Posts Tagged ‘motorcycle blog’

To all the current, past, and future veterans “I salute you”!  As one myself I know the levels of hardship that can come with that lifestyle.

veteran vet

Many service members will take their motorcycles with them each time they move or sell their current bike to buy a new one at their new destination.  I like to think that this motivation is something that crosses international boundaries. I can imagine a soldier in India riding or pulling his motorcycle to the next duty station just like an American soldier.

Veterans and motorcycles have had a long term relationship that still goes on today.  In the US there are a multitude of clubs formed by vet’s from the recent wars.  Whether or not they rode motorcycles on duty or off duty, bikes are a way of life for many.

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.

I ran across this article from SlashGear “EVERY MAJOR MOTORCYCLE HELMET BRAND RANKED WORST TO BEST IN NHTSA COMPLIANCE TESTING”. It is a very interesting list.

They ranked the top 14 helmet brands using the following methodology:

“To determine the best motorcycle helmet brands versus the worst, we’ve taken a look at brand compliance, meaning whether helmets pass rigorous testing standards by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and which safety standards their products meet or exceed, such as DOT, Snell, ECE, and others.”

I will summarize their top and bottom five.

Bottom 5                                           Top 5

HJC Helmets                                    #1 Arai

KLIM                                               #2 Shoei

Biltwell                                            #3 Bell

AGV                                                 #4 BILT

LS2                                                  #5 Schuberth

My personal helmets did not make the list… so somewhere in the middle? I HOPE!

Is your Motorcycle Helmet in the top or bottom 5?

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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NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V785000

Manufacturer Triumph Motorcycles America, Ltd.

Components ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

Summary: Triumph Motorcycles America, Ltd. (Triumph) is recalling certain 2022-2024 Bonneville T100, T120, T120 Black, 2022 Triumph Street Scrambler, Street Scrambler Sandstorm, Street Twin, Street Twin Goldline, 2023-2024 Scrambler 900, and Speed Twin 900 motorcycles. The wiring between the alternator and main harness connector may short circuit and overheat.

Remedy: Dealers will install a new wire alignment clip, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed October 28, 2024. Owners may contact Triumph customer service at 1-678-854-2010. Triumph’s number for this recall is SRAN 627.

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NHTSA Campaign Number: 24E088000

Manufacturer LIVEWIRE EV, LLC

Components SEATS

Summary: LiveWire EV, LLC (LiveWire) is recalling certain Two Up Seat Kits, part numbers 50700141, 50700142 and 50700143, designed to fit LiveWire Mulholland (S2MH) motorcycles. The passenger grab strap in the kits may become damaged during installation, resulting in an unsecure grab strap that can detach.

Remedy: Dealers will replace the passenger grab strap and the mounting hardware, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed October 28, 2024. Owners may contact LiveWire customer service at 1-855-387-4337 or by email at customersupport@livewire.com. LiveWire’s number for this recall is 1004.

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NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V769000

Manufacturer Suzuki Motor USA, LLC

Components SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC

Summary: Suzuki Motor USA, LLC (Suzuki) is recalling certain 2022-2024 GSX1300R (Hayabusa) motorcycles. The master cylinder internal rubber components may swell due to contamination from the brake fluid cap diaphragm, which can result in a blocked brake fluid port. As such, these motorcycles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 122, “Motorcycle Brake Systems.”

Remedy: Dealers will replace the front brake master cylinder body and brake fluid cap diaphragm, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed October 25, 2024. Owners may contact Suzuki Customer Service at 1-714- 572-1490. Suzuki’s number for this recall is 3A04. This recall expands and replaces previous recall number 23V-088. Motorcycles previously recalled under 23V-088 will need to have the new remedy completed.

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NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V753000

Manufacturer Harley-Davidson Motor Company

Components SERVICE BRAKES

Potential Number of Units Affected 15,778

Summary: Harley-Davidson Motor Company (Harley-Davidson) is recalling certain 2022 FXRST and 2022-2024 FXLRST motorcycles. The front brake lines may contact the fuel tank and become damaged, possibly resulting in a brake fluid leak and a loss of front brake function.

Remedy: Dealers will inspect the brake lines and replace them, as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed October 21, 2024. Owners may contact Harley-Davidson Customer Service at (414) 343-4056. Harley-Davidson’s number for this recall is 0187.

