twin Cam 103 provides outstanding performance around town and on the open road. All Touring models also feature the 6-Speed Cruise Drive transmission, 41.3 mm telescopic front forks, air-adjustable rear shocks and an Isolated Drive System for smooth power delivery. The Harley-Davidson Touring chassis has a single-spar, rigid backbone frame and two-piece swingarm designed to deliver responsive maneuverability and long-haul durability. Chassis geometry and suspension are calibrated to deliver confident handling and comfort.

All Touring models except the Ultra Limited will offer a new “tubeless” Chrome Lace Aluminum Wheel option for ease of tire replacement and repair. Six new colors or color combinations are among the 12 paint options offered within the 2012 Touring model line.

2012 Harley-Davidson Touring models

Road King®

Road King® Classic

Electra Glide® Classic

Ultra Classic® Electra Glide®

Electra Glide® Ultra Limited

Street Glide®

Road Glide® Custom

Road Glide® Ultra

2012 Trike: Three Wheelin’

The 2012 Tri Glide Ultra Classic brings original-equipment design, quality and service to the three-wheel motorcycle segment, based on chassis structure and geometry engineered specifically to handle the loads generated by the steering forces and weight of a three-wheel vehicle. With a deluxe Tour-Pak™ carrier and integrated trunk, a four-speaker/ 80-watt Harman/Kardon® Advanced Audio System, electronic cruise control and electric reverse drive, the Tri Glide Ultra Classic inspires confidence, passion and independence in any riding situation. The Tri Glide Ultra will be available in three color combinations:  Vivid Black, Big Blue Pearl / Vivid Black or Ember Red Sunglo / Merlot Sunglo.

Details on the 2012 Harley-Davidson Touring, Trike and Sportster models are available at h-d.com/2012.

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’s website at www.harley-davidson.com.

Harley-Davidson^® Screamin’ Eagle^®/Vance & Hines Team Gets Third Win of Season

NORWALK, Ohio (June 26, 2011) –  Harley-Davidson^® Screamin’ Eagle^®/Vance & Hines rider Ed Krawiec rode a Harley-Davidson^® V-Rod^® to his second Pro Stock Motorcycle event win of the season at the 5th annual Summit Racing Equipment NHRA Nationals at Summit Motorsports Park. Krawiec defeated Buell rider Matt Smith in the final, and leaves Norwalk leading the Pro Stock Motorcycle class in season points.

“It’s great to be back on top in points,” said Krawiec. “I want to stay there for the rest of the season. I feel like I’m moving in the right direction and riding with real confidence, and the team is really working hard.”

Friday qualifying was rained out, leaving the field with just two runs to qualify on Saturday. Krawiec’s best run was a 6.934-second blast that put him in the fifth position. Andrew Hines qualified the other Screamin’ Eagle V-Rod in ninth place with a 6.978-second run. Lucas Oil Buell rider Hector Arana Jr. led all qualifiers with a 6.887-second run.

“We came to Norwalk with a plan and some new set-up ideas we wanted to try, and losing Friday really messed that up for us,” said Hines. “We needed to run more rounds to gather some data. We tried three different engines this weekend and it never ran very well. Ed’s V-Rod was great in the first two rounds on Sunday, but mine never came around. It’s very frustrating, but we’ll do some more testing at the shop see what we find.”

Hines lost to Varoom Racing Buell rider David Hope in the first round on Sunday, with a 7.164-second elapsed time (ET) to Hope’s 7.056.

Krawiec opened Sunday eliminations with a 6.919 ET that would be the quickest run of the day, good for a win over Varoom Racing/LAT Racing Oil Buell rider Mike Berry. Krawiec got a free pass in round two when Jim Underdahl did not make the start after changing engines in his Suzuki Extended Protection motorcycle. Krawiec defeated Hope in the semi-finals, and then got the win in the final round over Matt Smith after his Buell broke down mid-run.

