Archive for the ‘Uncategorized’ Category

Make Motorcycle Safety a Kids Game

Posted: May 2, 2023 in Uncategorized
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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.

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

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!!

RIDE ON, RIDE SAFE

Motorcycle Recall April 2023: Indian, Honda, Buell, Ducati

Posted: April 28, 2023 in Uncategorized
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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.

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: 23V293000

Manufacturer Indian Motorcycle Company

Components VISIBILITY, EQUIPMENT

Summary Indian Motorcycle Company (Indian) is recalling certain 2022 Indian Chief Bobber, Indian Chief Dark Horse, and Indian Chief Bobber Dark Horse motorcycles. These motorcycles may be missing a belt guard reflector. 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 install a belt guard reflector, as necessary, free of charge. The manufacturer has not yet provided a schedule for recall notification. Owners may contact Indian customer service at 1-877-204-3697. Indian’s number for this recall is I-23-05.

*****

NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V261000

Manufacturer Honda (American Honda Motor Co.)

Components ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

Summary Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2023 Rebel 300 (CMX300) motorcycles. The right engine crank house cover was incorrectly painted, allowing the press-fit plug to fall out.

Remedy Dealers will replace the right crank case cover, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed June 5, 2023. Owners may contact Honda customer service at 1-800-784-1870. Honda’s number for this recall is KP2.

*****

NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V257000

Manufacturer Buell Motorcycles

Components ENGINE, POWER TRAIN

Summary Buell Motorcycles (Buell) is recalling certain 2021-2022 1190 RX and SX motorcycles. The index spring may be installed improperly.

Remedy Dealers will install the index spring in the correct position, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed in April 2023. Owners may contact Buell customer service at 1-616-719-5917.

*****

NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V250000

Manufacturer Ducati North America

Components STRUCTURE

Summary Ducati North America (Ducati) is recalling certain 2023 Diavel V4 motorcycles. The right and/or left side passenger foot pegs may break while mounting or riding the motorcycle.

Remedy Dealers will inspect and if necessary, replace the right and/or left side passenger foot pegs, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed May 3, 2023. Owners may contact Ducati customer service at 1-888-391-5446. Ducati’s number for this recall is SRV-RCL-23-002.

*****

Ride On Ride Safe

Best of 2022: Weird or Strange Motorcycle Helmets

Posted: February 17, 2023 in Uncategorized
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I think these motorcycle helmets qualify as weird or strange for 2022!

This year I started with 13 candidate helmets but as always, I strike them down to 9.  Why 9?  Because everyone does 10 and 11 is too much work!

So, which one is your fav-o-rite? Do you have any suggestions for 2023 put them in the comments below.

200 Mile Motorcycle Ride to No Where

Posted: August 19, 2022 in Uncategorized
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We have not been getting out on the motorcycle a lot, nowhere near what I want. Between work (new job) and life (covid, weddings, etc.) I am way behind on this year’s riding.  I hope to change that with less than half the year remaining.

But we did get the motorcycle out for good ride a few weekends ago.

That morning we set out with new helmets (Harley Davidson/Sena Outrush), new jackets and I had a new pair of Kevlar lined riding pants.  Each of those products will get a separate post. For this motorcycle ride there was no real destination, I had only a road to start on, “Fort Valley Road” or State Road 678.  

Fort Valley Road is, at the start, a quite twisty road with stone cliffs on one side and a drop into Passage Creek on the other. After a while the valley widens to allow for farmland and the road goes from twisty to rolling hills with a few tight turns thrown in for fun.

We rode Fort Valley Road to the end and then made our way into Luray, VA. Riding through downtown Luray it is evident that we need to come back and spend some time here.

Taking State Route 211 out of Luray, we crossed through Shenandoah National Park, and under Skyline Drive.  The ride up and down the mountain is normally spectacular, this day not so much.  There has been a lot of thunderstorms recently and there were several places where gravel had washed onto the road requiring slower speeds and more attention.  In one spot there was several inches of water running across the road.

