NCOM BIKER NEWSBYTES Compiled & Edited by Bill Bish, DESPITE PANDEMIC, MOTORCYCLISTS MEASURE SUCCESSES “Even in the middle of a global pandemic, we’ve succeeded in getting pro-motorcycle legislation passed and advanced our political agenda,” said National Coalition of Motorcyclists’ Legislative Task Force Chairman Frank Ernst to open the LTF Meeting during the recent NCOM Convention in Indianapolis, Oct. 16-18, 2020. In reviewing a legion of legislative victories over the past year, Ernst highlighted the fact that determined and resourceful bikers successfully lobbied to repeal a mandatory helmet law in Missouri and passed anti-profiling in Idaho, all the while dealing with the worldwide spread of Coronavirus and subsequent lockdowns, social distancing, travel restrictions, and related complications. On March 18, Idaho became the fourth state since 2011, behind Washington, Maryland and Louisiana, to pass a law (S.B. 1292) restricting law enforcement from discriminatorily profiling bikers for traffic stops and investigative measures. A few months later, on July 14, the “Show-Me” state showed the biker world how persistence and perseverance pays off by passing H.B. 1963 to repeal their helmet requirement for most adult riders 26 and older, on their fifth attempt since 1999. Additionally, the biker lobby worked with Congress to include several motorcycle-friendly provisions in the massive $1.5 trillion infrastructure bill, H.R.2 “Moving Forward Act,” including further prohibitions against motorcycle-only checkpoints, expanding profiling restrictions based on mode of transportation or style of dress, and furthering riders’ future advisory role with Congress.  While this legislation will need a reboot with the new Congressional Session, bikers also succeeded in getting many key legislators re-elected to make the mission easier to accomplish with the new Senate and House. Riders’ rights activists from across the country went on to present the gathering with their own examples of legal and legislative accomplishments despite the odds and obstacles.  “If we can rise above a deadly plague to effectively promote our issues, imagine what we can accomplish when life gets back to normal,” summed up Ernst to conclude the productive Convention forum. MOTORCYCLE SALES CONTINUE TO ROLL The good times keep rolling, as the Motorcycle Industry Council (MIC) reports a new-model sales increase for the third quarter this year.  Year-to-date sales of new motorcycles and scooters through September increased 10.2% compared to the same period last year. RIDER FATALITIES CONTINUE DECLINE Preliminary estimates of 2019 highway crash data released by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) in October indicate that motorcyclist deaths continue to decline even as vehicle miles traveled or VMT increases. Motorcyclist fatalities fell 0.5% to 5,014 last year, a third consecutive year of declines in rider road deaths, amid an overall 2% decline in vehicle fatalities in 2019 (from 36,835 in 2018 to 36,096 in 2019). RIDING OFF-ROAD BIKES ON ROAD While some jurisdictions across the U.S. are developing new laws to allow the use of off-road vehicles on city streets, police in New Haven, Connecticut have launched a new task force specifically to identify people illegally riding dirt bikes, ATVs, or other “motorized recreational vehicles” on any public property within city limits.  That includes streets, sidewalks, parks, and playgrounds. MICHIGAN MOTORCYCLISTS PROTEST UNFAIR INSURANCE LAW As if riding a motorcycle wasn’t enough of a gamble, riders in Michigan now risk having an accident with a driver who chose to cap their own medical benefits at a level less than the amount the injured motorcyclist actually incurs in medical expenses.  ABATE of Michigan members and supporters gathered on the capitol steps in September to protest the state’s new automobile insurance law that limits access to lifetime medical benefits available to motorcyclists to how much coverage the car driver chose to purchase for themselves. Previously, motorcyclists involved in an accident with an at-fault car driver would have their medical bills covered under the state’s no-fault system, known as personal injury protection coverage or PIP.  