“I was using my racing luck at the end today,” said Krawiec, who now has nine career Pro Stock Motorcycle event wins. “By the final the track was getting hot and greasy and the tire just spun at the start, my reaction time was not great and the bike was falling off at the end. We might have had a different result if Matt could finish the run, but I’ve been on the other end of that situation too. So it all evens out. The Harley-Davidson Screamin’ Eagle team really battled this weekend so I’ll take the win any way it comes.”

After five of 16 scheduled Pro Stock Motorcycle events, Krawiec leads the series with 425 points. Karen Stoffer, whose Geico Suzuki broke at the first-round starting line at Norwalk, drops from first to second with 418 points. Hines is third with 369 points, followed by Smith with 350 points.

The Pro Stock Motorcycles will next race at the 14th annual O’Reilly Auto Parts Route 66 NHRA Nationals, July 7-10, at Route 66 Raceway, Joliet, Ill.

Company Information

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.

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

Harley-Davidson Riders Halbert, Weidman and Smith Fill Grand National Podium

LIMA, Ohio (June 26, 2011) –  Harley-Davidson® Screamin’ Eagle® Factory rider Kenny Coolbeth placed sixth in Grand National Twins racing at the Allen County Fairgrounds half-mile, the ninth round of the AMA Pro Harley-Davidson Insurance Flat Track Championship. The race was won by Kings Kustoms rider Sammy Halbert on a Harley-Davidson XR750 motorcycle.

Coolbeth qualified for the 25-lap main by winning the third heat race of the night. At the start of the main, Fasthog.com/American Harley-Davidson rider Bryan Smith, Zanotti Racing /Schaeffer`s H-D rider Jake Johnson, Halbert and Rogers Lake/Blue Springs Harley-Davidson rider Jared Mees formed a lead pack. Those riders stayed at the front after a re-start following lap two for a red flag and a crashed rider. Coolbeth was in sixth place at the time. Smith and Halbert edged away after the re-start, with Halbert passing for the lead on lap 11 and immediately opening a gap on Smith that stretched to 1.9 seconds by lap 17. White’s Harley-Davidson rider Matt Weidman, who started the race at the back of the grid, passed Smith for second place on lap 18 and closed to within 0.654 second of the leader before Halbert made a burst on the last three laps to seal a 1.183-second victory, his third win of the season and his first at Lima. Smith was third, 6.570 seconds back, followed by Lloyd Brothers/Team Hurt by Racing.com Ducati rider Brad Baker, Mees, American Harley-Davidson rider Robert Pearson, and Coolbeth in sixth place.

“It’s sixth place but that’s better than we’ve run here in past years,” said Coolbeth, who placed 13^th on the Lima half-mile in 2010. “It’s a cushion track and you’ve got to hold it wide-open. The team worked hard and the bike went OK tonight.”

Smith won the Dash for Cash bonus sprint race.

After nine of 22 rounds in the 2011 AMA Pro Harley-Davidson Insurance Flat Track Championship, Halbert leads the series with 186 points. Johnson is second with 161 points, followed by Mees with 155 points. Coolbeth is fourth with 136 points.

The next race on the AMA Grand National Twins schedule is July 9 on the Hagerstown Speedway half-mile in Hagerstown, Md.

Company Information

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.

The Harley-Davidson Screamin’ Eagle Flat Track team is sponsored by Matco Tools.

Event:

Kelly’s Hide Away Bike Night – Seffner, FL

Where:

Kelly’s Hide Away Lounge

1425 U.S. Hwy 93 East
Seffner, FL 33584
813-689-6604

When:

Every Tuesday

Time:

7pm – 11pm

Events:

• Food
• Cold drinks
• Live music
• MC’d by Brian ‘XXXl’ Kelly
• Vendors welcome
• And more

Contact:

813-689-6604

PICKERINGTON, Ohio — The American Motorcyclist Association (AMA) and KTM North America are pleased to announce that KTM owners can opt-in to a new AMA membership affinity program that includes an exclusive KTM-themed AMA membership card, identifying the member as a devoted fan of the KTM brand.
“KTM and AMA affiliation are two passions that run deep in the hearts and minds of many of our customers,” said KTM North America President Jon-Erik Burleson, who announced the program at the annual KTM North America dealer meeting on Sunday, June 26, in St. Paul, Minn. “Available exclusively through this program, this partnership offers a unique way for these customers and members to link those passions.”

