MotoMojo – Brake Service and Maintenance
If your brakes seem slow to stop, they pulse, or make unusual noises, if the brake lever feels spongy, or fluid is being lost, it’s definitely time for service. These problems may be due to worn or...
View ArticleGetting the Most Out of Your Battery
All too often, motorcycle batteries die young, murdered by neglect. Dehydration, improper charging, and a slow discharge during storage all shorten a battery’s life. But it doesn’t have to be that way;...
View ArticleTouring Tip: Preparing Your Bike for Winter
Temperatures have started to decline in many parts of the Northern Hemisphere, and it’s time to consider storage and maintenance of our favorite mounts. Because most mechanical systems perform best...
View ArticleMotoMojo – Shock & Fork Springs
During my trip from LA to Panama (see Moto Mundo Maya in the Apr ’10 issue of RoadRUNNER), one of the few shortcomings I noticed on the Kawasaki KLR650 was weak stock springs. Although the bike is a...
View ArticleMotoMojo: Changing Gearing
Motorcycles come from the factory with gearing that is a compromise designed for typical or average conditions. Many manufacturers gear for rapid acceleration to give them bragging rights rather than...
View ArticleMotoMojo: Winterizing Your Motorcycle
Leaving a motorcycle idle for several months can wreak havoc if precautions are not taken. Here are a few minor things you can do to protect your bike and prevent problems when you’re ready to ride...
View ArticleT CLOCS Video from Motorcycle Safety Foundation
Remember T CLOCS? For many of us the term is familiar but its meaning has been lost somewhere in the countless miles and years that have passed since we took the Motorcycle Safety Foundation’s Basic...
View ArticleMotoMojo: Hydraulically Actuated Clutches
Early motorcycles often had a foot-operated clutch and a hand-operated shifting mechanism that followed automotive practice. It no doubt made for some interesting scenes as new riders tried to master...
View ArticleMotorcycle Relationships: In it for the Long Haul
Some guys seem to switch motorcycles like they change clothes: never satisfied with the one they’ve got. Others will stick by a good bike through thick and thin, in spite of the machine’s faults and...
View ArticleMotorcycle Industry Council Tire Guide Video
Though the information it contains is basic stuff that should be old hat for experienced motorcyclists, this video from the Motorcycle Industry Council is a good reminder that your tires are essential...
View ArticleThe Right Tools
No damage other than some embarrassment and bruised dignity, but the clutch lever has snapped at the pivot. What to do? I have an urgent mission to complete on the island, so I wheel the bike on board...
View ArticleMaintaining Clutch, Brake, Throttle Controls, and Cables
Most motorcycles use cables to connect the twist grip to the carb(s) or throttle bodies; many also use cables for the clutch, cold-start control, and even brakes. Servicing these critical components is...
View ArticleBefore Riding Season Starts It’s Time to Take a Brake
The start of a new season: your bike has been stored away for the winter and now it’s time to ride… Not so fast, though. You’ll need to check a few things first, and maybe some light maintenance is in...
View ArticleGet Your Bike Ready For Summer
After sitting for months motorcycles need attention before returning to service, which can also help avoid breakdowns and ensure safety. Refer to the owner’s and service manuals for inspection lists...
View ArticleTouring Tip: Making Your Motorcycle Helmet Last
I have the benefit of testing and using a variety of motorcycle helmets, but there’s a particular one I especially like and use often. I want it to last as long as possible—well-made ones are expensive...
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