Harley Bans Music at York Factory

In an effort to improve safety, Harley-Davidson has stopped the music at its factory in York, PA. No more blaring radios. No more headphones.

“It’s a distraction,” Maripat Blankenheim, director of external communications for Harley, told the “York Daily Record.” “It’s really important for people – no matter what they do – to be focused on what they do.”

Employee learned of the music ban last week in the form of a memo from John Dansby II, vice president of manufacturing.

“As you are aware, it is imperative that we improve our safety and first-time quality performance,” he wrote. “Too many distractions and potential hazards still exist in the workplace that impact our performance every day.”

The newspaper has the story here.

—

Having already revealed the sound of its new engine, Indian plans to actually debut its new power plant during Daytona Bike Week. The unveiling will take place on March 9 at 9 p.m. at Dirty Harry’s Pub.

—

BMW is out with priding on the new 2013 R 1200 GS. Base MSRP will be $15,800, which includes ABS, engine guard and center stand. The Standard Package, which adds heated grips, cruise control and saddle bag mounts, is $16,600.

Further upgraded versions will run $17,990 for the Premium Package and $18,870 for the Premium Pus Package.

The GS will be available in blue, red, gray and white.  It is powered by a newly-designed air/water-cooled boxer engine with shaft drive.

—

Grammy-winning musician and motorcyclist Lyle Lovett has signed on as national spokesman for Ride for Kids, which benefits Pediatric Brain Tumor Research.

Lovett will do public service announcements and other tasks to raise awareness of pediatric brain tumors.

More than 40 charity rides are planned across the country. This year’s New England Ride for Kids will be Aug. 18 at Tantasqua Regional High School in Fiskdale, MA.