NHTSA Campaign ID number: 11V343000

Manufacturer: INDIAN MOTORCYCLE COMPANY

Model: Model Year(s): 2009-2011

Mfr’s Report Date: JUN 24, 2011

NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID Number: 09V457000

NHTSA Action Number: N/A

Component: EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HEADLIGHTS:SWITCH

Potential Number of Units Affected: 699

Summary: POLARIS IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2009-2011 INDIAN MOTORCYCLES FOR THE BODY CONTROL MODULE (BCM) WHICH CAN CAUSE THE HEADLIGHT TO TURN OFF IN SOME CIRCUMSTANCES. IF THE HEADLIGHT SWITCH IS SLOWLY MOVED FROM ONE POSITION TO ANOTHER (HIGH BEAM TO LOW BEAM OR LOW BEAM TO HIGH BEAM), BOTH BEAMS MAY BE ON MOMENTARILY AND THE BCM INTERPRETS THIS AS AN OVERLOAD CONDITION.

Consequence: THE BCM TURNS OFF THE HEADLIGHT UNTIL THE NEXT TIME THAT THE KEY IS TURNED ON. THE UNEXPECTED LOSS OF HEADLIGHT FUNCTION COULD IMPAIR A DRIVER’S VISIBILITY, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.

Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE BCM FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN DURING AUGUST 2011. OWNERS MAY CONTACT POLARIS AT 1-651-408-7579.

Notes: OWNERS MAY ALSO CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION’S VEHICLE SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), OR GO TO HTTP://WWW.SAFERCAR.GOV .

Ride Safe,
Boss Hawg

The Indian Motorcycles Defects Recall potentially affects 699 Inidan Motorcycles.  One must think…did Polaris bargin for this when they purchased Indian Motorcycles?

Please read below for more details on the Current Indian Motorcycles Recall.

NHTSA Campaign ID number: 11V344000

Manufacturer: INDIAN MOTORCYCLE COMPANY

Model: Model Year(s):
2009-2011

Mfr’s Report Date: JUN 24, 2011

NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID Number: 09V457000

NHTSA Action Number: N/A

Component: STRUCTURE:MOTORCYCLE KICKSTAND/CENTER STAND

Potential Number of Units Affected: 699

Summary:
POLARIS IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2009-2011 INDIAN MOTORCYCLES FOR FAILING TO CONFORM TO THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 123,”MOTORCYCLE CONTROLS AND DISPLAYS.”

THE SIDE STAND MAY NOT FOLD REARWARD AND UPWARD IF IT CONTACTS THE GROUND WHEN THE MOTORCYCLE IS MOVING FORWARD.

Consequence:
IF THE KICK STAND DOES NOT FOLD REARWARD AND UPWARD WHILE THE MOTORCYCLE MOVES FORWARD, THE DRIVER’S ABILITY TO CONTROL THE MOTORCYCLE COULD BE AFFECTED, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.

Remedy:
DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE SIDE STAND FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN DURING AUGUST 2011. OWNERS MAY CONTACT INDIAN AT 651-408-7579.

Notes:
OWNERS MAY ALSO CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION’S VEHICLE SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), OR GO TO HTTP://WWW.SAFERCAR.GOV .

Better get this one fixed quick before you go to Sturgis and the Black Hills.  Haul it on the trailer.

Boss Hawg

Component: Engine and Engine Cooling

Potential Number of Units Affected: 4498

Summary: BMW Motorcycles is Recalling Certain Model Year 2008 and 2010 F650 GS AND F800 GS Motorcycles manufactured between January 2008 and December 2009.   During engine operation,  a vacuum is created in order to draw fresh air into the canister.  This air then mixes with the fuel vapors captured by the canister, and is subsequently combusted.  However, due to the routing of the ventilation hose, water near the end pf the hose could be drawn into the charcoal canister.

Consequence: Water could flow into the canister causing a stalling condition increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy: BMW will notify owners of the affected recall defects and repair the motorcycles free of charge.  BMW Dealers will inspect and add an additional hose and route it such that the present defect is prevented.  The Safety recall is expected to begin during January 2010.   BMW Motorcycle Owners affected by the recall may contact BMW directly at 1-201-307-4000.

Notes: BMW Motorcycle Owners may also contact the NHTSA Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153).

Mfr’s Report Date: DEC 17, 2009
NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID Number: 09V499
NHTSA Action Number:  PE09051

Recall Notice:

The connector on the key switch harness  may not be locked and the ignition switch harness may be routed too tight.  In some situations, the connector may unplug.

Consequence: If this occurs, the motorcycle may stall without warning and could potentially cause a vehicle crash.

Remedy: Bombardier  Recreational Products, Inc. (BRP) will notify Can Am Spyder owners that are affected by the Recall Notice that authorized dealers will inspect the Model Year 2010 Can Am Roadster Spyder RT SM5 AND SE5 Motorcycles manufactured between October 13 and October 30, 2009 to ensure that the connector is locked and that the ignition switch harness is not routed to tight and correct the harness free of charge.  The safety recall is expected to begin on or about December 18, 2009.

