Kawasaki Vulcan 1500s and BMW K and R models are being recalled. Talk of a boycott of the Sturgis Rally gains momentum following Janklow's light setence. The former Indian factory has a new owner with no motorcycle plans, and the AMA has an interesting new COO. Harley has selected a site for its museum and supports diversity. And it's not too late for a career in motorcycles.
This photo from our archives is a reminder that Daytona is just over a month away. Some people with do Daytona and skip Sturgis as a response to the Janklow verdict.Kawasaki Recalls Some 1500 Vulcans to Repair Posible Oil Filter Problem
We don't know if any U.S. models are involved. The bikes listed are Vulcan 1500 Nomads produced between July 2002 and February 2003, 1500 Classic FIs built from July and September 2002, and 1500 Mean Streaks
Japan Today
Janklow Verdict Reaction
Some people think the 100-day sentence given to forner South Dakota governor and congressmanwas too heavy, others -- many of them motorcyclists -- felt it was too light. He checks into jail on February 7, and after 30 days can leave for 10 hours a day to perform community service. Like us, organizers of the Sturgis Rally have been getting emails suggesting a Sturgis boycott. The Sturgis Rally is the largest tourist even in South Dakota, and if it flopped, even for a year, the effect would be widely felt.
One of the most unexpected critics of the lightness of the sentence was Joan Claybrook (see the first link below), who says, "How insulting and hurtful to the family of the man who was killed." Claybrook, former Administrator of the NHTSA was regarded as anti-motorcycle during her stint there. On the other hand, an anti-Janklow website, www.StopRecklessBill.com, is not too upset and says Sturgis should not be boycotted.
Common Dreams
Black Hills Pioneer, SD
KOTA-TV, SD
Rapid City Journal, SD
Yankton Daily Press, SD
KSFY-TV, SD
Black Hills Pioneer, SD
Rapid City Journal, SD
Harley Zone Discussion of Sturgis Boycott
Stop Reckless Bill website
Rapid City Journal, SD
The Anti-Janklow Project
Argus Leader, Sioux Fall, SD
U.S. Newswire (Ralph Nader's Press Release)
KOTA-TV, SD
Harley Settles on Site for Museum and Restaurant Complex
It will be located on 20 acres in the Menomonee Valley in the Milwaukee area. The $95-million complex is expected to open by the end of 2007.
St Paul Pioneer Press, MN
Wisconsin State Journal, WI
Kawasaki's John Hoover Goes to AMA as COO
John Hoover was one of the prime movers behind the current Kawasaki Vulcan cruisers and he forged a bond between owners' groups like VROC and Kawasaki Motors Corporation. Kawasaki enthusiasts are sad to lose his influence on their machines, but the American Motorcyclist Association and its members are likely to benefit.
AMA DirectLink
Indian Factory Sold
The Gilroy, California building where Indian Motorcycles were assembled until last year was sold to a vineyard owner, who has no plans to build motorcycles. The two entities who have said they were interested in restarting Indian production in Gilroy did not attend the auction, which suggests that their confidence in the possibility is not high. However, the new owner wants to rent it.
Morgan Hill Times, CA
Harley Supports Organization Advocating Diversity on Law Firms
The National Association of Minority & Women Owned Law Firms has received sponsorship from Harley-Davidson, Inc.
Yahoo Finance
BMW Recall for Possible Fuel Leak
The text of the recall, which affects K and R series motorcycles, follows. You can also find additional information from the website below by entering the campaign number (04V028000) or searching for recent recalls which includes January 15, the date of this one. The recall affects 2000 and later K and R models.
"Summary: ON CERTAIN MOTORCYCLES, THE O-RING CONTAINED WITHIN THE FUEL LINE QUICK-DISCONNECT COUPLING COULD BECOME DAMAGED. THERE IS ALSO A PROBLEM INVOLVING CRIMP-TYPE HOSE CLAMPS, WHICH CAN RESULT IN A SMALL FUEL LEAK.
Consequence: FUEL LEAKAGE IN THE PRESENCE OF AN IGNITION SOURCE COULD RESULT IN A FIRE.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSPECT AND, IF NECESSARY, ADJUST ALL CRIMP-TYPE HOSE CLAMPS. ALSO ALL FUEL LINE QUICK-DISCONNECT COUPLINGS WILL BE INSPECTED. IF A LEAK IS DETECTED, THE QUICK-DISCONNECT O-RING WILL BE REPLACED. IF DAMAGED, THE COUPLING WILL BE REPLACED. OWNER NOTIFICATION IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN DURING FEBRUARY 2004. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT BMW AT 1-800-831-1117.
NHTSA ODI Recalls
Return to Flagstaff
The Arizona motel that turned away the protagonists in "Easy Rider" now invites motorcyclists to camp on what remains.
Chicago Sun-Times, IL
The Joy of a Career Switch to Motorcycles
This piece from the New York Times tells of people who changed careers -- and their lives -- late in life and have benefitted from it. The last one was an achitect who got into motorcycles as a career. (By the way, our sister magazine, Motorcyclist wants to hire a staff editor.
New York Times
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