Archive for the ‘Motorcycle advocacy’ Category

Futuristic Motorcycles: What You Need To Know – Guest Post by Farrah Asia

Posted: March 1, 2019 in Motorcycle, Motorcycle advocacy
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d1Motorcycles have been around for a long time. They are, without a doubt, one of the most efficient land vehicles to ever be invented. Motorcycles are the vehicle of choice for many not only for the price point but also for the kind of freedom they provide that no car can match.

I think we can all agree that this classic vehicle is due for a much-needed upgrade! The future of motorcycle is nigh, if not already here. Here are thing we can expect in futuristic motorcycles as disruptive technologies make an ingress and change the way we ride in the very near future:

Seamless Connectivity

5G technology is upon us. It is the missing piece of the puzzle— the high bandwidth, low latency solution— to enable seamless connectivity of all devices and modes of transportation. Imagine if vehicles can communicate with the environment such as traffic lights and bridges, as well as each other. It will result in smoother traffic and less accidents on the road.

Photos provided by Andrea Ramirez

Smart and safe

Most motorcycle accidents happen at an intersection when a rider makes a left turn. Motorcycles will be embedded with haptic sensors to alert the rider when a driver violates the right of way. You can also track your motorcycle at all times and receive disturbance alerts from your smart phone. Gone are the days when riders lose their motorcycle to theft.  Damon is one of the companies at the forefront of this innovation to keep riders safe.

Hybrid/Electric

The world is getting warmer, the polar ice caps are melting and we are wiping out thousands of species per year. One of the biggest contributors to global warming is fossil fuel that powers our vehicles. Motorcycles manufacturers are now going electric not only to save mother earth but also to stay in business as consumers are becoming more and more aware of their impact on the environment. Even Harley Davidson is betting their future on their electric motorcycle line LiveWire amid low earnings, lack of interest from millennials and recalls.

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(attribution required: LiveWire Electric Motorcycle | Harley-Davidson USA)

3D Printed

Big Rep recently made waves when they unveiled Nera, the world’s first fully 3D-printed motorcycle. Although barely ready to hit the streets and even looked somewhat unstable in the teaser, it is the harbinger of the 3D-printed motorcycle era that is slated to dominate the manufacturing market as the faster and cheaper alternative to traditional manufacturing.

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(attribution required: https://bigrep.com/nowlab/)

All-Wheel Drive

Most motorcycles have the engine powering the rear tire to push the front tire. With all-wheel drive, the rear tire is powered by the engine and the front tire by a smaller electric motor. This means faster, stronger motorcycle. This is not new technology in cars but it’s certainly challenging to implement on motorcycles due to space constraints. Despite the hurdles, BMW Motorrad and Suzuki have filed patents and made it happen. Other manufacturers are expected to follow.

Hubless

This might look like something out of a science fiction movie like Tron but Finnish motorcycle start up RMK actually made it happen. Their recently unveiled E2 has hub less tires connected to the engine with three cables instead of a chain, therefore reducing rotational mass while providing 67 horsepower and 236 pound-foot of torque. It’s not just for show like these weird motorcycles. Cool huh?

Self-balancing

Love it or hate it but self-balancing motorcycles will be a thing in the future. Now I know hardcore motorcycle riders are opposed to self-balancing motorcycle, much less an autonomous one. But that is the thing about safety, it isn’t always fun. I can see this technology being a staple in the future to make riding safer.  BMW Self-balancing motorcycle, Honda Riding Assist Tech and Bosch Stability Control are in the works to help motorcycles balance on their own.

Author bio: Bona fide digital nomad, mother of two motorcycles, and passionate observer of the technology scene. She’s always on the lookout for the next disruptive innovation and patiently watches them change the world.

 

Motorcycle Recall: February 2019 Arcimoto

Posted: February 27, 2019 in Motorcycle, Motorcycle advocacy, motorcycle safety, Uncategorized
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Be aware that this list is for the United States, there is no way I could cover the entire world. But in the world of global manufacturing, if it is being recalled in one country there is a good chance it is under recall in others.

