California lawmakers back EPA compliant requirement for riders of new motorcycles

Posted June 29, 2010 Email this articleEmail Print this articlePrint

A key California State Assembly committee has endorsed a proposal to require motorcyclists to have EPA-compliant exhaust systems on their model year 2011 and newer motorcycles.

On June 28, the Committee on Transportation voted 8-4 to approve Senate Bill 435, introduced by Sen. Fran Pavley (D-Oxnard-Los Angeles), which would make it illegal to ride a motorcycle on the road built on, or after, Jan. 1, 2011, that doesn't display a federal Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) label certifying the exhaust system meets sound emissions standards.

Riders caught riding model year 2011 or newer motorcycles without this stamp would be issued "fix it" tickets by law enforcement officers.

The measure now goes to the Assembly Appropriations Committee for further consideration.

"Many EPA labels are very difficult to locate on motorcycles," said AMA Western States Representative Nick Haris. "This proposed law could lead to a flurry of tickets for motorcyclists who have legal exhaust systems on their machines with EPA labels that can't be easily seen. It's unreasonable to expect a law enforcement officer to easily locate an EPA label, and it's simply unfair to expect a motorcycle owner to partially dismantle an exhaust system alongside the road to prove the label exists.

"Requiring that a motorcycle display a readily visible EPA label isn't the correct way to address concerns about excessive motorcycle sound," he added. "The only objective way to determine whether a motorcycle complies with sound laws is for properly trained personnel to conduct sound level tests using calibrated meters and an agreed-upon testing procedure."

Haris suggested that concerned California motorcyclists contact their state lawmakers and urge them to reject Senate Bill 435. To do so, go here and select "CA" in the drop down menu.

The AMA has long maintained a position of strong opposition to excessive motorcycle sound. In September 2009, the AMA developed model legislation for use by cities and states seeking a simple, consistent and economical way to deal with sound complaints related to on-highway motorcycles within the larger context of excessive sound from all sources. The model legislation offers an objective method to evaluate motorcycle sound based on the Society of Automotive Engineers' (SAE) J2825 standard, "Measurement of Exhaust Sound Pressure Levels of Stationary On-Highway Motorcycles." For more information, click here.

Harley CEO Keith Wandell Will Ride to Sturgis Rally
Keith Wandell had his work cut out for him when he signed on as CEO of Harley-Davidson in April, 2009.

Not only did the 21 year veteran of automotively-oriented Johnson Controls join the bike builder in the midst of unprecedented turbulence, Wandell immediately questioned the efficiency of the company's York facility, jettisoned Buell and initiated the divestiture of MV Agusta, and even threatened to leave Harley's hometown of Milwaukee, Wisconsin if unions didn't slash their costs.

And talk about a crash course in Motorcycles 101: when he joined Harley, the non-riding Wandell was heralded by one paper as a "leader [who] lacks leathers, but not executive skill" in an article that also noted that since the company's management buyout in 1981, four consecutive CEOs came from within the company.

Wandell attempted to build credibility in his new two-wheeled leadership role by taking a Harley Rider's Edge course and acquiring a Hog of his own, and his latest venture involves riding to the Sturgis Rally along with fellow Harley big wigs. Setting out from Milwaukee on August 5, 2010, the executive group is encouraging regular Joes to join the ride and shoot the breeze at stops and dealer events along the way.

Can Wandell grasp the intangibles of the biker lifestyle through gradual immersion? And more importantly, does it matter whether Harley's CEO-- the leader of what is arguably the most internationally recognizable motorcycle company in the world-- is a Harley aficionado?

If you question Wandell's two-wheeled passion and his ability to shepherd H-D's recovery, consider the case of Alan Mulally. Though the ex-Boeing exec wasn't a rabid car enthusiast per se, his finance and managerial experience enabled him to turn the company around and avoid the bankruptcy fate that befell GM and Chrysler... but I'm glad to see you're taking this whole riding thing seriously, Mr. Wandell. While you're soaking it all in, it might-- at the very least-- help you understand what motivates folks to purchase your bikes and buy into that inimitable lifestyle your brand so effectively represents.

Vo Knows
Steve Atlas
Steve Atlas
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Professional-grade speed and an attitude to match, Executive Editor Steve Atlas is the new blood at MotoUSA. Atlas has AMA racing creds that are even more extensive than his driving record.

