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Motorcycle Recall August 2022: Indian, Scooters X2, Helmets, Husqvarna, KTM, Harley Davidson

Posted: August 29, 2022 in Motorcycle, Motorcycle advocacy, Motorcycle news, motorcycle recall, motorcycle safety
Tags: Genuine scooters recall, Harley, Harley Davidson, harley davidson recall, Husqvarna motorcycle recall, Indian motorcycle coolant leak, indian motorcycle recall, ktm motorcycle recall, Motorcycle, motorcycle helmet recall, motorcycle safety, motorcycle safety recall, motorcycle tire recall tkc80, sport bike, Sportbike

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: 22V636000

Manufacturer Indian Motorcycle Company

Components ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

Summary Indian Motorcycle Company (Indian) is recalling certain 2019-2020 and 2022 FTR 1200, 2019-2020 FTR 1200 S, and 2020 FTR 1200 Rally motorcycles. The coolant junction may leak.

Remedy Dealers will replace the coolant junction, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed September 30, 2022. Owners may contact Indian customer service at 1-877-204-3697. Indian’s number for this recall is I-22-04.

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NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V629000

Manufacturer Genuine Scooters, LLC

Components STEERING

Summary Genuine Scooters, LLC (Genuine Scooters) is recalling certain 2022 NIU MQiGT EVO scooters. During operation, excessive handlebar vibration can occur which may cause rider fatigue or loss of vehicle control.

Remedy Owners are advised not to ride their scooters until the repair has been completed. The remedy is currently under development. Owners have the option to return their scooters for a full refund. Owner notification letters were mailed August 18, 2022. Owners may contact Genuine Scooters customer service at 1-773-433-1316. Genuine Scooter’s number for this recall is MQiGT EVO. The scooters in this recall are also affected by recall number 22V-597.

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NHTSA Campaign Number: 22E068000

Manufacturer BatteryJack Inc.

Components EQUIPMENT

Summary BatteryJack Inc. (BatteryJack) is recalling certain RS helmets, model TN-0700, sizes SM, MED, LRG, and XL. The helmets may not adequately protect the wearer in the event of a head impact during a crash. As such, these helmets fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 218, “Motorcycle Helmets.”

Remedy BatteryJack will issue a full refund or replace helmets with a comparable model. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed August 31, 2022. Owners may contact BatteryJack’s customer service at 1-815-467-6464.

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NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V597000

Manufacturer Genuine Scooters, LLC

Components ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

Summary Genuine Scooters, LLC (Genuine Scooters) is recalling certain 2022 NUI MQiGT EVO scooters. A loss of drive power may occur due to a firmware issue in the electric motor.

Remedy Owners are advised not to ride their scooters until the repair has been completed. Dealers will provide new motors with new firmware, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed in August 2022. Owners may contact Genuine Scooters customer service at 1-773-433-1316. Genuine Scooter’s number for this recall is MQiGT EVO. The scooters in this recall are also affected by recall number 22V-629.

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NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V588000

Manufacturer KTM North America, Inc.

Components TIRES

Summary KTM North America, Inc. (KTM) is recalling certain 2019-2023 Husqvarna and KTM motorcycles with equipped with TKC80 tires. Please refer to KTM’s recall report for specific model details. Cracks longer than 3/16 inch may develop in the tread grooves. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 119, “New Pneumatic Tires-Other Than Passenger Cars.”

Remedy Dealers will replace the affected tires, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed September 19, 2022. Owners may contact KTM’s customer service at 1-888-985-6090. KTM’s numbers for this recall are KTB2208 and HTB2207.

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Manufacturer Harley-Davidson Motor Company

Components EXTERIOR LIGHTING

Summary Harley-Davidson Motor Company (Harley-Davidson) is recalling certain Detachable Tour-Pak Luggage Carrier Conversion Kits with part numbers 53000916 & 53000917, when installed on 2014-2022 Touring and CVO Touring motorcycles. When the Tour-Pak Luggage Carrier is removed from the motorcycle while the conversion kit remains installed, the turn signal indicator lights may flash fast continuously and not adjust the frequency to alert the operator of a turn signal light failure. As such, these Luggage Carrier Conversion Kits fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 108, “Lamps, Reflective Devices, and Associated Equipment.”

