MMA May, 2024

Chairman

Rocco W Libertine chairman@massmotorcycle.org

413.768.8118

Director at Large

Kevin Griffin directoratlarge@massmotorcycle.org

State Director

Rocco W Libertine statedirector@massmotorcycle.org

Recording Secretary

Bruce Arsenault secretary@massmotorcycle.org

Treasurer

Elaine Griffin treasurer@massmotorcycle.org

Merchandise Manager

Laurie Horn products@massmotorcycle.org

Vice Chairman

OPEN

Business Manager

OPEN

Safety & Education Manager

OPEN

Director of Off-Road Riding

OPEN

Director of Public Relations

OPEN

Membership Manager

Bruce Arsenault membershipmanager@massmotorcycle.org

Website Administrator

OPEN

Newsletter Editor

Deb Stoodley Dbethgray@gmail.com

The main purpose of the association is to work toward continued freedom of the road by insuring that motorcyclist’s point of view is presented to our legislators and to promote motorcycle safety, rider education and public awareness. We are trying to alleviate the very real possibility of “Big Brother Government”. We encourage all our members to be informed registered voters. We write letters to our elected officials and stay aware of what is going on with motorcycle legislation, and other transportation issues. We welcome interested parties to any of our activities or to join our organization.

All articles and photo’s within the contents of this newsletter and our website are the property of …

Massachusetts Motorcycle Association

You may not use them without the express written consent of the newsletter editor, webmaster or the association board.

Massachusetts Motorcycle Association encourages all members to submit letters, articles or cartoons they feel may be of interest to fellow members. Massachusetts Motorcycle Association supports the rights of ALL motorcyclists. Massachusetts Motorcycle Associon does not endorse any products or services other than its own.

The thoughts and opinions expressed in this newsletter are those of the individual contributors alone and do not necessarily reflect the views of the MMA board and it’s members.

Although this winter has been long and dreary, I noticed more riders out on their bikes during these recent cold months than I ever have in this season before. Being an avid snowmobiler, I have accumulated a surplus of warmer riding gear, but not all of it is what is advertised to be. The waterproof snowpants that soak in every bit of moisture when you sit, The insulated jacket that is completely unlined in the sleeves, etc.. What are some things in your closet that you can not ride without on a cold day? Send in your suggestions for gear – and tips for seasoned riders as well as those of us always interested in new ideas. What never leaves your saddle bag? I always keep a pair of gloves in mine right along with my registration. I don’t like to wear them, but you never know when you may run into a storm, or ride up an unexpectedly cold mountain on a spring day. In fact, I remember one big rainstorm I rode through without gloves. The weather forecast was sunny and 65 but we all know how reliable the weather predictions are in New England. My hands were so raw when I pulled over for gas that I grabbed some plastic bags to wear over my fingers in the hope that it would help shield me from the cold, if even a little bit. It got me home ok but it was not the best for gripping the throttle or clutch.

Send me your gear suggestions, your riding plans for Spring, photos of your new ride or the changes you have made to your old bike over the gloomy winter. Dbethgray@gmail.com

Ride safe and enjoy the Spring!

Ride safe.

Deb

Right To Repair Must Be Protected

The Right to Repair affects all of us whether we work on our own bikes or have a shop work on them. The information and tools necessary to make repairs must be available to independent dealers and individuals. Not everyone who owns a newer motorcycle (under ten years old), wants to go to a franchise dealer (regardless of the brand), to get their bike serviced or repaired. We should not be penalized with the threat of losing our warranty for taking our bikes to our favorite independent dealer, whom we have trusted and supported for years. Furthermore, if your bike is over ten years old, most franchise dealers will not even work on that bike.

Most bikers I've met enjoy working on their bikes as much as riding them. It is part of our culture to hang out with our buddies and help each other. Most franchise dealers would prefer to eliminate independent dealers and then charge us outrageous prices for parts and labor. Franchise dealers and manufacturers work hard to restrict parts and updated information from the Independent MotorcycleAftermarket. Even worse than the high prices is the ridiculous amount of time they want to tie your bike up for service in the middle of riding season. The existence of independent dealers is essential for the survival of our culture, riding lifestyle and the future of motorcycling.

Harley stopped the production of carbureted bikes in 2007 and will not work on your carbureted bike because it is over ten years old. Few have the technicians on staff with experience to work on older bikes. If you own a 2007 – 2013 Harley, where do you go for an electronic fuel injection tune? Harley no longer supplies programable ECUs for these bikes and the EPAhas restricted theAftermarket from selling the current generation of modules to street bike owners. There is even a campaign to penalize any dealer willing to tune your fuel-injected bike. All this is supposedly to help create a clean climate. However, the EPAwill not even publish emission standards/limits that are acceptable for the Independent Motorcycle Aftermarket so that it can manufacture the components that will be environmentally compliant. It may seem like motorcycle manufacturers would like to sell you a new bike, service it twice a year and sell you another new bike in five years, but End-of-Life Directives for motorcycles are another issue for discussion at another time.

