The Motorcyclist's Post is now online...

©The Motorcyclist's Post

Click the cover at left for the online issue of the MC Post or  Click here  Past online MC Post issues The Voice of American Motorcycle Riders To comment on the Motorcyclist's Post or this site, Click here

---

News Flash

New Sweatshirts with Motorcycle Awareness Message CheckTwiceSigns.com has just released a new sweatshirt with a motorcycle awareness message aimed at the non-riding public, These highly visible "message" sweatshirts are available at www.CheckTwiceSigns.com . Pete Giammalvo aka Sideways Pete Passes Away “Sideways Pete” Peter Giammalvo in the winners circle at his short track on Rte 12 in Winchendon, MA with the nights winners. Pete was the “Spark Plug” that kept the sport of  motorcycle flat track alive in New England. Peter suffered a Stroke on December 24th and passed away while being treated at MA General Hospital in Worcester, MA on Tuesday the 27th of December. Pete was 52 years old at the time of his passing. Funeral arrangements posted below. I’m sure I speak for many when I say that Peter’s passing will be leaving a huge hole in the sport of motorcycling in New England. I man who leaves a legacy of accomplishments in the sport he loved and brought to countless thousand is a man that never really dies! Peter Giammalvos legacy will live on, the mark of true greatness! On behalf of all our readers I would like to give my sincerest condolences to Pete’s wife Connie and family and his countless friends. God Speed , “Sideways Pete”! Arrangements: A Wake will be held Sunday, 1/1/12 from 3-7pm at Sawyer Miller Mascarelli Funeral Home in downtown Westminster, MA located at 123 Main St. Monday Meet at Sawyer Miller Mascarelli before 9:15 if you want to be in the precession to go past the track. Motorcycles WANTED. We will try to leave at 9:30am. Mass services at 11:00 am at St. Edwards church on Church St. in Westminster (can be seen from funeral home) In lieu of flowers please send donations to: Westminster Town Benefit PO Box 63 Westminister MA 01473 NH Court strikes DOWN Hampton EPA ordinance Ruling here Daytona Motorcycle Madness, 1948 Life Is Good Photo: Joseph Scherschel/TIME & LIFE Pictures Click here Bert Schneider dies at 78; 'Easy Rider' producer More on Schneider's passing, click here Insane Risks Motor race - Isle of Man TT Jorian Ponomareff Drift   FMX rider Jim McNeil dies at Texas Motor Speedway FMX rider Jim McNeil dies at Texas Motor Speedway Freestyle motocross rider Jim McNeil passed away today from injuries sustained in a crash during practice for a Freestyle MX demonstration for a NASCAR race at the Texas Motor Speedway. The 32-year old McNeil was a regular on the FMX demo circuit and the Red Bull X Fighters tour. More info as we get it. Motorcyclist's Post Cartoonist Releases 3rd Children's Book on Motorcycling BIKERS are ANIMALS 3 - On the Road by MC Post Cartoonist Paul Jamiol is the 3rd in a series of children's books that brings youngsters into a world of cartoon animals who love to ride their motorcycles and be with their friends. In his first two books, the author introduced his cartoon animals on “cool” motorcycles to show children and their parents that those involved in motorcycling are intelligent and caring. In his third book, using detailed and vibrant illustrations, Jamiol takes children even further into his cartoon world with a riding adventure that is fun and which has his menagerie of riding critters planning and working together to make their ride possible. Their journey takes them from their homes and into the city, then they head out of the city and hit the open road for a ride to the mountains. Their destination is a cabin on a lake, courtesy of one of their riding buddies, for an overnight stay. As with an actual motorcycle ride, there will be different roads traveled and stops along the way. This adventure will expand a child’s imagination with a unique vision of a group of critters doing what they love to do most – ride their motorcycles with their friends. A child will feel that he or she is welcome to ride along with these critters, and will also learn that working together, respect and friendship are paramount with this cast of characters. This is not just a book for kids in families with motorcycles. It's for young ones everywhere who gaze at a passing rider on a motorcycle and are curious about what this “thing” rolling past is all about. Jamiol’s characters run the gamut of the animal world as do their choices of motorcycles. They are young and old, and male and female. They like each other, respect each other, and have fun doing things together but are not afraid to do things on their own. Their independence stands out even in a large group. With Bikers are Animals 3 – On the Road, the message is clear... doing things together with friends, respecting who they are and not what they are, and riding down a road unafraid, are good things. For the child to get that message through a motorcycle ride that's totally fun, reinforces this message. The author encourages parents to join their kids on this ride and meet the characters. This is a reading adventure parents and children can share together, over and over again. BIKERS are ANIMALS 3 - On the Road is now available at http://www.bikersareanimals.com and Amazon.com.  The whole Bikers are Animals series are also available at Google eBooks for your Android or Mac device. Harley- Davidson recalls more than 308,000 motorcycles Harley-Davidson is recalling more than 308,000 motorcycles to fix a switch problem that can cause failure of the brake lights and possibly even the rear brakes themselves. The brake light switches can be exposed to too much heat from the exhaust system. The brake lights can fail, and the problem also can cause fluid leaks and the loss of rear brakes. Affected models include Touring, CVO Touring and Trike vehicles from the 2009 through 2012 model years. Owners will be notified by Harley of the recall. Dealers will install a rear brake light switch kit free of charge. For more info on recall, Click here Shawn Farnsworth (1975-2011) Pro Hillclimber Succumbs to Injuries By: Larry Lawrence (Photo by Jeff Whitehead) Shawn Farnsworth, the 2009 AMA Pro Hillclimb Unlimited Class Rookie of the Year who raced for Tom Reiser's Harley-Davidson team, died Monday in Dayton, Ohio. He was 36. Farnsworth crashed Sunday in the AMA Pro Hillclimb Championship season finale at the Devil's Staircase in Oregonia, Ohio. He was airlifted to Miami Valley Hospital with critical injuries. He succumbed to his injuries last night. Farnsworth was a third-generation hillclimber and his family was well known in the hillclimb community for promoting the sport. The Farnsworths promoted the national hillclimb held in Canaan, New Hampshire. Farnsworth is thought to be the first pro hillclimber to die from an accident in a national competition. "Shawn's loss is not just a loss for our family and for New England Hillclimbing, but for the sport as a whole," said Shawn's older brother Michael Farnsworth, himself a former pro hillclimber. "He meant so much to so many people. He was friends with everyone from the top pros to the guy coming out to try his first hillclimb. He was a great guy who just wanted to help people get into the sport." Farnsworth was one of the leading hillclimbers running with one of the best teams in the country. He finished third in the Unlimited national standings in his rookie pro season of 2009 and won the national at his home hillclimb in Canaan, N.H., last year. He was ranked fifth in the class coming into yesterday's event and reportedly clocked the third best time on his fateful last climb. An empty spot on the podium was left open in honor of Shawn in Sunday's awards ceremonies at Oregonia. "Shawn had a broad smile and encouraged and mentored other riders," said Jeff Whitehead, of ProHillclimb.com. "At the Jefferson Climb this summer I asked Pro Sport rider James Green how he managed to win his first hillclimb and he said (referring to Farnsworth) 'I won it by listening to the boss. He's like a father to me.' That's what kind of influence he had on other riders. I don't think you'd find a single rider out there who wouldn't have a good thing to say about Shawn. He's going to be missed." Farnsworth's hometown was Rumney, New Hampshire and he was married to Yarrow Farnsworth. The couple has two boys, fourth-generation racers Sheldon and Roman. The family has not yet made funeral arrangements.. Cycle News Shayna Texter wins Knoxville Pro Singles Main! Photography By: Larry Lawrence Shayna Texter makes history in Knoville, Iowa as she becomes the first female to win an AMA Pro Racing Flat Track Pro Singles Main Event. Video of Shayna Texter on top of the podium after becoming the first female to win an AMA Pro Racing Flat Track Pro Singles Main event. Killington Classic Postponed to 2012.   Killington VT  -  Due to serious damage from Hurricane Irene, the 9th annual Killington Classic, scheduled to start Sept 8, has been postponed until 2012.  The event headquarters at the Killington Resort and many of the roads in southern Vermont have been temporarily closed due to flooding.  (Rolling Thru Vermont, because of its HQ location in northern VT, will continue as scheduled, this weekend.) Americade Inc., charged with managing the Killington Classic, deeply regrets having to postpone this classic event until 2012.   "We have never postponed or cancelled any event in our company's history"  said Christian Dutcher, Americade VP.  "We've run over 40 events* without a postponement or cancellation but this was an unprecedented natural disaster.  The Killington Region was very eager to not disappoint the many preregistered attendees for the event. There were even reports that major roads would be open in time, in contrast to the media's sensationalized stories, but after sifting out the reality from on-the-ground information, there was simply no choice but to postpone it to 2012." He continued: "however, because the Killington Resort is part of a large well-established corporation, and because the Town of Killington is vital and resourceful, we know that they'll rebuild very quickly, but not quite quickly enough for a large event only 8 days away."      More details will be posted on www.killingtonclassic.com The Killington Classic - Vermont's Premier Motorcycle Rally (29 Americade East, 6 Americade West, and 3 in the Rolling Through America series, and several others)  For additional info: Christian Dutcher Americade.com | 518.798.7888  | Info@Killingtonclassic.com 2011 World Championship of Custom Bike Building - RESULTS

