Posts Tagged ‘news’

Motorcycle News: 2022 Motorcycle Deaths and Cell Phone Cameras

Posted: April 22, 2024 in Motorcycle, Motorcycle advocacy, Motorcycle news, motorcycle safety
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ijustwant2ride.com

What you need to know… There has been an increase in motorcycle rider deaths.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) released its final 2022 Fatality Analysis Reporting System traffic crash data. NHTSA reported 42,514 total fatalities in the U.S. in 2022. That is a 1.7% decrease from the previous year.

BUT, motorcyclists deaths increased 1.2%. The official number of motorcyclists killed in 2022 was 6,218, an increase of 75 deaths compared to 2021.

Alcohol-impaired fatal crashes account for 29% of all motorcyclist deaths. Across the nation, 7.8% of fatal crashes involved a “distracted driver.” 

My Take –DOWNSHIFT – 1800 people killed due to riding while drunk, wow. I hope the 2023 numbers are better.  If you want to see the entire NHTSA report click this link.

purple motorcycle ijustwant2ride.com

What you need to know… Speed cameras to catch cell phone users

In England the police are deploying AI powered cameras that not only catches speeding cars but people using their phones while at the wheel.

Each unit will have multiple cameras to give the most complete view of drivers and passengers, with the kit mounted on either a trailer, or specialist van.

“Working with our police partners we want to reduce such dangerous driving and reduce the risks posed to both the drivers and other people. We believe that using technology like this will make people seriously consider their driving behavior,” Head of National Road User Safety Delivery at National Highways. Matt Staton said.

Drivers can be fined up to £500 for not wearing a seat belt, with phone users getting up to six points and a £1000 fine,

My Take – Hitting Neutral – While this is a step in the right direction to bust distracted drivers, why are we even having this problem.  The phone companies could be forced to tun off everything, but the hand-fee features when the phones are moving at more than 5 MPH.  The technology is already there.

Ride on, Ride Safe

April is Motorcycle Helmet Safety Month

Posted: April 11, 2024 in Motorcycle, Motorcycle advocacy, motorcycle safety
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It is time to check you motorcycle helmet!

At least once a year you should check your helmet to make sure everything is right and correct.  As the month of April is Motorcycle Helmet Safety month, now is a good time to do the checks.

What are the things you need to check?  Here are the minimum things you need to look for:

1) Is the shell all in one piece? No cracks or splits?

2) Are the straps and connectors in good shape, no adverse wear or tear?

3) The internal padding is connected and stays in place?

4) Remove the padding and check the foam.  Is it dented or have cracks?

5) While looking at the foam, most companies place a sticker printed with the helmet’s birthday. Is it over 5 years old?

6) Does the rest of the internals look in good operating condition?

7) Check the visor for damage that might obscure your vision can you see clearly?

8) Are the screws or other visor attachments tight?

9) Make sure that insects/creatures are not living in your helmet, see the photos below!

Checklist item 5 is the 5-year rule.  Most manufactures recommend that after 5 years you replace your helmet.  While the cynical among us will cite the “more money” theory of why they want it replaced ,there is evidence that the foam lining (the part that does most of the work in a crash) does deteriorate over time. It is your head, so it is your decision to replace or not if everything looks good.

That little red spot on the inside of the helmet below… is a Black Widow Spider!

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helmet
helmet

9 Tips for Attending a Motorcycle Race

Posted: April 4, 2024 in Uncategorized
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The motorcycle racing season is underway!  World Superbike, MotoGP, and here in the USA MotoAmerica and King of the Baggers.  If you have never been to a race this year might be the year you go to your first.

Below are some commonsense tips to make sure you have a good time:

  1. Plan ahead: Check the race schedule and plan your trip accordingly. Make sure you have all the necessary tickets, passes, and documents.
  2. Dress appropriately: Wear comfortable clothes and shoes that are suitable for the weather. Don’t forget to bring sunscreen, a hat, and sunglasses.
  3. Stay hydrated: Bring plenty of water and other non-alcoholic beverages to stay hydrated throughout the day.
  4. Bring earplugs: Motorcycle races can be loud, so it’s a good idea to bring earplugs to protect your hearing.
  5. Pack snacks: Bring some snacks and food to keep your energy levels up during the race. BUT, the track makes it money on their consessions please help them out.
  6. Get there early: Arrive early to find a good spot to watch the race and avoid traffic. Most tracks park the motorcycles in a motorcycle only area so watch for signs/directions.
  7. Be respectful: Be respectful of other fans, the riders, and the track. Follow the rules and regulations of the event.
  8. Take photos: Capture the excitement of the race by taking photos and videos. But remember to be mindful of other fans and not to obstruct their view.
  9. Enjoy the experience: Finally, relax and enjoy the experience. Motorcycle races are thrilling events that offer a unique opportunity to witness the skill and bravery of the riders.  MotoAmerica has a fan walk of pit road at most races.  This will give you an opportunity to meet the racers and see the bikes.

