Honda VTX Motorcycles, page #69

Moto blog

Recall for 2008-2010 Honda ST1300

Honda is recalling certain 2009-2010 ST1300 sport touring motorcycles due to a risk of a brake fluid leakage. According to documents released by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, the pre-formed hose supplying fluid from the rear brake reservoir to the rear brake master cylinder is routed in a way that puts it at risk of damage. When the Honda ST1300 is heavily loaded and ridden over rough surfaces, the rear suspension may bottom out, causing the hose to contact the swingarm.

MotoGP should return to Suzuka

Suzuka was always one of the great circuits; unfortunately the Japanese track was dropped following the tragic death of Daijiro Kato in 2003 as the course was deemed too tight and dangerous for the rapid four-strokes. Owned by Honda, Suzuka is a magical place combining arching S-bends from the start of the lap, high-speed in the middle and finished off with the technical and oft racing deciding final chicane, the location of many fantastic last lap battles. However the death of Kato, and Honda’s major hope of a Japanese champion, placed a dark cloud over the 5.807 kilometres of tarmac.

2012 Honda Models Announced with Bolder, Newer Colors

American Honda announced four off-road motorcycles and its entry level Rebel cruiser as part of its 2012 lineup. Returning for 2012 are the Honda CRF450X, CRF250X, CRF230F, CRF150F and Rebel, all unchanged except for some color and graphic updates. “This latest release highlights a variety of machines available to Honda customers,” says Bill Savino, Honda powersports press manager.”Here we have a big assortment of off-road machines suitable for the entire family, plus a great beginner bike that has given thousands of street riders a friendly introduction to our sport.

Marco Simoncelli: Every Good Story Needs a Villain

The MotoGP World Championship had a lot of compelling storylines going into the 2011 season. Valentino Rossi joining Ducati for an Italian match made in heaven. Jorge Lorenzo defending his title and escaping from Rossi’s shadow.

Back in the day, the All Japan 500cc Championship at Tsukuba

This ‘you tube’ gem sent to me recently brought back some funny memories from the scary but incredibly exciting days of 500cc two stroke racing. This particular race was the final round of the All Japan 500cc Championship at Tsukuba Circuit where I enjoyed a head to head battle with national hero Tadahiko Taira. Yamaha’s favourite son at the time, ‘tie wrap’ as we liked to call him, was taller and better looking than most Japanese riders (maybe a war baby?) and went on to win nearly everything in Japan during his career.

Proof: Change chain, gain power

Point six of a BHP may not sound like much but, in my book, any gain is a good gain, especially when it’s as simple as changing a chain and sprockets. After all, you're going to have to do it sooner or later when your old chain and sprockets die their death. I’ve always been interested in what gains are available in the drive train.

Played: SBK 2011

The nerves are rising as I sit upon a factory Ducati on the grid at the final round of the WSB championship lined-up against the best riders in the World, the lights are about go out to decide winner… The reality however, is I've been working on my arse groove in the couch, in a darkened room with the remnants of last nights takeaway playing on SBK 2011. SBK 2011 is the next extension in the bike racing game series. The two major modes in the game are the standard career and the SBK Tour.

Honda EV-neo Electric Scooter to Begin European Trial

Honda announced it will begin a trial program for its EV-neo electric scooter in Barcelona, Spain. Already available in Japan under a lease sale program, the Honda EV-neo is designed to be a commercial delivery vehicle, with performance said to be on par with an under 50cc scooter. The electric scooter will make its European debut as Honda is providing Barcelona City Council with 18 EV-neo scooters at the beginning of July for a one-year trial.

Honda Predicts 5% Increase in North American Motorcycle Sales in 2011-2012 Forecast

Honda Motor Co. announced its forecasts for the fiscal year ending March 31, 2012. Left out of Honda’s previous fiscal report because of the uncertainty created by the March 11 earthquake, the 2011-2012 forecast predicts a 63% decrease in net income compared to the 2010-2011 results.

2010-2011 Honda Shadow VT750 Recall

Honda has initiated a recall campaign for certain 2010-2011 Shadow series cruisers due to a problem with their bank angle sensors. According to documents filed with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, the bank angle sensors may incorrectly read that the motorcycle is leaning. The bank sensor uses a weighted pendulum that swings into a motorcycle’s lean.