But motorcyclists no longer have the same coverages under a new law designed to drive down auto insurance rates — routinely ranked among the highest in the nation — by allowing motorists to purchase policies with limited personal injury protection benefits. State Senator Peter Lucido (R-Macomb County) introduced legislation to rectify this dangerous defect in the system by allowing motorcyclists to file a claim against their own insurance policy. This summer it was announced that proposed tariffs of up to 100% on motorcycles and parts imported from Europe were dropped by the U.S., and when it recently became the EU’s turn to impose extra charges on American products, motorcycles were likewise taken off the list of this ill-conceived ‘tax’ scheme stemming from a dispute over aircraft subsidies. On October 26, the WTO gave the EU a green light to impose tariffs on American products for $4 billion per year, but on Nov 9 the European Commission published their list and motorcycles and related products were not included. These trade sanctions would not only have negatively impacted the motorcycle sales industry, including the aftermarket equipment sector, it could have deeply affected motorcyclists who rely on imported parts for general maintenance. This marked the third time that such irrational trade tariffs have been proposed, and once again it took an international effort of U.S. and European motorcyclists and trade industry to thwart a potentially devastating blow to the industry and marketplace. With British Prime Minister Boris Johnson confirming a return to nationwide ‘lockdown’ since November 5th, non-essential travel such as recreational motorcycling is once again on pause in the U.K., and it has also been confirmed that all motorcycle licensing tests and training sessions are likewise suspended for the duration of the lockdown. Motorcyclists can still use a bike for essential journeys, such as going for food and medicine or visiting someone in your support bubble, but you can’t head out for a ride with some mates. The new lockdown has also had a wider effect on motorcycling at large, with the cancelling of all permits for events and activities such as enduros, motocross and trials events.  Any motorcycle related events will also be unable to run.  Just like the first lockdown in Spring, the government has asked all non-essential retailers to close, which includes motorcycle dealerships. ‘HOME RECYCLING’ OF OLD MOTORCYCLES IN EUROPE MAY END Europe has rules in place for the collection and destruction of cars that have come to the end of their life, but motorcycles are currently exempt from these rules.  That may change, if it’s up to the European Commission. According to the Federation of European Motorcyclists’ Associations (FEMA), these rules are part of the End-of-life Vehicles Directive aimed at the prevention of waste from vehicles that have come to the end of their life.  The directive also tells EU Member States to set up systems for the collection and de-registration of all end-of life vehicles, and to have all vehicles that have reached the end of their life ‘transferred to authorized treatment facilities’ to be demolished in an environmentally friendly way. “If motorcycles were to be included in the scope of the directive, that could mean the end of so-called home recycling,” says FEMA, explaining that “recycling” of motorcycles and motorcycle parts is an integral part of motorcycle use.  “Home recycling, where you end the bike’s registration and take it apart for reuse of its parts, is a significant part of the motorcycle culture,” according to FEMA, adding that; “Home recycling helps to keep bikes on the road with used spare parts, instead of using new parts that have to be produced from raw materials.” FEMA insists that the private reuse of motorcycle parts is one of the best ways to prevent waste and to prevent the unnecessary use of raw materials.  This way, motorcyclists play their part in the circular economy as well as being environmentally friendly. Luckily motorcycles and other powered two-wheelers are not included in the scope of the current directive, a position that was lobbied for by FEMA when the directive was written and adopted in the late 1990s, but the European Commission now plans to revise the End-of-life Vehicles Directive (2000/53/EC) and wants to explore the need to have powered two-wheelers (motorcycles) included in the scope. PHILLIPINE RIDER GROUP FILES CASE VS. “DOBLE PLAKA” Motorcycle rider group, Riders of the Philippines (ROTP), has filed for a Petition for Certiorari and Prohibition against Republic Act 11235 (Motorcycle Crime Prevention Act / Doble Plaka) in hopes of receiving a favorable ruling from the court and possibly the issuance of a Temporary Restraining Order (TRO) and/or writ of preliminary injunction. CHINESE HARLEY-DAVIDSON Harley-Davidson’s “More Roads to Harley-Davidson” plan for the future called for opening the brand to the developing consumer market in Asia, but a newly released photo from China’s Zhejiang Qianjiang Motorcycle Co., Ltd. via the Chinese Patent Office reveals a 350cc entry level parallel-twin developed in partnership. QUOTABLE QUOTE: “The successful revolutionary is a statesman, the unsuccessful one a criminal.” ABOUT AIM / NCOM: The National Coalition of Motorcyclists (NCOM) is a nationwide motorcyclists rights organization serving over 2,000 NCOM Member Groups throughout the United States, with all services fully-funded through Aid to Injured Motorcyclist (AIM) Attorneys available in each state who donate a portion of their legal fees from motorcycle accidents back into the NCOM Network of Biker Services (www.ON-A-BIKE.com / 800-ON-A-BIKE).

