NATIONAL HOME

ABOUT US
ARCHIVES
BIKER FRIENDLY
BIKER GALLERY
BIKER NEWS
EDITORIAL
EMPLOYMENT
FORUM
OUR ADVERTISERS
RIDE & EVENTS
CALENDAR

ADVERTISING INFO
H-D's FOR SALE
LINK TO US
SUBSCRIBE

July 2007:
• Denver Baffles Bikers with $500 Fine for Non-Original Mufflers
Bikers Respond with Boycott
• Michelin Announces Motorcycle Tire Recall

February 2007:
HARLEY-DAVIDSON AND UNION REACH TENTATIVE AGREEMENT
HARLEY-DAVIDSON and UNION TO MEET
Union Strikes Harley- Davidson Plant in York, Pa.

January 2007:
Jesse James Fined $271,250

Denver Baffles Bikers with $500 Fine for Non-Original Mufflers
Bikers Respond with Boycott

by Splatt

COLORADO (and coming soon to a town near you) – On June 4, the Denver City Council addressed noisy motorcycles and ruled that the loud and proud are no longer allowed in Denver. By an 8-2 vote, the council agreed to silence the thunder with a long forgotten EPA “ label match-up” program that manufacturers have participated in since 1983, where a compliance label affixed to the frame matches a compliance label engraved on the muffler. Councilman Rick Garcia introduced Bill 242 in response to constituent concerns about excessive motorcycle noise throughout his district. The new law exposes how little the old law, set at 80 decibels, was actually enforced, yielding only a handful of excessive noise tickets over the years. Cash strapped authorities blame the lack of enforcement on costly decibel meters, so the council removed the decibel meter from the equation with a slick backdoor maneuver. Unfortunately, the tact caught Bikers off guard, and by the time word got around, only a few dozen riders attended the council meeting. Garcia’ s brazen effort to remove motorcycles from our nation’ s roadways caught the remainder of Denver’ s riders with their proverbial (leather) pants down.

The new ordinance takes effect on July 1, 2007, and is only two pages long, but performs like a custom made hangman’s noose; snug at the top and even tighter at the bottom.

Section 36-8 (a) states that no person shall operate a motor vehicle when such operation exceeds sound pressure levels specified in Table B, under any condition of acceleration, deceleration, idle, grade or load and regardless of whether or not the vehicle is in motion. Table B, shows that Denver’s decibel limit has been raised from 80 decibels to 82 decibels for all vehicles weighing less than 10,000 pounds, measured at a distance of 25 feet.

Section 36-8 (b) makes it unlawful for anyone to operate a motor vehicle that is not equipped with a muffler approved by this chapter.

Section 36-8 (c) states that it is unlawful for any person or for any owner to allow any person to modify, tamper with, alter, or change any motor vehicle in any manner that causes the sound emitted from the motor vehicle to exceed the corresponding sound pressure level in Table B.

Section 36-8 (d) states that no person shall operate a motorcycle manufactured after December 31, 1982 that is not equipped with an exhaust muffler bearing the federal EPA required labeling.

Here’s how it works: Imagine you’re passing through Denver on your way to Sturgis and you need spark plugs or a quart of oil. You hop off I-25 and hit Colfax Avenue to find a motorcycle shop. You’re not speeding, you’re not being obnoxious. You just want to support the local economy and be on your way. Suddenly, Officer Friendly sees you from the street corner, and more importantly, hears you. He now has “reasonable suspicion” that you are committing a heinous crime and that your exhaust system has been modified. If you’re riding an ‘83 or later model, he can now search your frame and your pipes for an EPA label of compliance. The label on the frame must match the engraving on the mufflers, and without it, you’ll get a ticket. You then have two weeks to “fix” the problem, or face a $500 fine. Even if you have labels that match, if you’re lucky enough to get an officer with a decibel meter, he can ask you to rev your bike all the way up to the redline to produce the noise it takes to push you over the 82 decibel limit. All you wanted to do was get some parts and help support the local economy. Now, you’re helping to pay the electricity bill down at City Hall.

