From USA today...

By William M. Welch, USA TODAY
IRVINE, Calif. — A new federal law aimed at protecting children from
lead in toys has also forced a nationwide halt in sales of off-road
motorcycles and recreational vehicles built for young riders, killing
off a multimillion-dollar industry that was thriving despite the
recession.
Thousands of powersports dealers were told to halt sales of vehicles
designed for children 12 and younger because of new lead restrictions
in an act of Congress that took effect Feb. 10.

Even used vehicle sales are banned by law passed in response to lead
found in toys imported from China.

"We're out of business as far as the youth market goes," says Rick
Rizzon, owner of Rizzon Cycle in Middlesex, N.J. "It's crazy."

With the motor vehicle industry already hurting from recession, he
said the ban means a 20% drop in sales of youth off-road motorcycles
and the parts business for bikes already sold.

FIND MORE STORIES IN: United States | California | Congress | New
Jersey | China | D-Mich | ATVs | Middlesex | Motorcycle Industry
Council | Joseph Martyak
The ban hits California especially hard. Off-roading is hugely popular
among families in the state and several state parks are devoted to
dirt riding.

Kevin Matty, finance director at Temecula Motorsports in Temecula,
Calif., (where the desert is a big draw for dirt bikers) estimates the
ban will wipe out half of his business sales.

"I thought it was a joke," Matty said, until the manufacturers told
him he had to take the youth vehicles off the showroom floor.

Economic repercussions

Passed by Congress after a series of reports concerning toys made in
China with lead, the law bans sale of products aimed at children if
they contain more than 600 parts per million of lead, says Joseph
Martyak, chief of staff to the acting chairman of the U.S. Consumer
Product Safety Commission.

Lead is found in steel and other metal alloys in the frame, motor and
multiple other parts, said Paul Vitrano, general counsel for the
Motorcycle Industry Council. The lead strengthens the metals and
resists corrosion.

Supporters of the law hailed its passage in August.

Rep. John Conyers, D-Mich., a bill co-sponsor, said at the time that
supporting the law "is a vote for industry accountability, regulatory
integrity, and most importantly, child safety."

Martyak said the wording of the law left the commission no choice but
to enforce the ban on youth cycles and ATVs even with no evidence
children would ingest or absorb the items. The industry has petitioned
the commission for an exemption.

The ban will have repercussions economically.

The Motorcycle Industry Council estimates nearly 100,000 youth bikes
were sold in the USA in 2008, though some were aimed at kids 13 and
older and not covered by the ban. Dealernews, an industry trade
publication, estimates that the value of inventory at U.S. dealers
that can no longer be sold probably exceeds $100 million.

Beyond current inventory, Kawasaki spokeswoman Jan Plessner said the
company has "millions and millions of dollars" worth of parts now in
the product pipeline to dealers that cannot be sold.

Most cycles and ATVs are made overseas, but there are tens of
thousands of jobs attached to the industry here. More than 13,000
powersports dealers sell products in the United States, according to
the Motorcycle Industry Council, employing an estimated 124,000
people. Vitrano says the industry estimates the retail market value
for all off-road cycles and ATVs is $14.5 billion a year, including
sales, service, parts, accessories and payroll.

'Are you kidding?'

Children appeared perplexed by the ban.

"Are you kidding? This is silly," says Zack Bartell, 12, who was
taking a dirt-bike riding lesson at School for Dirt's track next to
Kawasaki Motors' U.S. headquarters here. "There's no way I'm going to
stick a motorcycle part in my mouth."

The 12-and-under market is a huge focus for the industry because it
believes children who ride will grow up to be adult riders and
consumers as well. It builds bikes with single-cylinder motors as
small as 50cc that fit children.

Children as young as Karsyn Boyd, who said she was "6 and a quarter,"
were riding with ease after an hour or so of instruction, carving
figure eights, traversing hills and cutting around orange cones.

Vitrano says the ban will have a perverse effect: Rather than no
longer riding, kids who can't get a cycle their size may hop on a bike
made for older children or adults — one inappropriate and dangerous
for a smaller child.

Terry Dempsey, sales manager at Long Beach Motorsports in Long Beach,
Calif., said he sold $120,000 worth of youth bikes last year, plus
more in parts, service and accessories.

