Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month

May kicks off Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month, an initiative supported by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). With spring well underway, riders are hitting the highways and byways, and this serves as a reminder to all drivers to be mindful that motorcycles are sharing the road. 

According to NHTSA, motorcyclists were 25 times more likely than passenger vehicle occupants to die in a crash and five times more likely to be injured based on miles traveled in 2009. 

The risks are real. 

Motorcycle safety is a two-way street. Automobile drivers need to be vigilant to look for motorcycles, recognizing that motorcyclists have all the same rights and privileges. But, they can be harder to see, behave differently, and are far more vulnerable to road hazards and impacts. Simple things like always using your turn signal, even if you don't see another vehicle around, and scrupulously checking mirrors and blind spots before changing lanes can potentially avert disaster. 

Riders need to likewise be mindful that they are indeed at risk. Following the lessons from a safety course will go a long way to reduce those dangers. Situational awareness is key, as is simply staying visible. Generous following distances, bright-colored clothing and DOT-compliant helmet, and an aversion to car blind spots will make a difference. Let's all be careful out there.

(Reposted from Consumer Reports.) Read more!

Motorcycling Kalama River Road

Starting in Kalama, Washington, we find sixteen miles of scenic motorcycle road, following the beautiful Kalama river: Motorcyling closer and closer to Mt St Helens? Twists and turns in the 25-35 mph range with no guard rails? Is this a good idea?

Careful riding pays off. 

Okay, so the road is not the safest ride you could do but believe you me, this is must-see motorcycling. The scenery is spectacular as you have glimpses of whitewater and impossibly lush green valley everywhere. Do remember that keeping your eyes on the road is imperative. The road is paved but broken up in spots, with a bit of gravel here and there where repairs are in progress. The most hazardous turns are well marked, but expect vehicles backing up a drift boat and blocking the road as you come around a corner. 

Stop and rest and soak up the view 

At about the 16-mile mark a gate stops you from further progress up the road. This is a perfect place to get off the bike and take in the beauty of this river valley.

Read more!

Victory Vision gas tank adventure (followup)

  It works!  

Filled up the motorcycle to the top and then took 'er for a spin through the countryside around Mt. St. Helens, Washington. No gas smell, and a close inspection after arriving home showed no leakage. Excellent! Now why do you suppose the shop replaced the gas tank but not the gas cap? Sigh.... Read more!

Victory Vision gas tank adventure II

Not a happy thought knowing gas is dripping on your engine and pipes while you ride. This is a major issue (see previous blog post) So the company clearly had issues with this tank and cap, enough to address them in the manual. And I didn't really wanna end up like this guy ---> The only thing left to figure out was could I get a fix for the problem.  

Does the manufacturer have to tell you about a problem? 

 

If the item is a recall of course the company must notify owners and advise them to bring in their machines for a repair. But what if the item is a level below recall? Then the company usually waits until owners bring up a known problem, and will (sometimes) advise them that the item is a warranty repair. When I brought up my gas leak issue several times with my local Victory service guys I got several responses: First, I asked if there was a different gas cap that would solve the problem, and was told that yes there was but that it might or might not be a warranty item. No information was volunteered about a warranty repair. Next I was told that the company had determined that the leaks were caused by motorcyclists damaging the flange at the gas tank opening while refueling. Implication was if I wanted a fix, it was on me. 

Maybe I can live with it.... 

It was about a year until I brought up the problem again with Victory.  (I KNOW! How could I put off getting this fixed? Well, my work-around was to only add a couple gallons to the tank at a time, never filling it more than half-full. What a pain, but combined with carefully seating the cap on the tank it mitigated the problem most of the time. )

Finally a shop with a helpful service guy! 

Maybe over time the company changed the way it handled this issue. Maybe the shop I went to next was flat-out superior. Because the next time I brought up the issue was with a different shop, and I learned that the problem was common and entire gas tanks were being replaced and that it likely would be a warranty item. This guy took down my info and researched it and reported back that indeed it was covered under my warranty! They would replace the tank and I would only be on the hook for a $50 co-pay. What a relief, and I now have the new tank. Next blog post will detail my experience with the new tank and if it fixed the leak problem. Read more!

Victory Vision gas tank adventure

       I absolutely love my 2008 Victory Vision. Would get another one in a heartbeat. That being said, there are a couple of problems I have had with the bike. One issue to report on my machine is the gas tank problem.

How much gas does the tank really hold? 

The gas tank capacity is 6.0 gallons. Filling to just below the fuel filler neck (as cautioned in the owners manual) gives you more like 5 gallons usable: Even running way past the empty mark on the fuel gauge have I rarely fit more than 5 gallons in it.

The problem comes riding after refueling.

Uh-oh, I smell fuel...! 

The distinct smell of gas appears as soon as you head away from the gas station, and a stronger smell every time you turn or change speeds. Not good! Inspecting the bike once arriving home showed that gas was slopping out from under the fuel cap and dripping down the bike.  

Is this a known problem? 

The owners manual had several cautions about this:

"Do not fill the fuel tank above the fuel filler insert" 

Check! Well, there may have been once or twice on a long ride where I filled it a bit too full, but not in recent years.

"Fuel may leak from an improperly sealed cap" 

Putting extra effort into making sure the cap was seated and tightly closed did seem to help sometimes, but not always.

"Do not allow gasoline to come in contact with a hot engine or exhaust system." 

