Harley-Davidson "Share The Road" License Plate Launched Today in Wisconsin

From its world headquarters in Milwaukee, Wisconsin today, Harley-Davidson Motor Company in partnering with the Wisconsin Department of Transportation launched the first-ever Harley-Davidson branded "Share The Road" automotive license plate. The plate is available for automobiles, light trucks and motor homes in Wisconsin. 

"Rider safety is critically important to all of us at Harley-Davidson," said Matt Levatich, Chief Operating Officer and President of Harley-Davidson Motor Company. "We are pleased to partner with the State and help increase awareness and support for motorcycle safety programs that further enhance rider safety and driver awareness in Wisconsin."

The new license plate is the first and only Harley-Davidson branded plate available anywhere in the United States, and it is only being offered in Wisconsin – the birthplace of Harley-Davidson. The plate was designed in collaboration with the Harley-Davidson Motor Company Styling Team. The words "Share the Road" are displayed to emphasize the importance of motorcycle safety.

Motorists who wish to display the "Share The Road" specialty plates will pay an additional $15 issuance fee and an annual $25 donation. The annual donation will help support safety initiatives throughout the state. The plates can also be personalized (standard annual fees apply) and can be purchased at any time, not just when a motorist renews their registration (actual costs will vary based on time of purchase).


For more information about the Harley-Davidson/Share the Road license plates, visit the Wisconsin Department of Transportation website at http://www.wisconsindmv.gov/.


SOURCE Harley-Davidson, Inc.

Kimmy Chapman Memorial Sunday at WestWorld

Arizona Bike Week will pay tribute to one of its greatest supporters, Kimmy Chapman at 1pm Sunday, April 3rd at WestWorld. Kimmy died at the scene of a motorcycle crash around 5pm Saturday, March 26th after spending her final day in life helping at a community fundraiser. Her life companion, Mark Tapp is at John C. Lincoln Hospital recovering from serious injuries.
Kimmy helped to establish the rally and was the founding editor of Biker Information Guide -- a business she started in 1997 in Arizona that has expanded to 10 other states. She received the Arizona Bike Week "Hero" Award in 2009 for her years of dedication to the rally.
"We want to thank each and every one of you for your thoughts and prayers," said Dave Shafer, media director for Biker Information Guide in a statement issued on the company website. "Kimmy had such a wonderful personality and everyone who knew her, loved her. She was someone that would bend over backward to help whenever she could. She was so full of life and it is so sad that we lost her. Her passion was Biker Information Guide and for that reason alone Kelly, Jim and I will continue to do what Kimmy loved doing. I’ve worked with Kimmy for over 12 years and there was never a better friend. I will truly miss her."
Hundreds of rally fans, friends and family are expected to celebrate her life during the memorial service on Sunday. "Due to the amount of people expected to show up, we decided to use the Big Tent at Bike Week for the Celebration of Life event," Shafer said in an update on Tuesday. “Unfortunately due to contractual agreements, a $10 gate charge will apply to get into WestWorld. Please keep in mind that if you bought a week event pass or if you participated in the Logan's Run, then you have already paid the $10 gate charge.”

Barb Heller of the ArmedZilla Angels American Legion posted this updated regarding an ongoing police investigation: I spoke with the Lead Detective Pitts on Kimmy's case, a bike rider himself, who is working on her case and keeping in close touch with Kelly and other family members. He feels he owes Kimmy's family a full and thorough investigation. He called in the state expert on impairment to investigate any signs of impairment of the driver and to provide them with the 'probable cause' needed to issue an order to draw blood. They found none. This state investigator is the same one working on the dump truck case from a year ago, which is still ongoing. He wants everyone to know that this is far from over and the only thing they haven't shown is 'criminal intent'. The police department can ONLY charge the driver with a 'Violation', such as in this case 'Failure To Yield'. Any other charges will come AFTER the investigation is through. Detective Pitts said that once everything is turned over to him to review, then it goes to the 'review unit' and then it is turned over to their Supervisor for Final Review and then passed on to the County Attorney's office. That is where the final charges will be filed if any. We need to stay on top of the County Attorney's office. Detective Pitts also said that he would be willing to come to any organizations meeting to explain the process and answer questions that he can at that time. Please contact Barb Heller at 602-505-8760 or ltlwtduv@cox.net to set this up.

The crash one year ago in Phoenix - on March 25, 2010 - was so horrific that the president of the American Motorcyclist Association made a public statement of condolence to the families of the nine bike riders that were injured or killed when they were struck from behind by a dump truck while they waited for a light to change at an intersection in Phoenix. Read the story.

"TrAuMa MaMa" & The Chicago Rescue Riders

Chicago, Illinois - Teresa McClelland (pictured in action with the volunteer "Rescue Riders") describes herself as "a down to earth, do anything for a friend type of person." Her friendships are unconditional. "I do not judge. Im an ER/ Trauma Nurse that scored a monday thru friday gig and ride my 'MO' when ever I can."

She proudly displays the Rescue Riders patch - and she has a new Trama Nurse tat.

