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55 linked to motorcycle club indicted in W.Va.
Charleston, WV (October 6, 2009) - National leaders of the Pagans Motorcycle Club and more than 50 members and associates of the outlaw biker gang are accused of plotting to kill and extort rivals to consolidate the club's power, according to an indictment unsealed Tuesday.
The defendants include national Pagans President David Keith "Bart" Barbeito of Myersville, Md., and national Vice President Floyd B. "Jesse" Moore of St. Albans. Prosecutors said both were in custody but did not know if they had attorneys. Also named are members and associates in West Virginia, Kentucky, Virginia, Pennsylvania, New York, New Jersey, Delaware and Florida.
The 44-count indictment unsealed in Charleston centers on the Pagans' efforts to remain the pre-eminent biker gang in the region, said Charles Miller, U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of West Virginia.
Naked man riding motorcycle charged with DUI.
Deputy spots naked man riding motorcycle.
Ocala, FL (September 16, 2009) - Authorities say a Florida man was charged with driving under the influence after he was spotted riding his motorcycle naked. The Marion County deputy was driving on Interstate 75 early Tuesday when he spotted what appeared to be a naked man on a motorcycle. The deputy caught up with 45-year-old J. Dante Krauss at a red light and stopped him.
Capt. Mike Rolls said Krauss could not explain where he was coming from or why he was naked. Rolls said the deputy asked him if he had been drinking, and he answered that he had. Breathalyzer tests revealed blood alcohol levels above .08, the state's legal limit to drive.
Krauss was charged with what Rolls said turned out to be his fifth DUI. Jail records showed he was later released on $20,000 bail. They did not list an attorney and his phone number was not listed.
Whibley Tops Kanney at Unadilla.
Whibley Tops Kanney in Can-Am Unadilla GNCC Duel Caselli Makes Podium Debut, Russell Wins XC2.
New Berlin, NY (September 13, 2009) - The Can-Am Grand National Cross Country Series returned from a two-month summer break with a classic off-road battle, as a five-rider pack fought for the overall win at the legendary Unadilla Valley Sports Center in upstate New York. On the last lap, the battle boiled down to two riders, and ultimately GEICO Monster Kawasaki's Paul Whibley, of New Zealand, emerged with the overall win ahead of New York's own Nathan Kanney, of the Shock Doctor KTM Team. Kanney's teammate Kurt Caselli, a Californian, mounted a come-from behind charge to take third, his first-ever GNCC podium finish.
"It was a good race, we were all just going back and forth out there," said Whibley. "Nathan rode a great race, I was just able to put enough time between me and him on the last lap to stay comfortable and win it. It feels good to win."
Whibley extends his points lead over FMF Suzuki teammates Charlie Mullins and Josh Strang, who were in the hunt early but ended up fourth and fifth.
Borich Wins Again at Unadilla.
Borich Bests Sommers and Ballance at Can-Am Unadilla GNCC Wolf Wins XC2 Again.
New Berlin, NY (September 12, 2009) - Rockstar Makita Suzuki's Chris Borich took a huge step toward securing his first Can-Am Grand National Cross Country Series Championship by mounting a late-race charge to win the Can-Am GNCC at the legendary Unadilla Valley Sports Center in upstate New York. On the last lap, the Pennsylvanian sprinted away from Yamaha teammates Brandon Sommers and Bill Ballance, giving him his seventh XC1 pro class win of the season.
"I really wanted to win today, I wasn't just coming here to score points," said Borich, the GNCC points leader. "I had a lot of friends and family out here cheering me on. We were battling hard and everyone was riding well, but the Suzuki worked awesome. We kind of lost our way doing some suspension testing last week, but we kept our heads down, figured it out, and everything worked awesome today."
A little rain on Friday left perfect track conditions on Saturday's ATV race day, which hosted over 600 different riders.
Billy Lane Sentenced To Six Years In Prison.
Bike builder sentenced after accepting plea deal.
Billy Lane
Melbourne, FL (August 14, 2009) - A famous former motorcycle builder from Brevard County headed to prison Friday. Billy Lane was sentenced to six years in prison and three years probation after causing a crash that killed a fellow biker.
