Harley Davidson Cycle Safety Recall

 Motorcycle, News  No Responses »
Oct 212013
 

The US recall notice says: ‘MILWAUKEE (Oct. 16, 2013) – Harley-Davidson (NYSE: HOG) is acting quickly to address potential safety issues by voluntarily recalling certain 2014 Touring motorcycles equipped with a hydraulic clutch system that may pose a safety issue for riders and/or passengers. The recalls include a Do Not Ride notice to owners and a Do Not Deliver notice to Harley-Davidson dealers until the motorcycle is fixed.

‘“The safety of our customers is our highest priority,” said Tony Wilcox, Harley-Davidson General Manager of Motorcycle New Product Delivery. “We have identified potential safety issues and are moving quickly to notify our customers and dealers. The inspection and repair of these motorcycles is extremely important, so it’s critical that our customers with affected vehicles contact their dealers immediately. We apologize for this circumstance. The company is committed to correcting the issues and providing customers with the quality experience and service they expect.”

‘Models affected

‘The recalls affect 25,185 Touring motorcycles, models FLHTCU, FLHTK, FLHTP, FLHX, FLHXS, FLHTKSE and FLHRSE, and 3,861 Softail® CVOs and Trikes, models FLHTCUTG, FXSBSE and FLSTNSE, built between May 3, 2013, and Oct. 14, 2013.

‘Problem

‘Some of these motorcycles may exhibit a condition in which the hydraulic clutch system may lose the ability to generate enough lift to disengage the clutch. If the clutch does not disengage as intended, the rider may have difficulty slowing or stopping the motorcycle, which could result in an accident. Harley-Davidson has initiated these recalls to correct the affected motorcycles.

‘Corrective action

‘The company is taking the additional measure of issuing a Do Not Ride notice to riders given the potential safety issues. The company wants owners of affected motorcycles to contact an authorized Harley-Davidson dealer immediately to arrange for an inspection. The dealer will pick up, inspect and make the necessary repairs at no cost to the owner. The repairs have been identified and should take less than one hour.

Read more:

http://www.visordown.com/motorcycle-news–general-news/tens-of-thousands-of-harleys-recalled/23809.html#ixzz2iP6H3jZF

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.

 

BKAZIX Monthly Breakfast Ride September 14, 2013

 Breakfast, Motorcycle, News  No Responses »
Sep 172013
 

To All,

We had a very nice breakfast at the Old Times Cafe on Saturday. Fortunately Friday I received the $5000 check from Markel American Insurance Co., which our chapter won for requesting the most insurance quotes concerning Markel Motorcycle Insurance. As I mentioned in a previous email, I contacted Jan Upchurch, the current President of C.O.P.S. Arizona Chapter, and she was able to come for breakfast. After a filling breakfast, on behalf of our chapter, I was honored to present Jan with the $5000 donation. I scanned the certificate and have included it and several pictures Patti took during breakfast. Those in attendance were-Stan and Patti Thibaut, Bud Welch, Jim Kneup, Jeff and Kelly Jamieson, Russ and Jackie Cole, Will Harris, Norm and Mary Hubbard and our Guest of Honor, Jan Upchurch.

I was able to ride my motorcycle to breakfast, but since I am still having some pain in my seating area, right leg and right hand, Patti drove her car. We had an interesting experience a little later in the day. I stopped at the BMW shop, Iron Horse Motorcycles and then met Patti at the Starbucks at Broadway and Houghton. While relaxing there, I saw two male teens running from the side walk with large protein containers from GNC under their arms. I said I bet they didn’t pay for those and then an employee ran into view yelling that the boys had stolen them. I grabbed the keys to the Z3 and as I was getting into the car, another motorcyclists from Starbucks, yelled I’m a cop, I’ll ride with you. Turns out Art was is DPS Officer. They had thrown the items down along Broadway and as it turned out, another off-duty DPS Officer followed in his truck and took custody of the items. Witnesses said the boys had run around the next corner, so we turned and in the next block, we observed them running through a yard. I cut them off as they ran into the street and Art yelled “Stop Police.” After we had the boys in custody, I called 911 and TPD sent units. It was fun and productive. Made a new motorcyclist friend and who knows, after talking with him about the Blue Knights, he will consider checking us out. I learned that the items stolen were valued at over $300. It was a great day.

