How to Clean Your Motorcycle

Maintaining your motorcycle goes beyond just changing its oil and replacing the brake pads, keeping it clean is also a big part of properly maintaining it so that it runs smoothly and lasts long. But cleaning a motorcycle isn’t as easy as washing a car. With all its nooks and crannies, it takes a little bit more elbow grease to get this job done. Here are a few tips on how to properly clean your motorcycle:

·         Start with some car shampoo -- no dishwashing detergent, that’ll strip the polish from the painted surfaces which leads to potential corrosions -- and a bucket of warm water. Warm water is more effective at cleaning than cold.

·         Mix the two until you get a good sudsy, soapy mixture.

·         Degrease the various parts of your bike like the engine and wheels. Use a rag to wipe off areas with a lot of build-up to loosen up dirt and make for an easier wash.

·         If you can, remove the rear wheel so you can get to those hard-to-reach areas.

·         Clean the swing-arm and rear suspension area.

·         Now wet the entire bike with the bucket of water and, using a sponge, clean off all the dirt on the wheels, suspension, and other areas.

·         Give the degreaser a good wash, then rinse the entire bike with another bucket of warm water, or hose it down. Rinse it thoroughly; you don’t want to leave any residue.

·         Move the bike to a dry area and wait a couple of minutes until some of the water has drained from it.

·         Using chamois or microfiber towels, wipe the bike, making sure to dry it well.

·         Use WD-40 to spray swing-arm then wipe off with a rag. WD-40 keeps metal clean, shiny, and prevents corrosion.

·         Wax the bike’s bodywork with bike polish and buff using a lint-free cloth.

·         To keep from getting your hands dirty during this process, use gloves.

·         Clean foot pegs, brake pedals, and clutch leavers with Autosol or Brasso on a rag, then buff once it dries.

 

Gear Up for Riding a Motorcycle

Motorcycle gloves are not just worn to look cool while riding a motorcycle, they have a practical use. The gloves you wear keep your hands protected and pain-free while you ride a motorcycle. The added protection given by motorcycle gloves prevents you from seriously injuring them if you get into an accident while riding your motorcycle.

Why buy motorcycle gloves?

Buying gloves may seem unnecessary because you told yourself that you will drive carefully whenever you ride your motorcycle. But driving carefully is not enough, you are unable to control the mistakes that other drives make or the very cold weather that may be happening in the place you are going to. It is best to have complete gear whenever you ride your motorcycle. Here are some reasons as to why you need to have gloves:

1.       Gloves can help keep your hands warm when winter starts. The gloves you wear while riding your motorcycle ensures that your hands do not get numb because of the cold.

2.       Wearing gloves prevents your hands from getting sores. Holding onto your motorbike for a prolonged period of time can lead to hand sores that will make riding uncomfortable.

3.       Wearing gloves can prevent serious sun damage on your hands. Riding for a long time with exposed hands can cause sunburns.

4.       Some gloves come with extra padding on the fingers and palm for better grip. Better grip means that you have more control over your motorcycle whenever you adjust speeds. There will also be times when the handlebars get wet because of rain, snow, or sweat the extra padding helps you keep a good grip.

5.       Gloves add extra protection and padding to your hands that minimizes impact and the severity of an injury in the event that you get in an accident.

Wearing gloves is beneficial and not just something that makes you look good. Look for the right pair of gloves to ensure that you are safe whenever you ride your motorcycle.

How can you find the best gloves for you?

Buying just any pair of motorcycle gloves just won’t do. There are several factors that you should consider before getting gloves. Always check the fit of the gloves you want to purchase. Make sure that the gloves are not too tight or too loose. Check if the gloves you want to purchase are flexible enough not to hamper the way you control the handlebars of your motorcycle. The padding of your gloves is important. Make sure that the padding is just right to prevent your hands from getting sore. Check the abrasion resistance of the gloves you want to buy, if you get in an accident the abrasion resistance of your gloves will prevent you from getting seriously hurt or injured.

A Safe Rider is a Smart Rider

According to studies, motorcycle riders face increased safety road risks compared to drivers and passengers riding in other vehicles. Without air bags and steel frames as additional protection, motorcyclists should be extra careful and aware on the road.

Dress for Safety
Wearing proper motorcycle gear, helmets, and accessories is your first step to safety. Most motorcycle riders who lost their lives in a crash were not wearing helmets. Use a quality helmet with certification from the DOT and Snell. For eye protection, wear sunglasses or buy full face helmets complete with sun visors.

You need to wear thick clothing or leather when you're heading out for a ride. You can choose from a variety of leather jackets, riding suits, and pants from specialty shops. You also need to wear gloves to protect your hands and a sturdy pair of boots to keep your feet and ankles fully-covered.

