 Where real journalism meets italicized smart-assed comments. by Gus Breiland |
* Bike Noise Becoming A Major Issue Nationwide * Viper Cools Engines Motorcycle Firm Calls Off IPO * Arizona To Recommend Emission Testing of Older Vehicles * New York Motorcycles to Pay Half * News From Across the Pond - Young Riders * Minnesota Motorcycle Monthly Gnome Hunt |
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Bike Noise
Becoming A Major Issue Nationwide In New York City the City Council proposed a law that could result in the seizure of loud motorcycles and even confiscation in some instances. These are just some of the examples that AMA Legislative Affairs Specialist Imre Szauter used to underscore the fact that communities nationwide are cracking down on loud motorcycles, in a talk to the Centennial Park Harley-Davidson Chapter of the Harley Owners Group (H.O.G.). "The AMA has worked to oppose proposals, such as the one in New York, that discriminate specifically against motorcycles", Szauter said. "If you're going to say you're going to make New York the quietest city in the world, fine," Szauter said, referring to the New York legislation. "But don't single out motorcycles." But at the same time, the AMA is also working with other elements of the motorcycle community to encourage riders to be responsible and considerate on the noise issue. Szauter noted that loud pipes don't necessarily mean more performance for a motorcycle. And he warned that if riders don't ride responsibly, that is, keep the noise down in residential areas and at stoplights, for example, then even more government jurisdictions will step in to regulate motorcycles. "Responsible riding is critical not only for current motorcyclists to be able to continue riding, but for future generations to be able to ride as well", he said. Minnesota Motorcycle Monthly believes one statement was missing from the article. "Loud Pipes Risk Rights"
Viper Cools
Engines Motorcycle Firm Calls Off IPO The motorcycle manufacturer withdrew a planned $9 million initial public offering of its stock in early February and has stopped manufacturing its Diablo cruiser just months after starting production at its New Hope, MN headquarters. Instead, Viper is lining up private financing with new investors that it hopes will kick-start the company by securing production resources and erasing most of its debt, according to John Lai, chief financial officer and co-founder of Viper. The details are still being worked out, but he plans to make an announcement within 30 days. The deal likely will include an outside manufacturing contract for most production with new protoypes to be made in New Hope, said sources close to the company who did not want to be named. The company must do something fast to stay in business. Viper's debt level and losses have accelerated, while the IPO and production have screeched to a halt. Viper ran up net losses of nearly $7 million (about equal to its total assets) from its inception in November 2002 through Sept. 30, 2004, according to filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. It shipped 30 Diablo cruisers in late 2004 and sales totaled about $750,000 last year, Lai said. Viper has received about 300 Diablo cruiser orders since mid-2003, according to Lai. It began manufacturing the cruiser last fall but stopped in January because of money problems. None of its 16 employees were laid off. While Minnesota Motorcycle Monthly has not leapt on the chopper / public cruiser bandwagon we have watched Viper with interest. Excelsior-Henderson left Minnesota with a sour taste in motorcycle manufacturers and to see Viper "go it alone" through private ownership and financing is commendable. Viper has not bellied up to the public trough and we hope to see them make a run for it. Competition for Harley Davidson and Victory is a good thing. It forces companies to be creative and diverse.
Arizona To
Recommend Emission Testing of Older Vehicles Briggs and Stratton breathed a heavy sigh of relief as the the eco-sights have now been retargeted from small lawn and garden equipment to the vast throng of classic bikes. Once ADEQ has run all the H-D Panheads and Scott Flying Squirels off the road retirees in Sun City will breathe much easier and at least one Spotted Owl may be saved.
New York
Motorcycles to Pay Half
News From
Across the Pond - Young Riders The proposed changes could mean that people will lose the right to ride a motorcycle with an engine size larger than 125cc until they are 19. Older novice riders may not be able to directly gain a full license to ride larger motorcycles after rider training until they are 25. In addition, new car drivers will lose the right to ride mopeds with a full car license, which they can do after completing compulsory training. Currently, novice riders in Britain can take a motorcycle test at 17 and are able to ride motorcycles and scooters of modest power (approximately that of a 350cc machine) for two years. After this experience period, they can ride the motorcycle of their choice. Novices can opt to take a Direct Access course to ride larger motorcycles when they reach 21 years old. (Motorcycle Industry Association)
Minnesota
Motorcycle Monthly Gnome Hunt
Gnome Hunt
Groundrules:
M.M.M.
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This article originally appeared in the March
2005 issue of Minnesota
Motorcycle Monthly.
Once
you find Ridin' Gnome, simply take a picture with him, mail
it to MMM, and you'll be eligible to win some great prizes.
Look for the first clue and a complete list of prizes in our
next issue.