Blue Bird,
This lead ban is hurting a lot more than just the Motorcycle industry. Bicycles with wheels under 26" are considered "toys" so they have to under go the same testing and certification to be lead free or they cannot be sold in the U.S.A. The U.S olympic BMX team rode 20" toys to the podium.
My understanding of this is that EVERYTHING must now under go testing and certification to be considered for kids. Grips, tubes, spokes, bearings, tires, fenders, hose clamps. EVERYTHING! If one part doesn't pass certification then the whole bike, motorcycle, toy, whatever is denied certification. The big bike manufacturers are fighting this tooth and nail and it will eliminate the "boutique" builders from being able to make custom bikes for kids.
Yep, this one sucks and could potentially hurt many companies. Even snowboard companies could be effected if they produce products for kids.
Ink