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: Arcimoto

SUMMARY: Arcimotos recalling certain 2017 & 2018 FUV motorcycles.  There are separate recall with the following issues

  • Over time, increased resistance at the battery connection may result in the Battery Management System unexpectedly shutting down propulsion power.
  • The front suspension and steering system may loosen or wear, possibly resulting in a loss of steering control.
  • Incorrect machining of the transmission case may result in premature failure of the gearbox.
  • The headlights on the motorcycles may be spaced too far apart to appear as a motorcycle to oncoming traffic.
  • The combination brake light, tail light, and turn signal assembly does not have a reflex reflector in the side-facing surfaces
  • The front turn signal lights are not positioned at, or near, the front of the motorcycle as required.
  • Incorrect fittings were installed in the braking system, potentially resulting in a brake fluid leak
  • In the event of a front brake system failure, the rear brake system may not allow the vehicle to meet the minimum stopping distance requirements.
  • In the event of a crash, the seat may not support the driver as intended, preventing the seatbelts from holding the driver in place.
  • There is no service brake warning light to warn the operator if there is a brake system malfunction.

CONSEQUENCE: Any or all of these conditions can increase the risk of a crash.

REMEDY: Arcimoto has notified all affected owners and the motorcycles are within the manufacturer’s control. Owners may contact Arcimoto customer service at 1-541-683-6293.

9 Best Motorcycle Poster of 2018

Posted: February 11, 2019 in Motorcycle, Motorcycle advocacy
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ijustwant2ride

This year I started out with 22 motorcycle posters/prints/art images that I found across the interwebs. Some are from 2018 and some are just new to me.

Cutting them down to the top 9 motorcycle poster was easier this year then the last few.  Not sure why, they seemed to pick themselves.

If you would like to see the best of previous  years check them out ….

Best Motorcycle Posters of 2015                                      Best Motorcycle Posters of 2016

Best Motorcycle Posters of 2017

 

Motorcycle Recall: January 2019 Ducati and Harley Davidson

Posted: February 1, 2019 in Motorcycle, Motorcycle advocacy, motorcycle safety
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Be aware that this list is for the United States, there is no way I could cover the entire world. But in the world of global manufacturing, if it is being recalled in one country there is a good chance it is under recall in others.

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: Ducati.

SUMMARY: Ducati is recalling certain 2018 & 2019 Panigale V4, V4 S and V4 SP motorcycles.  The oil cooler output port may crack causing an oil leak.

1,663 of certain 2018-2019 Ducati Panigale V4, V4 S, and V4 SP motorcycles triggered because the oil cooler output port may crack, causing an oil leak, which could increase the risk of a crash.

CONSEQUENCE: If the oil cooler output port cracks the resulting oil leak could increase the risk of a crash.

REMEDY: Ducati will notify owners, and dealers will replace the oil cooler, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin January 24, 2019. Owners may contact Ducati customer service at 1-888-391-5446.

*****

Manufacturer: Harley Davidson

SUMMARY: Harley Davidson is recalling Street 750 and Street 500 models manufactured in the U.S. and India from May 19, 2015, through Dec. 6, 2018 due to brake caliper problems.

CONSEQUENCE: The issue is that brakes might drag because of brake caliper piston bore corrosion. If left undetected, the increased drag could increase the risk of a crash.

REMEDY: Harley Davidson will notify owners, and dealers will repair the problem free of charge. Owners may contact Harley Davidson customer service at 1-800-258-2464.

Motorcycle Recall: December 2018 Kawasaki, Yamaha and Ducati

Posted: December 28, 2018 in Motorcycle, Motorcycle advocacy, Motorcycle news, motorcycle safety, Uncategorized
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recall-1

Be aware that this list is for the United States, there is no way I could cover the entire world. But in the world of global manufacturing, if it is being recalled in one country there is a good chance it is under recall in others.

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 Europe based use the Safety Gate website to locate recalls that may impact you.

*****

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

SUMMARY: Kawasaki Motor Corp., U.S.A. (KMC) is recalling certain 2018 Kawasaki Z900, Z900 ABS, and Z900RS vehicles. The rear brake hose and rear wheel rotation sensor wire may have been incorrectly routed, allowing them to contact the rear tire.

CONSEQUENCE: If the brake hose contacts the rear tire, the hose may be damaged, reducing the braking performance. If the wheel rotation wire gets damaged, the ABS may not function properly. Either condition can increase the risk of a crash.

REMEDY: KMC will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the brake line and rear wheel sensor wire routing, correcting the routing and replacing any damaged component, free of charge. The recall began December 17, 2018. Owners may contact KMC customer service at 1-866-802-9381. KMC’s number for this recall is MC18-06.

