May 08 Hot Flashes

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TUCKER ROCKY, IMS PARTNER TO PROMOTE RED BULL INDIANAPOLIS GP “The Indianapolis Motor Speedway (IMS) and Tucker Rocky Distributing have formed a partnership to promote and enhance the overall fan experience for the inaugural Red Bull Indianapolis GP,” stated spokesperson Ron Green. The event will take place Sept. 14, 2008 as part of the MotoGP World Championship, described Green. “The relationship between IMS and Tucker Rocky will last through the 2010 event and includes many pre-event and event weekend promotional elements, including signage, vending, display space and event advertising,” he explained. Joe Chitwood, IMS president and CEO, said “Tucker Rocky brands are among the best in powersports and we are eager to work together to help convey the excitement of the inaugural Red Bull Indianapolis GP to Tucker Rocky’s customers and motorcycle racing fans around the world.”

HARLEY, UNIONS REACH TENTATIVE CONTRACT AGREEMENT The Business Journal of Milwaukee reported Harley-Davidson management and labor unions representing the company’s workers in Wisconsin have reached a tentative agreement on a new four year contract. According to the Journal, the new contracts would replace existing seven year contracts that expired at the end of March, but which have been extended for the first week of April. “Rank-and-file workers at Harley-Davidson are scheduled to vote whether to ratify the new agreements, which would cover more that 2,000 employees in Wisconsin,” it explained. The tentative agreement reportedly covers workers represented by the United Steelworkers Union Local 2-2009 and the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers Lodge 78, which is said to represent almost 1,700 and 150 Harley-Davidson hourly production employees, respectively, in the Milwaukee area.

MI HITS WEB HOME RUN Besides being in the top ten Google search listings overall, when searching “Motorcycle Magazine,” top five when searching “Motorcycle Magazines,” plural, and number one when searching “Motorcycle Industry,” we have exceeded our expectations on visits as well. For the January/February period of 2008, compared to the same period in 2007, unique visits have increased an average of 56 percent. Total visits have increased an average of 79.5 percent over the same period and page views have increased an average of 117.5 percent over that same period. We redesigned our Web presence to be more functional for our audience and you have demonstrated to us it is an effort well worthwhile. Thank you for visiting and keep checking www.mimag.com.

INDIAN MOTORCYCLE CARVES NICHE FOR FALL CRUISER LAUNCH Indian Motorcycle is getting ready for its release of the classically inspired Chief model featuring the dramatic curves of the fenders that have become a motorcycling icon, informed spokesperson Melissa Jones. “Indian is intent on slowly and methodically carving out its niche in the heavyweight cruiser motorcycling market,” she explained. Jones added, “Having a considerable consumer base for a premium line of motorcycles under the Indian Motorcycle brand, the company will focus on supplying genuine, American made motorcycles which are beautifully designed, made of the highest quality materials, reliable and supported by a qualified dealer network.” The company is reportedly on target to deliver model year 2009 units to its dealer base in the fall with a consumer unveiling and launch at Sturgis, SC, during the Sturgis Rally.

MOTORCYCLE CANCER SEAT PATENT GRANTED Canadian inventor Randall Dale Chipkar was granted a patent by The United Kingdom for his ‘electromagnetic shielding motorcycle seat’, according to MotorcycleCancer.com. “Various types of extremely low frequency (ELF) electromagnetic field (EMF) radiations have been linked to health disorders including cancer,” explained Chipkar. He added, “Many motorcycles generate excessive ELF EMF radiation up through the seat, penetrating directly into the rider’s groin and torso.” ELF EMF magnetic fields reportedly penetrate through steel, lead, copper, aluminum, etc. and only highly processed material can dramatically shield riders from the radiation. One of the major effects of electromagnetic exposure on the body is a decrease in the production and role of melatonin, which is synthesized in the gastrointestinal tract and is the body’s natural hormone for fighting cancer growth, described MotorcycleCancer.com. Chipkar concluded by saying, “With patent protection, we can now aggressively market this innovative shielding seat to provide riders with peace-of-mind.”

