Daytona Bike Week - Get a Start on the Rally Season

The 68th anniversary of Daytona Bike Week is being held February 27 - March 8, 2009 in Daytona Beach, Florida. The start of Daytona Bike Week is often announced on the morning TV news shows. You know, where somebody sticks their face in front of the camera and announces: "We're at the opening of Daytona Bike Week. Good Morning America," and then you see a whole line of bikes roar off in front of the camera. Unfortunately, most of the remainder of Bike Week will not be seen by non-motorcyclists.

Check out my article, Daytona, for details.

Here in the frigid Northeast, I hear plenty of people talking about going to Daytona. Some are riding down with friends. Riding sometimes means riding in a car and towing a trailer with the bike on it. After all, the 1500 miles down with uncertain weather conditions has left many a rider stranded in a snow storm or Nor'easter. After that happens to you once, you tend to be a little more cautious the next time you go.

Maybe you want to skip Daytona and concentrate on planning to go to some smaller rallies this year. Be sure to read my article, Motorcycle Rallies, where I discuss rallies and give you information about the top rallies that I like. Of course, your views may be different -- this is Motorcycle Views after all.

I just got my registration information for the Americade Motorcycle Rally. That one is my favorite and I've gone every year since 1994.

It can get expensive going to lots of rallies, especially if you're taking two bikes. Double gas, double tolls. You just have to pick and choose what appeals to you most in these uncertain economic times. Motorcycle rallies are a lot of fun. If you've never attended a rally, you owe it to yourself to go. You just might find a rally or two that you'll want to go to every year, just like I go to Americade, regardless of the weather.

Kawasaki Issues Recall of 2009 NINJA ZX-10R Motorcycles for Oil Leak Defect

Kawasaki has issued a recall of certain 2009 NINJA ZX-10R motorcycles.

Kawasaki is recalling model year 2009 NINJA ZX10R (ZX1000E9F/E9FA/E9FAL) motorcycles. The timing inspection caps on the starter clutch cover may come loose due to improper tightening and fall out, allowing oil to leak onto the rear tire.

The number of units has not been specified.

Check out my Motorcycle Recalls feature for more details.

Kawasaki Issues Recall of 2008-2009 KL650E for Wire Shorting Problem

Kawasaki has issued a recall of certain 2008-2009 KL650E motorcycles.

Kawasaki is recalling model year 2008-2009 KLR 650 (KL650E8F/L, KL650E9F/L) motorcycles. Wires in the wiring harness might be damaged due to rubbing contact with a portion of the motorcycle frame.

The number of units has not been specified.

Check out my Motorcycle Recalls feature for more details.

Kawasaki Issues Recall of 2008-2009 KL650E for Loose Muffler Bolts

Kawasaki has issued a recall of certain 2008-2009 KL650E motorcycles.

Kawasaki is recalling model year 2008-2009 KLR 650 (KL650E8F/L, KL650E9F/L) motorcycles. The muffler assembly is secured to the frame of the motorcycle by two bolts. It is possible that heat expansion cycles of the muffler, combined with vibration from vehicle operation may cause loosening of the muffler mounting bolts.

16,500 units are affected.

Check out my Motorcycle Recalls feature for more details.

Motorcycle Pictures of the Week - Joe

Here are my Pictures of the Week as displayed on the Motorcycle Views Website. These are taken from the Moto Pic Gallery. See Joe on his Silver Wing Scooter. For details, see Motorcycle Pictures of the Week.

If you'd like to see your bike as Picture of the Week, submit a picture of you and your bike along with a description of the bike.

Piaggio Recalls Aprilia Scarabeo 200 for Windshield Problem

Piaggio has issued a recall of certain 2008-2009 Aprilia Scarabeo 200 motorcycles.

These motorcycles fail to comply with the requirements of federal motor vehicle safety standard no. 205 "glazing materials." The incorrect DOT standard equipment handlebar mounted windshield that was provided was installed. Both DOT and EURO specifications were sent for installation.

458 units are affected.

Check out my Motorcycle Recalls feature for more details.

Introducing the Mission One Electric Sportbike: 150 MPH, 150 Mile Range

Well, I'm hearing more and more about electric vehicles and, in particular, electric motorcycles.

I rode the Vectrix electric scooter at Americade 2008 and wrote a review about it.

Today, I read an article about Mission Motors, a company that will unveil a revolutionary new vehicle at TED2009. TED stands for Technology, Entertainment, Design.

The Mission One motorcycle promises to be the world's fastest production all-electric motorcycle. The sportbike has a top speed of 150 MPH, a range of 150 miles and uses a lithium ion battery pack.

Take a look at the vehicle itself and look at videos here.

Check out the press release for the introduction of the Mission One electric motorcycle.