There are two bills moving through Congress right now that every rider should have on their radar: H.R. 1566 (Right to Repair) and H.R. 3385 (Definition of a Motorcycle).
They may sound technical—but don’t be fooled.
Both hit at the heart of what it means to ride in America: freedom, independence, and control.
H.R. 1566 – Right to Repair
What it is:
A bill that would require manufacturers to give riders and independent shops access to the tools, software, and data needed to fix modern motorcycles. To Read the full bill (GovInfo)
Why riders should care:
Today’s bikes aren’t just steel and bolts—they’re computers. And manufacturers are increasingly locking down access, forcing riders into dealership-only repairs.
That means:
- Higher costs
- Fewer choices
- Less control over your own machine
What this bill does for us:
- Keeps independent shops in business
- Protects your right to turn your own wrench
- Pushes back against corporate control of repairs
Rider takeaway:
If you believe you should be able to fix your own bike—or choose who does—this bill matters.
H.R. 3385 – Definition of a Motorcycle
What it is:
A bill that would redefine what legally counts as a motorcycle at the federal level. To Read the full bill (GovInfo)
The catch:
It narrows the definition—straddle seat, handlebars, and no more than three wheels.
Why this matters:
On paper, it sounds simple. In reality, it could:
- Push certain three-wheel vehicles out of the motorcycle category
- Create confusion across state laws
- Open the door for future restrictions or reclassification
Rider takeaway:
Today it’s about definitions. Tomorrow it could be about who gets to ride what—and under what rules.
What This Really Comes Down To
Let’s call it what it is:
- H.R. 1566 = Who controls your bike
- H.R. 3385 = Who defines your ride
One protects your ability to maintain your machine.
The other has the potential to reshape the boundaries of the motorcycle community itself.
Why This Isn’t Just Politics
This isn’t about parties—it’s about riders.
For generations, motorcyclists have:
- Built their own bikes
- Fixed them on the side of the road
- Defined the culture on their own terms
These bills will help determine whether that tradition continues—or gets regulated into something else.
Call to Action: This Is Where Riders Show Up
Click here to find your representative
If this matters to you—and it should—don’t just read about it.
Do something.
- Contact your Representatives and tell them where you stand on H.R. 1566 and H.R. 3385
- Support organizations like the Motorcycle Riders Foundation (MRF) that are actively tracking and lobbying on these issues
- Talk about it—at bike nights, in shops, and within your riding circles
- Stay informed as these bills move through the committee
Because here’s the reality:
If riders don’t speak up, decisions will still get made—just without us in the room.
Final Word
The road has always represented freedom.
But freedom doesn’t maintain itself—it has to be defended.
Ride safe. Stay loud. And protect what makes motorcycling ours.
Learn More / Track the Bills
H.R. 1566 – Right to Repair Act
Quick context:
This bill is designed to ensure consumers have access to vehicle data and repair tools, giving them more choice in how their vehicles are maintained.
H.R. 3385 – Definition of a Motorcycle
Quick context:
The bill directs the Department of Transportation to update the federal definition of a motorcycle, including requirements like straddle seating and handlebar controls.
