My daughter purchased a new motorcycle helmet, we unboxed it for the first look!
Posts Tagged ‘Sportbike’
Motorcycle News: An impressive new WORLD RECORD and the Motocompo is back!
Posted: September 20, 2023 in MotorcycleTags: BSA Bantam 175, electric honda motocompo, Guinness world record, Harley, Harley Davidson, honda motocompo, honda motorcycle, Leslie harris world record, Motorcycle, motorcycle blog, Motorcycle Ride, motorcycle riding, motorcycle safety, motorcycle touring, sport bike, Sportbike, world record motorcycle racer, world record motorcycle rider
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 safetyTags: bridgestone motorcycle tire rebate, bridgestone motorcycle tires, Harley, Harley Davidson, Michelin motorcycle tire rebate, Michelin motorcycle tires, Motorcycle, motorcycle blog, Motorcycle Ride, motorcycle riding, motorcycle safety, motorcycle tires, motorcycle touring, sport bike, Sportbike
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
*****
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 ReviewsTags: CE level 1 armor, ce1 armor, CE1 motorcycle armor, D30 motorcycle armor, Harley, Harley Davidson, Harley Davidson switchback motorcycle jacket, Motorcycle, motorcycle armor, motorcycle blog, motorcycle jacket, Motorcycle Ride, motorcycle riding, motorcycle safety, motorcycle touring, sport bike, Sportbike
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, UncategorizedTags: harepin turns, Harley, Harley Davidson, howard's lick, Howard's twisted tongue, Lost river state park, Motorcycle, motorcycle blog, motorcycle howard's twisted tongue, Motorcycle Ride, motorcycle riding, motorcycle safety, motorcycle touring, motorcycle travel, sport bike, Sportbike, switchbacks, technical motorcycle road, West Virginia Route 12
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 recallTags: Harley, Harley Davidson, Indian challenger recall, indian motorcycle recall, Indian pursuit recall, moto guzzi motorcycle recall, moto guzzi recall, moto guzzi v100 recall, motoguzzi mandello recall, Motorcycle, motorcycle blog, motorcycle recall, motorcycle recall august 2024, Motorcycle Ride, motorcycle riding, motorcycle safety, Piaggio recall, sport bike, Sportbike, Triumph motorcycle recall, Triumph Trident recall
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 safetyTags: BMW radar linked brakes, brake control, collision avoidance system, Harley, Harley Davidson, Motorcycle, motorcycle blog, Motorcycle Ride, motorcycle riding, motorcycle safety, motorcycle touring, national motorcycle day, Radar-linked brakes for motorcycles, sport bike, Sportbike, Yamaha radar linked brakes
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, UncategorizedTags: american byways, Back of the Dragon, coal heritage trail, Harley, Harley Davidson, Motorcycle, motorcycle blog, motorcycle ride back of the dragon, motorcycle ride new river gorge, motorcycle riding, motorcycle touring, photos of back of the dragon, riding the american byways, rocket boys drive, sport bike, Sportbike, taming the virginia back of the dragon, Tazwell virginia back of the dragon, the rocket boys, us route 16, us route 16 back of the dragon, virginia back of the dragon, west virginia back of the dragon, west virginia coal heritage trail, wv coal heritage trail
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 safetyTags: adventure bike, adventure motorcycle, brembo brake recall, Harley, Harley Davidson, Motorcycle, motorcycle blog, motorcycle brake recall, Motorcycle Ride, motorcycle riding, motorcycle safety, motorcycle touring, sport bike, Sportbike, yamaha motorcycle recall, Yamaha tenere recall
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 Ride: 900 Miles, 2 States, 1 Back of the Dragon
Posted: July 26, 2023 in Motorcycle, motorcycle touringTags: Back of the Dragon, Harley, Harley Davidson, Interstate 81, Motorcycle, motorcycle blog, Motorcycle Ride, motorcycle riding, motorcycle riding in the rain, motorcycle riding the back of the dragon, motorcycle touring, riding the back of the dragon, sport bike, Sportbike, travel
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
I JUST WANT 2 RIDE!! 