Vespa Recalls 2757 GTS Motorcycles for Brake Problem

Vespa has issued a recall of certain 2006-2007 GTS motorcycles.

On certain motorcycles, the graphite exhaust bushing, which seals the connection between the exhaust pipe and the muffler, must be replaced each time the muffler is removed and reinstalled. If the exhaust bushing is not replaced, exhaust gases may be permitted to leak past the bushing. The rear brake hose may be impaired or melted, increasing the risk of a crash.

2757 units are affected.

Check out my Motorcycle Recalls feature for more details.

Moto Guzzi Recalls 1044 EV Motorcycles for Fork Yoke Defect

Moto Guzzi has issued a recall of certain 2003-2004 EV motorcycles.

On certain motorcycles, the lower fork yoke could fail. A crack can form around the lower fork bearing.

1044 units are affected.

Check out my Motorcycle Recalls feature for more details.

Moto Guzzi Recalls 232 Griso Motorcycles for Fuel Pump Defect

Moto Guzzi has issued a recall of certain 2006-2007 Griso motorcycles.

On certain motorcycles, a fuel pump hose may swell and change dimensions, thereby loosening its fit around the fitting at the fuel pump. The fuel pressure could drop. This could cause erratic motor operation, difficulty in starting the vehicle or stalling, increasing the risk of a crash.

232 units are affected.

Check out my Motorcycle Recalls feature for more details.

A Limited Edition Suzuki Intruder M1800R for the UK

Suzuki GB have announced that 75 limited edition Suzuki Intruders will be coming to the UK. This cult status 1783 cc sports cruiser will be offered in a Pearl Vigour Blue and Glass Splash White colour scheme. To read more about this exciting model release read the full press release on www.inter-bike.co.uk by clicking here.

Ride safe!

Jon Booth
Email: webmaster@inter-bike.co.uk
Blog: http://inter-bike.blogspot.com
Swicki: http://motorcycling-swicki.eurekster.com/

The new style motorcycle test is coming soon!

The Second European Driving Licence Directive (2DLD) will comes into force in September 2008 and introduces many new elements to the motorcycle test.

These including slalom, figure of eight, hazard avoidance and cornering skills, which will all be tested during the new off road test which will be held at one of 60 new super test centres.

Motorcycle rider trainers will get their first opportunity to try out the new bike test for themselves on Sunday (1 July 2007) as the Motorcycle Rider Training Association (MRTA) puts on a special trial event.

MRTA / DSA test day
MRTA Event Day
Sunday 1 July 2007
Britannia Stadium
Stanley Matthews Way
Stoke-on-Trent
ST4 4EG
10am – 4pm
FREE ENTRY

To read more about this free trial day read the MRTA press releases on www.inter-bike.co.uk by clicking here.

Ride safe!

Jon Booth
Email: webmaster@inter-bike.co.uk
Blog: http://inter-bike.blogspot.com
Swicki: http://motorcycling-swicki.eurekster.com/

The Day You Went to Work - Motorcycle Safety Video

Check out this short YouTube video. Don't ever let down on motorcycle safety.

Will Honda Buy Harley-Davidson?

Just reported in the press:

http://www.theglobeandmail.com/servlet/story/LAC.20070623.RTICK23HARLEY/TPStory/Business

http://www.forbes.com/markets/2007/06/22/harley-davidson-honda-markets-equity-cx_er_0622markets19.html

There was recent speculation that H-D would acquire Ducati but the new speculation regarding Honda is waaay bigger.

It brings back a big piece of my 2007 April Fool article. Before that article I had written another about frame cracks in Honda Gold Wings and that came true.

So far no comments from either Honda or H-D.

What do you think. Leave a comment.

£217,000 raised in record Day of Champions

I was lucky enough to be at the MotoGP day of Champions at Donington Park yesterday, and what a fantastic day, despite the weather it was. But best of all £217,000 was raised in the Riders for Health auction to help continue the invaluable work, this the official MotoGP charity, does in Africa!!!