Many internationally known custom builders headed to Sturgis to compete in the 2011 World Championship of Custom Bike Building but it was a relatively unknown customizer that took the top honors. After working on his bike for 2-1/2 years Ken Tabata, of Tavax Engineering, Yao City, Osaka, Japan, appeared in Sturgis and now he is preparing to leave as the 2011 World Champion of Custom Bike Building. He describes his winning bike, TAVAX2011V, as being designed to look like a Cheetah about to pounce, all dynamic movement and power. TAVAX2011V effortlessly combines sculpted aluminum bodywork with one-off cast pieces that form the suspension and replace the stock engine and transmission covers. At the rear of the bike the swingarm pivots from behind the rear cylinder, arcing over the transmission, and carrying a linkage system operated single shock, a design similar to that found on many modern sports bikes. At the front of the machine the suspension begins at the axle as a leading link fork, which then changes via a pair of links to finish as a Springer fork. To demonstrate the performance potential of his bike Ken has forgone tall and wide wheels, favoring instead a pair of Marchesini 17in sport bike rims carrying floating rotors and Lockheed brake calipers. Taking a less complex styling route, Larry Houghton, of Lamb Engineering, secured second place with Son of a Gun. Based around and eBay find 1951 BSA single cylinder engine and Talon motocross wheels, Larry built the rest of the bike himself often collecting material from the scrap bins of friends in the engineering trade. His careful recycling of material meant that he was able to build a World Class custom motorcycle for less than $9,000, including the gold candy of silver metalflake paint. When it comes to building bikes Satya Kraus' motto is always for the bike to have everything it needs and nothing it doesn't. It's an ideal he has ably demonstrated on Bolide, the bike with which he placed third in the World Championship of Custom Bike Building. He achieved his aim by putting a 93ci S&S Shovelhead motor in a one-off frame carrying a mono-shocked swingarm, telescopic forks and 17in Alpina spoked wheels shod with Metzeler sport bike tires. Sport bike influences are also readily evident in the styling of the winning bike in the Performance Custom class. Jim Giuffra and the girls of AFT Customs rebuilt a 1970 Honda CB750 as cafe racer inspired custom complete with RaceTech suspension, Beringer brakes and numerous one-off pieces. The influence that cafe racers are having on the current custom scene can also be seen in the design of the top placed Production Manufacturer class bike. Best known for its line of Chops and Bobbers, Darwin Motorcycles has built what it describes as an American muscle bike. Powered by a 132ci S&S X-Wedge V-twin, the RLX carries a full range of top spec components including Ohlins suspension, Beringer brakes and BST carbon fiber wheels. A first in 2011 for the World Championship was the entry of a sidecar outfit and it was this outfit, Abnormal Cycles' Union, that took the honors in the Modified Harley class. The Model 'U' powered outfit features a stock frame fitted with a custom sidecar body and a leaf spring Indian style front end, which includes a pair of handlebars created to also look like a leaf spring. Top 3 of the Freestyle class: Satya Kraus of Kraus Motor Co (left) (3rd place), newly-crowned World Champion Ken Tabata of Tavax Engineering (center) and Larry Houghton of Lamb Engineering (2nd place). Full results are available at www.amdchampionship.com/results/2011-worlds-sturgis Photography credit: Studio bike shots by Onno Wieringa and Frank Sander; Stage photography by Onno Wieringa. Freestyle 1st place, World Champion, Tavax Engineering (Japan) Freestyle 2nd place, Lamb Engineering (UK) Freestyle 3rd place, Kraus Motor Co (USA) Freestyle 4th place, V-Twin Mechanic (France) Freestyle 5th place, RK Concepts (USA) Freestyle 6th place, Garage65 (Italy) Freestyle 7th place, SE Service (Sweden) Freestyle 8th place, Moscow Harley-Davidson / Fitil Metal Works (Russia) Freestyle 9th place, John Reed (USA) Freestyle 10th place, Roquechop Design (Canada) Modified Harley-Davidson 1st place, AbnormalCycles (Italy) Modified Harley-Davidson 2nd place, Iacona Custom Cycles (USA) Modified Harley-Davidson 3rd place, Shaw Harley-Davidson (UK) Production Manufacturer 1st place, Darwin Motorcycles (USA) Production Manufacturer 2nd place, Kiwi Indian Motorcycle Co (USA) Production Manufacturer 3rd place, Zero Engineering (USA) Performance Custom 1st place, AFT Customs (USA) Performance Custom 2nd place, Fuller Hot Rods (USA) Performance Custom 3rd place, RK Concepts (USA)   World Championship Freestyle Class Results   Business Name Bike Name City Country Builder Name 1st Tavax Engineering Tavax 2011V Yao City, Osaka Japan Ken Tabata 2nd Lamb Engineering Son of a Gun Salisbury, Wiltshire United Kingdom Larry Houghton 3rd Kraus Motor Co Bolide Cazadero, CA USA Satya Kraus 4th V-Twin Mechanic SpaceSter La Fontaine, Pavie France Bernard "Buck" Massart 5th RK Concepts RK S Round Rock, TX USA Rafik Kaissi 6th Garage65 Stargate Viareggio Italy Marco Cinquini 7th SE Service Slugger Skogas Sweden Stellan Egeland 8th Fitil Metal Works / Moscow H-D Skywalker's Caddy Moscow Russian Federation Alexander Fetisov 9th John Reed Gold Yamaha Morgan Hill, CA USA John Reed 10th Roquechop Design Minautore Brownsburg-Chatham, Quebec Canada Philip Roquebrune Modified Harley-Davidson Championship sponsored by Harley-Davidson - Results   Business Name Bike Name City Country Builder Name 1 AbnormalCycles Union Bernareggio Italy Samuele Reali 2 Iacona Custom Cycles Challenger Brooklyn, NY USA Steven Iacona 3 Shaw Harley-Davidson Nascafe Racer Holmes Hill nr Lewes, East Sussex United Kingdom Shaw Speed & Custom Production Manufacturer Championship Results   Business Name Bike Name City Country Builder Name 1 Darwin Motorcycles RLX Oklahoma City, OK USA Dar, Tim, Bryan, Justin 2 Kiwi Indian Motorcycle Co Kiwi Chieftain 1950's Riverside, CA USA Mike Kiwi Tomas 3 Zero Engineering Type 6 Las Vegas, NV USA Zero Engineering Performance Custom Championship Results   Business Name Bike Name City Country Builder Name 1 AFT Customs Sentoh Jackson, CA USA Jim Giuffra / AFT Customs Girls 2 Fuller Hot Rods Rodan Atlanta, GA USA Bryan Fuller and crew 3 RK Concepts RK Spring Frame Round Rock, TX USA Rafik Kaissi

