Industry Veteran Bob Kay to Lead Independent Motorcycle Aftermarket Council (IMA)
The Motorcycle Riders Foundation in the United States (MRF) has formed a council to review the challenges that independent motorcycle dealers and custom bike builders face - providing a channel for their interests as motorcycle industry stakeholders to be addressed by MRF lobbyists in Washington, DC.
"We are pleased to have Bob Kay leading the Independent Motorcycle Aftermarket Council," stated Kirk 'Hardtail' Willard, "Bob's firsthand experience over five decades in the motorcycle industry will be invaluable in helping to direct the efforts of our lobbyists."
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| Bob Kay |
The MRF went on to say that "the recent focus on the future of internal combustion engines is threatening the future of independent motorcycle dealers and custom bike builders to provide alternative service centers, as well as servicing older bikes and customization projects."
Bob Kay said, "I am extremely pleased with the team we have been able to put together. The mission is to focus lobbyists on our right to repair and modify. The Independent Motorcycle Aftermarket Network will be a forum through which the efforts to campaign for those rights can be protected and developed."
Chaired by Bob Kay, initial IMA Council membership includes Keith Ball from Bikernet, Chris Callen from Cyclesource Magazine, Scott Hakins from S&S, Steve Broyles from Stevenson Cycles, John Jessup from Dream Rides, Jason Hallman from Cycle Stop USA and John O'Brien of Hardcore cycles.
Independent motorcycle dealers and custom bike builders wishing to join the Independent Motorcycle Aftermarket Network can contact Bob Kay at IMA19032023@gmail.com or visit the website at www.mrf.org.
There is also a private Facebook group set up for discussion of these important topics plus a public Instagram page dedicated to propagating IMA news and events. You can also support lobbyist efforts by purchasing a Sustaining Independent Motorcycle Aftermarket Annual Membership at...
www.mrf.org/join/join-mrf-imac
Major IMA Policy Issues
• The Motorcycle Riders Foundation (MRF) provides leadership at the federal level for states' motorcyclists' rights organizations as well as motorcycle clubs and individual riders.
• The MRF is chiefly concerned with issues at the national and international levels that impact the freedom and safety of American street motorcyclists.
• The MRF is committed to being a national advocate for the advancement of motorcycling and its associated lifestyle, and works in conjunction with its partners to help educate elected officials and policymakers in Washington and beyond.
Right to Repair - Riders or their repair shop of choice should have access to the tools, parts, and technology they need to service, maintain or repair their motorcycles. The right of riders and independent shops to do so needs protection from those who seek to restrict that access.
Right to Modify - The ability to modify and customize a legally owned motorcycle is a fight that the MRF has won before. In the 1990s the MRF defeated a proposal that would have limited modification to "color and chrome." We continue to fight for consumers rights to modify the products they buy.
Renewable Fuels - The availability of fuel for use in motorcycles is under pressure. The MRF fights for the universal availability of approved fuel blends, containing no more than 10% ethanol by volume.
Internal Combustion Engines (ICE) - Not only is the availability of the fuel that riders need under pressure, but the engines that use that fuel are also being obsoleted. A push to ban the sale of ICE vehicles is happening right now. We believe Americans should have the right to choose what type of engine to buy and not have their choice mandated by the government.
End of Life Directives - In Europe, "end of life directives" require vehicles over a certain age be turned in for destruction. Policy ideas that first appear in Europe have a history of popping up in the United States. The ability to own, collect, work on, and refurbish older motorcycles is a fundamental part of who we are as motorcyclists. The MRF will lobby against any end-of-life directives in the U.S.
Protect the Motorcycle Ecosystem - Independent shops and manufacturers are a critical part of the motorcycle ecosystem. They provide choice and competition in the marketplace. The MRF believes that to preserve the lifestyle and culture of motorcycling, independent shops and manufacturers must be protected. They must be permitted a level playing field on which to openly and fairly compete for consumer business. Specific classes of motorcycle dealerships should not have a legally enshrined competitive advantage.