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| Article | Non-Fiction! 4/1/2006
In 2004, I wrote a story called, ‘Fiction, or Not?’ As of, January 1, 2006, that story has now been officially moved to the Truth column. The 2006 bikes, with EPA compliant exhaust and electronic fuel injection system (EFI), can not change pipes, air cleaner, or fuel management systems. Should you opt for exhaust, air cleaner and fuel management system changes, it will move your 2006 bike to the off road – closed course racing application, ONLY! That’s not all; EPA is taking steps to enforce EPA laws written as far back as 1979, so that no one in this time frame will escape Big Brothers iron fisted will. Wait, that’s not all, the EPA is trying to impose a, ‘one custom build per life time’ laws. This is defined to the point of engine modification on stockers, re-gearing final drive ratios or 6-speed transmission (not just the long bikes). Wait, there is still more. Yes, there is a fuel change taking place, it will push gasoline out, much like the unleaded fuel did to the old high octane lead based fuel back in the 70’s. The new fuel is E-85, which is 85% alcohol. For older machines (including 2006 and older), running on the highway with E-85, will mean a costly conversion.
Here is my original story from 2004.
Fiction, or Not?
A group of ABATE riders gather in the garage where they maintain their bikes. Tonight is pre-ride maintenance for the next outing. The group checks their wheel bearing free movement and end play, spoke tension, tire air-pressure, swing arm bearings smoothness of movement, and while the shocks are off they will look at the eye bushing for wear and looseness. The suspension man of the group explains what happens to the chain side of the wheel; the swing arm and shock take a beating from rapid load when the clutch is snapped. This has become a ritual with this group of guys, to check everything from the ground up. This group of guys cherishes their riding time. One of the group checks the clutch adjustments, while another was busy checking the condition of spark plugs. Still, another checks the batteries for corrosion on the terminal ends, tightness and wire terminal condition. One of the group checks engine and transmission mounting bolt torque. The evening had been a feverish hustle and bustle of activity for this group of kindred spirits for this was the night before the ride. One rider of the group remembered to check the steering head bearing adjustment and tops off the fuel and oil tanks. At last, it was time for the final preparation, the loading of the bikes. As the group strapped each machine in place, one of the older guys started talking about the good old days. The rest would listen reverently to by-gone days of riding air cooled, carbureted, high output bikes on the open road, and not just on the drag strip or the special trip to the road race track. For this group the water cooled, fuel injected machine with the huge catalytic converter exhaust system just inst the same. But, that’s what the group will have to get used to in order to comply with the new proposal by Environmental Protection Agency’s, Mike Leavitt. He has made the most aggressive, rigid proposal for hydrocarbons and oxides of nitrogen reduction ever. The factories will sell you a compliant bike. But, under the EPA ruling the only thing you can change is paint parts or chrome parts. So, if you don’t like these proposed laws banning the use of your air cooled, carbureted bike on the street, get involved! Like our ABATE riders, earlier, join ABATE, AMA or MRF and get politically active or get prepared to spend a lot of time at the track! This will be the only legal place you will be able to ride!
Good Riding and God Bless
Steve Caldwell - steve@precisionvtwins.com
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