---

Two-time AMA Grand National Champion Gary Nixon Dies

Gary Nixon on the cover of the July 1970 Motorcyclist's Post in the winners circle at Loudon.

Two-time AMA Grand National Champion Gary Nixon died today at a hospital in Baltimore, Maryland. The man simply known as "Nixon" was 70 years old. Nixon took ill while spectating at the Red Bull U.S. Grand Prix at Laguna Seca and was admitted to hospital after returning to his home in Maryland. He suffered a heart attack on July 29 and died from complications from that heart attack. He had been in ICU at St. Joseph's Medical Center in Baltimore after undergoing surgery to place two stents in his arteries.

---

Doug Henry Rides Again

Click here for link to video

---

Check out these stunt riders!

Click here

---

2011 Chad Reed Crash-Millville (Official Speed TV Feed)

---

Aprilia USA pays tribute to the Space Shuttle

Click here

---

New York Man Killed Riding in Helmet-Law Protest

Click here

---

Biker Kidz and Critters Join Together

Paul Jamiol's Bikers are Animals Critters have joined up with Belt Drive Betty in her effort to raise some some money for the education and prevention of child sexual abuse.

They will be a part of the Biker Kidz 2012 Calendar. Each page will have a BAA Critter introducing a Biker Kidz. A portion ($10) of each calendar sale will go to either the Little Warriors or the Katlynn Stinnett Memorial Foundation. The buyer has a choice of which organization to support or can buy two calendars and support both.

The BAA Critters are extremely proud to be a part of Belt Drive Betty's effort to help abused kids.

You can order your calendar with the Biker Kidz and the BAA Critters at http://www.beltdrivebetty.com/

---

Tibby's Harley-Davidson to Close

Owners Proud of Dealership's History and Community Involvement SPRINGFIELD, June 10, 2011 - Tibby's Harley-Davidson of Springfield announced today that it will close its store after over 55 years in business. The owners, Jason and Jean Thibodeau, say Tibby's Harley-Davidson is fortunate to have served many loyal customers over the years.

Tibby's Harley-Davidson opened in 1956 and sold their first bike in February that year, a 1956 Indian Fire Arrow which sold for $445 with $1.20 in sales tax. Annual photographs were taken each year to show the progression of the family and business. These photos can still be seen today proudly displayed just inside the front door. Three generations of the family have been employed at the dealership, along with countless other talented individuals over the years.