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Manufacturer: Yamaha Motor Corporation, USA

SUMMARY: Yamaha Motor Corporation, USA (Yamaha) is recalling certain 2015-2018 Yamaha YZFR3 motorcycles. The upper radiator hose may crack resulting in a coolant leak.

CONSEQUENCE: If coolant leaks onto the rear tire, it can cause a loss of control, increasing the risk of a crash.

REMEDY: Yamaha will notify owners, and dealers will install a new upper radiator hose, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin December 17, 2018. Owners may contact Yamaha customer service at 1-800-962-7926. Yamaha’s number for this recall is 990125.

*****

Manufacturer: Yamaha Motor Corporation, USA

SUMMARY: Yamaha Motor Corporation, USA (Yamaha) is recalling certain 2015-2016 Yamaha YZFR3 motorcycles. The shift shaft torsion spring may fracture, giving the shifter a loose feel and affecting the ability to shift gears.

CONSEQUENCE: Difficulty shifting gears can cause a loss of control and increase the risk of a crash.

REMEDY: Yamaha will notify owners, and dealers will install a new shift shaft torsion spring, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin December 17, 2018. Owners may contact Yamaha customer service at 1-800-962-7926. Yamaha’s number for this recall is 990126.

*****

Manufacturer: Ducati North America

SUMMARY: Ducati North America (Ducati) is recalling certain 2018-2019 Ducati Panigale V4, V4 S and V4 SP motorcycles. The timing chain tensioner may loosen over time, possibly causing oil to leak from the bottom of the tensioner adjustment bolt.

CONSEQUENCE: An oil leak can increase the risk of a crash.

REMEDY: Ducati will notify owners, and dealers will tighten the timing chain tensioner bolts, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin January 25, 2019. Owners may contact Ducati customer service at 1-888-391-5446.

*****

Manufacturer: Ducati North America

SUMMARY: Ducati North America (Ducati) is recalling certain 2017-2019 Ducati Monster 1200, Monster 821, SuperSport and SuperSport S motorcycles. The shift lever may have been incorrectly assembled, possibly resulting in the shift knob detaching from the lever.

CONSEQUENCE: If the shift knob detaches, the rider may not be able to shift gears, increasing the risk of a crash.

REMEDY: Ducati will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the gear lever shift knob tightness, replacing it as necessary, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin January 25, 2019. Owners may contact Ducati customer service at 1-888-391-5446.

*****

Manufacturer: Ducati North America

SUMMARY: Ducati North America (Ducati) is recalling certain 2018-2019 Ducati Panigale V4, V4 S, and V4 SP motorcycles. The oil cooler output port may crack, causing an oil leak.

CONSEQUENCE: An engine oil leak can increase the risk of a crash.

REMEDY: Ducati will notify owners, and dealers will replace the oil cooler, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin January 24, 2019. Owners may contact Ducati customer service at 1-888-391-5446.

American Supercross you have done us WRONG! Or… NBCSC does not like motorcycle racing!

Posted: December 26, 2018 in Motorcycle, Motorcycle advocacy, Motorcycle news
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ama-supercross-logo-vector-downloadAMA Supercross has left Fox Sports Network and moved to NBC Sports Channel, I am sure Supercross got a better deal financially but the fans are screwed.  First race is January 4th 2019.

Most of the fans of Supercross have to watch the races from home, few of the races are near most of us, especially if you live on the east coast. That being a fact, NBCSC is delaying the broadcast of 7 of the races. The Nashville race, for example, is delayed until 11PM EST. My wife and I love Supercross but we are not going to watch until 3 in the morning races of which we know the results.

Now NBCSC has a fix for this delay issue!

For the small fee of $75 you can watch all the races LIVE on line, imagine that! Well no thanks, we will pass. As an aside… I think NBC’s coverage of most sports is poor so I am hoping for the best with Supercross.

So now we get delayed, sometimes by weeks, broadcast of American Flat Track and now Supercross. NBC does hate motorcycle racing!

If you would like to hear what we had to say, regarding this issue, on the DAWGHOUSE MOTORCYCLE RADIO click here!

9 Last Minute Gift Ideas For Your Motorcycle Enthusiast

Posted: December 8, 2018 in Motorcycle, Motorcycle advocacy
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xmas 13

Have a motorcycle enthusiast (aka biker) on your gift giving list this year? Here are 9 ideas of what you can give them … for a reasonable price, in no particular order.  Most of these would be available in local dealerships. 