by Ellie Honeybone from https://www.abc.net.au

You may be forgiven for assuming the world’s leading manufacturer of Ducati bevel drive engine parts would live in a bustling city, perhaps in Italy or the United States, somewhere central and close to consumers.

But in fact, this talented engineer and self-described “petrol head” lives in a tiny historic town, deep in the forests of south-west WA.

Even though shipping his handmade engine parts around the world from Nannup is a logistical nightmare, Brook Henry wouldn’t have it any other way.

A family business

Mr Henry grew up surrounded by Ducatis.

His older brothers imported and distributed the high-performance motorcycle brand in New Zealand from the late 1960s through to the 1980s.

“I spent pretty well all my time at the workshop, fixing, racing and working on Ducati bevel drive twins and singles,” Mr Henry said.

“I also did an apprenticeship outside that business as a toolmaker, but I never liked doing toolmaking and I always wanted to go back to motorcycles.”

That love of motorcycles grew and continued for the next 40 years with Mr Henry now a household name and ‘master’ in the Ducati world.

He has travelled extensively, inspected designs inside Ducati’s Bologna factory and even appeared on bike lover Jay Leno’s US television show.

After settling down first in Perth and then further south in Nannup, Mr Henry developed a business building, designing and shipping bevel drive parts, engines and complete motorcycles across the world.

Pandemic revives restoration projects

There are only so many original bevel drive Ducatis in existence, making Brook Henry’s business incredibly niche.

These bikes were built during the 1970s and 80s and made famous after legendary British champion Mike Hailwood won the Isle of Man race in 1978.

When the world went into COVID-19 lockdown during early 2020, many owners of bevel drive bikes decided it was the right time to blow off the cobwebs and reignite their restoration projects.

“I’ve never been so busy because guys who bought bevel drives put them in the back of a shed and chucked a rag over them,” Mr Henry said.

“The wives got sick of their husbands being in the kitchen and told them to go out and find something to do in the shed.

“So they went out and pulled the cover off the old Ducati bevel drive and started looking around to where they could get the parts to start putting it back together.

“Our customer base worldwide has been huge with COVID because anyone who’s got a bevel drive has gone and started working on it.”

The next chapter

In addition to supplying global customers with all the parts they need for their pandemic restorations, Mr Henry has another project in the works.

Through what he calls a “crazy set of circumstances”, he purchased the drawings for the original engine used in the late Mike Hailwood’s Isle of Man race winning bike, of which only a handful were ever made.

“We’ve actually been talked into making 12 exact replicas of Hailwood’s bike,” he said.

“We decided that we would make a limited run of them and the number we decided on was 12, because that was his racing number.”

While there will only be a dozen of these Hailwood recreations made, the engine — dubbed the ‘Ritorno’ — is available on its own with the approval of the Ducati factory.

“The business is expanding at 100 miles an hour because people worldwide want that engine and want parts for it,” Mr Henry said.

“So we’re gathering speed at a frightening rate at the moment, but I’m so passionate about it and I love what I do.”

Government funding leads to expansion

Mr Henry has big plans for expansion after receiving a $113,000 Regional Economic Development grant from the WA Government.

The investment will be used to employ more staff and purchase state of the art manufacturing equipment to build Mr Henry’s own version of the iconic bevel drive engine.

“I like to keep the outside of the engine looking the same where I can,” he said.

“And now I’ve got the opportunity to basically build my own internals and to improve on the existing engine.”

Despite being extremely busy these days, Mr Henry still enjoys the occasional ride through the scenic forest roads near his home.

“They say that motorcycles are built to transport people, but Ducatis are built to transport the soul,” he said.

“The only thing is, you do not have any control over emus and wildlife, kangaroos running out of the bush, all that sort of thing.

