AMA urges support for language that would protect kids’ access to youth OHV’s

PICKERINGTON, Ohio — The American Motorcyclist Association (AMA) is urging all motorcyclists and ATV riders to ask their U.S. senators and representatives to support language in an appropriations bill that would allow kids’ dirtbikes and all-terrain vehicles (ATVs) to continue to be sold.

The language, written by Rep. Denny Rehberg (R-Mont.) and included in the House fiscal year 2010 Financial Services Appropriations bill, would bar the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) from spending money to implement or enforce a section of the Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act (CPSIA) that relates to youth-model off-highway motorcycles and ATVs.

The CPSIA limits the amount of lead allowed in products meant for children 12-years old and younger. While aimed at toys originating in China, the law also covers youth-model off-highway motorcycles and ATVs because certain parts, including batteries and valve stems, may contain lead.

When the law took effect, off-highway motorcycle and ATV manufacturers told their dealers to stop selling machines meant for kids 12 and under, as well as some of the parts to maintain them. That’s because no new or used kids’ machines or certain parts for those machines could be sold unless they were tested and certified at government-approved labs to meet the new federal lead-level requirements.

“Unfortunately, while Washington bureaucrats bicker over the meaning of words, the intent of Congress to protect kids from dangerous toys is being ignored,” said Rehberg, a member of the House Appropriations Committee. “The federal government is now forcing children to ride adult-sized motorcycles, ATVs and snowmobiles — a serious danger that’s much more real than the invented threat of chewing on a battery cable or valve stem.

“I don’t know of anyone in the House or Senate who intended this, and it’s important to off-road enthusiasts and American families that we work together to fix it once and for all,” Rehberg said.

Earlier this year, the CPSC said it would not enforce the ban on the sale of kids’ dirt bikes and ATVs until May 1, 2011.While the Rehberg language is in the House bill that was approved by the full House and sent to the Senate for consideration, there is no similar language in any Senate appropriations bill. Therefore, the AMA is asking concerned motorcyclists and ATV riders to urge their senators and representatives to include the Rehberg language in the final version of the fiscal year 2010 Financial Services appropriations bill or the Omnibus Appropriations bill, whichever passes the full Senate.

The most effective way to contact your senators and representative is to call them. To obtain contact information for elected officials, go to AmericanMotorcyclist.com.

Issues Legislation. Additionally, a prewritten e-mail is available immediately to send to lawmakers by following the “Take Action” option and entering the constituent information.

“AMA members and motorcyclists everywhere have shown that we can make a difference when we pull together and act as a group,” said Ed Moreland, AMA vice president for government relations. “Now is the time to work with your elected senators and representative to get them to include the Rehberg language in the appropriations bill that comes out of the Senate. Let them know how important it is to continue to allow responsible and safe family enjoyment in riding dirtbikes and ATVs.”

Arizona Dirt & Sand Expo & Arizona Motorcycle Expo December 12th & 13th

PHOENIX, AZ – NOVEMBER 11, 2009: The Arizona Dirt & Sand Expo has combined with the Arizona Motorcycle Expo at the Arizona State Fairgrounds for one big show the weekend of December 12th and 13th. With the economic state, the promoters AZ Expos, Inc have changed the structure from a formal show to a SuperSwap with very affordable $100 booth prices.

AZ Expo has opened up booth spaces to all companies and the general public that would like to sell their new and used off-road parts and accessories as part of the SuperSwap. All booth spaces are just $100 for a 9x17. Sign up for one space, or multiple to fit your trailer or products. All booth spaces are outdoors with AZ December weather being historically pleasant. Companies and SuperSwap Vendors please reserve your spots now by calling 480-899-6458, or contact Charlene@BowerMedia.com with questions.

“As many of you know, I produce these events because of my love for the Powersports community,” said Andy Myers. “I am fully aware of the brutal economy we live in and it is for that reason I am changing this event dramatically. Businesses and spectators are encouraged to display their used goods to sell at this event. This is an open format expo.” To encourage attendance, AZ Expo Inc has also dropped the entry cost to $10, with kids under 12 free and have added limited free parking.