Ride With Pride

Stan Thibaut
President BKAZIX

MarkelCheck3 MarkelCheck2

 Markel+Ride+With+Pride+Promotion Breakfast1BKGroup1Breakfast2

2014 BK Int Convention Waidring, Austria June 22 – 29

 BKAZIX Rides, Conventions, Motorcycle, News, Overnight  No Responses »
Jul 312013
 

The 2014 Blue Knights Convention will be held in Waidring, Austria.  The Convention runs from June 22 – 29, 2014.  The below listed links give you an overview of the convention along with a tour of the town and surrounding area of Waidring.

More to follow:

2014 International Convention Information Video

2014 European Convention

2014 International Convention

2014 International Convention Video

 

2013 40th Annual Peace Officer Memorial May 6th

 Motorcycle, News  No Responses »
May 092013
 

Program Page The 2013 40th Annual Peace Memorial in Phoenix was held on May 6th.  It was a solemn occasion where Peace Officers from around the state came to pay their respects for their fallen comrades.This day was made more solemn occasion because on this day a fellow DPS officer was killed while sitting in his vehicle on I-8 outside Yuma on an accident investigation.

Dedication Page

Dedication Page

There were Blue Knights from AZ I, II, VI, IX, and CA 1 in attendance.  From AZ IX was Ray & Donna Valenzuela, Mike Martin from CA 1, and Ron Friend.

Final Dispatch

Final Dispatch

I have posted photos and videos from the event under the “Photos” tab.  The videos are the Pipes and Drums.

Thin Blue Line

Thin Blue Line

BK AZ Chapter Members

BK AZ Chapter Members

 

10 Things My Motorcycle Has Taught Me

 Humor, Motorcycle, News, Safety  No Responses »
Feb 212013
 

Reprinted from Cyclerides 2/20/2013.

1.  Putting on rain gear. If it looks like rain, smells like rain, and there is rain on the pavement, it is probably raining. It is now officially PAST time to put your rain gear on. Put rain gear on PRIOR to all of the obvious signs.

Lesson: Error to putting on rain gear too soon. It only takes a couple of times of getting drenched to learn this one.

2.  Learn that “E” on the gas gauge actually does mean empty. It does not stand for “E-ternity of Gas”. I sometimes tend to get those confused. Figuring out how far past the “E” you can ride is useful in the game to see how far you can go on a tank of gas. To win the game you are able to ride into the gas station and actually put more gas in the tank than it holds. Losing the game involves a call to AAA from the side of the road. My record is now 5.3 gallons in a 5 gallon tank.

Lesson: Walk 3 miles for gas in 100 degrees and you won’t make that mistake again.

3.  Estimating time to ride to destination.  Getting it through my head that 350 miles of riding through mountain passes and twisties is going to take considerably longer than 350 miles on a Montana freeway. One of my more famous quotes on a trip; “It is only 350 miles, we should be there by 3pm.” I am reminded of this quote at 5pm by Mrs. C. when we are still 100 miles away.

Lesson: Learn it. Always OVER estimate how long it will take.

4.  Be sure bike is in neutral when starting. After 35 plus years of riding, this one still tends to get me every once in a while. Nothing much worse than going to your bike at a bike night, thinking it is in neutral and pushing the start button to find out that you were wrong. However, it is quite entertaining for all of the people that saw you make this common rookie mistake. Pull in the clutch or make sure it is in neutral before pushing the start button.

Lesson: Don’t be the subject of the jokes for the rest of the day.

5.  Confirm that the kickstand is secure before dismounting. I had this happen in Ouray, CO. a few years ago. I put the kickstand down on the severely sloped main St. a little too straight up. The wind was blowing pretty good and when I got about 4 steps away from the bike I heard a big crash. It had blown over. Fortunately no serious damage to levers, etc. and I was able to ride it.

Lesson: Make sure that bike is stable on kickstand.

6.  Directions. No matter how much I like my GPS and no matter how many times it has saved me, road signs still trump the GPS. If you know you are supposed to be on I-70 West and the sign clearly says I-70 West, go with the sign.

Lesson: Know what you know.