“So I really don’t want to hurt myself, because I’ve got too much to do — and it’s a damn shame I’m 66 and not 36.”

by Daniel Patrascu from https://www.autoevolution.com

Historically speaking, the name Harley-Davidson has generally been associated with males. That’s because, for one, it is mostly males that ride them, and second, because we can’t really remember a Harley bike wearing a girl name.

But the naming policy that led to bikes being christened Iron, Street Bob (or the same Bob, only Fat), or Road King does not apply to the custom industry. It is there and only there where you can find, for instance, a Breakout called Stella.

The build by this name is the work of German custom shop Thunderbike, a regular on this scene for the past 20 years. Although the bikes the Germans make are at times incredible, the way in which they name the finished projects is sketchy to say the least. Probably knowing that, their latest customer asked for the customized Breakout he ordered to be called Stella, after his daughter.

Inspired by an older build of the garage called Mitch, Stella has been customized in the usual Thunderbike way, with a big focus on six main elements: fender, saddle, tank, wheels, fork and air ride.

Sporting an air ride suspension kit that allows for up to 10 cm height adjustment, Stella rides on custom wheels, sized 21 and 23 inches, and wrapped in Avon tires.

It looks different from stock Breakouts not only because of the above modifications, but also thanks to a host of others. The aluminum tank and rear fender were welded by hand, there’s a special and short Dr. Jekill & Mr. Hyde exhaust system on one side, and a leather saddle made to match the looks of the build.

You can have a look at all the parts used on this latest build from Thunderbike at this link. Don’t expect to get an idea of how much the project is worth, as the Germans are not in the habit of revealing that. We punched in some numbers though, as they appear in the garage’s inventory, and the around 30 different items used to complete this motorcycle amount to some 15,000 euros. That’s the equivalent of roughly $17,700 at today’s exchange rates, or dangerously close to the starting price of the bike in factory form.

by Daniel Patrascu from https://www.autoevolution.com

Providing motorcycle riders with the same level of infotainment technology already available for drivers has proven to be quite a challenge. Because of the particularities of two-wheeled motoring, technologies that have been available in cars for some time now are just beginning to be adopted.

Take for instance Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, which have been brought as standard to the range of bikes just this year by two of the biggest names of the industry, Harley-Davidson and Indian. And this sluggishness applies to hardware as well.

In a move that is certain to cause a stir, parts supplier Bosch announced at the beginning of the month the launch of its (and the world’s) first integrated split screen for motorcycles, but also a smartphone integration solution called mySPIN.

The screen is a TFT 10.25-inch in size that can simultaneously display relevant vehicle information, and smartphone apps content like navigation. According to Bosch, BMW motorcycles (we are not being told which ones) will be the first to use them this year (also, unclear when will BMW have time to integrate it in its bikes in the little time left until the end of 2020).

As for the mySPIN app, it was designed to work with both the split screen and the usual ones. Ducati, for instance, will deploy it together with a new 6.5-inch display without the split-screen option, and Kawasaki will follow, although we’re not told with what screen it will use.

mySPIN has been around for about two years now in the watersports segment, but now expands to motorcycles to provide “smartphone content in an integrated and easy way while riding their bike.” Using it, riders get access to a community, Dash Radio, Genius Maps and Sygic, among others.

“Our clusters in combination with mySPIN offer a new riding experience with more safety and convenience for motorcycle riders. For us, this is the next step in terms of connectivity for motorcycles,” says Geoff Liersch, President of the Two-Wheeler & Powersports unit at Bosch.

 

VA offers support after suicide loss

Veterans have a significantly higher suicide rate than other adults in the U.S. This means Veterans are also more likely to have known someone who took their own life. Uniting for Suicide Postvention (USPV) helps make sense of a suicide loss. The program connects survivors with resources to help them work through powerful and unique emotions specific to this type of grief.

Some survivors blame themselves for not noticing warning signs, even though such signs may not have been obvious. And the effects extend beyond close family members. Even first responders, who never personally knew the deceased person, can be affected emotionally by the suicide scene.

USPV provides postvention information and resources to assist survivors as they navigate their healing journey, both immediately after the loss and in the months and years that follow.

What is postvention, and who benefits from it?

Suicide prevention aims to avert incident, while postvention fosters healing afterward, for those touched by the loss. With tens of thousands of suicides every year in the U.S., coping with the aftermath is an unfortunate reality for more people than some might think. For every suicide, an estimated average of 135 people are affected.