"We're already down 30% (from recession), and now we just lost another
10% to 15% of our customer base," Dempsey says.

The economy notwithstanding, enthusiasts say the ban needlessly kills
a family-oriented sport where children ride with their moms and dads
and, like other sports, can induce children to behave.

"I know if I keep my grades up, I can keep riding," says Zack, who
started riding at age 5.

The Bill was signed last fall by...why...it was signed by your guy, former
President George W. Bush.

I'm sure the "kiddie abuse little bitty motorcycle makers assn" will file
for an exemption, if it hasn't already. Such exemptions are common when a
new "blanket" regulation has unforeseen consequences. That is, assuming
the motorcycle manufacturers and their sale agents have the brains to push
for it.

How was it decided which motorcycles were for kids? Engine displacement?

Here's an idea: if this reg will impact your kid, advise her to switch her
hobby to something that will help here succeed in life. You know, math,
spelling, geography, English, science...

If JustHate wants to help rather than complain... he should encourage
development of a practical electric engine kiddie motorcycle.- Hide quoted text -

- Show quoted text -

First off dolt, the ban has nothing to do with the type of engine,
although I a sure the greenies had something to do with it.. You
should really have read the article before acting like an idiot...

As to Harry's tripe I did not say Obama or Bush. Unlike you idiots I
don't post everything with a political slant.. The companies have been
trying to get a waiver for them, but again, the greens are probably
deep into this. They have used a portion of a bill that doesn't allow
lead over 600 ppm in products "marketed" to children under 13 so bikes
under 85 cc's are effected. Watch out though, your kids XBox has lead
solder, and there are many other toys and such coming down the road
with this one.. Fact is, most kids, even little ones don't chew on
their motorcycles, but the lawmakers know that... Either way, it is
just another way to attack the industry...

wrote:
The Bill was signed last fall by...why...it was signed by your guy, former
President George W. Bush.
I'm sure the "kiddie abuse little bitty motorcycle makers assn" will file
for an exemption, if it hasn't already. Such exemptions are common when a
new "blanket" regulation has unforeseen consequences. That is, assuming
the motorcycle manufacturers and their sale agents have the brains to push
for it.
How was it decided which motorcycles were for kids? Engine displacement?
Here's an idea: if this reg will impact your kid, advise her to switch her
hobby to something that will help here succeed in life. You know, math,
spelling, geography, English, science...
If JustHate wants to help rather than complain... he should encourage
development of a practical electric engine kiddie motorcycle.- Hide quoted text -

- Show quoted text -

First off dolt, the ban has nothing to do with the type of engine,
although I a sure the greenies had something to do with it.. You
should really have read the article before acting like an idiot...

As to Harry's tripe I did not say Obama or Bush. Unlike you idiots I
don't post everything with a political slant.. The companies have been
trying to get a waiver for them, but again, the greens are probably
deep into this. They have used a portion of a bill that doesn't allow
lead over 600 ppm in products "marketed" to children under 13 so bikes
under 85 cc's are effected. Watch out though, your kids XBox has lead
solder, and there are many other toys and such coming down the road
with this one.. Fact is, most kids, even little ones don't chew on
their motorcycles, but the lawmakers know that... Either way, it is
just another way to attack the industry...


Despite your paranoia and other mental illnesses, it is unlikely the
regulations were passed to "attack the (kiddie motorcycle) industry.
Rather, to date, the kiddie motorcycle industry has thus far been
ineffective in getting an exemption.

It would be a good idea to ban entirely for safety reasons kiddie
motorcycles, but that isn't in the cards.

Tell you what...write and call regulators with your usual persuasive
manner and style, and I'm sure you'll never get the exemptions you seek.

Oh...my kids are too old for video games, and my grandkids' parents push
books on them, not video games.

wrote:
From USA today...

By William M. Welch, USA TODAY
IRVINE, Calif. — A new federal law aimed at protecting children from
lead in toys has also forced a nationwide halt in sales of off-road
motorcycles and recreational vehicles built for young riders, killing
off a multimillion-dollar industry that was thriving despite the
recession.
Thousands of powersports dealers were told to halt sales of vehicles
designed for children 12 and younger because of new lead restrictions
in an act of Congress that took effect Feb. 10.