7.  Eating regularly. I am the kind of guy that will eat a big breakfast and be good until we stop for dinner. My thought is that stopping to eat is “Burning Daylight”. Not everyone shares my thoughts on this. Much easier on yourself to stop and get your spouse some food when she is ready for it. Generally the only source of real discussion on our trips.

Lesson: Keep your wife well fed. Makes for a more enjoyable ride.

8.  Be aware of under dressing. Realize that standing still in the sun with a short sleeve t-shirt on in 60 degree weather does not feel the same as riding 70 mph in the same temperature and attire. Over dressing will never be a problem for me.

Lesson: Learn how to “Layer” properly. It is easier to deal with too many clothes on than it is to freeze for 100 miles. Error to over dressing.

9.  Make sure saddlebag lids are latched before riding. Not only do you lose your personal belongings out of the bags, it can be perceived as an amateur move. It is very embarrassing when the guy in the minivan pulls up next to you and points to your saddlebag lid flapping in the breeze.

Lesson: Can be very expensive if your leather jacket flies out.

10. Stop taking off with kickstand down. Rookie mistake #1. It is embarrassing to have someone point at your kickstand when you are riding to find that it is still down. It also makes left turns much more challenging. Page 12 in the riders manual advises against this activity. Never can figure out how I forget this. Usually stems from being distracted just as you take your bike off of the side stand.

Lesson: Dangerous. Stop doing it.

Motorcycle Anti-Tampering Act

 Motorcycle, News  No Responses »
Jan 092013
 

This is a reminder in case you may have occasion to travel into California.

In case you forgot or missed it the first time around, the Motorcycle Anti-Tampering Act (SB 435) went into effect January 1, 2013. Signed into law by Governator, Arnold Schwarzenegger, in late 2010, the law authorizes the PoPo to cite motorcycle owners with non-compliant exhaust systems and ticket them with a noise pollution violation. SB 435 requires motorcycles and aftermarket motorcycle exhaust systems made on or after January 1st to display an EPA sound emissions label. Motorcycles produced prior to this date cannot be ticketed under SB 435. Motorcyclists must also first be pulled over for violating another traffic law such as speeding, illegal U-turn, etc. Police are not allowed to pull over a motorcyclist with the sole intention of an SB 435 infraction. First time offenders will face a fine between $50 to $100 — a fine that can be dismissed with proof of correction. A second offense raises the fine to $100 to $250 with no provision for dismissing the fine with proof of correction. Meaning, you can’t keep reinstalling your stock exhaust every time you get caught and pay nothing. An argument against SB 435 is the emasculated EPA has no power for enforcing the correct placement of its mandated label for exhaust systems, on OEM or aftermarket exhaust systems. Thus, it’s difficult to find the EPA label, especially on motorcycles with bodywork, and unreasonable to expect police officers to be able to easily locate the label. It’s also unreasonable to expect a motorcyclist to disassemble the bike’s exhaust system in an effort to find the label.

The law was originally opposed by both the American Motorcyclist Association (AMA) and the Motorcycle Industry Council (MIC). These two organizations both recommended the J2825 standard developed by the Society of Automotive Engineers. The MIC is currently working with the California Air Resources Board (CARB) and the EPA on adopting J2825.

For now it is suggested that to avoid any unwarranted tickets regarding your bike’s exhaust system, the owner should carry receipts or other forms of proof regarding the date of manufacture of the motorcycle, when the exhaust was installed and/or purchased, etc.

Blue Knights International Roadside Assistance Program

 Motorcycle, News  No Responses »
Dec 222012
 

After many requests to resurrect the old Roadside Assistance Program (RAP), the Internet Committee (with the actual work done by Web Master Paul Croteau) has resurrected it via a self-sustainable, self-administered emergency contact list database. Log onto the members only section and click on the Roadside Assistance tab to the right, then once you’re on that page, read through it and then click on the “Blue Knights International Roadside Assistance Program” bar towards the bottom and add your information.

Veterans In Need

 Charity, News  No Responses »
Dec 172012
 

To All,

I received the following from a friend, fellow motorcyclist, member of another motorcycle group I belong to and a Veteran. I think this is a great cause and wanted to share it with you to see if we can contribute to this project. If any of you are interested, take a look around in the next couple of days to see if you have of the items mentioned that you could donate. I know it is the Christmas, Hanukkah season and many of you are extremely busy. If you have items, send me an email. Let’s try to get things donated before Christmas, so send me an email as soon as you can and by next Wednesday, Dec. 19, at the latest. Let me know the area around the city/county you live in. I will then see where I should set up pick up points to collect items from members. I can then take them to donate on behalf of the chapter. I think we should continue to gather items, for our Veterans, throughout the year.

