Archive for January, 2021

Motorcycle Recall January 2021: Yamaha X2, Helmets

Posted: January 28, 2021 in Motorcycle, Motorcycle advocacy, 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.

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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NHTSA Campaign Number: 21E003000

Manufacturer Strategic Sports, Ltd.

Components EQUIPMENT  HELMET

Summary: Strategic Sports, LTD. (Strategic Sports) is recalling certain Simpson Performance Products Shorty OTW (Over the Wall) helmets, part number ST-205, in sizes XS, S, M, L, XL manufactured March 1, 2017-August 11, 2020. The helmets lack proper retention system integrity, penetration protection and labels. As such, these helmets fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 218, “Motorcycle Helmets.”

Remedy: Strategic Sports will notify owners, and dealers will collect the noncompliant helmets and issue a refund. The recall began January 25, 2021. Owners may contact Strategic Sports customer service at 1-619-861-8110.

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NHTSA Campaign Number: 20V813000

Manufacturer Yamaha Motor Corporation, USA

Components POWER TRAIN

Summary: Yamaha Motor Corporation, USA (Yamaha) is recalling certain 2016-2020 Yamaha FJR13A and FJR13AE motorcycles. The second gear of the transmission can crack and break under high speed loads.

Remedy: Yamaha will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and, as necessary, reprogram the Engine Control Unit (ECU) and replace the main axle and drive axle assemblies, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin January 13, 2021. Owners may contact Yamaha customer service at 1-800-962-7926. Yamaha’s number for this recall is 990141. Note: Owners are advised not to operate their motorcycle until the repairs have been performed.

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NHTSA Campaign Number: 20V814000

Manufacturer Yamaha Motor Corporation, USA

Components EXTERIOR LIGHTING

Summary: Yamaha Motor Corporation, USA (Yamaha) is recalling certain 2018-2020 MTT9GT (Tracer GT), 2019 MXTGTKL (NIKEN GT), 2017-2020 MT10, 2018-2020 XTZ12 (Super Ténéré), 2013-2020 FJR13, 2018 XV19B (Star Eluder), and 2018-2021 XV19 (Star Venture) motorcycles. The front brake switch can fail due to increased resistance from silicon oxide.

Remedy: Yamaha will notify owners, and dealers will replace the front brake switch, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin January 13, 2021. Owners may contact Yamaha customer service at 1-800-962-7926. Yamaha’s number for this recall is 990140. Note: Owners are advised not to operate their motorcycle until the repairs have been performed.

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Ride on, Ride Safe

Click here to see the December 2020 Motorcycle Recall list

Best Motorcycle Memes for 2020

Posted: January 22, 2021 in custom motorcycle, Motorcycle, Motorcycle advocacy
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During 2020 I collected 23 motorcycle memes that I though were funny, good or made a point.

I had a very hard time deciding which one I liked best, for me it came down to “Aliens” or “Make ready to RIDE!”. Well it is a tie for me… which one do you like best?

Here are the best 9 motorcycle memes for 2020.

Ride on Ride Safe

9 Tips for Riding Your Motorcycle in the Winter

Posted: January 19, 2021 in Motorcycle, Motorcycle advocacy, motorcycle safety, Uncategorized
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It is that time of year again, winter in the northern hemisphere. A time where many of us will begin to suffer from PMS (Parked Motorcycle Syndrome), especially after the lost year of 2020.

Many of us will be tempted to get out and ride on a bright, warmish day, I know I will.  But take inconsideration the following tips if you decide to get out and ride.

9 – ATGATT! – means even more in the winter.  Not only should you dress for the slide you have to dress to stay warm, hypothermia can set in quickly if you are not prepared.  Wear layers under you motorcycle jacket and pants. If your outer layer supports armor, make sure it is installed.

8 – Watch for hidden ice – While you think you may be out on a sunny dry day frost and ice can linger in the shadows. Remember the rule about scanning ahead?  Now that small covering of leaves at the apex of the next turn may hide a patch of ice.

7 – Cold Motorcycle Tires – You know this, but it is worth reminding.  Your tires will take longer to warm up and may never reach the optimal grip temperature. Make sure you account for your lack of grip during breaking, accelerating and in turns.  A little fish tail at the stop light with warm tires can be interesting, on cold tires it could cause a crash.

6 – Tire Pressure – You really need to ensure your PSI is correct for the conditions.  Most tires have a year-round recommendation, some may have a different recommendation for winter.  Also, if you have not noticed, motorcycle tires seem to lose pressure in the winter.  Make sure your tires are at the proper PSI before every winter motorcycle ride.