Be Visible
You need to stay visible on the road to help prevent accidents. Reflective vests and reflective strips or decals are useful during late night road trips. Wearing a light-colored helmet and keeping the rest of your clothing in bright colors can also provide more visibility. Use your horn, flash your brake lights/headlight, or signal your next move in advance in case a motorist does not see you.

Follow Traffic Laws
Neglecting traffic rules will put you in danger. Laws and rules are there for a reason, so make sure you follow them. Get formal training and take refresher courses to improve your knowledge and riding skills. Sticking to the speed limit, refraining from weaving between lanes, watching out for turning vehicles and blind spots, using proper lane positioning, and never riding when you're under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs are only a few guidelines to follow when you're out on the road.

Stay Prepared and Alert
As a responsible rider, you need to stay alert at all times and be prepared before and during road trips. It is recommended to check your motorcycle for defects and damages before and after each trip. A well-maintained motorcycle will help lower your chances of getting into unwanted road accidents.

While riding, focus and clarity of mind are important. Never ride when you're tired, sick, or intoxicated. You should also practice and develop your riding techniques in different road conditions such as wet roads and uneven surfaces to easily adjust in similar future conditions.

Your goal as a smart rider is to get to your destination safe and sound so make it a point to dress properly, be visible, follow traffic rules, and stay alert and prepared all the time.

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Must-Have Motorcycle Accessories

You’ve waited long enough to buy the motorcycle of your dreams, now you don’t need to wait just as long to head out and start riding. Get your motorcycle accessories checklist ready and start shopping for your gear.

Wear proper clothing every time you want to go for a ride. A helmet should be worn at all times. Make sure that it is DOT-approved and that it fits your head perfectly. Your best choice would be a full-face helmet with a sun visor. If it has no sun visor, make sure to wear a well-made pair of sunglasses to help you maintain a clear vision needed on any moving vehicle.

You will also need proper riding suits, jackets, and pants to protect your body from elements such as rain and wind. One-piece or two-piece riding suits are a popular choice among motorcycle racers. You will also never go wrong with a quality leather jacket paired with leather pants. During summer, wear a jacket that is made of light, breathable material and for the winter season, wear something that is ultra-thick. Forget about shorts and pants made out of thin fabrics (or even riding with your legs bare) because what you need is extra lining or additional padding. Heavy leather chaps is one of your best bets for maximum protection.

Wearing leather gloves will improve your grip and protect your hands from blisters and flying debris. It's up to you to choose from short gloves, long-gauntlet style gloves, or fingerless gloves. Among those mentioned, long gloves provide the maximum coverage and protection. Pick a pair that will not put tension on your fingers and doesn’t feel too rough when worn.

For your footwear, choose a durable yet stylish pair of leather boots. Your feet will need special protection from heat, road debris, and accidental crashes. The soles of your boots should be thick and non-slip. Leave your dress shoes and sneakers behind because they won't protect your feet from the tension you will get from motorcycle riding.

You might want to consider getting some other accessories like saddlebags, reflective vests, backrests and seat pads, and ear plugs. Saddlebags will be useful for storing all the stuff you need for long rides. Instead of carrying a backpack, purchase a saddlebag to make your trip more comfortable. Backrests and seat pads provide additional comfort when you've been riding for hours. Reflective vests are useful and can even save your life during night trips. Regular motorcycle rides can deteriorate your hearing so buy a pair of ear plugs to protect your ears from constant external noise.

Prepare a survival kit for emergencies. You should have a roadside assistance plan, a cellphone, a first aid kit, a water bottle, and a motorcycle tool kit complete with pliers, screwdrivers, and allen wrenches. It is better to be prepared and plan in advance to minimize road related problems.
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Gearing Up Young Riders for a Safe Trip

Each motorcycle ride is an exciting yet unpredictable adventure so motorcyclists, especially young riders, need to gear up every time. Wearing complete motorcycle gear will provide protection from head to toe, whether it is from a bad weather condition or from a minor road accident.

For successful motorcycle trips, you need the right motorcycle, the right gear, and the right body conditioning. You need to gear up like a pro and make use of available helmets, riding suits, jackets and pants, gloves, and boots. Tees, shorts, and flip flops just won’t cut it. You’re putting yourself in danger when you dress up like you’re just walking down the street. Since motorcycles offer little protection (they don’t come with steel frames and air bags), you need a full body armor to keep yourself from possible harm.

The Department of Transportation and Motorcycle Safety Foundation stresses the use of helmets for bicycle and motorcycle riders, adults and young people alike. Helmets are considered the most important piece of protective gear so get the right kind with the perfect fit. Leather jackets and pants are also reliable pieces of apparel that you can regularly wear for riding trips. They provide protection from heat and other harsh weather conditions. Riding suits are also one of the best choices you may have so try on a few and decide for yourself if you want to purchase one. You will also need eye protection (sunglasses), durable gloves to avoid hand blisters, and leather boots with sturdy soles to protect your feet. The level of security you will get outweighs the amount of money you will spend for a complete gear set.

