For years, Honda has shown off its Uni-Cub, a kind of motorized unicycle that balances itself, as a personal mobility device. At CES 2017 Honda showed how it leveraged that technology to make a self-balancing, semi autonomous motorcycle, something likely more relevant in the real world. During Honda’s press conference, a riderless Uni-Cub rolled out from backstage, followed by a motorcycle, which accomplished the same self-balancing trick while free of…
Read MoreSuzuki KingQuad 750 ATV Battery Recall
This recall involves model year 2016 and 2017 LT-A750X and LT-A750XP KingQuad ATVs. “Suzuki KingQuad” and “4×4 750AXi” are on decals on the sides. The model number is printed on a hang tag on the ATV and on the owner’s manual. The XP model has power steering. They were sold in green, red, camouflage and black colors. Incidents/Injuries: Suzuki has received six reports of battery discharge or failure to restart. …
Read MoreDucati Scrambler Side Stand Pivot Recall
Ducati North America (Ducati) is recalling certain model year 2015-2016 Ducati Scrambler motorcycles manufactured February 17, 2015, to November 11, 2016. The affected vehicles have a side stand pivot nut that can detach, potentially causing the side stand position sensor to no longer function properly. CONSEQUENCE: If the side stand position sensor does not function properly, the engine may stall, or the motorcycle may be ridden while the stand is…
Read More2012-2016 Suzuki DL650 Alternator Recall
Suzuki Motor of America, Inc. (Suzuki) is recalling certain model year 2012-2016 DL650 motorcycles manufactured August 30, 2011, to October 12, 2015. In the affected motorcycles, the alternator stator may have insufficient heat resistance, resulting in a short circuit of the stator wires. CONSEQUENCE: A short circuit of the stator wires may prevent the battery from properly charging, causing an engine stall and increasing the risk of a crash. REMEDY:…
Read MoreAMA Asks DOT to Include Bikes in V2V Technology
Mandating vehicle-to-vehicle communications technology in new cars can benefit all road users, but motorcyclists demand to be included in the discussion, planning and implementation of the policies and regulations governing the rollout, the American Motorcyclist Association said today. “We have been representing the interests of the motorcycling community since Day 1 on this issue,” said Wayne Allard, AMA vice president of government relations. “We certainly recognize and appreciate the potential…
Read MoreCSC Cyclone Motorcycle Brake Reservoir Recall
CSC Motorcycles, LLC (CSC) is recalling certain model year 2015-2016 Cyclone motorcycles manufactured April 4, 2015, to November 10, 2016. The affected vehicles may not be equipped with a supplemental label that reminds the user to clean the brake reservoir before adding brake fluid and to use DOT 4 brake fluid from a sealed container. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety…
Read More2013-2016 KTM Super Adventure 1190 & 1290 Recall
KTM North America, Inc. (KTM) is recalling certain model year 2015-2016 1290 Super Adventure motorcycles manufactured December 1, 2014, to March 10, 2016, and 2013-2016 1190 Adventure and Adventure R motorcycles manufactured November 20, 2012, to April 25, 2016. In the affected vehicles, the wiring harness can fray and contact the ABS modulator. If the brake line is electrically conductive, the brake line may overheat and melt. CONSEQUENCE: If the…
Read MoreVirginia Tech Motorcycle Crash Study Results
What do you learn if you pick 100 riders, put five video cameras and data-logging equipment on their motorcycles and record them for a total of 366,667 miles? Several things, some of which we knew, some surprising. Intersections are dangerous. We either need to pay better attention or work on our braking techniques, because we crash into the back of other vehicles way too often. We’re not good enough at…
Read More2014-2016 Yamaha WR250 Clutch Lever Recall
Yamaha Motor Corporation , USA (Yamaha) is recalling certain model year 2014-2016 WR250 motorcycles manufactured August 1, 2013, to June 1, 2016. Due to an incorrect assembly process, the clutch push lever oil seal may crack, allowing engine oil to leak out. CONSEQUENCE: If oil leaks from the engine, the oil may get on the rear tire, causing a loss of control and increasing the risk of a crash. REMEDY:…
Read MorePolaris Slingshot Brake Pressure Switch Recall
Polaris Industries, Inc. (Polaris) is recalling certain model year 2016-2017 Slingshot motorcycles manufactured December 28, 2015, to April 27, 2016. The brake pressure switch may have been over tightened in the affected motorcycles. CONSEQUENCE: Over tightening of the brake pressure switch may damage the seal, allowing brake fluid to leak, resulting in reduced brake performance, increasing the risk of a crash. REMEDY: Polaris will notify owners, and dealers will install…
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