That creaking you are feeling beneath you is the mass of the North American continent shifting as the weight of most of the cruiser motorcycles, usually spread somewhat evenly across it, shifts to the southeast corner. Half a million motorcyclists are headed to Daytona Beach for Bike Week, which runs the first week of March. This week's news all seems to be about this annual motorcycling pilgrimage, though there are a couple of bits there at the end about how letting Florida riders go helmetless seems to have raised insurance rates in the state and information on the recall of Yamaha Road Stars.
Daytona Beach Gears Up for Bike Week
The News-Journal updates its excellent Bike Week coverage daily at this link.
Daytona Beach News-Journal, FL
Orlando Sentinel, FL
And Wants You to Know "It's All About Respect."
That's the message (which might also be "Play Nice")" from Daytona Beach's Bike Week task force. The Palm Beach Post story has a list of "Thou Shalt Nots"
Daytona Beach News-Journal, FL
Palm Beach Post, FL
WKMG-TV, FL
Daytona Beach site
Heading South for Bike Week
Motorcyclists escaping the snow head for Daytona Beach -- some by way of Key West. These stories from around the country show how widespread this rite of spring is. Bike Week is expected to bring three-quarters of a billion dollars to the area, making it the year's most profitable annual tourist event for Daytona Beach--bigger than NASCAR.
Florida Keys Keynoter
Chattanoogan, TN
Oakland Press, MI
WKMG-TV, FL
Sun-Sentinel, FL
First Coast News, FL
Insurance Rates Rise After Helmet Law Eased
Insurance rates have gone up in Florida since it "softened" its helmet law, according to the Daytona Beach News-Journal. The story also has money-saving tips on insurance shopping.
Daytona Beach News-Journal, FL
Yamaha Road Stars Recalled for Transmission Problem
We have been hearing about this recall, for all Road Star variants (Warrior Silverado, Midnight, etc.) from 2001 to 2003 model years, inclusive, for several weeks. The problem is a potentially delinquent transmission circlip. If it breaks, it could lock up the gearbox and the rear wheel with it, so you don't want to ignore it. On the other hand, the fix requires pulling the engine and performing open-case surgery, which has upset some owners, who feel their bikes will have some how been violated. It shouldn't be too much of an issue if you make an appointment, get a solid completion date, and pick a dealer who is competent and familiar with the procedure. To see the details, click on the NHTSA ODI link below and enter "03V309000" in the Campaign ID Number box. You can get further details by scolling down the page that takes you to and clicking on the "Document Search" button.
NHTSA Office of Defect Investigation
For more breaking motorcycle news, visit the home page of www.MotorcycleCruiser.com.
If you have questions or comments about the stories referred to here or have sen a story that should be included in our news round-up, email Motorcycle Cruiser's web editor at Art.Friedman@primedia.com or at ArtoftheMotorcycle@hotmail.com.