Hitting Neutral – Harley Davidson Live Wire offers their second model.
Starting in the US, this July, you will be able to buy the second electric motorcycle offered by Harley Davidson’s electric division. For $15,499(US) you will be able to ride away with an S2 Del Mar capable of 0-60 in 3 seconds.
It will also have a range of 110 “city miles” and will recharge on a Level 2 charger from 20% to 80% in 75 minutes. There is no fast or super charge available currently.
My Take – This is an urban commuter motorcycle. Nothing wrong with that but, it is a niche spot that might find some traction against Zero’s offerings. The lack of a fast charger option is a bit of let down but from an urban zip around traffic commuter bike point of view it will probably work.
I test rode the Live Wire and the Zero SRF each were fantastic rides. Acceleration and handling were very good with both bikes, and they are something that people should look at if interested. But I am not yet a fan of EVs and electric motorcycles.
In the real world, outside of the urban jungle, there is still a dearth of charging stations and charging times are still incomparable to the standard conventional vehicle. I am awaiting the evolution of hydrogen power to be pursued as hard as EV. That will be the true zero emission vehicle.
*****
Up Shift – Ducati sets a new record!
For the first time ever, Ducati has recorded revenue of over $1 Billion!
This is a 24% increase over 2021 and a profit of over $100 million. This also aligns with the sale of the most Ducati motorcycles ever at 61,562 a 3.6% increase over 2021. Ducati has also expanded their dealership network to over 800.
My Take: Tie this to their race success in MotoGP and other series then I think we are in a Golden Age of Ducati. This is well deserved success they created a plan and are executing it well. It was just a few years ago that people stated that Ducati was Italian for 8th place, can’t say that anymore!
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.
*****
Up Shift – Royal Enfield at the South Pole – How do you celebrate 120 years making motorcycles? You take a ride to the South Pole! Starting November 26th Royal Enfield is taking two modified Himalayans on a 39-day, 480-mile adventure to the Amundsen-Scott South Pole Station.
The motorcycles, ridden by Royal Enfield worker Santhosh Vijay and Dean Coxson, will ride in the tracks of the support vehicles. The bikes have been tested in Iceland to make sure they are capable for this tour of the real down under.
My Take – This is pretty cool (LOL get it)! Some purest have poo-pooed the fact that they are riding in the competed tracks of the support vehicles, but I don’t have a problem with that. I guess that they are riding to the pole in the summer is an issue as well. No, Royal Enfield is stepping up their game.
******
Up Shift – Ducati has record sales – Ducati is claiming that 1 in 4 superbikes sold is a Ducati Panigale. Not only that but they passed last year’s sales in the first 9 months of 2021. 2021 has been their best year ever with 49,693 motorcycles sold before the fourth quarter even began. The Multistrada was the best seller followed by the Scrambler 800, Streetfighter V4 and then the Monster.
My Take – 4,475 of that record setting number were sold in the US so we are doing our part! Congratulations to not only Ducati but to the industry! Maybe, just maybe we are on the upswing of a new peak in motorcycling.
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.
*****
Manufacturer Ducati North America
Components STRUCTURE
Summary: Ducati North America (Ducati) is recalling certain 2019 Hypermotard 950 SP motorcycles. The side stand may be improperly welded, potentially causing the stand to break.
Remedy: Dealers will install a new side stand, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed October 22, 2021. Owners may contact Ducati customer service at 1-888-391-5446. Ducati’s number for this recall is SRV-RCL-21-011.
*****
Manufacturer Honda (American Honda Motor Co.)
Components SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
Summary: Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2019-2020 CB500X and CBR500R ABS motorcycles. Excessive grease in the ABS modulator may collect debris, which can get stuck in the check valve and cause a brake fluid leak.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect the lot number on the ABS modulator, and replace the modulator as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed October 29, 2021. Owners may contact Honda Powersports customer service at 1-866-784-1870. Honda’s number for this recall is KM6.
*****
Manufacturer KTM North America, Inc.
Components SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
Summary: KTM North America, Inc. (KTM) is recalling certain 2022 Husqvarna FE 350s and Husqvarna FE 501s motorcycles. The brake pad retaining clips on the front brake caliper may have been mounted incorrectly, which could result in loose front brake pads.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect and repair the brake pad retaining clips, as necessary, free of charge. Owners are advised to not ride their motorcycles until the repair has been performed. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed September 20, 2021. Owners may contact KTM customer service at 1-888-985-6090. KTM’s number for this recall is HTB2108.
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.
*****
Manufacturer Ducati North America
Components EXTERIOR LIGHTING
Summary Ducati North America (Ducati) is recalling certain 2021 Scrambler 800 Night Shift motorcycles. The front and rear turn signal lights may not flash brightly enough. As such, these motorcycles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 108, “Lamps, Reflective Devices, and Associated Equipment.”
