Families Thrilled New Law Legalizes Kids OHV

Obama signs lead law-exemption bill for kids' off-highway vehicles
August 12, 2011




In a victory for families who enjoy responsible motorized recreation, President Barack Obama has signed into law a bill to allow the sale of kids' off-highway vehicles (OHVs) to continue, the American Motorcyclist Association (AMA) reports.

On Aug. 12, Obama signed into law H.R. 2715, introduced by Reps. Mary Bono Mack (R-Calif.) and G.K. Butterfield (D-N.C.). The measure exempts kids' OHVs from the Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act (CPSIA) of 2008, known as the lead law.

The CPSIA, which went into effect on Feb. 10, 2009, banned the making, importing, distributing or selling of any product intended for children 12 and under, including kids' dirtbikes and all-terrain vehicles (ATVs), that contained more than a specified amount of lead in any accessible part that might be ingested.

H.R. 2715 cleared the House by a 421-2 vote on Aug. 1 just before lawmakers went into their summer recess, and earned Senate approval by unanimous consent the same day.

The new law is a victory that is the result of nearly three years of intensive efforts by the AMA and its partner organization, the All-Terrain Vehicle Association (ATVA), their members and millions of advocates of responsible OHV recreation.

"Federal legislators deserve a lot of thanks for their tireless efforts, especially U.S. Rep. Denny Rehberg (R-Mont.), U.S. Sen. Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.) and all the other lawmakers who supported an exemption," said AMA President and CEO Rob Dingman. "Hundreds of thousands of parents, kids and motorcycling club members responded to AMA calls for action to contact their elected officials and their efforts, along with all those volunteers who circulated petitions and took other actions, brought this issue to the attention of Congress and turned the tide in our favor.

"I'm sure that those letters, emails and telephone calls to Congress had a major impact in convincing lawmakers to exempt OHVs from the lead law," Dingman said. "I'm also convinced that the AMA Family Capitol Hill Climb held on May 26 played a major role, since it put a human face on the issue by showing lawmakers the kids and families who are suffering because of the CPSIA.

"I want to thank Racer X magazine, Doublin Gap Motocross Park, Mason Dixon Riding Association 6 and 7, Tomahawk MX Park, the Middle Atlantic Motocross Association, Budds Creek Motocross Park, High Point Raceway, and advocates such as the Yentzer family and Moto-Patriot Nancy Sabater, who brought youngsters to Washington, D.C., for the AMA Family Capitol Hill Climb to lobby their lawmakers," he said.

Dingman also thanked other organizations and individuals that worked diligently on the effort, including the Motorcycle Industry Council and Specialty Vehicle Institute of America, which represent the motorcycle and ATV industries; the motorcycle enthusiast and trade media; Sean Hilbert, president of Cobra Motorcycles, which makes kids' dirtbikes; the Coombs family and Tim Cotter of MX Sports, which has conducted the famed AMA Amateur National Motocross Championship featuring thousands of promising young riders for the past 30 years, and Kirk "Hardtail" Willard, president of the Motorcycle Riders Foundation.

"I want to extend a very special thanks to Malcolm Smith, a member of the Motorcycle Hall of Fame, who brought a lot of attention to the unfairness of the lead law when he hosted a media event at Malcolm Smith Motorsports and sold some youth OHVs as a symbolic gesture to protest the law," Dingman said.

The AMA has been at the forefront of the fight to exclude child-sized motorcycles and ATVs from the CPSIA since early 2009. The association has participated in news events to focus media attention on the issue, lobbied on Capitol Hill, and organized campaigns to encourage riders and parents to contact their federal lawmakers and key decision-makers to exempt kids' OHVs from the CPSIA.

As a result, every single member of Congress, as well as members of the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), has received powerful statements from members of the AMA and ATVA.

The AMA magnified these efforts through its "Kids Just Want to Ride" campaign. To read more of what the AMA has done in its efforts to exempt kids' OHVs from the CPSIA, go to http://www.americanmotorcyclist.com/Rights/KeepKidMotorcyclesAndATVsLegal.aspx.

Aimed at children's toys, the CPSIA ensnared kids' dirtbikes and ATVs because trace levels of lead can be found in parts such as batteries and brake calipers. Other children's products were also affected by the CPSIA, such as books, clothes and microscopes.

The CPSC, which is responsible for implementing the CPSIA, delayed enforcement of certain parts of the law until the end of this year, granting a reprieve for child-sized dirtbikes and ATVs. That gave those concerned about the law time to change it before the reprieve ended.

