2024 Michelin Two-Wheel Spring Promotion

I have never used Michelin products so I have no opinion on how well they work. But if you like there products this is a decent rebate. This rebate offer appears to limited to the United States.

Get a $80 Visa Reward Card via mail-in rebate with the purchase of two (front and rear) qualifying MICHELIN Cruiser Motorcycle tires.

Get a $60 Visa Reward Card via mail-in rebate with the purchase of two (front and rear) other qualifying MICHELIN On-Road and Road Racing Motorcycle tires. 

Get a $40 Visa Reward Card via mail-in rebate with the purchase of two (front and rear) qualifying MICHELIN Off-Road Motorcycle tires 

Offer Valid 3/1/24 – 3/31/24

For more information click here!

ijustwant2ride.com

What you need to know This year’s Daytona 200 looks like it will be spectacular!

           The MotoAmerica Mission Daytona 200 has 68 riders representing 5 manufacturers attempting to qualify for the big race. They are riding:

                     Yamaha, Kawasaki, Suzuki, Ducati and Triumph

           The Roland Sands Mission Super Hooligans have 35 riders on 10 different motorcycles.

                     Indian FTR                         BMW R9

                     Harley Pan-American         KTM 890 Duke

                     Yamaha MT-9                    Suzuki SV1000

                     Ducati Monster                   Harley Davidson XR1200

                     Ducati Hypermotard            Enegica Eva (ELECTRIC BIKE)

           The Mission King of Baggers will have two races

           16 riders on Harley and Indian baggers on the HIGH BANK

How to watch the races? Check out MotoAmeria’s watch page.  You can check the schedule for the entire event here.

My TakeBIG UPSHIFT –  I can’t wait to see the racing this year.  The field is deep in all the divisions, so I expect tight racing across the board.

What you need to knowGo Pro is buying a motorcycle helmet company.

            GoPro, a go to for motorcyclists, is acquiring the “smart” helmet company Forcite.

            What does Forcite helmets have to offer:

            Harman Kardon speakers

            Visor displays that projects traffic, road hazards, police and turn by turn directions.

            Camera built into the chin bar, with super-wide 1080p support.

My TakeUpshift – We can expect GoPro branded helmets soon. Having the camera built into the helmet should be a safety plus.

What are your thoughts?

Ride on, Ride Safe

Be aware that this motorcycle recall list is for the United States for the last 30 days, or so, 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.

*****

NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V149000

Manufacturer LIVEWIRE EV, LLC

Components ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

Summary LIVEWIRE EV, LLC (LiveWire) is recalling certain 2024 S2DM (S2 Del Mar) motorcycles. The Vehicle Supervisory Control (VSC) software may initiate and cause a powertrain shutdown as a result of internal software voltage thresholds being exceeded.

Remedy LiveWire will release an over-the-air (OTA) software update. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed March 5, 2024. Owners may contact LiveWire customer service at 1-855-387-4337. LiveWire’s number for this recall is 1001.

*****

NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V113000

Manufacturer Honda (American Honda Motor Co.)

Components FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE

Summary Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2018-2020 GL1800 (Goldwing), CBR600RR, and 2018-2019 CBR1000RR motorcycles. The fuel pump impellers may have been improperly molded, which can cause them to deform and result in fuel pump failure.

Remedy Dealers will inspect and replace the fuel pump module as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed April 8, 2024. Owners may contact Honda customer service at 1-866-784-1870. Honda’s numbers for this recall are KP8, KP9, KQ0, and KQ1.

 *****

NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V109000

Manufacturer Triumph Motorcycles America, Ltd.

Components STRUCTURE

Summary Triumph Motorcycles America, Ltd. (Triumph) is recalling certain 2023 Trident 660 and Tiger Sport 660 motorcycles. Due to incorrectly machined threads, the front fork caps may strip and detach from the fork outer tube.

Remedy Dealers will replace the fork caps, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed February 28, 2024. Owners may contact Triumph customer service at 1-678-854-2010. Triumph’s number for this recall is SRAN 617.

*****

NHTSA Campaign Number: 24E014000

Manufacturer Dainese S.p.A.

Components EQUIPMENT

Summary Dainese S.p.A. (Dainese) is recalling certain AGV Tourmodular helmets. The micrometric buckle may fail to automatically engage, allowing the chin strap to remain loose.

Remedy Dainese will apply lubricant to the buckles, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed April 12, 2024. Owners may contact Dainese customer service at 1-855-327-5639.

*****

NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V108000

Manufacturer CFMOTO POWERSPORTS, INC.