Remedy Dealers will replace the kits, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed August 15, 2022. Owners may contact Harley-Davidson customer service at 1-800-258-2464. Harley-Davidson’s number for this recall is 0633.

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Motorcycle News: Tesla is killing motorcyclists.

Posted: August 22, 2022 in Motorcycle, Motorcycle advocacy, Motorcycle news, motorcycle safety
Tags: Harley Davidson, Motorcycle, motorcycle blog, Motorcycle news, Motorcycle Ride, motorcycle safety, motorcycle touring, Sportbike, Tesla autopilot kills motorcyclists, Tesla is killing motorcyclists, tesla runs into motorcycles, Ural motorcycles, Ural motorcycles leave russia, Ural motorcycles move to Kazakhstan

Up Shift – URAL motorcycle departs Russia.

URAL has been a Russian motorcycle company for, well, forever. But with the economic sanctions leveled against Russia for the Ukraine invasion, URAL had a hard decision, to stay or go. They went.

URAL has moved out of their home factory in Irbit, Russia, to Petropavlovsk, Kazakhstan, with the move forcing the brand to hire new workers in Kazakhstan.

“People understand that what’s happening doesn’t represent the brand,” says Madina Merzhoeva, VP of marketing and international sales, in an article from CycleWorld.

“Ural has always been about integration into the world. It’s always been about community, doing things together and connecting. Probably unlike any other motorcycle brand, in a sense, because by nature there are two or more people riding in a Ural.”

My Take – What else could they do if they wanted to survive? I would expect there to be quality control issues for the next couple years as a new workforce is taught how to build URAL motorcycles.

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Down Shift – Tesla is killing motorcyclists.

Is the Tesla autopilot software not able to “see” motorcycles? In two recent event involving Tesla the apparent answer to that question is no.

In July 2022 the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) sent investigation teams to two crashes where Tesla’s crashed into motorcycles on freeways in the darkness. Both were fatal.

The first occurred 4:47 a.m. July 7 on State Route 91, a California freeway. A white Tesla Model Y was traveling east in the high occupancy vehicle lane. Ahead of the Tesla was a rider on a Yamaha V-Star motorcycle.

The vehicles collided, and the unidentified motorcyclist was ejected from the Yamaha. He was pronounced dead at the scene by the Fire Department.

The second crash happened about 1AM July 24 on Interstate 15 near Draper, Utah. A Tesla Model 3 was behind a Harley-Davidson motorcycle, also in an HOV lane. “The driver of the Tesla did not see the motorcyclist and collided with the back of the motorcycle, which threw the rider from the bike,” the Utah Department of Public Safety said in a prepared statement.

The motorcyclist was pronounced died at the scene.

From 2016 to now the NHTSA has investigated 39 crashes involving autopilot features 30 of which were Tesla. The Tesla’s involved 19 deaths.

My Take – Not sure why it is taking so long to issue a recall for this autopilot feature? Tesla is taking the brunt of the investigations but is that because they are worse than the other manufactures or because there are more Tesla’s on the road.

My recommendation…. If you see a Tesla coming up behind you, get out of the way. There is no way to know if the dummy driving the car is on autopilot or not.

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Ride on, Ride Safe

Motorcycle Recall July 2022: Can-AM (DO NOT RIDE), Honda Gold Wing

Posted: July 29, 2022 in Motorcycle, Motorcycle advocacy, Motorcycle news, motorcycle recall, motorcycle safety
Tags: Can-Am, can-am ryker recall, Can-am spyder recall, handlebar recall, Harley, Harley Davidson, Honda, honda gold wing recall, Motorcycle, motorcycle blog, Motorcycle recalls july 2022, motorcycle touring, sport bike, Sportbike

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: 22V503000

Manufacturer Bombardier Recreational Products, Inc.

