Dec 032011
 

Honda recall: (published from Blue Knight Yahoo group)

Vehicle Make / Model: Model Year(s):

HONDA / GL1800 2001-2010 2012

Manufacturer: HONDA (AMERICAN HONDA MOTOR CO.) Mfr’s Report Date: DEC 01, 2011

NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID Number: 11V567000 N/A

NHTSA Action Number: N/A

Component: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:MASTER CYLINDER

Potential Number of Units Affected: 126,000

Summary:

HONDA IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2001-2010, AND MODEL YEAR 2012 GL1800 GOLDWING MOTORCYCLES. UNDER CERTAIN CONDITIONS, THERE IS A POSSIBILITY THAT THE COMBINED BRAKING SYSTEM’S SECONDARY MASTER CYLINDER MAY CAUSE THE REAR BRAKE TO DRAG.

Consequence:

UNEXPECTED BRAKING INCREASES THE RISK OF A CRASH, AND RIDING THE MOTORCYCLE WITH THE REAR BRAKE DRAGGING MAY GENERATE ENOUGH HEAT TO CAUSE THE REAR BRAKE TO CATCH FIRE.

Remedy:

HONDA WILL NOTIFY OWNERS, AND DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE SECONDARY MASTER CYLINDER AND IF NECESSARY, REPLACE IT, FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN ON OR ABOUT JANUARY 4, 2012. OWNERS MAY CONTACT HONDA CUSTOMER SERVICE AT 1-866-784-1870.

Notes:

HONDA’S RECALL CAMPAIGN NUMBER IS S03. OWNERS MAY ALSO CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION’S VEHICLE SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), OR GO TO HTTP://WWW.SAFERCAR.GOV .

Aug 212011
 

Report Date : July 12, 2011 at 09:28 AM
NHTSA Campaign ID number : 11V346000
Vehicle Make / Model: Model Year(s):
VICTORY / JACKPOT 2006-2011
VICTORY / KINGPIN 2004-2011
Manufacturer: POLARIS INDUSTRIES, INC. Mfr’s Report Date: JUL 01, 2011
NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID Number: 11V346000
N/A
NHTSA Action Number: N/A
Component: EQUIPMENT
Potential Number of Units Affected: 1,688

Summary:
POLARIS IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2004-2011 VICTORY KINGPIN MOTORCYCLES AND MODEL YEAR 2006-2011 VICTORY JACKPOT MOTORCYCLES MANUFACTURED FROM JANUARY 1, 2004, THROUGH MAY 1, 2011, EQUIPPED WITH ACCESSORY SEATS, PART NUMBERS 2876641-01 SEAT, KINGPIN TOURING, DOUBLE BACKREST AND PART NUMBER 2875961-01 SEAT, JACKPOT TOURING W/BACKREST. THE BACKREST SUPPORT CAN SEPARATE FROM THE MOTORCYCLE WHILE IN USE.

Consequence:
THE PASSENGER CAN BE INJURED OR FALL FROM THE MOTORCYCLE SHOULD THIS OCCUR.

Remedy:
VICTORY WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE AFFECTED SEATS FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN ON OR BEFORE AUGUST 30, 2011.

Notes:
OWNERS MAY ALSO CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION’S VEHICLE SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), OR GO TO SAFERCAR

Aug 192011
 

Vehicle Make / Model: Model Year(s):
HONDA / ST1300 2008-2010
HONDA / ST1300A 2008-2010
HONDA / ST1300PA 2009
Manufacturer: HONDA (AMERICAN HONDA MOTOR CO.)Mfr’s Report Date: JUL 11, 2011
NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID Number: 11V356000
NHTSA Action Number: N/A
Component: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:HOSES, LINES/PIPING, AND FITTINGS
Potential Number of Units Affected: 2,232

Summary:
HONDA IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2008 THROUGH 2010 ST1300 MOTORCYCLES MANUFACTURED FROM NOVEMBER 15, 2007,THROUGH MAY 27, 2010, MODEL YEAR 2008 THROUGH 2010 ST1300A MOTORCYCLES MANUFACTURED FROM NOVEMBER 7, 2007, THROUGH APRIL 6, 2010, AND MODEL YEAR 2009 ST1300PA POLICE MOTORCYCLES, MANUFACTURED FROM NOVEMBER 18, 2008, THROUGH DECEMBER 8, 2009. WHEN THE REAR SUSPENSION OF THE MOTORCYCLE IS REPEATEDLY BOTTOMED OUT (FULLY COMPRESSED), THE REAR BRAKE RESERVOIR HOSE MAY BECOME DAMAGED AND LEAK BRAKE FLUID.