I hope you find this helpful! Let me know if you have any other questions.

Motorcycle TV: Steve McQueen Desert Racer

Posted: April 1, 2024 in custom motorcycle, Motorcycle, Motorcycle racing, Motorcycle TV
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I ran across this hour-long motorcycle documentary on Amazon Prime and, of course, I had to watch it.

I knew the actor Steve McQueen was into motorcycles and motorcycle racing, but I did not realize he was REALLY into motorcycles and motorcycle racing! This TV show documents what he and his friends did to get motorcycles into movies and how they raced at the top levels.

A few the things I discovered while watching:

           Steve McQueen and friends were the first American team to race in the International 6-Day Enduro

           McQueen and friends were drivers of making Metisse Racing Motorcycles famous.

           McQueen spent hours changing customer tires at his friend’s bike shop, to prepare for the 6-Day Enduro

The documentary is narrated by motorcycle enthusiast Charle Boorman, famous for the “Long Way” films, and contains a lot of historical film clips and photos from that time. Steve McQueen Desert Racer was released in 2015.

I enjoyed the show, my wife even watched much of it, and I think you might as well. Check it out on the next rainy day!

Ride On, Ride Saff

Spring Motorcycle Riding Prep: A checklist for getting your bike ready for riding.

Posted: March 27, 2024 in Motorcycle, Motorcycle advocacy, Motorcycle Rides, motorcycle safety
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Spring is here, and your motorcycle is beckoning you to hit the open road.

Before you embark on your two-wheeled adventures, take a moment to prepare your bike for the riding season. While the T-CLOCS (Tires, Controls, Lights, Oil, Chassis, and Stands) inspection is essential, let’s delve into some often-overlooked recommendations:

  1. Check Your Gear:
    • Retrieve your riding gear from storage. It might have been sitting in your saddlebag for months.
    • Clean your gear thoroughly. Run it through the wash or clean it by hand.
    • Apply water repellent or waterproofing for added protection.
  2. Inspect Your Helmet:
    • Your helmet deserves special attention. Start by cleaning the exterior. Those bugs from 2023 should be easy to remove by now.
    • Remove and clean the interior padding following the manufacturer’s instructions.
    • Don’t forget to check every nook and cranny for any unwelcome guests—SPIDERS (not the Can-Am species).
  3. Evaluate and Replace Gear:
    • Take a close look at your riding gear. Are your helmet and gloves still in good condition?
    • Remember, you are responsible for your own safety. If something isn’t right, repair or replace it promptly.
  4. Give Your Motorcycle a “Colonoscopy”:
    • If you didn’t adequately prepare your bike for winter, it’s time to peek up your tailpipe. Make sure nothing is living in your exhust.
    • Inspect all areas for leaks and ensure everything is in ship shape.
  5. Give your bike a rub down: Happy ending optional!
    • Give it a good wipe down to clean off the dust and debris that adhered to your bike over winter.
    • Now is a good time to give your motorcycle a waxing to help preserve the paint.
  6. Restock your saddlebags or backpack:
    • If you pack a first aid kit replace what you used last year or what is now expired.
    • Sunscreen and ChapStick…might want to swap them out for new.
    • That candy bar you had for an emergency snack, go ahead, and eat it now and put a new one in its place.
  7. Review the owner’s manual:
    • Get yourself reacquainted with the bike.
  8. Check your insurance:
    • Did you stop or reduce your insurance on the motorcycle over the winter? Give a quick call to your agent to get your insurance up to date.
  9. Remind yourself about PANIC STOPS:
    • Find an unused bit of road or parking lot, get up to speed and BREAK HARD! Get that feeling about what you and your motorcycle will do when you must make a sudden stop.
    • Ride with a passenger? Then run this exercise with them on the bike as well. It is best to know how it feels in a controlled environment before you really need to do it. OH, check your breaks before you do this to make sure they are good to go.