"It's been really, really tough, but it's something I have to live with everyday," Lane said inside the courtroom.
Lane was moved to the Brevard County jail after the sentencing Friday morning to be processed. Then he will be sent to the Department of Corrections Reception Center to assign him to a prison and give him a new job behind bars.
Bruce Rossmeyer Killed in Motorcycle Accident in Wyoming.
Harley dealer struck by an RV in Wyoming on the way to Sturgis.
Bruce Rossmeyer
Farson, WY (July 30, 2009) - Bruce Rossmeyer, the owner of what is billed as the largest Harley-Davidson dealership in the world, was killed today in Wyoming while riding with friends from the Harley dealer meetings in Colorado to Sturgis, South Dakota, the site of the Sturgis Rally.
A family friend of Rossmeyer's said he was riding in a group of several motorcyclists when they pulled out to pass a recreational vehicle. Rossmeyer was the last in line and was killed when the RV strayed into his lane and struck his motorcycle.
According to Lt. Shawn Dickerson of the Wyoming Higway Patrol, Rossmeyer was traveling east on Wyoming Highway 28 between Farson and Lander about 11 a.m. with five other motorcyclists when they came up to a pickup pulling a camp trailer and tried to pass. "The pickup slowed and activated his left signal," Dickerson said. "Four of the motorcycles passed to the left... When Mr. Rossmeyer attempted to pass, the truck made its left turn and he hit the driver's side door. The sixth motorcycle swerved to the right and avoided collision."
Rossmeyer, who was not wearing a helmet, was ejected from his bike and came to rest under the rv trailer, Dickerson said.
Dickerson described the road as "straight, dry and flat." He said the "extremely rural road" is an option to Sturgis, but not the primary way to travel there.
After a career in the automobile business, Rossmeyer opened Daytona Harley-Davidson in January of 1994 and he followed that up with New Smyrna Harley-Davidson in 1997, Grand Junction Harley-Davidson in 1997, Ft. Lauderdale Harley-Davidson in 1998, Harley-Davidson of Pompano in 2002, and Aspen Valley Harley Davidson in 2002. In 2006, he opened another South Florida dealership, Sunrise Harley-Davidson, and Southern Thunder Harley-Davidson in Horn Lake, Mississippi.
Rossmeyer also is the developer of Destination Daytona and co-owner of two area auto dealerships in South Florida. His biggest dealership is also a sponsor of the Buell team that currently fields Danny Eslick in the AMA Pro Daytona SportBike class.
Rossmeyer, 66, lived in Ormond Beach. He is survived by his wife, Sandy; five children; and several grandchildren.
INTERNATIONAL WOMEN & MOTORCYCLING CONFERENCE.
Presented by Harley-Davidson and Buell.
Harley-Davidson and Buell to be presenting sponsors of 2009 AMA International Women & Motorcycling Conference
The AMA is thrilled to announce that Harley-Davidson and Buell are the Presenting Sponsors of the 2009 AMA International Women & Motorcycling Conference. From August 19-22, women will celebrate the freedom and control that comes with taking to the open road on two wheels at the fifth AMA Women's Conference in scenic Keystone, Colo.
This will be the second time the Motor Company has been the Presenting Sponsor of the conference, which will offer a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for thousands of women riders to come together and enjoy the camaraderie, scenic roads and informational seminars during the conference.
Palm Beach Gardens man who just finished 4,200-mile motorcycle trip killed in West Palm Beach crash.
West Palm Beach, FL (July 15, 2009) - Jon Canaday just finished a 4,200 mile ride across the United States on his motorcycle, returning home to Palm Beach Gardens Saturday night, his business partner said.
On Tuesday, he was hit by a car and killed in downtown West Palm Beach.
West Palm Beach Crash
Canaday, 69, cofounded ViewWay Mobile Media seven years ago with Kevin Todd, Todd said this morning.
The national company employs rolling advertising by mounting billboards on trucks.
"We've been good friends," Todd said. "He was a wonderful father."
Motorcycling history, personalities will take center stage at AMA Vintage Motorcycle Days.
Pickerington, OH (July 10, 2009) - AMA Vintage Motorcycle Days, July 24-26 at the Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course in Lexington, Ohio, offers a destination this summer where fans of motorcycling can get up close and personal with the people who have shaped the sport and industry into one of America's favorite pastimes.