Even used vehicle sales are banned by law passed in response to lead
found in toys imported from China.

"We're out of business as far as the youth market goes," says Rick
Rizzon, owner of Rizzon Cycle in Middlesex, N.J. "It's crazy."

With the motor vehicle industry already hurting from recession, he
said the ban means a 20% drop in sales of youth off-road motorcycles
and the parts business for bikes already sold.

FIND MORE STORIES IN: United States | California | Congress | New
Jersey | China | D-Mich | ATVs | Middlesex | Motorcycle Industry
Council | Joseph Martyak
The ban hits California especially hard. Off-roading is hugely popular
among families in the state and several state parks are devoted to
dirt riding.

Kevin Matty, finance director at Temecula Motorsports in Temecula,
Calif., (where the desert is a big draw for dirt bikers) estimates the
ban will wipe out half of his business sales.

"I thought it was a joke," Matty said, until the manufacturers told
him he had to take the youth vehicles off the showroom floor.

Economic repercussions

Passed by Congress after a series of reports concerning toys made in
China with lead, the law bans sale of products aimed at children if
they contain more than 600 parts per million of lead, says Joseph
Martyak, chief of staff to the acting chairman of the U.S. Consumer
Product Safety Commission.

Lead is found in steel and other metal alloys in the frame, motor and
multiple other parts, said Paul Vitrano, general counsel for the
Motorcycle Industry Council. The lead strengthens the metals and
resists corrosion.

Supporters of the law hailed its passage in August.

Rep. John Conyers, D-Mich., a bill co-sponsor, said at the time that
supporting the law "is a vote for industry accountability, regulatory
integrity, and most importantly, child safety."

Martyak said the wording of the law left the commission no choice but
to enforce the ban on youth cycles and ATVs even with no evidence
children would ingest or absorb the items. The industry has petitioned
the commission for an exemption.

The ban will have repercussions economically.

The Motorcycle Industry Council estimates nearly 100,000 youth bikes
were sold in the USA in 2008, though some were aimed at kids 13 and
older and not covered by the ban. Dealernews, an industry trade
publication, estimates that the value of inventory at U.S. dealers
that can no longer be sold probably exceeds $100 million.

Beyond current inventory, Kawasaki spokeswoman Jan Plessner said the
company has "millions and millions of dollars" worth of parts now in
the product pipeline to dealers that cannot be sold.

Most cycles and ATVs are made overseas, but there are tens of
thousands of jobs attached to the industry here. More than 13,000
powersports dealers sell products in the United States, according to
the Motorcycle Industry Council, employing an estimated 124,000
people. Vitrano says the industry estimates the retail market value
for all off-road cycles and ATVs is $14.5 billion a year, including
sales, service, parts, accessories and payroll.

'Are you kidding?'

Children appeared perplexed by the ban.

"Are you kidding? This is silly," says Zack Bartell, 12, who was
taking a dirt-bike riding lesson at School for Dirt's track next to
Kawasaki Motors' U.S. headquarters here. "There's no way I'm going to
stick a motorcycle part in my mouth."

The 12-and-under market is a huge focus for the industry because it
believes children who ride will grow up to be adult riders and
consumers as well. It builds bikes with single-cylinder motors as
small as 50cc that fit children.

Children as young as Karsyn Boyd, who said she was "6 and a quarter,"
were riding with ease after an hour or so of instruction, carving
figure eights, traversing hills and cutting around orange cones.

Vitrano says the ban will have a perverse effect: Rather than no
longer riding, kids who can't get a cycle their size may hop on a bike
made for older children or adults — one inappropriate and dangerous
for a smaller child.

Terry Dempsey, sales manager at Long Beach Motorsports in Long Beach,
Calif., said he sold $120,000 worth of youth bikes last year, plus
more in parts, service and accessories.

"We're already down 30% (from recession), and now we just lost another
10% to 15% of our customer base," Dempsey says.

The economy notwithstanding, enthusiasts say the ban needlessly kills
a family-oriented sport where children ride with their moms and dads
and, like other sports, can induce children to behave.