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NHTSA Campaign Number: 24T011000

Manufacturer Pirelli Tire, LLC

Components TIRES

Potential Number of Units Affected 3,093

Summary: Pirelli Tire, LLC. (Pirelli) is recalling certain Scorpion Trail II, Metzeler Tourance Next, and Next II tires sold as replacements and for the Metzeler Tourance Next 150/70R18 M/C 70V tire, also installed as original equipment on certain Triumph motorcycles. Please refer to the recall report for specific sizes. Irregular tire wear may break the belt reinforcement, causing pieces of the tread to separate.

Remedy: Dealers will replace the tires, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed November 6, 2024. Owners may contact Pirelli Customer Service at 1-800-747-3554.

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NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V728000

Manufacturer Bombardier Recreational Products, Inc.

Components POWER TRAIN

Summary: Bombardier Recreational Products (BRP) is recalling certain 2017-2019 Can-Am Spyder F3 and RT motorcycles. The engine output shaft may fatigue and break, resulting in a loss of drive power.

Remedy: The remedy is currently under development. Interim owner letters notifying owners of the safety risk are expected to be mailed November 15, 2024. A second letter will be sent once the remedy is available, anticipated January 2025. Owners may contact BRP customer service at 1-888-272-9222.

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NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V713000

Manufacturer Royal Enfield North America Limited

Components EXTERIOR LIGHTING

Summary: Royal Enfield North America Limited (Royal Enfield) is recalling certain 2023 Himalayan, Classic 350, Meteor 350, Hunter 350, Super Meteor 650, Int 650, and Continental GT 650 motorcycles. The side and rear reflectors are not sufficient. As such, these lights fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 108, “Lamps, Reflective Devices, and Associated Equipment.”

Remedy: Dealers will replace the side and rear reflectors, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed October 30, 2024. Owners may contact Royal Enfield’s customer service at 1-866-600-1122.

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NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V716000

Manufacturer BMW of North America, LLC

Components POWER TRAIN

Summary: BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2021-2024 BMW R18 motorcycles. The seal for the reverse gear control unit may deteriorate and allow moisture inside the control unit, which can result in the unit overheating.

Remedy: As an interim remedy, the reverse gear control unit will be disconnected from the electrical system of the motorcycle, free of charge. Once the final remedy is available, dealers will replace the reverse gear control unit, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed November 18, 2024. Owners may contact BMW Customer Service at 1-800-525-7417.

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NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V719000

Manufacturer Harley-Davidson Motor Company

Components EQUIPMENT

Summary: Harley-Davidson Motor Company (Harley-Davidson) is recalling certain 2018-2019 Softail FXBB Street Bob and 2018-2019 Softail FXLR Low Rider motorcycles. The front tire inflation pressure on the VIN label may be less than the stated front gross axle weight rating (GAWRs). As such, these motorcycles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 120, “Wheels and Rims – Other than Passenger Cars.”

Remedy: Harley-Davidson will mail labels with installation instructions and owner’s manual inserts to owners, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed November 18, 2024. Owners may contact Harley-Davidson customer service at 414-343-4056. Harley-Davidson’s number for this recall is 0628.

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** Honda Press Release **

American Honda announced today that for the 2025 model year, its popular Rebel 1100 cruiser lineup receives important updates focused on comfort and convenience. The family also grows by one, with the addition of the Rebel 1100 DCT SE—a premium-level version that shines with a list of eye-grabbing features included as standard equipment, such as fork boots, handlebar-end rear-view mirrors, a color-matched headlight cowl, a short front fender, and a special seat.

“Since its 2021 debut, Honda’s Rebel 1100 platform has proven to be a big hit with American cruiser customers, so we’re excited to both improve and deepen the roster for 2025,” said Colin Miller, Manager of Public Relations at American Honda. “The entire platform now boasts more comfortable ergonomics, and the new Rebel 1100 DCT SE comes straight from the dealership with premium styling features. It’s clear that Honda values cruiser customers and takes their needs seriously.”

In addition to unveiling the Rebel 1100 platform, Honda confirmed the return of several other two-wheel models from five different categories: the head-turning Fury and timeless Shadow Phantom cruisers, the legendary Africa Twin and compact NX500 adventure bikes, the iconic XR650L dual-sport machine, the versatile CBR500R sport bike, and the stylish and affordable CB500F naked motorcycle.

