Wednesday, October 21, 2009
Motorcycle Maintenance
Part One of Two.
Part One of a Two-Part series on how to get your bike ready for the up-and-coming riding season and save yourself money.
Get Ready For Upcoming Riding Season and save some money to. Here is a complete guide to all you need to Know About Motorcycle maintenance for the four cycle motorcycle. Even if you applied motorcycle storage tips before putting your bike away for the winter, you'll want to go through this checklist before hitting the road this riding season. At the start of every riding season you want to do is the same stuff that's required on a 500-mile service.
1. Battery: First things first. Is 12-volt battery charged up yet. set a voltage charger on it and then check with a bold smear to see if it holds a charge. A fully-charged 12-volt battery, allowed to & rest" for a few hours with no load being drawn from it will balance out its charge and measure about 12.6 volts between terminals. When a battery reads only 12 volts under the above conditions, it's almost fully depleted. Actually, if a battery's resting voltage is only 12.0 to 12.1 it means only 20 to 25% of its useful energy remains and its probably time for a new battery. It's either a goner or it has been deep cycled, and a battery can only be deep-cycled a limited number of times before it is indeed dead. After charging it is not wholly in charge its probably just a good idea to go out and buy a new battery.
2. Air Filter: Removed and then clean the air filters and the air filter cases. if the filters are replaceable replace the filter element otherwise use a air compressor to blow the debris out of the filter element.
3. Fluids: The first thing you wanted to do is top off your engine oil. If you did not change your engine oil before storing it over the winner now would be a good time to do an oil change. Than perceived to check all other fluids including the hydraulic brake levels for the disc models and fork and suspension oil. All the fluids should be drained with new added including your front end and brake master cylinders. When you check your brake fluid, if it looks old, thick and brown, replace it.
4. New spark plugs: Now is a good time to go hand in changer spark plugs. You are going to need to loosen and remove your Motorcycle Spark Plug with a wrench or socket wrench. Turn in an anti-clockwise direction and remove the plugs. Do a search for how to read to learn more about your spark plugs.
Take a look at the plug wires and clean up the boots real good or replace them if they're starting to look heavily worn.
5. Tires: Keep your tires correctly inflated. Check the tire tread and make sure that there are no major cracks. If you do find a major dry rot crack it&s probably a good idea to replace the tire. A tire that is very under-inflated can lead to a blow out. So, read the side of the tire and inflated properly. The most common motorcycle breakdown is for tire damage. Check both the front and rear tires. you can then use your air pressure Gage to make sure each tire is properly inflated at the recommend pressure. Rubber is a flexible material and does not like to freeze and will cracks when it is frozen. So, if you stored your bike in a cold spot over the winter thoroughly check your tires for cracks and damage before going out for a ride.
Alexander "coal" Minor has written and worked on motorcycles his entire life. "coal" enjoys restoring and building Yamaha xs650 bobbers in his home garage. He particularly likes the Yamaha xs650 because of their strong engines/frames and the abundance of cheap xs650 parts on eBay. Thanks for reading. "coal" recommends checking out http://www.xs650chopper.com. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- For more information on Motorcycle Maintenance, see www.bestguidetomotorcycles.com. |
Labels: motorcycle maintenance
Wednesday, October 07, 2009
Motorcycle Vacation Ride - 4000 Miles in 10 Days
By Carla Drake
Planning a vacation on a motorcycle is one thing, taking a 4000 mile spin in 10 days is a test of endurance. The right gear is necessary considering the amount of travel room you have on a bike. A good set of saddle bags should be sufficient to store everything needed.
This adventure started in July from the west coast of central Florida at 4:30 in the morning at a bar called "Peggy's Corral".
Day One: Having stopped at the gas station next to Peggy's we saw the owner "Rip" and told him we would see him on the next Saturday when we returned. Our plan was to be in Mass. in three days for a yearly bike club rally. The itinerary was to travel approximately 500 miles a day, camping in State Parks or campgrounds. The first day was great. We traveled nearly 800 miles found a campsite in South Carolina, pitched our tent, unrolled the sleeping bags and rested our weary bones.
