MNO Blog – Motorcycles, News, Opinions

Passage of “Right to Repair” Protects Vehicle Ownership Rights

BETHESDA, Md., Oct. 31 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ — The Motorcycle Riders Foundation has declared its support of the Motor Vehicle Owners’ Right to Repair Act (HR 2694) and strongly urges Congress to pass the legislation in order to safeguard individual vehicle ownership rights.

The legislative intent of the Right to Repair Act is to offer protections for motor vehicle owners by making it illegal for vehicle manufacturers to withhold information necessary to diagnose, service or repair motor vehicles.

“The fact is that consumers are entitled to the right to choose how their motor vehicle is maintained or upgraded. The point of Right to Repair is not to discourage vehicle owners from using the dealership for service, but to protect the freedom of American consumers to choose how they take care of their motor vehicle, be it in their driveway or at a trusted repair facility,” said Jeff Hennie, vice president of government relations for the Motorcycle Riders Foundation.

“We have formally committed to support the Right to Repair Act because we believe that safeguarding individual ownership rights is an absolute must. Access to accurate information when it comes to the repair or upkeep of a vehicle is essential to the safety and well being of the entire American motoring public,” continued Hennie.

The Motorcycle Riders Foundation encourages its members and all motorists to visit www.righttorepair.org to send a letter to each of their congressional representatives, urging them to support the Right to Repair Act (HR 2694) by adding their names to the growing list of co-sponsors.

About the Motorcycle Riders Foundation:

The Motorcycle Riders Foundation (MRF), incorporated in 1987, is a membership-based, national motorcyclists’ rights organization headquartered in Washington, DC. As the first motorcyclists’ rights organization to establish a full-time presence in Washington, MRF is the only Washington voice devoted exclusively to the street rider. MRF established MRFPAC in the early 1990s to advocate the election of candidates who would champion the cause of rider safety and rider freedom. For more information, visit www.mrf.org.

About Right to Repair:

The Right to Repair Act, which was introduced by Rep. Edolphus Towns (D-NY), would require vehicle manufacturers to make the same service information and tools capabilities available to vehicle owners and their independent repair shops that they provide their to their franchised dealer networks. The legislation further provides vehicle manufacturers with strong protections for their trade secrets unless that information is provided to their franchised dealers. The bill clarifies the responsibilities of the Federal Trade Commission in enforcing the bill’s requirements. For more information about the Right to Repair Act, visit www.RightToRepair.org. First Call Analyst: FCMN Contact:

Source: Automotive Aftermarket Industry Association

Technorati Tags: biker rights, law, legal, motorcycle news, motorcycles

Optimization technology software helps Ducati drive innovation in taking concept bike on the road.

TROY, Mich., Oct. 22 /PRNewswire/ — Altair Engineering, Inc., a leading global provider of technology and services that empower client innovation and decision-making, today announced that Ducati, the leading manufacturer of racing-inspired motorcycles has chosen Altair HyperWorks as its preferred tool for the optimization and verification of structural parts for the series production development of the “Hypermotard.” The Hypermotard concept motorcycle has already won several awards following its presentation at the EICMA, the 63rd International Motorcycle Exhibition held in Milan during November 2005. To continue this success, Ducati has now taken the prize- winning bike into series production. The Hypermotard 1100 and 1100 S were launched in spring 2007.

“When we presented the Hypermotard as a concept bike at the EICMA, it was enthusiastically received,” said Simone Di Piazza, head of the calculation department at Ducati. “International experts and attendees praised both Hypermotard’s outstanding technology and Pierre Terblanche’s excellent design. Everybody at Ducati was extremely pleased that the prototype was awarded ‘Best of Show’ at the Motorcycle Design Association ‘Designers Night.’ Reassured by this successful presentation, we knew it was time to go into series production with the bike, and started the development for series production in March 2006. As soon as we knew we would go into series production with the bike, we started to look for a state-of-the-art simulation tool to deal with the challenges we would have to face. We then learned that HyperWork’s integrated framework fit our needs in the area of structural optimization perfectly. We are confident that HyperWorks is the best choice for us to receive accurate results and to realize this project within the expected time frame.”