Well, it was! Not a happy thought knowing gas is dripping on your engine and pipes while you ride. So the company clearly had issues with this tank and cap, enough to address them in the manual. The only thing left to figure out was could I get a fix for the problem. Watch for the rest of this story on a later post. Read more!

From vision to Vision

One more picture of the concept drawing for the Victory Vision without the trunk, followed by a photo of my Victory Vision, the vision realized.

Read more!

Victory Vision concept drawings circa 2007

The concept drawings for the Victory Vision, and the dream realized.

Read more!

Spring is here

What a fantastic day to motorcycle in the Northwest. Must get out and enjoy it. Read more!

Early morning rising with a big moon setting

This week looks to be dry (but cold in the morning) so I'm planning a week of motorcycle commuting. I hit 31 degrees in the hollow this morning (BRRRR) but was greeted by the near-full moon, on it's way around the planet. Read more!

Cool ride to work

Another day, another vroom vroom. This spring riding is tough. It was 34 degrees for much of the ride to work this morning, not warming up until crossing the Glenn Jackson bridge and entering Portland (see photo).

Thanks to the heated grips, this motorcycle rider only had one blue finger upon arriving at work. (No, it wasn't THAT finger...!). But the ride home made it all worth it...(see lower picture). Read more!

First dry riding day of spring

At last, a dry morning to ride to work. Sunny and 34 degrees, with fog in the low lying areas.

By the time the workday was ended, it was a spectacular clear day and 64 degrees. Spring has finally arrived!

Read more!

Seattle to Portland: The back way Part 3

Some more pics from the scenic motorcycle route described on 8/10 and 8/11 posts. These were taken in Mt Rainier National park, where you can't ride for more than a minute without passing another beautiful photo op. This is looking across one of many bridges spanning ravines high above sparkling creeks.

Read more!

Seattle to Portland: The back way (road conditions)

The pavement on Forest Road 25 is rough. There is a one-lane bridge over a washed-out section and lots of damage as you can see in the pictures. The good news is that they are clean...almost no loose gravel in the roadway. Cautionary speed signs are abundant. Although rough this road is absolutely brilliant to motorcycle.

See the August 10 post for more on this road.

Read more!

Seattle to Portland: The back way

If you motorcycle between Seattle, Washington and Portland, Oregon, the I-5 corridor is familiar. Sure it gets you there quickly, but if the journey is what's important, then try going the back way.

The route from I-5 in Vancouver is SR500, SR503 to Cougar, Forest Road 90 and Forest Road 25 to Randle, then highways 12,123, and 410 into the Seattle area. See a googlemap here.

The pavement is good until Forest Road 25. Winter breaks up the road every season, and there are patches, heaves, and cracks all along this stretch until Randle. As long as you take your time and heed the speed warning signs though you will be fine. Do not let reports of this road's condition keep you from riding it. It is motorcycle nirvana! Read more!

Only two tires to take care of

At last my machine is out of the shop with new tires. What a difference in handling! Check your air pressure at least once a week.

This photo is looking west towards the Astoria-Megler Bridge in Astoria, Oregon. Read more!

and miles and miles ...

Another view of the view from the road to Mist, Oregon. This time the view is partially blocked (or enhanced) by Tim's Harley. Read more!

I can see for miles and miles and miles and miles...

The view goes on for miles from this high point on the ride to Mist, Oregon. See it while you can: in a few years the maturing trees in the surrounding clear cuts will grow and obscure the territory. Read more!

Motorcycle ride through the Mist (Oregon) Part 2

Whoops I made a right turn in the Mist. Where does THIS road go? It ends up out over the water at the end of this pier in Astoria, the proverbial end of the road. Good thing they have food here!

If you survive the twisties to Mist, take a right turn onto Highway 202, the Newhalen Highway. This leads you along 45 miles of farms, forests, and rivers as you wind through the coastal range to Astoria.

Once you reach this town situated where the mighty Columbia River meets the Pacific ocean you will be looking for a place to take a break and get a bite to eat. Try the Rogue Ales Public House on Pier 39. The Kobe beef cheeseburger is highly recommended, and it's a great place to grab a growler of your favorite ale to take home. This trip takes about two and 1/2 hours each way from Portland plus stops.

Read more!

Motorcycle ride through the Mist (Oregon) Part 1

Need to get those little knobby rubber pins off of the sides of your motorcycle tires? The turns on this short ride will begin to wear them down. On this motorcycle loop from Portland, Oregon ride through Longview (Washington), Clatskanie, Mist, and Vernonia, with more twists than a Stephen king novel.

Starting in Portland, ride I-5 North and cross over the Columbia River at Longview. US-30 West towards Astoria climbs steeply up the bluffs of the Columbia and into the forests of Oregon. Turn south on Highway 47 at Clatskanie and enjoy some of those turns...A good report on this stretch of the loop can be found at the Oregon Motorcyclist website. Finish off the ride by taking Cornelius Pass Road back towards Portland, but expect lots of traffic on sunny weekend days.

Read more!

Sign of the times

Construction season is starting, and this sign is a frequent reminder that motorcycle riders have additional challenges to deal with on the road.

There are over 4 million motorcycles registered in the United States. The popularity of this mode of transportation is attributed to the low initial cost of a motorcycle, its use as a pleasure vehicle and, for some models, the good fuel efficiency. Motorcycle fatalities represent approximately five percent of all highway fatalities each year, yet motorcycles represent just two percent of all registered vehicles in the United States. Motorcycle Safety Foundation

Read more!