Proud owner of a new Honda V-twin? Best check the year and model. Honda has just issued a recall of '06 and '07 VT600s and '07-'08 VT750 and VTX1300 motorcycles because of a fire hazard in the fuel-delivery system-an improperly manufactured fuel-control-valve diaphragm that could leak and potentially cause a fire.
According to a warning issued by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), "The fuel control valve diaphragm and the fuel valve may drip fuel. In the presence of an ignition source, dripping fuel poses the risk of fire."
The recall will affect 39,000 VT600s, VLXs and VTX1300s and apparently all 750 V-twins designated as 2007 or 2008 models. Honda dealers will replace the fuel-control-valve diaphragm assembly free of charge when the recall officially begins on April 10.
Consumers may contact Honda at 866.784.1870 or the NHTSA at 888.327.4236 (TTy 800.424.9153), or view more info at safercar.gov or consumeraffairs.com. Go to motorcyclecruiser.com for the full text.
2006 Shadow VLX | 
2007 VTX1300 | |
Patch It Up
Looking for a new way to display your travel fever? Check out the North America Ride Patch, a new accessory for those who consider a jaunt across the country a nice weekend ride. The Patch shows all 50 states and most of Canada's provinces in one durable, waterproof, no-bleed design.
To acknowledge the borders you've crossed, simply color in that state with a Sharpie medium-point felt pen. And keep your eyes open for the european Ride Patch later this year. Get 'em atgmanindustries.com.