Posts Tagged ‘Sportbike’

Motorcycle News: Cardio Packtalk, subscribe to use?

Posted: March 22, 2023 in Motorcycle, Motorcycle news, Motorcycle radio
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ijustwant2ride.com

Down Shift – Cardio Packtalk is now subscription based.

Cardio, one of the leaders in motorcycle helmet to helmet and helmet to device communications has made a MAJOR change to how their product works.

The Bluetooth communications and intercom maker now has “Packtalk Custom” to allow you to “customize” the way you connect. The device itself sells for about $250US.

So, what do you get out of the box?  The ability to connect to nothing.  You must subscribe to the Silver Package to connect to your phone OR navigation system, NOT BOTH.

Subscribing to the silver package for $3 dollars per month gets you:

  • Music sharing
  • Three audio profiles
  • Speed dial

Subscribing to the gold package for $5 dollars a month allows you to “expand your capabilities with Bluetooth intercom and a 2nd device”.  The full gold package gives you:

  • Universal Bluetooth Intercom (to allow you to connect to other brands of intercom)
  • Bluetooth bridge
  • Second channel connection (allows you to connect an additional device – without it, you can only have your mobile phone OR sat-nav OR bike’s dash).
  • Music sharing
  • Three audio profiles
  • Speed dial

Subscribing to the Platinum package for $7 dollars a month enables:

  • Voice commands
  • Eco mode (up to 20% longer operation)
  • Universal Bluetooth Intercom
  • Bluetooth bridge
  • Second channel connection
  • Music sharing
  • Three audio profiles
  • Speed dial

My Take – WOW, why would I pay $250 dollars for something that I cannot use out of the box?  I will not be purchasing this device that is for sure.  IN FACT, I THINK THIS IS STUPID!

While I am sure that there are people who will do this, I would hope the vast majority of people will go to other brands.  We should not have to pay additional fees to be able to use the product we just bought. As is, you will need to pay $5 a month just to use what I consider basic features.

Ride two up…. an extra $7 per month to be able to talk with your passenger and do the normal stuff like phone and nav.

This subscription thing is a trend I have been seeing in other areas including cars and trucks and I hope that people are smart enough to not buy into this or otherwise it might spread. 

I can easily imagine a day where if you wanted 5th gear you would have to pay a fee.

*****

Up Shift – International Female Ride Day 2023

The 17th International Female Ride Day falls on May the 6th this year.

For 16 years the IFRD has “shined a spotlight on women riders and females in the motorsports arena!”

Nearly 20% of riders are women and that number has been growing over the years and I do not expect that growth to end anytime soon. Coming out of the pandemic more people and especially women are feeling empowered to do the things that they really want.

The goals of the event are:

  • Highlight the number of women who ride.
  • Encourage other women to take up the activity.
  • Raise awareness about women’s equality in motorsports.
  • Celebrate women’s advancement in motorsports and powersports.
  • Ride for accelerated gender parity.

My Take: Anything that gets folks out and riding is a great thing!  That this team has been encouraging women to mount up and ride is just awesome.  I hope that we can grow the number of women riding from 20% to 30% in the next few years.

Ride on, Ride Safe

Motorcycle Book Review: The Moment Collectors

Posted: March 13, 2023 in Motorcycle, Motorcycle advocacy, Product Reviews
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The Moment Collector is an anthology of short stories from motorcyclists traveling the world. The collector of these stories is Sam Manicom, himself a world traveler on two wheels.

Sam collected twenty tales from intrepid motorcycling travelers. As with all anthologies some stories are more engrossing than others, some writers are better than others. Yet overall, I enjoyed the book greatly.

I was familiar with a few of the authors, Tim Notier for example, but most were new to me. Mr. Manicom provided each writer’s social media information with their stories. A subtle but impactful touch that allowed me to see more about each of them.

As noted above, it is difficult for any collection of stories, or moments, to have every tale a hit. I am giving this book a 4-Star review because it is an anthology and not all the stories were great.

However…. It should be part of your motorcycle book library!

Ride On, Ride Safe

Other books of Sam Manicom I have reviewed: Tortillas and Totems

Full disclosure Sam authored a guest post on this blog, and I paid for this book and was not paid for the review.

Motorcycle News: National Motorcycle Museum and Moto Guzzi Rallies

Posted: March 2, 2023 in Motorcycle, Motorcycle advocacy, Motorcycle news
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ijustwant2ride.com

Down Shift – National Motorcycle Museum is closing.

Sadly, the National Motorcycle Museum will close its doors in September. The museum in Anamosa, Iowa, was opened 22 years ago by the owners of J&P Cycle John and Jill Parham. John passed away in 2017.

Their notification stated, “We have struggled for several years to cover wages and utilities partly due to low visitations.”

