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The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has announced that roadway deaths in the U.S. are at crisis levels, on pace to exceed the 42,915 fatalities in 2021, the greatest number in 16 years, as Americans returned to the road following pandemic stay-at-home orders.

With alcohol-related crashes being a leading cause of highway deaths in the U.S., the National Transportation Safety Board is now recommending that all new vehicles in the U.S. be required to have blood alcohol monitoring systems that can stop an intoxicated person from driving.

The NTSB’s recommendation also calls for systems to monitor a driver’s behavior, making sure they’re alert.

Under President Biden’s infrastructure law, Congress required NHTSA to make automakers install alcohol monitoring systems within three years.  The legislation doesn’t specify the technology, only that it must “passively monitor” a driver to determine if they are impaired.

NHTSA and a group of 16 automakers have been jointly funding research on alcohol monitoring since 2008, and has hired a Swedish company to research technology that would automatically test a driver’s breath for alcohol and stop a vehicle from moving if the driver is impaired.  Another company is working on light technology that could test for blood alcohol in a person’s finger by touch.  Many cars now have cameras pointed at the driver, which have the potential to limit impaired driving.

In 2020, the most recent figures available, 11,654 people died in alcohol-related crashes, according to NHTSA data.  That’s about 30% of all U.S. traffic deaths, and a 14% increase over 2019 figures, the last full year before the coronavirus pandemic, the NTSB said.

BEST/WORST DRIVERS IN THE U.S.
Everyone seems to think their state has the best (or worst) drivers in America, but quotewizard.com dove into the data to determine, based on their criteria, which states actually do have the Best and the Worst Drivers traveling their roadways.

Drivers were evaluated on four factors to determine overall driving quality: accidents, speeding tickets, DUIs, and citations.  States that are considered the worst had the highest numbers of driving incidents, while states with the lowest numbers of incidents are considered the best.

After analyzing over 10 million insurance quotes to find out where the best and worst drivers reside, it was determined that the Five Best States were 1) Connecticut, 2) Michigan, 3) West Virginia, 4) Delaware and 5) Arkansas, while the Five Worst States were 50) Utah, 49) California, 48) Iowa, 47) Wisconsin and 46) Ohio.

Among those in the top five, Connecticut ranks best in citations and DUIs, while among the bottom five, Utah ranked worst in speeding, second worst in citations, fifth in accidents and 8th in DUIs.  For more rankings in each category, visit www.quotewizard.com.

UNVACCINATED AT HIGHER RISK OF TRAFFIC ACCIDENTS
If you passed on getting the COVID vaccine, you might be more likely to get into a car crash. Or at least those are the findings of a new study published in The American Journal of Medicine.  During the summer of 2021, Canadian researchers examined the encrypted government-held records of more than 11 million adults, 16% of whom hadn’t received the COVID vaccine.

They found that the unvaccinated people were 72% more likely to be involved in a severe traffic crash — in which at least one person was transported to the hospital — than those who were vaccinated.  That’s similar to the increased risk of car crashes for people with sleep apnea, though only about half that of people who abuse alcohol, researchers found.

Of course, skipping a COVID vaccine does not mean that someone will get into a car crash.  Instead, the authors theorize that people who resist public health recommendations might also “neglect basic road safety guidelines.”

The findings are significant enough that primary care doctors should consider counseling unvaccinated patients on traffic safety — and insurance companies might base changes to insurance policies on vaccination data — the authors suggest.

THE ROAD TO DECARBONIZATION
Decarbonization Is The Goal, But What’s The Best Way To Get There?  The European Association of Motorcycle Manufacturers (ACEM) wants to take multiple approaches.

On December 6, 2022, the ACEM hosted a panel discussion about its vision for decarbonization.  Although the discussion’s stated intention was to talk about how the industry plans to address a multitude of sustainability issues as we all progress toward the year 2030, what it evolved into was a spirited debate about the comparative merits of the evolution of combustion engines (such as with so-called e-fuels and hydrogen) and electrification.

While all panelists of course had their own points of view, the general consensus seemed to be that lowering emissions is a goal we must all work toward, but that putting all the industry’s technological eggs into one metaphorical basket isn’t a good idea, for a number of reasons.

