Motorcycle News: 2022 Motorcycle Deaths and Cell Phone Cameras

Posted: April 22, 2024 in Motorcycle, Motorcycle advocacy, Motorcycle news, motorcycle safety
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ijustwant2ride.com

What you need to know… There has been an increase in motorcycle rider deaths.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) released its final 2022 Fatality Analysis Reporting System traffic crash data. NHTSA reported 42,514 total fatalities in the U.S. in 2022. That is a 1.7% decrease from the previous year.

BUT, motorcyclists deaths increased 1.2%. The official number of motorcyclists killed in 2022 was 6,218, an increase of 75 deaths compared to 2021.

Alcohol-impaired fatal crashes account for 29% of all motorcyclist deaths. Across the nation, 7.8% of fatal crashes involved a “distracted driver.” 

My Take –DOWNSHIFT – 1800 people killed due to riding while drunk, wow. I hope the 2023 numbers are better.  If you want to see the entire NHTSA report click this link.

purple motorcycle ijustwant2ride.com

What you need to know… Speed cameras to catch cell phone users

In England the police are deploying AI powered cameras that not only catches speeding cars but people using their phones while at the wheel.

Each unit will have multiple cameras to give the most complete view of drivers and passengers, with the kit mounted on either a trailer, or specialist van.

“Working with our police partners we want to reduce such dangerous driving and reduce the risks posed to both the drivers and other people. We believe that using technology like this will make people seriously consider their driving behavior,” Head of National Road User Safety Delivery at National Highways. Matt Staton said.

Drivers can be fined up to £500 for not wearing a seat belt, with phone users getting up to six points and a £1000 fine,

My Take – Hitting Neutral – While this is a step in the right direction to bust distracted drivers, why are we even having this problem.  The phone companies could be forced to tun off everything, but the hand-fee features when the phones are moving at more than 5 MPH.  The technology is already there.

Ride on, Ride Safe

How to Recycle or Dispose of Old Motorcycle Helmets? Guest Post by Sarah Kearns

Posted: April 17, 2024 in Uncategorized
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Whether you’re just replacing one helmet due to age or degradation, or if you’ve found a stack of old helmets in your Dad’s garage, figuring out what to do with them after they’ve outlived their usefulness can be tricky. Motorcycle helmets can’t be resold or given away for future use as their safety can’t be guaranteed.

So what can you do? Here are a few possibilities for dealing with old helmets.

Donate to Emergency Services

Perhaps the best way to dispose of an old motorcycle helmet is to find an emergency services department that might be interested in using intact helmets for training. They can use them to teach first responders how to safely remove a helmet from an accident victim who may be injured. Removing a helmet from a patient who might have a head, neck, or back injury can be difficult, as helmets are heavy and unwieldy. Emergency personnel responding to an accident need to learn to remove helmets without risking further injury to patients. However, there may be more helmets available than they need, and if you can’t find a department in need, there are still several other options.

If you aren’t donating the helmets to such a group, you should immediately cut the chin strap off completely to prevent someone from fishing it out of the trash and attempting to use it. Used helmets can be dangerous to use.

Upcycle as Decorations

Some creative types have found creative ways to use helmets as decorations. You can set up a decorative display of your old helmets on a wall, especially if they were custom painted. Others have taken motorcycle helmets and turned them into flower pots and planters for the garden. You can also buy a lamp kit and turn your old helmet into an interesting desk lamp or outdoor lantern. 

Check with Local Recycling Center

You can call your local recycling center to see if they accept motorcycle helmets for recycling. Don’t be surprised if the answer is “no.” Due to the different chemicals and materials used in manufacturing safe and sturdy helmets, many recycling centers are not equipped to process them. Those that are may request that you disassemble the helmet before recycling, so be prepared to pull out the padding and foam before you drop if off.

Dispose in Regular Trash

It’s not ideal, but if you have no other options, you can dispose of the helmet in your regular trash. Just make sure that you bag it appropriately, and that you have destroyed it before you do. In addition to cutting off the chin strap, you can also cut it in half with a saw or have some fun with your friends and try to beat it up with an axe or sledgehammer. Just be warned that trying to break a helmet with sheer force is sometimes impossible. After all, they are designed to withstand traumatic impacts at highway speeds.