Arctic Cat Wildcat - Release date - Fall of 2011

Lock yours in with a deposit now!

Delivery is due for late fall, early winter.

These will be rarer than Hens Teeth initially!

Wildcat 1000i H.O.

A Race-Inspired, Pure-Sport
ROV That’s Made in America

Inspired by the unforgiving terrain of the Baja 1000,
engineered to attack the gnarliest obstacles with precision and control, and
crafted in America by a company dedicated to performance and quality, the
all-new Arctic Cat Wildcat V-Twin 1000H.O. debuts as the most potent pure-sport
recreational off-road vehicle (ROV) ever built.

With industry-leading suspension travel, 13 inches of ground
clearance, a full-perimeter frame and the largest displacement engine in its
class, the Wildcat is a full-production version of what was previously reserved
for off-road race vehicles.

“The Wildcat has no equal. Period,” said Claude Jordan, Arctic
Cat President and CEO. “Our customers asked for a high-performance side-by-side,
and we happily responded with a no-compromise, pure-sport hot rod that redefines
what’s possible with a production off-road vehicle.”

SUSPENSION: Ultimate Long Travel

The Wildcat can effortlessly hammer through whoops and dunes
thanks to a front and rear suspension combination that rivals those used on
off-road race buggies.

At the rear is an industry-first 5-pointmulti-link trailing
arm suspension that keeps the tires’ contact patches flat while the suspension
moves through its industry-leading 18 inches of travel.

The unique 5-pointmulti-linkminimizes camber and axle plunge
to soak up the harshest terrain without compromising handling and steering.

The double-wishbone front suspension boasts a best-in-class 17
inches of travel, with geometry that’s optimized for stability and control.

Both the front and rear suspensions are dampened by Walker
Evans Racing shocks. Designed from a lifetime of off-road competition and
experience and also made in the USA, these remote reservoir shocks are machined
from billet aluminum and feature 17-position compression dampening
adjustability, dual-rate springs and preload adjustment.

They’re calibrated with ample ride-in to keep the Wildcat’s
tires on the ground, with consistent dampening for hours of hard riding.

The all-new Duro Kaden 14-in tires were developed specifically
for the Wildcat, utilizing an elongated tread pattern designed to extend to the
tires shoulder, providing excellent cornering, traction, performance and
durability in rough conditions.

CHASSIS: Full-Perimeter Exoskeleton

The foundation for the Wildcat’s suspension is a
full-perimeter frame that sets a new standard in strength, rigidity and
durability. Usually found only in off-road race trucks, the chassis is
constructed from High Strength Low Alloy (HSLA) steel with a full-perimeter
exoskeleton design that’s a first in the ROV class.

With a 40/60 front/rear weight distribution, the Wildcat’s
front end remains light for optimal handling when tackling gnarly terrain.
Occupants in the cockpit of the Wildcat are positioned close to the low
center-of-gravity (CG), leaving them less affected by movements of the
suspension and chassis and producing a more comfortable and confident ride.

1000 H.O. ENGINE: Built in St. Cloud, Minnesota

The 1000 H.O engine that powers the new Wildcat is the largest
displacement engine in the Pure Sport category, and the ideal match for the
industry-leading suspensions and chassis combo.

Built in the USA by Arctic Cat, the 951cc V-Twin, SOHC
4-stroke with Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI) has proven itself on the Prowler
XTZ.

On the Wildcat, the 1000 H.O. has been tuned to deliver even
stronger acceleration thanks to the extra torque and horsepower provided by
heavy breathing 50mmthrottle bodies, a new 2-into-1 ceramic-coated exhaust and
an all-new air intake system.

The close-coupled, mid-chassis engine location neutralizes the
Wildcat’s handling, maximizes the rider/passenger volume and reduces cockpit
noise.

The engine transfers power to the driveshaft via the Duramatic
automatic CVT transmission. The addition of the Spike Load Dampener (SLD) allows
the driveline to slip for a millisecond under harsh spike loads, reducing the
torque load to the system for optimal durability.

A console-mounted shifter allows quicker gear selection
between Reverse, Neutral, High and Low gears. Likewise, a dash-mounted switch
activates 2- or 4-wheel drive with differential lock. Four-wheel hydraulic disc
brakes provide strong, enhanced braking.

