Moto Tech Tips

Moto Tech Tips Forum

2007-10-17T15:01:00.000-07:00

I've opened up the comment section. This section is intended for posting motorcycle technical problems. Anyone needing a motorcycle technical tip or motorcycle technical assistance is encouraged to post. Be sure to include your motorcycle year, make and model in your post.

Jack

Motorcycle Chain Care

2007-03-10T17:57:00.000-08:00

Motorcycle chains require periodic maintenance. Motorcycle chain tension should be checked every 500 miles, more if frequently exposed to dirt, sand or water.
When checking chain tension, the rear wheel needs to be off of the ground. If your motorcycle does not have a center stand, a rear standwill be necessary.
Ask a friend for help with the rear stand until you are comfortable using it on your own.
Rotate the rear wheel and check the chain for a tight spot. This will be where there is the least amount of slack when moving the chain up and down. This is also where you want to take your measurement.
Your motorcycle owners manual should have the chain slack specs. and adjustment procedure.
Consult your motorcycle repair manualfor all necessary torque specs.
Even if your chain doesn't need adjustment now is a good time to apply a good chain lube. Follow the instructions on your motorcycle chain lube when lubing your motorcycle chain.
Never lubricate your chain with your motorcycle in gear and running.
Keeping up on chain care can greatly increase the life of your motorcycle chain and minimize the chance of chain failure.

My Motorcycle Won't Start!

2007-03-08T13:42:00.000-08:00

Headed out for a Spring ride and your motorcycle wont start? Here's a checklist for you.

Check for proper starter operation. With the key "on" and the starter button pressed, does the starter operate normally? A slow turning starter or one that does not turn at all signals a weak battery. Connect your motorcycle to a battery tender until the battery is fully charged and then try again.
Check the fuel. Is there gas in the tank? How old is the gas? Was your motorcycle stored where water could get into the fuel tank? Old, bad gas smells really bad and won't burn properly. To check for water, drain some fuel from the tank into a clear container. Water and gas don't mix and water is heavier than gas. If there is water in your gas, you will easily see it in the bottom of your clear container.
If your motorcycle still won't start, make sure you haven't forgotten the safety lock-outs. These are in place to prevent you from starting your motorcycle in gear and on some models even when the side stand is down.

If you still have no luck, consult your motorcycle repair manual for ignition and fuel system troubleshooting.

Motorcycle Engine Oil

2007-03-04T17:40:00.000-08:00

All motorcycles will consume engine oil. Each manufacturer has different acceptable consumption rates for their motorcycles. New motorcycle engines burn oil more rapidly until fully broken in. Older motorcycles may consume more oil as they reach their service limits.

Because of this, all motorcycle owners should know how to check their engine oil level. Proper procedures are detailed in your motorcycle owners manual. The owners manual will also list the type and amount of engine oil required and oil change intervals. Listed oil change intervals should be considered maximum.

Understanding how to change your motorcycle engine oil is worth knowing as well. When changing your engine oil and filter, the motorcycle should be at operating temperature. Hot oil drains more quickly and carries out more foreign matter not trapped by the oil filter. Your motorcycle repair manual will outline procedures for oil and filter service as it relates to your particular model.

Click here for Motorcycle Repair Manuals

Contaminated oil greatly increases damage to engine parts. Changing your motorcycle engine oil frequently is your best defence against premature wear.

Charging a Motorcycle Battery.

2007-03-03T14:26:00.000-08:00

Before charging the motorcycle battery, check the electrolyte level. If low, top off each battery cell with distilled water. Always wear safety glasses and keep baking soda and water close for neutralizing spills. Leave each cell cap loose for extra ventilation while charging

When charging your motorcycle battery, avoid creating sparks. Hydrogen gas is explosive and present when charging a battery. To prevent sparks, turn off your motorcycle battery charger when connecting it to your battery.

First, connect the red lead of your battery charger to the positive battery terminal. Connect the black lead to the negative battery terminal.

Select the proper battery voltage setting on your battery charger: 6v or 12v. Turn your battery charger on. To select the proper battery charging rate, determine the ampere-hour rating of your battery. Battery charge rate should not exceed one tenth of the battery ampere-hour rating.

i.e. : 16 amp-hr battery=1.6 amps charge rate.

When charging is complete, turn off battery charger. Remove the black lead from the negative battery terminal first. Remove the red lead form the positive battery terminal second.

