When filling your motorcycle fuel tank, whether filling up for a long ride or just heading off to your daily commute, many motorcyclists top off their motorcycles just like they do their cars.  Overfilling your motorcycle fuel tank can actually be detrimental to the running condition of your motorcycle including stalling or hard starting. As most consumers, you take your motorcycle to the nearest dealer to fix the issue, the problem is once the fuel level has gone down, the dealership has no clue as to why your motorcycle is having issues.

California model motorcycles were once limited to the State of California.  Many new motorcycles are actually 50-state models, so they meet the California emission standards but are sold nation-wide.  The California motorcycles come with an evaporative emission system designed to collect and store fuel vapors, but these systems are not designed to deal with excess fuel.  So if you overfill your motorcycle fuel tank, the fuel can enter the fuel-vapor separator and then eventually the rest of the system, thus resulting in stalling or hard starting.

The best way to prevent this problem is to read the instructions in your owner’s manual for refueling.  When you fill your gas tank, the fuel level should barely touch the bottom of the fuel tank filler neck.

Trained motorcycle technicians will look for the following signs if you are have hard starting or stalling issues: 

o       They will check for raw fuel around the roll-over valve and inspect the canister as outline in the Service Manual

o       They will check the evaporative emission system hoses and make sure they are not kinked or pinched

o       They will inspect the canister.  The canister has finely ground charcoal in it; if they remove the canister and rattle it, it should not sound like a can of spray paint.  If they do hear that sound, the charcoal may be clumped up from the excess fuel in the system which can clog the hoses

o       Finally, they may bypass the evaporative emission system so they can test the vehicle and see if the emission system is the problem.

So, next time you consider topping off your motorcycle gas tank, the extra little bit of gas you put in may cost you quite a bit more down the line when you have to pay for costly repairs.

Heated Motorcycle Gear is both popular and a necessity for avid motorcyclists looking to enjoy the freedom a motorcycle ride brings year round.  Gerbings, a heated clothing manufacturer that sells under it’s own label and the Harley-Davidson label, has issued a recall of nearly 10,000 of their 12-volt heated jacket liners due to a defective wire connector.

The defective wire connector has resulted in two reports on the jacket liners overheating and consumers suffering dime-seized burns resulting in blistering on their backs.  

Specifically, the motorcycle jacket liners recall involves black nylon liners with “Gerbing’s Heated Clothing” or “Harley-Davidson” printed on the front left chest.  Printed on a label sewn inside next to the jacket liner’s front zipper are the model number, PO number and “Use only 12 Volts”.

The Gerbing’s Motorcycle Jacket Liners Recall Model Number is JKLN and PO# 3796.

The Harley Davidson Liners have model number 98324-09VM and GM32873, GM32874, GM34188, GM34189, GM34190 or GM34191. 

The recalled liners were sold from April 2011 through December of 2012 at various locations, including Harley-Davidson dealerships, Eagle Leather and other sporting goods, retail stores and motorcycle stores nationwide.  The liners were also available for purchase on-line at Amazon, JPCycles and other on-line retailers. 

If you own one of these motorcycle jacket liners you should stop wearing it immediately to prevent a possible injury. 

Consumers can contact Gerbings at 877-242-5595 from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. ET Monday through Friday and Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. ET for a free repair or replacement liner. The website, www.gerbing.com has a “Recalls & Warnings” link with additional information, or Harley-Davidson can be contacted at 800-258-2464 from 8 a.m. from 6 p.m. CT Monday through Friday.

If you are looking for something to do this summer, consider heading up to Milwaukee for the Harley-Davidson 110^th Anniversary Celebration.  Included in the weekend long event will be performances by more than 60 bands, fan-organized rides, parties at local Harley-Davidson dealerships, activities at the Harley-Davidson museum and street parties throughout the city of Milwaukee.

Harley-Davidson 110th Anniversary Tickets

A 110^th Anniversary Celebration ticket will get bikers into all of the concerts held at the Summerfest Grounds at the Milwaukee Lakefront, with two ticket packages available:

The Celebration Ticket:  For only $95 and a convenience fee, purchasers can print their tickets at home and have access to the Summerfest Grounds on Thursday, Friday and Saturday as well as the opportunity to purchase tickets for one of the three headlining concerts to be held at the Marcus Amphitheater before they go on sale to the public. Also included in the ticket price is a link to download the official event app and a map of historic Harley-Davidson sites in Milwaukee. Purchasers will also be automatically entered into the 110^th Anniversary Celebration Parade Pass Sweepstakes for a chance to win one motorcycle pass to ride in the parade on Aug 31, 2013.

