Episode 141, in which we discover a different FEMA with Dolf Willigers

Believe it or not, laws passed in the European Union affect millions of riders around the world. It’s not just greenhouse gas emissions legislation, though that certainly is a big part of it. After all, European bike makers (Triumph, BMW, KTM, Ducati, etc.) have to tailor their bikes for Europe, but any other manufacturer wanting to sell their bikes in Europe must also kowtow to the likes of Euro5 and someday, Euro6.

That’s where Dolf Willigers and the Federation of European Motorcyclists’ Associations (FEMA) come in. Each European nation has its own motorcyclists’ association – some of them even have multiple associations. FEMA coordinates their efforts at the EU legislative level, ensuring European motorcyclists speak with a combined voice, one hopefully loud enough to break through the static that is any governmental legislative process.

A while ago, I read an article on webBikeWorld about Dolf’s effort to draw attention to the high cost of transportation and the brilliant alternative we all know motorcycles make in that arena. “That’s a guy I’d like to talk to,” I said to myself, and here are the results of that effort.

Find out more about Europe’s FEMA on their website (FEMAmotorcycling.eu), and be sure to visit them on your social media platform of choice, including Facebook, Twitter (@femaonline), Instagram (@femaonline) and YouTube.

We’d like to welcome Nancy and Mark, the couple behind the fun Mimi and Moto books, as episode sponsors! You might remember them from Episode 76, but if you don’t – give that episode a listen and then cruise on over to their website at mimiandmoto.com to pick up some books and other gifts for the kids in your life this holiday season.

In the news for this episode, Tucker Rocky has survived bankruptcy and will soon start distributing Dianese products in the USA, BMW files to protect the R 12 S model name, and KTM’s 790 Adventure will be built entirely in China (but remains “designed in Austria,” because apparently that matters). Suzuki wants us to pay attention to more than just electrification, and Sweden is spearheading the effort to recycle motorcycles.

Thanks to webBikeWorld for funneling news our way, and be sure to check out their website for the latest motorcycle news and in-depth product reviews.

Since we don’t have a Patreon page for you to visit, the easiest way to support Chasing the Horizon is by joining the BMW Motorcycle Owners of America. Digital memberships are $39 a year and traditional memberships are $49 a year; each come with a wide range of member benefits, including access (digital or in your mailbox) to BMW Owners News, the MOA’s monthly magazine. You also get access to one of the best roadside assistance programs for motorcycles available (sorry, only applies to the US), become eligible for a $250 motorcycle training scholarship every year, up to $500 off a new BMW motorcycle, discount tickets to great events and much, much more!