Posts Tagged ‘motorcycle safety’

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

Posted: September 20, 2023 in Motorcycle
Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,
0
ijustwant2ride.com

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.

*****

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.

*****

Ride on, Ride Safe

Need new motorcycle tires? Bridgestone and Michelin rebates.

Posted: September 12, 2023 in Motorcycle, Motorcycle advocacy, Motorcycle Rides, motorcycle safety
Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,
2
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.

*****

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.

*****

Ride on, Ride Safe

I need new motorcycle armor!

Posted: September 11, 2023 in Motorcycle, Motorcycle Rides, motorcycle touring, Product Reviews
Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,
0

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.

*****

Ride on, Ride Safe

Motorcycle Ride: Howard’s Twisted Tongue

Posted: September 2, 2023 in Motorcycle, Motorcycle Rides, motorcycle touring, Uncategorized
Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,
2

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
Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,
0

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: 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.

*****

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.

*****

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.

*****

Ride On, Ride Safe

*****

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

Posted: August 21, 2023 in Motorcycle, Motorcycle advocacy, Motorcycle news, motorcycle safety
Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,
0
ijustwant2ride.com

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.

*****

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
Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,
0

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.

*****

Ride On Ride Safe

Motorcycle Product Review:  Women’s Riding Pants

Posted: July 19, 2023 in Motorcycle, Motorcycle advocacy, motorcycle safety, Product Reviews
Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,
0
motogirls Kevlar pants armor

PRO

+ Comfortable

+ So much easier to get on the motorcycle, their stretchy.

+ Pants arrived in 2 days

CON

–  When the weather gets hot and sticky, the pants can be hard to get off.

–  Your foot can slip into the armor pocket

–  Sizing chart is a bit confusing.

My wife has been looking for armored motorcycle pants for a while.  What she really wanted was armored motorcycle pants made for women. 

She tried several brands and did not care for them as they were too “masculine” in appearance.  I don’t think that anyone can say Sherrie Leggings by MotoGirls has a manly appearance.

My wife purchased the Sherrie Leggins form Wind and Throttle which advertises the leggings as breathable and moisture wicking mesh lining, that helps let air circulate to increase ventilation so you can cool down and get rid of sweat more quickly. There are that, until you are off the bike and without the airflow to help evaporate the moisture.  It can be a struggle to get them off when they are damp or wet after a rain storm.

By the way my wife was also very happy with the folks behind Wind and Throttle! She told me they were very easy to work with and were quite accommodating before and after the sale, that she will be buying more from them in the future.

As far as armor is concerned:

  • CE & UKCA Certified Garment – AAA rated.
  • CE-Approved Level 2 knee protection
  • CE-Approved Level 2 hip protectors 
  • Heavy duty, stretchable and abrasion resistant
  • High Impact areas reinforced with 100% genuine DuPont™ KEVLAR® fiber

My wife has been riding with these leggings for about six months now and really likes them a lot.  She likes them enough that she is likely to get an additional set in the coming months.

*****

Ride On, Ride Safe

How do you Ruin a Great Motorcycle Road? Ohio State Route 555

Posted: June 30, 2023 in Motorcycle, Motorcycle advocacy, Motorcycle news, Motorcycle Rides, motorcycle touring
Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,
5

One of the best driving and riding roads in the United States is Ohio State Road 555, better known as the “Triple Nickle”. This is not just my opinion it is also from Car and Drive and many other publications. Also 555 is also one of the Ohio “Windy9” roads and is heavily promoted, by the state, in many motorcycle publications.

Well, the Triple Nickle use to be a great motorcycle riding anyway!

Starting at the southern terminus of the road the road Ohio has “repaired” by the “Chipseal” method (or Tar and Chip where I grew up).  SR 555 is a ROYAL MESS.  I cannot recommend you ride a motorcycle on this road at this time, maybe in a year?

Gravel chips are everywhere.  Tight turns, and this road has many, can be dangerous along with every driveway and intersection.  When it gets hot the tar may become slippery if the chips have been removed by traffic or weather.

I don’t know how far north the chipseal goes as we turned off after about 10 miles. State Route 555 is just unsafe for motorcycles.

So, to answer the question, “How do you ruin a great motorcycle riding road?”  Just chipseal it, you could ruin it for years!

*****

Ride on, Ride safe

Terrible, just terrible!

Motorcycle Recall June 2023: Ducati

Posted: June 28, 2023 in Motorcycle, Motorcycle advocacy, Motorcycle news, motorcycle recall, motorcycle safety
Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , ,
0

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: 23V377000

Manufacturer Ducati North America

Components EXTERIOR LIGHTING

Summary: Ducati North America (Ducati) is recalling certain 2020-2023 Panigale V2 motorcycles. The dashboard could automatically switch from low beam headlights to the headlight daylight position lamp (DRL), in automatic setting mode. 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: Dealers will update the dashboard software, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed June 20, 2023. Owners may contact Ducati customer service at 1-888-391-5446. Ducati’s number for this recall is SRV-RCL-23-003.

*****

Ride On, Ride Safe

Older Entries
Newer Entries