This is not an all-inclusive checklist or recommendations, I am sure each of you can add more items, but it can get you started for the new riding season. Remember, a well-prepped motorcycle, and rider, ensures both safety and enjoyment during the riding season.

Ride on, ride safe

 🏍️

Motorcycle Recall February 2024: LiveWire, Honda, Triumph, Dainese Helmets, CFMOTO, Suzuki, Indian

Posted: March 1, 2024 in Motorcycle, Motorcycle advocacy, motorcycle recall
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Be aware that this motorcycle recall list is for the United States for the last 30 days, or so, 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.

*****

NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V149000

Manufacturer LIVEWIRE EV, LLC

Components ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

Summary LIVEWIRE EV, LLC (LiveWire) is recalling certain 2024 S2DM (S2 Del Mar) motorcycles. The Vehicle Supervisory Control (VSC) software may initiate and cause a powertrain shutdown as a result of internal software voltage thresholds being exceeded.

Remedy LiveWire will release an over-the-air (OTA) software update. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed March 5, 2024. Owners may contact LiveWire customer service at 1-855-387-4337. LiveWire’s number for this recall is 1001.

*****

NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V113000

Manufacturer Honda (American Honda Motor Co.)

Components FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE

Summary Honda (American Honda Motor Co.) is recalling certain 2018-2020 GL1800 (Goldwing), CBR600RR, and 2018-2019 CBR1000RR motorcycles. The fuel pump impellers may have been improperly molded, which can cause them to deform and result in fuel pump failure.

Remedy Dealers will inspect and replace the fuel pump module as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed April 8, 2024. Owners may contact Honda customer service at 1-866-784-1870. Honda’s numbers for this recall are KP8, KP9, KQ0, and KQ1.

 *****

NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V109000

Manufacturer Triumph Motorcycles America, Ltd.

Components STRUCTURE

Summary Triumph Motorcycles America, Ltd. (Triumph) is recalling certain 2023 Trident 660 and Tiger Sport 660 motorcycles. Due to incorrectly machined threads, the front fork caps may strip and detach from the fork outer tube.

Remedy Dealers will replace the fork caps, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed February 28, 2024. Owners may contact Triumph customer service at 1-678-854-2010. Triumph’s number for this recall is SRAN 617.

*****

NHTSA Campaign Number: 24E014000

Manufacturer Dainese S.p.A.

Components EQUIPMENT

Summary Dainese S.p.A. (Dainese) is recalling certain AGV Tourmodular helmets. The micrometric buckle may fail to automatically engage, allowing the chin strap to remain loose.

Remedy Dainese will apply lubricant to the buckles, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed April 12, 2024. Owners may contact Dainese customer service at 1-855-327-5639.

*****

NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V108000

Manufacturer CFMOTO POWERSPORTS, INC.

Components STRUCTURE

Potential Number of Units Affected 1,700

Summary

CFMOTO POWERSPORTS, INC. (CFMOTO) is recalling certain 2023 450SS motorcycles. The telematics box (T-box) may fall onto the front steering forks, which can cause a loss of steering control.

Remedy

Dealers will replace the T-Box holder, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed in February 2024. Owners may contact CFMOTO customer service at 1-763-398-2690. CFMOTO’s number for this recall is SAF-2024-01.

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NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V081000

Manufacturer Suzuki Motor USA, LLC

Components POWER TRAIN

Summary Suzuki Motor USA, LLC (Suzuki) is recalling certain 2024 GSX-8R motorcycles. The drive chain may detach due to missing rivets, which can result in a loss of power to the rear wheels.

Remedy Dealers will inspect and repair the drive chain with a replacement joint and replace sprockets as necessary, free of charge. All affected motorcycles are within the manufacturer’s direct control and therefore no owner notification letters will be sent. Owners may contact Suzuki customer service at (714) 572-1490. Suzuki’s number for this recall is 3A02.

*****

NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V069000

Manufacturer Indian Motorcycle Company

Components EXTERIOR LIGHTING

Summary Indian Motorcycle Company (Indian) is recalling certain 2020-2022 Challenger, Challenger Dark Horse, Challenger Limited, 2022 Challenger Dark Horse Icon, Challenger Elite, FTR 1200, FTR 1200 Rally, FTR 1200 S, FTR 1200 R Carbon, Pursuit Dark Horse, Challenger JD Limited Edition, Pursuit Limited Icon, Pursuit Dark Horse Premium, Pursuit Limited, Pursuit Limited Premium, 2019-2020 FTR 1200 S, FTR 1200, and 2020 FTR 1200 Rally motorcycles. The brake lights may illuminate unexpectedly and without brake application from the rider. 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 ABS module software, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed February 14, 2024. Owners may contact Indian customer service at 1-877-204-3697. Indian’s number for this recall is I-24-03.

