Fall has arrived with a vengeance here in the Northwest. A couple nights ago, it was storming pretty good. Heavy, inky black clouds lingered menacingly to the North, lightning flashed and the wind swirled. Still, I need to ride. It had been one of those days. I felt and heard the first fat drop of rain slap my helmet as I paddle-walked the bike down the driveway. Just for a moment, I reconsidered going for a ride. No, I needed this.
I eased the bike to the end of the cul de sac as the skies opened up and the rain began to fall in earnest. Big, heavy drops. As I turned onto the street the wind gusted and I had to compensate. Motoring down the hill the orange autumn leaves swirled with the wind into my headlight beam. Visor open for visibility, the smaller drops stung my face while the large ones soaked me.
A left at the bottom of the hill; carefully avoiding the large painted blocks of the crosswalk. Straightening up I cruised down the road slaloming around the metal manhole covers, slick with rain. Waves of leaves continued to wash across my path and a strong crosswind kept me on my toes.
Waiting for the stoplight, a bright flash of lightning caught me by surprise. Close. Another left and as I gained speed, snug, warm and dry in the cocoon of my gear, I felt invulnerable to the storm of nature around me. I wanted to shout in my helmet, “Bring it on!” I felt like I could ride for hours.
Another light, another left. A residential neighborhood. I backed way off and prepared for the turn ahead. An uphill, decreasing radius left with limited visibility and a layer of wet leaves on the asphalt. Tiptoeing through the turn I felt the tires twitch ever so slightly.
The storm seemed to gain intensity as I turned back into the cul de sac. I rolled back into the garage and shut the bike down. Trip distance: about 4 miles. Time elapsed: about 15 minutes. My wife came out and asked if I was crazy. “No,” I replied, “actually a little more sane now.”
It doesn’t matter the distance or the duration, sometimes all you need is a ride.
If your motorcycle has been recalled and you are not sure what to do, check out What To Do If Your Motorcycle Is Recalled.
Buell is recalling model year 2009 XB12Ss motorcycles. The front brake line may contact the front tire. This contact could cause a hole to develop in the front brake line, allowing brake fluid to leak. This condition might cause an ineffective front brake and lead to a crash. Dealers will inspect the front brake line and if undamaged, install a guide on the line. If the line is damaged, it will be replaced and re-routed. Either repair will be performed free of charge. The recall began on September 21, 2009. Owners may contact Buell Distribution Company at 1-414-343-8400.
Yamaha is recalling certain model year 2005 motorcycles manufactured between October 2004 and April 2005. The throttle position sensor can fail. Failure of the throttle position could cause the engine to stall which could result in a crash. Yamaha will notify owners and replace the throttle position sensor free of charge. The safety recall is expected to begin on or about October 7, 2009. Owners may contact Yamaha at 1-714-761-7300.
Honda is recalling certain model year 2002 VTX1800 motorcycles manufactured between August 14 and October 4, 2001. The swingarm may not have been properly welded. The swingarm could break while riding causing the rider to lose control, possibly resulting in crash. Honda will notify owners and dealers will inspect the weld and, if necessary, replace the swingarm free of charge. The safety recall began on September 25, 2009. Owners may contact Honda Motorcycle Customer Service at 1-866-784-1870.
Ducati is recalling model year 2010 f1098s Streetfighter motorcycles. The electronic control unit ground screw may have been improperly tightened during production which can cause the engine to stall. Stalling while driving can increase the risk of a crash. Dealers will retighten the ground screw free of charge. The recall is expected to begin during October 2009. Owners may contact Ducati dealer’s at 1- 800-231-6696.
Ducati is also recalling certain model year 2008 Desmosedici RR motorcycles. Due to insufficient distance between the tail guard and the exhaust system, the tail guard could overheat. Overheating of the tail guard could create a potential fire hazard. Ducati will notify owners and dealers will repair the motorcycles free of charge. The safety recall is expected to begin in October 2009. Owners may contact Ducati toll-free at 1-800-231-6696.
