Posts Tagged ‘BMW’

Motorcycle recalls November 2024: Honda (85K), BMW, Indian and Kawasaki

Posted: November 30, 2024 in Motorcycle, 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.

NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V882000

Manufacturer Honda (American Honda Motor Co.)

Components FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE, ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

Summary Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2022 and 2024-2025 CRF1100 Africa Twin motorcycles. A software error in the fuel injection electronic control unit (FI-ECU) may cause an engine stall or a loss of power when the Wheelie Control feature is activated.

Remedy Dealers will reprogram the FI-ECU software, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed January 20, 2025. Owners may contact Honda customer service at 1-866-784-1870. Honda’s number for this recall is KR1.

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NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V864000

Manufacturer Honda (American Honda Motor Co.)

Components FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE

Summary Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2007, 2009-2017 CBR600RR, 2008, 2017, 2019, 2021 CBR1000RR, and 2010, 2012-2013 VFR1200 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 letters are expected to be mailed January 6, 2025. Owners may contact Honda customer service at 1-866-784-1870. This recall is an expansion of NHTSA recall number 24V-113.

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NHTSA Campaign Number: 24E096000

Manufacturer BMW of North America, LLC

Components ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

Summary BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain BMW Dealer Service Part Oil Filters designed to fit S1000RR, M1000RR/R/XR, HP4 (Race) motorcycles, and with part number 11427721779-04. The vibration frequencies from certain high-revving four-cylinder motorcycle engines can cause the oil filter to unscrew during riding.

Remedy Dealers will inspect and replace the oil filter as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed January 7, 2025. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.

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NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V860000

Manufacturer Indian Motorcycle Company

Components FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE

Summary Indian Motorcycle Company (Indian) is recalling certain 2022 FTR 1200 R Carbon, FTR 1200, FTR 1200 S and FTR 1200 Rally motorcycles. These motorcycles may have been assembled with an altered fuel tank containing holes that can leak fuel.

Remedy Dealers will replace the fuel tank, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed January 13, 2025. Owners may contact Indian customer service at 1-877-204-3697. Indian’s number for this recall is I-24-09.

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NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V833000

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

Components STEERING, STRUCTURE

Summary Kawasaki Motors Corp., U.S.A (Kawasaki) is recalling certain Z7 Hybrid ABS and Ninja 7 Hybrid ABS motorcycles. The connection between the head pipe (steering head) to the frame may have been improperly welded and crack, resulting in a loss of vehicle handling and control.

Remedy Owners are advised not to ride their motorcycles. Kawasaki will replace the motorcycles, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed November 27, 2024. Owners may contact Kawasaki customer service at 1-866-802-9381.

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NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V825000

Manufacturer Honda (American Honda Motor Co.)

Components POWER TRAIN

Summary Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2016-2025 Metropolitan scooters. An improper seal between the transmission case and left-side crankcase may allow transmission fluid to leak.

Remedy Dealers will inspect and repair the transmission case as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed December 20, 2024. Owners may contact Honda customer service at 1-866-784-1870. Honda’s number for this recall is KR0.

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NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V820000

Manufacturer Honda (American Honda Motor Co.)

Components ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

Summary Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2018-2021 GL1800 Goldwing motorcycles. The primary drive gear bolt on the crankshaft may break, which can result in an engine stall and lock up the rear wheel.

Remedy Dealers will replace the primary drive gear bolt, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed December 20, 2024. Owners may contact Honda customer service at 1-866-784-1870. Honda’s number for this recall is KQ9.

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Spring Motorcycle Riding Prep: A checklist for getting your bike ready for riding.

Posted: March 27, 2024 in Motorcycle, Motorcycle advocacy, Motorcycle Rides, motorcycle safety
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Spring is here, and your motorcycle is beckoning you to hit the open road.