Tibby's also sponsored the local Harley Owner's Group (HOG) for over 25 years. This involvement has resulted in tens of thousands of dollars of donations and funds raised for local charities such as Cancer House of Hope, and NEADS. One year they even purchased a thermal imaging device for the Springfield Fire department.

Tibby's has also been proud supporters of the MMA, the Melha Riders, and the Patriot Guard. "The decision to close has been a personal decision for us since many of the employees, HOG members and customers are considered close friends. It's been a pleasure serving our customers and we thank them for their many years of loyalty," said Jason Thibodeau. Tibby's notified Harley-Davidson of its plans to close June. Harley-Davidson, at this time, has no plans to replace the dealership in the Springfield area. Customers can find other nearby dealers by using the Dealer Locator tool at www.harleydavidson.com.

---

Polaris Industries Inc. announces the acquisition of Indian Motorcycle

Polaris brings world-class engineering, manufacturing and distribution to Indian’s rich American heritage and historic brand

MINNEAPOLIS (April 19, 2011) — Polaris Industries Inc. (NYSE: PII) today announced the acquisition of Indian Motorcycle. The business was acquired from Indian Motorcycle Limited (“IML”), a company advised by Stellican Limited and Novator Partners LLP, U.K. Private Equity firms. Terms of the transaction were not disclosed.

“We are excited to be part of the revitalization of a quintessentially American brand,” said Scott Wine, CEO of Polaris Industries Inc. “Indian built America’s first motorcycle. With our technology and vision, we are confident we will deliver the classic Indian motorcycle, enhanced by the quality and performance for which Polaris and Victory are known.”
With this acquisition, Polaris adds one of motorcycling’s legendary brands to its strong stable of Victory cruiser and touring bikes. Indian will operate as an autonomous business unit, building upon the potent combination of Polaris’ engineering acumen and innovative technology with Indian’s premium brand, iconic design and rich American heritage.
“We are delighted to have reached an agreement with Polaris. Polaris will utilize its well-known strengths in engineering, manufacturing, and distribution to complete the mission we undertook upon re-launching the brand in 2006: harness the enormous potential of the Indian brand,” said Stephen Julius, chairman of Indian and managing director of Stellican. “Polaris is the most logical owner of Indian Motorcycle. Indian’s heritage brand will allow Polaris to aggressively compete across an expanded spectrum of the motorcycle market.”
Novator Partners LLP is a London based alternative investment firm founded and led by the investor Mr. Thor Bjorgolfsson. An avid motorcycle enthusiast, Mr. Bjorgolfsson said “After a troubled past, our goal was to bring the legendary Indian bikes back on the roads. The initial phase of that project is done and now our great partners at Polaris will carry on the work to realize the full potential of this classic American brand.”

Conference Call and Webcast Presentation
Tomorrow, April 20th at 9:00AM (CT), Polaris Industries Inc. will host a conference call and webcast to discuss the acquisition, as well as the first quarter 2011 financial results. The call will be hosted by Scott Wine, CEO, Bennett Morgan, President and COO and Mike Malone, Vice President-Finance and CFO.
A slide presentation and link to the audio webcast will be posted on the Investor Relations page of the Polaris web site at www.polarisindustries.com/irhome> approximately 30 minutes before the conference call begins.

To listen to the conference call by phone, dial 800-374-6475 in the U.S. and Canada, or 973-200-3967 internationally. The Conference ID is #36643140. A replay of the conference call will be available approximately two hours after the call for a one-week period by accessing the same link on our website, or by dialing 800-642-1687 in the U.S. and Canada, or 706-645-9291 internationally.

---

Driver of car that struck, killed motorcyclist gets two years' probation over objection of victim's family

Click here for more info

---

Massachusetts Appeals Court Requests Additional Hearing on Boston's EPA Stamp Act

Boston, MA) The Massachusetts Appeals Court has given notice to Attorneys for the City of Boston and the Justice Riders, who filed suit in July 2009 to strike down an "EPA stamp" Ordinance for motorcycles or face a $300 fine, that they want "oral arguments" early next month, before issuing a decision.

This is good news," said Paul W. Cote of Amesbury, one of the Plaintiffs in the suit.  "They could have ruled based upon the written briefs submitted late last year and thrown out our petition because no one has yet been cited under the hastily enacted Ordinance as Superior Court Judge Spurlock did a year ago."

Bill Gannon of Quincy, another Plaintiff in the suit and Director of Bikers of Lesser Tolerance of Massachusetts (BOLT of MA) said, "The City of Boston argued we had no standing and now, the higher Court wants to hear more how the City is attempting to raid motorcyclists wallets."

In June 2009, the Boston City Council passed the Ordinance requiring an EPA imprint or stamp be readily visible on all motorcycles in the City, while operating or parked.  Law enforcement could issue a $300 citation if they could not locate the stamp.

Attorneys Joseph S. Provanzano and Lauie McGhee of Peabody will argue on behalf of the Justice Riders.  Other plaintiffs in the lawsuit are Larry Cahill of Medford, Mike Longtin of No. Easton, and Vince Silvia of Haverhill. 

Copies of the pleadings in the case can be viewed on www.JusticeRider.com web site.

---

---

Coming next month...

Coming next issue...
An Exclusive Interview with Ed Youngblood

Don't miss this and other great upcoming features/stories...Subscribe to the Post!

The Motorcyclist's Post is The Voice of American Motorcycle Riders

---

For a Really Cool Commercial, go to...Motorcyclist's Post Video/Audio Page

---

Motorcyclistspost Goodies

---

 

Coalition opposes Wild Lands policy

Tell BLM Director Abbey you oppose the new Wild Lands policy today!

On March 16, the American Motorcyclist Association (AMA), All-Terrain Vehicle Association (ATVA), Trails Preservation Alliance (TPA), Utah Shared Access Alliance (USA-ALL), Colorado Off Highway Vehicle Coalition (COHVCO), AMA-District 36, AMA-District 37 Off-Road Division and California Off-Road Vehicle Association (CORVA) sent a letter to the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Director Bob Abbey opposing the new Wild Lands land-use designation policy. The letter expresses concerns about the definition of Wild Lands, designations, and implementation plans, as it relates to Secretarial Order 3310. Additionally, the letter seeks to clarify indications that Abbey believes there is no grass-roots opposition to the Wild Lands designation. This new order may affect off-highway vehicle (OHV) enthusiasts' ability to enjoy the public lands responsibly with their families and friends

To view the letter, click here.

