Harley-Davidson Inc. says it is shutting down its test facility at the Talladega Airport, eliminating about 100 jobs

The motorcycle company says it's consolidating its test operations from Talladega, Naples, Florida, and Mesa, Arizona to the Arizona Proving Grounds in Yucca, Arizona.

Pat Sweeney, a spokesman for Harley-Davidson, could not provide a date when the facility would close, but did say it would be sometime next year.

Sweeney says the Talladega facility has just under 70 Harley-Davidson employees, Sweeney said, as well as just under 40 contract workers.

The facility performs several kinds of vehicle testing, including emissions, brake, sound, durability and automated vehicle tests. High-speed tests are often performed at the Talladega SuperSpeedway.

For more information please visit: http://www.abc15.com/content/financialsurvival/azstories/story/Harley-Davidson-consolidates-test-facilities-to/KhjALr-K9UmQHUpov5vi-Q.cspx

If you've been involved in a motorcycle accident please call our office 24/7 for a free case evaluation. 1-866-LAW-FRAN - for more information please visit http://www.lawfran.com

A three-vehicle crash on Interstate 595 has left one person dead and another in critical condition, according to the Florida Highway Patrol

The crash happened shortly after 8:30 p.m. Tuesday. It began with two motorcycles in the left lane and a four-door Kia in the center lane, ahead of the motorcycles, according to FHP. All were eastbound near Hiatus Road.

The Kia, driven by Erica Vieira Borges, 22, of Sunrise, moved into the left lane, and one motorcycle crashed into the back of it, FHP said.

The motorcyclist, Josue Rene Robles Duprey, 25, of Miramar, was thrown from his 2007 Yamaha R6 motorcycle, which skidded across the roadway and stopped in an exit lane.

Borges' Kia veered off the roadway and hit a guardrail, FHP said. It then moved back onto the interstate and was struck by the second motorcycle.

The second motorcyclist, Shaun L. Pasley, 22, of Miramar, was thrown from his 2008 Honda CBR 1000 motorcycle, FHP said. Both the Kia and second motorcycle then caught on fire.

Duprey and Pasley both were taken to Broward General Medical Center in Fort Lauderdale. Duprey died from his injuries, FHP said. Pasley was in critical condition.

Borges had minor injuries.

The crash remains under investigation. Both motorcyclists wore helmets.

For more information please visit: http://www.miamiherald.com/news/breaking-news/story/1304193.html

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Harley-Davidson announces third-quarter results and long-term strategy; discontinues Buell line

Harley-Davidson, Inc. (NYSE: HOG) announced decreased revenue, net income and earnings per share for the third quarter of 2009 compared to the year-ago period, while reporting a moderation in the decline of retail new Harley-Davidson motorcycle sales compared to the second quarter.

Worldwide retail sales of new Harley-Davidson® motorcycles declined 21.3 percent in the third quarter compared to last year's third quarter, an improvement from the 30.1 percent decline in this year's second quarter. An 84.1 percent decline in net income and an 84.5 percent decline in diluted earnings per share from the year-ago quarter reflected lower motorcycle shipments and the effects of the economy on retail and wholesale loan performance at Harley-Davidson Financial Services.

Harley-Davidson also unveiled major elements of its go-forward business strategy to drive growth through a single-minded focus of efforts and resources on the unique strengths of the Harley-Davidson brand, and to enhance productivity and profitability through continuous improvement. As approved yesterday by Harley-Davidson's Board of Directors, the Company will discontinue its Buell product line and divest its MV Agusta unit as part of this strategy.

"While the environment remains challenging for us, we are mildly encouraged by the moderation in the decline of dealer retail Harley-Davidson motorcycle sales," said Keith Wandell, Chief Executive Officer of Harley-Davidson, Inc. "And moving forward, our strategy is designed to strengthen Harley-Davidson for long-term growth and deliver results through increased focus.

"As our announcement regarding Buell and MV Agusta indicates, we are moving with the speed and decisiveness required to bring our business strategy to life," said Wandell. "The fact is we must focus both our effort and our investment on the Harley-Davidson brand, as we believe this provides an optimal path to sustained, meaningful, long-term growth."