So where did this brilliant idea come from? Apparently, Councilman Garcia dusted off his stainless steel “Back to the Future” DeLorean and set the dashboard date for 1972, when Congress passed the Noise Control Act (NCA) which inspired the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to implement an easily enforceable label match-up program for motorcycle manufacturers. The EPA established uniform standards of maximum noise limitations on such inane things as household appliances, and planned to utilize state and local police to enforce the new noise regulations with money, equipment, training and information provided by another government agency, the Office of Noise Abatement and Control (ONAC). Fortunately for aftermarket exhaust manufacturers, Congress completely gutted the ONAC program in 1981, due to lack of funds. Without funding, the label match-up program lost steam and promptly fell into the great dust bin of history. Despite the loss of enforcement, Congress mandated that manufacturers continue to label their products to remain in compliance.

In recent years, an anti-capitalist group hell-bent on destroying all that’s right about America has resuscitated that dormant program and made it readily available to those who feel their “quality of life” has been stolen by this generation’s Viagra substitute; loud pipes. Their concise plan of action is amazingly similar, in almost every detail, to Councilman Garcia’s “Final Solution.” Perhaps Rick Garcia and his merry band of Nannycrats will stop by The Children’s Hospital during the holidays and explain to all the sick and injured kids why Santa won’t be leading thousands of motorcycles loaded with toys to visit during this year’s annual Toy Run. The Biker Boycott of Denver is on, and many are seeking new routes to get around Denver on the annual pilgrimage to Sturgis.

Right now, you’re probably livid, wondering why Quick Throttle would share the details of Denver’s label match-up program with other cities that might be looking for such a weapon to use against us. Editor CD and I thought long and hard on this one before deciding to go forward with the details. The fact is, this information isn’t any big secret, it’s already out there in the public domain, and our enemies already know about it. It’s high time the riding public acknowledges the seriousness of this problem and takes proactive measures to avoid the inevitable while we’re still ahead of the game, rather than trying to regain a “right” once it’s lost. If you’re not responsible enough to “pipe down” when cruising through quiet city neighborhoods, you fully deserve any attention you get from law enforcement. It’s up to all of us, as a collective, to “police” ourselves before the authorities finally decide they need to do it for us. So, before it’s too late, maybe you should saunter down to City Hall and meet your maker. Your LAW-maker, before it’s too late to repent, as they’re trying to do now, in Denver.

Most folks I hang with believe it’s the guys/gals from Club Peacock and the L.A.M.E. Riders (Look At Me, Everybody!) that are the usual miscreants, but seriously, it’s up to us “lifers” to keep any and all motor-head morons who didn’t get petted enough as children, in line. It’s OUR sport and we can either educate/discipline the offenders who bought their Chrome-O-Sexual™ attitude with a Visa card, or we can ultimately live with the consequences of our inability to keep our own breed in check. Sure, I’ve got loud pipes on my bikes and I intend on keeping them, but these knuckleheads are stinkin’ up the scene for ALL of us. If they need attention that bad they should probably move back home and spend more quality time with Mom. I’m sure she’ll be very proud when they’re rapping their pipes in the driveway long enough to wake her sleepy neighbors. “Look Ma, no brains!”

Michelin Announces Motorcycle Tire Recall
To date, no accidents or injuries reported
http://sev.prnewswire.com/auto/20070615/CLF06915062007-1.html

GREENVILLE, S.C., June 15 /PRNewswire/ -- Michelin has notified the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and Transport Canada that it is recalling Michelin(R) Pilot(R) Power 2CT and Pilot(R) Power 120/70 ZR 17 (58W) front motorcycle tires with the "Made in France" markings in the United States and Canada. This recall involves these specific tires only and has no impact on any other Michelin tires. Related actions are under way in other countries.

