We are off to very busy 2008! If you receive our email updates, you already know what has been taking place with titles and tags of custom built bikes. This is a subject that needs to have everyone brought up to speed regardless of what you ride or drive.
            In December we received our first phone call about the State of GA revoking the existing title of a custom built bike. The motorcycle was inspected, approved and issued a title several years ago. When the new owner attempted to transfer the title, he was told the bike should have never been issued a title, that they had made a mistake. After contacting several agencies and even visiting the main tag office in Hapeville, GA, the story worsened.
            Through the end of December and early January, our office received more of these calls. A TN title that was being transferred into GA was shredded without a new GA title being issued. The motorcycle owner was left with no proof of ownership in either state. TN issued a duplicate. He now lives in GA but cannot register his motorcycle in his new home state. We also have several builders that went through the process of becoming manufacturers as directed by the State that cannot get new builds inspected and titled. A State inspector has said that no kit bikes or cars will be issued titles.
            The dilemma is which department has made the ruling and upon what basis are they making this ruling. As of our press date (mid-January) these questions remain unanswered with each agency passing the buck to another.  But it appears that a misinterpretation of law surrounding EPA standards or Federal Highway Safety Standards is to blame. In this issue read ABATE’s column along with Chuck Watwood’s Lawbike.com for more information.
            We need you all to get involved. We have a petition drive underway but we really need you to join us on February 12th for a “Ride to the Capitol for all Concerned Motorcycle Enthusiasts.” Thousands took off work to see John Travolta during the Wild Hogs movie promotion. We need you to take a few hours to protect your right to ride your motorcycle. This is about a basic right to build and ride the type of motorcycle you choose, not the type the government tells you to ride.
            On a lighter note, the Great American Motorcycle Show is February 8th-10th at the North Atlanta Trade Center in Norcross, GA. Come see our new display booth and new merchandise. Be sure to enter your kids in the Best Dressed Biker Kid contest. If you’ve got a killer ride that you’ve been wanting the world to see, enter it in the bike competition. This is a great show that kicks off the season.
            The following weekend on February 16th is the Blue Knights’ “A Knight for Kids”. It is held at the Atlanta Expo Center North on Jonesboro Road. This is the same building where the ABATE swap meets are held. A $100 dollar ticket gets in two people and includes dinner, drinks, entertainment and enters you in the reverse raffle for a new 105th Anniversary Ultra Classic. There is a new twist this year with 2nd through 4th place winning a Sportsman Package, Jewelry Package or Electronics Package. It’s a fun night that goes a long way to support Special Olympics, Shrine Hospital for Children and the GA Center for Child Advocacy.
            On the 24th there is an ABATE swap meet. This will give you a chance to get some of those last minute items you may need before heading off to Daytona. It will also be an opportunity to join ABATE, which will help us greatly in our fight at the Capitol.
            This is an election year, one of vital importance. $3 per gallon gas prices, illegal immigration and government spending are breaking our nation’s economy. You can choose to sit idly by while the world spins out of control, or you can get involved and take a stance. I, for one, think it is time to throw the proverbial tea back into the harbor. Part of our job at Full Throttle is to be advocates for the motorcycle community. We chose to be involved and hope that you choose to do the same.
            To receive our email updates email us at randy@gafullthrottle.com.