For much more detailed information and a touching video from Erik Buell please visit: http://www.amadirectlink.com/news/story.asp?id=1445

Man on speeding scooter slams into pole in Melbourne after an early morning police chase

A 34-year-old man who Melbourne police say led officers on an early morning chase while riding a motor scooter was injured after slamming into a light pole.

The crash happened at about 4:25 a.m. in the 700 block of U.S. 1 after the unidentified man hit the pole while going at least 50 mph, officials say. The southbound lanes of U.S. 1 were briefly closed before dawn as Melbourne police carried out an investigation.

“We attempted to stop a motor scooter for a suspected DUI when he fled,” said Sgt. Scott Mostert of the Melbourne Police Department.

“He was riding a scooter but it can be classified as a motorcycle. We believe he was going more than 50 mph. He’s injured but it doesn’t appear to be anything life threatening.”

Charges are pending in the case.

For more information please visit: http://www.floridatoday.com/article/20091022/BREAKINGNEWS/91022003/1006/NEWS01/Man+on+speeding+scooter+slams+into+pole+in+Melbourne

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A 26-year-old motorcyclist dragged a trooper about 5 feet while trying to flee a traffic stop

The trooper stopped Stephen David Young about 7:30 p.m. Wednesday after seeing Young riding the Honda motorcycle without eye protection, an arrest report states. Florida law requires motorcyclists to wear an eye-protective device.

When the trooper approached near Dale Mabry Highway and Lemon Street, Young tried to accelerate but the Honda stalled. The trooper put Young in a bearhug to get him off the motorcycle, but Young started the motorcycle again, the report states.

The trooper was dragged, suffering a cut and bruise.

Troopers chased Young for about four minutes, with Young turning off his lights, ignoring stop signs and trying to hide in a carport.

Young faces charges including aggravated battery on a law enforcement officer, fleeing and attempting to elude police, driving under the influence, and driving with a canceled, suspended or revoked license.

He remains in jail with bail set at $18,750.

For more information please visit: http://www2.tbo.com/content/2009/oct/22/trooper-dragged-motorcycle-highway-patrol-says/news-breaking/

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A Jacksonville man was in critical condition after his motorcycle crashed into the back of a sport utility vehicle on U.S. 1 on Thursday afternoon

John William Devero, 60, was traveling north on U.S. 1 near Shore Drive when the SUV in front of him slowed to stop at a traffic light.

He attempted to stop his Harley-Davidson motorcycle but couldn't, according to an FHP report.

Both Devero and the bike crashed into the Nissan, driven by a Donna Paytas, of St. Augustine.

Devero was taken to Shands Jacksonville and was in critical condition, the report stated.

A woman on the back of the bike, Laurie Ann Johnston, 44, of Jacksonville, was taken to Flagler Hospital with minor injuries.

Both were wearing helmets, according to the report.

For more information please visit: http://www.staugustine.com/stories/101609/news_2089816.shtml

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Just as Biketoberfest begins in Central Florida, a motorcyclist is critically injured after plowing into a tree and being hit by another motorcycle

The man, 45-year-old Juan Partridge, was injured at 11 p.m. on State Road 44 at Lake
Winnemissett Drive, about a half-mile west of Interstate 4.

Partridge hit the fallen tree, which obstructed the entire westbound lane and was then ejected from the motorcycle. Another motorcyclist swerved to avoid the tree and drove over Partridge.

The motorcyclist remains at Halifax Medical Center in Daytona Beach.

For more information please visit: http://www.wesh.com/news/21302053/detail.html

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The motorcycle rider who died Wednesday night on Interstate 4 did a lot of the things highway patrol troopers see in too many fatal motorcycle wrecks

He was speeding and not obeying traffic laws. He wasn't wearing a helmet.

The rider was driving between the lanes of stopped vehicles as a tow truck hauled a vehicle from a ditch and noticed the truck too late to stop.

