That’s right! The fifth annual Women’s Motorcycle Show goes down in LA on February 22nd, 2020. We’ve got a new location, longer hours, and more good stuff to enjoy. Are you new to the show? Check out last year’s review video and photo gallery to get an idea of what sort of fun we have in store for you.

When: 3p-12a | Saturday, Feb 22 Where: House of Machines LA 2028 E 7th St, Los Angeles, CA 90021 (get directions)

$10 GENERAL ADMISSION – ALL ATTENDEES WELCOME!

Pre-sale tickets available through Eventbrite, Facebook, and at the door. (No refunds.) Save 50% online Feb 3 through Feb 6 at 6p with promo code MOTOLADY50.

An all-day event celebrating women who ride and the wide spectrum of motorcycles that move them. Enjoy custom display bikes, art, short films, live music, an epic raffle, full bar, awesome food choices… and demos from Real Deal Revolution! Try your hand at MIG and TIG welding, pinstriping, and blacksmithing.

To submit your bike, fill out this google form (requires google sign-in). If you show your art, sponsor the show or raffle, or have problems with the bike submission form… send an email to womensmotoshow@gmail.com! Because we love surprises, we’ll continue to update the WMS Facebook event schedule with our feature bands, raffle schedule, etc. Stay tuned to our Instagram and Facebook pages as we reveal new raffle prizes, our feature bands, show bikes, and featured artists!

by Bill Roberson from https://www.forbes.com

Just over a decade ago, word went out on nascent social media channels and through the Portland motorcycle scene that a quasi-underground one-day-only motorcycle show was going to take place in an unheated abandoned warehouse in the dead of Portland’s dark and dreary winter. There would be bikes, live rock-n-roll, and as rumors then suggested, a large supply of Pabst Blue Ribbon for anyone willing to brave near-freezing temperatures and a steely, persistent Northwest rain to search out the whispered locale. The organizers expected a scrum of Portland’s more hardcore riders to attend.

They weren’t even close.

Over a thousand people turned up for that first show (including this rider/writer), which showcased a surprising number of head-turning bikes both classic, modern, custom and otherwise. There was also a fair bit of moto-inspired artwork, and, of course, beer and music. The One Motorcycle Show was born in Portland legend.

After moving through ever bigger venues over the years, for 2020 the One Motorcycle Show had to be housed in the sprawling Veterans Memorial Coliseum, the second largest stage in town after the adjacent Moda Center, where the Portland Trail Blazers play. Let’s just say it’s a really big space. And it’s needed, because after some smaller-scale racing events at past shows, this year brought some for-real dirt track racing action to the Coliseum’s inner arena during the show.

Portland has a vibrant and eclectic motorcycle scene, and eleven years on, the bikes, beer, bands and vibe of “the One Show” – as locals call it – has morphed into one of the biggest and most unique events on the international motorcycle calendar. It now includes corporate sponsorship (this year from Polaris-run Indian and Progressive Insurance, among others), plenty of show merch, an array of tasty microbrews (and PBR), more bands and some nice entries from Portland’s renowned food-cart foodie scene. And yet, it still feels unlike most any other motorcycle show you’ve been to.

And that name? The organizer of that first show (and each subsequent outing), Thor Drake, now a Portland moto scene icon, KTM dealer and coffee shop owner, says the name comes from a simple idea: For many riders and bike builders, there’s a vision of that one bike they’d love to have, build or customize. What might that be? That’s the simple premise the One Show was built upon, and continues to grow with. From glittering customs to restomod classics to dirt-caked minibikes to the new crop of electric machines and literally everything in between, there was, as usual, plenty to see, hear and enjoy at the 2020 One Motorcycle Show.

SEE ALL PHOTOS AT https://www.forbes.com/sites/billroberson/2020/02/14/style-craft-and-commerce-mix-at-portlands-weird-and-wonderful-one-motorcycle-show/#70d4e5ab2fc4

The First of Many

In 2018, Monster Energy/Pro Circuit/Kawasaki rider Austin Forkner earned his first career 250SX win at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, Florida.

Brand Sweep

After a 19 year hiatus of racing in Tampa, Florida racing resumed in 2018 at Raymond James Stadium where Kawasaki riders swept both classes with Eli Tomac winning the 450SX class and Austin Forkner won the 250SX class. It is also the only time that any manufacturer brand has swept the Tampa Supercross race.

Jeff Ward – 1987

In 1987, Jeff Ward won the inaugural supercross race in Tampa, Florida in the 250cc class with fellow Kawasaki rider, Ron Lechien, finishing in second place.

