Archive for December, 2020

Motorcycle Recall December 2020: Honda, Kawasaki X2, Triumph

Posted: December 29, 2020 in Motorcycle, Motorcycle news, motorcycle safety
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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 outside the USA, use the appropriate website to locate recalls that may impact you.

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Manufacturer Honda (American Honda Motor Co.)

Components FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE

Summary  Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2018-2019 Africa Twin Adventure Sports (CRF1000L) and 2020 Africa Twin Adventure Sports (CRF1100L) motorcycles. Contaminants inside the fuel tank may cause the fuel filter to clog, possibly resulting in an engine stall.

Remedy  Honda will notify owners, and dealers will drain and clean the fuel tank, and replace the fuel filter assembly, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin February 15, 2021. Owners may contact Honda customer service at 1-866-784-1870. Honda’s number for this recall is KL4.

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

Components ENGINE, ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

Potential Number of Units Affected 1,770

Summary  Kawasaki Motors Corp., U.S.A. (KMC) is recalling certain 2021 Z400 ABS (ER400D), Ninja 400 (EX400H) and Ninja 400 ABS (EX400G) motorcycles. The strength of the camshaft chain tensioner may be insufficient due to improper heat treatment, possibly causing it to be damaged.

Remedy  KMC will notify owners, and dealers will replace the camshaft chain tensioner, free of charge. Note: Owners are advised to not ride their motorcycles until the repair has been completed. The recall began December 21, 2020. Owners may contact KMC customer service at 1-866-802-9381. KMC’s number for this recall is MC20-13.

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Manufacturer Triumph Motorcycles America, LTD

Components SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC

Summary  Triumph Motorcycles America, LTD (Triumph) is recalling certain 2020-2021 Rocket 3 GT, Rocket 3 R, and 2020 Rocket 3 TFC motorcycles. Air could have entered the antilock brake system (ABS) modulator while the rear brake system was filled during production.

Remedy  Triumph will notify owners, and dealers will bleed the rear brake system, free of charge. The recall began December 18, 2020. Owners may contact Triumph customer service at 1-678-854-2010. Triumph’s number for this recall is SRAN 587.

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

Components SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC

Summary  Kawasaki Motors Corp., U.S.A. (KMC) is recalling certain 2021 Ninja ZX-14R motorcycles. The front brake master cylinder may be missing an internal component, which can cause inconsistent front braking force.

Remedy  KMC will notify owners, and dealers will replace the front brake master cylinder, free of charge. Note: Owners are advised to not ride their motorcycle until the repair is complete. The recall began December 4, 2020. Owners may contact Kawasaki customer service at 1-866-802-9381. Kawasaki’s number for this recall is MC20-11.

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Ride on, Ride Safe

Click here for the November 2020 Motorcycle Recall List

Motorcycle News – Realignment in the Motorcycle industry.

Posted: December 8, 2020 in Motorcycle, Motorcycle advocacy, Motorcycle news, Motorcycle racing
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Downshift – Realignment in the Motorcycle industry.

Suzuki – Suzuki Motor of America has announced a restructuring of US operations. Suzuki Motorcycles/ATV and the Marine Division will be split into separate companies on April 1st, 2021.

The motorcycle company will be headquartered in California, the marine company in Florida.

Kawasaki – Kawasaki Heavy Industries will spin off the motorcycle and “rolling stock (trains)” divisions as part of a major restructuring as the company faces a $47 million-dollar operating loss.

Hashimoto Yasuhiko stated that he hopes the motorcycle division will continue to build the brand and revitalize the market through collaboration with other companies.

Ducati – Volkswagen is again looking to sell Ducati and is hosting preliminary talks with potential bidders.  It appears that they are packaging Lamborghini and Ducati for a sell off.  Selling them together or separately is still unknown

Sources are reporting that the sale process may begin in early 2021. VW has not officially confirmed this activity.

Harley Davidson – Has dropped several new products, their new street fighter “The Bronx” for example, closed plants and most recently begin the process to pull out of India. Although now they are using Hero as a distribution partner in India and, in one article, will allow Hero to brand some of their motorcycles as Harley Davidson.

Harley also just pulled out of all factory sponsored racing.

This is all part of their new “re-wired” restructuring plan. 

My take – There is a major shift going on in the world of motorcycling and not for the better. 

Long term I feel that their will be a shrinking of manufacturing not all makers will survive. Governments around the world are pushing for all vehicles to go electric, but battery range for motorcycles just are not anywhere near comparable with fossil fuel engines.

Tie that with the Vision Zero desire to eliminate traffic deaths, which would require the removal of motorcycles from the road, and the on-coming autonomous vehicle revolution … can motorcycles survive?

So, I do not have a lot of hope for long term viability of motorcycling. Sigh.

But, there are a few good signs. Norton and BSA are going to make motorcycle again and both in Britian!

Reply to this post and tell me I am wrong.

Holiday Gift Ideas for your Motorcycle Crazy Person in 2020.

Posted: December 2, 2020 in Motorcycle
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Have a motorcycle enthusiast (aka Crazy Biker) on your naughty or nice list?  Here are 9 gift giving ideas to make their 2020 holiday a little bit better.

9. A New Motorcycle Jacket – All equipment gets old and needs to be replaced. Look at the condition of your crazy biker’s jacket does it need to be replaced?  I have been using the Viking Cycle Enforcer Motorcycle Jacket for a couple years now and I am quite happy with it.  Check out my review of this jacket.

8. Motorcycle Art – Ran across this a few months ago on Amazon…your rider’s name spelled out, in pictures of motorcycle parts.  I do not own this, but I might just get one from myself. Check out Personalized Motorcycle Name Art – Harley, Indian, and Honda on Amazon

7. New tie-down straps – Another piece of equipment that gets old, but one that is especially important if your crazy biker tows or hauls their bike(s).  Steal a glance at their current straps, look worn or about to be worn out, get them a new set.

6. Custom Dynamic Motorcycle Lights – Custom Dynamic makes SUPER bright, eye catching lighting for motorcycles.  I have several sets on my bike and wish I had more! In particular, look at the ProBeam LED Motorcycle Turn Signals. 

ijustwant2ride

These turn signal lights are really DIY

If I could get a commission on every purchase of Custom Dynamic lights I have influenced, I would never have to pay for this website again.

5. A Gift Card – from their favorite local dealership.  That way they can pick out what they want!

4.  New Motorcycle Gloves – Is your crazy biker’s glove a bet nasty? Now is the time to gift them a new pair. Some consideration, vented for warm weather or waterproof for the rainy day?  Or heated for the cold months?

3. Battery Tender – Winter is here in the northern hemisphere. This gift will help your crazy biker be ready to roll the first chance they get. No recommendation, they are almost all good. Just make sure you get the right connection for their motorcycle.

2. A Branded Hat – cause, you know, helmet hair!

1. Membership in the AMA – That is the American Motorcycle Association.  Membership not only gets discounts on products it also includes emergency towing. The AMA is the largest, but not the only, lobbyist group protecting your right to ride.

Ride On, Ride Safe