"He was going way too fast. If he'd been doing the speed limit he probably would have had time to stop," Florida Highway Patrol Sgt. Larry Kraus said.

Instead of being able to stop, the unidentified rider dropped the Honda motorcycle on its side and slid under the tow truck. He died at the scene.

The heady mix of speed and power can prove too tempting to resist.

The increase in popularity of high-performance sports motorcycles – which are often called "crotch rockets" because of how the rider sits and can go from zero to 100 mph in seconds – are a temptation for thrill seekers.

"They know it can go fast and they're just going to push it," Kraus said. "There are adrenaline junkies out there. When you're going 130 miles per hour, you're blood's flowing."

Troopers have clocked some of those high-performance motorcycles at 180 mph, too fast for highway patrol cars to keep up, he said.

Even without speeding or reckless riding, motorcyclists are far more vulnerable to mistakes, both their own or those made by other drivers.

"You're extremely vulnerable. On a motorcycle, the only thing you have protecting you is your protective gear. You don't get a second chance with a motorcycle," said Mark Parco, an owner of Florida Professional Motorcycle Training Inc.

Usually other motorists cause collisions with motorcycles. A Florida Department of Highway Safety study that looked at more than 1,500 fatal motorcycle accidents between 1997 and 2002 showed that 60 percent were due to the action of other drivers, he said.

But of those, Parco said, the study found 80 percent could have been avoided if the motorcyclist had reacted properly.

That's where training comes in.

Since July 1, 2008, the state has required anyone who gets the necessary motorcycle endorsement on a driver license to take a safety class. The exception is someone who already had the endorsement before the law went into effect.

"Most people are self-taught riders. They get a bike, learn how to make it go and ride for 20 years and think they're a good rider," Parco said.

Many self-taught riders don't use the motorcycle's front brakes because they don't know how to use them properly and fear being pitched over the handlebars. So they use just the rear brakes and they lay the bike down when trying to stop quickly, he said.

Nearly half the fatal accidents that don't involve another vehicle happen on a curve because untrained riders don't know the correct way to negotiate a curve.

"You slow before the curve, not when you're halfway through it and realize you're going too fast. Then it's too late," Parco said.

Ultimately, it comes to the decisions a motorcyclist makes, said Robert Gladden of the Motorcycle Safety Foundation, which is based in California.

"It's up to the motorcyclist not to make bad decisions. Not to ride impaired and not to speed," he said.

A mistake on a motorcycle can have far worse consequences than one made behind the wheel of a car. In an accident, there is little to protect a motorcycle rider.

"Obviously, you're not wrapped in that protective cage," Gladden said. "Ride sober and use safety gear."

For more information please visit: http://www2.tbo.com/content/2009/oct/15/motorcycle-safety-begins-training-following-laws/news-breaking/

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A Panama City, Fla., man was killed Wednesday night when he was thrown from his motorcycle

George M. Hogg, 34, was riding his Kawasaki motorcycle south on the road "at a high rate of speed" about 11:15 p.m., police spokesman Capt. Kevin Foltz said. As Hogg approached the curve near Third Street, he lost control of the motorcycle, Foltz said.

The motorcycle crossed Pontchartrain Drive and went over three curbs in the parking lot of the Capital One bank before Hogg was thrown off, Foltz said. The motorcycle came to rest in the parking lot of a vacant building nearby.

Hogg, who was wearing a helmet, was taken to a local hospital, where he was pronounced dead of massive head injuries, Foltz said.

Authorities will conduct toxicology tests to determine whether alcohol or drugs played a role in the crash.

For more information please visit: http://www.nola.com/crime/index.ssf/2009/10/florida_man_killed_in_slidell.html

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A 26-year-old woman who was speeding and weaving out of traffic on Interstate 95 is guilty of vehicular homicide of two motorcyclists she hit

A jury deliberated for a hour Wednesday afternoon before finding Dominique Brice, of Miami, guilty of killing the motorcyclists parked along the northbound lanes on Feb. 29, 2008, near the juncture of Indian River and St. Lucie counties.

