California Lawmakers Back EPA Compliant Requirement For Riders Of New Motorcycles

Well California is already ahead of the game with the EPA compliant exhaust systems for motorcycles.  The one good thing if you want to call it that is if you live in California and you purchased your motorcycle before 2011 you will be exempt from this law.  The following information comes from the American Motorcyclist Association(AMA) website:

A key California State Assembly committee has endorsed a proposal to require motorcyclists to have EPA-compliant exhaust systems on their model year 2011 and newer motorcycles.

On June 28, the Committee on Transportation voted 8-4 to approve Senate Bill 435, introduced by Sen. Fran Pavley (D-Oxnard-Los Angeles), which would make it illegal to ride a motorcycle on the road built on, or after, Jan. 1, 2011, that doesn't display a federal Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) label certifying the exhaust system meets sound emissions standards.

Riders caught riding model year 2011 or newer motorcycles without this stamp would be issued "fix it" tickets by law enforcement officers.

The measure now goes to the Assembly Appropriations Committee for further consideration.

"Many EPA labels are very difficult to locate on motorcycles," said AMA Western States Representative Nick Haris. "This proposed law could lead to a flurry of tickets for motorcyclists who have legal exhaust systems on their machines with EPA labels that can't be easily seen. It's unreasonable to expect a law enforcement officer to easily locate an EPA label, and it's simply unfair to expect a motorcycle owner to partially dismantle an exhaust system alongside the road to prove the label exists.

"Requiring that a motorcycle display a readily visible EPA label isn't the correct way to address concerns about excessive motorcycle sound," he added. "The only objective way to determine whether a motorcycle complies with sound laws is for properly trained personnel to conduct sound level tests using calibrated meters and an agreed-upon testing procedure."

Haris suggested that concerned California motorcyclists contact their state lawmakers and urge them to reject Senate Bill 435. To do so, go here  and select "CA" in the drop down menu.

The AMA has long maintained a position of strong opposition to excessive motorcycle sound. In September 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. The model legislation offers an objective method to evaluate motorcycle sound based on the Society of Automotive Engineers' (SAE) J2825 standard, "Measurement of Exhaust Sound Pressure Levels of Stationary On-Highway Motorcycles." For more information, here.

Marine Salutes Rolling Thunder Riders in DC for 4 Hours

A solitary Marine holds vigil at full attention during the Rolling Thunder motorcycle rally in tribute to fallen comrades. More than 1.4 million have watched this video of Marine Sgt. Tim Chambers standing for more than 4 hours at attention to salute more than 300,000 Rolling Thunder riders passing through Washington DC on Memorial Day weekend 2010.

He has been doing this for 6 years, and this year took a leave of absence from the Marine Corps to travel with "Carry The Flame" to Washington. "Run For The Wall" riders follow two cross-country routes every year, from California and Texas to join the Rolling Thunder Run through Washington DC, attended by nearly a million motorcycle enthusiasts.



We salute you, Marine Sgt. Tim Chambers! Semper Fi!

View an excellent video of the 2010 Rolling Thunder First Amendment Demonstration Run.

Rolling Thunder began in 1987 as a demonstration to bring awareness to the plight of prisoners of war (POW) and to those missing in action (MIA). Rolling Thunder originated when four Vietnam Veterans, exercising the First Amendment "Right to Petition and Assemble", organized the first group of 2500 motorcycles to ride through the streets of Washington, DC. This first Rolling Thunder run was made in an attempt to petition the government to take responsibility for the soldiers that were abandoned after the Vietnam War ended.

Today over 300, 000 motorcycles ride during the Rolling Thunder Memorial Day weekend observance, held each year in our nation’s capital. Rolling Thunder has evolved to be not only a demonstration for the POW/MIA issue but also a demonstration of patriotism and respect for soldiers and veterans from all wars.

Run For The Wall XXII - May 19 to 30 - "The Missing Man Formation" leads riders across the country to the Vietnam Veteran's Memorial Wall in Washington DC to promote healing among ALL veterans, their families and friends; to call for an accounting of all POW/MIA; to honor the memory of those killed in action in all wars; and to support military personnel all over the world. "We ride for those who can't" - http://www.rftw.com/

As summer is here

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Hi, up for auction is this early 1960's (1963/1964) Wardy Surfboard. This board is in extremely clean condition with some minor scratches and a clean repair of the nose shown in the pictures and a few repairs along the rail. Great opportunity to own a part of surfing history. You will not find another one this nice! I would perfer to have this board be picked up by the buyer but will deliver this board to the L.A or San Diego area for $70. If you want to ship this board it is up to the buyer to make arrangements and cover costs. The board is 9' 6" Balsa Stringer. Never been restored! Thank you!




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Going For the Burnout Record, Thursday Night At Sturgis 2010

What do you get when you have 500 motorcycles burning out at the same time? A world record

The Broken Spoke Saloon and Campground is proud to announce that their S&S Burnout is Back!!! The same rubber chunking, heart pounding, hair raising event that first graced the County Line during the 2009 Black Hills Rally is kicking off round two in 2010.

It's going to be a Thursday Night, Bike Night World Record Burnout Night: August 12th and S&S Cycles will be giving away an S&S motor!!

