Posts Tagged ‘Kawasaki’

Motorcycle News Noise Regulations in the EU and Radar Love

Posted: November 5, 2024 in Motorcycle, Motorcycle advocacy, Motorcycle news, motorcycle safety
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What you need to know: EU tightens motorcycle noise regulations.

They are not changing the regulation (UN-ECE Regulation R41.05), for new motorcycles, but on how the regulation is tested. Currently regulation requires motorcycles on the road (without the engine running) at 31MPH (50kph) would have to be the same volume as the same bike travelling at 31MPH with the engine running.  

Starting in 2025 tests will see motorcycle noise measured at up to 80% of the maximum engine speed and at speed range 6 – 62MPH (10 to 100 KPM). Also, measurements will also be taken in all the bike’s gears.

AND the testing must be done by an “independent” organization and not the manufacturer.

My Take: You can expect this to be exported to America sooner rather than later.  It might not be accepted here and receive major push-back but it will be attempted.

I also see this as another step of the Vision Zero crowd to restrict motorcycles and motorcyclists. 

What you need to know: Honda wants greater radar reflection on motorcycles

With more and more cars using radars to assist drivers or even auto-pilot cars. Those cars need to see motorcycles, the fact that is they are not doing a good job with that task as I have noted before.

Honda, and some other manufacturers, are looking to add radar reflection enhancements to their motorcycles.  I their effort, Honda is adding 3 “cup like” areas of highly radar reflective materials behind the windshield.

My Take: Not a bad idea!  Anything to help in-attentive drivers to avoid running us over will be a major help. Honda is not the first to file a patent for this tech.  Suzuki, Piaggio and BMW have filed patents for similar technology.

Motorcycle Recalls September 2024: Harley Davidson (41,000), Kawasaki Brake Recall

Posted: September 30, 2024 in Motorcycle, Motorcycle advocacy, Motorcycle news, motorcycle recall
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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.

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Manufacturer Harley-Davidson Motor Company

NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V572000

Components ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

Potential Number of Units Affected 41,637

Summary: Harley-Davidson Motor Company (Harley-Davidson) is recalling certain 2024 FLHX, FLHXSE, FLTRX, FLTRXSE, and FLTRXSTSE motorcycles. The voltage regulator output wire may rub on the front corner of the crankcase, exposing the wire and causing an electrical short circuit. A short can result in a loss of electrical power and drive power.

Remedy: Dealers will inspect and as necessary, repair the voltage regulator output wire harness, and install a secondary retention strap, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed September 23, 2024. Owners may contact Harley-Davidson customer service at 1-800-258-2464. Harley-Davidson’s number for this recall is 0186.

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

NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V680000

Components ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

Summary: Kawasaki Motors Corp., U.S.A. (KMC) is recalling certain 2024 Z7 Hybrid ABS and Ninja 7 Hybrid ABS motorcycles. The electronic control unit (ECU) may cause the transmission to shift into neutral when the operator attempts to shift from first to second gear.

Remedy: Dealers will reprogram the ECM software, free of charge. The owner notification schedule has not been determined yet. Owners may contact KMC customer service at 1-866-802-9381. KMC’s number for this recall is MC24-13.

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Motorcycle News: Moto Guzzi and Suzuki

Posted: March 18, 2024 in Motorcycle, Motorcycle advocacy, Motorcycle news, Motorcycle Rides, motorcycle touring, Rally
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ijustwant2ride.com

Motorcycle News – What you need to know… 2024 Moto Guzzi Experience USA

Moto Guzzi has announced the 2024 Moto Guzzi Experience in the United States. The Moto Guzzi Experience is not only about stunning scenery but also about rewarding riding.  

“Participants will tackle some of the country’s most challenging and bucket-list-worthy roads and highways, offering a true test of skill and adrenaline. experiencing the thrill of riding our latest Moto Guzzi models on some of the most iconic routes in this beautiful country.”

  • Rocky Mountains, June 5-9, 2024 (3-day Ride)
  • Pacific Northwest, July 15-21, 2024 (5-day Ride)
  • Yellowstone, July 31 – August 5, 2024 (4-Day Ride)
  • Smoky Mountains, September 11-16, 2024 (4-Day Ride)

If you are interested in participating check out the details at the MOTO GUZZI EXPERIENCE website

My Take –UPSHIFT – While some folks don’t care for vendor driven events, I do.  You often get to see their new products and often get to take them on demo rides.  I don’t own a Moto Guzzi if I did I would try to attend one or more of the events.

purple motorcycle ijustwant2ride.com

What you need to know… Suzuki 2024 National Demo Tour

          Suzuki has kicked off its 2024 Demo Tour.  Their tour will give you a chance to try out a large part of their fleet of motorcycles.  The tour began during Daytona Bike Week. 