Altair HyperWorks is an integrated CAE framework containing best-in-class solutions for the complete virtual product development process. HyperWorks not only contains powerful finite-element and multi-body simulation solutions, it also delivers an open, programmable platform that is easy to integrate into existing processes. From modeling and assembly, to visualization and reporting, to virtual manufacturing and robustness assessment, HyperWorks’ powerful interface system to all major CAD and CAE packages is the foundation for a truly integrated simulation-driven design process. It can also help bring highly engineered products to market faster.

“The new Ducati machine is a bike built to turn bikers’ dreams into reality,” said Cosimo Panetta, country manager, Altair Engineering, Italy. “It is a radical bike that takes power, versatility and performance to a new level, but is also built to be driven every day of the year. I am very proud that HyperWorks was used to put this 95hp – 90CV (66kw) at 7750rpm, 175 kg dry-weight bike from concept into series production. HyperWorks and the Hypermotard not only share a part of their names – they are also both state- of-the-art products. With two wheels, but only one purpose – to thrill, the Hypermotard is a symbol for innovative driving. Similarly, HyperWorks is a suite of products put together to serve one purpose. That is, to accelerate product development – standing for driving innovation at its best.”

About Ducati
Founded in 1926, Ducati develops racing-inspired motorcycles characterized by unique engine features, innovative design, advanced engineering and overall technical excellence. The company produces motorcycles in six market segments, which vary in their technical and design features and intended customers: Superbike, Supersport; Monster, Sport Touring, Multistrada and Sport Classic. The company’s motorcycles are sold in more than 60 countries worldwide, with a primary focus in the Western European and North American markets. Ducati has won 13 of the last 15 World Superbike Championship titles and more individual victories than the competition put together. For more information about the company, please visit our website at http://www.ducati.com/ .

About Altair Engineering
Altair Engineering, Inc. strengthens client innovation and decision-making through technology that optimizes the analysis, management and visualization of business and engineering information. Privately held with more than 1,300 employees, Altair has offices throughout North America, South America, Europe and Asia/Pacific. With a 20-year-plus track record for product design, advanced engineering software and grid computing technologies, Altair consistently delivers a competitive advantage to customers in a broad range of industries. For more information please visit http://www.altair.com/ .

Technorati Tags: ducati, motorcycle news, motorcycles, technology

BALTIMORE , Oct. 11 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ — Motorcyclist and family man, Joseph McPhatter, can return to his wife and three kids with only minor injuries after the first real-life crash incident in the United States, involving the Impact Jacket(TM) (airbag jacket) that he was wearing which saved his life.
During the last week of September 2007, Mr. McPhatter accompanied by two other riders was traveling inside the Baltimore beltway on Interstate 83 following the speed of traffic; he changed lanes only to be cut off by a driver who then hit the brakes. Mr. McPhatter plowed into the back of the car and was ejected 100 feet in the air hitting the ground at an impact rate of 140 mph.
One of his companions went over to him fearing the worst not even checking for vital signs and protecting his friend by shielding cars from his body.
Mr. McPhatter is only suffering from sore ribs/knees/bruised shoulders and a broken thumb socket. A Maryland State Trooper said to him at the hospital, “…this jacket [Impact Jacket(TM)] saved your life!”

Since 1997 motorcycles fatalities have increased by 89 percent from 2,116 to 4,008 in 2004 according to the NHTSA. The recently released 2005 projections show motorcycle rider fatalities are expected to increase for the eight year in a row. The increase in motorcycle rider fatalities from 2004 to 2005 as per the projections is 7.7 percent — from 4,008 to 4,315. Recent high-profile motorcycle accidents that have occurred have reinforced the importance of wearing rider protection. The Impact Jackets(TM) will provide safety for riders, therefore providing an overall secure feeling for the riders, families and their loved ones, and in the end aiding in saving the lives of riders who are involved in accidents nationwide.

