I JUST WANT 2 RIDE!!

Motorcycle Recall March 2023: 80K recalls… Can-Am Spyder, Ducati, Triumph, Royal Enfield, BMW, Polaris Slingshot, Harbor Freight Motorcycle Lift

Posted: March 29, 2023 in Motorcycle, Motorcycle advocacy, Motorcycle news, motorcycle safety
Tags: BMW 1000RR recall, can-am ryker recall, Ducati desert X, Ducati saddle bag recall, harbor freight motorcycle lift recall, harbor freight tools recall, Harley Davidson, Motorcycle, motorcycle blog, motorcycle recall, motorcycle riding, motorcycle safety, polaris slingshot recall, Royal Enfield Himalayan recall, sport bike, Sportbike, Spyder recall, Triumph Bonneville recall, Triumph motorcycle recall

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.

Also, 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: 23V175000

Manufacturer Bombardier Recreational Products, Inc.

Components EXTERIOR LIGHTING

Summary Bombardier Recreational Products, Inc. (BRP) is recalling certain 2020-2023 Spyder RT and 2022-2023 Ryker motorcycles. The brake lights may stay illuminated even if the brake pedal is not pressed. As such, these motorcycles fail to comply with Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 108, “Lamps, Reflective Devices, and associated Equipment.”

Remedy Depending on the model, dealers will replace the brake light switch, adjust the brake light switch, and/or add a spring to the brake light switch, as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed April 18, 2023. Owners may contact BRP Customer Service at 1-888-272-9222. BRP’s number for this recall is 2023-6.

*****

NHTSA Campaign Number: 23E021000

Manufacturer Ducati North America

Components EQUIPMENT

Summary Ducati North America (Ducati) is recalling certain Ducati Performance Desert X Soft Side Bags Kits with part number 96781971AA, designed to fit 2023 DesertX motorcycles. The right-side bag may contact the exhaust during motorcycle use.

Remedy As an interim action, dealers will provide owners updated assembly instructions. Once parts are available, dealers will install a new right-side bag frame. Repairs will be performed free of charge. Interim owner notification letters are expected to be mailed April 13, 2023. Second letters will be mailed once the remedy is available. Owners may contact Ducati customer service at 1-888-391-5446. Ducati’s number for this recall is SRV-RCL-23-001.

*****

NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V146000

Manufacturer Triumph Motorcycles America, Ltd.

Components SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC

Summary Triumph Motorcycles America, Ltd. (Triumph) is recalling certain 2023 Bonneville T120 and Bonneville T120 Black motorcycles. The left-hand side (LHS) brake disc may be improperly secured and can detach.

Remedy Dealers will install a replacement damper and also replace the disc bolts, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed March 20, 2023. Owners may contact Triumph’s customer service at 1-678-854-2010. Triumph’s number for this recall is SRAN 606.

*****

NHTSA Campaign Number: 23E016000

Manufacturer Harbor Freight Tools

Components EQUIPMENT

Summary Harbor Freight Tools (Harbor Freight) is recalling certain Central Hydraulics High Position Motorcycle Lifts with part number 99887. The lift welds or tubing may break, which can allow the lift to fall or drop the motorcycle.

Remedy Harbor Freight will provide a refund in the form of a Harbor Freight gift card. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed April 28, 2023. Owners may contact Harbor Freight customer service at 1-800-444-3353.

*****

Manufacturer Royal Enfield North America Limited

Components SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC

Summary Royal Enfield North America Limited (Royal Enfield) is recalling certain 2017-2021 Himalayan motorcycles. The salt used to treat the roads in the winter may corrode the brake calipers, causing a decrease or total loss of brake function.

Remedy Dealers will replace the front and rear brake calipers, free of charge. The manufacturer has not yet provided a schedule for recall notification. Owners may contact Royal Enfield’s customer service at 1-866-600-1122. Royal Enfield’s number for this recall is SC-31.

*****

NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V123000

Manufacturer BMW of North America, LLC

Components SERVICE BRAKES

Summary BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2023 S 1000 RR motorcycles. The motorcycle hand brake lever may not function correctly, reducing brake performance.

Remedy Dealers will replace the hand brake lever fulcrum pin, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed April 18, 2023. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.

*****

NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V106000

Manufacturer Polaris Inc.

Components ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

Summary Polaris Inc. (Polaris) is recalling certain 2022-2023 Slingshot R, Slingshot S with Technology Package 1, Slingshot SL, Slingshot SLR, and Slingshot S motorcycles. The alternator may have been improperly heat-treated during manufacturing.