Here is a listing of the motorcycles you could try out:

  • GSX-8R sport bike
  • GSX-8S 
  • V-STROM 800DE and 800 adventure tourers
  • V-STROM 1050DE and 1050 adventure tourers
  • Hayabusa sport bike
  • Hayabusa 25th Anniversary Edition
  • GSX-R1000R, GSX-R750, GSX-R600 sport bikes
  • GSX-S1000GT+ high-performance sport-tourers
  • GSX-S1000
  • DR-Z400S and DR-Z400SM supermoto
  • DR-650S dual-sport
  • M109R power cruisers and more.

Go to the SUZUKI EVENTS CALENDAR to see when and where the demo fleet is headed.

My Take – Upshift – I still want to take the Katana out for a spin, but it is not on the list.

purple motorcycle ijustwant2ride.com

Ride on, Ride Safe

The International Motorcycle Show 2021

Posted: October 10, 2021 in custom motorcycle, Motorcycle, Motorcycle news, motorcycle show, Rally
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I am just now getting around to writing about our trip to the 2021 International Motorcycle Show. Life and work have been pushing against riding and writing for a couple months now thus the reason for fewer posts.  I hope that is changing for the better, fingers crossed.

For us this year’s show was held at the Carlisle, Pennsylvania Fairgrounds, which is about a two-hour trip for us.  That was not much more than the trip into Washington, DC.  The trip into the city, while 100 miles closer, could often take hours as well.

The fairground was mostly flat with only a small hill to get to the Kawasaki display I had no issues with the choice of the venue. It was easy to get to food and product vendors as you walk around taking in the sights.  Parking was ample with separate areas and entry points for car and motorcycles.

The fact that the International Motorcycle Show was outdoors, was a surprise. While there I meet a member of the show team and spoke to her about why they moved outdoors.  I will write a separate post on her response to that question, it was interesting.

As far as the show and motorcycles went it was pretty much on par with the indoor show with one major exception, there were a lot of test rides available.  Every major manufacture had something on hand for a test ride! This was not the case with the indoor DC show typically held in January. DC in January is not an opportune time to test ride a motorcycle.

This year, as I noted in earlier post, the motorcycle show folks had the Direction Wide Open team there to talk about traveling the RV/Caravan lifestyle with motorcycles. Lucinda and Will Belden provided an interesting and lively discussion on how you can take your motorcycling in a different direction with the use of an RV. It was quite fun listening to their stories and answers to the attendees’ questions.

J&P Cycle was again sponsoring the custom motorcycle show and contest next to the tent holding the vintage bikers’ rides.  Walking between the two was like a time travel event! But, in each tent there were fabulous motorcycles that made me want to hit the lottery so I could have my own set of tents.

So, all in all I would deem the Outdoor International Motorcycle Show a hit.  Would I go if it were raining?  Well, if you have read this blog for very long you know the answer to that question, of course I would.  But would the attendance be as great, of that I am not sure.

Motorcycle Recall December 2020: Honda, Kawasaki X2, Triumph

Posted: December 29, 2020 in Motorcycle, 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.

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Manufacturer Honda (American Honda Motor Co.)

Components FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE

Summary  Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2018-2019 Africa Twin Adventure Sports (CRF1000L) and 2020 Africa Twin Adventure Sports (CRF1100L) motorcycles. Contaminants inside the fuel tank may cause the fuel filter to clog, possibly resulting in an engine stall.

Remedy  Honda will notify owners, and dealers will drain and clean the fuel tank, and replace the fuel filter assembly, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin February 15, 2021. Owners may contact Honda customer service at 1-866-784-1870. Honda’s number for this recall is KL4.

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

Components ENGINE, ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

Potential Number of Units Affected 1,770

Summary  Kawasaki Motors Corp., U.S.A. (KMC) is recalling certain 2021 Z400 ABS (ER400D), Ninja 400 (EX400H) and Ninja 400 ABS (EX400G) motorcycles. The strength of the camshaft chain tensioner may be insufficient due to improper heat treatment, possibly causing it to be damaged.

Remedy  KMC will notify owners, and dealers will replace the camshaft chain tensioner, free of charge. Note: Owners are advised to not ride their motorcycles until the repair has been completed. The recall began December 21, 2020. Owners may contact KMC customer service at 1-866-802-9381. KMC’s number for this recall is MC20-13.

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Manufacturer Triumph Motorcycles America, LTD

Components SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC

Summary  Triumph Motorcycles America, LTD (Triumph) is recalling certain 2020-2021 Rocket 3 GT, Rocket 3 R, and 2020 Rocket 3 TFC motorcycles. Air could have entered the antilock brake system (ABS) modulator while the rear brake system was filled during production.