2011 Kawasaki Ninja ZX-10R Breaks Cover
Monday, June 21, 2010
Atlas power-wheelies the Kawasaki out of the final corner.
The 2010 Kawasaki ZX-10R did well in our Superbike Smackdown for a three-year-old model. Now some details about the all-new 2011 model have surfaced and it's going to be all-new...
Kawasaki has released limited details today regarding the rumors surrounding their all-new 2011 Ninja ZX-10R. The just of it is, well…it’s totally new.

While no specific details beyond a new frame, engine, suspension and a total redesign from the ground up have been released, it’s now official that the rumors are true and the brand new bike will be released next year despite tough economic times. It is stated on the website that the bike’s primary focus will be to win World Superbike races. It is also widely known that part of current Kawasaki WSB racer Chris Vermeulen’s contract is to aid in developing the new machine into a winner. Put two and two together and there’s no question racetrack performance is a top priority of Team Green.

Be sure to check out the design sketch and video at: www.kawasaki-challenge.com

Nov 10, 2007 - 12:12:00 AM
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Should You Buy a New Harley Davidson
You may think that purchasing a new motorcycle is as easy as simply picking a model, going to the nearest dealer and paying for it. Well this is not true, especially if this is going to be your first motorcycle. It is important for you to know that owning a Harley Davidson is comparable to owning a legend. Therefore, you should look at it as an investment, not just a purchase. Since a Harley Davidson is also expensive, you need to know what you want, what you need and what you can handle before you make the purchase.

Before you purchase a new bike, you really should do some research since not all Harley Davidsons are suitable for cruising. In other words, just because a bike looks good does not mean that it is the right one for you. Instead, you are going to want to take the time to find one that runs well, is comfortable for you to ride and handle. If you are just starting out, then you may want to start with a smaller bike until your skills improve.

You will find that touring bikes are actually the heaviest of the Harley Davidson bikes. These bikes range in price from $16,000 to more than $20,000 without you even customizing them. Models include the FLHR Road King, FLHRS Road King Custom, FLHRC Road King Classic, FLHX Street Glide, FLTR Road Glide, FLHT Electra Glide Standard, FLHTC Electra Glide Classic and FLHTCU Ultra Classic Electra Glide.

If you would like a slightly smaller bike that is also faster, then you should go for the VRSC models. These bikes include the VRSCAW V-Rod, VRSCD Night Rod, VRSCXD Night Rod Special, VRSCX and VRSCR Street Rod. You will pay between $14,000 and $20,000 for these bikes.

For something even lighter than that you will want to check out the Softail models, which cost between $14,000 and $18,000. These models include the FXST Softail Standard (a bare bones model), FXSTB Night Train, FXSTC Softail Custom, FXSTD Softail Deuce, FLSTF Fat Boy, FLSTN Softail Deluxe, FLSTSC Softail Springer Classic and the FLSTC Heritage Softail Classic.

There are also the Dyna models, which sell for between $12,000 and $17,000. These models include the FXD Dyna Super Glide, FXDC Dyna Super Glide Custom, FXDB Dyna Street Bob, FXDL Dyna Low Rider and FXDWG Dyna Wide Glide.

Now if you are in search for the lightest Harley bike that you can buy, then you will want the Sportster model, which cost between $6,500 and $10,000. At the upper end of this price range you will find the special 50th Anniversary limited addition model. Other models that are available include the XL Sportster 883, XL883L Sportster 883 Low, XL883C Sportster 883 Custom, XL883R Sportster 883, XL1200N Sportster 1200 Nightster, XL1200C Sportster 1200 Custom, XL1200R Sportster 1200 Roadster and XL1200l Sportster 1200 Low.

Some riders think that the Sportster is the most difficult bike to ride even though it is so light. This is because of the high placement of its gas tank and the bikes center of gravity. For this reason, you should test drive it first instead of simply assuming that you will like the way that it rides.

Regardless as to which model you choose, you should test drive it before you purchase it. Actually get on a new bike, start it up and listen to the engine. Take the time to feel its vibrations and go for a ride. It is possible that you may need to actually test drive several different models before you purchase your new Harley.

