Archive for the ‘Motorcycle advocacy’ Category

Impact of Harley-Davidson’s Woke Image: Rider Sentiments and Loyalty Reevaluation

Posted: September 9, 2024 in Motorcycle, Motorcycle advocacy, Motorcycle news, Uncategorized
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As I noted in a previous post, in August we attended the Wild and Wonderful Harley Owners Group (HOG) regional rally, centered in Charleston, West Virginia.

I had to ask “the” question!

Across Harleydom many riders are not happy with the direction of the MoCo and their devotion to woke ideology. Many have debadged or are covering the logos on their motorcycles, others are discarding branded clothing.  I have seen that on bikes rolling through my town of Front Royal heading to or from Skyline Drive.  I did not see any debaging/masking at the HOG rally in West Virginia.

My question…. What do you think about all this?

At the rally, I asked many of the attendees their thoughts on this controversy engulfing Harley Davidson.  That HD has gone full woke while also disregarding their customers’ feelings. Not too suprising, many had not heard of of the controversy.

Disappointment was the main feeling of almost all riders I spoke with. No one said that they were going to trade in their motorcycle today. A few stated that they would not buy anymore Harley clothing until this was resolved in a favorable manner.

Rethinking their loyalty. A majority of those I talked with did say that if Harley did not make a turn around that they would consider a new brand when it did come time to get a new bike

My thoughts after all this.

Harley really needs to get a new CEO and Board of Directors.  How did this CEO even get appointed?  He ran a tennis shoe company and proclaimed that he is the Taliban for promoting woke.  Neither of which fit with the brand.

I fit in with many of the people I talked to at the rally.  When I need a new bike, I will look at another brand unless this controversy is resolved in the manner the customers want.

3113 Mile Harley Davidson Rally

Posted: September 4, 2024 in Motorcycle, Motorcycle advocacy, Motorcycle Rides, motorcycle tourism, Rally
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In August we attended the Wild and Wonderful Harly Owners Group (HOG) regional rally centered in Charleston, West Virginia. If this was your first HOG rally, I am afraid it may have been your last as well.  If it was not your first it was disappointing when compared to other HOG rallies.

Now do not get me wrong, the rides, the main reason you go to one of these events, were great.  The guides, on the guided rides, were good and made changes on the fly to adjust to the group. 

We participated in in 3 of the guided rides:

           Black Mountain/Dragon Slayer – A 10-hour day and I loved it 90% ride.  That 10% of nearly hate was when we got behind a DOT road painting crew on the down slope side of the mountain. We really missed out on some very twisty mountain roads fun. 

           About halfway though, we stopped in Lynch, KY at the Dragon Slayer shop. The shop, with very friendly staff, has some neat souvenirs, a few of which we purchased.  

           Butcher Hollow Ride – Another day long but enjoyable ride. The destination for this ride was the childhood home of county singer Loretta Lynn, the coal miner’s daughter. 

           The visit to her home was very interesting, reminded both my wife and I of where we grew up. 

           Interesting side note: Loretta Lynn was big into motorcycling.  So much so that when she made it big and bought her big money home, she bought enough land to create a motorcross racing facility.  To this day amateur racers still compete at the “Loretta Lynn Amateur Championship.  ALSO…. She is in the AMA Motorcycling Hall of Fame!

           Moonshine Ride – This ride was only a high day.  Hitting the back roads is goal was to visit the Appalachian Distillery and the Hatfield Family Distillery. As a guy that enjoys a good ‘Shine, commercial or not, I was pleased with both our destinations.

           Interesting side note:  The Hatfield Family Distillery is run by a descendant of “Devil Anse” Hatfield and uses the family recipe going back to the time of the “Hatfield’s and McCoy” feud. 

So, what was my problems with the rally?

 I did not feel it was well organized. I never felt like I was at a rally, based on my previous HOG experiences. Why:

           There was no central location/HQ for the event.

           The opening night was on Brewer’s Row, you chose which Brewery to visit. No opening ceremony.

           With one exception, there was no solid nightly get togethers.

           The nearest dealership did not really have much going on, beyond demo’s, to lure us in. We visited twice, once it was closed and the other, we were in and out in 15 minutes.

           The claim was that there were over 1000 bikes at the event and I have no reason to push back.  But, I never got a feeling that there were more than a few hundred at most.

It was a motorcycle rally that just did not feel like a rally.

If this was your first HOG rally, please do not judge, most are a lot more fun.

Motocycle Recalls August 2024 : CFMoto, Helmets, LiveWire (Harley?) and BMW

Posted: August 29, 2024 in Motorcycle, Motorcycle advocacy, Motorcycle news, motorcycle recall, 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. So, safety first.

Also, (DISCLAIMER) 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: 24V609000

Manufacturer CFMOTO Powersports, Inc.

