The 68th anniversary of Daytona Bike Week is being held February 27 - March 8, 2009 in Daytona Beach, Florida. The start of Daytona Bike Week is often announced on the morning TV news shows. You know, where somebody sticks their face in front of the camera and announces: "We're at the opening of Daytona Bike Week. Good Morning America," and then you see a whole line of bikes roar off in front of the camera. Unfortunately, most of the remainder of Bike Week will not be seen by non-motorcyclists.
Check out my article, Daytona, for details.
Here in the frigid Northeast, I hear plenty of people talking about going to Daytona. Some are riding down with friends. Riding sometimes means riding in a car and towing a trailer with the bike on it. After all, the 1500 miles down with uncertain weather conditions has left many a rider stranded in a snow storm or Nor'easter. After that happens to you once, you tend to be a little more cautious the next time you go.
Maybe you want to skip Daytona and concentrate on planning to go to some smaller rallies this year. Be sure to read my article, Motorcycle Rallies, where I discuss rallies and give you information about the top rallies that I like. Of course, your views may be different -- this is Motorcycle Views after all.
I just got my registration information for the Americade Motorcycle Rally. That one is my favorite and I've gone every year since 1994.
It can get expensive going to lots of rallies, especially if you're taking two bikes. Double gas, double tolls. You just have to pick and choose what appeals to you most in these uncertain economic times. Motorcycle rallies are a lot of fun. If you've never attended a rally, you owe it to yourself to go. You just might find a rally or two that you'll want to go to every year, just like I go to Americade, regardless of the weather.
Daytona Bike Week - Get a Start on the Rally Season
Kawasaki Issues Recall of 2009 NINJA ZX-10R Motorcycles for Oil Leak Defect
Kawasaki has issued a recall of certain 2009 NINJA ZX-10R motorcycles.
Kawasaki is recalling model year 2009 NINJA ZX10R (ZX1000E9F/E9FA/E9FAL) motorcycles. The timing inspection caps on the starter clutch cover may come loose due to improper tightening and fall out, allowing oil to leak onto the rear tire.
The number of units has not been specified.
Check out my Motorcycle Recalls feature for more details.
Kawasaki Issues Recall of 2008-2009 KL650E for Wire Shorting Problem
Kawasaki has issued a recall of certain 2008-2009 KL650E motorcycles.
Kawasaki is recalling model year 2008-2009 KLR 650 (KL650E8F/L, KL650E9F/L) motorcycles. Wires in the wiring harness might be damaged due to rubbing contact with a portion of the motorcycle frame.
The number of units has not been specified.
Check out my Motorcycle Recalls feature for more details.
Kawasaki Issues Recall of 2008-2009 KL650E for Loose Muffler Bolts
Kawasaki has issued a recall of certain 2008-2009 KL650E motorcycles.
Kawasaki is recalling model year 2008-2009 KLR 650 (KL650E8F/L, KL650E9F/L) motorcycles. The muffler assembly is secured to the frame of the motorcycle by two bolts. It is possible that heat expansion cycles of the muffler, combined with vibration from vehicle operation may cause loosening of the muffler mounting bolts.
16,500 units are affected.
Check out my Motorcycle Recalls feature for more details.
Motorcycle Pictures of the Week - Joe
Here are my Pictures of the Week as displayed on the Motorcycle Views Website. These are taken from the Moto Pic Gallery. See Joe on his Silver Wing Scooter. For details, see Motorcycle Pictures of the Week.
If you'd like to see your bike as Picture of the Week, submit a picture of you and your bike along with a description of the bike.
Satria FU New 2009
New Satria FU 2009model now appears that the latest Satria FU. with the changes that did not get far with the model Satria FU 150 is first. appearance it is very interesting.of which, changes the shape of the lamp. a madman with a combination of a very good light.New Satria FU 2009
Motorcycle Camping
In order to enjoy your camping you have to pack your bike to the nuts with all the things you may need to make life comfortable. Saddlebags, trunk, and a tank bag can accomodate a lot of your stuff, plus you can pile more on top if need be. Thats where a good supply of bungee cords or cargo netting strap comes in handy.
