[kenfuzed]

Jesse James was fined $271,250 by California for violating air quality standards. Since he qualifies as a manufacturer based on the number of motorcycles he builds, he was fined for exceeding emmisions standards. The fine was for 50 bikes which amounts to a $5425 fine per bike... this state is so greedy!!! It doesn't matter that JJ is so fricken rich it doesn't matter, its just the point that this state government is more interested in the cash than solving any real problems. No wonder so many businesses continue to leave for states who actually want their business.

http://famulus.msnbc.com/famulusgen/...37.asp?t=APENT

[SK]

Just trying to play the devil's advocate here, but why should Jesse not be fined for not following the rules when the other manufacturers do?

California's a trip in many ways, but you still don't have to smog your bike there..meaning if it's compliant to start with, then you can pretty much mod it any way you want afterwards. I'm still surprised California hasn't started smogging bikes yet as they generally try to lead the rest of the US by example.

[voodoochild]

You guys both have good points......the states are so friggin greedy, and nobody wants to comply with the rules. IMHO, Not many yups would buy a $60K custom that sounded like a stock harley. We, as Harley owners, know that when we buy our bikes we are going to customize them, to make them sound the way we want. Those yups don't even know what end of the wrench to use, let alone how to change an exhaust system or hop up a motor. JJ just wants to sell more bikes, the expensive kind, and is probably afraid if they don't sound right, or have the emissions crap on them, they won't sell as well. Do you agree, or am I off base?

[FLHTbiker]

I think I agree with SK, what puts him above all the others. The law is the law and if your going to manufacture in California then you have to follow their laws or move to another state.

[Sleepy]

..if it ain't there already if you got the kind of cashola to buy a designer bike it ain't gonna fizz on the "well heeled"..me? I'll just stick with the stock pipes thanks.....on a Harley

[ironhorse]

ain't bashing the laws , state or jj but I would pack my bags and move out cause changing to the governments standards buys into it's control at the expense of the busness and customer.

[SK]

Good to see ya posting Marc..hope all's well.

Hell..here in Nevada..we have to smog our cages every year instead of every other year like that cash grabbing state to the west of me.

[kenfuzed]

Actually, to me it doesn't matter if its Jesse James or Joe Dirt. IMO these governement agencies are more interested in shaking down smaller businesses than cleaning up emissions. There are plenty of bigger-buck corporations in this state who skirt the same regulations based on their contributions to the govinator... guess I should take this to the soap box.

[FLHTbiker]

Here in Oregon we smog every other year. Diesel pickups don't get smoged here, yet. Some areas in Oregon don't have DEQ regs yet.

SK, things got pretty messed up this last couple of month. I left the franchise company I was with and getting things changed over to the new business has been quit an undertaking, seemed like nothing was coming together for quit awhile. I had Surgery last month on top of that and couldn't work for three weeks. Computer problems, and other issues to over come. New Years Eve we went to the coast (Lincoln City) with friends from the HOG chapter and I simply got wasted one night. Old Granddad, whiskey is pretty smooth but kicks your A#s. We still had a great time. New bike is great, love the power. Put on Vance & Hines Ovals and they are louder than what I would like with the 110 motor. The new stock pipes on the 110 actually sound pretty good, might have to change em back.

How is school going for you, you still going to Reno after school is finished.

[Sleepy]

BC has air care..we don't really have smog tests for cars and bikes here in Alberta AFAIK but it's going to come. I see where the low sulphur diesel is coming on line and the new volkswagons will be ceritfied clean. I'd love to believe that the motives of the government's agency are pure but could be looking at things in a more financially "practical" way..maybe thay should look at buying and selling pollution credits a la Kyoto. I don't know what pipes JJ puts on the bike at the point of sale but I'd guess that they're not compliant for noise regs and the customer may have to sign a waiver in accepting the unit. If the bikes are non compliant and the compliant bikes are illegal to modify..or getting to be that way..I'm almost surprised that they haven't shut him down. The department of transport up here kept the importation of some Aprilias..[the Tuono to name one] based on headlight configuration.
Marc, sorry to hear about the problems getting your business up and running and I hope you're feeling better after the surgery..and for goodness sake stay away from the hard liquor and stick with a good beer
Kevin, hope the school is going well...I've just been crazy busy way too much work and union negotiations, it's the end of january and I haven't put a pair of skis on yet..something is definitely wrong with this picture

back on track to the thread, I wonder how Big Dog makes the grade?

[SK]

Here's to your business coming on strong this year Marc. Maybe Sleepy's right, but I love a good whiskey..my favorite is Makers Mark when I can afford it. And lucky you..Lincoln City is a cool place to spend the night..been there done that.

School's down to the last semester. Just finished my first 3 weeks in ICU settings for clinical and now start my final push. Got my choice and will do twelve 12-hr clincial shifts in ER..2 a week for the next 6 weeks (one week break in March for Spring Break. I still want to do NICU (neonatal), but my original goal was ER and don't want to pass it up without trying first. Don't know about the Reno thing afterwards just yet. Most likely work in a Las Vegas hospital for two years and get some experience and something to put on my resume before embarking away from Sin City.

Don't what more to say about the smogging thing in California. Used to think it was a big intrusion, but with so many millions of vehicles on the roads in California (my eyes always burn and water riding through LA). But regulations are regulations (long before the governator was elected) and JJ knew the rules going in.

I still can't believe people pay that kind of money for a bike. Like mentioned earlier..I can have a stable of bikes for the price of one JJ bike. Variety is the spice of life, and JJ's bikes don't look too comfortable to ride for any distance.