Remedy Dealers will replace the front and rear turn signals, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed June 23, 2021. Owners may contact Ducati customer service at 1-888-391-5446. Ducati’s number for this recall is SRV-RCL-21-009.
*****
Manufacturer Ducati North America
Components SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
Summary Ducati North America (Ducati) is recalling certain 2015-2021 Monster 821, 2014-2021 Monster 1200 S/STD, and 2016-2019 Monster 1200 R motorcycles. The rear brake hoses may be susceptible to heat damage.
Remedy Dealers will replace the rear brake hoses, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed June 23, 2021. Owners may contact Ducati customer service at 1-888-391-5446.
*****
Manufacturer Ducati North America
Components SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
Summary Ducati North America (Ducati) is recalling certain 2017-2020 Monster 797, Monster 1200, Supersport, 2016-2020 XDiavel, and 2018-2020 Monster 821 motorcycles. Air may permeate the rear bake system.
Remedy Dealers will install new rear brake hoses, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed June 17, 2021. Owners may contact Ducati customer service at 1-888-391-5446.
*****
Manufacturer Arcimoto Inc
Components SEAT BELTS
Summary Arcimoto Inc (Arcimoto) is recalling certain 2019-2021 FUV, 2020 Deliverator, 2021 Rapid Responder motorcycles. The seat belt retractor spool sleeve may be cracked, allowing broken pieces to block the seat belt from retracting.
Remedy A service technician will replace the seat belt retractor, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed May 31, 2021. Owners may contact Arcimoto customer service at 1-541-683-6293.
*****
Manufacturers Arcimoto Inc
Components ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, HYBRID PROPULSION SYSTEM
Summary Arcimoto Inc (Arcimoto) is recalling certain 2019-2021 FUV, 2021 Rapid Responder, 2020 Deliverator, 2020-2021 Roadster. Due to a software error, communication between inverters may time out, possibly resulting in an unexpected battery shutdown.
Remedy A service technician to reprogram the inverter firmware, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed May 12, 2021. Owners may contact Arcimoto customer service at 1-541-683-6293. Note: Vehicles previously repaired under Recall 19V834 will need to return for the new remedy.
*****
Manufacturer Arcimoto Inc
Components ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, STEERING
Summary Arcimoto Inc (Arcimoto) is recalling certain 2019-2021 FUV, 2020 Deliverator, 2020-2021 Roadster, and 2021 Rapid Responder motorcycles. The Steering Angle Sensor (SAS) may have been incorrectly calibrated, causing the SAS to fail to or incorrectly detect a fault.
Remedy A service technician will update the firmware and replace the idler arm, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed May 20, 2021. Owners may contact Arcimoto customer service at 1-541-683-6293.
*****
Manufacturer KTM North America, Inc.
Components SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
Summary KTM North America, Inc. (KTM) is recalling certain 2019-2020 KTM 790 Adventure and 790 Adventure R, and 2020 KTM 790 Adventure R Rally motorcycles. The front brake master cylinder piston return spring may be too weak to return the brake piston to its original position, reducing the functionality of the front brake.
Remedy Dealers will replace the return spring, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed May 21, 2021. Owners may contact KTM customer service at 1-888-985-6090. KTM’s number for this recall is KTM2106.
*****
Manufacturer Suzuki Motor USA, LLC
Components ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Summary Suzuki Motor USA, LLC (Suzuki) is recalling certain 2019-2020 UH200 motorcycles. The speedometer assembly resistors may corrode and cause a loss of power to the wheel speed sensor, preventing the speedometer and odometer from displaying information.
Remedy Dealers will replace the speedometer assembly, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed May 24, 2021. Owners may contact Suzuki customer service at 714-572-1490 or http://www.suzukicycles.com.
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.
*****
Manufacturer Honda (American Honda Motor Co.)
Components STRUCTURE
Summary: Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2021 CBR1000RR-R Fireblade SP motorcycles. The rear cushion connecting plate(s) may have been installed incorrectly, which may cause the plate(s) to break.
Remedy: Honda will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and, as necessary, replace both rear cushion connecting plates free of charge. The recall is expected to begin June 7, 2021. Owners may contact Honda Powersports customer service at 1-866-784-1870. Honda’s number for this recall is KL9.
*****
Manufacturer Harley-Davidson Motor Company
Components EXTERIOR LIGHTING
Summary: Harley-Davidson Motor Company (Harley-Davidson) is recalling certain 2019-2021 Sportster (XL) motorcycles and 796 headlight assemblies that may have been sold as replacement parts for 2005-2019 Sportster, 2005-2017 Softail, 2005-2017 Dyna, and 2005-2011 V-Rod motorcycles. The glass bulb within the headlight assembly may fail, causing a loss of both high and low beams.
