Honda VFR 1200 Recall!

I don't think anyone likes the word "Recall" when it comes to consumer goods.  However, it is a good thing when a company realizes there is a problem and set about fixing the problem.  American Honda Motor Company has seen a problem and issued a recall for 2010-2013 VFR 1200 motorcycles.

My 2012 VFR 1200

I have enjoyed my 2012 VFR since June of 2014 (purchased it new with only 3 miles on it).  After 11,000 miles I posted by review of the VFR.  Since then I have put another 9,000 miles on the bike including a Ride Smart Track day.

2014 summer trip - rode US 129 a.k.a. The Dragon with my son

The VFR has performed great in the mountains of Tennessee/North Carolina, Arkansas, Colorado and New Mexico as well as on the roads in Texas.  But, I hate to think of how this problem came to the attention of Honda!  Pretty scary to consider the results of the malfunction.

Below is the recall/ stop sale announcement from Honda on the www.powersports.honda.com website:

SUMMARY:

AMERICAN HONDA MOTOR CO., INC. (HONDA) IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2010 AND 2012-2013 VFR1200F/FD MOTORCYCLES. THE DRIVESHAFT UNIVERSAL JOINT BEARING MAY NOT HAVE BEEN PROPERLY ASSEMBLED AND, EVEN IF PROPERLY ASSEMBLED, MAY NOT HAVE SPECIFIED DURABILITY AS THE RESULT OF MANUFACTURING ERRORS.

SAFETY RISK:

IF THE UNIVERSAL JOINT SEPARATES, DRIVE FORCE WILL BE LOST; IF THE UNIVERSAL JOINT BREAKS, IT IS POSSIBLE IT MAY INTERFERE WITH THE SWING ARM AND LOCK THE REAR WHEEL WHILE RIDING. EITHER OUTCOME INCREASES THE RISK OF A CRASH.

REMEDY:

HONDA WILL NOTIFY OWNERS. AND DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE DRIVESHAFT, FREE OF CHARGE. WHILE AMERICAN HONDA EXPECTS TO RECEIVE THE FIRST SHIPMENTS OF THE REMEDY PARTS IN LATE 2015 TO EARLY 2016, CUSTOMERS WHO ARE CONCERNED ABOUT THE POTENTIAL OF EXPERIENCING SYMPTOMS OF THE DEFECT BEFORE THE REMEDY PARTS ARE AVAILABLE CAN BRING THEIR VEHICLE TO A HONDA MOTORCYCLE DEALERSHIP FOR INSPECTION. IF THE DRIVESHAFT FAILS THE INSPECTION, THE DRIVESHAFT WILL BE REPLACED WITH A NEW PRE-COUNTERMEASURE PART, FREE OF CHARGE; THE CUSTOMER WILL BE ASKED TO RETURN TO HAVE THE DRIVESHAFT REPLACED WITH A REMEDY PART ONCE PARTS ARE AVAILABLE. ONCE PARTS ARE AVAILABLE, HONDA DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE DRIVESHAFT ON ALL AFFECTED VEHICLES WITH A REMEDY PART, FREE OF CHARGE.

Honda will replace driveshaft once the replacement parts are manufactured and delivered.  In the mean time riders have to decide how to handle the situation.

 

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Personally my VFR 1200 is staying parked.  I guess I will put some miles on the 2005 VStrom 650.  Sure glad I bought the VStrom in May 2014.   *** Recall done, all is great - March 2021

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Max's, Colorado City, Colorado Review

Topping of a good ride with a good meal seems appropriate if not necessary.  Colorado is not lacking for great roads with twists, curves, ups, downs and impressive scenery.  Discovering local eateries which serve up outstanding food is not as easy as finding a great road, but when it happens the combination is worth sharing.

The 36 miles of Colorado 165 running from Colorado 96 near North Hardscrabble Creek to I25 in Colorado City is a road worth riding and enjoying, especially if you end at Max's in Colorado City.  Colorado 165 features a good combination of sweepers, tight curves and elevation changes.  Bishop's Castle sits on the northwest side of the road 24 miles out of Colorado City which is an interesting place to stop and explore.

Photo from TripAdvisor

Riding east into Colorado City Max's is on the north side of the road.  There is a good amount of parking and it is in decent shape.  Max's has both inside and outside seating.  Outside seating faces southwest with a good view of the mountains.

The service was quick and friendly and the atmosphere is welcoming with country hospitality.  Although the sign says Breakfast, Burgers and Dairy Treats I opted for the Green Chili (something that is difficult to find in Texas).

Max's Green Chili - photo by Oz

The bowl of Green Chili was topped with shredded cheddar and served with a flour tortilla.  It arrived hot (but not too hot) and gave off an appetizing aroma.  Before adding anything to it I tasted a spoon full - wow!  No need to add anything.  The ground meat, beans, spices, tomato and green chili's mixed to create a flavorful meal with just a little "heat."

