Future Moto-Kids Won't Have a Chance

On Feb. 10, 2009, the Consumer Product Safety Commission passed a bill that has had immediate effects on the motor sports industry.

The law now states that "products designed or intended for children 12 years of age or younger may not contain more than 660 ppm of lead by weight for any part of the product." Over the next few years, it is the intention of the committee to reduce this down to 100 ppm, according to the Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act.

This act makes it illegal to sell motorcycles and ATVs targeted to children 12 and under.

Manufacturers including Kawasaki and Honda have already taken their youth dirt bikes and ATVs off the market, putting the industry in a vulnerable position in an already sinking economy.

MXPTV's Matt Wozney produced a video in protest of the act.

"Motorcycle enthusiasts understand the danger of lead poisoning, especially with younger children," he said in the video. "(But) this law must exclude off-road vehicles and an exception to this law must be made right away before an industry is destroyed."