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For details, colors/price/etc., on the bikes listed below click this link.

2025 Rebel 1100              2025 Fury                 2025 Shadow Phantom

2025 Africa Twin              2025 NX500             2025 XR650L

2025 CBR500R                 2025 CB500F

Hey, I did not even know they still made the Fury!

Short video that shows how simple it is to install a new, brighter taillight on my Harley Davidson Road Glide.

If you have never ridden a long throw chopper, you should add it to your motorcycle bucket list. I have and it was an experience I never will forget!!

I put about 100 miles on one, back in the day, and I fully/totally respect those guys that ride them as daily rides or tour on them. Chopper riding is an acquired taste, it was not for me, but I can truly understand why some people love choppers.

Premiering November 3rd on ESPN’s 30 for 30 “Motorcycle Mary” documents the story of Mary McGee.  Mary had a 30-year motorcycle racing career across multiple types of racing.

Mary was the first woman to race motorcycles in the United States.

As the first woman I am sure her stories of overcoming will be interesting and thought provoking.

I am looking forward to seeing this, make sure to set your DVR!

ijustwant2ride
What you need to know: CF Moto Motorcycles Facing a Ban in the USA

Recently the American Department of Commerce proposed a new rule that would impact CF Moto and possible a few other motorcycle manufacturers. Specifically, this rule comes from the Bureau of Industry and Security (BIS) which is a sub-unit of the Commerce Department.

This proposed rule would ban any vehicle that contains software and/or hardware that has links to China or Russia.

My Take: I find this a very interesting as it seems it is an extension of the Biden/Trump tariffs on Chinese vehicles by other means. But it also means that someone somewhere in our government determined that there is a security risk with software on motorcycles. 

As a guy with a significant information technology security background, I can imagine some crazy scenarios where something crazy could happen. Yet I see a very low likelihood that any of those scenarios would actually happen.

What you need to know: 41,637 2024 Harley Davidson Motorcycles Recalled

This recall is due to a potential crash risk associated with a short circuit with the voltage regulator wires.  The wire is rubbing on the crankcase removing the outer cover of the wire exposing wire to a short.  This short circuit will cause the motorcycle to lose power with no warning.

The motorcycles impacted are

  • 2024 FLHX Street Glide
  • 2024 FLHXSE Street Glide CVO
  • 2024 FLTRX Road Glide
  • 2024 FLTRXSE Road Glide CVO
  • 2024 FLTRXSTSE Road Glide ST CVO

My Take: That is a bunch of motorcycles! Not a good look on top of everything else that has befallen the MoCo recently.

If you ride a motorcycle you need to add Skyline Drive to your Bucket List!

Skyline Drive, part of the Shenandoah National Park, is one of the jewels of the National Park system.  It is 105 miles of vistas, twists, turns and occasional wildlife. It is possible you will see deer, turkeys, squirrels, or even bears!

This year we toured the entire length of Skyline Drive, south to north, a few weeks before peak fall color.  Traffic was quite light, and the overlooks had few if any other travelers. 

We stopped for lunch at the Loft Mountain Wayside. My wife and I shared a delish smash burger with a side of giant onion rings.  We have traveled this road many times and have never had a bad meal at any of the restaurants.

Fall Colors on Skyline Drive

I have said it before, Skyline Drive proves that riding in a car is like watching a movie, riding a motorcycle is being in the movie. Riding this road in the fall will prove that to anyone.

One thing everyone should know is that during fall, when the leaves are at their most colorful, the road become packed with “leaf peepers”. 

The 35 MPH speed limit becomes difficult to reach due to all the vehicles. I would avoid the area unless you are ok with spending the entire day on the parkway (emphasis on park).

Riding Skyline in the spring or fall can be cool experience. By cool I mean that the temperature can be 10-15 degrees cooler than the valleys below. Throw an extra shirt on just to be safe. Also, the road is not cleared of leaves, ride carefully especially in the mornings when the leaves are damp from dew.

Front Royal, Virginia

When you are at the northern terminus of the park you are in Front Royal, Virginia.  There is a lot of great riding in that area as well, spend a couple days exploring the area and the town, Main Street is a must see.

When we arrived home, we had ridden about half the day and 251 miles.  Another great day on a motorcycle.

Riding Front Royal

Fort Valley Road Ride                   Thrill and Chill Ride