JAMA REPORTS FEBRUARY SALES The Japanese Automobile Manufacturers Association (JAMA) reported motorcycle sales statistics for February 2008. According its Web site, JAMA members produced 127,045 motorcycles in February 2008, a 19.5 percent decrease from the 157,873 motorcycles produced in the same month last year. Exports were also down 11.2 percent, the site explained, with a total of 122,085 motorcycles being exported in February 2008, compared to the 137,499 motorcycles exported in the same period the year prior. Finally, the JAMA site said sales were also down 22.2 percent with February 2008 sales totaling 38,214 compared to 2007’s 49,088. Major JAMA members reportedly include Honda, Kawasaki, Suzuki and Yamaha.

MPN RECALIBRATES STAFF Motorcycle Product News (MPN) announced it has recalibrated its magazine staff to help fill the recent departure of Robin Hartfiel, who served as the editor and publisher of the magazine for the last four years. According to a press release, Colleen Brousil, who served as managing editor for six years, has been named the magazine’s new editor. Brousil will reportedly be responsible for continuing to bring together MPN’s editorial from a full slate of industry insiders. The release also said that Dean Kelly has been named associate publisher and Chad Wiggen will take on the role of national sales manager.

ARRA VOTES AGAINST H.R. 2016 “Americans for Responsible Recreational Access (ARRA) encouraged members to vote against H.R. 2016, the National Landscape Conservation System Act (NLCSA), when the House Committee on Natural Resources considered the bill in March,” stated Executive Director Larry Smith. He told us the bill would statutorily establish the National Landscape Conservation System (NLCS), which overseas 15 national monuments, 13 national conservation areas, Steens Mountain area in Oregon, Headwaters Forest Reserve in northern California, 38 wild and scenic rivers, 177 wilderness areas, 4,264 miles of national trails and more than 600 wilderness study areas, totaling almost 27 million acres. “The legislation would create, by law, a bureaucracy to manage specially designated BLM lands in a restrictive fashion that runs counter to the multiple-use manner in which the BLM has traditionally managed its lands,” explained Smith, who added, “The bill would eschew existing management requirements in favor of objectives designed to deny access for many recreational uses.” Another issue with H.R. 2016 is that it reportedly represents the first step towards taking resources and funding from traditional multiple-use management of BLM units and diverting them to the NLCS.

ELDORADO FOREST RELEASES TRAVEL PLAN The California Eldorado National Forest announced the release of its Travel Management Plan, which designates almost 1,847 miles of roads and trails for motorized vehicle use. “The designation represents a significant reduction to the historic public route network of 2,342 miles of National Forest System Roads and Trails and over 500 miles of user-created routes,” explained Don Amador, western representative of the BlueRibbon Coalition. Supervisor Villalvazo said this base route network is a beginning and a foundation for future travel planning in the Forest and he specifically noted that his office would continue to work with El Dorado County in developing a master plan for the Rubicon 4WD Trail. “This product is far from perfect, but many users will appreciate the agency’s effort to provide for meaningful trail mileage, to reduce the wet weather closure period and to commit to working with the OHV community and other public groups on the implementation and improvement of the plan,” Amador stated.	`

BADESHA APPEALS COURT DECISION Even though 39 year old Baljinder Badesha lost his battle in Ontario Court of Justice after seeking permission to ride his motorcycle without a helmet because it would have had him cover up his turban, an act forbidden by his religion, Badesha has decided to appeal the decision on the same religious grounds, explained South Asian Focus. The paper told us Badesha now looks to the Ontario government to make a policy change in its Highway Traffic Act to allow a province-wide exemption for devout Sikhs who wear turbans. The Focus said other Sikh community members, as well as the United Sikh Federation and World Sikh Organization have supported Badesha’s decision. “We are confident of winning the battle this time,” Badesha said, adding, “We don’t believe a helmet is safe. Everyday riders with helmets die in road accidents. If I’m supposed to die today, I will die and nothing can save me.”

ANDERSON MOTORCYCLE DEALER LINKED TO THEFTS “Under investigation by Anderson police for allegedly dealing in stolen equipment, the owner of a motorcycle shop was arrested after another agency linked him to a stolen all-terrain vehicle, a Jet Ski, motorcycle and two trailers,” stated South Carolina’s Independent Mail. The paper explained Paul Abercrombie, 44, owner of Hot Shot Cycles, was arrested and charged with two counts of possessing/receiving stolen property. Five other men also reportedly face criminal charges in connection to the thefts. So far police have recovered $22,000 in stolen equipment, including a 2006 Polaris 800 ATV, a 2002 Yamaha Jet Ski and trailer, as well as a 2004 Honda motorcycle and a 2006 Honda four-wheeler, the Mail added.