The ultimate winter motorcycle tire

5 – More Tire Notes – Pay attention to the tread on your tires. Have the track day slicks on the bike, not a great idea for winter riding. Do not have much tread left? Not a good idea to go for a winter motorcycle ride. If you are going to be riding a lot of cold days, look for something that has a more rugged tread design.

4 – Install a Windshield – It is quite likely there is a windshield for your motorcycle.  If possible, find one and install it for your winter rides.  Not only will it reduce the wind it will also cut down on the splashing and spray from other vehicles. 

3 – Your Hands Need Attention – Your hands are out in the wind all the time and they are at the end of your circulatory system. Because of this they will get cold faster than the rest of your body. Heated grips help as well as a good set of windproof gloves designed to keep your hands warm. Pay close attention to the conditions of your hands so you can grab that clutch or break if you need to.

2- Heated Gear – If you plan on riding your motorcycle in cold weather a lot, invest in heated gear.  There is a lot of brands out there but make sure you purchase the one that will work best for you.  Can you plug it into your motorcycle, or do you need a battery pack?  Heated gloves, pants, jackets, base layers are all available, just figure out what works for your style of riding.

1 – Do not Ride if it is Below Freezing – Below freezing means ice will form. Below freezing means your bike might not perform as you expect.  Below freezing means it is just not worth the risk.

Ride on, Ride Safe

9 Wild and Weird Motorcycle Helmets for 2020

Posted: January 14, 2021 in custom motorcycle
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2020 was a lost year in more than a few different ways. For motorcyclists not only did we lose riding time we also seem to have lost some motorcycle art.

There were just not very many “candidates” for the wild, weird motorcycle helmet list this year.  I barely had enough to hit 9, the minimum number to have a list.  Why 9?  Because everyone does 10 and 11 is to much work!

So, which one is your fav-o-rite? Do you have any suggestions for 2021 because I think I will need the help?

9 Motorcycle Movies for the Winter of 2021

Posted: January 7, 2021 in Motorcycle, Motorcycle advocacy, Motorcycle TV
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This year’s list of motorcycle movies, or TV shows, has some oldies and some independent films.  These are all films that I think should help you though winter sparked PMS (Parked Motorcycle Syndrome).

Have some films to recommend? Add your list in the comments section!

Speed is My Need – I have not yet reviewed this movie, but it is interesting.  The film follows Leon Haslam through two racing season and the associated high and lows. It took be a while after watching but, I decided this film was as much as a sports psychology film as a film about motorcycle racing.

Long Way Up – Another Ewan McGregor and Charley Boorman documentary expedition.  On this film they ride 13,000 miles from South America to Los Angeles on electric motorcycles.  It is on Apple TV and I have not yet seen the film as I refuse to pay for another streaming service. I recommend it based on their other films.

Electra Glide in Blue – A story of an Arizona motorcycle cop that is assigned to investigate a murder.  This film is 100% 1970s ethos, with the hero’s disillusionment as a goal. I enjoyed the movie; it is something for you to watch on a cold winter weekend.

Bennett’s War – 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. You can check by 4-Star Review here.

Being Evel – “A generation of Americans grew up worshipping self-styled hero Evel Knievel–watching him every Saturday on Wide World of Sports and buying his Ideal toys. But few knew the incredible and often complex aspects of his epic life, which, like his jumps, was sometimes glorious and sometimes disastrous.”  That about sums up the entire movie! You can read my review of the film here.

Ghost Rider – Ok… spit balls welcome!  But I like this movie, and the motorcycle scenes were well done. If you know the comic book you know the story.  If you do not know the comic you know the story, “man sells soul to the devil and things don’t go well”.

Never Ride Alone – Not only did he ride his dirt bike alone Scott Englund also was the star, director, editor, cameraman, narrator, and everything else. For a one man project this film turned out wonderfully.  I give it a 5-Star review.

The Flying Dutchmen – a touching story about how Jonathan Helmuth created an extraordinary experience for a man that had been friend, mentor, and large part of his life. His friend Daryl Zook is going blind, and Jonathan wants to fulfill Daryl’s desire to take a 3000-mile motorcycle trip from Daryl’s home in Indiana to the Pacific Northwest coast. Daryl is more than a “bit” curmudgeonly and this leads to some humorous moments as well as some not so humorous.  You can see my 4-Star review here.

Harley and the Davidsons – With literary licenses fully engaged, Discovery Channel tells the story of how Harley Davidson came to be.  A fun show that you should find time to watch.

Ride on, Ride Safe