Components STEERING

Summary Bombardier Recreational Products Inc. (BRP) is recalling certain 2022 Can-Am Ryker motorcycles. The handlebar stem bolt may break unexpectedly due to insufficient thread length.

Remedy Owners are advised to not ride their motorcycle until the remedy is complete. Dealers will clean the threads of the steering column and install a new steering stem bolt, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed July 27, 2022. Owners may contact BRP customer service at 1-888-272-9222. BRP’s number for this recall is 2022-16.

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NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V449000

Manufacturer Honda (American Honda Motor Co.)

Components ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

Summary Honda (American Honda Motor Co) is recalling certain 2020-2022 GL1800 Gold Wing motorcycles equipped with manual transmissions. An ignition timing software error for the engine control unit (ECU) may reduce engine performance, which can result in an engine stall.

Remedy Dealers will update the ECU software, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed August 20, 2022. Owners may contact American Honda Motor Co customer service at 1-866-784-1870.

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Ride On, Ride Safe

Motorcycle Recall June 2022 – Ural, Zero, Kawasaki, Helmets, Can-Am Spyder

Posted: June 29, 2022 in Motorcycle advocacy, Motorcycle news, motorcycle recall, motorcycle safety
Tags: Motorcycle, motorcycle blog, motorcycle safety, recall BRP Can-Am spyder, recall can-am spyder, recall kawasaki LX230 motorcycle, recall kawasaki motorcycle, recall milwaukee motorcycle helmet, recall motorcycle helmet, recall ural gear up motorcycle, recall ural motorcycle, recall ural patrol motorcycle, Recall zero motorcycle, Recall zero sr/f motorcycle, Sportbike

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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Manufacturer Irbit Motorworks of America, Inc.

Components WHEELS

Summary Irbit Motorworks of America, Inc. (Irbit) is recalling certain 2012-2017 Ural Gear Up, Ural Patrol (T), Ural Retro, 2012-2015 Ural Tourist (T), and 2015-2017 Ural cT motorcycles. The wheel spokes may have been improperly tightened, which can damage the rims or cause a wheel lock-up.

Remedy Dealers will replace the wheel rims, spokes, tubes, and rim strips, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed August 1, 2022. Owners may contact Irbit customer service at 1-425-702-8484. This recall excludes wheel rims previously replaced by warranty and/or under NHTSA Recall No. 13V-507.

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NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V403000

Manufacturer Zero Motorcycles Inc.

Components SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC

Summary Zero Motorcycles Inc. (Zero) is recalling certain 2022 SR and SR/F motorcycles. Incorrect front brake caliper bolts may have been installed and could damage the mounting threads on the fork, causing the caliper to loosen.

Remedy Dealers will inspect and as necessary, replace the front brake caliper bolts and forks, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed June 27, 2022. Owners may contact Zero customer service at 1-888-841-8085. Zero’s number for this recall is SV-RCL-022-004.

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NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V397000

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

Components SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC

Summary Kawasaki Motors Corp., U.S.A. (KMC) is recalling certain 2020-2021 LX230A and 2022 LX230G motorcycles. The incorrect front brake rotor may have been installed, which can reduce brake performance. 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 rotor and pads, as necessary, free of charge. The manufacturer has not yet provided a schedule for recall notification. Owners may contact KMC customer service at 1-866-802-9381. KMC’s number for this recall is MC22-04

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NHTSA Campaign Number: 22E044000

Manufacturer Milwaukee Performance Helmets

Components EQUIPMENT

Summary Milwaukee Performance Helmets (Milwaukee Helmets) is recalling certain size large model MPH9720DOT and size small model MPH9721DOT helmets. The helmets may lack proper retention system integrity, penetration protection, and labels. As such, these helmets fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 218, “Motorcycle Helmets.”

