Archive for the ‘motorcycle safety’ Category

Motorcycle News: 41K Harley Davidsons Recalled, CF Moto Soon to be Banned?

Posted: October 8, 2024 in Motorcycle, Motorcycle advocacy, Motorcycle news, motorcycle safety, Uncategorized
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ijustwant2ride
What you need to know: CF Moto Motorcycles Facing a Ban in the USA

Recently the American Department of Commerce proposed a new rule that would impact CF Moto and possible a few other motorcycle manufacturers. Specifically, this rule comes from the Bureau of Industry and Security (BIS) which is a sub-unit of the Commerce Department.

This proposed rule would ban any vehicle that contains software and/or hardware that has links to China or Russia.

My Take: I find this a very interesting as it seems it is an extension of the Biden/Trump tariffs on Chinese vehicles by other means. But it also means that someone somewhere in our government determined that there is a security risk with software on motorcycles. 

As a guy with a significant information technology security background, I can imagine some crazy scenarios where something crazy could happen. Yet I see a very low likelihood that any of those scenarios would actually happen.

What you need to know: 41,637 2024 Harley Davidson Motorcycles Recalled

This recall is due to a potential crash risk associated with a short circuit with the voltage regulator wires.  The wire is rubbing on the crankcase removing the outer cover of the wire exposing wire to a short.  This short circuit will cause the motorcycle to lose power with no warning.

The motorcycles impacted are

  • 2024 FLHX Street Glide
  • 2024 FLHXSE Street Glide CVO
  • 2024 FLTRX Road Glide
  • 2024 FLTRXSE Road Glide CVO
  • 2024 FLTRXSTSE Road Glide ST CVO

My Take: That is a bunch of motorcycles! Not a good look on top of everything else that has befallen the MoCo recently.

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.

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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.

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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 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.

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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

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

Virginia DMV and Motorcycle Safety

Posted: May 14, 2024 in Motorcycle, Motorcycle advocacy, Motorcycle Rides, motorcycle safety, motorcycle touring
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The Virginia Commissioner of Motor Vehicles, Commissioner Lakey, recently sent motorcycle owners correspondence regarding motorcycle safety (see below), highlighting the Virginia Riders Training program. The letter also included a pamphlet regarding the Rider Training program (above).

Shockingly, statistics reveal that 76% of motorcyclists involved in crashes in Virginia had not completed a training course. Even more alarmingly, 1 in 4 riders in these accidents lacked an “M” motorcycle endorsement on their licenses.

This data underscores the importance of training and proper licensure. As we mark Motorcycle Safety Awareness month, I am grateful for the Commissioner’s efforts in raising awareness through these letters and educational materials. It is my sincere hope that more individuals seize this opportunity to enhance their skills and ensure safer rides for themselves and others.

Boost Road Safety with a Fun Motorcycle Counting Activity for Kids

Posted: May 11, 2024 in Motorcycle, Motorcycle advocacy, motorcycle safety
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During Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month in May, promoting awareness among children about watching for motorcycles is crucial.

A game where kids count motorcycles instead of “punch bugs” can foster early recognition of motorcycles, benefiting their future driving habits.

This effort aims to enhance overall safety on the roads, emphasizing that safety gear and motorcycle technology alone are insufficient without driver awareness.

By encouraging families and friends to engage in this activity, we invest in a safer future for all road users.

The excitement of spotting motorcycles in this game can make road safety a priority at an early age, emphasizing the importance of vigilance on the roads.

purple motorcycle ijustwant2ride.com

Ride On, Ride Safe!

Steal these Memes! May is Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month

Posted: May 6, 2024 in Motorcycle, Motorcycle advocacy, motorcycle safety
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motorcycle Safety

May is Motorcycle Safety Awarness Month!

It is important to get the word out to your non-riding friends and family!

I don’t own any of these photos/memes about motorcycle safety, but I have gathered them from actross the intenet. I think that “Fair Use” is in full operation regarding their use.

So, PLEASE, copy past and any of these motorcycle safety pictures and memes. Post them all to your favorite media sites. Point them out to non-riders, we motorcycle riders already get it!

safety
safety
safety
safety
safety

Cleaning a Motorcycle Helmet

Posted: April 26, 2024 in Motorcycle, Motorcycle advocacy, motorcycle safety
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Your motorcycle helmet is your most important piece of equipment so keeping it clean is important.  Not just from an appearance perspective but as a method to ensure it is still in good working condition.

