Posts Tagged ‘motorcycle touring’

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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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.

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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

DAY 2: Taming the Virginia Back of the Dragon

Posted: August 2, 2023 in Motorcycle, Motorcycle Rides, motorcycle touring, Uncategorized
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We wake up early to get ready for the day’s ride, we are still an hour from Marion and the start of the Virginia side of the Back of the Dragon. Now mind you, it was not our choice to wake up this early. Our hotel “neighbors” kids were fully awake and running around and slamming their room door.

Happily, we now had dry clothes, the storm the day before soaked everything we were wearing. The standard hotel “continental” breakfast filled our stomachs enough to get us on the motorcycle and down the road.

Getting to the start of US Route 16, which is the Back of the Dragon was easy enough and quickly we were riding the Dragon. Passing Hungry Mother State Park, we begin to climb into the mountain and start the twisties.

What a great ride!  It was a cool morning, blue sunny skies with puff clouds, and the Harley Davidson motorcycle was running well. I was using our Go Pro and I thought my limited Go Pro skills had the camera working properly (turns out it kinda was and kinda not, I REALLY, need to read directions). It will be a while before I can edit and publish the video, not my strong suit.

We made a stop at what is called the “Back of the Dragon Lookout”.  With the clear skies we could see 3 distant ridges along with some valley farmlands.  A very nice view and you should stop to check it out if you ride the dragon.

The road was a great treat for those that love twists and turns.  As we were riding in the early-ish morning there was little traffic. The only hazard was a dead deer that straddled both lanes. Riding through sections of the road titled “Cliff Hanger”, “Zero Gravity”, “Knee Dragger”, and the “Roller coaster” got us to what is called “Million Dollar View and Kudzu Corner.

Kudzu Corner is about two thirds of the way through the Back of the Dragon and that last third is just as exciting as the rest.  I can highly recommend that you try out the 32 miles, 438 curves and the 3500 feet of elevation as it is just as fun as the Tail of the Dragon in Tennessee.

 At the north end of the route, in Tazwell, VA, there is a Back of the Dragon shop catering to both motorcycle and car enthusiasts who come to make the ride.  A very nice setup with shirts/pins/patches and all the other things that we like to collect.  The building also has a brewery, coffee shop and food trucks (the food was good). There is also a photo op with a very big dragon!

After the visit to Tazwell, we set off north on US16 to explore the rest of the Back of Dragon.  This part of the Dragon was just as much fun to ride as the part we just left.  Passing the Virginia, West Virginia boarder we were shortly not only on the Back of the Dragon we were also on the Coal Heritage Trail which is an American Byway. 

The Coal Heritage Trail was also on my bucket list, so I was able to knock out both!  We passed through the coal towns of War, Welch, Pineville, Sofia, and many others.  Sadly, many of these towns have seen better days now that coal is being phased out.

When you reach Beckley, WV Route 16 will be a mix of 2 lane and 4 lanes for about 20 miles, you will need to pay attention to the intersections to make sure you stay on route as much as possible. When you reach the town of Fayetteville you will be back on a 2-lane road, and you will drop down into the New River Gorge.

When you reach Beckley, WV Route 16 will be a mix of 2 lane and 4 lanes for about 20 miles, you will need to pay attention to the intersections to make sure you stay on route as much as possible. When you reach the town of Fayetteville you will be back on a 2-lane road, and you will drop down into the New River Gorge. 

Climbing out of the Gorge you will face some of the best twists and turns of West Virgina side of the dragon.  Part of this road is also called the Talon, an 8-mile ride from the town of Ansted and Gauley Bridge. This should be a great side trip for anyone riding the Back of the Dragon that will not cost you much time. 

Ansted is where we stopped for the night.

Next up – Day 3 Taming the Dragon

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.

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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 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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Taking the CAGE to an all new level!

Motorcycle Product Review:  Women’s Riding Pants

Posted: July 19, 2023 in Motorcycle, Motorcycle advocacy, motorcycle safety, Product Reviews
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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

Motorcycle News: More Motorcycle Bans in Europe – Why is your Congress member not on this list?