500 lucky individuals will line their motorcycles up to become part of history and create a one off burnout that may even be seen from the far reaches of space. Of course safety is the number one factor and The Broken Spoke will be bringing in concrete jersey barriers for contestants to pull up to. Each and every rider will receive a number and be sent a corresponding certificate for their participation in this one of a kind experience. They will also receive a raffle ticket for their chance of taking home that shiny new S&S motor. This will be the only way to get your shot at the motorcycle history books and a killer prize from America’s premiere horsepower provider so don’t miss out.

Head over to the Broken Spoke Campground from 12 to 3pm  to sign up. Or pre-register by sending an email to lisa@dbcustomleather.com to reserve your number. All contestants will be required to sign a waiver. If you are not present, your number will be handed over to another contestant at the start of the event.

Immediately after - Sign up for the Cycle Source Motorcycle Bike Show! Sign up to enter your personal build (3 to 6 p.m. registration) for a chance to go home with a one-off trophy!

HOUSE COMMITTEE APPROVES LANE SPLITTING IN ARIZONA

Now here is a great idea "Lane Splitting".  I think all the states should allow this definitely during heavy traffic congestion.  There is nothing like sitting in traffic and your motorcycle over heats or a car that is not paying attention suddenly rear end you "ouch".  With more and more American's riding motorcycles this is a law that should be considered by all states  Right now most motorcyclists will and do "whiteline" during heavy congestion and risk getting tickets, bikes towed etc., for the sake of not being stuck in traffic.

A bill to allow "Lane Splitting" in Arizona has been unanimously approved by legislative committee.  Also known as white lining, or "filtering" as it is commonly referred to in Europe, motorcycles are allowed to weave between lines of cars in heavy traffic.  Such practice is legal in the United States only in California and Washington, D.C., but HB2475 would allow lane splitting through stopped traffic in Maricopa County only to begin with for a one year trial starting next year.

"The biggest factor on the bill is SAFETY and to try and reduce the number or rear end accidents," said Mick Degan, lobbyist for the Modified Motorcycle Association (MMA) of Arizona.  "DPS is behind and support of this bill along with AAA."

Also advocating for the measure is former California cop Ted Storck who wrote to the Arizona Republic newspaper; "As an ex-Los Angeles Police Officer, I support House Bill 2475, which would allow Arizona motorcyclists to split lanes.  It is allowed in California and has proven to be safe.  I never once investigated an accident where a motorcyclist had an accident due to passing other vehicles in the same lane when the freeways were slow or stopped.  However, it did result in more and more people riding motorcycles, cutting down on traffic congestion.  Even the head of the California Highway Patrol agrees that this California law should remain in effect.  He agrees it cuts traffic congestion and has not resulted in any extra risk to motorcyclists or other vehicles."

The lane splitting bill, sponsored by Republican Representative Jerry Weiers of Glendale, has already cleared two committees in the House and faces a floor vote soon before it can be considered in the Senate.

1976 Factory works CZ400

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During the mid to late 1960's, the Czech factory had already won multiple World
Championships in the 250cc class with Joel Robert winning in 1964 and again
in the 1968 and 1969. Other World Champions with CZ bikes were Viktor
Arbekov in the 1965 (250 cc), and Paul Friedrichs in the 1966, 1967 and 1968 in
the 500 cc class. During the 1970's an early 1980's, the open class CZ's were
primarily campaigned by members of the Russian team. They enjoyed little
success rarely finishing in the top ten.

In 1975, at the Motocross des Nations held in Sedicany Czechoslovakia, The
Czech team consisting of Antonin Baborovski, Jiri Churavy, Miroslav Novacek
and Zdenek Velky won the over all beating a very strong Belgium team. The
first and last time a Czech Team has won the Motocross des Nations and it was
done on Czech soil, on Czech bikes!!!

"Works" CZ's featured sand cast magnesium center and outer cases. The
shocks are finned all the way to the mounting bracket. Preston Petty fenders
were standard items on the "works" CZ's in 1976. The air box is aluminum as is
the hand formed "peanut" style tank.

This bike has not been restored, only cleaned and touched up. Currently there
are no plans to take the process any further.

Via :

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Newcastle Speedway

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via : the Newcastle Speedway

Newcastle had a great run between 1961 and 1969, good crowds, great riders and great music playing in the stadium.
The signature tune "Diamonds", by ex-shadows bassist Jet Harris was played every week from 1963 onwards! We thought the speedway would go on for ever but by 1970 things had changed, although not the signature tune!
Mike Parker had moved his operations and star man Ole Olsen to Wolverhampton. Ian Hoskins came in with high hopes.

Ian Hoskins, Newcastle boss for 1970. Here he is introducing his previous team Edinburgh at Brough in the 1960's. Ian was doing the big introductions long before the boxing guy.


This team started the season on 30.3.1970. It was the last season the Diamonds would line up in traditional Black Leathers. To me this had been the classic look of a Speedway team for 40 years, but sadly it was the end of an era. It had all changed when Speedway returned to Brough in 1975.



Practice day 1970 Dave Gifford, Anders Michanek, Mike Watkin and Dag Lovaas
The Ian Hoskins regime lasted just the one season and the track went quiet for 4 years...




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