AMA President and CEO Rob Dingman enthusiastically welcomed KTM’s participation in the AMA’s affinity program.

“AMA members already enjoy premier membership benefits, such as the ability to compete in the country’s best amateur racing and recreational events, AMA Roadside Assistance, and the knowledge that they support the foremost organization that fights for your right to ride — on road and off,” Dingman said. “Now, for no additional cost above the $39 annual membership dues, KTM owners can proudly display their brand loyalty on their AMA membership card.

“KTM is an enduring brand and a valued partner of the AMA,” Dingman continued. “This agreement is the latest example of that support, and we look forward to developing programs with KTM and welcoming even more KTM owners to the ranks of the AMA.”

In addition to the benefits flowing from the AMA’s commitment to rights, riding and racing, other rewards of AMA membership include a subscription to the monthly American Motorcyclist magazine, discounts on numerous products and services, and the option to receive the quarterly AMA Racer insert to American Motorcyclist. AMA Racer includes content written specifically for AMA competition members.

“Whether they race their SX or XC on the local or national stage, enjoy recreational rides in the AMA KTM National Dual Sport Trail Riding Series on their EXC, get their kicks at trackdays on their RC8 superbike, or hit the road for miles of riding pleasure on their Adventure streetbike, our riders can enjoy real benefits with AMA membership,” said Burleson, who also serves as a member of the AMA Board of Directors. “We encourage our customers to take advantage of this new program to link their AMA membership with their affection for KTM.”

The AMA KTM affinity program goes into effect on July 1, 2011, and is available to owners of any model year KTM. To receive the KTM-themed AMA membership card, KTM owners simply need to call AMA Membership Services at (800) 262-5646 and identify themselves as a KTM owner.

The AMA KTM affinity program is the result of a new initiative by the AMA to encourage members to personalize their memberships to reflect their motorcycling experience. The initiative is a logical outgrowth of the AMA’s existing affinity relationships with key segments of the motorcycling community such as amateur racing competitors, AMA Life Members, and all-terrain vehicle riders.

“KTM is the first of what we anticipate will be many other AMA affiliates that recognize the benefits of joining the AMA and providing their riders with the option of tailoring their AMA memberships to reflect their interests and loyalties,” Dingman said.

For more information about KTM, including the exciting new 2012 lineup, visit KTMUSA.com. For further details on the benefits of AMA membership, visit AmericanMotorcyclist.com.

Companies that are interested in establishing an affinity relationship with the AMA should contact the AMA Member Services at (800) 262-5646.

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.

NORTH RANDALL, Ohio – The PowerSport Institute (PSI), a leading training school offering comprehensive diploma programs and AAS degrees in powersport technology, is proud to have the support of Yuasa Battery, Inc., a manufacturer of high-quality powersport batteries.

PSI students are taught the fundamentals of battery construction and maintenance as well as how to properly test, charge and install Yuasa Battery’s on the over 400 pieces of powersport equipment available on PSI’s campus. One such unit using a Yuasa Battery is the Sturgis custom chopper-bagger that students are building for the 2011 Sturgis Motorcycle Rally Annual World Championship of Custom Bike Building competition which takes place on Main Street, August 8-14, in Sturgis, S.D.

“It’s a pleasure working with companies that care about the future of our industry and can support the success of our students,” said Bernie Thompson, campus director, PSI.  Batteries are an essential component to powersport vehicle electrical systems, and we appreciate Yuasa supplying PSI with over 300 batteries for our students to use as training aids while conducting electrical system testing.”

About The PowerSport Institute
The PowerSport Institute is dedicated to providing premier technical training by pursuing industry alliances, providing outstanding training equipment and focusing on the needs of students.  For more information, contact PSI at 800.322.7000 or visit www.psi-now.com.  Follow PSI on Twitter (http://twitter.com/PowerSportInst) and Facebook (http://www.facebook.com/Power-Sport-Institute) and visit their YouTube page at www.youtube/Power-Sport-Institute.