"I know if I keep my grades up, I can keep riding," says Zack, who
started riding at age 5.
I wonder if this applies to bicycles and tricycles? They have some of
the same metals in handlebars, frames, wheels etc.

On Feb 17, 3:33*pm, HK wrote:
wrote:
From USA today...

By William M. Welch, USA TODAY
IRVINE, Calif. — A new federal law aimed at protecting children from
lead in toys has also forced a nationwide halt in sales of off-road
motorcycles and recreational vehicles built for young riders, killing
off a multimillion-dollar industry that was thriving despite the
recession.
Thousands of powersports dealers were told to halt sales of vehicles
designed for children 12 and younger because of new lead restrictions
in an act of Congress that took effect Feb. 10.

Even used vehicle sales are banned by law passed in response to lead
found in toys imported from China.

The Bill was signed last fall by...why...it was signed by your guy,
former President George W. Bush.

I'm sure the "kiddie abuse little bitty motorcycle makers assn" will
file for an exemption, if it hasn't already. Such exemptions are common
when a new "blanket" regulation has unforeseen consequences. That is,
assuming the motorcycle manufacturers and their sale agents have the
brains to push for it.

How was it decided which motorcycles were for kids? Engine displacement?

Here's an idea: if this reg will impact your kid, advise her to switch
her hobby to something that will help here succeed in life. You know,
math, spelling, geography, English, science...

And of course learning right from wrong, and that it's wrong to lie.

"HK" wrote in message
...
wrote:
The Bill was signed last fall by...why...it was signed by your guy,
former
President George W. Bush.
I'm sure the "kiddie abuse little bitty motorcycle makers assn" will
file
for an exemption, if it hasn't already. Such exemptions are common when
a
new "blanket" regulation has unforeseen consequences. That is, assuming
the motorcycle manufacturers and their sale agents have the brains to
push
for it.
How was it decided which motorcycles were for kids? Engine
displacement?
Here's an idea: if this reg will impact your kid, advise her to switch
her
hobby to something that will help here succeed in life. You know, math,
spelling, geography, English, science...
If JustHate wants to help rather than complain... he should encourage
development of a practical electric engine kiddie motorcycle.- Hide
quoted text -

- Show quoted text -

First off dolt, the ban has nothing to do with the type of engine,
although I a sure the greenies had something to do with it.. You
should really have read the article before acting like an idiot...

As to Harry's tripe I did not say Obama or Bush. Unlike you idiots I
don't post everything with a political slant.. The companies have been
trying to get a waiver for them, but again, the greens are probably
deep into this. They have used a portion of a bill that doesn't allow
lead over 600 ppm in products "marketed" to children under 13 so bikes
under 85 cc's are effected. Watch out though, your kids XBox has lead
solder, and there are many other toys and such coming down the road
with this one.. Fact is, most kids, even little ones don't chew on
their motorcycles, but the lawmakers know that... Either way, it is
just another way to attack the industry...


Despite your paranoia and other mental illnesses, it is unlikely the
regulations were passed to "attack the (kiddie motorcycle) industry.
Rather, to date, the kiddie motorcycle industry has thus far been
ineffective in getting an exemption.

It would be a good idea to ban entirely for safety reasons kiddie
motorcycles, but that isn't in the cards.

Tell you what...write and call regulators with your usual persuasive
manner and style, and I'm sure you'll never get the exemptions you seek.

Oh...my kids are too old for video games, and my grandkids' parents push
books on them, not video games.

JustHate could be the 'poster boy' as an example of what happens when you go
around sucking on exhaust pipes.

HK wrote:

Oh...my kids are too old for video games, and my grandkids' parents push
books on them, not video games.

How the hell would you know, WAFA? They wrote you off years ago.

On Feb 17, 7:49*pm, Frog Britches wrote:
wrote:
From USA today...

By William M. Welch, USA TODAY
IRVINE, Calif. — A new federal law aimed at protecting children from
lead in toys has also forced a nationwide halt in sales of off-road
motorcycles and recreational vehicles built for young riders, killing
off a multimillion-dollar industry that was thriving despite the
recession.
Thousands of powersports dealers were told to halt sales of vehicles
designed for children 12 and younger because of new lead restrictions
in an act of Congress that took effect Feb. 10.

