Archive for the ‘Motorcycle news’ Category

I think this is only the 2nd time we had an entire month without a recall!!!

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

Ride On, Ride Safe

ijustwant2ride.com

Up Shift – Hydrogen Motorcycle Engines and Honda, Yamaha, Suzuki and Kawasaki

The big 4 motorcycle manufacturers have joined forces to push the development of hydrogen engines. Their agreement has some specifics built into it so it may not just be “signaling”.  Each manufacture has specific responsibilities in this effort, for example:

           Honda will lead the research and development of the hydrogen engines.

           Suzuki will work on performance & reliability of hydrogen powered motors.

           Yamaha is to study how to establish hydrogen refueling systems.

           Kawasaki is working on the fuel supply issue.

Also, the way I read some of the different articles on this effort, Toyota is cooperating in this project.

My Take – This is nothing but good news.  These companies are responsible for many of the things we take for granted every day.  With their combined efforts we may get true, real green energy in my lifetime.

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Up Shift – Motorcycle Insurance… Which company is best?

What are the best motorcycle insurance companies and what makes them the best?  I recently had an article sent to me that laid out the who and why of the top 5 motorcycle insurers.

This article not only laid out the top 5 companies but also pointed out the pro’s and con’s of each along with the methodology of how they reach their conclusions. I underlined that last bit because, often, that is never included.

Who made the list …. In alphabetical order.   

           Dairyland

           Erie

           Geico

           State Farm

           Progressive

You can read the article and see who finished in the top spot for yourself.

The study/list was conducted by www.Marketwatch.com.

My Take: We all have to buy insurance and just like taxes it is a necessary evil. I really like that Marketwatch.com put this list together ALONG with how they ranked ordered the companies.

Turns out that I am using one of the top 5 to cover my motorcycles and I had to agree with their findings on that company!

Ride on, Ride Safe

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Hitting Neutral – Harley Davidson Live Wire offers their second model.

Starting in the US, this July, you will be able to buy the second electric motorcycle offered by Harley Davidson’s electric division. For $15,499(US) you will be able to ride away with an S2 Del Mar capable of 0-60 in 3 seconds.

It will also have a range of 110 “city miles” and will recharge on a Level 2 charger from 20% to 80% in 75 minutes. There is no fast or super charge available currently.

My Take – This is an urban commuter motorcycle. Nothing wrong with that but, it is a niche spot that might find some traction against Zero’s offerings. The lack of a fast charger option is a bit of let down but from an urban zip around traffic commuter bike point of view it will probably work.

I test rode the Live Wire and the Zero SRF each were fantastic rides. Acceleration and handling were very good with both bikes, and they are something that people should look at if interested. But I am not yet a fan of EVs and electric motorcycles.

In the real world, outside of the urban jungle, there is still a dearth of charging stations and charging times are still incomparable to the standard conventional vehicle.  I am awaiting the evolution of hydrogen power to be pursued as hard as EV.  That will be the true zero emission vehicle.

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Up Shift – Ducati sets a new record!

For the first time ever, Ducati has recorded revenue of over $1 Billion!

This is a 24% increase over 2021 and a profit of over $100 million. This also aligns with the sale of the most Ducati motorcycles ever at 61,562 a 3.6% increase over 2021. Ducati has also expanded their dealership network to over 800.

My Take: Tie this to their race success in MotoGP and other series then I think we are in a Golden Age of Ducati.  This is well deserved success they created a plan and are executing it well. It was just a few years ago that people stated that Ducati was Italian for 8th place, can’t say that anymore!

Ride on, Ride Safe

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.

*****

NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V175000

Manufacturer Bombardier Recreational Products, Inc.

Components EXTERIOR LIGHTING

Summary Bombardier Recreational Products, Inc. (BRP) is recalling certain 2020-2023 Spyder RT and 2022-2023 Ryker motorcycles. The brake lights may stay illuminated even if the brake pedal is not pressed. As such, these motorcycles fail to comply with Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 108, “Lamps, Reflective Devices, and associated Equipment.”

