2007 – 2008 BMW K1200 recall

Picture from U.S. Rider News

According to U.S. Rider News in their article BMW Recalls K1200 Models For Brake Issue, the 2007 – 2008 BMW K1200 bikes (sport models, R, R- Sport, and S, have an issue with the front brake fluid reservoir. Owners of these bikes can contact  BMW at CustomerRelations@bmwusa.com or call at 1-800-525-7471 to make arrangements to have their bike retrofitted with a screen insert to resolve the brake fluid reservoir issue. This recall affects 2,062 bikes.

Southern Honda Powersports under investigation for selling unsafe vehicles

Picture from U.S. Rider News

Southern Honda Powersports, according to U.S. Rider News in their article Largest Honda Dealer in the US Under Investigation, is under investigation for selling potentially 25,000 unsafe motorcycles. According to the article, Southern Honda Powersports, which has locations in TN and FL, sold vehicles that had been recalled – without conducting the proper fixes on the vehicles, and sold vehicles assembled by employees without proper training.

7 Motorcycle riding tips

A few tips I’ve learned along the way:

1. Ride like you’re invisible – no matter how bright or reflective your clothing is, you can (and likely will) be in the blind spot of cars. Be prepared!
2. Stay away from cars – yes, it’s much easier said than done, but it’s the truth. If you aren’t following too closely, or being followed too closely, your chances of getting into an accident decrease greatly. Keep your distance from other vehicles to allow yourself time to brake and stop appropriately.
3. Have a plan – when you are in the blind spot of cars / trucks (see #1) you need to know how to maneuver quickly to get out of their way if they start merging into you. Keep your eyes open and always have a plan in the event a car / truck (or even bus) begins to merge into you.
4. Don’t look down – this is probably one of the most basic tips, but one of the most important. When you’re riding keep your eyes up and focused on where you want to be – even if you think you’re going to go down. You and your bike are going to go where your eyes are looking, and if that’s the ground, then that’s where you’ll end up.
5. Be courteous to drivers – I know, I know…why should I be? you ask. Well, because there are still a lot of drivers out there who don’t like motorcyclists and the nicer you are to them (i.e. waving when you split lanes and get in front of them), the more likely they will be to get out of your way and not run you over.
6. Wear proper riding gear – not all states have the DOT approved helmet law, but I think they should. Wearing a helmet that is DOT approved can increase your survival chances when in an accident. Don’t forget proper jacket and foot attire as well. The more protected your body is, the better you’ll be protected if you go down.
7. Only take passengers when you’re comfortable doing so – if you’re a new rider or if you have a bike that isn’t really meant for passengers, work your way up to taking someone with you on the back of your bike. My bike, for example, has a passenger seat. But, it’s far too small to carry me and another adult (hence, one of the reasons I really do need a new bike). And remember – when you take a passenger on your bike you are taking their life in your hands. 

Harley-Davidson 2012 and 2013 VRSCDX recall

I have to admit...this is a sweet looking bike! Maybe this'll be my next bike...(after the fix)

Harley-Davidson is recalling all 2012 and certain 2013 VRSCDX motorcycles that were manufactured from 6/14/11 through 8/1/12 due to a malfunction with the license plate bracket. According to the H-D Recall, the mounting screws may loosen up causing the license plate bracket to rotate and possibly damage the rear brake line. Please contact H-D for additional information. 

152 MPH in a 70 zone? CRAZY!

Picture from MCN

I’ve had many, many people tell me just how dangerous motorcycle riding is…as if I didn’t already know. One of the big keys to staying safe out there on the road is to obey the traffic laws. You know…those pesky rules that all motorists have to follow, like:

-          Don’t run red lights

-          Come to a complete stop at stop signs

-          Don’t go over the speed limit

It was reported today on MCN today by Steve Farrell that there was a Motorcyclist caught speeding at 152 mph!! Stephen Tull was on a 70mph road in Binsted, Sussex when he was busted for going 152mph. That definitely sounds like a rush and a half, but I’d hate to think what would have happened if he had lost control of that bike!