The museum states that it will auction its collections to pay outstanding bills. This auction will include both motorcycles and memorabilia that the Parham’s collected over their many years in the motorcycle industry.

My Take Just another sad note reflecting both the results of the pandemic and the state of the motorcycle industry in America.  Also, I am not sure that Anamosa, Iowa is a destination for a lot of folks. I would not be surprised if more “niche” museums closed their doors in the near future.

*****

Up Shift – Moto Guzzi Experience

Moto Guzzi motorcycles are sponsoring 3 events around the USA.  The first up is in Bozeman, MT (June 28th-July3rd 2023).  The second is in the Smoky Mountains starting in Knoxville, TN (August 30th-September 4th). The third Moto Guzzi Experience runs October 18th – 23rd in the Ozark Mountains around Bentonville AK.

All these events include tour leaders and support vehicles, and you can rent a Moto Guzzi if you do not want to ride yours to the event. Base costs? $2,500 if you rent a motorcycle, $1,500 if you bring your own and passengers cost $1,000. That cost includes hotels, full board (minus alcohol), the tour leader and support vehicle.

Folks who attend the event will get a discount on a new V100 Mandello or a V85TT afterwards.  Discounts of up to $1,250 on a new bike is never a bad thing.

My Take: I am assuming these events are going to be similar to what the Harley Owners Group does with their annual rallies If that is the case it should be a lot of fun. In fact, we were at one of the HOG rallies last year in the Smokey Mountains. If you attend of these Moto Guzzi events let me know I would like to hear how it turned out.

*****

Ride on, Ride Safe

Motorcycle Recall February 2023: Can-AM, Suzuki, BMW

Posted: February 28, 2023 in Motorcycle, Motorcycle advocacy, Motorcycle news, motorcycle recall, motorcycle safety
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Be aware that this motorcycle recall list is for the United States for the last 30 days, there is no way I could cover the entire world. But in the world of global manufacturing, if a motorcycle is being recalled in one country there is a good chance it is under recall in others.

Also, this should not be considered a definitive list, check for yourself if you have any questions.

If you are US based use the NHTSA website http://www.safercar.gov. Enter your VIN number to see if your motorcycle is affected by the recall.

If you are based outside the USA, use the appropriate website to locate recalls that may impact you.

*****

NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V088000

Manufacturer Suzuki Motor USA, LLC

Components SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC

Summary Suzuki Motor USA, LLC (Suzuki) is recalling certain 2022 GSX1300RRQ/ZM2 (Hayabusa) motorcycles. An incorrect position of the front brake master cylinder primary port could cause the port to become blocked, and result in a gap between the front brake pad and discs. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 122, “Motorcycle Brake Systems.”

Remedy Dealers will replace the front brake master cylinder body, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed March 1, 2023. Owners may contact Suzuki’s customer service at 1-800-934-0934. Suzuki’s number for this recall is 2A99.

*****

Manufacturer Bombardier Recreational Products, Inc. (Can-Am Spyder)

Components VISIBILITY

Summary Bombardier Recreational Products Inc. (BRP) is recalling certain 2022 Cam-Am Spyder F3 and F3-S motorcycles. The rearview mirror lens may detach from the housing.

Remedy Dealers will install new mirror assemblies, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed February 9, 2023. Owners may contact BRP customer service at 1-888-272-9222.

*****

NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V051000

Manufacturer BMW of North America, LLC

Components ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

Summary BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2022-2023 S 1000R and 2020-2023 S 1000XR motorcycles. During a software update performed at a dealership, the “Dynamic Pro” riding mode feature “front wheel lift-off assistant” may have been inadvertently deactivated without alerting the rider.

*****

Ride On, Ride Safe

Best of 2022: Motorcycle Posters

Posted: February 10, 2023 in Motorcycle
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Maybe one way to judge if we are returning to something approaching normal is the number of motorcycle events around the world. I started with the over 20 motorcycle themed posters, many of which were for events in 2022. However, come on guys, put a little more effort into your designs and PLEASE put something about the location on the poster too!

Below are the top 9 motorcycle posters for 2022. My personal favorite is the flat-track motorcycle rider on the moon by Ryan Roadkill. Which one do you like best!

Motorcycle Recall January 2023: Triumph, 30K Bilt Helmets, Indian

Posted: February 3, 2023 in Motorcycle, Motorcycle advocacy, Motorcycle news, motorcycle recall, motorcycle safety
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Be aware that this motorcycle recall list is for the United States for the last 30 days, there is no way I could cover the entire world. But in the world of global manufacturing, if a motorcycle is being recalled in one country there is a good chance it is under recall in others.

Also, this should not be considered a definitive list, check for yourself if you have any questions.

If you are US based use the NHTSA website http://www.safercar.gov. Enter your VIN number to see if your motorcycle is affected by the recall.