"For those who can't get enough of motorcycles, motorcyclists and the motorcycle lifestyle, the seminar program at AMA Vintage Motorcycle Days can't be missed," said AMA Special Events Manager Tigra Tsujikawa. "Whether you're interested in technical info from the top authorities in a particular field, or want to meet the brains behind significant machines from years past, AMA Vintage Motorcycle Days will satisfy your appetite."
The seminar lineup this year highlights the contributions of individuals connected to BSA, which is the 2009 AMA Vintage Motorcycle Days Marque of the Year, plus Honda's groundbreaking CB750, which is celebrated by one of this year's Classic Clubs, the Sandcast Only Owner's Club (SOOC). In addition to a display of BSAs under the Marque of the Year tent, the SOOC, and the International CBX Owners Association, will have their own display tents at the event, as well.
Troopers investigating fatal crash on "The Dragon".
Tallassee, TN (July 7, 2009) - State troopers are investigating a fatal motorcycle crash Tuesday afternoon on the Blount County stretch of Highway 129 known as "The Tail of the Dragon."
A Tennessee Highway Patrol spokesperson says just before 1:30pm 49-year-old Tamara Fuller of Austin, Texas was riding a 2008 Harley Davidson Sportster southbound on Highway 129 when she crashed.
Arcadia man killed in motorcycle wreck.
Arcadia, FL (July 6, 2009) - A 33-year-old Arcadia man was killed Monday afternoon when he tried to pass a motorist on his motorcycle, collided with it and was thrown into the grass, the Florida Highway Patrol said.
Christopher C. Roberson was taken to Charlotte Regional Medical Center in Punta Gorda after the wreck on U.S. 17 and Hull Avenue in DeSoto County, FHP reports.
Wellborn man killed in motorcycle crash, passenger seriously injured.
Ocala, FL (July 6, 2009) - A Suwannee County motorcyclist died in a Sunday evening crash in Marion County that the Florida Highway Patrol determined was caused by a drunk driver.
Thomas W. Akridge, 49, Wellborn, was pronounced dead at the scene of the 6:50 p.m. crash on State Road 40 at Southwest 166th Court Road. Akridge's passenger on the 2003 Harley Davidson was identified as Wendy Coulter-Braden, 51, Homosassa. She was flown to Shands at the University of Florida with critical injuries, according to the Florida Highway Patrol.
Missouri Governor vetoes bill to let motorcyclists ride without helmets.
Health, law enforcement officials argued change would increase fatalities.
Governor Jay Nixon (D) MO
Gov. Jay Nixon on Thursday dashed the hopes of many Missouri motorcycle riders by taking the veto pen to legislation that would have relaxed the state's helmet laws.
Nixon cited rider safety and the specter of soaring health care costs as reasons for his veto of Senate Bill 202.
Trumpeted by many as a boon to personal liberty, the legislation would have lifted the helmet requirement for riders 21 and older when they weren't travelling on interstate highways.
"In terms of lives and of dollars, the cost of repealing Missouri's helmet law simply would have been too high," Nixon said in a written statement. "By keeping Missouri's helmet law intact, we will save numerous lives, while also saving Missouri taxpayers millions of dollars in increased health care costs. Keeping our helmet law in place was the safe and cost-effective choice for Missouri."
When the bill passed in late April, the governor's office was inundated with e-mails and letters, most of them urging Nixon to sign the legislation.
At the same time, law enforcement and health officials clamored against it, claiming a lax helmet law would spur a rise in motorcycle-related fatalities.
900 pay tribute to beloved biker.
Tattooed, wind-burned, black-leather-clad bikers wept openly and hugged one another at the funeral for Roger Ready, a brother in several ways to many of the 900 or more people who filled the high school gym here Wednesday.
LARIMORE, ND (June 30, 2009) - It was the largest funeral in the history of this city of 1,400, longtime residents said.
The 90-minute service was a celebration and a tribute to a remarkable man who clearly affected many people by the way he lived his life.
Ready died riding.
It was midmorning last Friday, and he was with biker brothers, tooling down state Highway 200 near the center of North Dakota on his way to an American Legion legacy ride when they hit a bad patch of road.
