Two San Diego-area motorcycle dealers were fined a combined $180,000 from the California Air Resources Board

Both dealers sold dozens of off-road motorcycles illegally converted to made into what they called street-legal models, the regulatory agency announced Monday.

GP Motorcycles of San Diego and Moto Forza will each pay $90,000 in fines, according to CARB.

ARB investigators following up on a tip received in 2006 confirmed that GP Motorcycles and Moto Forza were selling Husqvarna off-road motorcycles illegally converted to street-legal models.

According to the ARB, many of the bikes were outfitted with so-called “street legal” kits, which are illegal in California.

“Companies that deliberately flout the law are often assessed higher penalties,” said Mary Nichols, who heads the CARB board. “Playing by the rules from the start is the most cost-effective, smart business plan any company can follow.”

For more information please visit: http://www.sdnn.com/sandiego/2009-08-31/news/environment/motorcycle-dealers-fined-for-selling-converted-illegal-off-road-bikes