From a technological perspective, electric motorbikes currently work best for low-voltage urban mobility, not high-speed, long-distance leisure pursuits.  That’s where the debate about e-fuels (or synthetic fuels) and hydrogen come into play, because both those means of fueling mobility can potentially offer the benefits of long-distance, high-speed travel on motorbikes.  

Infrastructure is also a major concern — fast-charging and swappable batteries require additional infrastructure investments that are both extensive and expensive, while e-fuels can theoretically make use of existing traditional fuel infrastructure.

When discussing decarbonization, the tendency is to think about emissions in terms of tailpipes, but considerations about how the raw materials to build either combustion or electric vehicles are sourced, assembled, and delivered to customers should also be part of the conversation.

Additionally, concerns about diversifying the industry’s approach to decarbonization were strongly expressed, with the global pandemic shining a bright light on the pitfalls of overly concentrating parts of supply chains in a given geographical area.  The current European energy crisis and ongoing Russian war make calls to diversify energy sources (and resources) all too clear.

EUROPEAN MOTORCYCLE GROUP CALLS TO MAKE MOTORCYCLING AFFORDABLE
With inflation worries and cost of living increases, the Federation of European Motorcycle Associations (FEMA) sees bikes as valuable transport tools and has issued an impassioned plea for motorcycle affordability.  In particular, FEMA spelled out their position on keeping motorcycle taxes reasonable, as well as taking other measures to encourage motorbike ridership as a viable form of everyday transport.

FEMA believes that motorcycles can be a strong tool in the fight against transport poverty.  As the name suggests, that’s when the cost of transportation to simply live your life (get to and from work and/or school) is prohibitively expensive.

Moto commuting is a way of life for all kinds of everyday people in many countries, and is highly valued for its practicality, and that’s why FEMA encourages governmental and legislative bodies to do what they can to encourage ridership.  For example, taxes on motorbikes should be lower than those found on cars, because they’re smaller and lighter in weight, and they cause less wear and tear on public roadways.

Similarly, FEMA also discourages restrictions on motorbikes in urban city centers when they’re ideal vehicles for getting around congested city streets, and can help reduce traffic if more people are encouraged to choose bikes over cars.

FIRST HONDA ‘ELECTRIC MOTORCYCLE’ ON PARADE
Art imitates life, and sometimes, life imitates art, which may be the case with Honda’s latest parade float, which they designed to lead the 134th annual Rose Parade in 2023, featuring electric vehicles including “a Honda electric motorcycle.”

The overall float design, which Honda has titled “Forever Determined,” represents Honda’s current (pun intended) emissions-lowering initiative, across all of its many and various vehicular segments; Honda’s first all-electric SUV, the electrified Acura ARX-06 race machine, a HondaJet Elite II aircraft, the Honda eVTOL concept vehicle, and an unspecified ‘motorcycle’.

Remember, Honda aims to achieve total carbon neutrality across the company by 2050, as well as get 100 percent of its new vehicle sales in North America to be all electric by 2040.

YAMAHA GOES ‘GREEN’ WITH PLANT-BASED MATERIALS FOR FUTURE BIKE DESIGNS
On November 17, 2022, Yamaha Marine announced that it will begin using certain parts in some 2024 personal watercraft and sport boat engines that are made from a new material.  It’s a plant-derived, cellulose nanofiber-reinforced resin product, and in Yamaha’s own words; “Yamaha Motor is examining the utilization of CNF reinforced resin not only in marine products but also in motorcycles and a wide range of other products in the future.”

Cellulose nanofiber “is made from wood-derived fiber (pulp) that has been micro-refined to the nano level of several hundredths of a micron and smaller, cellulose nanofiber is the world’s most advanced biomass material.”

ROMANIAN MOTORCYCLISTS OBLIGATED TO CARRY FIRE EXTINGUISHERS
And here’s why we need Motorcyclists Rights Organizations (MROs) at every level, from local to international; In the European country of Romania the highway code does not distinguish between cars and motorcycles, so as a result, a motorcycle must carry a fire extinguisher, a first aid kit and two reflective triangles, just like a car.

Romanian motorcyclists’ organization MotoADN played a significant role in the political process to end this obligation by launching a petition requesting the Romanian Parliament, the Ministry of Transport and the Ministry of the Interior to exclude motorcycles and mopeds.