Posted: July 10, 2023 in Motorcycle, Motorcycle advocacy, Motorcycle news
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ijustwant2ride.com

Down Shift – More of Europe Banned to Motorcycles

More of Europe has now barred motorcycles from traveling along public roads. To limit “noise pollution” motorcycles are barred from parts of Pyrenees National Park.  There were no restrictions on cars applied.

The year-round ban impacts not just motorcycles but also quads, buggies and mountain bikes. According to what I read this ban on “particularly noisy” vehicles occurred without taking into account actual sound levels of the vehicles in question.

From the documentation:

  • Limit the passage of noisy vehicles to certain areas of the ZEPQA, taking into account the regulation of motorized traffic inside the park, restricting access to certain tracks either throughout the year or at certain periods.
  • Restrict motorized access to the entire network of forest trails and paved paths of the ZEPQA of Alt Àneu and Farrera, except the access roads to urban centres, by vehicles considered excessively noisy consisting of all types of vehicles such as motorcycles, quads, ATVs and buggies that are not electric, except those of registered residents, beneficiaries of livestock forest exploitation, public services and those duly authorized by the Alt Pirineo Natural Park and/or the respective local entities.
  • Promote the use of electric vehicles.
  • In addition, there is a specific point dedicated to ‘Carrying out awareness actions specifically aimed at drivers of vehicles that emit more noise: motorcycles, mountain bikes, quads and buggies.’

My Take: This is not the first area in Europe to ban motorcycles.  I have written several articles on this issue referencing the following:

Dozens of roads closed to motorcycles in Germany.

Some of the best motorcycling roads in Europe now ban motorcycles.

The Swiss are planning banning motorcycles from certain roads.

IMHO this is a continuation of a Vision Zero mind state.  If there are no places to ride motorcycles, then there will be no motorcycle accidents.  Call me cynical but the bureaucracy of the EU will beat down motorcycling over time

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Up Shift – Motorcycle Riders Foundation (MRF) 2022 Legislators of the Year.

Representative Susie Lee of Nevada and Representative Mike Gallagher of Wisconsin were recently honored as the Motorcycle Riders Foundation (MRF) 2022 Legislators of the Year.

Representative Lee was instrumental in seeking answers from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration on the profiling of bikers. Representative Gallagher was the lead sponsor of the Motorcyclist Advisory Council (MAC) bill which was included in a larger transportation bill that officially reestablished the MAC.

Other pro-motorcycle Senators and Congress members

  • Senator Ron Johnson (Wisconsin)
  • Senator John Thune (South Dakota)
  • Senator Joni Ernst (Iowa)
  • Senator Gary Peters (Michigan)
  • Congressman Tim Walberg (Michigan)
  • Congressman Michael Burgess (Texas)
  • Congressman Troy Balderson (Ohio)
  • Congressman Darin LaHood (Illinois)

My Take – I am just so glad that we have some pro-motorcycle folks in our national legislation branch of government!  If any of these people are representing you, you now have an avenue to approach them for more motorcycle actions! Sadly, none of these are representing my state.

My first American Flat Track Motorcycle Race – The West Virginia ½ Mile

Posted: July 4, 2023 in Motorcycle, Motorcycle racing
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My wife and I attended our first American Flat Track motorcycle race.   This was also the first time we had been to the West Virginia Motor Speedway.

I went as a fan, not part of the press, primarily because this was a last moment decision.  As a fan I had a lot of fun!  The dark brown clay-based track was in good condition, the racing was fast and exiting.  The venue was quite nicely laid out, easy to get around both or food and visiting the pits.  

We arrived just before qualifying started and stayed until the twins race finished.   My favorite flat track racers did not do so well Shana Texter-Bauman missed qualifying in the singles but did get a provisional entry to ride in the main event and JD Beach finished 4th in the twins final.

Part of the event was the Royal Enfield Build Tran Race (BTR). Royal Enfield is sponsoring a women’s only series of races one of which was held at the speedway. The women get a Royal Enfield 650 which they “Build” a race bike, then they get professional “Training” and then race a series of six American Flat Track events.  While there was a great disparity of talent the race for first place was very exciting. Morgan Monroe pulled out the win by .4 of a second.

