Archive | How-To
Motorcyclist magazine is one of the most thorough and complete magazines on the newsstand today. By complete, I mean that it manages to cover so many facets of what is known as “street” biking, or what I like to call “living with your motorcycle”. There have been articles and other coverage in Motorcyclist about commuting, cruising across town, and destinations for day trips or touring cross-country. Any news in the motorcycle world is covered thoroughly and well in the magazine - you’ll definitely know what is going on! Motorcycle reviews and road tests are another great feature included in the print edition.
There is also an online edition of Motorcyclist magazine. This web site is also quite detailed with lots of information to read through. One of the features that I always take the time to study is the one about motorcycle accessories called Gearbox. Everything that is listed has been reviewed with care, and can give a motorcyclist great insight on what products would work well for their particular circumstances. Reviews range from tires to motorcycle boots, and give the price and the web site address where applicable.
The First Rides section features the latest and most popular motorcycles and street bikes. The staff of Motorcyclist magazine takes a “first ride” on these and then reviews them. They also do comparisons on the bikes. This is very enlightening information for anyone who may be thinking about purchasing a new motorcycle of street bike. These reviews would even help someone who was thinking about purchasing a used motorcycle, as the reviews go back to the year 2001, and every make you can think of from Aprilia to Yamaha is included.
If you click the Road Tests tab, you will see that the results are similar to the First Rides section, with one difference. These reviews are written for bikes that were ridden longer and further than the ones in First Rides. The News tab takes you to a section where selected motorcycle industry and racing news and views are featured. In addition, the Features tab takes you to stories about motorcycle and sport bike racing. There’s a list of dealers behind that Dealer tab, and the Recalls tab brings you up to date on any recalls or safety alerts in the motorcycle world.
Clicking on the How-To tab takes you to an awesome section with - you guessed it- how to articles on repairing, maintaining and servicing your bike. There are also articles about staying safe on your motorcycle, and even articles featuring tips on how to ride your bike like a racer! The Multimedia tab has free downloads for the pleasure of the magazine’s readers. Get your favorite computer wallpaper, and then admire a few photos and video clips in this section. The Community tab will lead you to Motorcyclist’s blogs, message boards, and forums.
Last but certainly not least is the Travel tab. Clicking on this one will give you the opportunity to read about travel information such as road trip destinations for you and your bike, touring routes, and other relevant tips on traveling aboard a motorcycle.
Motorcyclist magazine is a genuinely useful source of wonderful information that more people should take advantage of both online and offline.
Popularity: 38% [?]
Now that the weather in getting warmer, riding season is here again! Some of you most likely have been thinking about and planning your destination for your motorcycle tour sometime this summer. Of course, anytime we are going to be away from home for a few days, we naturally pack some things to take with us. Things that we feel like we have to have. Things that we feel like we just can’t do without.
It’s always interesting to see the items that some people think are necessary, and the amount of …stuff… that comes out of some of those saddle bags or off of the small trailer they are pulling behind their motorcycle. Those guilty of bringing everything but the kitchen sink are not always women, either. Men can be just as guilty of over packing! The thing is, every square inch of space is precious when you are on a motorcycle tour, and it’s really best to try and travel light if at all possible. If you try to haul too much weight across the country, usually it is going to affect the way your bike handles, and that can affect your safety.
If you are planning to stop each night at a motel, this can lighten your load considerably. Most of the articles that you would need for personal hygiene will be supplied by the motel. But, if you are going to camp out each night, then you will need to take everything you need along with you. To save space, you could plan to buy food on a daily basis instead of bringing it along with you. Any cooking at the campsite would require a stove or campfire and something to cook the food in. Investigate the supplies sold for backpackers for some lightweight solutions to cooking. The cooking utensils sold are of necessity small as well, for they are meant to go into a backpack.
Have you thought about shelter for your campsite? Some prefer to rough it and sleep in a sleeping bag under the stars. Others choose a tiny camper that a motorcycle can easily pull which folds into a portable bedroom.
You can use saddlebags, a tank bag, or top case to carry the essentials in. If you are bringing a sleeping bag or perhaps a tent, it can be fastened onto the luggage rack. Packing for a motorcycle tour is all compromise. With some practice, you’ll find that those items you thought you could never travel without will be left behind on your next road trip as you learn to enjoy traveling light.
Popularity: 43% [?]
