中国袖珍自行车 | Chinese Pocket Bikes

A federal prohibition on the sales of new and used mini dirt bikes has impacted every original equipment manufacturer (OEM), dealership and repair facility for 85cc, 70cc, 65cc and 50cc displacement mini bikes.

This targets an entire industry of age 12-and-under motorized recreationalists that accounts for a conservative number of 50,000 young athletes nationwide.

The Consumer Protection Safety Commission (CPSC) introduced a broad sweeping stay (prohibition) with the Feb. 10 release of the Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act (CPSIA) of 2008, which impacts a large spectrum of the economy, not just mini bikes.

The intent of the act is to protect children from ingesting harmful substances (lead) or dangerous product designs that can cause harm from everyday consumer goods like cribs, window blinds, bicycles and common toys.

In the CPSIA language, certain parts of a mini bike may contain lead in excess of 600ppm (parts per million). Specifically in the mini bike: valve stems, sparkplugs and rarely applied battery terminals in vehicles with electric starts or lights.

Many dealers reported having only a 10-day notice from their OEMs to pull all of the 19 listed mini bike and mini quad models off their showroom floors.

In a blanket statement to their contracted dealers, “Do not sell.”

That notice included all replacement parts necessary for maintenance and repair that applies as a (cataloged) component application for each mini bike model. No exceptions; zero sales.

To put that into writing for basic public understanding: frequently worn and replaced parts such as tires, tubes, grips, levers, gaskets, brake pads, chains, springs, cables, fork seals and body plastic are just the top of the heap of every conceivable component banned for distribution or sale.

This includes safety gear and aftermarket accessories designed for specific models.

Local dealers’ perspective

R.J. Savage, owner of All American KTM in Ramona, stated, “Two weeks ago my OEM sent me a very gray document. I believe the OEMs were not aware this was coming down the pipe.”

Savage sighed, “It said all two-wheeled 85cc and below mini bikes, and the 90cc Polaris four-wheeled quads, must be pulled from the showroom floor.

“The Polaris have to await a sticker kit to be delivered to put on the little machines stating that only kids 13 years old and older can legally ride the 90cc quads. Then they can go back out on the sales floor.

“Shortly after that, KTM sent me a notice to pull all youth [safety] gear. I pulled helmets, boots, goggles, gloves, pants and knee guards off the showroom floor.

“Yeah, that’s really looking out for children’s safety, ’cause all that gear has to be tested for lead too?

“We’re a small boutique dealer. Over 400 families nationwide race out of this store. No more donations and helping out the Risk Safety Foundation or the volunteer education, outreach and community fundraising efforts of the Fire Police MX Team we support.

“The problem is my business is down 70 percent year to date over this time last year. Now the federal government is taking away an additional 40 percent of my revenue that’s directly mini market-related? I’m done.

“The MX industry is getting completely disassembled. I have $200,000 in inventory that I can’t sell and I’m paying interest on $180,000 of that.

“I know I’m not the only one. This is a national travesty. The burden of layoffs is next.”

Jeremy Howe, the sales manager of Callaway Motorsports in downtown Riverside, received his first “Do not sell” notice from one of the OEMs three weeks ago.

“At this time [Feb. 11] it seems nothing is being done,” he said. “[The CPSC] don’t seem to want to correct the problem.

“They’re being counterproductive to what they’re trying to do. They seem so destined to get our youth off of off-highway vehicles. It’s insane. It’s un-American.

“I understand the intent to protect children from lead poisoning grossly painted on general consumer products. That’s fine. I’m all for that protection where it’s been an issue by acceptable definition and public concern.

“But to paralyze an industry where there’s never been an issue? What the heck?

“The problem is [the CPSC] have absolutely no definition about what an ‘accessible component’ is. What is readily accessible for a child to remove in a sealed compartment and ingest is definitely a ‘No list, no law.’ They couldn’t even get that definition down.

“My other question is this stay notice. In my opinion, how was it voted on? From my understanding a committee member and an acting chair may have produced this stay in private. I’m not sure. I want to know. Something doesn’t seem right about that.

“In another one of my opinions, I question the timeline. While there is absolute strife in this economy, [businesses] should be encouraged to operate, not be further restricted.

“On a global perspective, I can only imagine other countries looking at our government entities and saying, ‘What a bunch of retards.’ Blunders and problems need to go away. This is embarrassing for our nation.

“My biggest concern is facing the parents who still want their children to ride by purchasing [in protest] 200cc and 125cc bikes.

“Is safety really a concern on the big agenda? Yes, it is. Now more so than ever it really, really is. [The CPSC] have no idea [about the industry].”

Corona Motorsports general manager Gus Ysatsa was calmly hopeful.