The venue itself, the West Virginia Motor Speedway, was very nice. The “seats” were “bring your own chair” to place on the terraced “grandstand”.  Our location provided good views of everything but the start and part of the front straight. Luckly most of the action in flat track is in the turns and we got great views of all that work.

The only major issue I had with the speedway was the sound system. Even with just four motorcycles racing in the Mission Foods Challenge races you could not hear the commentary.

Speaking of Mission Foods, they are a primary sponsor of both American Flat Track and MotoAmerica and had a booth at the track. They were giving away chips and tortillas to all in attendance. We have been using Mission Food products for years, this and this was just a race day bonus!!

*****

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
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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!

How to be a Motorcycle Friendly Town

Posted: June 13, 2023 in Motorcycle, Motorcycle advocacy, Motorcycle Rides, motorcycle safety
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There are a lot of great locations, around the globe, that pull a lot of motorcycles to a town.  But what makes a town motorcycle friendly? I am discounting rallies like Sturgis or Daytona as those are all onto their selves and not, necessarily, indicative of being “motorcycle friendly town”.

I asked myself this question on what it takes to be motorcycle friendly and came up with the following items:

A town that provides motorcycle parking in public spaces.

A town that has good signage so folks will know where to go in town.

                    Signage that states motorcyclists are welcome.

                   Maybe a few “Watch for Motorcycle” signs too.

A town that provides maps, GPS files of local riding opportunities.

A town that has places where we can take cool pictures with our bikes.

That the town websites that indicates the town is pro motorcycle.

That the town supports motorcycle events like shows and rallies.

Then I asked myself, “Self what makes local businesses motorcycle friendly?”. Because how can the town be motorcycle friendly if the businesses are not? Business can be motorcycle friendly by:

          Providing motorcycle parking, covered if possible.

          Has good signage indicating that bikers are welcome.

          Has places where we can store helmets/gear while eating or shopping.

          Provides rider discounts.

          Just be friendly to motorcyclists, ask them what they ride, where they are headed.

          Provide maps, GPS files of local riding opportunities.

Website that indicates the business is pro motorcycle.

          Lodging business should, if possible, provide a place to clean the motorcycles along with a hose, bucket, soap, and towels

Those are the ideas that popped into my head.  Do you have any additional thoughts or suggestions?

Motorcycle News: Hydrogen Motorcycles and the Top 5 Motorcycle Insurance Companies!

Posted: May 22, 2023 in Motorcycle, Motorcycle advocacy, Motorcycle news
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Up Shift – Hydrogen Motorcycle Engines and Honda, Yamaha, Suzuki and Kawasaki

The big 4 motorcycle manufacturers have joined forces to push the development of hydrogen engines. Their agreement has some specifics built into it so it may not just be “signaling”.  Each manufacture has specific responsibilities in this effort, for example:

           Honda will lead the research and development of the hydrogen engines.

           Suzuki will work on performance & reliability of hydrogen powered motors.

           Yamaha is to study how to establish hydrogen refueling systems.

           Kawasaki is working on the fuel supply issue.

Also, the way I read some of the different articles on this effort, Toyota is cooperating in this project.

My Take – This is nothing but good news.  These companies are responsible for many of the things we take for granted every day.  With their combined efforts we may get true, real green energy in my lifetime.

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Up Shift – Motorcycle Insurance… Which company is best?

What are the best motorcycle insurance companies and what makes them the best?  I recently had an article sent to me that laid out the who and why of the top 5 motorcycle insurers.

This article not only laid out the top 5 companies but also pointed out the pro’s and con’s of each along with the methodology of how they reach their conclusions. I underlined that last bit because, often, that is never included.

Who made the list …. In alphabetical order.   

           Dairyland

           Erie

           Geico

           State Farm

           Progressive

You can read the article and see who finished in the top spot for yourself.

The study/list was conducted by www.Marketwatch.com.

My Take: We all have to buy insurance and just like taxes it is a necessary evil. I really like that Marketwatch.com put this list together ALONG with how they ranked ordered the companies.

Turns out that I am using one of the top 5 to cover my motorcycles and I had to agree with their findings on that company!

Ride on, Ride Safe

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