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If you're thinking of buying your child one of those pint-sized ATVs before spring, you're too late. Right now, no dealer can sell or service any small motorcycle or ATV because of concerns over lead in some parts.
It's part of the U.S. government's restrictions on products intended for children under 12. Motorcycles and ATVs contain lead concentrations of more than 600 parts per million (ppm) in a few brake and engine parts.
But Ron Perry of Honda World in Sandy says the ban doesn't make sense when it comes to his products. "I don't assume that a child's going to ingest the motor", he said.
Perry had to pull about 25 items off the showroom floor on Feb. 10. "Well, it hurts you immediately," he said. He's hoping the industry will get an exemption within weeks, and he'll be able to sell them again.
"There's been 5 or 10 customers that have wanted to purchase stuff that will have to wait," Perry said. Just how long that wait will be remains to be seen.
Other critics say the ban will simply put more small children on larger ATVs that are meant only for adults. Under the current regulations, Perry says he can't even service smaller motorcycles or ATVs.
E-mail: mgiauque@ksl.com