Jordon Smith – #54
“I am really excited to get back behind the gate this weekend. It has been a long time since I’ve lined up, but I absolutely love my new Monster Energy/Pro Circuit/Kawasaki KX250. I feel like I am gelling really well with the team and we’ve been putting in a lot of work this offseason. I am ready to let it show!”

Garrett Marchbanks – #36
“We learned a lot last year and it was great to earn the Rookie of the Year title, but we are looking for a lot more this year. I am excited to show all of the hard work I have been putting in.”

 

You might break down, but you’ll never break up.

Here’s wishing you and your two-wheeled partner a Happy Valentine’s Day from Lowbrow Customs!

Your Weekly Biker Bulletin from Inside the Beltway

Your Motorcycle Riders Foundation team in Washington, D.C. is pleased to provide our members with the latest information and updates on issues that impact the freedom and safety of American street motorcyclists. Count on your MRF to keep you informed about a range of matters that are critical to the advancement of motorcycling and its associated lifestyle. Published weekly when the U.S. Congress is in session.

Autonomous Vehicle Hearing and Legislation:

This week the House Energy and Commerce Subcommittee on Consumer Protection and Commerce held a hearing on autonomous vehicles (AV). During the three-plus hour hearing, the room was packed with representatives of the AV industry as well as advocates for highway safety and consumer protection. The panel of witnesses represented the following organizations: Advocates for Highway and Auto Safety, Alliance for Automotive Innovation, American Association of Justice, National Federation of the Blind, Consumer Technology Association and San Francisco Municipal Transportation Agency (SFMTA).

Energy and Commerce Committee Chairman Frank Pallone, Jr. (D-NJ) delivered the following opening remarks, “Safety and deployment must come hand in hand — we cannot have one without the other. Because ultimately, public acceptance of self-driving cars depends on their reliability and safety. Troubling safety incidents, regulatory black-holes, and lax oversight threaten to disrupt this critical balance and the future of this technology itself.”

Ranking member Greg Walden (R-OR) also took a shot at the trial lawyers, represented by the American Association for Justice, chiding them for asking “for more changes in the Senate despite the deal we had here in the House” and for not supporting the deal, even when lawmakers ceded to their provisions. AAJ’s State Affairs Counsel Daniel Hinkle, however, insisted his group was trying to keep car-makers accountable by ensuring that injured parties have the right to sue and that the federal government doesn’t bigfoot the states on regulations.

During the 115^th Congress, the House of Representatives unanimously passed the SELF Drive Act yet the Senate version AV Start Act stalled in committee after an intense fight with the trial lawyers on the ability to break arbitration clauses with manufacturer’s to allow consumers to be able to file lawsuits where information could be available to the public.

