Wednesday Night Moto News - Honda in Ohio, Shifcustom Duster & Dal Smilie

Honda's former Goldwing factory in Marysville, Ohio, has now become a parts center for the auto factory next door. The factory has been in the city for over 30 years now...and, it really was a shame when they moved production to Japan. But, they have to do what they have to do...

http://tinyurl.com/y8zbmzv

Well, it is not my dream machine, but it is certainly creative! The Shifcustom Duster hails from Eastern Europe and the fabrication is done all in house. The builder is using it as a showpiece. A Ducati Monster S4 provides its engine for the machine. It's got its strong points, but white?

http://tinyurl.com/y9bvlfl

Former AMA Chairman of the Board is now serving time behind bars as opposed to in them. After the lengthy trial and some wrangling, he has plead guilty and will serve at least 30 days of an eight month sentence - he can apply for early release after his first month. Considering his crimes, it seems a fair sentence...but, he did pay the money back.

http://tinyurl.com/yho9ofj

Tuesday Evening is Upon Us and There Is Moto News

American Honda has now released details of their off-road racing 2010 contingency program. The awards will be administered by the Honda Riders Club of America, and for details you need to head to their website. But, for the story, take the link.

http://tinyurl.com/yfkp4s9

A bit of news from the Dal Smilie and American Motorcyclist Association federal case, though this is a criminal trial, the AMA is doing nothing but reporting on the situation. The date for his jury trial has been continued (postponed in legal-speak) to 22 February 2010 at 14:00. Have a read...

http://tinyurl.com/ybsygyc

We may have seen this before, but I should place it here as well - as long as we are talking about the AMA, anyway. The AMA has taken a position, via a letter to U.S. Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood, in favor of caution in adopting automobile "infotainment systems" too quickly. This makes perfect sense and it is good that they are out there doing their job on this one. Go AMA!

http://tinyurl.com/y9ogehl

And, the last for tonight, is the story of the man who first went an average of 131 mph (211 km /h) on a lap around the Isle of Man TT Mountain Course, Cameron Donald. He will be taking part in the Island Classic at Phillip Island in Australia on 22 - 24 January 2010 - very soon! There is so much more...please take the link for your own good...

http://tinyurl.com/yl9g4tm

AMA Motorcyclists of the Year + Racing Athlete of the Year

Two big stories in one post (and a small one at bottom). First of all, the American Motorcyclist Association named kids who ride motorcycles and all-terrain vehicles (ATVs) as Motorcyclists of the Year. This was due to the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) working out the details on the Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act (CPSIA), which ultimately banned youth motorcycles and ATVs. CPSC has pushed enforcement on those vehicles out two years, but the state can decide to prosecute if they wish. It's still complex, but they have made progress and a bill should soon make it to President Obama's desk very soon!

http://tinyurl.com/yh8y28t

And, in the news from the AMA Racing Championship Banquet, my favorite Speedway star, Greg Hancock took the AMA Racing Athlete of the Year award! He is such a hard core racer, he really deserved it. There were several other awards presented, though, so please take the link - I simply cannot write everything here.

http://tinyurl.com/ygz27nv

In other news - not what I call a good story, so I just threw it here anyway. Dal Smilie, former chairman of the AMA's board of directors, has had his criminal trial postponed until 12 January 2010. Since he has paid back most (if not all) of the money to the AMA, this just seems ridiculous...but, that is only my opinion.

http://tinyurl.com/yg4db7e