Read more about the day and auction on www.inter-bike.co.uk in the Riders for Health press release:-

£217,000 raised in record Day of Champions

Auction raises £90,150 as part of record-breaking Day of Champions


Ride safe!

Jon Booth
Email: webmaster@inter-bike.co.uk
Blog: http://inter-bike.blogspot.com
Swicki: http://motorcycling-swicki.eurekster.com/

Harley-Davidson Recalls 2007 Models for Oil Leak Problem

Harley-Davidson has issued a recall of certain 2007 FLSTC, FLSTC Shrine, FLSTF, FLSTF Shrine, FLSTN, FLSTSC, FXST, FXSTB, FXSTC, FXSTD, FXSTSSE, and Softail motorcycles.

Certain motorcycles were built with a condition that permits the positive battery cable to contact a weld bead on the oil tank. This may cause the weld bead to abrade through the insulation on the cable and cause an electrical short from the battery through the oil tank and oil lines. This could lead to an oil leak and/or possible fire, which could result in injury or death to the rider.

52240 units are affected.

I regret that I am reporting this late. It was reported on 04/20/2007. Either I totally missed this as I reviewed the daily reports from the NHTSA or the NHTSA database was updated after the end of the month.

Check out my Motorcycle Recalls feature for more details.

KTM Recalls 2007 950 and 990 Motorcycles for Chain Slider Guard Defect

KTM has issued a recall of certain 2007 950 Superenduro, 990 Adventure, and 990 Adventure-S motorcycles.

On certain motorcycles, during use the chain slider guard mounting bolts may become loose and possibly fall out. This could result in the possibility of the chain slider guard to become detached. Subsequently, the chain slider guard could become caught in the drive chain which may lead to a crash.

1092 units are affected.

Check out my Motorcycle Recalls feature for more details.

Kawasaki Recalls 2007 KLX250S for Faulty Weld

Kawasaki has issued a recall of certain 2007 KLX250S motorcycles.

On certain motorcycles, the top mount for the single rear shock is spot welded in position during frame manufacture, then is supposed to be completely welded to the frame in a subsequent operation. In a small number of frames, it appears this subsequent welding operation was not performed. The welding may become loose while the motorcycle is in motion increasing the risk of a crash.

155 units are affected.

Check out my Motorcycle Recalls feature for more details.

Ducatisti in for a treat World Ducati Week 2007

Ducati have announced today that Ducato Corse MotoGP riders Casey Stoner and Loris Capirossi will be at the event on Sunday after the Assen GP. On the Saturday the World Ducati week event will have both Ducati Xerox World Superbike riders Troy Bayliss and Lorenzo Lanzi present.

So if you are a Ducati racing fan it doesn't get any better!


Read the full press release on www.inter-bike.co.uk by clicking here.

Ride safe!

Jon Booth
Email: webmaster@inter-bike.co.uk
Blog: http://inter-bike.blogspot.com
Swicki: http://motorcycling-swicki.eurekster.com/

Speed Control Systems on Motorcycles.

MAG published today an interesting press release on the Governments response to the Parliamentary Transport Select Committee, report on their scrutiny of the Governments Motorcycling Strategy.

Interestingly MAG's release states "Whilst the Committee recommended that work should be carried out to explore the fitting of speed control systems the Government has stated that there are no plans for speed limiter trials or speed limiters of any type being made compulsory. "

You can read the rest of MAG's press release on www.inter-bike.co.uk by clicking here.

Ride safe!

Jon Booth
Email: webmaster@inter-bike.co.uk
Blog: http://inter-bike.blogspot.com
Swicki: http://motorcycling-swicki.eurekster.com/

KYMCO launch a 500c fuel injected scooter in the UK!

Taiwanese manufacturer KYMCO have just announced the launch of their new 500cc fuel injected scooter the Xciting 500i into the UK scooter market. This fuel injected version of the Xciting 500 is designed to offer increased power and torque, and complie s with the latest Euro 3 emissions laws, making it greener and more fuel efficient. To read more about this new large capacity scooter on www.inter-bike.co.uk click here.