After coming off the mountain we decided to ride over to Culpepper, VA for lunch. Culpepper is another of those small towns in which we need to spend some time.  That day we did not get to lunch in town as every spot we checked had a line and many were closed (it was a Sunday).

By now the day was getting quite warm, it was over 90F. Luckily our route back to home was via a scenic mostly tree covered route.   We did not take a direct route but wandered through a dozen back roads until we ended back in Front Royal.

It was an awesome day to be out on a motorcycle ride!

Ride On, Ride Safe

ijustwant2ride.com
Culpepper Gargoyle
ijustwant2ride.com
ijustwant2ride.com
ijustwant2ride.com
ijustwant2ride.com
ijustwant2ride.com
ijustwant2ride.com

Make a game out of Motorcycle Safety

Posted: May 9, 2022 in Motorcycle, Motorcycle advocacy, motorcycle safety, Uncategorized
1

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!!

Women’s History Month: Women in Motorcycling

Posted: March 12, 2022 in Motorcycle, Uncategorized, vintage motorcycle
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My wife mentioned that this is Women’s History month and that I should post something, just not photos of her. LOL

I went back into my vintage photo folder to look for those “old school photos of women and motorcycles. Women have been riding motorcycles from the start and these photos prove that women JustWant2ride.

Ride On, Ride Safe

ijustwant2ride.com
Caroline Olsen post race

Motorcycle Book Review: The Perfect Vehicle

Posted: March 9, 2022 in Uncategorized
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I found this book, copyrighted in 1997, in a used bookstore on the quite dusty, bottom shelf of the transportation section sandwiched between a book on London busses and another on 1960 airliners.  How could I not purchase a book about motorcycles titled The Perfect Vehicle?

“The Perfect Vehicle” by Melissa Holbrook Pierson caused some struggles within as I read and now write about this book. Overall, I enjoyed and even related to stories of discovering and exploring motorcycling. Her infatuation with Moto Guzzi and the work to maintain it in operational conditions mirrors many of us and our experiences.

Her descriptions of riding to Laconia motorcycle rallies or traveling the Blue Ridge Parkway were fun to read. As was her trip to Europe and riding on a borrowed Moto Guzzi. She related both the tribulations and the exhilaration of motorcycling.

My problem is that either I have overlayed modern context on a book from the late 1990s or Ms. Pierson seem to be biased.  At times I felt condensation for those things that are not of New York City or European. That she would not approve of me or my choices because I did not fit a particular mold/view.

Like I said maybe I am projecting or maybe I am not, I will never know. However, I enjoyed the book well enough to give it 4 out of 5 stars.  If you find the book, it is worth the read, and I would like to see your thoughts.


Motorcycle News: Upcoming international events and a flying motorcycle.

Posted: April 21, 2021 in Motorcycle news, Motorcycle Rides, Uncategorized
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Up Shift – Distinguished Gentleman’s Ride – This year plan on your Dapper Riding to take place on May 23rd.  The format of the ride will be based on the COVID rules where you live and ride.  Some will ride solo, other on specific routes and some may even get to ride as a group.

The event has raised over $27 Million dollars for men’s health causes over the years and the organizers hope to pop the $30 million mark this year.  To help that along Triumph Motorcycles will be provide four motorcycles to give to the top fund raisers worldwide. Check out gentlemansride.com for more details.

My Take – I have participated in a couple DGR rides and raised a small bit of money for the cause.  It is fun to dress up and go for a ride, especially for a good cause! 

Check out this video of me leaving for the 2014 DGR.

*****

Up Shift – International Female Ride Day – This year plan to set aside May 1st to get your International Female Ride Day on.  This year it is going to be a fix of solo rides, socially distanced gatherings, and meetups in 120 countries and every continent except Antarctica.

 According to IFRD’s press release, “The movement places a spotlight on the diverse participation of women already engaging in motorcycling and powersports while inspiring other women to learn to ride and obtain their license.” It goes on to state that, even though female ridership has doubled over the last decade, women still represent just around 20 percent of all motorcycle owners, and the momentum needs to continue to advance the future of motorcycling for women and, arguably, the sport.”