Electronic Power Steering

Yet another first-in-class technology, the addition of Arctic
Cat’s Variable Assist Electronic Power Steering (EPS) on the Wildcat delivers
even greater steering control and ease. The EPS system is a managed electronic
control unit (ECU) that measures steering input force, tire resistance and
vehicle speed, and then provides the appropriate assist to the steering column
through an electric motor. Steering assistance begins at idle, and varies based
on the above inputs.

The result: Light steering input effort at speed while
maintaining the right amount of driver feedback to feel the limits of traction
and control.

The power assist is particularly noticeable at low speeds and
when in 4WD (especially with the differential locked),where its reduced steering
effort eases changing direction or navigating tough obstacles like washouts,
rocks or mud.

INTERIOR: Comfortable and Controlled

Arctic Cat engineers designed the Wildcat’s interior for
optimal occupant comfort, control and visibility. Contoured, high-back bucket
seats with upper body supports deliver exceptional comfort and body stability,
and rival any aftermarket suspension seat on the market. The cut and sewn design
cradles the Wildcat occupants to minimize fatigue. A 3-point seat belt with an
anti-cinch design keeps you in place and comfortable through the harshest
terrain.

Getting in and out of the Wildcat is quick and easy thanks to
a tube-frame door with integrated nets. Pivoting from the rear and latching at
the front via a simple one-latch mechanism, the doors open quickly and easily,
swinging out of the way for hassle-free entry/departure. An infinitely
adjustable tilt steering wheel allows you to adjust your steering preferences.

A new5-inch digital/analog round gauge provides great
readability with its mid-dash location. It displays up to 14 critical operations
including: clock/hour meter, fuel level, mode button, set/reset button,
odometer/trip, gear position, speedometer/tachometer, differential lock, drive
select, high beam, battery condition, temperature and oil pressure.

A locking glove box offers ample, convenient storage, while
two easy-to- reach cup holders are located where beverages won’t interfere with
driving controls or arms.

PREMIUM FEATURES

The all-new Wildcat is rich with premium features starting
with two automotive-style painted color choices: Black Metallic or Arctic Green
Metallic.

Class-leading LED headlights and taillights project a light
that’s clearer than an HID, with two times brighter Lumens than a halogen system
(while utilizing 50 percent less wattage).

The Wildcat’s rear cargo bed has the largest capacity in its
class with a 300 lb. payload to carry a cooler and additional fuel containers.

A 12V accessory outlet is located in the center console for
GPS or cell phone adapters. The alternator capacity has been increased for
accessory lights, radios or winches.

The underside of the Wildcat features full-protection HDPE
skid plates to glide over protruding obstacles, while the chassis utilizes
maintenance-free bushings for hassle-free durability.

ACCESSORIES: Simple Customization

Arctic Cat will offer more than 50 Wildcat-specific products
for the ultimate in customization. These easy-to-install parts, accessories and
upgrades can be used to personalize and compliment the lines of the ultimate
pure sport ROV.

An array of trick lightweight aluminum protective accessories
will be available, like front and rear pre-runner bumpers, rock sliders, A-arm
guards and skid plates.

A contoured half windshield with a dust management system will
divert the wind up and over the rider while the stylized T-top style roof with
integrated rear spoiler and built in headliner has room to install your tunes.
Look for other items like a gas can holder, spare tire carrier, cooler holder,
fender flares and a box cover to arrive shortly among a host of other products.

Below are the Arctic Cat Wildcat
1000i H.O. specifications:

Montana has 3 of the top 15 Motorcycle Roads in America!

The results are in. The AMA has just surveyed its members to find out where to go when you want to ride a really fantastic motorcycle road.

So where do you go? California has four of the greatest motorcycle roads in America, and Montana and Tennessee tie with three each. According to the survey, there are also fantastic motorcycle roads in Oregon, Ohio, Idaho, Mississippi, Colorado, Virginia, North Carolina and Wyoming.

"When it comes to the best places in the country to ride motorcycles, no group of riders is more knowledgeable than AMA members," said AMA President and CEO Rob Dingman. "No group puts in more miles, samples more asphalt or rides more roads.

"By publicizing our favorite roads in American Motorcyclist magazine, AMA members will seek out these destinations and bring tourism dollars into local communities through the purchase of food, fuel, lodging and more."

The AMA asked its 230,000 member community to help identify the greatest motorcycle roads in America. Members were able to nominate new roads, or to vote for existing nominations. The AMA said that nearly 100 roads made the official ballot, and that the "honorable mentions" will be published in the April issue of American Motorcyclist.