About Yuasa
Yuasa Battery Inc., established in 1979 and headquartered in Laureldale, Pa., is one of the largest North American manufacturers, distributors and OE suppliers of batteries and related accessories to the powersports industry.  For additional information, visit www.yuasabatteries.com.

ATV Safety Institute Briefing and ATV RiderCourse Demonstration at South Carolina State Fair to Support “Chandler’s Law”

Distinguished Guests and Speakers, including Inez Tenenbaum,
Chairman of the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission

What:
A new law aimed at protecting South Carolina’s ATV-riding children will be celebrated by Inez Tenenbaum, chairman of the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, legislators, Pam and Steve Saylor, South Carolina safety proponents, and industry members.

The ATV Safety Institute (www.atvsafety.org), a division of the Specialty Vehicle Institute of America (SVIA), will host a news briefing and licensed instructors from the Institute will demonstrate safety practices through an abbreviated ASI RiderCourse that will give media guests an actual hands-on experience and many photo opportunities with ATVs, safety gear and ASI Instructors.

“Chandler’s Law,” named in honor of Pam and Steve Saylor’s son, who died while riding an ATV, takes effect July 1 and mandates critical safety practices from SVIA’s Model Legislation, such as rider training, parental supervision, prohibitions on children riding adult-sized ATVs and proper safety gear.   The legislation was sponsored by Rep. Harry Ott and Sen. Brad Hutto and signed into law in May by Gov. Nikki Haley.

When:
June 30, 2011
10 a.m. EDT

Where:
South Carolina State Fair
1200 Rosewood Drive
Columbia, SC 29202
Website: www.scstatefair.org
Directions: http://bit.ly/l1MWbI

Note to Editors:
The abbreviated ATV RiderCourse, conducted in a controlled environment under the direct supervision of an ASI licensed instructor, will offer the opportunity to experience some of the basic riding skills learned in the course. ATVs and protective gear will be provided for interested participants.  In addition to live taping, B-roll and still photography illustrating the safe and responsible use of ATVs will be available.

The All-Terrain Vehicle Safety Institute® develops rider training programs and promotes the safe and responsible use of ATVs. The ASI works to reduce crashes and injuries resulting from improper ATV use. Formed in 1988, the ASI is a not-for-profit division of the Specialty Vehicle Institute of America®. For safety information or to enroll in the ATV RiderCourse^SM nearest you, visit www.atvsafety.org or call (800) 887-2887.

PICKERINGTON, Ohio — Testifiers told a key U.S. House subcommittee on June 22 that off-highway vehicle (OHV) recreation puts billions of dollars into the U.S. economy, and public land needs to be opened up for motorized recreation, the American Motorcyclist Association (AMA) reports.

Supporters of H.R. 1581, the Wilderness and Roadless Area Release Act of 2011, testified that the bill would free up almost 43 million acres of public land that now may be off-limits to off-highway riding.

“As it stands, the BLM [federal Bureau of Land Management] currently restricts activity on nearly 7 million acres of WSAs [Wilderness Study Areas] despite the fact the BLM itself has already determined these areas are not suitable for Wilderness designation by Congress,” testified Thomas Crimmins, spokesman for the group Professionals for Managed Recreation.

“The situation with the Forest Service is even worse,” he said, “as access is restricted to over 36 million acres of IRAs [Inventoried Roadless Areas] that have been deemed unsuitable for ultimate designation as Wilderness.”

The testimony came during a House Subcommittee on National Parks, Forests and Public Lands oversight hearing on “Opportunities for Outdoor Recreation on Public Lands, chaired by Rep. Rob Bishop (R-Utah).

Besides Crimmins, others who testified included Scott Jones, who spoke on behalf of the AMA and the Colorado Off Highway Vehicle Coalition; Dick Lepley of the Pennsylvania Off-Highway Vehicle Association; Russ Ehnes of the National Off-Highway Vehicle Conservation Council; Don Amador of the BlueRibbon Coalition; and Karen Umphress of the Minnesota Motorized Trails Coalition and the Coalition of Recreational Trail Users.