Technorati Tags: accident, blog, crash, impact jacket, motorcycle, motorcycle news, safety

Torque.TV Launches the Next Generation of Digital Television for Motorheads

Impressive Lineup of Advertisers Includes Magnaflow, Optima Batteries, Royal Purple, Denso, Airaid and Edge Products

NEW YORK, Oct. 9 /PRNewswire/ — Gentlemen, start your engines (and fire up your monitors)! Launching October 8, 2007, Torque.TV, an Internet television network for motorheads, will offer full screen, broadcast quality video entertainment 24/7 for vehicle enthusiasts around the globe.

Type “Torque.TV” (no “www.” needed) into your web browser and you’re in the driver’s seat of the ground-breaking, pulse pounding, beta version of the hot rod of Internet sites. From muscle car to vintage collectors, tuner to concept car aficionados, and chopper to sport bike owners, enthusiasts will find tailored content to suit their tastes.

“Torque.TV is an Internet television network for viewers who want relevant, broadcast quality, automotive content wherever, and whenever, they want to watch, and for advertisers who want a more effective, more targeted, more measurable way to reach customers,” says Jesse Raiford, CEO. “Furthermore, Torque.TV is thrilled to launch with a great group of advertisers — exactly the kind of respected automotive brands that our target audience wants to hear from.”

Streaming rates and screen size can be tailored to view on a mobile device or a plasma screen, with the detail and quality required to watch fast moving footage. In addition Torque.TV automatically sets a variable connection speed the first time a viewer logs on (Torque.TV recommends a connection of at least 1.5 mps). Viewers can manually adjust program streaming speeds to match their hardware. No downloads or peer-to-peer file sharing are needed.

A viewer section of the companion website will provide tips on getting the best quality picture, and includes a Blog and car community options. Best of all, there is no charge or required registration for consumers to watch. Torque.TV is supported by commercials and banners ads. All you need to access Torque.TV is a broadband Internet connection and, of course, fervor for all things fueled.

Original programming includes Driving with Danny (Indy winner Danny Sullivan pushes the hottest cars to the limit); Best of the Motor Web (Shira Lazar hosts a weekly tour of auto sites & videos); Miss Torque.TV (viewers vote for Miss Torque.TV 2008); plus coverage of motorsport events like Night Under Fire 2007 (the largest single day drag racing event in the world), and the Silver State Classic Challenge 2007 (a wild, no holds barred, top speed test on a closed Nevada Highway). Channels on the Torque.TV network include: Tuners, Trucks, How To, Motorcycles, Hot Rods & Muscle Cars, Motorsport, Wild Wheels, and Classics.

Torque.TV will utilize Narrowstep’s Internet TV platform to deliver video programming online in the highest possible quality available. Their proprietary technology provides the most comprehensive, all in-one-solution to manage Torque.TV’s content and stream it to a global audience.

“Narrowstep provides the ideal platform for a company like Torque.TV, who relies on quality video to capture the action and excitement of their high speed, fast paced automotive programming,” said Todd Narwid, Senior Vice President of Worldwide Sales at Narrowstep. “In addition, our platform provides them with all of the tools they need to effectively move, manage and monetize this programming across multiple channels.”

About Torque.TV

Torque.TV, launching October 2007, is the next generation of car, truck, and motorcycle television, brought to you by the nation’s leading producers of vehicle entertainment. The Torque.TV team has proven experience in television programming, ad sales, and delivery of niche content. Based in New York, with productions facilities in Los Angeles, CA, and Nashville, TN, Torque.TV offers full screen, high-quality, video entertainment for vehicle lovers around the globe.