If you travel any at all on your motorcycle, even if it is just across town, saddlebags can be your best friend. They can hold anything you might need to take with you for the day or for a week. Most people choose one of the two most common types of motorcycle saddlebags. These are called “throw over” saddle bags and “hard mount” saddle bags. Their names are pretty much self-explanatory.
Throw over saddlebags came into vogue back in the 1950s. Then, in the 60s, motorcycles became very popular and more people were using them to travel for long distances. They needed sturdier motorcycle luggage that could ride for hours without shifting position. A few innovative riders decided to make a few holes in the back fenders of their bikes so that they could bolt their saddlebags onto them. This not only helped steady the saddle bags a great deal, but looked better, too. These riders were quite pleased with the result. Others noticed the change and decided to try it for themselves. Word spread, and soon most everyone was bolting down his or her bags.
None of this was lost on the motorcycle companies. Two of the biggies in that time period were Harley Davidson and Indian Motorcycle Companies, and they noticed this new way of carrying saddlebags. This led them to add struts to the next production year’s motorcycles. With the addition of these struts, saddle bags could more easily be bolted to the bike. This also eliminated the need for drilling holes in the fenders.
Time went by, with the motorcycle companies making various small changes to their bikes to enable riders to carry their saddle bags more efficiently. Then, the companies noticed another trend. They realized that the larger motorcycles were being used for long distance journeys much more than the bikes with smaller engines. They decided to reinforce this trend by developing a saddle bag made of fiberglass and including it with each motorcycle they sold. The idea proved very popular, and many people bought these bikes.
Today, there are several brands and models of motorcycles that come from the factory with their own saddle bags. Some people still prefer to buy their own motorcycle luggage, as they would rather have it made from leather than fiberglass. Recently, saddle bags have come on the market made of leather that blend in with the motorcycle’s design so well that they are not quite as noticeable. There are also saddle bags that are tailor made for each kind of motorcycle there is, and these match the color of the bikes. Saddle bags have come a long way since the 60s!
Popularity: 50% [?]
Spring is in the air, and it will soon be time to take those summer road trips! If you enjoy motorcycle travel as much as I do, then you probably already know how much easier a long trip can be when you have the right kind of motorcycle luggage. Storage space is at a premium on most, if not all bikes, and finding a bag that will hold enough of your personal belongings to make it worth your while to take it along and that also will ride neatly and safely can be a challenge.
It doesn’t help the situation when you realize that there are so many different designs of motorcycle luggage. Crusier cases, roll tool bags, side or saddle bags, tail, tank, and sissy bar bags are some of the most popular. Narrowing your choice down by deciding between a hard case and a soft case model can make things a little easier. Soft case luggage can be a little cheaper to buy, but the hard case luggage usually lasts longer. Once you’ve decided on a design and type, it’s time to consider your size needs. How long you will be gone can determine how large a bag you need. If you pack carefully, often you’ll find you can get by with a smaller bag than you thought. Check to see what the weather will be like at your destination, and pack only the things you will need.
The size of your motorcycle luggage depends on two things - how much gear you plan to carry, and whether or not the fully packed bag would fit easily and well on your bike. It should also be easy to install on your bike. Too many straps and buckles can just seem to get in the way instead of being a usable safety feature.
Don’t let your choice of luggage overload your bike. A bag that is too heavy can make your bike easier to accidently turn over. And whatever type of bag you end up with, make sure it stays far away from the heat of the exhaust pipe! Many a biker, whether a seasoned or newbie rider has had the misfortune of his luggage burning. This could be a disaster when you are a few hundred miles away from home.
Make sure you choose motorcycle luggage that will allow you to pack the necessities you need without the danger of over overloading or overbalancing your bike.
Popularity: 49% [?]
This is the time of year when most of us who live in an area that gets a lot of snow and ice are finally able to take our motorcycles out of winter storage. Hopefully, you did everything normally recommended to protect your bike through the winter months – it can make a real difference when it comes time to start that engine this year. You’d be surprised at how many bike owners ignore proper storage, and just roll their machine in the garage when it gets too cold to ride. They then wonder why their motorcycle won’t run on that first warm spring weekend.
Did you add a fuel stabilizer to your gas tank last winter? If so, your gasoline is in good shape. If not, inspect the fuel in the tank to make sure it hasn’t gotten gunky. It’s advisable to change your motorcycle’s oil before you put it away for the winter. If you neglected this task, now is the time to get it done, as engine oil can degrade when it has been in a non running engine for a while. It’s possible that your battery may need a charge, as they tend to lose power over the winter. Check your brake fluid and coolant levels, too. Check your tires to make sure the rubber is in good shape after sitting all winter. Check the amount of air in your tires as well.