Remedy  Triumph will notify owners, and dealers will bleed the rear brake system, free of charge. The recall began December 18, 2020. Owners may contact Triumph customer service at 1-678-854-2010. Triumph’s number for this recall is SRAN 587.

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

Components SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC

Summary  Kawasaki Motors Corp., U.S.A. (KMC) is recalling certain 2021 Ninja ZX-14R motorcycles. The front brake master cylinder may be missing an internal component, which can cause inconsistent front braking force.

Remedy  KMC will notify owners, and dealers will replace the front brake master cylinder, free of charge. Note: Owners are advised to not ride their motorcycle until the repair is complete. The recall began December 4, 2020. Owners may contact Kawasaki customer service at 1-866-802-9381. Kawasaki’s number for this recall is MC20-11.

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Ride on, Ride Safe

Click here for the November 2020 Motorcycle Recall List

Motorcycle News – Realignment in the Motorcycle industry.

Posted: December 8, 2020 in Motorcycle, Motorcycle advocacy, Motorcycle news, Motorcycle racing
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Downshift – Realignment in the Motorcycle industry.

Suzuki – Suzuki Motor of America has announced a restructuring of US operations. Suzuki Motorcycles/ATV and the Marine Division will be split into separate companies on April 1st, 2021.

The motorcycle company will be headquartered in California, the marine company in Florida.

Kawasaki – Kawasaki Heavy Industries will spin off the motorcycle and “rolling stock (trains)” divisions as part of a major restructuring as the company faces a $47 million-dollar operating loss.

Hashimoto Yasuhiko stated that he hopes the motorcycle division will continue to build the brand and revitalize the market through collaboration with other companies.

Ducati – Volkswagen is again looking to sell Ducati and is hosting preliminary talks with potential bidders.  It appears that they are packaging Lamborghini and Ducati for a sell off.  Selling them together or separately is still unknown

Sources are reporting that the sale process may begin in early 2021. VW has not officially confirmed this activity.

Harley Davidson – Has dropped several new products, their new street fighter “The Bronx” for example, closed plants and most recently begin the process to pull out of India. Although now they are using Hero as a distribution partner in India and, in one article, will allow Hero to brand some of their motorcycles as Harley Davidson.

Harley also just pulled out of all factory sponsored racing.

This is all part of their new “re-wired” restructuring plan. 

My take – There is a major shift going on in the world of motorcycling and not for the better. 

Long term I feel that their will be a shrinking of manufacturing not all makers will survive. Governments around the world are pushing for all vehicles to go electric, but battery range for motorcycles just are not anywhere near comparable with fossil fuel engines.

Tie that with the Vision Zero desire to eliminate traffic deaths, which would require the removal of motorcycles from the road, and the on-coming autonomous vehicle revolution … can motorcycles survive?

So, I do not have a lot of hope for long term viability of motorcycling. Sigh.

But, there are a few good signs. Norton and BSA are going to make motorcycle again and both in Britian!

Reply to this post and tell me I am wrong.

Motorcycle Recall November 2020: Zero, Kawasaki, Helmets

Posted: November 30, 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.

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Manufacturer Zero Motorcycles Inc.

Components EXTERIOR LIGHTING

Summary Zero Motorcycles Inc. (Zero) is recalling certain 2020 SR/F and SR/S motorcycles. The front brake switch can fail from water getting into the switch.

Remedy Zero will notify owners, and dealers will the replace the front brake switch, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin November 30, 2020. Owners may contact Zero customer service at 1-888-841-8085. Zero’s number for this recall is SV-ZMC-021-020.

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

Components POWER TRAIN, ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

Summary Kawasaki Motors Corp., U.S.A. (KMC) is recalling certain 2018-2020 Ninja H2 SX, Ninja H2 SXSE, and 2019-2020 Ninja H2 SXSE+ motorcycles. In the event of a gear mis-engagement the engine electronic control unit (ECU) programming doesn’t have the
capability to suppress high RPM during transmission. If the transmission gears are not properly engaged while shifting into 4th or 5th gear, high engine RPM can cause the output gears of 4th or 5th to fracture when the gears re-engage.

Remedy KMC will notify owners, and dealers will reprogram the FI-ECU software, free of charge. Owners are advised to not ride their motorcycle until the repair has been completed. The recall began November 16, 2020. Owners may contact KMC customer service at 1-866-802-9381. KMC’s number for this recall is MC20-10.

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Manufacturer Leather on Wheels Inc

Summary Leather On Wheels Inc (Leather On Wheels) is recalling certain WCL Helmets, model Polo, part number 666, in all sizes produced 9/1/14 through 3/16/20. The helmet may not adequately reduce the amount of force the wearer experiences during an impact. As such, these helmets fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard FMVSS 218, “Motorcycle Helmets.”

