Showing posts with label motorcycle safety. Show all posts
Showing posts with label motorcycle safety. Show all posts

Sunday, December 26, 2010

Triumph Recalls 2010 GT and ST Motorcycles for Incorrect Dipstick Length

Triumph is recalling certain model year 2010 GT and ST motorcycles.

The plug/dipstick is of an incorrect length. As a result, the accuracy of the dipstick for measuring adequate levels of oil may be compromised and adequate oil levels may not be maintained.

The number of units affected is 216.

Check out my Motorcycle Recalls feature for more details.

Wednesday, October 27, 2010

Kawasaki Recalls 2009-2010 Vulcan for ECU Problem

Kawasaki is recalling certain model year 2009-2010 Vulcan motorcycles.

The engine may stall if the rider is coasting with the clutch pulled in due to an improper setting of the engine control unit (ECU).

The number of units has not been specified.

Check out my Motorcycle Recalls feature for more details.

Wednesday, October 20, 2010

BMW Recalls 2004-2010 K1200 and K1300 Motorcycles for Bearing Problem

BMW is recalling certain model year 2004-2010 K1200 and K1300 motorcycles.

The bearings could be subject to corrosion. This could lead to reduced movement of the link lever.

The number of units has not been specified.

Check out my Motorcycle Recalls feature for more details.

BMW Recalls 2007-2010 F650GS Motorcycles for Brake Problem

BMW is recalling certain 2007 through 2010 F 650 GS motorcycles manufactured from November 2006 through January 2010.

A washer may interfere with the front disc brake fasteners' torque. As a result, over time, a fastener or multiple fasteners could become loose, allowing the brake disc to become loose.

1835 units are affected.

Check out my Motorcycle Recalls feature for more details.

Friday, September 17, 2010

XINGYUE Recalls 2009-2010 Auto Moto XY150ZK Motor Scooters for Improper Location of Rear Brake Control

XINGYUE is recalling certain model year 2009 and 2010 Auto Moto XY150ZK motor scooters manufactured from March 2009 through June 2010.

The rear brake control should be actuated by the driver's right foot and not the left hand as required by Federal Motor Vehicles Safety Standard No. 123, "Motorcycle Controls and Displays."

305 units are affected.

Check out my Motorcycle Recalls feature for more details.

Friday, September 10, 2010

Motorcycle Accidents - Save Yourself

I've been harping on safe riding for years. I even wrote 10 Ways To Be Safe on a Motorcycle. Please read my article and pass it on to your friends, even those who don't ride. We need to save a few lives and it all starts with you.

I see several motorcycle fatalities every day through my Google Alerts. Here's a representative article I just read. It will break your heart.

Reading a newspaper account of an accident like this always leaves the reader with questions about just what were the conditions under which the accident occurred. We've all heard reports that the driver didn't see the bike at all. Well, there are conditions where the sun is in your eyes and blocks out the rider. Or, some part of the structure of the car blocks your vision. I know this happens. I have to move forward, back, and side-to-side sometimes to be sure I can see the complete roadway when I'm waiting to turn in my car. And the small profile of a motorcycle coming at you is hard to see even under good conditions. Of course, these days, the possibility of the driver having a cell phone in their ear doesn't help at all.

I don't want to leave the motorcycle rider out here. We, as riders, don't always look out for ourselves. We know that we need to consider ourselves invisible to other drivers (and motorcyclists). That means always riding with space around us and constantly practicing defensive riding. Anticipate what a driver will do and allow space in case they do what you expect.

In the case of trying to prepare for a left-turner in front of you, always make sure you don't ride close to the car in front of you. A left-turner will see the car in front of you but you may be blocked from their view. The left-turner sees the car in front of you pass and makes a sudden left turn and you smash into them.

I heard of another accident where a car waiting to make a left turn did nothing wrong except they had their wheels turned left anticipating the turn when a vehicle behind them crashed into them and forced their car into the oncoming lane killing a motorcyclist. Folks, I thought everyone knew that you never turn your wheels at rest while waiting to turn. Always keep them straight ahead. If you're hit, you won't go into the oncoming lane.

I guess one could go on and on about left-turners and how to prevent motorcycle fatalities. However, I know these accidents will keep happening. But we all can prevent a few from happening. Reading my 10 Ways To Be Safe on a Motorcycle will help to put a few ideas in your head that may save your life. And really, all I'm trying to do is save you and keep you riding and riding and riding until the day you choose to stop riding. Hopefully, that day will never come.

If you have any comments on how to be safe on a motorcycle, leave them below.

Monday, August 30, 2010

Peter Lenz, Teen Motorcycle Racer, Dies at Indy

Peter Lenz, 13, was killed yesterday at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway after his motorcycle crashed and he was hit by another racer. Here's an excerpt by Jonathan Welsh of the Wall Street Journal:

    "The death of 13-year-old motorcycle racer Peter Lenz yesterday at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway raises the question: How young is too young for kids participating in inherently dangerous motorsports? It is also sure to fuel debate over how motorsports sanctioning groups balance risk and entertainment when putting together programs (like Sunday’s races) that combine amateur and professional events." -- Jonathan Welsh

Read more.

Wednesday, August 11, 2010

Honda Recalls 2010 VT1300CR, CRA, and CT Motorcycles for Inaccurate Weight Label

Honda is recalling certain model year 2010 Honda VT1300CR, VT1300CRA, and VT1300CT motorcycles manufactured from December 17, 2009 through May 24, 2010.