Try to crank the engine. If it turns over, you’re in good shape! Let the engine run for a little while to make sure all of your fluids are circulating properly. If the engine won’t crank, or stalls out soon after cranking, then you will need to systematically check things out. This happened to a friend of mine last year. He checked the usual items only to find that the gasoline he had left in his gas tank all winter had gobs of sludge in it. He had to drain his tank, clean it out, and then spray a protective coating inside it so that hopefully he won’t have the same problem again. He learned from his mistake, too. Hopefully, if your bike shows signs of the winter blues this spring, you will take the necessary precautions next winter.
Popularity: 55% [?]
Are you guilty of not performing regular maintenance tasks on your motorcycle? A lot of us are, and we don’t realize the damage we could be doing to our bikes by neglecting this all-important maintenance. It doesn’t matter if you take your motorcycle to a shop, or do the work yourself - but make sure it gets done twice a year. You’ll pay more money if you let the shop do it, for sure. Most of these tasks are pretty simple, and you can probably do most of them if you want to save some bucks.
The most important maintenance task is checking the brake pads on your bike to see if they need to be replaced. How will you know? Are they making any kind of a squeaking noise? Do they feel kind of mushy when you apply them? If either of these two criteria apply, it’s time for new brake pads. This is a pretty easy repair and one that most bike owners should be able to manage. It takes less than 45 minutes to change them out.
Next, look at your brake fluid levels. Many bikes have an indicator level with a marker that will reveal what the levels are. Check and see if yours does, and if so, then you will know whether or not you need to add fluids. On the off chance that your fluid levels are too high, it would be best to drain out the excess. While you are in the vicinity of the brakes, it would be a good idea to bleed them. There are many ways to do this, all depending on the make of your motorcycle. If you are unsure as to how to do this, your local shop will be glad to help. This might be a good idea anyway, because if you spill brake fluid on your bike, it will ruin your paint job.
Maintenance of your motorcycle may not seem too important to you, but be aware that it can save you quite a bit of money on repair bills in the future.
Popularity: 41% [?]
Have you had some non-motorcycle initiated friend ask you why most motorcyle riders insist on wearing special clothing? I have, and I was under the assumption that the answer to this question should be obvious. We wear -
- helmets
- protective goggles, or at the very least, sunglasses
- gloves
- a leather jacket
- long pants
- motorcycle boots
We wear, or should wear, the items in the above list, all in the name of safety. Now, I’ll admit that while I sometimes leave off one or more of these items, I never ride without a helmet! But the other things in the above list can save your hide when you have an accident. I have seen too many people who dress like myself - helmet and goggles, sneakers and jeans or shorts when it’s hot outside. I have come to the conclusion that I have been very lucky to still be in one piece, really. These articles of clothing were chosen as safety products for motorcycle riders for a reason, and who am I to assume I know better than the “experts”?
There are some places, I’ve heard, where policemen will stop and ticket a biker for not wearing safety gear! Not in the United States, though. Do we need a law like that in this country? Do we want a law like that in this country? Maybe we as motorcycle riders should begin to self-police. Since most of us know what we should be wearing to keep ourselves safe, and a good percentage of us don’t bother, preferring to live dangerously, taking the initiative to dress ourselves properly just may keep such a law from ever coming to fruition in this country.
I’m glad my friend asked me that question - it made me think!
Popularity: 50% [?]
Some people make the mistake of saying that the purchase of a motorcycle is just like the purchase of a car. Nothing could be further from the truth! There are different emotions involved when buying a motorcycle as opposed to a car. You buy a car mainly because you need transportation from Point A to Point B. You buy a motorcycle because it excites you and makes you feel a little more alive every time you ride it. Never mind that a motorcycle is great transportation, too. Car buying is different. You can have long discussions with your friends about the merits of heated seats or power windows or any of the other myriad options that today’s cars have. Not so with a motorcycle. Oh, you might have a friendly argument or two about whether a Harley is better than a Kawasaki, but when it comes right down to it, the only person you have to please when buying a motorcycle is yourself. You’re the one who will be riding it - not your friends.