Even used vehicle sales are banned by law passed in response to lead
found in toys imported from China.

"We're out of business as far as the youth market goes," says Rick
Rizzon, owner of Rizzon Cycle in Middlesex, N.J. "It's crazy."

With the motor vehicle industry already hurting from recession, he
said the ban means a 20% drop in sales of youth off-road motorcycles
and the parts business for bikes already sold.

FIND MORE STORIES IN: United States | California | Congress | New
Jersey | China | D-Mich | ATVs | Middlesex | Motorcycle Industry
Council | Joseph Martyak
The ban hits California especially hard. Off-roading is hugely popular
among families in the state and several state parks are devoted to
dirt riding.

Kevin Matty, finance director at Temecula Motorsports in Temecula,
Calif., (where the desert is a big draw for dirt bikers) estimates the
ban will wipe out half of his business sales.

"I thought it was a joke," Matty said, until the manufacturers told
him he had to take the youth vehicles off the showroom floor.

Economic repercussions

Passed by Congress after a series of reports concerning toys made in
China with lead, the law bans sale of products aimed at children if
they contain more than 600 parts per million of lead, says Joseph
Martyak, chief of staff to the acting chairman of the U.S. Consumer
Product Safety Commission.

Lead is found in steel and other metal alloys in the frame, motor and
multiple other parts, said Paul Vitrano, general counsel for the
Motorcycle Industry Council. The lead strengthens the metals and
resists corrosion.

Supporters of the law hailed its passage in August.

Rep. John Conyers, D-Mich., a bill co-sponsor, said at the time that
supporting the law "is a vote for industry accountability, regulatory
integrity, and most importantly, child safety."

Martyak said the wording of the law left the commission no choice but
to enforce the ban on youth cycles and ATVs even with no evidence
children would ingest or absorb the items. The industry has petitioned
the commission for an exemption.

The ban will have repercussions economically.

The Motorcycle Industry Council estimates nearly 100,000 youth bikes
were sold in the USA in 2008, though some were aimed at kids 13 and
older and not covered by the ban. Dealernews, an industry trade
publication, estimates that the value of inventory at U.S. dealers
that can no longer be sold probably exceeds $100 million.

Beyond current inventory, Kawasaki spokeswoman Jan Plessner said the
company has "millions and millions of dollars" worth of parts now in
the product pipeline to dealers that cannot be sold.

Most cycles and ATVs are made overseas, but there are tens of
thousands of jobs attached to the industry here. More than 13,000
powersports dealers sell products in the United States, according to
the Motorcycle Industry Council, employing an estimated 124,000
people. Vitrano says the industry estimates the retail market value
for all off-road cycles and ATVs is $14.5 billion a year, including
sales, service, parts, accessories and payroll.

'Are you kidding?'

Children appeared perplexed by the ban.

"Are you kidding? This is silly," says Zack Bartell, 12, who was
taking a dirt-bike riding lesson at School for Dirt's track next to
Kawasaki Motors' U.S. headquarters here. "There's no way I'm going to
stick a motorcycle part in my mouth."

The 12-and-under market is a huge focus for the industry because it
believes children who ride will grow up to be adult riders and
consumers as well. It builds bikes with single-cylinder motors as
small as 50cc that fit children.

Children as young as Karsyn Boyd, who said she was "6 and a quarter,"
were riding with ease after an hour or so of instruction, carving
figure eights, traversing hills and cutting around orange cones.

Vitrano says the ban will have a perverse effect: Rather than no
longer riding, kids who can't get a cycle their size may hop on a bike
made for older children or adults — one inappropriate and dangerous
for a smaller child.

Terry Dempsey, sales manager at Long Beach Motorsports in Long Beach,
Calif., said he sold $120,000 worth of youth bikes last year, plus
more in parts, service and accessories.

"We're already down 30% (from recession), and now we just lost another
10% to 15% of our customer base," Dempsey says.

The economy notwithstanding, enthusiasts say the ban needlessly kills
a family-oriented sport where children ride with their moms and dads
and, like other sports, can induce children to behave.