For more info, log on to Torque.TV to get twisted! Please also check out Torque.TV’s social media page at: http://torque.tv/press/smpr/

Technorati Tags: entertainment, news, torque.tv, video, internet television, choppers, street bikes

Santa Ana, Calif – (October 9, 2007) – Riding the wave of success following last year’s show series, Denis Manning, designer and builder of the BUB “#7” Streamliner, the world’s fastest motorcycle, and owner of BUB Enterprises, will once again participate in the Cycle World International Motorcycle Shows® Presented by Toyota 13-city tour with an expanded display area to feature even more record-breaking motorcycles. After participating in the 2006-2007 show series, BUB Enterprises, designer and manufacturer of aftermarket exhaust pipes for motorcycles and ATVs, saw their Web site hits jump substantially, increasing steadily from 1.78 million in October, during the first show in Phoenix, to 4.7 million in March, immediately following the final show in Atlanta.

The company also saw a 50 to 80 percent sales increase over the same period during the previous year when they were not a part of the series. “Our increase in sales and Web site visitors are certainly an indicator that the Cycle World International Motorcycle Shows contributed to BUB Enterprises’ steady growth last year,” said Denis Manning. “Both figures saw dramatic increases during the series, so we are thrilled to return to the shows this year with an expanded showcase.

The motorcycle show series puts us in front of hundreds of thousands of our core customers throughout the country making it the ideal spot to showcase our latest collection.” This year’s History of Speed display will not only showcase the current speed record holder, the BUB “#7” Streamliner, but also four other world-record breaking motorcycles. These landmark motorcycles will amaze crowds with their astonishing historical speed records, dating back to 1937 and reaching more than 350 mph. For the 15th consecutive year, Cycle World, the world’s most popular motorcycle magazine, is the title sponsor for the series and leading manufacturer Toyota will return for the tenth year as presenting sponsor. The Cycle World International Motorcycle Shows® presented by Toyota is the world’s largest motorcycle show series. For more information on upcoming tour dates, call 800/331-5706 or visit motorcycleshows.com.

Technorati Tags: motorcycle shows, cycle world, motorcycle blog, customs, california

BRASELTON, Ga., Sept. 2 /PRNewswire/ — Yoshimura Suzuki’s Ben Spies clinched
the 2007 AMA Superstock Championship after winning the penultimate race of the
season at Road Atlanta in Braselton, Ga., on Sunday afternoon. With one round of
AMA Superstock remaining, Spies went for the win even though he only had to
finish in sixth place or better to take the title.

Yoshimura Suzuki’s Spies is
also the defending 2006 AMA Superbike Champion and currently leads the points in
the premier class this year as well.

“It was a good race for us today,” said Spies. “I wanted to win the
championship but I wanted to win the race pretty bad too. So I just tried to put
in consistent lap times on the Yoshimura Suzuki GSX-R1000. It’s great to win the
Superstock championship for Suzuki. The Yoshimura Suzuki GSX-R1000 is an amazing
bike and has worked great at every track we’ve raced at this year. I want to
thank Suzuki and my crew for working so hard for me all season long.”

En route to capturing the 2007 AMA Superstock championship, the 23-year- old
Texan has won an impressive seven out of eight races so far this season.

Spies
also captured six pole positions in AMA Superstock, including the coveted
starting spot at Road Atlanta this weekend. Prior to that, Spies also won the
2003 AMA Formula Xtreme championship in his rookie season for the
factory-supported Yoshimura Suzuki team.

“Winning the 2007 AMA Superstock championship is a great accomplishment for
Suzuki and the Yoshimura Suzuki GSX-R1000 as well as for Ben,” said Mel Harris,
American Suzuki Vice President Motorcycle/ATV Division. “Over the last few
years, we’ve asked a lot from Ben and he hasn’t disappointed us. Ben is a
talented young rider and he truly brings out the best in the Yoshimura Suzuki
GSX-R1000.”

For more information on Spies and Yoshimura Suzuki, please log on to
www.teamsuzuki.com.