Regarding the recent interview with Abbey, the letter seeks to clarify indications that he believes there is no grass-roots opposition to the Wild Lands designation. A Denver Post article entitled "Western Republicans decry Obama wilderness policy," states:

In an interview, Abbey said planning has already begun, and designation of the first wild lands could occur as soon as this summer in Idaho, Wyoming and Alaska. He denied that the plan is unpopular in the West, citing letters of support from recreation and conservation groups and the outdoor industry.

The same article indicated Abbey believes people are hearing "rhetoric" from Western lawmakers, but no grass-roots opposition.

To read the entire article, click here.

The AMA and ATVA strongly disagree with Abbey's assertion that there is no grass-roots opposition. To the contrary, there is considerable and growing opposition to Wild Lands from those who have responsibly recreated on public lands for decades.

As the AMA mentioned in an earlier alert, on Dec. 22, 2010, Interior Secretary Ken Salazar signed Secretarial Order 3310 creating a new land-use designation called Wild Lands that essentially allows officials in the BLM to manage public land as if it had received a "Wilderness" land-use designation from Congress, but without requiring congressional approval.

The U.S. House Committee on Natural Resources held an oversight hearing on March 1 entitled "The Impact of the Administration's Wild Lands Order on Jobs and Economic Growth." To view AMA's comments that were submitted into the record, click here. To view an archive webcast of the hearing, click here.

Chairman Doc Hastings (R-Wash.) of the Committee on Natural Resources said, "The Wild Lands policy expressly circumvents Congress' statutory authority to establish Wilderness areas."

A Wilderness designation is one of the strictest forms of public land management. Once Congress designates an area as Wilderness, nearly all forms of non-pedestrian recreation are illegal. The AMA and ATVA support appropriate Wilderness designations that meet the criteria established by Congress in 1964, but anti-access advocates have been abusing the legislative process to ban responsible OHV recreation on public land.

This new Wild Lands policy comes on the heels of a victory when U.S. Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid (D-Nev.) dropped his effort, on Dec. 21, 2010, to pass a massive omnibus public lands bill that would have inappropriately designated millions of acres of public land as Wilderness. The very next day Salazar signed Secretarial Order 3310 and the same day the 111th Congress adjourned sine die. On Dec. 23, 2010, Salazar held a press conference in Colorado announcing the new Wild Lands policy.

With the new Wild Lands policy, anti-access advocates and the administration are now seeking an end-run around Congress. Salazar's order has far-reaching implications because the BLM manages about 245 million acres of public land nationwide, primarily in western states.

Federal lawmakers quickly called the Wild Lands policy a "land grab" and a blatant attempt to usurp congressional authority. The AMA sent a letter, dated Jan.11, 2011, to Salazar asking him to explain whether the new Wild Lands land-use designation will block traditional routes of travel for OHV use. To view the letter, click here. To date, Salazar has yet to respond.

The AMA and ATVA need its members and other OHV enthusiasts to voice opposition to the usurpation of congressional authority regarding public land designations to Abbey today. You can follow the "Take Action" option to send a pre-written e-mail directly to Abbey to voice your opposition to the new Wild Lands policy

---

A Really Cool Video of TT '97 with Joey Dunlop onboard Honda (RVF750) RC45 on our Audio/Video page...click here

---

“Hogslayer: The Unapproachable Legend” Set for Release in 2011

SLINGER, WIS. (January 31, 2011) – Excitement is building among racing enthusiasts for a new independent documentary about the multi-world champion motorcycle drag racing legend – the Hogslayer.  Slated for a 2011 release date, the production company, The Edge Ltd., is accepting additional documentary materials and offering sponsorships on this exciting project.

Hogslayer: The Unapproachable Legend is the true-life story of the dual-engine Norton dragster designed, built and raced by John Gregory and TC Christenson of Sunset Motors in Kenosha, Wis.  The documentary chronicles the Sunset Motors Racing Team’s unrivaled innovation and unbridled courage as they faced unyielding challengers throughout the United States and Europe in the 1970’s.  The Hogslayer dragster is presently on exhibit at the National Motorcycle Museum in the United Kingdom.

The project is currently being financed and produced independently by The Edge Ltd., however the production company is offering sponsorships to assist with the remaining funding and to share in the premieres and distribution promotion of the documentary.  The Edge Ltd. is also offering an open invitation for anyone familiar with the Hogslayer story to submit film, photographs, publications and video of the dragster and race team for inclusion in the documentary.  For additional information or to submit materials, contact James Cutting, independent producer, The Edge Ltd., at 262-224-3777 or edgeltd@charter.net.

For the latest Hogslayer news, become fans of the ‘Hogslayer Documentary’ on Facebook, or to see the pomotional trailer preview of the documentary, visit YouTube: www.youtube.com/watch?v=MrdXSyVg1UU.

---

Dirt-Track Family Mourns the Passing of Wayne Hosaka, Former Dirt-Track Racer and Creator of Flattrack.com

Wayne Hosaka  with long time vintage racers, Tom Horton, Jeff Johnson and Brad Holt
(photo - http://www.vft.org/ )

Let's Put Wayne Hosaka and other Legends of Flat Track on the Daytona 200 Monument before it's too late! Only 20 spots left for the 12X12 inch Photo Engraved Black Granite Plaques.

Let me sweeten the pie...a $500 donation will also get you a paving brick with your name on it. $100 or more gets a free one year subscription to The Motorcyclist's Post.

We have until mid February to get the first $1000 in time to have the plaque made in time for Daytona Bike Week. I have donated the first $100 so just match my donation and we only need nine more people to donate. Or how about 1 or 2 hundred people at $10 or $20 and we can get a couple more Legends of Dirt Track immortalized on this beautiful Monument on Daytona Beach! God Speed Wayne Hosaka and Rick Hocking

---

Long-time Road Rider (and off-road motorcycle racer) and AMA Congress Rep Denis Petrie Passes On.

