Monday, May 28, 2007

How to Change a Motorcycle Tire

By James Thompson

There are many different methods people use when they are changing a motorcycle tire. Using the right or wrong techniques is the difference between a quick and clean 10 minute job and the worst hour of your life. By using the simple tips and techniques below you will save yourself a lot of nicks and even more grief. The most important part of a changing a motorcycle tire is coming prepared.

Before you even attempt to change a motorcycle tire you have to make sure you are equipped properly. You are going to need a tire iron, a valve stem tool, lubrication, a bead breaker, compressed air, and something to expand the tire bead. Attempting to change a motorcycle tire with the majority of this equipment is going to make the task much more aggravating.
The first step to changing a motorcycle tire is getting that old and useless tire off. First off you should use your valve stem tool to remove all of the air from the tire.

Next you are going to use your lubrication; this can be anything from dish soap or silicon spray on lubrication on both of the tire beads. You will also need to use your bead breaking tool to break both of the beads. Using your tire irons you will start removing the tire from the rim. Generally when you are changing a motorcycle tire you should place the tire irons four to seven inches apart.

Next you are going to insert the tube and align it with the approximate position of the valve stem. Once you have the tube in place you are going to need to add a small amount of air to it. This is done for two reasons while changing a motorcycle tire; first to help the tube retain most of it shape and secondly to help protect it from damage caused by the tire changing tools you are using. Lubricate the tire bead using the same type of lubrication you used before to get the old tire off.

Next use your breezer tire tool to slowing position the tire bead onto the wheel rim. Use a rotating method so that you are working the opposite beads, one after the other. Now the only step left is to inflate the tire. Using compressed air, or a handheld pump, no stronger than 55 PSI inflate the tire and your changing a motorcycle tire experience in done!

Thursday, May 24, 2007

How to maintain you new bike

By James Thompson

You have just bought a new bike and want to know all about maintenance. This is what we are here to do. Don’t worry maintaining a bike is not that big an issue. You just need to know a few things and you can keep your bike as good as new. It is important that you get to know the main parts of your bike before attempting any kind of operations on it.

The beginner’s manual

Reading the manual can be very useful in the long run. So in the excitement of riding your bike again and again do not forget to read the manual of the bike for your own benefit. So that next time someone says exhaust pipe you know exactly that this is the tube that is used to lead the waste gases away from the machine. And when someone says Baffle you know that it means a device to reduce the noise produced by your vehicle. After you read it, its important to locate important parts of your bike so that in the time of the need you exactly know where to look.

Be sure what you are tying

When it comes to maintenance there are a lot of things you should keep in mind. The very first being that you ought to be very sure of what you are doing while handling your machine or you may cause some serious damage to it. In this process you should be sure that what ever you are trying is tried and tested and not some experiment that you think may work. In case you are not sure then it is always better to trust the local garage than your own instincts. After all, a bike like this may not be yours very often, so take good care of it.

Maintenance of important parts

The manuals very nicely describe how to maintain your bike. If you follow them you will be pretty safe. But still a few things to keep in mind are:
  1. Regularly checking your chain gang can be a very beneficial for your bike as it can save you from any unwanted and untimely breakdown. Dirt, water and such things can be a big enemy to the proper functioning of your bike. Clean it properly and oil it regularly to keep it new and in the best condition.
  2. Lubricating your chain and other parts of your bike is very important as well. You should know what oil to use and how frequently to lubricate it.
  3. Tightening and adjusting of your chain is an important factor as well.
  4. It is imperative that you remove the screws of your oil filter cover in the proper way using the proper tools. Do not go for something you don’t trust and is cheap. By the best tool to ensure that your bike gets the best service.

There are many more rules like this that can help you make the life of your bike longer than usual. It will run smoothly and gives you the best performance. Not only this making sure that it gets due maintenance will ensure that it looks good and sparkling clean always to make the best impression on the people who see you on it. So get over the myth that a dirty bike can make you look manly and keep it clean enough to be known for you softer and sauvé side.

Wednesday, May 23, 2007

Bikers Run Your World - So Appreciate Us

By Scott Lawrence Clark

SUMMARY: They may not like that we are dangerous and love a good thrill, but we run your world. Literally. They will find a biker in the courthouse, police station, fire station, retail shop and local gas station, and more so respect us.

I know that when a biker blows by them on the highway a piece of them is pissed. A part of them wants to step on the gas and catch up with him or her and flick 'em off. That would be so relieving for them, I know. But if they stopped just for a moment and thought about who they are chasing down they would be surprised at who they would find under that helmet. Is he or she going to take on their next court case? Does that biker perform surgery on their child when they are in need? We put out their fires, we arrest criminals, we sell them their favorite shoes, we build their cars, we file their mortgage, and yes, we even write their legislature. Bikers are everywhere and we are growing in numbers and demanding respect.

There has always been this hostility between bikers and the drivers who share our road. Why? Is it jealousy? Do they wish they could take on the dangerous and unexpected? Is it fear of the unknown? They see all black leather in the hottest weather and hear a loud screaming exhaust pipe and immediately lock their daughters in doors. Why is this?

Well, I think we can all agree that the hostility against bikers is very fear based. But despite the fact that they fear us they need to recognize that they need us. It's actually quite humorous when I discuss this topic with non-riders and they try to explain to me that, "bikers' are disrespectful, selfish and rude individuals that act as if they own the road." That is a direct quote, but I'd love to hear her say that when her house is burning to the ground. Is she going to hand pick her firemen and make sure they are not 'selfish' bikers?