Source: Yoshimura Suzuki

Technorati Tags: ama, motorcycle news, motorcycle racing, superbike, suzuki

SALEM, Ohio, Aug. 2 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ — Giant Motorsports, Inc. (OTC Bulletin Board: GMOS) (the ‘Company’) based in the Midwestern United States is one of the largest Suzuki dealerships in America. Giant is looking forward to the fall season because Suzuki is going to provide North American Dealerships with more new and exciting products that are expected to boost sales during a traditionally slower period.

‘We’ve been lucky so far this year, in that we’ve managed to keep sales a little closer to flat than the rest of the industry, which was down about 9% overall for its first quarter sales this year”, said Giant COO Greg Haehn, “with the upcoming release of 14 new and updated Suzuki products, we anticipate stronger than normal 3rd and 4th quarters. Hayabusas are hot; it’s the fastest mass-produced bike in the world and people have been anxiously awaiting its release. So we’re excited.”
Led by its flagship sport bike, the Hayabusa, Suzuki is looking to increase its already large following with the new models. The redesign of the Hayabusa comes after years of dominance in its class. Suzuki introduced 2 brand new models as well; the much-anticipated B-King muscle bike, and the entry level GSF650X. The ever popular GSX600R and GSX750R are being updated as well.

Giant Motorsports, Inc. is a retailer of new and used motorcycles, all- terrain vehicles (ATVs), scooters, parts and accessories, extended service contracts, and aftermarket motorcycle products. The Company’s two superstores, which are located in Chicago, Illinois and Salem, Ohio, also include service departments and arrange financing for customers. The “Big Box” locations draw customers from neighboring cities and states. It’s long- term plan is to consolidate the fragmented power sports industry through acquisitions.

The Chicago store operates under the name ‘Chicago Cycle’ and the Salem store operates under the name ‘Andrews Cycles’.

This news release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933 and Section 21E of the Securities Act of 1934. These forward-looking statements are based largely on the expectations or forecasts of future events, can be affected by inaccurate assumptions, and are subject to various business risks and known and unknown uncertainties, a number of which are beyond the control of management. Therefore, actual results could differ materially from the forward-looking statements contained in this press release. A wide variety of factors that may cause actual results to differ from the forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to, the following: sales of the Company’s motorcycle and power sports products; the implementation and expansion of the Company’s business strategies; competition and the timing of projects and trends in future operating performance, and other risks discussed in the Company’s periodic report filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. These cautionary statements should not be construed as exhaustive or as any admission as to the adequacy of the Company’s disclosures. The Company cannot always predict or determine after the fact what factors would cause actual results to differ materially from those indicated by the forward-looking statements or other statements. The reader should consider statements that include the words ‘believes,’ ‘expects,’ ‘anticipates,’ ‘intends,’ ‘estimates,’ ‘plans,’ ‘projects,’ or other expressions that are predictions of or indicate future events or trends, to be uncertain and forward-looking. The Company does not undertake to publicly update or revise forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.

FCMN Contact: giantmotorsports@aol.com

Source: Giant Motorsports, Inc.

Technorati Tags: motorcycles, motorcycle news, suzuki, motorsport, hayabusa, streetbike, salem, ohio

SANTA ROSA, Calif., July 2 /PRNewswire/ — What type of wine do you drink after you park your motorcycle and unzip your leathers? Try V-Twin Zin(R) from V-Twin Vineyards, based in the Sonoma County, CA. Motorcycle enthusiasts — turned winemakers, rolling to success with V-Twin motorcycle themed wines selling nationwide.

“The motorcycle lifestyle is about freedom and enjoying life,” says Scott Del Fava, Brand Manager for V-Twin Vineyards. “Our 2004 V-Twin Zin(R), is very smooth and drinkable — especially with your favorite grilled meat dish. After a long weekend ride — open a bottle while waiting for the grill to heat up and have a glass or two! This wine is good — damn good!”

In the last 20 years, the “outlaw biker” image associated with Harleys has been replaced by a new demographic. Most bikers are now in their 40s and 50s, with steady careers and families. What they share is a love of the finer things in life, and an interest in good food, good times… and of course, good wine.