These motorcycles fail to conform to the certification requirements of Part 567. The gross axle weight rating (GAWR) is incorrect.

3184 units are affected.

Check out my Motorcycle Recalls feature for more details.

Sunday, August 8, 2010

Ducati Recalls 2010 MTS1200 for Throttle Cable Problem

Ducati is recalling certain model year 2010 Multistrada 1200 motorcycles.

The throttle cables may come into contact with the upper edge of the radiator during normal operation of the motorcycle. This situation could cause the throttle cables to become chafed by the radiator resulting in damage to the motorcycle and a potential hazard to the rider.

396 units are affected.

Check out my Motorcycle Recalls feature for more details.

Ducati Recalls 2010 MTS1200S for Center Stand Problem

Ducati is recalling certain model year 2010 Multistrada 1200S Touring Edition motorcycles.

The motorcycle's center stand mounting screws may come loose during normal operation. This situation could cause the center stand to possibly become displaced from its intended mounting position resulting in damage to the motorcycle and a potential hazard to the rider.

495 units are affected.

Check out my Motorcycle Recalls feature for more details.

Ducati Recalls 2010 MTS1200 for Steering Problem

Ducati is recalling certain model year 2010 Multistrada 1200 motorcycles.

During production an incorrect screw may have been installed in the motorcycle's steering head. This situation could cause the steering head to possibly become loose during normal operation.

196 units are affected.

Check out my Motorcycle Recalls feature for more details.

Yamaha Recalls 2006-2010 YZF-R6 for Reflector Problem

Yamaha is recalling certain model year 2006 through 2010 YZF-R6 motorcycles manufactured from August 2005 through March 2010.

The motorcycle's front side reflector was not placed at the proper height which fails to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard No. 108.

54,000 units are affected.

Check out my Motorcycle Recalls feature for more details.

Wednesday, July 21, 2010

Yamaha Recalls 2009 VMX17 for Electrical Problem

Yamaha is recalling certain model year 2009 VMX17 motorcycles manufactured from June 2008 through March 2009.

There could be excessive electrical resistance in the ground wire from the Accelerator Position Sensor (APS) and the Throttle Position Sensor (TPS) due to an insufficiently crimped connection.

700 units are affected.

Check out my Motorcycle Recalls feature for more details.

BMW Recalls 2005-2009 R1200RT Police Bike for Faulty Signaling Device Bracket

BMW is recalling certain 2005 through 2009 R 1200 RT police motorcycles manufactured from April 2005 through September 2009.

The bracket which supports the audible signaling device can break, possibly allowing the signaling device to fall from the vehicle and into the roadway.

1900 units are affected.

Check out my Motorcycle Recalls feature for more details.

Harley-Davidson Recalls 2010 FXDF for Fork Spring Problem

Harley-Davidson is recalling certain model year 2010 FXDF motorcycles with fork leg assemblies (lH P/N 48622-08, RH P/N 48623-08) manufactured from February 29 through February 9, 2010. (Editor's Note: These dates are assumed incorrect.)

These fork leg assemblies may have been incorrectly assembled using the wrong springs.

70 units are affected.

Check out my Motorcycle Recalls feature for more details.

Saturday, July 17, 2010

Kawasaki Recalls 2009-2010 EX650 Motorcycles for Brake Problem

Kawasaki is recalling certain model year 2009 EX650C9F/Fl and model year 2010 EX650CAF/Fl Ninja 650 motorcycles.

The right rear portion of the lower cowling can interfere with the operator's foot while in the process of applying the rear brake.

676 units are affected.

Check out my Motorcycle Recalls feature for more details.

Saturday, July 3, 2010

Kawasaki Recalls 2010 ZR1000DAF for Front Brake Problem

Kawasaki is recalling certain model year 2010 ZR1000DAF/L models.

Under severe riding conditions the left front brake hose may contact the front brake rotor during extremely heavy application of the front brake.

1161 units are affected.

Check out my Motorcycle Recalls feature for more details.

Wednesday, June 23, 2010

BMW Recalls 2005-2007 R1200GS Adventure Motorcycles for Fuel Tank Bolt Problem

BMW is recalling certain 2005 through 2007 R1200GS Adventure motorcycles manufactured from December 7, 2005 through September 26, 2007.

The fuel tank front attachment bolts can work loose allowing the bolts to come into contact with the fork leg if the handlebar is turned a significant amount.

The number of units affected has not been announced.

Check out my Motorcycle Recalls feature for more details.

MV Agusta Recalls 2010 F4 for Air Cleaner Problem

MV Agusta Motor S.P.A. (MV Agusta) is recalling certain model year 2010 F4 motorcycles manufactured from February 10 through April 19, 2010.

These motorcycles are equipped with an air filter frame, P/N 8000B4061, which may lift out of position, allowing intake air to bypass the filter.

66 units are affected.

Check out my Motorcycle Recalls feature for more details.

BMW Recalls 2007-2009 K1200 and R1200 Series Motorcycles for Brake Line Problem

BMW is recalling certain model year 2007 through 2009 R1200 and K1200 series motorcycles manufactured from August 2006 through May 2009.

Due to the current routing of the front brake lines, it is possible that during riding, and therefore associated vibration, the brake lines could be under strain. If the vibration/strain is significant, the brake line could split and start to develop a leak.

15532 units are affected.

Check out my Motorcycle Recalls feature for more details.