regulations proposed for the EU would end sale of parts

[M1ka]

This is not a political post but a legislative alert. Bi partican legislation is in the works but your individual Congressman needs to hear from you.

Motorcycle Consumers News January issue hit my mailbox today. An article on page 6 hit me hard. Proposed European Union restrictions could put the end to our wrenching our own bikes. This would impact all European motorcycles. There is a bill in the House of Representatives – HR 2048 – The Right to Repair Act of 2005 would require manufactures sell us parts and service manuals.

From:

Motorcycle Consumer News
Volume 37, Number 1, January 2006 p. 6

Wrenching News: In response to regulations proposed for the European Union which would restrict the sale of motorcycle parts and service to factory authorized dealerships, making owner-servicing impossible, the Motorcycle Riders Foundation has come out in support of HR 2048 – The Right to Repair Act of 2005, which seeks to protect the right of Americans to work on their own bikes by making it illegal for manufacturers to withhold information necessary to diagnose, service , or repair the motor vehicle. The legislation will protect the owners of both four and two-wheeled vehicles…

The article continues from there. You can read the MRF info at http://www.mrf.org/hr2048.php

I have wrenched my own bikes since I began riding. This is an important issue for all of us that do. Dealer only service would put a serious limit to my miles and fun.

The EU restrictions would impact all brands of European motorcycles.

Let your congressman hear what you think in a hand written letter.

[JToole]

Having known and worked with congressmen from both sides of the isle, it is probably better to call and/or visit their local office. Even if you only talk to their local staffer, it does reach the congressmen in an attentive way.

Senators are harder to reach but that method is still preferable to all others.

I say get a group ride going - an "Ice Run" of euro-bike riders to their office to rally. Get the local news in on it. Be sure to coordinate with the congressman - they are always out for face time. Once on record of being in support of the bill in public, the have an awful hard time voting against it!