Motorcycle Safety Check.

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.

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?

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

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.