About the only way one could compare buying a car to buying a motorcycle is by asking that age old question - new or used? As with a car, when buying a motorcycle you get a much better deal when you buy a used bike instead of a new one. Motorcycles depreciate just like cars do! They lose more of their value in that first year, so it’s a reasonable assumption that buying a used motorcycle that’s at least a year old means that you are getting more for your money. Even a two, three, or four year old bike is still a good deal, but be a little more careful when buying motorcycles five years and older, especially if they have a lot of mileage. Depreciation starts again at around the fifth year after taking three years off.
Buying a motorcycle is different from buying a car. It’s more personal - more from the heart. Don’t let your heart rule your head. Buy a used motorcycle instead of a new one. Your wallet will thank you.
Popularity: 35% [?]
Have you ever wondered why your sportbike stock exhaust is so huge? or why they put that large ugly license plate holder on your bike from the factory?
Well, it’s all in the Vehicle Code. Here are some of the most common things you can get pulled over for.
This is based on my experience and research and of course not an all inclusive list. Just some common things people do to their sport bikes that are illegal - at least in the state of California (other states will have similar laws)
1. Aftermarket exhaust - Pretty much any aftermarket exhaust you put on your sportbike is illegal. There is a lot of controversy about this. There are laws that require a bike to be no louder than a certain decibel level. The reason everyone doesn’t get ticketed is - they actually have to prove that your exhaust is louder than the allowed decibel level. Since not all CHP stations have this kind of equipment, most of the time the police will overlook this. This is the most common fixing ticket, but unless it’s really, really loud they will let it go.
2. Red reflector in rear of the motorcycle - This one is not as well known and not very common, but I personally have gotten ticketed for this. Look at any motorcycle from the factory. It will have a red reflector in the rear - usually on that undertail license plate holder. The reason it’s there from the factory is because its required by law.
3. Turn signals - Many people remove those turn signals that stick out. Well, they stick out for a reason. There is a vehicle code that says those turn signals need to be so many inches away from the body of the motorcycle. Some newer bikes, like the Suzuki GSXR have the turn signals built in the mirrors in the front and into the tail section in the back - good idea.
4. Red, yellow or blue translucent windscreen - This is an odd one, but I’ve gotten a ticket for this myself. You cannot have a translucent blue, amber or red windscreen on your bike. It can be those colors if its solid, meaning not translucent. You are ok with having a tinted windshield or a green shield or a solid red shield. I am guessing (and this is just my uneducated guess), the reason for this law is - if you are driving a car and a motorcycle is behind you with a red translucent windscreen - it can look like a red light behind you.
5. No light on top of the license plate - Police needs to see your license plate number in the dark and if they can’t they will give you a ticket.
All this being said - decide for yourself. I am not advocating breaking the law… but there have been several times when I got pulled over for speeding and got away with a fixing ticket… So sometimes maybe its worth having some of these on your bike.
Popularity: 48% [?]
I was kind of curious if all the aftermarket parts help with the horsepower on your bike, so I decided to dyno it… well it also didn’t cost me anything .
First I’ll tell you what I have on my bike. I do not have any engine work or anything done to the bike. Just the common stuff.
- Graves titanium slip-on exhaust. This exhaust gets rid of the stock catalytic converter and the dual pipe setup.
- BMC “race” air filter
- Power commander
This is the most common stuff people put on their street bike… exhaust, power commander and maybe an air filter.
So what do you think happened?
First dyno run showed……. drum roll…. 154 horsepower… . This is with a map I downloaded from the Dynojet’s website.
So, we started trying to “optimize” the map… at the end we got just 2 more HP - 156.
What is the point of this post you ask… well, the bone stock 2007 Suzuki GSX-R 1000 bike, dynoed on the same dyno produced…. 158 HP. Yeah it was a “magazine” bike - the ones Suzuki gives to magazines for reviews, so they are a little better, but it shouldn’t be too much off from a regular stock bike you buy at the dealer.
The good news is:
- The bike is lighter after removing that 40 lbs catalytic and stock exhaust (I don’t know the exact weight, but it was heavy)
- The power curve is smoother - no dips. The stock dyno run showed a dip at about 5K RPM. The power commander fixed that.
- The bike looks and sounds “better”
Some other interesting things…
- When we tried to make the fuel mixture more rich - the horsepower went down. So leaner did it up to a point at high RPMs, but too lean doesn’t work either of course.
- Talking to some people, I was told that changing the exhaust to a Yoshimura might help.
Popularity: 58% [?]
Sunday, April 27, 2008
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