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 She is known as Marvelous Molly to the world of motorcycling, but to some of us just Molly, Honey, Sweetie and other forms of endearment. If you ever had the chance to meet her you would know why. Then there are the others who knew of her because of all the publications she was in. I do believe that all of us who do photography for motorcycle publications have taken her photo.

 Molly lived with Berry Wardlaw and Vivian Charros in Dothan, Alabama. If you wanted to see her all you had to do was stop by Accurate Engineering or catch her at one of the numerous motorcycle events she attended around the country.

Molly rode on the gas tank of whatever motorcycle Berry was riding at the time. She has ridden on her motorcycle a 1939 Indian Chief in the Cross Country Chase with Berry operating it for her. (Berry stated more than once it was her motorcycle)

 

 This past July (2022) she rode from Dothan, Alabama to Santa Monica Pier, California to meet Vivian and the other women who did the Route 66 Ride.

That ride with some of her friends was named Puppies Off The Leash.

Molly was 17 years old at that time which is 99 years in dog time. She was doing okay for her age but having some issues that came with it.

When we got to Abilene, Texas she was having some health issues and Berry took her to Big Country Veterinary. They said she was in congestive heart failure. Dr Ueckert cleared her lungs, did x-rays, gave her some meds and gave her a day to rest up. It worked, suddenly she was like her younger self.

 We continued on the ride, continuing giving Molly her medication. When we got back to Dothan, she saw her regular Veterinarian Dr Garett.

 I kissed my friend good-by and asked her to do the best she could.

 I continued to stay up on how she was doing, and then I received the dreaded phone call from Berry that she had passed away.

As I and many others morn the passing of Molly I am grateful that I was able to spend time, ride and be a part of her life. I know she was greeted in Heaven by 2 and 4-legged friends who also loved her.

by Enrico Punsalang from https://www.rideapart.com

This cruiser was clearly inspired by one of Milwaukee’s finest cruisers.
Motofino Streetboy V-Maxter 300 From China Looks Eerily Familiar

The Chinese domestic market is littered with motorcycles that will have you looking twice. Why? Because you’ll be wondering why the bike you’re looking at looks like some weird caricature of some other more popular bike from an actual reputable manufacturer. Don’t get me wrong, not all made-in-China bikes are blatant copycats—I mean, look at the likes of Benelli and CFMOTO, brands which are rapidly expanding their foothold in the global market.

That said, we’re not here to talk about reputable Chinese motorcycles today, as we’ve been doing that quite a bit following EICMA 2022. Instead, let’s take a look at the newest kid to copy someone else’s homework, the Motofino Streetboy V-Maxter 300. While I was chuckling under my breath typing that name, I couldn’t help but realize that the flavor of the month, if you will, of Chinese motorcycle makers is cruisers. We previously talked about copycat Chinese sportbikes like the Moxiao Funny-Gale, and the Finja, a ZX-10R clone. This time around, Chinese manufacturer Motofino thought it’d be a good idea to get in on the sporty cruiser segment.

What better “sporty cruiser” to imitate than the Harley-Davidson Sportster S? The newest member of the Sportster family has received global acclaim owing to its unique styling and killer performance. As such, it’s not surprising that the Steetboy V-Maxter 300 used the Sportster S as…let’s just call it inspiration.

Up front, the Streetboy has a wide oval headlight like that of the Sportster. It even copies the lines of the Milwaukee roadster with its fuel tank and seat and tail section. Heck, even the “Streetboy Motofino” font emblazoned on the fuel tank is a direct copy of Harley’s typeface.

Granted, the Streetboy misses out on some of the Sportster S’ defining features. For instance, it doesn’t get the humongous and wide 150-cross section front tire. Neither does it get the raised exhaust system reminiscent of vintage flat trackers. It also doesn’t get the low-slung stance of the Sportster S, instead opting for a more generic, somewhat dorky stance.