9. A branded hat – Gal or guy you can never have to many hats to show off your brand loyalty.  Of if they are like me, if the motorcycle theme is cool, the brand does not really matter. 

8. A branded jacket – Not talking about a heavy, armored riding jacket but a casual jacket to wear out and about when not on the motorcycle.  

7. Cleaning supplies – Yes soap, sponge, rags but also some specialty cleaning products like my preferred product, S100.  S100 should be available at any motorcycle dealership. 

6. Motorcycle themed t-shirt – Something to wear around the house. You can get all types of themes; racing, cruising, vintage and just about any make or model motorcycle.  

5. Frame them – Frame a nice picture of them with their motorcycle.  Simple and cheap but you might have to snoop on their phone to find the best one! 

4. Motorcycle road maps – There are many brands and types out there.  Many dealerships have some of these on display for that last-minute stocking stuffer. 

3. Motorcycle gloves – If your biker’s gloves are a bit over the hill now is the time to pickup a new pair.  Some consideration, vented for warm weather or water-proof for the rainy day? 

2. A branded or motorcycle themed phone cover.   

1. Membership in the AMA – That is the American Motorcycle Association not he medical association (or the version of the AMA in your area).   Membership not only gets you things like emergency towing it gets you a voice in Washington DC.  The AMA is the biggest (but not the only) motorcycle lobbyist group trying to protect your right to ride.  This is, most likely the most important motorcycle gift idea on the list!

           American Motorcycle Association
Motorcycle, motorcycling, Harley, Harley Davidson, café racer, café motorcycle, motorcycle safety, motorcycle advocacy, congress, Motorcycle Ride, motorcycle riding, hog, hd, custom motorcycle, harley owners group

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Motorcycle Recall: November 2018 Polaris, Ducati and Suzuki

Posted: November 30, 2018 in Motorcycle advocacy, motorcycle safety
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Be aware that this list is for the United States, there is no way I could cover the entire world. But in the world of global manufacturing, if it is being recalled in one country there is a good chance it is under recall in others.

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

If you are Europe based use the Safety Gate website to locate recalls that may impact you.

*****

Manufacturer: Polaris Industries, Inc.

SUMMARY:  Polaris Industries (Polaris) is recalling certain 2015-2016Polaris Slingshot, Slingshot SL and Slingshot SL LE motorcycles equipped with a backup camera. The back-up camera may fail internally, possibly melting the voltage regulator and blowing the fuse for that circuit, thereby preventing the taillight from functioning properly. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number108, Lamps, Reflective Devices, and Associated Equipment.

CONSEQUENCE:  The melted voltage regulator can increase the risk of a fire. The loss of a tail light can increase the risk of a crash.

REMEDY: Polaris will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and replace the back-up camera, as necessary, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin December 6, 2018. Owners may contact Polaris at 1-855-863-2284. Polaris’ number for this recall is T-18-04.

*****

Manufacturer: Ducati North America

SUMMARY:  

Ducati North America (Ducati) is recalling certain 2017-2019 Ducati Supersport motorcycles. Vibrations may distort the images in the mirrors, reducing the driver’s visibility.

CONSEQUENCE:

Reduced rearward visibility can increase the risk of a crash.

REMEDY:

Ducati will notify owners, and dealers will replace the mirrors with new mirrors, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin January 7, 2019. Owners may contact Ducati customer service at 1-888-391-5446.

*****

While this one was not in the US Safercar website, which means in is somewhere else in the world, I did get anemail alert on the:

Suzuki Intruder 150

Summary: Suzuki is recall certain Intruder 150 motorcycles for a faulty lock set affecting the electric start function of the motorcycle.

Consequence:

The motorcycle does not have a kickstart which means the motorcycle may not be able to start if the lock set fails. 

Remedy:

Suzuki will notify owners. (like I sated, not sure where of the location of this recall)

Motorcycle TV: The Ride – London to Beijing

Posted: November 16, 2018 in Motorcycle, Motorcycle advocacy, Motorcycle TV
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Currently on Amazon Prime, we get to follow Guinness Motorcycle Endurance World Record hold Kevin Sanders lead a group of ordinary riders on a 21,000 Kilometer (13,000 miles) trip from London to Beijing.

