Posts Tagged ‘Motorcycle Ride’

Motorcycle News: BMW issues a “DO NOT SALE” order to its dealers

Posted: September 25, 2023 in Uncategorized
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Down Shift – BMW Motorrad Stop All Sales  

BMW has issued a “Stop All Sales” request to North America dealers for both new and used motorcycles.  There are not a lot of details yet on the reason, but it looks like it has something to do with the emissions control function of the machine.

While the order is “temporary and voluntary” and does not impact the safety of the rider it is something that is unique.  We will have to wait for more information from BMW Motorrad.

My Take – This is very unusual.  I cannot recall any other time that a manufacturer had told its dealers not to sale vehicles.  Telling dealers in the United States, Canada, and Mexico not to sale motorcycles is a very big deal.

Is BMW going to provide funds to dealers that cannot sale motorcycles if this is something goes on for more than a little while?

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Ride On, Ride Safe

Unboxing a nicely boxed ICON Air Flight Motorcycle Helmet

Posted: September 22, 2023 in Motorcycle, Motorcycle advocacy, motorcycle safety
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My daughter purchased a new motorcycle helmet, we unboxed it for the first look!

Motorcycle News: An impressive new WORLD RECORD and the Motocompo is back!

Posted: September 20, 2023 in Motorcycle
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Up Shift – New Motorcycle World Record  

Guinness has certified that New Zealand’s Leslie Harris set the record as the world’s oldest motorcycle racer!  At 97 he recently completed the Pukekohe 43rd Classic Motorcycle Festival in Auckland.  He won the event in 2019 and finished 4th this year beating his son (8th place) and granddaughter (21st place).

My Take – WOW, I hope I am still riding at his age!!!! By the way, he races a BSA Bantam 175cc bike in these races.

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Hitting Neutral – Honda Reintroduces the Motocompo

The original Motocompo was produced from 1981-1983 and is now a collector’s item. The new Motocompo was just released and will be available in the US and a few other areas.  The new “electric” version of the scooter will sell for around $1000. Some stats of the new bike: (the original machines stats)

Max Speed – 12 MPH (30 MPH)            Range – 12 Miles (40 miles)

Full Charge – 3 Hours                             Weigh – 265 lbs (100 lbs)

My Take – Not sure this is an improvement over the original which weighed less and had more than 3 times the range with a 50cc gas engine. Also, 100 pounds is somewhat easier to handle than 265.  If I were going to spend this money, I think I would look around for an 80’s model in working condition.

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Ride on, Ride Safe

Need new motorcycle tires? Bridgestone and Michelin rebates.

Posted: September 12, 2023 in Motorcycle, Motorcycle advocacy, Motorcycle Rides, motorcycle safety
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ijustwant2ride
The rear Perilli Night Dragon at about 12.5K

If you need new motorcycle tires now may be a good time to make a purchase.  Both Bridgestone and Michelin are offering rebates on their motorcycle tires. By the way, the picture above indicates that I needed a new set of tires before I took the picture!

Bridgestone

From July 1st through September 30TH

GET UP TO $50 USD BACK BY MAIL ON A VISA® PREPAID CARD WHEN YOU PURCHASE A SELECT SET OF ELIGIBLE BRIDGESTONE MOTORCYCLE TIRES.

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Michelin

From September 1st through September 30th

REDEEM UP TO $80* BACK ON MICHELIN MOTORCYCLE Tires

  • Get a $80 MastercardMD Reward Card1 via mail-in rebate with the purchase of two (front and rear) qualifying Michelin Cruiser Motorcycle tires.
     
  • Get a $60 MastercardMD Reward Card1 via mail-in rebate with the purchase of two (front and rear) other qualifying Michelin On-Road and Road Racing Motorcycle tire.

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Ride on, Ride Safe

I need new motorcycle armor!

Posted: September 11, 2023 in Motorcycle, Motorcycle Rides, motorcycle touring, Product Reviews
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I have a favorite motorcycle jacket, a Harley Davidson “Switchback” that is now ten years old. When I put it on to ride Howard’s Twisted Tongue, I noticed the elbow armor was broken into several pieces.

This jacket has been great for three season motorcycle riding.  It has a zippered, removable textile cover that, when on, provides good wind protection as well as some basic rain protection.  When the cover is removed it is a mesh jacket for those warm to hot days.  There are pockets for elbow, shoulder and back armor built into the jacket.

The modern version of this jacket has zipper vents where you have roll up the vent covers. It looks stupid and is a stupid design.

When I took a closer look at the broken elbow armor, I also noticed that the other armor was breaking apart as well.  The armor that came with the jacket was CE level 1 and was now past it use by date. I needed to replace this motorcycle armor as soon as possible.