“It was a pothole 2 feet wide,” said a biker familiar with the story that immediately spread through the region’s biker community. Ready and one or two others went down. Ready was hurt badly and died later at a nearby hospital. He wasn’t wearing a helmet.
He was 61.
Hobe Sound motorcyclist killed in accident.
Hobe Sound, FL (June 28, 2009) - A Hobe Sound man died after apparently losing control of his motorcycle shortly before 1 a.m. Sunday.
Charles E. Thompson, 42, was killed in the accident that occurred on Southeast Seabranch Boulevard, about two miles west of U.S. 1, according to a Florida Highway Patrol release.
Thompson was driving his 1986 Honda east on Southeast Seabranch Boulevard when he reportedly lost control of the motorcycle, struck a curb and traveled onto the grass median. The motorcycle then struck a large tree and Thompson was thrown off, hitting a tree, according to the report.
Riders explain lure of 'The Dragon' after fatal crash.
Tallassee, TN (June 27, 2009) - Motorcycle riders from across the country say they're lured to U.S. Highway 129's section called "The Tail of the Dragon" with 318 curves in 11 miles, although Saturday it claimed another life.
The body of Michael Crioux, 55, of Miami, Florida was found down a bank near mile marker six after he was reported missing by his family.
Riders say it's the thrill of "The Dragon" that drives the attraction.
"If it was named the cotton ball, I wouldn't be as attracted to come ride it," says motorcyclist Adam Powell.
Thousands of bikers gather in Anamosa.
Anamosa, IA (June 27, 2009) - A family-owned Eastern Iowa business welcomed thousands of motorcyclists Saturday, many of them with family members in tow.
J&P Cycles, owned by John and Jill Parham and their son, Zach, is hosting a two-day “open house” this year to mark its 30th anniversary and thank customers for their business. Cyclists from as far away as Utah and Florida are expected to make the trek to the company’s headquarters off Highway 151.
Travis Horner of Cedar Rapids brought his children Saturday, the second year they have attended the open house as a family.
“It’s a complete family event that everyone can enjoy,” Horner said. “The kids like to see the stunt shows and all the custom bikes. They really enjoy it.”
Pushing a stroller, Charlene Perreault brought her granddaughter after hearing about the open house earlier in the week.
“My husband and I are full-time retirees from Minnesota who travel in a motorhome,” Perreault said. “We stopped over here earlier this week and they were absolutely wonderful people. We decided it would be the perfect place to bring our grandchildren.”
Tourist council approves funding for motorcycle event.
Sebring, FL (June 24, 2009) - The Run to the Heartland is moving forward as organizers of the sixth annual motorcycle rally continue to seek donations for the Oct. 2-4 event in Sebring.
The Highlands County Tourist Development Council approved a $5,000 sponsorship, which is contingent on the approval by the Highlands County Commission, during the council's meeting next week.
If approved, the money will be used for advertising, according to Lora Todd, marketing director for Run to the Heartland.
Todd, who noted that the Sebring Community Redevelopment Agency contributed $5,000, said the community has come together in supporting the event. She added a lot of businesses "are giving what they can."
Man charged with firefighter motorcyclists death.
Volusia County, FL (June 24, 2009) - A 61-year-old Seville man already in jail for domestic violence offenses has been charged in the February death of an Orange County firefighter in DeLand, court records show.
Raymond Thomas Youngblood was charged Sunday with DUI manslaughter by Florida Highway Patrol investigators. He also was given two citations, one for driving 86 mph in a 45 mph zone and another for driving on the wrong side of the road, court records show. Youngblood is accused of crashing into a motorcycle driven by Michael Priester, 53, of DeLand.
Motorcyclist clocked at 185MPH flees police and crashes.
Ocala, FL (June 24, 2009) - Local troopers say Davall Montrell Pinkelton was taken to Munroe Regional Medical Center with serious injuries to his left arm. Officials say the 26-year-old is expected to have surgery on his arm and will be transported to the Marion County Jail.
Pinkelton will be charged with reckless driving, resisting without violence, habitual traffic offender, felony fleeing and eluding and no motorcycle endorsement.