Autonomous Vehicle Hearing and Legislation: This week the House Energy and Commerce Subcommittee on Consumer Protection and Commerce held a hearing on autonomous vehicles (AV). During the three-plus hour hearing, the room was packed with representatives of the AV industry as well as advocates for highway safety and consumer protection. The panel of witnesses represented the following organizations: Advocates for Highway and Auto Safety, Alliance for Automotive Innovation, American Association of Justice, National Federation of the Blind, Consumer Technology Association and San Francisco Municipal Transportation Agency (SFMTA). Energy and Commerce Committee Chairman Frank Pallone, Jr. (D-NJ) delivered the following opening remarks, “Safety and deployment must come hand in hand — we cannot have one without the other. Because ultimately, public acceptance of self-driving cars depends on their reliability and safety. Troubling safety incidents, regulatory black-holes, and lax oversight threaten to disrupt this critical balance and the future of this technology itself.” Ranking member Greg Walden (R-OR) also took a shot at the trial lawyers, represented by the American Association for Justice, chiding them for asking “for more changes in the Senate despite the deal we had here in the House” and for not supporting the deal, even when lawmakers ceded to their provisions. AAJ’s State Affairs Counsel Daniel Hinkle, however, insisted his group was trying to keep car-makers accountable by ensuring that injured parties have the right to sue and that the federal government doesn’t bigfoot the states on regulations. During the 115th Congress, the House of Representatives unanimously passed the SELF Drive Act yet the Senate version AV Start Act stalled in committee after an intense fight with the trial lawyers on the ability to break arbitration clauses with manufacturer’s to allow consumers to be able to file lawsuits where information could be available to the public. After the hearing, Congressman Michael Burgess Co-Chair of the House Motorcycle Caucus and attendee at the hearing stated: “Increasing safety on our roadways involves harmonizing autonomous vehicle operation with other modes of transportation, including motorcycle riders. Motorcyclists enjoy the thrill of the ride and will continue riding alongside autonomous vehicles in the future. It is important that autonomous vehicle technology recognize, categorize, and accurately respond to motorcyclists to ensure the safety of all riders and passengers. I look forward to continued development of safe autonomous vehicles that effectively share the roadway with all users.” You can watch the playback of the hearing and read the witnesses submitted opening statements on the Energy and Commerce Committee website. The following day the committee released additional sections of potential legislation known as a “discussion draft.” One crucial part of the draft language dealt with crash collection data stating: Not later than 3 years after the date of enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall revise the crash data collection system to include the collection of crash report data elements that identify whether any vehicle involved in a crash is a highly automated vehicle or a vehicle performing partial driving automation, including— the level of automation; and whether the automated driving features were engaged at the time of the crash. The MRF believes having a reliable crash data collection system is imperative to any autonomous vehicle legislation. The public should have the opportunity to understand the capabilities of this new technology and be made aware of any risks that may exist. As you may remember, the MRF, AMA, and Harley-Davidson teamed up to submit feedback to both the House and Senate committees of jurisdiction for AV legislation on the priorities of motorcyclists in future legislation. The crash data collection was listed under those priorities. You can read the full joint letter from August 2019 by clicking here. Motorcyclist Advisory Council Reauthorization Act Last week, the US Senate joined their colleagues in the House of Representatives by introducing S. 3249, the companion bill to H.R. 5234. The Motorcycle Riders Foundation along with the American Motorcyclist Association and Harley-Davidson, participated in a dozen meetings this week in the U.S. Senate to help drive cosponsors for the MAC Reauthorization Act. The Moto Lobby continues with a united front to promote the importance of legislation to ensure the future councils will have a well-balanced membership that is authorized over a more extended period to allow any recommendations to the DOT to continue to build on each other. We want to thank everyone who has answered our House and Senate Call to Action on both of these pieces of legislation. This week, we picked up one more cosponsor on H.R. 5234 and we hope to add to the Senate bill soon. As always, you can find all of our legislative Call to Actions by visiting our Federal Legislative issues webpage. Can you guess which Senate office this photo was taken in? Definition of a Motorcycle Report: As part of appropriations legislation that funded the government for Fiscal Year 2019, Congress inserted the following language directed at the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) regarding autocycles and the definition of a motorcycle: “The Committee recognizes the growth of three-wheel light-duty vehicles, also called Autocycles, as a method of passenger transportation. Under Federal regulations, these vehicles are currently classified as motorcycles though they have different physical and operational characteristics than traditional automobiles and two-wheel motorcycles. 38 states have now recognized this difference by establishing new regulations and definitions for Autocycles. The Committee is concerned that a patchwork of laws and inconsistent regulations now exists, absent a Federal standard for Autocycles, thereby causing confusion and hindering the growth of this emerging industry. The Committee directs NHTSA to conduct research on the appropriate safety standards and existing state and Federal regulations of Autocycles and report to the House and Senate Committees on Appropriations within 180 days of enactment of this Act.” After over a year, NHTSA released its report to Congress and it was at best disappointing. In response to the first directive to “research appropriate safety standards for autocycles,” NHTSA passed the buck saying, this report does not set forth any new NHTSA determinations of “appropriate” standards for autocycles. The research this would entail cannot be addressed within the scope of this report as it would involve longer-term activities such as data collection and analysis, test procedure development, vehicle testing and evaluation, and cost-benefit assessment The second directive to report on “existing state and Federal regulations for autocycles” was answered with this from NHTSA: “Other than describing the current Federal minimum safety standards applicable to autocycles, this report does not set forth any new NHTSA determinations of “appropriate” standards for autocycles.” It is disappointing that NHTSA sidestepped around the requests from Congress for information on this topic. However, we are, at a minimum, encouraged that Congress has raised the issue of autocycles with NHTSA. The question of autocycles and their place within the greater framework of motor vehicles is not going anywhere. We at the MRF will continue to probe the federal government on this topic and seek a more appropriate category for these increasingly popular autocycles. To see a full copy of the 18-page report submitted to Congress, click here. State News: ABATE of Wisconsin sends Call to Action on state profiling resolution This week in Madison, State Representative Considine and Senator Erpenbach introduced Joint Resolution LRB-5701/1 to address motorcycle profiling in the State of Wisconsin. ABATE of Wisconsin’s Legislative Director sent out a Call to Action yesterday asking the riders across the state to reach out to their elected officials to ask for their support. We at the MRF are encouraged that so many states are addressing motorcyclist profiling back in their state capitols. As we continue to push the efforts on H.Res. 255 in DC, we encourage everyone to take the fight back home. You can follow all of the pending state legislation on profiling or other issues of interest by visiting our Legislative Action Center State Legislative Issues webpage. For more information on this effort in Madison, you can read ABATE of Wisconsin’s Call to Action here. Final Note from the D.C. team Monday is President’s Day and Congress will be adjourning for recess for the week which means there will not be a Riding Free from D.C. next Friday. We encourage you to visit our Legislative Action Center to make sure you have not missed any Calls to Action and urge your riding buddies and fellow SMRO members to do that same. We are a few months away from Bikers Inside the Beltway and the more your Congressional offices hear about the issues that are important to motorcyclists, the more successful we will be on lobby day. Let’s warm up each office by asking for support before we will fill the hallways on May 19th. Happy Valentine’s Day to you from the MRF team.