How is suicide postvention part of prevention?

Experts consider exposure to suicide a risk factor for suicide. Survivors are at greater risk for substance use disorders and mental health issues than those who haven’t experienced such a loss. This includes including thoughts of suicide. Those exposed to suicide in the workplace are 3.5 times more likely than others to take their own lives. In a military unit with five or more suicide attempts in a year, the risk for another attempt is double that of units that had no attempts.

Grief after loss can be so intense that it prevents survivors from seeking help at a critical crossroad. But by helping survivors heal after a suicide, postvention reduces the risk of additional suicides in the deceased person’s circle. In that way, postvention healing is a vital component of prevention. Postvention is so important that the Rocky Mountain Mental Illness Research, Education and Clinical Center (MIRECC) has established USPV as part of VA’s mission to develop, disseminate and implement a comprehensive prevention program.

To learn more about USPV at the Rocky Mountain MIRECC, visit https://www.mirecc.va.gov/visn19/postvention/.

Tucked in a Bandit’s Dayroll on a FXR Chopper

My FXR chopper needed tools for the Bandit’s day roll and I checked with Cruz Tools. Cruz tools have become my go-to source for setting up Bandit’s Dayrolls for any bike.

This ultra-compact tool kit is packed with functionality for Harley-Davidson motorcycles.

The SpeedKit provides a major upgrade over OEM tool kits, and still fits in a relatively compact space. Lifetime Guarantee – no questions asked!

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COLUMBUS – Motorcycle Ohio, within the Ohio Department of Public Safety’s Bureau of Motor Vehicles, is pleased to announce funding assistance to government agencies and not-for-profit organizations, such as career centers and institutions of higher learning, that are interested in offering certified motorcycle rider training.

Motorcycle Ohio establishes motorcycle safety and education programs to provide affordable motorcycle rider training courses in order to reduce fatalities and injuries on Ohio’s roadways through rider education, public information campaigns, and licensing improvement.

Funding assistance is available to applicants who are interested in offering Basic Rider Skills for beginners, Basic Rider Skills for the returning rider, and Basic Rider Skills – 2 for experienced riders.

Applicants must meet specific parameters and other necessary requirements to be eligible for an award. For more information, visit the Motorcycle Ohio website or email. The deadline for applications is December 31, 2020.

PROVO, UT (November 20th, 2020) – Vanderhall Motor Works released a dealer development growth update, announcing the addition of 33 new store locations with several key international dealerships. With the additional spike of demand associated with the release of the Navarro, Vanderhall is gearing up by adding distribution points and expanding their factory footprint, doubling their current plant size.

United States store locations have grown to 75, with 15 additional locations internationally.
“The excitement around the brand has never been higher. Recent events could have tempered demand for our product, but the opposite has happened. People need an escape, an opportunity to explore and Vanderhall gives them that in an organically socially distanced manner,” Vice President of Dealer Acquisitions and Sales, Jay Omanson.

Vanderhall dealers, in addition to the future Navarro, are excited to be able to offer two new premium model variants in 2021: the Venice GTS (New for U.S. Dealers) and the Carmel GTS has been added to the model lineup. Dealers are also beginning to see a measured rollout of new model variant colors for 2021: Ivory White, Ida Rose Red, Royal Blue, Jean Grey, and Obsidian Black.

Interested potential dealers may register here: https://vanderhallusa.com/ndr/

New Vanderhall Store Locations:

Click a dealer below to view details of each new Vanderhall Dealer. International Vanderhall of U.A.E. Vanderhall of Qatar Vanderhall of Kuwait Vanderhall of Monaco Vanderhall of Vienna Vanderhall of Munich Vanderhall of Solingen Vanderhall of Kortrijk Vanderhall of Normandy Vanderhall of Australia United States Vanderhall of Anchorage Vanderhall of Scottsdale Vanderhall of Virginia Beach Vanderhall of Winchester, VA Vanderhall of Springfield, MO Vanderhall of Indianapolis Vanderhall of Fort Lauderdale Vanderhall of Tulsa Vanderhall of Ledgewood, NJ Vanderhall of Columbus, GA Vanderhall of Tempe Vanderhall of Corinth, MS Vanderhall of the Poconos Vanderhall of Wilmington, NC Vanderhall of Milwaukee Vanderhall of Wesley Chapel, FL Vanderhall of Albany Vanderhall of Byron, GA Vanderhall of Milford, OH Vanderhall of Palm Beach Vanderhall of Northwest Ohio Vanderhall of San Antonio Vanderhall of Northeast Ohio