Motorcycle mufflers will be monitored.
Indian Rocks Beach, FL (June 24, 2009) - On the eve of one of the loudest weekends of the year, Indian Rocks Beach residents might experience a little more quiet this Fourth of July – but just a little.
Pinellas County sheriff’s deputies are poised to begin enforcing a state law regarding motorcycle mufflers.
Two weeks ago local innkeeper Jim Labadie presented a petition to city commissioners with more than 50 signatures asking Sheriff Jim Coats to crack down on loud motorcycle operators. The commission agreed.
Last week the city was informed by the sheriff that a limited enforcement policy would be put in place and deputies would be on the watch for motorcyclists operating unlawful, modified muffler systems sometimes called straight pipes.
Motorcycles crash on Bayside Bridge.
Clearwater, FL (June 21, 2009) - Four motorcyclists crashed into each other on the Bayside Bridge late Saturday night, seriously injuring two of the bikers.
The Florida Highway Patrol says the four motorcycles were traveling south on the bridge at a high rate of speed when one of the drivers started to brake. The other three motorcycles could not stop in time and collided, causing all four bikes to slide several hundred feet across the bridge.
Troopers say that all four
drivers and one additional passenger were thrown from the bikes. The Florida Highway Patrol said three of the motorcycle drivers and one passenger received serious injuries when they were all thrown from the motorcycles. One motorcycle driver received minor injuries and at least one was taken to an area hospital by helicopter.
Witnesses say one biker was treated at the scene and another was not injured in the accident. All were wearing helmets and the FHP said alcohol was not a factor. The crash remains under investigation.
Thief in Palm Bay, FL picks wrong motorcycle to rip off.
Palm Bay, FL (June 20, 2009) - A suspected motorcycle thief picked the wrong victim when the 2007 model Honda CBR-1000 RR he stole was rigged with a LoJack that led police right to him.
Just before 7:30 a.m. Friday the victim called police to report someone had stolen his motorcycle from outside his apartment located at 220 Interchange #103. The victim told police the bike was equipped with the LoJack system, a small radio frequency transceiver hidden on the vehicle. The device has a unique code that is tied to the vehicle identification number (VIN). When a vehicle theft is reported to the police, a routine entry into the state police crime computer results in a match which automatically triggers the device to send an inaudible signal that can be tracked by law enforcement.
GNCC Round 9 comes to Snowshoe Mountain, WV June 27th and 28th.
Snowshoe Mountain, WV (June 19, 2009) -Can you believe they let us race here? The toughest, most spectacular and most unique race on the whole GNCC tour, the MotorcycleUSA.com Snowshoe GNCC made its debut in 2007 and will not soon be forgotten. The race is set in the upscale ski village at Snowshoe, West Virginia’s largest ski resort. The surroundings are not only several steps above the typical GNCC course, they’re also plusher than many luxury resorts. The array of hotels, shops and restaurants provide plenty of entertainment off the race track, and the facility also hosts an amazing golf course and some of the best mountain bike trails in the country.
An all-new, innovative 20-mile race track will challenge racers at next weekend's MotorcycleUSA.com Snowshoe GNCC, round nine of the Can-AM Grand National Cross Country Series. The brand-new track, twice the length of a normal GNCC course, will include an amazing 1000 foot climb and a dizzying array of rocks, mud holes and hill climbs, promising to put the world's top off-road racers to a true test.
The afternoon ATV (Saturday) and bike race (Sunday) will use the 20 mile double loop, which consists of 10 miles on the traditional east side of the facility, and a new 10-mile loop on the west side. The pro pits lie in the center of the two loops, so fans and teams will still see the racers every ten miles, similar to a regular GNCC.
"It's difficult to build the right track at Snowshoe because the terrain is so steep and so tough," says GNCC Trail Boss Jeff Russell, the 1991 AMA Enduro Champion. "Snowshoe has given us access to the west side of the property for the first time, which opens up a network of trails with a great flow to them. I'm really confident this track will work."
The new track joins the unprecedented $50,000 prize purse and an unmatched setting at West Virginia's largest ski resort to form an off-road race like no other in the world.