Remedy Milwaukee Helmets will offer a refund of the purchase price. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed July 25, 2022. Owners may contact Milwaukee Helmets customer service at 1-800-990-7423 or Helmet-recall@shafinc.com.

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NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V352000

Manufacturer Bombardier Recreational Products, Inc.

Components POWER TRAIN

Summary Bombardier Recreational Products, Inc. (BRP) is recalling certain 2015-2019 Can-Am Spyder F3 and RT motorcycles. The front sprocket may be defective and prematurely wear, resulting in a loss of drive power.

Remedy Dealers will perform an interim repair until parts become available. Once parts are available, the front sprocket will be replaced, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed May 26, 2022. Owners may contact BRP customer service at 1-888-272-9222.

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Ride On, Ride Safe

Make a game out of Motorcycle Safety

Posted: May 9, 2022 in Motorcycle, Motorcycle advocacy, motorcycle safety, Uncategorized

The payoff is in the future but let’s invest now.

May is motorcycle safety awareness month…here is an idea to help spread awareness to the children.

As we all know all the safety gear we wear and all the safety tech on our motorcycles are just not enough at times. Awareness of motorcycles by drivers of cars and trucks is as important as everything we do.

So, to help improve the awareness in others (and therefore ourselves) we need to start teaching children to watch for motorcycles. That is why the idea of teaching kids to count motorcycles instead of “punch bugs” is so important. If they are watching for motorcycles as kids, they will have an easier time seeing them when they start to drive. Thus, our safety as motorcyclist is improved.

Make a game that has a small reward when they spot “X” number of motorcycles. Ask your non-riding friends to do this with their children. Mention it at events and gatherings, just get the word out. You know when a 6-year-old yells “motorcycle” that their parent is going to see it to!!

Motorcycle News: Moto Guzzi Worldwide Events, Beware of E15 Fuel

Posted: May 4, 2022 in Motorcycle, Motorcycle advocacy, Motorcycle news, motorcycle safety
Tags: do not use e15 in motorcycles, e15 fuel, Harley, Harley Davidson, Moto Guzzi, moto guzzi worldwide events, Motorcycle, motorcycle blog, Motorcycle news, motorcycle news e15 fuel, motorcycle news moto guzzi, motorcycle rallies, Motorcycle Ride, motorcycle riding, pain at the pump, sport bike, Sportbike

This is my take on motorcycle news that grabbed my attention. There is a whole lot more out there, but this is the news that I want to discuss. Drop me a note if you disagree with my take.

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Up Shift – Moto Guzzi Experience

Moto Guzzi is helping more of us to get back to normal in the post pandemic world by offering events around the world. These events are going to be held in 9 countries including the US. Some of the events have already occurred like the ones in Corsica and Crete but others are still to come. You can check out this website for detail for global events but look her (RideApart) for info on the US rides.

My Take – I am so happy to see events like these make a comeback. Harley Davidson has done so with their regional HOG rallies and having Moto Guzzi doing their thing is great!

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Down Shift – E15 fuel is getting a special dispensation this summer. Normally E15 is removed from the fuel supply, because of pollution concerns. This year it is going to stick around in an attempt to lower gas prices as E15 is normally 5-10 cents a gallon cheaper. E15, by the way, means that the fuel has up to 15% ethanol.

Please be aware that E15 fuel is bad for your motorcycle (and other small engines). Manufacturers state that using E15 will cause damage to your engine AND the EPA has not certified any motorcycles or ATVs for fuel with more than 10% ethanol.

“E15 has been shown to damage carbureted and fuel-injected motorcycles, reduce gas mileage and decrease shelf life of the gasoline,” said AMA Director of Government Relations Michael Sayre. “The fact that it is illegal to use in motorcycles, and that clear labeling at the pump is not required, poses a significant risk for misfuelling.”

My Take – The current administration has taken this action, among other things, to reduce the “pain at the pump”. The American Motorcyclist Association and the Motorcycle Riders Foundation both have taken action to make sure that proper labeling of pumps and rider education on the action are occurring.

