Cycle News is a weekly magazine that covers all aspects of motorcycling including Supercross, Motocross and MotoGP as well as new motorcycles
Issue link: https://magazine.cyclenews.com/i/128150
"Irs great to see off-road coverage of our cohorts overseas, and the bikes they are riding." Political Issues Contrary to Mr. Dan Clark's allegations (Voices, Issue #13, April 3), the AMA does NOT have a position in support of or in opposition to the conversion of off-highway motorcycles to road use. Only the AMA's Board of Directors can endorse an official position on an issue - such as the AMA's position in support of "Vol.untary Helmet Use." The Board of Directors has not given the government relations department any specific direction on the dual-sport conversion issue - only the overriding principal, that the AMA does NOT advocate any illegal or irresponsible activities. Mr. Clark's misconception is the result of a Web site's posting of a message that I wrote in response to a rider's inquiry about a specific case. Not only was my message posted out of context but additional text was added to further mislead the reader. The message was in reply to a rider, who claimed to be considering spending a tremendous amount of money to protract an already costly legal battle with his state government over the titling of a converted motorcycle. My assessment of his situation was that there was nothing in the federal law that this rider could use to compel his state to title his c1osedcourse motorcycle as a street bike. In his state, it would probably take a legislative remedy to alter the policy to allow conversions. An assessment by the AMA of the current status of the law as it relates to the titling practices of one state is a far cry from issuing a position statement supporting or opposing the conversion of off-highway motorcycles to street use. In spite of Mr. Clark's assertions to the contrary, the immediate threat to the practice of dual-sport conversion is not emissions compliance but the motorcyclist's familiar enemy, liability. Some states have begun to restrict or prohibit conversions, claiming that the state takes on an unacceptable level of liability by endorsing off-road vehicles for on-road use. These states also question whether certain types of off-highway motorcycles can ever be truly Department of Transportation compliant, especially when the conversions are performed by the rider. Additionally, Mr. Clark's comment about the AMA making a deal with the Environmental Protection Agency is completely unfounded. The truth is, the AMA did more on behalf of offhighway motorcycle and all-terrain vehicle riders on emissions regulation than anyone else. The history of our work on this issue can be found on the "Protecting Your Right to Ride" page of www.AMADirectUnk.com. RoyceL Wood Pfckerlngton, OH Wood is the Legistative Affairs Specialist for the AMA. .. Editor Political Issues II In response to Dan Clark's comments where he wrote that, "The motorcycle is an insignificant target, not worthy of the millions of taxpayer dollars they [the EPA] are spending to regulate them. They must be convinced of this fact before any meaningful negotiations can be done on behalf of the motorcycle riders in the U.S." I would like to comment that, although Mr. Clark is correct that motorcycles contribute but a small portion of emissions with respect to everything else, a 1990 amendment to the clean air act requires that any source contributing (by even the smallest amount) to air quality nonattainment must be regulated. The Sierra Club then stepped in with a lawsuit against the EPA that resulted in a settlement/decision establishing the current schedule of implementation. No bargaining, no options. A regulation will be implemented with, or without, anyone's input. The AMA is not without their faults, but they are right in not spending a dollar, or a minute's time, trying to avoid this imminent regulation, as it would be wasted. They, others, and ourselves are proactively working with the EPA in an effort to draft the regulation in a way that minimizes any negative impact on our sport and industry. PhIl McDowell VIa the InffHnet Crash Info In a recent issue, you covered the Daytona AHRMA vintage races that took place in early March. I would like to fill in some gaps regarding the unfortunate events that occurred at the start of the Formula 750 race, in which both Yvon DuHamel and myself were injured. Leading off the front row into turn one, I was struck from the inside by Gary Nixon on the M3 Racing CR750, which knocked me off of my Giannini Racing Ducati 750SS. Yvon was unfortunately too close to avoid hitting me as I rolled on ground and was himself thrown over the top of his Team Obsolete BSA Rocket 3 (exDick Mann Daytona Winner). Yvon was knocked unconscious and the BSA was severely damaged. My hand was broken and the impact to my lower back ruptured my right kidney, causing internal bleeding for which I was hospitalized for a week, not because of a pre-existing condition as was reported. Upon my return home, specialists at Johns Hopkins determined that I have a massive hematoma as a direct result of the impact, meaning that sadly I will be unable to race this season. I would like to thank my sponsors: Giannini Racing, Ducati of Richmond and especially in this case, Vanson Leathers. I would also like to thank all of my team and friends, the AHRMA corner workers, Yvon and Team Obsolete for their show of concern, and the medical staff at Halifax Medical Center. Thanks too should go to Cycle News for their continued coverage of classic racing in the U.S. Chrfs Marshall VIa the InffHnet And Even More The coverage of the pileup at the start of the Formula 750 race at Daytona should be expanded. Based on conversations with Gary Nixon, Chris Marshall and Yvon DuHamel, here is what really happened: Nixon, riding on M3 Racing's Replica CR750 Honda, had a left-side grid position. He shot up the inside, going to the left of a Harley gridded in front of him, thereby taking a late line into the left turn. This put him on a collision course with Chris Marshall's Ducati, taking out Chris' front wheel. Chris went down in front of DuHamel, whose ex-Dick Mann BSA III hit the Ducati and somersaulted several times onto the grass. Nixon's bike was unscathed except for the black marks left on his fairing by Chris' front tire. A few words about M3 Racing's "win at any cost" replica Honda CR750. It has modern Keihin smoothbore carbs and forks and brakes from a very modem period. Gary is a great guy, but he is not riding a genuine machine. Mark McGrew should build an accurate replica of the early 1970s Honda CR750. He knows how to do it. Rob Jannucd Brooklyn, NY Iannucci owns Team Obsolete... Editor World Enduro I just wanted to say thank you for the coverage of the World Enduros. It's great to see off-road coverage of our cohorts overseas, and the bikes they are riding. I wanted to also thank you for the great Husaberg test of a few months ago. I found it to be very truthful, and it was definitely written by motorcycle enthusiasts that were of "open minds." cue I e What do you think about some test rides of the factory euro bikes that compete in the enduros? Just a thought. Keep up the great work. Dale 'E' Covfngfon VIa the InffHnet Criminal Intent? Shame on Bill Werner and HarleyDavidson, but Rich King still deserves a free ride. That said, it's ridiculous to believe that the Harley-Davidson racing team intentionally cheated in AMA competition. Just ask yourself why. What are the risks and rewards? Huge publicity risks (detrimental for sure) and rewards that do little but pad Bill Werner's win list. Look at the facts: Harley-Davidson has AMA rule and equipment input to remain competitive, they have plenty of money to be competitive, and the best legal racing parts and technical information. They even have full-time professional staffing besides Bill Werner, so why cheat? No conspiracy here, no cheap shots either, unless you want to tear down some biggerthan-average egos. In fact, HarleyDavidson's Grand National Championship appearances have little to do with winning the last few years and more to do with its long racing tradition (supporting role presence), I believe. Almost everyone knows that I dislike Bill Werner and past HarleyDavidson racing team management, but it is fairly easy for me to speak up in Harley-Davidson's defense. They don't need to cheat (past or present) to remain America's premier motorcycle manufacturer. So get on with the sport of motorcycle racing as racing tradition suggests. Not always winning but always striving to be America's best. 6arySCott VIa the Intrmlet Gary Scott won the 1975 AMA Grand National Championship... Editor n e _ so • APRIL 17, 2002 5