Divided into six thirty minute “shows” we follow this group from their initial meet and skills evaluation all the way to Beijing.  Yes, this is reality TV but it is a real group of riders from the UK, US and Poland with a broad range of adventure motorcycle skills.

Generally following the Silk Road, they are impacted by snow, ice, altitude sickness and political upheaval during there run though 20+ countries. The cinemaphotography is spectacular through out and more so as they pass though the Mount Everest Base Camp.  

Once on the road, nothing seemed contrived as you would expect of many reality TV shows. While the show focused on those riders with large personalities it is not unexpected, you could tell that these were real people, including the one motorcycle abusing twit that broke his bike.

I give this motorcycle TV show a 5 out of 5 because it isenjoyable, I binge watched the whole thing. Also, it is quite likely that this will be on my top shows to watch thiswinter.  Oh, it was producedby Cambridge Filmworks.

Motorcycle Recall: October 2018 Harley, Yamaha (X2) and Suzuki

Posted: October 31, 2018 in Motorcycle, Motorcycle advocacy, Motorcycle news, motorcycle safety
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Be aware that this list is for the United States, there is no way I could cover the entire world. But in the world of global manufacturing, if it is being recalled in one country there is a good chance it is under recall in others.

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

*****

Manufacturer: Harley-Davidson Motor Company

SUMMARY: Harley-Davidson Motor Company (Harley-Davidson) is recalling over 200,000  2017-2018 motorcycles.  To many models to list and still be readable.  The recall is on the secondary clutch actuator cylinder may leak fluid internally and the clutch master cylinder may lose the ability to generate enough lift to disengage the clutch.

CONSEQUENCE: If the clutch cannot be disengaged it can result in a loss of control, increasing the risk of a crash.

REMEDY: Harley-Davidson will notify owners, and dealers will install a new secondary clutch actuator piston assembly, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin November 5, 2018. Owners may contact Harley-Davidson customer service at 1-800-258-2464. Harley-Davidson’s number for this recall is 0173.

*****

Manufacturer: Yamaha Motor Corporation, USA

SUMMARY:  Yamaha Motor Corporation, USA (Yamaha) is recalling certain 2015-2018 Yamaha SR400 motorcycles. The engine oil line flare nut may be insufficiently tightened, allowing oil to leak onto the rear tire.

CONSEQUENCE: An oil leak onto the rear tire can cause a loss of control, increasing the risk of a crash.

REMEDY: Yamaha will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the flare nut connection. If oil is not leaking, the nut will be tightened. If oil is leaking, the engine oil line will be replaced and the flare nut will be tightened, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin October 29, 2018. Owners may contact Yamaha customer service at 1-800-962-7926.

*****

Manufacturer: Yamaha Motor Corporation, USA

SUMMARY: Yamaha Motor Corporation, USA (Yamaha) is recalling certain 2012-2013 Yamaha XTZ12 Super Tenere motorcycles. Over time, a gap may develop in the protective sealant where the lead wires of the accelerator position sensor (APS) and throttle position sensor (TPS) connect to the electronic control unit (ECU). This may cause corrosion on the wires, preventing the engine from returning to idle after the throttle is released.

CONSEQUENCE:  If the engine does not return to idle when the throttle is released, it can lead to a loss of control, increasing the risk of a crash.

REMEDY: Yamaha will notify owners, and dealers will bypass the wire lead connection with a new sub lead harness multi-connector, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin in October 2018. Owners may contact Yamaha customer service at 1-800-962-7926. Yamaha’s number for this recall is 990122.

*****

Manufacturer: Suzuki Motor of America, Inc.

SUMMARY:  Suzuki Motor of America, Inc. (Suzuki) is recalling certain 2017-2018 Suzuki DL650A, DL650XA, GSX-R1000, GSX-R1000R, and 2018 GSX-S750 motorcycles. During installation, the fuel pump O-ring may have been twisted, reducing the sealing performance and possibly resulting in a fuel leak.

CONSEQUENCE:  A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source can increase the risk of a fire.

REMEDY: Suzuki will notify owners, and dealers will replace the fuel pump O-ring and the fuel tank inner vessel, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin in October 2018. Owners may contact Suzuki customer service at 1-800-934-0934. Suzuki’s numbers for this recall are 2A86-2A88.

 

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