Remedy Dealers will replace the alternator, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed March 8, 2023. Owners may contact Polaris’ customer service at 1-855-863-2284. Polaris’ number for this recall is T-23-01.

*****

RIDE ON, RIDE SAFE

Motorcycle News: Cardio Packtalk, subscribe to use?

Posted: March 22, 2023 in Motorcycle, Motorcycle news, Motorcycle radio
Tags: cardio packtalk, cardio packtalk subscription, Harley, Harley Davidson, helmet communications, International female ride day, Motorcycle, motorcycle blog, Motorcycle Ride, motorcycle riding, motorcycle touring, sport bike, Sportbike

Down Shift – Cardio Packtalk is now subscription based.

Cardio, one of the leaders in motorcycle helmet to helmet and helmet to device communications has made a MAJOR change to how their product works.

The Bluetooth communications and intercom maker now has “Packtalk Custom” to allow you to “customize” the way you connect. The device itself sells for about $250US.

So, what do you get out of the box? The ability to connect to nothing. You must subscribe to the Silver Package to connect to your phone OR navigation system, NOT BOTH.

Subscribing to the silver package for $3 dollars per month gets you:

Music sharing
Three audio profiles
Speed dial

Subscribing to the gold package for $5 dollars a month allows you to “expand your capabilities with Bluetooth intercom and a 2^nd device”. The full gold package gives you:

Universal Bluetooth Intercom (to allow you to connect to other brands of intercom)
Bluetooth bridge
Second channel connection (allows you to connect an additional device – without it, you can only have your mobile phone OR sat-nav OR bike’s dash).
Music sharing
Three audio profiles
Speed dial

Subscribing to the Platinum package for $7 dollars a month enables:

Voice commands
Eco mode (up to 20% longer operation)
Universal Bluetooth Intercom
Bluetooth bridge
Second channel connection
Music sharing
Three audio profiles
Speed dial

My Take – WOW, why would I pay $250 dollars for something that I cannot use out of the box? I will not be purchasing this device that is for sure. IN FACT, I THINK THIS IS STUPID!

While I am sure that there are people who will do this, I would hope the vast majority of people will go to other brands. We should not have to pay additional fees to be able to use the product we just bought. As is, you will need to pay $5 a month just to use what I consider basic features.

Ride two up…. an extra $7 per month to be able to talk with your passenger and do the normal stuff like phone and nav.

This subscription thing is a trend I have been seeing in other areas including cars and trucks and I hope that people are smart enough to not buy into this or otherwise it might spread.

I can easily imagine a day where if you wanted 5^th gear you would have to pay a fee.

*****

Up Shift – International Female Ride Day 2023

The 17^th International Female Ride Day falls on May the 6^th this year.

For 16 years the IFRD has “shined a spotlight on women riders and females in the motorsports arena!”

Nearly 20% of riders are women and that number has been growing over the years and I do not expect that growth to end anytime soon. Coming out of the pandemic more people and especially women are feeling empowered to do the things that they really want.

The goals of the event are:

Highlight the number of women who ride.
Encourage other women to take up the activity.
Raise awareness about women’s equality in motorsports.
Celebrate women’s advancement in motorsports and powersports.
Ride for accelerated gender parity.

My Take: Anything that gets folks out and riding is a great thing! That this team has been encouraging women to mount up and ride is just awesome. I hope that we can grow the number of women riding from 20% to 30% in the next few years.

Ride on, Ride Safe

Motorcycle Book Review: The Moment Collectors

Posted: March 13, 2023 in Motorcycle, Motorcycle advocacy, Product Reviews
Tags: adventure motorcycle, adventure riding, book review the moment collectors, Harley, Harley Davidson, Motorcycle, motorcycle anthology, motorcycle blog, motorcycle book review, motorcycle safety, motorcycle touring, sam manicom, sport bike, Sportbike, The Moment Collectors, tim notier

The Moment Collector is an anthology of short stories from motorcyclists traveling the world. The collector of these stories is Sam Manicom, himself a world traveler on two wheels.

Sam collected twenty tales from intrepid motorcycling travelers. As with all anthologies some stories are more engrossing than others, some writers are better than others. Yet overall, I enjoyed the book greatly.

I was familiar with a few of the authors, Tim Notier for example, but most were new to me. Mr. Manicom provided each writer’s social media information with their stories. A subtle but impactful touch that allowed me to see more about each of them.

As noted above, it is difficult for any collection of stories, or moments, to have every tale a hit. I am giving this book a 4-Star review because it is an anthology and not all the stories were great.

However…. It should be part of your motorcycle book library!