If you are based outside the USA, use the appropriate website to locate recalls that may impact you.

*****

NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V006000

Manufacturer Triumph Motorcycles America, Ltd.

Components ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

Summary Triumph Motorcycles America, Ltd. (Triumph) is recalling certain 2022-2023 Speed Triple RS and Speed Triple RR motorcycles. The radiator fan may overheat, causing the fan motor to fail.

Remedy Dealers will install an additional heatshield, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed February 1, 2023. Owners may contact Triumph’s customer service at 1-678-854-2010. Triumph’s number for this recall is SRAN 605.

*****

NHTSA Campaign Number: 23E004000

Manufacturer Comoto Holdings, Inc.

Components EQUIPMENT

Summary Comoto Holdings, Inc. (Comoto Holdings) is recalling certain Bilt Vertex BLH133, Bilt Vertex Parabola BLH141, and Bilt Vertex Stripes BLH134 helmets, in sizes SM, MD, LG, and XL. The helmets may lack retention system integrity and adequate penetration protection. As such, these helmets fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 218, “Motorcycle Helmets.”

Remedy Comoto Holdings will either provide a credit or replace the helmet, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed February 1, 2023. Owners may contact Comoto Holdings’ customer service at 1-888-258-9530.

*****

NHTSA Campaign Number: 23E003000

Manufacturer Comoto Holdings, Inc.

Components EQUIPMENT

Summary Comoto Holdings, Inc. (Comoto Holdings) is recalling certain Bilt Route BLH100, Bilt Route Retro Womens BLH118, and Bilt Route Journey BLH109 helmets, in sizes MD, XL, and XXL. The helmets may lack adequate penetration protection. As such, these helmets fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 218, “Motorcycle Helmets.”

Remedy Dealers will either provide a credit or replace the helmets, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed February 1, 2023. Owners may contact Comoto Holdings’ customer service at 1-888-258-9530.

*****

NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V957000

Manufacturer Indian Motorcycle Company

Components STRUCTURE

Summary Indian Motorcycle Company (Indian) is recalling certain 2022 Chief, Chief Bobber, Chief Bobber Darkhorse, Chief Darkhorse, Super Chief, and Super Chief Limited motorcycles. The kickstand may not properly retract upon ground contact when left extended while riding. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 123, “Motorcycle Controls and Displays.”

Remedy The remedy is currently under development. Interim notification letters, notifying owners of the safety risk, were mailed January 25, 2023. A second notice will be sent once the final remedy is available. Owners may contact Indian customer service at 1-877-204-3697. Indian’s number for this recall is I-23-01.

*****

Ride On, Ride Safe

Best of 2022 … Motorcycle Tank Art

Posted: January 25, 2023 in custom motorcycle, Motorcycle, motorcycle show, vintage motorcycle
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This year I started with 15 wonderfully designed or painted motorcycle tanks, just pieces of art!  It was difficult to get down to the 9 best of 2022.

These motorcycle tanks may have been around for a while but, 2022 was the first time I have seen them.  I hope you like them as much as I do.

Which is your fav-o-rite!

Ride On, Ride Safe

Motorcycle Movie Review: Florian’s Knights

Posted: January 16, 2023 in Motorcycle, Motorcycle advocacy, Motorcycle TV
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Saint Florian – the Patron Saint of Firefighters

By the title of the movie, you can guess this is a film about a firefighter motorcycle club.  You would be right, but there is a lot more to it than just a motorcycle club movie.

This is a movie more about the mental health aspects of first responders and what they bring home after years of service.  How PTSD is impacting their lives and that of their families and the fact that they find it difficult to deal with the issues while on duty.

That said…. This is a difficult film to watch.

The Florian Knights were formed in 2017 in Vancouver, Canada by an active firefighter. It was his attempt to create a group of motorcyclists to ride with and to talk about the hard stuff, away from work. Each of the members of this chapter had a reason, beyond riding, to join the club.

A year or so later, in New York City, another firefighter was starting a riding club with the same name, Florian Knights. When he found out that there was already a firefighter motorcycle club by that name, they decided to open a new chapter to help fulfill the same purpose.

My motorcycle is my medicine.

Many of the Florian Knights, throughout the movie, comment that motorcycling helps cope with their stress and PTSD. This is where the first twist in the movie occurs.

The film switches from a documentary of the two clubs to an actual scientific study of motorcycling on the brain.  A Doctor of Psychology wants to track brain patterns and uses many members of the clubs as test subjects.  Putting on wired caps under their helmets to track how their brains worked while riding.

No surprise to us, motorcycling reduces stress by 28% according to the study.

Right after this segment the movie takes a second, harsher, twist.  This twist I am not going to describe as I will leave it to you to create your own take away. I am also not going to rate this motorcycle move as I don’t think it can judge it on a normal scale, it is just so different.