"Some of these roads are familiar to motorcyclists, and others may not be," said Managing Editor James Holter. "They all have one thing in common: They're the best roads in the country, as chosen by AMA members."

The 15 Greatest Motorcycle Roads in America

1. Beartooth Highway, Montana and Wyoming.
2. Blue Ridge Parkway, North Carolina.
3. U.S. Route 129 -- The Tail of the Dragon -- on the North Carolina-Tennessee border.
4. U.S. Route 550, from Ouray to Durango, Colo.
5. California Route 1, Pacific Coast Highway.
6. Going to the Sun Road, Glacier National Park, Montana.
7. Cherohala Skyway, North Carolina and Tennessee.
8. California Route 36.
9. U.S. Route 12, Lolo Pass, Idaho and Montana.
10. Angeles Crest Highway, California Route 2.
11. Natchez Trace, from Natchez, Miss., to Nashville, Tenn.
12. U.S. Route 33, Harrisonburg, Va., to Seneca Rocks, W.Va.
13. California Route 58, McKittrick to Santa Margarita.
14. Ohio Route 170, Calcutta to Poland.
15. Washington Route 129 and Oregon Route 3, Clarkston, Wash., to Enterprise, Ore.

So what do you think about the list? I think I just found my Summer schedule.

Contact Jon at Hi-Tech Motor Sports in Billings Montana - (406) 652-0090 begin_of_the_skype_highlighting (406) 652-0090 end_of_the_skype_highlighting to find out about scheduling a ride over the Beartooth Highway this summer.

Starting out around 8am from Billings, we head down 310 to Bridger then 72 to Belfry and 120 to Chief Joseph Scenic Byway 296 which is a stunning road in itself! We then take a left on 212 and cruise up to Cooke City - Grab lunch and return along 212 Beartooth Highway and wide through stunning scenery past Top of the World Store, numerous Alpine Lakes, wildlife and elevations of almost 11,000ft before dropping down into Red Lodge, a quaint Ski town with Red Lodge Pizza Co being pizza you will never forget!

For those looking for even more ride time, take a left on Hwy 78 out of Red Lodge to Columbus and enjoy the rolling foothills of the Beartooth range and then return to Billings along Pike Ave or Interstate 90.

The Beartooth All-American Road, also known as the Beartooth Highway, officially opened on June 14, 1936 (this year it will celebrate it's 75th Anniversary!). First referred to as "the most beautiful drive in America", by Charles Kuralt, On the Roadtelevision correspondent, the Highway is a destination in its own right. It is the highest elevation paved highway in the Northern Rocky Mountains open to travelers seasonally from May to October.

The Beartooth Highway is a 68-mile travel corridor, beginning (at its eastern most terminus), just south of Red Lodge, Montana at an elevation of 6400 feet and ending (at its western most terminus) near the Northeast Entrance to Yellowstone National Park and Cooke City and Silver Gate, Montana, at an elevation of 7500 feet. In between those tow elevations, the road rises to 10, 947 feet at Beartooth Pass in Wyoming. The section of the Beartooth Highway that has been awarded the National Scenic Byways "All-American Road" status is a 54 mile section of the Highway beginning 8 miles south and east of Red Lodge and ending just east of Cooke City, Montana.

Accessing the Beartooth Highway takes visitors through one of three "gateway communities". Each of the communities offers unique visitor services and experiences. Visit each of the community's web sites when planning a trip to ensure a full traveler experience.

Plan at least two hours of driving time on 68 miles of the Beartooth Highway
Be sure to pack a windbreaker and warm clothing for the trip!

| Print Driving Map |

Wayfinding includes the ways in which people orient themselves in physical space and navigate fro place to place.

Although the distance from Red Lodge, Montana to the Northeast Entrance to Yellowstone National park is only 68 miles, highway switchbacks and other slow speed driving adds to drive time.

| Print Wayfinding Map |

Points of Interest on the Wayfinding Map ( highlighted above)

1. Rock Creek Vista Point Rest Area & Interpretive Trail - Elev 9190'. This wayside is twenty-one miles from Red Lodge. Vista Point provides breathtaking views of Rock Creek Canyon and Hell roaring Plateau. The short trail to the overlook is wheelchair accessible.

2. International Summer Ski/Snowboard Camp - Elev 10,737'. The ski area lies in Wyoming above the Twin Lakes Head wall with slopes of 15 to 50 degrees and is one of North America's oldest ski training areas, operated by International Ski and Snowboard Camp. It is generally open for skiing by late April and runs into early July with access to 3,000 feet of terrain unless there is insufficient snow.

