Will's Tips and Tricks

Tips For Riding Your Motorcycle In Rainy Weather

By: Matt LeClair

Riding a motorcycle is challenging enough as it is because of the level of difficulty that it presents and the amount of skill and ability that is required when doing so.  Add a little rain into the mix and you've got an even more difficult driving situation that requires extra care and attention.  Here are some tips for riding your motorcycle in the rain.

The first thing to remember when riding in the rain is that your motorcycle will have less traction because of the water that will be present on the road.  This presents an increased urgency to pay attention to the speed at which you are traveling.  The faster you go, the less traction you'll have, and the more likely you are to hydroplane.  If you have to ride in the rain, slow down and take your time to allow for maximum traction in the wet conditions.   Be sure to drive on the highest part of the road and avoid tire grooves at all cost if possible.  Water will accumulate in these areas which will provide an increased risk of hydroplaning if you happen to drive over them.

Motorcycles are already at a disadvantage when it comes to visibility because of their size.  Factor in the decreased level of visibility because of the rain and you are at even more of a disadvantage.  This is where it is critical that all of your lights are working properly.

When you ride your motorcycle, you expose yourself to the elements, and rain is just one of those elements that can put a damper on an enjoyable trip if you are not prepared.  You'll want to make sure you have the proper rain gear to keep yourself dry and warm in rainy conditions.  This can also help keep your stress level down somewhat, which will prevent you from becoming distracted and inattentive due to being wet from the rain.  If you see that there is a chance for rain, be sure to have the proper gear, not just a motorcycle jacket.

Finally, the best advice anyone can give when it comes to riding your motorcycle in the rain is to simply avoid it if at all possible.  Your chances of a having a bad experience will driving in the rain will be eliminated if you don't have to put yourself in the situation in the first place.  If you have no choice though, slow down, make sure you have your rain gear, and you'll be just fine.


Safety on the road is important to us here at Big Lake Cycle Emporium. To do my part I am offering FREE Road Safety Inspection's. Just stop in and visit us the next time you are out on a ride or call 715-718-2277 to set an appointment.

Tips For Keeping Your Motorcycle In Good Running Condition

Have you just recently purchased a new motorcycle, or have you had the same motorcycle for a long time.  Regardless of the age, there are a number of things that you need to do in order to keep your motorcycle in tip top shape for each and every riding season.  These are simple tasks that just about anyone can perform, but the can go a long way when it comes to keeping your motorcycle running efficiently and reliably.

Fluids

Making sure that all vital fluids are filled to the recommended levels is one way to keep the engine of your motorcycle operating smoothly and efficiently.  It's important that you check the fluid levels of your motorcycle on a regular basis, and especially before you take a long trip somewhere.  You should change the engine oil at least once a year, perhaps more depending on the amount of mileage that you put on your motorcycle.  At Big Lake Cycle we use and recommend AMSOIL Synthetic lubricant's or if you would prefer bring in your own oil.  To ensure that your brakes are working properly, you should not only pay attention to the components of the brakes themselves, but the level of brake fluid that is present in your reservoir.  A drop in this level could mean be an indicator of a bigger problem with your brakes and should be addressed right away.  If your motorcycle is liquid cooled, you will want to keep an eye on the level of coolant that is present.  An overheating engine could be the result of an insufficient level of antifreeze in the system, which could also lead to further malfunction.

Tires

Another vital piece of equipment that you requires constant attention is the tires on your motorcycle.  As the mileage on your motorcycle adds up, so will the wear on your tires which spark the need to replace them once the wear becomes to great.  Your tires are what keep your motorcycle attached to the road, but if your tires lack tread, then the ability to keep that traction will decrease.  The number of miles that you are able to put on a set of tires will be based on riding style, road conditions, and other factors.  Inspect your tires regularly and keep them filled to the recommended levels so that they perform to their maximum capability.

Electronics

Some of the more important electronic components include the lighting as well as  the ignition system.  If these components are not functioning properly, then your motorcycle will be inoperable.  Lights are also crucial to the level of visibility to others.  If your lights are not working properly, especially your headlight, then you are less visible to other riders and vehicles on the road.

Do you have any question's about your bikes safety or condition? If so feel free to give Will a call at 715-718-2277. Question's and advice are all way's FREE!

Or if you would prefer email your question to Will here or stop in for a visit the next time you are out riding.


Tips For Maintaining Your Motorcycle During The Off Season

When winter comes and cold weather begins to set in, that is the time to think about getting your motorcycle stored for the winter. You may not even be planning to store you motorcycle for the winter because you've made the decision that you'll be riding throughout the winter. Regardless of your reason for either storing it or not storing it, there are some great tips for caring for your motorcycle throughout the winter. The steps indicated below should only take you a few hours and when you're finished you will have done your part keeping your motorcycle in great mechanical condition and looking great.

One of the more important steps is to make sure that the fuel system has been prepared by draining and conditioning it. One method for doing so would be to add a fuel stabilizer additive one you have drained the fuel level down to an adequate point. When you have the stabilizer added, start your motorcycle and let it run for 5 to 10 minutes. This will allow the additive to circulate through the fuel system in order to properly treat it. Just fill your motorcycle up with fresh clean gas the next time you are ready to ride. Big Lake Cycle stocks Gas Stabilizer

Another important step will be to clean your bike as best as possible from top to bottom. Chances are pretty good that there has been an accumulation of dirt and grime on your motorcycle over the riding season so you may want to use a de-greasing solution to remove any grime that has accumulated. This includes the breaks and suspension. You should also clean the brake calipers and re-lubricate when done in order to keep your breaks working properly.

After you have completely cleaned off and dried your motorcycle, you'll want to lubricate any necessary components that require it. Cover the brakes, both the calipers and the discs, so that they are protected while you complete this task. There are tons of joints and pivot points on your motorcycle so you'll want to make sure all of them are properly lubricated. If you're not sure which type of lubrication to use, then you can simply use a chain lube if you have one handy. Also, if you're worried about corrosion, then you may consider using a corrosion treatment for those parts that may need it.

Once you've completely wiped down the surface of your bike, you can coat and polish the surface with wax. Make sure that you do not wax the brakes.

Make sure that the tires are not sitting on the cold ground. You can do so by using a motorcycle stand which work great for this purpose. If you don't have one available, then you can simply use a set of wood blocks or anything that will protect your tires from the cold surface.

One way that you can protect the battery and prevent yourself from having to buy a new one is by using a batter tender. It will help protect your battery and keep it fresh throughout the winter.

The last tip for caring for your motorcycle over the winter months is to keep it covered in order to protect it from dirt and dust. This will help keep it clean and looking great when it is time to get out and ride again. Don't have a cover? Call Big Lake Cycle.

If you don't plan on riding your motorcycle for a long period of time, then you may want to make use of these few simple tips in order to keep your motorcycle in tip top shape for the next riding season. Caring for your bike now and taking care of the little things can end up saving you a lot of money in the long run.

Read more: http://www.articlesnatch.com/Article/Tips-For-Maintaining-Your-Motorcycle-During-The-Off-Season/918385#ixzz0qfEaVFmn