Harley-Davidson dealership forced to pay $450,000 fine after breaking strict ‘air’ rule

A GROUP of Harley-Davidson dealerships has been ordered to pay a $450,000 fine for violating strict air pollution regulations.

Four dealerships in Utah have been found in violation of Clean Air Act regulations and are now facing severe penalties.

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Four Harley-Davidson dealerships have been ordered to pay a $450,000 fine for violating strict air pollution regulations[/caption]

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All of the dealers are owned by the same man and are based in Utah[/caption]

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Among them is Harley-Davidson of Salt Lake City[/caption]

According to Desert News, the dealers have been removing catalytic converters from their bikes and installing aftermarket parts that increased tailpipe pollution.

Harley-Davidson of Salt Lake City, along with South Valley Harley-Davidson Shop in Sandy, Golden Spike Harley-Davidson in Riverdale and Saddleback Harley-Davidson in Logan, all controlled by Joseph L. Timmons Jr, are the sites in hot water.

The dealerships must now pay a $450,000 penalty for violating the Clean Air Act rules, after they agreed to follow regulations regarding catalytic converters and aftermarket modifications that increase pollution.

The law states the dealerships cannot remove federally-required catalytic converters from motorcycles or install aftermarket parts that lead to their removal.

They are also prohibited from selling or installing catalyst-defeating aftermarket parts.

Furthermore, they can’t install electronic “tuners” unless certified by the California Air Resources Board to avoid impairing emission-reducing settings in the motorcycle’s engine control module.

Reports claim this is the first known Clean Air Act citizen enforcement targeting motorcycle dealerships.

The Utah Physicians for a Healthy Environment has previously enforced similar environmental protections against other entities, including the “Diesel Brothers.”

Kirtly Jones, a UPHE board member, said: “We’re pleased to have reached this resolution of our case with the dealerships.

“They are to be commended for taking this turn in direction. It’s a win for everyone, and it’s a win for clean air.”

And Brian Moench, UPHE co-founder and president, added: “There is a reason why cars, trucks, and motorcycles are required to have Clean Air Act-compliant catalytic converters.

“The use of these devices is essential to keep air pollution under control.

“Today’s result establishes another important precedent that will help protect the health of everyone in Utah and hopefully everyone throughout the country.”

This comes as Harley-Davidson recently appointed a new CEO, who was forced to scramble to make a last-minute change that could endear him to hog-lovers before officially starting his new job.

Artie Starrs’ hiring was met with some criticism after it was revealed he had no automotive industry experience, instead coming from sports entertainment company TopGolf and Pizza Hut.

That could be why in early August, Starrs went into Maverick Harley-Davidson in Texas not as the next head honcho of the business, but as a curious customer with no experience.

Dealership leader Kevin Favier said that Starrs walked in to purchase his first-ever hog, and acted like “a regular guy who wanted to learn to ride,” the manager wrote in a Facebook post.

At the time, Favier said that he knew Starrs was CEO of TopGolf, but had no idea the businessman was in the running to lead the motorbike company.

“He wanted an authentic, unbiased experience – just like any other customer,” wrote Favier.

“He did exactly what we hope every new rider does—walked into the shop, connected with a sales rep, signed up for our riding school, and bought a Harley.”

According to a picture shared by the dealership, Starr purchased a Harley-Davidson Heritage Classic, which touts a classic cruiser vibe with “hot rod swagger,” the company’s website states.