Owners may contact Bombardier  Recreational Products, Inc. (BRP) at 1-888-638-5397 or 1-819-566-3366.

Additionally, Owners of the affected 2010 Can Am Roadster Spyder RT SE 5 and 2010 Can Am Roadster Spyder RT SM 5 may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s (NHTSA) Vehicle Safety Hotline Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153).

Manufacturer: Bombardier  Recreational Products, Inc. (BRP)
NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID Number: 09V473000
NHTSA Action Number: PE09052

Speaking with others in the industry, the after-thought of introducing the 2010 Bear Bones Chopper 250 mm at $19,500 is a recipe for disaster…Take a minute…You think about it…2009 Venom 250 mm Chopper Satin Black with SS 100 SMOOTH at $30,900…what do you think of the base models minor differences?  Are they justified at $11,400 apart for two models that are both 250mm Choppers with one color paint and polished finsihes?

What will these pricing differentials do to Kelly Blue Book and NADA Guides retail and trade-in values…thousands of previous buyers have paid a premium for the Big Bear Choppers kit bikes, builds and , of course, other models, too, that are nearly identical to the Bear Bones when speced-out with the exception of an engine mod or paint and finishes?

If you are one of Big Bear Choppers owners or dealers…would you be thoroughly pissed?  Would you cancel your dealership agreement or try to dump out of your bike?  Would you drop the pricing on the floor models, clear the floor and bring in another manufacturer?

Ask any successful manufacturer and/or retail business owner and they will tell you that Big Bear Choppers apparently does not have a very astute business plan in mind and just may be desperately seeking $$$$$ to stay afloat based on this move with the Bear Bones model.

Remember the mass frame recall and the ongoing alleged product liability with the amputee in NY?

Manufacturer: BIG BEAR AMERICAN MADE CHOPPERS, INC

Component: STRUCTURE

Potential Number of Units Affected: 1,152

Summary: Big Bear Choppers is recalling certain model years 2004-2006 Devil’s Advocate Choppers, Sled Choppers, Venom Choppers, Devil’s Advocate ProStreet, Sled ProStreet, and Venom ProStreet Motorcycles.

Some Motorcycles may have inadequate weld penetration between the neck, backbone and down-tubes of the frame.  High loads created when riding on rough road surfaces, structural modification made to te frame by owners, and/or failure to maintain the specified torque setting of the top motor mount may cause the affected welds to crack.

Consequence: The welded area could break without warning resulting in neck separation and front-end collapse.  This could result in a crash.

Remedy: Dealer will inspect and maintain the proper torque of the top motor mount or modify the frame as necessary.  The recall began on March 26, 2008.  Big Bear has additional makes, models and model years.  Additional owner letters will be mailed beginning December 18, 2008.   Owners may contact Big Bear Choppers at 909-878-4340.

Notes: Big Bear Choppers Recall No. 1B9/631.

Owners affected by the recall may contact the NHTSA Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153).

Manufacturer’ Report Date: MAR 20, 2008

NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID Number: 08V129000

Frustrated BBC Owner Dec 3rd, 2009 at 2:16 pm

As an owner of one of BBC’s POS bikes on the NHTSA recall list and am unable to find a BBC dealer anywhere within reasonable transport distance (more than 500 miles) that will do the recall I’m very pissed off at BBC and their whole handling of this issue! I now have a $30,000.00 bike that I can’t sell, ride or get fixed! Even if I could get the neck issue fixed there is ample evidence that suggests that many other welds on the frame are also faulty!
I’m inclined to agree with Boss Hawg’s statements on the whole thing and would add that the suit back in NY with the amputee was settled for $1.5 million against BBC. I know of at least 3 other suits that are pending for varying issues including the one that started whole recall. Why anyone would even consider buying a BBC now is beyond me after seeing how they have treated their loyal customer base by basically throwing them under a bus!
For you BBC well wishers I would like to point out some facts that may change your minds on supporting them. If any of you have followed the ongoing battle over at ClubChopper on the subject you might want to reread it from start to finish. The gentlemen who started the thread (I’ll use his handle initials) LL was almost immediately attacked by BBC and BBC tried to use him as a scapegoat for their screw up! BBC even sent all of us owner letters saying that LL was responsible for the failure and listed a bunch of BS reasons. Then when the NHTSA got involved things changed but BBC still to this day is denying (publically) that their welding was the cause even after admitting it in documents they sent to the NHTSA!
One last thing, BBC did deliberately and willfully withhold the little fact that there was a neck failure BEFORE this LL had his in the first documents sent to the NHTSA! So the entire time that LL was getting blasted by BBC they never revealed that they already knew they had a weld problem and chose to do nothing about it until LL filed a complaint with the NHTSA and other owners pushed for a more exhaustive investigation. BBC put a lot of riders and other innocent people at risk just for the sake of money! If that’s the kind of company you want to support I’m glad you’re not on my team! If BBC does go under it will be a good thing for the semi-custom motorcycle market in my opinion!

One must assume that it depends on how deep the pockets of Big Bear Choppers are now and how much Big Bear Choppers may lose if the Bear Bones does not stimulate additional buyers?