Haul Away Service

It’s probably not cost effective if you have just one or two helmets to get rid of, but if you have a collection, you could call a rubbish removal service to come and pick them up. This is especially useful if you’ve discovered the helmets while cleaning out an old garage or barn; there’s probably a mess of other stuff you need to get rid of as well, and these services will pick everything up, and then they will do the work of sorting the items for recycling and proper disposal.

Perhaps someday there will be an accepted standard for what to do with used motorcycle helmets, but we’re not there yet. In the meantime, any one of the above methods is an acceptable way to dispose of an old helmet that is no longer safe to wear.  

Sarah Kearns is a hard working mother of three daughters. She is a Senior Communications Manager for BizDb and Populationof an online resources with information about businesses and demographic statistics of world population. She loves cooking, reading history books and writing about green living. Her dad was a motorcyclist and he passed that passion on to her. Sarah loves to travel the world on her motorcycle and she hopes that one of her daughters will become her partner in the near future.

April is Motorcycle Helmet Safety Month

Posted: April 11, 2024 in Motorcycle, Motorcycle advocacy, motorcycle safety
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It is time to check you motorcycle helmet!

At least once a year you should check your helmet to make sure everything is right and correct.  As the month of April is Motorcycle Helmet Safety month, now is a good time to do the checks.

What are the things you need to check?  Here are the minimum things you need to look for:

1) Is the shell all in one piece? No cracks or splits?

2) Are the straps and connectors in good shape, no adverse wear or tear?

3) The internal padding is connected and stays in place?

4) Remove the padding and check the foam.  Is it dented or have cracks?

5) While looking at the foam, most companies place a sticker printed with the helmet’s birthday. Is it over 5 years old?

6) Does the rest of the internals look in good operating condition?

7) Check the visor for damage that might obscure your vision can you see clearly?

8) Are the screws or other visor attachments tight?

9) Make sure that insects/creatures are not living in your helmet, see the photos below!

Checklist item 5 is the 5-year rule.  Most manufactures recommend that after 5 years you replace your helmet.  While the cynical among us will cite the “more money” theory of why they want it replaced ,there is evidence that the foam lining (the part that does most of the work in a crash) does deteriorate over time. It is your head, so it is your decision to replace or not if everything looks good.

That little red spot on the inside of the helmet below… is a Black Widow Spider!

helmet
helmet
helmet

9 Tips for Attending a Motorcycle Race

Posted: April 4, 2024 in Uncategorized
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The motorcycle racing season is underway!  World Superbike, MotoGP, and here in the USA MotoAmerica and King of the Baggers.  If you have never been to a race this year might be the year you go to your first.

Below are some commonsense tips to make sure you have a good time:

  1. Plan ahead: Check the race schedule and plan your trip accordingly. Make sure you have all the necessary tickets, passes, and documents.
  2. Dress appropriately: Wear comfortable clothes and shoes that are suitable for the weather. Don’t forget to bring sunscreen, a hat, and sunglasses.
  3. Stay hydrated: Bring plenty of water and other non-alcoholic beverages to stay hydrated throughout the day.
  4. Bring earplugs: Motorcycle races can be loud, so it’s a good idea to bring earplugs to protect your hearing.
  5. Pack snacks: Bring some snacks and food to keep your energy levels up during the race. BUT, the track makes it money on their consessions please help them out.
  6. Get there early: Arrive early to find a good spot to watch the race and avoid traffic. Most tracks park the motorcycles in a motorcycle only area so watch for signs/directions.
  7. Be respectful: Be respectful of other fans, the riders, and the track. Follow the rules and regulations of the event.
  8. Take photos: Capture the excitement of the race by taking photos and videos. But remember to be mindful of other fans and not to obstruct their view.
  9. Enjoy the experience: Finally, relax and enjoy the experience. Motorcycle races are thrilling events that offer a unique opportunity to witness the skill and bravery of the riders.  MotoAmerica has a fan walk of pit road at most races.  This will give you an opportunity to meet the racers and see the bikes.

I hope you find this helpful! Let me know if you have any other questions.

Motorcycle TV: Steve McQueen Desert Racer

Posted: April 1, 2024 in custom motorcycle, Motorcycle, Motorcycle racing, Motorcycle TV
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I ran across this hour-long motorcycle documentary on Amazon Prime and, of course, I had to watch it.