The Wilderness and Roadless Area Release Act of 2011 would remove stringent use restrictions on 6.7 million acres managed by the BLM and on 36.1 million acres of U.S. Forest Service land that was evaluated for strict congressional Wilderness land-use designations.

The federal agencies have determined the 43 million acres aren’t suitable for Wilderness designation, yet because of various laws and rules they must continue to strictly manage the land until Congress “releases” it for other possible uses, which H.R. 1581 would do.

Crimmins, who worked for the Forest Service for 32 years, was involved in the process for evaluating Forest Service land to determine whether it deserved a Wilderness designation. A Wilderness designation bars off-highway riding and most other uses.

“The intent of the process was to identify any and all areas that could potentially be considered for Wilderness designation and then, once and for all, make recommendations for areas that should be considered for Wilderness designations and areas that should be managed for multiple use,” Crimmins testified. “This would allow the agency to move forward with its mission to manage the national forests.”

While land mangers expected that areas ultimately deemed as unsuitable for Wilderness designation would be released, “this has not been the case,” he said.

On the economic side, Jones testified that “OHV recreation provided over a billion dollars in positive economic impact and resulted in over 12,000 jobs in the state of Colorado alone.”

Umphress said that all-terrain vehicle (ATV) activity alone in Minnesota contributed $2 billion to the economy in 2006.

Lepley, who also owns a motorcycle dealership, testified that the estimated economic value of the OHV retail market was $14.6 billion in 2009, “bolstered by the sale of 131,000 new off-highway motorcycles and 321,000 new ATVs, which are now part of the estimated 12.2 million dirtbikes and ATVs in America.”

“Clearly, the powersports industry contributes mightily to the nation’s economy during both good times and bad, but regardless of the economy, nothing threatens dealerships and the industry at large like having no place to ride,” he said.

To urge your federal lawmaker to support H.R. 1581, the Wilderness and Roadless Area Release Act of 2011, go to http://www.americanmotorcyclist.com/rights/issueslegislation.

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.

IRVINE, Calif., June 23, 2011 – After a 27-year hiatus, motorcycle licensing and registration returns to the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan, thanks to King Abdullah II whose instructions were to establish a non-profit organization to organize motorcycle registration and ownership in the Kingdom and provide a safe and professional training program which resulted in the creation of the Royal Motorcycle Club of Jordan (RMCJ) who, in turn, contacted the Motorcycle Safety Foundation (MSF) in 2009. As a result, on June 23, the RMCJ will celebrate the grand opening of its MSF-recognized Training Center in Jordan. Like the MSF, the RMCJ’s Training Center embraces the notion that all riders need a strong knowledge base, finely tuned skills and a safety-first mindset that includes risk management strategies in order to enjoy motorcycling to its fullest. The MSF’s 23 separate RiderCourses, like some of the programs adopted by the RMCJ, are designed to provide a lifelong action plan to keep motorcycling seriously safe and fun.

“We are very pleased to be bringing motorcycling back to Jordan with rider safety as a top priority,” said Omar Zarour, General Manager of the Royal Motorcycle Club of Jordan. “And we appreciate the MSF’s assistance in developing a program and facility that will help achieve our goals.”

The RMCJ’s Training Center incorporates versions of MSF curricula that were adapted to the specific traffic and roadway needs in Jordan. Other aspects of the RMCJ’s Safety Training Program include site management, program administration, student enrollment, RiderCoach training and certification, and more. As part of the program development, two RMCJ representatives traveled to the U.S. for training, which included successfully completing the 65-hour MSF RiderCoach Preparation Course.

“We are extremely honored to have participated in this program with King Abdullah II and the RMCJ,” said MSF President and Chief Executive Officer Tim Buche. “We have always believed that motorcycling is a universal language and that safety should always be paramount. We have enjoyed contributing to Jordan’s burgeoning motorcycling community, and we look forward to furthering our relationship with the RMCJ and providing them with support as the popularity of motorcycling grows in their country.”

The MSF includes a membership of leading multi-national manufacturers and distributors, and licenses its curricula programs internationally.

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^SM nearest you, visit www.msf-usa.org or call (800) 446-9227.