BMW Recalling More Than 50,000 Bikes

By Bud Wilkinson

The potential for a leak involving the fuel pump has prompted BMW to recall more than 50,000 motorcycles covering 18 models over a seven-year period. Affected are 2005-2011 “R” models, 2005-2012 “K” models, the S 1000 RR from 2010 and 2011, and 2006-2010 HP2 motorcycles.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration reports that the fuel pump flange on the models could crack and leak fuel, and a fire could result if an ignition source is present. BMW says “approximately 50,184” motorcycles in the U.S. will be recalled, beginning in February. A similar recall in Canada affected more than 6,000 bikes.

The recall notice may be read on the NHTSA’s website here.

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The three-wheeled segment occupied by the Can-An Spyder may be about to increase. Polaris, maker of Indian and Victory motorcycles, has put up a “landing page” up for the domain polarisslingshot.com.

What’s a Slingshot? It’s a reverse trike with two seats that Polaris will reportedly bring to market this year.

The “Minneapolis/St. Paul Business Journal” reports that a patent application for the new vehicle was filed in late 2012. The roofless machine has a roll bar. It is steered by two front wheels and powered by two rear wheels.

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The mail apparently did go through – at least in most cases.

Received an email yesterday from Jeff Watson of Harley-Davidson of Danbury after informing him of the late arrival of the dealership’s holiday flyer.

“Fortunately,” Watson wrote, “nearly all of them arrived on time.”