She is one of the unsung heros in life that rushes to the scene of motorcycle accidents to give aid and comfort to her fellow riders. She is also the national director of training and curriculum for the Chicago-based Rescue Riders.

"We recruit, train and educate motorcyclists to be prepared to handle emergency situations.

"Our core curriculum is Accident Scene Management. Many members are licesed EMT's paramedics and nurses. Our mission support is volunteer medical support at events and runs to ensure safety and secure any emergency until EMS arrive."

"We are a National 501c3 - Classes for training can be found at http://www.accidentscene.org/."

The Accident Scene Management Course - is a Crash course for motorcyclists that teaches them what to do at the scene of an advanced motorcycle accident - Become a leader at the scene, and assist EMS with advanced skills.

A Professional Series Course ~ Presents to EMS and police the psycosocial aspect of motorcyclists and provides hands-on skills to care for motorcycle trauma.

An Instructor Course ~ Trains leaders to educate non medical personel as well as professionals by way of the ASMi curriculum. Ensuring a proper core curriculum for the Rescue Rider Program & Promoting motorcycle safety.

Founded in 2005 by Dean "Bull" Akey in Saint Charles, IL, the non-profit organization now has more than 2,000 volunteers helping motorcyclists in 26 states!

To learn more, visit: Rescue Riders.org 
 

Triumph Recalls 2010 GT and ST Motorcycles for Incorrect Dipstick Length

Triumph is recalling certain model year 2010 GT and ST motorcycles.

The plug/dipstick is of an incorrect length. As a result, the accuracy of the dipstick for measuring adequate levels of oil may be compromised and adequate oil levels may not be maintained.

The number of units affected is 216.

Check out my Motorcycle Recalls feature for more details.

Kawasaki Recalls 2009-2010 Vulcan for ECU Problem

Kawasaki is recalling certain model year 2009-2010 Vulcan motorcycles.

The engine may stall if the rider is coasting with the clutch pulled in due to an improper setting of the engine control unit (ECU).

The number of units has not been specified.

Check out my Motorcycle Recalls feature for more details.

BMW Recalls 2004-2010 K1200 and K1300 Motorcycles for Bearing Problem

BMW is recalling certain model year 2004-2010 K1200 and K1300 motorcycles.

The bearings could be subject to corrosion. This could lead to reduced movement of the link lever.

The number of units has not been specified.

Check out my Motorcycle Recalls feature for more details.

BMW Recalls 2007-2010 F650GS Motorcycles for Brake Problem

BMW is recalling certain 2007 through 2010 F 650 GS motorcycles manufactured from November 2006 through January 2010.

A washer may interfere with the front disc brake fasteners' torque. As a result, over time, a fastener or multiple fasteners could become loose, allowing the brake disc to become loose.

1835 units are affected.

Check out my Motorcycle Recalls feature for more details.

XINGYUE Recalls 2009-2010 Auto Moto XY150ZK Motor Scooters for Improper Location of Rear Brake Control

XINGYUE is recalling certain model year 2009 and 2010 Auto Moto XY150ZK motor scooters manufactured from March 2009 through June 2010.

The rear brake control should be actuated by the driver's right foot and not the left hand as required by Federal Motor Vehicles Safety Standard No. 123, "Motorcycle Controls and Displays."

305 units are affected.

Check out my Motorcycle Recalls feature for more details.

Motorcycle Accidents - Save Yourself

I've been harping on safe riding for years. I even wrote 10 Ways To Be Safe on a Motorcycle. Please read my article and pass it on to your friends, even those who don't ride. We need to save a few lives and it all starts with you.

I see several motorcycle fatalities every day through my Google Alerts. Here's a representative article I just read. It will break your heart.

Reading a newspaper account of an accident like this always leaves the reader with questions about just what were the conditions under which the accident occurred. We've all heard reports that the driver didn't see the bike at all. Well, there are conditions where the sun is in your eyes and blocks out the rider. Or, some part of the structure of the car blocks your vision. I know this happens. I have to move forward, back, and side-to-side sometimes to be sure I can see the complete roadway when I'm waiting to turn in my car. And the small profile of a motorcycle coming at you is hard to see even under good conditions. Of course, these days, the possibility of the driver having a cell phone in their ear doesn't help at all.

I don't want to leave the motorcycle rider out here. We, as riders, don't always look out for ourselves. We know that we need to consider ourselves invisible to other drivers (and motorcyclists). That means always riding with space around us and constantly practicing defensive riding. Anticipate what a driver will do and allow space in case they do what you expect.

In the case of trying to prepare for a left-turner in front of you, always make sure you don't ride close to the car in front of you. A left-turner will see the car in front of you but you may be blocked from their view. The left-turner sees the car in front of you pass and makes a sudden left turn and you smash into them.

I heard of another accident where a car waiting to make a left turn did nothing wrong except they had their wheels turned left anticipating the turn when a vehicle behind them crashed into them and forced their car into the oncoming lane killing a motorcyclist. Folks, I thought everyone knew that you never turn your wheels at rest while waiting to turn. Always keep them straight ahead. If you're hit, you won't go into the oncoming lane.