“I’m optimistic that this will heal itself,” he stated. “With the unintended consequences forced on the industry I’m sure our industry leaders can help repair this matter. At our [retail] level we can’t do anything. The OEMs are strapped [by the government commissions]. So are we.

“Forty percent of our business comes from the families supporting the mini bike kids’ industry. I now have $100,000 in inventory in storage that we’re paying interest on. Not good.”

Temecula Motorsports, a leader in local area powersports with a reputation for community outreach and support, voiced concern through its new owner, Jerry Gilding.

“At the end of the day – and I’m not saying this lightly – I believe that we have enough logical people to turn this around.

“It’s affecting my business dramatically. Nobody’s happy about this,” he concluded.

Adult mini bike market

Jimmy Gallegos, manager of aftermarket manufacturer Sano Systems, based in Murrieta, explained, “Our specialty mini bike aftermarket parts are specifically designed and sold to the adult market to adapt to the size and physical needs of our customers.

“[CPSC is] pulling the roots of the sport right out of the ground. The kids [riding] today grow up to be our customers.

“We’ve had a chance to discuss this matter with Red Baron Racing and BBR Motorsports, also very reputable leaders in the professional racing and adult mini bike market. Our roundtable discussion concluded that we’d fight this absurdity.

“This is absolutely crippling for the economy. It’s going to take away more jobs. In a technical sense our technology is taking a big hit by false expectations appearing real in [the CPSC] world.

“It’s almost like [the CSPC] just sat around yelling out random items to add to a checklist without thinking or caring about the consequences.”

None of the dealerships interviewed in this story had any documents stating the CPSCIA stay order from the federal commission or any related officiating agency, office director or staff.

On the race front

Greg Robinson, vice president of marketing for Unadilla MX Park in upstate New York, had some grim news to share with his customers.

“We received a directive from Yamaha issuing a recommendation standard,” he said. “We’ve considered complying a with a new age restriction on our entire amateur racing series by raising the age limit to 13 years old for entries. We haven’t adjusted anything as of yet.

“The concern could be a huge liability for: a) the industry and b) our insurance. Right now we’ve got to look at the whole scope of this and factor in the least common denominators.

“Since we’re connected with factory sponsorships and contingencies we’d be crazy to drop a [race] gate on anybody under the age of 13 where they could be ‘potentially exposed to traces of lead’ deemed under the federal regulation.

“Unadilla hosts seven events with three major amateur races: the American Motorcycle Association MX Nationals with 1,200 entries, All Terrain Vehicle Association Pro ATV Series with 600 entries and Grand National Cross Country series that varies between 1,500 and 1,800 entries.

“The kids made for one-third of our entire entries, which equaled exactly one-half of our spectator attendance in additional family members.

“In the ripple of the effect you lose. Without amateur racing there is no series. We lose a whole generation out of the sport, a whole demographic.

“The sad part for me, in mid-January I had never heard of this. Three or four days ago we’re in this position of canceling everything. This is definitely the tail wagging the dog.

“We’re 20 minutes away from Cooperstown, the home of the Baseball Hall of Fame. They used to have an annual event that brought 30 to 50 thousand people to town for a weekend. They don’t have that anymore.

“The good thing for us is we don’t race year-round. There’s two feet of snow on the ground so I don’t have to cancel a race this weekend, but in warmer climates there’s racing every weekend.

“Bad regulation produces bad results and unintended consequences. The CSPC painted this act with too broad of a brush.”

Robinson was invited for an in-studio interview with his local NBC station for future airing.

Practice makes perfect

Rick Johnson, co-owner of Perris Raceway, the oldest motocross park in the State of California, offers the very popular Mini Night practice on the big track for experienced young riders.

Mini Night practice will evaporate in a matter of weeks, as regular maintenance parts that keep the mini bikes safely operating are no longer available for the parents to purchase and replace.

Johnson lamented, “Oh, I can’t imagine how this is going to affect the entire industry. This will put a major damper on everything.

“We have to do what’s right. What they’re doing is not right, period. This [stay] doesn’t benefit anybody.

“The focus of [Perris Raceway] is to release energy and to have a positive connection with one’s mind, body and soul. Essentially, [CSPS] just want the kids to sit at home for another night hooked up to electronic games, watching TV and snacking away.

“We enjoy families; I have kids too. We’re always aimed and focused on building the future of the sport. This is a travesty.”

Industry troubleshooting

Ty van Hooydonk, director of product communications for the Motorcycle Industry Council, stressed, “This day in particular, what’s critical for us is we’re rallying everybody at the [four-day] Dealer Trade Show in Indianapolis Feb. 13-16.

“We have representatives available for discussions. There are displays and signs all over the show.

“We have a computer in our booth for online commenting. The tradeshow attendees can easily make their opinions known.

“Consumers need to step up the need for common-sense exclusions.

