As of 2-10-09 minibikes are now illegal for sale in the US. The ban falls under (cpsia), The Consumer Products Safety Improvement Act. It seems that there is lead in the alloy metals on the small bikes and it is now aginst the law to sell them in the us. The lead alloy metals in question can be found in spoke nipples, engine casings, valve stems, etc. As of now, all the major manufactures have stopped selling the bikes and spare parts. The ban appears to be a knee jerk reaction to the lead contaminated toys Mattel was importing.
I am a dealer for a line of electric trials bikes called OSET (Oliver Smith Electric Trials). They are designed in England and made in China. I got the news from the headquarters in england late this week. No more bikes and no more parts. It seems all the big brands are doing the same, Honda, Yamaha, Suzuki, KTM, Polini, Cobra, etc
I can see where the government is coming from. When I was a kid, I would ride my little Yamaha for a while and then stop and lick the engine cases, then ride a little more and chew on the spoke nipples, then ride some more and suck on a fork leg.lol!!!! It is just insane, if your kid is big enough to ride a minibike, they are usually mature enough to not try and eat their bike!
What the hell is this world coming to, when the federal government take something as wholesome and family oriented as bike riding away from us?
So now, when my son and nephew grow out of their bikes at age 6 or 7, there will be a 5-or 6 year gap with no new bike for them to ride. I have ridden a dirt bike since I was 9 and have 35 years of experience on dirtbikes. I really want to share my love of the sport with my son Sean, but it looks like the Federal government is going to make difficult.
No more mini bikes for kids under 12
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They won't be satisfied until they control us from cradle to grave.
I was wondering why the local Pep Boys stopped selling their bikes. Ridiculous!
How many lead split shot fishing weights did I bite on to attach to my line when I was a kid?
Do you really thing the profits being made by the major manufacturers for this segment were so low that they'll abandon it? Or have they temporarily pulled product "off the shelf" while they figure out how to get their goods to comply?
Derek up North Wrote:
Do you really thing the profits being made by the major manufacturers for this segment were so low that they'll abandon it? Or have they temporarily pulled product "off the shelf" while they figure out how to get their goods to comply?
"
They'll put in bigger bore cylinders and pistons to increase the volume to over 85cc and put stickers on them that say, "For 14 and older only". Then it's the parents' responsibility to comply with the law and not the manufacturers'. Ta-da!
Derek up North Wrote:
Do you really thing the profits being made by the major manufacturers for this segment were so low that they'll abandon it? Or have they temporarily pulled product "off the shelf" while they figure out how to get their goods to comply?
"
Is that really the issue? The CPSC is one of those agencies that has slowly but surely achieved an overarching power over the consumer market by being able to decree what is safe and what is not. Often enough they make bone headed rules about a product that makes no sense. They seem to have no oversight. Now they've denied John the exquisite delight of chewing on his mini bike spokes. Years ago they made the manufacturers put those stupid stop-levers on the handles of lawn mowers. I guess too many people were trying to clean the blades while the mower was running.
Pollyticians are IDIOTS.....!
That is why we have to write to them and tell them what to do because they are stupid!
Hell I played with lead window weights as a kid. Chomped down on lead sinkers for fishing, coated quarters with mercury in the palm of my hand, used benzine to expose watermarks on stamps for my collection. This whole lead thing is really out of control. On the other hand, maybe that's why the way I am today.....Hmmmm.
Let me at 'em. I need some spoke nipples for a fix.
Derek,
I think the motorcycle industry will fight it eventually. It seems that the bicycle industry also is subject to the ban, but they are ignoring it for now. I think the motorcycle industry is taking a wait and see attitude, watching what happens with the bicycle situation.
I'm surprised they don't keep selling their bikes while the "wait and see".
In case someone's looking for a link.
http://chimotonews.blogspot.com/
All the U12s I know don't have the money to buy a powered mini bike.
Parents will buy them for their 12 year old, who just won't turn twelve for a couple more years.
I remember melting lead as a kid. I think my favorite source was the metal wrapper around the cork on wine bottles. The problem with fishing weights is they had a purpose.
Bike helmets are mandated by law for minors where I live. Probably a decent enough law, and not enforced. Which is probably correct too.
Don't you every wonder how we survived to become adults. Or in the case of B nuts, over-aged children.
