ATV Ban .... What's all the fuss
The ATV ban! What is it all about? Is it true? What's the reasons? I'm sure you have many questions about the atv ban. I wish I could say for sure that I have all of the answers. I can not. I did speak to one of my manufacturer sales reps today and I got a little clearer picture of what this atv ban is all about. I'll explain as best I can. Forgive me if you've heard different.
First, there are actually 2 situations. One that is affecting only China made ATVs and one that is affecting all kids size atvs.
Basically, the Chinese ATV importers must fill out more paperwork and better manage the distribution of the ATVs. Better documentation on their dealers and on the units themselves. The VIN must be accounted for on each unit. Safety precautions must be improved. For example, what if there was a recall? Without better tracking of each ATV, you would not likely know if yours was affected by a recall.
The second part of the problem affcts all brands. Honda, Kawasaki, Suzuki, etc. The government nows believes that all ATVs have some amount of lead based paint or products. Valve stems, wheels, carburetors, etc. The idea is to not allow the sale of ATVs to children under the age of 12.
I have heard and read so much objection to this proposed law and rightfully so I must say. People are asking, "why are children EATING their ATVs"? This is ridiculous. I agree with many people who say that this will force small children to try to ride adult size ATVs if there are none available in their size. This will lead to more injury than the small few allowed to eat or lick their atvs.
The following is a few comments I thought were important points or just simply amusing enough to post here about this topic.
Michael S. - Chewing on my dirtbike April 27, 2009 04:49 PM I am 9 years old and I've been riding since i was 3 yrs old. If you are smart enough to ride one your smart enough not to eat, lick, or chew on one. Does this mean I'm going to have my parts shipped from Japan?
Bob S - More bans April 24, 2009 05:01 PM bicycles have valve stems. Will they be next?
Ace! - Economic Impact April 24, 2009 03:25 PM The economy affected U.S. sales of new motorcycles in the first quarter of 2009, down a total of 30.5 percent, compared to the same period last year, among 12 of the leading brands. Generally affordable, fuel-efficient dual-purpose motorcycles declined the least, by 24 percent. The off-highway market went down the most, by 39.7 percent, some of which is linked to the government's ban on youth models due to a controversial new law regarding lead content in consumer products. -http://www.motorcycle-usa.com/2/3223/Motorcycle-Article/2009-Motorcycle-Sales-Plummet-1st-Quarter.aspx Is it hurting the economy, without a doubt. Is this the time we need layoffs and fewer sales, without a doubt, no.
Cody - ban April 15, 2009 08:19 AM I think the ban on youth bikes is ridiculous, KIDS DON'T EAT MOTORCYCLES!
Chupa - Kid's small bike ban April 13, 2009 07:20 PM This is a good piece of legislation and our congressmen should all give themselves a good hearty pat on the back - much like they did after the first bail-out bill. The governments duty is to protect its citizens from any and all dangers. The foiled AlQueda's plan to entice our youth to start eating their small CC cycles and ingesting the dangerous lead. This will have the net effect of protecting untold millions of children from a horrible fate. Youngsters do not need to ride these small CC cycles and share memorable weekends with their parents and friends that they will remember fondly throughout their lives, instead they can buy and play one of many wonderful video games that are just as good as the real thing - only safer!
Johnn - Ban April 10, 2009 09:17 AM we need our children to ride at those young ages so it gives them heart and courage to do anything they want to do in the future life!! UNDUE THE BAN ON YOUTH BIKKES AND ATVS!!
Mike - Ban April 9, 2009 10:43 PM What happened to this country? It seems like you cant do anything without the government telling you what to do. I grew up riding dirt bikes and it let me and my dad become as close as we are today. I cant imagine what my life would be like now if i had never been allowed to ride. With people like this making the rules its no wonder the U.S is in the crapper.
Daron - If your Kid April 6, 2009 09:26 AM If your kid licks the valve stem of a atv.... he's not a redneck.... he's retarded. At which point lead poisoning cannot possibly do further harm.
Jim Deckard - Lean Band April 3, 2009 06:13 AM Get your head out of your b*** and let these kids ride, they are not going to lick the bike and their parts. There are a lot of other things that could harm them and this is keeping tnem form those other harmful things in this world.
TS - Come together and fight March 31, 2009 10:22 AM
Here is the direct link to Nancy Nord. She is the ring leader of this fiasco.http://www.cpsc.gov/cgibin/commissionernord.aspx
I hope this helps clear up some things for you all. If you would like to order an ATV in the near future, please note that the selection will be narrow for a few more weeks until the manufacturers have their action plans approved. Inventory on ATVs should be back to normal by the end of May 2009. Of course, their are still plenty available now, as well as dirtbikes and scooters.
If you have any other info. that you feel others might like to know about this topic, please e-mail it to me. If it's relevant, I'll post it.