Consequence:
THE RIDER WILL EXPERIENCE A LOSS OF REAR BRAKE PERFORMANCE OR FUNCTION WHICH INCREASES THE RISK OF A CRASH.

Remedy:
DEALER WILL REPLACE THE REAR BRAKE RESERVOIR HOSE FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN ON OR BEFORE JULY 26, 2011. OWNERS MAY CONTACT HONDA AT 1-800-999-1009.

Notes:
HONDA SAFETY RECALL NO. R86. OWNERS MAY ALSO CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION’S VEHICLE SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), OR GO TO HTTP://WWW.SAFERCAR.GOV .

This electronic transmission and any documents accompanying this electronic transmission contain confidential information belonging to the sender. This information may be legally protected. The information is intended only for the use of the individual or entity named above. If you are not the intended recipient or receive this message in error, you are hereby notified that any disclosure, copying, distribution or taking any action in reliance on or regarding the contents of this electronically transmitted information is strictly prohibited.

Paul French MWRC Safety Officer

Aug 172011
 

Vehicle Make / Model: Model Year(s):
KAWASAKI / ZX1000JBFL 2011
KAWASAKI / ZX1000JBL 2011
KAWASAKI / ZX1000KBFL 2011
KAWASAKI / ZX1000KBL 2011

Manufacturer: KAWASAKI MOTORS CORP., U.S.A.Mfr’s Report Date: JUL 07, 2011

NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID Number: 11V363000

NHTSA Action Number: N/A

Component: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING

Potential Number of Units Affected: 2,560

Summary:

KAWASAKI IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2011 NINJA ZX-10R/ZX-10R ABS (ZX1000JBF/JBFL/KBF/KBFL) MOTORCYCLES. IT IS POSSIBLE FOR A PORTION OF THE WIRING HARNESS TO BECOME PINCHED BETWEEN THE REAR SUBFRAME AND THE REAR FENDER OR BETWEEN THE REAR SUBFRAME AND THE BOLT HOLDING THE SEAT COVER. THIS CAN DAMAGE THE HARNESS AND WIRING AND RESULT IN A SHORT BETWEEN WIRES AND THE FRAME OR WITHIN WIRES, WHICH COULD RESULT IN THE ENGINE STOPPING SUDDENLY.

Consequence:

IF THE MOTORCYCLE STALLS WHILE BEING RIDDEN, THERE COULD BE A CRASH RESULTING IN INJURY OR DEATH.

Remedy:

DEALERS WILL REPAIR THE MOTORCYCLE AS NECESSARY, AND REROUTE THE MAIN HARNESS; FREE OF CHARGE. THE MANUFACTURER HAS NOT YET PROVIDED AN OWNER NOTIFICATION SCHEDULE. OWNERS MAY CONTACT KAWASAKI

 

Jul 292011
 

I received this from Paul French – Blue Knight MWRC Safety Officer

Thought I would share the MWRC Newsletter Safety Report with you folks…

HELLO BLUE KNIGHTS….Been out riding for a while now? Mid-summer, the National BK Convention is over, several Conferences have finished their annual meetings but there are some fall conference get-together’s still to go.

You feel like you now have SAFETY well under your belt for the year?
Don’t think SAFETY is a concern now with your riding shape all under control?

Hmmmm how about these things: STEEL BRIDGE GRATINGS & RAIN GROOVES = these can be unnerving to some. But you have the correct things down – right? You – Don’t grip the handlebars TOO TIGHT. If there is a viibration in the handlebars you DO NOT fight it. You know this is a natural feedback from your tires going over those thousands of little steel squares.

You know the same about highway RAIN GROOVES. You know the purpose of those rain grooves is NOT some anti-cycling DOT ogre trying to knock you down, but instead it’s the DOT trying to keep traction for cars and trucks when it rains. You know it is your selection of tire tread on your cycle that affects the way your cycle will react on those grooves.

Again, you have the rain groove riding down pat – right? You – rearealize that if it feels like you have a flat tire when getting a squishy back & forth sideways motion that it’s likely just the rain grooves versus your tire tread. You DON’T worry. You keep going straight. You DON’T fight the handlebars. You know it “just feels funny.”