Ride safe!

Jon Booth
Email: webmaster@inter-bike.co.uk
Blog: http://inter-bike.blogspot.com
Swicki: http://motorcycling-swicki.eurekster.com/

KYMCO launches a new sports bike

Taiwanese manufacturer KYMCO has announced the launch of an eye catching 125cc motorcycle here in the UK called the KR Sport 125 , priced at only £2,399. It should give young and novice riders the opportunity to own a fully faired, race styled, sports bike! To read the full details on this new 125cc motorcycle on www.inter-bike.co.uk click here.





Ride safe!

Jon Booth
Email: webmaster@inter-bike.co.uk
Blog: http://inter-bike.blogspot.com
Swicki: http://motorcycling-swicki.eurekster.com/

Triumph Rocket III - Funny Video

Take a look at this short video from Triumph.

Gatton ride

Brrr, OMG it was cold this morning on the other side of the range going west.

I purchased a new fleece vest on Saturday from an outdoor store and it seems quite warm. I also had my winter AlpineStars jacket on and warm shirt and left late in morning at 9.00am but still I really felt the cold this ride.

To be fair the minimum overnight for Amberly was 2 and Warwick was 0. And I rode out past

Good Motorcycle rides # 34

Go West!


West Haldon

A bit out of the way however this is a good ride and another place to go if wanting to do something different.

I love finding new good motorcycle roads, I am always surprised and at the same time very happy when I come across a new good bit of tar somewhere. I can not for the life of me understand people who ride the same old stuff like Mt Mee & Peachester every ride -

Fancy a MotoGP Scooter?

Yamaha have just announced the launch of the the Limited Edition 2007 MotoGP JogRR. This scooter is the official paddock bike for the MotoGP series for the second year running. Read more about this stylish scooter on www.inter-bike.co.uk



Ride safe!

Jon Booth
Email: webmaster@inter-bike.co.uk
Blog: http://inter-bike.blogspot.com
Swicki: http://motorcycling-swicki.eurekster.com/

Biddaddaba

Or Yabba Dabba (Do) as said by Fred. Here is another side road I like.Riding between Canungra and Beaudesert there is a side road you can take via Biddaddaba. Google map doesnt show the through road but it does connect. From the east take the 2nd road on the left that mentions Biddaddaba (the first you will see is unsealed) then turn right to ride over and onto Tabragalba road which joins back

First winter ride for the year

A chilly outing today, well in the morning anyway, almost too cold for me at first. On the ride down to Robina to meet my ride partner in the lengthy sections where I was out of the sun and in the morning shadows I started to get a chill spreading over me that was borderline on making me stop half way to warm up. I was saved by the sections where the sun was shining on the M1 as this had an

Americade 2007 - Day 6

This year I'm going to try publishing highlights of Americade 2007, day-by-day in this blog. This is the 25th year for Americade. It's scheduled for June 4-9 this year. The blog will also include my preparation in getting ready to take the ride to Lake George, NY, my observations while there, the ride home, and getting back to normal.

Blog for Friday:

Yesterday, we had eaten breakfast at a new place on Canada Street. They had a bakery. In the bakery they sold huge cinnamon rolls. They were all gone by the time we got there for breakfast so Jane put her name on a list to get a couple of rolls later that day to bring back to the room. The picture shows the roll next to my new Nolan helmet. I couldn't eat the whole thing on Thursday so by Friday, I had to heave half of it out. It was time to begin the trip back to New Jersey.

We were on the road by 9 a.m. with our full jackets and liners in place. It was a sunny day expected to have a temperature jump from 55 to 94 degrees as we rode south. It had been so cold at Americade this year. Starting off rainy it continued to rain on and off and the evenings were cold. We had forgotten what warm was.