"I know if I keep my grades up, I can keep riding," says Zack, who
started riding at age 5.

I wonder if this applies to bicycles and tricycles? They have some of
the same metals in handlebars, frames, wheels etc.- Hide quoted text -

- Show quoted text -

Yes, I have heard grumblings.. This is very serious at this time,
dealers took all inventory off the floor last week and sent them back
to the manu. Spare parts too so even one to two year old bikes can not
be serviced with the most minor fixes. Aside from kids, there is a
very active amateur and professional "pit bike" racing for kids right
up to adults which uses these small bikes. Some of those guys have
7-10 thousand dollars into these racers, it's a real shame. Many
racing orgs for kids and adults are shutting down the season for
juniors, and of course what adult would go racing and have his kid sit
and watch for a whole weekend when he used to be able to race too. I
can't say enough for the families who are involved in this sport. It
is one of the greatest gatherings you could attend. Kind of like a
campground where everyone knows each other, dogs, lawnchairs, campers,
great food, music, and generally very little alcohol unless descreetly
used at night after the day is over. These kids are generally very
serious and most like mine can't ride unless they keep the grades
high, I have never seen a more responsible and respectful group of
kids anywhere...

Anyway, anyone who cares should write their idiot in congress.... I
won't be around much for a while so I won't have to read Harry and
Donnies jelous rants....

Later, Scotty (aka) Splat Cat

Rowdy Mouse Racing, Bitch all you want, after the race!

wrote in message
...
snip...
Anyway, anyone who cares should write their idiot in congress.... I
won't be around much for a while so I won't have to read Harry and
Donnies jelous rants....

Later, Scotty (aka) Splat Cat

Rowdy Mouse Racing, Bitch all you want, after the race!
************************************************** **********

"jelous" of what??
We're just concerned for your childrens welfare.

On Feb 17, 6:59*pm, "Don White" wrote:
"HK" wrote in message

...





wrote:
The Bill was signed last fall by...why...it was signed by your guy,
former
President George W. Bush.
I'm sure the "kiddie abuse little bitty motorcycle makers assn" will
file
for an exemption, if it hasn't already. Such exemptions are common when
a
new "blanket" regulation has unforeseen consequences. That is, assuming
the motorcycle manufacturers and their sale agents have the brains to
push
for it.
How was it decided which motorcycles were for kids? Engine
displacement?
Here's an idea: if this reg will impact your kid, advise her to switch
her
hobby to something that will help here succeed in life. You know, math,
spelling, geography, English, science...
If JustHate wants to help rather than complain... he should encourage
development of a practical electric engine kiddie motorcycle.- Hide
quoted text -

- Show quoted text -

First off dolt, the ban has nothing to do with the type of engine,
although I a sure the greenies had something to do with it.. You
should really have read the article before acting like an idiot...

As to Harry's tripe I did not say Obama or Bush. Unlike you idiots I
don't post everything with a political slant.. The companies have been
trying to get a waiver for them, but again, the greens are probably
deep into this. They have used a portion of a bill that doesn't allow
lead over 600 ppm in products "marketed" to children under 13 so bikes
under 85 cc's are effected. Watch out though, your kids XBox has lead
solder, and there are many other toys and such coming down the road
with this one.. Fact is, most kids, even little ones don't chew on
their motorcycles, but the lawmakers know that... Either way, it is
just another way to attack the industry...

Despite your paranoia and other mental illnesses, it is unlikely the
regulations were passed to "attack the (kiddie motorcycle) industry.
Rather, to date, the kiddie motorcycle industry has thus far been
ineffective in getting an exemption.

It would be a good idea to ban entirely for safety reasons kiddie
motorcycles, but that isn't in the cards.

Tell you what...write and call regulators with your usual persuasive
manner and style, and I'm sure you'll never get the exemptions you seek..

Oh...my kids are too old for video games, and my grandkids' parents push
books on them, not video games.

JustHate could be the 'poster boy' as an example of what happens when you go
around sucking on exhaust pipes.- Hide quoted text -

- Show quoted text -

And you, Donnie Boy, could serve as a reminder of the damage that can
be done to a baby's brain by being in the birth canal just a little
too long during birthing.