I guess one could go on and on about left-turners and how to prevent motorcycle fatalities. However, I know these accidents will keep happening. But we all can prevent a few from happening. Reading my 10 Ways To Be Safe on a Motorcycle will help to put a few ideas in your head that may save your life. And really, all I'm trying to do is save you and keep you riding and riding and riding until the day you choose to stop riding. Hopefully, that day will never come.

If you have any comments on how to be safe on a motorcycle, leave them below.

Peter Lenz, Teen Motorcycle Racer, Dies at Indy

Peter Lenz, 13, was killed yesterday at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway after his motorcycle crashed and he was hit by another racer. Here's an excerpt by Jonathan Welsh of the Wall Street Journal:

"The death of 13-year-old motorcycle racer Peter Lenz yesterday at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway raises the question: How young is too young for kids participating in inherently dangerous motorsports? It is also sure to fuel debate over how motorsports sanctioning groups balance risk and entertainment when putting together programs (like Sunday’s races) that combine amateur and professional events." -- Jonathan Welsh

Read more.

Honda Recalls 2010 VT1300CR, CRA, and CT Motorcycles for Inaccurate Weight Label

Honda is recalling certain model year 2010 Honda VT1300CR, VT1300CRA, and VT1300CT motorcycles manufactured from December 17, 2009 through May 24, 2010.

These motorcycles fail to conform to the certification requirements of Part 567. The gross axle weight rating (GAWR) is incorrect.

3184 units are affected.

Check out my Motorcycle Recalls feature for more details.

Ducati Recalls 2010 MTS1200 for Throttle Cable Problem

Ducati is recalling certain model year 2010 Multistrada 1200 motorcycles.

The throttle cables may come into contact with the upper edge of the radiator during normal operation of the motorcycle. This situation could cause the throttle cables to become chafed by the radiator resulting in damage to the motorcycle and a potential hazard to the rider.

396 units are affected.

Check out my Motorcycle Recalls feature for more details.

Ducati Recalls 2010 MTS1200S for Center Stand Problem

Ducati is recalling certain model year 2010 Multistrada 1200S Touring Edition motorcycles.

The motorcycle's center stand mounting screws may come loose during normal operation. This situation could cause the center stand to possibly become displaced from its intended mounting position resulting in damage to the motorcycle and a potential hazard to the rider.

495 units are affected.

Check out my Motorcycle Recalls feature for more details.

Ducati Recalls 2010 MTS1200 for Steering Problem

Ducati is recalling certain model year 2010 Multistrada 1200 motorcycles.

During production an incorrect screw may have been installed in the motorcycle's steering head. This situation could cause the steering head to possibly become loose during normal operation.

196 units are affected.

Check out my Motorcycle Recalls feature for more details.

Yamaha Recalls 2006-2010 YZF-R6 for Reflector Problem

Yamaha is recalling certain model year 2006 through 2010 YZF-R6 motorcycles manufactured from August 2005 through March 2010.

The motorcycle's front side reflector was not placed at the proper height which fails to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard No. 108.

54,000 units are affected.

Check out my Motorcycle Recalls feature for more details.

South Wales Naked Bikers Make A Statement

What do we have to do to get noticed? That is the Question. And a group of bikers in South Wales came up with an unusual answer in a Motorcycle Safety video they are promoting on YouTube: How about bikers riding NUDE? That's right!

Yamaha Recalls 2009 VMX17 for Electrical Problem

Yamaha is recalling certain model year 2009 VMX17 motorcycles manufactured from June 2008 through March 2009.

There could be excessive electrical resistance in the ground wire from the Accelerator Position Sensor (APS) and the Throttle Position Sensor (TPS) due to an insufficiently crimped connection.

700 units are affected.

Check out my Motorcycle Recalls feature for more details.

BMW Recalls 2005-2009 R1200RT Police Bike for Faulty Signaling Device Bracket

BMW is recalling certain 2005 through 2009 R 1200 RT police motorcycles manufactured from April 2005 through September 2009.

The bracket which supports the audible signaling device can break, possibly allowing the signaling device to fall from the vehicle and into the roadway.

1900 units are affected.

Check out my Motorcycle Recalls feature for more details.

Harley-Davidson Recalls 2010 FXDF for Fork Spring Problem

Harley-Davidson is recalling certain model year 2010 FXDF motorcycles with fork leg assemblies (lH P/N 48622-08, RH P/N 48623-08) manufactured from February 29 through February 9, 2010. (Editor's Note: These dates are assumed incorrect.)

These fork leg assemblies may have been incorrectly assembled using the wrong springs.

70 units are affected.

Check out my Motorcycle Recalls feature for more details.

Kawasaki Recalls 2009-2010 EX650 Motorcycles for Brake Problem

Kawasaki is recalling certain model year 2009 EX650C9F/Fl and model year 2010 EX650CAF/Fl Ninja 650 motorcycles.

The right rear portion of the lower cowling can interfere with the operator's foot while in the process of applying the rear brake.

676 units are affected.

Check out my Motorcycle Recalls feature for more details.