The 15th version of the IFRD is using the theme (and hashtag) of #FocusFemaleForward to put more emphasis on the IFRD’s goals of encouraging new women to ride while aiming to move women forward in all aspects of motorcycling.

My Take – The 15th year anniversary!  Yet another reason to get out and ride… not that we really need one! 

*****

Down Shift – Flying motorcycle by Subaru.  OK I thought this was an April’s Fools joke but maybe it is not.  Multiple sources are reporting, including Motorcycle.com, that Subaru has filed for a patent on a flying motorcycle.

From what I can tell the wings and engines of the flying motorcycle would fold up similar to those on a airplane on an aircraft carrier. When flying the wings would fold out, the motorcycle wheels would retract and way you are off into the wild blue yonder.

My Take – Hooey

Friday Fail – Crazy Motorcycle Stuff

Posted: February 19, 2021 in Motorcycle, motorcycle safety, Motorcycle TV, Uncategorized
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motorcycle fail

There are so many crazy motorcycle videos out there I thought “Why not start a new weekly post?”. Not sure where this is going but drop me a note in the comment section if this is something you would like to see. Otherwise, I will do it until I lose interest, LOL.

In this video we find out that those little bumper sticks will wreak a motorcycle and the guy’s buddy has some quick reflexes.

9 Tips for Riding Your Motorcycle in the Winter

Posted: January 19, 2021 in Motorcycle, Motorcycle advocacy, motorcycle safety, Uncategorized
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It is that time of year again, winter in the northern hemisphere. A time where many of us will begin to suffer from PMS (Parked Motorcycle Syndrome), especially after the lost year of 2020.

Many of us will be tempted to get out and ride on a bright, warmish day, I know I will.  But take inconsideration the following tips if you decide to get out and ride.

9 – ATGATT! – means even more in the winter.  Not only should you dress for the slide you have to dress to stay warm, hypothermia can set in quickly if you are not prepared.  Wear layers under you motorcycle jacket and pants. If your outer layer supports armor, make sure it is installed.

8 – Watch for hidden ice – While you think you may be out on a sunny dry day frost and ice can linger in the shadows. Remember the rule about scanning ahead?  Now that small covering of leaves at the apex of the next turn may hide a patch of ice.

7 – Cold Motorcycle Tires – You know this, but it is worth reminding.  Your tires will take longer to warm up and may never reach the optimal grip temperature. Make sure you account for your lack of grip during breaking, accelerating and in turns.  A little fish tail at the stop light with warm tires can be interesting, on cold tires it could cause a crash.

6 – Tire Pressure – You really need to ensure your PSI is correct for the conditions.  Most tires have a year-round recommendation, some may have a different recommendation for winter.  Also, if you have not noticed, motorcycle tires seem to lose pressure in the winter.  Make sure your tires are at the proper PSI before every winter motorcycle ride.

The ultimate winter motorcycle tire

5 – More Tire Notes – Pay attention to the tread on your tires. Have the track day slicks on the bike, not a great idea for winter riding. Do not have much tread left? Not a good idea to go for a winter motorcycle ride. If you are going to be riding a lot of cold days, look for something that has a more rugged tread design.

4 – Install a Windshield – It is quite likely there is a windshield for your motorcycle.  If possible, find one and install it for your winter rides.  Not only will it reduce the wind it will also cut down on the splashing and spray from other vehicles. 

3 – Your Hands Need Attention – Your hands are out in the wind all the time and they are at the end of your circulatory system. Because of this they will get cold faster than the rest of your body. Heated grips help as well as a good set of windproof gloves designed to keep your hands warm. Pay close attention to the conditions of your hands so you can grab that clutch or break if you need to.

2- Heated Gear – If you plan on riding your motorcycle in cold weather a lot, invest in heated gear.  There is a lot of brands out there but make sure you purchase the one that will work best for you.  Can you plug it into your motorcycle, or do you need a battery pack?  Heated gloves, pants, jackets, base layers are all available, just figure out what works for your style of riding.

1 – Do not Ride if it is Below Freezing – Below freezing means ice will form. Below freezing means your bike might not perform as you expect.  Below freezing means it is just not worth the risk.

Ride on, Ride Safe

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