Components STRUCTURE

Potential Number of Units Affected 1,700

Summary

CFMOTO POWERSPORTS, INC. (CFMOTO) is recalling certain 2023 450SS motorcycles. The telematics box (T-box) may fall onto the front steering forks, which can cause a loss of steering control.

Remedy

Dealers will replace the T-Box holder, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed in February 2024. Owners may contact CFMOTO customer service at 1-763-398-2690. CFMOTO’s number for this recall is SAF-2024-01.

*****

NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V081000

Manufacturer Suzuki Motor USA, LLC

Components POWER TRAIN

Summary Suzuki Motor USA, LLC (Suzuki) is recalling certain 2024 GSX-8R motorcycles. The drive chain may detach due to missing rivets, which can result in a loss of power to the rear wheels.

Remedy Dealers will inspect and repair the drive chain with a replacement joint and replace sprockets as necessary, free of charge. All affected motorcycles are within the manufacturer’s direct control and therefore no owner notification letters will be sent. Owners may contact Suzuki customer service at (714) 572-1490. Suzuki’s number for this recall is 3A02.

*****

NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V069000

Manufacturer Indian Motorcycle Company

Components EXTERIOR LIGHTING

Summary Indian Motorcycle Company (Indian) is recalling certain 2020-2022 Challenger, Challenger Dark Horse, Challenger Limited, 2022 Challenger Dark Horse Icon, Challenger Elite, FTR 1200, FTR 1200 Rally, FTR 1200 S, FTR 1200 R Carbon, Pursuit Dark Horse, Challenger JD Limited Edition, Pursuit Limited Icon, Pursuit Dark Horse Premium, Pursuit Limited, Pursuit Limited Premium, 2019-2020 FTR 1200 S, FTR 1200, and 2020 FTR 1200 Rally motorcycles. The brake lights may illuminate unexpectedly and without brake application from the rider. 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 ABS module software, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed February 14, 2024. Owners may contact Indian customer service at 1-877-204-3697. Indian’s number for this recall is I-24-03.

*****

Ride On, Ride Safe

front royal thrill and chill

Front Royal, Virginia is the northern terminus of Skyline Drive, one of the premier byways of America. Ten thousand or more motorcyclists pass through Front Royal on their way to or from Skyline Drive each year.

What those motorcyclists don’t know is that the riding around Front Royal is amazing!  If you are riding to or from Skyline Drive, you owe it to yourself to stop to visit Front Royal and ride our local roads.

Look for my other documented ride in the Front Royal area here.

Mountain Passes and Valley Riding

This “Thrill and Chill” ride gets its name from the Thrills of riding two mountain passes and the Chill of cruising through parts of the Shenandoah Valley.

Heading south out of town you will be cruising through local farmland, vineyards, and quaint small towns.  During this part of the ride, you will have spectacular views of the steep, rugged tree-lined mountains to your west. If you are lucky, you will get glimpses of Skyline Drive high above you.

Before long you will see that same mountain in front of you growing larger and taller with each mile. The twists and turns on this pass are as good as any twisty road in America. For those that enjoy mountain riding here is a chance to drag your pegs and experience the fun of flipping your motorcycle through turns.  But be careful, this is a high crash area and there is a sign at the bottom pointing out that fact.

Passing under Skyline Drive and down the other side puts you back in the valley and just a chill cruise to Luray, Virginia.  Continuing south you will pass through more verdant farmland and more charming small-town America until you reach Elkton and turn east back towards the looming mountain.

As with the first mountain pass this is a mountain riding lovers heaven. Miles of climbing with tight right and left corners and a long-twisted descent will put a big smile on anyone’s face.

Before long you will be heading north again via the valley roads until you make it back to Front Royal again. This is a 3-hour(ish) ride covering 145 miles.

Local Highlights

Front Royal Visitor Center

Multiple Vineyards and Breweries

Multiple Farm to Market Shops

Luray Caverns

Luray Rescue Zoo

The Route

From the Front Royal Visitor Center

Right onto Main Street

Right onto Commerce Avenue = US 522

Right onto US 522/211

At Sperryville continue straight on US 211

Right on Ramp to US 340

Left on US 340 through Luray to Elkton

At Elkton Left onto US 33

Left onto US 29

At Madison stoplight intersection of US 29 and Virginia 687

          Left onto VA 687 immediate merge onto Business 29

          At the east end of Madison, Left onto VA 231 (Blue Ridge Parkway)  This is easy to miss you will need to watch.

Left onto US 522

At Sperryville turn right onto US211/522

Left onto US 522

Left onto Front Royal Main Street

Last night I was a guest to the Motorcycle Men podcast. 

You can listen to our conversation at this link.