Before you embark on your two-wheeled adventures, take a moment to prepare your bike for the riding season. While the T-CLOCS (Tires, Controls, Lights, Oil, Chassis, and Stands) inspection is essential, let’s delve into some often-overlooked recommendations:

  1. Check Your Gear:
    • Retrieve your riding gear from storage. It might have been sitting in your saddlebag for months.
    • Clean your gear thoroughly. Run it through the wash or clean it by hand.
    • Apply water repellent or waterproofing for added protection.
  2. Inspect Your Helmet:
    • Your helmet deserves special attention. Start by cleaning the exterior. Those bugs from 2023 should be easy to remove by now.
    • Remove and clean the interior padding following the manufacturer’s instructions.
    • Don’t forget to check every nook and cranny for any unwelcome guests—SPIDERS (not the Can-Am species).
  3. Evaluate and Replace Gear:
    • Take a close look at your riding gear. Are your helmet and gloves still in good condition?
    • Remember, you are responsible for your own safety. If something isn’t right, repair or replace it promptly.
  4. Give Your Motorcycle a “Colonoscopy”:
    • If you didn’t adequately prepare your bike for winter, it’s time to peek up your tailpipe. Make sure nothing is living in your exhust.
    • Inspect all areas for leaks and ensure everything is in ship shape.
  5. Give your bike a rub down: Happy ending optional!
    • Give it a good wipe down to clean off the dust and debris that adhered to your bike over winter.
    • Now is a good time to give your motorcycle a waxing to help preserve the paint.
  6. Restock your saddlebags or backpack:
    • If you pack a first aid kit replace what you used last year or what is now expired.
    • Sunscreen and ChapStick…might want to swap them out for new.
    • That candy bar you had for an emergency snack, go ahead, and eat it now and put a new one in its place.
  7. Review the owner’s manual:
    • Get yourself reacquainted with the bike.
  8. Check your insurance:
    • Did you stop or reduce your insurance on the motorcycle over the winter? Give a quick call to your agent to get your insurance up to date.
  9. Remind yourself about PANIC STOPS:
    • Find an unused bit of road or parking lot, get up to speed and BREAK HARD! Get that feeling about what you and your motorcycle will do when you must make a sudden stop.
    • Ride with a passenger? Then run this exercise with them on the bike as well. It is best to know how it feels in a controlled environment before you really need to do it. OH, check your breaks before you do this to make sure they are good to go.

This is not an all-inclusive checklist or recommendations, I am sure each of you can add more items, but it can get you started for the new riding season. Remember, a well-prepped motorcycle, and rider, ensures both safety and enjoyment during the riding season.

Ride on, ride safe

 🏍️

Motorcycle Recall January 2024: Suzuki, BMW and Cake 0

Posted: January 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.

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.

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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

Motorcycle News: Ducati has a parking issue, 20 year old influencer (nope), Radar Love

Posted: April 1, 2021 in Motorcycle, Motorcycle news
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ijustwant2ride.com

Down Shift – Ducati Motorcycles have a parking problem. By now it would difficult not to know that a HUGE ship tried to parallel park in the Suez Canal.  Intentional or not that parking incident has caused a huge backlog in the world of international shipping.

Ducati is one of the many companies caught in the hold up at the canal. A Ducati spokesperson reported “We have goods in transit that probably will not respect the estimated delivery time due to the Suez accident, but to date, we have no news of an impact on the production lines”.

Parking issues

Ducati is one of the many companies caught in the hold up at the canal. A Ducati spokesperson reported “We have goods in transit that probably will not respect the estimated delivery time due to the Suez accident, but to date, we have no news of an impact on the production lines”.

My Take – Looks like Ducati folks maybe waiting for parts and bikes a little bit longer. It is not Covid it is something else missing with our riding!  I hoped 2021 would be better!

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Hitting Neutral – 20 Year Old FEMALE Influencer is A 50 Year Old Man!  If you have been following 20-year-old motorcycle influencer (@azusagakuyuki) because she is knowledgeable and pretty.  SURPRISE she is a 50-year-old man named Zonggu.

Zonggu has been using editing tools to “morph” his appearance into that of a younger woman, because “nobody would be interested in what an old uncle had to say online”.  The Japanese man was outed due to his lack of detail in editing.  While he worked on his face, people started noticing hairy arms and other small details.

My Take – Well he is not wrong! The “influencer” gig is dominated by young, pretty women, even in motorcycling.  While I do not condone what he did, I applaud the fact that he was able to get over 18K followers.

Full disclosure —- I am not a young, female influencer!  😊

*****

Up Shift – BMW wants to be spotted on Radar!  Every new car model year more and more drivers become even more reliant on “safety” systems.  One of the driving technologies driving those systems is radar.