If you're a parent, the best way to keep your teenager safe on road trips is to get involved and act in advance. It doesn’t necessarily mean that you have to get yourself a motorcycle too, but it would be better if you know the ins and outs of motorcycle riding culture. For example, when your son asks you to get him a motorcycle and you allow him to, get ready to include yourself in the journey. Help him to choose the right motorcycle and gear, enroll him to a formal training and accompany him when you can, and remind him of his responsibilities as a rider from time to time. Letting your child realize that you support his craft and trust his actions will yield a positive response from him, and most likely he will try his best to adhere to your reminders and guidelines.

If you’re a young rider and a beginner in motorcycling, it is important to bear in mind that owning a motorcycle is a huge responsibility. You need to get a driver’s license then eventually learn the rules of the road as you go. Listen to your elders, learn from professional riders, or heed online advice to make sure that you become a better rider as time goes by.

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Benefits & Advantages of Using Motorcycle GPS Units

Have you gotten lost while you were riding your motorcycle through an unfamiliar area? That might have been the time you went on a spontaneous road trip. Motorcycle GPS units allow you to keep track of where you are and where you should go whenever you decide to go on a spontaneous trip to a new place. The Advantages of Using Motorcycle GPS Units A GPS unit has become popular around the world and there are other mobile devices have integrated GPS with features for Web surfing, music playing, and movie watching. GPS units have been most useful to motorcyclists and drivers. Here are a slew of benefits of having a GPS unit for your motorcycle: 1. Having a GPS unit may seem like an unnecessary expense, but the moment you get lost in an unfamiliar place will make you think twice. Having a GPS unit on your motorcycle is handy whenever you visit a new place. You can quickly navigate through unknown streets and find the place you are looking for when you have a GPS unit. 2. A GPS unit helps you find important places such as gas stations, police stations, restaurants, and malls. You no longer have to get lost in an unknown area and spend lots of time looking for certain places. 3. A GPS unit is handy and easy to mount on your motorcycle. Motorcycle GPS units are small enough to easily mount on your motorcycle. There are suction cups and grips that you can use to install the GPS unit you bought onto your motorcycle. 4. A GPS unit provides you with the exact distance on how to get to a particular place. There are also units that suggest which places to go to that are similar to the place you want to go to. You can easily find the place you are looking for and even get suggestions, if you use a GPS unit. 5. A GPS device has information about different streets and places that can help you if you are lost. You will lower the chances of getting lost, if you have a GPS device mounted on your motorcycle. Having a GPS unit is handy especially when you are traveling. You no longer have to fret over getting lost or ending up in the wrong place. The information you get will help you find the restaurant, hotel, gas station, or attraction that you want to get to when you travel, you might even get suggestions depending on the features of the GPS unit you get.

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Motorcycle Gear 101

Having the right protective motorcycle gear can mean the difference between life and death. Excuses like it being too warm outside or not being comfortable should not even cross your mind when it comes to safety. Remember, protective gear is the only thing that will come between you and the pavement should you have an accident. If you’re sliding across the pavement at a high speed, shorts and cotton clothing will be of no help. The more exposed you are, the higher the risk for injury, so keep your body parts covered and educate yourself on the type of gear you need.

1. Helmet - The importance of wearing a helmet while riding your motorcycle should be a no-brainer. The layer of EPS foam under the helmet’s shell absorbs impact without passing it on to your head. It not only protects your skull from potential injury but shelters you from harsh elements, wind noise, and turbulence as well. 

Make sure your helmet fits snugly and isn’t loose, and that it straps tightly under your chin. With continued use, your helmet will adjust to the shape of your head and get more comfortable with time.

2. Eye protection - The right eye protection can keep bugs and debris from flying into your eyes, and can also prevent your eyes from drying out thus causing tearing. It’s important you see clearly when riding your motorcycle, proper eye gear can prevent accidents from happening.

3. Ear protection - While it may not be on the top of your list, ear protection, like custom molded earplugs, can prevent ear damage from wind noise. 

4. Jacket - Think of it as your second skin, and the only thing that will protect you from friction burns should an accident happen. Jackets offer protection by reducing the risk of abrasion injuries on your elbows, shoulders, forearms, chest, and back. A good jacket that’s lined and insulated properly can also protect you from hypothermia during rain or winter.

5. Gloves - Well-padded gloves with reinforced knuckles protects your palms, fingers, and knuckles during an accident by dispersing force and reducing damage. They also protect your hands from the cold.

6. Pants - Don’t overlook the need for leg protection. Protective riding pants can prevent injuries during an accident. They absorb impact and are typically resistant to abrasion. Invest in pants that offer knee, hip, and shin protection as well, and fit snugly and comfortably.

7. Boots - Get boots that offer full protection and that cover the entire foot and ankle. Make sure they’re comfortable and are reinforced for motorcycle riding so you don’t have any trouble switching between pedals.

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