The Arizona Dirt & Sand Expo has a 7 year track record of being the largest off-road show in Arizona, then combine that with the 6 year running of the Arizona Motorcycle Expo and they are teamed up for success. This is traditionally a buyers show with it being two weeks before Christmas. The timing makes it a great show to get gifts for family and friends and also a great time for you to raise extra cash for the holiday!

Date: Saturday December 12th 10am – 8pm & Sunday December 13th 10am – 4pm

More Detailed Information: www.arizonasandexpo.com

Baja Designs Introduces New LED Dome/Rock Light

Baja Designs NEW LED Dome/Rock Light is extremely small yet 1 ½ times brighter than competitor’s larger 15 LED units. It is waterproof and can be mounted anywhere. It has a 360 degree optic to illuminate your cab, engine bay, wheel wells or anywhere you need a super bright, super smooth light!

“Amazingly clear, vibrant white light output. Quite possibly the brightest LED undercarriage light ever offered.”

-Robin Stover, Feature Editor, Four Wheeler Magazine

It is available with or without an integrated switch and in tube mount or panel mount versions. If desired the tube mount versions can even be installed using a zip tie - no drilling required. Its simple two wire installation will have you on the trails in no time.

Baja Designs is a leading manufacturer and marketer of high-quality aftermarket lighting systems and adventure products for the off-road industry. Headquarters are located in San Marcos, California.

www.bajadesigns.com

Accel DFI Gen 8 ECM Now Available

THE ULTIMATE PROGRAMMABLE ENGINE MANAGEMENT SYSTEM

Gen 8, Sequential Engine Management System is a real-time programmable Spark and Fuel system that features ignition signal profiles that can be adapted to read virtually any stock, aftermarket, or custom triggering signal.

This module is capable of controlling engine configurations ranging from a single ignition coil, to waste spark systems, and even coil-per-plug applications.

• ACCEL/DFI Patented, Programmable, and Precise Engine Control is now available for Fuel Injected engines ranging from 2 to 8 Cylinders.
• All-in-one design has up to 8 Coil on Plug spark outputs, and 8 fuel injector outputs in one module.
• Plug and Play support for common engine platforms like GM LS1, LS2, LS3, LS6, LS7, Ford EDIS, Ford 36-1, Chrysler 5.7L and 6.1L Hemi, and others.
• Multiple programmable inputs and outputs are available to support up to 5 stages of Nitrous Oxide / Power Adders, Fan Control, Cam phasing,VTEC, and other high-tech accessories.
• 4 Mapping Strategies switchable on the fly. Software selectable Main RPM limit, 2 Step, and 3 Step Engine RPM Limiters
• Multiple output controls handle functions like Torque Converter Lockup, Fan Control, Shift light, Delay Box, Trans Brake, and other generic outputs.
• Low impedance injector drivers can run multiple injectors with up to 8 Amps available current per driver.
• Integrated 64 Channel internal Data Logging System – No laptop computer is required to record data.
• Three on-board microprocessors for amazing control, accuracy, and blazing speed up to 15,000 RPM.

Thruster ICM system kit for use with Single Ignition Coil Applications (Ignition control only) - 75801
Thruster ICM system kit for use with Multi-Channel, ‘Conventional’ coil applications (Ignition control only) - 75802
Thruster ICM system kit for use with Multi-Channel, ‘Smart’ LS style coils. (Ignition control only) - 75803
Thruster Ignition Control Module Upgrade to Gen 8 – (Includes Flash upgrade, Main Fuel Harness, and software) - 78800FUEL
GEN 8 – Engine Control Module (ECM Only) - 75800ECM
GEN 8 – Engine Management System kit for use with Single Ignition Coil Applications (Ignition & Fuel Control) - 75805
GEN 8 – Engine Management System kit for use with Multi-Channel, ‘Conventional’ coils (Ignition & Fuel control) - 75806
GEN 8 – Engine Management System kit for use with Multi-Channel, ‘Smart’ LS style coils (Ignition & Fuel control) - 75807

CONTROL FOR UP TO 8 INDIVIDUAL IGNITION CHANNELS
Unlike competing systems that require separate modules to drive multiple coils, the ACCEL/DFI ECM can directly fire up to 8 ignition coils with no additional hardware.And since it’s fully programmable, the ECM can be configured to control virtually any ignition setup found on today’s multi-coil equipped vehicles.