Denis Petrie, 69, of Niskayuna, NY, died at home Wednesday morning, January 19, 2011. Denis never relented from his motto of, "Never give up," but ultimately lost his four year fight with cancer. Born in Schenectady on January 5, 1942, to the late Genevieve Martin Vitalo, Denis was raised by Genevieve and his beloved stepfather Arthur Vitalo. He enlisted in the U.S. Navy and served from August 23, 1961, until November 16, 1964, as a machinist's mate and submariner during the Cold War and Cuban Missile Crisis, including a cruise aboard the first nuclear submarine, U.S.S. Nautilus. After his discharge Denis worked as a machinist at Knolls Atomic Power Laboratory, continuing his service to the U.S. Navy. He was an off-road motorcycle racer and road rider. His 35 year service as an upstate N.Y. congress representative to the American Motorcycle Association returned many benefits to the motorcycling community. Survivors, in addition to his stepfather Arthur Vitalo; include his loving wife of 28 years, Michelle Petrie, who nursed him through his illness; his two daughters, who he adored, Meghan Petrie, of Durham, N.C., and Kelyn Petrie, of Niskayuna; many cousins, friends, fellow motorcyclists and brother sailors. Relatives and friends are invited to attend a Mass of Christian Burial on Monday, January 24, at 9 a.m., at St. Helen's Catholic Church, 1803 Union St., Niskayuna. Burial with military honors will follow the Mass in Zion Lutheran Cemetery, Albany St., Schenectady. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Schenectady Cancer Foundation, 1509 Union St., Schenectady, NY 12309. For directions and online condolences, please visit www.jonesfh.net.

---

Motorcycle-Riding Congresswoman Shot

 
 Arizona Congresswoman Gabrielle Giffords

NCOM Coast to Coast Biker News Compiled & Edited by Bill Bish, National Coalition of Motorcyclists (NCOM)

In what has been described as a national tragedy, a deranged gunman opened fire during a public meeting with constituents by Arizona Congresswoman Gabrielle Giffords outside a Tucson supermarket on January 8 that left six dead and more than a dozen injured including the state rep who was critically injured with a bullet wound to the head.

Giffords, 40, rides motorcycles and married an astronaut at a wedding where everything had to be biodegradable. She is a centrist three-term Democrat who champions gun rights, lists fiscal discipline as one of her top issues and was re-elected in a conservative district when Republicans took control of the House.

Before entering politics she ran the family tire business, which was founded by her grandfather in 1949. Perhaps growing up in an auto-focused family led to her love of motorcycles. She is a co-chair of the Congressional Motorcycle Caucus with Republican Walt Jones of North Carolina.

In 2009 Rep. Giffords taped a video message encouraging people to ride their motorcycles to work, saying that she likes to ride motorcycles, but also likes that they leave a smaller carbon footprint than cars. She also sided with motorcycle riders who favor state legislation to ride helmet-free, as she does.

Though early reports suggested Giffords was fatally shot, she miraculously survived being shot point-blank through the brain and her doctors are optimistic about her chances of recovery. The thoughts and prayers of America’s motorcycling community are with her and the other victims of this tragic assault.

---

Classic Crowd - The Classic Crowd was out in full force for the 2010 Larz Anderson Classic European Day held Sept. 11, 2010 in Brookline, MA. Check out the Post for coverage of this well attended event and...

for additional Larz Anderson Show photos Click here

---

For more info click here

---

There are people who want to change the laws in the US so they are the same as Europe. Here is what you can expect.

    * Group: Motorcycle R&D
    * Discussion: Is motorcycling becoming an old man's hobby and therefore slightly uncool to the under 35 year old consumer?

We believe the bigger obstacles are:

- Licensing laws
- Insurance Costs
- Lack of exciting entry level products

- Licensing laws:

Here in Europe a major factor affecting the supply of new riders to the market has been the introduction of various EU Driving License Directives.

‘2nd Directive’ has been in force in Europe since 1996: Under 21s must take test on 120-125cc, then 33bhp limit for 2 years Over 21s may take ‘Direct Access’ test on 500cc for unrestricted license.

‘3rd Directive’ will apply from 2013: Seeking to encourage progressive access by introducing additional 35kw (47bhp) restriction until an additional test is taken on machine over 600cc. Age of Direct Access might be raised to 24.

Gen Y’ers want to get the bike they lust after now not in 5 years time. Unless new models are developed which fit within the restrictions it is reasonable to predict that the 3rd European Driving Licence Directive will push potential new motorcyclists into abstaining for even longer.

- Insurance Costs:

The high cost of insurance is also a major factor affecting sales in the 15 to 34 age
range. The soaring cost of litigation, expensive vehicle repair bills and high volumes
of claims by inexperienced bikers has made the cost of insuring motorcycles
prohibitively expensive for many young riders. There is a significant difference in the insurance classification of available models; for example the popular learners bike, the CBF500 (group 9) and the 600cc supersports class (group 14) which rules out the supersports for the majority without a significant ‘No claims bonus’.

ACEM’s figures show that for a young rider the cost of insurance can now easily outweigh the cost to purchase a machine and unlike the initial purchase this is an annual cost.


- Lack of exciting entry level products:

Today the introduction of Euro2 and Euro3 EU emissions regulations and changes in
both the European and Japanese licensing laws have meant that the lightweight
supersport segment is practically un-catered for. As a result some of the milder and
more forgiving 500-750cc machines have migrated into beginner’s bike list. First
bikes tend to be 50bhp or less and 180kg or less. The further a bike is above those
limits, the more cautious new riders appear to be about purchasing.

The Suzuki GS500 and Honda CB500’s are now considered by many the best choice
as a first bike: relatively light, inexpensive, not too much power (consequently
cheaper to insure), and available new and used. The current CB500’s/CG500’s offer a
sensible package but they are not evocative or highly desirable, they do not inspire young
people.

This void of desirable products offered at entry level adds to the licensing restrictions
in pushing young riders into abstaining.

The now discontinued 250cc two stroke and 400cc four stroke class of ‘Lightweight Supersports’ represented a good balance of looks, performance and affordability to fill the void between the ‘learner’ bikes and outright supersports 600s. Other than Kawasaki ’s Ninja 250 where are these products today?