New to Los Angeles or can’t make it home for the upcoming holiday? 101 North Eatery & Bar in Westlake Village, CA is open Thanksgiving day for dine-in and take-out.

Whether guests want to enjoy the comfort of their own home or would like a place to go on Thanksgiving 101 North has options for everyone! 101 North Eatery & Bar is offering dine-in Thanksgiving dinner or it can be picked up via contactless curbside pick-up, it can even be delivered for free! Please see below for pricing and menu details. 101 North Eatery & Bar also created a Thanksgiving Cocktail Kit which is available for the whole month of November for $50 and serves 8 people. Ingredients include Vodka, Honeycrisp Apple, Apricot, Ginger, and Lemon Essence. Please join 101 North and Chef Anthony Alaimo, a Michelin Star Chef in celebrating the thankful holiday.

Thanksgiving set menu for dine in

Full menu not available. Set menu only.

$75 person | 4pm-9pm

 

Choice of starter

Burrata

Roasted baby beets, burrata, fig balsamic, baby arugula

Porcini mushroom soup

Toasted pine nuts, rosemary creme fraiche (v)

 

Choice of main

Roasted mary’s free range turkey

Ruby yams, braised turkey gravy, harticot verts, sausage & wild rice stuffing

Wood grilled angus tenderloin

Smoked potato puree, caramelized onion jus

Butternut squash agnolotti

Brown butter, vincotto, parmesan (v)

 

Dessert

Trio of mini desserts

Pumpkin cheesecake, bourbon pecan apple tart, chocolate fondant

_ _ _ _ _ _ _ _

(v) = vegetarian

 

Vegan menu

Porcini mushroom soup

Toasted pine nuts, rosemary creme fraiche

Butternut squash risotto

Vincotto

Vegan crème brûlée

Pineapple, toasted coconut tuile, macadamia nut streusel.

 

To go menu

Porcini mushroom soup

Toasted pine nuts, rosemary creme fraiche (v)

Baby kale salad.

Spiced pumpkin seeds, midnight moon cheese, dried cranberries, apple vinaigrette

Roasted mary’s free range turkey

Ruby yams, braised turkey gravy, harticot verts, sausage & wild rice stuffing

Pumpkin cheesecake

Free delivery & pick up available between 4pm-9pm

$99 serves 2 | $195 serves 5

 

For more information on 101 North’s Thanksgiving menu or to make a reservation please visit: https://www.101northeateryandbar.com/thanksgiving

The Motorcycle Riders Foundation (MRF) has long partnered with the Federation of European Motorcyclists’ Associations (FEMA) in the European Union. This week FEMA alerted the MRF to potential changes regarding end-of-life vehicle directives that could have a dramatic impact on European motorcyclists. MRF President Kirk “Hardtail” Willard stated, “Policy ideas that first appear in Europe have a history of popping up in the United States. The ability to own, collect, work on, and refurbish older motorcycles is a fundamental part of who we are as motorcyclists. We stand side by side with FEMA in their battle to protect motorcycle owners from changes to the end-of-life vehicle rules in Europe.” Wim Taal, FEMA’s communications officer said, “Inclusion of motorcycles in the scope of the directive could also mean a serious threat to historical motorcycles. These bikes are especially dependent upon available and affordable original spare parts to keep them in working order. And who wants to see old-timers disappear into state approved demolishing facilities?”