Remedy Leather On Wheels will notify owners, and dealers will provide a credit or replace the helmet, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin November 20, 2020. Owners may contact Leather On Wheels customer service at 1-587-583-0070.

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Ride on, Ride Safe

Click here for the list of October 2020 Motorcycle Recalls

Motorcycle Recall June 2020: Kawasaki, Arcimoto, Kymco

Posted: June 29, 2020 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 outside the USA, use the appropriate website to locate recalls that may impact you. 

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Manufacturer KYMCO USA

Components SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC

Summary:  KYMCO USA (KYMCO) is recalling certain 2018-2019 Like 150i scooters. Excessive grease applied to the ABS sensor magnetic ring may cause the deterioration of the magnetic ring, resulting in ABS failure.

Remedy:  KYMCO will notify owners, and dealers will clean the speed sensor sleeve and replace the magnetic ring in the speed sensor, free of charge. The manufacturer has not provided a notification schedule for this recall.

Owners may contact KYMCO customer service at 1-888-235-3417. KYMCO’s recall number for this recall is Like150-2020-Recall.

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Manufacturer Arcimoto Inc

Components SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC

Summary:  Arcimoto Inc. (Arcimoto) is recalling certain 2019-2020 FUV motorcycles. The hydraulic brake hose assemblies do not have a “DOT” marking, and also may fail constriction testing. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 106, “Brake Hoses.”

Remedy:  Arcimoto will notify owners and will replace the hydraulic brake hose assemblies, free of charge, using factory technicians. This recall is expected to begin July 6, 2020.

Owners may contact Arcimoto customer service at 1-541-683-6293.

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

Components ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

Summary:  Kawasaki Motors Corp., U.S.A. (Kawasaki) is recalling certain 2019-2020 NINJA ZX-10R, NINJA ZX-10R ABS, and NINJA ZX-10R ABS KRT EDITION motorcycles. The engine control unit (ECU) programming may cause the engine to backfire when the quick shift function is used under high engine load, possibly resulting in damage to the air suction valves.

Remedy:  Kawasaki will notify owners, and dealers will reprogram the ECU and inspect the air suction valves and surrounding parts, replacing them as necessary. All repairs will be performed free of charge. This recall began June 8, 2020.

Owners may contact Kawasaki customer service at 1-866-802-9381. Kawasaki’s number for this recall is MC20-02.

Ride On, Ride Safe

Work to Ride Day is June 15th

Posted: June 4, 2020 in Motorcycle, Motorcycle advocacy
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r2w

The 3rd Monday in June is International Ride Your Motorcycle/Scooter to Workday.  This year that is the 15th of June for the calendar challenged out there. 😊

Assuming you are allowed to ride, or you have work to actually ride to.

I have been working from home, so my plan is to ride around the neighborhood a few times before I start my day.

Ride on, Ride Safe

International Motorcycle Show DC

Posted: January 21, 2020 in custom motorcycle, Motorcycle, Motorcycle advocacy
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IMG_20200112_140252790

Recently my wife and attended the International Motorcycle Show (IMS) in Washington DC. This is around or fifth or sixth IMS in a row and about eight altogether. It has always been a good time and we enjoy going.IMG_20200112_105512279

This year though there were a lot of missing manufacturers. Some of the smaller companies Aprilia, Moto Guzzi, Royal Enfield were missing, not necessarily surprising in the current market. But KTM was a no show, Ducati, Husqvarna were represented by local dealers and Honda, Harley Davidson and especially Indian were quite downsized.

The number of smaller vendors was about the same as was the crowd. Although I will say it felt as if there were fewer people because the alleys between vendors was much wider than in the past.

As side entertainment there was a motorcycle stunt show, little kids riding electric bikes and adults riding Electric Zeros. There was also a vintage motorcycle. There was also the annual J&P Cycles touring custom motorcycle show, there were a bunch of hot bikes to look at.

IMG_20200112_110022565The two most intriguing items for me were the new KLIM airbag vest and the fact that Harley Davidson had their new Pan American and Bronx motorcycles “under glass”. The KLIM airbag vest, selling for $499 is, I think, the cheapest vest, by a major maker, on the market. It has piqued my interest and if I find an extra $500 I might be in the market to purchase one.

The Harley motorcycles under glass was interesting. Both bikes were getting a lot of attention and I heard folks stating that they like the styling on both. The glass, however, made taking photos difficult, as you can see below. Harley also had their Live Wire electric motorcycle on display as well as an opportunity to “ride” it on a dyno like roller.

So, what did I come away with from this years IMS? I was reinforced that the motorcycle industry is in general decline and I really like the styling of the new Suzuki Katana! While my back can no longer take riding a sport bike, man that Katana is hot!

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