Japanese two-wheeler major Suzuki on Monday launched its superbike GSX-R1000 at Rs 12.75 lakh (Rs 1.28 million) (ex-showroom, Delhi [ Images ]) making it the costliest product from the company's stable in the country.

Suzuki Motorcycle India [ Images ], the wholly-owned subsidiary of the Japanese giant, doled out another superbike Bandit1250S worth Rs 850,000. It currently sells two more premium bikes -- Hayabusa and Intruder -- costing Rs 12.5 lakh (Rs 1.25 million) each.

"This launch is in line with our aim to deliver outstanding technology and performance to the Indian market. We are pleased to offer exciting riding experience to pro-bikers," Suzuki Motorcycle India Pvt Ltd chairman Katsumi Takata said in a statement.

The company, which is a marginal player in the commuter segment of the two-wheeler market, is targeting to sell at least 200 units of the two new bikes in the first year.

"We are targeting to sell together over 200 units in the first year. In the case of Hayabusa and Intruder also, we had sold about 200 units in the first year," SMIPL vice president (sales and marketing) Atul Gupta said.

With the launch of these two 1000 cc and 1255 cc bikes, the company expects to continue the momentum that had begun with the launch of Hayabusa and Intruder, he added.

The company had launched Hayabusa and Intruder in November 2008 and sales started from January last year. It has sold 209 units of the two superbikes till March 2010.

In the commuter segment, SMIPL sold just 188,000 units in 2009-10 in the 94 lakh (9.4 million) Indian two-wheeler market. Gupta said the company is expecting about 40 per cent rise in its sales during this fiscal.

Royal Enfield Classic Waiting List

by Paul Crowe - "The Kneeslider" on 6/14/2010

in Motorcycle Business
Royal Enfield Bullet Classic C5

Royal Enfield Bullet Classic C5

Remember when Harley Davidson had waiting lists? Well, move over Harley, hello Royal Enfield. It looks like demand for the new Bullet Classic C5 is getting beyond the company's ability to paint the motorcycles. The Classic takes more more time to paint than some previous models and it's been selling so well buyers have been asked to wait as long as 6 months to take delivery. Normal production is 4500 units per month but demand is at 6500 units. Besides being popular in the Indian home market, it's also selling well here in the States. Royal Enfield has been shifting some painting to other plants to meet the demand. Although waiting lists are never ideal, customers are indicating the new Bullet is a winner.

COLUMBIA, SC (WMBF) - The South Carolina Supreme Court has ruled that Myrtle Beach's law requiring motorcyclists to wear a helmet is invalid.

The lawsuit was filed in April 2009 by 49 people after the city enacted the helmet law in 2008, requiring DOT-approved helmets for all riders in city limits. Under South Carolina law, anyone over the age of 21 is not required to wear a helmet.

The lawsuit argued the law, which required motorcycle riders to wear helmets in the city limits of Myrtle Beach, was invalid because it preempted state law. The court's decision also applies to a similar lawsuit filed by Businesses Owners Organized to Support Tourism (BOOST) and Bart Viers.


"Were local authorities allowed to enforce individual helmet ordinances, riders would need to familiarize themselves with the various ordinances in advance of a trip, so as to ensure compliance," the decision stated. "Riders opting not to wear helmets or eyewear in other areas of the state would be obliged to carry the equipment with them if they intended to pass through a city with a helmet ordinance."

The court added that local authorities might enact ordinances imposing additional and even conflicting equipment requirements, and such laws would unduly limit a citizen's freedom of movement throughout the state.

"We find that the City Helmet Ordinance fails under implied field preemption due to the need for statewide uniformity and therefore issue a declaratory judgment invalidating the ordinance," the judgement concluded.

The city initially sought to enforce its motorcycle ordinances by administrative hearing, but later repealed the ordinance that established the system. The petitioners contended the city's repeal caused the entire motorcycle ordinance scheme to fail.

The SC Supreme Court agreed, noting the city enacted a number of ordinances and amendments in response to the motorcycle rallies. The court says the ordinances were enacted to be enforce with the administrative hearing, but they cannot be reconciled with an ordinance that abolishes that system.

"In general, repeal by implication is disfavored, and is found only when two statutes are incapable of any reasonable reconcilement," the decision states, noting that the city's designating infractions accommodations restrictions and parking trailers on public streets or unlicensed private lots remains in effect as a misdemeanor.