From a performance perspective, the Streetboy doesn’t even begin to compare to the Harley Sportster S. However, it’s interesting to see that the bike makes use of some familiar underpinnings. For a few years now, fellow Chinese manufacturer QJ Motor has been working with Harley-Davidson for a smaller V-twin powered model specific to the Asian market. As it would turn out, other manufacturers have been getting their hands on this engine, including the Streetboy, which packs the same 300cc V-twin engine. Mated to a six-speed manual transmission, it sends power to the rear wheel via a belt-driven six-speed manual transmission.

At the end of the day, the Motofino Streetboy is just one of hundreds, if not thousands, of motorcycles that imitate the styling of popular models in China. As such, the likelihood of this bike making its way to the international market is pretty slim. Having said that, small-displacement models from Harley-Davidson are set to make their way to the Asian, and maybe even European markets, soon.

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This week we have a fun feature…Bandit aka Keith Ball joins us for most of the hour as we delve a little in the past, a little in the present and a bit into the future with this real deal biker – hell he’s a legend!!

LIVE Mon Nite 9:00 pm-10:00 pm est: Coast to coast & worldwide!
1400 AM 107.1 FM KSHP- Las Vegas

Other fun essentials…our Gifts That Don’t Suck segment is winding down…but you still have time to get these great gifts for your fav biker!

Speaking of our fav biker little Miss Biker Elf herself…Tearsa Frick was at it again this year in a BIG WAY! This frolicking jolly-maker joins us to tell just how BIG her toy stash was!

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Andrews Products Celebrates 50 Years & it continues with a great interview from Andrews Products……tune in!

Our show is fueled by Kass & Moses, Andrews Products, Sea Foam Products, Eagle Rider Rentals, Full Throttle Law, Bike Show Mafia, Motorcycle Safety Foundation, Kirsh Helmets, MegWear, Cottage 24 graphics, Full Throttle Law, Mimi & Moto- The Motorcycle Monkeys!

All this & more in the FASTEST hour in Motorcycling …..Hold on tight it’s going to be a thrilling ride!

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This week, thousands of American bikers contacted their elected officials to express concern about recent crashes involving motorcycles and cars believed to be in self-driving mode. Specifically, three crashes this summer, which occurred in California, Florida and Utah have been a major topic of conversation for the nearly 10 million motorcyclists in this country.

In response to outreach by constituents, Representative Tim Walberg of Michigan and 26 other members of Congress sent a bipartisan letter to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) seeking answers. The letter, delivered to Acting Administrator Ann Carlson, asked five basic questions regarding self-driving technology and motorcycles.

It is the hope of the Motorcycle Riders Foundation (MRF), our members and partners that answers to questions like, “Should motorcyclists take extra precautions when sharing the road with vehicles with self-driving technology?” will shed light on the capabilities of this new technology.

American motorcyclists owe the following 27 Representatives, from 16 different states, our thanks. Their desire to seek answers and protect all roadway users makes all of us safer. Thank you for your leadership on this issue!

Rep. Troy Balderson – Ohio
Rep. Jack Bergman – Michigan
Rep. Mike Bost – Illinois
Rep. Cheri Busto – Illinois
Rep. Angie Craig – Minnesota
Rep. Rodney Davis – Illinois
Rep. Val Demings – Florida
Rep. Scott Fitzgerald – Wisconsin
Rep. Lois Frankel – Florida
Rep. Paul Gosar – Arizona
Rep Glenn Grothman – Wisconsin
Rep. Andy Harris – Maryland
Rep. Clay Higgins – Louisiana
Rep. Dusty Johnson – South Dakota
Rep. Ron Kind – Wisconsin
Rep. Ann Kuster – New Hampshire
Rep. Darin LaHood – Illinois
Rep. Doug Lamborn – Colorado
Rep. Brian Mast – Florida
Rep. Lisa McClain – Michigan
Rep. Mark Pocan – Wisconsin
Rep. Bill Posey – Florida
Rep. Pete Stauber – Minnesota
Rep. Glenn Thompson – Pennsylvania
Rep. Dina Titus – Nevada
Rep Tim Walberg – Michigan
Rep. Robert Wittman – Virginia

About Motorcycle Riders Foundation: The Motorcycle Riders Foundation (MRF) provides leadership at the federal level for states’ motorcyclists’ rights organizations as well as motorcycle clubs and individual riders.