I knew the actor Steve McQueen was into motorcycles and motorcycle racing, but I did not realize he was REALLY into motorcycles and motorcycle racing! This TV show documents what he and his friends did to get motorcycles into movies and how they raced at the top levels.

A few the things I discovered while watching:

           Steve McQueen and friends were the first American team to race in the International 6-Day Enduro

           McQueen and friends were drivers of making Metisse Racing Motorcycles famous.

           McQueen spent hours changing customer tires at his friend’s bike shop, to prepare for the 6-Day Enduro

The documentary is narrated by motorcycle enthusiast Charle Boorman, famous for the “Long Way” films, and contains a lot of historical film clips and photos from that time. Steve McQueen Desert Racer was released in 2015.

I enjoyed the show, my wife even watched much of it, and I think you might as well. Check it out on the next rainy day!

Ride On, Ride Saff

Motorcycle Recall March 2024: BMW X3, Kawasaki, LiveWire, Triumph

Posted: March 29, 2024 in Motorcycle, Motorcycle news, motorcycle recall, motorcycle safety
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Be aware that this motorcycle recall list is for the United States for the last 30 days, there is no way I could cover the entire world. But in the world of global manufacturing, if a motorcycle is being recalled in one country there is a good chance it is under recall in others. So, safety first.

Also, (DISCLAIMER) this should not be considered a definitive list, check for yourself if you have any questions.

If you are US based, use the NHTSA website http://www.safercar.gov. Enter your VIN number to see if your motorcycle is affected by the recall.

If you are based outside the USA, use the appropriate website to locate recalls that may impact you.

*****

NHTSA Campaign Number: 24E029000

Manufacturer BMW of North America, LLC

Components EQUIPMENT

Summary BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain BMW motorcycle dealer accessory side cases, designed to fit R1300 GS motorcycles, with part number: 77 41 9 444 361/362. The side case latch hooks may not snap properly into the lock, which can result in the case lid opening, and possibly detaching from the motorcycle.

Remedy Dealers will repair the locking mechanism and hinges of the side cases, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed May 13, 2024. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.

*****

NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V221000

Manufacturer Kawasaki Motors Corp., U.S.A.

Components ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

Summary Kawasaki Motor Corp., U.S.A. (KMC) is recalling certain 2023-2024 ZX400S and ZX400P (2023 Ninja ZX-4RR KRT Edition, 2024 Ninja ZX-4R, and 4RR) motorcycles. The spark plugs may have been damaged during the vehicle manufacturing process, which can result in unstable idling, hesitation, and engine stalling.

Remedy Dealers will replace all four spark plugs, free of charge. The manufacturer has not yet provided a schedule for recall notification. Owners may contact KMC customer service at 1-866-802-9381. KMC’s number for this recall is MC27-04.

*****

NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V216000

Manufacturer LIVEWIRE EV, LLC

Components SUSPENSION

Summary LiveWire EV, LLC (LiveWire) is recalling certain 2024 S2DM (S2 Del Mar) motorcycles. The rear axle and lower shock joint nuts may not have been properly tightened.

Remedy Dealers will inspect, tighten any loose nuts and replace damaged components as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed May 26, 2024. Owners may contact LiveWire customer service at 1-855-387-4337. LiveWire’s number for this recall is 1002.

*****

NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V177000

Manufacturer Triumph Motorcycles America, Ltd.

Components ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

Summary Triumph Motorcycles America, Ltd. (Triumph) is recalling certain 2022-2024 Speed Triple RS, and Speed Triple RR motorcycles. The engine may overheat and cause the fan motor to fail, resulting in a coolant leak.

Remedy Dealers will replace the original engine software calibration with a new version, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed March 26, 2024. Owners may contact Triumph customer service at 1-678-854-2010. Triumph’s number for this recall is SRAN 62

*****

NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V165000

Manufacturer BMW of North America, LLC

Components SUSPENSION

Summary BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2024 R 1250RT, K 1600GT, K 1600GTL, and K 1600B motorcycles. The front spring strut may contain an incorrectly manufactured proportional valve that can loosen, and result in strut failure and a loss of stability.

Remedy Dealers will inspect the strut production dates and replace the front spring struts as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed April 22, 2024. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.

