Here's the response I received after a follow-up indicating that I would not renew my membership unless I received a response:
Dear Mr. --------:
Thank you for using the “Contact Us” feature at
www.AMADirectlink.com to share your views on rider education and licensing in the U.S. I owe you an apology; I received your original inquiry on March 14th and inadvertently didn’t get back to you. We do our best to respond to each inquiry in a prompt manner, but regretfully I do slip. Thanks for the opportunity to right the wrong.
Imre Szauter, the AMA’s Legislative Affairs Specialist for On-Highway issues, has reviewed your query and provided the information that follows:
It is unlikely that the federal government will mandate any type of motorcycle licensing system, as this has always been a state issue. Some states have begun to recognize that motorcycle licensing should be treated differently from regular motor vehicle licensing; they are starting to set higher standards (temporary and probationary licensing, education requirements, equipment requirements, “no passengers” for novice riders, etc.)
The problem with a graduated licensing system is enforcement. Unless there is a clear indication the operator of a motorcycle is under some kind of restriction, based on age, experience, etc., there is no way for law enforcement to determine (other than a traffic stop) if the operator is complying with the law. While there is some merit to special license plates for operators riding under restriction, the responsibility for implementation rests with each state.
Some states are taking steps to tighten licensing requirements by limiting the number of times a temporary or learner’s permits that may be issued to a rider, requiring rider education for applicants who fail their state test twice, and in some cases sentencing traffic offenders to a rider education course. Although these steps aren’t what you are proposing, they are steps in the right direction.
The AMA has always encouraged novice and experienced riders to take advantage of rider training opportunities in their state. We do not, however, support mandatory rider education for all riders (see
http://www.amadirectlink.com/legislt...ns/ridered.asp) because of the logistics. As currently structured, no state or private program could handle the crush of students; lack of facilities, instructors, and equipment already prevent most states from accommodating requests for training today.
Additional funding for rider education programs from the state and federal governments could help address the shortage of training opportunities. In fact, the federal government has allocated $25M over the next six years to assist states in promoting education and awareness programs.
We continue to monitor and post in our StateWatch area legislation that raises the standards for motorcycle operator licensing. However, we do not support legislation that restricts access to motorcycles based on engine displacement. As you pointed out, a novice or inexperienced rider can get just as injured (or killed) on a small-displacement motorcycle as a large sportbike or cruiser. The keys to safer riding are training, unimpaired operations, and a proper attitude.
Thanks again for contacting us and for your continued membership support.
Sincerely,
Sean M. Maher
Director of State Affairs
American Motorcyclist Association
and they will not change... it harder to renew your paper work with the 6 point deal 
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