Motorcycle Track Days.

2007-02-27T10:27:00.000-08:00

Part II, proper track day rider preparation is published. Read it here or visit the Moto Tech Tips track day page for all of my track day information, tips and motorcycle track day links.

Motorcycle Track Days.

2007-02-25T12:29:00.000-08:00

I've just finished Part I of my motorcycle track day article. Part I covers proper track day rider preparation. I'll be adding Part II about track prepping your motorcycle soon. If you're planning on participating in a motorcycle track day this season, you should check them out.
If you plan on loading your motorcycle into a truck or trailer for your track day, be sure to check out my motorcycle transport tips.

Motorcycle Safety Check.

2007-02-23T10:16:00.000-08:00

Motorcycle safety is something I can't stress enough. Everyone makes their own choice about what level of motorcycle safety to adopt for themselves, but how many of us truly understand all of the aspects of motorcycle safety?
Motorcycle safety is more than strapping on a motorcycle helmet. Is it the right helmet? How old is it and does it fit you properly? What about the rest of your gear? Proper gloves, jacket, eye protection, boots and pants are also a must.
Consider your mental fitness? Riding a motorcycle requires more skill and awareness than driving a car.
Last but not least, don't forget the motorcycle safety check. This means before you ride, look over your bike too. A simple walk-around is a good habit to get into. I've written an article just about the motorcycle check-over for anyone who needs some pointers.

Securing a motorcycle for transport.

2007-02-19T10:57:00.000-08:00

Ever seen a motorcycle fall over in the back of a pick-up truck? Ever seen one fall out? Securing a motorcycle in the back of a pick-up can be intimidating, but it doesn't have to be. The right procedure and equipment can make all of the difference.

In order to properly secure a motorcycle in a vehicle, front fork compression is key. The wheel has to rest firmly against a solid point, this could be the front of your truck bed or a wheel chock. Next, the motorcycle needs to be strapped down from the highest point possible. Using the Canyon Dancer bar harness is the easiest and most reliable way I have found. If your fairing is too wide, the use of soft straps over your lower fork brace is your next best option.

Whether you use the bar harness or soft straps, you will need a good set of tie-down straps. These are used to connect the harness to fixed points in your vehicle. These points should be as low as possible and preferably forward of the front axle.

Attach the tie-downs and slowly use them to compress the front forks. This should be done evenly on the left and right until the motorcycle is vertical and secure on its own. Don't compress the forks too much or you risk damaging your fork seals!

With the front secure, now the back should be tied off. This is done to prevent the rear from hopping around. If I'm loading without a wheel chock, I'll also tie the front wheel to both sides of the vehicle as well. This is to prevent the wheel from moving to one side and upsetting the compression of the forks.

Pulling over occasionally to check on strap tension is advised. They will stretch and loosen over time.

Is that motorcycle ready?

2007-02-17T10:26:00.000-08:00

We're making our way through February. Thinking about getting that motorcycle out of the garage and going for an early ride? I've written a few pieces about motorcycle storage already, but with Spring coming I've just added one about why your motorcycle won't start.

Maybe you have a restoration project you've been meaning to start. Its not too late. You could still be riding that classic by summer! I've found tons of model specific motorcycle repair manuals and motorcycle books that you may find useful.

Seasonal motorcycle storage

2007-02-03T20:57:00.000-08:00

The majority of us live in a part of the country where motorcycling is affected by the seasons, and every year, when it gets colder and wetter, most motorcycles become full time residents of the garage or bike cover.

There is nothing wrong with storing your motorcycle, but before you do, take time to consider a few steps to insure that everything is ready when you are are.

Motorcycle batteries will discharge over time. Keeping your motorcycle on a battery tender while in storage is essential to keeping your motorcycle ready to ride. It will also save you the expense and hassle of buying a new battery each Spring.

Gasoline has a tendency to become 'stale'. Any time a motorcycle is stored for a period of time this should be considered. There are 'fuel stabilizers' available that you can add directly to the fuel in the tank to keep it fresh and ready to go.

Tires will gradually loose air over time. You know you have a strong battery and a good tank of gas, but before you jump on for a ride, be sure that you check and adjust your tire pressures as needed!

Remember, tires shouldn't be the only out-of-storage safety check you should perform. As always, before any ride, check your oil level as well as all lights and safety equipment.