Blue Knights AZ IX

In an effort to prohibit the availability of E15, a gasoline formulation that contains up to 15 percent ethanol by volume, the American Motorcyclist Association supports U.S. Rep. Bob Goodlatte’s (R-Va.) H.R. 1462, the RFS Reform Act of 2013. The bipartisan bill would amend the Renewable Fuel Standard to recognize market conditions and realities. It would also prohibit the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency from allowing the introduction into the marketplace of gasoline containing greater than 10 percent of ethanol by volume. In other words, E15 would no longer be permitted if this legislation becomes law.

The AMA has repeatedly expressed concerns to government officials and federal lawmakers about possible damage to motorcycle and all-terrain vehicle engines caused by the inadvertent use of E15 when the new fuel becomes widely available.

In October 2010, the EPA approved E15 for use in model year 2007 and newer light duty vehicles (cars, light-duty trucks, and medium-duty passenger vehicles). In January 2011, it added model year 2001-2006 light duty vehicles to the approved list.

This new legislation would help protect the 22 million motorcycle and ATVs in the country – and the riders who depend on their safe operation – from inadvertent misfueling.

Preventing these inadvertent misfuelings has been one of the AMA’s top priorities due to the fact that motorcycles and ATVs aren’t designed to run on ethanol fuel blends higher than 10 percent, and many older machines favored by vintage enthusiasts may have problems with any ethanol in the fuel. In fact, simply using fuel with blends of ethanol over 10 percent could void a vehicle manufacturer’s warranty, potentially leaving motorcyclists with thousands of dollars in additional repair costs.

We need your help to pass H.R. 1462. You can send a pre-written email to your representative immediately by following the “Take Action” option and entering your information. The AMA encourages riders to personalize their messages by drawing on their own personal riding experiences.

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

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