If you need new motorcycle tires now may be a good time to make a purchase. Both Bridgestone and Michelin are offering rebates on their motorcycle tires. By the way, the picture above indicates that I needed a new set of tires before I took the picture!
Get a $80 MastercardMD Reward Card1 via mail-in rebate with the purchase of two (front and rear) qualifying Michelin Cruiser Motorcycle tires.
Get a $60 MastercardMD Reward Card1 via mail-in rebate with the purchase of two (front and rear) other qualifying Michelin On-Road and Road Racing Motorcycle tire.
Did you know there was a United States National Motorcycle Day? I did not until after it happened this year. Turns out that the second Friday of each is now National Motorcycle Day. Do any other nations celebrate Motorcycling with a special day of recognition?
My Take – I like this idea and the possibilities it could have for exposure of our passion. The next National Motorcycle Day for the United States is July 24, 2024. Although I would have made the day on a Saturday to be able to really plan events.
What would you like to see happen to celebrate National Motorcycle Day? This would be a good weekend to put on a Motorcycle Show for example.
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Up Shift – Radar-Linked Brakes are a new safety innovation for motorcycles that use radar technology to help riders be safer and less prone to be involved in any unfortunate mishap. Yamaha and BMW, with others to follow, has fitted a new radar-linked unified brake system on some of there new and upcoming motorcycles.
This new tool is designed to prevent riders from rear-ending vehicles if the rider is distracted or has not noticed traffic slowing in front of them. The system works by having three main elements that operate only when the Brake Control is turned ON. Firstly, brake assist intervenes when the system detects that a collision is imminent. Secondly, front/rear brake assistance adjusts braking forces to both wheels for stable deceleration. Finally, the braking system is linked to the electronic suspension, and as well as assisting and regulating front and rear braking forces it also adjusts front and rear suspension damping to maintain chassis stability.
My Take: I like the idea and concept but, I would like to ride a motorcycle equipped with this new technology before rendering a final verdict.
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: 23V472000
Manufacturer Yamaha Motor Corporation, USA
Components SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
Summary Yamaha Motor Corporation, USA (Yamaha) is recalling certain 2022 Tenere 700 (XTZ7N) motorcycles. The front brake calipers may have been assembled with bolts that have an incorrect thread length, which can damage the mounting hole threads in the brake caliper.
Remedy Owners should not operate their motorcycle, other than take it to a dealer, until the remedy is performed. Dealers will inspect the length of the front brake caliper bolts and replace them, if necessary. If the caliper mounting-hole threads are damaged, the caliper will be replaced. Repairs will be performed free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed July 20, 2023. Owners may contact Yamaha’s customer service at 1-800-962-7926. Yamaha’s number for this recall is 990168.
+ So much easier to get on the motorcycle, their stretchy.
+ Pants arrived in 2 days
CON
– When the weather gets hot and sticky, the pants can be hard to get off.
– Your foot can slip into the armor pocket
– Sizing chart is a bit confusing.
My wife has been looking for armored motorcycle pants for a while. What she really wanted was armored motorcycle pants made for women.
She tried several brands and did not care for them as they were too “masculine” in appearance. I don’t think that anyone can say Sherrie Leggings by MotoGirls has a manly appearance.
My wife purchased the Sherrie Leggins form Wind and Throttle which advertises the leggings as breathable and moisture wicking mesh lining, that helps let air circulate to increase ventilation so you can cool down and get rid of sweat more quickly. There are that, until you are off the bike and without the airflow to help evaporate the moisture. It can be a struggle to get them off when they are damp or wet after a rain storm.
By the way my wife was also very happy with the folks behind Wind and Throttle! She told me they were very easy to work with and were quite accommodating before and after the sale, that she will be buying more from them in the future.
As far as armor is concerned:
CE & UKCA Certified Garment – AAA rated.
CE-Approved Level 2 knee protection
CE-Approved Level 2 hip protectors
Heavy duty, stretchable and abrasion resistant
High Impact areas reinforced with 100% genuine DuPont™ KEVLAR® fiber
My wife has been riding with these leggings for about six months now and really likes them a lot. She likes them enough that she is likely to get an additional set in the coming months.
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: 23V377000
Manufacturer Ducati North America
Components EXTERIOR LIGHTING
Summary: Ducati North America (Ducati) is recalling certain 2020-2023 Panigale V2 motorcycles. The dashboard could automatically switch from low beam headlights to the headlight daylight position lamp (DRL), in automatic setting mode. As such, these motorcycles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 108, “Lamps, Reflective Devices, and Associated Equipment.”
Remedy: Dealers will update the dashboard software, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed June 20, 2023. Owners may contact Ducati customer service at 1-888-391-5446. Ducati’s number for this recall is SRV-RCL-23-003.
There are a lot of great locations, around the globe, that pull a lot of motorcycles to a town. But what makes a town motorcycle friendly? I am discounting rallies like Sturgis or Daytona as those are all onto their selves and not, necessarily, indicative of being “motorcycle friendly town”.