An examination of these tires showed a possible defect in the tread due to a manufacturing irregularity. No cases of pressure loss have been reported and no accidents have occurred.

Because rider safety is the primary concern, Michelin has decided as a precaution to replace the 120/70 ZR 17 (58W) Michelin Pilot Power 2CT and Michelin Pilot Power front tires, which can be identified by the following markings on the sidewall:

-- a "Made in France" label

-- DOT 6UCW 980T or DOT 6UCW 979T

Any consumer in the United States or Canada who believes they are affected by the recall should not wait to receive notification but should call Michelin Consumer Relations at 1 866 324 2835.

The company will be replacing all potentially affected tires in a comprehensive commitment to retrieve from the market any tire that does not meet Michelin quality standards. Replacement tires are available at no cost (including mounting and balancing) to consumers through participating Michelin(R) motorcycle tire servicing retailers.

HARLEY-DAVIDSON AND UNION REACH TENTATIVE AGREEMENT

York, Pa., February 16, 2007 – Harley-Davidson reported today that it has reached a tentative labor agreement with representatives of International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAM) Local 175 in York. The agreement is subject to membership ratification and a vote is expected to occur the week of Feb. 19. If approved, the agreement would end a strike by Harley-Davidson’s 2,800 unionized employees in York that began February 2.

The Company has not disclosed terms of the proposed agreement or the timing of a possible resumption of motorcycle production in York.

HARLEY-DAVIDSON and UNION TO MEET
Company Plans for Scaled-Back Production at Wisconsin Plants

York, Pa., February 5, 2007 — Harley-Davidson Motor Company today reported that company and union representatives will meet February 6 with a federal mediator. Union employees at the Company’s final assembly facilities in York, represented by International Association of Machinists (IAM) Local Lodge 175, went on strike February 2.

In other developments, Harley-Davidson reported that as a result of the strike in Pennsylvania, it expects to reduce production of engines and transmissions (powertrains) at the Company’s facility in Menomonee Falls, Wis. The Company also expects to reduce production of injection-molded components at its facilities in Tomahawk, Wis.

The Company anticipates that reduced powertrain production could result in temporary layoffs for up to 500 of its approximately 1,500 production and distribution employees in southeast Wisconsin. Reduced components production in Tomahawk could result in temporary layoffs for up to 240 of the approximately 360 production employees who work there.

Layoffs at the Menomonee Falls and Tomahawk facilities could start as early as the week of February 12 for some employees. The Company has sought voluntary layoffs and will implement additional non-voluntary layoffs as needed.

The Company is disappointed by the decision of its union employees in York to strike and regrets the temporary impact the strike may have on some of its Wisconsin employees and its extensive supplier network.

Harley-Davidson’s facility in Menomonee Falls produces “Big Twin” powertrains – the largest of the Company’s engines and transmissions – used in motorcycles assembled in York and Kansas City. The Company’s facilities in Tomahawk produce windshields, fairings, saddlebags, Tour Paks and other components used on motorcycles assembled in York and Kansas City. Motorcycle sidecars are also produced in Tomahawk.

During the strike, the Wisconsin facilities will stop building powertrains and injection-molded components for shipment to the assembly plant in York.

The Company’s powertrain plant in Wauwatosa, Wis., is not expecting reduced production at this time.

Union Strikes Harley- Davidson Plant in York, Pa.
By Martha Raffaele, Associated Press Writer

February 2, 2007 YORK, Pa. – Union workers began a strike Friday at Harley-Davidson Inc.’s largest manufacturing plant, with small groups quietly picketing each entrance of the York facility. In anticipation of the strike, the company shut down production at the plant on Thursday.

More than 50 workers gathered as the strike began at midnight, said Tom Boger, a union representative for the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers Local 175.

Boger said the company installed cement barricades to block access to all gates, even empty parking lots.

The strike came two days after unionized workers rejected the company’s contract offer and authorized a walkout.