The MRF has been fighting for our Right to Repair and has pledged its full support to the Independent MotorcycleAftermarket to continue this battle. We cannot do it alone. We need your support by joining the IMAtoday so that we may continue fighting this attack on our rights and lifestyle. I will address our Right to Modify and build custom bikes in your next issue of theAmerican Biker Journal.

2022 Crash Statistics

NHTSA Report Mixed News For Bikers

This week, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) released its final 2022 Fatality Analysis Reporting System traffic crash data. NHTSA reported 42,514 total fatalities in the U.S. in 2022. That is a 1.7% decrease from the previous year.

However, the final numbers show mixed results for motorcyclists. Sadly, overall rider deaths on our nation’s roadways increased by 1.2%. The official number of motorcyclists killed in 2022 was 6,218, an increase of 75 deaths compared to 2021.

Biker deaths now account for 15% of all fatalities on the road, up 1% from 2021. Large truck, bus and pedestrian deaths also saw increases, while passenger car occupants saw a decrease. The Motorcycle Riders Foundation (MRF) remains concerned that these numbers may justify lawmakers taking a closer look at motorcyclists and our place in the transportation network. We surely do not need to be singled out for further scrutiny and have our freedoms limited.

Fortunately, the final number of motorcyclists injured dropped by 2.6% in 2022. Two years ago, there were 82,687 biker injuries in crashes, down 2,211 from 84,898 the previous year.

While every crash is unique, there are some disturbing trends. Alcohol-impaired fatal crashes account for 29% of all motorcyclist deaths. Across the nation, 7.8% of fatal crashes involved a “distracted driver.” Personal responsibility is a core value of the MRF. We must ensure we are all making the right decisions to protect ourselves and others on the road. If we don’t, who will?

To initiate , endorse and sponsor educational programs such as rider safety, public awareness, legislative and affirmative action and, individual freedoms and rights.

2)… To create and promote a positive public image of motorcyclists and motorcycle groups and to dispel and disprove media hype, unfounded propaganda and the “Hollywood” image.

3)… To encourage goodwill and mutual understanding among motorcyclists, law enforcement personnel and the general public.

4)… To serve as an information source on matters pertaining to current laws, pending legislation, personal rights, political inclinations of elected officials and their constituents, and voter awareness.

5)… To act as a central responsive agency to devise and coordinate recreational, legislative, educational, and charitable activities

MEMBERS PLEASE SUBMIT

This is YOUR publication.

PLEASE SEND ALL INFORMATION TO

Agawam...Bruce Arsenault 413 250-8539 Brubike95@juno.com

Bedford...John Pecora 617 590-1781 J.M.pecora@verizon.net

Bellingham...Kurt Van Vloten 508 409-1109 Kvanvloten@gmail.com

Bernardston...Rocco Libertine 413 768-8118 Rocco4par@aol.com

Chicopee...Bob Kaine Alves 413 531-1073 RZNKaine@gmail.com

Erving...Mike Pierce 413 348-2830 Mike33469@verizon.net

Fitchburg...Patriot Riders of America Ch.3 Petemmaworcesterco@gmail.com

Gardner...Sandy Crossman 978 833-1652 Sdesires@aol.com

Lynn...Bill Mannell 617 791-2387 Wildbill106@comcast.net

Marlborough...Lou Papile 508 481-7380 Loujr@engraveablesma.com

Milford...Laurie Horn 508 813-6596 Lady_rides_harley@hotmail.com

Peabody...Kevin Raiche 781 858-8884 93heritage@gmail.com

Plymouth...Kevin Griffin 508 888-2210 Kevingmma2@yahoo.com

Randolf...Ray Pike 781 248-1724 Motopyker66@hotmail.com

Royalston...Deb Stoodley 978 413-9535 Dbethgray@gmail.com

Shrewsbury...Rachel Ingham 508 864-9166 Rachelingham63@gmail.com

Southampton...Roy Lapan 413 533-4328 Britbike74@aol.com

W. Springfield...Robbyn Kibler 413 304-0974 Robbyn09@gmail.com

W. Yarmouth...Lionel Souza 508 280-7977 Lionelsprinters@yahoo.com

https://mma.clubexpress.com/

Motorcycle safety and awareness season is upon us. The MMA has a fresh supply of the MMA “Look!” signs. They are available for members and the general public who are willing to display them throughout the riding season. You can obtain a sign through your Area Rep. A list of our current Reps and their contact info is posted in the newsletter each month. We are asking for a $5 donation to offset the cost of printing and shipping.