Sentencing is Nov. 25. She could face up to 30 years in jail.

Killed in the mid-day accident were off-duty North Miami police officer Fritz Doucet, 37, and West Palm Beach computer technician Raul Ortiz. They were recently reunited high school buddies going to Bike Week in Daytona Beach, said Ortiz’s sister, Carmen Sanchez, of New Jersey.

For more information please visit: http://www.tcpalm.com/news/2009/oct/14/miami-woman-on-trial-in-vero-beach-in-deaths-of/

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Twenty-year-old Sean Stiller of Cassadaga is suing Halftime Sports Bar, alleging he wrecked his motorcycle after he was illegally served alcohol

The lawsuit, filed Oct. 8 by Miami attorney Mark Feinstein, alleges Halftime served Stiller alcohol in the hours before his July 1 motorcycle crash, even though the bartenders knew he was not 21.

After spending weeks in a coma at Halifax Health Medical Center in Daytona Beach, Stiller is living now at a rehabilitation hospital in Jacksonville. His attorney said his medical expenses currently exceed half a million dollars.

Stiller was 19 years old this summer when he wrecked his motorcycle at the intersection of Cassadaga Road and Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Beltway. He had been on his way home to Cassadaga around 2 a.m., after spending time with friends in DeLand.

When he didn't show up at home, his friends searched for him, but couldn't see him or his motorcycle lying off the side of the road at the intersection. He was discovered by a bicyclist about three hours after the crash.

His mom, Katie Stiller, said her son fractured almost every bone in his face, and had trauma to his brain, broken ribs, punctured lungs, a lacerated liver, and ant bites from lying, unconscious, in the grass.

The lawsuit asks for damages exceeding $15,000, the statutory threshold for Circuit Court.

For more information please visit: http://www.beacononlinenews.com/news/daily/2126

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Early arrivals and fully booked hotels paint positive picture for Biketoberfest

More than the arriving bikers have a smile on their faces about Biketoberfest, the winter motorcycle event in Daytona Beach, Florida.

Organizers and tourism officials are pointing to some key indicators as reasons this year's event could buck the economic slowdown experienced by both motorcycle events and tourist destinations.

Officially kicking off on Thursday October 15th, the four-day event had an impressive, although sentimental early start over the weekend with the Boggy Creek Camp Ride for Children. Usually led by Bruce Rossmeyer, many attended the event to pay respect to a man widely considered the largest owner of Harley-Davidson dealerships and who died on his way to Sturgis in July earlier this year.

For more information please visit: http://www.clutchandchrome.com/News/MotorcycleNews0910047.htm

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A couple from Illinois suffered serious injuries when a vehicle cut into their motorcycle's path Monday in DeLand, according to the FHP

Virgil Wright, 66, and his wife, Sharon, 64, of Decatur, Ill., were injured when their motorcycle crashed into a vehicle that pulled in front of them, said Sgt. Kim Montes, FHP spokeswoman.

The Wrights were eastbound on Old Daytona Road when a Mini Cooper driven by Christopher Picklo, 29, of New Smyrna Beach, who was westbound, turned left into their path at the intersection of Garfield Avenue at 11:30 a.m., Montes said. The motorcycle struck the front right part of Picklo's car, troopers said.

Virgil Wright was airlifted to Halifax Health Medical Center in Daytona Beach in critical condition while Sharon Wright was taken by EVAC ambulance in serious condition to Halifax, Montes said. Virgil Wright and his wife were not wearing helmets, Montes said.

Picklo suffered minor injuries, Montes said.

The crash remains under investigation and charges are pending, Montes said.

For more information please visit: http://www.news-journalonline.com/NewsJournalOnline/News/WestVolusia/wvlWEST04101309.htm

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Authorities say four people were killed on a Panhandle stretch of Interstate 10 when a pickup crossed the centerline and crashed into their car

The Florida Highway Patrol reported Zubon S. Sims, 22, of Blountstown, was traveling eastbound on I-10 in Jackson County when, for an unknown reason, he lost control of 2002 Chevrolet pickup and ended up traveling in the westbound lanes.