You have already ridden in RAIN. You know the rain gear fits OK, rain gloves are boots work just fine (your winter weight didn’t make the rain suit TOO tight). You’re MOST CAUTIOUS at the very start of rain, when road oil and residue cause the most slipperiness. You slow down, try not to cause tire traction to lose its road grip. Your more cautious on curves and avoid quick jerk turns.

OK, you are well on the way to a SAFE RIDING YEAR. Keep it up. We’ll see you on the highway and conventions where you arrive safe & sound.

Paul French MWRC Safety Officer

May 072011
 

Have you ever heard of ICE, In Case of Emergency? ICE is a contact name you put in your cell phone. What you do is create a contact with the name ICE. Then you put in the phone number of someone who knows your medical history and someone who you would want called in the event you were injured in an accident, whether it be in a car or on a motorcycle.

Now comes the Utag ICE digital Dog Tag available from UTAGICE. This system has three options, a credit card, bracelet, or ID chain. All incorporate a jump drive with a USB port so you can enter all your vital information, ie, allergies, medications, doctors names, and all your medical information. In the event you are in an accident the EMTS/doctors can get the help you need immediately.

As well as all medical information there is a security area where I have details of Passport, Mot, Insurance and Driving Licence details.

May 062011
 

EMSWorld.com News

The new Rider Alert program offers free identification data cards that help first responders provide rapid and accurate medical assistance to motorcyclists involved in serious accidents.

The waterproof cards are placed inside the lining of riders’ helmets.

A Star of Life decal alerts EMS personnel about the existence of the Rider Alert card.

Rob Lawrence is adamant that he’ll never ride a motorcycle. With his oldest brother killed in a motorcycle crash and another seriously injured in a separate accident, there’s just too much personal tragedy. But he’s equally adamant and passionate about making sure those who do choose to ride are as safe as possible.

Lawrence currently serves as chief operating officer of the Richmond Ambulance Authority (RAA) in Virginia. He moved to the United States from his native United Kingdom a few years ago and brought with him knowledge and familiarity of the CRASH Card program, a motorcycle safety initiative developed by the Ambulance Motorcycle Club that has flourished in the UK since its introduction about two years ago. To date, more than 325,000 motorcyclists in Europe ride with CRASH Cards.

A similar program, the Rider Alert program, was just launched in Richmond by RAA and Bon Secours St. Mary’s Hospital in partnership with Motorcycle Virginia, Inc. The Rider Alert program offers free identification data cards that help first responders provide rapid and accurate medical assistance to motorcyclists involved in serious accidents.

The waterproof cards, placed inside the lining of riders’ helmets, contain vital, life-saving information such as contact name, emergency contact, medication allergies, physician information and other important medical data. A separate decal of the Star of Life is included and can be affixed to the outside of the helmet to alert EMS personnel about the existence of the Rider Alert card. The sticker also warns bystanders not to remove the helmet.

“The program was just launched April 12, 2011” says Lawrence. “Already it’s gone viral. We ran out of Rider Alert cards within the first 48 hours and we’re getting another 20,000 printed.”

The good word is spreading and other EMS agencies are quickly following suit. Med Star, Forth Worth, Texas, plans to roll out its Rider Alert card program soon and another agency in Maryland isn’t far behind. Lawrence was also invited to be a guest speaker on a talk radio show in Florida promoting the program.

Promote Safety Discussions

While the card itself won’t literally save a rider’s life, Lawrence indicates the initiative promotes safe riding discussions. “Yes, the card can identify a victim,” he notes. “But the card itself is not a cloak of protection. It is a badge of awareness. A lot of the cards in the UK were handed out at dealerships and shows. It provided a moment to connect with riders to encourage and promote safety. A rider who picks up the card will start to think about his or her riding style and the equipment he or she is using.”

Lawrence is also hoping the media attention garnered thus far for the US program will raise awareness from other motorists on the road. “Motorcycles are a third narrower and a third harder to see than an automobile,” he says. “Motorists in general need to be aware of motorcyclists around them.

“When you look at motorcycle statistics its eye-watering,” he continues. “There were in excess of 4,000 road deaths in the US last year. That’s 7.5 jumbo jets full of motorcyclists crashing, and not surviving. There would be outrage if we lost that many jumbo jets in a year. That statistic is very sobering. Even in Virginia, the average for the last five years is 75 motorcycle road deaths each year.”