Ride On, Ride Safe

Other books of Sam Manicom I have reviewed: Tortillas and Totems

Full disclosure Sam authored a guest post on this blog, and I paid for this book and was not paid for the review.

Motorcycle News: National Motorcycle Museum and Moto Guzzi Rallies

Posted: March 2, 2023 in Motorcycle, Motorcycle advocacy, Motorcycle news
Tags: Harley Davidson, Moto Guzzi, Motorcycle, motorcycle auction, motorcycle blog, Motorcycle news, Motorcycle News: National Motorcycle Museum and Moto Guzzi Rallies, motorcycle rally, motorcycle riding, motorcycle touring, national motorcycle museum is closing, sport bike, Sportbike

Down Shift – National Motorcycle Museum is closing.

Sadly, the National Motorcycle Museum will close its doors in September. The museum in Anamosa, Iowa, was opened 22 years ago by the owners of J&P Cycle John and Jill Parham. John passed away in 2017.

Their notification stated, “We have struggled for several years to cover wages and utilities partly due to low visitations.”

The museum states that it will auction its collections to pay outstanding bills. This auction will include both motorcycles and memorabilia that the Parham’s collected over their many years in the motorcycle industry.

My Take Just another sad note reflecting both the results of the pandemic and the state of the motorcycle industry in America. Also, I am not sure that Anamosa, Iowa is a destination for a lot of folks. I would not be surprised if more “niche” museums closed their doors in the near future.

*****

Up Shift – Moto Guzzi Experience

Moto Guzzi motorcycles are sponsoring 3 events around the USA. The first up is in Bozeman, MT (June 28th-July3rd 2023). The second is in the Smoky Mountains starting in Knoxville, TN (August 30^th-September 4^th). The third Moto Guzzi Experience runs October 18^th– 23^rd in the Ozark Mountains around Bentonville AK.

All these events include tour leaders and support vehicles, and you can rent a Moto Guzzi if you do not want to ride yours to the event. Base costs? $2,500 if you rent a motorcycle, $1,500 if you bring your own and passengers cost $1,000. That cost includes hotels, full board (minus alcohol), the tour leader and support vehicle.

Folks who attend the event will get a discount on a new V100 Mandello or a V85TT afterwards. Discounts of up to $1,250 on a new bike is never a bad thing.

My Take: I am assuming these events are going to be similar to what the Harley Owners Group does with their annual rallies If that is the case it should be a lot of fun. In fact, we were at one of the HOG rallies last year in the Smokey Mountains. If you attend of these Moto Guzzi events let me know I would like to hear how it turned out.

*****

Ride on, Ride Safe

Motorcycle Recall February 2023: Can-AM, Suzuki, BMW

Posted: February 28, 2023 in Motorcycle, Motorcycle advocacy, Motorcycle news, motorcycle recall, motorcycle safety
Tags: bmw motorcycle recall, Cam-Am Spyder, cam-am spyder recall, Harley Davidson, hayabusa recall, Motorcycle, motorcycle blog, motorcycle recall, motorcycle recall february 2023, motorcycle riding, motorcycle safety, sport bike, Sportbike, Suzuki Hayabusa

Also, 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: 23V088000

Manufacturer Suzuki Motor USA, LLC

Components SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC

Summary Suzuki Motor USA, LLC (Suzuki) is recalling certain 2022 GSX1300RRQ/ZM2 (Hayabusa) motorcycles. An incorrect position of the front brake master cylinder primary port could cause the port to become blocked, and result in a gap between the front brake pad and discs. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 122, “Motorcycle Brake Systems.”

Remedy Dealers will replace the front brake master cylinder body, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed March 1, 2023. Owners may contact Suzuki’s customer service at 1-800-934-0934. Suzuki’s number for this recall is 2A99.

*****

Manufacturer Bombardier Recreational Products, Inc. (Can-Am Spyder)

Components VISIBILITY

Summary Bombardier Recreational Products Inc. (BRP) is recalling certain 2022 Cam-Am Spyder F3 and F3-S motorcycles. The rearview mirror lens may detach from the housing.

Remedy Dealers will install new mirror assemblies, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed February 9, 2023. Owners may contact BRP customer service at 1-888-272-9222.

*****

NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V051000

Manufacturer BMW of North America, LLC

Components ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

Summary BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2022-2023 S 1000R and 2020-2023 S 1000XR motorcycles. During a software update performed at a dealership, the “Dynamic Pro” riding mode feature “front wheel lift-off assistant” may have been inadvertently deactivated without alerting the rider.