Sims’ pickup collided with the front end of a 2000 Nissan Sentra carrying four DeFuniak Springs residents, FHP reported. The truck rotated into a ditch, while the Sentra rotated counterclockwise and came to a final rest facing west on the south shoulder of I-10.

The DeFuniak Springs residents were all killed in the accident, which happened at Mile Marker 142 about 5:30 a.m., troopers said. The names of the four killed have not been released.

Sims was taken to a local hospital in serious condition, officials added. Charges are pending more investigation, officials said.

For more information please visit: http://www.theledger.com/article/20091011/NEWS/910119952/1374?Title=Four-Die-In-I-10-Crash

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A Hillsborough County Sheriff's deputy was hospitalized this morning with a knee injury after being hit by a motorcyclist trying to escape

Deputy Mark Montano was in the area of Ehrlich Road and Winter Wind Drive in Tampa about 10 a.m. and noticed a Suzuki motorcycle that had been reported stolen, sheriff's officials said.

When Montano got out of his cruiser and tried to stop traffic in order to approach the bike, the driver, whom officials identified as George Farmer, drove around the stopped vehicles and ran into Montano.

The impact knocked Montano to his knees and the motorcyclist fled the scene with a female passenger. Montano was transported to University Community Hospital, officials said.

Sheriff's deputies followed the motorcyclist by helicopter into Pasco County, where he quickly dumped the bike in the area of Ryals and Aulbach roads and ran away with his female passenger. Farmer, 43, of 1116 Lane Road in Zephryhills, was eventually found in the area and has been charged with aggravated battery on a law enforcement officer with a deadly weapon, grand theft and felony fleeing and eluding. The female passenger has not been found.

For more information please visit: http://www.tampabay.com/news/publicsafety/crime/hillsborough-deputy-hit-by-motorcycle-during-attempted-traffic-stop/1043230

If you've been involved in a motorcycle accident please call our office 24/7 for a free case evaluation. 1-866-LAW-FRAN - for more information please visit http://www.lawfran.com

Off-road vehicle riders, ATV and dirt bike enthusiasts might one day have a place to rev their engine and kick up dust

But first, they need the backing of several local, state and federal agencies.

The proposal to use an isolated runway in the Everglades, which was once envisioned to create the largest airport in the world, could now be home to the 54,000 off road vehicle riders registered within 100 miles from the site, according to CBS4 news partner The Miami Herald.

The concept has the backing of Miami-Dade Commissioner Jose "Pepe" Diaz. The county is looking for a cheap and easy way to provide an outlet for the owners of such vehicles. Without a legal place to enjoy them, owners of ATVs and motorcycles often ride illegally on public land or trespass on private property.

``We're trying to gather them and put them in one location and try to protect the more sensitive areas," Diaz told the newspaper.

For more information please visit: http://cbs4.com/local/miami.jetport.offroad.2.1241502.html

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Courthouse stings catch illegal drivers in the act as they try to drive from parking lots

Teams of state troopers and deputies have been ordered to stake out courthouses to catch drivers pulling out of the parking lot after they've lost their license.

The move is part of an aggressive crackdown by the Florida Highway Patrol and Palm Beach County Sheriff's Office on unlicensed drivers who repeatedly get behind the wheel.

The focus on these drivers is part of a plan to put the brakes on what authorities call an epidemic infecting the roadways. A 2003 study by the American Automobile Association found that motorists without a valid driver's license are five times more likely to be involved in a fatal crash than those properly licensed.

Under the new tactic, ordered by Maj. Luis Ramil, FHP's Troop L commander, and Sheriff Ric Bradshaw, law enforcement officers lay in wait in and around courthouses, some in plainclothes to blend in with spectators at the hearings.

When the judge suspends a driver's license, the troopers or deputies then alert their colleagues outside who nab the drivers.

