Cycle Update

Great American
The Great American Motorcycle Experience, Sept. 17 – 21, 2003, is being promoted as the first event of its kind created to encompass every aspect of the motorcycle experience. The event is said to have something for everyone, from riders and racers, to manufacturers and dealers of motorcycle related products.
According to the promoters, the G.A.M.E. will use nearly all of the 1,400 acres of the Las Vegas Motor Speedway, one of the few facilities in the world that can accommodate every type of motorcycle racing – all in one venue, all at the same time. There will also be a fund-raising charity street ride.
For more information, call: 1-866/202-8832 or visit www.great-motorcycle-exp.com/home.htm
RUMOR MILL
Harley is rumored to have a redesigned Sportster that shares the engine from the 2004 Buell XB12 series, and a new model for the V-Rod family. Honda should have another Gold Wing model along with a CBR998RR sportbike. From Suzuki, look for a new V-twin cruiser plus a sportier version of the SV1000S. Yamaha will probably intro an even hotter R1 and perhaps R6 sportbike(s). Ducati may update its sport-touring models, add a single, and Moto Guzzi should have a bigger Breva in addition to the MGS-01.
yuasa names marketing chief
Darrell K. Wilson has been named vice president of sales and marketing for Yuasa Battery, Inc., the powersports battery maker based in Laureldale, Penn. Wilson will be responsible for sales, marketing and communications activities. In his new position, Wilson will direct, implement and supervise sales development and marketing strategies, and manage the company’s communications department.
Wilson was formerly vice president of sales and marketing for Alexander Technologies, Mason City, Iowa, a battery and charger manufacturer.
GERMAN COPS TESTING HARLEYS
Harley-Davidson police bikes have been sold for more than 90 years and are in use in at least 45 countries. Now Hamburg Germany’s police department is giving them a try. Hamburg police currently have a fleet of 30 BMW motorcycles. The first seven of 20 specially equipped Electra Glide police bikes have been delivered to the Hamburg police force for a free one-year trial, making it the first in Germany to evaluate Harleys.
HEALTH-INSURANCE BIAS battled
The American Motorcyclist Association (AMA) reports that its efforts, along with those of several other organizations, have resulted in more than 100 U.S. House members backing legislation that would ban health-insurance discrimination against motorcyclists, ATV riders and others.
The legislators have expressed their support for HR 1749 — The Health Care Parity for Legal Transportation and Recreational Activities Act of 2003 — which would bar health-care discrimination against those who take part in legal transportation and recreational activities such as motorcycling, ATV riding, snowmobiling, skiing or horseback riding.
U.S. Sens. Susan Collins (R-Maine) and Russ Feingold (D-Wis.) introduced similar legislation in the Senate: S 423. The bi-partisan measures are in response to action taken by federal regulators that legalized health-insurance discrimination against riders.
In 1996, Congress passed the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA), which prohibits companies from denying access to employer-sponsored health insurance for motorcyclists and those who participate in other recreational activities. However, federal regulators created a loophole that allows the denial of benefits for injuries sustained while recreating.
“If the employer offers it, and riders pay for it, then they should get it,” said Ed Moreland, AMA vice president for government relations. “We got a lot of help on this issue, which goes to show how motorcyclists can get things done when we band together,” Moreland said. “ABATE of Wisconsin and ABATE of Ohio were particularly helpful.”
Those who want to end this type of insurance discrimination are urged ask their Congressmen asking them to support HR 1749 and S 423. Simply use the AMA Rapid Response Center at www.AMADirectlink.com.