Speedtrip

U.S. Government to Limit Motorcycle Engine Output to 75 Horsepower.

Acting preemptively in light of the European Union's recent push towards limiting motorcycle horsepower to 100, Congress has quietly passed a transportation bill that will cap motorcycle engine output at 75 hp.

At a press conference today, DOT spokesman Melvin P. Meyers announced that "We can't lag behind Europe's progressive stance towards two-wheeled moderation." The bill not only limits the horsepower of current and future motorcycle models, it retroactively applies to any registered bike on the road, and will take effect as early as January, 2011. "In the interest of public safety," Meyers explains, "law enforcement officials will clamp down on any and all motorcyclists who violate the law."

The bill outlines numerous electronic and mechanical implements that reduce engine output. For instance, fuel-injected powerplants will be fitted with revised engine management chips and/or throttle bodies, while older carbureted bikes will have a reduction gear attached to the throttle assembly. In instances where owners choose to retain the mechanical authenticity of their motorcycles, a banana can also be slipped into the exhaust pipe(s). At the discretion of state police, mobile dynamometers may be utilized for field tests.

Both the Motorcycle Industry Council and the American Motorcyclist Association have lobbied against the bill, in addition to most manufacturers including Aprilia, BMW, Ducati, Honda, Kawasaki, KTM, Suzuki, Triumph, and Yamaha.

There has been no comment from Harley-Davidson, though Forbes reports that Harley stock has jumped 12 percent on the announcement.*

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-Shaun-

The Prophet

I was aware of the European push towards this.

Actually, you might find a loophole by having a very high torque low and mid-range engine, and a rev limiter that enacts at the unused higher rpm's where the bike exceeds 100 HP.

This would actually result in a very nice streetbike, great for noodlin' around town and country. No, you couldn't exceed 150 MPH, but then again, how often does one need to do that?

How many hacks do you read about in these forums that exceed 100 HP at say 10,000 RPM (then brag forever about it!) on a bike that shouldn't ever be exceeding say 9,000 rpm as recommended by the factory (Rev Extenders! Yeah!). This is just taking advantage of the mathematical formula for HP. You can bet with confidence that 90% of riders never use the rated horsepower on their rides anyway. Is in only a "mines bigger than yers" thing, or is it for real?

Don't forget that we're not supposed to have 'Loud Pipes" either, but you see (hear) ton's of self absorbed squiddish Harley riders blasting away the freedom of other riders every day.

Rule #1: Never enact a Regulation, Legislation or Law that you cannot enforce. It makes the government look foolish.

Ride safe!

Bob

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• A good traveler has no fixed plans, and is not intent on arriving. ~Lao Tzu
• Motorcyles are not my whole life, but they make my life whole. ` me

Jamie

Then it quicly tumbled down again to a mere +1.10% on the subsequent rumor that a compromise is being sought to raise the limit to 80 rear-wheel HP's

Jamie

The Prophet

Also of note is the interesting latest update / response from Harley Davidson:

"As a result of the Stock Value increase, we will in turn offer sizable discounts on all of our MSRP numbers, and are also in the process of developing a new, fuel efficient and lightweight modern motorcycle, offering considerable high performance and futuristic technology."

Sounds great!

Ride Safe!

bob

motowebmaster

Um, I think this is an April Fools Joke.

Jamie

You might be indulging in wishful thinking. The pending limit might, on second thoughts, be harmul to Harley Davidson. Neither because it could put the V-Rod line in jeopardy. Nor because of alternative product developments the Company would need to finance (your point?).

Simply because of a paradox inherent to the Company's philosophy:

"The Motor Company invented frustration hunters. Vestigial engineering, apathetic engine power, precarious roadholding, decadent styling and astronomical prices.


The mandated limit, insofar as it will apply to all competitive brands, will undoubtedly cause loyal frustration hunters to question one of their critical buying motives in recent decades, i.e. lethargic engines."

(From HD's April 1st, 2010 Strategic Steering Committee Update)

Jamie