*****

Ride On, Ride Safe

Motorcycle Recall January 2024: Suzuki, BMW and Cake 0

Posted: January 29, 2024 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. 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.

BTW I had never heard of Cake 0 motorcycles either!

*****

NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V038000

Manufacturer Suzuki Motor USA, LLC

Components SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC

Summary Suzuki Motor USA, LLC (Suzuki) is recalling certain 2024 GSX1300R motorcycles. The brake fluid pipe flare nut for the brake fluid supply line may have been tightened incorrectly and cause a brake fluid leak.

Remedy Dealers will inspect and tighten the brake pipe flare nut connection and adjust the brake fluid level, as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed February 5, 2024. Owners may contact Suzuki customer service at 1-714-542-1490. Suzuki’s number for this recall is 3A01.

*****

NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V904000

Manufacturer Cake 0 Emission USA Inc

Components ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

Summary Cake 0 Emission USA Inc (Cake) is recalling certain 2018-2023 Kalk, Kalk Ink, and Kalk work motorcycles. The lithium-ion battery cells can fail while charging.

Remedy Cake will replace the battery pack, free of charge. As an interim action, owners will be instructed to check their battery serial number and if necessary, follow interim charging instructions until the remedy battery is available. Interim letters notifying owners of the safety risk were mailed January 19, 2024. A second notice will be sent once the remedy becomes available, anticipated March 2024. Owners may contact Cake customer service at service@ridecake.com.

 *****

NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V884000

Manufacturer BMW of North America, LLC

Components EXTERIOR LIGHTING

Summary BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2021-2024 BMW R 18B and R 18 Transcontinental motorcycles. The headlight low beam attachment points may break, shifting the reflector out of position, and resulting in insufficient illumination. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 108, “Lamps, Reflective Devices, and Associated Equipment.”

Remedy The remedy is currently under development. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed February 13, 2024. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.

Ride On, Ride Safe

Motorcycle News: Upcoming international events and a flying motorcycle.

Posted: April 21, 2021 in Motorcycle news, Motorcycle Rides, Uncategorized
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Up Shift – Distinguished Gentleman’s Ride – This year plan on your Dapper Riding to take place on May 23rd.  The format of the ride will be based on the COVID rules where you live and ride.  Some will ride solo, other on specific routes and some may even get to ride as a group.

The event has raised over $27 Million dollars for men’s health causes over the years and the organizers hope to pop the $30 million mark this year.  To help that along Triumph Motorcycles will be provide four motorcycles to give to the top fund raisers worldwide. Check out gentlemansride.com for more details.

My Take – I have participated in a couple DGR rides and raised a small bit of money for the cause.  It is fun to dress up and go for a ride, especially for a good cause! 

Check out this video of me leaving for the 2014 DGR.

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Up Shift – International Female Ride Day – This year plan to set aside May 1st to get your International Female Ride Day on.  This year it is going to be a fix of solo rides, socially distanced gatherings, and meetups in 120 countries and every continent except Antarctica.

 According to IFRD’s press release, “The movement places a spotlight on the diverse participation of women already engaging in motorcycling and powersports while inspiring other women to learn to ride and obtain their license.” It goes on to state that, even though female ridership has doubled over the last decade, women still represent just around 20 percent of all motorcycle owners, and the momentum needs to continue to advance the future of motorcycling for women and, arguably, the sport.”

The 15th version of the IFRD is using the theme (and hashtag) of #FocusFemaleForward to put more emphasis on the IFRD’s goals of encouraging new women to ride while aiming to move women forward in all aspects of motorcycling.

My Take – The 15th year anniversary!  Yet another reason to get out and ride… not that we really need one! 

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Down Shift – Flying motorcycle by Subaru.  OK I thought this was an April’s Fools joke but maybe it is not.  Multiple sources are reporting, including Motorcycle.com, that Subaru has filed for a patent on a flying motorcycle.