“The public can do so by visiting the letter generator at the Americans for Responsible Recreation Access Web site, the Motorcycle Industry Council’s Web site or the American Motorcycle Association’s Web site.

“There are directions and links for writing to the CPSC for economic emergency exemption.”

Leading motocross apparel brand Fox has come on board as presenting sponsor for the 2009 Mini SX Series being held at Frankston and Shepparton BMX tracks on March 14 and March 28 respectively.

Despite tough economic times Fox Racing continue to show their commitment to racing here in Australia and in particular the ‘grass roots’ events that facilitate new interest in motocross.

“We are proud to support the 2009 Mini SX Series. Each year the event attracts new riders and spectators to enjoy our sport. Our aim is increase participation by helping showcase all forms of our sport to a fresh audience.” Scott Runcimen said– Fox Brand Manager

2009 marks the events fourth year running, since the first ever Mini SX event in April 2006. The event were the first ever Motorcycling Australia (MA) affiliated mini bike race. The event also made history as the first ever motorcycle event to be held on a purpose built competition BMX track.

Mini SX racing makes for exciting entertainment and a great day out for families of all ages. The action is high intensity and the whole track can be seen at once from almost all of the spectator areas.

Up to 200 riders make the annual pilgrimage to Frankston BMX track each year from as far as Queensland and Tasmania to compete. Attracting spectator numbers of between 2000 and 3000 people, the Mini SX atmosphere is exciting and unique.

A huge contributor to the success of the Mini SX events is the combination of world class Freestyle Motocross (FMX) demos. Local riders Cam Sinclair and Blake Williams, continue to turn up the action for the Mini SX crowd. Since the Mini SX began in 2006 both riders careers have continued to sky rocket to the point where they are both ranked among the best in the world.

For 2009 Sinclair and Williams will again perform at the Mini SX, also being joined by recently crowned Australasian FMX champion Kain Saul. The event is a perfect opportunity for fans of FMX , the Crusty Demons and the boys to see them perform up close, and grab an autograph before they head off on their Crusty campaign around Australia.

Supporting sponsors for the 2009 Mini SX Series include, Wals Mini Bikes, Electric Visual, Motovert, Trading Post, Freerider Magazine and Freestyle Honda.

Tickets are available at the gate for $20 an Adult, $15 for Children (under 15) and $50 for a family

For competitor entry forms and details go to www.myspace.com/minisxopen or call 0412 686 148

THE 2009 Pro Moto Series kicks off this Sunday at the Wollongong City Raceway.

This year promises to be not only bigger and better, but with increased fields it will be even more exciting.

The Pro Moto Series is held for motorcycles under 150cc in capacity, made up of four different classes, that includes Elite Water-cooled, Chinese Water-cooled, Mini Motard and Juniors, and the on track action amongst these pockets rockets promises to be fast and furious.

The elite class within the Pro Moto Series is the Elite Water-cooled and they have fields of over a dozen with the heavy hitters expected to be Paul Borg, Allan Bollins and a host of others that are keen to get among the winner’s circle.

After only contesting the latter half of last year’s Pro Moto Series; Allan Bollins is ready for a full-on assault in 2009 and he has two ambitions and they are to dominate and ultimately win the series.

“I finished last year with a winning streak and I hope to continue that throughout this year’s Pro Moto Series and challenge for the overall series honours,” said a confident Bollins.

“Although I had a good run last year I am not taking anything for granted this year, as it’s a whole new ball game. I have prepared very strongly this year and the goal is to take out the Pro Moto Series and nothing else.”

Stepping to the Elite Water-cooled class in 2009 on a full-time basis is Chinese Water-cooled class front runners Chris Lawler and Brad Watson and those two are not just going to there to make up the numbers.

“Last year I was jumping between both the Chinese and Elite classes

and this year I am concentrating on the Elite class,” said last year’s

Pro Moto Series for the Chinese Water-cooled class winner Lawler.

“Jumping between the two classes wasn’t a problem with the Chinese Water-cooled but it was with the Elite Water-cooled. With the Elite Water-cooled class it’s very tough and in order to run up the front you need to put in 100 per cent effort or otherwise you will be left behind.”

Another exciting development in 2009 is the launch of the National Pro Moto Series that is a three round series over three states; Victoria, NSW and Queensland.

Action is set to begin at 10am and continue right through to 5pm.

Wollongong City Raceway is located on the corner of West Dapto Road and the Princes Highway at Kembla Grange.

On Tuesday, the federal government passed legislation severely limiting the amount of lead that can be used in toys. The lead legislation is far reaching and has forced motor sport shops to take mini machines off their floors.

For 8 year old Damian Alano, riding his dirt bike with his dad has become a favorite hobby. But the government would like to keep Damian off his bike for another 4 years. New lead toy regulations make it illegal to sell ATV’s and dirt bikes designed for kids 12 and under. ATVs have lead in the battery, the metal alloys, paint, and other parts.