So, what is more important the price of fuel or the environment or poll numbers…. You make your pick.

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Ride on, Ride Safe

Motorcycle Recall February 2022 – Helmets, Piaggio, Triumph, Arcimoto

Posted: April 28, 2022 in Motorcycle, Motorcycle advocacy, Motorcycle news, motorcycle recall, motorcycle safety
Tags: arcimoto motorcycle recall, kylin helmet recall, Motorcycle, motorcycle blog, motorcycle brake issues, motorcycle helmet recall, motorcycle riding, motorcycle safety, piaggio scooter recall, sport bike, Sportbike, triumph speed triple, triumph speed triple recall

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: 22V217000

Manufacturer Piaggio Group Americas, Inc.

Components SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC

Summary Piaggio Group Americas, Inc. (Piaggio) is recalling certain 2020-2021 MP3 500 HPE scooters. The brake hose terminal fittings zinc plating may contaminate the brake fluid, decreasing brake performance.

Remedy Dealers will perform a complete brake system flush, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed April 18, 2022. Owners may contact Piaggio customer service at 1-212-380-4400.

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NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V207000

Manufacturer Triumph Motorcycles America, Ltd.

Components SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC

Summary Triumph Motorcycles America, Ltd. (Triumph) is recalling certain 2022 Speed Triple RS and Speed Triple RR motorcycles. The rear brake disc bolts may loosen.

Remedy Dealers will replace the rear brake disc bolts, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed April 29, 2022. Owners may contact Triumph customer service at 1-678-854-2010. Triumph’s number for this recall is SRAN 596.

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Manufacturer Arcimoto Inc

Components SERVICE BRAKES

Summary Arcimoto Inc (Arcimoto) is recalling certain 2020-2022 Deliverator, 2019-2022 FUV, 2021-2022 Rapid Responder, and 2020-2022 Roadster motorcycles. The brake pressure switch may corrode after exposure to salt and chemicals found in de-icers, causing the brake lights to illuminate constantly.

Remedy Owners will be notified by mail and instructed to contact Arcimoto to schedule a service appointment to have the brake pressure switch inspected and dielectric grease added to the connection to prevent the brake lights from remaining on. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed on May 2, 2022. Owners may contact Arcimoto customer service at 1-541-683-6293.

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NHTSA Campaign Number: 22E022000

Manufacturer Midwest Motorsports LLC

Components EQUIPMENT

Summary Midwest Motorsports LLC (Midwest) is recalling certain Kylin helmets, model number K77, in sizes L, XL and XXL. The helmets may not adequately protect the wearer in the event of a head impact during a crash. As such, these helmets fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 218, “Motorcycle Helmets.”

Remedy Midwest will notify the helmet purchasers and instruct them to return the helmets for a full refund. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed May 6, 2022. Owners may contact Midwest customer service at 1-616-935-7443.

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Ride On, Ride Safe

Tips on cleaning a motorcycle helmet.

Posted: April 18, 2022 in Motorcycle, Motorcycle advocacy, motorcycle safety
Tags: cleaning the inside of motorcycle helmet, cleaning your motorcycle helmet, cleaning your motorcycle helmet sun shade, cleaning your motorcycle helmet visor, getting bugs off a motorcycle helmet, getting bugs off a motorcycle helmet visor, Harley, Harley Davidson, Motorcycle, motorcycle blog, motorcycle helmet safety, motorcycle helmet safety month, motorcycle riding, motorcycle safety, sport bike, Sportbike

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 order.

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

1 – First thing is to clean the exterior of the motorcycle helmet. Using a wet microfiber cloth or a paper towel, lay it across the visor and helmet shell for at least 10 minutes. This will soften the baked-on bugs and cruds allowing them to be wiped away reducing the chance to scratch or damage the finish. You may have to repeat this step.

2 – Remove the visor after you have cleaned the exterior. Use warm soapy water to really get the visor clean inside and out. Rinse, dry and reassemble your helmet.