Ted, the host of Motorcycle Men, and I talked about:

           The IJustWant2Ride.com blog!

           The Dawghouse Motorcycle Radio podcast

           Riding in the Front Royal, Skyline Drive area.

           The love of motorcycling!

           And motorcycle stuff!

I think you should take the time to check out their podcast! And, the Motorcycle Men website.

Ride On, Ride Saff

ijustwant2ride.com

What you need to know… This is going to happen, sadly, sooner or later.

State lawmakers in California are now pushing for electronic speed limiters for 2027 and beyond vehicles. This is in addtion to the work at the federal level on this issue.

The Biden administration, via the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), have introduced Kill Switches and Speed Limiters for 2027 and beyond vehicles.

NHTSA is asking for public input. Please ensure that you provide input  regarding this new proposal at regulations.gov by searching for the docket number, NHTSA-2022-0079, and follow the instructions for making comments.

Comments are due by March 5th.

My Take – This is a big DOWN SHIFT for individual freedom and the right to travel.

What you need to know… “Not In My Backyard” is coming for a famous American racetrack.

Laguna Seca raceway is under attack as California NIMBY coalition seeks to shutdown world famous track.

Stating that the racetrack is a “public nuisance” the “Highway 68 Coalition” cites the following:

                        Increased use of the track.

                        Sound levels are more than permitted levels.

                        Claiming that zoning prevents racing.

                        Increased traffic

                        Inadequate and poor-quality water

                        Inadequate sewage disposal due to expansion of camping.

Laguan Seca is now owned by the County of Monterey and generated $250 million dollars in 2022.

My Take – Another big DOWN SHIFT.  Way to often these NIMBY efforts are successful.  Love Laguna Seca now, it might not be there in the future.

Ride on, Ride Safe

Best of 2023 WEIRD MOTORCYCLES was not an easy task this year. 

There were not a lot that, thought out the year, that jumped out and said “I’M WEIRD”!

Just a quick note, these motorcycles may have been around for a few years, but I first noticed them this past year.

Which is your favorite weird motorcycle for 2023? (I like the “Fender Bikes)

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.

BTW I had never heard of Cake 0 motorcycles either!

*****

NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V038000

Manufacturer Suzuki Motor USA, LLC

Components SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC

Summary Suzuki Motor USA, LLC (Suzuki) is recalling certain 2024 GSX1300R motorcycles. The brake fluid pipe flare nut for the brake fluid supply line may have been tightened incorrectly and cause a brake fluid leak.

Remedy Dealers will inspect and tighten the brake pipe flare nut connection and adjust the brake fluid level, as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed February 5, 2024. Owners may contact Suzuki customer service at 1-714-542-1490. Suzuki’s number for this recall is 3A01.

*****

NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V904000

Manufacturer Cake 0 Emission USA Inc

Components ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

Summary Cake 0 Emission USA Inc (Cake) is recalling certain 2018-2023 Kalk, Kalk Ink, and Kalk work motorcycles. The lithium-ion battery cells can fail while charging.

Remedy Cake will replace the battery pack, free of charge. As an interim action, owners will be instructed to check their battery serial number and if necessary, follow interim charging instructions until the remedy battery is available. Interim letters notifying owners of the safety risk were mailed January 19, 2024. A second notice will be sent once the remedy becomes available, anticipated March 2024. Owners may contact Cake customer service at service@ridecake.com.

 *****

NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V884000

Manufacturer BMW of North America, LLC

Components EXTERIOR LIGHTING

Summary BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2021-2024 BMW R 18B and R 18 Transcontinental motorcycles. The headlight low beam attachment points may break, shifting the reflector out of position, and resulting in insufficient illumination. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 108, “Lamps, Reflective Devices, and Associated Equipment.”

Remedy The remedy is currently under development. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed February 13, 2024. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.

Ride On, Ride Safe

Every year I collect those motorcycle event posters, drawing and printed art that catch my eye or tickle my fancy (and no, I don’t know what part of my body contains the fancy 😊). This year I started with 14 but it was not hard to narrow it down to the 9 Best Motorcycle Posters of 2023.

I wish I could attribute all the artists in this awesome list but there is rarely information on who created each item.

Which one is your favorite piece of artwork? Mine is the Willow Springs Grand Prix poster!

Ride On, Ride Safe!

🏍️

The age of hardcore custom motorcycles may be passing.  It has become increasingly harder to find cool custom bikes.  Maybe I am looking in all the wrong spots, but it was not easy to find the motorcycle tank art over the last couple years.

This year I found 12, BUT it was very easy to make the cut to the 9 best motorcycle tanks for 2023.

Ride On, Ride Safe!

🏍️