“We are obviously disappointed by the union’s decision,” Fred Gates, general manager of Harley- Davidson’s York operations, said in a statement Thursday. “The proposed contract was structured to help manage future costs that could be detrimental to our business over the long term. While Harley- Davidson is a strong company today, we don’t want to find ourselves in ten years in the same position that the Detroit auto industry is in now.”

But union members said they felt the contract represented a step backward because it contained a two-tier wage system they said would penalize new hires. It also contained a requirement for employees to contribute toward health insurance premiums and pension concessions, they said.

The proposed contract provided for a four percent wage increase in each of the three contract years. Two percent of the increase was dependent on the union accepting the Company’s salaried health care plan or another plan that would save the Company an equal amount of money. The Company’s union employees in York currently pay no premium for health insurance coverage and minimal out of pocket costs. The proposal would have doubled the Company’s 401(k) contribution match and would have provided a special monthly retirement supplement for certain employees who retire during the contract period. The proposal also would have instituted a second-tier wage and benefit plan for new employees hired after February 2, 2007. For example, under the two-tier structure, new assembly worker hires would have earned $18.25 per hour in the first year of the contract, compared to $20.78 per hour for current assembly workers in the first year of the contract.

Harley-Davidson production employees in York are represented by International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAM) Local 175.

Nevin Bechtel, 59, who works in the plant’s painting department, said the two-tier wage system would hurt morale.

“We’ll still keep building first-rate bikes, but when the second-rate people take over, what are we going to build then? Second-rate bikes?” Bechtel said.

“There’s no sense in doing this if we’re not going to stick together,” Bechtel said. “If we regress now, we’ve lost everything we’re struggling for, and the company will think they’ve won.”

Russell Aldinger, 46, a mechanical assembler who said he had worked at the plant for 10 years, also objected to demands for concessions.

“This company is very profitable, and for us to have to take concessions when we were earning the money that we were ... I feel it’s ridiculous,” Aldinger said.

In the statement closing the plant, the company announced the suspension of production of the company’s Touring and Softail motorcycles.

The company said its proposal included annual wage increases of 4 percent over three years. But part of the increase depended on the union agreeing to contribute toward health insurance coverage. Unionized employees currently pay no premium. It also would have doubled the company’s 401(k) retirement plan contributions.

Boger said the union was prepared to return to negotiations.

“We’ll wait for the company to call us,” he said. The facility employs more than 3,200 union and nonunion workers.

Jesse James Fined $271,250
January 28, 2007

Jesse James is a dirty guy, according to California air regulators.

The Monster Garage host and his West Coast Choppers were hit with a $271,250 fine by the California Air Resources Board (CARB), who claims his custom bikes have run afoul of the state’s clean-air laws.

The bikes were sold between 1998 and 2005.

His customized bikes were spewing 10 times the legal limits of hydrocarbons, according to the air police at the California Air Resources Board. Investigators found that his monster bikes did not have state-certified emissions equipment on their exhaust and fuel systems.

But in a statement released by his publicist, James bristles at the disclosure of the fine by CARB and notes that the air police did not respond to his offer to make the vehicles he sold compliant with federal emissions standards “I think it’s pretty suspicious that an organization (CARB) that runs under the premise of ‘Clean Air’ is putting out press releases on the cash settlements they are extracting from California businesses,” he said in a statement. “If their intentions were really focused on the environment they surely would have taken my offer to make all of the ‘Non-Compliant’ Motorcycles meet Federal EPA standards. They did not accept my offer and stated that they were only interested in the cash settlement.”

James added that West Coast Choppers Motorcycles have complied with federal safety and emissions standards, opened the first green fast-food restaurant Cisco Burger and that they’re pioneering a zero-emissions hydrogen-powered car capable of 250 mph.

James also added that he hopes paying the fine will “bring to light that California has a flawed system when it comes to its Clean Air Agencies and the policies and practices they use.”