National and Regional News
Twentynine Palms, Calif. — The recreating public has enjoyed the open expanses of the Johnson Valley for at least the past 50 years. Located in San Bernardino County, California, this open area is the largest remaining area of public land in the Western United States, and current estimates are that 800,000–1,000,000 visitors recreate throughout the area annually. In 2013, Congress passed the Johnson Valley National Off-Highway Vehicle Recreation Area Establishment Act, designating approximately 188,000 acres under BLM management for public OHV recreation, with limited military use—two 30-day periods per year (60 days total)—and requiring public notice, safety oversight, and review.
Now, the United States Marines Corps is seeking to implement a Special Use Airspace with a “surface to sky” restriction that will interfere with civilian aviation, drones, and other aviation operations without prior approval. These restrictions will impact many sanctioned events, including AMA District 37, King of the Hammers and other popular recreational uses. There are serious concerns around safety, particularly Medevac flights, if this proposed SUA is successful.
The SUA proposal provides two options, Alternative 1, which establishes permanent surface to ceiling airspace closures, and Alternative 2, which allows “shared use” with tight restrictions and requires clearance that could result in delays. Congress did not intend for the Marine Corps to take control of the airspace in the original Johnson Valley compromise. Additionally, the impact of losing approximately one million visitors each year to this area would be devastating to the local economy. This decision must follow the original intent of Congress, and any changes should consider congressional and stakeholder input.
The AMA has always supported our military but simply cannot support this proposal as written. Any airspace decision must honor the intent of Congress when it established the Johnson Valley OHV Area as a shared use model and must not be used as a way to erode those protections. We need every rider to make their voices heard by September 15. Visit the AMA Government Relations Center and help save Johnson Valley today!!
State News
Carson City, Nev. — The State of Nevada is updating its Statewide Comprehensive Outdoor Recreation Plan (SCORP), that will guide how your public lands are managed and how funding is prioritized for recreation across the state. The SCORP is a ten-year plan that establishes priorities to address unmet needs for public outdoor recreation land throughout Nevada. The process was established in the 1960s as a tool to guide the development and management of outdoor recreation resources in each state.
This is your chance as the OHV community to speak up and ensure that off-highway vehicle recreation is recognized and supported. Please take 5–7 minutes to complete the survey and make sure OHV access and needs are included in Nevada’s long-term vision for outdoor recreation. States must update their SCORP every 10 years. The plan allows states, tribes and local governments to apply for and receive Land and Water Conservation Funds for the acquisition and development of public parks, trails, and other outdoor recreation sites.
Harrisburg, Pa. — A bill requiring mandatory helmet use, HB 1809, has been introduced in the General Assembly. If enacted, it would repeal the current exemptions based on age or experience. Existing state law requires riders under 21 or those without at least two years of experience or a safety course to wear a helmet.
Olympia, Wash. — The next meeting of the Washington State Motorcycle Safety Education Advisory Board meeting has been set for Sept. 17, from 6 to 8 p.m. The meeting agenda includes an overview of the program, a review of recent training and crash statistics, an explanation of the program budget and cost subsidy, introduction of newly appointed members, and the election of a new chair and vice chair.
The meeting includes an opportunity for public comments and will be held virtually via Microsoft Teams. Visit the Motorcycle Safety Education Advisory Board website for additional details and the Teams meeting link.
Charleston, W.V. — Motorcyclists may now stand up on their bikes as a new West Virginia law takes effect. In April, Gov. Patrick Morrisey signed the “Freedom from Leg Cramps Bill” (House Bill 2752) which permits riders to operate a motorcycle while standing as long as the rider is facing forward with their feet on the pegs. It previously was banned under state law.
The passage of this bill allows increased flexibility for motorcyclists by permitting operators to stand while riding, a maneuver recommended by certain motorcycle safety training courses to improve visibility, shock absorption and balance, and to provide a practical option for riders who wish to stand for increased comfort or control.
Industry News
Sacramento, Calif. — After sustained advocacy by the Motorcycle Industry Council, Recreational Off-Highway Vehicle Association, and Specialty Vehicle Institute of America, California Senate Bill 682 will exempt youth off-highway vehicles and their replacement parts, as well as motorcycles eligible for special transportation identification, from the state’s PFAS ban until Jan. 1, 2032. This means youth-model OHVs, along with their replacement parts, will remain available for sale in California despite the broader PFAS restrictions.
PFAS (perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances) are valued for their durability and resistance to heat, fuel, and chemicals. They’re used in a range of powersports products, from vehicle components to some riding gear. While manufacturers are committed to finding alternatives, PFAS remain a currently unavoidable use in certain applications, and additional time is needed to develop safe, effective replacements.
MIC, ROHVA, and SVIA worked closely with the bill’s sponsor over the past few months to secure this extension. The powersports community’s response was key, with hundreds of emails sent through the MIC Action Center in support of the exemption. The original bill would have banned sales of these vehicles and parts as early as 2028. The extension provides important breathing room for the industry while work continues toward a permanent solution.
AMA News
Pickerington, Ohio — The AMA mourns the passing of John Penton, one of motorcycling’s most influential and well-known figures. Penton passed peacefully at 100 years of age, having recently celebrated his 100th birthday. Born on Aug. 19, 1925, Penton and his brothers learned to ride after reviving an old 1914 Harley-Davidson they found in their barn. But when World War II began, Penton shifted his emphasis to defense of the country, serving during the war as a Merchant Marine and in the Navy.