Components VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL

Summary: CFMOTO Powersports, Inc. (CFMOTO) is recalling certain 2023 Ibex 800 S and Ibex 800 T motorcycles. The throttle wire may bend excessively and break, resulting in a loss of throttle response and an engine stall.

Remedy: Dealers will reposition the rubber claps, rerouting the throttle wire, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed August 2024. Owners may contact CFMOTO customer service at 1-763-398-2690. CFMOTO’s number for this recall is SAF-2024-03.

*****

NHTSA Campaign Number: 24E069000

Manufacturer Kido Sports Co., Ltd

Components EQUIPMENT

Summary: Kido Sports Co., Ltd. (Kido Sports) is recalling certain Scorpion EXO-C90 and Harley-Davidson HD-X06 helmets, sizes XS, S, M, L, XL, and 2XL. The helmets may not stay securely fastened during a crash. As such, these helmets fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 218, “Motorcycle Helmets.”

Remedy: Kido Sports will replace the helmet, free of charge. Owners may contact Kido Sports customer service at 1-888-672-6774.

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NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V601000

Manufacturer: LIVEWIRE EV, LLC

Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

Summary: LiveWire EV, LLC (LiveWire) is recalling certain 2024 S2 Del Mar and S2 Mulholland motorcycles. The high voltage fuse may degrade and unexpectedly open, resulting in a loss of drive power.

Remedy: Dealers will install a high voltage fuse with an increased amperage rating, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed August 2024. Owners may contact LiveWire customer service at 1-855-387-4337. LiveWire’s number for this recall is 1003.

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NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V557000

Manufacturer BMW of North America, LLC

Components ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

Summary: BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2024 R 1300 GS motorcycles. The housing for the starter motor relay may have been manufactured incorrectly, which can result in a damaged relay that can overheat.

Remedy: Dealers will replace the starter relay and update the software, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed September 16, 2024. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.

*****

Motorcycle News: Harley Davidson Boycott and more Lane Filtering

Posted: August 8, 2024 in Motorcycle, Motorcycle advocacy
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ijustwant2ride
What you need to know: Lane Filtering passes in another state.

Minnesota becomes the 6th state to pass a form of lane-filtering. The new law allows lane-filtering “at not more than 25 MPH and no more than 15 MPH over the speed of traffic”.

Additionally, the law adds punishments for drivers when “an operator of motor vehicle must not intentionally impede or attempt to prevent the operation of a motorcycle”.

My Take: This action occurred in April 2024; I am not sure how I missed this newsworthy item.  I am all for lane filtering but, I think these new laws must come with money to create a multi-year communication plan to inform the public.

What you need to know: Harley Davidson Boycott

Harley Davidson has gone woke.  It is not a “might have” or “appears to” situation, the CEO and board are fully engaged and are actively promoting DEI and similar policies in and out of the company.

There are growing calls for the public to boycott Harley Davison in a manner like what happened to Bud Light.  There are also calls for replacement of the CEO, German citizen Jochen Zeitz, as well as members of the board.

There has been an immediate impact from this boycott call.  Attendance at the Harley Davidson destination at the 84th Sturgis motorcycle rally has looked more like a ghost town than what it has in the past.

Harley has also shut down its social media amid this controversy.

My take:  Whether or not you are for or against DEI does not matter.  When a business does anything to anger its core customers it takes a major risk.

Beyond the lack of attendance at Sturgis riders are also debagging their motorcycles, removing anything that has the bar and shield. Brand loyaity, a hallmark of Harley customers, is at risk.

Bud Light has never recovered and Harley has a very small window to make a course correction before their customers make theirs.

Harley Davison is sitting on the edge of a cliff and its customers maybe lining up to push them over.

Motorcycle News: Synthetic Fuels and Seat Belts

Posted: July 18, 2024 in Motorcycle, Motorcycle advocacy, Motorcycle news, motorcycle safety, motorcycle touring
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ijustwant2ride

What you need to know: E-Fuels – Study: Synthetic fuel can be used without any problems

European scientists have completed a study that shows the new fuel, Eco100Pro, is safe for general use.  The fuel was tested on the engine test stand, on a racetrack during the ADAC XC Cup, and on the road. The scientists came to the same conclusion: “No losses in power and torque compared to regular gasoline from the gas station. No higher fuel consumption. No technical risk for the combustion engine. But at least 77 percent fewer CO2 emissions.”

So, the internal combustion engine in cars and motorcycles should continue to operate efficiently without modifications, if filled with Eco100Pro. 

My Take: Ok, sounds good. No changes are needed to our motorcycles, and we get reduced emissions. I checked the price, wow, about 85% more than fossil fuel.  That can be overcome by increasing production.  But I saw nothing that indicated increasing production any time soon.

What you need to know: CFMoto has patented “seat belts” for motorcycles.

CFMoto has patented a unique safety feature for motorcycles, resembling “seat belts” but designed as flexible straps at the rider’s waist to enhance safety during specific circumstances.