The tortilla complemented the chili.  Enjoying the view, the atmosphere and every spoonful made for a great lunch.  To top the meal off I ordered the fresh baked blueberry pie a la mode.

A great way to complete a meal - photo by Oz

The pie was served warm with soft-served ice cream.  Flaky crust and berry rich blueberry filling makes for a great homemade pie - this was one of those pies.  The pie without the ice cream would also be great.  The pie could stand on its own.

The kicker to the meal was the overall value.  The old fashioned service and cooking was matched by some old fashioned pricing.  There is not many place in the Dallas-Ft. Worth metroplex (if any) where one can get this quality and quantity for less than $10.

So when you are in the Front Range of the Rocky Mountains check out Colorado 165 and grab a bite to eat at Max's in Colorado City.

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Quality earbuds and awesome customer service

Some riders love the sound of the engine while rolling down the road.  Some love the sound of the wind, road, exhaust or the combination.  While there are others who find listen to their stereo adds to the enjoyment of the ride and others ride while enjoying music through earbuds or communication systems.

I have always been one to have music playing while working, relaxing or riding. Nothing like some good Metal music while riding the twisties!

When I was riding the Yamaha V Star 1100 average earbud were sufficient since the windshield blocked so much of the wind and noise.  When I rode the Yamaha Venture  (until a Tahoe hit the bike) the stock stereo system worked great.  However; once I changed to sport-touring machines (Yamaha FJR and Honda VFR) the wind noise increased and quality earbuds were needed.

Budget earbuds

I used various "budget" earbuds and dealt with the lack of volume and sound quality.  My son, Richard, would ride his Kawaski Ninja zx600r and also listen to music.  For a Christmas gift last year (2014) I purchased a pair of Decibullz Custom Molded earbuds for him.  Included with the earbuds were two molds (there are 9 color options for the molds), 3 sets of soft isolation foam tips (3 different sizes for customization) and a nice rigid zippered storage case.

(photo from Decibullz.com)

The two individual molds were easy to customize, just follow the directions.  The fit was comfortable, outside noise reduction was noticeable and the sound quality was way above average.  Richard loved them.  Remolding is also easy if needed.  They can be remolded over and over.

Molds are easy to customize (photo from Decibullz.com)

After 3 months I decided to get me a pair and I am so glad I did.  Noise reduction was immediate and the sound quality was very good.  I wear them every time I ride and I enjoy my music with each turn.  They fit comfortably with my full-faced helmet.  Side note - if using with a full face helmet reach up and take the earbuds out BEFORE pulling the helmet off.

The workmanship is high quality and the customer service is great.  I have put the earbuds to the test and I highly recommend them.  Recently the pause/skip button on the cord stopped working.  I could listen, but I could not pause or skip. 

The cord is light, but durable and of adequate length

I emailed Decibullz on the following Monday to report the problem.  I received a prompt reply explaining a replacement set would be sent to me, I just needed to pay the shipping (which was $5).  A paypal request for the shipping expense was emailed to me.  Once payment was received the replacement set was shipped.  By Saturday I had a new set!  That kind of customer service is not common.

The storage case is very handy and useful

The molds work great at keeping the earbuds in place and reducing outside noise

If you need quality earbuds, for any reason, check out Decibullz and then enjoy the road with some of your favorite music.

 

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Loveland Pass ,Hoosier Pass Great riding in Colorado

Mountain roads are fun to ride and many provide breath-taking vistas.  Colorado is full of roads with amazing views, exhilarating curves and high altitude passes making it one of my favorite states to ride in and US 6 south from I-75 to CO 9 south to Alma, Co is one such 44 mile ride.

US 6 north of Loveland Pass

Starting at the intersection of I75 and US 6, near the Loveland Ski Area, US 6 has an elevation of 10,600, but rises as the road twists and turns up the mountain for 4 miles to Loveland Pass at 11,990.

 Video heading up to Loveland Pass from I-70

(turn your speakers down, wind noise is bad)

A convenient pullout at the pass allows individuals to take in the scenic vistas.  On both sides of the road a short walking ascent puts you above 12,000 feet and provides awesome panoramic views of the Rocky Mountains.

West view from Loveland Pass

US 6 south of Loveland Pass

Continuing south from the pass the elevation drops quickly via switchbacks.  In 3.5 miles the elevations drops almost 1,000 feet where a long sweeper takes you past Arapahoe Basin Ski Area.  At an elevation of 11,000 at the base and a summit of 13,000+ the Arapahoe Basin Ski Area is the highest skiable terrain in North America (Arapahoebasin.com).

The next 6 miles descends with gentle curves into the town of Keystone.  At the western end of Keystone US 6 intersects with CO 1 south towards Breckenridge.  The road runs besides Dillon Reservoir and intersects CO 9 about 6 miles north of Breckenridge.  US 9 is pretty straight going into Breckenridge, but the surroundings mountains are beautiful.

