Q: Where did global harmonization originate?
A: Europe. When 15 European nations formed the "European Union" they
wanted to make trade, commerce, travel, etc. Easier between their
countries, so they standardized their money, driver's licenses, and
manufacturing, making European trade easier. For instance, if you live
in France and want to travel to Italy, under the new rules you don't
have to get a new license or even bother to exchange your money. These
items are accepted throughout the European Union. Currently, these
countries each have different standards for motorcycles and cars with
regards to the vehicle's emissions, engine size, pollution equipment,
etc. The various European, U.S., and California standards require that
manufacturers produce many variations of the same model vehicle to
meet those standards.
Q: Who would benefit from global harmonization?
A: The manufacturers. Consider if you are a parts manufacturer,
wouldn't it be cheaper to produce one carburetor for the new 2000
model than five? Further, wouldn't it be great if that one carburetor
could be sold all over Europe and the U.S.? You bet your bottom dollar
it would! Companies like Harley-Davidson and Honda could produce one
model of the new "Low Rider" or "Gold Wing" that could be sold
worldwide, eliminating the need to produce five versions of the same
model. Additionally, to guarantee quality and compliance with these
standards, all vehicles would be equipped with anti-tampering devices,
such as shear bolts for the heads, exhaust and intake manifolds to
prevent the owner from modifying the vehicle in any way.
Q: Who would lose?
A: After-market parts producers such as custom chrome, v-twin, etc.,
independent motorcycle and car shops, and of course you the consumer.
Q: What does this mean to me?
A: There will be no customizing of your bike or car. Forget putting
drag pipes on that old Fat Boy. Anti-tampering precautions would
include such things as shear bolts that would break off if tampered
with. Your vehicles would be required to have only factory parts
installed by factory authorized dealers. Any car or bike older than 20
years would have to be made inoperable or be destroyed. After the
"end-of-life decree", highway use or licensing is prohibited. You
could keep that old 58 Pan or 65 Mustang, but you couldn't drive them
anymore. All in the name of those who would say: "think of the
pollution!!"
Q: is anyone doing anything to stop global harmonization?
A: yes!!! ABATE, the MRF, and the AMA all have their collective eye
on this coming standardization. We currently have representatives
working with the Federation of European Motorcyclists Association
(FEMA) to help shape the language for any standardization. The MRF
and AMA have applied to the United Nations for consultants status to
the global harmonization conferences, and will have their answer this
summer. "Meeting of the minds" seminars are being held yearly in
this country with our European brothers & sisters to let them know
where we stand (it's in Chicago this year). Our goal is to insure
that the interests of American bikers, and antique/classic car
enthusiasts are protected in the coming century. When the standards
are applied (and they will be), we in the U.S. Want to be sure that
the standards are ours!!
Q: How can i help?
A: Get involved!! join ABATE of Ohio, Inc. or a motorcycle rights
organization in your area. Support their efforts personally and
financially. Get the word out. Your personal freedom depends on your
actions.
below are three local and national motorcycle rights organizations. contact any of these groups to get more information and find out where local meetings are held.
ABATE of Ohio, Inc. - 1-800-25BIKER
M.R.F. 202-546-0983 wtcurtin@mrf.org
A.M.A. 1-800-AMA-JOIN