Jensen Beeler, Author at Asphalt & Rubber

News

Recall on Buell XB12XP & XB12XT

By Jensen Beeler 10/24/2008 1 Comment

Buell has issued a recall on some of its 2008 & 2009 XB12XP and XB12XT motorcycles, citing problems with the windshield mounting nuts. The exact models affected are the: 2008-2009 XB12XT & 2009 XB12XP.

Apparently the windshields may become dislodged and allow the windshield to either strike or distract the rider while the vehicle is being ridden at a high speed. This could result in a crash, which could cause injury or death to the rider. This is only affecting 624 bikes out on the road, but a windshield to the head is not to be taken to lightly.

Affected bikes will have to brought into the shop where dealers will remove the windshield’s two rubber mounted nuts and install two new fastener assemblies.

The recall is expected to begin on or about October 27, 2008. Owners may contact Buell at 1-414-342-4080. The NHTSA Campaign Number is 08V538000.

Source: The Kneeslider

Unfortunately the recall on the headlight has yet to occur.

Keep Reading

News

The Noise Police

By Jensen Beeler 10/23/2008 No Comments

Our poor friends down under are about to get a further crackdown on what can and cannot be done out on the asphalt. The Aussies are set to put into place a series of roadside microphones to crack down on offending and unrestricted exhaust pipes. Similar murmurs are also being made back on the Queen’s Island.

The fully automated systems have been in development for the last three years and are now set to be rolled out in several states and territories down under. According to a report in Australia’s The Newspaper, the camera-based system utilises a set of microphones to record noise levels and, when the set threshold is exceeded, a ten second video is stored and a ticket automatically generated. Apparently the machine can hold data for up to 10,000 tickets before it needs to be reset.

Source: PistonHeads via RSVzone

There are rumors that soon even thinking about a wheelie will be illegal. Ok, George Orwell…you win.

Keep Reading

Bikes

Preview of the Ducati Monster 1100

By Jensen Beeler 10/22/2008 1 Comment

The Monster saved Ducati from the brink of bankruptcy and has become the bread winner in Bologna, accounting for more than half of Ducati’s sales worldwide. With the advent of the 1098 series replacing the 999, it was only a matter of time before the Monster got a similar displacement increase. That matter time, is of course…now.

Ducati has given a preview of the new Monster in Cologne, price and time of release still to be determined, but Feburary 2009 is likely.

More pictures and specs after the jump.

Keep Reading

Bikes

Sounds of the “cross-plane” 2009 R1

By Jensen Beeler 10/22/2008 1 Comment

What does a cross-plane motor sound like? Well, it sounds a lot like this…

Is crossgasmic a word?

Keep Reading

Products

Puma Expands Motorcycle Gear Product Line

By Jensen Beeler 10/21/2008 No Comments

Puma, maker of shoes and soccer balls, has released a new site debuting its offerings for motorsports. So you may not be able to score a girl as nice as Mrs. Stoner, but at least you can try and fill his boots.

The new range of products will expand Puma’s current boot only offerings. All items have been designed in-house by Puma with Dainese doing the grunt work of constructing them.

Keep Reading

News

Speeding Biker in YouTube Video Jailed

By Jensen Beeler 10/21/2008 1 Comment

28-year-old Sandor Ferenci, like many motorcyclists, posted clips of himself riding his bike around on Oxfordshire roads. The problem is, the clips showed him, in various angles, traveling at excess speeds, smoking the tires, popping wheelies and otherwise being “a proper hooligan”.

The real downside for Sandor is the fact The Bobbies didn’t appreciate those acts too much, and showed up on Mr. Ferenci’s doorstep to inquire further about those acts. After it was all said and done, Sandor will be doing 12 weeks behind British bars for his crime.

In addition to the jail sentence, Mr. Ferenci, who pleaded guilty to two counts of dangerous driving, was also barred from driving for two years and told he would have to take an extended driving test before he is allowed on the road again.

Video after the jump.

Keep Reading

Banter

Fuel Injection Problems?

By Jensen Beeler 10/20/2008 No Comments

Are you having fuel injection problems? Check to see if your injectors are clogged. Try looking for any loose connections in the wiring loom. Or, if you’re this guy, double check to make sure you don’t have two huge freaking holes from where your buddy drilled through your ECU while installing a license plate holder.

Keep Reading

News

Insurance Companies Close Track Day Loophole

By Jensen Beeler 10/20/2008 No Comments

Not that insurance companies give motorcyclists a lot of love when it comes to coverage claims, but things are about to get a bit tougher when looking for a little compensation for that weekend wreak. The New York Times is reporting how insurance companies are redefining what a track event is, and lumping any sort of incident on race courses as being an automatic claim denial.

While the changes are really affecting track day goers who prefer four wheels, it gives a glimpse into where the industry is headed as far as risk management. There is a silver lining though. The crackdown has opened up a market for track oriented underwriters. These policies are still costing a premium for car owners, but should they become available for motorcyclists, it should cost a reasonable enough price to gain traction in the marketplace.

Maybe those AIG guys aren’t so bad afterall.

Source: New York Times via Autoblog

Keep Reading

Banter

Can I Borrow Your Desmosedici?

By Jensen Beeler 10/20/2008 1 Comment

The Ducati Desmosedici RR is closest that us mere mortals will get to riding a GP bike on the street, that is of course if we have the $70,000+ sized wallet to afford the two-wheeled italian rocket ship to hell and back. The classic red and white livery, accented with carbon panels and aftermarket hotness could easily be displayed in a gallery, or say one’s garage. However, a few owners have seen it fit to ride their prized possession on the street and track, this is after-all where the Desmosedici was born to live.

However, for some Desmosedici’s…this also where some go to die, as was the case for this unlucky bike (and probably unlucky owner when he gets home and tells his wife what he did).