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The new Accel Gen 8 ECM is available now from Autotrend EFI. Autotrend EFI has been an authorized Accel/DFI EMIC dealer since 1992 and specializes in aftermarket Electronic Fuel Injection systems and components. Whether your looking for a complete turn key EFI conversion or the components and expertise to do it yourself, Autotrend has the knowledge and experience to make your project a success. In addition to EFI systems, Autotrend manufactures show quality custom EFI wire harnesses and fuse/relay panels. Autotrend EFI can be found on the web at www.autotrendefi.com or by calling (530) 642-0999.

Under-Sheriff reports on first big weekend at the Imperial Sand Dunes

Source: http://kxoradio.com/content/view/6328/1/
First off-road weekend relatively safe…Under-Sheriff Fred Miramontes gave his report to the Supervisors Tuesday.

The Halloween Weekend was the first off-road Weekend in the Imperial Recreational Sand Dune area. The biggest Off-Road Weekend is the long Thanksgiving Weekend, followed by New Years. The Under-Sheriff said 64,000 were reported at the Dune areas of Glamis and Buttercup Valley. He said that number is down from 90,000 reported last year. Miramontes said the economy and other off-road events kept the numbers down. He said the Deputies deployed over the Halloween Weekend made 6 arrests, issued 120 citations and responded to 8 medical calls. The Under-Sheriff said more medical calls were received by the Bureau of Land Management, but no fatalities were reported anywhere during the weekend. He said his Department is prepared for the Thanksgiving Day Weekend, even though they have less funds available this year for security measures.

LAT SPECIALLY BLENDED SYNTHETIC RACING OILS

For the past couple of years LAT Racing Oils have become a household name in the pits of virtually every form of motor racing, and there’s good reason. Racers are realizing exceptional results. Expense is not a consideration at LAT and each blend begins with the very finest, Group IV and Group V base oils available. These extremely pure oils are blended with the company’s exclusive LFR additive to provide a new level of protection for engines running at high rpm.

Independent testing has shown noticeable reductions in friction, scuffing, galling and engine temperatures. Specific components in the blend provide the oils with a high flash point and extreme resistance to thermal breakdown. No matter if you’re looking for an edge at the track or superior protection for your high performance street engine LAT’s High Performance Synthetic Racing Oils are blended to provide superior lubrication with increases in torque and horsepower.

Available in 20w50, 5w30 and 0w20.You can examine the complete LAT Line of racing engine and gear Oils at www.latracingoils.com or call direct to 888-LAT-OILS (528-6457).

Floating Border Fence Holding Strong at Imperial Sand Dunes

Source: http://www.kyma.com/slp.php?idN=2948

It has been one year since the U.S. Border Patrol's built its floating fence in the Imperial Sand Dunes. Stretching 11 miles long and 15 feet high, its steel metal beams separate Mexico from the United States. Designed to sit on top of the sand and have sand blow through it instead of pile up next to it, agents say it has been doing its job.

Vik also says, "It's one of the busiest areas. This place in particular was notorious drug trafficking."

Before the fence was built, smugglers and illegal immigrants would have easy access to Interstate-8. Vik says, “All they would have to do is walk a short distance and get picked up by someone on the other side or hop in a four wheel drive and across the sand."

Vik says activity in the area is almost nothing. “We have had in the entire fiscal year of 2009, only 66 attempts to cross the fence."

Vik praises the engineers who designed the fence. “They actually had to think way outside of the box to create this and it has exceeded expectations."