What do you think of how this motorcycle movie ends? Let me know in the comments.

Motorcycle Recall December 2022: Kawasaki X2, KTM Super Duke, Genuine Scooters

Posted: December 28, 2022 in Motorcycle, Motorcycle advocacy, Motorcycle news, motorcycle recall, motorcycle safety
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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: 22V912000

Manufacturer Kawasaki Motors Corp., U.S.A.

Components ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

Summary Kawasaki Motors Corp., U.S.A. (KMC) is recalling certain 2015-2018 ZX1000, 2018 ZX1002A, ZX1002B, 2019-2021 ZX1002D, 2019-2022 ZX1002J, 2020-2023 ZR1000K, 2021-2022 ZR1000L, 2022 ZX1002R, and 2023 ZR1002L (Ninja H2, Ninja H2 Carbon, Ninja H2 SX, Ninja H2 SX SE, Ninja H2 SX SE+, Z H2, and Z H2 SE) motorcycles. Please see the attached model information chart for a detailed list of model codes, names and years. The plunger in the camshaft chain tensioner may lock, which can result in an engine stall while riding.

Remedy Dealers will replace the camshaft chain tensioner, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed December 21, 2022. Owners may contact KMC customer service at 1-866-802-9381.

*****

NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V913000

Manufacturer Kawasaki Motors Corp., U.S.A.

Components ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

Summary Kawasaki Motors Corp., U.S.A. (KMC) is recalling certain 2022 Ninja H2 SX SE (ZX1002R) motorcycles. A software error in the multi-function meter may cause the motorcycle speed display to fail. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 123, “Motorcycle Controls and Displays.”

Remedy Dealers will update the meter software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed December 21, 2022. Owners may contact KMC customer service at 1-866-802-9381. KMC’s number for this recall is MC22-09.

*****

NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V900000

Manufacturer KTM North America, Inc.

Components ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

Summary KTM North America, Inc. (KTM) is recalling all 2020-2022 1290 Super Duke R and Super Duke R EVO motorcycles. The main wiring harness may be misrouted or missing parts, which can cause wiring harness damage and result in an electrical short-circuit or engine stall.

Remedy Dealers will inspect and repair the main wiring harness installation, as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed January 26, 2023. Owners may contact KTM customer service at 1-888-985-6090. KTM’s number for this recall is KTB2211.

*****

NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V862000

Manufacturer Genuine Scooters, LLC

Components FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE

Summary Genuine Scooters, LLC is recalling certain 2022 Genuine Buddy Kick 125 motorcycles. The impeller may strike the fuel pump body, causing the fuel pump to fail.

Remedy Dealers will replace the fuel pump, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed December 6, 2022. Owners may contact Genuine Scooters customer service at 1-773-433-1316.

*****

Ride On, Ride Safe

Bilt Iron Works Kevlar Motorcycle Riding Pants

Posted: December 12, 2022 in Motorcycle, Product Reviews
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I reviewed an earlier version of the Bilt Iron Workers Kevlar motorcycle pants way back in 2013. The older version received a 4-star rating, but these pants have been improved over the years.

The new Iron Workers Kevlar pants are available in several colors, I purchased the khaki version.  They were more brown than khaki but acceptable.  I read that the sizing was running a little small, so I bought one size up from my normal and it worked out well, a good fit.

They look more like casual office pants than any of the other motorcycling pants I currently own.  With the knee pads removed it would be even more difficult to discern they are motorcycle-based clothing.

Speaking of knee pads, the Bilt Iron Workers Kevlar pants have an external zipper that allows for “easier” access.  I placed “easier” in quotes as it can still be a bit of a struggle to get them in and out, but it is much better than turning the pants inside out to access the armor pockets. This is a plus over many other pants I own.

While the Bilt pants come with armor for the knee they do not come with hip armor, luckily, I have several extra pairs.  Unlike the knee armor the hip armor is not as easy to insert or remove.  The pocket openings face the outside pant leg, and it can be a bit of a struggle to put the armor in place.  Once the hip armor is installed, they are comfortable and snug. This is about the same as other pants I own.

After riding in these pants for a few thousand miles, I have to say I like them quite a bit. While heavy they are not too hot in the heat, and they have some decent wind breaker qualities that help in the cool weather.

The cargo pockets are secured with heavy-duty Velcro and, wow, it is some really heavy-duty Velcro. It can be a bit of an effort to pull the pocket open.  You will not need to worry about the cargo pockets coming open during your ride!  The regular pockets are just regular pockets. This is a plus over other pants I own.

The only downside and it does not impact my rating is the hip armor pockets, they could be better with a pocket opening facing the inside of the pant with a Velcro closure. Some people might complain of the limited use of the Kevlar lining but there is a price point consideration. 

For their price these are very good motorcycling pants.

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