Archive for September, 2019

recall

Be aware that this motorcycle recall list is for the United States, 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 in Europe use the Safety Gate website to locate recalls that may impact you. 

 *****

Manufacturer: Indian Motorcycle Company 

SUMMARY:

Indian Motorcycle Company (Indian) is recalling certain 2019 Chieftain motorcycles. The tail lights may be too bright, exceeding the maximum light output allowed. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 108, “Lamps, Reflective Devices, and Associated Equipment.”

CONSEQUENCE:

Due to increased brightness, other drivers may have difficulties discerning the brake light from the tail light, and thus may be unaware that the motorcycle is braking, thereby increasing the risk of a crash.

REMEDY:

Indian will notify owners, and dealers will update the engine control module software to correct the rear tail light’s intensity, free of charge. The recall began September 18, 2019. Owners may contact Indian customer service at 1-877-204-3697. Indian’s number for this recall is I-19-04.

 

RIDE ON, RIDE SAFE

md toll

It is not very often that I have something nice to say about the state due north of my home. Heck, this is the state that taxed rainfall!  {{EDIT: not the state but the state government }}

BUT, I just learned (thank you AMA) that Maryland is undergoing a modernization of its road toll system, to be in place by 2020. As part of that plan motorcycle will be tolled at half the current cost. A 50% reduction for those of that ride!

Now this is not a done deal. The Maryland Transportation Authority board has a public comment period open through the 3rd of October. If you live and ride in Maryland you need to make your thoughts known by going to the Maryland Toll Modernization website and leave your comment. Unless you want to pay higher tolls, in that case please disregard the link above!

The board is scheduled to make final recommendations at the end of November, 2019.

I must also give credit to Maryland Governor Larry Hogan. Most politicians whine and state that this is going to cost the state $28 million dollars. The Governor stated that this was going to SAVE the citizens $28 million, that is the correct way to portray the effort.

I am collecting pins!

DRF's avatarMy Ride Blog

I just completed another motorcycle trip. This one was 14 day (10 days of riding), 5,263 miles and 12 states. AZ, NM, TX, OK, AR, TN, KY, OH, WV, PA, MD, VA. Then back home to AZ. It was my longest trip yet. I only got rained on a few times. Would I do it again? Yes! Very nice ride. I added quite a few Harley-Davidson dealer poker chips to my collection. Over 100 dealers now!

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Bennett's War

It is not very often that we get to see a movie about motorcycle culture on the big screen, Bennett’s War is the first in several years. I went to see this film at our local theater, going in with the premise that this was based on a true story, it wasn’t. No big deal, my assumption on that.

Bennett’s War story opens with two soldiers parachuting into an unknown location along with a couple crates. Turns out there are, what appears to be electric, adventure style, motorcycles in the crates. They had me hooked right there, fictional as hell, but hooked.

Soon Bennett is seriously wounded rescuing his buddy, while riding the motorcycle, by an explosive boobytrap. Waking up in the hospital the doctors tell him that is injury is so bad he is going to be medically retired and will never ride again.

HA! We know that won’t happen!

Soon he is at home and learns dad is going to lose the farm and he goes back to racing to Bennett's warearn the money to save it. From this point on there was lots of race footage, from Glen Helen Motocross track, that look spectacular at times and bit hokey at times, BUT well done.

If you had told me that Hallmark had made this film, it did have the romance and family tension they are known for, I would have believed you no questions asked. Turns out that his film was financed by Forrest Lucas of Lucas Oil Motocross fame! In this age of a downturn in motorcycling I salute Mr. Lucas for putting his money into his passion!

Ok it may be formulaic and predictable but it is also fun. At no time did I go moto-snob and feel like I needed to go pifffffttt. I am giving the Bennett’s War 4 stars and a job well done. Recommend that you go see it while it is on the big screen, it will not be the same on TV.

4 out 5 stars