The Commemorative Celebration Ticket:  This ticket package is $102.50 plus a convenience fee and includes everything in the Celebration Ticket package. For an additional $7.50 over the Celebration Ticket, purchasers of this ticket package will also get a photo frame holder, commemorative laminated ticket and lanyard, Milwaukee 110^th Anniversary pocket guide, limited edition poker chip, guitar pick keepsake and a drink koozie.

HOG members can enjoy even more benefits during the HOG 30^th Anniversary celebration with special access to the Summerfest Grounds from noon to 5pm on August 29^th for a special performance by Lynyrd Skynyrd and other HOG member-only activities throughout the weekend.  HOG members wishing to attend events included in the HOG 30^th Anniversary celebration events only need to show their membership cards.

Announced Harley-Davidson 110^th Anniversary Concerts

 (artists in order of appearance):

• Aug. 29: Whiskey of the Damned, Lynyrd Skynyrd (HOG Members only), Elvin Bishop, Blue Oyster     Cult, Dropkick Murphys, The Doobie Brothers, Joan Jett & the Blackhearts, Lupe Fiasco.
• Aug. 30: Gabriel Sanchez & The Prince Experience, MAD MEX, Jonathan Tyler and the Northern Lights, ZZ Ward, Shooter Jennings, The Dirty Heads, Foxy Shazam, ZZ Top, Gaslight Anthem, Sublime with Rome, Buckcherry.
• Aug. 31: 
D.B. Bryant Band, Moderatto, The White Buffalo, Tyler Bryant & the Shakedown, The Whigs, Halestorm, Katey Sagal & The Forest Rangers, Common, Brantley Gilbert. 

Harley-Davidson 110th Anniversary Celebration tickets are on sale at www.h-d.com/110tickets

North Carolina House Bill 109 will be voted on soon, and if it passes, the current helmet law making helmets mandatory will be repealed. 

The proposal was approved by the House Transportation Committee in a divided voice vote, and would allow motorcycle riders older than 21 to have the option to wear or not wear a helmet.

In addition to the age restriction, motorcycle riders are also required to complete a motorcycle safety course, have had a motorcycle license or endorsement for at least one year, and have enough insurance to cover the first $10,000 in medical bills that may result from a crash.  However, the only penalty for not having the required insurance is a $25.50 ticket. 

Helmet Law Opposition

Rep. John Torbett of Gaston is the primary sponsor of the bill and rides a motorcycle.  He admits that when he rides into South Carolina he removes his helmet, as South Carolina the helmet law allows the option to those over 21.  He also stated that the fatality difference among those States where motorcycle riders have the option of wearing a helmet “miniscule”.

Helmet Law Supporter

On the other side of the debate is Clay County Fire Chief Brandon Bailey, who believes that helmets do make a difference in the outcome of a crash.  Chief Bailey also works for the county’s Emergency Medical Services and said. “I have seen people walk away from a motorcycle wreck with helmets that are cracked and broken. Had there not been a helmet worn, they likely would not have been so fortunate. “ He goes on to say “I understand helmets may not be comfortable or stylish, but how comfortable is death or a permanent injury that could have been prevented?”

The motorcycle helmet law has been a large topic of discussion and debate throughout many States in the past year. One example is the State of Michigan, who repealed the mandatory helmet law in 2012 and now the lawmakers there are getting requests to reinstate the law from members of Michigan insurance and medical industries. 

The New 2014 Yamaha Bolt, lacking chrome and completely stripped down, features a 58 cubic inch (942cc), air-cooled, 60º V-twin engine in a compact chassis. Using modern technology to create a riding experience above and beyond similarly sized motorcycles, the Yamaha Bolt delivers class-leading performance with strong low- and mid-range torque with fuel injection and ignition timing maps chosen specifically for this great new model.

The chassis design on the Yamaha Bolt is entirely new. The Bolt is belt-driven, has new front and rear wheels, a new digital meter and steel fenders.  With a 3.2-gallon fuel tank, fuel economy is estimated at 50.9 mpg. Stable handling and easy maneuverability are achieved through the combination of a low seat design and slim body.

Yamaha has created three different themes of bolt-on accessories so the owner can create their own unique look: Touring, Low-Down or Performance.  Just a few accessories available include: Black and Chrome custom 40-spoke wheels, a backrest luggage rack, a brass speedometer visor, brass turn signal and taillight bezels, engine guards, custom grips and pegs, custom seats and backrests, and of course windshields and saddlebags. 

