Did you know about the Motorcycle Safety Act of 1987? From low gas prices to "killer motorcycles", 1989 was "The Year That Changed the World".
The Motorcycle Safety Act of 1987
For years U.S. Senator John C. Danforth described Superbikes as "killer motorcycles" and attempted to introduce the "Motorcycle Safety Act of 1987". In his remarks to the President back in 1987, he rationalized the marketing and usage of Superbikes to a "lesson in corporate irresponsibility"; blaming the Japanese for marketing to young and careless males. He even went as far to compare this as a "moral equivalent of selling drugs to adolescents".
Other comments included using Japan's roadways and licencing issues for motorcycles as well as specific instances of fatal "motorcycle" accidents, which again didn't really validate the argument he was making here. Danforth did not breakdown the category into Superbikes or any other type of motorcycle for that matter. More specifically, motorcycles that year had the only decline in fatalities.
The "killer motorcycles" of 1989
In principle, it was understandable what was trying to be done with this motorcycle safety act. Saving lives and making riders aware of potential dangers does (in fact) apply, but Danforth went ahead with the act without ever speaking one word to the AMA, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, or any other major group in the motorcycle industry. Finally, BMW (a long-time friend to the American Motorcycle Association) had obtained the information included in the proposed motorcycle safety act and sent it their way.
In 1989, Senator J. Danforth’s, “Motorcycle Safety Act of 1987” was withdrawn due to “an avalanche of public opposition.”
Major motorcycle associations and manufacturers today are still faced with safety issues and opposition. Motorcycles are arguably one of the most fuel efficient motor vehicles in our current market. Attempts to fix these issues usually begin with legislation based on negative results. What is so wrong with promoting rider safety and training courses before regulatory bills are proposed?
Read more about Motorcycling in America-1989 at Competition Accessories.