Remedy Depending on the model, dealers will replace the brake light switch, adjust the brake light switch, and/or add a spring to the brake light switch, as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed April 18, 2023. Owners may contact BRP Customer Service at 1-888-272-9222. BRP’s number for this recall is 2023-6.

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 NHTSA Campaign Number: 23E021000

Manufacturer Ducati North America

Components EQUIPMENT

Summary Ducati North America (Ducati) is recalling certain Ducati Performance Desert X Soft Side Bags Kits with part number 96781971AA, designed to fit 2023 DesertX motorcycles. The right-side bag may contact the exhaust during motorcycle use.

Remedy As an interim action, dealers will provide owners updated assembly instructions. Once parts are available, dealers will install a new right-side bag frame. Repairs will be performed free of charge. Interim owner notification letters are expected to be mailed April 13, 2023. Second letters will be mailed once the remedy is available. Owners may contact Ducati customer service at 1-888-391-5446. Ducati’s number for this recall is SRV-RCL-23-001.

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NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V146000

Manufacturer Triumph Motorcycles America, Ltd.

Components SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC

Summary Triumph Motorcycles America, Ltd. (Triumph) is recalling certain 2023 Bonneville T120 and Bonneville T120 Black motorcycles. The left-hand side (LHS) brake disc may be improperly secured and can detach.

Remedy Dealers will install a replacement damper and also replace the disc bolts, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed March 20, 2023. Owners may contact Triumph’s customer service at 1-678-854-2010. Triumph’s number for this recall is SRAN 606.

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NHTSA Campaign Number: 23E016000

Manufacturer Harbor Freight Tools

Components EQUIPMENT

Summary Harbor Freight Tools (Harbor Freight) is recalling certain Central Hydraulics High Position Motorcycle Lifts with part number 99887. The lift welds or tubing may break, which can allow the lift to fall or drop the motorcycle.

Remedy Harbor Freight will provide a refund in the form of a Harbor Freight gift card. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed April 28, 2023. Owners may contact Harbor Freight customer service at 1-800-444-3353.

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Manufacturer Royal Enfield North America Limited

Components SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC

Summary Royal Enfield North America Limited (Royal Enfield) is recalling certain 2017-2021 Himalayan motorcycles. The salt used to treat the roads in the winter may corrode the brake calipers, causing a decrease or total loss of brake function.

Remedy  Dealers will replace the front and rear brake calipers, free of charge. The manufacturer has not yet provided a schedule for recall notification. Owners may contact Royal Enfield’s customer service at 1-866-600-1122. Royal Enfield’s number for this recall is SC-31.

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NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V123000

Manufacturer BMW of North America, LLC

Components SERVICE BRAKES

Summary BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2023 S 1000 RR motorcycles. The motorcycle hand brake lever may not function correctly, reducing brake performance.

Remedy Dealers will replace the hand brake lever fulcrum pin, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed April 18, 2023. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.

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NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V106000

Manufacturer Polaris Inc.

Components ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

Summary Polaris Inc. (Polaris) is recalling certain 2022-2023 Slingshot R, Slingshot S with Technology Package 1, Slingshot SL, Slingshot SLR, and Slingshot S motorcycles. The alternator may have been improperly heat-treated during manufacturing.

Remedy Dealers will replace the alternator, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed March 8, 2023. Owners may contact Polaris’ customer service at 1-855-863-2284. Polaris’ number for this recall is T-23-01.

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RIDE ON, RIDE SAFE

ijustwant2ride.com

Down Shift – Cardio Packtalk is now subscription based.

Cardio, one of the leaders in motorcycle helmet to helmet and helmet to device communications has made a MAJOR change to how their product works.

The Bluetooth communications and intercom maker now has “Packtalk Custom” to allow you to “customize” the way you connect. The device itself sells for about $250US.

So, what do you get out of the box?  The ability to connect to nothing.  You must subscribe to the Silver Package to connect to your phone OR navigation system, NOT BOTH.