Oh…but what if the Big Bear Choppers frame recall (Potential Number of Units Affected: 1152 above) keeps growing as it has from the first reported and lawsuits keep piling on like the one in New York with the amputee?

Do you think the Bear Bones Chopper may ever generate enough do-re-mi to keep the company afloat and their buyer base happy…?

Should we smell the roses and be on the look-out for what is known as crash & burn soon….Tell us, do you think Big Bear Choppers is really “Rethinking, Revising and Reinventing the Premium American Motorcycle” ?

Boss Hawg

Recall Notice: Motorcycle Manufacturer BMW (Bavarian Motor Works) North America is recalling Certain K 1300 GT and K 1300 S Motorcycles for Model Year 2009 and 2010 that were manufactured between September 11, 2008 and November 19, 2009. Poor Fuel quality may lead to small deposits within the throttle bodies.

During engine operation in a low rpm range, typically near idle speed (when coming to a stop) air flow could be sufficiently restricted and engine stalling could occur.

Consequence: Engine stalling could result in a vehicle crash.

Remedy: BMW will notify owners of the affected recall defects and repair the motorcycles free of charge. The safety recall is expected to begin January 2010. Owners of BMW K 1300 GT and K 1300 S Motorcycles for Model Year 2009 and 2010 that were manufactured between September 11, 2008 and November 19, 2009 affected by the recall may contact BMW directly at 1-201-307-4000.

Additionally, Owners of the BMW K 1300 GT and K 1300 S Motorcycles affected by the recall for Model Year 2009 and 2010 may contact the NHTSA Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153)

Manufacturer: BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, LLC
NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID Number: 09V471000
NHTSA Action Number: PE09052

Related articles brought to you by Boss Hawg

• BMW K 1300 GT longterm review over

Harley Davidson Motorcycles has issued a Defects Recall through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. The recall potentially affects 111,569 Harley Davidson Touring models including Screaming Eagle, Shriner and Custom Vehicle Operations models.

One must think…did Harley Davidson engineer and crash test these new two-piece motorcycle frames correctly? What about the motorcycle frame connectors for the two-piece frame…Will these frame connectors corrode and the motorcycle frame break away in two pieces? Are they next on the recall lists? Please read below for more details on the Current Recall.

NHTSA Campaign ID number : 09V457000

Manufacturer: HARLEY-DAVIDSON MOTOR COMPANY

Model: Model Year(s):
H-D / FLHP 2009-2010
H-D / FLHPE 2009-2010
H-D / FLHR 2009-2010
H-D / FLHR SHRINE 2009-2010
H-D / FLHRC 2009-2010
H-D / FLHT 2009-2010
H-D / FLHTC 2009-2010
H-D / FLHTCU 2009-2010
H-D / FLHTCU SHRINE 2009-2010
H-D / FLHTCU W/SC 2009-2010
H-D / FLHTCU4-CVO 2009
H-D / FLHTCUSE4 2009
H-D / FLHTCUSE5 2010
H-D / FLHTCUTG 2009-2010
H-D / FLHTK 2010
H-D / FLHTP 2009-2010
H-D / FLHX 2009-2010
H-D / FLHXXX 2010
H-D / FLTR 2009
H-D / FLTR3-CVO 2009
H-D / FLTRSE3 2009

Manufacturer: HARLEY-DAVIDSON MOTOR COMPANY

Mfr’s Report Date: NOV 25, 2009

NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID Number: 09V457000

NHTSA Action Number: N/A

Component: FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:STORAGE:TANK ASSEMBLY:MOUNTING

Potential Number of Units Affected: 111569

Summary:
HARLEY-DAVIDSON IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2009 AND 2010 TOURING FAMILY MOTORCYCLES, INCLUDING CVO TOURING AND TRIKE PRODUCTS, MANUFACTURED FROM JUNE 6, 2008 THROUGH NOVEMBER 19, 2009. THE FRONT FUEL TANK MOUNTS MAY DISTORT IN REACTION TO SEVERE FRAME DAMAGE FROM A FRONTAL COLLISION. THIS CONDITION MAY CAUSE A FUEL LEAK AT THE WELD OF THE FRONT BRACKET TO THE TUNNEL.

Consequence:
A FUEL LEAK IN THE PRESENCE OF AN IGNITION SOURCE MAY RESULT IN A FIRE, WHICH COULD LEAD TO INJURY OR DEATH TO THE RIDER.

Remedy:
HARLEY DAVIDSON DEALERS WILL INSTALL A LEFT AND RIGHT BRACE, WHICH ARE INTENDED TO REDUCE FRONT MOUNT DISTORTION DURING CERTAIN CRASH CONDITIONS. THIS REPAIR WILL BE PERFORMED FREE OF CHARGE.

THE SAFETY RECALL IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN ON OR ABOUT DECEMBER 14, 2009. OWNERS MAY CONTACT HARLEY DAVIDSON MOTORCYCLES AT 1-414-343-4056.

Notes:
OWNERS MAY ALSO CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION’S VEHICLE SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), OR GO TO HTTP://WWW.SAFERCAR.GOV

Boss Hawg