Pennsylvania senator introduces bill to add motorcycles to Cash for Clunkers
by Jeremy Korzeniewski on Jun 16th 2009 at 2:49PM 
Harley-Davidson Nightster - Click above for high-res image gallery
US Senator Robert P. Casey Jr. (D-PA) has introduced legislation into the Senate that would add motorcycles to the controversial Cash for Clunkers program that was recently passed by both the US House and Senate, though with significantly reduced funding of $1 billion. Not coincidentally, Casey's home state of Pennsylvania happens to be facing a slew of layoffs and factory closures from Harley-Davidson, America's largest motorcycle manufacturer.
Casey points to both the troubles of American motorcycle manufacturers and the powersports industry in general as well as the high fuel efficiency of motorcycles as reasons to include motorcycles in the government's rebate program. If passed, the new amended bill would offer a $2,500 rebate for the purchase of a new motorcycle when an older trade-in is scrapped.
Gallery: Harley-Davidson Nightster
[Source: Clutch and Chrome]
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
Tim 2:55PM (6/16/2009)
And why not?
After all, Robert P. Casey Jr. (D-PA) is not spending HIS money...
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meme 2:56PM (6/16/2009)
Yes! Yes! If you're going to pass some massive government giveaway, at least make it *fair* to people who are getting vehicles like the Aptera 2e!
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meme 3:14PM (6/16/2009)
Update: NO!
http://thomas.loc.gov/cgi-bin/bdquery/D?d111:28:./temp/~bdIMZO::|/bss/|
"B) that carries a manufacturer's suggested retail price of not less than $7,000 and not more than $20,000; and"
I.e., still doesn't apply to the Aptera 2e. :P
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jeff 3:05PM (6/16/2009)
I want to be able to trade in my old truck for a new bike!!!
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Redeemed 4:43PM (6/16/2009)
Where will it end?
Cash for clunkers - lawnmowers, weedwackers, outboard motors, snowmobiles, chainsaws, go karts, ect...
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smartacus 5:11AM (6/17/2009)
Loving it. Loving it. Lawnmower trade-in is a fantastic idea! OK so the comment was meant for a chuckle, but I dig your idea a lot. trade in the old 2-stroke that's been rebuilt a hundred times for a new 4-stroke. And with real estate set to take off again in 1.5 years...
Jdred 7:10PM (6/16/2009)
I always wondered how they'd make an already dumb idea even dumber.
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cusuits 11:26AM (6/20/2009)
50 mpg motorcycles beat 10-20 mpg clunkers anyday. Hello! Why weren't bikes considered in the first place?
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ale 11:28AM (6/22/2009)
the only problem is that bikes seem to be decreasing in fuel mileage over the past 10 years, but i guess in hindsight, 50-70 mpg, difference is much less than 20-30 mpg difference.... still though trade in an old pocket-rocket for a new galactic speed star
but still we need the european version exactly over here, not this dumb three month thing
cusuits 11:11AM (6/23/2009)
Ale, I agree that motorcycle gas mileage has been creeping down, but more economy models will be increasing as consumers demand better gas mileage for motocycles too. We really could decrease our demand for foreign oil best by riding motorcycles! The motorcycle industry could have a BOOM if bikes could be made safer to ride and the general population became more aware of mototcycles and bike safety in general. Many people are "afraid" of motorcycles without good reason.
The more bikes on the roads and highways of America will make people more aware of them. And acceptance of motorcycles will increase!
Go Out and Buy a Motorcycle! That's my advice...
tscurt 8:19PM (6/21/2009)
A jerk idea with no redeeming value except for a politician to polish his own grille for the locals. Absolutely against the spirit and intent of cleaning up the environment, whether or not you subscribe to it.
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