3. Gardner Lake Pullout and Trailhead - Elev 10,536'. This is the trailhead for the Beartooth Loop National Recreation Trail. It is also a great location for viewing the Bear's Tooth, a pyramidal spire rock formation carved by glaciers and the namesake of the Beartooth All-American Road. Look for alpine flowers in mid-July.

4. West Summit, Beartooth Pass Overlook - Elev 10,947'. This is the highest point along the Highway with spectacular views in every direction. In late may and early June, this high elevation are can produce harsh weather conditions including blowing snow and fog, resulting in short term (less that 24 hours) highway closures.

5. Top of the World Store - Elev 9,400'. This stop offers food, fuel, gifts and lodging and is 38 miles from Red Lodge and 25 miles from Cooke City. The store was originally built on Beartooth Lake in 1934 then moved to its current location in the 1960's It is operated under a special use permit from the Shoshone National Forest.

6. Beartooth Bridge, Falls and Ravine - Elev 8,900'. Beartooth Lake outlet flows under an historic bridge constructed in the 1930's using unique construction techniques. The high mountain water rushes south through the ravine and then turns to present a magnificent waterfall to travelers along the highway. A quick side trip to the Beartooth Recreation Picnic Area takes you to Beartooth Lake, which is great for fishing and canoeing against the backdrop of Beartooth Butte.

7. Clay Butte Fire Lookout Tower - Elev 9,811'. At one time this tower was used as a fire lookout. Now, it serves mainly as a visitor center. A well-signed pullout begins a three-mile drive up a gravel road to clay Butte Tower. Visitors are welcome to take in the panoramic views that include Montana's highest point, Granite Peak and Beartooth Butte, and enjoy the interpretive displays of the 1988 wildfires that burned in and around Yellowstone National Park.

8. Pilot and Index Peak Overlook - Elev 8718'. These two peaks located many miles west of the pullout in Wyoming rank in the top ten of the most often photographed scenes along the Beartooth All-American Road. In addition o the Peaks, this location looks down on the beautiful Clark's Fork River Valley, and the Wild and Scenic Clark's Fork River that ultimately flows into the Yellowstone River.

9. Clark's Fork Overlook - Elev 8,000'. This pullout offers closer views of the Clark's Fork River Valley. In late summer, patches of brilliant yellow aspen trees contrast with the background of dark mountains in the distance.

10. Lake Creek Falls - Elev 7329'. This rumbling falls plummets under the Beartooth All-American Road. A short hike takes you to a pedestrian bridge where you can get a closer look at the powerful waterfall.

11. Crazy Creek Cascade - Elev 7,329'. A short hike upstream presents a mass of water tumbling over rocks giving a cascade appearance rather that a falls. A generous parking area makes stopping at this site easy.

12. Clark's Fork Trailhead and Picnic Area - Elev 7,900'. Just as the Beartooth All-American Road travels back into Montana there is a mile-long stretch of recreation facilities including hiking and horseback-riding trailheads, Chief Joseph Campground and a Nez Percé Interpretive Site. This stretch of the highway is a great place to stop for a picnic, a hike or a history lesson!

13. Beartooth Highway Orientation Site - Elev 7,500'. At the west end of the Beartooth All-American Road you will find a wealth of information about the Beartooth Mountains, early area mining history and the Cooke City / Silver Gate area.

2012 ARCTIC CAT SXS "WILDCAT"

Get your name on the list for one of these bad boys!

EXCLUSIVE! Sneek peek of the new Arctic Cat "Wild Cat"

• Hi Tech Motorsports Get your name down now as these will be rarer than rockin' horse crap!

  about an hour ago ·
• 

  Hi Tech Motorsports Latest Scoop I can find: - The machine you see in the videos is very close to production. The marketing supply guys might try to change a couple little things, but other than that, you are looking at a very near production machine.
  
  64 inches wide, 16-17 inches wheel travel, 95+hp, steering box and tie rods are front design ( in front of a-arms fro strength),tube chassis, doors, reservoir shocks and more....
  
  As for release, you can look for orders to be opened up after the dealer show in August, with deliveries being from October to January. MSRP will be very close to $15,900. Less than the RZR XP900. Arctic Cat knew very well about the XP last year and built this machine to annihilate it....

  39 minutes ago ·