Car use radar to spot the traffic around them and then perform tasks like maintaining lane position.  However, motorcycles are often not seen or even misinterpreted by the computer running the safety system, either of which could cause issues in traffic.

BMW is attempting to patent reflectors to increase the radar reflection capacity of motorcycles in an attempt to make the bike more visible to the computer.  Their solution mounts the reflectors on the end of the handlebars or on the axles to get maximum reflection.

My Take – Suzuki is also doing something similar to improve radar reflection of motorcycles.  This is something that must come from the motorcycle industry as the automotive guys just don’t think of motorcycles and the Vision Zero folks want to get rid of us.  Let us hope that something comes of this effort that will save lives.

*****

Ride on, Ride Safe

Motorcycle Recalls September 2020: Helmets, Piaggio, BMW

Posted: September 28, 2020 in Motorcycle, Motorcycle advocacy, Motorcycle news, motorcycle safety
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Be aware that this motorcycle recall list is for the United States, 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: 20E063000

Manufacturer Ultimate Leather Apparel Inc

Components Helmet

Summary:  Ultimate Leather Apparel Inc (Ultimate Leather) is recalling certain Zone HS1100 helmets manufactured 2014-2016, models HS1100-D1, HS1100-D2, HS1100-D3, HS1100-D5, HS1100-FLAT, HS1100-REBEL and HS1100-SHINY, in sizes XS, S, M, L, XL, and 2XL. The helmets may not adequately protect the wearer in the event of a head impact during a crash. As such, the helmets fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 218, “Motorcycle Helmets.”

Remedy: Ultimate Leather will notify owners, and will provide a refund or a replacement helmet, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin September 28, 2020. Owners may contact Ultimate Leather customer service at 1-833-262-2315.

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NHTSA Campaign Number: 20V524000

Manufacturer Piaggio Group Americas. Inc.

Components SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC

Summary: Piaggio Group Americas, Inc. (Piaggio) is recalling certain 2019-2020 MP3 500 motorcycles. The brake lines may have been improperly galvanized, allowing hydrogen to be released into the brake fluid.

Remedy: Piaggio will notify owners, and dealers will perform a complete brake system flush, free of charge. The recall began September 10, 2020. Owners may contact Piaggio customer service at 1-212-380-4433. Piaggio’s number for this recall is PP2ZZQ1904_MP3.

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NHTSA Campaign Number: 20V495000

Manufacturer BMW of North America, LLC

Components EQUIPMENT

Summary: BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2021 R 1250 RT, R 1250 R, R 1250 RS, R 1250 GS and R 1250 GS Adventure motorcycles. The tire pressure labels may not remain affixed to the motorcycle frame. As a result, these motorcycles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 120, “Wheels and Rims-Other Than Passenger Cars.”

Remedy: BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace the tire pressure label, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin October 12, 2020. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.

*****

Ride On, Ride Safe

Click here for the August 2020 Motorcycle Recall List

Motorcycle Recall August 2020: BMW X2, Triumph X2, Ducati, Indian

Posted: August 28, 2020 in Motorcycle, Motorcycle advocacy, Motorcycle news, motorcycle safety
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There were no recalls last month…but they made up for it this month!!

Be aware that this motorcycle recall list is for the United States, 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.

*****

Manufacturer BMW of North America, LLC

Components SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC, SERVICE BRAKES

Summary: BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2019-2020 R 1250 GS, GS Adventure and R 1250 RT, 2020 S 1000 RR and S 1000 XR motorcycles. The front brake calipers may leak brake fluid when parked. As such, these motorcycles fail to comply with the requirements of the Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 122, “Motorcycle Brake Systems.”

Remedy: BMW will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and if necessary, replace the front brake calipers with an improved version, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin October 6, 2020. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.

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Manufacturer Triumph Motorcycles America, LTD

Components ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

Summary: Triumph Motorcycle America, LTD (Triumph) is recalling certain 2019-2020 Street Scrambler and Street Twin motorcycles. The wiring harness may have been misrouted, allowing it to contact the lower lug on main frame headstock.

Remedy: Triumph will notify owners, and dealers will apply a new VIN label protector to prevent wiring harness damage, and, as necessary, damaged wiring harnesses will be repaired or replaced, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin August 27, 2020. Owners may contact Triumph customer service at 1-800-232-3780. Triumph’s number for this recall is SRAN 584.

