DIXIE ABATE STATE MEETING NOTES: 6/21/25, HOOLIGAN H-D, OXFORD
SIGNED-IN ATTENDEES:
Kris Cook
Matthew Schroeder
Shane Coker
David Hoha
Richard Comston
This was an abbreviated meeting, since we got started late and didn’t have a lengthy agenda..
The meeting notes from 4/13/25 are accepted; likewise the Treasurer’s report.
David would like Dixie ABATE to buy a quarter or half page ad in the program for the annual car show that the North Alabama Branch of the Antique Auto Club of America puts on in Huntsville. The show is October 26. David will let us know exactly what the prices are and we will arrange to purchase the advertisement.
Shane asked Kris to close the account of the Noccalula Falls chapter of Dixie ABATE. It has $26.34 in it. Will just move the money to the state Dixie ABATE account.
We talked about having a presence on First Friday on July 4 in Gadsden. Though we might put a banner in David Santos’ window. No action plan was put into place, however.
Shane gave the MRF report. We talked about CARB being repealed. We also talked about the possibility of legislation that makes interest on a US-assembled motorcycle loan tax-deductible. He said this legislation has passed the house and now goes to the senate. It would phase out for higher earners. This is called the “Made in America Motor Act.” This would be an above-the-line deduction, which means that it could be deducted whether the taxpayer itemizes deductions or not.
Congressman Derrick Van Orden of Wisconsin has introduced a bill, H.R. 3385, that aims to update the federal definition of a motorcycle. The bill, introduced on May 14, 2025, directs the Secretary of Transportation to amend the current definition in 49 CFR 571.3. The current definition, nearly 60 years old, is seen as outdated due to the emergence of vehicles like autocycles, which are classified as motorcycles but have different operational characteristics.
Here’s a more detailed breakdown:
- The Problem:
The existing federal definition of a motorcycle is considered too broad, leading to inconsistent regulations across states regarding licensing, insurance, and safety requirements for vehicles like autocycles.
- · The Bill:
H.R. 3385, titled “To direct the Secretary of Transportation to issue certain regulations to update the definition of motorcycle, and for other purposes,” seeks to address this issue.
- · Key Provisions:
The bill mandates the Secretary to update the definition of “motorcycle” within 120 days of enactment. The proposed definition specifies a motorcycle as a motor vehicle with motive power, a seat or saddle for the rider, designed for no more than three wheels, with steering controlled by handlebars, and capable of exceeding 30 mph.
Congressman Derrick Van Orden of Wisconsin has introduced a bill, H.R. 3385, that aims to update the federal definition of a motorcycle. The bill, introduced on May 14, 2025, directs the Secretary of Transportation to amend the current definition in 49 CFR 571.3. The current definition, nearly 60 years old, is seen as outdated due to the emergence of vehicles like autocycles, which are classified as motorcycles but have different operational characteristics.
Here’s a more detailed breakdown:
- The Problem:
The existing federal definition of a motorcycle is considered too broad, leading to inconsistent regulations across states regarding licensing, insurance, and safety requirements for vehicles like autocycles.
- · The Bill:
H.R. 3385, titled “To direct the Secretary of Transportation to issue certain regulations to update the definition of motorcycle, and for other purposes,” seeks to address this issue.
- · Key Provisions:
The bill mandates the Secretary to update the definition of “motorcycle” within 120 days of enactment. The proposed definition specifies a motorcycle as a motor vehicle with motive power, a seat or saddle for the rider, designed for no more than three wheels, with steering controlled by handlebars, and capable of exceeding 30 mph.
Shane reported that the 2025 Bikers Inside the Beltway event was the largest in the history of the MRF. 32 states were represented.
We met Haley, the secretary of the Oxford H.O.G. She will be a great ally for us. She is a young female rider – Kris to send her materials and follow up.
Next meeting: Our Summer Retreat. 2 PM Saturday, August 16, at The Secret Bed & Breakfast, 2356 AL-68, Leesburg, AL 35983. Plan to stay Friday and Saturday nights and unwind with us!
