Powersports Business March 2026 | Page 4

4 • March 2026 • Powersports Business

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Bill aims to redefine motorcycles, leaving Slingshot in‘ classification limbo’

The Motorcycle Industry Council submitted an opposition letter on H. R. 3385, a bill moving through Congress that would change the federal motorcycle definition in a way that excludes certain three-wheeled vehicles currently regulated as motorcycles.
The new bill would redefine a motorcycle as: A vehicle originally manufactured with a seat or saddle requiring the rider to sit astride, designed to travel on not more than three wheels in contact with the ground, steered by handlebars, and controlled by handlebar and foot controls.
MIC argues that H. R. 3385 seeks to narrow the federal definition of a“ motorcycle” by excluding three-wheeled vehicles equipped
Three-wheeled vehicles like the Polaris Slingshot, due to its steering wheel and bucket seat, would no longer fall under the federal definition of a motorcycle if H. R. 3385 is passed.( Staff photo) with steering wheels, pedals, and bucket seats— commonly referred to as autocycles.
Most notably, the Polaris Slingshot, which features a steering wheel and bucket seats, would be the biggest brand affected if the bill passes.
In a letter to members of the House Energy and Commerce Subcommittee, MIC contends that federal law currently lacks a separate autocycle safety category. The removal of these vehicles from the motorcycle definition would place them in“ classification limbo,” making it illegal to sell or register them.
And although this is a federal law, several states tie their definitions of motorcycles to the federal one. Any changes to that definition could disrupt registration and operation rules in multiple states.
Supporters of the bill say it would bring regulatory clarity by narrowing the federal definition of a motorcycle. However, opponents of the bill, like MIC, say it would result in the immediate withdrawal of certain product lines from the U. S. market and harm OEMs and dealerships nationwide.
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Industry mourns passing of George Barber, founder of Barber Vintage Motorsports Museum

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The powersports industry is mourning the passing of George Barber, founder of the Barber Vintage Motorsports Museum, who died at age 85.
Barber, whose name is synonymous with motorcycle preservation and heritage, built what is widely recognized as the world’ s largest collection of historic motorcycles. His museum, located in Birmingham, Alabama, houses more than 1,800 motorcycles spanning more than a century of two-wheel history.
For the powersports industry, Barber’ s legacy extends well beyond collecting. His investment in preservation, restoration, and racing helped elevate the profile of vintage motorcycling in North America and globally, supporting a thriving aftermarket, restoration specialists and enthusiast-driven events.
FROM RACING TO PRESERVATION The son of George H. Barber, founder of Barber Dairy, Barber’ s passion for motorsports began with sports car racing in the
1960s, where he raced and maintained his own Porsche competition cars.
His focus later shifted to motorcycles, where he began acquiring and restoring vintage machines. To support the effort, Barber assembled a skilled team of restorers and launched a vintage racing team that competed in the United States and Europe.
In 1994, the museum achieved 501( c)( 3) nonprofit status. In 2003, the collection moved to its current home— an 830−acre complex that also includes the 2.38−mile Barber Motorsports Park road circuit, now a major venue for motorcycle and automotive racing events.
INDUSTRY IMPACT Barber was inducted into the AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame in 2014 for his longstanding commitment to preserving motorcycle history.
Beyond its cultural significance, the museum and adjacent motorsports park have become economic drivers for the region, attracting enthusiasts, racers and international visitors. The facility regularly hosts major
We were saddened to learn of the passing of AMA Motorcycle Hall of Famer George Barber and industry icon, who passed away on Feb. 16. He was 85 years old. Our condolences to his family and friends. Godspeed, George.( Photo: Chris Stanford)
motorcycle events, contributing to OEM, aftermarket and dealer engagement through vintage racing and enthusiast gatherings.
For dealers and industry stakeholders, Barber’ s work helped sustain interest in heritage brands, classic restorations and collector markets— segments that continue to influence modern product design, apparel trends and brand storytelling.
The American Motorcyclist Association said Barber’ s dedication to preservation ensured that generations of riders and industry professionals could experience and learn from the machines that shaped motorcycling’ s evolution.
Additional details regarding memorial arrangements have not yet been announced.
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Left: Barber Vintage Motorsports Museum recently added 85,000 square feet of wide-open space, bringing the total to more than 250,000 square feet of fascinating motorcycle and vintage vehicle exhibition. Right: Barber’ s dedication to preservation ensured that generations of riders and industry professionals could experience and learn from the machines that shaped motorcycling’ s evolution.( Photos: Barber Vintage Museum / Facebook)