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 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 MoreIndian Recalls 23,746 Motorcycles for Fuel Leak
Indian Motorcycle Company (Indian) is recalling certain model year 2014-2017 Chief Classic, Chief Dark Horse, Vintage, Chieftan, Chieftan Dark Horse, Springfield and Roadmaster motorcycles manufactured April 15, 2013, to July 15, 2016. In the affected motorcycles, the fuel rail may contact other components and result in a fuel leak. CONSEQUENCE: A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source increases the risk of a fire. REMEDY: Indian will notify…
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 MoreSuzuki GW250 Brake Light Switch Recall Alert
Suzuki Motor of America, Inc. (Suzuki) is recalling certain model year 2013, 2015, and 2017 GW250 motorcycles. Water may enter the main wiring harness at the rear brake light switch connectors, possibly corroding the brake light switch. CONSEQUENCE: The corrosion may cause an electrical short and the loss of the head light, tail light and brake lights, increasing the risk of a crash. REMEDY: Suzuki will notify owners, and dealers…
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 MoreVega XTA Touring Motorcycle Helmet Recall
Vega Helmet Corporation (Vega) is recalling certain motorcycle half helmets, models XTA and XTA Touring in sizes L, XL, and XXL, manufactured from February 2013 through December 2014. The affected helmets may not adequately protect the user’s head in the event of an impact such as can happen during a crash. As such, these helmets fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 218, “Motorcycle…
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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