Several motorcycle rights groups were trying to band together Wednesday to force the state to allow their customized bikes on the road. Bikers said new federal emissions standards are being used to unfairly target their one-of-a-kind bikes.
A small but very vocal group of motorcycle enthusiasts insists new state and federal emissions rules are being unfairly used against custom bike owners.
"What we've got to do now is get together and get organized," said Randy Snyder, editor of Full Throttle Magazine.
Hank Young builds high-end choppers for a living and he said the new rules will hurt his business.
"There should be a way they can inspect the bike and issue me a title and registration for my customer. You know, everything boils down to money," said Young.
In the last few weeks, custom bike owners have gone to renew their tags and titles and some have been rejected.
Government officials said the custom bikes may not meet the new stricter rules. The State Department of Revenue issued a statement saying, "We are looking for a reasonable solution that accommodates existing law to find a way to title and register these vehicles. However, new legislation will be required."
"It's like everything is available to me. They'll take my tax money, but I can't register the bike. I don't understand it," said Young.
The coalition of biker groups plans to pressure lawmakers to exempt custom bikes or at least grandfather in the older ones. If that doesn't work, the bikers said they may go to court.
"It's starting now with the custom bikes and the kit bikes and it's not going to be long before it rolls into our custom cars and our hot rods," said Snyder.
Labels: Bikers, Cobb, Cobb County, Emissions, Motorcycle
# posted by
Brian Vanderhoff @ 9:13 AM