Remedy: Harley-Davidson will notify owners, and dealers will install a headlamp bulb shield, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin April 12, 2021. Owners may contact Harley-Davidson customer service at 1-800-258-2464. Harley-Davidson’s number for this recall is 0177.
*****
Manufacturer Ducati North America
Components ENGINE
Summary: Ducati North America (Ducati) is recalling certain 2021 Multistrada V4 S motorcycles. Excessive wear of the valve guides may cause the valve head to break.
Remedy: Ducati will notify owners, and the dealer will replace the entire motorcycle engine with another engine, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin April 15, 2021. Owners may contact Ducati customer service at 1-888-391-5446. Ducati’s number for this recall is SRV-RCL-21-002.
*****
Manufacturer Arcimoto Inc
Components ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Summary: Arcimoto Inc (Arcimoto) is recalling certain 2019-2020 FUV, and 2020 Deliverator vehicles. The electronic drivers in some of the high voltage (HV) contactors may malfunction and overheat, which could cause the battery to shutdown.
Remedy: Arcimoto will notify owners, and an Arcimoto factory technician will replace the contactors and related components, free of charge. The recall began March 29, 2021. Owners may contact Arcimoto customer service at 1-541-683-6293.
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!
*****
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.
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.
*****
Manufacturer Ducati North America
Components STRUCTURE
Summary Ducati North America (Ducati) is recalling certain 2016-2018 XDiavel S and XDiavel STD motorcycles. The side stand bracket may fatigue under load, resulting in failure of the side stand assembly and a potential for the motorcycle to fall when stationary on the stand.
Remedy Ducati will notify owners, and dealers will install a new side stand bracket, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin March 15, 2021. Owners may contact Ducati customer service at 1-888-391-5446. Ducati’s number for this recall is SRV-RCL-21-001.
*****
Manufacturer Royal Enfield North America Limited
Components SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
Summary Royal Enfield North America Limited (Royal Enfield) is recalling certain 2018-2020 Continental GT 650 and Interceptor 650 motorcycles. Road salt may cause corrosion on the brake calipers.
Remedy Royal Enfield will notify owners, and dealers will replace front and rear calipers, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin March 22, 2021. Owners may contact Royal Enfield customer service at 1-414-502-1214.
*****
Manufacturer Yamaha Motor Corporation, USA
Components EQUIPMENT
Summary Yamaha Motor Corporation, USA (Yamaha) is recalling certain 2019-2021 YZF-R3 motorcycles, 2019-2020 XMAX (CDZ300) scooters, and 2020 MT03 motorcycles. The Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) printed on the Federal Certification label may not match the VIN stamped on the vehicle. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of 49 CFR Part 567, “Certification.”
Remedy Yamaha will notify owners, and dealers will install a correct certification label, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin February 16, 2021. Owners may contact Yamaha customer service at 1-800-962-7926. Yamaha’s number for this recall is 990144.
Hitting Neutral – Orange County Chopper is closing shop in the state of New York and moving to St. Petersburg, Florida. The following came from their Facebook page:
“And so, it begins, the next chapter in the Orange County Choppers story. Ground has been broken at the all-new OCC Roadhouse, Museum and Entertainment Complex in St. Petersburg, Florida.”
During a radio interview with WKRG, Paul Senior added some more commentary on the reason for the move:
“There’s more of a sense of freedom down there. I think I have more of a fan base down there in Florida and the riding season is nine months maybe even ten. In New York, you have a short season, maybe only three months or so. The whole thing makes sense.”
He added politics and taxes played a major role in his decision.
“Sometimes it’s just time for change, you know? Where I’m at in my life, it’s time for change and you feel the freedom in Florida, you don’t feel it so much in New York anymore,”
My Take – The last several years have been extremely hard on the motorcycle industry. I bet Orange County Choppers have been hurt more than the big guys. This move will reduce the tax burden and possible other costs.
This is a hard time which requires hard decision. Good for them for making that hard decision. I hope it works out.
*****
Up Shift – Josh Herrin (racer with MotoAmerica) recently set a world record for the fastest motorcycle elbow drag. He drug is elbow for about 100 feet (30 Meters) at 100.9 MPH (162.4 KPH) establishing the record!
The idea for this world record attempt came from a brain storming session with his sponsor “Fresh n Lean”.
My Take – Very cool! It is also great to see a sponsor step up to do things like this in the motorcycle world!
*****
Down Shift – Armed FBI raid on Ducati North America. The FBI finical crimes division raided the headquarters of Ducati North America as well as the homes of some of their corporate leaders. To date, there has been no official statement as what warranted the raid or what is going on. Ducati released a statement that confirmed that the raid occurred, and that Ducati was fully complying with the government.
My Take – Something that make you go hummmmm. Is Ducati in trouble or are they the collateral damage from some other party. Stay tuned.
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.
*****
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.
*****
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.
*****
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.
*****
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.
*****
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.
I JUST WANT 2 RIDE!! 