THE MIC AMERICAN V-TWIN COMMITTEE MEETS TO ACT ON EMISSIONS, NOISE AND OTHER ISSUES FACING THIS SEGMENT
Irvine, Calif., April 8, 2005 - The American V-Twin Committee (AVTC) of the Motorcycle Industry Council, Inc. (MIC) met Tuesday, April 5, 2005 at the MIC Irvine, CA offices to discuss the many challenges that face the American V-Twin industry.  Numerous topics were discussed, most revolving around issues related to emissions and noise regulations.

Recognizing that motorcycle noise is a major concern nationwide and that local and state municipalities are right now investigating methods to measure motorcycle noise, the AVTC will take a proactive approach by supporting the creation of a simple motorcycle noise test that can be used to measure the sound of highway motorcycles.  The AVTC looks forward to working with other motorcyclist groups to define the details of this program.  While the AVTC enjoys the sound of a big V-Twin motorcycle as much as any enthusiast, they recommend that all motorcyclists consider the negative impact that excessively loud exhaust noise has on the non-motorcycling community and then act accordingly.

Regarding emissions, the AVTC discussed the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's plans to work on creating an engine emissions certification program whereby engine manufacturers can certify powerplants for use in custom built motorcycles.  Seeing the benefit of this, particularly for independent shops that build motorcycles from parts, the AVTC intends to work with the MIC and the EPA to guide the design of the program and hopefully expedite its implementation.

The AVTC also worked to create a mission statement for the group.  That is:  To educate, promote and protect the American V-Twin motorcycle industry.

Topics tabled for the next meeting in June were:  EPA's kit motorcycle and display motorcycle exemptions and the issues related to the California Air Resources Board on-highway motorcycle emissions certification.

MIC
The Motorcycle Industry Council (MIC) is a not-for-profit, national trade association representing manufacturers and distributors of motorcycles, scooters, motorcycle/ATV parts and accessories and members of allied trades, located in Irvine, California.