V-Twin Vineyards also fosters an online community, the “Easy Rider Wine Club,” that allows members to post photos of their bikes, share news and information, rides and events.

“It’s not that bikers have gone soft,” says Scott Del Fava, brand manager of V-Twin Vineyards. “We’re just conspicuous consumers; we like the finer things in life. I don’t think any of us are the bad boys you’d think of when you think of hardcore motorcyclists. V-Twin Vineyards is simply producing another lifestyle product for the upscale motorcycle enthusiast.”

The V-Twin Vineyards team has decades of experience in the wine industry, and the grapes for V-Twin Zin have been carefully selected from prime vineyards in the legendary Dry Creek and Alexander Valleys.

V-Twin Zin is currently available via the company website and thru select distributors. Planned Releases include: River Run Chardonnay(R), Poker Run Cabernet(R), Redwood Run Zinfandel(R), Toy Run Rose(R), Bike Week Merlot(R), — and a special Reserve V-Twin Zin(R) with a flaming skull on the front label. These ain’t no sissy wines! Look for a tasting room in the not-too- distant future, with good wine, a little attitude, and plenty of motorcycle parking out front.

  Visit www.vtwinwines.com for more info on V-Twin Vineyards.

Technorati Tags: motorcycle news, wine, biker lifestyle, press release

Leather and Lace at the Playboy® Mansion

October 6, 2007
Los Angeles, California

This exclusive party will invite motorcycle industry entrepreneurs, such as dealership owners, motorcycle rally organizers, and enthusiasts from all over the country who share the common goal of supporting worthwhile 501(c)3 charities.

For more information you can visit the Motorcycles Charity Associates website or write

Participating charities will raise and distribute significant funds for research, education, community programs, and advocacy efforts.

Technorati Tags: hollywood, motorcycles, playboy mansion, charity, leather and lace, news release

WASHINGTON, April 19 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ — The Lupus Foundation of America will join approximately 100 international lupus organizations to conduct the fourth annual observance of World Lupus Day on May 10, 2007. More than 1.5 million Americans and at least five million people worldwide, mostly women, struggle daily with the debilitating health consequences of lupus, a life-threatening disease which causes the immune system to attack the body’s own cells and organs. People with lupus – who face possible strokes, heart attacks, disabling pain, disfiguring skin rashes, and other serious health problems – are calling for more research, safer and more effective treatments, and improved health care.

Lupus is an Urgent International Health Problem

Lupus disproportionately strikes young women in their prime of life between the ages of 15 and 44. The disease often goes unrecognized because its primary symptoms – joint pain, fatigue, skin rashes, and fevers – mimic many common illnesses. It spares no organ, as every part of the body can be affected, including the skin, heart, lungs, kidneys, and brain. There is no cure for lupus and it can be fatal. There have been no new drugs approved to treat lupus in more than 40 years.

Why Observe World Lupus Day?

Lupus is under-recognized as a global health problem. Early detection, improved diagnostic tools, and more effective treatments can help slow and even halt the progression of lupus. Improved awareness of lupus symptoms will save lives.

World Lupus Day provides a forum for the exchange of scientific information, increased public understanding of the physical, emotional, and economic impact of lupus, and the promise that the disease is finally being recognized and addressed on a global scale.

Hope on the Horizon for Lupus

International efforts to unravel the scientific mysteries of lupus are gaining momentum. Multiple international lupus clinics are collaborating on research studies and clinical trials of potential new treatments offering people with lupus hope for an improved quality of life. Lupus organizations are generating increased public awareness and educating patients and health professionals about the disease. Governments are recognizing the need to provide more funds for medical research and patient services.

For additional information about the global effort to combat lupus, visit the World Lupus Day website at http://www.worldlupusday.org/.

Technorati Tags: lupus, health news, medical, disease, lupus foundation, health care