I asked myself this question on what it takes to be motorcycle friendly and came up with the following items:
A town that provides motorcycle parking in public spaces.
A town that has good signage so folks will know where to go in town.
Signage that states motorcyclists are welcome.
Maybe a few “Watch for Motorcycle” signs too.
A town that provides maps, GPS files of local riding opportunities.
A town that has places where we can take cool pictures with our bikes.
That the town websites that indicates the town is pro motorcycle.
That the town supports motorcycle events like shows and rallies.
Then I asked myself, “Self what makes local businesses motorcycle friendly?”. Because how can the town be motorcycle friendly if the businesses are not? Business can be motorcycle friendly by:
Providing motorcycle parking, covered if possible.
Has good signage indicating that bikers are welcome.
Has places where we can store helmets/gear while eating or shopping.
Provides rider discounts.
Just be friendly to motorcyclists, ask them what they ride, where they are headed.
Provide maps, GPS files of local riding opportunities.
Website that indicates the business is pro motorcycle.
Lodging business should, if possible, provide a place to clean the motorcycles along with a hose, bucket, soap, and towels
Those are the ideas that popped into my head. Do you have any additional thoughts or suggestions?
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
May is Motorcycle Safety Awareness month. It is important to get the word out to your non-riding friends and family!
I don’t own any of these photos about motorcycle safety, but I have gathered them from across the internet. I think “Fair Use” is in full operation in regard to their use.
So, PLEASE, copy and paste any of these motorcycle safety pictures &, memes. Post them up to all your favorite sites. Point them out to non-riders, we riders already get it!
As we are in Motorcycle Helmet Safety Month, I thought we should revisit the proper fitment of your helmet.
Unfortunately, not every helmet will fit every head. Each helmet will have a sizing guide to help you ensure your head is safe and snug inside.
Sizing your Skull
When you measure your head, wrap the tape measure starting about ½ inch above your eyebrow. Next, loop it around your head, at the largest point keeping it above your ears.
Two recommendations with the tape measure, get a friend to help you you’re your buddy can make sure the tape measure is in the right spot. Also, measure your skull three times then calculate the average to get a closer measure of your head.
If your melon falls between two sizes of your motorcycle helmet of choice go with the smaller size.
Shape of your skull
This one is a bit harder. Most motorcycle helmet makers really, truly do not consider the shape of our braincases.
While all human heads are, for the most part, oval, some are more round while others can be more elongated. The shape of your skull impacts how your helmet will fit.
You will have to try on a properly sized helmet to see if it fits your individual dome!
Trying the Helmet On
Does your new candidate helmet feel a little tight? If so, that is good! Feeling a little tight or a touch uncomfortable is ok but, it should not be inducing any pain to the back of your gourd, your temples, or your forehead. Any hotspots or truly uncomfortable pressure points will be a guarantee of a miserable ride.
If it is feeling tight but not duly uncomfortable (the padding should adapt over time) now, try turning the motorcycle helmet right and left then tilting it forward and back. If the helmet moves over your skin freely it is too big, try a smaller size.
If it seems to fit well, try to keep it on for at least 10-15 minutes. Does it still feel good? When you take it off are there any hotspots or rub marks? If not you may have a winner. If you are having comfort issues the helmet just might be the wrong shape for your head.
Try to Pull the Helmet Off
Last step, if everything else seems to be working as it should, reach over your head and grasp the bottom/back of the helmet. Try pulling it up and over your head. If it comes off, try a different size.
Final thoughts
While these are my recommendations, please do your own research on proper fitment. There are as many fitment recommendations as makers of motorcycle helmets.
Use these suggestions as a way to get started with getting a good fit. Never trust just one website, look at as many sources of information to make sure you fully understand.
Also, you can use these fitment techniques as a starting point to determine if your current motorcycle helmet is still good to go. Can you pull your current helmet over and off your head? Might be a good time to replace your primary safety device.
With April being Motorcycle Helmet Safety Month, now is a good time to check your lid. Below is a simple checklist to make sure your helmet is still good to go.
Is your motorcycle helmet 5 years or older? Most manufacturers state that you should replace your helmet every 3-5 years. Many folks think that is nothing but a money grab. However, your head is protected by a Styrofoam like substance, called expanded polystyrene foam or EPS, that does degrade over time. You need to be the judge of how your head is protected.
Is there any visible damage to the helmet? Did you drop your motorcycle helmet that may have compressed the EPS liner? Is the shell cracked or scuffed nearly through the shell?
Does your helmet fit? A proper fitting helmet is critical to its ability to protect the rider. If the helmet moves around or slides back and forth it is a good idea to find a helmet that fits properly.
Are the straps and connectors still in good and operational condition?
Does the internal padding stay attach and is it in good condition?
Remove the padding and look at the EPS foam. Is it in one piece? Is it cracked or dented?
Is your visor still in good working condition? Are there any issues that might obscure your vision?
Make sure there are no insects or animals living in your helmet. That is poisonous black widow spider in the picture below.
I JUST WANT 2 RIDE!! 