When planning for motorcycle camping, smaller is better and most camping outlet stores have smaller items that are perfect for motorcycle camping. One burner stove, small lantern, folding fry pan, pots with folding handles, paper plates and plastic cutlery will all do the job for you. Think small and buy accordingly and you can pack everything you need.
I even manage to carry a fold up camping chair with me, because one my pet peeves is that when you arrive at the campsight the only place to sit is on the ground or at the picnic table.
Piaggio Recalls Aprilia Scarabeo 200 for Windshield Problem
Piaggio has issued a recall of certain 2008-2009 Aprilia Scarabeo 200 motorcycles.
These motorcycles fail to comply with the requirements of federal motor vehicle safety standard no. 205 "glazing materials." The incorrect DOT standard equipment handlebar mounted windshield that was provided was installed. Both DOT and EURO specifications were sent for installation.
458 units are affected.
Check out my Motorcycle Recalls feature for more details.
Motorcycle Tent Trailer
Now that I have the Goldwing with its extra power and towing capacity, I would like to upgrade from my current cargo trailer to a tent trailer.
I am getting a little too old to be sleeping in a pup tent and the crawling around on the ground is hard on the old knees and back
Looking over the net, most that I find are rather expensive for my budget.
This one is from Leesurelite and retails for more than $5,000 dollars. I like the layout and the room as well as the low weight of the trailer [250 lbs].
So why can't I build one for less?
I started doodling and doing some planning and this is what I come up with.
It should be simple enough to build the box, bend a little conduit piping and manufacture the hardware needed, take it to an upholsterer and get them to sew up a tent. The box would be about 5 feet long-40 inches wide and 18 inches tall. Once opened up the whole thing sets up quickly. As you lift the top of the box it pulls the canvas and the tent poles into position. The tubing can be made adjustable and pushed upward to make the canvas taut. Then a small board is extended to make the sleeping area 6'6 feet long.
If all goes well it should end up looking something like this. Granted it will not have the sleek look of fiberglass like the retail model but it should be sufficient to keep one off the ground and have room to stand up in.
The tubing had me stumped for a little while but with a tubing bender and some additional hardware the whole thing could fold down into the box neatly.
Attach the box to the top of a trailer, stick a cooler on the front frame and away you go camping.
Anyhoo, this is as far as I have gotten, the tent tarp still has a few wrinkles left to be ironed out and I don't want to get started on a doomed project unless I am sure that I can finish it and have a decent looking trailer to haul behind the Wing.
I think I can keep the cost down as I already have the trailer, just need to add stabilizer jacks to the bottom of it, buy some plywood and piano hinge, get the tubing, tubing bender and then find some fabric for the tent.
Introducing the Mission One Electric Sportbike: 150 MPH, 150 Mile Range
Well, I'm hearing more and more about electric vehicles and, in particular, electric motorcycles.
I rode the Vectrix electric scooter at Americade 2008 and wrote a review about it.
Today, I read an article about Mission Motors, a company that will unveil a revolutionary new vehicle at TED2009. TED stands for Technology, Entertainment, Design.
The Mission One motorcycle promises to be the world's fastest production all-electric motorcycle. The sportbike has a top speed of 150 MPH, a range of 150 miles and uses a lithium ion battery pack.
Take a look at the vehicle itself and look at videos here.
Check out the press release for the introduction of the Mission One electric motorcycle.
Kawasaki Ninja ZX-RR
Kawasaki Ninja ZX-RR pictures
Triumph Speedmaster back view
Triumph Speedmaster photo
Triumph Speedmaster front view
Honda CBR1000RR red
Honda CBR1000RR photo
Sport bikes Honda CBR1000RR
Kymco Yup 250 photo
Kymco Venox 250 pictures
Triumph Daytona 675 top view
Triumph Daytona 675 back view
Triumph Daytona 675 pictures
Triumph Daytona 675 detail view
Triumph Daytona 675 head design
Triumph Daytona 675