Start Small; Think Grand

Lawrence indicates the program can be easily adopted by other agencies. “I’m on a safety crusade,” he admits. “I hope what we’ve done in Richmond can turn into a grand motorcycle safety initiative for the entire country. That would be phenomenal. We don’t want to stop in Virginia.”

With that being said, Lawrence indicates the hard work has already been done. “We can’t produce cards for the entire US,” he says. “But we have worked out how to make and reproduce the cards. We’ve done the research into what type of paper to use, what type of glue to use, etc. That’s been the backroom work.

“The key is gaining sponsorship,” he continues. “We’ve had amazing and generous sponsorship from Bon Secours and Motorcycle Virginia. In Texas, law firms have expressed interest. We’ve designed the card to include space for sponsors to customize the cards.

“Our goal is to have everyone be able to walk into their DMV and get a Rider Alert card, but we have to start somewhere. We hope it will make a difference to riders. Every biker we’ve talked to says they ‘get it.’ It’s so simple and so brilliant. It’s a little extra insurance policy that fits inside a helmet.”

For more information about the Rider Alert program, visit:

Rider Alert

 

May 042011
 

As you may know, May is National Motorcycle Safety and Awareness Month, Drivers should be especially cautious with literally millions licensed motorcyclists in the United States. Many of our cities and towns are issuing “proclamations”. Please encourage your local chapters to participate in these activities, if at all possible. This is an excellent opportunity to bridge the gap between vehicle drivers and motorcyclist in an extremely positive way.

Click on this link-

Motorcycle Accident to see the perils of an inattentive driver getting too close to a motorcyclist.

Most motorcycle insurance companies offer a 5 to 20 percent discount for taking the safety course.  Please encourage our members to get properly trained and licensed; wear all protective gear including a DOT-approved helmet; and avoid alcohol or drug use when operating your motorcycle.

This link is an interview with the motorcycle rider if anyone is interested.

Interview

Ride With Pride

Stan Thibaut
President BKAZIX

Feb 182011
 

Possible problems with Dunlop tires on Harley Davidson’s, especially rear tires. Many reported incidents of sudden catastrophic deflation at high speeds. Please constantly check tire pressures and be mindful of overloading the bike, especially when riding two up.

Tire Failure

Jan 272011
 

Get immediate information on all motorcycle, car, truck safety issue recalls. You can select recalls on the entire vehicle, or tires, or engines etc.

Go to Safercar

Enter the selections (vehicle, year, make etc.) and get complete safety recall information.

Make: HARLEY DAVIDSON Model: TOURING

Model Year: 2005

Manufacturer: HARLEY-DAVIDSON MOTOR COMPANY Mfr’s Report Date: JAN 21, 2004

NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID Number: 04E094000 N/A

NHTSA Action Number: N/A

Component: FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:CARBURETOR SYSTEM

Summary:

CERTAIN FUEL SHUT-OFF VALVES USED AS REPLACEMENT EQUIPMENT, P/NOS 61338-02, 62169-02A, 61338-94D, AND 62169-95C FOR USE ON CERTAIN 2005 CARBURETED SPORTSTERS, DYNA, SOFTAIL, AND TOURING MODEL MOTORCYCLES. THESE VALVES MAY HAVE BEEN PRODUCED WITH THE FUNCTIONALITY OF THE ‘ON’ POSITION AND THE ‘RESERVE’ POSITION OF THE VALVE MAY HAVE BEEN REVERSED.

Consequence:

IF THE BIKE WERE OPERATING WITH THE VALVE IN THE ‘ON’ POSITION, THE BIKE COULD RUN OUT OF FUEL, THE EXPECTED FUEL RESERVE WILL NOT BE AVAILABLE. THIS COULD LEAD TO THE DRIVER RUNNING OUT OF GAS WITHOUT WARNING, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.

Remedy:

DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE FUEL VALVE AND REPLACE IT, IF NECESSARY. THE RECALL BEGAN JANUARY 27, 2005. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT HARLEY-DAVIDSON AT 1-414-342-4080. IF YOU HAVE HAD OR INSTALLED A REPLACEMENT FUEL SHUT-OFF VALVE IN YOUR MOTORCYCLE, PLEASE TAKE YOUR VEHICLE TO YOUR DEALER TO HAVE THE VALVE INSPECTED FOR PROPER OPERATION AS SOON AS POSSIBLE.

Notes:

CUSTOMERS CAN ALSO CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION’S AUTO SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-888-327-4236.