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Manufacturer BMW of North America, LLC

Components FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE

Summary: BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2009-2011 K1300 (S, GT), 2010-2011 S1000 RR, 2005-2011 R1200 (GS, GS Adventure, R, RT, S, ST), 2006-2010 HP2 (Enduro, Megamoto, Sport), 2005-2008 K1200 (R, R Sport, S, GT), and 2012 K1600 (GT, GTL) motorcycles that were repaired under recall 13V-617 with the support ring remedy and where the fuel pump was not replaced at a later date. This recall involves the fuel pump, and also the auxiliary fuel pump as applicable. The affected motorcycles have a fuel pump flange that may crack, possibly resulting in a fuel leak while the engine is running.

Remedy: BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace the fuel pump(s) with an improved version, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin October 2, 2020. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.

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Manufacturer Ducati North America

Components ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, ENGINE

Summary: Ducati North America (Ducati) is recalling certain 2021 Streetfighter V4 and Streetfighter V4 S motorcycles. The generator rotor (flywheel) may break, damaging the generator cover and causing oil leakage from the engine.

Remedy: All affected vehicles are still in dealer inventory. Dealers will inspect the production dates on the generator rotors (flywheels) and replace them, as necessary. The recall began August 12, 2020. Owners may contact Ducati customer service at 1-888-391-5446. Ducati’s number for this recall is SRV-RCL-20-002.

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Manufacturer Indian Motorcycle Company

Components SERVICE BRAKES

Summary: Indian Motorcycle Company (Indian) is recalling certain 2019 Scout, Scout Sixty, and Scout Bobber motorcycles equipped with Anti-Lock Brake Systems (ABS). After the manufacturing process, air may remain trapped within the brake system, possibly reducing brake performance.

Remedy: Indian will notify owners, and dealers will perform a brake fluid bleed of the front and rear ABS to evacuate the air, free of charge. The manufacturer has not yet provided a recall start date. Owners may contact Indian customer service at 1-877-204-3697. Indian’s number for this recall is 1-18-07. This recall is an expansion of NHTSA Recall number 19V-156.

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Manufacturer Triumph Motorcycles America, LTD

Components EQUIPMENT

Summary: Triumph Motorcycles America, LTD (Triumph) is recalling certain Tiger 900, Rally, Rally Pro, GT, GT Low and GT Pro motorcycles. The rear reflex reflectors may detach. 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: Triumph will notify owners, and dealers will replace the rear reflex reflectors, free of charge. The recall began August 19, 2020. Owners may contact Triumph customer service at 1-800-232-3780. Triumph’s number for this recall is SRAN 582.

*****

RIDE ON, RIDE SAFE

Click here to see the July 2020 Motorcycle Recall List

Motorcycle Recall: October 2019 BMW X2, Honda, Can-Am

Posted: October 28, 2019 in Motorcycle, Motorcycle advocacy, Motorcycle news, motorcycle safety
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recall

Be aware that this motorcycle recall list is for the United States, 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 in Europe use the Safety Gate website to locate recalls that may impact you. 

 *****

Manufacturer: Honda American Honda Motor Co

SUMMARY: Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2019 CRF450L motorcycles. The horn mount may break, allowing the horn to detach from the motorcycle.

CONSEQUENCE: An unsecured horn may interfere with the motorcycle while driving, affecting handling and control, or it may fall off and become a road hazard. Either of these scenarios can increase the risk of a crash.  

REMEDY: Honda will notify owners, and dealers will replace the horn and horn mount, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin December 2, 2019. Owners may contact Honda customer service at 1-866-784-1870. Honda’s number for this recall is KK4.

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Manufacturer: BMW of North America, LLC 

SUMMARY: BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2020 S 1000 RR motorcycles. The oil cooler hoses may not be attached properly to the oil pipes, possibly resulting in an oil leak.  

CONSEQUENCE: Leaking oil may drip in the path of the rear tire, increasing the risk of a crash.

 REMEDY: BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace the oil cooler assembly, including the hoses, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin November 27, 2019. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.

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Manufacturer: Bombardier Recreational Products Inc. 