After the war he bought a used Harley-Davidson Knucklehead, heading with his brother Bill to Lansing, Michigan, to ride in the grueling Jack Pine 500-Mile Enduro in 1948. It was at that race that Penton realized that the days of larger bikes like Harleys and Indians were likely numbered in races like the Jack Pine when he saw a lighter, nimbler BSA beating the more powerful bikes.
Penton returned to the Jack Pine the next year on a B-33 BSA and finished second, which was the beginning of his mission to find a smaller, lighter and better-performing enduro motorcycle. Penton went on to open a motorcycle dealership with his brothers while also continuing to race, winning the Ohio State Enduro Championship and many other enduros throughout the Midwest. In 1960 he won the AMA’s Most Popular Rider Award.
Later becoming a Husqvarna distributor after winning the Jack Pine aboard a Husky in 1966, Penton toured the Husqvarna factory in Europe in 1967 and tried to convince the manufacturer to begin building lightweight off-road machines, which Penton saw as the future of off-road riding and racing. His idea was met with a lukewarm reception, so he went to visit the KTM factory in Austria, where his idea of a lightweight off-road bike was greeted with slightly more enthusiasm. He offered to put up $6,000 of his own money if KTM would build a handful of prototypes to his specifications, and KTM agreed.
In early 1968, Penton took delivery of six Penton 100cc prototypes, promptly entering them in races and putting other top riders on the bikes. Right from the start there was a big demand for the Pentons, which were lightweight and inexpensive, and in the first year over 400 were sold. More than a decade later, over 25,000 highly-competitive Penton motorcycles had been sold in America. Penton’s innovations also included improving boots for off-road riders by working with Alpinestars of Italy to produce legendary Hi-Point boots. For his innovation and contributions to the industry with Husqvarna, Penton, Hi-Point and in many other ways, Penton was inducted into the AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame in 1998.
Also — In a grand celebration of the AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame Class of 2025, the American Motorcyclist Association has a full weekend of activities scheduled for AMA Hall of Fame Days, which runs Oct. 23-26. Centered around the AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony, AMA Hall of Days features plenty of exciting opportunities for all motorcycle enthusiasts, including AMA Hall of Famers on site, a bike night, racing in a variety of disciplines, and much more!
The AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony will kick off the week, with Dana Bell, Chris Carter, Colin Edwards, Joe Kopp, Chad Reed and Ryan Young entering the prestigious collection of AMA Hall of Famers on Thursday, Oct. 23, in the auditorium of the Event Center at Violet Woods (formerly the Wigwam Event Center) in Pickerington, Ohio. Following the induction ceremony, a cocktail reception will be held at the AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame Museum, during which the inductees will introduce their hall of fame displays within the museum. Heavy hor d’oeuvres will be served at the cocktail reception. Purchase tickets today at AmericanMotorcyclist.com/hall-of-fame/hall-of-fame-members/induction-ceremony/ .
On Friday, Oct. 24, the AMA Hall of Fame Heritage Adventure Ride will depart from the AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame and take riders on a scenic journey through Southern Ohio. All participants must be AMA members, and those interested can find more information at AmericanMotorcyclist.com/events/heritage-adventure-ride/ .
Saturday, Oct. 25, is packed with racing action, in addition to an AMA Hall of Fame Bike Night. The morning starts with the AMA Adventure X Time Trials, which allows riders the opportunity to ride the adventure loop on the AMA Campus, and compete for medals. Entry is $30 for one class and $20 for additional classes. More information can be found at AmericanMotorcyclist.com/events/scheduled-events/adventure-x-time-trials/ . Following the Adventure X Time Trials, riders can compete in the AMA Pitbike Moto on the pitbike track at the AMA’s campus. Sessions will be enforced depending on rider count, and flaggers will be on hand to ensure a safe and smooth riding experience. Racers can register at AmericanMotorcyclist.com/events/scheduled-events/ama-pit-bike-moto/ .
Run by Trials Inc., a Vintage Trials session will also be run on the adventure loop on the AMA Campus following the Adventure X Time Trials. More details can be found at www.dabtracker.com/TI/ . Saturday culminates in the AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame Bike Night, which will include vendor displays, a bike show, food trucks, 50/50 raffle, and much more! Check out AmericanMotorcyclist.com/events/scheduled-events/ama-bike-nights/ for more details.
Also on Saturday is the AMA Road Captain Workshop, which is exclusively for AMA members who want to lead group road rides more successfully and safely. For more information, visit AmericanMotorcyclist.com/riding/riding-resources/road-captain-workshop/ . Running concurrently with AMA Hall of Fame Days are Competition Commission meetings, which aim to establish the best practices for both racers and race organizers, while addressing common concerns surrounding fairness and competitiveness of motorcycle racing in America.
Also — In just its second season since its reconstitution, the Women’s Motocross Championship (WMX) enjoyed a successful season filled with nail-biting racing action and remarkable milestones. The AMA congratulates Lachlan “LaLa” Turner for claiming the WMX championship, charging ahead of the pack by winning nine out of 12 motos. This is Turner’s second-consecutive title, after she boasted a similarly dominant campaign in 2024. Turner ran away with the title by claiming 289 points, clearing second-place Charli Cannon — who finished the campaign with 258 points — while Mikayla Nielsen rounded up the top three with 240 points.
The WMX Championship included six rounds this season, running in conjunction with the Pro Motocross Championship Series, with races at Pala, Hangtown, Thunder Valley, Ironman, Unadilla and Budds Creek.