Charpentier Law Firm Blog

According to a Governors Highway Safety Association Report motorcycle deaths in 2009 decreased approximately 10%. Among the reasons discussed for this drop in deaths (the first recorded in 12 years) is decreased riding because of the economy in a harsh U.S. winter.

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Motorcycle Consumer News-September 2010-According to the American Medical Association, California Legislators have proposed that motorcycles have EPA-compliant exhaust systems on their model year 2011 and newer motorcycles. If such a law is passed, it would be illegal to ride a motorcycle on the road built on, or after, January 1, 2011, that does not display a federal Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) label certifying the exhaust system meets sound admissions standards. The article states that riders caught riding model year 2011 or newer motorcycles without such a stamp would be issued “fix it” tickets by California police. The AMA opposes excessive motorcycle sound. In September of 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.

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Cycle World Magazine-August 2010-Bombardier Recreational Products, Inc. is recalling it’s 2010 Can-Am Spyder Roadster RT SE5 and RS SE5. This recall involves about 1200 units. According to this recall, when bringing one of these semi-automatic-transmission vehicles to a full stop, the computer-control clutch may remain engaged, stalling the engine. Once the engine stalls, it could be impossible to restart, and the rear wheel could be locked. Should this happen, pushing the vehicle off the roadway may be impossible, increasing the risk of a crash.

Dealers will repair the vehicles free of charge. Owners not receiving this remedy can call Bombardier Recreational Products, Inc. at 888-638-5397.

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Motorcycle Consumer News-August 2010-According to this article the American Motorcycle Association reports that the South Carolina Supreme Court has struck down a Myrtle Beach, South Carolina law that required riders to wear helmets within the city limits. According to the article this measure was one of more than dozen designed to keep motorcyclist away from Myrtle Beach.

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Big Dog Motorcycles is recalling certain 2004 models including their Bulldog, Chopper, Mastiff, Ridgeback, Boxer and Pitbull. The problem is electrical in nature. In summary, Big Dog is recalling these models because there is a possible loose connection between the harness connector and the electronic harness controller. This unfortunate condition may cause the motorcycle to experience intermittent loss of electrical power to various components which can cause, among other things, a loss of headlight function or vehicle stall, both increasing the risk of a crash. Big Dog will notify owners and dealers will repair the motorcycles without charge. Owners may contact Big Dog at 316-219-9121 NHTSA Campaign ID#: 10V180000

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Visor Down-May 10, 2010-According to this article Yamaha knew that 2009 was going to be a tough year, predicting a loss of 182 billion yen. Unfortunately, the actual numbers are significantly worse, with an actual net loss of 216.1 billion yen. This makes Harley-Davidson’s losses appear small. Why is this happening? Worldwide bike sales have dropped nearly 21%- with the biggest hits coming in the core markets of the U.S., down 46% in Europe, which has dropped by more than 33%. Yamaha is also suffering losses with regard to its marine products. Yamaha plans to close 7 of it’s 21 factories and slash an extra 1,000 jobs on top of the 1,700 jobs it’s already cut. The majority of these job cuts will be in the firm’s higher-end bike factories.

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US Patton Application-12/474, 52, filed by Ducati Motor holding on May 29, 2009, describes a motorcycle chassis comprised of distinct front and rear structures and the engine as a load-bearing member. Sources say that a better than a 50/50 chance now exists that we will see this “frame less” concept on production Ducati Motorcycles. Keep in mind that the late John Britten showed a similar structure on his bikes in the early 90’s (although he had a different front suspension). Source: Motorcyclist Magazine-May 2010, James Parker, United States Patton Application Publications.

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Triumph America’s sales increase 5.5% in December of 2008 verses the same time period in 2008, contributing to the companies fifth consecutive year of increase market sharer, all this according to a press release issued by the motorcycle company. No year-over-year sales figures were announced. Road Racing World Magazine Volume 20 #3, March 2010.

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Erik Buel formed Erik Buel Racing after apparent company Harley-Davidson shut down Buel Motorcycle Company. Erik Buel Racing is in the business of building Spec Super bikes to sell to private race teams.

For information on Erik Buel Racing please go to www.erikbuelracing.com

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Husquvarna Motorcycles North America (Part of the BMW group of companies) is claiming a 9% increase in sales in 2009 as compared to 2008. A press release recently issued Husquvarna sited a 98% sales increase in the final two months of 2009, which they largely credit to recent racing successes. Road Racing World Magazine Volume 20 #3, March 2010.

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