The high re-sale value of 10 year old second hand Supersport 400s (RVF400’s still sell for 3k to 4k) suggests that many consumers in this market already decide against buying new and look for privately sold models instead; independently financing the purchase, forgoing dealer warranties and after sales care.

Rogue
Sturgis Freedom Fighters
Motorcycle Hall Of Fame Member 2005

---

Americade Centralizes

 

Oct 13, 2010 -  Lake George, NY

 

After 28 years located at Roaring Brook Ranch on the outskirts of the town of Lake George, Americade is centralizing and moving its social headquarters closer to its two TourExpo tradeshow  locations at the Beach and The Forum in Lake George. Starting in June 2011, the mega-rally's HQ will be the Fort William Henry Resort, overlooking Lake George, on the hill above the Beach Road Parking Lot where Americade's daily MiniTours assemble.

 

"Many of our attendees wanted the convenience of being able to park and walk between our headquarters, the tradeshow, the boat cruises and the village shops and restaurants.  This move will make that possible" said event founder, Bill Dutcher.  "Furthermore, many Americaders will be able to attend evening events at our social headquarters and walk back to their motels, or catch the regularly-scheduled village trolleys.  We've given the matter plenty of thought over the past 28 years… we didn't exactly rush the decision."     

 

Fort William Henry Resort will host many of the demo rides, some factory displays, judging competitions, seminars, fashion shows, and most of the parties.  Americade will utilize the entire property including its conference center and banquet rooms.  "The spacious back lawn of the Fort provides the absolutely best view of the lake, looking North, and will also be a great place for our get-togethers" said Christian Dutcher. 

 

Event registration and check-in will remain at Holiday Inn, just up the street from Fort William Henry.  Pre-registered Americaders can pick up their packets starting Monday, June 6.

 

Americade has become the world's largest multi-brand motorcycle convention, drawing tourers from all over the globe to this upstate NY village which serves as the gateway to the Adirondack Mountains.  Americade 2011 is scheduled for Monday - Saturday June 6 - 11.  The TourExpo tradeshows at the Forum and the Beach open on Tuesday.  For more details, go to www.americade.com, call 518-798-7888, or email info@tourexpo.com

---

---

Logan Myers Drag races our Honda CRF450 Dirt Tracker

Click here for Video/Audio Page

---

California has new statewide law governing motorcycle sound PICKERINGTON, Ohio -- A new California law requires street motorcycles registered in the state and built on or after Jan. 1, 2013, to have an exhaust system label certifying the motorcycles meet federal sound limits, the American Motorcyclist Association (AMA) reports. On Sept. 28, Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger signed into law Senate Bill 435, sponsored by Sen. Fran Pavey (D-Agoura Hills). While motorcycle manufacturers have been complying with the federal law since it was effective in 1983, the new law now makes it a state crime to operate any motorcycle registered in the state that was built on or after Jan. 1, 2013, that doesn't have a federal Environmental Protection Agency exhaust system sound emissions label. In addition, the law requires aftermarket exhaust systems made on or after Jan. 1, 2013, to display the EPA sound emissions label, and therefore applies to individuals who seek to replace the exhaust system on affected streetbikes. To view the legislation, see http://info.sen.ca.gov/pub/09-10/bill/sen/sb_0401-0450/sb_435_bill_20100928_chaptered.html. Thousands of motorcyclists utilized the AMA website at AmericanMotorcyclist.com first to oppose the bill, and then to urge Schwarzenegger to reject it. AMA Western States Representative Nick Haris expressed major concerns about the new law. "Many EPA labels are very difficult to locate on motorcycles," Haris said. "This law could lead to a flurry of tickets for motorcyclists who have legal exhaust systems with EPA labels on their machines 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 along the roadside to prove the label exists." Violators face fines of up to $100 for a first offense and up to $250 for subsequent offenses. Judges have the discretion to dismiss the fine for first-time offenders if the violation is corrected. Also, a violation is considered a secondary offense, meaning a police officer can't stop a motorcyclist solely because the officer believes the motorcyclist is breaking the sound emissions label law. "Requiring that a motorcycle display a readily visible EPA label isn't the appropriate way to address concerns about excessive motorcycle sound, which the AMA has pointed out repeatedly," Haris said. "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." In 1972, Congress passed the federal Noise Control Act, which required the EPA to set sound standards for a number of products. It took several years, but the EPA eventually wrote rules affecting all new motorcycles sold in the U.S. beginning in 1983. Those regulations, which still stand today, required that all street-legal motorcycles be limited to 83 decibels at that time, with a stricter, 80-decibel limit imposed beginning in 1986. 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: http://www.americanmotorcyclist.com/legisltn/Model_On_Highway_Sound_Ordinance.pdf.

---

MC Post publisher  interviewed on Biker Lowdown Radio

Leo Castell, publisher of the Motorcyclist's Post interviewed on Biker Lowdown Radio with hosts "LJ" James and Chuck DeCost  Click here and scroll down to the Audio Clips

---

.

---

To Comment on the Motorcyclist's Post or this site, Click here

---

MMA Successful in Providing Motorcycle Parking in Boston
From a press release issued by Massachusetts Motorcycle Association

Mayor Tom Menino cuts rbbon with MMA District 1 Manager Richard Schofield & MMA Vice Chairman Dave Elias

The Massachusetts Motorcycle Association (MMA) is pleased to announce that on Thursday, July 29th a “ribbon-cutting” ceremony was held on Boylston Street in Boston celebrating the creation of the first ever on-street parking spaces specifically for motorcycles and scooters in the City of Boston.  The culmination of many hours spent by MMA representatives with the Boston Transportation Department, a pilot program was launched in the Back Bay.

The Mayor of Boston, Thomas M. Menino, and Officials from the City of Boston Transportation Department were on hand at the Ribbon Cutting Ceremony, as well as representatives from the MMA and the Scooter Community.  Two of the first parking spaces were reserved for the MMA in recognition of their efforts, making the MMA representatives the first motorcyclists to utilize these spots in addition to scooter community representatives, MaryLee Belleville and Matt Smith.

