E15: What is happening

October 24, 2013 | By: Angi Kearney

Plenty of debate surrounds E15, an ethanol fuel blend made up of 85 percent gasoline and 15 percent ethanol.
Earlier this week, the American Motorcyclist Association took their stance against this further supporting U.S. Rep. Bob Goodlatte’s (R-Va.) and the RFS Reform Act of 2013 via a press release. According to the release, the bipartisan bill would amend the previously approved Renewable Fuel Standard prohibiting the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) from allowing gasoline containing more than 10 percent ethanol content into the marketplace. If the amendment is approved, E15 would no longer be permitted.
Many motorcyclists and motorcycle activists, have continually expressed their concerns about possible damage to motorcycle engines by use of E15. In fact, the EPA has only approved this fuel for light duty vehicles model year 2001 and newer as well as flex-fuel vehicles. Vehicles older than 2001, small engines, boats and motorcycles have not been approved to use E15.
J&P Cycles’ own Senior Technician Scott Holton has this to say about E10 and E15: while this is an environmentally-friendly way to assist with emission controls, it does have risks and downfalls. Living in Iowa, land of rolling cornfields, E10 is readily available and pushed. He and his wife run it in their cages, but stay away from it when their motorcycles are concerned. Scott runs a SU Carb on his 2003 Bottle Camp Indian Power Plus 100. Whenever exposed to ethanol, the carb’s fuel inlet valves rubber tip swells causing the float needle not to seat allowing the carb to overflow. Additionally, he has to richen the carb’s tuning to compensate for the oxygenated fuel.

MMA Safety Alert: Suzuki Recalls More Than 200,000 GSX-Rs

October 24, 2013

Please see the following recall notice posted today by the Massachusetts Motorcycle Association:

The Massachusetts Motorcycle Association (MMA) has learned that the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued a recall for Suzuki GSX-R Sport Bikes manufactured since 2004.  This massive recall deals with corrosion of the brake piston inside the front brake master cylinder which could reduce front braking power.  The MMA alerts all riders of Suzuki GSX-R Motorcycles to take notice since typically, more than 70% of your motorcycle's stopping power comes from the front brake!

The NHTSA recall notice identifies 210,228 potential units affected including 2004-2013 model year Suzuki GSX-R600, GSX-R750 and 2005-2013 GSX-R1000 models.  Suzuki Motor of America responded in a letter dated October 18, 2013, describing the defect as a long-term deterioration of the brake fluid, which in turn absorbs moisture.  The front brake master cylinder may not have uniform surface treatment leading to corrosion of the brake piston.  The corrosion contributes to gasses in the reservoir which may not be "adequately purged from the master cylinder", and as the gas accumulates the brake lever "may develop a 'spongy' feel and stopping distances may be extended, increasing the risk of a crash."

Responding to customer complaints, the letter details the engineering behind the defect and the timeline of Suzuki Motor's investigation including the issuance of several Field Technical Information Reports (FTIR) which are related to the defect..  Suzuki further reports that they will replace the front brake master cylinder on affected models with a unit that has a redesigned reservoir and updated surface treatment on the brake piston, including several related parts.  No issues have been reported with the rear brake cylinder and no known injuries have been reported to date.

Suzuki indicates that they will begin notifying owners in November, although owners may call Suzuki at 1-800-572-1490. (This number has been giving some callers issues, claiming "it is not available from your calling area."  Suzuki Motor of America's Customer Service line is 714-572-1490.) Suzuki’s campaign id numbers for the recall are: 2A (31,32,33,34,35,36).

The specific NHTSA recall notice and Suzuki's response can be found here:

http://www-odi.nhtsa.dot.gov/acms/cs/jaxrs/download/doc/UCM445031/RCAK-13V449-4615.pdf

http://www-odi.nhtsa.dot.gov/acms/cs/jaxrs/download/doc/UCM444941/RCDNN-13V449-5599P.pdf

The MMA reminds all riders that they should perform regular maintenance on their motorcycles, and assure that brake fluid is changed periodically.

For more information, please contact your Suzuki Dealer (see above)

Matt Danielson
McGrath & Danielson
Tom McGrath's Motorcycle Law Group
1-800-321-8968
Motorcyclelawgroup.com

Harley-Davidson Recalls Some 2014 Motorcycles

October 18, 2013 Please see the below notice from the Associated Press concerning a voluntary recall by Harley-Davidson.  This notice has been verified as accurate via the Harley-Davidson website.  If you have purchased any of the motorcycles listed below please contact your Harley-Davidson Dealer to determine whether your motorcycle is affected.

MILWAUKEE (AP) -- Harley-Davidson is voluntarily recalling some 2014 motorcycle models because of a possible safety issue.

The Milwaukee-based company says the recall of about 29,000 bikes includes a "Do Not Ride" notice to owners and a "Do Not Deliver" notice to dealers until the motorcycle is fixed.

Harley-Davidson says the hydraulic clutch system in some of the motorcycles might not disengage the clutch, making it hard to slow or stop.

Owners of affected motorcycles should arrange an inspection with an authorized Harley-Davidson dealer. The dealer will pick up, inspect and make the repairs at no cost.

The recalls affect Touring motorcycles models FLHTCU, FLHTK, FLHTP, FLHX, FLHXS, FLHTKSE and FLHRSE, plus Softail CVOs and Trikes, models FLHTCUTG, FXSBSE and FLSTNSE, built between May 3, 2013, and Oct. 14, 2013.

Matt Danielson
McGrath & Danielson
Tom McGrath's Motorcycle Law Group
1-800-321-8968
Motorcyclelawgroup.com

Alleged Motorcycle Discrimination in Alexandria

October 2, 2013 I need some help from Virginia motorcyclists.  Particularly I am asking help from those in the Northern Virginia area.  I have received a complaint from a motorcyclist concerning personal property taxes on motorcycles in Alexandria.  According to this person, the City of Alexandria requires that your vehicle carry a decal showing that you paid your personal property tax.  Each year the decal changes color.  According to this person, each August the city sends out invoices to the motor vehicle owners.  The invoice for cars and trucks apparently includes that year’s decal.  However, according to this person, the invoice for motorcycles does not include the decal.  You must first pay the tax and then contact the city for your decal afterwards.  If this is true then it is troublesome.  I do not have an issue with the city wanting to ensure that taxes owed are in fact paid.  I do have an issue with motorcyclists being treated differently than other motor vehicle owners.  If this report is indeed true, it would seem that the City of Alexandria is saying that motorcyclists are less responsible and trust worthy than other motor vehicle owners.  Additionally, it forces motorcyclists to go through an additional bureaucratic step in order to legally own their motor vehicle.

If you are aware of this practice please contact me.  Additionally, if you live in Alexandria and have not experienced this I would appreciate hearing from you as well.  Before I contact the city I want to make sure I have all of the facts straight.  Thank you in advance for any help that you can provide.

Matt Danielson
McGrath & Danielson
Tom McGrath's Motorcycle Law Group
1-800-321-8968
Motorcyclelawgroup.com