Ducati Monster Forum

PICKERINGTON, Ohio — The American Motorcyclist Association (AMA) announced today that it has written to the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative opposing a plan that could double the cost of some European motorcycles imported into the United States.

The plan being considered by U.S. trade officials would impose a 100 percent import duty on more than 100 European goods — including two engine displacement categories of motorcycles, 51cc to 250cc, and 251cc to 500cc.

The federal measure is designed as retaliation to the 27-member European Union’s continuing import ban on American beef treated with growth hormones. EU officials haven’t lifted that 20-year-old ban, despite a World Trade Organization (WTO) order to end it.

If U.S. officials impose the retaliatory tariff, it would double the price of a host of under-500cc on- and off-highway machines from brands such as Aprilia, Beta, BMW, Fantic, Gas Gas, Husaberg, Husqvarna, KTM, Montesa, Piaggio, Scorpa, Sherco, TM and Vespa.

“There is no logical link between European motorcycles and the dispute over beef,” said Ed Moreland, AMA vice president for government relations, in his comments submitted to the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative. “Imposing these stiff tariffs on motorcycles would do nothing to resolve the trade dispute, but would punish American buyers of European motorcycles.”

The AMA’s comments make a strong argument that motorcycles have no business being used as a lever in a dispute over beef.

“Trade disputes residing concretely within the boundaries of the agricultural industry should not be resolved with trade sanctions levied against non-agricultural products,” Moreland said. “A 100 percent ad valorem, or higher, tariff on these motorcycles will cause serious and potentially irreversible harm to American small- and medium-sized business owners selling the vehicles. Additionally, citizens will be denied access to certain models of competition and recreation motorcycles that contribute to the lifestyle and well-being of millions of American families.”

The United States wants to impose $116.8 million in import duties to equal the amount of money it claims the U.S. beef industry loses each year because of the ban. The WTO has agreed on that amount.

Interested parties have until Dec. 8 to comment on which European goods should be subject to the 100 percent tariff in the dispute. It is unknown when U.S. officials will make a final decision.

I have a real beef with scooters being called motorcycles.   [cheeky]

(Thanks for the applause folks, I'm here all week...) 

nice .... very nice.

Why not TAX EU porn? What gives? Oh! not fair!

Leave us alone Mel Brooks!

Better idea: Cut it out with the US Frankenfood-food. WHo do I have to talk to? let me at'em!  >:(

You frighten me.

Damn. If this keeps up I may have to get one of those 500cc+ La-Z-Boy scooters.   :'(

Of course they're supposed to the 300cc Vespa to the US pretty soon. Even with 'belle on the back, if I had that I could make some tracks...  [evil]

go Honda

http://powersports.honda.com/street/crossover.aspx (http://powersports.honda.com/street/crossover.aspx)

Aaargh! My eyes!

I'm sorry, but to me, that is one ugly... whatever. Kinda like a Victory. Blecch.

 [laugh]

Easy fix: put bigger engines in them. Duh! [roll]

Eight White ones in the first quarter.  [thumbsup]

O'yeah, and with the tarrif they'll be 11thy billion bacon-bucks. [bang]

Am I the only one who remembers the brief era of 699cc bikes?

Ronnie Raygun slapped a tariff on all bikes over 700cc for Harley. The result was a few years of 700s (699s)

This would have been around... '84?

Christ, I'm old.  :'(

You just had to tell me that, didn't you?  Damn enabler...

And yeah John, you're old.  :P

Booo economic protectionism!

My buddy bought a blue/white gs700.
And yes, my son, you are old.

And with the two-tone wheels and side-venting...oi.
$300 bump from a 250?  Come on!


PS - I've got a Bitubo front shock on deeeeep discount, bubba.   [moto]

I was four years old then. Just sayin'.