Day two: Rising early, the day started out good but we ran into rain early. Slipping into our rain suits, we ended up wearing them all day. Blinding heavy rain slowed us down considerably. Not getting far we decided to hunker down in Hazelton, PA to and dry our gear.
Day three we made it to our destination by early afternoon and rode into a party going full swing. That night was the reason for the trip and we enjoyed it tremendously. We pitched our tent right there and rose early to continue our adventure.
Day four After we left our friends in mid northern Mass. we headed for Maine. That afternoon we had lobster on the docks in York Beach and continued Northwest. The White Mountains in New Hampshire has fantastic scenery and the views are breathtaking. Needing some rest we decided to take it easy and got a room in Conway New Hampshire. Staying at hotels started breaking into the cash so we were glad to have a credit card.
Day five We rode our bikes to the top of MT Washington (tallest in the NE). We traveled the breathtaking Kancamagus Highway through the White Mountains into Vermont. That night we camped on the Canadian border at Lake Memphamagog in Newport Vermont.
Day Six the decision to cross over to Canada was made. Our destination, was Montreal Harley Davidson so we could acquire tee shirts. With our newly acquired shirts in the saddlebags we headed south back into the States and that night was spent at a campground on Lake George, New York.
Day seven we traveled all day and spent the night in a Hotel in Hazelton PA, again that credit card cam in handy.
Day Eight we traveled the Cherokee Trail in the Blue Ridge Mountains and camped in Lynchburg Va.
Day nine was spent traveling through the Carolinas and spending the night at a campground in Savannah GA. Dinner at the Red Hot Blues Barbecue was the highlight of the evening.
Day ten was our final leg. Our goal was to be at "Peggy's Corral" in Palmetto, FL to support a fellow biker who had been in a life altering accident. We arrived around 2:00 p.m. on Saturday exhausted from our travels with stories to tell. The day ended with the acceptance of the "Iron Butt" award for coming full circle.
If you are considering a long tour the following are suggested items to pack on and in your saddlebags for the adventure of a lifetime.
1. Tent
2. sleeping bags (2)
3. air mattress (2)
4. rain suits (2)
5. leather jackets (2)
6. leather pants (2)
7. motorcycle clothes (shirts,pants,etc) 3 sets each (2)
8. motorcycle boots (2) sneakers (2)
9. personal hygiene kit (2)
10. camera
11. cell phone
12. maps
13. Triple A emergency road service membership
14. tire repair kit
15. small tool kit
16. cash and credit card
Riding motorcycles is a passion fueled by the wind, sun, rain and cold. The term "Biker" brings to mind confidence with style. Generations of men and women have experienced the excitement of straddling raw power with the freedom to roam. Safety, comfort and protection should always be a consideration. Fortunately for the biker, the market for motorcycle gear and motorcycle accessories is massive. The information and links in our website takes away the time spent searching for great deals which allows more time for cruising. Going for a spin could be around the block or 5000 miles. No matter, if you ride a road hog or crotch rocket the spirit of the road becomes more than just two wheels turning. Serious motorcyclist will agree, the attire is as important as the ride. From the helmet, leather belt and motorcycle boots, dressing for adventure, or just spinning around the block, motorcycle products and riding gear can make the difference. It is advisable for travelers on two wheels to have a backup plan. Depending on how far you have wandered from home base will tell you if you have the necessary accessories. Regardless, choosing riding gear for the elements will make the difference. This collection of links, advice and tips takes second guessing Mother Nature away and lets the rider be prepared. Saddlebags packed with sunscreen, biker jacket, biker vest, motorcycle chaps, rain suit and tool bag, are the answers for a long tour needed for all weather. The right motorcycle clothes at http://cool-riders.com speaks loud and clear that this rider has what it takes to be in control.
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For more information and information Motorcycle Vacations, see www.bestguidetomotorcycles.com.
Labels: motorcycle vacation