Subscribing to the silver package for $3 dollars per month gets you:

  • Music sharing
  • Three audio profiles
  • Speed dial

Subscribing to the gold package for $5 dollars a month allows you to “expand your capabilities with Bluetooth intercom and a 2nd device”.  The full gold package gives you:

  • Universal Bluetooth Intercom (to allow you to connect to other brands of intercom)
  • Bluetooth bridge
  • Second channel connection (allows you to connect an additional device – without it, you can only have your mobile phone OR sat-nav OR bike’s dash).
  • Music sharing
  • Three audio profiles
  • Speed dial

Subscribing to the Platinum package for $7 dollars a month enables:

  • Voice commands
  • Eco mode (up to 20% longer operation)
  • Universal Bluetooth Intercom
  • Bluetooth bridge
  • Second channel connection
  • Music sharing
  • Three audio profiles
  • Speed dial

My Take – WOW, why would I pay $250 dollars for something that I cannot use out of the box?  I will not be purchasing this device that is for sure.  IN FACT, I THINK THIS IS STUPID!

While I am sure that there are people who will do this, I would hope the vast majority of people will go to other brands.  We should not have to pay additional fees to be able to use the product we just bought. As is, you will need to pay $5 a month just to use what I consider basic features.

Ride two up…. an extra $7 per month to be able to talk with your passenger and do the normal stuff like phone and nav.

This subscription thing is a trend I have been seeing in other areas including cars and trucks and I hope that people are smart enough to not buy into this or otherwise it might spread. 

I can easily imagine a day where if you wanted 5th gear you would have to pay a fee.

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Up Shift – International Female Ride Day 2023

The 17th International Female Ride Day falls on May the 6th this year.

For 16 years the IFRD has “shined a spotlight on women riders and females in the motorsports arena!”

Nearly 20% of riders are women and that number has been growing over the years and I do not expect that growth to end anytime soon. Coming out of the pandemic more people and especially women are feeling empowered to do the things that they really want.

The goals of the event are:

  • Highlight the number of women who ride.
  • Encourage other women to take up the activity.
  • Raise awareness about women’s equality in motorsports.
  • Celebrate women’s advancement in motorsports and powersports.
  • Ride for accelerated gender parity.

My Take: Anything that gets folks out and riding is a great thing!  That this team has been encouraging women to mount up and ride is just awesome.  I hope that we can grow the number of women riding from 20% to 30% in the next few years.

Ride on, Ride Safe

ijustwant2ride.com

Down Shift – National Motorcycle Museum is closing.

Sadly, the National Motorcycle Museum will close its doors in September. The museum in Anamosa, Iowa, was opened 22 years ago by the owners of J&P Cycle John and Jill Parham. John passed away in 2017.

Their notification stated, “We have struggled for several years to cover wages and utilities partly due to low visitations.”

The museum states that it will auction its collections to pay outstanding bills. This auction will include both motorcycles and memorabilia that the Parham’s collected over their many years in the motorcycle industry.

My Take Just another sad note reflecting both the results of the pandemic and the state of the motorcycle industry in America.  Also, I am not sure that Anamosa, Iowa is a destination for a lot of folks. I would not be surprised if more “niche” museums closed their doors in the near future.

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Up Shift – Moto Guzzi Experience

Moto Guzzi motorcycles are sponsoring 3 events around the USA.  The first up is in Bozeman, MT (June 28th-July3rd 2023).  The second is in the Smoky Mountains starting in Knoxville, TN (August 30th-September 4th). The third Moto Guzzi Experience runs October 18th – 23rd in the Ozark Mountains around Bentonville AK.

All these events include tour leaders and support vehicles, and you can rent a Moto Guzzi if you do not want to ride yours to the event. Base costs? $2,500 if you rent a motorcycle, $1,500 if you bring your own and passengers cost $1,000. That cost includes hotels, full board (minus alcohol), the tour leader and support vehicle.

