Moto Tech Tips Forum

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

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!

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

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.

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.

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.

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.