*****

Ride On, Ride Safe

Best of 2022: 9 Really Weird Motorcycles

Posted: February 22, 2023 in custom motorcycle, Motorcycle

BEST WEIRD motorcycles of 2022! This year I started with a list of 26 really off the wall, weird and strange motorcycles. I had a hard time knocking them down to just the 9 best. I could very easily have 9 runner up’s that could have made it to this list.

Just a quick note, these motorcycles may have been around for a few years, but I first noticed them this past year.

Which is your favorite weird motorcycle for 2022?

Best of 2022: Weird or Strange Motorcycle Helmets

Posted: February 17, 2023 in Uncategorized

I think these motorcycle helmets qualify as weird or strange for 2022!

This year I started with 13 candidate helmets but as always, I strike them down to 9. Why 9? Because everyone does 10 and 11 is too much work!

So, which one is your fav-o-rite? Do you have any suggestions for 2023 put them in the comments below.

Best of 2022: Motorcycle Posters

Posted: February 10, 2023 in Motorcycle
Tags: Harley, Harley Davidson, Motorcycle, motorcycle art, motorcycle blog, motorcycle events, motorcycle posters, motorcycle riding, sport bike, Sportbike

Maybe one way to judge if we are returning to something approaching normal is the number of motorcycle events around the world. I started with the over 20 motorcycle themed posters, many of which were for events in 2022. However, come on guys, put a little more effort into your designs and PLEASE put something about the location on the poster too!

Below are the top 9 motorcycle posters for 2022. My personal favorite is the flat-track motorcycle rider on the moon by Ryan Roadkill. Which one do you like best!

Motorcycle Recall January 2023: Triumph, 30K Bilt Helmets, Indian

Posted: February 3, 2023 in Motorcycle, Motorcycle advocacy, Motorcycle news, motorcycle recall, motorcycle safety
Tags: Bilt motorcycle helmets, Bilt motorcycle helmets recall, Harley Davidson, Indian chief motorcycle rcall, indian motorcycle recall, Motorcycle, motorcycle blog, motorcycle helmet recall, motorcycle recall, Motorcycle recall for January 2023, motorcycle riding, motorcycle safety, recall, sport bike, Sportbike, Triumph motorcycle recall, triumph speed triple recall

Also, 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: 23V006000

Manufacturer Triumph Motorcycles America, Ltd.

Components ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

Summary Triumph Motorcycles America, Ltd. (Triumph) is recalling certain 2022-2023 Speed Triple RS and Speed Triple RR motorcycles. The radiator fan may overheat, causing the fan motor to fail.

Remedy Dealers will install an additional heatshield, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed February 1, 2023. Owners may contact Triumph’s customer service at 1-678-854-2010. Triumph’s number for this recall is SRAN 605.

*****

NHTSA Campaign Number: 23E004000

Manufacturer Comoto Holdings, Inc.

Components EQUIPMENT

Summary Comoto Holdings, Inc. (Comoto Holdings) is recalling certain Bilt Vertex BLH133, Bilt Vertex Parabola BLH141, and Bilt Vertex Stripes BLH134 helmets, in sizes SM, MD, LG, and XL. The helmets may lack retention system integrity and adequate penetration protection. As such, these helmets fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 218, “Motorcycle Helmets.”

Remedy Comoto Holdings will either provide a credit or replace the helmet, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed February 1, 2023. Owners may contact Comoto Holdings’ customer service at 1-888-258-9530.

*****

NHTSA Campaign Number: 23E003000

Manufacturer Comoto Holdings, Inc.

Components EQUIPMENT

Summary Comoto Holdings, Inc. (Comoto Holdings) is recalling certain Bilt Route BLH100, Bilt Route Retro Womens BLH118, and Bilt Route Journey BLH109 helmets, in sizes MD, XL, and XXL. The helmets may lack adequate penetration protection. As such, these helmets fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 218, “Motorcycle Helmets.”

Remedy Dealers will either provide a credit or replace the helmets, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed February 1, 2023. Owners may contact Comoto Holdings’ customer service at 1-888-258-9530.

*****

NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V957000

Manufacturer Indian Motorcycle Company

Components STRUCTURE

Summary Indian Motorcycle Company (Indian) is recalling certain 2022 Chief, Chief Bobber, Chief Bobber Darkhorse, Chief Darkhorse, Super Chief, and Super Chief Limited motorcycles. The kickstand may not properly retract upon ground contact when left extended while riding. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 123, “Motorcycle Controls and Displays.”

Remedy The remedy is currently under development. Interim notification letters, notifying owners of the safety risk, were mailed January 25, 2023. A second notice will be sent once the final remedy is available. Owners may contact Indian customer service at 1-877-204-3697. Indian’s number for this recall is I-23-01.

*****

Ride On, Ride Safe