Folks who attend the event will get a discount on a new V100 Mandello or a V85TT afterwards.  Discounts of up to $1,250 on a new bike is never a bad thing.

My Take: I am assuming these events are going to be similar to what the Harley Owners Group does with their annual rallies If that is the case it should be a lot of fun. In fact, we were at one of the HOG rallies last year in the Smokey Mountains. If you attend of these Moto Guzzi events let me know I would like to hear how it turned out.

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Ride on, Ride Safe

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.

*****

NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V088000

Manufacturer Suzuki Motor USA, LLC

Components SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC

Summary Suzuki Motor USA, LLC (Suzuki) is recalling certain 2022 GSX1300RRQ/ZM2 (Hayabusa) motorcycles. An incorrect position of the front brake master cylinder primary port could cause the port to become blocked, and result in a gap between the front brake pad and discs. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 122, “Motorcycle Brake Systems.”

Remedy Dealers will replace the front brake master cylinder body, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed March 1, 2023. Owners may contact Suzuki’s customer service at 1-800-934-0934. Suzuki’s number for this recall is 2A99.

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Manufacturer Bombardier Recreational Products, Inc. (Can-Am Spyder)

Components VISIBILITY

Summary Bombardier Recreational Products Inc. (BRP) is recalling certain 2022 Cam-Am Spyder F3 and F3-S motorcycles. The rearview mirror lens may detach from the housing.

Remedy Dealers will install new mirror assemblies, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed February 9, 2023. Owners may contact BRP customer service at 1-888-272-9222.

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NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V051000

Manufacturer BMW of North America, LLC

Components ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

Summary BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2022-2023 S 1000R and 2020-2023 S 1000XR motorcycles. During a software update performed at a dealership, the “Dynamic Pro” riding mode feature “front wheel lift-off assistant” may have been inadvertently deactivated without alerting the rider.

*****

Ride On, Ride Safe

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.

*****

NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V006000

Manufacturer Triumph Motorcycles America, Ltd.

Components ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

Summary Triumph Motorcycles America, Ltd. (Triumph) is recalling certain 2022-2023 Speed Triple RS and Speed Triple RR motorcycles. The radiator fan may overheat, causing the fan motor to fail.

Remedy Dealers will install an additional heatshield, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed February 1, 2023. Owners may contact Triumph’s customer service at 1-678-854-2010. Triumph’s number for this recall is SRAN 605.

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NHTSA Campaign Number: 23E004000

Manufacturer Comoto Holdings, Inc.

Components EQUIPMENT

Summary Comoto Holdings, Inc. (Comoto Holdings) is recalling certain Bilt Vertex BLH133, Bilt Vertex Parabola BLH141, and Bilt Vertex Stripes BLH134 helmets, in sizes SM, MD, LG, and XL. The helmets may lack retention system integrity and adequate penetration protection. As such, these helmets fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 218, “Motorcycle Helmets.”

Remedy Comoto Holdings will either provide a credit or replace the helmet, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed February 1, 2023. Owners may contact Comoto Holdings’ customer service at 1-888-258-9530.

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NHTSA Campaign Number: 23E003000

Manufacturer Comoto Holdings, Inc.

Components EQUIPMENT

Summary Comoto Holdings, Inc. (Comoto Holdings) is recalling certain Bilt Route BLH100, Bilt Route Retro Womens BLH118, and Bilt Route Journey BLH109 helmets, in sizes MD, XL, and XXL. The helmets may lack adequate penetration protection. As such, these helmets fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 218, “Motorcycle Helmets.”

Remedy Dealers will either provide a credit or replace the helmets, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed February 1, 2023. Owners may contact Comoto Holdings’ customer service at 1-888-258-9530.

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NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V957000

Manufacturer Indian Motorcycle Company

Components STRUCTURE

Summary Indian Motorcycle Company (Indian) is recalling certain 2022 Chief, Chief Bobber, Chief Bobber Darkhorse, Chief Darkhorse, Super Chief, and Super Chief Limited motorcycles. The kickstand may not properly retract upon ground contact when left extended while riding. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 123, “Motorcycle Controls and Displays.”

