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
 

Virginia Motorcycle Legislative Roundtable Update

September, 9, 2013  The Virginia Motorcycle Legislative roundtable for 2013 was held yesterday in Richmond.  We had a great turn out from motorcyclists of varying age and experience.  Participants included members of ABATE of Virginia, the Virginia Biker’s Association, the U.S. Military Vets MC, American Legion Riders, Harley Owners Group, and Rider coaches with the Virginia Rider Training Program.  We also had independent riders who took advantage of the weather to ride in on an array of motorcycles from cruisers to sport bikes.

The group agreed that pursuing legislation to classify three wheeled automobiles as something other than a motorcycle was a priority.  We are seeing an increase in three wheeled automobiles.  The fact that they have less than four wheels is the only thing that they have in common with motorcycles.  Other than that, the operator sits in a seat rather than straddling one.  The operator controls the vehicle with a steering wheel and not a handlebar.  The throttle is controlled by a foot peddle rather than by hand.  These vehicles are automobiles yet are currently classified as motorcycles.  Some are currently being manufactured in Virginia.  The concern is that as more of these vehicles are operated on the roadways, the more they will be included in crash data, thus negatively impacting motorcycle accident statistics.  The Virginia DMV has worked hard over the past few years to improve its ability to collect accurate data.  When we have accurate data, we can better identify real issues that need to be addressed to improve motorcycle safety.  Including these vehicles in motorcycle crash data defeats that effort.

The group also agreed that we will wait until after the upcoming election to determine additional legislative initiatives.  Races from the Governor’s Mansion on down will impact our strategy.  The group identified two things to look at in November.  One is increased penalties for individuals who violate traffic laws, and as a result cause the death of another.  The idea is to make such an offense reckless driving.  This would allow the judge to impose jail and/or suspend someone’s driver’s license if the court found that to be appropriate.  Under current law a person is usually charged with a traffic infraction which carries a simple fine.

The other issue important to a majority of the group was amending Virginia’s motorcycle helmet law to allow adults age twenty-one and older to choose whether or not to wear a helmet.  This would bring Virginia in line with a majority of the United States.  Thirty-one states currently allow adult riders to make such a choice.

I want to thank the participants of the roundtable for giving up a beautiful riding day to come to Richmond to discuss issues important to Virginia motorcyclists.  Our next meeting will be in preparation for our lobby day.  On Sunday January 19, from 12:00 p.m. until we get through, Virginia Coalition of Motorcyclists lobbyists will lead an informational meeting to discuss the year's legislation affecting motorcyclists. We will also discuss how to talk to your legislators about these issues in case you have never done that.  Later that evening, attendees will enjoy a free homemade BBQ dinner.   On Monday January 20th, we will take our annual trip to the Capitol. After lobbying our legislators, we will go to Penny Lane Pub for lunch as a thank you for coming to support Virginia Motorcyclists.  I hope all can make it.

As we receive more information on issues that affect motorcycling in Virginia I will pass it along.  As usual, if anyone has any questions or comments concerning this material please do not hesitate to contact me. 

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

More on E-15 Gasoline

August 29, 2013 I wanted to send out some additional information on a topic that we have touched on in the past.  That is the EPA’s recent approval of E-15 gasoline.  E-15, it is gasoline that is blended with 15% ethanol.  As many have pointed out, that is a 50% increase in ethanol over the standard E-10 that most of us are used to seeing and using.  The EPA and DOT are both moving from E-10 to E-15.  This is a controversial issue in that there are questions regarding how E-15 will affect engines, especially smaller ones.  The Motorcycle Industry Counsel claims that E-15 could affect engine durability and deterioration.  Further, if your motorcycle is damaged by E-15, you have no legal recourse.

Lenny Holcomb, a good friend of mine with ABATE of Maryland, obtained the following documents from the EPA concerning E-15.  The first is an EPA FAQ.  You will see that even the EPA says that E-15 should not be used in motorcycles.  You can read the FAQ at the following link:

http://www.epa.gov/otaq/regs/fuels/additive/e15/e15-faq.htm

The other document from the EPA concerns the EPA’s plans for preventing mis-fueling at pumps that dispense both E-15 and E-10 fuel.  You can read that at the following link:

http://www.epa.gov/otaq/regs/fuels/additive/e15/e15-mmp.htm

As an aside, a recent motorcycle trip out west took me through Nebraska.  I found myself at a pump that sold E-10, E-15 and E-85.

As I obtain more information on this issue I will pass it along.  In the meantime, if you have any questions or comments about any of the information that I have sent, please do not hesitate to contact me. 

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

LOCAL EVENTS FOR SEPT

Amherst – Aug 31 - 3rd annual Labor Day Wine & Music Fest at Rebec Vineyards

Wintergreen – Aug 31-Sept 1 - Romp, Stomp, and Chomp Harvest Celebration - Wintergreen Winery. 1 PM to 6PM.Wanna stomp like Lucy?

Wintergreen – Aug 30- Sept 2 - Labor Day Spectacular - includes an Arts & Craft show, chairlift rides, live music and much more.  Bring the entire family for an end of summer hurrah!  For information contact Wintergreen Activities, 434-325-8180.

Moneta - Sept.6-8 - Franklin County Civil War Days - Step back in time to explore history, camp life, battles and more at the third annual Franklin County Civil War Days, Sept. 6-8 at Lakewatch Plantation in Moneta.

Wintergreen - Sept. 14 - Oktoberfest at Wintergreen - A celebration of German culture and food – a family event in a beer garden setting.

Bedford – Sept 18 - Air Force Birthday - National D-Day Memorial - In honor of the Air Force’s birthday, all active duty or veteran Air Force members receive free admission to the Memorial.

Bedford – Sept 21 - POW/MIA Awareness Day - The National D-Day Memorial will host a special ceremony in memory of the nation’s POW’s and MIA’s. Free admission from 10am until noon.

Altavista - Sept. 21 - Avoca's Annual Harvest Jubilee and Wine Festival - The festival boasts seven area wineries, a supervised children’s area, food, a bake sale, crafters, and music by The Ministers of Soul and Encore all in the shade!
Lynchburg - Sept. 21 - Lynchburg Beer and Wine Festival - The Lynchburg Beer & Wine Festival will feature over 20 of the areas finest wineries and breweries, local vendors and live music throughout the day.
Chester - Sept. 21-22 - Publick Days & Godspeed from Jamestown Settlement - Experience the past as 400 years of history come to life with living history re-enactments, activities, games, crafts, storytelling and more.

Waynesboro - Sept. 21 - Virginia Chili, Blues n' Brews - Chili cook-off, Blues Music by Full circle, Pure Blind Luck, Fatty Lumpkin & The Love Hogs and John Lee Hooker Jr. Brews. Micro & Mega brews.

Staunton - Sept. 27 - Staunton Music Festival: Source and Style in Bach's Suites - Carsten Schmidt and Jason Stell discuss and demonstrate the major elements of Bach's keyboard suites, with special attention to the composer's English Suites.

Salem - Sept. 28 - Green Hill Medieval Faire and Highland Games - Come and experience the adventure, pageantry, magic and romance of Medieval Europe at Green Hill Park in Roanoke County.

South Boston - Sept. 28 - South Boston Harvest Festival - South Boston Harvest Festival, fun for the entire family. An outdoor festival held in the streets of Historic Downtown South Boston, VA.

Moneta – Sept 28-29 - Smith Mountain Lake Wine Festival - perfect event for aficionados of wine as well as fans of outdoor concerts and craft festivals.