I had to go to my local Harley Davidson dealership to find out where they are with a motorcycle I would like to buy and while I was there, I noticed that they had replacement armor for sale.  One trip solved my armor issue, I still have an issue regarding the new motorcycle though.

The new armor is also CE Level 1 but is radically different than what came with the jacket 10 years ago.  The old armor was very thick and not very flexible.  The new armor is very thin and highly flexible.  The documentation stated that upon impact it becomes hard and absorbs the impact, I hope I never have to find out.

During all this I also noticed that the mesh seam under the right arm was coming apart. A trip to the local seamstress fixed that problem.  My favorite motorcycle jacket is showing its age, I wish I could find another motorcycle jacket with the same features.

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Ride on, Ride Safe

Motorcycle Ride: Howard’s Twisted Tongue

Posted: September 2, 2023 in Motorcycle, Motorcycle Rides, motorcycle touring, Uncategorized
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Howard’s Twisted Tongue is also known as Howard’s Lick, Lost River State Park Road, and West Virginia Route 12 this is a technically difficult road to ride your motorcycle. It is an unmarked 1 to 2 lane road with multiple 180 switchbacks and hairpins.

I had never heard of Howard’s Twisted Tongue until a few days before we made the ride.  My riding buddy, Mark, discovered this ride on a map, it was close by and looked like it might be fun, so it was time to mount up and ride.

The weather on the day we took off for Howard’s Twisted Tongue was perfect for riding motorcycles.  It was partly sunny and early morning cool.

It did not take long to get to the road, and we knew from the start that it was going to be a bit of a challenge as it became a steep incline immediately.  I don’t know how high we climbed but my best guess would be between 800 and 1000 feet.

Did I mention multiple switchbacks and hairpins?  There are a bunch of tight turns, many are a little off camber, and most are ascending or descending steeply.  You need to watch yourself as many of these turns have gouges in the road from heavy vehicles or vehicles towing trailers. The road itself is, as I noted, unmarked, in mostly good condition but with some rough and potholed areas as well.

The climb up is well worth the ride, as you will ride along the ridge top for several miles.  The views from the top of the ridge are great and there are a surprising number of very expensive homes along the road.

After a few miles you will start the descent which will take you into Lost River State Park.  I have been to Lost River State Park in the past and I like to make the park a day ride destination.

Howard’s twisted tongue ends, for us, at the intersection of 12 and 259 at the town of Mathias.  If you are going to ride this road, be ready for some technical riding.  You will be in low gear for a lot of time. Make sure you get your head turned and remember to “look where you want to go”.

*****

Ride on, Ride safe

Motorcycle Recall August 2023: Triumph, Indian, Moto Guzzi

Posted: August 28, 2023 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.

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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NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V583000

Manufacturer Triumph Motorcycles America, Ltd.

Components ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

Summary Triumph Motorcycles America, Ltd. (Triumph) is recalling certain 2022-2024 Trident 660 and Tiger Sport 660 motorcycles. The manifold absolute pressure (MAP) hose may have an obstruction, causing incorrect air pressure readings by the MAP sensor.

Remedy Dealers will replace the hose, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed August 31, 2023. Owners may contact Triumph’s customer service at 1-678-854-2010. Triumph’s number for this recall is SRAN 609.

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NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V582000

Manufacturer Indian Motorcycle Company

Components FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE

Summary  Indian Motorcycle Company (Indian) is recalling certain 2023 Challenger, Pursuit Dark Horse Icon w/Premium Package, Pursuit Dark Horse w/Premium Package, and Pursuit Limited w/Premium Package motorcycles. The fuel line may have been improperly assembled, which can result in an engine stall.

Remedy  Dealers will replace the fuel line, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed September 12, 2023. Owners may contact Indian customer service at 1-877-204-3697. Indian’s number for this recall is I-23-06.

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NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V572000

Manufacturer Piaggio Group Americas, Inc.

Components SUSPENSION

Summary Piaggo Group Americas, Inc. (Piaggo) is recalling certain 2023 Moto Guzzi V100 Mandello and Mandello Aviazione Navale motorcycles. The rear shock absorber may be missing one or both bushings, which can cause it to break.

Remedy  Dealers will inspect and, if necessary, replace the rear shock absorber, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed August 22, 2023. Owners may contact Piaggio’s customer service at 1-212-380-4433.

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Ride On, Ride Safe

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Motorcycle News: National Motorcycle Day and Radar Braking for Motorcycles.

Posted: August 21, 2023 in Motorcycle, Motorcycle advocacy, Motorcycle news, motorcycle safety
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Up Shift – National Motorcycle Day?!?!!!

Did you know there was a United States National Motorcycle Day?  I did not until after it happened this year.  Turns out that the second Friday of each is now National Motorcycle Day. Do any other nations celebrate Motorcycling with a special day of recognition?