At the first stop, the liners came out and the jacket vents were opened. By the second stop, we put on the cool vests we brought. The windshield vents were then opened along with the helmet vents and the front zippers to the jackets. We were still roasting, especially as we entered New Jersey and headed down I287 toward Freehold.

We had been told that a cold front was moving in from the west and should bring heavy thunderstorms in the late afternoon. That forecast was changed to occur after the Yankee game. In actuality, we never saw any thunderstorms at all -- just a lot of hot temperatures.

We arrived home about 3:30 p.m.

We had started our trip by riding 250 miles in a steady rain. We finished our trip by riding 250 miles in a steady sweat. Love that Americade weather.

This was the end of our 14th Americade. Over the years we've changed what we do at Americade. You can't do everything. We used to go on two guided tours, attend a boat ride with dinner, do demos, attend Tour Expo, and hit many seminars. After we did that for a few years, we stopped doing the guided tours and boat ride and demos. We concentrated on Tour Expo, seminars and talks, getting together with friends for dinner, walking Canada Street, and taking our own self-tours. That's the rut we're in now and we enjoy it. We cut back from six days to four days. Next year we'll go back to five days.

Each person has their own way to do Americade. Be sure to read my 10 Ways to Enjoy Americade. Hopefully, you'll find your own special ways to enjoy Americade and keep coming back just as we will be doing next year.

Fancy winning a Rizla Suzuki Replica GSX-R1000?

Blue Chip have a British Superbike Rizla Suzuki replica to be won, click here to read the press release and find out how to enter.







Ride safe!

Jon Booth
Email: webmaster@inter-bike.co.uk
Blog: http://inter-bike.blogspot.com
Swicki: http://motorcycling-swicki.eurekster.com/

Fancy your Triumph Scramber in Matt Black?

Triumph motorcycles have announced today that the Triumph Scrambler is going to be available in Matt Black. How cool! Read the full press announcement on www.inter-bike.co.uk by clicking here.




Ride safe!

Jon Booth
Email: webmaster@inter-bike.co.uk
Blog: http://inter-bike.blogspot.com
Swicki: http://motorcycling-swicki.eurekster.com/

Sunday afternoon motorcycle ride.

I chanced the weather this afternoon and from what I can gather, I got lucky!I ran into a few damp spots where rain had been and looking behind me at stops cold see rain in the distance coming in and back home watched the radar show the rain had indeed followed me.So examining the MV yet again I can state two good points are the power is indeed very nice on the more open roads, like those I

Quick Southwest Rides

Quick ride ideas on the southside.I know many riders go north as its seen as the quick/lesser distance ride however some options exist on the south that are quick.For a start you can actually do a pretty good ride in the Gold Coast hinterland and be back after lunch however even shorter ride would be simply Mt Tamborine which I dont really speak alot about however it is popular for many

Good Motorcycle rides near Brisbane # 33

Darlington - three churches ride.

Try this alternative route when coming back from South West, Mt Lindsey-Queen Mary's etc.

Riding north from Rathdowney heading back to Brisbane the road to Beaudesert can get boring. After Rathdowney next town is Tamrookum, I use the term town loosely there, its mostly a few houses, a roadhouse and a hall from the highway. The roadhouse is worth a stop for

Good Motorcycle rides near Brisbane # 32

Boonah - Rathdowney road.
I have mentioned this before, but didnt get around to doing a post on the road.

From Boonah if you are not heading to Queen Mary Falls or back to Ipswich you can ride the popular and fast (but tame unless doing double the limit) Beaudesert-Boonah road or you can ride this more interesting road instead.

Head south past the Airfield where you might see some gliders

Good Motorcycle rides near Brisbane # 31

Lake Moogerah - Mt AlfordHere is a ride that perhaps does not immediately spring to mind but is quite fun way to get to the south west corner.This and the next ride are two alternatives to the Beaudesert H-way which is fairly boring and can be slow going until beyond Jimboomba.Head out west to Dinmore then onto the h-way to Warwick, turn off on the Ipswich-Boonah road. Take this out as far as