Orange County deputy strikes deer with his motorcycle
Geneva, FL (June 10,2009) - An Orange County sheriff's deputy is recovering at a local hospital this morning after he struck a deer with his motorcycle on a dark road.
Deputy Chuck Kochanowski had been working security at the Magic game Tuesday at the Amway Arena and was on his way home to Seminole County.
Kochanowski struck the animal on Old Mims Road, just east of Snow Hill Road in Geneva, shortly before 1:40 a.m.
Rescue crews transported Kochanowski to Orlando Regional Medical Center. He is in stable condition. Kochanowski suffered broken ribs and a broken collar bone.
Former AMA chairman Dal Smilie arraigned in Ohio court
Fairfield County, OH (June 8,2009) - American Motorcyclist Association (AMA) former Board of Directors Chairman Dal Smilie was arraigned today at 9:30 a.m. in the Fairfield County Hall of Justice on two felony charges related to evidence discovered by the AMA that Mr. Smilie submitted unsubstantiated expense reimbursement claims over a period of years.
Mr. Smilie is accused of grand theft by deception and receiving stolen property from the motorcycle group, based in suburban Columbus, between January 2003 and December 2007. Smilie was a member of the association’s board of directors for 25 years, including a term as chairman, before he resigned in November 2007.
Mr. Smilie entered a plea of not guilty in response to the Fairfield County grand jury indictment. He was freed on a $25,000 surety bond and a $10,000 recognizance bond.
Judge Robert Burger accepted Billy Lane's plea of no contest and will face 9 years as part of plea deal.
** UPDATE ** Melbourne, FL (June 9,2009) - Circuit Judge Robert Burger today accepted motorcycle builder Billy Lane’s plea of no contest to a single felony count of vehicular homicide. He faces a cap of about nine years in prison when he is sentenced at 9 a.m. Aug. 14 by Judge Burger. Prosecutors dropped a DUI manslaughter charge under the terms of the plea bargain. The deal also mandates a lifetime license suspension, though defense lawyer Greg Eisenmenger said Lane might be able to retain use of it for specific purposes, such as work. Probation, house arrest or alcohol and drug provisions will be up to the discretion of the judge.
Melbourne, FL (June 8, 2009) - Billy Lane the 39 year old motorcycle builder is facing up to nine years in prison on a single felony charge of vehicular homicide in connection with a Labor Day 2006 car crash that left a Melbourne Beach man, also a motorcyclist, dead. After several delays, Lane is expected in court Tuesday morning to change his not guilty plea. He would then be sentenced at 9 a.m. Aug. 14.
Lane working out of his shop in Melbourne was featured on The Discovery Channel's motorcycle-themed reality competition series "Biker Buildoff" and "Monster Garage". He built choppers in the US 1 location going for $30,000 and up.
Motorcycle and Scooter Annual Ride To Work Day is Monday, June 15.
On June fifteenth of this year, the number of motorcycles and scooters on roads and highways will more than double as many riders become two-wheeled commuters to help demonstrate that riding is an efficient, economical form of personal transportation which makes parking easier and helps traffic flow better. This year marks the eighteenth annual worldwide event, which involves riders of all ages occupations, and from all walks of life.
"Motorcycles and scooters consume less resources per mile than automobiles, and they take up less space in parking areas and on roads. Rider's seek employer support for this efficient form of transportation, and more government and public awareness about ridings many benefits," states Andy Goldfine, the program organizer.
American Historical Motorcycle Association (AHRMA) announces new programs to ensure their future.
Goodlettsville, TN (June 3, 2009) – The Board of Trustees and the Executive Director of AHRMA have defined several new programs in an effort to raise funds to offset the cash flow loss due to the cancellation of the AHRMA events at Vintage Motorcycle Days in 2009. Due to the cancellation of the AHRMA events at Vintage Motorcycle Days, AHRMA will suffer an estimated cash flow loss of $45,000. To offset this cash flow loss, AHRMA is implementing these new programs.
The new programs are a fund raising program, a lifetime membership program for members 60 and older and raising the membership dues effective December 1, 2009.
American Historical Motorcycle Association (AHRMA) announces replacement Ohio Off Road events.
Goodlettsville, TN (May 21, 2009) – AHRMA has announced that it has secured replacement off road events for those lost due to the cancellation of the AHRMA events at Vintage Motorcycle Days.
