Motorcycles and ABS - Will ABS Be a Requirement Soon?

BMW pioneered the use of ABS on motorcycles. 24 years has gone by. How good is ABS on motorcycles now? Ron Lieback of UltimateMotorcycling.com published an article that has some answers. Here's an excerpt:

"When testing new motorcycles, judging the worthiness of a bike's Antilock Braking can become quite enjoyable. The ultimate ABS system will act almost undetectable, and the ultimate test of such a system involves the fun factor of trying to lock up the wheels at high speeds, both on dry and wet pavement. BMW was the first to master the art of undetectable ABS; take a ride on a S1000RR and you'll quickly understand. And there's a good reason why BMW is a leader in undetectable ABS - the Bavarian company has much experience honing its antilock braking system, considering it was the first manufacturer to offer ABS back in 1988 on its K models. And today, it's the only company to offer ABS as standard equipment across its entire motorcycle lineup." -- Ron Lieback, UltimateMotorcycling.com

Read more.

Ducati Recalls 2012 848, Streetfighter, Hypermotard, Multistrada, and Monster Motorcycles for Brake Pad Problem

Ducati is recalling certain model year 2012 848, Streetfighter, Hypermotard, Multistrada, and Monster motorcycles.

The friction material may detach from the backing plate of the rear brake pads.

283 units are affected.

Check out my Motorcycle Recalls feature for more details.

May is Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month - Watch Out for Motorcycles

May is Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month. Motorcycles are coming on the road in great numbers after being absent for most of the winter in northern climates. We all need to be reminded to watch for motorcycles. Consumer Reports has an article on this most important safety issue. Here's an excerpt:

"May kicks off Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month, an initiative supported by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). With spring well underway, riders are hitting the highways and byways, and this serves as a reminder to all drivers to be mindful that motorcycles are sharing the road." -- Jeff Bartlett, ConsumerReports.org

Read more.

It's also a good time to read my 10 Ways to Be Safe on a Motorcycle.

BMW Recalls 2012 S1000RR Motorcycles for Loose Connecting Rods

BMW is recalling certain model year 2012 S1000RR motorcycles, manufactured from September 1, 2011, through April 10, 2012.

Due to a manufacturing process error, the connecting rod bolts may become loose during high engine temperatures and/or high engine operating speeds which could result in catastrophic engine damage.

1414 units are affected.

Check out my Motorcycle Recalls feature for more details.

BRP Recalls 2010 Spyder RT Roadster for Brake Pedal Problem

Bombardier Recreational Products INC. (BRP) is recalling certain model year 2010 Spyder RT Roadsters.

A pin securing the brake pedal connecting rod could disengage and fall off.

If this occurs, a total loss of main brake function could result without prior warning.

3259 units are affected.

Check out my Motorcycle Recalls feature for more details.

Kawasaki Recalls 2009-2012 Concours 14 Police for Fuse Problem

Kawasaki is recalling certain model year 2009-2012 Concours 14 police motorcycles.

The additional police accessories may cause the 30-amp main fuse to blow. Also, the additional police wiring harness may chafe leading to a short, which may blow the main fuse.

273 units are affected.

Check out my Motorcycle Recalls feature for more details.

10 Ways to Be Safe Riding a Motorcycle

I get Google Alerts every day telling of motorcycle accidents all over the world. The most disturbing accounts describe the deaths of riders because an oncoming motorist turned left across their path and the motorcycle struck the car.

Folks, most every rider has not yet got the message of the danger of left-turners.

Please read my 10 Ways to Be Safe on a Motorcycle. It describes the left-turner as well as nine more ways to be be safe on a motorcycle.

These tips are also included in my new Kindle book, Getting Started Riding a Motorcycle.

So, get educated and read my 10 Ways to Be Safe on a Motorcycle.

Kawasaki Recalls 2012 Ninja and Versys Motorcycles for Footpeg Defect

Kawasaki is recalling certain model year 2012 EX250JCF/A/AL/L Ninja 250, EX650ECF/L Ninja 650 and KLE650CCF/L Versys motorcycles manufactured from September 13, 2011 through October 25, 2011.

Due to engine vibration and damage during assembly, the circlips on the footpeg mounting pins can break and fall off and cause the footpeg to detach from the motorcycle.

793 units are affected.

Check out my Motorcycle Recalls feature for more details.

Ducati Recalls Monster 1100 EVO for Cracked Rear Wheel Spokes

Ducati is recalling certain model year 2011-2012 Monster 1100 EVO motorcycles, manufactured from January 17, 2011, through January 24, 2012 and equipped with rear rims marked with code DU6-RR.

Over time, the spokes on the rear wheel rim may develop cracks.

892 units are affected.

Check out my Motorcycle Recalls feature for more details.