*****

NHTSA Campaign Number: 24E020000

Manufacturer BMW of North America, LLC

Components EQUIPMENT

Summary BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain BMW Motorcycle Dealer Accessory Top cases, designed for R 1300 GS motorcycles, and with part number 77 43 9 443 542. The dealer accessory top case locking flap may not function correctly, which can result in the top case detaching from the motorcycle.

Remedy Dealers will repair the locking mechanism of the top case and provide an insert for the rider’s manual regarding the locking mechanism, free of charge. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.

*****

Ride On, Ride Safe

*****

Spring Motorcycle Riding Prep: A checklist for getting your bike ready for riding.

Posted: March 27, 2024 in Motorcycle, Motorcycle advocacy, Motorcycle Rides, motorcycle safety
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Spring is here, and your motorcycle is beckoning you to hit the open road.

Before you embark on your two-wheeled adventures, take a moment to prepare your bike for the riding season. While the T-CLOCS (Tires, Controls, Lights, Oil, Chassis, and Stands) inspection is essential, let’s delve into some often-overlooked recommendations:

  1. Check Your Gear:
    • Retrieve your riding gear from storage. It might have been sitting in your saddlebag for months.
    • Clean your gear thoroughly. Run it through the wash or clean it by hand.
    • Apply water repellent or waterproofing for added protection.
  2. Inspect Your Helmet:
    • Your helmet deserves special attention. Start by cleaning the exterior. Those bugs from 2023 should be easy to remove by now.
    • Remove and clean the interior padding following the manufacturer’s instructions.
    • Don’t forget to check every nook and cranny for any unwelcome guests—SPIDERS (not the Can-Am species).
  3. Evaluate and Replace Gear:
    • Take a close look at your riding gear. Are your helmet and gloves still in good condition?
    • Remember, you are responsible for your own safety. If something isn’t right, repair or replace it promptly.
  4. Give Your Motorcycle a “Colonoscopy”:
    • If you didn’t adequately prepare your bike for winter, it’s time to peek up your tailpipe. Make sure nothing is living in your exhust.
    • Inspect all areas for leaks and ensure everything is in ship shape.
  5. Give your bike a rub down: Happy ending optional!
    • Give it a good wipe down to clean off the dust and debris that adhered to your bike over winter.
    • Now is a good time to give your motorcycle a waxing to help preserve the paint.
  6. Restock your saddlebags or backpack:
    • If you pack a first aid kit replace what you used last year or what is now expired.
    • Sunscreen and ChapStick…might want to swap them out for new.
    • That candy bar you had for an emergency snack, go ahead, and eat it now and put a new one in its place.
  7. Review the owner’s manual:
    • Get yourself reacquainted with the bike.
  8. Check your insurance:
    • Did you stop or reduce your insurance on the motorcycle over the winter? Give a quick call to your agent to get your insurance up to date.
  9. Remind yourself about PANIC STOPS:
    • Find an unused bit of road or parking lot, get up to speed and BREAK HARD! Get that feeling about what you and your motorcycle will do when you must make a sudden stop.
    • Ride with a passenger? Then run this exercise with them on the bike as well. It is best to know how it feels in a controlled environment before you really need to do it. OH, check your breaks before you do this to make sure they are good to go.

This is not an all-inclusive checklist or recommendations, I am sure each of you can add more items, but it can get you started for the new riding season. Remember, a well-prepped motorcycle, and rider, ensures both safety and enjoyment during the riding season.

Ride on, ride safe

 🏍️

Motorcycle News: Moto Guzzi and Suzuki

Posted: March 18, 2024 in Motorcycle, Motorcycle advocacy, Motorcycle news, Motorcycle Rides, motorcycle touring, Rally
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ijustwant2ride.com

Motorcycle News – What you need to know… 2024 Moto Guzzi Experience USA

Moto Guzzi has announced the 2024 Moto Guzzi Experience in the United States. The Moto Guzzi Experience is not only about stunning scenery but also about rewarding riding.  

“Participants will tackle some of the country’s most challenging and bucket-list-worthy roads and highways, offering a true test of skill and adrenaline. experiencing the thrill of riding our latest Moto Guzzi models on some of the most iconic routes in this beautiful country.”