From what I can tell the wings and engines of the flying motorcycle would fold up similar to those on a airplane on an aircraft carrier. When flying the wings would fold out, the motorcycle wheels would retract and way you are off into the wild blue yonder.

My Take – Hooey

Motorcycle News: Lane-filtering, Supercharged Harley and Royal Enfield Racing

Posted: March 5, 2021 in Motorcycle, Motorcycle news, Motorcycle racing
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ijustwant2ride.com

Up Shift – The State of Montana is now the third state to have legal motorcycle lane-filtering. 

Motorcyclists in the Big Sky State can overtake slow or stopped traffic by filtering between the lanes of traffic. But they have to stay at 20 MPH or below while doing so.

My Take – While I tremendously applaud the efforts of the motorcycle community in Montana for making this happen, was there much need for it? There are so few people in Montana how often will conditions allow lane-filtering?

ON THE PLUS SIDE…Other, vastly more populated, states (Oregon and Virginia for example) are also looking at legalization of motorcycle lane-filtering. Maybe the momentum is building for more states to pass the law.

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Up Shift – Harley Davidson my soon offer a bolt on supercharger for its V-Twin motorcycles. Cycle World is reporting that the Motor Company is working on the supercharger as part of it’s Screamin’ Eagle performance line. If you are not familiar with the Screamin’ Eagle line it is their in-house performance division that develops products (cams, exhausts, engines, etc.) to “hop-up” your motorcycle horsepower and torque. 

My Take – With the retraction going on at Harley Davidson I am a bit surprised with this development.  Harley has killed many new bikes designs, dropped out of racing and closed production lines so this new part is more the exception along the lines of the Pan American adventure motorcycle.

It will be interesting to see if it makes it into the parts catalog.

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Up Shift – Over the last few years American Flat Track racing has made quite a comeback, at least until Covid.  With the racing season to start soon Royal Enfield is joining the series with a factory sponsored team.

Johnny Lewis will be riding for Royal Enfield and the company is expecting good things to come from their involvement with American Flat Track.

My Take – This is great for the sport! More factory team involved means a greater chance for success.  But with American Flat Track on NBC and tape delayed how many fans are going to get to see Johnny and the other racers.

I don’t think that I am to different from the other fans in that if I know the outcome I am not going to watch the event.

*****

Ride on, Ride Safe

Motorcycle News: Somethings you might have missed in the last few months! OCC, Ducati, World Record.

Posted: February 12, 2021 in custom motorcycle, Motorcycle, Motorcycle news
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Hitting Neutral – Orange County Chopper is closing shop in the state of New York and moving to St. Petersburg, Florida. The following came from their Facebook page:

“And so, it begins, the next chapter in the Orange County Choppers story. Ground has been broken at the all-new OCC Roadhouse, Museum and Entertainment Complex in St. Petersburg, Florida.”

During a radio interview with WKRG, Paul Senior added some more commentary on the reason for the move:

“There’s more of a sense of freedom down there. I think I have more of a fan base down there in Florida and the riding season is nine months maybe even ten. In New York, you have a short season, maybe only three months or so. The whole thing makes sense.”

He added politics and taxes played a major role in his decision.

“Sometimes it’s just time for change, you know? Where I’m at in my life, it’s time for change and you feel the freedom in Florida, you don’t feel it so much in New York anymore,”

My Take – The last several years have been extremely hard on the motorcycle industry.  I bet Orange County Choppers have been hurt more than the big guys.  This move will reduce the tax burden and possible other costs.

This is a hard time which requires hard decision.  Good for them for making that hard decision. I hope it works out.

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Up Shift – Josh Herrin (racer with MotoAmerica) recently set a world record for the fastest motorcycle elbow drag.  He drug is elbow for about 100 feet (30 Meters) at 100.9 MPH (162.4 KPH) establishing the record!

The idea for this world record attempt came from a brain storming session with his sponsor “Fresh n Lean”.

My Take – Very cool!  It is also great to see a sponsor step up to do things like this in the motorcycle world!

*****

Down Shift – Armed FBI raid on Ducati North America. The FBI finical crimes division raided the headquarters of Ducati North America as well as the homes of some of their corporate leaders. To date, there has been no official statement as what warranted the raid or what is going on.  Ducati released a statement that confirmed that the raid occurred, and that Ducati was fully complying with the government.

My Take – Something that make you go hummmmm.   Is Ducati in trouble or are they the collateral damage from some other party.  Stay tuned.

Ride on, Ride Safe

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