For more information please visit: http://www.sun-sentinel.com/news/palm-beach/sfl-illegal-drivers-crackdown-p100709,0,240449.story

If you've been injured in a motorcycle accident by a motorist with a suspended license, please call our office 24/7 for a free case evaluation. 1-866-LAW-FRAN - for more information please visit http://www.lawfran.com

31-year-old Riverview man has been arrested on a charge that he was drunk when his Pontiac Grand Prix struck and killed a motorcyclist in July

Robert Cooper II, of 10403 Hallmark Blvd., was charged with driving under the influence in the death of Phillip L. Newcomb, 41, of St. Petersburg. Cooper was arrested Monday morning.

Cooper was driving west on 54th Avenue North, east of 79th Street North, about 11:20 p.m. July 4 and went over the center concrete median, the Florida Highway Patrol said.

The Grand Prix then struck a sign post and continued into the eastbound lane into Newcomb's path, the patrol said. Newcomb's 2007 Yamaha motorcycle hit the front of the Grand Prix, and Newcomb, who was not wearing a helmet, was killed.

For more information please visit: http://suncoastpinellas.tbo.com/content/2009/oct/06/riverview-man-faces-dui-charge-fatal-st-pete-crash/

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Ducati recalls 2008 Desmosedici RRs due to insufficient distance between the tail guard and the exhaust

Vehicle Make / Model: Model Year(s): DUCATI / DESMOSEDICI RR 2008 Manufacturer: DUCATI NORTH AMERICA Mfr's Report Date: SEP 24, 2009 NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID Number: 09V370000 N/A NHTSA Action Number: N/A

Component: STRUCTURE

Potential Number of Units Affected: 386

Summary: DUCATI IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2008 DESMOSEDICI RR MOTORCYCLES. DUE TO INSUFFICIENT DISTANCE BETWEEN THE TAIL GUARD AND THE EXHAUST SYSTEM, THE TAIL GUARD COULD OVERHEAT.

Consequence: OVERHEATING OF THE TAIL GUARD COULD CREATE A POTENTIAL FIRE HAZARD.

Remedy: DUCATI WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND DEALERS WILL REPAIR THE MOTORCYCLES FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN IN OCTOBER 2009. OWNERS MAY CONTACT DUCATI TOLL-FREE AT 1-800-231-6696.

Notes: DUCATI'S RECALL CAMPAIGN NUMBER IS RCL-09-007. OWNERS MAY ALSO CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION'S VEHICLE SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), OR GO TO HTTP://WWW.SAFERCAR.GOV . For more information please visit: http://www.amadirectlink.com/news/story.asp?id=1370

Twenty states are joining a pilot program offered by Milwaukee motorcycle manufacturer Harley-Davidson

In a move that brings motorcycle ownership closer to that of its four-wheeled cousin the car, Harley-Davidson has decided to expand its Tire & Wheel Protection program from the initial four pilot program states to an additional 20 states, upping the total to 24.

Harley-Davidson dealerships will be able to offer the tire protection plan in the 20 additional states as of October 1st. Available exclusively through participating Harley-Davidson dealers, the program covers the costs associated with the repair or replacement of tires and wheels, including labor and taxes, towing, lodging and meal reimbursement.

For more information and a list of the participating states please visit: http://www.clutchandchrome.com/News/MotorcycleNews0910011.htm

If you've been involved in a motorcycle accident please call our office 24/7 for a free case evaluation. 1-866-LAW-FRAN - for more information please visit http://www.lawfran.com

A Palm Beach sheriff's deputy has been hospitalized after getting trapped beneath his motorcycle when it suddenly caught fire at a filling station

Richard Ragali was off-duty and riding to Key West with several other deputies when they stopped Friday to get gas in Marathon.

The Florida Highway Patrol says Ragali's bike fell, igniting a fuel puddle left on the ground from a previous customer. The fire quickly spread to a minivan nearby, but the two toddlers inside were saved before it reached their car seats.

The 53-year-old Ragali suffered burns over 50 to 60 percent of his body.

For more information please visit: http://www.miamiherald.com/news/florida/AP/story/1264814.html

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