Also, April is Motorcycle Helmet Awareness month so now is a good time to do the work!

While you are cleaning your helmet look for cracks in the shell, that the hard foam is intact and in good condition (this is the part that does most of the work to protect your head) and all the other parts are in good working order.  

Before you start… read your owner’s manual on cleaning your specific motorcycle helmet.

1 – Take either a microfiber or paper towels, soaked in warm water and lay across the helmet and visor.  This will moisten any hard dried bugs or grime that might scratch the finish if you first went to scrubbing or rubbing.  Leave the towels on for about 10 minutes and then gently remove the now softer bugs/grime. Remove the visor before step 2.

2 – After the bugs/grime are soft use warm soapy water to clean the shell fully. Rinse, dry and admire your clean exterior.

3 – The visor needs additional attention. The warm towels may have helped get rid of the road grime, but your visor needs special attention. DO NOT use any products that have acid or ammonia! Even products with citric acid can damage the visor (personal experience). Most glass cleaners have some form of acid or ammonia so avoid them as well. Warm soapy water and microfiber cloth is the best way to safely clean your visor.

4 – Make sure you clean out the visor mechanism. Keeping the mechanism clean will help make sure it works as designed.

5 – Clean the sun visor in the same manner you cleaned the visor. No ammonia or acid-based cleaners!

6 – Now that the outside of your helmet is clean how about the inside? MOST helmets allow you to remove the interior padding. Look at your instructions and pull the lining out. Some motorcycle helmet manufactures allow you to put the padding in a washing machine, others recommend hand cleaning in warm soapy water. If you use the by hand method, I recommend a baby shampoo.

7 – If your helmet’s padding is not removable follow the instructions your helmet manufacture provided.  BUT, in my opinion only, dunking the entire helmet into soapy water is not the way to go. It takes forever to dry; it can mildew, and I am always unsure if it may have damaged the underlying foam. My suggestion is to use a motorcycle helmet sanitizing spray.

8 –Check the vents to make sure they are clean and open.  A shot of compressed air, from the inside, might dislodge dried road grimes and bugs.

9 – Put it back together, following the instructions if you still have them. 😊

Ride On, Ride Safe

Motorcycle News: 2022 Motorcycle Deaths and Cell Phone Cameras

Posted: April 22, 2024 in Motorcycle, Motorcycle advocacy, Motorcycle news, motorcycle safety
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ijustwant2ride.com

What you need to know… There has been an increase in motorcycle rider deaths.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) released its final 2022 Fatality Analysis Reporting System traffic crash data. NHTSA reported 42,514 total fatalities in the U.S. in 2022. That is a 1.7% decrease from the previous year.

BUT, motorcyclists deaths increased 1.2%. The official number of motorcyclists killed in 2022 was 6,218, an increase of 75 deaths compared to 2021.

Alcohol-impaired fatal crashes account for 29% of all motorcyclist deaths. Across the nation, 7.8% of fatal crashes involved a “distracted driver.” 

My Take –DOWNSHIFT – 1800 people killed due to riding while drunk, wow. I hope the 2023 numbers are better.  If you want to see the entire NHTSA report click this link.

purple motorcycle ijustwant2ride.com

What you need to know… Speed cameras to catch cell phone users

In England the police are deploying AI powered cameras that not only catches speeding cars but people using their phones while at the wheel.

Each unit will have multiple cameras to give the most complete view of drivers and passengers, with the kit mounted on either a trailer, or specialist van.

“Working with our police partners we want to reduce such dangerous driving and reduce the risks posed to both the drivers and other people. We believe that using technology like this will make people seriously consider their driving behavior,” Head of National Road User Safety Delivery at National Highways. Matt Staton said.

Drivers can be fined up to £500 for not wearing a seat belt, with phone users getting up to six points and a £1000 fine,

My Take – Hitting Neutral – While this is a step in the right direction to bust distracted drivers, why are we even having this problem.  The phone companies could be forced to tun off everything, but the hand-fee features when the phones are moving at more than 5 MPH.  The technology is already there.

Ride on, Ride Safe

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