The Yamaha Bolt will be available in two different models, the Standard or the R-Spec.  The R-Spec is the more “custom” model that comes with upgraded paint schemes, black mirrors, trick remote reservoir shocks and special seat material with custom stitching. 

Even more exciting – click on the link below and you can enter the Star Yamaha Motorcycles Bolt Sweepstakes for your chance to win a 2014 Yamaha Star Bolt

The new 2013 Kawasaki Ninja 300 has arrived in motorcycle dealerships across the country and has quickly become one of the most popular new bike releases for the 2013 model year.  Starting at $4799, the Ninja 300 is not only affordable, but offers both new and experienced riders power, performance and comfort.  Offering even more comfort to Ninja 300 purchasers is the latest release from Corbin, a seat engineered and designed specifically for the Kawasaki Ninja 300.

The front seat is shaped like a body for a larger area of body contact that allows for better weight distribution. The front seat is constructed with high quality comfort foam that gives the rider more support and eliminates pressure points.  Built firm for resiliency, this seat offers all day riding comfort and support to riders. 

The rear seat is shaped like a race cowling, giving the Ninja 300 an awesome race bike look.  Constructed with the same comfort foam as the front seat, short to mid range passengers can enjoy the same comfort and support as the driver for short or long distance riding. 

Rubber bumpers are under the seat to keep the paint job protected.  Preinstalled brackets allow the front and rear seats to mount onto the Ninja 300 just like the stock seats. The seats also come with genuine leather seating inserts, providing a surface that breathes with the body. The leather will adapt with the foam underneath for a personalized fit after the seat is broken in. 

Color coordinating, the Lime Green welts on the Corbin seat go perfectly with the Lime Green Kawasaki paint job.  Also available are a wide range of color options to match the both the Ebony or Stardust White Ninjas as well. 

The front seat has a starting price of $282.00 and the rear seat has a starting price of $192.00, a minimal investment for added comfort and riding time.

Voztec, a new motorcycle helmet company based in Australia, has introduced a new top-hinged motorcycle helmet that changes more than just the color or the vent and visor features that are found on conventional motorcycle helmets on the market today. The helmet will not be available until January of 2014, but the prototype shown will come in three different price points of $300, $500 and $800. 

This new top-hinged motorcycle helmet is called the Snakehead.  The name comes from the helmet’s snake-like profile, which matches the skull of a snake with its large flat, forward facing intake vents.  The Snakehead helmet has no retaining strap; the top-hinged motorcycle helmet swings open like a clamshell.  The rear section of the helmet is opened with a hinge and the rider inserts their face into the front part of the helmet (this can be done without removing glasses) and then closes and locks the rear portion.  

Top-Hinged Motorcycle Helmet Safety Features 

In the event of an accident, the need to cut or remove a strap has been eliminated, which can often result in further head injuries.  The Snakehead helmet allows first responders to remove the front portion of the helmet while leaving the rear portion in place without disturbing the head.  

Turbulence is reduced, as the close fitting helmet does not allow for any slack when the head is turned, the helmet and head turn as if locked together, the chances of the helmet coming adrift are virtually eliminated.  The lower edge of the helmet is rounded so should the head hit the pavement, the chances of the helmet getting caught up on something and jerking the head around is greatly minimized. 

Top-Hinged Motorcycle Helmet Construction

The Snakehead is constructed with three components: carbon fiber, Kevlar and fiberglass, and has a multiple density foam liner.  An adjustable chin cup is also part of the design and adds to the comfort of the helmet.  After the initial adjustment of the chin cup, the helmet is set for both comfort and safety and does not need to be continually adjusted every time the helmet is taken on or off. 

This unconventional top-hinged motorcycle helmet offers a unique and innovative helmet design that can offer motorcycle riders new options when searching for a comfortable helmet offering a great degree of protection.

Consumers considering purchasing a 2013 Victory Motorcycle will have the opportunity to so this year with the stipulation they can return it if they are not happy. Victory is offering a money-back guarantee in both Canada and the U.S. to customers who purchase a 2013 Victory motorcycle between March 1 and April 30. 

The  Victory Guarantee

Calling the promotion “The Victory Guarantee”, Victory wants customers to feel the full ownership experience and then if they are not completely satisfied they can return their 2013 Victory Motorcycle and get their money back. The ad reads,  “If it’s too much bike for you just bring it back”, an interesting way to get someone to return a motorcycle without influencing their ego. 

