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Motorcycle Exaust

March 11th, 2010

Tips For Cooling Motorcycle Exhausts


motorcycle-exaustBy Kevin McLaughlin

Motorcycles are not like cars and while someone can drive a car without knowing much about the engine it is recommended that anyone who owns or rides a motorcycle should have a basic understanding of the engine and how to perform minor and temporary repairs. The simple point behind this is that motorcycle engines will fail and being stuck on the side of the road is never much fun. Motorcycles tend to break down more often than cars and most bikers will tinker with their engine anyway to make custom adjustments and install performance parts. Knowing the basics of your motorcycle engine can lead to a quick or temporary fix to get you moving until you can find a trusted mechanic to perform a more thorough repair job.

Because of the job an exhaust does there are a number of problems that can occur with the part and the entire exhaust system. Remember, the exhaust is basically the trash chute for your bike’s reaction exhaust gasses and the insides and outsides of an exhaust can get extremely hot when riding. Your exhaust and drag pipes can experience a number of common problems including overheating which will cause a “bluing” effect on the tips of the pipes. Even with polished chrome finishes over time the heat will cause a bluish or black color on the pipes. Though this may appear to be only a cosmetic issue over time the excessive heat can cause parts to deteriorate which can lead to harmful gasses being released in every direction.

Since heat is your major concern consider the different ways you can maintain the temperature in the exhaust so it doesn’t overheat and what you can do should the system suffer deterioration or even punctures from excessive heat. One option for preparing bikes in advance is to install high quality chrome plated heat shields. Often double or triple-chrome plated heat shields are designed to fit most standard motorcycle drag pipes and come complete with clips for mounting. Heat shields will provide an extra few layers of protection to lessen the damaging effects from the heat and reduce bluing. Heat shields not only protect the exhaust system but also add a shiny chrome finish to your bike’s exterior.

Another tip for preserving the exhaust on your motorcycle is to periodically rotate the pipes if you have twin pipes. Gas doesn’t always distribute evenly and if you did a custom install with an aftermarket exhaust it is recommended that you rotate the exhaust pipes so if there is an excess of heat to one side you can moderate the effect it has on your pipes. You should check all motorcycle engine parts on a regular basis to achieve optimum performance but regulating the heat in the engine is your primary concern.

Other ideas for cooling a motorcycle exhaust are to install cooling clamps and to use either a liquid or air cooling system in the engine. You may also want to consider using a carbon fiber exhaust system with a carbon fiber exhaust cover since this material heats up much slower than metal.

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Motorcycle Brake Pads

December 11th, 2009

Changing Your Motorcycle Brake


motorcycle-brake-padsAs you know if you are a motorcycle driver, your brakes are some of the most important parts on your bike. It is a top priority to keep the motorcycle brake components as clean and fresh as possible. So when it comes time to replacing the motorcycle brake fluid and pads where do you turn? Why not do them yourself? Yes, it may seem as if you are not capable of doing a motorcycle brake change yourself, but reading these easy instructions carefully and even having someone help you can save you a few bucks in the long run. Remember only to attempt brake changes if you feel able to perform them correctly and safely, if not, approach a qualified professional mechanic.

There are many different brake pad systems to choose from now a days. They have versions which say they last longer than the original and others say they make it seem that the bike brake has more power if you use their product. Either way, if it is time to change the motorcycle brake pads do it as soon as possible to make sure you are safe along with others on the road.

Head to your local motorcycle shop or look online and see which brakes they suggest for your make and model of the bike.

Once you have the correct pads and are ready to install, remove the calipers from the rotor and check the general state of the brake components. If in doubt about the condition of your brakes, contact a mechanic. If you are certain that it is indeed the brake pads which have worn down proceed with the directions below.

Removing the two bolts on the caliper in the front will free the brakes off the disc for the motorcycle brake replacement to begin. Remove the pin which holds one side of the brake on before trying to remove the brake pads off the disc and caliper. Do the same with the back motorcycle brake system as you did with the front.

Once the old motorcycle brake pads are removed it is time to replace them with the new. Make sure the new brake pads are secure in the caliper and mounted properly. Once this is done it is now time to bleed the lines.

Replacing the brake fluid on your motorcycles should be done at least every two years to keep everything running smoothly. You will need a wrench, brake bleeding kit, brake fluid overflow container for excess which spills out, rags for the mess you may make, and of course brake fluid.

The beginning process of bleeding the brakes is to attach the bleeding kit onto the brake caliper. Loosen the valve to release the old fluid to drain into the container. Remove the cylinder cap and add new brake fluid. Pump the brakes to force the fluid through the tubes. Keep pumping the brakes until the fluid comes out clear. Remove the kit, replace the cap on the cylinder top and you are set to enjoy a cruise. Before embarking on any journeys, make sure that you are confident that all parts are fitted correctly and are fully functional.

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Motorcycle Camping Gear

December 5th, 2009

Motorcycle Camping Gear


motorcycle-camping-gearIf you’re planning to take your bike on an outdoor adventure, be sure to take along all the motorcycle camping gear you’re likely to need.

Preparing for a Motorcycle Camping Trip

When you’re getting ready to go on a motorcycle camping trip, it’s certainly important to put some thought into what items you really need to take. You have to strike a balance between making sure you have everything you need and the limited space you’ll have to store things.

Packing and organizing motorcycle camping gear can certainly be a challenge. If you’re planning to pull a trailer, you’ll certainly have more space than if you’re relying just on your bike’s saddlebags to store your gear, but space will still be at a premium. It’s a good idea to purchase a luggage rack for your motorcycle even if you only plan to camp for a few days at a time, so you can make the most of the limited storage space available on your bike.

Selecting Motorcycle Camping Gear

Selecting gear for a motorcycle camping trip is very similar to choosing equipment for a backpacking outing. With both types of adventures, space and weight are primary concerns when deciding what to take. You’ll want to select lightweight gear that packs tightly and transports easily. Make sure that you’re aware of your bike’s load limit, and don’t exceed it by packing too much stuff.

Before you start packing, you should create a list of all the items you need to have a pleasant camping experience.

Basic items you’re likely to need include:

  • Cooking tools
  • Ground cloth
  • First aid kit
  • Flashlight
  • Food and water
  • Matches
  • Pocketknife
  • Sleeping bag
  • Sleeping pad
  • Sunscreen
  • Rain poncho and/or rain suit
  • Tent
  • Toiletries
  • Weather radio

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