These events will be held on July 17, 18 and 19, 2009 and will include Cross Country, Trials, Vintage Moto Cross and Post Vintage Moto Cross.
Motorcycling in America Goes Mainstream Says 2008 Motorcycle Industry Council Owner Survey.
IRVINE, Calif., May 18, 2009 – Motorcycling is growing and rapidly becoming more mainstream at the start of the new millennium, says the latest census of two-wheeling. The number of American households that own motorcycles jumped 26 percent from 2003 to 2008, while the overall number of U.S. households increased roughly 5 percent. During the same period, the motorcycle population grew 19 percent while the U.S. population rose by about 5 percent.
These are some of the findings of the latest Motorcycle Industry Council Owner Survey, the powersport industry’s most comprehensive resource for information on U.S. motorcycle ownership, usage, demographics and trends. Motorcycling is changing with the times and along with millions more riders there are increasing percentages of women and youth and a shift toward riding to get around, not just to have fun.
Honda Sport Touring Association (HSTA) is now Motorcycle Sport Touring Association (MSTA).
Formally known as the HSTA they are now the Motorcycle Sport Touring Association or MSTA. HSTA was an acronym for Honda Sport Touring Association which was formed in the early 80's by Honda V-4 owners who enjoyed touring on their sporty bikes. Nearly thirty years later a whole genre of motorcycling now calls itself "sport-touring" but back in the day, it was just some riders who liked going places on their sporty Sabre, Magna and VFR motorcycles. Today as an "all brands" organization it would be hard to name a modern motorcycle brand not represented within the membership. It is primarily for this reason that the name was recently changed to the Motorcycle Sport Touring Association. MSTA has grown to an international organization of over 1700 members. There are members in almost every state and even a few in other countries. MSTA prides itself on it's skilled riders, rigorous use of safety gear and safe riding practices.
Katy Wood named operations manager for AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame Museum.
Pickerington, OH (May 6, 2009) - The AMA announced that Katy Wood has been named the Operations Manager for the AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame Museum. Wood will be responsible for managing the museum's vast motorcycle, literature and memorabilia collections and ensuring care of all loaned objects. Wood will also oversee museum staff, volunteers, and the online store and gift shop.
The vote is in: Consumer Product Safety Commission votes to stay enforcement of law making sale of youth model off-highway vehicles illegal
PICKERINGTON, Ohio - The Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) has voted to stay enforcement of a lead law that currently bans the sale of youth-model motorcycles and all-terrain vehicles (ATVs). The stay, which extends through May 1, 2011, follows a unanimous vote by Acting Chairwoman Nancy Nord and Commissioner Thomas Moore.
American Historical Racing Motorcycle Association (AHRMA) and the American Motorcyclist Association (AMA) will part.
Goodlettsville, TN (May 1, 2009) Dave Janiec AHRMA Chairman and CEO announced today that AHRMA will be moving forward for the rest of 2009 and the future as an independent sanctioning organization without affiliation with the AMA. This follows notification and announcement this evening from the AMA that they will no longer do business with AHRMA. In his announcement to AHRMA members he stated AHRMA members should be assured that we will be conducting all our currently scheduled events this year, in all disciplines, with the exception of those associated with Mid-Ohio in July, where we had previously teamed with the AMA to help build that event up to its current status. We have obtained full insurance coverage for all our disciplines, and at a reduced cost to what was available through the AMA. We are also working toward offering a competitor personal injury insurance option. AHRMA members will no longer be required to obtain annual AMA membership in addition to AHRMA membership. Look for additional announcement of new membership program options from AHRMA in the very near future. Mr Janiec said, "While AHRMA regrets the termination of a mutually beneficial past relationship with the AMA, we also now have the opportunity to take a fresh look at rejuvenating our programs for 2010 and beyond".
Mark Mederski resigns from AMA's Motorcycle Hall of Fame Museum.
Pickerington, OH (April 30, 2009)The American Motorcyclist Association (AMA) has announced that Mark Mederski has resigned as executive director of the American Motorcycle Heritage Foundation (AMHF), which operates the AMA's Motorcycle Hall of Fame Museum.