  • Rocky Mountains, June 5-9, 2024 (3-day Ride)
  • Pacific Northwest, July 15-21, 2024 (5-day Ride)
  • Yellowstone, July 31 – August 5, 2024 (4-Day Ride)
  • Smoky Mountains, September 11-16, 2024 (4-Day Ride)

If you are interested in participating check out the details at the MOTO GUZZI EXPERIENCE website

My Take –UPSHIFT – While some folks don’t care for vendor driven events, I do.  You often get to see their new products and often get to take them on demo rides.  I don’t own a Moto Guzzi if I did I would try to attend one or more of the events.

purple motorcycle ijustwant2ride.com

What you need to know… Suzuki 2024 National Demo Tour

          Suzuki has kicked off its 2024 Demo Tour.  Their tour will give you a chance to try out a large part of their fleet of motorcycles.  The tour began during Daytona Bike Week. 

Here is a listing of the motorcycles you could try out:

  • GSX-8R sport bike
  • GSX-8S 
  • V-STROM 800DE and 800 adventure tourers
  • V-STROM 1050DE and 1050 adventure tourers
  • Hayabusa sport bike
  • Hayabusa 25th Anniversary Edition
  • GSX-R1000R, GSX-R750, GSX-R600 sport bikes
  • GSX-S1000GT+ high-performance sport-tourers
  • GSX-S1000
  • DR-Z400S and DR-Z400SM supermoto
  • DR-650S dual-sport
  • M109R power cruisers and more.

Go to the SUZUKI EVENTS CALENDAR to see when and where the demo fleet is headed.

My Take – Upshift – I still want to take the Katana out for a spin, but it is not on the list.

purple motorcycle ijustwant2ride.com

Ride on, Ride Safe

MICHELIN has new rebate for motorcycle tires!

Posted: March 7, 2024 in Motorcycle, motorcycle safety
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2024 Michelin Two-Wheel Spring Promotion

I have never used Michelin products so I have no opinion on how well they work. But if you like there products this is a decent rebate. This rebate offer appears to limited to the United States.

Get a $80 Visa Reward Card via mail-in rebate with the purchase of two (front and rear) qualifying MICHELIN Cruiser Motorcycle tires.

Get a $60 Visa Reward Card via mail-in rebate with the purchase of two (front and rear) other qualifying MICHELIN On-Road and Road Racing Motorcycle tires. 

Get a $40 Visa Reward Card via mail-in rebate with the purchase of two (front and rear) qualifying MICHELIN Off-Road Motorcycle tires 

Offer Valid 3/1/24 – 3/31/24

For more information click here!

Motorcycle News: GoPro and Daytona Motorcycle Racing

Posted: March 6, 2024 in Motorcycle advocacy, Motorcycle news, Motorcycle racing
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ijustwant2ride.com

What you need to know… This year’s Daytona 200 looks like it will be spectacular!

           The MotoAmerica Mission Daytona 200 has 68 riders representing 5 manufacturers attempting to qualify for the big race. They are riding:

                     Yamaha, Kawasaki, Suzuki, Ducati and Triumph

           The Roland Sands Mission Super Hooligans have 35 riders on 10 different motorcycles.

                     Indian FTR                         BMW R9

                     Harley Pan-American         KTM 890 Duke

                     Yamaha MT-9                    Suzuki SV1000

                     Ducati Monster                   Harley Davidson XR1200

                     Ducati Hypermotard            Enegica Eva (ELECTRIC BIKE)

           The Mission King of Baggers will have two races

           16 riders on Harley and Indian baggers on the HIGH BANK

How to watch the races? Check out MotoAmeria’s watch page.  You can check the schedule for the entire event here.

My Take – BIG UPSHIFT –  I can’t wait to see the racing this year.  The field is deep in all the divisions, so I expect tight racing across the board.

What you need to know… Go Pro is buying a motorcycle helmet company.

            GoPro, a go to for motorcyclists, is acquiring the “smart” helmet company Forcite.

            What does Forcite helmets have to offer:

            Harman Kardon speakers

            Visor displays that projects traffic, road hazards, police and turn by turn directions.

            Camera built into the chin bar, with super-wide 1080p support.

My Take – Upshift – We can expect GoPro branded helmets soon. Having the camera built into the helmet should be a safety plus.

What are your thoughts?

Ride on, Ride Safe

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