It’s forced dealers like Flamingo Motorsports to pull the machines from the sales floor.

Sales Manager of Flamingo Motorsports John Barry said, “You have 60 or 70 thousand dollars worth of inventory in our case and it’s got to be even bigger in other peoples cases that we can’t sell right now.”

And those who already own pint-sized motor bikes and ATV’s could find them useless down he road, since manufacturers have been ordered to stop making replacement parts. It’s not only upsetting young riders, but also their parents.

Parent Christopher Alano said, “That was one of our major things to get outside and go riding and enjoy the day.”

Local dirt tracks are also concerned. Motocross 338 in Southwick says one third of their entries come from riders 12 and under.

Moto-X 338 Track Manager Ralph Pittello said, “We have about 27 races scheduled for this season alone and with a third of the riders who are under the age of 13 that ride these bikes and quads our events will be really devastated.”

Motocross enthusiasts say the sport and the machines involve shouldn’t fall under he same guidelines as a toy.

Pittello said, “I don’t think any child has ever been able to ingest a whole break cable or a fender or a piece of plastic from a bike.”

There is legislation in the works to roll back the lead toy regulations until a solution can be found. Until then manufacturers have advised dealers to stop selling the small machines or risk fines.

Police and residents are not keen on teenagers riding mini motos

A teenager who tried to escape from police on a mini motorbike has been bailed while officers decide what to do with him.

Police in Whitstable arrested a 19-year-old boy from the town who was spotted riding his mini motorbike in the Grimshill area on Wednesday, February 18.

The teenager was told to stop by neighbourhood officer PC Dan Ashton who works in the Gorrell ward but the mini-motorcyclist refused and rode off.

But he was stopped later by a member of the motorcycle unit and was arrested for making off from police and for having no insurance.

He has been released on bail until March 27 pending a decision to prosecute.

PC Ashton said: “The noise and nuisance caused those riding mini motorcycles as well as the potential danger was raised as a priority issue by the Partners and Community Together (PACT) panel.

“So we have been working together with local residents and the local authority to ensure that we have the evidence of those causing the problem.”

To contact PC Ashton or other members of the Whitstable neighbourhood team telephone 01227 868028

22,000 enthusiasts experienced the sights and sounds of the inaugural Australian Motorcycle Expo Gold Coast last week (Friday February 20-Sunday February 22).

The first-run event eclipsed the Brisbane (2007) attendance figures by an incredible margin, with organisers Exhibitions and Trade Fairs reporting a 65% increase in visitors.

Exhibits, displays and action demonstrations made full use of the Gold Coast Convention and Exhibition Centre’s interior and exterior facilities, with constant crowds adding to the family-friendly atmosphere.

Occasional inclement weather couldn’t dampen showgoers spirits – and neither could an equally gloomy economic climate – exhibitors reported record interest in new motorcycles, scooters, ATVs and PWCs plus products, accessories and services.

Event Manager Mark Petersen said the Expo had the potential to become one of the Gold Coast’s premier events after an exceptionally successful staging last week.

“The Australian Motorcycle Expo Gold Coast shows that the industry is thriving despite tough financial times,” said Petersen. “We’re ecstatic with the response from visitors, who really embraced the event and all it had to offer.”

“The venue’s extension allowed us to expand on exhibition space and demonstration areas, and the locality made the various test ride options a favourite with visitors.

“All exhibitors should be congratulated on the quality of their displays, including manufacturers and distributors who went to amazing lengths to secure the newest and most exclusive motorcycles for public viewing.”

“We were privileged to host some very special guests, including Troy Bayliss, Chris Vermeulen, Jamie Whincup and Seth Enslow, who were very popular with visitors.”

“We’re already looking forward to next year, with every indication the event will return and already a huge amount of interest in bookings.”

The Yamaha Action Arena gave visitors a chance to check out some high-flying freestyle motocross from the Showtime FMX team, as well as the antics of the Brown’s Grafix mini moto riders.

The grassy banks provided a perfect view of the Yamaha Water Zone where a host of renowned PWC pilots put on regular and spectacular shows of skill and precision.

Dylan Robb took out top honours in the East Coast Custom Australian Custom Bike Championships, with his entry from Melbourne capturing the judges’ attention as national champion.

Brendon ‘BJ’ Kelly continued his winning ways in the National Pogo Championships, presented by Motostik and Dirt Action, capping off his routine with a crowd-pleasing backflip that earnt him first prize and a trip to the Las Vegas Supercross in May.

A local winner was drawn in the $15,000 Honda Voucher promotion, with 15-year-old Daniel Notley-Cole from the Gold Coast unable to believe his luck when his entry was announced.

He now has the envious task of choosing Honda products to the value of $15,000, and said he was eyeing off a new dirt bike.