Below is the full statement from FEMA and their response to the European Union on potential changes to European law. Europe has rules in place for the collection and destruction of cars that have come to the end of their life. Motorcycles are exempt from these rules. That may change, if it’s up to the European Commission. These rules are part of the End-of-life Vehicles Directive, aimed at the prevention of waste from vehicles that have come to the end of their life. The directive also tells Member States to set up systems for the collection and de-registration of all end-of life vehicles. The directive also pushes producers to manufacture new vehicles without hazardous substances (in particular lead, mercury, cadmium and hexavalent chromium), thus promoting the reuse, recyclability and recovery of waste vehicles. The directive tells Member States to have all vehicles that have reached the end of their life ‘transferred to authorized treatment facilities’ to be demolished in an environmentally friendly way. If motorcycles were to be included in the scope of the directive, that could mean the end of so-called home recycling. Recycling of motorcycles and motorcycle parts is an inherent part of motorcycle use. Home recycling, where you end the bike’s registration and take it apart for reuse of its parts, is a significant part of the motorcycle culture. Home recycling helps to keep bikes on the road with used spare parts, instead of using new parts that have to be produced from raw materials. As we did in the 1990s, FEMA still believes that the private reuse of motorcycle parts is one of the best ways to prevent waste and to prevent the unnecessary use of raw materials. This way, motorcyclists play their part in the circular economy as well as being environmentally friendly. Luckily motorcycles and other powered two-wheelers are not included in the scope of the current directive, a position that was lobbied for by FEMA when the directive was written and adopted in the late 1990s. The European Commission now plans to revise the End-of-life Vehicles Directive and asked for feedback (there will be a public consultation in the second quarter of 2021 and the Commission’s adoption of a revised directive is planned for the second quarter of 2022). As part of the revision of the directive, the European Commission wants to explore the need to have powered two-wheelers include in the scope.

FEMA responded to the European Commission’s request for feedback with the following statement and explains why in their view motorcycles and other powered two-wheelers should not be included in a new directive. The Federation of European Motorcyclists’ Associations (FEMA) thanks the European Commission for the opportunity to give its vision on the revision of the End-of-life Vehicles Directive (2000/53/EC). In FEMA’s view, the current Directive succeeded in preventing waste from vehicles, the reuse of parts from vehicles and improvement of the environmental performance of all economic operators involved in the life cycle of vehicles. We can also understand the need to extend the scope of the directive to other kinds of vehicles than cars. However, extension of the working of the Directive to powered two-wheelers (PTWs) is less obvious because of the different nature of both use and build of PTWs. PTWs do not have a body like cars; they can have body parts attached to the frame, but this cannot be compared with the body of cars. Most PTWs spend the largest part of their live indoors and as a rule are used for far less kilometers than cars. Because of this, and because parts can easily be removed, PTWs seldomly reach the end of their life like other vehicles do. Virtually all PTW parts can be reused, through a large network of specialized second-hand part suppliers throughout the European Union, or by users themselves who swap and change parts with other owners. Parts that are not reused are recycled through local recycling schemes or sent on by second-hand part shops. There is no evidence of PTWs being dumped beside the road or otherwise disposed of in an inappropriate manner. Inclusion of PTWs could even be contrary to the aim the directive, by causing a problem where none exists now. In particular, the certificate of destruction may prohibit users from dismantling their vehicles for the purpose of reusing components. Furthermore, the administrative requirement on specialized second-hand parts businesses, which are generally small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), could mean job losses. An exception could be made for electric powered vehicles (EVs). The demolition of EVs is specialistic work that should not be done by unqualified people. To ensure that the demolition of PTWs with a combustion engine can still be done in-house by the owners themselves or by SMEs, and to ensure that demolition of electric PTWs is done by qualified specialists, FEMA suggests not to include PTWs in the End-of-life Vehicles Directive but to draw a separate Directive for powered two-wheelers and perhaps other L-category vehicles. If the European Commission does propose to include motorcycles and other powered two-wheelers in an End-of-life Vehicles Directive, FEMA would ask the Commission to ensure that the possibility of controlled in-house demolition remains possible (as part of a circular economy), either by including it in the Directive, or by allowing Member States to make their own rules and regulations for in-house demolition. If the European Commission does propose to include motorcycles and other powered two-wheelers in an End-of-life Vehicles Directive, FEMA would ask the Commission to ensure that historic PTWs or PTWs of value to collectors or intended for museums, kept in a proper and environmentally sound manner, either ready for use or stripped into parts, do not fall within the scope of this Directive.