3 – The visor needs special attention. DO NOT use any products that have acid or ammonia! Even products with citric acid can damage the visor. Most glass cleaners have some form of acid or ammonia so pay close attention or just avoid them. Warm soapy water and microfiber cloth is the best way to safely clean your visor.

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

5 – Does your helmet have a sun visor? If it does clean it in the same manner, you cleaned the visor. No ammonia or acid-based cleaners!

6 – Next up is the interior of your motorcycle helmet. Most helmets allow you to remove the interior padding. Look at your owner’s manual for directions on removing the padding. Some manufactures allow you to use a washing machine and other recommend hand cleaning in warm soapy water. If you use the hand method, I recommend using a baby shampoo.

7 – If your helmet’s padding is not removable follow the instructions your helmet manufacture provides. But, in my opinion, 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 can damage the underlying foam. My suggestion is to use a motorcycle helmet sanitizing spray.

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

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

Ride on, Ride safe

What to do with old motorcycle helmets?

Posted: April 16, 2022 in Motorcycle, Motorcycle advocacy, motorcycle safety
Tags: donating old motorcycle helmets, front royal fire deparment, Harley, Harley Davidson, Motorcycle, motorcycle blog, motorcycle helmet, motorcycle helmet safety, motorcycle riding, motorcycle riding in front royal virginia, motorcycle safety, old motorcycle helmets, sport bike, Sportbike, training for motorcycle accidents, what to do with old motorcycle helmets

There are a lot of things you can do with old motorcycle helmets. Make planters or art with them for example.

But one of the most important things you can do with those old motorcycle helmets is to donate them to emergency services. Why? Because they need to train to deal with motorcycle accidents and how to handle the helmets is one of the things they need to practice.

This month IJustWant2Ride.com and The Dawghouse Motorcycle Radio show donated 10 old helmets to the Front Royal Fire Department. With April being Motorcycle Helmet Safety Month, it was the right time to get rid of the old lids.

9 Checks for you Motorcycle Helmet

Posted: April 12, 2022 in Motorcycle, Motorcycle advocacy, motorcycle safety
Tags: April is motorcycle safety month, Harley, Harley Davidson, how to check your motorcycle helmet, Motorcycle, motorcycle blog, motorcycle helmet safety checks, motorcycle riding, motorcycle safety, replacing your motorcycle helmet, safety checks for motorcycle helmets, should i replace my motorcycle helmet, sport bike, Sportbike

April is Motorcycle Helmet Safety month so now is a good time to make sure your lid is in good shape. You should, at least once a year, check your helmet to make sure it is in good shape, as it is your primary safety tool. I just bought new helmets, read on to find out why.

What should you look at while checking your helmet? Here are 9 items you should look at when assessing your motorcycle helmet for use in another year:

1) Is the shell all in one piece? Are there cracks or splits?

2) Are the straps and connectors in good shape, no adverse wear or tear?

3) Is the internal padding is connected and stays in place?

4) Remove the padding and check the foam. Is it dented or has cracks?

5) While looking at the foam, most companies place a sticker printed with the “birthday” of your helmet. Is it over 5 years old?

6) Does the rest of the internals look in good operating conditions?

7) Check the visor for damage that might obscure your vision, can you see clearly?

8) Are the screws or other visor attachments tight and is the visor working as expected?

9 Make sure that insects/creatures are not living in your helmet, see photo below!

Let’s talk about item 5, the 5-year rule. Most manufactures recommend that you replace your helmet after 5 years. The sceptic in us will think “more sells = more money” for the motorcycle helmet makers. The reason, they state, is that the foam between the padding and shell will deteriorate over time reducing its ability to protect your skull.

I believe in the 5-year rule, but I also check every year. I just replaced my 7-year-old Nolan motorcycle helmet this month. Why? When I ran my hands over the foam it no longer felt as smooth as it once did. It is hard to describe but, I felt that the foam was starting to show its age and we needed new helmets.

It is your head; I hope these checks help you out.