Stan Thibaut

President BKAZIX

____________________________________________________

Greetings All,

Dan Neal here.

There are some folks that very much need our help right now. At the Wilmot gate of Davis-Monthan AFB is a place called Esperanza en Escalante (www.eeeveterans.org ). This is a program for homeless veterans. I am honored and humbled to sit on the board of directors. This morning as we met, and I spoke with some of the Vets, a need was brought to my attention that I want to share with you all.

These men and women have just about nothing and as the weather has really taken a turn towards winter, there is a serious need for warm, winter jackets and coats. I saw a number of people that had on nothing but a light sweater.

As I was driving home I was really prompted to write to our BMW family and friends to see if putting this need before you could produce some results.  I made a detour to Iron Horse Motorcycles (3444 E. Grant Rd) to speak with John Cartwright. And true to form, he agreed to allow IHM to be the collection point for this endeavor. He also started this drive by donating the first two coats. If you would be so kind as to look in your closets and see if there might be a jacket / coat that might just have some good miles on it that you, like me, have not worn in a while, please consider letting it put a smile on someone else’s face right now.

Jim Richardson of IHM said ” This is a group of people that should not be homeless, much less cold and shivering”. I couldn’t agree more. This nation will always be indebted to these heroes that served for our freedoms.

Throughout the year there is also a need for all sorts of clothing, socks, appliances and furniture to eventually set these people with their own housing. If you are interested in large donations, they would need to be dropped of at the Esperanza facilities or you can call Phyllis Russell, our program director at 520-571-8294 to make arrangements for pick up. The address is 3700 S. Calle Polar, Tucson, Arizona 85730

Have a Merry Christmas and a Blessed New Year.

Potential Issues with HD Engines – UPDATE

 Motorcycle, News  No Responses »
Nov 272012
 

While the Blue Knight article is correct on many fronts and I personally know about and have seen the results of the Harley Davidson Cam Chain failures issues there is a very important piece of the puzzle I wanted to let everyone know of. So getting to the basic of why HD has Cam Chain tensioners in the first place: They are designed to keep the proper tension on the Cam Chain for not only driving the Cams and keeping them in time, they also drive the HD oil pump and both chains are driven off the HD crankshaft. And herein lies the problem with simply switching to Gear drive cams as expressed is that HD allows up to 12,000 run out which is like watching an egg roll around so they have to have the chains and respective tensioners to allow for such a wide variance of run out as HD does not balance their crankshaft assemblies. Now one would wonder why they do not true and balance their crankshaft assemblies and it is simply a costly procedure. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LjpujEtYEI8&feature=related here you see an HD with the run out as shipped from the factory and this run out is what causes so much Cam tension wear and invariably motor failure on the HD’s http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E5YI6gkepGc&feature=related here it shows the run out test and this motor is around 3,000ths run out or at the limit it can be for gear drive cams and we all know when a part is placed in a motor and is considered at the serviceable limit that does not always compute to reliability.

So while adding Gear Drive Cams to your HD may help save the motor from the effects of the Cam shoes wearing it is important to note that having too much run out and installing the Gear Drive Cams will only result in a catastrophic engine failure and the only thing you won’t hear is that it was caused by the Cam Shoe tensioners but the change to the Gear Drives is probably the cause if you have excessive run out and HD allows up to 12,000ths run out or 4-5 times of the allowance by the Gear Drive manufactures.

The physics of the Harley 45 degree V-Twin with its  Siamese crank and 405/315 degree firing order are well known. Primary and secondary shaking forces conspire to loosen bolts, break brackets and kill sensitive components. Some manufacturers put in heavier cranks, 45 pounds or more to hold the fort down. Heavier wheels store energy in low output engines but kill the “rpm gain per second/per second” game. Add a balance shaft and you limit the rpm and add in components that fail

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l1_70DPlvt4&feature=relmfu this video speaks to the trueing of the HD crankshaft and begs to question why HD itself does not do this for its customers, he hits it on the head, it’s the money stupid.

 

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