It’s not just bring back your 2013 Victory Motorcycle back and we’ll cut you a check.  The promotion only applies to select 2013 Victory Motorcycles and consumers looking to finance with special financing promotions will not get the money back guarantee even if the Victory they buy does fall into the “money-back” guarantee category.  Also excluded from the refund will be freight charges / taxes / title or license fees / dealer fees and third party equipment.  Finally the motorcycle must be returned between 31 and 60 days of delivery, undamaged and with less than 500 miles on it.  Complete details can we found on www.VictoryMotorcycles.com and at participating Victory Dealers.  

“We build the best bikes on the planet, and we’re excited to introduce the Victory Guarantee as a way to back that up,” said Victory marketing manager Josh Fulkerson. “We are the fastest-growing manufacturer of heavyweight motorcycles, and we are confident you’ll love your new Victory motorcycle, or we’ll refund your money. That’s the Victory Guarantee.” 

“We’ve been saying ‘Ride One and You’ll Own One’ for over a year, and we’ve seen thousands of riders take the challenge and join the Victory ranks,” Fulkerson added. “We’re so confident you’ll enjoy riding a Victory that we’re stepping up to our own challenge and putting our money where our mouth is. If you buy a new Victory and aren’t completely satisfied riding the best, just bring it back.” 

This does offer consumers a great way to try a 2013 Victory Motorcycle and return it if they are not happy.  The 500 mile allowance is more than enough to know if the bike is a keeper and although consumers won’t  get 100 percent of their money returned to them, they will still be better off financially if they tried to sell the motorcycle themselves or trade it in on another motorcycle if they weren’t happy.

Fulmer Helmets is introducing a new line of “Sons of Anarchy” half helmets that will be coming to motorcycle dealers across the country as the weather starts to improve, riding season begins and motorcycles come out of winter storage.  The Sons Of Anarchy helmets being released are officially licensed and will feature the show’s logo and other show-inspired graphics.  Fulmer will have the first two Sons Of Anarchy helmets on display in showrooms during the month of March and more designs based on the popular FX show will be released throughout the year.

The cast of the “Sons of Anarchy” will be making promotional appearances in support of the new half helmet line and a sweepstakes for both dealers and consumers is to be announced in the near future.  Winners of the Sons of Anarchy Helmets sweepstakes will join the cast of the “Sons of Anarchy”  at a red carpet event.

Bartel’s Harley-Davidson in Los Angeles has a good relationship with Sons Of Anarchy and Fulmer Helmets, helping to create the working environment that brought these companies together and the officially licensed Sons of Anarchy helmets to the public.

Pricing has not yet been released, but stay tuned as the show starts it’s sixth season and the helmets come to a motorcycle dealership near you!

The 6D Helmet – Designed for Protection at Low Impact Crashes

Every motorcycle rider has an opinion on wearing a helmet, but what many riders don’t know, is that sometimes the helmet can do more harm than good. In the case, it has nothing to do with vision impairment or the chinstrap; what it does have to do with is the fact that during low-velocity crashes, the energy absorbing EPS liner does not dissipate the energy correctly around the rider’s head. The lack of dissipation of the energy results in concussions that could result in future medical conditions, especially for the young and off-road riders who tend to spill at slower speeds.

 What Is A 6D Helmet

6D Helmets, a California based company whose CEO, Bob Weber, has been in the industry for over 30 years, has come up with a helmet to protect off-road riders who encounter any type of impact to their heads.  The 6D helmet has developed an ODS System (Omni-Directional Suspension System) that incorporates twenty-seven hourglass-shaped dampers between the outer shell and the EPS core.  The dampers allow the independent movement of the outer shell and core, thus dissipating energy evenly around the head during any type of impact.  Other safety features on this helmet include detachable and break away sides that prevent possible neck fractures while there is extra padding in the chin section to protect the sternum in the event of a face plant.  Finally, the screw inside will collapse so the head is not forced sideways. 

What Does A 6D Helmet Cost

The 6D Helmet is a little more costly than most helmets, starting at around $750.00, but the protection it offers is incomparable to any other helmet on the market today.  The 6D is a little heavier than conventional off-roads helmet, but a carbon fiber and Kevlar design has kept the weight difference to a minimum.

Currently only off-road version of the 6D Helmet are available, but an on-road helmet, bicycle helmet and even a football helmet may not be too far off in the distant future as the company is working on designs for many different types of helmets.

Where Can Consumers Find a 6D Helmet 

6D Helmets can only be purchased from participating dealers and are not available directly from the manufacturer to consumers.