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by Rogue

Crash Bar Bags Add Tremendous Space to Touring Harleys

As I got ready to go on a short trip this weekend, I thought it might be a good time to let you know about Harley’s Saddlebag Guard Bags or Crash Bar leather storage bags.

I have been using them for many years, and when I got my new Ultra Limited it was one of the items I wanted to install.

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by Janaki Jitchotvisut from https://www.rideapart.com

MADNESS ON MOTORCYCLES : All gas, no brakes, infinite slides.

Ice Speedway Berlin Is Back On The Racing Calendar In March, 2023

It’s been three long years, but in 2023, Ice Speedway Berlin is back on the international racing calendar. If you’ll be in Berlin, Germany, on March 3 and 4, 2023, and you’re interested in taking in some of the best ice speedway racers from Germany and beyond doing their thing, then you’ll probably want to get your hands on some tickets.

The last Ice Speedway Berlin took place from February 27 through March 1, 2020, and was one of the final major motorsport events prior to global pandemic-related shutdowns. If you’re unfamiliar with the sport, we wholeheartedly recommend that you check out this video, which was taken during day two of the 2020 Ice Speedway Berlin event.

The 48th Ice Speedway Berlin event in 2023 will be a bit different from what’s gone before. After the bad luck of the past few years, everyone was hopeful that a normal Ice Speedway event in Berlin would be able to happen in 2022. However, problems arose with machinery related to maintaining the ice surface of the track, and a 2022 event was not able to go forward. After that issue was solved, though, another one popped up to take its place.

Due to a breakdown in discussions between event organizers and the FIM, for the first time, the Ice Speedway Berlin event will have neither European Championship nor World Cup status. While international racers are invited to attend, it will not be a regular, sanctioned event that is part of a larger championship calendar—something very unusual for this event, indeed.

Nevertheless, ice speedway luminaries including Hans Weber, Max Niedermaier, and Fyn Loheider have already confirmed their attendance for the 2023 event. A good time should be had by all—both the riders participating, and also the spectators who are watching from the stands of the Eisstadion Wilmersdorf, where the 2023 Eisspeedway Berlin (as it’s called in German) will be held.

Full ticketing information has yet to be announced, but we’ll include a link in our Sources to the city of Berlin’s official page about the event so you can learn more later.

BELOW IS A VIDEO FROM: Eisspeedway Berlin 2020 | FIM Ice Speedway of Nations World Championship Day 2 + Final

Championship Day 2 + FinalIt was time again for the World Championship of Ice Speedway to be a guest in Berlin, this time as a nations competition, there were 2 nice days full of action, the recordings are from day 2 on 28.

In the end, Russia won ahead of Sweden and Germany, Austria was 4th, although the last races before the two finals were still very exciting because there were only 4 points between Sweden, Germany and Austria, making it a 3 fight for the 2 team in the big final went.

However, Sweden prevailed and then went against Russia and Germany against Austria for third place.

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Monster Energy Yamaha Star Racing’s 450 team aims to keep its premier class championship streak rolling with returning champions and an all-new YZ450F

MARIETTA, Ga. – December 12, 2022 – Monster Energy Yamaha Star Racing heads into the 2023 Monster Energy AMA Supercross season armed with returning champions and an all-new YZ450F looking to take a fourth-consecutive premier class title for the team. Reigning 450SX and 450MX Champion Eli Tomac and 2021 450MX Champion Dylan Ferrandis lead the charge, with 2021 250SX West Champion Justin Cooper joining the duo for select rounds before switching to the 250 class for the outdoor season.

Following a stellar debut season with the team, Tomac returns looking to defend his crown in the Monster Energy AMA Supercross 450SX Championship. 2022 was a landmark year for the multi-time champion who lays claim to the winningest rider currently active in the premier class. He notched seven wins, including a record-breaking sixth victory at the legendary Daytona International Speedway, to seal the deal on his second 450SX title a weekend early in his home state of Colorado. Tomac tasted triumph again in the Lucas Oil Pro Motocross 450MX Championship, coming out on top in a thrilling down-to-the-wire title fight with 14 moto wins and five overall victories en route to his fourth title in the class. He was also the captain of the victorious Team USA at the Motocross of Nations, took some more supercross wins overseas during the off-season, and was honored with his first ESPY Award in the Best Athlete, Men’s Action Sports Category.