Kawasaki Recalls Ninja ZX-10R and ZX-6R for Charging Problem

Kawasaki is recalling certain model year 2008-2011 Ninja ZX-10R, and 2009-2012 Ninja ZX-6R motorcycles manufactured from December 14, 2007 through July 26, 2011.

Due to a manufacturing error, the regulator/rectifier may insufficiently charge the battery.

20,544 units are affected.

Check out my Motorcycle Recalls feature for more details.

Wildfire Recalls WF650-C 3-Wheel Motorcycles for Brake Reservoir Labeling Problem

Wildfire is recalling certain model year 2009 WF650-C motorcycles, manufactured from April 2008 through January 2009 for failing to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard No. 122, "Motorcycle Brake System."

As built, these motorcycles have a single brake fluid reservoir with a single filler opening and lack the required reservoir labeling. Warning lamps indicating brake failure are also absent.

202 units are affected.

Check out my Motorcycle Recalls feature for more details.

Ducati Recalls Hypermotard and Monster for Fuel Line Problem

Ducati is recalling certain model year 2011-2012 Hypermotard and Monster motorcycles manufactured from June 25, 2011, through November 30, 2011.

The fuel lines contain micro-cracking due to insufficient drying of raw materials prior to extrusion.

913 units are affected.

Check out my Motorcycle Recalls feature for more details.

Suzuki Recalls 2012 AN400, AN650, and DL650 Scooters and Motorcycles for Brake Switch Failure

Suzuki is recalling certain model year 2012 AN400, AN650, and DL650 scooters and motorcycles manufactured prior to December 17, 2011.

The lever-mounted brake light actuating switch(es) may fail.

1396 units are affected.

Check out my Motorcycle Recalls feature for more details.

Piaggio Recalls Fly 50, Vespa LX50, and Vespa S50 for Ignition Problem

Piaggio is recalling certain model year 2011-2012 Fly 50 4T 4-valve scooters, model year 2010-2012 Vespa LX50 4T 4-valve scooters, and model year 2009-2012 Vespa S50 4T 4-valve scooters.

The ignition control unit may fail and alter the ignition timing.

2147 units are affected.

Check out my Motorcycle Recalls feature for more details.

Kuryakyn Recalls Defective Floorboards for GL1800 Motorcycles

Kuryakyn is recalling certain aftermarket floorboards, part number 607005, sold and installed for use on 2001-2011 Honda GL1800 (Gold Wing) motorcycles.

The floorboard mount may crack and break free from the mounting bolts that secure the mount to the motorcycle.

21,600 units are affected.

Check out my Motorcycle Recalls feature for more details.

Honda Recalls 2001-2012 Gold Wing GL1800 for Rear Brake Problem

Honda is recalling certain model year 2001-2010, and model year 2012 GL1800 Gold Wing motorcycles.

Under certain conditions, there is a possibility that the combined braking system's secondary master cylinder may cause the rear brake to drag.

126,000 units are affected.

Check out my Motorcycle Recalls feature for more details.

CFMOTO Recalls 2005-2009 CF250T V3 and V5 for Rear Brake Control Misplacement

CFMOTO Powersports is recalling certain model year 2005 through 2009 CF250T V3, and CF250T V5 automatic motorcycles manufactured from January 1, 2005, through December 31, 2009.

These models were built with a left hand rear wheel brake instead of the required right foot operated rear wheel brake. Therefore, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard Number 123, "Motorcycle Controls and Displays."

6405 units are affected.

Check out my Motorcycle Recalls feature for more details.

Honda Recalls 2010 NT700V for Incorrect Tire Label

Honda is recalling certain model year 2010 NT700V motorcycles manufactured from November 26, 2009, through November 27, 2009, for failing to comply with the requirements of Part 567, "Certification."

A tire information label applied to the swingarm may display incorrect tire size and air pressure specifications.

The number of units affected is 120.

Check out my Motorcycle Recalls feature for more details.

Yamaha Recalls 2012 XTZ12B/BC for Fuel Pump Problem

Yamaha is recalling certain model year 2012 XTZ12B/BC (Super Tenere) motorcycles, manufactured from June 01, 2011, through August 31, 2011.

During the assembly process, the fuel pump o-ring may have been installed incorrectly in its groove.

The number of units affected is 1069.

Check out my Motorcycle Recalls feature for more details.

Yamaha Recalls 2007 XVS1300/CT and 2009-2012 XVS95/CT for Fuel Leak

Yamaha is recalling certain model year 2009-2012 XVS95/CT (V Star 950/V Star 950 Tourer) motorcycles, manufactured from October 2008 through August 2011, and model year 2007 XVS1300/CT (V Star 1300/V Star Tourer) motorcycles, manufactured from August 2006 through March 2007.

There may not be a proper seal between the fuel pipes for the fuel injectors and the fuel hose that connects them due to an improperly molded fuel hose.

The number of units affected is 2800.

Check out my Motorcycle Recalls feature for more details.