My Take – I like this idea and the possibilities it could have for exposure of our passion.  The next National Motorcycle Day for the United States is July 24, 2024.  Although I would have made the day on a Saturday to be able to really plan events.

What would you like to see happen to celebrate National Motorcycle Day? This would be a good weekend to put on a Motorcycle Show for example.

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Up Shift – Radar-Linked Brakes are a new safety innovation for motorcycles that use radar technology to help riders be safer and less prone to be involved in any unfortunate mishap. Yamaha and BMW, with others to follow, has fitted a new radar-linked unified brake system on some of there new and upcoming motorcycles.

This new tool is designed to prevent riders from rear-ending vehicles if the rider is distracted or has not noticed traffic slowing in front of them. The system works by having three main elements that operate only when the Brake Control is turned ON. Firstly, brake assist intervenes when the system detects that a collision is imminent. Secondly, front/rear brake assistance adjusts braking forces to both wheels for stable deceleration. Finally, the braking system is linked to the electronic suspension, and as well as assisting and regulating front and rear braking forces it also adjusts front and rear suspension damping to maintain chassis stability.

My Take: I like the idea and concept but, I would like to ride a motorcycle equipped with this new technology before rendering a final verdict.

*****

Ride on, Ride Safe

Motorcycle Recall July 2023: Yamaha Tenere

Posted: July 28, 2023 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.

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: 23V472000

Manufacturer Yamaha Motor Corporation, USA

Components SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC

Summary Yamaha Motor Corporation, USA (Yamaha) is recalling certain 2022 Tenere 700 (XTZ7N) motorcycles. The front brake calipers may have been assembled with bolts that have an incorrect thread length, which can damage the mounting hole threads in the brake caliper.

Remedy Owners should not operate their motorcycle, other than take it to a dealer, until the remedy is performed. Dealers will inspect the length of the front brake caliper bolts and replace them, if necessary. If the caliper mounting-hole threads are damaged, the caliper will be replaced. Repairs will be performed free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed July 20, 2023. Owners may contact Yamaha’s customer service at 1-800-962-7926. Yamaha’s number for this recall is 990168.

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Ride On Ride Safe

Motorcycle Ride: 900 Miles, 2 States, 1 Back of the Dragon

Posted: July 26, 2023 in Motorcycle, motorcycle touring
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My wife and I rode our Harley Davidson Ultra Limited 898.9 miles in four and quarter days.  Our goal was to ride our motorcycle the entire length of the Back of the Dragon from Marion, Virginia to St. Marys West Virginia. The Back of the Dragon is also known as US Route 16 and is not “The Tail of the Dragon”. For the most part the roads were great, the weather was great and the time away from work was great.

Over the next few weeks I am going to break out each day’s ride.  Starting with this post and day of our mini motorcycle vacation.

DAY 1: Run like hell and get wet! Or Storm Chaser Powers Activate.

I get off work, according to the official schedule at 4:30 PM, often it is much later than that.  This day I shut down everything at exactly 4:30. Debbie had the motorcycle packed and ready to roll. At 4:50 we were on the bike and headed south to Marion.

Unfortunately, to get to Marion from our home quickly we must use Interstate 81.  I81 is, in my opinion, a terrible road for motorcycles. Tractor trailers are consistently changing lanes to get around each other slowing traffic from 70 to 45 MPH.  The big truck were running three abreast on some parts of the highway.

The car traffic is no better. Drivers in the left lane running at or below the posted speed limit forcing people to sprint around them. Distracted drivers texting on their phone, which is even more madding when you know that particular automobile has hands free built in! You have to have your attention on the road 100% of the time and looking as far as ahead as possible.

Taking the above into account I was hoping to get to Marion in about four hours. That did not happen.

At about hour three, the clouds turned dark, then very dark, and then our Storm Chaser Powers were once again active and at full strength.  We left the highway at the next exit and parked under the awning of mom and pop gas station. 

We were only feet away from the awning when the full force of the storm hit. The rain was coming down so hard it was difficult to see the far side of the road. Lightning was striking within a mile of where we were sitting. The water in the parking lot rose so fast that within minutes it was lapping all around our tires.

Debbie was looking at the phone at both weather radar and nearby hotels. She spotted a break in the storm and a hotel six miles away. Mounting up, we started to move out when I noticed that the water between us and the road was about 18 inches deep.

I wish I had the camera on as we passed through the water, it looked like Moses parting the Red Sea!  Hitting I81 again I had to run carefully with flashers on.  We made it to the hotel with minutes to spare before the next wave of rain arrived.

Luckly the hotel had clothes driers available which made the next day a lot more fun!  Also, this was the only rain we had for the entire weekend.

Next up – Day 2 Taming the Dragon

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