Ferrandis returns for his seventh season with the team. The Frenchman has enjoyed a  successful tenure with the Monster Energy Yamaha Star Racing squad, earning back-to-back 250SX West Championships in 2019 and 2020, the 2020 250MX Championship, and the 2021 450MX Championship. He won his first premier class title in dominant fashion, putting himself in elite company by clinching the crown during his rookie season. In 2022, Ferrandis showed speed during his Sophomore season in supercross, scoring a podium finish with his teammate in San Diego. Unfortunately, he was sidelined with injuries and did not get the opportunity to defend his number-one plate in Pro Motocross. Back to full fitness, Ferrandis is hungrier than ever and eager to return to the top aboard the new YZ450F.

Stepping up to the premier class to race select rounds on the calendar, Cooper returns for his sixth season with the team and is eager to get some seat time on the YZ450F and battle with the best in the sport. Although 2022 got off to a tough start with an injury that ended his supercross season before it started, the New Yorker finished the year on a high note. He played an important role in Team USA’s Motocross of Nations victory and scored the overall win in the MX2 class. When it’s time to go racing outdoors in the Summer, Cooper will move over to the 250 team to make a run at the Lucas Oil Pro Motocross 250MX Championship aboard the YZ250F.

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The Monster Energy Yamaha Star Racing 450 team would like to thank its partners for their support: Yamaha Racing, Monster Energy, Yamaha Financial Services (YMFUS), Yamalube, GYTR, bLU cRU, Parts Unlimited, CWI, Rekluse, FMF, Dunlop, Works Connection, VP Fuels, Kite, Twin Air, KYB, Cycra, ProTaper, Excel, Vortex, DID Chain, Vortex ECU, D’Cor, Braking, ARC Levers, Mettec Titanium, Motion Pro, Lightspeed, G2 Ergonomics, Antigravity Batteries, and Matrix Concepts. 

Jeremy Coker – Monster Energy Yamaha Star Racing 450 Team Manager

“It was a phenomenal year for our team, and we’re looking to carry that momentum into 2023. We’ve got an all-new bike, which the guys were really happy with straight away. The entire team has been working hard to get everything ready, and we’re excited to start the season at A1. Both Eli and Dylan are looking great, and we’re looking forward to seeing Justin on the 450 for some rounds. We’ve got the riders, the bike, and a great team behind us, and we’re looking to win races and bring home another championship.”

Eli Tomac – Monster Energy Yamaha Star Racing

“We’re into the first week of December now, and it’s been a good off-season. We’ve been going to work on the new motorcycle – the 2023 YZ450F – and so far, it’s been good. When I first jumped on this bike, the first thing I noticed was the weight savings. That’s one thing I really love about it, and for supercross, that’s really good to have for the change of direction. It’s been awesome to start with that, and then now we’ve just been fine-tuning the bike with some suspension settings. We are also well into our training, and so far, so good. We’re staying healthy and should have a good chance at defending this number one plate.”

Dylan Ferrandis – Monster Energy Yamaha Star Racing

“The off-season’s been going well. We have this new Yamaha YZ450F in 2023, which was a big change. From week one, we already felt much better on the new bike. It was a big change, and for me, it was very good, especially in supercross, where I struggled a little bit. We had a lot of testing to do with the new bike and all the new parts, but it’s been going well. It feels really good, and I think we are in a way better spot than last year. We have big expectations for the new season, and everybody’s ready; everybody wants to win, and we are going to do everything for that.”

Justin Cooper – Monster Energy Yamaha Star Racing

“It’s been a good off-season. We took some time off after RedBud (Motocross of Nations) before getting back to grinding away. I got on the 450 a few weeks ago to try and get my feet wet there and learn the bike. There’s a lot to adapt to, but the process has been fun. I enjoy riding the 450. I’ve always felt like I’ve been a better 450 rider, and I’m looking forward to racing it. It’s a new group of guys, and obviously, the power delivery is different from a 250, so there are going to be a lot of things to get used to, but I’m ready for it. I’m just looking to get my feet wet and learn the bike, learn the class, and get the experience. I think that’s the most valuable thing right now.”