Remedy The remedy is currently under development. Interim notification letters, notifying owners of the safety risk, were mailed January 25, 2023. A second notice will be sent once the final remedy is available. Owners may contact Indian customer service at 1-877-204-3697. Indian’s number for this recall is I-23-01.

*****

Ride On, Ride Safe

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.

*****

NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V912000

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

Components ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

Summary Kawasaki Motors Corp., U.S.A. (KMC) is recalling certain 2015-2018 ZX1000, 2018 ZX1002A, ZX1002B, 2019-2021 ZX1002D, 2019-2022 ZX1002J, 2020-2023 ZR1000K, 2021-2022 ZR1000L, 2022 ZX1002R, and 2023 ZR1002L (Ninja H2, Ninja H2 Carbon, Ninja H2 SX, Ninja H2 SX SE, Ninja H2 SX SE+, Z H2, and Z H2 SE) motorcycles. Please see the attached model information chart for a detailed list of model codes, names and years. The plunger in the camshaft chain tensioner may lock, which can result in an engine stall while riding.

Remedy Dealers will replace the camshaft chain tensioner, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed December 21, 2022. Owners may contact KMC customer service at 1-866-802-9381.

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NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V913000

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

Components ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

Summary Kawasaki Motors Corp., U.S.A. (KMC) is recalling certain 2022 Ninja H2 SX SE (ZX1002R) motorcycles. A software error in the multi-function meter may cause the motorcycle speed display to fail. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 123, “Motorcycle Controls and Displays.”

Remedy Dealers will update the meter software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed December 21, 2022. Owners may contact KMC customer service at 1-866-802-9381. KMC’s number for this recall is MC22-09.

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NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V900000

Manufacturer KTM North America, Inc.

Components ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

Summary KTM North America, Inc. (KTM) is recalling all 2020-2022 1290 Super Duke R and Super Duke R EVO motorcycles. The main wiring harness may be misrouted or missing parts, which can cause wiring harness damage and result in an electrical short-circuit or engine stall.

Remedy Dealers will inspect and repair the main wiring harness installation, as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed January 26, 2023. Owners may contact KTM customer service at 1-888-985-6090. KTM’s number for this recall is KTB2211.

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NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V862000

Manufacturer Genuine Scooters, LLC

Components FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE

Summary Genuine Scooters, LLC is recalling certain 2022 Genuine Buddy Kick 125 motorcycles. The impeller may strike the fuel pump body, causing the fuel pump to fail.

Remedy Dealers will replace the fuel pump, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed December 6, 2022. Owners may contact Genuine Scooters customer service at 1-773-433-1316.

*****

Ride On, Ride Safe

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.

*****

NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V837000

Manufacturer Indian Motorcycle Company

Components FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE

Summary Indian Motorcycle Company (Indian) is recalling certain 2021-2022 Scout, Scout Bobber Sixty, Scout Bobber, Scout Icon, Scout Sixty, Scout Bobber Twenty, Scout Bobber Icon, 2022 Scout Rogue Sixty, Chief, Chief Bobber, Chief Bobber Dark Horse, Chief Dark Horse, Scout Rogue, Super Chief, and Super Chief Limited motorcycles. The fuel pump may fail while riding.

Remedy Dealers will replace the fuel pump and the fuel pump seal, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed December 2, 2022. Owners may contact Indian customer service at 1-877-204-3697. Indian’s number for this recall is I-22-06.

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NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V799000

Manufacturer Bombardier Recreational Products, Inc.

Components ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

Summary Bombardier Recreational Products (BRP) is recalling certain 2019-2023 Ryker motorcycles. The position light and flasher electrical harnesses in the front fenders may loosen and rub on the tire, leading to a short circuit and resulting in an engine stall while driving.

Remedy Dealers will secure the two harnesses, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed November 30, 2022. Owners may contact Bombardier customer service at 1-888-272-9222.

*****

Ride On, Ride Safe