SUMMARY: Bombardier Recreational Products Inc. (BRP) is recalling certain 2019-2020 Can-Am Ryker motorcycles. The wheel nuts may crack, causing the wheels to loosen.  

CONSEQUENCE: Loose wheels may cause a loss of vehicle control, increasing the risk of a crash.  

REMEDY: BRP will notify owners, and dealers will replace the wheel nuts, free of charge. The recall began October 17, 2019. Owners may contact BRP customer service at 1-888-272-9222.

 *****

Manufacturer: BMW of North America, LLC 

SUMMARY: BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2017-2020 K 1600 GT and 2018-2020 K 1600 GTL and K 1600 B motorcycles. Certain transmission parts may not have been produced to the appropriate hardness level. This could affect the function of the transmission, possibly causing double engagement of two gears and/or the damage of transmission parts.  

CONSEQUENCE: Double gear engagement or transmission damage can cause the rear wheel to lock up, affecting the vehicle stability and increasing the risk of a crash.

 REMEDY: BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace the shift forks, the selector sleeve of 5th/6th gear and the gear wheel of 6th gear, free of charge. Interim letters notifying owners of the safety risk will be mailed November 8, 2019. A second letter will be sent once the remedy is available. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.

BMW Motorcycle Fans… 90 years in 90 seconds

Posted: January 11, 2015 in Motorcycle
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Although I think they omitted the motorcycles from the World Wars….. hummm

Motorcycle Movies: Another one for you to check out “The Best Bar in America”

Posted: December 11, 2014 in Motorcycle, Motorcycle news, Motorcycle TV
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A few days ago I posted about a movie I ran across Sit Stay Ride: The Story of America’s Sidecar Dogs a documentary on dogs that ride in the side car.

Now I have a run across another move. In Best Bar in America a writer is motorcycling across the west in a writing assignment to find the best bar in America. The trailer really intrigued me and you might be interested in it as well, or not.  I will order both right after the New Year starts and let you know what I think about them.

 

Servicing your Motorcycle: DIY or Dealership

Posted: April 10, 2014 in Motorcycle
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I see a lot of this type of question on many of the other blogs, websites and forms.  Most typically they start off congenial but spin down to the “the dealership sucks and charges too much” and “if you don’t do it yourself you are a wimp”.

My POV on this subject originates in 2000 at a Ford dealership in Fayetteville, NC.  I was there buying a new vehicle, the first Ford Sport Trac sold in Fayetteville, when I overheard a heated and loud argument at the service desk.

Ostensibly a man had, what he considered, warranty work performed on his transmission (it was older F250 with a couple 100K of what looked like hard miles).  As I was waiting for my vehicle to be taken off the truck (I said it was the first) I listened to the conversion between the service representative and the owner of the truck.  Just like all these type of conversations it started politely but got heated in a hurry.

The dealership wanted to charge him over $1500 dollars for the work while he insisted it should be covered by warranty.  What it boiled down to was that the dealership stated with that many miles the transmission should have been serviced, if I remember correctly, five times.  The owner was stating that it had been serviced, he did it himself.  She responded that for the warranty to be honored the service had to be performed by a “certified” mechanic, that they would not honor the warranty. 

Now I do not know how the situation was resolved, my brand new Sport Trac came off the truck and I was checking it out. But that argument left an imprint on me that have lasted to this day.  If my vehicles are under warranty the dealership gets all service work, with the occasional exception for the standard oil change (and I keep records of that).  I also attempt to be very prompt in getting the services performed at the appropriate mileage points, give or take a few thousand miles.

I do know how to do a lot of the work myself.  I can do a lot of the basic things (that do not require a computer and there is less and less of that every year) like all the fluid changes, spark plugs and wires, batteries, lights, etc.. I have worked with friends to change transmissions and I have helped work on the pumpkins of four wheel drives.  I even use to know how to use the tire changing machines and wheel balancers and I think I could figure out how to use the modern equipment to do that job too.

So where does that leave me?  I have the knowledge to do some of my own work, but I do not want to jeopardize my warranty just in case I have a major problem down the road.  All my vehicles get their service at the dealership at least through the end of the warranty, and I do typically get the extended warranty.  To some folks I will be a stupid wimp but I think I fit in there with the majority of the population. 

 

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