Riding pass Dillon Reservoir

Heading south out of Breckenridge (9,600 ft) US 9 rises for the next 9.5 miles to Hoosier Pass (11,542 ft) with some nice switchbacks prior to the pass.  At the summit of the pass is a nice turnout area to park and enjoy the scenery.

 Coming off Hoosier Pass on US 9 south

Leaving the summit there is a 5.7 miles leisurely descent into Alma, the highest incorporated municipality in the US with permanent residents (10,578 ft).  From Alma the road descends for 6 miles to Fairplay (9,953 ft) and intersect with US 285.

This stretch of road is well worth riding.  The views are indescribable and the road is a blast!  Any rider would enjoy the road, the views and the towns along the way.

For some great photos and another riders take on Loveland Pass check out Redleg's blog post - LINK.

 

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First Track Day

I heard a lot of talk about how much a rider learns and how much fun he/she has at a track day.  Several friends had participated in one or more track days and highly recommended it.  My son had been riding his own since he was 15 (ridden on the back since he was 7) and was pretty good, but I thought improving his skills and adding to his knowledge would likely improve his safety.  So on his 18th birthday (in February) I signed him up for a RideSmart track day (in June).

I was later convinced I should participate in the track day with him and share the experience.  On June 11, 2015 we loaded up his Kawasaki ZX6R, my Honda VFR1200 and a close friend's, Sergey, VFR1200 and headed to Motorsports Ranch in Cresson, TX for a RideSmart Track day.

Two VFR's and a ZX6R heading to the track

We spent the night across from the track so we did not have to get up so early the next morning.  We arrived at the track at 6:40 to unload and make sure the bikes were ready for the track i.e. no lights, light lenses and reflectors taped...(list of requirements)

Richard make last minutes adjustments

Once the bikes were prepped we checked in and signed appropriate paperwork, picked up leathers (first timer get 1/2 priced registration with appropriate coupon code and free leather rentals) and proceeded to "tech" inspection.  Once "tech" places an inspection sticker on the bike it means we may enter the track (at the correct times).

Richard and I both decided to have the suspension adjusted by Roger of OnRoad OffRoad Cycles before hitting the track.  We left the bikes with Roger while we rode in a truck for the "track preview."

The preview consistent of several trucks with Level 1 riders in the beds.  We would stop at each corner or series of corners and an instructor would discuss the correct line for the corner and point out markers on or beside the track to shoot for.

Richard relaxing between sessions

After the preview we had a few minutes to grab a drink, snack and/or visit the restroom before the first class session.  (For Level 1 riders each hour consisted of roughly 20 minutes class, 20 minutes prep time and 20 minutes on the track.)

Rob and Richard in class

The first class session covered safety, awareness, cornering and a few more things.  After class we picked up our bikes from Roger.  We could tell an immediate difference in the suspension of the bikes.

My fellow VFR 1200 rider, Sergey pushing the Honda

Track session #1 was "round-robin" - riders were lined up behind an instructor (about 8-10 per instructor) and we followed the person in front of us at a reasonable pace to see the "line" for each corner.  After one lap the rider directly behind the instructor moved to the side and slowed down to take the end of the line.  Now a different rider was directly behind the instructor.  Before the session was over all riders had ridden behind an instructor.

Quick pace around the track

We then repeated the pattern  of class, break, track in 20 minute increments. The next few sessions had riders in groups of three sign up to wear a numbered colored jersey and a specific instructor would follow a rider while the other 2 followed instructor for a lap.  The group would briefly exit and instructor would give advice/instruction to the rider.  A different member of the trio would then take lead.  Riders not in a trio for that session were allowed to ride and work on their skills independently.

Richard, Sergey and I wore orange for our trio session.  Afterwards during the class session our instructor showed us video he recorded during our time and discussed in greater detail points to work on.  It was productive seeing myself on video.  Certain concepts became clearer.

Sergey leading the instructor around the track

This Youtube link shows me following an instructor following Richard.  (At 2 minutes we exit and the rest is of the instructor talking to Richard, so stop or you will be bored :) )

Starting about 11:30 hamburgers for lunch were provided so we took a longer break.  We were back on the track by 1:00 and continued the routine until 4.  We were all pretty tired so we skipped the last session (4:00 to 5:00) and started loading the bikes.

Inspecting the tires told the story of a lot of left hand corners.

My overall impression is this:  It was fun, informative, educational and I improved as a rider.  I also gained an understanding of my skill limits and my tolerance level (I know the bike can handle more than I am willing to do).  I did NOT become "hooked" on track days as some riders have become.

I will probably do another one.  I think once a year or so will be beneficial.  I do think if a rider has not experienced a track day they should.

 

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THE ESSENTIALS FOR MODERATE SELF-IMPROVEMENT

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# Based on reviews, word of mouth and discussion with others I recommend this company.  I have an affiliate relationship with this business, which means if you follow this link and purchase, I will receive a small commission and will get to ride more!
 

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