Traci Butler Beaurivage

February 12 at 5:49 PM

HELMET BILL UPDATE !
We attended the Transportation Committee Executive Session today and the vote was 16 to 4 to ITL (Inexpedient to Legislate ) ,which means to kill the bill. Now their recommendation of ITL will go to the House Floor to be voted on. This isn’t over , but this was a good win out of committee today!
We will keep you informed !

On February 11, 2020 the West Virginia Senate Transportation and Infrastructure Committee met to discuss Senate Bill 153 which would allow motorcycle operators and passengers age 21 and over, holding a motorcycle endorsement for 2 or more years, to ride without a helmet.
There were speakers from both sides arguing their case while the Senators sat with looks of boredom and disinterest on their faces.
With 8 of the 9 committee members voting, the bill died in committee with a vote of 1 in favor of and 7 opposed.

The reason given for the way the vote went was PUBLIC HEALTH AND SAFETY. Those words were repeated as if to emphasize their stance on the matter, with their biggest argument being “taxpayers footing the bill for the care of bikers” who suffer traumatic injuries due to motorcycle accidents. Ignoring the facts, statistics, and studies presented by those in favor of the bill, they voted in favor of the lobbyists instead of their constituents.

West Virginia, if we continue to allow them to ignore us they will continue to strip our personal freedoms. We must stand up to the influence big corporate money has on our powers that be. They work for us, not the other way around.

–camotiva.com

–From Rogue, Senior Editor Bikernet.com

It’s a very simple process, when the factory makes a change or produces something new, we are all over it. Soon after the new item comes to market, NAMZ has a perfectly engineered alternative. Following that sample principal, when the aftermarket makes a change or comes up with a new product, again, we are all over it.

Tall risers are what’s HOTT right now and for many models, in order to install those taller risers most riders will need our industry leading handlebar extensions. But who already knew that right? There is another twist, taller risers also mean speedometer relocation and NAMZ, like always has a solution for that too.

Like everything we do, our make our own harnesses in our Pennsylvania building every day using the very best materials, modern machinery and test equipment. Easy to install and come complete with everything you need to get the job done RIGHT! As of today, we offer (5) speedometer extension harnesses, see below.

• NSXH-3201 is 100% Plug-n-Play, 32″ long extended replacement, Fits 2018-Up Street Bob, Breakout, FXDRS & 2020 Softail Standard Models.
• NSXH-CB36 is 36″ Fits 2014-Up Road King, 2014-UP Sportster, 2012-2016 Dyna (Speedometer Only), 2011-2018 Softail. Allows for easy relocation of speedometer and indicator lights.
• NSXH-RG1 is 100% Plug-n-Play, 24″ Fits 2015-2020 Road Glide Only. Allows for easy relocation of speedo/tach cluster when using tall risers.
• NSXH-M15 is 15″, Fits Sportster 2007-2013, Dyna 2007-2011. Allows for easy relocation of speedo/tach cluster when using tall risers.
• NSXH-D15 is 15″, Fits Sportster 1999 – 2006, Dyna 1999 – 2006. Allows for easy relocation of speedo/tach cluster when using tall risers.
• DEALER ACCESS is now available 24-hours a day, 365-days a year! Get a log in, order at dealer pricing, choose your shipping method, pay using a credit card or Pay Pal and we’ll do the rest. We make it easy for your to do it right! Give us a call at 610-265-7100, extension 206 to get your exclusive dealer access today!