While this invention aims to prevent riders from being thrown off during impacts or braking events, it is engineered to release the rider in scenarios like falls or sideways forces. The concept introduces a novel approach to motorcycle safety, potentially reshaping industry standards.

My take:  This seems to be a possible solution to the introduction of forward-looking radar and automatic breaking.  I do not believe that automatic breaking should ever be integrated into motorcycles. Forward-looking radar and adaptive cruise control I have no problem with.


The true test of CFMoto’s innovation lies in its real-world application, raising questions about practicality and effectiveness that may only be resolved through future testing and potential legal challenges

Motorcycle Recall June 2024: BMW

Posted: July 1, 2024 in Motorcycle, Motorcycle advocacy, Motorcycle news, motorcycle recall
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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. So, safety first.

Also, (DISCLAIMER) 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: 24E045000

Manufacturer BMW of North America, LLC

Components EQUIPMENT

Summary BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain BMW motorcycle dealer accessory side bag holders, designed to fit CE 02 motorcycles, with part number 77 49 5 A6B 236. The mounting kit for the holder contains bolts that are too short and cannot attach securely to the motorcycle, which can result in holder detachment.

Remedy Dealers will replace the mounting kit bolts with bolts of the correct length, free of charge. Owner notification letters will not be mailed since all affected side bag holders are still in dealer inventory. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.

Motorcycle News: Lane Filtering and Motorcycle Caucus.

Posted: June 17, 2024 in Motorcycle, Motorcycle advocacy, Motorcycle news, motorcycle safety
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What you need to know: Lane Filtering is now legal in Colorado.

On April 4, 2024, the governor of Colorado signed into law a bill allowing motorcycles to filter between stopped cars in traffic and at stoplights. Colorado became the fifth state to legalize lane filtering, joining California, Utah, Montana, and Arizona.

The bill will go into effect on August 7, 2024. Motorcyclists will be allowed to filter through stopped traffic at a speed of 15 mph or less. 

However, this legislation will be subject to safety studies, and unless those studies work out favorably, it will automatically become illegal again in 2027.

My Take: I support lane filtering when it is safe and legal.  I like the idea that this time will be used to study the results of the new bill.  HOWEVER, not too sure if that is enough time to get a good sample data set AND how is the state going to inform/train the drivers of cars/trucks on the new law.

*****

What you need to know: United States House Congressional Motorcycle Caucus increases in size.

With the recent gain of six new members, the House Motorcycle Caucus now has 36 members. 

Founded in 2009, “The House and Senate Motorcycle Caucuses host educational seminars and press events that shine a light on the issues facing the motorcycling community. The bipartisan membership of these caucuses allows us to know who our champions on Capitol Hill are and which legislators are committed to standing with us on critical issues.” (quote and list from the Motorcycle Riders Foundation)

My Take: If your representative is on the list AWESOME!  If not drop them a note and encourage them to join and work with our community.  My rep is not on the list, and I just sent a request asking why he is not.

Ride On, Ride Safe

purple motorcycle ijustwant2ride.com

Vintage Motorcycles: A Tribute to Father’s Day 2024

Posted: June 7, 2024 in Motorcycle, Motorcycle advocacy, vintage motorcycle
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Father’s Day and Vintage Motorcycles

Father’s Day 2024 is upon us. In recognition of this day, I am posting a few vintage pictures of dads, kids, and motorcycles.

IF YOU HAVE ANY VINTAGE PICTURES or STORIES along these lines please share in the comments!

Remember if you start them young, they will not have money for drugs!

purple motorcycle ijustwant2ride.com

Ride to Work Day 2024: Second Tuesday in June Event

Posted: June 3, 2024 in Motorcycle, Motorcycle advocacy, Motorcycle news, Motorcycle Rides
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Ride to work day use to be on the 3rd Monday in June. But, because of the new Untied States National Holiday of Juneteenth, the Ride to Work organization moved it to the second Tuesday of June.

Why the second Tuesday? “Because RTW Day is about riding to work (as well as for utility transportation), starting in 2024 RTW Day will annually be on the Second Tuesday in June. This day is chosen because A) it breaks up the workweek better than a Monday day does (RTW Day is a demonstration day), and B) because a midweek day is more likely to receive media coverage than a Monday or Friday.”

Why “Ride to Work” anyway? Ride your motorcycle on Ride To Work Day and demonstrate:
– The number of motorcyclists to the general public and politicians
– Motorcyclists are from all occupations and all walks of life
– Motorcyclists can reduce traffic congestion in large cities
– Motorcycles are for transportation as well as recreation

If you have a chance please check out their website!

Motorcycle Recalls May 2024: There are none!

Posted: May 29, 2024 in Motorcycle, Motorcycle advocacy, Motorcycle news, motorcycle recall, motorcycle safety
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This does not happen very often…. NO RECALLS!

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. So, safety first.

Also, (DISCLAIMER) 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.

*****

Ride on, Ride safe

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