So...let me get this straight...are they worried that some 10 year old kid will CHEW on the spoke nipples and get LEAD poisoning?
As others have stated...is there any other way than using your teeth to clamp those lead sinkers onto your fishing line?
When was the last lead poisoning case all ya'll heard about? Perhaps, we should focus on things that are REALLy dangerous...
...like the liberal politicians, lawyers, and consumer "advocates" who come up with this crap...to "save" us from the perils of this evil world.
Ugggghhhh
footster Wrote:
Don't you every wonder how we survived to become adults.
"
As far as bicycle helmets (or use on skateboards or rollerblades) are concerned, ask a doctor or nurse with ER experience and see how many serious or fatal head injuries they see. There have been a number of children who have not survived.
As for this lead business, I think it's just a stupid over-reaction to the lead in toys problem. Someone said "There should be no lead in products for kids". Everyone said "Good idea!" without bothering to think it through.
Man! I hope my 5 year old grandson doesn't eat esscntial parts of his new mini bike. His little brother won't have any thing to ride when his legs get a little longer.
If the government can tell you what kind of lightbulbs that you have to use, then there is no limit on its power to interfere in your life. This is only one of many more restrictions to come. Get used to it.
John,
Your grandson looks like a natural!!! You can tell he is smiling behind his helmet.
John D. Weimer Wrote:
Man! I hope my 5 year old grandson doesn't eat esscntial parts of his new mini bike. His little brother won't have any thing to ride when his legs get a little longer.
"
I bought my daughter an XR50 at 4 years old and that was 10 years ago. My son is 5 and started riding the same bike (with training wheels) on his 2nd birthday. That little bike is one tough little machine. I have never never caught either of them trying to eat any parts of the bike. This is just more BS from Big Brother.
We have the XR50 a KX65, my 40 year old 3hp Briggs MiniBike, a 1970 Honda trail 70 a KX125 (in pieces) and my YZ250, oh yeah and my Harley. So when they ban the little bikes I think we will be OK :D
This "problem" sounds like it could go both ways. This is also an opportunity for the market to run out of bikes for sale, and slowly reintroduce new ones at a later date for a significantly higher price, whether its legitimate or not. It makes you wonder if the government ban was instigated by a manufacturer with low profits and a surplus of unsold bikes to create a mad purchasing rush and higher sales demand?
The bikes look fun for kids, but what is the injury rate? Not knowing, I'd rather take a kid to the gun range or sailing than set him loose on one of those.
More guv'ment reg's to literally kill us.
http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=-4069761537893819675
What ever happened to common sense?
Ryan,
It is just like anything else in life. If you teach them the correct way to ride and have them wear all the gear, they will be fine. Same thing with firearms. If you give a kid a gun and turn him loose, you are going to have bad problems. If you take him to the range and teach them safety and responsibility, they will develop skills that will last a lifetime. It is the same with a bike. The kids need constant supervision and mentoring. The sport is kind of like our MG's, it is not for everyone. But, done with adult supervision it is no more dangerous than playing football or hockey.
Wanna B Wrote:
Ryan,
...But, done with adult supervision it is no more dangerous than playing football or hockey.
"
Somehow that last sentence wasn't very reassuring, LOL! :)
Its another effort to get all the lead out of your body. Lead is not good for you and especially kids. Lead was everywhere. In paint, in gasoline, electronics. Everywhere! It is not about control or liberals or conspiracy! Its a health issue.
Yeah, I know Rod. I didn't want to paint the sport as risk free. lol!!!
Wanna B Wrote:
Ryan,
It is just like anything else in life. If you teach them the correct way to ride and have them wear all the gear, they will be fine. Same thing with firearms. If you give a kid a gun and turn him loose, you are going to have bad problems. If you take him to the range and teach them safety and responsibility, they will develop skills that will last a lifetime. It is the same with a bike. The kids need constant supervision and mentoring. The sport is kind of like our MG's, it is not for everyone. But, done with adult supervision it is no more dangerous than playing football or hockey.
"
X2 and more. My 2 ride with full gear at all times. Helmet is a MUST even if they are just puttering around. Anytime they are going to do any "riding" along with the Helmet it is Boots Chest Protector and Gloves along with the padded riding gear at a minimum.
Wanna B Wrote:
Yeah, I know Rod. I didn't want to paint the sport as risk free. lol!!!
"
At least you didn't compare it to Rugby! ;)
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