Richard Schofield, MMA District 1 Manager stated, “On behalf of the motorcyclists in the Commonwealth, I would like to thank Mayor Menino and the Boston Transportation Department for recognizing the need for providing parking for two-wheeled vehicles in Boston”.

During the ceremony, Mayor Menino commented, "The purpose of this initiative is two-fold.  First, recognizing the growing popularity of these vehicles in Boston, we are providing those who drive scooters and motorcycles with similar parking privileges made available to other motor vehicle owners.  Second, scooters and motorcycles are smaller, environmentally friendly modes of transportation, contributing less to congestion and air pollution, and requiring less space for curbside parking.  As a result, they may be a good transportation alternative for busy urban areas like Boston and we want to make sure that they are accommodated."

Mr. Schofield further added, “While additional revenue will be provided to the City, these spaces encourage the use of more fuel efficient vehicles, adding to the ‘greening’ of Boston and its image as a World-Class City”.

The parking spaces were the culmination of many hours spent by MMA representatives on behalf of motorcyclists at meetings in Boston at the Transportation Department since the end of last summer.  A broad review was conducted of what other major cities worldwide were doing to address the parking problem.  The result was a pilot program consisting of 39 parking spaces dedicated for motorcycles and scooters, located in the Back Bay.

Only six, twenty-foot standard size parking spaces were removed while 24, five-foot motorcycle spaces were provided in the same space.  Four Motorcycles and/or Scooters will park in the same space otherwise occupied by a single vehicle, which leaves the majority of the full-size spaces for the larger vehicles.  Additionally, 15 Motorcycle and Scooter spaces were created in areas that cannot normally accommodate a car or truck.

Since multiple vehicles can now occupy the same space, the Motorcycle/Scooter parking meter rate is 25¢ per hour vs. $1 per hour for a standard size space.  With 4 motorcycles or scooters occupying the same space, there is no revenue loss to the City.  However, the additional spaces will provide incremental revenue to the City.

This pilot program will be closely monitored by the city and by the MMA.  The success of this pilot program will lead to more of these spaces being created throughout the City.

Dave Elias, MMA Vice Chair and Business Manager commented, "This is a testament as to how Government and citizens can work together for the good of all.  Other 2 wheeled activists tried to solve the parking situation in the courts and alienated the city of Boston at the cost to the taxpayer.  The MMA has mended all those fences between the 2 wheeled community and the City by educating, not litigating!"

The MMA encourages all Motorcyclists to use these spaces and are reminded, "When in Town, Throttle Down".

For More Information, please see http://www.massmotorcycle.org or contact
ManagerDistrict1@MassMotorcycle.org

---

MMA/MRF CALL TO ACTION - Mandatory Motorcycle Roadside Stops
From a press release issued by Massachusetts Motorcycle Association

The MMA has long opposed motorcycle-only checkpoints such as those used last year in Sterling, MA, and in neighboring states such as NY.  For NHTSA to propose using taxpayer money to propagate this is something we should all be significantly concerned with.

Where the MMA is your Motorcycle Rights Organizaiton here in MA, the Motorcycle Riders Foundation (MRF) is our National Counterpart watching out for your rights in Washington.  The MRF Call To Action is something we should all read and consider taking action upon.  For example: 

Honorable Ray LaHood, U.S. Secretary of Transportation 

Dear Secretary LaHood, 

I find it disturbing that the National Highway Transportation Safety Authority would consider using my tax dollars against law abiding citizens, yet that’s exactly what I understand is being proposed in their recent call for grant applications solely aimed against Motorcyclists. 

I’m one of those law abiding citizens, and I urge you to intervene.  The suggestion that more Motorcycle-Only Checkpoints, which I consider a violation of my civil rights, is not part of our system of government, nor will it solve any problems. 

There are many issues facing motorcyclists on the road that could and should be addressed – perhaps it’s time to work towards broader education including right-of-way violations rather than Motorcycle-Only checkpoints. 

Sincerely,  

<YOUR NAME>
Member, Massachusetts Motorcycle Association 

For More information, please see http://www.massmotorcycle.org or contact Rick Gleason, MMA Legislative Director at LegislativeDirector@MassMotorcycle.org or Doc D’Errico, MRF MA State Representative at doc@derrico.net

MRF E-MAIL NEWS Motorcycle Riders Foundation
236 Massachusetts Ave. NE | Suite 510 | Washington, DC 20002-4980
202-546-0983 (voice) | 202-546-0986 (fax) | http://www.mrf.org 

---

“Going the Extra Mile Tour”

 

Lanier Lobdell is not letting her Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) slow her or her motorcycle down.  She’s traveling across the country this summer to offer hope and inspiration for people living with this chronic disease.  Kicking off in her hometown of Eugene, OR on July 10, Lanier will embark on the “Going the Extra Mile Tour” on her six-cylinder Honda Valkyrie, which is “road ready” thanks to just a few slight modifications to her handlebars.   

 As a lifelong motorcycle enthusiast, Lanier’s diagnosis over 20 years ago led to a specific set of challenges when riding her bike.  Affecting more than 1.3 million Americans, RA is a chronic disease of the immune system characterized by persistent and progressive joint inflammation, causing pain, stiffness and functional disability.  Ten years ago, with the support of her rheumatologist, she started a treatment that has proven to successfully manage her RA and allow her to continue doing what she so much enjoys – getting on her bike and riding. 

  

After leaving Eugene, she will stop in Milwaukee, Philadelphia and Portland, ME to raise awareness about RA through “meet and greets” with local Arthritis Foundation chapters, working in collaboration with Centocor Ortho Biotech, Inc., the makers of her current treatment, REMICADE^®.  Lanier hopes that her story will inspire others with the disease to seek information and find the proper treatment.   

Follow Lanier’s journey on her Facebook page, www.facebook.com/extramiletour. 

---

Springfield Mile and TT video clips

Watch the video highlights of the 2010 Springfield Mile Flat Track event courtesy of Fast&Dirty.com...Click here for video.

---

Some really cool old pics

Some really cool old pics from famed Sacramento, CA racer and long-time Harley-Davidson dealer Armando Magri.  Several photos in the pile are of Babe Tancrede and Ben Campanele...Click Here